IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS AND CARTRIDGE

Abstract

A cartridge includes a holding portion movable, by movement of a developing member in an axial direction of the developing member, between a first position for stably holding a second unit at a spaced position and a second position for stably holding a second unit at a developing position. The cartridge also includes an urging portion for urging the holding portion in a direction from the second position toward the first position in the axial direction of the developing member. At least one of the first gear portion and the second gear portion is a helical gear. When the second gear portion is driven and rotated by the first gear portion, the holding portion is moved from the first position to the second position by the second gear portion receiving a force from the first gear portion. When the second gear portion is not driven by the first gear portion, the holding portion is moved from the second position toward the first position by an urging force of the urging portion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer which uses an electrophotographic process, and a cartridge which can be mounted to or dismounted from the image forming apparatus.

Here, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter, also referred to as “image forming apparatus”) is an apparatus which forms an image on a sheet-like recording material such as paper using an electrophotographic image forming process. Examples of the image forming apparatus include a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a printer (laser beam printer, LED printer, and so on, a multifunction printer thereof, and the like).

The cartridge is a unit which can be mounted to and dismounted from the image forming apparatus described above, and is a unit including a photosensitive member and/or a process means (a charging member, a developing member, a cleaning member, and so on, for example) which is actable on the photosensitive member.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

An image forming apparatus which uses an electrophotographic image forming process includes an image forming apparatus which forms an image by a contact developing method which forms an image by performing a developing process in a state in which a developing member (developing roller) is in contact with a photosensitive drum. In such an image forming apparatus, the developing roller is urged toward the photosensitive drum at a predetermined pressure, and is in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum at a predetermined pressure, during the development process.

In the case that a developing roller including an elastic layer on the surface is used, the following can be considered, for example. That is, if the period during which the image is not formed (the developing roller is not rotating) with the elastic layer kept in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum is long, the elastic layer of the developing roller is may be deformed by the contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum. By this, image defects such as unintended unevenness of the developer image may occur when the developing process is performed.

Further, as another example, when the developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive drum during the period when the developing process is not performed, the developer carried on the developing roller is unnecessarily deposited to the photosensitive drum, and such a developer is deposited on the recording material with the result of contamination of the recording material. This problem may occur irrespective of the provision of an elastic layer on the surface of the developing roller.

Further, as another example, when the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are in contact with each other for a long period of time other than the period during which the developing process is performed, the photosensitive drum and the developing roller are rubbed against each other for a long period of time. Deterioration of the developing roller or the developer may be accelerated. This may occur with or without an elastic layer on the surface of the developing roller.

In order to avoid the above-mentioned problem, JP-A-2007-213024 and JP-A-2014-67005 discloses an image forming apparatus and a cartridge having a structure for spacing a developing roller from a surface of a photosensitive drum during a period in which developing process is not performed.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Problem to be Solved

However, there is still room for further improvement in the conventional techniques described in Patent Documents. Therefore, it is an object of the present disclosure to further develop the conventional technique.

Means for Solving the Problem

A representative structure of the present invention to achieve the above described object is a cartridge comprising a photosensitive member; a first unit including the photosensitive member; a developing member for depositing toner onto the photosensitive member; a second unit including the developing member and movable between a developing position in which the toner is capable of being deposited onto the photosensitive member from the developing member and a spaced position in which at least a part of the developing member is spaced from the photosensitive member; a coupling member; a first gear portion for receiving a driving force from the coupling member to rotate; a second gear portion for engagement with the first gear portion to receive a driving force and rotate, the second gear portion being movable in an axial direction of the developing member; a holding portion movable, by movement of the developing member in the axial direction, between a first position for stably holding the second unit in the spaced position and a second position for stably holding the second unit in the developing position; and an urging portion for urging the holding portion in a direction from the second position toward the first position in the axial direction of the developing member, wherein at least one of the first gear portion and the second gear portion is a helical gear, wherein when the second gear portion is driven and rotated by the first gear portion, the holding portion is moved from the first position to the second position by the second gear portion receiving a force from the first gear portion, and wherein when the second gear portion is not driven by the first gear portion, the holding portion is moved from the second position toward the first position by an urging force of the urging portion.

A representative structure of the present invention to achieve the above described object is a cartridge mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the cartridge comprising a first unit; a developing member for depositing toner onto a photosensitive member; a second unit which includes the developing member and which is movable, by movement relative to the first unit, between a developing position in which the toner is capable of being deposited onto the photosensitive member from the developing member and a spaced position in which at least a part of the developing member is spaced from the photosensitive member; a driving force receiving portion capable of receiving a driving force from the main assembly; a first gear portion for receiving a driving force from the driving force receiving portion to rotate; a second gear portion for engagement with the first gear portion to receive a driving force and rotate, the second gear portion being movable in an axial direction of the developing member; a holding portion movable, by movement of the developing member in the axial direction, between a first position for stably holding the second unit in the spaced position and a second position for stably holding the second unit in the developing position; and an urging portion for urging the holding portion in a direction from the second position toward the first position in the axial direction of the developing member, wherein at least one of the first gear portion and the second gear portion is a helical gear, wherein when the second gear portion is driven and rotated by the first gear portion, the holding portion is moved from the first position to the second position by the second gear portion receiving a force from the first gear portion, and wherein when the second gear portion is not driven by the first gear portion, the holding portion is moved from the second 5 position toward the first position by an urging force of the urging portion.

A representative structure of the present invention to achieve the above described object is a cartridge comprising: a photosensitive member; a first unit including the photosensitive member; a developing member for depositing toner onto the photosensitive member; a second unit which includes the developing member and which is movable, by movement relative to the first unit, between a developing position in which the toner is capable of being deposited onto the photosensitive member from the developing member and a spaced position in which at least a part of the developing member is spaced from the photosensitive member; a coupling member; a holding member movably supported by the first unit or the second unit, the holding member being movable between a first position for stably holding the second unit at the spaced position by the first unit and a second position for stably holding the second unit at the developing position by the first unit; a driven portion movable by receiving a driving force from the coupling member; and a spacing force receiving portion capable of receiving, when the second unit is in the developing position, a spacing force for moving the holding member from the second position toward the first position to move the second unit to the spaced position, wherein the spacing force receiving portion is movable in a predetermined direction between a stand-by position and an operating position where the spacing force receiving portion projects from the second unit more than in the stand-by position, wherein when the second unit is in the developing position and the spacing force receiving portion is in the operating position, the spacing force receiving portion is capable of moving the holding member from the second position to the first position, by movement of the spacing force receiving portion in a second direction crossing the predetermined direction by receiving the spacing force, and wherein when the second unit is in the spaced position, the holding member moves from the first position toward the second position by movement of the driven portion by receiving the driving force from the coupling member.

A representative structure of the present invention to achieve the above described object is a cartridge mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the cartridge comprising a first unit; a developing member for depositing toner onto a photosensitive member; a second unit which includes the developing member and which is movable, by movement relative to the first unit, between a developing position in which the toner is capable of being deposited onto the photosensitive member from the developing member and a spaced position in which at least a part of the developing member is spaced from the photosensitive member; a driving force receiving portion capable of receiving a driving force from the main assembly; a holding member movably supported by the first unit or the second unit, the holding member being movable between a first position for stably holding the second unit at the spaced position by the first unit and a second position for stably holding the second unit at the developing position by the first unit; a driven portion for receiving a driving force from the driving force receiving portion; and a spacing force receiving portion capable of receiving, when the second unit is in the developing position, a spacing force for moving the holding member from the second position toward the first position to move the second unit to the spaced position, from the main assembly, wherein the spacing force receiving portion is movable in a predetermined direction between a stand-by position and an operating position where the spacing force receiving portion projects from the second unit more than in the stand-by position, wherein when the second unit is in the developing position and the spacing force receiving portion is in the operating position, the spacing force receiving portion is capable of moving the holding member from the second position to the first position, by movement of the spacing force receiving portion in a second direction crossing the predetermined direction by receiving the spacing force, and wherein when the second unit is in the spaced position, the holding member moves from the first position toward the second position by movement of the driven portion by receiving the driving force from the driving force receiving portion.

Effect of the Invention

According to the present disclosure, the prior art cartridge and so on can be further developed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

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

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view of a tray.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a storing element pressing unit and a cartridge pressing unit.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a side view (partial sectional view) of the process cartridge.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a development separation control unit.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 17 illustrates a spacer.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of a movable member.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 20 is a partially enlarged view of a side surface of the process cartridge.

FIG. 21 is a partially enlarged view of the side surface of the process cartridge.

FIG. 22 is a bottom view of a drive-side of the process cartridge.

FIG. 23 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 24 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 25 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 26 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 27 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 28 is an illustration of a spacer.

FIG. 29 is an illustration of a movable member.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 31 is a side view (partial sectional view) of the process cartridge.

FIG. 32 is a partially enlarged view of the side surface of the process cartridge.

FIG. 33 is a partially enlarged view of the side surface of the process cartridge.

FIG. 34 is a side view (partial sectional view) of the process cartridge.

FIG. 35 is a side view (partial sectional view) of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 36 is a side view (partial sectional view) of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 37 is a side view (partial sectional view) of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 38 is a side view (partial sectional view) of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 39 is a side view (partial sectional view) of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 40 is a partially enlarged view of the side surface of the process cartridge.

FIG. 41 is a partially enlarged view of the side surface of the process cartridge.

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a process cartridge and a schematic view illustrating an amount of spacing of a developing roller from a photosensitive drum.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the process cartridge and a schematic view illustrating the amount of spacing of the developing roller from the photosensitive drum.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the process cartridge and a schematic view illustrating the amount of spacing of the developing roller from the photosensitive drum.

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the process cartridge and a schematic view illustrating the amount of spacing of the developing roller from the photosensitive drum.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the process cartridge and a schematic view illustrating the amount of spacing of the developing roller from the photosensitive drum.

FIG. 47 is an illustration of a movable member.

FIG. 48 is an illustration showing a relationship between a movable member, a spacer, and a non-drive-side bearing.

FIG. 49 is a side view of the process cartridge in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus and a view illustrating the relationship between the movable member and the spacer.

FIG. 50 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 51 is a partial perspective view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 52 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 53 is a side view of the process cartridge in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus and a view illustrating the relationship between the movable member and the spacer.

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of the developing unit.

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 56 is a partially enlarged view of a side surface of the process cartridge.

FIG. 57 is an illustration showing the relationship between the movable member and the non-drive-side bearing.

FIG. 58 is an illustration of a movable member.

FIG. 59 is an illustration of a movable member.

FIG. 60 is an illustration of operation of the movable member.

FIG. 61 is an illustration of the operation of the movable member.

FIG. 62 is an illustration of the operation of the movable member.

FIG. 63 is an illustration of the operation of the movable member.

FIG. 64 is an illustration of the operation of the movable member.

FIG. 65 is a perspective view of a developing unit portion of the process cartridge.

FIG. 66 is a perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 67 is an exploded perspective view of a process cartridge.

FIG. 68 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 69 is a side view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 70 is a side view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 71 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 72 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 73 is a side view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 74 is an illustration of mounting of the process cartridge onto a tray.

FIG. 75 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 76 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 77 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 78 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 79 is a side view of a process cartridge.

FIG. 80 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 81 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 82 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 83 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 84 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 85 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 86 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 87 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 88 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 89 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 90 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 91 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 92 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 93 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 94 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 95 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 96 is a side view of the process cartridge inside the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 97 is a side view of the process cartridge inside the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 98 is a side view of the process cartridge inside the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 99 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 100 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 101 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 102 is an exploded perspective view of a process cartridge.

FIG. 103 is a sectional view of the process cartridge inside an image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 104 is a sectional view of the process cartridge inside the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 105 is a sectional view of the process cartridge inside the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 106 is a sectional view of the process cartridge inside the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 107 is a sectional view of the process cartridge inside the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 108 is an exploded perspective view of a development drive input gear unit.

FIG. 109 is a sectional view of the development drive input gear unit.

FIG. 110 is a sectional view of the development drive input gear unit.

FIG. 111 is a sectional view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 112 is a perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 113 is a sectional view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 114 is a side view of the process cartridge as viewed along a lateral direction.

FIG. 115 is a side view of the process cartridge as viewed along the lateral direction.

FIG. 116 is an exploded perspective view of a process cartridge.

FIG. 117 is an illustration showing a movable member.

FIG. 118 is a perspective view of a development cover member and the movable member.

FIG. 119 is an illustration of the development cover member and a separation/contact mechanism.

FIG. 120 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly and a side view as seen along the lateral direction.

FIG. 121 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly and a side view as seen along the lateral direction.

FIG. 122 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 123 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 124 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 125 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 126 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 127 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly as viewed along the lateral direction.

FIG. 128 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly as viewed along the lateral direction.

FIG. 129 is a sectional view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 130 is a schematic sectional view of an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 131 is a schematic sectional view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 132 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 133 is a schematic sectional view of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 134 is a schematic sectional view of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 135 illustrates a spacer.

FIG. 136 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 137 is a perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 138 is a sectional view of the process cartridge inside the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 139 is a sectional view of the process cartridge inside the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 140 is a sectional view of the process cartridge inside the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 141 is a sectional view of the process cartridge inside the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 142 is an illustration of an arrangement of a separation control member.

FIG. 143 is a sectional view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 144 is a sectional view of the process cartridge inside the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 145 is an illustration of a drive-side cartridge cover member and a spacer.

FIG. 146 is an illustration of a positional relationship between a photosensitive drum and a developing roller.

FIG. 147 is a sectional view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 148 is a sectional view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 149 is a sectional view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 150 is an illustration of a driving relationship between a photosensitive drum and a developing roller.

FIG. 151 is an illustration showing a driving relationship between the photosensitive drum and the developing roller.

FIG. 152 is a sectional view of a process cartridge inside an image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 153 is a sectional view (XX cross-section) of the process cartridge in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 154 is a sectional view of a process cartridge inside an image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 155 is a sectional view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 156 is a sectional view of a process cartridge inside an image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 157 is a sectional view of the process cartridge inside the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 158 is a perspective view illustrating a drive-side cartridge cover member and a spacer.

FIG. 159 is a sectional view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 160 is a sectional view of the process cartridge inside the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 161 is an illustration of a relationship between a movable member and a spacer.

FIG. 162 is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge.

FIG. 163 is an illustration of the relationship between the movable member and the spacer.

FIG. 164 is a sectional view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 165 is a side view of a process cartridge.

FIG. 166 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 167 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 168 is a perspective view of a developing side engaging portion.

FIG. 169 is a perspective view of a drum side engaging portion.

FIG. 170 is a perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 171 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 172 is a partial top view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 173 is a perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 174 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 175 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 176 is a partial top view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 177 is a perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 178 is a side view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 179 is a sectional view of a process cartridge inside an image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 180 is a sectional view of the process cartridge inside the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 181 is a perspective view of a drive-side cartridge cover.

FIG. 182 is a sectional view of a process cartridge in an image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 183 is a sectional view of a process cartridge inside an image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 184 is a sectional view of the process cartridge inside the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 185 is a sectional view of the process cartridge in the image FIG. 186 is a sectional view of the process cartridge inside the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 187 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge inside the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 188 is a sectional view of the process cartridge inside the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 189 is a sectional view of the process cartridge inside the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 190 is a sectional view of the process cartridge inside the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 191 is a sectional view of the process cartridge inside the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 192 is a sectional view of the process cartridge inside the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 193 is an illustration of an operation of an urging member.

FIG. 194 is a sectional view of a process cartridge inside an image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 195 is a sectional view of a process cartridge inside an image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 196 is a sectional view of the process cartridge inside the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 197 is a sectional view of a process cartridge inside an image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 198 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge inside the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 199 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge inside the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 200 is a sectional view of the process cartridge inside the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 201 is an illustration of an operation of a holding member.

FIG. 202 is an illustration of the operation of the holding member.

FIG. 203 is an illustration showing the operation of the holding member.

FIG. 204 is a partial perspective view of the process cartridge and a tray.

FIG. 205 is a partial perspective view of the process cartridge and the tray.

FIG. 206 is a perspective view of the tray.

FIG. 207 is a sectional view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 208 is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge inside an image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 209 is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge inside an image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 210 is an illustration showing a relationship between a force receiving portion of the process cartridge and a separation control member.

FIG. 211 is a sectional view of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 212 is an illustration showing a relationship between the force receiving portion of the process cartridge and the separation control member.

FIG. 213 is an illustration showing the relationship between the force receiving portion of the process cartridge and the separation control member.

FIG. 214 is an illustration showing the relationship between the force receiving portion of the process cartridge and the separation control member.

FIG. 215 is a perspective view of a tray.

FIG. 216 is a perspective view of the tray.

FIG. 217 is an exploded perspective view of a process cartridge.

FIG. 218 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 219 is a perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 220 is a perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 221 is an illustration of an operation of mounting the developing cartridge on the tray.

FIG. 222 is an illustration of an operation of mounting the developing cartridge on the tray.

FIG. 223 is a perspective view of the tray on which the developing cartridge is mounted.

FIG. 224 is a perspective view of the tray on which the developing cartridge is mounted.

FIG. 225 is a side view of the tray and the developing cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 226 is a side view of the developing cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 227 is a side view of the developing cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 228 is a side view of the developing cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 229 is a side view of the developing cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 230 is an illustration of an operation of mounting a drum cartridge and the developing cartridge on the tray.

FIG. 231 is an illustration of an operation of mounting the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge on the tray.

FIG. 232 is an illustration showing an operation of mounting the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge on the tray.

FIG. 233 is a side view of the tray on which the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are mounted.

FIG. 234 is a side view of a tray on which the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge are mounted.

FIG. 235 is a side view (partial sectional view) of the process cartridge.

FIG. 236 is a schematic sectional view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 237 is a schematic sectional view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 238 is a schematic sectional view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 239 is a schematic sectional view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 240 is a schematic sectional view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 241 is a schematic sectional view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 242 is a side view of the developing cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 243 is a side view of the developing cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 244 is a side view of the developing cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 245 is a side view of the developing cartridge in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

FIG. 246 is a perspective view illustrating a process cartridge according to Embodiment 27.

FIG. 247 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a non-drive side of the process cartridge.

FIG. 248 is a perspective view illustrating the non-drive side of the process cartridge.

FIG. 249 is a front view illustrating the non-drive side of the process cartridge.

FIG. 250 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the non-drive side of the process cartridge.

FIG. 251 is a perspective view illustrating a pressing unit assembled to a non-drive-side bearing.

FIG. 252 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the non-drive-side bearing and the pressing unit.

FIG. 253 is a sectional view illustrating a state in which the process cartridge is mounted on the tray.

FIG. 254 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the pressing unit.

FIG. 255 is a perspective view illustrating a process cartridge and a cartridge pressing unit according to Embodiment 28.

FIG. 256 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the process cartridge.

FIG. 257 is a perspective view illustrating the process cartridge and a cartridge pressing unit.

FIG. 258 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the process cartridge.

FIG. 259 is a perspective view illustrating a process cartridge and a cartridge pressing unit according to Embodiment 29.

FIG. 260 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the process cartridge.

FIG. 261 is a perspective view illustrating the process cartridge and the cartridge pressing unit.

FIG. 262 is a perspective view illustrating a process cartridge and a cartridge pressing unit according to Embodiment 29.

FIG. 263 is a view illustrating a drive side of a developing unit according to Example 30.

FIG. 264 is a perspective view illustrating a drive-side cartridge cover member, a developing cover member, a moving member, and a link unit.

FIG. 265 is a perspective view illustrating the developing cover member and the moving member.

FIG. 266 is a perspective view illustrating the developing cover member.

FIG. 267 is a perspective view illustrating the moving member.

FIG. 268 is a side view illustrating the developing cover member.

FIG. 269 is a perspective view illustrating the drive-side cartridge cover member, the link unit, and the cam unit.

FIG. 270 is a perspective view illustrating the drive-side cartridge cover member.

FIG. 271 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a broken line portion in part (b) of FIG. 270.

FIG. 272 is a view illustrating a link cam and a stopper.

FIG. 273 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a cam unit.

FIG. 274 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the cam unit.

FIG. 275 is a sectional view illustrating the cam unit.

FIG. 276 is a perspective view illustrating the cam unit.

FIG. 277 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the link unit and the cam unit when the developing unit is located at the contact position.

FIG. 278 is cross-sectional views illustrating the link unit and the cam unit immediately before the developing unit starts to move from the contact position to the separation position.

FIG. 279 is cross-sectional views illustrating the link unit and the cam unit when the developing unit is in the separated position.

FIG. 280 is cross-sectional views illustrating the link unit and the cam unit immediately before the developing unit starts to move from the separation position to the contact position.

FIG. 281 is a perspective view illustrating a holding member and a separation spring of the process cartridge according to Embodiment 31.

FIG. 282 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line 265A-265A of FIG. 281.

FIG. 283 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a drive-side cartridge cover member, a developing cover member, a holding member, and a separation spring.

FIG. 284 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the drive-side cartridge cover member, the developing cover member, the holding member, and the separation spring.

FIG. 285 is a side view illustrating a force acting on the holding member.

FIG. 286 is a side view illustrating a force applied on the holding member.

FIG. 287 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a delaying mechanism.

FIG. 288 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the delaying mechanism.

FIG. 289 is a sectional view illustrating a delaying mechanism.

FIG. 290 is a perspective view illustrating the delaying mechanism in a state in which no drive is input to the developing coupling portion.

FIG. 291 is a perspective view illustrating the delaying mechanism in a drive transmission state.

FIG. 292 is a perspective view illustrating an arrangement relationship between the lever, the drive-side cartridge cover member, and the developing cover member.

FIG. 293 is a perspective view illustrating the position of the lever.

FIG. 294 is an illustration of the operation of the delaying mechanism.

FIG. 295 is an illustration of the operation of the delaying mechanism.

FIG. 296 is an illustration of the operation of the delaying mechanism.

FIG. 297 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a process cartridge according to Embodiment 32.

FIG. 298 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the process cartridge.

FIG. 299 is a perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 300 is a side view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 301 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 302 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 303 is a side view and a perspective view of a developing roller gear.

FIG. 304 is an illustration of the developing roller gear and a driving side cover member.

FIG. 305 is an illustration of the developing roller gear and the driving side cover member.

FIG. 306 is an illustration of a movable member in Embodiment 33.

FIG. 307 is an illustration of a pressing member.

FIG. 308 is an illustration of the process cartridge.

FIG. 309 is a side view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 310 is a side view illustrating a process cartridge mounted in a main assembly of an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 311 is a side view illustrating the process cartridge mounted in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 312 is a sectional view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 313 is a sectional view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 314 is a sectional view of a process cartridge according to Embodiment 34.

FIG. 315 is a side view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 316 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 317 is a perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 318 is a side view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 319 is a perspective view illustrating a movable member.

FIG. 320 is an illustration of the process cartridge.

FIG. 321 is an illustration of the developing device cover member and the movable member.

FIG. 322 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 323 is a side view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 324 is a side view illustrating the process cartridge mounted in a main assembly of an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 325 is a side view illustrating the process cartridge mounted in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 326 is a side view illustrating the process cartridge mounted in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 327 is a side view illustrating the process cartridge mounted in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In the following, examples in this disclosure will be described. The structures disclosed in the following examples, namely the functions, materials, shapes of parts, and their relative arrangements are examples of the structures related to the scope of claims, and it is not intended to limit the present invention to the structure disclosed in the examples. In addition, the problem solved by the structure disclosed in the following examples or the function or effect provided by the disclosed structure is not intended to limit the scope of claims.

Embodiment 1

In the following, Embodiment 1 will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiment, a laser beam printer which four process cartridges (cartridges) can be mounted to and dismounted from is illustrated as an image forming apparatus. The number of process cartridges mounted in the image forming apparatus is not limited to this example. It may be selected as appropriate if necessary.

[Outline of Structure of Image Forming Apparatus]

FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the image forming apparatus M. FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the process cartridge 100. The image forming apparatus M is a four-color full-color laser printer using an electrophotographic process, and forms a color image on a recording material S. The image forming apparatus M is a process cartridge type, in which the process cartridge is dismountably mounted to the image forming apparatus main assembly (apparatus main assembly) 170 to form a color image on the recording material S.

Here, regarding the image forming apparatus M, a side where a front door 11 is provided is a front surface (front surface), and a side opposite to the front surface is a back surface (rear side). Further, a right side of the image forming apparatus M as viewed from the front is referred to as a drive-side, and a left side is referred to as a non-drive-side. In addition, as the image forming apparatus M is viewed from the front, a upper side is a upper surface part, and a lower side is a lower surface part. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus M as viewed from the non-drive-side; the front side of the sheet of the drawing is the non-drive-side of the image forming apparatus M; the right side of the sheet of the drawing is the front side; and the rear side of the sheet of the drawing is the drive-side of the image forming apparatus.

The drive-side of the process cartridge 100 is the side on which the drum coupling member (photosensitive member coupling member) which will be described hereinafter is provided with respect to an axial direction of the photosensitive drum (the axial direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum). In addition, the drive-side of the process cartridge 100 is the side on which a development coupling portion 132a, which will be described hereinafter, is provided with respect to the axis direction of the developing roller (development member) (the axial direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller). The axial direction of the photosensitive drum and the axial direction of the developing roller are parallel with each other, and the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100 is also parallel to these directions.

The image forming apparatus main assembly 170 is provided with four process cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K), i.e. A first process cartridge 100Y, a second process cartridge 100M, a third process cartridge 100C, and a fourth process cartridge 100K. It is arranged substantially horizontally.

Each of the first to fourth process cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) have the same electrophotographic process mechanisms, but the colors of the developers (hereinafter referred to as toner) are different from each other. Rotational driving forces are transmitted to the first to fourth process cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) from the drive output portion (details will be described hereinafter) of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, respectively. Further, bias voltages (charging bias, development bias, and so on) are supplied from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 to the first to fourth process cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K), respectively.

As shown in FIG. 3, each of the first to fourth process cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) of this embodiment includes a drum unit 108 having a photosensitive drum 104 and a charging means as a process means acting on the photosensitive drum 104. Here, the drum unit may have a cleaning means as well as the charging means as the process means. Further, each of the first to fourth process cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) includes a developing unit 109 having developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 104. The layout of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which a plurality of photosensitive drums are arranged substantially in line in this manner is sometimes called an in-line layout or a tandem layout.

In each of the first to fourth process cartridges 100, the drum unit 108 and the developing unit 109 are coupled with each other. A more specific structure of the process cartridge will be described hereinafter.

The first process cartridge 100Y contains yellow (Y) toner in a developing container 125, and forms a yellow toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104. The second process cartridge 100M contains magenta (M) toner in a developing container 125, and forms a magenta toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104. The third process cartridge 100C contains cyan (C) toner in a developing container 125, and forms a cyan toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104. The fourth process cartridge 100K contains black (K) toner in a developing container 125, and forms a black toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104.

As shown in FIG. 1, a laser scanner unit 14 as an exposure means is provided above the first to fourth process cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K). The laser scanner unit 14 outputs the laser beam U in accordance with image information. Then, the laser beam U passes through a exposure window 110 of the process cartridge 100 to scan and expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 104.

An intermediary transfer unit 12 as a transfer member is provided below the first to fourth process cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K). The intermediary transfer unit 12 includes a drive roller 12e, a turn roller 12c, and a tension roller 12b, and a flexible transfer belt 12a extended around them. The lower surface of the photosensitive drum of each of the first to fourth process cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) is in contact with the upper surface of the transfer belt 12a. The contact portion between them is a primary transfer portion. Inside the transfer belt 12a, a primary transfer roller 12d is provided so as to oppose the photosensitive drum 104. A secondary transfer roller 6 is contacted with the turn roller 12c by way of the transfer belt 12a. The contact portion between the transfer belt 12a and the secondary transfer roller 6 is a secondary transfer portion.

A feeding unit 4 is provided below the intermediary transfer unit 12. The feeding unit 4 includes a sheet feed tray 4a on which the recording material S is loaded and accommodated, and a sheet feed roller 4b.

A fixing device 7 and a sheet discharging device 8 are provided on the upper left side of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 in FIG. 2. The upper surface of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 is a sheet discharge tray 13. The recording material S is heated and pressed by fixing means provided in the fixing device 7, so that the toner image is fixed and discharged to the sheet discharge tray 13.

[Image Forming Operation]

The operation for forming a full-color image is as follows. The photosensitive drum 104 of each of the first to fourth process cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) is rotationally driven at a predetermined speed (in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 3). The transfer belt 12a is also rotationally driven in a forward direction (direction of an arrow C in FIG. 2) codirectionally, at the peripheries, with the rotation of the photosensitive drum at a speed corresponding to the speed of the photosensitive drum 104.

The laser scanner unit 14 is also driven. In synchronism with the drive of the laser scanner unit 14, the charging roller 105 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 to a predetermined polarity and potential in each process cartridge. The laser scanner unit 14 scans and exposes the surface of each photosensitive drum 104 with laser beam U in accordance with the image signals of each color. By this, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal of the corresponding color is formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 104. The formed electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing roller 106 that is rotationally driven at a predetermined speed. By the electrophotographic image forming process operation described above, a yellow toner image corresponding to a yellow component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 104 of the first process cartridge 100Y. Then, the toner image is primary-transferred onto the transfer belt 12a.

Similarly, a magenta color toner image corresponding to a magenta component of the full color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 104 of the second process cartridge 100M. Then, the toner image is primary-transferred and superimposed on the yellow toner image already transferred on the transfer belt 12a. Similarly, a cyan toner image corresponding to a cyan component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 104 of the third process cartridge 100C. Then, the toner image is primary-transferred and superimposed on the yellow-colored and magenta-colored toner images already transferred on the transfer belt 12a. Similarly, a black toner image corresponding to a black component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 104 of the fourth process cartridge 100K. Then, the toner image is primary-transferred and superimposed on the yellow, magenta, and cyan toner images already transferred on the transfer belt 12a. In this manner, an unfixed four-color full-color toner image of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black is formed on the transfer belt 12a.

On the other hand, the recording material S is separated and fed one by one at a predetermined control timing. The recording material S is introduced into the secondary transfer portion, which is a contact portion between the secondary transfer roller 6 and the transfer belt 12a, at a predetermined control timing. By this, in the process of transporting the recording material S toward the secondary transfer unit, the four-color superimposed toner image on the transfer belt 12a is sequentially and collectively transferred onto the surface of the recording material S. Thereafter, the recording material S is fed to the fixing device 7 to fix the toner image on the recording material S, and then is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 13.

[Outline of Process Cartridge Mounting/Dismounting Structure]

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4 to 7, the tray (hereinafter referred to as a tray) 171 which supports the process cartridge will be described in more detail. FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus M in which the tray 171 is inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 with the front door 11 open. FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus M in a state where the tray 171 is outside the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 with the front door 11 open and the process cartridge 100 mounted on the tray. FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus M in a state where the tray 171 is outside the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 with the front door 11 open and the process cartridge 100 is not mounted on the tray. Part (a) of FIG. 7 is a partial detailed view of the tray 171 as viewed from the drive-side in the state of FIG. 4. Part (b) of FIG. 7 is a partial detailed view of the tray 171 as viewed from the non-drive-side in the state of FIG. 4.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the tray 171 is movable in a direction indicated by an arrow (pushing direction) and the direction indicated by an arrow X2 (pulling direction) with respect to the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. That is, the tray 171 is provided so as to be retractable and insertable relative to the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, and the tray 171 is structured to be movable in a substantially horizontal direction in a state where the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 is installed on a horizontal surface. Here, the state in which the tray 171 is outside the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 (the state shown in FIG. 5) is referred to as an outside position. Further, a state in which the tray is inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 with the front door 11 open and the photosensitive drum 104 and the transfer belt 12a being separated from each other (state in FIG. 4) is referred to as an inner position.

Further, the tray 171 includes a mounting portion 171a in which the process cartridge 100 can be dismountably mounted as shown in FIG. 6 in the outer position. Then, each process cartridge 100 mounted on the mounting portion 171a in the outer position of the tray 171 is supported on the tray 171 by a drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and a non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117 as shown in FIG. 7. The process cartridge moves into the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 by the movement of the tray 171 in a state of being mounted in the mounting portion 171a. At this time, during this movement, the transfer belt 12a and the photosensitive drum 104 are spaced with a gap. Therefore, the tray 171 can move the process cartridge 100 into the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 without the photosensitive drum 04 contacting the transfer belt 12a (details will be described hereinafter).

As described above, the tray 171 is capable of moving the plurality of process cartridges 100 collectively to a position where image formation is possible inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, and is collectively moved to the outside of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170.

[Positioning of Process Cartridge]

More specifically, referring to FIG. 7, the positioning of the process cartridge 100 with respect to the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the tray 171 is provided with positioning portions 171VR and 171VL for holding the cartridge 100, respectively. The positioning portion 171VR has straight portions 171VR1 and 171VR2, respectively. The center of the photosensitive drum is determined by arc portions 116VR1 and 116VR2 of the cartridge cover member 116 shown in FIG. 7 contacting to the straight portions 171VR1 and 171VR2. Further, the tray 171 shown in FIG. 7 is provided with a rotational direction position setting projection 171KR. The attitude of the process cartridge 100 is determined with respect to the apparatus main assembly 170 by the rotational positioning projection 171KR fitting in the rotational direction position setting recess 116KR of the cartridge cover member 116 shown in FIG. 7.

The positioning portion 171VL and the rotational direction position setting projection 171KL are arranged at positions (non-drive-side) opposing each other across the intermediary transfer belt 12a in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100 from the positioning portion 171VR. That is, on the non-drive-side as well, the position of the process cartridge is determined by engaging the arc portions 117VL1 and 117VL2 of the cartridge cover member 117 with the positioning portion 171VL and the rotational direction position setting recess 117KL with the rotational direction position setting projection 171KL. By doing so, the position of the process cartridge 100 with respect to the tray 171 is correctly determined.

As shown in FIG. 5, the process cartridge 100 integral with the tray 171 is moved in the direction of the arrow X1 and inserted to the position shown in FIG. 4. Then, by closing the front door 11 in the direction of the arrow R, the process carriage 100 is pressed by a cartridge pressing mechanism (not shown) described hereinafter, and is fixed to the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 together with the tray 171. Further, the transfer belt 12a comes into contact with the photosensitive member 4 in interrelation with the operation of the cartridge pressing mechanism. In this state, an image can be formed (FIG. 2).

In this embodiment, the positioning portion 171VR and the positioning portion 171VL also function as reinforcements for maintaining stiffness in a pull-out operation of the tray 171, and for this reason, a sheet metal is used, but the present invention is not limited to this example.

[Cartridge Pressing Mechanism]

Next, the details of the cartridge pressing mechanism will be described with reference to part (a) of FIG. 8. Part (a) of FIG. 8 shows only the process cartridge 100, the tray 171 and cartridge pressing mechanisms 190 and 191 and the intermediary transfer unit 12 in the state of FIG. 4. Part (b) of FIG. 8 shows only the process cartridge 100, the tray 171 and the cartridge pressing mechanisms and 191 and the intermediary transfer unit 12 in the state of FIG. 2.

Here, the process cartridge 100 receives a driving force during image formation, and further receives a reaction force from the primary transfer roller 12d (FIG. 2) in the direction of arrow Z1. Therefore, it is necessary to press the process cartridge in the Z2 direction in order to maintain a stable attitude during the image forming operation to prevent the process cartridge from separating from the positioning portions 171VR and 171VL.

In order to achieve these, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 is provided with cartridge pressing mechanisms (190, 191). In the cartridge pressing mechanism (190, 191), a storing element pressing unit 190 works for the non-drive-side, and a cartridge pressing unit 191 works for the drive-side. This will be described in more detail below.

By closing the front door 11 shown in FIG. 4, the storing element pressing unit 190 and the cartridge pressing unit 191 shown in FIG. 8 lowers in the direction of arrow Z2. The storing element pressing unit 190 mainly comprises a main assembly side electric contact (not shown) contactable to the electric contact of the storing element (not shown) provided in the process cartridge 100. By interrelating with the front door 11 by a link mechanism (not shown), the storing element 140 and the electric contact on the main assembly side can be brought into and out of contact with each other. That is, the contacts are brought into contact with each other by closing the front door 11, and the contacts are disconnected by opening the front door 11.

By doing so, when the process cartridge 100 moves inside the image forming apparatus main assembly together with the tray 171, the electric contacts are not rubbed, and the contacts are retracted from the insertion/removal locus of the process cartridge 100, by which the tray 171 can be inserted/removed without hindering by them. The storing element pressing unit 190 also function to press the process cartridge 100 against the positioning portion 171VR described above. Further, similarly to the storing element pressing unit 190, the cartridge pressing unit 191 also lowers in the direction of arrow Z2 in interrelation with the operation of closing the front door 11 and function to press the process cartridge 100 against the positioning portion 171VL described above. Further, although the details will be described hereinafter, the cartridge pressing mechanism (190, 191) also functions to push down movable members 152L and 152R of the process cartridge 100 which will be described hereinafter.

[Drive Transmission Mechanism]

Next, referring to FIGS. 9 and 10 (for convenience, the tray 171 is omitted), the drive transmission mechanism of the main assembly in this embodiment will be described. Part (a) of FIG. 9 is a perspective view in which the process cartridge 100 and the tray 171 are omitted in the state of FIG. 4 or FIG. 5. Part (b) of FIG. 9 is a perspective view in which the process cartridge 100, the front door 11 and the tray 171 are omitted in the state of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a side view of the process cartridge 100 as viewed from the drive-side.

As shown in FIG. 10, the process cartridge in this embodiment has a development coupling portion (rotational driving force receiving portion) 132a and a drum coupling member (photosensitive member coupling member) 143. By closing the front door 11 (state of part (b) of FIG. 9, the main assembly side drum drive coupling 180 and the main assembly side development drive coupling 185 for transmitting the driving forces to the process cartridge 100 project in the arrow Y1 direction by a link mechanism (not shown). Further, by opening the front door 11 (state of part (a) of FIG. 9, the drum drive coupling 180 and a development drive coupling 185 are retracted in the direction of arrow Y2. By retracting each coupling from the insertion/removal locus of the process cartridge (X1 direction, X2 direction), the insertion/removal of the tray 171 is not hindered.

By closing the front door 11 and starting to drive the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, the drum drive coupling 180 described above engages with the drum coupling member 143. Further, the development drive coupling 185 on the main assembly side engages with the development coupling portion 132a to transmit the drive to the process cartridge 100. The drive transmission to the process cartridge 100 is not limitedly effected at two places as described above, and a mechanism for inputting the drive only to the drum coupling to transmit the drive to the developing roller may be provided.

[Intermediary Transfer Unit Structure]

Next, referring to FIG. 9, the intermediary transfer unit 12 of the image forming apparatus main assembly in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the intermediary transfer unit 12 is raised in the direction of arrow R2 by a link mechanism (not shown) by closing the front door 11 to the position at the time of image formation (the position where the photosensitive drum 104 and the intermediary transfer belt 12a are in contact with each other). Further, by opening the front door 11, the intermediary transfer unit 12 lowers in the direction of arrow R1, and the photosensitive drum 2 and the intermediary transfer belt 12a are spaced from each other. That is, in the state where the process cartridge 100 is set on the tray 171, the photosensitive drum 104 and the intermediary transfer belt 12a are brought into and out of contact with each other by the opening and closing operations of the front door 11.

The contact/separation operation uses rising and lowering of the intermediary transfer unit with a rotational locus around the center point PV1 shown in FIG. 4. The intermediary transfer belt 12a is driven by receiving a force from a gear (not shown) arranged coaxially with the center PV1. Therefore, by setting the above-mentioned position PV1 as the rotation center, the intermediary transfer unit 12 can be raised and lowered without moving the gear center. By doing so, it is unnecessary to move the center of the gear, and the position of the gear can be maintained with high accuracy.

With the above-described structure, when the process cartridge 100 is set in the tray 171 and the tray 11 is inserted or removed, the photosensitive drum 104 does not slide on the intermediary transfer belt 12a, and therefore, image deterioration which may otherwise be caused by the damaged photosensitive drum 104 and/or the charge memory.

[Development Separation Control Unit]

Next, referring to FIGS. 8, 11, and 12, a spacing mechanism of the image forming apparatus main assembly in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus M taken at a drive-side end portion of the process cartridge 100. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the development separation control unit as viewed obliquely from the top. In this embodiment, a development separation control unit 195 controls spacing and contact operations of the developing unit 109 with respect to the photosensitive drum 104 by engaging with a portion of the developing unit 109. The development separation control unit 195 is disposed below the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 as shown in FIG. 8.

Specifically, the development separation control unit 195 is arranged below the development coupling portion 132a and the drum coupling member 143 in the vertical direction (downward in the arrow Z2 direction).

Further, the development separation control unit 195 is arranged adjacent each of opposite ends, in the longitudinal direction (Y1, Y2 direction) of the photosensitive drum, of the intermediary transfer belt 12. That is, the development separation control unit 195 includes a development separation control unit 195R on the drive-side and a development separation control unit 195L on the non-drive-side. By arranging the development separation control unit 195 in dead space of the image forming apparatus main assembly as described above, the main assembly can be downsized.

The development separation control unit 195R includes four separation control members (force applying members) 196R corresponding to the process cartridge 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K). The four separation control members have substantially the same shape. The development separation control unit 195R is always fixed to the image forming apparatus main assembly. However, the separation control member 196R is structured to be movable in the W41 and W42 directions by a control mechanism (not shown). The directions W41 and W42 are substantially parallel to an arrangement direction of the process cartridges set in the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. The detailed structure will be described hereinafter.

The development separation control unit 195L has four separation control members (force applying members) 196L corresponding to the process cartridge 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K). The four separation control members have substantially the same shape. The development separation control unit 195L is always fixed to the image forming apparatus main assembly. However, the separation control member 196L is structured to be movable in the W41 and W42 directions by a control mechanism (not shown). The detailed structure will be described hereinafter.

Further, in order for the development separation control unit 195 to engage with a portion of the developing unit 109 and control the separation/contact operation of the developing unit 109, it is necessary that a portion of a development control unit 196 and a portion of the developing unit are overlapped in the vertical direction (Z1, Z2 direction). Therefore, after the process cartridge 100 is inserted in the X1 direction, a portion of the developing unit (movable member 152 in the case of this embodiment) is required to project in the vertical direction (Z1, Z2 direction) as described above (details will be described hereinafter). When a development separation control unit 195 itself is raised in the same manner as the above-mentioned intermediary transfer unit 12 for the purpose of such engagement, there are problems such as an increase in the operating force of the interrelated front door 11 and complication of the drive train.

It is in consideration of these problems, this embodiment employs a method in which the development separation control unit 195 is fixed to the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, and a portion (movable member 152) of the developing unit 109 is projected downward (Z2) in the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. Further, as for the mechanism for projecting the movable member 152, the mechanisms of the storing element pressing unit 190 and the cartridge pressing unit 191 described above are used as they are, and therefore, there is no problem as described above and no problem of increase in the cost of the apparatus main assembly can be suppressed.

The unit of the development separation control unit 195 as a whole is fixed to the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. However, in order to engage with the movable member 152 to operate so that the developing unit 109 is spaced (spaced position, retracted position) and contacted (contact position) relative to the photosensitive drum 104, a portion of the development separation control unit 195 has a movable structure. Details will be described hereinafter.

[Overall Structure of Process Cartridge]

Referring to FIGS. 3, 13 and 14T, the structure of the process cartridge will be described. FIG. 13 is an assembly perspective view of the process cartridge 100 as viewed from the drive-side, which is one end side in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 104. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the process cartridge 100 as viewed from the drive-side.

In this embodiment, the first to fourth process cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) may differ in the color of the contained toner, the toner filling amount, and the control by the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. However, although these four process cartridges may be different in dimensions and the like, they have the same basic structures and functions, and can perform the same functions. Therefore, one process cartridge 100 will be described as a representative in the following.

The process cartridge 100 includes the photosensitive drum (photosensitive member) 104 and the process means for acting on the photosensitive drum 104, respectively. Here, the process means includes the charging roller 105 as the charging means (charging member) for charging the photosensitive drum 104, and a developing means (development member as the developing roller 106 for developing the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 104 by depositing toner onto the photosensitive drum 104. The developing roller 106 carries the toner on the surface thereof. The process cartridge 100 may be provided further with a cleaning blade, a brush, or the like which contacts with the photosensitive drum 104, as the cleaning means (cleaning member) for removing residual toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104. Further, as a further process means, as the discharging means for removing electric charge from the surface of the photosensitive drum 104, the light guide member such as a light guide or a lens for irradiating the photosensitive drum 104 with light, a light source, or the like may be provided. The process cartridge 100 is divided into a drum unit (first unit) 108 (108Y, 108M, 108C, 108K) and the developing unit (second unit) 109 (109Y, 109M, 109C, 109K).

[Drum Unit Structure]

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 13, the drum unit 108 includes the photosensitive drum 104, the charging roller 105, a first drum frame portion 115, a drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and a non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117 as the second drum frame mounted to the first drum frame portion 115. The photosensitive drum 104 is rotatably supported about the rotation axis (rotation center) M1 by the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117 provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100. The drum frame (first frame) in which the first drum frame portion 115, the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member as the second drum frame portion 117 constitutes the drum frame (first frame or second frame) rotatably supporting the photosensitive drum 104.

The drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117 will be described hereinafter. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, a coupling member 143 for transmitting a driving force to the photosensitive drum 104 is provided on one end side of the photosensitive drum 104 in the longitudinal direction. As described above, the coupling member 143 engages with the main assembly side drum drive coupling (see FIG. 9) as a drum drive output portion of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. Then, the driving force of the driving motor (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 104 to rotate it in a direction of arrow A. Further, the photosensitive drum 104 is provided with a drum flange 142 on the other end side in the longitudinal direction. The charging roller 105 is supported by the drum frame 115 in contact with the photosensitive drum 104 and is driven thereby to rotate. The rotation axis M1 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100 and the longitudinal direction of the drum unit 108.

[Structure of Developing Unit]

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 13, the developing unit 109 includes the developing roller 106, a toner feeding roller (developer agent supply member) 107, a developing blade 130, the developing container 125, and so on. The developing container 125 includes a lower frame 125a and a lid member 125b. The lower frame 125a and a lid member 125b are connected by ultrasonic welding or the like. The developing container 125, which is the second frame, has a toner accommodating portion 129 for accommodating toner to be supplied to the developing roller 106. A drive-side bearing 126 and a non-drive-side bearing are mounted and fixed to respective ends of the developing container 125 in the longitudinal direction. The developing container 125 rotatably supports the developing roller 106, a toner feeding roller 107, and a stirring member 129a by way of the drive-side bearing and the non-drive-side bearing 127, and holds the developing blade 130. In this manner, the developing container 125, the drive-side bearing 126, and the non-drive-side bearing 127 constitute the developing frame (second frame) that rotatably supports the developing roller 106 about the rotation axis (rotation center) M2.

The stirring member 129a rotates to stir the toner in the toner accommodating portion 129. The toner feeding roller (developer material supply member) 107 contacts the developing roller 106, supplies toner to the surface of the developing roller 106, and also strips the toner off the surface of the developing roller 106. The developing blade 130 is formed by mounting an elastic member 130b, which is a sheet-like metal including a thickness of about 0.1 mm, to a supporting member 130a, which is a metal material including an L-shaped cross-section, by welding or the like. The developing blade 130 regulates the toner layer thickness (thickness of the toner layer) on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 106 to form a toner layer having a predetermined thickness between the elastic member 130b and the developing roller 106. The developing blade 130 is mounted to the developing container 125 with fixing screws 130c at two positions in one end side and the other end side in the longitudinal direction. The developing roller 106 comprises a metal core metal 106c and a rubber portion 106d.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the development coupling portion 132a for transmitting the driving force to the developing unit 109 is provided on one end side of the developing unit in the longitudinal direction. The development coupling portion 132a engages with the development drive coupling 185 (see FIG. 9) on the main assembly side as a development drive output portion of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 to receive the driving force, thereby to rotate the drive motor (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. The driving force received by the development coupling portion 132a is transmitted by a driving train (not shown) provided in the developing unit 109, so that the developing roller 106 can be rotated in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 3. A development cover member 128 which supports and covers a development coupling portion 132a and a driving train (not shown) is provided on one end side of the developing unit 109 in the longitudinal direction. An outer diameter of the developing roller 106 is selected to be smaller than the outer diameter of the photosensitive drum 104. The outer diameter of the photosensitive drum 104 in this embodiment is in the range of Φ18 to Φ22 (mm), and the outer diameter of the developing roller 106 is in the range of Φ8 to Φ14 (mm). By selecting the outer diameters in this way, efficient arrangement is accomplished. The rotation axis M2 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100 and to the longitudinal direction of the developing unit 109.

[Assembly of Drum Unit and Developing Unit]

Referring to FIG. 13, the assembly of the drum unit 108 and the developing unit 109 will be described. The drum unit 108 and the developing unit 109 are connected by a drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and a non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117 provided at opposite ends in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100. The drive-side cartridge cover member 116 provided on one end side of the process cartridge 100 in the longitudinal direction is provided with a developing unit supporting hole 116a for swinging (moving) of the developing unit 109. Similarly, the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117 provided on the other end side of the process cartridge 100 in the longitudinal direction is provided with a developing unit supporting hole 117a for swingably supporting the developing unit 109. Further, the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117 are provided with drum supporting holes 116b and 117b for rotatably supporting the photosensitive drum 104. Here, on one end side, the outer diameter portion of a cylindrical portion 128b of the development cover member 128 is fitted into the developing unit supporting hole 116a of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116. On the other end side, the outer diameter portion of the cylindrical portion (not shown) of the non-drive-side bearing 127 is fitted into the developing unit supporting hole 117a of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117. Further, the opposite ends of the photosensitive drum 104 in the longitudinal direction are fitted into the drum supporting holes 116b of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and drum supporting holes 117b of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117. The drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member are fixed to the drum unit 108 with screws or adhesives (not shown). By this, the developing unit 109 is rotatably supported by the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117 with respect to the drum unit 108 (photosensitive drum 104). In such a structure, the developing roller 106 can be positioned at a place for acting on the photosensitive drum 104 during image formation.

FIG. 14 shows a state in which the drum unit 108 and the developing unit 109 are assembled by the above-described steps and integrated into the process cartridge 100.

The axis connecting the center of the developing unit supporting hole 116a of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and the center of the developing unit supporting hole 117a of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117 is called a swing axis (rotation axis, rotation center) K. Here, the cylindrical portion 128b of the development cover member on one end side is coaxial with the development coupling portion 132a. That is, the rotation axis of the development coupling portion 132a is coaxial with the swing axis K. In other words, the swing axis K is also the rotation axis K of the development coupling portion 132a. Further, the developing unit 109 is supported rotatably about the swing shaft K. In a state where the drum unit 108 and the developing unit 109 are assembled and integrated as the process cartridge 100, the rotation axis M1, the rotation axis M2, and the swing axis K are substantially parallel to each other. Further, in this state, the rotation axis M1, the rotation axis M2, and the swing axis K are substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100, respectively.

[Structure of Separation/Contact Mechanism 150]

The structure in which the photosensitive drum 104 of the process cartridge 100 and the developing roller 106 of the developing unit 109 are spaced (separated) and contacted with each other in this embodiment will be described in detail. The process cartridge is provided with a separation/contact mechanism 150R on the drive-side and a separation/contact mechanism 150L on the non-drive-side. FIG. 15 shows an assembly perspective view of the drive-side of the developing unit 109 including the separation/contact mechanism 150R. FIG. 16 shows an assembly perspective view of the developing unit including the separation/contact mechanism 150L on the non-drive-side. Regarding the separation/contact mechanism, the details of the separation/contact mechanism 150R on the drive-side will first be described, and then the separation/contact mechanism 150L on the non-drive-side will be described. The separation/contact mechanism has almost the same functions on the drive-side and the non-drive-side, and therefore, R is added to the reference numeral of each member on the drive-side. For the non-drive-side, the reference numeral of each member is the same as that of the drive-side, and L is added.

The separation/contact mechanism 150R includes a spacer R (spacer 151R) which is a restriction member (holding member), a movable member 152R which is a pressing member (force applying member), and a tension spring 153. The separation/contact mechanism 150L includes a spacer L (spacer 151L) which is a restricting member, a movable member 152L which is a pressing member (force applying member), and a tension spring 153.

[Detailed Description of Spacer 151R]

Here, the spacer (holding member) 151R will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 17. Part (a) of FIG. 17 is a front view of the process cartridge 100 of the spacer 151R per se as viewed from the drive-side longitudinal direction. Part (b) of FIG. 17 and part (c) of FIG. 17 are perspective views of the spacer 151R, and part (d) of FIG. 17 is a view of the spacer 151R as viewed in the direction of arrow Z2 in part (a) of FIG. 17 (vertically upward in the image forming state). The spacer 151R includes an annular supported portion 151Ra, and includes a separation holding portion (holding portion) 151Rb projecting from the supported portion 151Ra in the radial direction of the supported portion 151Ra. The free end of the separation holding portion 151Rb includes a contact surface (contact portion) 151Rc having an arc shape centered on the swing axis H of the spacer 151R and having an inclination of an angle θ1 with respect to the line HA substantially parallel to the swing axis H. The angle θ1 is selected so as to satisfy the following inequality (1):

$\begin{array}{cc}0°\leqq \theta 1\leqq 45°& \left(1\right)\end{array}$

The separation holding portion (holding portion) 151Rb is a portion which connects the supported portion 151Ra and the contact surface 151Rc, and is sandwiched between the drum unit 108 and the developing unit 109 and has sufficient rigidity to maintain the spaced position.

Further, the spacer 151R has a restricted surface (restricted portion) 151Rk adjacent to the contact surface 151Rc. Further, the spacer 151R has a restricted surface (restricted portion) 151Rd projecting in the Z2 direction beyond the supported portion 151Ra, and has an arc shape pressed surface (at-contact pressed portion) 151Re projecting from the restricted surface 151Rd in the swing axis H direction of the supported portion 151Ra.

Further, the spacer 151R includes a main body portion 151Rf connected to the supported portion 151Ra, and the main body portion 151Rf includes a spring-hooked portion 151Rg projecting in the swing axis H direction of the supported portion 151Ra. Further, the main body portion 151Rf has a rotation prevention portion 151Rm projecting in the Z2 direction, and the rotation prevention surface 151Rn is provided in a direction of opposing the pressed surface 151Re.

[Detailed Description of Movable Member 152R]

Here, the movable member 152R will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 18. Part (a) of FIG. 18 is a front view of the movable member 152R as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100, and FIGS. 18B and 18C are perspective views of the movable member 152R per se.

The movable member 152R has an oblong-shaped oblong supported portion 152Ra. Here, the longitudinal direction of the oblong shape of the oblong supported portion 152Ra is indicated by an arrow LH, the upper portion is indicated by an arrow LH1, and the lower portion is referred to as an arrow LH2. Further, the direction in which the oblong round supported portion 152Ra is formed is indicated by HB. The movable member 152R has a projecting portion (force receiving portion) 152Rh formed on the downstream side in the arrow LH2 direction of the oblong supported portion 152Ra. The oblong supported portion 152Ra and the projecting portion 152Rh are connected by a main body portion 152Rb. On the other hand, the movable member 152R includes a pressed portion 152Re projecting in the direction of the arrow LH1 direction and the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of arrow LH1, an arc-shaped pressed surface 152Rf (moving force receiving portion, operating force receiving portion) on the downstream side in the arrow LH1 direction, and a pressing-restricting surface 152Rg on the upstream side. Further, the movable member 152R has a first restricted surface (first restricted portion) 152Rv extending from the main body portion 152Rb toward the upstream side in the arrow LH2 direction with respect to the projecting portion 152Rh. Further, the movable member 152R has a second restricted surface 152Rw adjacent to the first restricted surface 152Rv and substantially parallel to the developing frame pressing surface (developing frame pressing portion, second frame pressing portion) 152Rq.

The projecting portion 152Rh includes a first force receiving portion (retracting force receiving portion, separating force receiving portion) 152Rk and a second force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 152Rn) arranged at the end in the arrow LH2 direction and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the arrow LH2 direction. The first force receiving portion 152Rk and the second force receiving portion 152Rn includes an arc shape first force receiving surface (retracting force receiving surface and the separating force receiving surface) 152Rm and a second force receiving surface (contact force receiving surface 152Rp) extending in the HB direction. Further, the projecting portion 152Rh has a spring-hooked portion 152Rs projecting in the H direction and a locking portion 152Rt, and the locking portion 152Rt has a locking surface 152Ru opposing in the same direction as the second force receiving surface 152Rp.

Further, the movable member 152R is a part of the main body portion 152Rb, is arranged on the upstream side in the arrow LH2 direction with respect to the second force receiving portion 152Rn, and has a developing frame pressing surface 152Rq facing the same direction as the second force receiving surface 152Rp. Further, the movable member 152R has a spacer pressing surface (pressing portion) 152Rr which is perpendicular to the first restricted surface 152Rv and is arranged to oppose the developing frame pressing surface 152Rq.

When the process cartridge 100 is mounted on the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, the LH1 direction is substantially the same as the Z1 direction, and the LH2 direction is substantially the same as the Z2 direction. Further, the HB direction is substantially the same as the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100.

[Assembly of Separation/Contact Mechanism 150R]

Referring to FIGS. 10, 15 to 19, the assembly of the separation/contact mechanism 150R will be described. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the process cartridge 100 after assembling the spacer 151R as viewed from the drive-side.

As described above, as shown in FIG. 15, in the developing unit 109, the outer diameter portion of the cylindrical portion 128b of the development cover member 128 is fitted into a developing unit supporting hole 116a of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116. By this, the developing unit 109 is supported rotatably about the swing axis K relative to the photosensitive drum 104. Further, the development cover member is provided with a cylindrical first supporting portion 128c and a second supporting portion 128k projecting in the direction of the swing axis K.

The outer diameter of the first supporting portion 128c fits with an inner diameter of the supported portion 151Ra of the spacer 151R, and rotatably supports the spacer 151R. Here, a swing center of the spacer 151R assembled to the development cover member 128 is defined as the swing axis H. The development cover member 128 is provided with a first retaining portion 128d which projects in the direction of the swing axis H. As shown in FIG. 15, the movement of the spacer 151R assembled to the development cover member 128 in the swing axis H direction is restricted by the contact of the first retaining portion 128d to the spacer 151R.

Further, the outer diameter of the second supporting portion 128k fits with an inner wall of the oblong supported portion 152Ra of the movable member 152R, and supports the movable member 152R so as to be rotatable and movable in the length direction of the oblong direction. Here, the swing center of the movable member 152R assembled to the development cover member 128 is referred to as a swing axis HC. As shown in FIG. 15, the movement of the movable member 152R assembled to the development cover member 128 in the swing axis HC direction is restricted by the contact of a second retaining portion 128m to the spacer 151R.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view in which a portion of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and a portion of the development cover member 128 are omitted in a sectional line CS so that the fitting portion between the oblong supported portion 151Ra of the movable member 152R and the cylindrical portion 128b of the development cover member 128 can be seen. The separation/contact mechanism 150R includes the tension spring 153 provided with a spacer portion urging portion (holding portion urging portion) which urges the spacer 151R to rotate in the direction of arrow B1 in the drawing about the swing shaft H, and provided with a force receiving portion urging portion (projecting portion urging portion) for urging the movable member 152R is in the B3 direction indicated by an arrow. The tension spring 153 is a coil spring which is an elastic member. The arrow B3 direction is a direction substantially parallel to the long circle extending longitudinal direction LH2 (see FIG. 18) of the oblong round supported portion 152Ra of the movable member 152R. The tension spring 153 is engaged with and connected with the spring-hooked portion 151Rg provided on the spacer 151R and the spring-hooked portion 152Rs provided on the movable member 152R, and is assembled between them. The tension spring 153 applies a force to the spring-hooked portion 151Rg of the spacer 151R in the direction of arrow F2 in FIG. 10 to apply an urging force to rotate the spacer 151R in the direction of arrow B1. Further, the tension spring 153 applies a force to the spring-hooked portion 152Rs of the movable member 152R in the direction of the arrow F1 to move the movable member 152R in the direction of the arrow B3 (direction toward the accommodating position (reference position, stand-by position)).

The line GS is a line connecting the spring-hooked portion 151Rg of the spacer 151R and a spring-hooked portion 152Rs of the force holding member 152R, and the line HS is a line connecting the spring-hooked portion 152Rs of the movable member 152R and the swinging axis HC. An angle θ2 formed by the line GS and the line HS is selected so as to satisfy the following inequality (2) with the clockwise direction centered on the spring-hooked portion 152Rs of the movable member 152R as positive. By this, the movable member 152R is urged to rotate in the direction of arrow BA with the swing axis HC as the center of rotation.

$\begin{array}{cc}0°\leqq \theta 2\leqq 90°& \left(2\right)\end{array}$

As shown in FIG. 15, in the development drive input gear (development coupling member) 132 provided with the development coupling portion 132a, an inner diameter portion of the cylindrical portion 128b of the development cover member 128 and an outer circumference of a cylindrical portion 32b of the development drive input gear 132 are fitted, and in addition, a support portion 126a of the drive-side bearing 126 and the cylindrical portion (not shown) of the development drive input gear 132 are fitted. By this, the development drive input gear 132 is rotatably supported around the rotation axis K. The developing roller gear 131 is fixed to the drive-side end of the developing roller 106, and a toner feeding roller gear 133 is fixed to the drive-side end of the toner feeding roller (developer supply member) 107. The development drive input gear (development coupling member) 132 is provided with a gear portion on an outer peripheral surface of the cylinder, and this gear portion meshes with the developing roller gear 131, the toner feeding roller gear 133, and other gears to transmit the received rotational driving force to these gears.

In this embodiment, the arrangement of the spacer 151R and the movable member 152R in the direction of the swing axis K will be described. As shown in FIG. 15, in the direction of the swing axis K, the spacer 151R is provided on the side where the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 is disposed (outside in the longitudinal direction) with respect to with the development cover member 128, and the movable member 152R is provided on the side (inside in the longitudinal direction) where the development drive input gear 132 is disposed. However, the positional arrangement is not limited to this example, and the positions of the spacer 151R and the movable member 152R may be interchanged, or the spacer 151R and the movable member 152R may be arranged on one side with respect to the development cover member 128 in the swing axis K direction. Further, the arrangement order of the spacer 151R and the movable member 152R may be exchanged.

The development cover member 128 is fixed to the developing container 125 by way of the drive-side bearing 126 to form the developing unit 109. As shown in FIG. 15, the fixing method in this embodiment uses a fixing screw 145 and an adhesive (not shown), but the fixing method is not limited to this example, and welding such as welding by heating or pouring and hardening of resin may be used.

Here, FIG. 20 is a sectional view in which a periphery of the separation holding portion 151R in FIG. 10 is enlarged, and a part of the tension spring 153 and the spacer 151R is partially omitted on the partial sectional line CS4 for the sake of better illustration. In the movable member 152R, the first restricted surface 152Rv of the movable member 152R comes into contact with a first restricted surface 128h of the development cover member 128 by the urging force of the tension spring 153 in the F1 direction in the drawing. Further, the second restricted surface 152Rw of the movable member 152R comes into contact with a second restricted surface 128q of the development cover member 128 and is positioned. This position is referred to as a accommodated position for the movable member 152R and the projecting portion 152Rh. The accommodated position can also be referred to as a reference position or a stand-by position. Further, the spacer 151R is rotated in the B1 direction about the swing axis H by the urging force of the tension spring 153 in the F2 direction, and the restricted surface 151Rd of the spacer 151R is brought into contact with the spacer pressing surface 152Rr of the movable member 152R to stop the rotation. This position is referred to as a separation holding position (restriction position, first position) of the spacer 151R.

Further, FIG. 21 is an illustration in which the periphery of the separation holding portion 151R in FIG. 10 is enlarged, and the tension spring 153 is omitted for better illustration. Here, the case will be considered in which the process cartridge 100 including the separation/contact mechanism 150R of this embodiment is dropped in the JA direction in FIG. 21 when the process cartridge 100 is transported. At this time, the spacer 151R receives a force tending to rotate in the direction of arrow B2 due to its weight around the swing shaft H. When the spacer 151R starts to rotate in the B2 direction for this reason, the rotation prevention surface 151Rn of the spacer 151R comes into contact with the locking surface 152Ru of the movable member 152R, and the spacer 151R receives a force in the F3 direction in the drawing so as to suppress the rotation in the B2 direction. By this, it is possible to prevent the spacer 151R from rotating in the B2 direction during transportation, and it is possible to prevent the separation state between the photosensitive drum 104 and the developing unit 109 from being broken.

In this embodiment, the tension spring 153 is used as the urging means for urging the spacer 151R to the separation holding position and the movable member 152R to the accommodated position, but the urging means is not limited to this example. For example, a torsion coil spring, a leaf spring, or the like may be used as an urging means to urge the movable member 152R to the accommodated position and the spacer 151R to the separation holding position. Further, the material of the urging means may be metal, a mold, or the like, if it has elasticity and can urge the spacer 151R and the movable member 152R.

As described above, the developing unit 109 provided with the separation/contact mechanism 150R is integrally coupled with the drum unit 108 by the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 as described above (state in FIG. 19).

FIG. 22 is a view as seen in the direction of arrow J in FIG. 19. As shown in FIG. 15, the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 of this embodiment has a contacted surface (contact portion) 116c. As shown in FIG. 22, the contacted surface 116c is formed with an inclination of an angle θ3 with respect to the swing axis K. The angle θ3 is preferably the same as the angle θ1 forming the contact surface 151Rc of the spacer 151R, but is not limited to such. Further, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 19, the contacted surface 116c is opposed to the contact surface 151Rc of the spacer 151R placed at the separation holding position when the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 is assembled to the developing unit 109 and the drum unit 108. Further, the contacted surface 116c contacts the contact surface 151Rc by the urging force of the development pressure spring 134 which will be described hereinafter. When the contacted surface 116Rc and the contact surface 151Rc are brought into contact with each other, the attitude of the developing unit 109 is determined so that the developing roller 106 of the developing unit 109 and the photosensitive drum 104 are separated by a gap P1. The state in which the developing roller 106 (developing member) is spaced from the photosensitive drum 104 by the gap P1 by the spacer 151R is referred to as a spaced position (retracted position) of the developing unit 109 (see part (a) of FIG. 1).

[Separation State and Contact State of Process Cartridge 100 (Drive-Side)]

Referring to FIG. 1, the spaced state and the contact state of the process cartridge 100 will be described in detail. FIG. 1 is a side view of the process cartridge 100 as viewed from the drive-side with the process cartridge 100 mounted inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. Part (a) of FIG. 1 shows a state in which the developing unit 109 is separated from the photosensitive drum 104. Part (b) of FIG. 1 shows a state in which the developing unit 109 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 104.

First, a state in which the spacer 151R is in the separation holding position (first position) and the developing unit 109 is in the separation position (retracted position) will be described. In this state, the supported portion 151Ra which is one end of the separation holding portion 151Rb contacts the first supporting portion 128c of the development cover member 128, and the contact portion 151Rc which is the other end contacts the contacted surface 116c of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116. Further, the first supporting portion 128c is pressed toward the supported portion 151Ra by the action of the development pressure spring 134, and the contact portion 151Rc is pressed toward the contacted surface 116c. Therefore, it can be said that this state is a state in which the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 positions the development cover member 128 by way of (sandwiching) the separation holding portion 151Rb of the spacer 151R and stably holds the development cover member 128. That is, it can be said that the drum unit 108 is positioned and stably hold it by the developing unit 109 by way of the spacer 151R.

From this state, the pressed portion 152Re of the movable member 152R is pushed in the ZA direction. By this, the movable member 152R and the projecting portion 152Rh move linearly from the stand-by position in the ZA direction (operating direction, predetermined direction) to reach the projecting position. The ZA direction is parallel to the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller 106 or the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 104. Therefore, the projecting portion 152Rh when in the projecting position is arranged downstream in the ZA direction from the projecting portion 152Rh when in the stand-by position. Therefore, the projecting portion 152Rh placed in the projecting position is located more remote from the swing axis K than the projecting portion 152Rh placed in the stand-by position. Further, the projecting portion 152Rh placed at the projecting position projects in the ZA direction from the drum frame and the developing frame (arranged downstream in the ZA direction). In this embodiment, as described above, the drum frame includes the first drum frame portion 115, the drive-side cartridge cover member 116, and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117, and the developing frame includes the developing container 125 and the drive-side bearing 126 and the non-drive-side bearing 127. The ZA direction is the direction crossing with the direction in which the four process cartridges 100 are arranged, the W41 direction, and the W42 direction.

It can be said that the attitude shown in FIG. 1 is also the attitude in which the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 104 is horizontal and the photosensitive drum 104 is arranged at the lower portion in the process cartridge 100 when the vertical direction in the Figure is the vertical direction. In this attitude, it can be said that the projecting portion 152Rh projects downward by projecting in the ZA direction.

Further, FIGS. 26 and 38 show the attitude of the process cartridge 100 in a state of being mounted in the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, and the vertical direction in the drawing is the vertical direction (Z1 direction, Z2 direction) when the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 is installed on a horizontal surface. The ZA direction vector in this attitude is a vector including at least a vertical component. Therefore, even in this attitude, it can be said that the projecting portion 152Rh projects downward by projecting in the ZA direction.

The movable member 152R can move in the ZA direction and the direction opposite thereto while maintaining the state that the spacer 151R is in the separation holding position (first position). Therefore, even when the movable member 152R and the projecting portion 152Rh are in the operating position, the spacer 151R is located in the separation holding position (first position). At this time, the pressed surface 151Re of the spacer 151R is in contact with the spacer pressing surface 152Rr of the movable member 152R by the tension spring 153 as described above. Therefore, when the second force receiving portion 152Rn is pressed in the W42 direction, the movable member 152R rotates in the direction of the arrow BB about the wing axis HC, and the spacer pressing surface 152Rr presses the restricted portion 151Rd, by which the spacer 151R is rotated in the direction of arrow B2. When the spacer 151R rotates in the direction of arrow B2, the contact surface 151Rc separates from the contacted surface 116c, and the developing unit 109 can rotate in the direction of arrow V2 about the swing axis K from the separated position. That is, the developing unit 109 rotates in the V2 direction from the separated position, and the developing roller 106 of the developing unit 109 is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 104. More specifically, the developing roller 106 includes a metal shaft (core metal), a rubber layer covering the metal shaft (core metal), and a roller mounted to the metal shaft at an axial end more than the rubber layer, and the surface of the rubber layer and the roller is contacted with the photosensitive drum 104. Since the rubber layer is deformed, the distance between the rotating axis M2 of the developing roller 106 and the rotating axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 104 can be accurately maintained by determining the distance between the rotating axis M2 of the developing roller 109 and the rotating axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 104.

Here, the position of the developing unit 109 in which the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 are in contact with each other is referred to as a contact position (development position) (state of part (b) of FIG. 1. The contact position (development position) in which the developing roller 106 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 104 is not only the position where the surface of the developing roller 106 is in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 104, but the position where the toner carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 can contact the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 when the developing roller 106 rotates is also included. That is, it can be said that the contact position is a developing position where the toner carried on the surface of the developing roller 106 can be transferred (deposited) to the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 when the developing roller 106 rotates. The position where the contact surface 151Rc of the spacer 151R is spaced from the contacted surface 116c is referred to as a separation release position (permitted position, second position). When the developing unit 109 is in contact position, the restriction surface 151Rk of the spacer 151R is in contact with the spacer restriction surface (spacer portion restriction portion) 116d of the drive-side cartridge cover 116. By this, the spacer 151R is constrained from moving to the separation holding position and is maintained at the separation release position.

Further, the drive-side bearing 126 has a first pressed surface (at-separation pressed portion) 126c which is a surface perpendicular to the swing axis K. The drive-side bearing is fixed to the developing unit 109. Therefore, when the developing unit 109 presses the first force receiving portion 152Rk of the movable member 152R in the direction of an arrow 41 when the developing unit 109 is in the contact position, the developing frame pressing surface 152Rq comes into contact with the first pressed surface 126c. By this, the developing unit 109 rotates about the swing axis K in the direction of the arrow V1 to move to the separated position (retracted position) (state of part (a) of FIG. 1. Here, when the developing unit 109 moves from the contact position to the separated position, the direction in which the first force receiving surface 126c moves is shown by W41 direction in part (a) of FIG. 1 and part (b) of FIG. 1. Further, the direction opposite to the W41 direction is the W42 direction, and the direction W41 and the direction W42 are substantially horizontal directions (X1, X2 directions). The second force receiving surface 152Rp of the movable member 152R assembled to the developing unit 109 as described above is placed on the upstream side of the first force receiving surface 126c of the drive-side bearing 126 in the direction of the W41. Further, the first force receiving surface 126c and the pressed surface 151Re of the spacer 151R are arranged at positions where at least a portion of them overlap in the W1 and W2 directions. The detailed operation of the separation/contact mechanism 150R in the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 will be described below.

[Mounting of Process Cartridge 100 to Image Forming Apparatus Main Assembly 170 (Drive-Side)]

Next, referring to FIGS. 12, 23, and 24, engaging operation of 195 will be described between the separation/contact mechanism 150R of the process cartridge 100 and the development separation control unit 195 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 at the time when the process cartridge 100 is mounted on the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. For better illustration, these Figures are cross-sectional views in which a portion of the development cover member 128 and a portion of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 are partially omitted along the partial cross-sectional lines CS1 and CS2, respectively.

FIG. 23 is a view as seen from the drive-side of the process cartridge 100 when the process cartridge 100 is mounted on the cartridge tray 171 (not shown) of the image forming apparatus M, and the cartridge tray 171 is inserted into the first mounting position. In this Figure, portions other than the process cartridge 100, the cartridge pressing unit 191 and the separation control member 196R are omitted.

As described above, the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 of this embodiment has separation control members 196R corresponding to respective process cartridge 100 as described above. The separation control member 196R is disposed on the lower surface side of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 with respect to the spacer 151R when the process cartridge 100 is placed at a first inner position and a second inner position. The separation control member 196R includes a first force application surface (force applying portion, contact force applying portion) 196Ra and a second force application surface (retracting force applying portion, separating force applying portion) 196Rb which project toward the process cartridge 100 and face each other through the space 196Rd. The first force application surface 196Ra and the second force application surface 196Rb are connected with each other by a connecting portion 196Rc on the lower surface side of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. Further, the separation control member 196R is rotatably supported by the control sheet metal 197 with the rotation center 196Re as the center of rotation. The separating member 196R is normally urged in the E1 direction by an urging member 196R. Further, by the control sheet metal 197 being structured to be movable in the W41 and W42 directions by a control mechanism (not shown), the separation control member 196R is structured to be movable in the W41 and W42 directions.

As described above, the cartridge pressing unit 191 lowers in the direction of arrow ZA in interrelation with the transition of the front door 11 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 from the open state to the closed state, and a first force applying portion 191a comes into contact with the pressed surface 152Rf of the movable member 152R. Thereafter, when the cartridge pressing unit 191 is lowered to a predetermined position which is the second mounting position, the projecting portion 152Rh of the movable member 152R moves in the ZA direction (operating direction, predetermined direction) and projects downward in the Z2 direction of the process cartridge 100 (state of FIG. 24). The ZA direction is a direction intersecting (orthogonally in this embodiment) the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller 106, the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 104 and the swing axis HC. This position is referred to as projecting positions of the movable member 152R and the projecting portion 152Rh. The projecting position can also be referred to as a force receiving position or an operating position. The projecting portion 152Rh projects more from the developing frame when it is in the projecting position than when it is in the stand-by position. When this operation is completed, as shown in FIG. 24, a gap T4 is formed between the first force application surface 196Ra of the separation control member 196R and the second force receiving surface 152Rp of the movable member 152R, and a gap T3 is formed between the second force application surface 196Rb and the first force receiving surface 152Rm. Then, it is located at the second mounting position where the separation control member 196R does not act on the movable member 152R. It can be said that this position of the separation control member 196R is a home position. At this time, the second force receiving surface 152Rp of the movable member 152R and the first force application surface 196Ra of the separation control member 196R are arranged so as to partially overlap with each other in the W41 and W42 directions. Similarly, the first force receiving surface 152Rm of the movable member 152R and the second force application surface 196Rb of the separation control member 196R are arranged so as to partially overlap in the W41 and W42 directions.

[Contact Operation of Developing Unit (Drive-Side)]

Next, the contacting operation between the photosensitive drum 104 and the developing roller 106 by the separation/contact mechanism 150R will be described in detail referring to FIGS. 24 to 26. For better illustration, in these Figures, a portion of the development cover member 128, a portion of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116, and a portion of the drive-side bearing 126 are partly omitted along partial cross-sectional lines CS1, CS2, and CS3, respectively.

In the structure of this embodiment, the development coupling 32 receives a driving force from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 in the direction of arrow V2 in FIG. 24, so that the developing roller 106 rotates. That is, the developing unit 109 including the development coupling 32 receives torque (driving torque) in the arrow V2 direction about the swing axis K from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. The case where the developing unit 109 shown in FIG. 24 is in the separated position and the spacer 151R is in the separation holding position will be described. In such a case, even if the developing unit receives this driving torque and the urging force of the development pressure spring which will be described hereinafter, the attitude of the developing unit 109 is maintained at the separated position because the contact surface 151Rc of the spacer 151R contacts the contacted surface 116c of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116.

The separation control member 196R of this embodiment is structured to be movable in the W42 direction of in FIG. 24 from the home position. When the separation control member 196R moves in the W42 direction, the second force application surface 196Ra of the separation control member 196R and the second force receiving surface 152Rp of the second force receiving portion 152Rn of the movable member 152R come into contact with each other, so that the movable member 152R rotates in the BB direction with the swing axis HC as the center of rotation. The contact between the first force application surface 196Ra and the second force receiving surface 152Rp is not necessarily surface contact, and may be line contact or point contact. In this manner, the first force application surface 196Ra applies a contact force to the second force receiving surface 152Rp. The moving direction of the projecting portion 152Rh when the movable member 152R is rotated in the BB direction is referred to as a first direction. Further, as the movable member 152R rotates in the BB direction, the spacer 151R is rotated in the B2 direction while the spacer pressing surface 152Rr of the movable member 152R is in contact with the pressed surface 151Re of the spacer 151R. The spacer 151R is rotated by the movable member 152R to the separation release position (second position) where the contact surface 151Rc and the contacted surface 116c are separated from each other. Here, the position of the separation control member 196R for moving the spacer 151R to the separation release position (second position) shown in FIG. 25 is referred to as a first position.

When the spacer 151R is moved to the separation release position (second position) by the separation control member 196R in this manner, the developing unit 109 rotates in the V2 direction by the drive torque received from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 and the development pressure spring (biased portion) 134 which will be described hereinafter. Then, the developing unit 109 moves to the contact position where the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 contact each other (state in FIG. 25). At this time, the spacer 151R urged in the direction of arrow B1 by the tension spring 153 is maintained at the separation release position (second position) by the restricted surface 151Rk contacting to the spacer restriction surface 116d of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116. After that, the separation control member 196R moves in the direction of W41 and returns to the home position. At this time, the movable member 152R is rotated in the BA direction by the tension spring 153, and the state is shifted such that the developing frame pressing surface 152Rq of the movable member 152R and the first pressing surface 126c of the drive-side bearing 126 are in contact with each other is reached (state shown in FIG. 26). At this time, it can be said that the movable member 152R and the projecting portion 152Rh are in the operating position.

By this, the above-mentioned gaps T3 and T4 are formed again, and are located at positions where the separation control member 196R does not act on the movable member 152R. The change from the state of FIG. 25 to the state of FIG. 26 is performed without delay.

As described above, in the structure of this embodiment, by the movement of the separation control member 196R from the home position to the first position, the force is applied to the movable member 152R, so as to rotate the movable member 152R and move the spacer 151R to the separation release position (second position) from the separation holding position (first position). This makes it possible for the developing unit to move from the separated position to the contacting position where the developing roller 9 and the photosensitive drum 104 are in contact with each other. That is, the contact force applied from the separation control member 196R is transmitted to the spacer 151R by way of the movable member 152R to move the spacer 151R from the separation holding position (first position) to the separation release position (second position), by which the developing unit 109 is moved from the spaced position (retracted position) to the contact position (developed position).

When the developing unit 109 is in the contact position (development position), it is urged in the V2 direction by the driving torque received from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 and the development pressure spring 134, and the position of the developing unit relative to the drum unit 108 is determined by the roller 106 contacting to the photosensitive drum 104. Therefore, the photosensitive drum can be said to be a positioning portion (second positioning portion) which determines the position of the developing unit 109 at the developing position relative to the drum unit 108. Further, at this time, it can be said that the developing unit 109 is stably held by the drum unit 108. At this time, the spacer 151R in the separation release position is not directly contributable to the positioning of the developing unit 109. However, the spacer 151R does not prevent (permits) the developing roller 106 from contacting the photosensitive drum 104 and determining the position of the developing unit 109 relative to the drum unit 108 by moving from the separation holding position to the separation release position. That is, it can be said that the spacer 151R at the separation release position (second position) creates a situation in which the drum unit 108 can stably hold the developing unit 109 at the contact position (development position).

When the spacer 151R is in the separation release position (second position), the position of the developing unit 109 with respect to the drum unit 108 may be determined by way of the spacer 151R as long as the developing roller 106 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 104. In such a case, a surface different from the contact portion 151Rc of the spacer 151R may be brought into contact with the drive-side cartridge cover member 116, and the development cover member 128 may be positioned by the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 by way of the spacer 151R (sandwiched), for example.

The position of the separation control member 196R in FIG. 26 is the same as that in FIG. 24.

Further, when the front door 11 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 shifts from the closed state to the open state in this state, the first force applying portion 191a rises in the direction opposite to the arrow ZA direction. Along with this operation, the movable member 152R moves in the direction opposite to the arrow ZA direction by the action of the urging member 153. However, the spacer 151R still maintains the separation release position, and the developing unit 109 also maintains the developing position.

[Separation Operation of Developing Unit (Drive-Side)]

Next, referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, the description will be made as to the operation of moving the developing unit 109 from the contact position to the spaced position by the separation/contact mechanism 150R. For better illustration, these Figures are cross-sectional views in which a portion of the development cover member 128, a portion of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116, and a portion of the drive-side bearing 126 are partially omitted in the partial cross-sectional line CS, respectively.

As described above, in the state shown in FIG. 26, it can be said that the movable member 152R and the projecting portion 152Rh are in the operating position. The separation control member 196R in this embodiment is structured to be movable from the home position in the W41 direction in FIG. 26. When the separation control member 196R moves in the W41 direction, the second force application surface 196Rb and the first force receiving surface 152Rm of the first force receiving portion 152Rk of the movable member 152R come into contact with each other, and the movable member 152R rotates in the direction of arrow BA about the swing axis HC for the movable member. The contact between the second force application surface 196Rb and the first force receiving surface 152Rm is not necessarily surface contact, but may be line contact or point contact. In this manner, the second force application surface 196Rb applies a separating force (retracting force) to the first force receiving surface 152Rm. The moving direction of the projecting portion 152Rh at the time when the movable member 152R is rotated in the BA direction is referred to as a second direction. Then, by the developing frame pressing surface 152Rq of the movable member 152R being brought into contact with the first pressed surface 126c of the drive-side bearing 126, the developing unit 109 rotates from the contact position in the direction of the arrow V1 about the swing axis K (State of FIG. 27). Here, the pressed surface 152Rf of the movable member 152R forms an arc shape, and the center of the arc is disposed so as to be aligned with the swing axis K. By doing so, when the developing unit 109 moves from the contact position to the spaced position, the force received by the pressed surface 152Rf of the movable member 152R from the pressing unit 191 is directed in the direction of the swing axis K. Therefore, the rotation of the developing unit 109 in the arrow V1 direction is not hindered. In the spacer 151R, the restricted surface 151Rk of the spacer 151R and the spacer restriction surface 116d of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 are separated, and the spacer 151R rotates in the direction of arrow B1 (direction from the separation release position to the separation holding position) by the urging force of the tension spring 153. By this, the spacer 151R rotates until the pressed surface 151Re contacts spacer pressing surface 152Rr of the movable member 152R, and by this contacting, it shifts to the separation holding position (first position). When the developing unit 109 is moved from the contact position to the separation position by the separation control member 196R and the spacer 151R is at the separation holding position (first position), A gap T5 is formed between the contact surface 151Rc and the contacted surface 116Rc as shown in FIG. 27. Here, the position shown in FIG. 27 in which the developing unit 109 is rotated from the contact position toward the separation position, and the spacer 151R can move to the separation holding position is referred to as a second position of the separation control member 196R.

Thereafter, the separation control member 196R moves in the W42 direction and returns from the second position to the home position. Then, while the spacer 151R is maintained in the separation holding position, the developing unit 109 is rotated in the arrow V2 direction by the driving torque received from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 and the development pressure spring 134 described hereinafter, and the contact surface 151Rc contacts the contacted surface 116c. That is, the developing unit 109 is in a state where the separated position is maintained by the spacer 151R, and the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 are spaced by the gap P1 (states in FIG. 24 and part (a) of FIG. 1. That is, the developing unit 109 is constrained by the spacer 151R from moving to the contact position against the driving torque received from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 and the urging force in the arrow V2 direction due to the urging of the development pressure spring 134, and the developing unit 109 is maintained in a separated position. At this time, it can be said that the developing unit 109 is stably held in a separated position (retracted position) by the drum unit 108. By this, the above-mentioned gaps T3 and T4 are formed again, and are located at positions where the separation control member 196R does not act on the movable member 152R (state shown in FIG. 24). The transition from the state of FIG. 27 to the state of FIG. 24 is executed without a delay.

As described above, in this embodiment, the spacer 151R moves from the separation release position to the separation holding position by moving the separation control member 196R from the home position to the second position. Then, by the separation control member 196R returning from the second position to the home position, the developing unit 109 becomes in a state of maintaining the separation position by the spacer 151R. In this manner, the separation force applied from the separation control member 196R is transmitted to the first pressed surface 126c of the drive-side bearing (portion of the development frame) 126 by way of the movable member 152R, so that the developing unit is moved from the contact position to the separation position (retracted position), and the spacer 151R is moved from the separation release position to the separation holding position.

In the state that the developing unit 109 is in the separated position (retracted position), the position of the developing unit 109 with respect to the drum unit 108 is determined by being urged in the V2 direction by the driving torque received from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 and the development pressure spring 134 in the state that the supported portion 151Ra is in contact with the first supported portion 128c, and the contact portion 151Rc is in contact with the contacted surface 116c, as described above. Therefore, the contacted surface 116c can be said to be a positioning portion (first positioning portion) for positioning the developing unit 109 at the separated position (retracted position). At this time, it can be said that the developing unit 109 is stably held by the drum unit 108. Further, it can be said that the spacer 151R at the separation holding position (first position) establishes a situation in which the drum unit 108 can stably hold the developing unit at the separation position (retracted position).

Further, when the front door 11 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 shifts from the closed state to the open state in this state, the first force applying portion 191a rises in the direction opposite to the arrow ZA direction. Along with this, the movable member 152R moves in the direction opposite to the arrow ZA direction by the action of the urging member 153. However, the spacer 151R still maintains the separation holding position, and the developing unit 109 also maintains the separation position.

[Detailed Description of Spacer L]

Here, the spacer 151L will be described in detail referring to FIG. 28. Part (a) of FIG. 28 is a front view of the spacer 151L of as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the drive-side of the process cartridge 100, and part (b) of FIG. 28 and part (c) of FIG. 28 are perspective views of the spacer 151L per se. The spacer 151L is provided with the annular supported portion 151La, and is provided with a separation holding portion (holding portion) 151Lb projecting from the supported portion 151La in the radial direction of the supported portion 151La. The free end of the separation holding portion 151Lb has an arc-shaped contact surface (contact portion) 151Lc centered on the swing shaft H of the spacer 151L. The swing shaft H of the spacer 151L is the same as the swing shaft H of the spacer 151R.

The separation holding portion (holding portion) 151Lb is a portion which connects the supported portion 151La and the contact surface 151Lc with each other, and is sandwiched between the drum unit 108 and the developing unit 109 and has sufficient rigidity to maintain the separating position.

Further, the spacer 151L has a restricted surface (restricted portion) 151Lk adjacent to the contact surface 151Lc. Further, the spacer 151L has a restricted portion 151Ld projecting in the Z2 direction from the supported portion 151La, and has an arc-shaped pressed portion 151Le (at-contact pressed portion) projecting from the restricted portion 151Ld in the direction of the swing axis H of the supported portion 151La.

Further, the spacer 151L has a main body portion 151Lf connected to the supported portion 151La, and the main body portion 151Lf is provided with a spring-hooked portion 151Lg projecting in the swing axis H direction of the supported portion 151La. Further, the main body portion 151Lf has a rotation prevention portion 151m projecting in the Z2 direction, and a rotation prevention surface 151Ln is provided in a direction opposing the pressed portion 151Le.

[Detailed Description of Movable Member L]

Here, referring to FIG. 29, the movable member 152L will be described in detail. Part (a) of FIG. 29 is a front view of the movable member 152L per se as viewed from the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100, and part (b) of FIG. 29 and part (c) of FIG. 29 are perspective views of the movable member 152L.

The movable member 152L is provided with the oblong supported portion 152La. Here, the longitudinal direction of the oblong shape of the oblong supported portion 152La is referred to as an arrow LH, the upward direction is referred to as an arrow LH1, and the downward direction is referred to as an arrow LH2. Further, the direction in which the oblong supported portion 152La is formed is defined as HD. The movable member 152L is provided with the projecting portion (force receiving portion) 152Lh formed on the downstream side, in the arrow LH2 direction, of the oblong supported portion 152La. The oblong supported portion 152La and the projecting portion 152Lh are connected with each other by the main body portion 152Lb. On the other hand, the movable member 152L is provided with a pressed portion 152Le projecting in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of arrow LH1, and an arc-shaped pressed surface (moving force receiving portion, operating force receiving portion) 152Lf at a position downstream in the arrow LH1 direction, a push-restricting surface 152Lg on the upstream side. Further, the movable member 152L has a first restricted surface (first restricted portion) 152Lv which is a portion of the oblong supported portion 152La and which is located on the downstream side in the arrow LH2 direction.

The projecting portion 152Lh is a first force receiving portion (retracting force receiving portion, separating force receiving portion) 152Lk and a second force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 152Ln which are provided opposed to each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to the arrow LH2 direction, at the end in the arrow LH2 direction. The first force receiving portion 152Lk and the second force receiving portion 152Ln are provided with a first force receiving surface (retracting force receiving surface, a separating force receiving surface) 152Lm and a second force receiving surface (contact force receiving surface) 152L Page which extend in the HD direction and which have arc shapes, respectively. Further, the projecting portion 152Lh is provided with a spring-hooked portion 152Ls projecting in the HB direction and a locking portion 152Lt, and the locking portion 152Lt is provided with a locking surface 152Lu facing in the same direction as the second force receiving surface 152Lp.

Further, the movable member 152L is a part of the main body portion 152Lb, is disposed on the upstream side in the arrow LH2 direction from the second force receiving portion 152Ln, and has a developing frame pressing surface (developing frame pressing portion, at-separation pressing portion) 152Lq facing in the same direction as the second force receiving surface 152Lp. Further, the movable member 152L is a part of the main body portion 152Lb and is disposed on the upstream side in the arrow LH2 direction from the first force receiving portion 152Lk, and has a spacer pressing surface (spacer portion pressing portion, at-contact pressing portion) 152Lr facing in the same direction as the first force receiving surface 152Lm.

When the process cartridge 100 is mounted on the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, the LH1 direction is substantially the same as the Z1 direction, and the LH2 direction is substantially the same as the Z2 direction. Further, the HB direction is substantially the same as the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100.

[Assembly of Separation/Contact Mechanism 150L]

Next, referring to FIGS. 16 and 29 to 35 the assembling of the separation mechanism will be described. FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the process cartridge 100 after the spacer 151L is assembled thereto as viewed from the drive-side. As described above, as shown in FIG. 16, the developing unit 109 is supported so as to rotatable relative to the photosensitive drum 104 about the swing axis K by fitting the outer diameter portion of the cylindrical portion 127a into the developing unit supporting hole 117a. Further, the non-drive-side bearing 127 is provided with a first cylindrical support portion 127b and a second cylindrical support portion 127e projecting in the direction of the swing axis K.

The outer diameter of the first supporting portion 127b fits with the inner diameter of the supported portion 151La of the spacer 151L, and the spacer 151L is rotatably supported. Here, the swing axis of the spacer 151L assembled to the non-drive-side bearing 127 is the swing axis H. The non-drive-side bearing 127 is provided with a first retaining portion 127c projecting in the direction of the swing axis H. As shown in FIG. 16, the movement of the spacer 151L assembled to the non-drive-side bearing 127 in the swing axis H direction is restricted by the contact of the first retaining portion 127c with the spacer 151L.

Further, the outer diameter of the second supporting portion 127e fits with the inner wall of the oblong supported portion 152La of the movable member 152L, and supports the movable member 152L so as to be rotatable and movable in the oblong direction. Here, the swing axis of the movable member 152L assembled to the non-drive-side bearing 127 is referred to as the swing axis HC. As shown in FIG. 16, the movement of the movable member 152L assembled to the non-drive-side bearing 127 in the movable member swing axis HE direction is restricted by the contact of the second retaining portion 127f with the spacer 151L.

FIG. 31 is a view of the process cartridge 100 after assembling the spacer 151L as viewed in the swing axis H direction. It is a cross-sectional view in which a portion of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117 is partially omitted by the partial cross-sectional line CS so that the fitting portion between the oblong supported portion 151La of the movable member 152L and the cylindrical portion 127e of the non-drive-side bearing 127 can be seen. Here, the separation/contact mechanism 150L is provided with a tension spring 153 as an urging member (holding portion urging member) a spacer portion urging portion (holding portion urging portion) which urges the spacer 151L to rotate in the direction of the arrow B1 about the swing axis H, and provided with a force receiving portion urging portion (projecting portion urging portion) urging the movable member 152L in the B3 direction indicated by the arrow. The tension spring 153 is a coil spring and an elastic member. The arrow B3 direction is a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction LH2 (FIG. 29) of the oblong supported portion 152La of the movable member 152L. The tension spring 153 is engaged and connected to the spring-hooked portion 151Lg provided on the spacer 151L and the spring-hooked portion 152Ls provided on the movable member 152L, and is assembled between them. The tension spring 153 applies a force to the spring-hooked portion 151Lg of the spacer 151L in the direction of arrow F2 in FIG. 31 to impart an urging force to rotate the spacer 151L in the direction of arrow B1. Further, the tension spring applies a force to the spring-hooked portion 152Ls of the movable member 152L in the direction of the arrow F1 to move the movable member 152L in the direction of the arrow B3 (direction toward the accommodating position (reference position, stand-by position).

A line GS connects the spring-hooked portion 151Lg of the spacer 151L and the spring-hooked portion 152Ls of the force holding member 152L, and a line HS connects the spring-hooked portion 152Ls of the movable member 152L and the movable member swinging axis HE. Then, an angle θ3 formed by the line GS and the line HS is set so as to satisfy the following equation (3) with the counterclockwise direction being positive about the spring-hooked portion 152Ls of the movable member 152L. By this, the movable member 152L is urged to rotate in the BA direction in the drawing with the movable member swinging axis HE as the center of rotation.

$\begin{array}{cc}0°\leqq \theta 3\leqq 90°& \left(3\right)\end{array}$

As shown in FIG. 29, the spacer 151L and the movable member 152L are mounted to the spacer on the side (longitudinal outside) of the non-drive side bearing 127 on which the non-driving cartridge cover member 117 is arranged in the direction of the swing axis K. However, the positions to be arranged are not limited to this example, and they may be arranged on the developing container 125 side (inside in the longitudinal direction) of the non-drive-side bearing 127, respectively, and the spacer 151L and the movable member 152L may be arranged with the non-drive-side bearing interposed therebetween. Further, the order of the arrangement of the spacer 151L and the movable member 152L may be exchanged.

The non-drive-side bearing 127 is fixed to the developing container 125 to form the developing unit 109. As shown in FIG. 16, the fixing method in this embodiment is fixed by a fixing screw 145 and an adhesive (not shown), but the fixing method is not limited to this, and welding such as welding by heating or pouring and hardening of resin may be used.

Here, part (a) of FIG. 32 and part (b) of FIG. 32 are enlarged cross-sectional views of the movable member rocking axis HE and the distance holding portion 151L of the movable member 152L in FIG. 31 for better illustration. Further, part (a) of FIG. 32 and part (b) of FIG. 32 are cross-sectional views in which the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117, the tension spring 153, and the spacer 151L are partially omitted by the partial cross-sectional line CS. In the movable member 152L, the first restricted surface 152Lv of the movable member 152L is brought into contact with the second supporting portion 127e of the non-drive-side bearing 127 by the urging force of the tension spring 153 in the arrow F1 direction. Further, as shown in part (b) of FIG. 32, the developing frame pressing surface 152Lq of the movable member 152L is brought into contact with the pressed surface 127h of the non-drive-side bearing 127 and is thereby positioned. This position is referred to as a accommodated position of the movable member 152L. The accommodated position can also be referred to as a reference position or a stand-by position. Further, the spacer 151L is rotated in the direction of the arrow B4 about the swing axis H by the urging force of the tension spring 153 in the arrow F2 direction, and the contact surface 151Lp of the spacer 151L is positioned by contacting to the spacer pressing surface 152Lr of the movable member 152L. This position is referred to as a separation holding position (restriction position) of the spacer 151L. When the movable member 152L moves to the projecting position which will be described hereinafter, the pressed portion 151Le of the spacer 151L contacts the spacer pressing surface 152Lr of the movable member 152L, so that the movable member 152L can be positioned at the separation holding position.

Further, FIG. 33 is an illustration in which the periphery of the separation holding portion 151L in FIG. 31 is enlarged, and the tension spring 153 is omitted, for better illustration. Here, a case is considered in which the process cartridge 100 including the separation/contact mechanism 150L drops in the direction of an arrow JA in FIG. 33 when the process cartridge 100 is transported. At this time, the spacer 151L receives a force of rotating in the direction of arrow B2 due to its own weight about the swing axis H. When the spacer 151L starts to rotate in the arrow B2 direction for this reason, the rotation prevention surface 151Ln of the spacer 151L comes into contact with the locking surface 152Lu of the movable member 152L, and the spacer 151L receives a force in the arrow F4 direction so as to suppress the rotation in the arrow B2 direction. By this, it is possible to constrain the spacer 151L from rotating in the arrow B2 direction during transportation, and it is possible to prevent impairment of the spaced state between the photosensitive drum 104 and the developing unit 109.

In this embodiment, the tension spring 153 is mentioned as an urging means for urging the spacer 151L to the separation holding position and the movable member 152L to the accommodated position, but the urging means is not limited to this example. For example, a torsion coil spring, a leaf spring, or the like may be used as an urging means to urge the movable member 152L to the accommodated position and the spacer 151L to the separation holding position. Further, the material of the urging means may be metal, a mold, or the like, which has elasticity and can urge the spacer 151L and the movable member 152L.

As described above, the developing unit 109 provided with the separation/contact mechanism 150L is integrally coupled with the drum unit 108 by the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117 as described above (state of FIG. 30). As shown in FIG. 16, the non-drive-side cartridge cover 117 of this embodiment has the contact surface (contact portion) 117c. The contacted surface 117c is substantially parallel to the swing axis K. Further, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 30, the contacted surface 117c opposes the surface 151Lc of the spacer 151L located at the separation holding position when the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117 is assembled to the developing unit 109 and the drum unit 108. Here, the process cartridge 100 has a development pressure spring 134 as a developing unit urging member (a second unit urging member) for urging the developing unit 109 from the spaced position toward the contact position to bring the developing roller 106 into contact with the photosensitive drum 104. The development pressure spring 134 is a coil spring assembled between the spring-hooked portion 117e of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117 and the spring-hooked portion 127k of the non-drive-side bearing 127, and is an elastic member. The urging force of the development pressing spring 134 brings the contact surface 151Lc of the spacer 151L into contact with the contacted surface 117c of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117. Then, when the contacted surface 117cc and the contact surface 151Lc come into contact with each other, the attitude of the developing unit 109 is determined with a gap P1 between the developing roller 106 of the developing unit 109 and the photosensitive drum 104. The state in which the developing roller 106 is spaced from the photosensitive drum 104 by the gap P1 by the spacer 151L in this manner is referred to as a separating position (retracted position) of the developing unit 109 (part (a) of FIG. 35.

[Separation State and Contact State of Process Cartridge 100 (Non-Drive-Side)]

Here, referring to FIG. 34, the separated state and the contact state of the process cartridge 100 will be described in detail. FIG. 34 is a side view of the process cartridge 100 as viewed from the non-drive-side with the process cartridge 100 mounted inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. Part (a) of FIG. 34 shows a state in which the developing unit is separated from the photosensitive drum 104. Part (b) of FIG. 34 shows a state in which the developing unit 109 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 104.

First, the description will be made as to the state in which the spacer 151L is located at the separation holding position (first position) and the developing unit 109 is placed at the separation position (retracted position) will be described. In this state, the supported portion 151La, which is one end of the separation holding portion 151Lb, is in contact with the first supporting portion 127b of the non-drive-side bearing 127, and the contact portion 151Lc, which is the other end, is in contact with the contacted surface 117c of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117. Further, the first supporting portion 127b is pressed toward the supported portion 151La by the action of the development pressure spring 134, and the contact portion 151Lc is pressed toward the contacted surface 117c. Therefore, in this state, the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117 (which constitutes a portion of the drum unit 108) determines the position of the non-drive-side bearing 127 (which constitutes a portion of the developing unit 109) by way of the separation holding portion 151Lb of the spacer 151L.

From this state, the pressed portion 152Le of the movable member 152L is pushed in the direction of arrow ZA. By this, the movable member 152L and the projecting portion 152Lh move linearly from the stand-by position in the ZA direction (operating direction) to reach the projecting position. The ZA direction is a direction which intersects (orthogonally in this embodiment) the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller 106, the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 104, and the swing axis HE. Therefore, the projecting portion 152Lh at the time when it is in the projecting position is placed downstream in the ZA direction from the projecting portion 152Lh when it is in the stand-by position. Therefore, the projecting portion 152Lh when it is in the projecting position is placed more remote from the swing axis K than the projecting portion 152Lh when it is in the stand-by position. Further, the projecting portion 152Lh when it is at the projecting position projects in the ZA direction beyond the drum frame and the developing frame (placed downstream in the ZA direction). In this embodiment, the drum frame includes the first drum frame portion 115, the drive-side cartridge cover member 116, and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117, and the developing frame includes the developing container 125, the drive-side bearing 126, and the non-drive-side bearing 127. The projecting position can also be referred to as a force receiving position or an operating position.

The movable member 152L is movable in the ZA direction and the opposite direction while maintaining the state in which the spacer 151L is in the separation holding position (first position). Therefore, also when the movable member 152L and the projecting portion 152Lh are in the operating positions, the spacer 151L is in the separation holding position (first position). The pressed portion 151Le of the spacer 151L is in contact with the spacer pressing surface 152Lr of the movable member 152L by the tension spring 153 as described above. Therefore, when the second force receiving portion 152Ln (second force receiving surface 152Lp) is pressed in the W42 direction, the movable member 152L rotates in the direction of the arrow BD about the movable member swing axis HE, so that the spacer pressing surface 152Lr urges the pressed portion 151Le, the spacer 151L is rotated in the direction of arrow B5. When the spacer 151L rotates in the direction of arrow B5, the contact surface 151Lc separates from the contacted surface 117c, and the developing unit 109 becomes rotatable in the direction of arrow V2 about the swing axis K from the spaced position. That is, the developing unit 109 rotates in the V2 direction from the spaced position, and the developing roller 106 of the developing unit comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 104. Here, the position of the developing unit 109 in which the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 contact with each other is referred to as a contact position (development position) (state in part (b) of FIG. 34. The position where the contact surface 151Lc of the spacer 151L is separated from the contacted surface 117c is referred to as a separation release position (permission position, second position). When the developing unit 109 is placed at the contact position, the restriction surface 151Lk of the spacer 151L contacts the spacer restriction surface (spacer portion restriction portion) 117d of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116, so that the spacer 151L is maintained at the separation release position.

Further, the non-drive-side bearing 127 of this embodiment is provided with a pressed surface (pressed portion at the time of separation) 127h which is a surface perpendicular to the swing axis K. The non-drive-side bearing 127 is fixed to the developing unit 109. Therefore, when the first force receiving portion 152Lk (first force receiving surface 152Lm) of the movable member 152L is urged in the direction of the arrow 41 while the developing unit 109 is in the contact position, the developing frame pressing surface 152Lq comes into contact with the pressed surface 127h. By this, the developing unit 109 rotates about the swing axis K in the direction of the arrow V1 to move to the separated position (state of part (a) of FIG. 34. Here, when the developing unit 109 moves from the contact position to the separated position, the direction in which the pressed surface 127h moves is indicated by W41 in part (a) of FIG. 34 and part (b) of FIG. 34. Further, the direction opposite to the W41 direction is the W42 direction, and the W41 direction and the W42 direction are substantially horizontal directions (X1, X2 directions). The second force receiving surface 152Lp of the movable member 152L assembled to the developing unit 109 as described above is placed on the upstream side of the pressed surface 127h of the non-drive-side bearing 127 in the direction of the W41 direction. Further, the pressed surface 127h and the pressed portion 151Le of the spacer 151L are placed at positions where at least parts of them overlap in the W1 and W2 directions. The operation of the separation/contact mechanism 150L in the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 will be described hereinafter.

[Mounting of Process Cartridge 100 to Image Forming Apparatus Main Assembly 170 (Non-Drive-Side)]

Next, referring to FIGS. 35 and 36, the description will be made as to the engaging operation between the separation/contact mechanism 150L of the process cartridge 100 and the development separation control unit 196L of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 when the process cartridge 100 is mounted in the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. These Figures are cross-sectional views in which a part of the development cover member 128 and a part of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member are omitted by the partial cross-sectional line CS, respectively, for better illustration. FIG. 35 is a view as seen from the drive-side of the process cartridge 100 when the process cartridge 100 is mounted on the cartridge tray 171 (not shown) of the image forming apparatus M and the cartridge tray 171 is inserted to the first mounting position. In FIG. 35, portions other than the process cartridge 100, the cartridge pressing unit 190, and the separation control member 196L are omitted.

As described above, the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 of this embodiment is provided with a separation control member 196L corresponding to each process cartridge 100 as described above. The separation control member 196L is disposed on the lower surface side of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 with respect to the spacer 151L when the process cartridge 100 is placed at the first inner position and the second inner position. The separation control member 196L has the first force application surface (force applying portion) 196La and the second force application surface (retracting force applying portion) 196Lb which project toward the process cartridge 100 and face each other across the space 196Rd. The first force application surface 196Ra and the second force application surface 196Rb are connected by a connecting portion 196Rc on the lower surface side of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. Further, the separation control member 196R is supported by the control sheet metal 197 so as to be rotatable about the rotation center 196Re. The separating member 196R is normally urged in the E1 direction by the urging spring. Further, the control sheet metal 197 is structured to be movable in the W41 and W42 directions by a control mechanism (not shown), so that the separation control member 196R is movable in the W41 and W42 directions.

The cartridge pressing unit 190 lowers in the direction of arrow ZA in interrelation with the transition of the front door 11 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 from the open state to the closed state, as described above, and the first force applying portion 190a is brought into contact with the pressed surface 152Lf of the movable member 152L. Thereafter, when the cartridge pressing unit 190 is lowered to a predetermined position which is the second mounting position, the projecting portion 152Lh of the movable member 152L moves to a projecting position where it projects downward of the process cartridge 100 in the Z2 direction (state in FIG. 36). When this operation is completed, the gap T4 is formed between the first force application surface 196La of the separation control member 196L and the second force receiving surface 152Lp of the movable member 152L, and the gap T3 is formed between the second force application surface 196Lb and the first force receiving surface 152Lm, as shown in FIG. 36. Then, it is placed at the second mounting position where the separation control member 196L does not act on the movable member 152L. This position of the separation control member 196L is referred to as a home position. At this time, the second force receiving surface 152Lp of the movable member 152L and the first force application surface 196La of the separation control member 196L are arranged so as to partially overlap in the W1 and W2 directions. Similarly, the first force receiving surface 152Lm of the movable member 152L and the second force application surface 196Lb of the separation control member 196L are arranged so as to partially overlap in the W1 and W2 directions.

[Contact Operation of Developing Unit (Non-Drive-Side)]

Next, referring to FIGS. 36 to 38, the description will be made as to the operation in which the photosensitive drum 104 and the developing roller 106 are brought into contact with each other by the separation/contact mechanism 150L. For better illustration, a part of the development cover member 128, a part of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117, and a part of the non-drive-side bearing 127 are omitted by the partial cross-sectional line CS, respectively in the sectional view.

As described above, the development coupling 32 receives a driving force from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 in the direction of arrow V2 in FIG. 24, and the developing roller 106 rotates. That is, the developing unit 109 including the development coupling 32 receives the driving torque in the arrow V2 direction about the swing axis K from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. Further, the developing unit 109 also receives an urging force in the arrow V2 direction due to the urging force of the development pressure spring 134 described above. As shown in FIG. 36, a state in which the developing unit 109 is in the separated position and the spacer 151L is in the separation holding position (first position) will be described. In this state, even if the developing unit 109 receives this driving torque and the urging force of the development pressure spring 134, the contact surface 151Lc of the spacer 151L contacts the contacted surface 117c of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117. Therefore, the attitude of the developing unit 109 is maintained in the separated position.

The separation control member 196L of this embodiment is structured to be movable from the home position in the W41 direction in FIG. 36. When the separation control member 196L moves in the W41 direction, the first force application surface 196La of the separation control member 196L and the second force receiving surface 152Lp of the second force receiving portion 152Ln of the movable member 152L come into contact with each other, and the movable member 152L rotates in the BD direction about the swing axis HD. The contact between the first force application surface 196La and the second force receiving surface 152Lp is not necessarily surface contact, and may be line contact or point contact. In this manner, the first force application surface 196La applies a contact force to the second force receiving surface 152Lp by moving in the W41 direction. The moving direction of the projecting portion 152Lh when the movable member 152L is rotated in the BD direction is referred to as the first direction. Further, as the movable member 152L rotates, while the spacer pressing surface 152Lr of the movable member 152L is in contact with the pressed portion 151Le of the spacer 151L, the spacer 151L is rotated in the B5 direction. Then, the spacer 151L is rotated by the movable member 152L to the separation release position (second position) where the contact surface 151Lc and the contacted surface 117c are spaced from each other. Here, the position of the separation control member 196L for moving the spacer 151L to the separation release position (second position) shown in FIG. 37 is referred to as a first position.

When the spacer 151L is moved to the separation release position by the separation control member 196L in this manner, the developing unit 109 rotates in the V2 direction by the driving torque received from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 and the urging force of the development pressure spring 134. By this, the developing unit 109 moves to the contact position where the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 contact each other (state in FIG. 37). At this time, the spacer 151L urged in the direction of arrow B4 by the tension spring 153 is maintained at the separation release position (second position) by the contact of the restricted surface 151Lk with the spacer restriction surface 117d of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117. Thereafter, the separation control member 196L moves in the direction of W42 and returns to the home position. At this time, the movable member 152L is rotated in the BC direction by the tension spring 153, to establish the state in which the developing frame pressing surface 152Lq of the movable member 152L and the pressed surface 127h of the non-drive-side bearing 127 are in contact with each other (state of FIG. 38). At this time, it can be said that the movable member 152L and the projecting portion 152Lh are in the operating positions.

By this, the above-mentioned gaps T3 and T4 are formed again, and the separation control member 196L is placed at the position where it does not act on the movable member 152L. The transition from the state of FIG. 37 to the state of FIG. 38 is performed without a delay. The position of the separation control member 196L in FIG. 38 is the same as that in FIG. 36.

Further, in the above description, it is assumed that the second force receiving surface 152Lp is subjected to the contact force from the first force application surface 196La. In this regard, the contact force is a force applied from the first force application surface 196La moving in the W41 direction, and this is a force applied to the process cartridge 100 to move it in a direction (contact direction, approaching direction, or V2 direction) in which the developing roller 106 comes closer and contacts to the photosensitive drum 104. Therefore, it is sufficient if the developing unit 109 moves from the retracted position to the developing position triggered by receiving the contact force, and it is not necessary that the process cartridge continues to receive the contact force until the developing unit 109 reaches the developing position. As described above, it is unnecessary that when the developing unit shifts from the retracted position to the developing position by the contact force, the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 are in contact with each other at the developing position.

As described above, in the structure of this embodiment, the separation control member 196L moves from the home position to the first position to apply a contact force to the movable member 152L, rotate the movable member 152L, and hold the spacer 151L in the separation holding position. It can be moved from the (first position) to the separation release position (second position). By doing so, it is possible for the developing unit 109 to move from the separated position to the contacting position where the developing roller 9 and the photosensitive drum 104 come into contact with each other. That is, it can be said that the contact force applied from the separation control member 196L is transmitted to the spacer 151L by way of the movable member 152L, so that the developing unit 109 moves from the separated position (retract position) to the contact position (development position).

In the state that the developing unit 109 is in the contact position (development position), the position of the developing unit 109 relative to the drum unit 108 is determined by the developing unit 109 being urged in the V2 direction by the driving torque received from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 and the development pressure spring 134 by which the developing roller 106 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 104. Therefore, the photosensitive drum 104 can be said to be a positioning portion (second positioning portion) for positioning the developing roller 6 of the developing unit 109 at the developing position. At this time, it can be said that the developing unit 109 is stably held by the drum unit 108. At this time, the spacer 151L in the separation release position is not directly contributable to the positioning of the developing unit 109. However, it can be said that the spacer 151L creates the situation in which the drum unit 108 can stably hold the developing unit 109 at the contact position (development position) by moving from the separation holding position to the separation release position.

Further, when the front door 11 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 shifts from the closed state to the open state in this state, the first force applying portion 190a rises in the direction opposite to the arrow ZA direction. Along with this, the movable member 152R moves in the direction opposite to the arrow ZA direction by the action of the urging member 153. However, the spacer 151R still maintains the separation release position, and the developing unit 109 also maintains the developing position.

[Separation Operation of Developing Unit (Non-Drive-Side)]

Referring to FIGS. 38 and 39, the operation of moving the developing unit 109 from the contact position to the separation position will be described in detail. FIG. 39 is a cross-section in which a part of the development cover member 128, a part of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117, and a part of the non-drive-side bearing are partially omitted by the partial cross-section line CS, respectively.

As described above, in the state shown in FIG. 38, it can be said that the movable member 152L and the projecting portion 152Lh are in the operating position. The separation control member 196L in this embodiment is structured to be movable from the home position in the direction of W42 in FIG. 38. When the separation control member 196L moves in the W42 direction, the second force application surface 196Lb and the first force receiving surface 152Lm of the first force receiving portion 152Lk of the movable member 152L are brought into contact with each other, and the movable member swings 152L about the swing axis HD in the direction of arrow BC. The contact between the second force application surface 196Lb and the first force receiving surface 152Lm is not necessarily surface contact, and may be line contact or point contact. In this manner, the second force application surface 196Lb applies a separating force (retracting force) to the first force receiving surface 152Lm. The moving direction of the projecting portion 152Lh when the movable member 152L is rotated in the BC direction is referred to as a second direction. Since the developing frame pressing surface 152Lq of the movable member 152L is in contact with the pressed surface 127h of the non-drive-side bearing 127, the developing unit 109 rotates from the contact position in the arrow V1 direction about the swing axis K (state in FIG. 39). At this time, the pressed surface 152Lf of the movable member 152L has an arc shape, and the center of the arc is positioned so as to be the same as the swing axis K.

By this, when the developing unit 109 moves from the contact position to the separating position, the force received by the pressed surface 152Lf of the movable member 152L from the cartridge pressing unit 190 is directed in the swing axis K direction. Therefore, the developing unit 109 can be operated so as not to hinder the rotation in the arrow V1 direction. In the spacer 151L, the restricted surface 151Lk of the spacer 151L and the spacer restriction surface 117d of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117 are separated from each other, and the spacer 151L rotates in the arrow B4 direction (the direction from the separation release position to the separation holding position) by the urging force of the tension spring 153. By this, the spacer 151L rotates until the pressed portion 151Le contacts to the spacer pressing surface 152LR of the movable member 152L, and by the contacting, it shifts to the separation holding position (first position).

When the developing unit 109 is moved from the contact position to the separation position by the separation control member 196L, and the spacer 151L is located at the separation holding position, a gap T5 is formed between the contact surface 151Lc and the contacted surface 117c as shown in FIG. 39. Here, the position where the developing unit 109 is rotated from the contact position toward the separation position, and the spacer 151L can move to the separation holding position is referred to as a second position of the separation control member 196L.

Thereafter, the separation control member 196L moves in the W41 direction and returns from the second position to the home position. Then, while the spacer 151L is maintained in the separation holding position, the developing unit 109 rotates in the arrow V2 direction by the driving torque received from the image forming apparatus main assembly and the urging force of the development pressure spring 134, so that the contact surface 151Lc is brought into contact with the contacted surface 117c. That is, the developing unit 109 becomes in the state that the separated position is maintained by the spacer 151L, and the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 are spaced from each other by the gap P1 (states in FIG. 36 and part (a) of FIG. 34. By this, the above-mentioned gaps T3 and T4 are formed again, and the state is reached in which the separation control member 196L does not act on the movable member 152L (state in FIG. 36). The transition from the state of FIG. 39 to the state of FIG. 36 is executed without a delay.

Further, in the above-described example, the first force receiving surface 152Lm receives a separation force (retracting force) from the second force application surface 196Lb. In this regard, the separation force is a force applied from the second force application surface 196Lb which moves in the W42 direction, and is for moving the developing roller 106 in the direction away from the photosensitive drum 104 (separation direction, retracting direction, or V1 direction). This is the force applied to the process cartridge 100. Therefore, it suffices if the developing unit 109 moves from the developing position to the retracted position triggered by receiving the separating force as a trigger, and the process cartridge 100 does not necessarily continues receiving the separating force until the developing unit 109 reaches the retracting position.

As described above, in the structure of this embodiment, by the separation control member 196L moving from the home position to the second position, the spacer 151L moves from the separation release position to the separation holding position. Then, the separation control member 196L returning from the second position to the home position, the developing unit 109 becomes in a state of maintaining the separation position by the spacer 151L. That is, the developing unit 109 is constrained by the spacer 151L from moving to the contact position against the driving torque received from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 and the urging force in the arrow V2 direction by the urging of the development pressure spring 134, and therefore is maintained in a separated position.

In this manner, the separation force applied from the separation control member 196L is transmitted to the pressed surface 127h of the non-drive-side bearing (a part of the developing frame) 127 by way of the movable member 152L, so that the developing unit 109 is moved from the contact position to the separation position (retracted position), and the spacer 151R is moved from the separation release position to the separation holding position.

With the developing unit 109 in the separated position (retracted position), the position of the developing unit 109 with respect to the drum unit 108 is determined by the urging in the V2 direction by the driving torque received from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 and the development pressure spring 134, the contacting of the supported portion 151La to the first supporting portion 127b as described above, and the contacting of the contact portion 151Lc to the contacted surface 117c. Therefore, the contacted surface 117c can be said to be a positioning portion (first positioning portion) for positioning the developing unit 109 at the separated position (retracted position) of the photosensitive drum 104. At this time, it can be said that the developing unit 109 is stably held by the drum unit 108. Further, it can be said that the spacer 151L at the separation holding position (first position) creates a state in which the drum unit 108 can stably hold the developing unit at the separation position (retracted position).

Further, when the front door 11 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 shifts from the closed state to the open state in this state, the first force applying portion 190a rises in the direction opposite to the arrow ZA direction. Along with this, the movable member 152L moves in the direction opposite to the arrow ZA direction by the action of the urging member 153. However, the spacer 151L still maintains the separation holding position, and the developing unit 109 also maintains the separation position.

So far, the operation of the separation mechanism located on the drive-side of the process cartridge 100 and the operation of the separation mechanism located on the non-drive-side have been described separately, but in this embodiment, they operate in interrelation with each other. That is, when the developing unit 109 is positioned at the separated position by the spacer 151R, the developing unit 109 is positioned at the separated position by the spacer 151L at substantially the same time, and the same is true at the contact position. Specifically, the movements of the separation control member 196R and the separation control member 196L described in FIGS. 23 to 27 and FIGS. 35 to 39 are integrally moved by a connecting mechanism (not shown). By this, the timing at which the spacer 151R located on the drive-side is placed at the separation holding position and the timing at which the spacer 151L located on the non-drive-side is placed at the separation holding position are substantially simultaneous. Further, the timing at which the spacer 151R is placed at the separation release position and the timing at which the spacer 151L is placed at the separation release position are substantially the same. Note that these timings may be different between the drive-side and the non-drive-side, but in order to shorten the time from the start of the print job by the user until the printed matter is discharged, it is desirable that at least the timing at which it is positioned at the separation release position is the same. In this embodiment, the swing axis H of the spacer 151R and the spacer 151L are coaxial, but the present invention is not limited to this example, and it will suffice if the timings of the spacers 151R and the spacers 151L may be substantially the same as those at the separation release position as described above. Similarly, the swing axis HC of the movable member 152R and the movable member swinging axis HE of the movable member 152L are not coaxial, but the present invention is not limited to such an example, and it is sufficient that the timings of being located at the separation release positions are substantially the same as described above.

In order to perform the above-mentioned contact operation and separation operation, the width of the projecting portion 152Rh of the movable member 152R or the distance between the first force receiving surface 152Rm and the first force receiving surface 152Rp measured in the W41 direction or the W42 direction is determined is preferably 10 mm or less, and more preferably 6 mm or less. With such a dimensional relationship, it is possible to perform an appropriate contact operation and separation operation. The same applies to the movable member 152L on the non-drive-side.

As described above, in this embodiment, the drive-side and the non-drive-side have similar separation/contact mechanisms 150R and 150L, and they operate substantially at the same time. By this, even when the process cartridge 100 is twisted or deformed in the longitudinal direction, the amount of separation between the photosensitive drum 104 and the developing roller 9 can be controlled at both ends in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress variations in the amount of separation along the longitudinal direction.

Further, according to this embodiment, by moving the separation control member 196R (196L) between the home position, the first position, and the second position in one direction (arrows W41 and W42 directions), it is possible to control the contact state and the separation state between the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive the drum 104. Therefore, the developing roller 106 can be contacted with the photosensitive drum 104 only when the image is formed, and the developing roller 4 can be maintained in the spaced state from the photosensitive drum 104 when the image is not formed. Therefore, even if the apparatus is unoperated left for a long time without forming an image, the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 are prevented from being deformed, and a stable image formation can be formed.

Further, according to this embodiment, the movable member 152R (152L) which acts on the spacer 151R (151L) to rotationally move can be positioned at the accommodated position by the urging force of the tension spring 153 or the like. Therefore, when the process cartridge 100 is outside of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, the process cartridge 100 can be downsized as a single unit without projecting from the outermost shape of the process cartridge 100.

Similarly, the movable member 152R (152L) can be positioned at the accommodated position by the urging force of the tension spring 153 or the like. Therefore, when the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, the process cartridge 100 can be mounted by moving only in one direction. Therefore, it is not necessary to move the process cartridge 100 (tray 171) both in the upward and downward directions. For this reason, the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 does not require an extra space, and the main assembly can be downsized.

In addition, according to this embodiment, when the separation control member 196R (196L) is located at the home position, the separation control member 196R (196L) is free of load thereto from the process cartridge 100. Therefore, the rigidity required for the mechanism for operating the separation control member 196R (196L) and the separation control member 196R (196L) can be reduced, and the size thereof can be reduced. Further, the load on the sliding portion of the mechanism for operating the separation control member 196R (196L) is also reduced, and therefore, wearing of the sliding portion and generation of abnormal noise can be suppressed.

Further, according to this embodiment, the developing unit 109 can maintain the separated position only by the spacer 151R (151L) of the process cartridge 100. Therefore, the total component tolerance can be eased and the spacing amount can be minimized by reducing the number of portions which may cause variations in the spacing amount between the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104. Since the amount of separation can be reduced, when the process cartridge 100 is placed in the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, the occupying space of the developing unit 109 at the time when the developing unit 109 is moved between the contact position and the separated position becomes smaller, and therefore, the image forming apparatus can be downsized. In addition, since the space of the developer accommodating portion 29 of the developing unit 109 in which the movement between the contact position and the separation position occurs can be increased, a downsized and large-capacity process cartridge 100 can be placed in the image forming apparatus main assembly 170.

Further, according to this embodiment, the movable member 152R (152L) is located at the accommodated position when the process cartridge 100 is mounted, and the developing unit can maintain the spaced position by the spacer 151R (151L) of the process cartridge 100. Therefore, when the process cartridge 100 is mounted in the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, the mounting of the process cartridge 100 can be completed by moving only in one direction. Therefore, it is not necessary to move the process cartridge (tray 171) both in the upward and downward directions. In addition, the image forming apparatus main assembly does not require an extra space, and the main assembly can be downsized. Further, since the spacing amount can be reduced, when the process cartridge 100 is arranged in the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, the occupying zone of the developing unit 109 at the time when the developing unit 109 moves between the contact position and the separated position can be reduced, so that the image forming apparatus can be downsized. In addition, since the space of the developer accommodating portion 29 of the developing unit 109 which moves between the contact position and the separated position can be increased, the downsized and large-capacity process cartridge 100 can be placed in the image forming apparatus main assembly 170.

In this embodiment, the structure is such that the developing unit 109 is moved in the arrow V2 direction (direction of movement from the separated position to the development position) by the driving torque of the development coupling portion 132a received from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 and the urging force of the development pressure spring 134. However, as a structure for urging the developing unit in the V2 direction, it is also possible to utilize the gravity applied to the developing unit 109. That is, the structure may be such that the gravity applied to the developing unit 109 is produce a moment which rotates the developing unit 109 in the V2 direction. In the case of employing such an urging structure in the V2 direction by its own weight, the urging structure using the development pressure spring 134 may not be provided, or may be used in combination with the urging structure using the development pressure spring 134.

[Details of Arrangement of Separation/Contact Mechanisms 150R and 150L]

Subsequently, referring to FIGS. 40 and 41, the arrangement of the separation/contact mechanisms 150R and 150L in this embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 40 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the spacer 151R as the process cartridge 100 is viewed from the drive-side along the swing axis K (photosensitive drum axis direction) of the developing unit 109. In addition, for better illustration, it is a sectional view in which a portion of the development cover member 128 and a portion of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 are partially omitted by the partial cross-sectional line CS. FIG. 41 is an enlarged view of the periphery of the spacer 151R as the process cartridge 100 is viewed from the non-drive-side along the swing axis K (photosensitive drum axis direction) of the developing unit 109. In addition, for better illustration, it is a sectional view in which a portion of the development cover member 128 and a portion of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 are partially omitted by the partial cross-sectional line CS. Regarding the arrangement of the spacer and the movable member, which will be described below, there is no distinction between the drive-side and the non-drive-side except for the part which will be described in detail hereinafter, and the description of the non-drive-side (FIG. 41) is omitted, because the non-drive-side has a similar structure.

As shown in FIG. 40, a straight line passing through the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 104 (point M1 in FIG. 40) and the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller 106 (point M2 in FIG. 40) is line N. In addition, the contact region between the contact surface 151Rc of the spacer 151R and the contacted surface 116c of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 is M3, and the contact region between the pressed surface 151Re of the spacer 151R and the spacer pressing surface 152Rr of the movable member 152R is M4. Further, the distance between the swing axis K and the point M2 of the developing unit 109 is distance e1, the distance between the swing axis K and the region M3 is distance e2, and the distance between the swing axis K and the point M4 is distance e3.

In the structure of this embodiment, when the developing unit 109 is in the separated position and the movable member 152R (152L) is in the projecting position, the positional relationship is as follows, as the developing unit 109 is viewed along the swing axis K (or the rotation axis M1 or the rotation axis M2). That is, as viewed along the swing axis K as shown in FIG. 40, at least a part of the contact region M3 is disposed in an region AD1 which is opposite to an region AU1 in which the center (swing axis K) of the development coupling portion 132a exists, when the region is divided with the line N as a boundary. In other words, the contact surface 151Rc of the spacer 151R is placed such that the distance e2 is longer than the distance e1. Further, as shown in FIG. 40, when the region is divided with the line N as a boundary, at least a portion of the projecting portion 152Rh is placed in the region AD1 opposite to the region AU1 in which the center of the development coupling portion 132a (swing axis K) exist, as viewed along the swing axis K. The vertical direction in the attitude shown in FIG. 40 (FIG. 41), is the vertical direction in the actual attitude at the time when it is mounted to the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. This attitude can be said to be an attitude in which the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 104 is horizontal and the photosensitive drum 104 is placed at the lower portion in the process cartridge 100. In such an attitude, the region AD1 corresponds to the lower portion of the process cartridge 100, and is also the region including the lower portion of the process cartridge 100.

By arranging the spacer 151R and the contact surface 151Rc in this manner, it is possible to suppress variations in the attitudes of the separation positions of the developing unit 109, even when the positions of the contact surface 151Rc vary due to component tolerances and the like. That is, the influence of the variation of the contact surface 151Rc on the spacing amount (gap) P1 (see part (a) of FIG. 1 between the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 can be minimized, and the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 can be spaced from each other with high precision. Further, it is not necessary to provide an extra space for retraction when the developing unit 109 is moved for the spacing, which leads to the of the downsizing of image forming apparatus main assembly 170.

Further, the first force receiving portion 152Rk (152Lk) and the second force receiving portion 152Rn (152Ln), which are the force receiving portions of the movable member 152R (152L), are disposed on the opposite side of the side including the rotation center (rotation axis) of the development coupling portion 132a with respect to line N and. That is, at least a portion of each of the force receiving portions 152Rk (152Lk) and 152Rn (152Ln) is arranged in the region AD1 opposite to the region AU1 in which the rotation center (rotation axis) K of the development coupling 132a is placed.

As described above, the projecting portion (force receiving portion) 152Rh (152Lh) is disposed at the end portion in the longitudinal direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 15 (FIG. 16), a cylindrical portion 128b (127a), which is a support portion of the developing unit 109, is disposed at the end portion in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the force receiving portion 152Rh (152Lh) including the first force receiving portion 152Rk (152Lk) and the second force receiving portion 152Rn (152Ln) is disposed on the opposite side of the side including the cylindrical portion 128b (127a) (that is, the swing axis K) of the developing unit 109 with respect to the line N, so that the functional portions can be arranged efficiently. That is, it leads to downsizing of the process cartridge 100 and the image forming apparatus M. More specifically, when the region is divided by the straight line N as viewed in the direction along the rotation axis M2, the structure such as the cylindrical portion 128b (127a) for movably (relative to the developing unit 109) supporting the drum unit 108 is placed in the region AU1 where the swing axis K is placed. Therefore, at least a portion of each of the force receiving portions 152Rk (152Lk) and 152Rn (152Ln) is arranged in the region AD1 in which the development coupling portion 132a is not arranged in the region AU1 in which the swing axis K is arranged. It is possible to obtain an efficient layout that avoids interference between the members. This is contributable to downsizing of the process cartridge 100 and the image forming apparatus M.

In addition, the force receiving portion 152Rh (152Lh) is disposed at the end portion on the drive-side in the longitudinal direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 15, a development drive input gear 132 (or a development coupling portion 132a) which receives a drive from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 and drives the developing roller 106 is provided at the end (with respect to the longitudinal direction) portion on the drive-side. As shown in FIG. 40, the first force receiving portion 152Rk and the second force receiving portion 152Rn of the movable member is placed on the side opposite from the side in which the swing axis K of the development drive input gear 132 (development coupling portion 132a) shown by the broken line, with respect to extension line of the line N With this arrangement, the functional portions can be efficiently arranged. That is, it leads to downsizing of the process cartridge and the image forming apparatus M. More specifically, when the region is divided by a straight line N as viewed in the direction along the rotation axis M2, in the region AU1 where the development coupling portion 132a exist, the driving member for driving a member included in the developing unit 109, such as the developing roller 106 such as a development drive input gear 132 is provided. Therefore, at least a portion of the force receiving portion 152Rh is better disposed in the region AD1 in which the development coupling portion 132a is not placed than in the region AU1 in which the development coupling portion 132a is placed, from the standpoint of an efficient layout to avoid interference between the members. This is contributable to downsizing of the process cartridge and the image forming apparatus M.

In the above description, the region AU1 and the region AD1 are defined as regions where the swing axis K or the development coupling portion 132a is placed and the region where it is not placed, when the region is divided by the straight line N, as viewed in the direction along the rotation axis M2. However, it is possible to use another definition. For example, the regions AU1 and AD1 may be the region where the charging roller 105 or rotation axis (center of rotation) M5 thereof is provided and the region where it is not provided, when the region is divided by the straight line N, as viewed in the direction along the rotation axis M2.

Further, FIG. 236 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 100 in the separated state as viewed in the direction along the rotation axis M2. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 236, as a further definition, when the region is divided by a straight line N as viewed in the direction along the rotation axis M2, the regions AU1 and AD1 may be defined as the region in which the developing blade 130, the proximity point 130d, or the stirring member 129a and the rotation axis M7 of the stirring member 129a, or the pressed surface 152Rf are provided, and the reason in which it is not provided. The proximity point 130d is the position closest to the surface of the developing roller 106 of the developing blade 130.

In a general electrophotographic cartridge, particularly a cartridge usable with an in-line layout image forming apparatus, it is relatively difficult to arrange other members of the cartridge in the region AD1. Further, if at least a portion of each of the force receiving portions 152Rk (152Lk) and 152Rn (152Ln) is placed in the region AD1, the apparatus main assembly 170 also has the following advantage. That is, the separation control member 196R (196L) of the apparatus main assembly 170 is placed on the lower side of the cartridge and moves in the substantially horizontal direction (W41 and W42 directions, and the arrangement direction of the photosensitive drum 104 or the cartridge 100, in this embodiment) to urge the force receiving portion 152Rh (152Lh). With such a structure, the separation control member 196R (196L) and driving mechanism therefor can be formed in a relatively simple structure or a compact structure. This is particularly remarkable in the in-line layout image forming devices. As described above, arranging at least a portion of each of the force receiving portions 152Rk (152Lk) and 152Rn (152Ln) in the region AD1 can be expected to contribute to the downsizing and cost reduction of the apparatus main assembly 170.

Further, the contact portion between the spacer 151R and the movable member 152R is placed such that the distance e3 is longer than the distance e1. By this, the spacer 151R and the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 can be contacted with each other with a lighter force. That is, the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 can be stably spaced from each other.

The arrangement of the separation/contact mechanisms 150R and L described above has been described referring to FIGS. 40 and 41 showing the process cartridge 100 in the separation state, but as is apparent in the other Figures, the same relationship applies in the process cartridge 100 in the contact state. FIG. 235 is a side view (partial cross-sectional view) of the process cartridge 100 in the contact state as viewed in the direction along the rotation axis M2. The arrangement of the force receiving portions 152Rk (152Lk) and 152Rn (152Ln) is the same as that described above.

Further, the direction perpendicular to the straight line N is VD1. On the drive-side, the movable member 152R and the force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn move between the stand-by position and the operating position by moving in the ZA direction and the opposite direction thereto relative to the drum frame and the developing frame. By the movement in the ZA direction and the opposite direction, the movable member 152R and the force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn are moved at least in the VD1 direction. That is, the movable member 152R and the force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn are moved at least in the VD1 direction between the stand-by position and the operating position. According to this structure, when the movable member 152R is in the operating position, the developing unit 109 can be moved between the developing position and the retracted position by receiving a force from the separation control member 196R at each of the force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn. When the movable member 152R is in the stand-by position, the movable member 152R and the force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn interfere with the separation control member 196R so that it can be avoided that the process cartridge 100 cannot be inserted or removed from the apparatus main assembly 170. The same applies to the structure on the non-drive-side.

Further, when the movable member 152R is in the operating position, the projecting portion 152Rh provided with the respective force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn is disposed at a position such that they are projected from the developing unit 109 in at least the VD1 direction. Therefore, it is possible to arrange the projecting portion 152Rh in the space 196Rd between the first force application surface 196Ra and the second force application surface 196Rb of the separation control member 196R. The same applies to the structure on the non-drive-side.

[Details of Arrangement of Separation Contact Mechanisms 150R and 150L (Part 2)]

Referring to FIGS. 236 and 237, a concept similar to the concept of placing at least a portion of each of the force receiving portions 152Rk (152Lk) and 152Rn (152Ln) in the region AD1 as described above will be described.

FIGS. 236 and 237 are schematic cross-sectional views of the process cartridge 100 as viewed from the drive-side along the rotation axis M1, the rotation axis K, or the rotation axis M2 of the developing unit 109, FIG. 236 shows a separated state, and FIG. 237 shows a contact state. Regarding the arrangement of the spacer 151 and the movable member 152 described below, there is no difference between the drive-side and the non-drive-side, that is, both are common, and the contact state and the separation state are almost common, and therefore, only the separated state on the drive-side will be described referring to FIG. 236, and the description on the non-drive-side and the description on the contact state will be omitted.

The rotation axis of the toner feeding roller (developer supply member) 107 is the rotation axis (rotation center) M6. Further, the process cartridge 100 is provided with a stirring member 108 for rotating and stirring the developer contained in the developing unit 109, and the rotation axis thereof is the rotation axis (rotation center) M7.

In FIG. 236, the one, which is farther from the rotation axis M5, of the intersections of the straight line N10 connecting the rotation axis M1 and the rotation axis M5 and the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 is the intersection MX1. The tangent line to the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 passing through the intersection MX1 is a tangent line (predetermined tangent line) N11. The region is divided by the tangent line N11 as a boundary, and a region containing the rotation axis M1, the charging roller 105, the rotation axis M5, the developing roller 106, the rotation axis M2, the development coupling portion 132a, the rotation axis K, the developing blade 130, the proximity point 130d, and the toner feeding roller 107, the rotating axis M6, the stirring member 129a, the rotating axis M7, or the pressed surface 152Rf is an region AU2, and the region not containing it is an region (predetermined region) AD2. Further, the regions AU2 and AD2 may be defined in another way as follows. That is, assuming that the direction parallel to the direction from the rotation axis M5 to the rotation axis M1 and orientating the same is a VD10 direction, the most downstream portion of the photosensitive drum 104 in the VD10 direction is the intersection MX1. Then, with respect to the direction VD10, the region on the upstream side of the most downstream portion MX1 is the region AU2, and the region on the downstream side is the region (predetermined region) AD2. Regardless of the expression, the defined regions AU2 are the same, and the regions AD2 are the same.

Then, at least parts of each force receiving portion 152Rk and 152Rn are arranged in the region AD2. As described above, arranging at least parts of each of the force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn in the region AD2 can be expected to contribute to the downsizing and cost reduction of the process cartridge 100 and the apparatus main assembly 170. This is for the same reason as in the case that at least a part of each of the force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn is arranged in the region AD1. The same applies to the structure on the non-drive-side.

Further, the movable member 152R and the force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn are displaced at least in the VD10 direction by moving in the ZA direction and the opposite direction. That is, the movable member 152R and the force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn are displaced at least in the VD10 direction between the stand-by position and the operating position. According to this structure, when the movable member 152R is in the operating position, the developing unit 109 can be moved between the developing position and the retracting position by receiving a force from the separation control member 196R at each of the force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn. When the movable member 152R is in the stand-by position, it can be avoided that the movable member 152R and the force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn interfere with the separation control member 196R so that the process cartridge 100 cannot be inserted or removed from the apparatus main assembly 170. The same applies to the structure on the non-drive-side.

Further, the projecting portion 152Rh provided with the respective force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn is disposed at a position such that it is projected from the developing unit 109 in at least the VD10 direction, when the movable member 152R is in the operating position. Therefore, it is possible to dispose the projecting portion 152Rh in the space 196Rd between the first force application surface 196Ra and the second force application surface 196Rb of the separation control member 196R. The same applies to the structure on the non-drive-side.

[Details of Arrangement of Separation/Contact Mechanisms 150R and 150L (Part 3)]

A concept similar to the concept of arranging at least a portion of each of the force receiving portions 152Rk (152Lk) and 152Rn (152Ln) in the region AD1 as described above will be described referring to FIG. 238.

FIG. 238 is a schematic sectional view of the process cartridge 100 in the separated state as viewed from the drive-side along the rotation axis M1, the rotation axis K, or the rotation axis M2 of the developing unit 109. Regarding the arrangement of the spacer 151 and the movable member 152 described below, there is no difference between the drive-side and the non-drive-side, and both are common, and the contact state and the separated state are substantially the common. Therefore, only the separated state on the drive-side will be described referring to FIG. 238, and the description on the non-drive-side and the description in the contact state will be omitted.

In FIG. 238, of the intersection of the straight line N12 connecting the rotation axis K and the rotation axis M2 and the surface of the developing roller 106, the one farther from the rotation axis K, is defined as the intersection MX2. The tangent line to the surface of the developing roller 106 passing through the intersection MX2 is a tangent line (predetermined tangent line) N13. The region is divided with the tangent line N13 as a boundary, and the part in which the development coupling portion 132a, the rotation axis K, the rotation axis M2, the charging roller 105, the rotation axis M5, the developing blade 130, the proximity point 130d, the toner feeding roller 107, the rotation axis M6, the stirring member 129a, the rotation axis M7, or the pressed surface 152Rf exists is a region AU3, and the region it does not exist is a region (predetermined region) AD3. Further, the regions AU3 and AD3 may be defined in another way as follows. That is, the direction parallel to the direction from the rotation axis K to the rotation axis M2 and orientating the same is a VD12 direction, the most downstream portion of the developing roller 106 in the VD12 direction is the intersection MX2. Then, in the VD12 direction, the region on the upstream side of the most downstream portion MX2 is the region AU3, and the region on the downstream side is the region (predetermined region) AD3. The regions AU3 and AD3 defined in any of the above expressions are the same, respectively.

Then, at least a part of each force receiving portion 152Rk and 152Rn is arranged in the region AD3. As described above, arranging at least a part of each of the force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn in the region AD3 can be expected to contribute to the downsizing and cost reduction of the process cartridge 100 and the apparatus main assembly 170. This is for the same reason as when at least a part of each of the force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn is arranged in the region AD1. The same applies to the structure on the non-drive-side.

Further, the movable member 152R and the force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn are displaced at least in the VD12 direction by moving in the ZA direction and the opposite direction thereto. That is, the movable member 152R and the force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn are displaced at least in the VD12 direction to move between the stand-by position and the operating position. According to this structure, when the movable member 152R is in the operating position, the developing unit 109 can be moved between the developing position and the retracting position by receiving a force from the separation control member 196R at each of the force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn. When the movable member 152R is in the stand-by position, it can be avoided that the movable member 152R and the force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn interfere with the separation control member 196R with the result that the process cartridge 100 cannot be inserted or removed from the apparatus main assembly 170. The same applies to the structure on the non-drive-side.

Further, the projecting portion 152Rh provided with the respective force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn is disposed at a position such that it is projected from the developing unit 109 in at least the VD12 direction, when the movable member 152R is in the operating position. Therefore, it is possible to place the projecting portion 152Rh in the space 196Rd between the first force application surface 196Ra and the second force application surface 196Rb of the separation control member 196R. The same applies to the structure on the non-drive-side.

[Details of Arrangement of Separation/Contact Mechanisms 150R and 150L (Part 4)]

A concept similar to the concept of placing at least a part of each of the force receiving portions 152Rk (152Lk) and 152Rn (152Ln) in the region AD1 as described above will be described referring to FIG. 239.

FIG. 239 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 100 in the separated state as viewed from the drive-side along the rotation axis M1, the rotation axis K, or the rotation axis M2 of the developing unit 109. Regarding the arrangement of the spacer 151 and the movable member 152 described below, there is no distinction between the drive-side and the non-drive-side, and both are common, and the contact state and the separated state are substantially common, and therefore, in the following description, only the separated state on the drive-side will be described referring to FIG. 239, and the description on the non-drive-side and the description in the contact state will be omitted.

In FIG. 239, of the intersection of the straight line N14 connecting the rotation axis M2 and the rotation axis M6 and the surface of the developing roller 106, the one which is more remote from the rotation axis K, is the intersection MX2. The tangent line to the surface of the developing roller 106 passing through the intersection MX2 is a tangent line (predetermined tangent line) N14. When the region is divided by the tangent line N14 as the boundary, the region in which the development coupling portion 132a, the rotation axis K, the charging roller 105, the rotation axis M5, the developing blade 130, the proximity point 130d, the stirring member 129a, the rotation axis M7, or the pressed surface exists is the region AU4, and the region in which it does not exist is the region (predetermined region) AD4.

At least a portion of each force receiving portion 152Rk and 152Rn is arranged in the region AD4. As described above, arranging at least a part of each of the force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn in the region AD4 can be expected to contribute to the downsizing and cost reduction of the process cartridge 100 and the apparatus main assembly 170. This is for the same reason as when at least a part of each of the force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn is arranged in the region AD1. The same applies to the structure on the non-drive-side.

Further, the movable member 152R and the force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn are displaced at least in the VD14 direction perpendicular to the straight line N14 by the movement in the ZA direction and the opposite direction. That is, the movable member 152R and the force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn are displaced at least in the VD14 direction to move between the stand-by position and the operating position. According to this structure, when the movable member 152R is in the operating position, the developing unit 109 can be moved between the developing position and the retracted position by receiving a force from the separation control member 196R at each of the force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn. When the movable member 152R is in the stand-by position, it can be avoided the movable member 152R and the force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn interfere with the separation control member 196R with the result that the process cartridge cannot be inserted or removed from the apparatus main assembly 170. The same applies to the structure on the non-drive-side.

Further, when the movable member 152R is in the operating position, the projecting portions 152Rh provided on the respective force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn are disposed at positions such that they are projected from the developing unit 109 in at least the VD14 direction. Therefore, it is possible to arrange the projecting portion 152Rh in the space 196Rd between the first force application surface 196Ra and the second force application surface 196Rb of the separation control member 196R. The same applies to the structure on the non-drive-side.

The arrangement relationship of each force receiving portion described above has the same relationship in all the examples described below.

[Holding Mechanism]

In the above-described embodiment, the structure for the drum unit 108 to stably hold the developing unit 109 at the retracted position and the developing position is a holding member holding the spacer 151R capable of taking the first position and the second position or a holding portion holding the separation holding portion 151Rb which is a part thereof. However, it is also possible to deem the structure of this embodiment as follows. That is, as a holding mechanism in which the drum unit 108 stably holds the developing unit 109 at the retracted position and the developing position, at least the spacer 151R, it is possible to raise the first supporting portion 128c of the development cover member 128, and the contacted surface 116c of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and the development pressure spring 134. In such a case, it can be said that the holding mechanism is in the first state when the spacer 151R is in the first position and the developing unit 109 is in the retracted position, and the holding mechanism is in the second position when the spacer 151R is in the second position and the developing unit 109 is in the developing position.

Embodiment 2

Next, referring to FIGS. 42 to 46, the Embodiment 2 will be described. In this embodiment, structures and operations different from those in the above-described embodiment will be described, and members including the same structures and functions will be assigned the same reference numbers, and the description thereof will be omitted. In an Embodiment 1, the separation/contact mechanism 150R and the separation/contact mechanism 150L are provided as the separation/contact mechanism on the drive-side and the non-drive-side, respectively. On the other hand, in the embodiment, a structure in which the separation/contact mechanism is provided only on one side of the process cartridge will be described.

FIGS. 42 to 46 are illustrations showing a state when the developing unit 109 is in the separated position and the movable member of the separation/contact mechanism is in the projecting position. Part (a) of FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the process cartridge 100 of the Embodiment 1 as viewed from below on the drive-side. Part (b) of FIG. 42 is a schematic view illustrating the amount of spacing of the developing roller 106 from the photosensitive drum 104 of the process cartridge 100 of Embodiment 1.

As shown in FIG. 42, the spacing amount P1 of the Embodiment 1 is set to be the same amount on the drive-side and the non-drive-side. The spacing amount P1 can be changed by changing the distance nl from the swing axis H of the spacer 151 to the contact surface 151Rc. In this embodiment shown below, the spacing amount is changed with the same structure.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 43 of this embodiment, the separation/contact mechanism 250-1 of the process cartridge 200-1 is arranged only on the drive-side, and the separation/contact mechanism is not provided on the non-drive-side. Part (a) of FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the process cartridge 200-1 as viewed from below on the drive-side. Part (b) of FIG. 43 is a schematic view illustrating the amount of spacing of the developing roller 106 from the photosensitive drum 104 of the process cartridge 200-1.

As shown in FIG. 43, since the separation/contact mechanism 250-1 is arranged only on the drive-side, the spacing amount P2-1L on the non-drive-side is smaller than the amount P2-1R on the drive-side because of the influence of the development pressure spring (not shown in FIG. 43, see 134 in FIG. 34). Here, the spacing amount P2-1R on the drive-side is selected so as to be larger than the spacing amount P1 (see part (b) of FIG. 42) in Embodiment 1 so that the spacing amount P2-1L on the non-drive-side does not become 0, that is, the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 do not contact each other on the non-drive-side.

By doing so, the same effect as in Example 1 can be provided. In addition, since there is no separation/contact mechanism on the non-drive-side, the process cartridge and the image forming apparatus main assembly can be downsized and the cost can be reduced accordingly.

FIG. 44 shows another example 1 of this embodiment. In this example, the separation/contact mechanism 250-2 of the process cartridge 200-2 is provided only on the drive-side, and there is not provided separation/contact mechanism on the non-drive-side. In this example, when the developing unit 109 is in a separated position, the end of the developing roller 106 on the non-drive-side is in contact with the photosensitive drum 104. Part (a) of FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the process cartridge 200-2 as viewed from below on the drive-side. Part (b) of FIG. 44 is a schematic view illustrating the amount of spacing of the developing roller 106 from the photosensitive drum 104 of the process cartridge 200-2.

As contrasted to the example shown in FIG. 43, in the example of FIG. 44, the spacing amount P2-2R on the drive-side is selected so as to be equal to or smaller than the spacing amount P1 of Embodiment 1. In this case, the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum are in contact with each other on the non-drive-side due to the urging force of the development pressure spring (not shown in FIG. 43, see 134 in FIG. 34). However, if the contact range m2 on the non-drive-side is set out of the range of the image forming region m4, the image is not affected adversely. Nevertheless, if the effect on the image is so small that it can be ignored, or in the case of the usage in which the affect, if any, on the image can be ignored, the contact range m2 is not necessarily set out of the image forming range m4. That is, in such a case, the contact range m2 may be set within the image forming range m4.

As described above, in this example, by reducing the spacing amount as compared with the embodiment shown in FIG. 43, it is possible to the downsizing of the image forming apparatus as described in the Embodiment 1. In addition, since there is no separation/contact mechanism on the non-drive-side, the process cartridge and the image forming apparatus main assembly can be downsized and the cost can be reduced.

FIG. 45 shows another example 2 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the separation/contact mechanism 250-1 of the process cartridge 200-3 is provided only on the non-drive-side, and there is no separation/contact mechanism on the drive-side. Part (a) of FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the process cartridge 200-3 as viewed from below on the non-drive-side. Part (b) of FIG. 45 is a schematic view illustrating the amount of spacing of the developing roller 106 from the photosensitive drum 104 of the process cartridge 200-3.

As shown in FIG. 45, since the separation/contact mechanism 250-3 is provided only on the non-drive-side, the spacing amount P2-3R on the drive-side is smaller than the spacing amount P2-3L on the non-drive-side by the influence of the drive input gear (not shown in FIG. 45, see 132a in FIG. 1). Here, the spacing amount P2-3L on the non-drive-side is selected so as to be large than the spacing amount P1 in Embodiment 1 so that the spacing amount P2-3R on the drive-side does not become 0, that is, the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 do not contact each other on the drive-side.

By doing so, the same effect as in Example 1 can be provided. In addition, since there is no separation/contact mechanism on the drive-side, the process cartridge and the image forming apparatus main assembly can be downsized and the cost can be reduced.

FIG. 46 shows further example 3 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the separation/contact mechanism 250-4 of the process cartridge 200-4 is provided only on the non-drive-side, and no separation/contact mechanism is provided the drive-side. Further, when the developing unit 109 is in a separated position, the end portion of the developing roller 106 on the drive-side and the photosensitive drum 104 are provided. Part (a) of FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the process cartridge 200-4 as viewed from below on the drive-side. Part (b) of FIG. 46 is a schematic view illustrating the amount of spacing of the developing roller 106 from the photosensitive drum 104 of the process cartridge 200-4.

Unlike the example of FIG. 45, in the example of FIG. 46, the spacing amount P2-4L on the non-drive-side is selected so as to be equal to or smaller than the spacing amount P1 of the Embodiment 1. In this case, due to the influence of the drive input gear (not shown in FIG. 46, 132a in FIG. 1), the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 contact each other on the drive-side. However, if the contact range m5 on the drive-side is set within a range which does not fall within the image forming region m4, the image is not affected. The amount of separation at the drive-side and the non-drive-side can be arbitrarily set within a range that does not affect the image.

As described above, by reducing the spacing amount as compared with the example of FIG. 45, it is possible to downsize the image forming apparatus as described in the Embodiment 1, and also to reduce the cost of the process cartridge.

In the four examples described above in this embodiment, the amount of spacing at the drive-side and the non-drive-side can be arbitrarily set within a range which does not affect the image.

Embodiment 3

Next, referring to FIGS. 47 to 55, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described.

In this embodiment, structures and operations different from those of the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and description of similar structures and operations will be omitted. For the structure corresponding to that in the above-described embodiments, the same reference numerals and characters are assigned, or the reference numerals in the first part is changed while the reference numerals and characters in the second part are the same. In this embodiment, the structure and operation of the movable member are mainly different from those in the Embodiment 1. The spacer 351L has the similar structure as the spacer 151L.

[Structure of Movable Member]

First, the structure of the movable member will be described by taking the non-drive-side as an example. FIG. 47 is an illustration of disassembly and assembly of the movable member 352L on the non-drive-side. In Embodiment 3, the movable member corresponding to the movable member 152L in the Embodiment 1 is divided into two parts and they are connected together. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 47, the movable member 352L is divided into two parts, namely, an upper movable member 352L1 and a lower movable member 352L2. A shaft 352L2a is provided on the lower movable member 352L2. Further, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 48, the lower movable member 352L2 is provided with a projecting portion 352Lh capable of projecting from the developing unit in the ZA direction, and the projecting portion 352Lh includes a first force receiving portion (retracting force receiving portion, separating force receiving portion) 352Lk and a second force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 352Ln. The upper movable member 352L1 has an opening portion 352L1d in a surface opposing the lower movable member 352L2. In addition, the upper movable member 352L1 has an at-separation pressing portion 352L1q for pressing the non-drive-side bearing 327.

Further, the upper movable member 352L1 is provided with a pair of oblong round holes 352L1h with an open portion 352L1d interposed therebetween. The lower movable member 352L2 is provided with a spring holding portion 352L2b. One end of the compression spring 352Lsp is fitted to the spring holding portion 352L2b, the other end is inserted from the opening portion 352L1d to be supported by the holding portion (not shown) at the back thereof, and then shafts 352L2a are inserted into the respective oblong round holes 352L1h. At that time, the free end portion 352L1a is assembled while being expanded, and therefore, a plastic material is preferable for the element 352L. In the case that the 352L is made of a hard material, the shafts 352L2a and 352L2 may be formed separately. For example, the shaft 352L2a may be finally press-fitted into the shaft 352L2 for the assembling.

By doing so, the upper movable member 352L1 and the lower movable member 352L2 are connected with each other by the oblong round hole 352L1h and the pair of shafts 352L2a, and the upper movable member 352L1 is urged away from the lower movable member 352L2 by the compression spring 352Lsp. Further, the lower movable member 352L2 is rotatably structured about the shaft 352L2a relative to the upper movable member 352L1. In addition, it is structured to be relatively movable in the direction along the oblong round hole 352L1h2 relative to the upper movable member 352L1.

[Description of Operation of Movable Member]

Next, referring to part (a) of FIG. 48 to part (d) of FIG. 48, the operation of the movable member 352L will be described. As described in the Embodiment 1, after the process cartridge 300 is completely inserted into the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, the movable member 352L is pressed by the cartridge pressing unit 190 in interrelation with the operation of closing the front door 11. The operation of the movable member 352L at that time will be described.

Part (a) of FIG. 48 and part (b) of FIG. 48 show a state in which the movable member 352L is not urged by the cartridge pressing mechanism 190 (free state), and part (c) of FIG. 48 and part (d) of FIG. 48 show a state (locked state) in which the movable member 352L is urged by the cartridge pressing mechanism 190.

First, referring to part (a) of FIG. 48 and part (b) of FIG. 48, the description will be made as to a state in which the movable member 352L is not urged by the cartridge pressing mechanism 190 (free state). As shown in part (b) of FIG. 48, a groove is formed between the arcuate guide ribs 327g1 and 327g2 extending arcuately about the swing axis HE of the non-drive-side bearing 327, and the shaft 352L2a fits in the groove.

The upper movable member 352L1 is movable in the longitudinal direction and the ZA direction of the oblong round hole and swingable around the axis HE, by fitting the oblong round hole 352L1h2 into the axis HE of the bearing 327. As described above, the lower movable member 352L2 can swing about the shaft portion 352L2a relative to the upper movable member 352L1. The cartridge pressing mechanism 190 urging the upper movable member 352L1, the upper movable member 352L1 can approach to the lower movable member 352L2.

With the above structure, in the state where the movable member 352L is not urged by the cartridge pressing mechanism 190 (free state) a, the lower movable member 352L2 can swing in the directions of arrows Ou and Ou′ with a radius Rx about the shaft portion 352L2a as the center of rotation, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 48. Therefore, even if the first force receiving portion (retracting force receiving portion, the separating force receiving portion) 352Lk and the second force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 352Ln of the lower movable member 352L2 receive the force to swing in the directions of arrows Ou and Ou′, the force urging the non-drive-side bearing 327 of the upper movable member 352L1 is not transmitted to the at-separation pressing portion 352L1q.

Next, referring to part (c) of FIG. 48 and part (d) of FIG. 48, the operation of the movable member 352L in the state of being urged by the cartridge pressing mechanism 190 (locked state) will be described. By pushing down the upper movable member 352L1 by the cartridge pressing mechanism 190, the upper movable member 352L1 moves toward the lower movable member 352L2 against the urging force of the spring 352Lsp, and as shown in part (c) of FIG. 48, part (d) of FIG. 48 and FIG. 57, the engaging portion (square shaft portion) 352L1a is fitted into the engaged portion (square hole portion) 352L2h, and the upper movable member 352L1 and the lower movable member 352L2 are made integral. That is, the lower movable member 352L2 becomes in a state in which the swinging around the shaft portion 352L2a relative to the upper movable member 352L1 is restricted. In this state, as shown in part (c) of FIG. 48, the integrated movable member 352L can swing in the directions of arrows Ow and Ow with the turning radius Ry shown in part (c) of FIG. 48, while the shaft 352L2a moves about the movable member swinging axis HE along the formed groove formed between the arcuate guide ribs 327g1 and 327g2 shown in part (d) of FIG. 48. Although the details will be described hereinafter, in the state of being pushed by the cartridge pressing mechanism 190, the movable member 352L can make the same movement as the movable member 152L in Embodiment 1.

Further, in a state where it is not urged by the pressing mechanism 190, the lower movable member 352L2 can swing with a turning radius Rx (see part (a) of FIG. 48 smaller than the turning radius Ry described above.

The spacer (holding member) 351L is urged to rotate clockwise to the portion 351Lf by the urging member 153 (not shown for simplicity in this embodiment) by the same structure as that of the Embodiment 1.

[Mounting of Process Cartridge to Image Forming Apparatus Main Assembly]

Next, referring to part (a) of FIG. 49 to part (d) of FIG. 49, the operation of the movable member 352L when the process cartridge is inserted in the Embodiment 3 will be described. Part (a) of FIG. 49 shows a state in which the process cartridge 300 is being inserted into the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. Part (b) of FIG. 49 shows a state in which the process cartridge 300 is being taken out of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. Part (c) of FIG. 49 shows a state immediately after the process cartridge 300 is completely inserted into the image forming apparatus main assembly 170.

As described above, in the state where the upper movable member 352L1 is not pushed (free state), the lower movable member 352L2 can swing around the shaft portion 352L2a as shown in part (e) of FIG. 49. In this embodiment, the lower movable member 352L2 is in the same position as the constantly projecting position (see FIG. 35) of the movable member in the Embodiment 1. Therefore, when the process cartridge 300 mounted on the cartridge tray 171 (not shown) is inserted into the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 in the direction of the arrow X1 as in the Embodiment 1, the separation control member 196L and the lower movable member 352L2 interfere with each other.

However, because of the above-described structure, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 49, it can be avoided that the lower movable member 352L2 swings in the direction of arrow θu about the shaft portion 352L2a as the center of rotation, with the result that the separation control member 196L and the lower movable member 352L2 interfere with each other, thus preventing it from being inserted into the main assembly 170.

At this time, the lower movable member 352L2 presses the spacer 351L by swinging in the direction of the arrow θu to move the spacer 351L from the separation holding position to the separation release position, so that the developing unit 109 moves to the developing position (contact position).

However, after that, when the power of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 is turned on, the separation control member 196L reciprocates in the W42 direction and the W41 direction, and therefore, the developing unit 109 returns to the separating position (retracted position) again when the preparation for the image formation preparation is completed.

Further, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 50, the lower movable member 352L2 comes into contact with the separation control member 196L in a state where the cartridge tray 171 is completely inserted into the apparatus main assembly 170, with the result that the state shown in part (b) of FIG. 50 is not reached and it stops at a position partway. Referring to FIGS. 50 and 51, a method for surely avoiding such a state will be described.

First, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 51, the upper movable member 352L1 is provided with a projection 352L1p functioning as a rotation assisting portion. Further, the lower movable member 352L2 is provided with a slope 352L2s. When the upper movable member 352L1 descends, the projection 352L1p comes into contact with the slope 352L2s to rotate the lower movable member 352L2 in the direction of the arrow θu. By doing so, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 50, the lower movable member 352L2 rotates in the direction of arrow θu, and while pushing down the separation control member 196L in the direction of arrow θu, it rotates to the position shown in part (b) of FIG. 50.

Next, when the process cartridge 300 is inserted into the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 and the front door 11 is closed, the movable member 352L is pushed down in the direction of ZA by the cartridge pressing mechanism 190 (FIG. 37 and the like) as described in the foregoing by the arrow shown in part (a) of FIG. 52. Then, as shown in part (b) of FIG. 52, the engaging portion (square shaft portion) 352L1a fits into the engaged portion (square hole portion) 352L2h. That is, the upper movable member 352L1 and the lower movable member 352L2 are made integral, and play the substantially same role as the movable member 152L of the Embodiment 1.

[Dismounting of Process Cartridge from Image Forming Apparatus Main Assembly]

On the contrary, as shown in part (b) of FIG. 49, when the process cartridge 300 is taken out of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus in the direction of the arrow X2, the separation control member 196L and the lower movable member 352L2 interfere with each other.

However, as described above, since the movable member 352L1 is in a free state, when receiving the force by the first force receiving portion (retracting force receiving portion, the spacing force receiving portion) 352Lk, the lower movable member 352L2 rotates about the shaft portion 352L2a as the center of rotation in the direction of arrow θu. However, the force received by the first force receiving portion (retracting force receiving portion, separating force receiving portion) 352Lk is not transmitted to the at-separation pressing portion 352L1q which presses the non-drive-side bearing 327 of the developing unit 109 of the upper movable member 352L1. That is, the movable member 352L1 cannot move the developing unit 109. This state is the transmission disabled state in which the transmission of the pressing force does not occur. Therefore, it is possible to prevent occurrence of the state that the separation control member 196L and the lower movable member 352L2 interfere with each other with the result of incapability of removing the it from the apparatus main assembly 170. In this embodiment, the process cartridge is usable with the color image forming apparatus. Therefore, there are four process cartridges and four separation control members. And, depending on the station, the operation shown in FIG. 49 may be repeated four times at the maximum.

The lower movable member 352L2 is structured to return from the position shown in part (c) of FIG. 49, for example, to the neutral position shown in part (d) of FIG. 49 (the position in which the upper movable member 352L1 shown in FIG. 56 and the lower movable member 352L2 form an angle θt(=0°) by the restoring force of the compression spring 352Lsp.

[Contact/Separation Operations of Developing Unit]

Part (a) of FIG. 53 shows the moment of contact between the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104, part (b) of FIG. 53 shows the separating operation of the developing unit 109, and part (c) of FIG. 53 shows the details of the movable member 352. The movable member 352L is in a locked state and can play substantially the same role as the movable member 152L shown in the Embodiment 1. Therefore, the movable member 352L receives the force from the separation control member 196L and acts on the spacer 351L to release the separation. The member to be contacted with the spacer 351L may either be the upper movable member 352L1 or the lower movable member 352L2. That is, the at-contact pressing portion which presses the spacer 351L upon the contact operation may be provided on at least one of the upper movable member 352L1 and the lower movable member 352L2. Further, in the separating operation, a force is received from the separation control member 196L, and the at-separation pressing portion 352L1q of the upper movable member 352L1 integrated with the lower movable member 352L2 is brought into contact with the shaft portion 327a, so that the entire developing frame 325 swings. This state is a transmission state in which the force received by the first force receiving portion 352Lk can be transmitted to the at-separation pressing portion 352L1q, to move the non-drive-side bearing 237 so as to move the developing unit 109 from the developing position to the retracted position. And, the spacer 351L moves through the same operation as in the Embodiment 1 to maintain the separated state.

[Structure of Drive-Side Separation/Contact Mechanism]

FIG. 54 is an external view illustrating the structure of the drive-side of the developing unit portion of the process cartridge 300. In this embodiment, the structure has been described using the separation/contact mechanism on the non-drive-side, but since the structure on the drive-side is analogous, and therefore detailed description is omitted. The movable member 352R on the drive-side is a member corresponding to the movable member 152R in the Embodiment 1, and has a structure in which the upper movable member 352R1 and the lower movable member 352R2 are connected with each other in the same manner as with the movable member 352L on the non-drive-side.

[Driving Side and Non-Drive-Side Separation/Contact Mechanisms]

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of the process cartridge 300 as viewed from the developer side. In this embodiment, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 55, the movable member 352L is provided on the non-drive-side, and the movable member 352R is provided on the drive-side. As another example, as shown in part (b) of FIG. 55, the movable member 352L may be provided only on the non-drive-side. Further, as shown in part (c) of FIG. 55, the movable member 352R may be provided only on the drive-side.

According to the structure of this embodiment described above, the same effect as that in the Embodiment 1 can be provided.

Further, in this embodiment, the lower movable member 352L2 including the first force receiving portion (retracting force receiving portion, the separating force receiving portion) 352Lk and the second force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 352Ln is movable relative to the upper movable member 352L1 and other portions of the process cartridge 300. In this embodiment, by this movement, the first force receiving portion 352Lk and the second force receiving portion 352Ln are displaced in the ZA direction, by which it is displaced at least in the direction VD1 (FIG. 40, and so on), the direction VD10 (FIG. 236, and so on), and the direction VD12 (FIG. 238), and in direction VD14 (FIG. 239). Then, the movable member 352L2 can be switched between a movable state (free state) and a state fixed to the upper movable member 352L1 (locked state), depending on the position of the upper movable member 352L1. By this, it can be avoided that when the process cartridge 300 is inserted into or removed from the apparatus main assembly 170, the lower movable member 352L2 and the apparatus main assembly 170, particularly the separation control member 196L, interfere with each other with the result of incapability of insertion and removal of the process cartridge.

Embodiment 4

Next, referring to FIG. 58 to FIG. 66, Embodiment 4 will be described.

In this embodiment, structures and operations different from those of the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and description of similar structures and operations will be omitted. For the structure corresponding to that in the above-described embodiments, the same reference numerals and characters are assigned, or the reference numerals in the first part is changed while the reference numerals and characters in the second part are the samee. The spacer 651L has the same structure as the spacer 151L.

[Structure of Movable Member]

First, the structure of the movable member will be described by taking the non-drive-side as an example. FIG. 58 is an illustration of disassembly and assembly of the movable member 652L on the non-drive-side which will be described in Embodiment 6. In Embodiment 6, as shown in FIG. 62, the movable member corresponding to the movable member 152L in the Embodiment 1 avoids the interference with the separation control member 196L in the longitudinal direction (Y1, Y2), in the process of inserting and removing the process cartridge 600 into the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. The directions Y1 and Y2 are parallel to the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 104 and the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller 106 of the Embodiment 1. The insertion/removal of the movable member while avoiding the separation control member 196L will be described hereinafter.

As shown in FIG. 58, the specific structure of the movable member 652L is a two-divided structure of an upper movable member 652L1 and a lower movable member 652L2. Part (a) of FIG. 58 shows a state before assembling the upper movable member 652L1 and the lower movable member 652L2. Part (b) of FIG. 58 and part (c) of FIG. 58 show the state after the upper movable member 652L1 and the lower movable member 652L2 are assembled. In the upper movable member 652L1, a pair of oblong round holes 652L1h are provided so as to oppose each other in the X1 and X2 directions, at the position overlapping with the lower movable member 652L2 in the direction of inserting and removing the process cartridge relative to the image forming apparatus main assembly (X1, X2 directions, FIG. 62). The lower movable member 652L2 is provided with the shaft 652L2a. Further, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 48, the lower movable member 652L2 is provided with a projecting portion 652Lh capable of projecting from the developing unit in the ZA direction, and the projecting portion 652Lh includes a first force receiving portion (retracting force receiving portion, separating force receiving portion) 652Lk and a second force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 652Ln. A compression spring 652Lsp is provided between the upper movable member 652L1 and the lower movable member 652L2. One end of the compression spring 652Lsp is supported by the upper holding portion 652L1d of the upper movable member 652L1, the other end is seated on the seating surface 652L2c of the lower holding portion 652L2b, and then the shaft 652L2a is engaged with the oblong round hole 652L1h.

When assembling the movable member 652L in this manner so that the shaft 652L2a fits into the oblong round hole 652L1h, the free end portion 652L1a of the upper movable member 652L1 is expanded and assembled, so that it is preferably made of a plastic material. In the case that the movable member 652L is made of a hard material, the shaft 652L2a and the lower movable member 652L2 may be formed separately. For example, the shaft 652L2a may be finally press-fitted into the lower movable member 652L2.

FIG. 59 is a perspective view of the upper movable member 652L1 and the lower movable member 652L2 of a two-divided structure (compression spring 652Lsp is not shown).

The upper movable member 652L1 and the lower movable member 652L2 of the assembled movable member 652L can take the following two states. One of them is a state in which the shaft 652L2a of the lower movable member 652L2 is located at a position away from the upper holding portion 652L1d relative to the center of the oblong round hole 652L1h of the upper holding portion 652L1d, as shown in part (b) of FIG. 58 and part (a) of FIG. 59. The other is in a state where the shaft 652L2a of the lower movable member 652L2 is located close to the upper holding portion 652L1d relative to the center of the oblong round hole 652L1h of the upper holding portion 652L1d as shown in part (c) of FIG. 58 and part (b) of FIG. 59.

In a state where the shaft 652L2a shown in part (b) of FIG. 58 and part (a) of FIG. 59 is located away from the upper holding portion 652L1d relative to the center of the oblong round hole 652L1h, the lower movable member 652L2 supports only the shaft 652L2a and can swing in the directions of arrows Y3 and Y4 about the shaft 652L2a (free state), with respect to the upper movable member 652L1. In this free state, the lower movable member 652L2 supports only the shaft 652L2a and is kept swingable with respect to the upper movable member 652L1 by the force of the compression spring 652Lsp provided between the upper holding portion 652L1d of the upper movable member 652L1 and the seating surface 652L2c of the lower holding portion 652L2b.

In a state where the shaft 652L2a shown in part (c) of FIG. 58 and part (b) of FIG. 59 is located close to the upper holding portion 652L1d relative to the center of the oblong round hole 652L1h, the free end portion 652L1a of the upper movable member 652L1 is in the square hole portion 652L2h, so that the lower movable member 652L2 is restricted from swinging about the shaft 652L2a (locked state). This locked state is the state when the upper movable member 652L1 which will be described hereinafter is pressed by the image forming apparatus main assembly, and the upper movable member 652L1 is integral with the lower movable member 652L2.

[Description of Operation of Movable Member]

Next, the operation of the movable member 652L will be described referring to part (a) of FIG. 60 to part (d) of FIG. 60. As described in the Embodiment 1, after the process cartridge 600 is completely inserted into the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, the movable member 652L is urged by the cartridge pressing unit 190 in interrelation with the operation of closing the front door 11. The operation of the movable member 652L at that time will be described. Part (a) of FIG. 60 and part (b) of FIG. 61 are in the free state as described referring to part (b) of FIG. 58 and part (a) of FIG. 59, in which the movable member 652L is not urged by the cartridge pressing mechanism in the image forming apparatus main assembly. Part (c) of FIG. 60, Figure (d) and part (b) of FIG. 61 are in the locked state shown in part (c) of FIG. 58 and part (b) of FIG. 59, in which the movable member 652L is pushed by the mechanism 190 in the image forming apparatus main assembly.

Referring to part (a) of FIG. 60 and part (b) of FIG. 60 first, a state in which the imparting member 652L is not pressed by the cartridge pressing mechanism 190 (free state) will be described. In the process cartridge 600, the upper movable member 652L1 can move in the longitudinal direction and the ZA direction of the oblong round hole and can swing around the swing shaft HE by the oblong round hole 652L1h2 fitting around the swinging shaft HE of the bearing 627. At this time, the lower movable member 652L2 is in a state where it can swing about the shaft portion 652L2a relative to the upper movable member 652L1 as described above.

In this swingable state (free state), the lower movable member 652L2 avoids engagement with the separation control member 196L which engages with the movable member described in the Embodiment 1 when it is inserted into and removed from the image forming apparatus main assembly as will be described hereinafter. For example, as shown in FIG. 63 in which the seating surface 652L2c portion shown in part (b) of FIG. 60 and part (b) of FIG. 60 is enlarged, the lower movable member 652L2 receives the urging force of the compression spring 652Lsp by which the state of having swung relative to the upper movable member 652L1in the Y3 direction is maintained to effect the avoidance. To accomplish this, the seating surface 652L2c of the lower movable member 652L2 faces the upper holding portion 652L1d of the upper movable member 652L1 in a state where the lower movable member 652L2 swings in the Y3 direction. By this, the swung state is maintained by the moment acting on the lower movable member 652L2 about the shaft portion 652L2a in the Y3 direction so that the seating surface 652L2c faces the upper holding portion 652L1d by the elastic force of the compression spring 652Lsp provided between the upper movable member 652L1 and the lower movable member 652L2.

Next, referring to part (c) of FIG. 60 and part (d) of FIG. 60, the operation of the movable member 652L in a state of being urged by the cartridge pressing mechanism 190 (locked state) will be described.

By pushing down the cartridge pressing mechanism 190, the upper movable member 652L1 moves toward the lower movable member 652L2 against the spring 652Lsp. The lower movable member 652L2 is urged in the direction in which the cartridge pressing mechanism is urged down by the shaft 652L2a coming into contact with the arcuate guide rib 627g of the bearing 627. Then, as shown in part (c) of FIG. 60 part (d) of FIG. 60 and part (b) of FIG. 61, the free end portion 652L1a of the upper movable member 652L1 which has moved toward the lower movable member 652L2 enters the square hole portion 652L2h, by which the movable member 652L2 swings around the shaft 652L2a, and the upper movable member 652L1 and the lower movable member 652L2 are integrated as described above. In this state, as shown in part (c) of FIG. 60, the integrated movable member 652L swings in the X4 direction and the X5 direction with the turning radius Rx about the movable member swinging axis HE as the center of rotation. In this state, when a force is received by the first force receiving portion (retracting force receiving portion, separating force receiving portion) 652Lk, the movable member 652L rotates in the X4 direction so that the at-separation pressing portion 652Lq urges the arcuate guide rib 627g which is the at-separation urged portion of the bearing 627. By this, the developing unit 109 can be moved in the direction from the development position to the retracted position. In this state, when a force is received by the second force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 652Ln, the movable member 652L rotates in the X5 direction, and the at-contact pressing portion 652Lr urges the at-contact urging portion 621Le of the spacer 651L. By this, the spacer 651L can be moved from the restriction position (first position) to the permission position (second position). When the movable member 652L is locked in this manner, it is in a transmittable state in which the forces received by the first force receiving portion (retracting force receiving portion, separating force receiving portion) 652Lk and the second force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 652Ln can be transmitted to the at-separation urging portion 652Lq and the at-contact urging portion and the at-contact pressing portion 652Lr.

Although the details will be described hereinafter, in the state of being urged by the cartridge pressing mechanism 190, the movable member 652L can make the same movement as the movable member 152L in the Embodiment 1. The spacer (holding member) 651L is urged to rotate clockwise by the urging member 153 (not shown for simplicity in this embodiment) on the 651Lf portion in the same structure as in the Embodiment 1.

[Mounting of Process Cartridge to Image Forming Apparatus Main Assembly]

Next, referring to part (a) of FIG. 62 to part (d) of FIG. 62, the operation of the movable member 652L at the time of inserting the process cartridge in the Embodiment 6 will be described. Part (a) of FIG. 62 is an illustration showing a state in the process of inserting and removing the process cartridge 600 into the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, as viewed in the longitudinal direction. Part (b) of FIG. 62 is an illustration showing a state in which the process cartridge 600 is being inserted and removed from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, is viewed in the inserting direction. Part (c) of FIG. 62 is a view illustrating a state in which the process cartridge 600 is inserted into the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 and the front door 11 is closed, as viewed in the longitudinal direction. Part (d) of FIG. 62 is a view illustrating a state in which the process cartridge 600 is inserted into the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 and the front door 11 is closed, as viewed in the inserting direction. As described above, in the state where the upper movable member 652L1 is not pushed (free state), the lower movable member 652L2 can swing around the shaft portion 652L2a as shown in part (b) of FIG. 58.

As shown in part (a) of FIG. 62 and part (b) of FIG. 62, when the cartridge tray 171 (not shown) loaded with the process cartridge 600 is inserted into the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 in the direction of arrow X1 or taken out in the direction of arrow X2, it is inserted and removed in a state that the portion on the free end side of the lower movable member 652L2 with respect to the control member 196L is in the retraction state in the longitudinal direction (Y1 direction). This is because the lower movable member 652L2 is held in the state shown in part (b) of FIG. 58 and part (a) of FIG. 59 by the action of the compression spring 652Lsp.

However, it is not always necessary that the portion of the lower movable member 652L2 on the free end side is held in a state of being retracted in the longitudinal direction (Y1 direction). Another structure is shown in FIG. 64. Part (a) of FIG. 64 is an illustration showing a state in the process of inserting and removing the process cartridge 600 relative to the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 in the longitudinal direction. Part (b) of FIG. 64 is an illustration showing a state in which the process cartridge 600 is being inserted and removed from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 in the inserting direction. Part (c) of FIG. 64 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Q-Q of part (b) of FIG. 64. Part (d) of FIG. 64 is a Q-Q cross-sectional view of a state in which the process cartridge 600 is further inserted in the X1 direction from the state of part (c) of FIG. 64.

In an alternative structure shown in FIG. 64, the slope 653L2d of the lower movable member 653L2 is brought into contact with the separation control member 196L, thereby to cause to change the state from the state in which the lower movable member 196L and the lower movable member 653L2 are overlapped with each other is viewed in the Y1 and Y2 directions by the force in the insertion/removal directions (X1 and X2 directions) as shown in part (c) of FIG. 64 to the state in which the portion on the free end side of the lower movable member 652L2 is retracted in the longitudinal direction (Y1 direction), by the lower movable member 653L2 is brought into contact with the separation control member 196L shown in part (d) of FIG. 64. In this manner, when the process cartridge 600 is inserted into and removed from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, the movable member 652L is in a free state.

In this embodiment, the process cartridge usable with the color image forming apparatus is described. Therefore, there are four process cartridges and four separation control members. Therefore, depending on the station, the operation shown in FIG. 62 may be repeated four times at the maximum.

Next, as shown in part (c) of FIG. 62 and part (d) of FIG. 62, when the process cartridge 600 is inserted into the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 and the front door 11 is closed, the movable member 652L is lower by the cartridge pressing mechanism 190 as described above in the direction of arrow Z2. By this, the lower movable member 652L2, which has been swingable, cannot swing relative to the upper movable member 652L1, so that these are integrated (interlocked state). The movable member in this state performs substantially the same functions as the movable member 152 in the Embodiment 1.

[Structure of Drive-Side Separation/Contact Mechanism]

FIG. 65 is an external view illustrating the structure of the drive-side of the developing unit portion of the process cartridge 600. FIG. 66 is a perspective view of the process cartridge 600. In this embodiment, the structure has been described using the separation/contact mechanism on the non-drive-side, but since the structure on the drive-side is similar thereto, detailed description thereof is omitted. The movable member 652R on the drive-side is a member corresponding to the movable member 152R in the Embodiment 1, and has a structure in which the upper movable member 652R1 and the lower movable member 652R2 are connected in the same manner as the movable member 652L on the non-drive-side.

[Driving Side, Non-Drive-Side Separation/Contact Mechanism]

In this embodiment, the movable member 652L is provided in on the non-drive-side, and the movable member 652R is Provided on the drive-side. As another example, the movable member 652L may be provided only on the non-drive-side. Furthermore, the movable member 652R may be provided only on the drive-side.

According to the structure of this embodiment described above, the same effects the gap that as those of the Embodiment 1 can be provided.

Further, in this embodiment, the lower movable member 652L2 provided with the first force receiving portion (retracting force receiving portion, separating force receiving portion) 652Lk and the second force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 652Ln is made movable relative to, the upper movable member 652L1 and other portions of the process cartridge 600. In this embodiment, by the movement, the first force receiving portion 652Lk and the second force receiving portion 652Ln is displaced at least in the Y1 direction (the direction parallel to the rotation axis M1 and the rotation axis M2 of the Embodiment 1). Then, the lower portion movable member 652L2 can be switched between a movable state (free state) and a state fixed to the upper movable member 652L1 (locked state) depending on the position of the upper movable member 652L1. By this, it can be avoided that when the process cartridge 600 is inserted or removed into the apparatus main assembly 170, the lower movable member 652L2 and the apparatus main assembly 170, particularly the separation control member 196L, interfere with each other with the result of incapability of insertion or removal.

Embodiment 5

Next, referring to FIGS. 67 to 72, Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described.

In this embodiment, structures and operations different from those of the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and description of similar structures and operations will be omitted. For the structure corresponding to that in the above-described embodiments, the same reference numerals and characters are assigned, or the reference numerals in the first part is changed while the reference numerals and characters in the second part are the same.

In this embodiment, a structure will be described in which the movable member 452 of the separation/contact mechanism of the process cartridge 400 operates in the developing unit 109 without moving from the accommodated position to the projecting position. The movable member does not move from the accommodated position to the projecting position, but performs the same action by moving the developing unit 109 or the process cartridge 400 up and down. When the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 is installed on a horizontal surface, the vertical directions are the Z1 direction and the Z2 direction.

[Structure of Process Cartridge 400]

The process cartridge 400 includes a separation/contact mechanism 450R on the drive-side and a separation/contact mechanism 450L on the non-drive-side. Regarding the separation/contact mechanism, the details of the separation/contact mechanism 450R on the drive-side will first be described, and then the separation/contact mechanism 450L on the non-drive-side will be described. Further, the separation/contact mechanism has almost the same function on the drive-side and the non-drive-side, and therefore, R is added to the end of the code of each member on the drive-side. For the non-drive-side, the reference numerals and characters of each member are the same as that of the drive-side, but L is added at the end.

FIG. 67 is an assembly perspective view of the drive-side of the process cartridge 400 including the separation/contact mechanism 450R. The separation/contact mechanism 450R has a spacer 151R which is a restricting member (holding member), a movable member 452R which is a urging member, and a tension spring 153. The movable member 452R is provided with a support receiving portion 452Ra which is a round through hole. Further, as shown in FIG. 69, the movable member 452R is provided with a projecting portion 452Rh capable of projecting from the developing unit in the ZA direction, and the projecting portion 452Rh includes a first force receiving portion (retracting force receiving portion, separating force receiving portion) 452Rk, and a second force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 452Rn. The movable member 452R is swingably mounted to the second retaining portion 428m of the development cover member 428.

The development supporting member 401R is mounted to the end surface of the development cover member 428. The developing supporting member 401R is provided with a supporting cylinder 410Ra, a supporting spring receiving portion 401b, and a positioning receiving portion 401Rc. The development supporting member 401R is mounted so that the inner surface of the supporting cylinder 401Ra is fitted with the cylindrical portion 428b of the development cover member 428. Further, the outer surface of the supporting cylinder 401Ra is supported movably in the ZA direction by the developing unit supporting hole 416a of the drive-side cartridge cover member 416 forming a portion of the drum frame of the drum unit 408. Further, the development supporting member 401R is provided with a slide guide 401Re. The slide guide 401Re is positioned in the proper attitude by engaging with the guide projection 416e provided on the drive-side cartridge cover member 416 and restricting the movement so as to be movable in the groove direction. The slide guide 401Re in the form of a groove parallel to the ZA direction in which the developing unit 409, which will be described hereinafter, moves up and down. The support method will be described hereinafter.

One end of the development supporting spring 402 is mounted to the drive-side cartridge cover member 416. The other end side of the development supporting spring 402 is placed at a position in contact with the supporting spring receiving portion 401Rb of the assembled development supporting member 401R. By this, the development supporting spring 402 applies a force to the drive-side cartridge cover member 416 to lift the development supporting member 401R in the direction opposite to the ZA direction.

FIG. 68 shows an assembly perspective view of the non-drive-side of the process cartridge including the separation/contact mechanism 450L. The assembled state of the separation/contact mechanism 450L will be described.

The non-drive-side bearing member 427 is fixed to the developing frame 125 and rotatably supports the developing roller 106 and the toner feeding roller 107. The non-drive-side bearing member 427 includes a support cylindrical portion 427a for supporting the development supporting member 401L, a support portion 427b for supporting the spacer 151L, and a support portion 427f for supporting the movable member 452L. Further, as shown in FIG. 70, the movable member 452R includes a projecting portion 452Lh capable of projecting from the developing unit in the ZA direction, and the projecting portion 452Rh includes a first force receiving portion (retracting force receiving portion, separating force receiving portion) 452Lk, a second force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 452Ln is provided.

The development supporting member 401L is supported by fitting the oblong round hole 401Lb into the support cylindrical portion 427a of the non-drive-side bearing member 427. This oblong round hole is provided in the support portion 401Lb on the non-drive-side in order to allow a deviation due to a manufacturing error between the drive-side and the non-drive-side of the portion supporting the developing unit 409.

The development supporting member 401L is provided with a cylindrical portion 401La so as to cover the oblong round hole 401Lb. The cylindrical portion 401La is supported by the developing unit supporting hole 417a of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 417.

Further, the development supporting member 401L is provided with a guide projection 401Le. The guide projection 401Le is fitted with the groove-shaped slide guide 417e provided on the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 417, and the movement is restricted so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction (ZA direction) of the groove, so as to be positioned in the proper attitude. The slide guide 417e includes a groove parallel to the ZA direction in which the developing unit 409, which will be described hereinafter, moves up and down. The support method will be described hereinafter.

The development supporting member 401L obtains a force by the development supporting spring to lift the cartridge cover member 417 on the non-drive-side in the direction of arrow Z1 which is upward.

FIG. 69 is side view of the process cartridge 400 as viewed from the drive-side, and FIG. 70 shows a side view of the process cartridge 400 as viewed from the non-drive-side.

Referring to FIG. 69, the mechanism on the drive-side in the assemblage completed state will be described.

In the developing unit 409, the supporting cylinder 401Ra of the development supporting member 401R is supported by the developing unit supporting hole 416a of the drive-side cartridge cover member 416. The developing unit supporting hole 416a is an oblong round hole oblong in the direction of arrow ZA. By this, the development supporting member 401R can move in the developing unit supporting hole 416a in the ZA direction and the opposite direction. The development supporting spring 402 is shown by a broken line as a perspective view. The development supporting spring 402 pushes up the supporting spring receiving portion 401b of the development supporting member 401R in the direction opposite to the ZA direction. Since the development supporting member 401R supporting the developing unit 409 is pushed up in the direction opposite to the ZA direction, the developing unit 409 is lifted in the drive-side cartridge cover member 416 in the direction opposite to the ZA direction.

In this Figure, the photosensitive member drum and the developing roller are spaced from each other in the state that the process cartridge 400 is outside the apparatus main assembly 170. Similar to the other embodiments, the spacer 151R contacts with the contact surface 416c of the drive-side cartridge cover member 416 to prevent the developing unit 109 from approaching to the photosensitive member drum.

Referring to FIG. 70, the mechanism on the non-drive-side in the assemblage completed state will be described. A supporting cylinder 401La of the development supporting member 401L is supported by the developing unit supporting hole 417a of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 417. The developing unit supporting hole 417a movably supports the supporting cylinder 402La by two surfaces 417a1 and 417a2 parallel to the ZA direction which is the same direction in which the oblong round hole the supporting hole 416a on the drive-side extends. Further, the movement amount of the development supporting member 401L is restricted by the lower restriction surface 417a3. The non-drive-side cartridge cover member 417 movably supports the developing supporting member 410L in the ZA direction and the opposite direction by the developing unit supporting hole 417a.

The development supporting spring 402L is pushed up the supporting spring receiving portion 401Lb of the development supporting member 401L in the direction opposite to ZA direction. Since the development supporting member 401L supporting the developing unit 409 is pushed up in the opposite direction in the ZA direction, the developing unit 409 is lifted in the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 417 in the direction opposite to the ZA direction.

[Operation when Process Cartridge is Mounted to Main Assembly of Apparatus]

Next, referring to FIG. 71, the operation when the process cartridge 400 is mounted on the apparatus main assembly will be described. FIG. 71 is a side view of the process cartridge 400 and the portions of the apparatus main assembly 170 related to mounting as viewed from the drive-side. Part (a) of FIG. 71 shows the process cartridge 400 which is being mounted while moving in the direction of the arrow X1 between the pressing mechanism 191 of the apparatus main assembly 170 on the upper side and the development separation control unit 195 on the lower side. The operation mechanism of the pressing mechanism 191 (the mechanism that moves in the Z1 and Z2 directions in interrelation with the opening and closing of the front door 11) is the same as that of the Embodiment 1, and therefore, detailed description thereof will be omitted. The movable member 452R is in a state of having been advanced to the front of the separation control member 196R. The process cartridge 400 moves while kept carried on the tray 171 shown in FIG. 5, but for simplification of the drawing, the entire tray 171 is not illustrated, and only the portion supporting the drive-side cartridge cover member 416 is shown by broken lines.

Part (b) of FIG. 71 shows a state in which the process cartridge 400 advances in the X1 direction and the movable member 452R is above the separation control member 196. In the steps from part (a) of FIG. 71 to part (b) of FIG. 71, the movable member 452R has been lifted together with the developing unit in the direction of arrow Z1 and is in the accommodated position (stand-by position), so that it does not interfere with the separation control member 196R.

Part (c) of FIG. 71 shows a state in which the process cartridge 400 has advanced to the mounting position relative to the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 in the X1 direction. It shows the state in which the pressing mechanism 191 starts to push the pressed portion 401Rc of the developing supporting member 401 in the direction of arrow Z2. When the development supporting member 401 is pushed in at least the Z2 direction by the pressing mechanism 191, the entire developing unit 409 moves in the ZA direction (predetermined direction), and the movable member 452R also moves in the ZA direction (predetermined direction) to the projecting position (operating position) inside the space 196Rd of the separation control member 196. At this time, the development supporting spring 402 having been described referring to FIG. 69 is compressed by the force from the pressing mechanism 191. Then, the developing supporting member 401 moves in the ZA direction along the oblong round hole of the developing unit supporting hole 416a. The ZA direction is a direction perpendicular to the X1 direction.

Part (d) of FIG. 71 shows a state after the pressing mechanism 191 is further moved from the state of part (c) of FIG. 71 in the direction of arrow Z2. The pressing mechanism 191 presses the positioning receiving portion 410Rc of the developing supporting member 401 in the direction of arrow Z2 and pushes it down. By this, the entire developing unit 409 is pushed down in the direction of arrow ZA, and the movable member 452R enters the space 196Rd of the separation control member 196. In this state, the mounting of the process cartridge 400 to the apparatus main assembly 170 is completed.

At this time, the spring force of the developing supporting spring 402 in the direction opposite to the ZA direction is set to be lower than the pressing force of the pressing mechanism 191. Further, it is desirable that the developing supporting spring 402 is placed so as to expand and contract in the ZA direction, but if the spring force is selected appropriately, it may be placed so as to expand and contract in another direction including the ZA direction component.

The operation when the process cartridge 400 is removed from the apparatus main assembly 170 is the reverse of the above-mentioned operation when the process cartridge 400 is mounted, and therefore, the description thereof will be omitted.

[Contact Operation and Separation Operation of Developing Unit]

Referring to FIG. 72, the operation in which the developing unit 109 of the mounted process cartridge 400 contacts and separates from the photosensitive member drum will be described.

FIG. 72 is a side view seen from the drive-side, and the pressing mechanism 191 shown in FIG. 71 is not shown.

Part (a) of FIG. 72 is an illustration of an operation for bringing the developing unit 109 into contact with the photosensitive member drum. When the separation control member 196R moves in the W42 direction, the movable member 452R is pushed and moves. At this time, the movable member 452R swings in the direction of arrow BC about the support receiving portion 452Ra which is a round hole. The spacer 151R is pushed by the movable member 452R and swings in the direction of arrow B2. The spacer 151R moves from the contact surface 416c and enters the second restriction surface 416d to disable the distance restriction between the photosensitive member drum and the developing unit 109 to bring the developing unit 409 into contact state.

Part (b) of FIG. 72 is an illustration in which the developing unit 109 is maintained in contact with the photosensitive member drum. The separation control member 196R which has moved in the W42 direction in part (a) of FIG. 72 returns to the W41 direction again. Since the space 196Rd is wide enough such that the separation control member 196R and the movable member 452R do not come into contact with each other. The movable member 452R maintains the above-described contact state.

Part (c) of FIG. 72 is an illustration of an operation when the developing unit 109 is separated again. When the separation control member 196R further moves in the direction of W41 from the state of part (b) of FIG. 72, the separation control member 196R and the movable member 452R is brought into contact with each other. Then, the movable member 452R swings in the direction of the arrow BD and comes into contact with the development cover member 428. When the movable member 452R comes into contact with the development cover member and then is further rotated in the BD direction, the developing unit 109 swings to establish the spaced state. At this time, the movable member 452R and the spacer 151R are connected by a tension spring 153 and rotate in the direction of arrow B1. The rotated spacer 151R contacts to the contact surface 416c to restrict the developing unit 109 in the spaced state. Thereafter, when the separation control member 196R moves in the direction of W42 and returns to the position shown in part (d) of FIG. 71, the developing unit 109 maintains the spaced state without receiving the force of the separation control member 196R.

According to the structure of this embodiment described above, the same effect as that of an Embodiment 1 can be obtained.

Further, in this embodiment, the movable member 425 including the first force receiving portions 452Rk and 452Lk and the second force receiving portions 452Rn and 452Ln moves integrally with the developing unit 409 between the accommodated position (stand-by position) and the projecting position (operating position). By this movement, the first force receiving portions 452Rk and 452Lk are displaced at least in the directions VD1 (FIG. 40, and so on), the direction VD10 (FIG. 236, and so on), the direction VD12 (FIG. 238), and the direction VD14 (FIG. 239). With such a structure, it is possible to prevent the movable member 42 from interfering with the apparatus main assembly 170, particularly the separation control member 196L, when the process cartridge 400 is inserted into or removed from the apparatus main assembly 170.

Another Example of Embodiment 5

Using another structure shown in FIG. 73 to FIG. 78, the description will be made as to the example in which in the separation/contact mechanism of the process cartridge 430, the movable member, which is a pressing member, operates in the developing unit 109 without moving from the accommodated position (stand-by position) to the projecting position (operating position). The structure.

In the structure described here, when the process cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main assembly 170, the process cartridge 430 retracts in a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction and finally engages with the separation control member 196.

Referring to FIG. 73, a characteristic structure will be described. Part (a) of FIG. 73 shows a side view of the process cartridge 430 in this structure, as viewed from the drive-side. The support structure for the developing unit 439 is the same as that described with Embodiment 1. That is, the cylindrical portion 428b of the development cover member 428 is rotatably supported by the developing unit supporting hole 431Ra of the drive-side cartridge cover member 431R. Here, the developing unit supporting hole 431Ra has a cylindrical shape. Therefore, in the present alternative example, unlike the structure of the Embodiment 5, the developing unit 439 is unable to move in the Z2 direction relative to the drive-side cartridge cover member (drum frame) 431R and the drum unit 438, except for the movement due to play.

Compression coil springs (elastic members) are mounted to the drive-side cartridge cover member 431R at two locations. One of them is the first drive-side supporting spring 435R provided in the rotational direction position setting recess 431KR of the drive-side cartridge cover member 431R. The spring 435R has a free end portion 435Ra on the lower end side thereof. The other of them is a second drive-side supporting spring 434R mounted to the drive-side supporting spring attachment portion 431MR. The spring 434R has a free end portion 434Ra on the lower end side thereof.

Part (b) of FIG. 73 shows a side view of the process cartridge 430 as viewed from the non-drive-side. The cartridge cover member 431L on the non-drive-side rotatably supports the developing unit 409 as in FIG. 13 of the Embodiment 1. Compression coil springs (elastic members) are mounted to a non-drive-side cartridge cover member 431L at two locations. One of them is a first non-drive-side supporting spring 435L provided in the rotational direction position setting recess 431KL of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 431L. The spring 435L has a free end portion 435La on the lower end side thereof. The other of them is a second non-drive-side supporting spring 434L mounted to the non-drive-side supporting spring mounting portion 431ML. The spring 434L has a free end portion 434La on the lower end side thereof.

These free end portions 434Ra, 435Ra, 434La, and 435La are supported portions which are supported in contact with the tray 171. Further, these free end portions 434Ra, 435Ra, 434La, and 435La are also supporting portions to support, so as to be movable in the Z2 direction, the drive-side cartridge cover member 431R and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 431L which form a portion of the drum frame (first frame). Here, the developing unit 409 (or developing frame) (second frame) is supported by the drum frame. Therefore, it can be said that these free end portions 434Ra, 435Ra, 434La, and 435La support the developing unit 409 (or the developing frame) movably in the Z2 direction by way of the drum frame.

Next, referring to FIG. 74, the relative positions of the first drive-side supporting spring 435R and the second drive-side supporting spring 434R and the tray 171 when the process cartridge 430 is mounted on the tray 171 will be described. FIG. 74 shows the process cartridge 430 which is being moved in the direction of arrow Z2 in order to be mounted on the tray 171. In this state, the process cartridge 430 is still movable in the Z2 direction and is not positioned on the tray 171.

When the process cartridge 430 is further advanced in the Z2 direction, the first drive-side supporting spring 435R provided on the drive-side cartridge cover member 431R is brought into contact with and supported by the rotational direction position setting projection (first spring support portion) 171KR of the rotation of the tray 171 at the free end portion 435Ra thereof. Further, when the process cartridge is advanced in the Z2 direction, the free end portion 434Ra of the second drive-side supporting spring 434R brought into contact with and supported by the spring receiving portion (second spring support portion) 471MR of the tray 171.

On the other hand, also on the non-drive-side, the free end portion 435La of the first non-drive-side supporting spring 435L is brought into contact with and supported by the rotational direction position setting projection (third spring supporting portion) of the tray 17. Further, the free end portion 434La of the second non-drive-side supporting spring 434L is brought into contact with to and is supported by a spring receiving portion (fourth spring supporting portion) (not shown) of the tray 17.

[Operation Upon Mounting of Process Cartridge to Apparatus Main Assembly]

Next, referring to FIGS. 75 to 78, a process from the state in which the process cartridge 430 is placed on the tray 171 to the state in which it is positioned in the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 at the position where the image is formed will be described. FIG. 75 to FIG. 78 show side views as viewed from the drive-side. In these Figures, for the sake of simplicity, all but the relevant structures are not shown to illustrate the states. Since the non-drive-side has the same structure as the drive-side and operates in the same manner, the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 75 shows a state in which the process cartridge 430 placed on the tray 171 advances in the direction of arrow X1 together with the tray 171. As described referring to FIG. 74, the free end portion 435Ra of the first drive-side supporting spring 435R is in contact with the rotational direction position setting projection 171KR of the tray 171. Further, the free end portion 434Ra of the second drive-side supporting spring 434R is in contact with the spring receiving portion 471MR of the tray 171.

The first drive-side supporting spring 435R and the second drive-side supporting spring 434R are supported by the tray 171 to support the drum frame and the developing frame portion of the process cartridge 430 against the gravity. By this, the arc 431VR, which is a positioned portion provided on the drive-side cartridge cover member 431R of the process cartridge 430, is not in contact with the straight portions 171VR1 and 171VR2 which are the positioning portions of the tray 171, with the gap G4 maintained. That is, the process cartridge 430 is supported in the Z1 direction with respect to the positioning portion of the tray 171 by the first drive-side supporting spring 435R and the second drive-side supporting spring 434R. Therefore, when the process cartridge 430 moves to the arrow X1 by the tray 171 being inserted into the apparatus main assembly 170, the movable member 452R can pass through without colliding with the separation control member 196R. It can be said that the movable member 452R is in the accommodated position (stand-by position). At this time, the cartridge pressing mechanism 191 is in a state of standing by with the gap G5 relative to a top surface 431Rc of the drive-side cartridge cover member 431R.

FIG. 76 shows a state in which the cartridge pressing mechanism 191 moves in the direction of arrow Z2 in interrelation with closing the front door 11 and contacts the top surface 431Rc of the drive-side cartridge cover member 431R. The first drive-side supporting spring 435R and the second drive-side supporting spring 434R have not yet received a force from the cartridge pressing mechanism 191, and the process cartridge 430 has not yet moved. FIG. 77 shows a state in which the cartridge pressing mechanism 191 further moves in the direction of arrow Z2 and starts pushing the top surface 431Rc of the drive-side cartridge cover member 431R in the Z2 direction. The process cartridge 430 moves in the ZA direction, and the first drive-side supporting spring 435R and the second drive-side supporting spring 434R are compressed. The arc 431VR, which is the positioning portion of the process cartridge 430 with the tray 171, approaches, but does not come into contact with the straight portions 171VR1 and 171VR2 of the tray, with the gap G6 maintained. The movable member 452R enters the space 196Rd of the separation control member 196R because the process cartridge 430 moves in the ZA direction.

FIG. 78 shows a state in which the cartridge pressing mechanism 191 is further moved in the direction of arrow Z2, and the process cartridge 430 is positioned on the tray 171.

By the movement of the cartridge pressing mechanism 191 in the Z2 direction, the process cartridge is moved in the ZA direction, and finally the arc 431VR comes into contact with the straight portions 171VR1 and 171VR2 of the tray 171. By this, the position of the process cartridge 430 is determined relative to relative to the tray 171 in the Z2 direction. The movable member 452R is inserted into the space 196Rd of the separation control member 196R to the final position by the movement of the process cartridge 430 in the Z2 direction. At this time, it can be said that the movable member 425R is in the projecting position (operating position). Therefore, by the movement of the separation control member 196R, the movable member 452R can be moved to switch between the contact state and the separation state of the process cartridge 430.

The ZA direction (the direction in which the movable member 425R moves from the stand-by position to the operating position) in which the process cartridge 430 is moved by being pressed by the cartridge pressing mechanism 191 moving in the arrow Z2 direction does not have to be parallel to the arrow Z2 direction. That is, it will suffice if the ZA direction includes at least a component in the direction perpendicular to the X1 direction.

The spring force (power) of the first drive-side supporting spring 435R and the second drive-side supporting spring 434R in the state that the arc 431VR is in contact with the straight portions 171VR1 and 171VR2 is selected to be smaller than the force of the cartridge pressing mechanism 191. Therefore, the process cartridge 430 can be reliably positioned relative to the tray 171.

After the mounting is completed, the operation is the same as that described referring to FIG. 72, and therefore, the description thereof will be omitted.

The operation when the process cartridge 430 is removed from the apparatus main assembly is the reverse of the above-mentioned operation when the process cartridge 430 is mounted, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

According to the structure of the present alternative embodiment described above, the same effect as that of the Embodiment 1 can be provided.

Further, in this alternative example, the movable member 425 including the first force receiving portions 452Rk and 452Lk and the second force receiving portions 452Rn and 452Ln is moved between the (stand-by position) and the projecting position (operating position) integrally with the drum unit 438 and the developing unit 439 (drum frame and developing frame). By this movement, the first force receiving portions 452Rk and 452Lk and the second force receiving portions 452Rn and 452Ln are displaced at least in the direction VD1 (FIG. 40, and so on), the direction VD10 (FIG. 236, and so on), the direction VD12 (FIG. 238), and the direction VD14 (FIG. 239). With such a structure, it can be avoided that when the process cartridge 430 is inserted or removed into the apparatus main assembly 170, the movable member 42 interferes with the apparatus main assembly 170, particularly the separation control member 196L.

Embodiment 6

In this embodiment, the structures and operations different from those in the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and description of similar structures and operations will be omitted. Further, for the structure corresponding to the above-described embodiment, the same reference numerals and characters are assigned, or the reference numerals in the first part is changed while the reference numerals and characters in the second part are the same. In this embodiment, a structure will be described in which the movable member applies a force to the spacer in the process cartridge separation/contact mechanism without being pressed by a part of the main assembly side.

The structure of the separation/contact mechanism, the contact operation of the developing unit, the separation operation of the developing unit, and the mounting/dismounting of process cartridge relative to the image forming apparatus main assembly in this embodiment will be specifically described. Since the structures of other process cartridges are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, they are omitted here.

[Structure of Separation/Contact Mechanism]

The structure in which the photosensitive member drum 104 of the process cartridge 1400 and the developing roller 106 of the developing unit 1409 are brought into and out of contact with each other in this embodiment will be described in detail. The process cartridge has a separation/contact mechanism 1450R on the drive-side and a separation/contact mechanism 1450L on the non-drive-side (FIG. 79). FIG. 80 shows an assembly perspective view of the drive-side of the developing unit 1409 including the separation/contact mechanism 1450R. FIG. 81 shows an assembly perspective view of the developing unit 1409 including the separation/contact mechanism 550L on the non-drive-side. Here, the details of the separation/contact mechanism 1450R on the drive-side will be described. Since the separation/contact mechanism has almost the same functions as the drive-side and the non-drive-side, R is included in the reference sign for each member in the drive-side. For the non-drive-side, the reference sign of each member is the same as that of the drive-side, but L is included instead of R. Then, the structure and operation of the drive-side will be described as a representative, and the description of the structure and operation of the non-drive-side will be omitted.

The separation/contact mechanism 1450R has a spacer 1451R which is a restricting member (holding member), a movable member 1452R which is a pressing member, and a tension spring 1453.

The spacer 1451R has an annular supported portion 1451Ra, a contact surface (contacted portion) 1451Rc which contacts the contact surface (contact portion) 1416c of the cartridge cover 1416, and a spring-hooked portion 1451Rg which engages with the tension spring 1453, and a second pressed surface 1451Re which engages with the movable member 1452R. Further, it is rotatably supported by the first supporting portion 1428c of the development cover member 1428. Other structures are the same as those of an Embodiment 1 described above.

The movable member 1452R is rotatably held by engaging the support receiving portion 1452Ra of the movable member 1452R with the third support portion 1428m of the development cover member 1428. Further, the movable member 1452R has a first force receiving surface 1452Rm and a second force receiving surface 1452Rp which can be engaged with the separation control member 196R provided in the apparatus main assembly 170, the spring-hooked portion 1452Rs which engages with the tension spring 1453, and a second pressing surface 1452Rr that engages the spacer 1451R. The first force receiving surface 1452Rm and the second force receiving surface 1452Rp constitute the first force receiving portion (retracting force receiving portion, separating force receiving portion), and the second force receiving portion (force applying part) as in the Embodiment 1.

Further, as shown in FIG. 82, the tension spring 1453 urges the spacer 1451R in the B1 direction with the first supporting portion 1428c of the development cover member 1428 as the center of rotation, as in an Embodiment 1 described above. Further, the movable member 1452R is urged in the CA direction with the third support portion 1428m of the development cover member 1428 as the center of rotation.

[Contact Operation of Developing Unit]

Next, referring to FIG. 82 to FIG. 85, the contacting operation between the photosensitive member drum 104 and the developing roller 106 by the separation/contact mechanism 1450R will be described in detail. For better illustration, these Figures are cross-sectional views in which the development cover member 1428 is partially omitted.

With the structure of this embodiment, a development input coupling 132 receives a driving force from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 in the direction of arrow V2 in FIG. 82 to rotate the developing roller 106. That is, the developing unit 1409 including the development input coupling 132 receives the torque in the arrow V2 direction from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. As shown in FIG. 82, in the case that the developing unit 1409 is in the separated position and the spacer 1451R is in the separation holding position (restriction position, first position), even if the developing unit 1409 receives this torque and the urging force of the development pressure spring 134 which will be described hereinafter, the contact surface 1451Rc of the spacer 1451R contacts the contacted surface 1416c of the drive-side cartridge cover member 1416, so that the attitude of the developing unit 1409 is maintained at a separated position.

Similar to the Embodiment 1 described above, in this embodiment, the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 has a separation control member 196R corresponding to each process cartridge 1400 as described above. The separation control member 196R is provided with a first force application surface 196Ra and a second force application surface 196Rb which project toward the process cartridge 1400 and face each other through the space 196Rd. The first force application surface 196Ra and the second force application surface 196Rb are connected with each other by way of the connecting portion 196Rc on the lower surface side of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. Further, the separation control member 196R is rotatably supported by a control sheet metal (not shown) around the rotation center 196Re. The separation control member 196R is urged in the E1 direction by an urging spring (not shown), and the rotational direction is restricted by a holder (not shown). Further, since the control sheet metal (not shown) is structured to be movable in the W41 and W42 directions from the home position by a control mechanism (not shown), the separation control member 196R is structured to be movable in the W41 and W42 directions.

When the separation control member 196R moves in the W42 direction, the second force application surface 196Ra of the separation control member 196R and the second force receiving surface 1452Rp of the movable member 1452R come into contact with each other, so that the movable member 1452R rotates in the CB direction with the support receiving portion 1452Ra as the center of rotation. Further, as the movable member 1452R rotates, the spacer 1451R is rotated in the B2 direction while the second pressing surface 1452Rr of the movable member 1452R is in contact with the second pressed surface 1451Re of the spacer 1451R. Then, the spacer 1451R is rotated by the movable member 1452R to the separation release position (permission position, second position) where the contact surface 1451Rc and the contacted surface 1416c are separated, and becomes in the state shown in FIG. 83. Here, the position of the separation control member 196R for moving the spacer 1451R to the separation release position shown in FIG. 83 is referred to as a first position.

When the spacer 1451R is moved to the separation release position by the separation control member 196R in this manner, the developing unit 1409 is rotated in the V2 direction by the torque received from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 and the development pressure spring 134, to move to the contact position where the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive member drum 104 are in contact with each other (state in FIG. 83). At this time, the spacer 1451R urged in the direction of arrow B1 by the tension spring 1453 is maintained at the separation release position by the second restricted surface 1451Rk contacting the second restriction surface 1416d of the drive-side cartridge cover member 1416. Thereafter, the separation control member 196R moves in the direction of W41 and returns to the home position. At this time, the movable member 1452R is rotated in the CB direction by the tension spring 1453, and as shown in FIG. 84, the first pressing surface 1452Rq of the movable member 1452R and the first pressing surface 1428k of the development cover member 1428 become in contact with each other (See also FIG. 80).

By this, gaps T3 and T4 are provided, and the distance control member 196R is placed at a position where the movable member 1452R does not act. The transition from the state of FIG. 83 to the state of FIG. 84 is effected without a delay.

As described above, in the structure of this embodiment, by moving the separation control member 196R from the home position to the first position, the movable member 1452R can be rotated and the spacer 1451R can be moved from the separation holding position to the separation release position. This makes it possible for the developing unit 1409 to move from the separated position to the contacting position where the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive member drum 104 contact with each other. The position of the separation control member 196R in FIG. 84 is the same as that in FIG. 82.

[Separation Operation of Developing Unit]

Next, referring to FIGS. 84 and 85, the operation of moving the developing unit 1409 from the contact position to the separated position by the separation/contact mechanism 1450R will be described in detail. For better illustration, these Figures are cross-sectional views in which a part of the development cover member 1428 is partially omitted.

The separation control member 196R in this embodiment is structured to be movable from the home position in the direction of arrow W41 in FIG. 84. When the separation control member 196R moves in the W41 direction, the first force application surface 196Rb and the first force receiving surface 1452Rm of the movable member 1452R come into contact with each other, so that the movable member 1452R rotates in the CA direction with the support receiving portion 1452Ra as the rotation center. Then, by the contacting of the first pressing surface 1452Rq of the movable member 1452R to the a first pressing surface 1428k of the development cover member 1428, the developing unit 1409 rotates in the V1 direction from the contact position (state in FIG. 85).

In the spacer 1451R, the second restricted surface 1451Rk of the spacer 1451R and the second restriction surface 1416d of the drive-side cartridge cover member 1416 are separated from each other, and the spacer 1451R is rotated in the arrow B1 direction by the urging force of the tension spring 1453. By this, the spacer 1451R rotates until the second pressed surface 1451Re comes into contact with the second pressing surface 1452Rr of the movable member 1452R, and by the contact, the separation holding position is reached. When the developing unit 1409 is moved from the contact position to the separation position by the separation control member 196R and the spacer 1451R is located at the separation holding position, the gap T5 is formed between the contact surface 1451Rc and the contacted surface 1416c as shown in FIG. 85. Here, the position shown in FIG. 85 in which the developing unit 1409 is rotated from the contact position toward the separation position and the spacer 1451R can move to the separation holding position is referred to as a second position of the separation control member 196R.

Thereafter, when the separation control member 196R moves in the W42 direction and returns from the second position to the home position, the developing unit 1409 rotates in the direction of arrow V2, and the contact surface 1451Rc and the contacted surface 1416c come into contact with each other by the torque received from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 and the development pressure spring 134, while maintaining the separation holding position of the spacer 1451R. That is, the developing unit 1409 becomes in a state that the separated position is maintained by the spacer 1451R, and the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive member drum 104 are spaced from each other (states in FIGS. 82 and 79). By this, gaps T3 and T4 are formed, and it is placed at the positions where the separation control member 196R does not act on the movable member 1452R (state in FIG. 82). The transition from the state of FIG. 85 to the state of FIG. 82 is executed without a delay.

As described above, in this embodiment, the spacer 1451R moves from the separation release position to the separation holding position by movement of the separation control member 196R from the home position to the second position. Then, the separation control member 196R returns from the second position to the home position, the developing unit 1409 becomes in a state of maintaining the separation position by the spacer 1451R.

[Mounting/Dismounting of Process Cartridge Relative to Image Forming Apparatus Main Assembly]

Next, referring to FIGS. 86 to 101, the description will be made as to the engagement operation of the separation/contact mechanism 1450R of the process cartridge 1400 and the development separation control unit 196R of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 when the process cartridge 1400 is mounted to and dismounted from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. For the sake of explanation, these Figures are cross-sectional views in which the development cover member 1428 is partially omitted.

FIG. 86 to FIG. 89 are illustrations of the process cartridge 1400 in the process of inserting the cartridge tray 171 from the outside of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 to the image forming position from the drive-side. Further, the parts except for the process cartridge 1400 and the separation control member 196R are omitted. FIG. 94 to FIG. 97 are illustrations of the process cartridge 1400 as viewed from the non-drive-side at the same time points as those in FIGS. 86 to 89.

FIGS. 90 to 92 are illustrations after the tray 171 is inserted until the process cartridge 1400 is separated and kept separated by the initial operation of the image forming apparatus described later. FIG. 93 is a view seen from the drive-side of the process cartridge 1400, omitting all but the process cartridge 1400 and the separation control member 196R in the process of pulling out the cartridge tray 171 from the image forming position to the outside of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. FIGS. 98 to 101 are the views of the process cartridge 1400 as viewed from the non-drive-side at the same time point as that of in FIGS. 90 to 92.

Since the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 is equipped with a plurality of process cartridges 1400 to form an image, the corresponding numbers of the separation control members 196R are provided. Therefore, in this embodiment, for convenience, the separation control members 196R (196L) are distinguished by adding a numeral to the end of the separation control member 196R (196L).

When the process cartridge 1400 carried on the tray 171 (not shown) as shown in FIG. 86 is inserted in the direction of X2, which is the internal direction of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, the second force receiving surface 1452Rp of the movable member 1452R comes into contact with the upstream side surface 196R-1p of a separation control member 196R-1 in the inserting direction. When the tray 171 is further inserted, as shown in FIG. 87, the cartridge insertion operation is performed while the second force receiving surface 1452Rp of the movable member 1452R is in contact with the upstream side surface 196R-1q of the separation control member in the inserting direction. Here, the force due to the tension spring 1453 is set to be weaker than the force due to the urging spring (not shown) that urges the separation control member 196R in the E1 direction, and when the movable member 1452R and the separation control member 196R come into contact with each other, the movable member 1452R rotates to escape. Further, the movable member 1452R and the spacer 1451R are structured to rotate in the B2 direction (the direction from the separation holding position to the separation release position) and the CB direction, which is larger than that in the state shown in FIG. 83.

Therefore, the second force receiving surface 1452Rp of the movable member 1452R rides on the upper surface 196R-1q of the separation control member 196R-1. Therefore, the movable member 1452R moves from the separation holding position to the separation release position, and the process cartridge 1400 shifts from the separated state to the contact state.

When the tray 171 (not shown) is further inserted from this state, it comes into contact with the separation control member 196R-2 adjacent to the separation control member 196R-1 as shown in FIG. 88. Similarly to the separation control member 196R-1, the separation control member 196R-2 is inserted while being in contact with the upstream side surface 196R-1p and the upper surface 196R-2q in the inserting direction. At this time, the process cartridge 1400 is still in the contact state. The process cartridge 1400 is maintained in contact even after passing through the separation control member 196R-1. When it comes into contact with the upper surface 196R-2q, the movable member 1452R and the spacer 1451R rotate in the B2 direction (the direction from the separation holding position to the separation release position) and the CB direction more than before the contact with the upper surface, and therefore, it passes by 196R-2q. Therefore, after passing through the upper surface 196R-2q, the movable member 1452R and the spacer 1451R rotate slightly in the B1 direction and the CA direction while maintaining the contact state of the process cartridge 1400. The same applies when passing through the other two separation control members 196R-3 and 196R-4.

FIG. 89 is an illustration in which the tray 171 (not shown) is inserted to a position where an image can be formed. In this state, the second force receiving surface 1452Rp of the movable member 1452R rides on the upper surface 196R-2s of the separation control member 196R.

With this state, the process cartridge 1400 cannot effect the contact operation and separation operation. However, the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 executes an initial operation after closing the front door and before performing image forming (printing on a recording material such as paper). In this initial operation, the separation control member 196R performs the above-mentioned contact operation and separation operation (operations in the W41 and W42 directions). At that time, by entering the contact operation (operation in the W42 direction) as shown in FIG. 90, the second force receiving surface 1452Rp of the movable member 1452R and the first force application surface 196Ra of the separation control member 196R come into contact with each other. Next, by performing the separation operation (operation in the W41 direction), as shown in FIG. 91, the second force application surface 196Rb of the separation control member 196R comes into contact with the first force receiving surface 1452Rm of the movable member 1452R, so that the process cartridge 1400 rotates in the direction indicated by V1 until the spacer 1451R comes into contact with the movable member 1452R. When the separation control member 196R returns to the home position in this state, the process cartridge 1400 can be separated and kept separated as shown in FIG. 82, and the same image process operation as in the above-described embodiment is enabled.

Next, the description will be made as to the behavior of the process cartridge 1400 when the tray 171 (not shown) is pulled out from the image forming position to the outside of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. When the process cartridge 1400 is pulled out in the direction X1 which is an outward direction of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 as shown in FIG. 93, the first force receiving surface 1452Rm of the movable member 1452R contacts the separation control member 196R, and the surface 1452Rq of the movable member 1452R contact with the first pressing surface 1428k of the development cover member 1428, so that the developing unit 1409 rotates in the V1 direction. When the tray 171 is pulled out, it is further rotated in the V1 direction from the separated state shown in FIG. 85, and the state shown in FIG. 93 results. That is, the developing unit is structured such that the developing roller 106 is more remote away from the photosensitive member drum 104 than in the state shown in FIG. 85. At this time, the process cartridge 1400 is pulled out while the first force receiving surface 1452Rm of the movable member 1452R is in contact with the upper surface 196R-2r of the separation control member 196R. In this manner, when the process cartridge 1400 is pulled out from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, the developing unit 1409 is pulled out while being separated. When the tray 171 (not shown) is pulled out to the outside of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, the process cartridge 1400 becomes in the same state as the separated process cartridge 1400 shown in FIG. 82. In this manner, even if the developing unit 1409 rotates in the V1 direction by contacting the separation control member 196R, the process cartridge 1400 remains in the separated state.

In the foregoing description of this embodiment, only the drive-side has been dealt with. Since the non-drive-side has the same structure and operation as the drive-side, the description thereof will be omitted in this embodiment.

According to the structure of this embodiment described above, the same effect as that of Embodiment 1 can be obtained.

Further, in this embodiment, the movable member 1452R, the first force receiving surface 1452Rm constituting the first force receiving portion (retracting force receiving portion, separating force receiving portion), and the second force receiving surface 1452R Page constituting the second force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) are made movable relative to the drum unit. In this embodiment, by this movement, the first force receiving surface 1452Rm and the second force receiving surface 1452Rp displaced at least the direction VD1 (FIG. 40, and so on), the direction VD10 (FIG. 236, and so on), the direction VD12 (FIG. 238), and the direction VD14 (FIG. 238). In particular, when the tray 171 is inserted into the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, the process cartridge 1400 is inserted, and the process cartridge 1400 is passed by the upper surface 196R-q of the separation control member 196R, the first force receiving surface 1452Rm and the second force receiving surface 1452Rp can be displaced in these directions, while maintaining the contact state of the developing unit. Further, when the tray is drawn out from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 and the process cartridge 1400 is drawn out, the first force receiving surface 1452Rm and the second force receiving surface 1452Rp can be displaced in these directions while maintaining the separated state of the developing unit.

By this, when the process cartridge 1400 is inserted into or removed from the apparatus main assembly 170, it can be avoided that the movable member 1452R (particularly the first force receiving surface 1452Rm and the second force receiving surface 1452Rp) and the apparatus main assembly 170, particularly the separation control member 196L interfere with each other with the result of incapability of the insertion or the removal.

Embodiment 7

Next, referring to FIGS. 102 to 115, Embodiment 7 of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, structures and operations different from those of the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and description of similar structures and operations will be omitted.

For the structure corresponding to that in the above-described embodiments, the same reference numerals and characters are assigned, or the reference numerals in the first part is changed while the reference numerals and characters in the second part are the same. In this embodiment, the structure will be described in which the movable member, which is a pressing member in the separation/contact mechanism of the process cartridge 1600, is projected from the accommodated position (stand-by position) to the operating position by the driving force transmitted by the drive transmission mechanism of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170.

The process cartridge 1600 includes a separation/contact mechanism 1650R on the drive-side and a separation/contact mechanism 1650L on the non-drive-side. Regarding the separation/contact mechanism, the details of the separation/contact mechanism 150R on the drive-side will first be described, and then the separation/contact mechanism 150L on the non-drive-side will be described. Further, since the separation/contact mechanism has almost the same function on the drive-side and the non-drive-side, R is added to the reference signs for the drive-side. For the non-drive-side, the reference sign of each member is the same as that of the drive-side but L is added.

FIG. 102 shows an assembly perspective view of the drive-side of the developing unit 1609 including the separation/contact mechanism 1650R. The separation/contact mechanism 1650R includes a spacer 151R which is a restricting member, a movable member 1652R which is a pressing member, and a tension spring 153. Further, as shown in FIGS. 103 and 106, the movable member 1652R includes a first force receiving portion (retracting force receiving portion, separating force receiving portion) 1652Rk and a second force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 1652Rn, as in the Embodiment 1.

The movable member 1652R is provided with a rack portion 1652Rx, and the outer diameter of the second supporting portion 1628k of the development cover member 1628 and the inner wall of the oblong support receiving portion 1652Ra are engaged with each other, and the movable member 1652R is supported so as to be linearly movable and rotatable (FIG. 103). The rack portion 1652Rx engages with the gear portion 1632-15b of the movable member drive gear 1632-15, and is structured to be movable in interrelation with the rotation of the movable member drive gear 1632-15. The movable member drive gear 1632-15 is structured as a portion of the development drive input gear unit 1632-1. In the development drive input gear unit 1632-1, the inner diameter portion of the cylindrical portion 1628b of the development cover member 1628 and the outer diameter portion of the cylindrical portion 1632-11b of the development coupling gear 1632-11 are engaged with each other, and in addition, the supporting portion 1626a of the drive-side bearing 1626 and the cylindrical portion (not shown) of the transmission gear 1632-16 are engaged with each other, By which the driving force can be transmitted to various gears. Further, similarly to Embodiment 1, the first supporting portion 1628c of the development cover member 1628 is fitted with the inner diameter of a support receiving portion 151Ra of the spacer 151R, the spacer 151R is rotatably supported, and the movable member 1652R and the spacers 151R are urged by the tension spring 153 to each other In addition, the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 1628b of the development cover member 1628 is fitted into the developing unit supporting hole 1616a of the drive-side cartridge cover member 1616, so that the developing unit 1609 is supported so as to be rotatable about the swing axis K.

Next, referring to FIGS. 103 to 107, the contacting and separating operations of the separation/contact mechanism on the drive-side in this embodiment will be described in detail.

FIG. 103 is a view as seen from the non-drive-side of a process cartridge 1600, when the process cartridge 1600 is mounted on a cartridge tray (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 and the cartridge tray 1161 is inserted at the first mounting position, in which the members are omitted except for the drive-side cartridge cover member 1616, the development cover member 1628, and the development drive input gear unit 1632-1, the movable member 1652R, and the spacer 151R. In this state, the movable member 1652R is in the stand-by position. From this state, the development drive coupling 185 in the main assembly side moves in interrelation with the transition from the open state to the closed state of the front door 11 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 to engage with the development coupling (rotational drive force receiving portion) 1632-11, as in the Embodiment 1. Thereafter, when the development coupling 1632-11 is rotated by the driving force of the main assembly and the development drive input gear unit 1632-1 is rotated in the direction of the arrow D1, the movable member drive gear 1632-15 is rotated in the direction of the arrow D1 in interrelation therewith. At this time, the rack portion 1652Rx of the movable member 1652R meshes with the gear portion 1632-15b of the movable member drive gear 1632-15, and therefore, it projects downward in the arrow Z2 direction (state in FIG. 104). At this time, since the movable member 1652R is urged by the tension spring 153 substantially parallel to the arrow Z1 direction, the terminal portion 1652Ry of the rack portion 1652Rx and the gear portion 1632-15b of the movable member drive gear 1632-15 intermittently repeats the contact with each other, and by the internal mechanism of the development drive input gear unit 1632-1 which will be which will be described hereinafter, the movable member drive gear 1632-15 to stops rotating and the movable member 1652R stops at the projecting position (operating position). When this operation is completed, as shown in FIG. 104, the movable member 1652R is placed in the projected position (operating position) between the first force application surface 196Ra and the second force application surface 196Rb of the separation control member 196R the separation control member 196R. At this time, as in the Embodiment 1, there is a gap between the projecting portion 1652Rh and the first force application surface 196Ra and the second force application surface 196Rb. As described above, in this embodiment, by the development coupling 1632-11 receiving the driving force, the movable member 1652R moves in the Z2 direction (predetermined direction) and shifts from the stand-by position to the operating position.

Next, referring to FIGS. 104 to 107, the operation of contact and the operation of separation between the photosensitive member drum 104 and the developing roller 106 by the separation/contact mechanism 1650R will be described. However, since the subsequent operations are the same as those described in the Embodiment 1, an operation different from that of the Embodiment 1 will be described. The separation/contact mechanism 1650R comprises the spacer 151R, the movable member 1652R, and the tension spring 153. As shown in FIG. 105, by the separation control member 196R moving from the home position to the first position, the movable member 1652R rotates in the direction of arrow BB about the second supporting portion 1628k of the development cover member 1628. At this time, the spacer 151R also rotates in the direction of arrow B2 in interrelation therewith, by which the developing unit 1609 moves to the contact position. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 106, when the separation control member 196R moves in the W41 direction and returns to the home position, the movable member 1652R is rotated in the arrow BA direction by the urging member (not shown) to move the position not operated by the separation control member 196R, as in embodiment 1. As the urging member (not shown), a tension spring 153 may be used as in the Embodiment 1.

Next, when the separation control member 196R moves in the direction of W41 for the separation operation, the movable member 1652R further rotates in the direction of arrow BA from the state of FIG. 106, and the first pressing surface 1652Rq of the movable member 1652R is brought into contact with the first pressed surface 1626c of the drive-side bearing 1626, by which the developing unit 109 rotates from the contact position to the separated position. At this time, the rack portion 1652Rx comes into contact with and meshes with the gear portion 1632-15b of the movable member drive gear 1632-15 (state in FIG. 107). Thereafter, when the separation control member 196R moves in the W42 direction and returns from the second position to the home position, the separation holding surface 151Rc of the spacer 151R and the contact surface 1616c are brought into contact with each other, so that the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive member drum 104 are spaced from each other (state shown in FIG. 104).

Next, referring to part (a) of FIG. 108 and part (b) of FIG. 108, the internal mechanism of the drive input gear unit 1632-1 will be described. The drive input gear unit 1632-1 includes the development coupling gear 1632-11, a compression spring 1632-12, a clutch plate 1632-13, a torque limiter 1632-14, a movable member drive gear 1632-15, and a transmission gear 1632-16. Only the movable member drive gear 1632-15 is shown as a detailed view of the gear portion 1632-15b of the gear, and the other gears are shown with the tooth shape omitted. In the development coupling gear 1632-11, a coupling portion (development coupling member) 1632-11a which engages with the development drive coupling 185 on the main assembly side and a developing roller drive gear 1632-11c which engages with the developing roller gear 131 are provided with the cylindrical portion 1632-11b therebetween. Further, the development coupling gear 1632-11 is provided with a projecting portion 1632-11d projecting from a side opposite to the side on which the coupling portion 1632-11a is provided so as to engage with the plurality of first projections 1632-13a of the clutch plate 1632-13 to transmit the drive. In addition, a driving shaft 1632-11e for transmitting the drive force to the transmission gear 1632-16 is provided extended in the same direction as the projecting portion 1632-11d, and a storage space 1632-11f is formed in the developing roller gear 1632-11c and the cylindrical portion 1632-11b. The clutch plate 1632-13 is provided with a second projecting portion 1632-13c projecting by way of a flange portion 1632-13b on the side opposite to the side on which a first projecting portion 1632-11a is provided, and is engageable with the recess 1632-14a of the torque limiter. The torque limiter 1632-14 is provided with a projecting portion 1632-14b which projects on the side opposite to the side on which the recess 1632-14a is provided so as to be engageable with the recess 1632-15a of the movable member drive gear 1632-15. The clutch plate 1632-13 and the torque limiter 1632-14 are structured to always rotate integrally. That is, they may be integrally molded. The transmission gear 1632-16 is provided with a recess 1632-16a which engages with a driving shaft 1632-11e extending from the development coupling gear 1632-11, and is structured to rotate always in interrelated with the development coupling gear 1632-11. Further, a transfer roller drive gear 1632-16b which engages with the toner feeding roller gear 133 (see FIG. 102) and a stirring drive gear 1632-16c which engages with a stirring gear that drives a toner stirring unit (not shown) are provided. The compression spring 1632-12 is placed in the accommodating space 1632-11f of the development coupling gear 1632-11 and between the clutch plate 1632-13, and urges the development coupling gear 1632-11 in the direction of arrow Y2, and urges the clutch plate 1632-13 in the direction of arrow Y1.

Further, referring to FIG. 109, a mechanism for stopping the above-mentioned movable member 1652R at the projecting position when it moves to the projecting position will be described. Part (a) of FIG. 109 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drive input gear unit 1632-1 when the process cartridge 1600 is mounted on the cartridge tray 1161 and the cartridge tray 1161 is inserted in the first mounting position. When the process cartridge 1600 is placed in the first mounting position, the projecting portion 1632-11d of the development coupling gear 1632-11 and the first projecting portion 1632-13a of the clutch plate 1632-13 are not engaged with each other by the urging force of the compression springs 1632-12, so that the rotational driving force of the development coupling gear 1632-11 is not transmitted to the clutch plate. On the other hand, the transmission gear 1632-16 is connected to the connecting shaft 1632-11e of the development coupling gear 1632-11 at the recess 1632-16a, and the rotational driving force of the development coupling gear 1632-11 is transmitted to the transmission gear 1632-16. Thereafter, the development drive coupling 185 on the main assembly side moves in the arrow Y1 direction in interrelation with the transition of the front door 11 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 from the open state to the closed state. Here, because the spring force of the compression spring 1632-12 is selected to be smaller than the pressing force of the development drive coupling 185 on the main assembly side, the development drive input gear 1632-11 moves in the direction of the arrow Y1. By the development drive input gear 1632-11 moving in the direction of the arrow Y1, the projection 1632-11d and the first projection 1632-13a of the clutch plate 1632-13 engage with each other so that rotational driving force is transmitted of the development coupling gear 1632-11 to the clutch plate 1632-13 (see part (b) of FIG. 109). As the clutch plate 1632-13 rotates, the torque limiter 1632-14 connected to the clutch plate 1632-13 also rotates, and the movable member drive gear 1632-15 connected to the torque limiter 1632-14 also rotates. As described above, by the rotation of the movable member, the movable member drive 1652R is moved to the projecting position. When moved to a predetermined projecting position, the movable member 1652R receives a predetermined urging force FT by the tension spring 153 (see FIG. 104). Here, the set value of the torque at which the torque limiter 1632-14 idles without transmitting the rotational driving force is set and so on as to be equivalent to the load torque generated by the urging force FT of the tension spring about the center of the drive input gear unit 1634-1 when the movable member 1652R is in the projecting position. By this, when the movable member 1652R receives a driving force from the movable member drive gear 1632-15 to move from the accommodated position (stand-by position) to the projecting position (operating position), the torque limiter 1632-14 slips, so that any more driving force is not received, by which the movable member 1652R stops at the projecting position.

With the above structure, the vertical movement of the movable member 1652R which may occur when the rack portion 1652Rx end of the movable member 1652R and the gear portion 1632-15b of the movable member drive gear 1632-15 make the intermittent contact is suppressed, and therefore, the projecting position of the movable member 1652R can be stabilized and noise can be suppressed.

Next, the operation of moving the movable member 1652R from the projecting position to the accommodated position will be described. As shown in FIG. 104, in a state where the movable member 1652R is located at the projecting position, in interrelation with the shifting of the front door 11 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 described above from the closed state to the open state, the development drive coupling 185 on the main assembly side moves in the direction of arrow Y2 in FIG. 109. Along with this, by the development coupling gear 1632-11 moving in the direction of arrow Y2 by the urging force of the compression spring 1632-12, the clutch plate 1632-13 is disengaged (state in part (a) of FIG. 109). That is, the movable member drive gear 1632-15 is in an independent state in which it does not rotate integrally with the other gears of the drive input gear unit 1632-1. By this, since the rack portion 1652Rx of the movable member 652R meshes with the independent movable member driving gear 1632-15, it can move substantially parallel to the direction of arrow Z1 in FIG. 104 by the urging force of the tension spring 153. When this operation is completed, the movable member 1652R does not project from the developing unit 1609 and is placed at the accommodated position (stand-by position) (state in FIG. 103).

In this embodiment, the torque limiter 1632-14 is provided in the development drive input gear unit 1632-1 as a mechanism for moving the movable member 1652R, but by allowing the above-mentioned movable member to move up and down, the cost reduction may be accomplished (see FIG. 110). FIG. 110 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the development drive input gear 1632-2 in which various functional portions of the development drive input gear unit 1632-1 are integrally molded. In FIGS. 108 and 109, the coupling portion 1632-11a, the cylindrical portion 1632-11b, the developing roller drive gear 1632-11c, the movable member drive gear 1632-15, the transfer roller drive gear 1632-16b, the stirring drive gear 1632-16c are integrated as a coupling portion 1632-2a, a cylindrical portion 1632-2b, a developing roller drive gear 1632-2c, a movable member drive gear 1632-2d, a feed roller drive gear 1632-2e, and a stirring drive gear 1632-2f, respectively. With such a structure, the movable member 1652R may be structured so as to be moved to the accommodated position by backlash in each of the development drive input gear 1632-2, the main assembly side development coupling 185, and a plurality of gears (not shown) which drive the main assembly side development coupling 185. Also, in the structure using the above-mentioned torque limiter 1632-14, the movement to the accommodated position may be effected by the backlash.

Further, in this embodiment, as a mechanism for moving the movable member 1652R between the projecting position and the accommodated position, the movable member drive gear 1632-15 for driving the movable member 1652R is provided on the driving shaft (same as the swinging shaft K) for transmitting the rotational driving force from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 to the developing unit 1609, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. Such an example thereof is shown in FIG. 111. Part (a) of FIG. 11 and part (b) of FIG. 11 is a view of the process cartridge 1600 as viewed from the non-drive-side thereof when the movable member 1632R-3 is located at the accommodated position, omitting the members except for the drive-side cartridge cover member 1616, the development cover member 1628, the development coupling gear 1632-11, the movable member drive gear unit 1652R-3, the movable member 1652R-3 and the spacer 151R The movable member drive gear unit 1632-3 is structured such that the movable member drive gear 1632-33 is arranged by way of the first intermediate gear 1632-31 and the second intermediate gear 1632-32. The movable member drive gear 1632-33 is arranged so as to engage with the rack portion 1652Rx-3 of the movable member 1652R-3. With the above structure, the first intermediate gear 1632-31, the second intermediate gear 1632-32 and the rotatable member drive gear 1632-33 rotate in interrelation with the development coupling gear 1632-11 rotating in the arrow D1 direction to move the movable member drive 1652R-3 to the projecting position (see part (b) of FIG. 111), as described above the. Further, the movement from the projecting position to the accommodated position is the same as described above. As described above, the movable member drive gear for moving the movable member does not have to be provided on the swing axis K.

In addition, in this embodiment, the developing roller drive gear 1632-11c (1632-2c), the movable member drive gear 1632-15 (1632-2d), the transfer roller drive gear 1632-16b (1632-2e), and the stirring drive gear 1632-16c (1632-2f) are arranged in the order named in the direction from the upstream side toward the downstream side direction of the arrow Y1 in the from the drive-side end of the process cartridge 1600 upstream direction to the downstream, but the arrangement of various gears is not limited to this example, and the number of gear teeth and the tooth profile are not limited to such an example. Further, various gears may share a function, and for example, the developing roller drive gear 1632-2c may be given the function of the movable member drive gear 1632-2d, and the rack portion 1652Rx of the movable member 1652R is engaged with the developing roller drive gear 1632-2c so that the movable member 1652R is moved.

Next, referring to FIGS. 112 to 113, the separation/contact mechanism 1650L on the non-drive-side of the process cartridge 1600 in this embodiment will be described. Similarly to the drive-side separation/contact mechanism 1650R, the separation/contact mechanism 1650L includes a spacer 151L which is a restricting member, a movable member 1652L which is a pressing member, and a tension spring 153 (see FIG. 112). The movable member 1652L is provided with a rack portion 1652Lx, and is supported by a non-drive-side bearing so as to be linearly movable and rotatable. The rack portion 1652Lx is structured to engage with the non-drive-side movable member drive gear 1635 and is movable in interrelation with the rotation of the non-drive-side movable member driving gear 1635. The non-drive-side movable member drive gear 1635 is connected with the penetrating shaft (see FIG. 113), and the penetrating shaft 1636 is connected with the development drive input gear unit 1632-1 by way of a penetrating shaft gear (not shown). By this, when the development drive input gear unit 1632-1 receives a driving force from the main assembly side development coupling 185 and rotates, and in interrelation with this, the penetrating shaft 1636 rotates, and the non-drive-side movable member drive gear 1635 rotates, I which the movable member 1652L moves. As long as the penetrating shaft 1636 has the shaft which communicates between the drive-side and the non-drive-side of the process cartridge 1600, a toner feeding roller 1016 or a developing roller 106, for example, may be used, or may be further added.

The operation of contacting and separating the photosensitive member drum 104 and the developing roller 106 by the separation/contact mechanism 1650L is the same as those of the above-mentioned separation/contact mechanism 1650R on the drive-side.

As for the separation/contact mechanism in this embodiment, the separation/contact mechanism of the process cartridge 1600 may be provided on only one side as in the Embodiment 2. FIGS. 114 and 115 are perspective views of the process cartridge 1600 in a state where the movable member 1652 is projected to the projecting position by receiving the rotational driving force from the development coupling 185 on the main assembly side, and FIG. 114 is a view in which the separation/contact mechanism 1650R is provided only on the drive-side, and FIG. 115 is a view in which the separation/contact mechanism 1650L is provided only on the non-drive-side.

According to the structure of this embodiment described above, the same effect as that of the Embodiment 1 can be provided.

Further, in this embodiment, the movable member 1652R is moved by rotating the coupling portion (coupling member) 1632-11a by inputting a driving force. By the movement of the movable member 1652R, the first force receiving portion (retracting force receiving portion, separating force receiving portion) 1652Rk and the second force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 1652Rn are moved between the accommodated position (stand-by position) and the projecting position (operating position). With such a structure, it is possible to control the movement of the movable member 1652R depending on whether or not a driving force is input to the coupling portion (coupling member) 1632-11a.

Embodiment 8

Next, referring to FIGS. 116 to 128, Embodiment 8 will be described.

In this embodiment, structures and operations different from those of the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and description of similar structures and operations will be omitted. Further, for the structure corresponding to the above-described embodiment, the same reference numerals and characters are assigned, or the reference numerals in the first part is changed while the reference numerals and characters in the second part are the same.

The process cartridge 1900 includes a separation/contact mechanism 1950R (see FIG. 116) on the drive-side and a separation/contact mechanism 1950L (see FIG. 126) on the non-drive-side. Regarding the separation/contact mechanism, the details of the separation/contact mechanism 1950R on the drive-side will first be described, and then the separation/contact mechanism 1950L on the non-drive-side will be described. Further, since the separation/contact mechanism has almost the same function on the drive-side and the non-drive-side, R is added to the reference sign of each member on the drive-side, and L is added to the reference sign of each member is driven on the non-drive-side.

In this embodiment, the movable member 1952R corresponding to the movable member 152R in the Embodiment 1 avoids the separation control member 196R in the longitudinal direction (arrow Y2 direction) in the process of insertion and removal of the process cartridge 1900 into and from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, as shown in FIG. 120 Further, when the mounting is completed, the movable member 1952R is in the same longitudinal position as the separation control member 196R, so that the contact separation operation can be performed as in the Embodiment 1. The insertion and removal while the movable member avoids the separation control member 196R will be described hereinafter.

[Drive-Side Process Cartridge Structure]

FIG. 116 shows an assembly perspective view of the drive-side of the developing unit 1909 including the separation/contact mechanism 1950R. The separation/contact mechanism 1950R includes a spacer 1951R which is a restricting member (holding member), a movable member 1952R which is a pressing member, and a tension spring 1953. In this embodiment, the movable member 1952R is provided with a first oblong round hole 1952Rx and a second oblong round hole 1952Ry (see part (c) of FIG. 117), and an outer diameter of a second supporting portion 1928k of the development cover member 1928 is fitted with the inner walls of the oblong round hole 1952Rx and the second oblong round hole 1952Ry, so that the movable member 1952R is swingably supported about two swing axes which will be described hereinafter.

Further, similarly to the Embodiment 1, the inner diameter portion of the support receiving portion 1951Ra of the spacer 1951R is fitted with the first supporting portion 1928c of the development cover member 1928, the spacer 1951R is rotatably supported, and the movable member 1952R and the spacer 1951R are urged to attract each other by the tension spring 1953. Further, the outer diameter portion of the cylindrical portion 1928b of the development cover member 1928 is fitted into the developing unit supporting hole 1916a of the drive-side cartridge cover member 1916, the developing unit 1909 is supported so as to be rotatable about the swing axis K.

[Structure and Operation of Movable Member]

Next, referring to FIGS. 117 to 119, the structure of the movable member 1952R on the drive-side in this embodiment will be described in detail.

Part (a) of FIG. 117 is a front view of the movable member 1952R per se as viewed from the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 1900 (in the direction of arrow Y1 in FIG. 116), and part (b) of FIG. 117 and part (c) of FIG. 117 is a perspective view of the movable member 1952R per se. The movable member 1952R is provided with a first oblong round hole 1952Rx and a second oblong round hole 1952Ry. Here, the longitudinal directions (LH) of the oblong round hole shapes of the first oblong round hole 1952Rx and the second oblong round hole 1952Ry are the same, the upward direction (approximately Z1 direction) is the arrow LH1, and the downward direction (approximately Z2 direction) is the arrow LH2. In addition, the axis perpendicular to the LH direction and perpendicular to the depth direction (Y1 direction) of the oblong round hole forming the first oblong round hole 1952Rx is axis HXR. The movable member 1952R has a cylindrical surface 1952Rz extending around an axis HXR. The Y1 direction is parallel to the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller 106 and the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 104 described in the Embodiment 1. In this embodiment, the first oblong round hole 1952Rx and the second oblong round hole 1952Ry are arranged so as to have a common apex in the direction of arrow LH1. Further, the first oblong round hole 1952Rx and the second oblong round hole 1952Ry communicate with each other, and the diameter of the first oblong round hole 1952Rx is selected to be larger than that of the second oblong round hole 1952Ry. In addition, the length of the first oblong round hole 1952Rx is selected to be larger than the length of the second oblong round hole 1952Ry.

Further, in the movable member 1952R, as in the Embodiment 1, a projecting portion 1952Rh is formed on the downstream side of the first oblong round hole 1952Rx in the arrow LH2 direction. A first force receiving surface 1952Rm and a second force receiving surface 1952Rp having an arc shape are provided on the projecting portion 1952Rh. The first force receiving surface 1952Rm and the second force receiving surface 1952Rp are the first force receiving portion (retracting force receiving portion, separating force receiving portion) and the second force receiving portion (contacting force applying portion) as in the Embodiment 1. On the other hand, the movable member 1952R has an arc-shaped pressed surface 1952Rf on the downstream side in the direction of the arrow LH1. Further, the movable member 1952R is provided with a spring-hooked portion 1952Rs to which the tension spring 1953 is mounted, a first pressing surface 1952Rq, and a second pressing surface 1952Rr, as in the Embodiment 1.

Part (a) of FIG. 118 is a perspective view illustrating only the development cover member 1928, and part (b) of FIG. 118 is a perspective view illustrating the development cover member 1928 and the movable member 1952R. The second supporting portion 1928k of the development cover member 1928 is formed by a first cylindrical portion 1928kb, a second swing portion 1928ka having a spherical surface, and a second cylindrical portion 1928kc having a diameter smaller than that of the first cylindrical portion 1928kb. Here, the axis passing through the center of the first cylindrical portion 1923kb and the second cylindrical portion 1928kc is HYR. The axis perpendicular to this HYR and passing through the spherical center of the second swingable portion 1928ka is the same as the above-mentioned HXR. In this embodiment, the second swingable portion 1928ka has the spherical surface, but this is not limiting and it will suffice if swinging of the movable member 1952R in the directions of arrows YA and YB (see FIG. 119) and swinging in the directions of arrows BA and BB (see FIG. 119) as will be described hereinafter are not hindered. It is not limited to this as long as it is a surface that is set within a range that does not interfere with. In addition, the diameters of the first oblong round hole 1952Rx and the second oblong round hole 1952Ry of the movable member 1952R and the positional relation in the direction of LH is not limited to this example, and it will suffice if the swinging in the directions of the arrows YA, YB and in the directions of arrows BA, BB with respect to the first cylindrical portion 1928kb and the second cylindrical portion 1928kc are not hindered.

FIG. 119 shows a state in which the separation/contact mechanism 1950R is mounted on the development cover member 1928. Part (a) of FIG. 119 is a view as seen in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 1900 (in the direction of arrow Y2 in FIG. 116). The longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 1900 is a direction parallel to the rotation axes M1, M2, and K described in the previous embodiment. The movable member 1952R is supported by the second supporting portion 1928k of the development cover member 1928 so as to be swingable in the directions of arrows BA and BB about HYR as in the Embodiment 1.

A cross-section taken along a line passing through the center (HYR) of the second supporting portion 1928k and parallel to the above-mentioned LH direction is shown in part (b) of FIG. 119 as a QQ cross-section. The movable member 1952R receives a force in the F1 direction by the tension spring 1953 in a state that the second swingable portion 1928ka and the inner wall of the first oblong round hole 1952Rx are in contact with each other. Here, the spring-hooked portion 1952Rs of the movable member 1952R is placed downstream, in the Y2 direction, of the contact point between the second swingable portion 1928ka and the first oblong round hole 1952Rx, and therefore, the spring force produces a moment about the axis HXR by the spring force in the arrow YA direction about on the axis HXR. The attitude of the movable member 1952R swinging in the direction of arrow YA is determined by contacting to the movable member restriction portion 1928s of the development cover member 1928, and the projecting portion 1952Rh projects in the Y2 direction. This position is a stand-by position of the movable member 1952R.

Next, when the pressed surface 1952Rf is pushed in the direction of arrow ZA from the state shown in part (b) of FIG. 119, it is placed downstream, in the Y2 direction, of the contact point between the second swingable portion 1928ka and the first oblong round hole 1952Rx, and therefore, a moment is produced in the direction of the arrow YB about the axis HXR. The projecting portion 1952Rh of the movable member 1952R moves in the Y1 direction so as to take the attitude shown in part (c) of FIG. 119. This position is an operating position of the movable member 1952R. The amount of pushing in the ZA direction is determined by the amount of movement of the cartridge pressing unit 191 of the image forming apparatus main assembly (not shown) in the ZA direction.

In order to restrict the movable member 1952R in rotating around the axis HYR and the axis HZR perpendicular to the axis HXR, the cylindrical surface 1952Rz contacts the regulation surface 1926d (see FIG. 116) of the drive-side bearing 1926 (not shown). In addition, the contact between the second cylindrical portionkc and the second oblong round hole 1952Ry has the same rotation restricting effect.

With the above structure, the movable member 1952R is supported so as to be swingable in two directions about the shaft HYR and the shaft HXR.

[Mounting of Process Cartridge to Image Forming Apparatus Main Assembly]

Next, referring to FIGS. 120 and 121, the description will be made as to the engaging operation of the separation/contact mechanism 1950R of the process cartridge 1900 and the development separation control unit 195 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 at the time when the process cartridge 1900 is mounted on the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 (not shown).

FIG. 120 is a view (part (a) of FIG. 120) of the image forming apparatus M as viewed from the front door side, and a view (part (b) of FIG. 120) of the process cartridge 1900 as viewed from the drive-side of the process cartridge 1900 with omission except for the process cartridge 1900, the cartridge pressing unit 191 and the separation control member 196R, at the time when the process cartridge 1900 is mounted on the cartridge tray 171 (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 and the cartridge tray is inserted into the first mounting position. The projecting portion 1952Rh of the movable member 1952R is placed at the stand-by position in which it has swung in the YA direction as described above when the cartridge tray 171 is inserted into the first mounting position. Therefore, the separation control member 196R can be inserted into the first mounting position as in the Embodiment 1 because it is retracted from the separation control member 196R in the direction of the arrow Y2. Further, at the first mounting position, the movable member 1952R is provided so that the projecting portion 1952Rh is accommodated in the space 196Rd of the separation control member 196R as viewed from the drive-side of the process cartridge as shown in part (b) of FIG. 120.

As in Embodiment 1, in interrelation with the transition of the front door 11 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 from the open state to the closed state, the cartridge pressing unit 191 lowers in the direction of arrow ZA and the first force applying portion 191a is brought into contact with the pressed surface 1952Rf of the movable member 1952R. Thereafter, when the cartridge pressing unit 191 is lowered to a predetermined position which is the second mounting position, the projecting portion 1952Rh of the movable member 1952R swings in the YB direction by the above-mentioned swing mechanism and reaches the operating position (state of FIG. 121). When this operation is completed, the first force application surface 196Ra of the separation control member 196R and the first force receiving surface 1952Rp of the movable member 1952R oppose each other as in the Embodiment 1, and the second force application surface 196Rb and the second force receiving surface 1952Rm oppose each other. That is, in the directions of arrows Y1 and Y2, the projecting portion 1952Rh of the movable member 1952R and a portion of the separation control member 196R are overlapped each other.

When the process cartridge 1900 is removed from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, the operation is opposite to the operation at the time of mounting, and the projecting portion 1952Rh of the movable member 1952R moves from the operating position to the stand-by position.

[Contact/Separation Operation of Developing Unit]

The contact/separation operation in this embodiment is the same as that in the Embodiment 1 as will be described below.

FIG. 122 shows a state in which the developing unit 1909 is placed at a separated position. When the separation control member 196R moves in the W42 direction from this state, the second force application surface 196Ra of the separation control member 196R and the second force receiving surface 1952Rp of the movable member 1952R come into contact with each other, and the movable member 1952R swings in the direction BB about the HYR. Further, as the movable member 1952R rotates, the spacer 1951R is rotated in the B2 direction while the second pressing surface 1952Rr of the movable member 1952R is in contact with the second pressed surface 1951Re of the spacer 1951R. Then, the spacer 1951R is rotated by the movable member 1952R to the separation release position (second position) where the contact surface (contact portion) 1951Rc (not shown) and the contact surface (non-contact portion) 116c are separated from each other. By this, the developing unit 1909 can move from the separated position to the contacting position where the developing roller 9 and the photosensitive member drum 104 contact each other (state in FIG. 123).

Thereafter, the separation control member 196R moves in the direction of W41 and returns to the home position (state in FIG. 124).

When the image forming operation is completed and the separation control member 196R moves in the W41 direction, the first force application surface 196Rb and the first force receiving surface 1952Rm come into contact with each other, and the first pressing surface 1952Rq of the movable member 1952R contacts the pressed surface 1926c of the drive-side bearing 1926, by which the developing unit rotates from the contact position in the direction of arrow V1 about the swing axis K (state in FIG. 125).

Thereafter, the separation control member 196R moves in the direction of W42 and returns to the home position, so that the spacer 1951R shifts to the separation holding position (first position) (state in FIG. 122).

[Non-Drive-Side Process Cartridge Structure]

Next, referring to FIG. 126, the separation/contact mechanism 1950L on the non-drive-side of the process cartridge 1900 in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 126 shows an assembly perspective view of the non-drive-side of the developing unit 1909 including the separation/contact mechanism 1950L. Similarly to the drive-side separation/contact mechanism 1950R, the separation/contact mechanism 1950L includes a spacer 1951L which is a restricting member, a movable member 1952L which is a pressing member, and a tension spring 1953. Further, the movable member 1952L is provided with a first oblong round hole 1952Lx and a second oblong round hole 1952Ly (not shown), and an outer diameter portion of the second supporting portion 1927e of the non-drive-side bearing 1927 and the inner walls of the first oblong round hole 1952Lx and the first oblong round hole 1952Ly are fitted with each other. In addition, it is supported so as to be swingable about the two swinging shafts, namely, the shaft HXRL and the shaft HYRL.

Further, as in the Embodiment 1, the inner diameter portion of the support receiving portion 1951La of the spacer 1951L is fitted with the inner diameter portion of the first supporting portion 1927b of the non-drive-side bearing 1927, so that the spacer 1951L is rotatably supported, and the movable member 1952R and the spacer 1951L are urged to attract each other by the tension spring 1953. Further, the outer diameter portion of the cylindrical portion 1927a of the non-drive-side bearing 1927 is fitted into the developing unit supporting hole 1917a of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 1917, so that the developing unit 1909 rotates about the swing axis K.

[Contact/Separation Operations of Developing Unit]

The operation of contacting and separating the photosensitive member drum 104 and the developing roller 106 by the separation/contact mechanism 1950L is the same as that of the above-mentioned separation/contact mechanism 1950R on the drive-side.

As for the separation/contact mechanism in this embodiment, the separation/contact mechanism of the process cartridge 1900 may be disposed on only one side as in the Embodiment 2. FIG. 127 shows a structure in which the separation/contact mechanism 1950R is provided only on the drive-side, and FIG. 128 shows a structure in which the separation/contact mechanism 1950L is provided only on the non-drive-side. However, it is necessary to appropriately set the spacing amount within a range of not affecting the image formation.

According to the structure of this embodiment described above, the same effect as that of the Embodiment 1 can be provided.

Further, in this embodiment, the projecting portion 1952Rh including the first force receiving surface 1952Rm constituting the first force receiving portion (retracting force receiving portion, separation force receiving portion) and the second force receiving surface 1952R constituting the second force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) is movable in the YA direction. In this embodiment, by the movement thereof, the projection 1952Rh, the first force receiving surface 1952Rm, and the second force receiving surface 1952Rp are displaced at least in the Y2 direction (direction parallel to the rotation axis M1 and the rotation axis M2 of the Embodiment 1). By this, when the process cartridge 600 is inserted or removed into the apparatus main assembly 170, it can be avoided that the projecting portion 1952Rh, particularly the first force receiving surface 1952Rm and the second force receiving surface 1952Rp, and the apparatus main assembly 170, particularly the separation control member 196R interfere with each other, are engaged.

Further, in this embodiment, the amount of movement of the projecting portion 1952Rh in the pressing direction (ZA direction) of the pressing unit 191 at the time when the projecting portion 1952Rh moves from the stand-by position to the operating position, is small. Therefore, it is possible to set a small amount of movement of the pressing unit 191 required for the projecting portion 1952Rh to move from the stand-by position to the operating position, and further downsizing of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 can be realized.

Embodiment 9

Hereinafter, Embodiment 9 disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, for the structure corresponding to the above-described Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals and characters are assigned, or the reference numerals in the first part is changed while the reference numerals and characters in the second part are the same.

In the following embodiment, an image forming apparatus in which four cartridges (hereinafter referred to as process cartridges) can be mounted and dismounted is illustrated as an image forming apparatus. The number of process cartridges mounted on the image forming apparatus is not limited to this example. It is selectable appropriately as needed. Further, in the embodiment described below, a laser beam printer is exemplified as one aspect of the image forming apparatus.

[Outline of Structure of Image Forming Apparatus]

FIG. 130 is a schematic sectional view of the image forming apparatus 500. FIG. 131 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge P. Further, FIG. 132 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge P as viewed from the drive-side, which is one end side in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 4 (hereinafter referred to as the longitudinal direction).

The image forming apparatus 500 is a four-color full-color laser printer using an electrophotographic process, and forms a color image on the recording material S. The image forming apparatus 500 is a process cartridge type, and the process cartridge is dismountably mounted to the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 to form a color image on the recording material S.

Here, regarding the image forming apparatus 500, the side where the front door 111 is provided is the front surface (front surface), and the surface opposite to the front surface is the back surface (rear surface). Further, the right side of the image forming apparatus 500 as viewed from the front is referred to as a drive-side, and the left side is referred to as a non-drive-side. Further, as the image forming apparatus 500 is viewed from the front, the upper side is the upper surface and the lower side is the lower surface. FIG. 130 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 500 as viewed from the non-drive-side, wherein the front side of the sheet of the drawing is the non-drive-side, the right side of the sheet of the drawing is the front side of the image forming apparatus 500, and the rear side of the sheet of the drawing is the drive-side of the image forming apparatus 500.

In the image forming apparatus main assembly (apparatus main assembly) 502, four process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK)) namely, a first process cartridge PY, a second process cartridge PM, a third process cartridge PC, and a fourth process cartridge PK are arranged in a substantially horizontal direction.

Each of the first to fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) includes the same electrophotographic process mechanism, but the color of the developer (hereinafter referred to as toner) is different. Rotational driving forces are transmitted to the first to fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) from the drive output portion (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main assembly 502.

Further, a bias voltage (charging bias voltage, development bias voltage, and so on) is supplied from the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 to each of the first to fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK).

As shown in FIG. 131, each of the first to fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) of this embodiment includes a drum unit (photosensitive member unit, first unit) 8. The drum unit 8 rotatably supports the photosensitive drum 4, and includes a charging member and a cleaning member as process means acting on the photosensitive drum 4. The photosensitive drum 4 is a tubular photosensitive member having a photosensitive layer on the outer peripheral surface.

Further, each of the first to fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) includes a developing unit (second unit) 9 provided with a developing member for developing an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 4. The drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 are coupled to each other. A more specific structure of the process cartridge P which will be described hereinafter.

The first process cartridge PY contains yellow (Y) toner in the developing container 25, and forms a yellow toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. The second process cartridge PM contains magenta (M) toner in the developing container 25, and forms a magenta-colored toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. The third process cartridge PC contains the cyan (C) toner in the developing container 25, and forms a cyan-colored toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. The fourth process cartridge PK contains black (K) toner in the developing container 25, and forms a black toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4.

A laser scanner unit 114 as an exposure means is provided above the first to fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK). The laser scanner unit 114 outputs the laser beam U corresponding to the image information. The laser beam U passes through the exposure window 10 of the process cartridge P and scans and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 4.

An intermediary transfer belt unit 112 as a transfer member is provided below the first to fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK). The intermediary transfer belt unit 112 includes a drive roller 112e, a turn roller 112c, a tension roller 112b, and a flexible transfer belt 112a extended around.

The lower surface of the photosensitive drum 4 of each of the first to fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) is in contact with the upper surface of the transfer belt 112a. The contact portion is the primary transfer portion. Inside the transfer belt 112a, a primary transfer roller 112d is provided so as to oppose the photosensitive drum 4. The secondary transfer roller 106a contacts the turn roller 112c with the transfer belt 112a therebetween. The contact portion between the transfer belt 112a and the secondary transfer roller 106a is the secondary transfer portion.

A feeding unit 104 is provided below the intermediary transfer belt unit 112. The feeding unit 104 includes a sheet feed tray 104a on which the recording material S is loaded and accommodated, and includes a sheet feed roller 104b.

A fixing device 107 and a paper discharge device 108 are provided on the upper left side of the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 in FIG. 130. The upper surface of the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 functions as a paper discharge tray 113.

The toner image of the recording material S is fixed by the fixing means provided in the fixing device 107, and the toner image is discharged to the paper discharge tray 113.

[Image Forming Operation]

The operation for forming a full-color image is as follows. The photosensitive drum 4 of each of the first to fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) is rotationally driven at a predetermined speed (in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 131). The transfer belt 112a is also rotationally driven in the forward direction (direction of arrow C in FIG. 130) relative to the rotation of the photosensitive drum at a speed corresponding to the speed of the photosensitive drum 4.

The laser scanner unit 114 is also actuated. In synchronization with the operation of the laser scanner unit 114, the charging roller 5 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 to a predetermined polarity and potential in each process cartridge. The laser scanner unit 114 scans and exposes the surface of each photosensitive drum 4 with laser beam U in accordance with the image signals of corresponding color. By this, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal of the corresponding color is formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 4. The formed electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing roller 6 which is rotationally driven at a predetermined speed (in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 131).

By the electrophotographic image forming process operation as described above, a yellow toner image corresponding to the yellow component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4 of the first process cartridge PY. Then, the toner image is first transferred onto the transfer belt 112a. Similarly, a magenta color toner image corresponding to the magenta component of the full color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4 of the second process cartridge PM. Then, the toner image is superimposed on the yellow toner image already transferred on the transfer belt 112a and first transferred. Similarly, a cyan toner image corresponding to the cyan component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4 of the third process cartridge PC. Then, the toner image is superimposed on the yellow-colored and magenta-colored toner images already transferred on the transfer belt 112a and first transferred. Similarly, a black toner image corresponding to the black component of the full-color image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4 of the fourth process cartridge PK. Then, the toner image is superimposed on the yellow, magenta, and cyan toner images already transferred on the transfer belt 112a and first transferred. In this manner, a four-color full-color unfixed toner image of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black is formed on the transfer belt 112a.

On the other hand, the recording materials S are separated and fed one by one at a predetermined control timing. The recording material S is introduced into the secondary transfer portion, which is the contact portion between the secondary transfer roller 106a and the transfer belt 112a, at a predetermined control timing. By this, in the process of transporting the recording material S to the secondary transfer portion, the four-color superimposed toner image on the transfer belt 112a is collectively transferred onto the surface of the recording material S.

[Overall Structure of Process Cartridge]

In this embodiment, the first to fourth process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) have the equivalent structure, but the colors of the contained toners are different. The process cartridge P includes a photosensitive drum 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) and a process means which actable on the photosensitive drum 4. Here, examples of the process means are the charging means for charging the photosensitive drum 4, the developing means for developing the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 4 by adhering toner to the photosensitive drum 4, and the cleaning means for removing residual toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4. In this embodiment, the charging means (charging member) is a charging roller 5, the developing means (developing member) is a developing roller 6, and the cleaning means (cleaning member) is a cleaning blade 7. The process cartridge P is divided into a drum unit 8 (8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K) and a developing unit 9 (9Y, 9M, 9C, 9K). The developing roller 6 carries the toner on the surface thereof.

[Drum Unit Structure]

As shown in FIGS. 131 and 132, the drum unit 8 includes the photosensitive drum 4, the charging roller 5, the cleaning blade 7, a waste toner container 15, aa waste toner storing portion 15a, a drive-side cartridge cover member 520, and a non-drive-side cartridge cover member 521. The photosensitive drum 4 is supported, so as to be rotatable about the axis (rotational axis) M1, by a drive-side cartridge cover member 520 and a non-drive side cartridge cover member 521 provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge P. Further, as shown in FIG. 132, one longitudinal end side of the photosensitive drum 4 is provided with a photosensitive member coupling member 43 (fixed thereto) for receiving a driving force for rotating said photosensitive drum. The photosensitive member coupling member 43 is engaged with the coupling (not shown) as the drum drive output portion of the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 to be rotated by the driving force of the driving motor (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 about the rotational axis which is coaxial with the axis M1 The charging roller 5 is supported by the waste toner container 15 so that it is rotated by the photosensitive drum 4 in contact therewith. Further, the cleaning blade 7 is supported by the waste toner container 15 so as to contact the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 4 at a predetermined pressure. The untransferred residual toner removed from the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 4 by the cleaning blade 7 is stored in the waste toner storing portion 15a in the waste toner container 15. Of the drum unit (first unit) 8, the waste toner container 15, the drive-side cartridge cover member 520, and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 521 constitute a drum frame (first frame).

[Developing Unit Structure]

As shown in FIG. 131, the developing unit 9 includes the developing roller (developing member) 6, a developing blade 30, the developing container 25, the development cover member 533, a stirring member 29a (not shown), a toner feeding roller 70 (not shown), and so on. The developing container 25 includes a toner accommodating portion 29 for storing toner to be supplied to the developing roller 6, and supports a developing blade 30 for regulating the toner layer thickness (thickness of the toner layer) on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 6. The developing blade 30 includes an elastic member 30b which is a sheet-like metal having a thickness of about 0.1 mm, and a member 30a which is a metal material having and an L-shaped cross-section to which the elastic member 30b is mounted by welding or the like and which is supported by the developing container 25. The developing blade 30 forms a toner layer having a predetermined thickness between the elastic member 130b and the developing roller 106. The developing blade 30 is mounted on the developing container 25 with fixing screws 30c at two locations at each of one end side and the other end side in the longitudinal direction. The developing roller 6 includes a core metal 6c and a rubber portion 6d. The developing roller 6 is supported rotatably about the axis (rotating axis) M2 by the drive-side bearing 526 and the non-drive-side bearing 27 mounted to the opposite ends in the longitudinal direction of the developing container 25. The stirring member 29a rotates to stir the toner in the toner accommodating portion 29. The toner feed roller (developer agent supply member) 70 contacts the developing roller 6 and supplies toner to the surface of the developing roller 6 while also scraping the toner off the surface of the developing roller 6.

Further, as shown in FIG. 132, a development coupling member 74 for receiving a driving force for rotating the developing roller 6 is provided on one end side of the developing unit 9 in the longitudinal direction. The development coupling member 74 engages with a main assembly side coupling member (not shown) as a development drive output portion of the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 to receive a rotational driving force of the drive motor (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main assembly 502, thus rotating about a rotation axis substantially parallel to the axis M2. The driving force input to the development coupling member 74 is transmitted by a driving train (not shown) provided in the developing unit 9, so that the developing roller 6 can be rotated in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 131. The development cover member 533 which supports and covers the development coupling member 74 and a gear train (not shown) is mounted to one end side of the developing container 25 in the longitudinal direction. Of the developing unit (second unit) 9, the developing container 25, the drive-side bearing 526, the non-drive-side bearing 27, and the development cover member 533 constitute the developing frame (second frame).

[Assembly of Drum Unit and Developing Unit]

Referring to FIG. 132, the assembling of the drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 will be described. The drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9 are connected with each other by a drive-side cartridge cover member 520 and a non-drive-side cartridge cover member 521 provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge P. The drive-side cartridge cover member 520 provided on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge P is provided with a supporting hole 520a for permitting swinging (moving) the developing unit 9. Further, the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 521 provided on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge P is provided with a cylindrical support portion 521a for swingably supporting the developing unit 9. Further, the drive-side cartridge cover member 520 and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 521 are provided with supporting holes 520b and 521b for rotatably supporting the photosensitive drum 4.

Here, on one end side, the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 533b of the development cover member 533 is fitted into the supporting hole 520a of the drive-side cartridge cover member 520. On the other end side, the support portion 521a of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 521 is fitted into the hole of the non-drive-side bearing 27. Further, the end portions of the photosensitive drum 4 in the longitudinal direction are fitted in the supporting hole 520b of the drive-side cartridge cover member 520 and the supporting hole portion 521b of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 521, respectively. And, the drive-side cartridge cover member 520 and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member are fixed to the waste toner container 15 by screws or adhesives (not shown). That is, the drive-side cartridge cover member 520 and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 521 are integrated with the waste toner container 15 to constitute the drum unit 8.

By this, the developing unit 9 is supported by the drive-side cartridge cover member 520 and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 521 so as to be movable (rotatable) relative to the drum unit 8 (photosensitive drum 4). Here, an axis connecting the supporting hole 520a of the drive-side cartridge cover member 520 and the support portion 521a of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 521, that is, the rotation center of the developing unit 9 relative to the drum unit 8 is a swing axis (rotation axis, rotation axis) K. Further, the center line of the cylindrical portion 533b of the development cover member 533 is coaxial with the rotation axis of the development coupling member 74, and the developing unit 9 receives the driving force, at the swing axis K, from the image forming apparatus main assembly by way of the development coupling member 74. That is, the rotation axis of the development coupling member 74 is also the rotation axis K (swing axis K). When the assembly of the process cartridge P is completed, the swing axis K, the axis M1, and the axis M2 are substantially parallel to each other.

Further, a developing unit urging spring (second unit urging member) 134 is provided between the developing unit 9 and the drum unit 8. The development pressure spring 134 (see FIG. 131) urges the developing unit 9 to rotate it relative to the drum unit 8 in the direction of arrow V2 (see part (a) of FIG. 129 and part (b) of FIG. 129) about the swing axis K. The development pressure spring 134 urges the developing unit 9 in the direction of moving it from the separated position toward the developing position. The developing unit urging spring 134 is a coil spring and is an elastic member.

[Process Cartridge Mounting/Dismounting Structure]

Referring to FIGS. 130, 133 and 134, the cartridge tray (hereinafter referred to as a tray) 110 which supports the process cartridge will be described in more detail. FIG. 133 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus 500 in which the tray 110 is inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 with the front door 111 open. FIG. 134 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus 500 in which the tray 110 is outside the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 with the front door 111 open. As shown in FIGS. 133 and 134, the tray 110 is movable relative to the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 in the arrow X1 direction (pushing direction) and the arrow X2 direction (pulling direction). That is, the tray 110 is provided so as to be retractable and insertable with respect to the image forming apparatus main assembly 502, and the tray 110 is structured to be movable in a substantially horizontal direction when the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 is installed on a horizontal surface. Here, the state in which the tray 110 is outside the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 (state in FIG. 134) is referred to as an outside position. Further, a state in which the tray 110 is inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 with the front door open and the photosensitive drum 4 and the transfer belt 112a are spaced by a gap T1 (state in FIG. 133) is referred to as a first inner position.

The tray 110 is provided with a mounting portion 110a to which the process cartridge P can be dismountably mounted at the outer position shown in FIG. 134. Then, each process cartridge P mounted on the mounting portion 110a at the outer position of the tray 110 is supported by the tray 110 by the drive-side cartridge cover member 520 and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 521 contacting the mounting portion 110a. Then, in the state where each process cartridge P is placed in the mounting portion 110a, the tray 110 is moved toward the inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 502, that is, the tray 110 is moved from the outer position to the first inner position. At this time, as shown in FIG. 133, each process cartridge P moves while maintaining a gap T1 between the transfer belt 112a and the photosensitive drum 4. Therefore, the tray 110 can move the process cartridge P inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 without contact of the photosensitive drum 4 to the transfer belt 112a. When the tray 110 is placed in the first inner position, the photosensitive drum 4 and the transfer belt 112a maintain a gap T1.

Here, the direction perpendicular to the X direction (X1, X2) of the arrow in FIG. 133 and perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive drum 4 is referred to as the Z direction (arrows Z1, Z2 in FIG. 133). The tray 110 can be moved from the first inner position in the direction of arrow Z2 in FIG. 133 to the second inner position (state in FIG. 130) where the photosensitive drum 4 and the transfer belt 112a are in contact with each other to form an image. In this embodiment, the tray 110 placed at the first inner position moves in the direction of the arrow Z2 to the second inner position in FIG. 133 in interrelation with the operation of closing the front door 111 in the direction of the arrow R in FIG. 133 from the state where the front door 111 is open.

As described above, by using the tray 110, a plurality of process cartridges P can be collectively set at a position inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 where image formation is possible.

[Spacer]

Subsequently, referring to FIG. 135, the structure for contacting and separating the developing roller 6 included in the developing unit 9 relative to photosensitive drum 4 and will be described in detail. In the Embodiment 1, the spacers 51R and 51L are structured to be moved by receiving a force by way of the movable members 52R and 52L, but in the structure of this embodiment, the spacer is capable of receiving the force not through the movable member.

Part (a) of FIG. 135 and part (b) of FIG. 135 are perspective views of the spacer 510 per se. The spacer (spacer portion) 510 is a space-holding member for holding the space between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6 with a predetermined space, and is a regulating member for regulating the position of the developing unit 9 relative to the drum unit 8.

The spacer (holding member) 510 has an annular shape and is provided with a supported hole (supported portion) 510a which is contacted by and is supported by the supporting portion 533c of the developing frame. The free end of the projecting portion (holding portion) 510b projecting from the supported hole 510a in the radial direction is provided with a contact surface 510c as a contacting contact portion having an arc surface extending about the axis of the supported hole 510a, the contact portion being a part of the drum unit 8.

The projecting portion (holding portion) 510b is a portion which connects the supported portion 510a and the contact surface 510c with each other, and has stiffness sufficient to maintain the spaced position of the developing unit 9 while being sandwiched between the drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9. Further, it has a restricted surface (restricted portion) 510k adjacent to the contact surface 510c. Furthermore, the spacer 510 is provided with a projecting portion 510d projecting in the radial direction of the supported hole 510a and a force receiving portion (first force receiving portion, contact force receiving portion or a pressed portion) 510e) projecting from the projecting portion 510d along the axial direction of the supported hole 510a. Further, the spacer 510 includes a main body portion 510f connected to the supported hole 510a, and the main body portion 510f is provided with a spring-hooked portion 510g projecting in the axial direction of the supported hole 510a and has a first restricted surface 510h which is a surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the supported hole 510a.

[Spacer Assembly]

Next, referring to FIGS. 136, 137, and 129, the assembling of the spacer 510 will be described. FIG. 136 is a perspective view of the process cartridge P before assembling the spacer 510 as viewed from the drive-side, and FIG. 137 is a perspective view of the process cartridge P after assembling the spacer 510 as viewed from the drive-side. FIG. 129 is a view of the process cartridge P after assembling the spacer 510, as viewed from the drive-side along the swing axis K. Part (a) of FIG. 129 shows the developing unit 9 and the developing frame in the retracted position (separated position), and part (b) of FIG. 129 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 and the developing frame are in the developing position. A detailed description of the retracted position (separated position) and the developed position will be made hereinafter. In FIGS. 137 and 129, for the sake of explanation, the portions other than the contacted portion 520c and the spacer restricting surface (spacer restriction portion) 520d of the drive-side cartridge cover member 520 are omitted.

As described above, the developing unit 9 is supported so as to be rotatable about the swing axis K relative to the photosensitive drum 4 by fitting the outer diameter portion of the cylindrical portion 533b of the development cover member 533 into the supporting hole portion 520a of the drive-side cartridge cover member 520. Further, the development cover member 533 is provided with a cylindrical support portion 533c which projects in the longitudinal direction along the swing axis K. Then, the outer peripheral surface of the support portion 533c is fitted with the inner peripheral surface of the supported hole 510a of the spacer 510, and the support portion 533c rotatably supports the spacer 510. Here, the swing axis (rotation shaft) of the spacer 510 assembled to the development cover member 533 is referred to as a swing axis H. The swing axis H is substantially parallel to the swing axis K.

Further, the development cover member 533 is provided with a retaining portion 533d which projects in the longitudinal direction along the swing axis H. The retaining portion 533d can be elastically deformed in a direction away from the support portion 533c when the spacer is assembled to the development cover member 533. As shown in FIG. 137, the movement of the spacer 510 assembled to the development cover member 533 in the swing axis H direction is restricted by the retaining portion 533d being abutted by to the spacer 510. Further, even if the spacer 510 assembled to the development cover member rotates and changes its attitude, the retaining portion 533d contacts the spacer 510 to restrict the movement of the spacer 510.

As described above, the spacer 510 is rotatably supported by the development cover member of the developing unit 9 so as to be rotatable about the swing axis H.

Further, in this embodiment, there is provided a tension spring 530 which is an elastic member as an urging member (holding portion urging member) provided with a spacer portion urging portion (holding portion urging portion) which urges the spacer 510 in the direction of arrow B1 in FIG. 129. The tension spring is a coil spring. The tension spring 530 is assembled to a spring-hooked portion 533g provided on the development cover member 533 and projecting in the swing axis K direction, and a spring-hooked portion 510g of the spacer assembled to the development cover member 533. The spring-hooked portion 510g corresponds to the point of action of the tension spring 530, and the tension spring 530 moves the spacer (spacing holding member, holding member) in the direction of arrow B1 in FIG. 129 by applying a force to the spring-hooked portion 510g in the direction of the arrow F. Here, the direction of the arrow F in FIG. 129 is substantially parallel to the line connecting the spring-hooked portion 533g and the spring-hooked portion 510g. Then, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 129, a first restricted surface 510h of the spacer 510 urged by the tension spring 530 is brought into engagement with a first restriction surface 533h provided on the development cover member 533. By this, the movement of the spacer 510 in the direction of arrow B1 in FIG. 129 is restricted. That is, the position of the spacer 510 relative to the development cover member 533 in the rotational direction (arrow B1 direction) about the swing axis H is determined. Here, the state in which the first restricted surface 510h and the first restriction surface 533h are engaged with each other is referred to as a restriction position (first position) of the spacer 510.

In this embodiment, the tension spring 530 is used as an example of the urging member which urges the spacer 510 to the restriction position (first position), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the spacer 510 may be urged to the restriction position by using a torsion coil spring, a leaf spring, or the like as an urging member. Further, the material of the urging means may be metal, a mold or the like, which is elastic and can urge the spacer 510.

In this manner, the developing unit 9 provided with the spacer 510 and the tension spring 530 is coupled with the drum unit 8 by the drive-side cartridge cover 520 as described above.

As shown in FIG. 137, the force receiving portion 510e of the assembled spacer 510 is on the same side as the side where the development coupling member 74 or the photosensitive member coupling member 43 is placed with respect to the direction of the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller 6.

Further, as shown in FIG. 136, the drive-side cartridge cover 520 includes a contacted portion 520c. The contacted portion 520c is a ridge line portion formed at a corner where two surfaces perpendicular to the axis of the supporting hole 520a intersect, and is a ridge line portion extending substantially parallel to the axis of the supporting hole 520a. The ridge line portion as the contacted portion 520c may be a portion formed by chamfering, into a flat surface or a curved surface, a corner portion where two surfaces perpendicular to the axis of the supporting hole 520a intersect with each other. Further, as shown in FIGS. 137 and 129, the contacted portion 520c is opposed to the contact surface 510c of the spacer 510 located at the restriction position so as to be contactable thereto when the drive-side cartridge cover 520 is assembled to the developing unit 9 and the drum unit 8. Further, as described above, the developing unit 9 is rotatable about the swing axis K relative to the drum unit 8 and is subjected to the urging force by the developing unit urging spring (not shown). Then, when the contact surface 510c of the spacer 510 located at the restriction position and the contacted portion 520c come into contact with each other, the position of the developing unit 9 with respect to the drum unit 8 in the rotational direction about the swing axis K is determined. When the position is determined in this manner, the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4 of the developing unit 9 are spaced by a gap T2. Here, the state in which the developing roller is spaced from the photosensitive drum 4 by the gap T2 by the spacer 510 is referred to as the retracted position (spacing position) of the developing unit 9 (state in part (a) of FIG. 129). When the developing unit 9 is in the retracted position (separated position), it can be said that the developing frame is also in the retracted position (spaced position).

Further, when the developing unit 9 is in the retracted position, the force received by the contact surface 510c of the spacer 510 from the contacted portion 520c and the force received by the inner peripheral surface of the supported hole 510a from the supporting portion 533c are forces having vectors passing through the swing axis H (see part (a) of FIG. 129) Furthermore, these forces are orientated in opposite directions, and therefore, these forces are balanced. Therefore, when the developing unit 9 is in the retracted position, the force received by the contact surface 510c from the first contacted portion 520c does not produce a moment around the swing axis H on the spacer 510. The contacted portion 520c may be formed so as to form an arc surface centered on the axis of the supporting hole 520a when the developing unit 9 is in the retracted position. Even with such a structure, when the developing unit 9 is in the retracted position, the force received by the contact surface 510c from the first contacted portion 520c does not produce a moment around the swing axis H on the spacer 510.

Further, as shown in the FIG. 146 showing the positional relationship between the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6, when the developing unit 9 is placed at the retracted position, the axis M2 of the developing unit 9 may not parallel with the axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 4. Specifically, for example, the developing roller 6 may be partially spaced from the photosensitive drum 4 in the direction of the axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 4.

As described above, in the state that the spacer 510 is placed at the restriction position and the developing unit 9 is placed at the retracted position, when a force is applied to the force receiving portion 510e of the spacer 510 in the direction of the arrow B2 in part (a) of FIG. 129, the spacer 510 rotates from the restriction position in the direction of the arrow B2 in part (a) of FIG. 129. When the spacer 510 rotates in the direction of arrow B2, the contact surface 510c separates from the contacted portion 520c, and the developing unit can rotate in the direction of arrow V2 in part (a) of FIG. 129 from the retracted position. That is, the developing unit 9 rotates in the V2 direction from the retracted position, and the developing roller 6 included in the developing unit 9 becomes contactable to the photosensitive drum 4. Here, the position of the developing unit 9 in which the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4 contact with each other is referred to as a developing position (contact position) (state of part (b) of FIG. 129). When the developing unit 9 is in the developing position, it can be said that the developing frame is also in the developing position (contact position).

In addition, the position in which the spacer 510 rotates from the restriction position in the direction of the arrow B2 in part (a) of FIG. 129, the contact surface 510c separates from the contacted portion 520c, and the developing unit 9 is permitted to move from the retracted position (separated position) to the developing position (the contact position) is referred to an permission position (second position) (part (b) of FIG. 129). When the developing unit 9 is at the developing position, the restricted surface 510k of the spacer 510 contacts the spacer restricting surface (spacer restriction portion) 520d of the drive-side cartridge cover 520, so that the spacer 510 is maintained in the permission position (second position).

Further, the development cover member 533 is provided with a retracting force receiving portion (another force receiving portion, a second force receiving portion, a separating force receiving portion) 533a projecting in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 533b. Similarly to the force receiving portion 510e, the retracting force receiving portion 533a is also arranged on the same side as the development coupling member 74 or the photosensitive member coupling member 43 with respect to the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 6. Since the development cover member 533 is fixed to the developing unit 9, when the developing unit 9 is in the developing position and a force is applied to the retracting force receiving portion 533a in the W51 direction in part (b) of FIG. 129, the developing unit is rotated about the moving axis K in the direction of the arrow V1 in part (b) of FIG. 129 to the retracted position. Here, in part (a) of FIG. 129 and FIG. 129(b), the direction in which the retracting force receiving portion 533a moves when the developing unit 9 moves from the developing position to the retracting position is indicated by W51 direction, and the direction opposite to the W51 direction is indicated by W52 direction. The W51 direction and the W52 direction are substantially horizontal directions, and are substantially parallel with the direction in which at least two of the first to fourth process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK mounted on the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 are arranged. Further, the W51 direction and the W52 direction are substantially parallel to the moving direction of the separation control member 540 which will be described hereinafter.

The force receiving portion 510e included in the spacer 510 assembled to the developing unit 9 is placed on the upstream side of the retracting force receiving portion 533a in the direction of W51 in part (a) of FIG. 129 and part (b) of FIG. 129. Further, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 129 and FIG. 129(b), as viewed from the drive-side along the swing axis K, the force receiving portion 510e and the retracting force receiving portion 533a are substantially opposed to each other, and the force receiving portion 510e and the retracting force receiving portion define a space Q surrounded by a two-dot chain line. The space Q is a space opened in the direction of gravity when the process cartridge P is mounted to the image forming apparatus main assembly 502. Further, the space Q is formed both in a state in which the developing unit 9 is placed in the retracted position and the spacer 510 is placed in the restriction position (part (a) of FIG. 129) and in a state in which the developing unit is placed in the developing position and the spacer 510 is placed in the permission position (part (b) of FIG. 129).

[Mounting to Main Assembly]

Next, referring to FIG. 138, the operation when the process cartridge P is mounted on the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 will be described. Part (a) of FIG. 138 is a view, as viewed from the drive-side, of a state in which the process cartridge P is placed at the first inner position where the photosensitive drum 4 and the transfer belt 112a are spaced from each other. Further, part (b) of FIG. 138 is a view, as viewed from the drive-side, of a state in which the process cartridge P is placed at the second inner position where the photosensitive drum 4 and the transfer belt 112a are in contact with each other. For the sake of explanation, in part (a) of FIG. 138 and part (b) of FIG. 138, parts are omitted except for the contacted portion 520c and the spacer restriction surface 520d of the drive-side cartridge cover 520.

The image forming apparatus main assembly 502 includes the separation control members (force applying member) 540 corresponding to respective process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK). The separation control member 540 is disposed below the spacer 510 of the process cartridge P placed at the first inner position and the second inner position (in the Z1 direction in FIG. 138). The separation control member 540 includes a control portion (projecting portion) 540a projecting toward the process cartridge P, and the control portion 540a has a first force application surface (retracting force applying portion, separation force applying portion) 540b and a second force application surface (force applying portion, contact force applying portion) 540c. The control portion 540a of the separation control member 540 is provided below the lower surface of the space Q of the process cartridge P placed at the first inner position (in the Z1 direction in FIG. 138). Further, the separation control member 540 is placed so that a gap T5 is provided between the process cartridge P and the spacer 510 when the process cartridge P is at the first inner position (part (a) of FIG. 138). That is, as described above, the spacer 510 of the process cartridge P inserted into the inside of the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 by the tray 110 moving from the outer position to the first inner position enters into the main assembly 502 without contacting the separation control member 540. Then, when the process cartridge P is moved from the first inner position to the second inner position by closing the front door 111 as described above, the control portion 540a enters the space Q as shown in part (b) of FIG. 138.

Further, FIG. 142 shows a view of the process cartridge P set in the image forming apparatus 502 as viewed in the direction of arrow J in part (b) of FIG. 138. For better illustration, FIG. 142 shows the separation control member 540 with omission of portions other than the control portion 540a. In addition, some of the portions constituting the process cartridge P are omitted. The retracting force receiving portion 533a is disposed downstream of the force receiving portion 510e in the W51 direction (retraction direction, separation direction), and a space Q is formed between the force receiving portion 510e and the retracting force receiving portion 533a in the W51 direction. The W51 direction will be described in detail hereinafter.

As shown in FIG. 142, the force receiving portion 510e of the spacer 510 and the retracting force receiving portion 533a of the development cover member 533 are arranged so as to partially overlap each other in the direction along the swing axis K of the developing unit 9 to define the space Q. Further, when the process cartridge P is mounted at the second inner position (image formable position) and the control portion 540a enters the space Q, the control portion 540a is arranged such that the force receiving unit 510e and the retracting force receiving portion 533a overlap with each other in the direction along the swing axis K. Here, as shown in part (b) of FIG. 138, the description will be made as to a state in which the process cartridge P is mounted at the second inner position of the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 and the developing unit 9 is in the retracted position. In this state, there is a gap T3 between the force receiving portion 510e and the second force application surface 540c, and the position of the separation control member 540 providing a gap T4 between the retracting force receiving portion 533a and the first force application surface 540b is called the home position.

[Contact Operation]

Subsequently, referring to FIG. 139, the description will be made as to the operation of moving the developing unit 9 from the retracted position (separation position) to the developing position (contact position) inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 502. FIG. 139 is a view of the process cartridge P located at the second inner position inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 502, as viewed from the drive-side. For better illustration, the drive-side cartridge cover 520 is shown with omission of portions other than the contacted portion 520c and the spacer restriction surface 520d. Part (a) of FIG. 139 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is in the retracted position (separated position) and the separation control member 540 is in the home position. Part (b) of FIG. 139 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is moving from the retracted position to the developing position. Part (c) of FIG. 139 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is placed at the developing position and the separation control member 540 is placed at the first position. Part (d) of FIG. 139 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is placed at the developing position and the separation control member 540 is placed at the home position. Here, as described above, at the home position of the separation control member 540, there is a gap T3 between the second force application surface 540c and the force receiving portion 510e of the process cartridge P mounted at the second inner position, and there is a gap T4 between the first force application surface 540b and the retracting force receiving portion 533a. The first position will be described hereinafter.

The development coupling member 74 receives a driving force from the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 in the direction of the arrow V2 in part (a) of FIG. 139, so that the developing roller 6 rotates. That is, the developing unit 9 including the development coupling member 74 receives a moment in the arrow V2 direction about the swing axis K, from the image forming apparatus main assembly 502. When the developing unit 9 shown in part (a) of FIG. 139 is in the retracted position (separated position) and the spacer 510 is in the restriction position (first position), even if the developing unit 9 receives this moment, the contact surface 510c of the spacer 510 contacts the contacted portion 520c, the attitude of the developing unit 9 remains restricted to the retracted position (separated position) (held at the retracted position). The separation control member 540 of this embodiment is structured to be movable from the home position in the W52 direction in part (a) of FIG. 139. When the separation control member 540 moves in the W52 direction, the second force application surface (contact force applying portion) 540c of the control portion 540a and the force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 510e of the spacer 510 are brought into contact with each other, and the spacer 510 is moved in the direction B2 in part (a) of FIG. 139. The spacer 510 that rotates in this manner moves to the permission position (second position) where the contact surface 510c and the contacted portion 520c are separated from each other. Here, the position of the separation control member 540 which moves the spacer 510 to the permission position shown in part (b) of FIG. 139 is referred to as a first position.

When the spacer 510 is moved to the permission position by the separation control member 540, the developing unit 9 rotates in the V2 direction by the moment received from the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 and the urging force of the developing unit urging spring 134, and moves to the developing position (contact position) where the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4 are in contact (part (c) of FIG. 139) with each other. Then, the separation control member 540 moves from the first position in the W51 direction and returns to the home position (part (d) of FIG. 139). The spacer 510 is urged by the tension spring in the direction of the arrow B1 (direction from the permission position (second position) to the restriction position (first position)) in the part (d) of FIG. 12. However, by the restricted surface 510k of the spacer 510 contacting the spacer restriction surface 520d of the drive-side cartridge cover 520, the movement of the spacer 510 toward the restriction position (first position) is restricted, and the spacer 510 is maintained in the permission position (second position).

As shown in part (d) of FIG. 139, also when the separation control member 540 returns to the home position with the developing unit 9 in the developing position and the spacer 510 in the permission position, the gap T3 is formed between the force receiving portion 510e (contact force receiving portion) of the spacer 510 and the second force application surface (contact force applying portion) 540c of the separation control member 540. Similarly, the gap T4 is formed between the retracting force receiving portion (separation force receiving portion) 533a and the first force application surface (separation force applying portion) 540b. That is, the separation control member 540 becomes in a non-contact state with the process cartridge P and is not subjected to a load.

By moving the separation control member 540 from the home position to the first position in this manner, the spacer 510 is moved from the restriction position to the permission position, and the developing unit 9 is moved from the retracted position to the development position in which the developing roller 9 and the photosensitive drum 4 contact with each other.

The force receiving portion 510e is a force for moving the spacer 510 from the restriction position (first position) to the permission position (second position), it can be said that the force (contact force) for moving the developing unit 9 and the developing frame from the retracted position (separation position) to the developing position is received from the separation control member 540.

With the developing unit 9 in the contact position (development position), the position of the developing unit 9 relative to the drum unit 8 is determined by being urged in the V2 direction by the drive torque received from the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 and the developing unit urging spring 134 and by the developing roller 6 contacting the photosensitive drum 4. Therefore, the photosensitive drum 4 can be said to be a positioning portion (second positioning portion) for positioning the developing roller of the developing unit 9 at the developing position. At this time, it can be said that the developing unit 9 is stably held by the drum unit 8. At this time, the spacer 151R in the separation release position is not directly concerned in the positioning of the developing unit 109. However, it can be said that the spacer 510 creates a situation in which the drum unit 8 can stably hold the developing unit 9 at the contact position (development position) by moving from the separation holding position to the separation release position.

[Separation Operation]

Subsequently, the operation of moving the developing unit 9 from the developing position to the retracting position will be described referring to FIG. 140. FIG. 140 is a view of the process cartridge P placed at the second inner position inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 502, as viewed from the drive-side, as in FIG. 139. For better illustration, the drive-side cartridge cover 520 is with the omission of parts other than the contacted portion 520c and the spacer restriction surface 520d. Part (a) of FIG. 140 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is in the developing position and the separation control member 540 is in the home position. Part (b) of FIG. 140 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is moving from the developing position to the retracted position. Part (c) of FIG. 140 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is in the retracted position.

The separation control member 540 of this embodiment is structured to be movable from the home position in the W51 direction in part (a) of FIG. 140. When the separation control member 540 moves in the W51 direction, the first force application surface 540b and the retracting force receiving portion (separation force receiving portion) 533a of the development cover member 533 come into contact with each other, and the retracting force receiving portion 533a moves at least in the W51 direction, and therefore, the developing unit 9 rotates in the direction of arrow V1 in FIG. 140. That is, the developing unit 9 moves from the developing position toward the retracted position (separated position) against the urging force of the developing unit urging spring 134. Thus, the W51 direction is a direction in which the retracting force receiving portion 533a at least moves by receiving a force from the first force application surface 540b in order to move the developing unit 9 from the developing position to the retracting position, and it can be called a retracting direction (separation direction). Then, as the developing unit 9 rotates in the direction of the arrow V1 in part (a) of FIG. 140, the restricted surface 510k of the spacer 510 and the spacer restriction surface 520d of the drive-side cartridge cover 520 are separated from each other. Therefore, the spacer 510 is rotated in the direction of the arrow B1 (direction from the permission position to the restriction position) in part (a) of FIG. 140 by the urging force of the tension spring 530. The spacer 510 rotates until the first restricted surface 510h comes into contact with the first restriction surface 533h of the development cover member 533, and moves to the restriction position (first position). When the developing unit 9 is moved from the developing position to the retracted position by the separation control member 540 and the spacer 510 is placed at the restriction position (first position), the gap T5 is formed between the contact surface 510c and the contacted surface 520c, as shown in part (b) of FIG. 140. Here, the position of the separation control member 540 shown in part (b) of FIG. 140 in which the developing unit 9 is rotated from the developing position toward the retracted position and the spacer 510 can be moved to the restriction position is referred to as a second position.

Further, when the separation control member 540 moves from the second position in the W52 direction W52 in part (b) of FIG. 140 and returns to the home position, the developing unit 9 rotates in the direction of the arrow V2 in FIG. 140 by the moment in the arrow V2 direction shown in FIG. 140 so that the contact surface 510c and the contacted portion 520c come into contact with each other. At this time, the spacer 510 is still maintained in the restriction position by the urging force of the tension spring 530. Therefore, the developing unit 9 is in a state where the retracting position is restricted by the spacer 510, and the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4 are spaced by the gap T2 (part (c) of FIG. 140). The moment in the V2 direction is produced by the urging force of the developing unit urging spring 134 and the driving force received by the development coupling member 74 from the image forming apparatus main assembly 502. That is, the developing unit 9 is restricted by the spacer 510 in the movement to the contact position against the driving force received from the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 and against the moment (urging force) in the arrow V2 direction by the urging of the development pressure spring 134, and is maintained in the separation position.

As described above, It can be said that the retracting force receiving portion (separation force receiving portion) 533a receives, from the separation control member 540, a force (retracting force, separation force) for moving the spacer 510 from the permission position (second position) to the restriction position (first position), for moving the developing unit 9 and the developing frame from the developing position to the retracting position (spaced position).

Further, as shown in part (c) of FIG. 140, when the separation control member 540 returns to the home position while the developing unit 9 is in the retracted position and the spacer 510 is in the restriction position, the gap T3 is formed between the force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 510e of the spacer 510 and the second force application surface (contact force applying portion) 540c of the separation control member 540. Similarly, the gap T4 is formed between the retracting force receiving portion (separating force receiving portion) 533a and the first force application surface (spacing force applying portion) 540b. That is, the separation control member 540 becomes in a non-contact state relative to the process cartridge P and is not subjected to a load.

As described above, in this embodiment, the spacer 510 moves from the permission position to the restriction position by moving the separation control member 540 from the home position to the second position. Then, by the separation control member 540 returning from the second position to the home position, the developing unit 9 becomes in a state of maintaining the retracted position by the spacer 510. That is, in this embodiment, the spacer 510 is in the restriction position, and the contact surface 510c and the contacted portion 520c are in contact with each other even when the retracting force receiving portion (separation force receiving portion) 533a and the first force application surface (separating force applying portion) 540b are separated from each other. Therefore, it is possible to restrict the developing unit 9 in moving to the developing position and maintain it in the retracted position (separated position).

In order to perform the above-mentioned contact operation and separation operation, the width between the force receiving portion 510e and the retracting force receiving portion 533a in the W51 direction or the W52 direction when the developing unit 9 is in the separated position is preferably 3.5 mm or more, and is further preferably 18.5 mm or less, even further preferably 10 mm or less. With such a dimensional relationship, it is possible to perform an appropriate contact operation and separation operation.

With the developing unit 9 in the separated position (retracted position), the position of the developing unit 9 relative to the drum unit 8 is determined by being urged in the V2 direction by the driving torque received from the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 and the developing unit urging spring 134, by the contact between the supported portion 510a and the supporting portion 533c and by the contact between the contact portion 510c and the contacted portion 520c. Therefore, the contacted portion 520c can be said to be a positioning portion (first positioning portion) for positioning the developing unit 9 when the photosensitive drum 4 is in the spaced position (retracted position). At this time, it can be said that the developing unit 9 is stably held by the drum unit 8. Further, it can be said that the spacer 510 at the restriction position (first position) creates a situation in which the drum unit 8 can stably hold the developing unit 9 at the spaced position (retracted position).

In this embodiment, by moving the separation control member 540 between the home position, the first position, and the second position in one direction (W51, W52), the contact/separation state between the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4 can be controlled. Therefore, the developing roller 6 can be brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 4 only when the image is formed, and the developing roller 6 can be maintained in a state of being spaced from the photosensitive drum 4 when the image is not formed. Therefore, even if the image is left for a long time without forming an image, the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4 are not deformed, and therefore, a stable image forming operation can be accomplished.

Further, in the process cartridge P, as viewed along the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 4 or the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller 6, the retracting force receiving portion (separation force receiving portion) 533a and the force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 510e are opposed to each other with a space formed therebetween. That is, in the W51 direction (or W52 direction), the retracting force receiving portion (separation force receiving portion) 533a and the force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 510e are arranged so as to form a gap therebetween. Further, regardless of whether the developing unit 9 is in the developing position or the retracting position, the retracting force receiving portion (separation force receiving portion) 533a is closer to the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 4 than the force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 510e, as viewed along the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 4 or the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller 6.

With such an arrangement, in the separation control member 540, one control portion 540a which is one projection projecting toward the process cartridge P is enough, the control portion 540a having the first force application surface (separation force applying portion) 540b and the second force application surface (contact force applying portion) 540c. For this reason, the stiffness required for the first force application surface 540b and the second force application surface 540c to act on the process cartridge P can be provided in one place of the control portion 540a, and the entire separation control member 540 or the control can be provided can be downsized. By this, the apparatus main assembly 502 can be downsized. Further, the cost can be reduced by reducing the volume of the separation control member 540 itself.

In addition, when the separation control member 540 is in the home position, no load is applied to the control portion 540a from the process cartridge P, so that the rigidity required for the mechanism for operating the separation control member 540 and the separation control member 540 can be reduced, and therefore, the downsizing can be accomplished correspondingly. Further, the load on the sliding portion of the mechanism for operating the separation control member 540 is also reduced, and therefore, wearing of the sliding portion and generation of abnormal noise can be suppressed.

Further, the first force application surface 540b of the control portion 540a directly presses the retracting force receiving portion 533a of the developing member b-member 533 fixed to the developing unit 9, so that the developing unit 9 is moved from the developing position to the retracting position. Therefore, the sliding friction at the time when moving the developing unit 9 from the developing position to the retracted position can be minimized, and therefore, the load applied to the control portion 540a can be further reduced.

Further, conventionally, the developing unit has a structure in which the developing unit is positioned at the retracted position by contact between the developing unit and the separation control member of the apparatus main assembly, and a positional error between the developing unit and the separation control member at the retracted position occurs by a position error due to a component tolerance or the like. Then, the position error of the retracted position causes a variation in the amount of separation between the developing roller and the photosensitive drum. In preparation for such a positional error in the retracted position of the developing unit, it is necessary to design the spacing amount so that the developing roller and the photosensitive drum can be sufficiently spaced even if the positional error occurs. Further, it is necessary to design a large gap or the like between the developing unit at the retracted position and another member in preparation for the positional error of the retracted position.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the retracted position of the developing unit 9 is determined by the spacer 510, and therefore, the positional error between the separation control member 540 and the developing unit 9 is not influential. Therefore, since the position error at the retracted position of the developing unit 9 is reduced, the variation in the spacing amount between the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4 is also reduced correspondingly, and the spacing amount can be designed to be smaller. Since the amount of spacing can be reduced, the amount of movement of the developing unit 9 from the developing position to the retracted position is also small, and the process cartridge can be downsized. Further, the space for placing the process cartridge P in the main assembly can be reduced, and the image forming apparatus can be downsized. Alternatively, the space of the developing material accommodating portion 29 of the developing unit 9 can be increased, and the large-capacity process cartridge P can be placed in the image forming apparatus main assembly 502. Further, the gap between the developing unit 9 at the retracted position and another member (the drum unit 8, for example) can be designed to be smaller as the positional error at the retracted position is reduced.

Further, the spacer 510 is disposed on the same side with respect to the rotation axis direction of the development coupling 74 and the developing roller 6. By this, in the case that the developing unit 9 is restricted to the retracted position, the amount of deformation of the developing unit 9 by the moment received from the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 when the driving force is transmitted to the development coupling 74 can be reduced.

Further, the force receiving portion 510e of the spacer 510 is disposed on the same side as the photosensitive member coupling member 43 with respect to the rotation axis of the photosensitive member coupling member 43. By this, the timing at which the spacer 510 is moved from the regulated position to the permission position and the developing roller 6 is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 4 which is rotating can be performed more accurately.

In this embodiment, the urging force of the tension spring 530 is used as a means for moving the spacer 510 from the permission position to the restriction position, but this disclosure is not limited to such an example. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 144, there is no spring 530 provided which urges the spacer 510 from the permission position towards the restriction position. In this embodiment, a spacer 710 moves from the permission position to the restriction position by rotation due to its own weight. When the developing unit 9 is moved from the developing position to the retracted position, the spacer 710 of FIG. 144 rotates in the direction B1 in part (a) of FIG. 144 due to its own weight, and moves from the permission position to the regulated position.

[Arrangement Details—Part 1]

Subsequently, referring to FIG. 141, the arrangement of the spacer 510 will be described in detail. FIG. 141 is a view of the process cartridge P as viewed from the drive-side along the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 4. The developing unit 9 is placed at the retracted position, and the spacer 510 is placed at the restriction position. Further, for better illustration, the drive-side cartridge cover 520 is shown by omitting portions other than the contacted portion 520c and the spacer restriction surface 520d.

As shown in FIG. 141, the rotation axis (rotation center) of the photosensitive drum 4 is M1, the rotation axis (rotation center) of the developing roller 6 is M2, and the straight line connecting the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 4 the axis (center of rotation) K of the development coupling member 74 is line N1. In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the photosensitive member coupling member 43 is coaxial with the rotation axis M1. When the region is divided with the line N1 as the boundary, the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller 6 and the force receiving portion 510e are in the same side with respect to the line N1 as the boundary. Further, the distance between the rotating axis K of the development coupling member 74 and the rotating axis M2 of the developing roller 6 is e1, and the distance between the rotating axis K of the development coupling member 74 and the force receiving portion 510e is e2. In this case, the force receiving portion 510e is disposed so that the distance e2 is larger than the distance e1.

By disposing the force receiving portion 510e in this manner, the force, received from the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 by the force receiving portion 510e, for moving the spacer 510 from the restriction position to the permission position can be converted into a force for bringing the developing roller 6 into contact with the photosensitive drum 4. That is, when the spacer 510 is moved from the restriction position to the permission position, the developing roller 6 can be brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 4 more quickly, so that the timing at which the developing roller 6 is brought into contact with the rotating photosensitive drum 4 can be controlled with higher accuracy.

[Arrangement Details—Part 2]

Subsequently, referring to FIG. 143, the arrangement of the spacer 510 will be described in detail. FIG. 143 is a view of the process cartridge P as viewed from the drive-side along the direction of the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 4 or the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller. The developing unit 9 is placed at the developing position, and the spacer 510 is placed at the permission position. Further, for better illustration, the drive-side cartridge cover 520 is shown by omitting portions other than the contacted portion 520c and the spacer restriction surface 520d.

As shown in FIG. 143, the straight line connecting the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 4 and the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller 6 is line N2. When the region is divided by the line N2 (the upper side is a region AU1 and the lower side is a region AD1), at least a part of the force receiving portion 510e and at least a part of the retracting force receiving portion 533a are disposed in the region AD1 which is opposite to the region in which the rotation axis K of the development coupling member 74 exists. That is, at least a part of the force receiving portion 510e and at least a part of the retracting force receiving portion 533a are disposed in the region AD1 which is opposite to the region AU1 in which the swing K of the development coupling member 74 is provided. As described in the Embodiment 1, in the region AU1, the structure for movably supporting the developing unit 9 relative to the drum unit 8 and a driving member for driving the members provided in the developing unit 9 are provided. Therefore, it is possible to provide an efficient layout that avoids interference between the members by disposing at least a part of the force receiving portion 510e and at least a part of the retracting force receiving portion 533a in the region AD1 rather than in the region AU1. This is contributable to downsizing of the process cartridge 100 and the image forming apparatus M.

Further, a line perpendicular to the line N2 and passing through the contact point between the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4 is a line N3. When the region is divided by the line N3, at least a part of the force receiving portion 510e and at least a part of the retracting force receiving portion 533a are disposed in the region which is opposite to the region in which the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 4 exists, with respect to the line N3 as a boundary.

In the foregoing description, when the region is divided by the straight line N2 as viewed in the direction along the rotation axis M2, the regions AU1 and AD1 are the regions where the rotation axis K or the development coupling 32 is disposed, and the regions where the development coupling is not arranged, respectively. However, as another definition, when the region is divided by the straight line N2 as viewed in the direction along the rotation axis M2, the regions AU1 and the region AD1 may be defined as region where the charging roller 5 or the rotation axis M5 of the charging roller 5 or is disposed, and the region where it is not disposed.

As yet another definition, as the region is divided by the straight line N2 as viewed in the direction along the rotation axis M2, the region AU1 and the region AD1 may be defined as a region in which the developing blade 30, the proximity point 30d (see FIG. 240), and the stirring member 29a (FIG. 240) are provided and the region in which it is not provided. The proximity point 30d is the position closest to the surface of the developing roller 6 of the developing blade 30.

In an ordinary electrophotographic cartridge, particularly a cartridge usable with an in-line layout image forming apparatus, it is relatively difficult to arrange other members of the cartridge in the region AD1. Further, if the force receiving portion 510e and the retracting force receiving portion 533a are arranged in the region AD1, the apparatus main assembly 502 also has the following advantage. That is, the separation control member 540 of the apparatus main assembly 502 is arranged under the cartridge P and moved in the substantially horizontal direction (in this embodiment, the W51 and W52 directions and the arrangement direction of the photosensitive drum 4 or the cartridge P) to press the force receiving portion 510e and the retracting force receiving portion 533a. With such a structure, the separation control member 540 and the drive mechanism therefor can be of a relatively simple and small size structure. This is particularly remarkable in the in-line layout image forming apparatus. In this manner, disposing the force receiving portion 510e and the retracting force receiving portion 533a in the region AD1 can be expected to contribute to the downsizing and cost reduction of the apparatus main assembly 502.

The arrangement of the force receiving portion 510e and the retracting force receiving portion 533a has been described referring to FIG. 143 showing the cartridge P in the contact state, but the same relationship also applies to the cartridge P in the separated state as will be apparent from other Figures. Although Figure shows the cartridge P in the contact state, the arrangement of the force receiving portion 510e and the retracting force receiving portion 533a is the same as that described above.

Further, assuming that the direction perpendicular to the straight line N2 is the VD1 direction, the projecting portion 510d provided with the force receiving portion 510e and the retracting force receiving portion 533a in the form of the projecting portion are disposed at positions such that they are projected from the developing unit 9 at least in the direction VD1, when the movable member 152R is in the operating position. Therefore, the force receiving portion 510e and the retracting force receiving portion 533a can be arranged so that the first force application surface 540b of the separation control member 540 is contactable to the retracting force receiving portion 533a and so that the second force application surface 540c is contactable to the force receiving portion 510e. The same applies to the structure on the non-drive-side.

Further, the diameter of the developing roller 6 of this structure is smaller than the diameter of the photosensitive drum 4. By arranging the force receiving portion 510e in this manner, it can be disposed in a small space so that the drive transmitting portion (not shown) and the photosensitive drum 4 including the gear trains and the like for transmitting the driving force from the development coupling member 74 to the developing roller 6 are avoided. By this, the process car cartridge P can be downsized.

In the contact operation shown in part (b) of FIG. 139, the force receiving portion 510e receives a force (external force) from the second force application surface 540c of the separation control member 540 in a region opposite to the region in which the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 4 exists, with the line N3 as a boundary. The direction of the force received by the force receiving portion 510e from the second force application surface 540c (W52 direction) is the direction in which the developing unit 9 moves from the retracted position to the developing position. Therefore, the developing unit 9 can be moved more reliably from the retracted position to the developing position by the force received by the force receiving portion 510e from the second force application surface 540c.

[Arrangement Details—Part 3]

Referring to FIGS. 240 and 241, a concept similar to the concept of arranging at least a part of each of the force receiving portion 510e and the retracting force receiving portion 533a in the region AD1 as described above will be described.

FIGS. 240 and 241 are illustrations of the process cartridge P as viewed from the drive-side along the rotation axis M1 of the developing unit 9, the rotation axis K, or the rotation axis M2, Figure shows a separated state, and FIG. 241 shows a contact state. Since the arrangement of the spacer 510 described in the following is almost the same in the contact state and the separation state, only the separation state will be described referring to FIG. 240, and the description in the contact state will be omitted.

The rotation axis of the toner feeding roller (developer supply member) 107 is a rotation axis (rotation center) M6. Further, the process cartridge 100 includes a stirring member 108 which rotates and stirs the developer contained in the developing unit 109, and the rotation axis thereof is a rotation axis (rotation center) M7.

In FIG. 236, the intersection of the straight line N10 connecting the rotation axis M5 and the rotation axis M5 and the surface of the photosensitive drum 104, whichever is more remote from the rotation axis M5, is an intersection MX1. The tangent line to the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 passing through the intersection MX1 is a tangent line (predetermined tangent line) N11. The region is divided by the tangent line N11 as a boundary, and the region containing the rotation axis M1, the charging roller 105, the rotation axis M5, the development coupling portion 132a, the rotation axis K, the developing blade 130, the proximity point 130d, the toner feeding roller 107, the rotation axis M6, and the stirring member 129a, the rotation axis M7, or the pressed surface 152Rf is arranged is a region AU2, and the region where they do not exist is a region (predetermined region) AD2. Further, the regions AU2 and AD2 may be defined in another way as follows. That is, assuming that the direction parallel to the direction from the rotation axis M5 to the rotation axis M1 and orientating the same is VD10, the most downstream portion of the photosensitive drum 104 with respect to the direction VD10 is the intersection MX1. Then, with respect to the direction VD10, the region on the upstream side of the most downstream portion MX1 is the region AU2, and the region on the downstream side is the region (predetermined region) AD2. Regardless of such expression, the defined regions AU2 and AD2 are the same.

Then, at least a part of each force receiving portion 152Rk and 152Rn is disposed in the region AD2. As described above, arranging at least a part of each of the force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn in the region AD2 can be expected to contribute to the downsizing and cost reduction of the process cartridge 100 and the apparatus main assembly 170. This is for the same reason as when at least a part of each of the force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn is arranged in the region AD1. The same applies to the structure on the non-drive-side.

Further, the movable member 152R and the force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn are displaced at least in the VD10 direction by moving in the ZA direction and the opposite direction. By such displacement in the VD10 direction, when the process cartridge is inserted into or removed from the apparatus main assembly 170, it is possible to avoid that the movable member 152R and the force receiving portions 152Rk and 152Rn interfere with the separation control member 196R with the result of incapability of insertion and removal of the process cartridge 100. The same applies to the structure on the non-drive-side.

Further, let the direction perpendicular to the straight line N11 be VD10, the projecting portion 510d provided with the force receiving portion 510e and the retracting force receiving portion 533a in the form of the projecting portion are disposed at a position such that they are projected from the developing unit 9 at least in the VD10 direction, when the movable member 152R is in the operating position. Therefore, the force receiving portion 510e and the retracting force receiving portion 533a can be disposed so that the first force application surface 540b of the separation control member 540 is contactable with the retracting force apply surface 533a and so that the second force application surface 540c is contactable with the force receiving portion 510e. The same applies to the structure on the non-drive-side.

The arrangement relationship of each force receiving portion described above has the same relationship in all the examples described in the following.

Another Example 1 of Embodiment 9

In this embodiment, the spacer 510 is supported by the developing unit 9, but this disclosure is not limited to such an example. As another example 1, as shown in FIG. 145, the spacer 910 is supported by providing the drive-side cartridge cover member 920 of the drum unit 8 with a boss (support portion) 920a and inserting it into the hole (supported portion) of the spacer 910. In this example, when the spacer 910 is in the restriction position (first position), the contact portion 910c of the spacer 910 can contact the contacted portion provided on the developing frame (second frame) of the developing unit (second unit) 9 (not shown). When the contact portion 910c and the contacted portion (not shown) are in contact with each other, the developing unit 9 is positioned with the attitude in which the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4 are separated by a gap T2 (the developing unit 9 is in the retracted position). When the separation control member 540 moves in the W52 direction from the state where the developing unit 9 is in the retracted position (separated position), the second force application surface 540c of the control portion 540a and the force receiving portion 910e of the spacer 910 brought into contact with each other, so that the spacer 510 rotates in the direction of arrow B2 in FIG. 145. The spacer 910 which rotates in this manner moves to an permission position (second position) where the contact surface 910c and the contacted portion (not shown) of the developing unit 9 are spaced from each other. When the spacer 910 is moved to the permission position by the separation control member 540, the developing unit 9 is rotated by the moment received from the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 and the urging force of the developing unit urging spring 134, so that the developing unit 9 is moved to the developing position (contact position) in which the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4 are in contact with each other

Further, the developing unit 9 in said another example 1 has the same structure as in embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 129 and so on, except for the structure of the spacer 910 and the structures contacting it, for example, the developing unit 9 includes the retracting force receiving portion 533a at the same position as that of the retracting force receiving portion 533a of embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 129 and so on.

Therefore, also in said another example 1, the straight line connecting the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 4 and the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller 6 is the line N2. When the region is divided by the line N2, at least a part of the force receiving portion 910e and at least a part of the retracting force receiving portion 533a are disposed in the region opposite to the region having the rotation axis K of the development coupling member 74 with the line N2 as the boundary. Further, a line perpendicular to the line N2 and passing through the contact point between the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4 is the line N3. When the region is divided by the line N3, at least a part of the force receiving portion 910e and at least a part of the retracting force receiving portion 533a are disposed in the region opposite to region having the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 4 with the line N3 as a boundary.

Another Example 2 of Embodiment 9

In Embodiment 9, the swing axis of the developing unit 9 and the rotation axis K of the development coupling member 74 are arranged coaxially, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. As another Example 2, as shown in FIG. 147, a supported hole 1333f may be provided in the development cover member 1333, a supporting portion 1315b may be provided on the drum frame 1315, the developing unit 9 may be made rotatable relative to the drum unit about the supporting portion 1315b. The engaging portion 74a is engageable with the main assembly side coupling member (not shown) of the development coupling member 74. In this example, the engaging portion 74a is provided with an axis eccentricity mechanism (Oldham coupling mechanism) for permitting axis eccentricity toward a circumference of a circle having a center on the support portion 1315b, relative to the other portion of the developing unit 9 (particularly the portion arranged on the downstream side in the drive transmission path) by this, the engagement between the development coupling member 74 and the main assembly side coupling member can be maintained regardless of whether the developing unit 9 is in the retracted position or the developing position.

Further, in place of the above-mentioned axis eccentricity mechanism (Oldham joint mechanism), the structure may be the one with which the engaging portion 74a of the development coupling member 74 allows the axis eccentricity with respect to the main assembly side coupling member and the driving force is transmitted at that time at the time when the axis eccentricity is eliminated (coaxial state is established). Alternatively, a mechanism may be employed in which when the engaging portion 74a is deviated with respect to the main assembly side coupling member, at least one of the engaging portion 74a and the main assembly side coupling member retracts in the axial direction with respect to the other, and when the axial deviation is eliminated (coaxial state is reestablished), the retraction is eliminated.

Another Example 3 of Embodiment 9

In the Embodiment 9 described above, the developing unit 9 swings about the swing axis K with respect to the drum unit 8 to move between the developing position (contact position) and the retracted position (separation position). However, the movement of the developing unit 9 between the developing position and the retracted position is not limited to swinging or rotating with respect to the drum unit 8. That is, in Embodiment 9, the developing unit 9 moves in a predetermined direction with respect to the drum unit 8 (for example, linear movement), by which the developing unit 9 moves between the development position and the retracted position, in modified example 3. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 148, it is possible that the supporting hole 1320a of the drive-side cartridge cover member 1320 has an oblong round hole shape with longitudinal direction thereof being the X1 direction (or X2 direction), so that the developing unit 9 is translated in the directions indicated by arrows X1 and X2 in FIG. 33, by which it is moved between the development position (contact position) and the retracted position (separation). Also in this modified example, as in alternative example 2 of the Embodiment 9, the engaging portion 74a includes an axis eccentricity mechanism (Oldham joint mechanism) which allows axis eccentricity in in the X2 direction (or the X1 direction) direction relative to the other portion of the developing unit (particularly the portion on the downstream side in the drive transmission path).

Further, in place of the above-mentioned axis eccentricity mechanism (Oldham joint mechanism), such a structure may be such that while the engaging portion 74a of the development coupling member 74 permits the axial eccentricity relative to the main assembly side coupling member, the driving force is transmitted at that time when the axis eccentricity is eliminated (becomes coaxial). Alternatively, a mechanism may be provided so that in the case that the engaging portion 74a is deviated relative to the main assembly side coupling member, at least one of the engaging portion 74a and the main assembly side coupling member retracts in the axial direction relative to the other, and when the eccentricity is eliminated (when they become coaxial), the retraction is released.

Embodiment 10

Referring to FIG. 149, the process cartridge and the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 10 of the present disclosure will be described. Members having the same functions or structures as in Embodiment 9 are assigned by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The process cartridge of this embodiment differs from that of Embodiment 9 only in the structure of the spacer and its surroundings, and the other portions are the same. The image forming apparatus is also the same as that of Embodiment 9.

In this embodiment, the spacer 610 is supported by the development cover member 533 as in Embodiment 9. On the other hand, the spacer 610 includes not only the force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 610e but also includes the retracting force receiving portion (separation force receiving portion) 610m as another force receiving portion which receives the force from the first force application surface 540b. FIG. 149 is a view of the process cartridge P placed at the second inner position inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 502, as viewed from the drive-side. For better illustration, the drive-side cartridge cover 520 is shown by omitting portions other than the contacted portion 520c and the spacer restriction surface 520d. Part (a) of FIG. 149 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is in the developing position and the separation control member 540 is in the home position. Part (b) of FIG. 149 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is in the process of moving from the developing position to the retracted position. Part (c) of FIG. 149 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is in the retracted position.

The separation control member 540 is structured to be movable from the home position in the W51 direction in part (a) of FIG. 149. When the separation control member 540 moves in the W51 direction, the first force application surface 540b and the retracting force receiving portion 610m of the spacer 610 are brought into contact with each other, and the spacer 610 rotates in the direction of the arrow B1 in part (a) of FIG. 149. During this rotation, the spacer 610 remains in contact with the spacer restriction surface 520d or the contacted portion 520c. Therefore, as the spacer 610 rotates, the distance between the spacer restricting surface 520d of the spacer 610 or the contact portion with the contacted portion 520c and the swing axis H of the spacer 610 increases. Therefore, the developing unit 9 rotates in the direction of arrow V1 in FIG. 149, and the developing unit 9 moves from the developing position to the retracted position. Further, as the developing unit 9 rotates in the direction of the arrow V1 in part (a) of FIG. 149, the spacer 610 separates from the spacer restriction surface 520d and the contacted portion 520c of the drive-side cartridge cover 520, and the spacer 610 is further rotates in the direction of the arrow B1 in shown in part (a) of FIG. 149. The spacer 610 rotates until the first restricted surface 610h comes into contact with the first restriction surface 533h of the development cover member 533, and reaches the restriction position. After the spacer reaches the restriction position, the first restricted surface 610h presses the first restriction surface 533h, so that the developing unit 9 rotates in the direction of arrow V1 in FIG. 149. Then, after the separation control member 540 moves to the second position, when it moves in the W52 direction in part (b) of FIG. 149 and returns to the home position, the developing unit 9 maintains the separation position as in embodiment 9 by the spacer 610 placed at the restriction position.

Further, similarly to Embodiment 9, the straight line connecting the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 4 and the rotation axis of the developing roller 6 to M2 is a line N2. When the region is divided by the line N2, at least a part of the force receiving portion 610e and at least a part of the retracting force receiving portion 610m are disposed in the region opposite to the region including the rotation axis K of the development coupling member 74 with the line N2 as the boundary. Further, a line perpendicular to the line N2 and passing through the contact point between the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4 is the line N3. When the region is divided by the line N3, at least a part of the force receiving portion 610e and at least a part of the retracting force receiving portion 610m are disposed in the region opposite to the region having the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 4 with the line N3 as a boundary.

According to the structure of this embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the first and Embodiment 9s can be provided.

Further, in this embodiment, since the force receiving portion 610e and the retracting force receiving portion 610m are the integral spacer 610, the distance between the force receiving portion 610e and the retracting force receiving portion 610m can be disposed more accurately. Therefore, the switching timing between the developing position and the retracting position of the developing unit 9 can be made accurate.

Further, in this embodiment, the spacer 610 can be moved from the permitting position to the restriction position by receiving a force for the retracting force receiving portion 610m to rotate in the direction of arrow B1 from the first force application surface 540b, the tension spring 530 used in embodiment 9 is not provided. Therefore, in the structure of this embodiment, the cost of the process cartridge can be reduced or the size can be reduced by the amount occupied by the tension spring 530 in the structure as compared with the Embodiment 9. However, similarly to the tension spring 530, a spring which is an elastic member may be provided as a developing frame urging member which urges the spacer 610 to rotate in the direction of arrow B1.

Embodiment 11

Referring to Figures and 151, an image forming apparatus according to the Embodiment 11 of the present disclosure will be described. Members including the same structure and function as in the Embodiment 9 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The process cartridge P of the Embodiment 9 is provided with two input portions including the development coupling member 74 which receives a driving force from the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 and transmits the driving force to the developing roller and the photosensitive member coupling member 43 which transmits the driving force to the photosensitive drum 4. In this embodiment, one input portion receives a driving force from the image forming apparatus main assembly 502, and the driving force is branched in the process cartridge P to rotate the photosensitive drum 4 and the developing roller 6. Other than these points, the process cartridge and image forming apparatus of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 9. In this embodiment, the example 1 and example 2 will be described.

Example 1

FIG. 150 is a perspective view of the structure of Example 1 of this Embodiment in which the developing unit 9 is provided with a coupling member 174. For better illustration, some members are omitted. The coupling member 174 is arranged on the drive-side and engages with a coupling (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 to receive a driving force. The coupling member 174 is rotatably supported by a development cover member 533 (a portion of the developing frame) similarly to the development coupling member of the Embodiment 9. The coupling member 174 transmits the driving force to the gear 801, the gear 801 transmits the driving force to the gear 802, and the gear 802 transmits the driving force to the developing roller 6. Further, the developing roller 6 transmits the driving force to the gear 803, and the gear 803 transmits the driving force to the gear 804. The gear 804 transmits a driving force to the photosensitive drum 4, by which the photosensitive drum 4 rotates. That is, the driving force received from the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 by the coupling member 174 is branched in the process cartridge to rotate the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4. Therefore, the coupling member 174 is a coupling member for receiving the driving force for rotationally driving the photosensitive drum 4.

As shown in FIG. 150, the spacer 510 and the force receiving portion 510e thereof is provided on the same side as the side on which the coupling member 174 is disposed with respect to the rotation axis direction of the developing roller 6. By arranging the spacer 510 and the force receiving portion 510e of the spacer 510 in this manner, the spacer 510 receives the moment produced by the driving force received by the coupling member 174 from the image forming apparatus main assembly 502, in the neighborhood. Therefore, the deformation of the developing unit 9 can be made smaller, and the distance between the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4 can be controlled with high accuracy.

Example 2

FIG. 151 is a perspective view of the structure of the Example 2 in which the drum unit 8 is provided with the coupling member 143. For better illustration, some members are omitted. The coupling member 143 is disposed on the drive-side (fixed to the end of the photosensitive drum on the drive-side) and receives a driving force from the image forming apparatus main assembly 502. The coupling member 143 is rotatably supported by a non-drive-side cartridge cover member 521 (a portion of the drum frame) similarly to the photosensitive member coupling member 43 of the Embodiment 9. The coupling member 143 transmits a driving force to the photosensitive drum 4, by which the photosensitive drum 4 rotates. Further, the photosensitive drum 4 transmits the driving force to the gear 804, and the gear 804 transmits the driving force to the gear 803. The gear 803 transmits a driving force to the developing roller 6, by which the developing roller 6 rotates. That is, the driving force received from the image forming apparatus main assembly by the coupling member 143 is branched in the process cartridge to rotate the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4. Therefore, the coupling member 143 is a coupling member for receiving a driving force for rotationally driving the developing roller 6.

As shown in FIG. 151, the spacer 510 and the force receiving portion 510e thereof is provided on the same side as the side on which the coupling member 143 is disposed with respect to the rotation axis direction of the developing roller 6. In this manner, the spacer 510 and the force receiving portion 510e of the spacer 510 are arranged. By this, the spacer 510 can be switched between the restriction position and the permission position with higher accuracy relative to the photosensitive drum 4 rotated by the driving force received from the image forming apparatus main assembly 502. Therefore, the timing at which the developing roller 6 is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 4 and the timing at which it is spaced from the photosensitive drum 4 can be controlled with high accuracy.

According to the structure of this embodiment described above, the same effect as that of the Embodiment 9 can be provided.

Embodiment 12

Referring to FIGS. 152 and 153, an embodiment of the process cartridge and the image forming apparatus according to the Embodiment 12 of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, structures and operations different from those of the above-described embodiments will be mainly described, and description of similar structures and operations will be omitted. Further, for the structure corresponding to the above-described embodiment, the same reference numerals and characters are assigned, or the reference numerals in the first part is changed while the reference numerals and characters in the second part are the same. This embodiment is the same as embodiment 9 except for the structure and operation of the spacer.

FIG. 152 is a view of the process cartridge P placed at the second inner position inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 as viewed from the drive-side. For better illustration, the drive-side cartridge cover member 820 is shown by omitting portions other than the first contacted surface 820c. Part (a) of FIG. 152 shows a state in which the developing unit is placed at the retracted position. Part (b) of FIG. 152 shows a state in which the developing unit is moving from the retracted position to the developing position. Part (c) of FIG. 152 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is placed at the developing position. FIG. 153 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along a plane passing through the line XX shown in Figure (c), and shows the spacer 810 from below the development cover member 833. Part (a) of FIG. 153 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is in the retracted position. Part (b) of FIG. 153 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is moving from the retracted position to the developing position. Part (c) of FIG. 153 shows the state in which the developing unit 9 is in the developing position. Part (d) of FIG. 153 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is moving from the developing position to the retracted position.

The spacer (holding member, spacing member, restricting member) 810 is provided with a supported hole (supported portion) 810a which is a second contact portion, and a projecting portion (supporting portion) 810b projecting from the supported hole 810a in the radial direction of the supported hole 810a. Further, the spacer 810 is provided at the free end of the projecting portion (holding portion) 810b, and has a first contact surface (contact surface) 810c as a first contact portion that contacts the first contacted surface 820c of the drum unit 8. It has a third contact surface 810k adjacent to the contact surface 810c, a force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 810e, a spring-hooked portion 810g, and a first restricted surface 810h.

Further, the development cover member 833 is provided with a support portion 833c and a first restriction surface 833h as shown in FIG. 153. In the Embodiment 9, the spacer 510 has been described as being disposed on the side surface of the development cover member 533, whereas in this embodiment, the spacer 810 is disposed below the development cover member 833. The outer diameter portion of the support portion 833c fits with the inner diameter portion of the supported hole 810a of the spacer 810, and the support portion 833c rotatably supports the spacer 810.

Further, a retracting force receiving portion (separation force receiving portion) 826a which engages with the first force application surface 540b of the separation control member 540 is provided on the drive-side bearing 826. Further, a torsion coil spring 830 as a urging means is provided on the drive-side bearing 826, and one end of the torsion coil spring 830 is engaged with the spring-hooked portion 810g. Therefore, the spacer 810 is urged by the torsion coil spring 830 in the direction of arrow B81 in FIG. 153 with the swing axis 8H as the center.

[Separation Operation]

First, referring to FIG. 153, the operation of moving the developing unit 9 from the development position (contact position) to the retracted position (separation position) will be described.

As shown in part (c) of FIG. 153, when the developing unit 9 is at the developing position, the torsion coil spring 830 urges the spacer 810 in the direction of arrow B81 about the supported hole 810a as the center of rotation. When the developing unit 9 is at the developing position (contact position), the third contact surface 810k of the spacer engages with the drive-side cartridge cover 820, so that the spacer 810 is restricted from moving in the direction of the arrow B81 in part (c) of FIG. 153. The position of the spacer 810 shown in part (c) of FIG. 153 is an permission position (second position) of the spacer 810.

When the separation control member 540 moves in the direction of W51 in part (d) of FIG. 153 from the position shown in part (c) of FIG. 153, the first force application surface 540b and the retracting force receiving portion 826a of the drive-side bearing 826 come into contact with each other. Further, when the separation control member 540 moves in the W51 direction and moves to the second position, the developing unit 9 rotates in the direction of the arrow V1 in part (a) of FIG. 152 and moves in the direction from the developing position to the retracted position.

Then, when the developing unit 9 rotates in the direction of the arrow V1 in FIG. 152, the spacer 810 mounted to the developing unit 9 also moves in the direction toward the retracted position, and the third contact surface 810k of the spacer 810 and the drive-side cartridge cover 820 separate from each other.

As shown in part (d) of FIG. 153, when the first contact surface (contact portion) 810c and the first contacted surface (contacted portion) 820c are separated from each other with the result that a gap T5 is formed, the spacer 810 is rotated in the direction of the arrow B81 in part (d) of FIG. 153 by the urging force of the torsion coil spring 830. The spacer 810 rotates until the first restricted surface 810h provided on the same surface as the first contact surface 810c comes into contact with the first restriction surface 833h of the development cover member 833. The position of the spacer 810 shown in part (d) of FIG. 153 is a restriction position (first position).

Then, when the separation control member 540 moves from the second position in the direction of the arrow W52 in part (d) of FIG. 153 and returns to the home position, the developing unit 9 moves in the direction of the arrow V2 in part (b) of FIG. 152 and the first contact surface (contact portion) 810c of the spacer 810 placed in in the restriction position and the first contacted surface (contacted portion) 820c are brought into contact with each other, and the developing unit 9 is maintained at the retracted position (separated position), as shown in part (a) of FIG. 152 and part (a) of FIG. 153. At this time, as in Embodiment 9, the separation control member 540 is separated from the retracting force receiving portion 826a, and therefore, the developing unit 9 placed at the retracted position does not impart a load on the separation control member 540.

[Contact Operation]

Next, the operation of the developing unit 9 moving from the retracted position to the developing position will be described.

When the separation control member 540 moves from the home position in the W52 direction in part (b) of FIG. 152, as shown in part (b) of FIG. 153, the second force application surface 540c of the separation control member 540 and the force receiving portion 810e of the spacer 810 are brought into contact with each other.

The force receiving portion 810e has a cam shape in which a plurality of surfaces are continuously connected. In this embodiment, the force receiving surface 810e1 and the force receiving surface 810e2 are continuously connected with each other. When the separation control member 540 moves in the W52 direction, the separation control member 540 comes into contact with the force receiving surface 810e1 to rotate the spacer 810 in the B82 direction against the urging of the torsion coil spring 830 in the direction of the arrow B81. The cam shape is profiled such that in the region where the separation control member 540 contacts the force receiving surface 810e1, the spacer 810 rotates in the direction of the arrow B82 as the separation control member 540 moves in the W52 direction.

Further, in the region where the separation control member 540 contacts the force receiving surface 810e2, the amount of rotation of the spacer 810 in the direction of arrow B82 is set to be small with respect to the movement of the separation control member 540 in the W52 direction. By setting a region where the rotation amount of the spacer 810 is small, the spacer 810 is surely moved to an permission position by the movement of the separation control member 540, and the amount of rotation of the spacer 810 in the direction of arrow B82 by variation of the movement amount of the separation control member 540 is suppressed. Part (d) of FIG. 153 shows a state in which the separation control member 540 is in contact with the force receiving surface 810e2.

By the way, when the spacer 810 rotates in the direction of arrow B82, the region where the first contact surface 810c and the first contacted surface 820c come into contact with each other gradually decreases. Then, when the spacer 810 rotates in the direction of arrow B82 to an permission position where the first contact surface 810c and the first contacted surface 820c are separated from each other, the developing unit 9 rotates in the V2 direction in part (b) of FIG. 152 to move to the developing position where the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4 are in contact with each other as shown in part (c) of FIG. 152.

At this time, the spacer 810 urged in the direction of arrow B81 by the torsion coil spring is maintained in the permission position (second position) by the third contact surface 810k contacting the side surface side of the drive-side cartridge cover 820 as shown in part (c) of FIG. 153.

As shown in part (c) of FIG. 152 and FIG. 153(c), after the developing unit 9 moves to the contact position, the separation control member 540 returns to the home position and separates from the spacer 810 as in the Embodiment 9, and therefore, the developing unit 9 placed at the developing position does not impart a load on the separation control member 540.

As described above, in this embodiment, the spacer 810 is disposed below the development cover member 833 and is rotated in the direction of arrow B82 to move the first contact surface (contact portion) 810c relative to the first contacted surface 520c in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge P. That is, by moving the first contact surface 810c relative to the first contacted surface 520c at least in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge P (in the direction of the rotation axis M1 or the rotation axis M2), the spacer 810 is moved between the permission position (second position) and the restriction position (first position) in the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge P (the direction of the rotation axis M1 or the rotation axis M2).

According to the structure of this embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the first and Embodiment 9s can be provided.

Further, as has been described referring to FIG. 143, the straight line connecting the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 4 and the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller 6 is line N2. Also in this embodiment, when the region is divided by the line N2, at least a part of the force receiving portion 810e and at least a part of the retracting force receiving portion 826a are disposed in a region opposite to the region in which the rotation axis K of the development coupling member 74, with the line N2 as a boundary. Further, when the region is divided by the line N3 perpendicular to the line N2 and passing through the contact point between the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4, at least a part of the force receiving portion 810e and at least a part of the retracting force receiving portion 826a is disposed in the region opposite to the region in which the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 4 exists, with the line N3 as a boundary.

In this region, the force receiving portion 810e receives a force from the separation control member 540 provided in the main assembly as an external force. The direction (W52) of the force received by the force receiving portion 810e as an external force is the direction in which the developing unit 9 switches from the spaced state to the contacted state. Therefore, the developing unit 9 can be more reliably switched from the separated state to the contacted state by the external force received by the force receiving unit 810e.

Embodiment 13

Referring to FIG. 154, an embodiment of the process cartridge and the image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 13 of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, structures and operations different from those of the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and description of similar structures and operations will be omitted. For the structure corresponding to that in the above-described embodiment, the same reference numerals and characters are assigned, or the reference numerals in the first part is changed while the reference numerals and characters in the second part are the same. This embodiment is the same as in embodiment 9 except for the structure and operation of the spacer.

FIG. 154 is a view of the process cartridge P located at the second inner position inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 as viewed from the drive-side. For better illustration, the drive-side cartridge cover member 920 is shown by omitting portions other than the support portion 920a and the first contacted surface 920c. Part (a) of FIG. 154 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is moving from the retracted position to the developing position. Part (b) of FIG. 154 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is placed at the retracted position. Part (c) of FIG. 154 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is placed at the developing position. Part (d) of FIG. 154 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is moving from the developing position to the retracted position.

In this embodiment as well, as in the Embodiment 9, the spacer (restriction member, holding member) 910 is movable between the permission position (second position) at which the developing unit 9 can move to the developing position (contact position) and the restriction position (first position) in which the developing unit 9 is maintained at the retracted position (separated position). The spacer 910 is provided with a supported hole (supported portion) 910a and a projecting portion (holding portion) 910b projecting from the supported hole 910a in the radial direction of the supported hole 910a. Further, the spacer 910 is provided with the first contact surface (contact portion) 910c as the first contact portion which contacts the first contacted surface 920c of the drum unit 8 and which is provided at the free end of the projecting portion (holding portion) 910b, a retraction control surface (at-separation pressed portion) 910d and a contact control surface (at-contact pressed portion) 910e. The first contact surface 910c has an arc shape, and the center of the arc shape is substantially the same as the center of the supported hole 910a. Further, the retraction control surface 910d and the contact control surface 910e are opposed surfaces, and a space 910s exists between the retraction control surface 910d and the contact control surface 910e.

In this embodiment, the spacer 910 is arranged coaxially with the developing roller 6. That is, it can rotate about the rotation axis M2 which is the same as that of the developing roller 6. It is provided with a spacer support portion 96 formed by extending the core metal of the developing roller 6 in the longitudinal direction, and by the supported hole 910a of the spacer 910 engaging with the spacer support portion 96, the spacer 910 is rotatably supported by the developing roller 6.

The movable member 950 includes a supported hole 950a, a switching control portion 950b, a force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 950e, and a retracting force receiving portion (separation force receiving portion) 950m.

The movable member 950 is arranged on the drive-side cartridge cover 920, and by the supported hole 950a engaging with the support portion 920a provided on the drive-side cartridge cover 920, the movable member 950 is rotatably supported by the drive-side cartridge cover 920.

The movable member 950 is adjacent to the spacer 910, and the switching control portion 950b is disposed in the space 910s between the retraction control surface 910d and the contact control surface 910e. Further, a space 950s is provided between the force receiving portion 950e of the movable member 950 and the retracting force receiving portion 950m.

[Separation Operation]

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 154, the operation in this embodiment will be described.

First, the operation of the developing unit 9 moving from the developing position to the retracted position will be described. As shown in part (c) of FIG. 154, when the developing unit 9 is placed at the developing position (contact position), the spacer 910 is in the permission position (second position) in which the first contact surface (contact portion) 910c and the first contacted surface (contacted surface) 920c are separated from each other.

When the separation control member 540 moves in the W51 direction as shown in part (d) of FIG. 154 from the position shown in part (c) of FIG. 154, the first force application surface 540b and the retracting force receiving portion 950m of the movable member 950 come into contact with each other. Further, when the separation control member 540 moves in the W51 direction, the movable member 950 rotatably supported by the drive-side cartridge cover 920 receives a force from the first force application surface 540b and is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow B1 in part (d) of FIG. 154.

When the movable member 950 rotates in the direction of arrow B1, the at-separation contact portion of the switching control portion 950b contacts the retraction control surface (at-separation contacted portion) 910d, and the spacer 910 is rotated in the arrow B3 in part (d) of FIG. 154. By this, the spacer 910 rotates and moves to the restriction position (first position) where the first contact surface (contact portion) 910c contacts the first contacted surface (contacted portion) 920c, and the developing unit 9 moves to the retracted position (separated position) shown in part (a) of FIG. 154.

At this time, since the first contact surface 910c has an arc shape, the direction of the reaction force from the first contacted surface 920c is toward the center of the arc shape. The arcuate center of the first contact surface 910c is substantially the same as the center of the supported hole 910a and the center of the developing roller 6. The first contact surface 910c directs the reaction force direction from the first contacted surface 920c toward the rotation center of the spacer 910, so that the rotation moment of the spacer generated from the reaction force from the first contacted surface 920c is suppressed. As a result, the spacer 910 can stably maintain the restriction position (first position) at the retracted position, and the developing unit 9 can stably maintain the retracted position. The shapes of the contact surface 910c and the first contacted surface 920c are selected such that the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4 are spaced by the gap T2 in part (a) of FIG. 154, at the retracted position where the first contact surface 910c contacts the first contacted surface 920c.

When the separation control member 540 moves from the second position in the W52 direction in part (b) of FIG. 154 and moves to the home position, the portion having the first force application surface 540b and the second force application surface 540c of the separation control member 540 moves in the space 950s of the movable member 950 are applied. That is, the first force application surface 540b and the second force application surface 540c located at the home position are in a state of being separated from the movable member 950, and therefore, the developing unit 9 placed at the retracted position does not impart a load on the separation control member 540.

[Contact Operation]

Next, the operation of the developing unit 9 moving from the retracted position to the developing position will be described. When the separation control member 540 moves from the home position in the W52 direction in part (a) of FIG. 154, as shown in part (b) of FIG. 154, the second force application surface 540c of the separation control member 540 and the force receiving portion 950e of the movable member 950 come into contact with each other, and the movable member 950 rotates in the arrow B2 direction in part (b) of FIG. 154. When the separation control member 540 moves to the first position and the movable member 950 rotates, the at-contact pressing portion of the switching control portion 950b contacts the contact control surface (contact pressed portion) 910e provided on the spacer 910, and the spacer 910 is rotationally moved in the B4 direction in part (b) of FIG. 154. As a result, the first contact surface 910c and the first contacted surface 920c are separated from each other, and the spacer 910 moves to the permission position.

When the spacer 910 moves to the permission position, the developing unit 9 rotates in the V2 direction in part (b) of FIG. 154, and moves to the developing position where the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4 contact each other (state in part (c) of FIG. 154). Then, when the separation control member 540 moves from the first position to the home position, the portion of the separation control member 540 having the first force application surface 540b and the second force application surface 540c moves in the space 950s of the movable member 950 and develops to maintain the state away from the developing unit 9.

In this embodiment, the separation control member 540 moves in the space 950s of the movable member 950 when moving from the first position to the home position and when moving from the second position to the home position, and the state in which the separation control member 540 and the movable member 950 are separated from each other is maintained. The structure for preventing the separation control member 540 from receiving a load from the developing unit 9 at the home position is not limited to described examples, and the structure as shown in FIG. 155 may be employed.

That is, the structure may be such that the space 950s of the movable member 950 is reduced, and the force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 950e and the retracting force receiving portion (separation force receiving portion) 950m of the movable member 950 are brought into contact with the first force application surface 540b and the second force application surface 540c of the separation control member 540, at the same time. Further, the structure may be such that when the process cartridge P is mounted to the image forming apparatus main assembly 502, the receiving portion 950e and the retracting force receiving portion 950m sandwich the first force application surface 540b and the second force application surface 540c of the separation control member 540 and are made integral, or they may be integrated by bonding using double-sided tape or the like. However, when the movable member 950 and the separation control member 540 are structured in this manner, the space 910s between the switching control portion 950b and the retraction control surface 910d and the contact control surface 910e is structured as follows. As shown in FIG. 155, the space 910s in which the switching control portion 950b is provided is expanded, and when the separation control member 540 is placed at the home position, the switching control portion 950b is in a state of being separated from the retraction control surface 910d and the contact control surface 910e. That is, when the developing unit 9 is placed at the retracted position, the switching control portion 950b and the retraction control surface 910d are separated from each other, and therefore, the developing unit 9 can suppress the load applied to the separation control member 540.

Further, also when the developing unit 9 is placed at the developing position, the switching control portion 950b and the contact control surface 910e are separated from each other, and therefore, the developing unit 9 suppresses the load applied to the separation control member 540.

According to the structure of this embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the first and Embodiment 9s can be provided.

In the structure shown in FIG. 155, the force receiving portion 950e of the movable member 950 of the developing unit 9 receives the force from the separation control member 540 mounted in the main assembly as an external force, as in the embodiments described in the foregoing. The direction (W52) of the force received by the force receiving portion 950e as an external force is the direction in which the developing unit 9 switches from the separation state to the contacted state. Therefore, the developing unit 9 can be more reliably switched from the separated state to the contacted state by the external force received by the force receiving unit 950e.

Embodiment 14

Referring to FIGS. 156 and 157, an embodiment of the process cartridge and the image forming apparatus according to the 14th embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, structures and operations different from those of the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and description of similar structures and operations will be omitted. Further, for the structure corresponding to the above-described embodiment, the same reference numerals and characters are assigned, or the reference numerals in the first part is changed while the reference numerals and characters in the second part are the same. This embodiment is the same as embodiment 9 except for the structure and operation of the spacer.

FIGS. 156 and 157 are illustrations of the process cartridge P placed at the second inner position inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 as viewed from the drive-side. For better illustration, the drive-side cartridge cover 1120 is shown with the omission of the portions other than the first contacted surface 1120c and the spring-hooked portion 1120e.

First, referring to FIG. 156, the operation of the developing unit 9 moving from the developing position (contact position) to the retracting position (separated position) will be described.

Also, in this embodiment, similarly to the Embodiment 9, the spacer 1110 can move the permission position where the developing unit 9 can move to the developing position and the restriction position where the developing unit 9 is maintained in the retracted position.

Further, the separation control member 540 mounted in the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 is capable of moving the first position for moving the spacer (restriction member holding member) to a permission position (second position) and the second position for moving the spacer 1110 to the restriction position (first position). Further, the separation control member 540 is structured to be movable between the first position and the second position to the home position where the separation control member 540 does not contact the force receiving portion 1110e or the retracting force receiving portion 1133a.

Part (a) of FIG. 156 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is in the developing position and the separation control member 540 is in the first position. Part (b) of FIG. 156 and FIG. 156(c) show a state in which the separation control member 540 is moving from the first position to the second position and the developing unit 9 is moving from the developing position to the retracted position. Part (d) of FIG. 156 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is in the retracted position and the separation control member 540 is in the home position.

As shown in part (a) of FIG. 156, the spacer 1110 provided with a retracting force receiving portion 1110m is arranged on the development cover member 1133 as in the Embodiment 9. That is, the spacer 1110 is rotatably supported by the development cover member 1133 by engaging the supported hole (supported portion) 1110a, which is the second contact portion, with the supporting portion 1133c.

Further, the spacer 1110 is provided with a spring-hooked portion 1110g projecting in the axial direction of a supported hole 1110a. The drive-side cartridge cover 1120 also has a spring-hooked portion 1120e projecting from the first contacted surface 1120c in the axial direction of the supported hole 1110a, and the tension spring 1130 as a holding portion urging member is assembled to a spring-hooked portion 1110g and the spring-hooked portion 1120e.

The spring-hooked portion 1110g corresponds to the point of action of the tension spring 1130, and the tension spring 1130 applies a force to the spring-hooked portion 1110g in the direction of the arrow F5 in part (a) of FIG. 156. Here, the direction of the arrow F5 in part (a) of FIG. 156 is substantially parallel to the line connecting the spring-hooked portion 1110g and the spring-hooked portion 1120e. That is, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 156, when the developing unit 9 is placed at the developing position, the tension spring 1130 applies the force to the spacer 1110 in the direction of the arrow F5 in part (a) of FIG. 156 to urge the spacer 1110 about the supported hole 1110a in the direction of the arrow B2 in part (a) of FIG. 156.

[Separation Operation]

The separation control member 540 is structured to be movable from the first position shown in part (a) of FIG. 156 in the W51 direction in part (a) of FIG. 156. When the separation control member 540 moves in the W51 direction, the first force application surface 540b and the retracting force receiving portion 1110m of the spacer 1110 come into contact with each other, and the third contact surface 1110k of the spacer 1110 rotates in the direction of the arrow B1 until it comes in contact with the spring-hooked portion 1120e.

(State Shown in Part (b) of FIG. 156)

Further, when the separation control member 540 moves in the direction of W51 to the second position shown in part (c) of FIG. 156, the developing unit 9 rotates in the direction of the arrow V1 in part (b) of FIG. 156 and moves from the developed position to the retracted position. Further, the third contact surface 1110k of the spacer is separated from the spring-hooked portion 1120e and rotates in the direction of the arrow B1 in part (b) of FIG. 156 until the first restricted surface 1110h comes into contact with the first restriction surface 1133h, and to the restriction position (1st position). (State shown in part (c) of FIG. 156) At this time, the spring-hooked portion 1110g moves in the direction of the arrow B1 in part (b) of FIG. 156 with the rotation of the spacer 1110, and therefore, the action direction of the tension spring 1130 switches from the direction of the arrow F5 in part (a) of FIG. 156 to the direction of the arrow F6 in part (c) of FIG. 156. That is, as shown in part (c) of FIG. 156, the tension spring 1130 applies a force to the spacer 1110 in the direction of the arrow F6 in part (c) of FIG. 156, and the spacer 1110 is urged in the direction of the arrow B1 in part (c) of FIG. 156 about the supported hole 1110a.

By switching the direction in which the tension spring 1130 acts on the spacer in this manner, the direction in which the tension spring 1130 urges the spacer 1110 is the same as the direction in which the spacer 1110 moves by the movement of the separation control member 540 in the W51 direction, and therefore, the spacer 1110 can be stably moved from the permission position (second position) to the restriction position (first position).

Then, when the separation control member 540 moves from the second position in the W52 direction in part (c) of FIG. 156 to the home position, the developing unit 9 moves in the direction of the arrow V2 in FIG. 156(c), by which the first contact surface (contact portion) 1110c of the spacer 1110 placed at the restriction position (first position) and the first contacted surface (contacted portion) 1120c of the drive-side cartridge cover 1120 are brought into contact with each other. At this time, in the spacer 1110, the supported hole (supported portion) 1110a is in contact with the supporting portion 1133c of the development cover member 1133. Therefore, the portion connecting the supported hole 1110a of the spacer 1110 and the first contact surface 1110c functions as a holding portion for holding the development cover member 1133, similarly to the projecting portion (holding portion) 510b of the Embodiment 9. Function. As a result, the developing unit 9 is maintained in the retracted position (separated position) (the state shown in part (d) of FIG. 156). At this time, as in the Embodiment 9, the separation control member 540 placed at the home position is separated from the spacer 1110, so that the developing unit 9 placed at the retracted position does not impart a load on the separation control member 540. Further, in the state where the developing unit 9 shown in part (d) of FIG. 156 is placed at the retracted position, the tension spring 1130 applies a force in the direction of the arrow F6 in part (d) of FIG. 156 to the spacer 1110 to urge the spacer 1110 in the direction of the arrow B1, and therefore, the spacer 1110 can stably maintain the restriction position (first position), and the developing unit 9 can stably maintain the retracted position (separated position).

[Contact Operation]

Next, referring to FIG. 157, the operation of moving the developing unit 9 from the retracted position (separated position) to the developing position (contact position) will be described. Part (a) of FIG. 157 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is in the retracted position and the separation control member 540 is in the home position. Part (b) of FIG. 157 shows a state in which the separation control member 540 is moving from the home position toward the first position and the developing unit 9 is moving from the retracted position to the developing position. Part (c) of FIG. 157 shows a state in which the developing unit is in the developing position and the separation control member 540 is in the first position.

When the separation control member 540 moves from the home position in the W52 direction in part (a) of FIG. 157, the second force application surface 540c of the separation control member 540 and the force receiving portion 1110e of the spacer 1110 are brought into contact with each other to rotate the spacer 1110 in the direction of the arrow B2 in part (b) of FIG. 157. When the separation control member 540 moves to the first position and the spacer 1110 rotates, the first contact surface 1110c and the first contacted surface 1120c of the drive-side cartridge cover 1120 are separated from each other, and the spacer 1110 is moved to the permission position (second position). When the spacer 1110 moves to the permission position, the developing unit 9 rotates in the V2 direction in part (b) of FIG. 157 and moves to the developing position (contact position) in which the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4 contact with each other (contact position) (state shown part (c) of FIG. 157). Since the separation control member 540 moved to the first position is separated from the spacer 1110 of the developing unit 9 moved to the developing position, the separation control member 540 is not subjected to a loaded from the developing unit 9.

Further, when the developing unit 9 moves from the retracted position to the developing position in this manner, the spring-hooked portion 1110g of the spacer 1110 moves in the direction of the arrow B2 in part (b) of FIG. 156 with the rotation of the spacer 1110. The direction of action of the tension spring 1130 is switched from the direction of the arrow F6 in part (a) of FIG. 157 to the direction of the arrow F5 in part (c) of FIG. 157, and the direction in which the tension spring 1130 urges the spacer 1110 is switched from the direction of the arrow B1 in part (a) of FIG. 157 to the direction of the arrow B2. That is, the urging direction of the spacer 1110 by the tension spring 1130 becomes the same as the rotational direction of the spacer 1110 by the movement of the separation control member 540 in the W52 direction, and therefore, the spacer 1110 can be stably moved from the restriction position (first position) to the permission position (second position).

According to the structure of this embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the first and Embodiment 9s can be provided.

Further, in this embodiment, the urging direction of the spacer 1110 by the tension spring can be made to be the same as the rotational direction of the spacer by the separation control member 540, so that the movement of the spacer 1110 between the permission position and the restriction position can be stabilized. That is, the control of the attitude of the developing unit 9 can be stabilized.

Further, in this embodiment, when the developing unit 9 is in the developing position, the separation control member 540 is stopped at the first position, but the present invention is not limited to this Example. As in the Embodiment 9, the structure may be such that the separation control member 540 moved from the second position to the first position may be returned from the first position to the home position and then it is stopped.

Embodiment 15

Referring to FIGS. 158, 159 and 160, the process cartridge and the image forming apparatus according to the Embodiment 15 of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, structures and operations different from those of the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and description of similar structures and operations will be omitted. Further, for the structure corresponding to the above-described embodiment, the same reference numerals and characters are assigned, or the reference numerals in the first part is changed while the reference numerals and characters in the second part are the same. This embodiment is the same as in Embodiment 9 except for the structure and operation of the spacer. In the Embodiment 9, the spacer 510 is structured to move between the restriction position and the permission position by rotating relative to the developing unit (or developing frame) or the drum unit (or drum frame), but the movement of the spacer 510 relative to the developing frame is not limited to rotation. That is, referring to the Embodiment 9, the spacer 510 is modified to have a structure in which the spacer 510 moves in a predetermined direction relative to the developing frame (linear movement, for example) between the restriction position and the permission position. Further, in this embodiment, the spacer 1210 is supported by the drum unit (or the drum frame) as in the other Example 1 of Embodiment 9.

In this embodiment as well as in the Embodiment 9, the spacer 1210 is movable between the permission position (second position) in which the developing unit 9 can move to the developing position and the restriction position (first position) in which the developing unit 9 is maintained in the retracted position.

Further, the separation control member 540 mounted in the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 can move between the first position for moving the spacer 1210 to the permission position and the second position for moving the spacer 1210 to the restriction position. Further, the separation control member 540 is structured to be movable to a home in which the separation control member 540 does not contact the force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 1210e and the retracting force receiving portion (separation force receiving portion) 1233a between the first position and the second position.

In Embodiment 9, the spacer 510 is mounted on the developing unit 9, but in this embodiment, the spacer 1210 is mounted on the drive-side cartridge cover member 1220. FIG. 158 is a perspective view illustrating the spacer 1210 mounted on the drive-side cartridge cover member 1220. As shown in FIG. 158, a support portion 1220f is provided on the drive-side cartridge cover member 1220, and the supported hole (supported portion) 1210a of the spacer 1210 engages with the support portion 1220f, by which the spacer 1210 is supported by the drive-side cartridge cover member 1220. The supported hole 1210a has an oblong round hole shape, and the spacer 1210 is supported movably in the directions of arrows B3 and B4 in FIG. 158. The directions of arrows B3 and B4 in FIG. 158 are substantially parallel to the directions of arrows Z1 and Z2 in FIG. 5.

The spacer 1210 is provided with a projecting portion 1210b projecting from the supported hole 1210a. Further, the spacer 1210 is provided with a first contact surface (contact portion) 1210c corresponding to the first contact portion, at the free end of the projection 1210b, and is provided with a first restricted surface 1210h connecting with a first contact surface 1210c on the side surface of the projection 1210b. Further, the spacer 1210 is provided with a force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 1210e in the direction of arrow B4 of the supported hole 1210a in FIG. 158.

[Separation Operation]

Referring first to FIG. 159, the operation of the developing unit 9 moving from the developing position (contact position) to the retracting position (separated position) will be described. FIG. 159 is a view of the process cartridge P in the second inner position inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 as viewed from the drive-side. For better illustration, the drive-side cartridge cover 1220 is shown by omitting portions other than the support portion 1220f. Part (a) of FIG. 159 shows a state of the developing position of the developing unit 9. Part (b) of FIG. 159 shows a state in which the developing unit is moving from the developing position to the retracted position. Part (c) of FIG. 159 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is in the retracted position.

As shown in part (a) of FIG. 159, the development cover member 1233 is provided with a restriction portion 1233e projecting in the swing axis K direction (outside in the longitudinal direction) of the developing unit 9. When the developing unit 9 is located at the developing position, the first restricted surface 1210h of the spacer 1210 engages with the restriction portion 1233e, so that the movement of the spacer 1210 in the direction of the arrow B4 in part (a) of FIG. 159 is restricted. The position of the spacer 1210 shown in part (a) of FIG. 159 is an permission position (second position) of the spacer 1210.

The separation control member 540 moves in the W51 direction in Figure (a), and the first force application surface 540b comes into contact with the retracting force receiving portion (separation force receiving portion) 1233a of the development cover member 1233. Further, when the separation control member 540 moves in the W51 direction and moves to the second position, the developing unit 9 rotates in the direction of the arrow V1 in part (b) of FIG. 159 and moves from the developing position to the retracted position. At this time, the restriction portion 1233e of the development cover member 1233 moves with the rotation of the developing unit 9, and therefore, the first restricted surface 1210h is separated from the restriction portion 1233e, and the spacer 1210 is moved in the direction of the arrow B4 in part (b) of FIG. 159 by its own weight. The position of the spacer 1210 shown in part (b) of FIG. 159 is the restriction position (first position).

Then, when the separation control member 540 moves from the second position in the W52 direction in part (b) of FIG. 159 to returns to the home position, the developing unit 9 moves in the direction of the arrow V2 in part (b) of FIG. 159, and the first contact surface 1210c of the positioned spacer placed in the restriction position and the restriction portion 1233e are brought into contact with each other, and the developing unit 9 is maintained in the retracted position (state shown in part (c) of FIG. 159). At this time, as in the Embodiment 9, the separation control member 540 is separated from the spacer 1210, so that the developing unit 9 located at the retracted position does not apply a load on the separation control member 540.

[Contact Operation]

Next, referring to FIG. 160, the operation of moving the developing unit 9 from the retracted position (separation position) to the developing position (contact position) will be described. FIG. 160 is a view of the process cartridge P placed at the second inner position inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 as viewed from the drive-side. For better illustration, the drive-side cartridge cover 1220 is shown by omitting portions other than the support portion 1220f.

Part (a) of FIG. 160 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is placed at the retracted position. Part (b) of FIG. 160 and part (c) of FIG. 160 show a state in which the developing unit 9 is moving from the retracted position to the developing position. Part (c) of FIG. 160 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is placed at the developing position.

When the separation control member 540 moves from the home position in the W52 direction in part (a) of FIG. 160, the second force application surface 540c of the separation control member 540 and the force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 1210e of the spacer 1210 come into contact with each other (part (b) of FIG. 160). Further, when the separation control member 540 moves in the W52 direction in part (b) of FIG. 160, the spacer 1210 urged by the separation control member moves in the direction of B3 in part (b) of FIG. 160, and the spacer 1210 moves to the permission position (second position) where the first contact surface 1210c and the restriction portion 1233e are separated from each other (part (c) of FIG. 160). When the spacer moves to the permission position, the developing unit 9 rotates in the V2 direction in part (c) of FIG. 160 and moves to the developing position where the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4 are in contact with each other (part (d) of FIG. 160). After the developing unit 9 moves to the developing position, the separation control member 540 returns to the home position and separates from the spacer 1210, as in the Embodiment 9, and therefore, the developing unit 9 placed at the developing position does not impart a load on the separation control member 540.

According to the structure of this embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the first and Embodiment 9s can be provided.

As described above, in this embodiment, the spacer 1210 supported by the drive-side cartridge cover member 1220 (drum unit 8) is linearly moved between the permission position (second position) and the restriction position (first position), by which the position of the developing unit 9 relative to the drum unit 8 can be changed.

Embodiment 16

Next, referring to FIGS. 161 to 164, Embodiment 16 will be described. In this embodiment, structures and operations different from those of the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and description of similar structures and operations will be omitted. Further, for the structure corresponding to the above-described embodiment, the same reference numerals and characters are assigned, or the reference numerals in the first part is changed while the reference numerals and characters in the second part are the same. In this embodiment, a case where the process cartridge separation/contact mechanism is arranged only on the drive-side will be described.

[Upper Placement of Spacer]

In Embodiments 1 to 15, the spacers are disposed in the neighborhood of the photosensitive drum and the developing roller, but the present invention is not limited to such examples, and the spacers are placed at arbitrary positions on the drive-side cartridge cover member according to the applied condition of structure. Here, referring to FIGS. 161 and 162, as an example thereof, a case where the spacer is provided above the swing axis K of the developing unit will be described.

FIG. 161 is an exploded perspective view of the drive-side cartridge cover member 1716, the tension spring 1753, the spacer 1751A, the movable member 1752A, and the development cover member (a part of the developing frame) 1728, and part (b) of FIG. 161 shows a view as seen from the non-drive-side direction. FIG. 162 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 1700A, and is a view illustrating the operation relating to the separation/contact mechanism. Part (a) of FIG. 162 shows a state of separation of the developing unit 1709A, and part (b) of FIG. 162 shows a state of contact of the developing unit 1709A.

First, referring to FIG. 162, the spacer (holding member, restricting member) 1751A will be described. The supported hole 1751Aa is rotatably supported by the first supporting portion (support portion) 1728Ac of the development cover member 1728A provided on the side opposite to the developing roller 1706 with respect to the swing axis K of the developing unit 1709A. The separation holding portion (holding portion) 1751Ab projects from the supported hole 1751Aa in the downstream direction of V2, which is the rotational direction when the developing unit is in the contact position, and is provided with a contact surface (contact portion) 1751Ac at its free end. Further, it is provided with a second restricted surface 1751Ak adjacent to the contact surface 1751Ac. The second pressed portion 1751Ad projects from the supported hole 1751Aa in the direction opposite to the swing axis K. Further, the free end of the second pressed portion 1751Ad has a second pressed surface 1751Ae on the surface on the counterclockwise B1 direction side about the supported hole 1751Aa. A spring-hooked portion 1751Ag is provided on a downstream side of the second pressed surface 1751Ae with respect to the counterclockwise B1 direction about the supported hole 1751Aa. Further, the spring-hooked portion 1751Ag is disposed on a downstream side of the straight line connecting the supported hole 1751Aa and the spring-hooked portion 1752As of the movable member 1752A which will be described hereinafter in the counterclockwise direction about the spring-hooked portion 1752As.

Next, the movable member 1752A will be described. The oblong supported hole 1752Aa is rotatably supported by the second supporting portion 1728Ak of the development cover member 1728A provided at substantially the center of the movable member 1752A. The second pressing surface (at-contact pressing portion) 1752Ar is opposed to the second pressed portion (at-contact pressed portion) 1751Ae of the spacer 1751A in the counterclockwise direction B1 about the first supporting portion 1728Ac of the development cover member 1728A. The spring-hooked portion 1752As is provided between the oblong supported hole 1752Aa and the second pressing surface 1752Ar. The other structures of the movable member 1752A are the same as those in the Embodiment 1, and therefore, the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the drive-side cartridge cover member 1716A will be described. The drive-side cartridge cover member 1716A is provided with a contact surface (contacted portion) 1716Ac which contacts the contact surface 1751Ac of the spacer 1751A in a state in which the developing unit 1709A is separated (part (a) of FIG. 162). Further, it is provided with a second restriction surface 1716Ac adjacent to the contact surface 1716Ac on the swing axis K side.

Next, the tension spring 1753 is mounted to the spring-hooked portion 1751Ag of the spacer 1751A and to the spring-hooked portion 1752As of the movable member 1752A. Then, the tension spring 1753 applies an urging force in the counterclockwise direction B1 about the supported hole 1751Aa of the spacer 1751A.

[Contact and Separation Operations]

Next, the operation of the contact separation mechanism will be described. First, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 162, when the developing unit 1709A is in the development spaced state in the retracted position (spaced position), the contact surface 1751Ac of the spacer 1751A is in contact with the contact surface 1751Ac of the drive-side cartridge cover member 1716A. By this, the spacing amount P1 between the photosensitive drum 1704 and the developing roller 1706 is maintained. At this time, the spacer 1751A is in the restriction position (first position).

Next, the operation of changing from the state of development separation to the state of development contact shown in part (b) of FIG. 162 will be described. By the separation control member 196R (not shown) of the main assembly 170 moving in the W42 direction and contacting and pressing against the second force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 1752An, the movable member 1752A is rotated about the second supporting portion 1728Ak in the BB direction (clockwise direction). Then, by the second pressing surface 1752Ar coming into contact with the second pressed surface 1751Ae, the spacer 1751A is rotated clockwise around the first supporting portion 1728Ac in the B2 direction to move from the restriction position (first position) to the permission position (second position). By this, the developing unit 1709A rotates around the swing axis K and moves to the developing position (contact position), so that the developing roller 1706 and the photosensitive drum 1704 come into contact with each other (development contact state).

Next, the operation of changing from the development contact state shown in part (b) of FIG. 162 to the development separation state shown in part (a) of FIG. 162 will be described. From the state shown in part (b) of FIG. 162, the separation control member 196R (shown) of the apparatus main assembly 170 moves in the direction of W41 to contact to the first force receiving portion (retracting force receiving portion, separating force receiving portion) 1752Ak. By this, the movable member 1752A is rotated about 1728Ak in the opposite direction (counterclockwise direction), that is, in the BB direction. Then, the developing frame pressing surface (at-separation pressing portion) 1752Aq presses the pressed surface (at-separation pressed portion) 1728Ah of the development cover member 1728, by which the developing unit 1709A is rotated about the swing axis K. At this time, the spacer 1751A rotates in the counterclockwise direction B1 about the first supporting portion 1728Ac by the action of the tension spring 1753. By this, the contact surface 1751Ac of the spacer 1751A comes into contact with the contact surface 1751Ac of the drive-side cartridge cover member 1716A, so that the separated state of the developing unit 1709A is maintained.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the arrangement can be such that the spacer 1751A is disposed on the side opposite to the side in which the second force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 1752An and the first force receiving portion (retracting force receiving portion, separating force receiving portion) are disposed, with respect to the swing axis 1752Ak (or above the swing axis K).

Further, the spacer 1751A of this embodiment has a structure in which it can move between the first position and the second position by receiving a force from the separation control member 196R of the apparatus main assembly 170 by way of the movable member 1752A. However, the spacer 1751A of this embodiment may receive the force directly from the separation control member 196R of the apparatus main assembly 170 without using the movable member as shown in the Embodiment 9, and may move between the first position and the second position.

Another Example of Embodiment 16

In this alternative embodiment, referring to FIGS. 163 and 164, a structure in which the developing unit is held in a spaced state by hooking the spacer on the drum unit will be described. FIG. 163 is an exploded perspective view of the tension spring 1753, the spacer 1751A, the movable member 1752A, and the development cover member 1728, wherein part (a) of FIG. 163 is a view as seen from the drive-side and part (b) of FIG. 163 is a view as seen from the non-drive-side. FIG. 164 is a sectional view of the process cartridge 1700B, and illustrates the operation relating to the separation/contact mechanism, in which (a) shows the state of separation of the developing unit 1709A, and (b) shows the state of contact of the developing unit 1709A.

First, referring to FIGS. 163 and 164, the drum frame 1715B will be described. The drum frame 1715B has an engaging portion (drum unit (drum frame) side engaging portion) 1715Bb on the side opposite to the side in which the developing roller 1706 with respect to a line connecting the swing axis K of the developing unit 1709B and the photosensitive drum 1704 axis. The engaging portion 1715Bb extends toward the developing unit 1709B, and a contacted surface 1715Bc facing the drum unit 1708B direction is provided at the free end thereof. Then, the engaging portion 1715Bb is provided with a second restriction surface 1715Bd, adjacent to the contacted surface 1715Bc, which faces in the direction away from the photosensitive drum 1704.

Next, the spacer 1751B will be described. The supported hole (supported portion) 1751Ba is rotatably supported by the first supporting portion 1728Bc of the development cover member (part of the developing frame) 1728B. That is, the supported hole (supported portion) 1751Ba is in contact with the first supporting portion 1728Bc. Further, the first supporting portion 1728Bc is disposed on the side opposite, with respect to the swing axis K of the developing unit 1709B, to the side having the developing roller 1706, the second force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 1752Bn, and the first force receiving portion (retracting force receiving portion, separation) 1752Bk. The separation holding portion (holding portion, spacer side engaging portion) 1751Bb is provided so as to project (extend) from the supported hole 1751Ba toward the engaging portion 1715Bb of the drum frame 1715B. In other words, the separation holding portion 1751Bb is provided so as to project from the supported hole 1751Ba in the direction from the downstream to the upstream in the V2 direction in which the developing unit 1709 rotates from the separated state to the contact state. At the free end of the separation holding portion 1751Bb, a contact surface (contact portion) 1751Bc facing the direction of the developing unit 1709B is provided. The contact surface 1751Bc is disposed so as to abut to the contacted surface 1715Bc of the drum frame 1715 in the state that the developing unit 1709A is separated. Further, the separation holding portion 1751Bb is provided with a second restricted surface 1751Bk which is adjacent to the contact surface 1751Bc and which faces toward the photosensitive drum 1704 (the direction opposite to the direction toward the second restriction surface 1715Bd). The second pressed portion 1751Bd projects from the supported hole 1751Ba in the direction opposite to the swing axis K. Further, the free end of the second pressed portion 1751Bd has a second pressed surface (at-contact force receiving portion) 1751Be on the surface on the downstream side in the counterclockwise B1 about the supported hole 1751Ba. The spring-hooked portion 1751Bg is provided on the separation holding portion 1751Bb at a position between the supported hole 1751Aa and the contact surface 1751Bc. Further, the spring-hooked portion 1751Bg is disposed on the downstream side in the counterclockwise direction about the spring-hooked portion 1752Bs with respect to the straight line connecting the supported hole 1751Ba and the spring-hooked portion 1752Bs of the movable member 1752B which will be described hereinafter.

Next, the movable member 1752B will be described. The oblong supported hole 1752Ba is rotatably supported by the second supporting portion 1728Bk of the development cover member 1728B provided at substantially the center of the movable member 1752B. The second pressing surface (at-contact pressing portion) 175Br is provided so as to oppose the second pressed portion 1751Be of the spacer 1751B in the counterclockwise B1 direction about the first supporting portion 1728Bc of the development cover member 1728B. The spring-hooked portion 1752Bs is provided between the oblong supported hole 1752Ba and the second pressing surface 1752Br. Further, the movable member 1752B is provided with the second force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 1752Bn and the first force receiving portion (retracting force receiving portion, separating force receiving portion) 1752Bk which receive a force from the separation control member 196R (not shown) of the apparatus main assembly 170. The other structures of the movable member 1752B are the same as those in the Embodiment 1, and therefore, the description thereof will be omitted.

The tension spring 1753 is mounted to the spring-hooked portion 1751Bg of the spacer 1751B and the spring-hooked portion 1752Bs of the movable member 1752B. Then, the tension spring 1753 urges the spacer 1751A in a direction of rotating in the B1 direction (counterclockwise in the drawing) about the supported hole 1751Aa of the spacer 1751A.

[Contact and Separation Operations]

Next, the contact operation and the separation operation will be described. First, when the developing unit 1709B is in the separated state as shown in part (a) of FIG. 164, the contact surface 1751Bc of the spacer 1751B is in contact (engagement) with the contacted surface 1715Bc of the drum frame 1715B, and the supported hole (supported portion) 1751Ba is in contact with the first supporting portion 1728Bc. Therefore, the movement (rotation) in the V2 direction from the retracted position (separation position) of the developing unit 1709B to the developing position (contact position) is restricted so that the developing roller 1706 maintains the spacing amount P1 from the photosensitive drum 1704. The position of the spacer 1751B at this time is the restriction position (first position).

Next, the operation of shifting the developing unit 1709B from the separated state to the contacted state as shown in part (b) of FIG. 164 will be described. The separation control member 196R (not shown) moves in the W42 direction and presses the second force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 1752Bn in the W42 direction, so that the movable member 1752B rotates clockwise (in the BB direction) about the second supporting portion 1728Bk. Then, by the second pressing surface (at-contact pressing portion) 1752Br being brought into contact with the second pressed surface (at-contact pressed portion) 1751Be, the spacer 1751B is rotated about the first supporting portion 1728Bc in the B2 direction (clockwise direction in the Figure). By this, the contact surface 1751Bc moves in the B2 direction with respect to the contacted surface 1715Bc, and is separated from the contacted surface 1715Bc, so that the engagement between the engaging portion 1715Bb and the separation holding portion 1751Bb is released. The position of the spacer 1751B at this time is the permission position (second position). By the movement of the spacer 1751B from the restriction position to the permission position in this manner, the restriction on the movement of the developing unit 1709B in the V2 direction (the direction from the retracted position to the developing position) is released. Therefore, the developing unit 1709B rotates in the V2 direction about the swing axis K until the developing roller 1706 and the photosensitive drum 1704 come into contact with each other, and the movement to the developing position (contacting position) is completed.

Finally, the operation of changing from the development contact state as shown in part (b) of FIG. 164 to the spaced state shown in part (a) of FIG. 164 will be described. From the contact state shown in part (b) of FIG. 164, the separation control member 196R (shown) moves in the W41 direction and presses the first force receiving portion (retracting force receiving portion, separating force receiving portion) 1752Bk in the W41 direction. By this, the movable member 1752B is rotated about 1728Bk in the opposite direction (counterclockwise direction) in the BB direction. Then, by the developing frame pressing surface (at-separation pressing portion) 1752Bq urging the pressed surface (at-separation pressed portion) 1728Bh of the development cover member 1728B, the developing unit 1709B is rotated about the swing axis K in the V2 (counterclockwise) direction. At this time, the spacer 1751B rotates in the counterclockwise direction B1 about the first supporting portion 1728Bc by the action of the tension spring 1753. By this, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 164, the contact surface 1751Bc of the spacer 1751B comes into contact with the contacted surface 1715Bc of the drum frame 1715B, and the engaging portion 1715Bb and the separation holding portion 1751Bb engage with each other, so that the separated state of the developing unit 1709B is maintained.

The spacer 1751B of this embodiment has been described as having a structure in which it can move between the first position and the second position by receiving a force from the separation control member 196R of the apparatus main assembly 170 by way of the movable member 1752B. However, the spacer 1751B of this embodiment may be modified to have a movable structure for receiving a force directly from the separation control member 196R of the apparatus main assembly 170 without using the movable member as shown in the Embodiment 9 to move between the first position and the second position.

According to the structure of this embodiment described above, the same effects as those of Embodiments 1 and 9 can be provided.

Further, according to this embodiment, the spacer 1751B can be disposed on a side opposite to the side having the second force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 1752Bn and the first force receiving portion (retracting force receiving portion, separating force receiving portion) 1752Bk with respect to the swing axis K (or above the swing axis K).

Embodiment 17

In this embodiment, structures and operations different from those of the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and description of similar structures and operations will be omitted. Further, for the structures corresponding to those of the above-described embodiment, the same reference numerals and characters are assigned, or the reference numerals in the first part is changed while the reference numerals and characters in the second part are the same. In this embodiment, in the process cartridge separation/contact mechanism, a structure will be described in which the separation is released by the moment when the spacer holds the separation is greater than the moment when the separation control member of the main assembly releases the separation by way of the movable member. In addition, the specific description will be made in the sections [Structure of separation/contact mechanism], [Contact operation of developing unit], and [Separation operation of developing unit]. Since the structures of other process cartridges are the same as those in the Embodiment 1, they are omitted here. Further, since the non-drive-side has the same structure as the drive-side and operates in the same manner, the description of this embodiment will be described on the drive-side, and the description of the non-drive-side will be omitted.

[Structure of Separation/Contact Mechanism]

The structure in which the photosensitive drum 104 of the process cartridge 1800 and the developing roller 106 of the developing unit 1809 are spaced from and contacted with each other in this embodiment will be described in detail. Part (a) of FIG. 165 is a side view of the drive-side of the process cartridge alone, and part (b) of FIG. 165 shows a side view of the non-drive-side of the process cartridge alone. The drive-side has a separation/contact mechanism 1850R, and the non-drive-side has a separation/contact mechanism 1850L. FIG. 166 shows an assembly perspective view of the drive-side of the developing unit 1809 including the separation/contact mechanism 1850R. FIG. 167 shows an assembly perspective view of the non-drive-side of the developing unit 1809 including the separation/contact mechanism 1850L. Here, the details of the separation/contact mechanism 1850R on the drive-side will be described. Since the separation/contact mechanism has almost the same functions at the drive-side and the non-drive-side, R is added to the numerals of each member for the drive-side. For the non-drive-side, the reference signs are the same as that of the drive-side, and L is added in place of R.

The separation/contact mechanism 1850R includes a spacer (separation holding member, restriction member), a movable member 1852R, and a tension spring 1853, and the spacer includes a drum side engaging portion 1855R for engagement with the developing side engaging portion 1854R and the developing side engaging portion 1854R.

FIG. 168 is an enlarged view of the developing side engaging portion 1854R. The developing side engaging portion 1854R is provided on the developing unit 1809. The developing side engaging portion 1854R is integrally molded using resin material, together with the development cover member 1828. Further, as viewed in the direction of FIG. 165, the developing side engaging portion 1854R is disposed such that an angle formed between a line connecting the first force receiving surface 1852Rm (see FIG. 173) and the swing axis K, which will be described later, and the swing axis K, and a line connecting the developing side engaging portion 1854R and the swing axis K is obtuse. Further, the developing side engaging portion 1854R is provided with a developing side engaging claw 1854Ra which contacts the drum side engaging portion 1855R in the separation state and a plate-shaped developing side holding portion 1854Rb which connects the development cover member 1828 that is a portion of the developing frame and the developing side engaging claw 1854Ra. The developing side engaging claw 1854Ra has a developing side engaging surface (contacting portion) 1854Rc which contacts the drum side engaging portion 1855R in the separation state, and a developing side engagement return surface 1854Rd which contacts the drum side engaging portion 1855R in the process of transition from the contact state to the separation state. For the reason which will be described hereinafter, it is preferable that the amount of movement of the developing side spacer is large when the developing unit rotates about the swing axis K. Therefore, in this embodiment, the developing side spacer is provided at the position described above where the distance between the developing side spacer and the swing axis K can be made larger, but this feature is not restrictive.

In this embodiment, the developing side engaging portion 1854R is provided on the development cover member 1828 which is a part of the developing frame, but the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the developing side engaging portion 1854R may be provided on another member constituting a part of the developing frame.

FIG. 169 shows an enlarged view of the drum side engaging portion 1855R. The drum side engaging portion 1855R is provided on the drum unit 1808 so as to engage with a developing-side engaging portion 1854R and hold the developing unit 1809 in a spaced state. The drum side engaging portion 1855R is integrally molded with resin on the first drum frame portion 1815. Further, the drum side engaging portion 1855R includes a drum side engaging claw 1855Ra which engages with the developing-side engaging claw 1854Ra in the separation state, and a plate-shaped drum side holding portion 1855Rb which connects the first drum frame portion 1815, and the drum side engaging claw 1855Ra. Further, the drum side engaging claw 1855Ra includes a drum side engaging surface (contacted portion) 1855Rc which contacts the developing-side engaging surface 1854Rc in the separation state, and a drum side engagement return surface 1854Rd which is contacted with the development side return surface 1854Rd in the process of transition from the contact state to the separation state. In this embodiment, the drum side engaging portion 1855R is provided on the first drum frame portion 1815 which is a part of the drum frame, but the present invention is not limited to such an example, and it may be provided on another member constituting a part of the drum frame such as the drive-side cartridge cover member 1816.

FIG. 170 is a perspective view in which the developing side engaging portion 1854R and the drum side engaging portion 1855R are engaged with each other, that is, the developing unit 1809 is in the separated state. In the state in which the developing side engaging portion 1854R and the drum side engaging portion 1855R are engaged with each other, the developing side holding portion 1854Rb is substantially parallel to the drum side holding portion 1855Rb. In this state, it can be said that the developing side engaging portion 1854R and the drum side engaging portion 1855R which constitute the spacer are in the restriction positions (first position, engaging position), respectively.

As shown in FIG. 166, the movable member 1852R is held rotatably about the third support portion 1828m by engaging the support receiving portion 1852Ra of the movable member 1852R with the third support portion 1828m. Further, the movable member 1852R has a first force receiving surface (retracting force receiving portion, separating force receiving portion) 1852Rm and a second force receiving surface (contact force receiving portion) 1852Rp (see FIG. 171) which can be engaged with the separation control member 196R (FIG. 173) mounted in the apparatus main assembly, and it includes a spring-hooked portion 1852Rs which engages with the tension spring 1853.

Further, as shown in FIG. 165, the ends of the tension spring 1853 are engaged with the spring-hooked portion 1852Rs of the movable member 1852 and the spring-hooked portion 1828g of the development cover member 1828, respectively. Therefore, the movable member 1852 is urged by the tension spring 1853 in the upward direction CA about the third support portion 1828m as the center of rotation.

[Contact Operation of Developing Unit]

Next, referring to FIGS. 170 to 175, the operation of bringing the photosensitive drum 104 and the developing roller 106 into contact with each other by the separation/contact mechanism 1850R will be described in detail. FIGS. 170, 173, and 177 are perspective views of the drive-side of the process cartridge 1800. FIGS. 171, 174, 175, and 178 are side views of the process cartridge 1800 mounted in the main assembly and the separation control member which will be described hereinafter. In FIGS. 171 and 174, 175 and 178, parts (a) is a side view of the drive-side, and parts (b) is a side view of the non-drive-side. FIGS. 172 and 176 are illustrations of the process cartridge 180 as viewed from above along the directions perpendicular to the rotation axes M2 of the developing roller 106 and U1 and U2. The U1 and U2 directions are perpendicular to the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller 106 and are parallel to the W41 and W42 directions.

In the structure of this embodiment, the development input coupling 132 receives a driving force from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 in the direction of arrow V2 in FIG. 171 to rotate the developing roller 106. That is, the developing unit 1809 including the development input coupling 132 receives the torque in the arrow V2 direction from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. As shown in FIG. 170, when the developing unit 1809 is in a separated position and the developing side engaging portion 1854R and the drum side engaging portion 1855R engage with each other, the developing unit 1809 is subjected to the above torque and the development pressure spring described later, so that the developing unit 1809 is held in the separated position against the urging force. Let Tr1 be the torque produced in the developing unit by the torque from the apparatus main assembly 170 and the urging force of the development pressure spring 134, in the V2 direction.

Similarly, to an Embodiment 1, the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 of this embodiment includes the separation control member 196R and the cartridge pressing unit 121 corresponding to each process cartridge 1800 as described above. The separation control member 196R projects toward the process cartridge 1800 and has a space of 196Rd. Further, as in the Embodiment 1 described above, the cartridge pressing unit 121 presses the pressed surface 1852Rf of the movable member 1852R in interrelation with the transition of the front door 111 from the open state to the closed state, and the movable member 1852R moves downward. When it projects to a predetermined position, a part of the movable member enters the space 196Rd of the separation control member 196R, and the separation control member 196R, and the separation control member 196R has a first force application surface 196Ra and a second force application surface 196Rb which are opposed to the first force receiving surface 1852Rm and the second force receiving surface 1852Rp of the movable member 1852R with the space 196Rd therebetween. The first force application surface 196Ra and the second force application surface 196Rb are connected by way of a connecting portion 196Rc on the lower surface side of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. Further, the separation control member 196R is supported by a control sheet metal (not shown) rotatably about the rotation center 196Re. The separation control member 196R is normally urged in the E1 direction by an urging spring (not shown), and it is restricted in rotation in the rotational direction by a holder (not shown). Further, the control sheet metal (not shown) is structured to be movable in the W41 and W42 directions from the home position by a control mechanism (not shown), and therefore, the separation control member 196R is structured to be movable in the W41 and W42 directions.

When the separation control member 196R moves in the W42 direction, the second force application surface 196Ra of the separation control member 196R and the second force receiving surface 1852Rp of the movable member 1852R come into contact with each other, and the movable member 1852R rotates in the direction CA about the support receiving portion 1852Ra until the development cover pressing surface 1852Rr of the movable member 1852R contacts the movable member locking portion 1828h provided on the development cover member 1828. Further, when the separation control member 196R moves in the W42 direction, the movable member 1852R presses the movable member locking portion 1828h of the development cover member 1828, so that torque in the V2 direction is produced in the developing unit 1809. Let this torque be Tr2, and the maximum value that can be generated by the main assembly be Tr2 MAX.

Next, referring to FIGS. 170-175, the description will be made as to the forces produced in the developing side engaging portion 1854R and the drum side engaging portion 1855R and the behavior of each component at the time when the separation control member 196R described above moves in the W42 direction and a torque in the V2 direction is produced in the developing unit 1809. First, a state in which the developing side engaging surface 1844Rc and the drum side engaging surface 1855Rc are in contact with each other is an engaging state (state in FIG. 170). At this time, of the directions of the normal forces N1 and between the developing side engaging surface 1854Rc and the drum side engaging surface 1855Rc shown in FIGS. 170 and 171, the short side component of the process cartridge is an axis U (FIG. 170). Further, the direction which is parallel to the axis U and in which the developing side engaging portion 1854R moves when the developing unit 1809 rotates in the V2 direction is U1, and the opposite direction is U2. When the developing unit 1809 receives torque in the V2 direction, the developing side engaging portion 1854R receives a force in the U1 direction. The direction from the non-drive-side to the drive-side parallel to the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 1800 is the direction J1, and the opposite direction is the direction J2. At this time, as shown in FIG. 172, of the normal force produced between the developing side engaging surface 1854Rc and the drum side engaging surface 1855Rc, the normal force applied to the developing side engaging surface 1854Rc is the normal force N1, and the normal force applied to the drum side engaging surface 1854Rc is the normal force N1′. The normal force N1 is produced so that the developing side holding portion 1854Rb bends (elastically deforms) so that the developing side engaging claw 1854Ra rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 172 about the fulcrum S. The normal force N1′ is produced so that the drum side engaging claw 1855Ra bends (elastically deforms) the drum side holding portion 1855Rb so as to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 172 about the fulcrum S′. That is, the developing side holding portion 1854Rb bends in the J1 direction, and the drum side holding portion 1855Rb bends in the J2 direction. Then, when the developing side engaging portion 1854R receives a predetermined force in the U2 direction and moves in the U2 direction, the developing side holding portion 1854Rb and the drum side holding surface 1855Rb are bent until the developing side engaging surface 1854Rc and the drum side engaging surface 1855Rc do not contact each other, by which the engagement is broken. In this manner, the state in which the developing side holding portion 1854Rb and the drum side holding portion 1855Rb are bent until the developing side engaging surface 1854Rc and the drum side engaging surface 1855Rc do not contact with each other, can be said that the developing side engaging portion 1854R and the drum side engaging portion 1855R constituting the spacer is in the permission position (second position, disengaging position), respectively. Further, the magnitude of the force required to disengage this engagement is Fa.

After the engagement is released, the developing side engaging portion 1854R and the drum side engaging portion 1855R are flexed by restoring the elastic deformation of the developing side holding portion 1854Rb and the drum side engaging portion 1855Rb as shown in FIG. 173, by which the deformation is released. Then, the development side engagement return surface 1854Rd and the drum side engagement return surface 1855Rd become in a state of facing each other. At the same time, the developing unit 1809 rotates in the V2 direction and moves to the contact position (development position) where the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 are in contact with each other (state in FIG. 174). At this time, the separation control member 196R has moved in the W42 direction by a sufficient amount to disengage the developing side engaging portion 1854R and the drum side engaging portion 1855R from each other, and this position after the movement (FIG. 174) is the first position. It is preferable that the distance between the home position and the first position is small because the main assembly mechanism for driving the separation control member 196R can be downsized and the load can be reduced. Further, by increasing the distance between the developing side engaging portion 1854R and the swing axis K, the amount of movement of the developing side engaging portion 1854R can be increased, and the amount of rotation of the developing unit 1809 required to disengage the developing side engaging portion 1854R and the drum side engaging portion 1855R from each other can be reduced. After moving to the first position, the separation control member 196R moves in the W41 direction and returns to the home position. At this time, the movable member 1852R is rotated in the CB direction by the tension spring 1853, and the first pressing surface 1852Rq of the movable member 1852R and the first pressing surface 1828k of the development cover member 1828 come into contact with each other (state of FIG. 175). By this, gaps T3 and T4 are formed, and the separation control member 196R is placed at a position not acting on the movable member 1852R. The transition from the state of FIG. 174 to the state of FIG. 175 is performed without a delay.

As described above, in the structure of this embodiment, the movable member 1852R is rotated by the movement of the separation control member 196R from the home position to the first position, and further, by the movable member coming into contact with the development cover member to cause the developing unit 1809, the developing side engaging portion 1854R and the drum side engaging portion 1855R are moved to a permission position (second position), thus these engagements are released. This makes it possible for the developing unit 1809 to move from the spaced position to the contacting position where the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 are in contact with each other. The position of the separation control member 196R in FIG. 175 is the same as that in FIG. 171.

Here, it will be described how the magnitudes of torque and force produced in the process of transitioning the developing unit 1809 from the spaced state to the contacted state are selected. As shown in FIG. 171, let L be the length of the line segment Y connecting the swing axis K and the contact points between the developing side engaging surface 1854Rc and the drum side engaging surface 1855Rc as the process cartridge 1800 is viewed from the longitudinal drive-side, and let θ be the angle formed by the line segment Y and the above-mentioned direction U. When the relationship between Tr1, Tr2, and Fa described above is expressed using L and θ, the selection is made to satisfy the following formulas (1) and (2):

$\begin{array}{cc}\mathrm{Tr}1/L\sin \theta <\mathrm{Fa}& \left(1\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}\left(\mathrm{Tr}1+\mathrm{Tr}2\mathrm{MAX}\right)/L\sin \theta >\mathrm{Fa}& \left(2\right)\end{array}$

[Separation Operation of Development Unit]

Next, referring to FIGS. 171 and 175 to 178, the operation of moving the developing unit 1809 from the contact position to the separated position by the separation/contact mechanism 1850R will be described in detail.

The separation control member 196R in this embodiment is structured to be movable from the home position in the W41 direction in FIG. 175. When the separation control member 196R moves in the W41 direction, the first force application surface 196Rb and the first force receiving surface 1852Rm of the movable member 1852R are brought into contact with each other, and the movable member 1852R rotates in the CB direction about the support receiving portion 1852Ra in the direction of CB. By the first pressing surface (not shown) of the movable member 1852R contacting the first pressing surface (not shown) of the development cover member 1828, the developing unit rotates in the V1 direction from the contact position. By the developing unit rotating in the V1 direction, the developing side engaging portion 1854R moves in the U2 direction, and the developing side re-engagement assisting surface1855Rd and the drum side re-engagement assisting surface1854Rd are brought into contact with each other. Further, by the separation control member 196R moving in the 41 direction, torque in the V1 direction is generated in the developing unit 1809 about the swing axis K. The magnitude of the torque in the V1 direction is Tr3, and the maximum value which can be produced by the main assembly is Tr3 MAX. Since Tr3 MAX is designed to satisfy Tr3 MAX>Tr1, the developing unit 1809 rotates in the V1 direction.

Next, referring to FIGS. 175 to 178, the description will be made as to the forces to the developing side engaging portion 1854R and the drum side engaging portion 1855R and the behavior of each component at the time when the separation control member 196R described above moves in the W41 direction and the developing unit 1809 rotates in the V1 direction. When the developing unit 1809 rotates in the V1 direction, the developing side engaging portion 1854R moves in the U2 direction. When the developing side engaging portion 1854R moves in the U2 direction, the developing side re-engagement assisting surface 1854Rd and the drum side re-engagement assisting surface 1855Rd are brought into contact with each other. At this time, as shown in FIG. 176, of the normal force produced between the development side engagement return surface 1854Rd and the drum side engagement return surface 1855Rd, the normal force applied to the development side engagement return surface 1854Rd is the normal force N2, and the normal force applied to the drum side engaging surface 1854Rd is the normal force N2′. The normal force N2 is produced so that the developing side holding portion 1854Rb bends (elastically deforms) so as to rotate the developing side engaging claw 1854Ra counterclockwise in FIG. 176 about the fulcrum S. The normal force N2′ is produced so that the drum side engaging claw 1855Ra bends (elastically deforms) the drum side holding portion 1855Rb in the direction of rotating counterclockwise in FIG. 176 about the fulcrum S′. That is, the developing side holding portion 1854Rb bends in the direction J1, and the drum side holding portion 1855Rb bends in the direction J2. Then, when the developing side engaging portion 1854R receives a predetermined force in the U1 direction and moves in the U2 direction, the developing side holding portion 1854Rb and the developing side holding portion 1854Rb deform until the developing side re-engagement assisting surface 1854Rd and the drum side re-engagement assisting surface 1855Rd become out of contact with each other. In this state, it can be said that the developing side engaging portion 1854R and the drum side engaging portion 1855R constituting the spacer are in the permission positions (second position, disengagement position), respectively. The constant force that the developing side engaging portion 1854R receives in the U2 direction is Fb.

Further, as the developing side engaging portion 1854R advances in the U2 direction, the bending of the developing side holding portion 1854Rb and the drum side engaging portion 1855Rb is released as shown in FIG. 177, and the developing side engaging surface 1854Rc and a drum side engaging portion 1855Rc becomes in a state of facing each other. That is, the developing side engaging portion 1854R and the drum side engaging portion 1855R are engaged. At this time, by the movement of the separation control member 196R in the W41 direction until a gap is formed between the developing side engaging surface 1854Rc and the drum side engaging surface 1855Rc in the W42 direction, the developing side engaging portion 1854R and the drum side engaging portion 1855R are securely engaged with each other. The position (FIG. 178) of the separation control member 196R after the movement is the second position. After moving to the second position, the separation control member 196R moves in the W42 direction and returns to the home position. At this time, the developing unit 1809R is rotated in the V2 direction by the development pressure spring 134, so that the developing side engaging surface 1854Rc and the drum side engaging surface 1855Rc are brought into contact with each other (state in FIG. 171). At this time, it can be said that the developing side engaging portion 1854R and the drum side engaging portion 1855R constituting the spacer are at the restriction positions (first position, engaging position), respectively. At this time, the gap T3 and the gap T4 are formed, and the separation control member 196R is placed at a position of not acting on the movable member 1852R. The transition from the state of FIG. 178 to the state of FIG. 171 is performed without a delay.

As described above, in this embodiment, by the separation control member 196R moving from the home position to the second position, the developing side engaging portion 1854R moves in the U2 direction, and the developing side engaging portion 1854R engages with the drum side engaging portion 1855R. Then, by the separation control member 196R returning from the second position to the home position, the developing side engaging surface 1854Rc and the drum side engaging surface 1855Rc are brought into contact with each other, and the developing unit 1809 is maintained at the separated position (retracted position) by the spacer (developing side engaging portion 1854R and the developing side engaging portion 1854R)

Here, it will be described how the magnitudes of the torque and the force generated in the process of transitioning from the contacted state to the spaced state of the developing unit 1809 described above are determined. As shown in FIG. 175, Let L′ be the length of the line segment Y′ connecting the swing axis K and the contact points between the developing side engaging surface 1854Rc and the drum side engaging surface 1855Rc as the process cartridge 1800 is viewed from the longitudinal drive-side, and let θ′ be the angle formed by the line segment Y′ and the above-mentioned direction U. The relationship between Tr1, Tr3, and Fb are determined to satisfy the following, using L′ and θ′:

$\begin{array}{cc}\left(\mathrm{Tr}3\mathrm{MAX}-\mathrm{Tr}1\right)/L^{{ }_{}\prime }\sin {\theta }^{{ }_{}\prime }\geqq \mathrm{Fb}.& \left(3\right)\end{array}$

In this embodiment, when the developing unit 1809 is moved from the retracted position (separation position) to the development position (contact position) and when it is moved from the development position (contact position) to the retracted position (separation position), both the side holding portion 1854Rb and the drum side holding portion 1855Rb elastically deform, but at least one of them may be flexed (elastically deformed). Even when only one of the developing side holding portion 1854Rb and the drum side holding portion 1855Rb bends (elastic deformation), it can be said that in this bent state, the developing side engaging portion 1854R and the developing side engaging portion 1854R constituting the spacer are in the permission position (second position, disengagement position).

Further, in this embodiment, the developing side engaging portion 1854R and the developing side engaging portion 1854R are structured to engage and disengage by a snap-fit structure, but use may be made to a magnetic force such as a magnet or a hook-and-loop fastener to engage and disengage them.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the same effects as those of Examples 1 and 9 can be provided.

Further, in the Embodiment 1 and so on, it is necessary that the spacer is be movably supported by either the developing frame or the drum frame, but in this embodiment, the members constituting the spacer are bent (elastically deformed), and therefore, the structure can be simplified accordingly. Further, by integrally forming it on the developing frame and the members constituting the drum frame as in this embodiment, the cost of the process cartridge 1800 can be reduced by improving the assembling property and reducing the number of parts.

Embodiment 18

Referring to FIGS. 179, 180, and 181, an embodiment of the process cartridge and the image forming apparatus according to the eighteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, structures and operations different from those of the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and description of similar structures and operations will be omitted. Further, for the structure corresponding to the above-described embodiments, the same reference numerals and characters are assigned, or the reference numerals in the first part is changed while the reference numerals and characters in the second part are the same.

In this embodiment, the development cover member 2033 has a force receiving portion (first force receiving portion, contact force receiving portion) 2033e, and the spacer 2010 has a retracting force receiving portion (second force receiving portion, separating force receiving portion) 2010m.

FIG. 181 is a perspective view of the drive-side cartridge cover 2020 per se. The drive-side cartridge cover 2020 of this embodiment has a deformation portion 2020f. The deformation portion 2020f comprises an arm portion 2020e, a first contacted surface 2020c, and a third contacted surface 2020d. One end of the arm 2020e is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion forming the supporting hole 2020b which supports the photosensitive drum 4, and extends toward the supporting hole 2020a in which the developing unit 9 is supported. A first contacted surface 2020c and a third contacted surface 2020d are arranged at the other end. That is, the deformation portion 2020f has a cantilever shape in which one end is fixed, and when the arm 2020e is deformed, the first contacted surface 2020c and the third contacted surface 2020d on the other end side can move up and down substantially in the direction of arrow Z2 in FIG. 181 which is the direction of gravity. Here, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 181, the state in which the arm 2020e is not deformed is a the maintaining state of the deformation portion 2020f. Further, as shown in part (b) of FIG. 181, the state in which the arm 2020e is deformed, and the first contacted surface 2020c and the third contacted surface 2020d are moved from the maintaining state in the direction of arrow Z2 in Figure (downward in the direction of gravity) is the permission state of the deformation portion 2020f. Details of the maintaining state and the permission state of the deformation portion 2020f will be described in detail hereinafter.

FIGS. 179 and 180 are illustrations of the process cartridge P placed in the second inner position inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 as in FIG. 2 concerned with Embodiment 9 as viewed from the drive-side. For better illustration, the drive-side cartridge cover is shown with omission of the parts other than the arm 2020e of the deformation portion 2020f, the first contacted surface 2020c, and the third contacted surface 2020d.

Part (a) of FIG. 179 shows a state in which the spacer 2010 is in the permission position (second position), the developing unit 9 is in the developing position (contact position), and the separation control member 540 is in the home position. In part (b) of FIG. 179 and part (c) of FIG. 179 show a state in the process of the separation control member 540 moving from the home position to the second position, the spacer 2010 moving from the permission position (second position) to the regulated position (first position), and the developing unit 9 moving from the developing position (contact position) to the retracting position (separation position). Part (d) of FIG. 179 shows a state in which the spacer 2010 is in the restriction position (first position), the developing unit 9 is in the retracted position (separation position), and the separation control member 540 is in the home position.

The spacers (restriction member, spacing member, holding member) 2010 of this embodiment are similar to those of the Embodiment 9, and as shown in part (a) of FIG. 179, there are provided the supported hole (second contact portion) 2010a and the projecting portion (holding portion) Part) 2010b, the first contact surface (contact part) 2010c. The supported hole (second contact portion) 2010a is rotatably supported by a support portion 2033c, which is the shaft of the development cover member 2033. Further, the spacer 2010 is urged by a tension spring 530 (a urging means) in the direction of arrow B1 in part (a) of FIG. 179. Further, the spacer 2010 is provided with a retracting force receiving portion (second force receiving portion, separating force receiving portion) 2010m similar to Embodiment 10. The retracting force receiving portion 2010m has a shape projecting in the direction of arrow Z2 in part (a) of FIG. 179.

The development cover member 2033 of this embodiment is fixed to the developing unit 9 in the same manner as in the Embodiment 9. The force receiving portion 2033e provided on the development cover member 2033 has a shape projecting in the direction of arrow Z2 in part (a) of FIG. 179, similarly to the retracting force receiving portion 2010m.

The separation control member 540 of this embodiment is provided in the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 as in the Embodiment 9. As shown in part (a) of FIG. 179, the force receiving portion 2033e, the separation control member 540, and the retracting force receiving portion 2010m are arranged in this order in the W51 in part (a) of FIG. 179. Similarly to Embodiment 9, the separation control member 540 is movable. Further, the separation control member 540 is structured to be movable between the first position and the second position to the home position where the force receiving portion 2033e and the retracting force receiving portion 2010m do not contact with each other, between the first position and the second position.

[Separation Operation]

Referring first to FIG. 179, the operation of moving the developing unit 9 from the developing position (contact position) to the retracted position (separation position) will be described. When the separation control member 540 moves in the W51 direction in part (a) of FIG. 179 which is the direction toward the second position from the home position shown in part (a) of FIG. 179, the first force application surface 540b and the retracting force receiving portions 2010m of the spacer 2010 are brought into contact with each other so that the first force application surface 540b presses the portion 2010m. The spacer 2010 of which the retracting force receiving portion 2010m is pressed presses the third contacted surface 2020d of the deformation portion 2020f at the third contact surface 2010k in the direction of the arrow N6 in part (b) of FIG. 179, while rotating in the direction of the arrow B1 in part (b) of FIG. 179, which is the direction from the permission position to the restriction position. Then, in the deformation portion 2020f pressed at the third contacted surface 2020d, the arm 2020e is deformed, and the first contacted surface 2020c and the third contacted surface 2020d are moved in the direction of the Z2 in part (b) of FIG. 179, and it changes from the maintaining state to the permission state in which the cantilever is bent (elastically deformed) (state in part (b) of FIG. 179). As shown in part (b) of FIG. 179, when the deformed portion changes from the maintaining state to the permission state, the developing unit 9 rotates in the direction of the arrow V1 in part (b) of FIG. 179 and can move from the developed position to the retracted position.

Further, as shown in part (c) of FIG. 179, when the separation control member 540 moves to the second position, the spacer 2010 and the deformation portion 2020f are separated from each other, by which the deformation portion 2020f returns from the permission state to the maintaining state by the elastic force.

Further, when the separation control member 540 moves from the second position in the W52 direction in part (c) of FIG. 179 back to the home position again, the separation control member 540 and the spacer 2010 are separated from each other, and the developing unit 9 is rotated in the direction of the arrow V2 in part (c) of FIG. 179 by the driving force received by the development coupling member 74. Then, the first contact surface (contact portion) 2010c of the spacer 2010 placed at the restriction position (first position) and the first contact surface (contact portion) 2020c of the deformation portion 2020f contact with each other, and the attitude of the developing unit 9 is maintained at the retracted position (separated position) (state shown in part (d) of FIG. 179).

As shown in part (d) of FIG. 179, since the separation control member 540 placed at the home position is separated from the spacer 2010, the separation control member 540 is not loaded by the developing unit 9.

As described above, the developing unit 9 can be moved from the development position (contact position) to the retracted position (separation position) by the operation of the separation control member 540 moving from the home position to the second position and returning to the home position again.

[Contact Operation]

Next, referring to FIG. 180, the operation of moving the developing unit 9 from the retracted position (separation position) to the developing position (contact position) will be described.

Part (a) of FIG. 180 shows a state in which the spacer 2010 is in the restriction position (first position), the developing unit 9 is in the retracted position (separation position), and the separation control member 540 is in the home position. Part (b) of FIGS. 180 and 180(c) show a state in which the separation control member 540 is moving from the home position toward the first position and the developing unit 9 is moving from the retracted position to the developing position. Part (d) of FIG. 180 shows a state in which the spacer 2010 is in the permission position (second position), the developing unit 9 is in the developing position (contact position), and the separation control member 540 is in the home position.

When the separation control member 540 moves from the home position in the W52 direction in part (a) of FIG. 180, which is the first position direction, the second force application surface 540c of the separation control member 540 and the force receiving portion 2033e of the development cover member 2033 are brought into contact with each other (state in part (b) of FIG. 180). Further, when the separation control member 540 moves in the first position direction, the force exerted by the first contact surface 2010c on the first contacted surface 2020c in the direction of arrow N7 in part (b) of FIG. 180 increases. Then, the arm 2020e is deformed by this force, and the first contacted surface 2020c and the third contacted surface 2020d move in the direction of arrow Z2 in part (b) of FIG. 180. That is, the deformation portion 2020f bends (elastically deforms) and shifts from the maintaining state to the permission state (State of part (c) of FIG. 180).

When the separation control member 540 further moves in the W52 direction in part (c) of FIG. 180 from the state shown in part (c) of FIG. 180, the developing unit 9 rotates in the direction of the arrow V2 in part (c) of FIG. 180 and moves from the retracted position to the developed position by a force received from the second force application surface 540c by the force receiving portion 2033e. At this time, while the third contacted surface 2020d is in contact with the third contact surface 2010k of the spacer 2010, the deformation portion 2020f returns from the permission state to the maintaining state by the elastic force. At the same time, the spacer 2010, which receives a reaction force on the third contact surface 2010k, rotates in the direction of arrow B2 in part (c) of FIG. 180 relative to the developing unit 9, and the phase of the spacer 2010 changes from the restriction position (first position) to the permissible position (second position).

The separation control member 540 moves from the home position to the second position, moves the attitude of the developing unit 9 from the retracted position to the developing position, and then moves in the W52 direction in part (d) of FIG. 180 to return to the home position again.

As shown in part (d) of FIG. 180, the separation control member 540 placed at the home position is separated from the force receiving portion 2033e, and therefore, the separation control member 540 is not loaded by the developing unit 9.

As described above, the developing unit 9 can be moved from the retracted position to the developed position by the operation of the separation control member 540 moving from the home position to the first position and returning to the home position.

Further, in this embodiment, the deformation portion 2020f has been described as having a beam shape, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The structure may be such that a shape different from the beam shape may be deformed, so that the first contacted surface 2020c and the third contacted surface 2020d are movable between the permission state in which the developing unit 9 can rotate, the maintaining state in which the attitude thereof is maintained with the developing unit 9 being in the retracted position and the developing position. The deformation portion 2020f is structured to move between the permission state and the maintaining state relative to the drive-side cartridge cover 2020 so that the spacer 2010 can move between the restriction position and the permission position. Therefore, it can be said that the deformation portion 2020f is a spacer on the drum unit side.

According to the structure of this embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the first and Embodiment 9s can be provided.

Further, in this embodiment, the development cover member 2033 fixed to the developing unit 9 is provided with the force receiving portion 2033e, and the spacer 2010 is provided with the retracting force receiving portion 2010m, by which the attitude of the developing unit 9 can be controlled stably.

Embodiment 19

Referring to FIG. 182, an embodiment of the process cartridge and the image forming apparatus according to the nineteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, structures and operations different from those of the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and description of similar structures and operations will be omitted. For the structure corresponding to that in the above-described embodiment, the same reference numerals and characters are assigned, or the reference numerals in the first part is changed while the reference numerals and characters in the second part are the same.

In this embodiment, the force receiving portion (first force receiving portion, contact force receiving portion) 2133e and the retracting force receiving portion (second force receiving portion, separating force receiving portion) 2133m are provided on the cover member 2133 fixed to the developing unit 9.

Further, the drive-side cartridge cover 2020 of this embodiment is the same as that of the 18th embodiment, and has a structure having a deformation portion 2020f.

FIG. 182 is a view of the process cartridge P placed at the second inner position inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 as viewed from the drive-side, as in FIG. 2 of the Embodiment 9. For better illustration, the drive-side cartridge cover 2020 is shown with the parts being omitted with the exception of the arm 2020e of the deformation portion 2020f, the first contacted surface 2020c, and the third contacted surface 2020d.

Part (a) of FIG. 182 shows a state in which the spacer 2110 is in the permission position (second position), the developing unit 9 is in the developing position (contact position), and the separation control member 540 is in the home position. Part (b) of FIG. 182 and part (c) of FIG. 182, shows the state in which the separation control member 540 is moving from the home position to the second position, and the developing unit 9 is moving from the developing position (contact position) to the retracting position (separation position). Part (d) of FIG. 182 shows a state in which the spacer 2110 is in the restriction position (first position), the developing unit 9 is in the retracted position (separation position), and the separation control member 540 is in the home position.

As shown in part (a) of FIG. 182, the spacer (restriction member, holding member, separation holding member) 2110 of this embodiment includes a supported hole (second contact portion) 2110a, a projecting portion (holding portion) 2110b, and a first contact surface (contact part) 2110c, as in the Embodiment 9. The supported hole 2110a is rotatably supported by the support portion 2133c, which is the shaft of the development cover member 2133, and the spacer 2110 is urged in the direction of the arrow B1 in part (a) of FIG. 182 by the tension spring 530 (biasing means).

Further, the development cover member 2133 of this embodiment is fixed to the developing unit 9 in the same manner as in the Embodiment 9. The development cover member is provided with the force receiving portion 2133e which is the same as in embodiment 21, and further is provided further with a retracting force receiving portion 2133m. Similar to the force receiving portion 2133e, the retracting force receiving portion 2133m has a shape projecting in the direction of arrow Z2 in part (a) of FIG. 182.

The separation control member 540 of this embodiment is included in the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 as in the Embodiment 9. As shown in part (a) of FIG. 182, the separation control member 540 is disposed between the projecting force receiving portion 2133e and the retracting force receiving portion 2133m (in the W51 and W52 directions in part (a) of FIG. 182).

Similarly to the Embodiment 9, the separation control member 540 can move between the first position and the second position. Further, the separation control member 540 is structured to be movable to the position not contacting the force receiving portion 2133e and the retracting force receiving portion 2133m, between the first position and the second position to a home position.

[Separation Operation]

Referring to FIG. 182, the operation of moving the developing unit 9 from the development position (contact position) to the retracted position (separation position) will be described.

When the separation control member 540 moves from the home position shown in part (a) of FIG. 182 to the W51 direction in part (a) of FIG. 182, which is the second position direction, the first force application surface 540b and the retracting force receiving portion 2133m come into contact with each other, and the first force application surface 540b presses the retracting force receiving portion 2133m. When the retracting force receiving portion 2133m is pressed, the developing unit 9 rotates from the developing position to the retracting position in the direction of the arrow V1 in part (a) of FIG. 182. At this time, the attitude of the spacer 2110 is restricted by the contact between the third contact surface 2110k of the spacer 2110 and the third contacted surface 2020d.

Further, when the separation control member 540 moves in the W51 direction in part (b) of FIG. 182 to the second position, the third contact surface 2110k and the third contacted surface 2020d are separated from each other, and the spacer 2110 is rotated from the permission position (second position) to the restriction position (first position) by the urging force of a tension spring 530 (State of part (c) of FIG. 182). When the separation control member 540 moves from the second position in the W52 direction in part (c) of FIG. 182 and returns to the home position again, the developing unit 9 is rotated in the V2 direction by the driving force received by the development coupling member as shown by the arrow in part (c) of FIG. 182. Then, the first contact surface (contact portion) 2110c of the spacer 2110 located at the restriction position and the first contacted surface (contacted portion) 2020c of the deformation portion 2020f which is in the maintaining state come into contact with each other, and the attitude of the developing unit 9 is maintained in the retracted position (state shown in part (d) of FIG. 182).

As shown in part (d) of FIG. 182, since the separation control member 540 located at the home position is separated from the spacer 2110, the separation control member 540 is not loaded by the developing unit 9.

In the manner described above, the developing unit 9 can be moved from the development position to the retracted position by the operation of the separation control member 540 moving from the home position to the second position and returning to the home position again.

In this embodiment, when the developing unit 9 moves from the developing position to the retracted position, the deformation portion 2020f does not change from the maintaining state to the permission state. On the other hand, when the developing unit 9 moves from the retracted position to the developing position, the deformation portion 2020f is changed to the maintaining state and the permission state as in above-described Embodiment 18.

In this embodiment, the deformation portion 2020f has been described as having a beam shape, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. The structure may be such that the shape different from the beam shape is deformed, and the first contacted surface 2020c and the third contacted surface 2020d are movable between an permission state in which the developing unit 9 can rotate, and the maintaining state in which the attitude is maintained with the developing unit 9 being in the retracted position and the developing position.

The deformation portion 2020f is structured to move between the permission state and the maintaining state relative to the drive-side cartridge cover 2020 so that the spacer can move between the restriction position and the permission position. Therefore, it can be said that the deformation portion 2020f is a spacer on the drum unit side.

According to the structure of this embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the first and Embodiment 1 and 9 can be provided.

Further, in this embodiment, the attitude of the developing unit 9 can be stably controlled with the structure in which the development cover member 2133 fixed to the developing unit 9 has the force receiving portion (first force receiving portion, contact force receiving portion) 2133e and the retracting force receiving portion (second force receiving portion, separating force) 2133m.

Embodiment 20

Referring to FIGS. 183 to 191, Embodiments of the process cartridge and the image forming apparatus according to embodiment 22 of the present invention will be described.

In this embodiment, structures and operations different from those of the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and description of similar structures and operations will be omitted. For the structure corresponding to that in the above-described embodiment, the same reference numerals and characters are assigned, or the reference numerals in the first part is changed while the reference numerals and characters in the second part are the same.

[Constituent Parts]

First, the structure of each component in this embodiment will be described.

The lever 22510 is provided with a force receiving portion (first force receiving portion, contact force receiving portion) 22510e and a retracting force receiving portion (second force receiving portion, separating force receiving portion) 22510a. Further, the lever 22510 is supported, at the supported hole 22510d thereof, by a supporting shaft 2233b provided in the development cover member 2233 which is a portion of the development frame and is rotatably mounted. Further, the lever 22510 is provided with an abutting portion 22510b.

A stopper portion 2233a is integrally provided on the development cover member 2233. By abutting against the abutting portion 22510b, the clockwise (V4 direction) and counterclockwise (V3 direction) rotation of the lever 22510 is restricted.

[Spring]

A tension spring (separation direction urging member) 22541 and a tension spring (contact direction urging member) 22542 are mounted between the drum unit 2208 and the developing unit 2209. The hook portion 22541b on one end side of the tension spring is mounted to the boss 2208b which is a portion of the drum frame of the drum unit 2208, and the other end hook portion 22541a of the tension spring 22541 is mounted to a boss 2209a which is a portion of the developing frame of the developing unit 2209. A counterclockwise moment (in the V1 direction) about the swing axis K acts on the developing unit 2209 by the tension spring 22541. Next, the tension spring 22542 will be described.

One end side hook portion 22542b of the tension spring 22542 is mounted to a boss 2208c which is a portion of the drum frame of the drum unit 2208. The other end hook portion 22542a of the tension spring 22542 is mounted to a shaft member 22511 which can slide in the oblong round hole 22510c of the lever 22510. The shaft member 22511 is constrained from moving in a direction parallel to the direction of the developing roller rotation axis M2, and can slide only in the longitudinal direction of the oblong round hole 22510c. By this tension spring 22542, it is possible to apply a clockwise moment (in the V2 direction) about the swing axis K to the developing unit 2209.

[Outline of Operation]

Next, referring to part (a) of FIG. 184 and part (b) of FIG. 184, the outline of the operation of this embodiment will be described. In the state of part (a) of FIG. 184, the developing unit 2209 is in the retracted position (separated position) with respect to the drum unit 2208 by the urging force of the tension spring 22541, in the free state of the process cartridge. At this time, the moment M2′ produced by the tension spring 22542 is smaller than the moment M1′ produced by the tension spring 22541. Further, the abutting portion 2209b of the developing unit 2209 and the abutting portion 2208d of the drum unit 2208 are in contact with each other, and the rotation of the developing unit 2209 in the arrow V1 direction is restricted. Therefore, it can be said that the drum unit 2208 stably maintains the developing unit 2209 in the retracted position (separated position). At this time, it is assumed that the lever 22510 and the tension spring 22542 constituting the holding portion are in the first positions for the drum unit 2208 to stably hold the developing unit in the retracted position (separation position).

As having been described in Embodiment 1, the separation control member 22540 moves from the home position to the first position (W52 direction) and returns to the home position. By this, the lever 22510 rotates about the rotation center 22510d to move to the second position (part (b) of FIG. 183). By this operation, the relative position of the other end hook 22542a of the tension spring 22542 to the oblong round hole 22510c of the shaft member 2251 changes, such that the distance from the swing axis K to the shaft member 22511 increases (L1 and L2′). At this time, the moment M2 produced by the tension spring 22542 is larger than the moment M1 produced by the tension spring 22541. By this, the developing unit 2209 moves from the retracted position (part (a) of FIG. 184) to the developing position (part (b) of FIG. 184). At this time, the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive member drum 104 are in contact with each other, and the rotation of the developing unit 2209 in the arrow V2 direction is restricted. Therefore, it can be said that the drum unit 2208 stably maintains the developing unit 2209 at the developing position (contact position). At this time, it is assumed that the lever 22510 and the tension spring constituting the holding portion are in the second positions for the drum unit 2208 to stably maintains the developing unit 2209 at the developing position (contact position).

[Contact Operation]

Next, referring to FIGS. 185 to 187, the details of the operation of the developing unit 2209 moving from the retracted position (separated position) to the developing position (contact position) will be described. First, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 185, the separation control member 22540 moves in the W52 direction. Next, the separation control member 22540 further moves in the W52 direction while contacting and pressing the force receiving portion (first force receiving portion, contact force receiving portion) 22510e, and the developing unit 2209 is rotated about the swing axis K in the direction of arrow V2 (direction from the retracted position to the developed position). Then, by contacting of the developing roller 106 to the photosensitive drum 104, the position of the developing unit 2209 is determined at the developing position, and the rotation is stopped.

Further, when the separation control member 22540 continues to move in the W52 direction, and the lever 22510 is rotated in the V4 direction (from the first position to the second position) about the rotation center 22510d the lever 22510 with the movement of the force receiving portion 22510e in the direction of W52. When the angle (0 shown in part (a) of FIG. 186) formed by the central axis of the oblong round hole 22510c and the coil central axis of the tension spring 22542 exceeds 90°, The shaft member 22511 connected to the other end of the tension spring 22542 slides in the oblong round hole 22510c of the lever 22510 in the W53 direction. Then, when the line connecting the center of the shaft member 22511 and the center of the boss 2208c exceeds the neutral point (in this case, the rotation center 2510d), the lever is rotated in the arrow V4 direction by the tensile force of the tension spring 22542. Finally, as shown in part (b) of FIG. 186, the first abutting portion 22510b1 of the abutting portion 22510b of the lever 22510 abuts against the first stopper portion 2233a1 of the stopper portion 2233a. By this, the rotation of the lever 22510 in the arrow V4 direction is stopped, and the position is determined at the second position. Further, the position of the shaft member 22511 is determined by abutting at the end portion 22510f of the oblong round hole 22510c, and the tension force of the tension spring 22542 acts on the developing unit 2209. Although the details will be described hereinafter, in this state, as to the rotational moment around the swing axis K, the rotational moment M2 produced by the tension spring 22542 is larger than the rotational moment M1 produced by the tension spring 22541, and therefore, the developing unit 2209 can be maintained at the developing position (contact position).

Next, the separation control member 22540 moves in the W51 direction. And, it return to the position (home position) in which the separation control member and the lever 22510 are not in contact with each other, and the movement of the developing unit 2209 from the retracted position to the developing position is completed.

[Separation Operation]

Next, the operation from the developing position (contact position) to the retracting position (separation position) will be described. As shown in part (a) of FIG. 188, when the developing unit is in the developing position, the separation control member 22540 starts moving in the direction of arrow W51.

Then, the first force application surface 22540b of the control member 22540 abuts and presses the retracting force receiving portion (second force receiving portion, separating force receiving portion) 22510a of the lever 22510, by which the developing unit 2209 starts to rotate in the arrow V1 direction (direction from the development position to the retracted position). When the abutting portion 2209b of the developing unit 2209 and the abutting portion 2208d of the drum unit 2208 come into contact with each other as shown in part (b) of FIG. 188, the rotation of the developing unit 2209 in the arrow V1 direction is restricted, and the position of the developing unit is determined at the retracted position.

Then, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 189, when the separation control member 22510 continues further to move in the W51 direction, the retracting force receiving portion 22510a is further pressed and the lever 22510 is rotated in the direction of the arrow V3 (direction from the second position to the first position) about the rotation center 22510d. Then, the shaft member 2251 to which the other end hook 22542a is connected slides in the oblong round hole 22510c in the W53 direction. Further, when the separation control member 22510 moves in the W51 direction, the line connecting the position of the tension spring 22542 with the center of the shaft member 22511 and the center of the boss 2208c goes beyond the neutral point (in this case, the rotation center 2510d). As shown in part (b) of FIG. 189, after passing through the neutral point, the shaft member 22511 further moves in the oblong round hole 22510c in the W53 direction by the tension force of the tension spring 22542. When the shaft member 22511 abuts to the upper end of the oblong round hole 22510c so that the movement in the W53 direction is stopped, the lever 22510 is rotated in the arrow V3 direction by the force of the tension spring 22542.

Then, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 190, the lever 22510 abuts finally against the second stopper portion 2233a2 of the stopper portion 2233a at the second abutting portion 22510b2 of the abutting portion 22510b. By this, the rotation of the lever 22510 relative to the development cover member 2233 is stopped, and the position is determined at the first position. Although the details will be described hereinafter, in this state, the distance between the tension spring 22542 and the swing axis K is shorter than the distance between the tension spring 22541 and the swing axis K, so that the rotation moment M2′ in the arrow V2 direction is less than the moment at the developed position. Then, since it is smaller than the rotational moment M1′ in the V1 direction generated by the tension spring 22541, it is possible to maintain the attitude of the retracted position (separation position). Then, as shown in part (b) of FIG. 190, the separation control member moves in the W52 direction, returns to a position (home position) not in contact with the separation control member 22540 and the lever 22510, and the movement operation to the retracted position is completed.

[Relationship of Forces]

Next, referring to part (a) of FIG. 191 and FIG. 191(b), the relationship between the forces acting on the developing unit when the developing unit 2209 is in the developing position and the retracted position will be described. Part (a) of FIG. 191 is an illustration showing the force acting on the developing unit 2209 at the developing position, and part (b) of FIG. 191 is an illustration showing the force acting on the developing unit 2209 at the retracted position. Here, the moments acting in the directions of arrows V1 and V2 at the development position are M1 and M2, respectively, and the moments acting in the directions of arrows V1 and V2 around the swing axis K at the retracted position are M1′ and M2′, respectively. And, the distance from the swing axis K to the boss 2209a at the developing position is L1, the distance from the swing axis K to the shaft member 22511 is L2, and the distance from the swing axis K to the shaft member 22511 at the retracted position is L2′.

First, referring to part (a) of FIG. 191, the relationship of forces at the developing position will be described. When the balance of moments is considered about the swing axis K, the moment M1 generated by the tension spring 22541 is expressed by M1=F1·L1. The moment M2 produced by the tension spring 22542 is expressed by M2=F2. L2. The distance between the swing axis K and the boss 2209a at the development position is L1, and the distance between the swing axis K and the boss 2208c and F1 is L2. Further, of the forces received by the boss 2209a from the tension spring 22541, the force in a tangential direction of a circle passing through the boss 2209a about the swing axis K is F1, and of the force received by the boss 2208c from the tension spring 22542, the force in a tangential direction of a circle passing through the boss 2208c about the swing axis K is F2.

Here, in order to maintain the attitude (stable holding) at the developing position, M2 and M1 are set so as to satisfy the following formula (1).

$\begin{array}{cc}\mathrm{M2}>M1& \left(1\right)\end{array}$

Next, referring to part (b) of FIG. 191, the relationship of forces at the retracted position will be described.

Assuming that the moments acting in the directions of the arrows V1 and V2 are M1′ and M2′, respectively, the moment produced by the tension spring 22541 is, when considering the balance of the moments about the swing axis K as described above, satisfy M1′=F1′·L1. The moment M2′ produced by the tension spring 22542 is expressed by M2′=F2′·L2′. Here, the distance between the swing axis K and the boss 2209a at the retracted position is L1′, and the distance between the swing axis K and the boss 2208c and F1 is L2′. Further, of the forces received by the boss 2209a from the tension spring 22541, the force in the tangential direction of a circle passing through the boss 2209a about the swing axis K is F1′, and the force received by the boss 2208c from the tension spring 22542 in the tangential direction of a circle passing through the boss 2208c about the swing axis K is F2′.

Here, in order to maintain the attitude (stable holding) at the retracted position, M1′ and M2′ are set so as to satisfy the following formula (2).

$\begin{array}{cc}M{2}^{{ }_{}\prime }<M{1}^{{ }_{}\prime }& \left(2\right)\end{array}$

Further, in the retracted position, the urging force F2′ of the tension spring 22542 may be 0 (zero) because the equation 2 may be satisfied.

[Holding Mechanism]

In the above-described embodiment, the structure for the drum unit 2208 to stably hold the developing unit 2209 at the retracted position and the developing position is the lever 22510 and the tension spring 22542 capable of taking the first position and the second position, respectively. However, it is also possible to see the structure of this embodiment as follows. That is, as a holding mechanism in which the drum unit 2208 stably holds the developing unit 2209 at the retracted position and the developing position, at least the lever 22510, the tension spring 22542, the boss 2208c, the shaft member 22511, the tension spring 22541, the boss 2208b, and the boss 2209a may be considered. In this case, it can be said that when the lever 22510 and the tension spring 22542 are in the first positions and the developing unit 2209 is in the retracted position, the holding mechanism is in the first state, and when the lever 22510 and the tension spring 22542 are in the second positions and the developing unit 2209 is in the developing position, the holding mechanism is in the second state.

As described above, in this embodiment, the developing unit 2209 is constantly urged by the tension spring 22541 in the direction from the developing position to the retracted position. Then, by changing the positions of the lever 22510 and the tension spring 22542 as the holding portion, the magnitude of the moment produced in the developing unit 2209 by the urging force of the tension spring 22542 is changed, and the movement between the developing position and the retracting position is carried out. With such a structure as well, the drum unit can stably hold the developing unit at each of the developing position and the retracting position. Therefore, the same effect as in Embodiments 1 and 9 can be provided.

Further, in this embodiment, the developing unit 2209 is urged toward the retracted position by the moment of the tension spring 22541 even when it is in the developing position, but the developing roller 106 is urged toward the photosensitive drum 104 by the moment of the tension spring 22542 so that the position of the developing unit 2209 can be determined. Therefore, the developing roller 106 can be contacted with the photosensitive drum 104 with an appropriate pressure.

Embodiment 21

Referring to FIGS. 192 to 194, a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 21 of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, structures and operations different from those of the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and description of similar structures and operations will be omitted. For the structure corresponding to that in the above-described embodiments, the same reference numerals and characters are assigned, or the reference numerals in the first part is changed while the reference numerals and characters in the second part are the same.

FIGS. 192 and 194 are illustrations of the process cartridge P as viewed from the drive-side inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 502. A urging member 2410 a holding portion that can be moved between a development holding position (first position) for the developing unit 9 to stably hold at the developing position and a separation holding position (second position) for stably holding the developing unit 9 at the retracted position.

In this embodiment, the urging member (restriction member, holding member, separation holding member) 2410 is a compression coil spring provided between the drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9. One end of the urging member 2410 is an end coil shape portion 2410b, and the other end is a hook shape portion 2410c.

The drum unit 8 is provided with an urging member supporting portion 2481 as a portion of a drum frame for supporting the end coil shape portion 2410b which is one end portion of the urging member 2410. The urging member supporting portion 2484 includes an urging member seating portion 2481b for receiving the end coil shape portion 2410b and an urging member outer diameter supporting portion 2481c for supporting the coil portion outer diameter side of the urging member 2410. One end side of the urging member is supported by the urging member seating portion 2481b and the urging member outer diameter supporting portion 2481c, so that the urging member seating portion 2481b is supported substantially linearly in the normal line direction.

Here, a straight line L80 is a line normal to the urging member seating portion 2484b on which the end coil shape portion 2410b which is one end of the urging member 2410 is seated, and passes through the swing axis K of the developing unit 9.

Next, the development cover member (a portion of the developing frame) 2433 of the developing unit 9 is provided with a spring-hooked portion 2433c having a cylindrical shape for supporting the hook shape portion 2410c. One end side of the urging member 2410 is supported by the drum unit 8, and the hook shape portion 2410c on the other end side is supported by engaging with the spring-hooked portion 2433c of the developing unit 9. The urging member 2410 is a compression coil spring, and is compressed between the drum unit 8 and the developing unit 9.

In this embodiment, the development cover member 2433 is provided with a force receiving portion (first force receiving portion, contact force receiving portion) 2433e for engaging with the separation control member 2440 provided in the image forming apparatus main assembly 502, and a retracting force receiving portion (second force receiving portion, separating force receiving portion) 2433m.

The separation control member 2440 is movable between a first position for moving the urging member 2410 to the contact holding position and a second position for moving the urging member 2410 to the separation holding position. Further, the separation control member 2440 is structured to be movable to a home position where the separation control member 2440 does not contact the force receiving portion 2433e and the retracting force receiving portion 2433m, between the first position and the second position.

Next, the description will be made as to behavior in which the urging member 2410 moves between the contact holding position (second position) for holding the developing unit 9 at the developing position (contacting position) and the separation holding position (first position) for holding the developing unit 9 at the retracting position (separating position). In part (a) of FIG. 192, the developing unit 9 is in the developing position, and the separation control member 2440 is in the first position. In part (c) of FIG. 192, the developing unit 9 is in the separated position, and the separation control member 2440 is in the second position. Part (b) of FIG. 192 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is in the process of switching from the developing position shown in part (a) of FIG. 192 to the spaced position shown in part (c) of FIG. 192. In part (d) of FIG. 192, the developing unit 9 is in the spaced position, and the separation control member 2440 is in the home position.

In part (a) of FIG. 192, the developing unit 9 is in the developing position, and the spring-hooked portion 2433c is placed on the downstream side in the arrow V2 direction from the straight line L80. When the separation control member 2440 moves from the first position in the W51 direction, the first force application surface 2440b and the retracting force receiving portion 2433m are brought into contact with each other, and the developing unit is rotated about the swing axis K in the V1 direction in part (b) of FIG. 192.

In part (b) of FIG. 192, as a result of the developing unit 9 rotating in the V1 direction from part (a) of FIG. 192, the spring-hooked portion 2433c is placed on the straight line L80.

Further, when the separation control member 2440 moves in the direction of W51 to the second position shown in part (c) of FIG. 192, the developing unit 9 rotates in the direction of the arrow V1 in part (b) of FIG. 192, and the spring-hooked portion 2433c becomes downstream of the straight line L80 in the V1 direction.

Here, part (a) of FIG. 193 to part (c) of FIG. 193 show the engagement state between the hook shape portion 2410c and the spring-hooked portion 2433c in part (a) of FIG. 192 to part (c) of FIG. 192, respectively. Referring to part (a) of FIG. 193 to part (c) of FIG. 193, the direction of the force received from the urging member 2410 to the spring-hooked portion 2433c in each engaged state will be described.

First, part (a) of FIG. 193 will be explained. In part (a) of FIG. 193 and part (a) of FIG. 192, the developing unit 9 is in the developing position, and the spring-hooked portion 2433c is placed on the downstream side in the arrow V2 direction from the straight line L80.

As described above, several turns of the coil on one end side of the urging member 2410 are supported by the urging member seating portion 2481b and the urging member outer diameter supporting portion 2488c, so that is supported substantially linearly in the direction substantially normal to the urging member seating portion 2481b.

On the other hand, the hook shape portion 2410c of the urging member 2410 is engaged with the spring-hooked portion 2433c placed on the downstream side in the arrow V2 direction from the straight line L80. Therefore, the urging member 2410 is arranged between the urging member supporting portion 2481 and the spring-hooked portion 2433c in an inclined state relative to the straight line L80.

The hook shape portion 2410c is engaged with the cylindrical spring-hooked portion 2433c. The inner diameter of the hook shape portion 2410c is larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of the spring-hooked portion 2433c, and therefore, the hook shape portion 2410c is rotatable relative to the spring-hooked portion 2433c.

Here, the intersection of the line L81 connecting the swing axis K of the developing unit 9 and the center of the spring-hooked portion 2433c and the cylindrical shape of the spring-hooked portion 2433c is a position P24b. Next, the position P24a of the hook shape portion 2410c and the spring-hooked portion 2433c when the developing unit 9 shown in part (a) of FIG. 192 is in the developing position is located on the downstream side in the arrow V1 direction from the position P24b.

The urging member 2410 is a compression coil spring compressed between the urging member supporting portion 2481 and the spring-hooked portion 2433c. At position P24a, the columnar portion of the spring-hooked portion 2433c contacts the coil-side (one end side) portion of the hook shape portion 2410c. As a result, the force received by the cylindrical portion of the spring-hooked portion 2433c is directed toward the center of the spring-hooked portion 2433c cylindrical portion. That is, the spring-hooked portion 2433c receives a force from the urging member 2410 in the direction of the arrow F85 in part (a) of FIG. 192 and part (a) of FIG. 193.

The directions of the arrow F85 in part (a) of FIGS. 192 and 193(a) are inclined toward the arrow V2 in part (a) of FIG. 192 with respect to the straight line L80. By doing so, the developing unit 9 which receives the force in the direction of arrow F85 from the urging member 2410 is urged to rotate in the direction of V2 (from the retracted position to the developing position). That is, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 192, when the developing unit 9 is placed at the developing position, the urging member 2410 is at the contact holding position (second position) in which the developing unit 9 can move to the developing position.

[Separation Operation]

Subsequently, the process of moving from the state shown in part (a) of FIG. 192 to the state shown in part (c) of FIG. 192 by way of the state shown in part (b) of FIG. 192 will be described. Part (b) of FIGS. 192 and (c) show the state in which the separation control member 2440 is moving from the first position to the second position, and the developing unit 9 is moving from the developing position (contact position) to the retracting position (separation position).

When the separation control member 2440 moves from the first position shown in part (a) of FIG. 192 in the W51 direction in part (a) of FIG. 192, the first force application surface 2440b and the retracting force receiving portion 2433m come into contact with each other, so that the developing unit 9 rotates about the swing axis K in the direction of the arrow V1 in part (b) of FIG. 192 (state shown in part (b) of FIG. 192). In part (b) of FIG. 192, as a result of the developing unit 9 rotating in the V1 direction from part (a) of FIG. 192, the spring-hooked portion 2433c is on the straight line L80. As the spring-hooked portion 2433c moves, the hook shape portion 2410c rotates with respect to the spring-hooked portion 2433c from the state shown in part (a) of FIG. 193, and is brought into contact with the spring-hooked portion 2433c at the position P24b in part (b) of FIG. 193. In this state, the urging member 2410 is placed in a compressed state between the urging member supporting portion 2481 and the spring-hooked portion 2433c substantially in parallel with the straight line L80.

At position P24b, the spring-hooked portion 2433c receives a force from the urging member 2410 in the direction of the arrow F86 in part (b) of FIGS. 192 and 193(b), which is substantially the same direction as the straight line L80. That is, the force in the direction of the arrow F86 is directed toward the center of the swing axis K of the developing unit 9, and therefore, the moment for rotating the developing unit 9 is unlikely to be produced.

Next, with the movement from the position shown in part (b) of FIG. 192 to that shown in part (c) of FIG. 192, the spring-hooked portion 2433c moves toward downstream of the straight line L80 in the arrow V1 direction. As described above, since the inner diameter of the hook shape portion 2410c is larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of the spring-hooked portion 2433c, the hook shape portion 2410c is rotatable with respect to the spring-hooked portion 2433c. Therefore, as the spring-hooked portion 2433c moves, the hook shape portion 2410c rotates relative to the spring-hooked portion 2433c from the state shown in part (b) of FIG. 193, and it is brought into contact with the spring-hooked portion 2433c at the position P24c in part (c) of FIG. 193.

In this state, the spring-hooked portion 2433c receives a force at the position P24c in the direction of the arrow F87 in part (c) of FIG. 193 toward the center of a columnar portion of the spring-hooked portion 2433c.

As shown in the direction of the arrow F87 in part (c) of FIG. 193, it is inclined with respect to the straight line L80 toward the downstream side of the arrow V1 in part (b) of FIG. 192, and is placed in a compressed state between the urging member supporting member 2481 and the spring-hooked portion 2433c. By this, the developing unit 9 which receives the force in the direction of arrow F87 from the urging member 2410 is urged by a moment in the V1 direction (direction from the developing position to the retracted position). In this manner, the spring-hooked portion 2433c moves as the developing unit 9 rotates, so that the direction of the force acting on the spring-hooked portion 2433c by the urging member 2410 is switched. By this, the urging direction of the urging member 2410 on the spring-hooked portion 2433c is the same as the direction in which the developing unit moves from the contact holding position to the separation holding position, and therefore, the urging member 2410 can be stably moved from the holding position (second position) to the separation holding position (first position). The developing unit 9 rotates until the developing frame comes into contact with a rotation stop portion (positioning portion at the time of retraction) (not shown) provided on the drum frame of the drum unit 8, and is positioned in contact with the rotation stop portion and is maintained at the retracted position (separation position). At this time, it can be said that the developing unit 9 is stably held in the retracted position (separated position) by the drum unit 8.

Part (d) of FIG. 192 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is in the retracted position and the separation control member 2440 is in the home position. Similarly to the Embodiment 9, even when the separation control member 2440 is at the home position, the developing unit 9 is maintained at the retracted position, and the separation control member 2440 can be maintained in the state not contacting the force receiving portion 2433e and the retracting force receiving portion 2433m. Therefore, the developing unit 9 placed at the retracted position does not apply a load on the separation control member 2440 (state shown in part (d) of FIG. 192).

[Contact Operation]

Next, referring to FIG. 194, the operation of moving the developing unit 9 from the retracted position to the developed position will be described. Part (a) of FIG. 194 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is in the retracted position and the separation control member 2440 is in the home position. Part (b) of FIG. 194 shows a state in which the separation control member 2440 is moving from the home position to the first position in the W52 direction in part (b) of FIG. 194 and the developing unit 9 is moving from the retracted position to the developing position. Part (c) of FIG. 194 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is placed at the developing position and the separation control member 2440 is placed at the first position.

When the separation control member 2440 moves from the home position in the W52 direction in part (a) of FIG. 194, the second force application surface 2440c of the separation control member 2440 and the force receiving portion 2433e of the development cover member 2433 come into contact with each other, and the developing unit 9 rotates in the V2 direction in part (b) of FIG. 194. As the developing unit 9 rotates in the V2 direction in part (b) of FIG. 194, the spring-hooked portion 2433c changes from the state of part (c) of FIG. 193 to the state of part (b) of FIG. 193 by way of the state of part (a) of FIG. 193. In the state of part (a) of FIG. 193, the urging member 2410 is in the contact holding position (second position) for applying a moment in the V2 direction to the developing unit 9.

When the urging member 2410 moves to the contact holding position, the developing unit rotates in the V2 direction in part (b) of FIG. 194 and moves to the developing position in which the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4 are in contact with each other (state shown in part (c) of FIG. 194). The separation control member 2440 moved to the first position is separated from the force receiving portion 2433e of the developing unit 9 moved to the developing position, so that no load is applied to the separation control member 2440 from the developing unit 9. At this time, it can be said that the developing unit 9 is stably held at the developing position (contact position) by the drum unit 8.

As described above, the acting direction of the urging member 2410 is switched from the direction of the arrow F85 in part (a) of FIG. 194 to the direction of the arrow F87 in part (c) of FIG. 194, and the direction of the moment for rotating the developing unit 9 by the urging member 2410 switches from the direction of the arrow V1 in part (c) of FIG. 194 to the direction of the arrow V2 in part (b) of FIG. 194. That is, since the urging direction of the urging member 2410 to the developing unit 9 is the same as the rotational direction of the developing unit 9 by the movement of the separation control member 2440, the urging member 2410 can be stably moved from the separation holding position (first position) to the contact holding position (second position).

In this embodiment, the urging member 2410 comprises a compression coil spring, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. That is, the urging member 2410 may include a tension spring. However, in order to align the moving direction of the separation control member 2440 with the urging direction of the urging member to the developing unit 9, it is necessary that a movable member 950 for switching the rotational direction as shown in the Embodiment 13 is additionally provided.

[Holding Mechanism]

In the above-described embodiment, the structure for the drum unit 8 to stably hold the developing unit 9 at the retracted position and the developed position is the urging member 2410 capable of taking the first position and the second position is the holding portion. However, it is also possible to see the structure of this embodiment as follows. That is, as a holding mechanism with which the drum unit 8 stably holds the developing unit 9 at the retracted position and the developing position, at least the urging member 2410, the urging member supporting portion 2488, and the spring-hooked portion 2433c can be mentioned. In this case, it can be said that when the urging member takes the first position and the developing unit 9 takes the retracted position, the holding mechanism is in the first state, and when the urging member 2410 takes the second position and the developing unit 9 takes the developing position, the holding mechanism is in the second state.

According to the structure of this embodiment described above, the same effects as those of Embodiment 1 and 9 can be provided.

Further, according to this embodiment, since the direction in which the developing unit 9 is urged by the urging member 2410 can be changed to match the direction in which the developing unit 9 is urged by the separation control member 2440, the movement of the urging member 2410 between the contact holding position (second position) and the separation holding position (first position) can be stabilized. That is, the control of the attitude of the developing unit 9 can be stabilized.

Embodiment 22

Referring to FIGS. 195 and 196, an embodiment of the process cartridge and the image forming apparatus according to embodiment 22 of the present invention will be described.

In this embodiment, structures and operations different from those of the Embodiment 9 will be mainly described, and description of similar structures and operations will be omitted. For the structure corresponding to that in above-described Embodiment 9, the same reference numerals and characters are assigned, or the reference numerals in the first part is changed while the reference numerals and characters in the second part are the same.

In this embodiment, the developing unit 9 maintains the retracted position by engaging between the tray 110 which supports the process cartridge P and the holding member 2510 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 described in the Embodiment 9. The details will be described below.

The mounting portion 110a for mounting the process cartridge of the tray 110 shown in FIGS. 130 and 134 is provided with a plurality of partitions 110b (110bM, 110bC, in FIGS. 195 and 196) corresponding to the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK, respectively. By these partitions 110b, four spaces for accommodating the four process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are formed the mounting portion 110a.

FIGS. 195 and 196 are illustrations of the second process cartridge PM placed in the second inner position inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 shown in FIG. 130 of an Embodiment 9, as viewed from the drive-side.

Referring first to FIG. 195, an operation in which the developing unit 9 of the process cartridge PM carried between the partitions 110bM and 110bC moves from the developing position to the retracted position will be described.

Part (a) of FIG. 195 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is in the developing position and the separation control member 540 is in the home position. Part (b) of FIG. 195 and part (c) of FIG. 195 show a state in which the separation control member 540 is moving from the home position to the second position and the developing unit 9 is moving from the developing position to the retracting position. Part (d) of FIG. 195 shows a state in which the developing unit is in the retracted position and the separation control member 540 is in the home position.

The holding member 2510 of this embodiment is the same as that of the Embodiment 9, and as shown in part (a) of FIG. 195, the supported hole (second contact portion, contact portion) 2510a is rotatably supported by the supporting shaft 2533c of the development cover member 2533, and is urged by a tension spring 530 (a urging means) in the direction of the arrow B1 in part (a) of FIG. 195. Further, by the first restricted surface 2510h of the holding member 2510 being brought into contact with the first restriction surface 2533h of the development cover member 2533, the rotation of the holding member 2510 urged by the tension spring 530 is restricted. The holding member 2510 is provided with a projecting portion (holding portion) 2501b projecting from the supported hole 2510a in the direction opposite to that of the photosensitive drum 4, and is provided with a partition contact portion (engaging portion) 2510s at the free end of the projecting shape. Further, the holding member 2510 is provided with the force receiving portion (first force receiving portion, contact force receiving portion) 2510e projecting in the direction of arrow Z2 in part (a) of FIG. 195, similarly to the Embodiment 9.

The development cover member 2533 is fixed to the developing unit 9 as in the Embodiment 9, and is provided with a retracting force receiving portion (second force receiving portion, separating force receiving portion) 2533m projecting in the direction of arrow Z2 in part (a) of FIG. 195.

The separation control member 540 of this embodiment is provided in the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 as in the Embodiment 9. As shown in part (a) of FIG. 195, the force receiving portion 2510e, the separation control member 540, and the retracting force receiving portion 2533m are arranged in this order in the W51 direction in part (a) of FIG. 195. Similarly to the Embodiment 9, the separation control member 540 can move between the first position and the second position. Further, the separation control member 540 is structured to be movable to a home position at which it does not contact the force receiving portion 2510e and the retracting force receiving portion 2533m between the first position and the second position.

[Separation Operation]

When the separation control member 540 moves in the direction which is from the home position shown in part (a) of FIG. 195 toward the second position (W51 direction), the first force application surface 540b and the retracting force receiving portion 2533m of the development cover member 2533 are brought into contact with each other, and the first force application surface 540b urges the retracting force receiving portion 2533m. As shown in part (b) of FIG. 195, when the retracting force receiving portion 2533m is urged, the developing unit 9 is rotated in the V1 direction which is the direction from the developing position to the retracting position around the swing axis K. At this time, the holding member 2510 supported by the development cover member 2533 also rotates about the swing axis K in the direction of the arrow V1 in part (b) of FIG. 195, and the partition contact portion 2510s of the holding member 2510 is brought into contact with the partition 110bM. Then, the partition contact portion 2510s receives a reaction force from the partition 110bM in the direction of the arrow N8 in part (b) of FIG. 195. By this, the holding member 2510 rotates in the direction of the arrow B2 in part (b) of FIG. 195 about the supported hole (second contact portion) 2510a and the support portion 2533c, and the partition contact portion 2510s rotates and moves. Therefore, the partition contact portion 2510s moves in the direction of arrow Z2 in part (b) of FIG. 195 beyond the lower end portion 110bMa of the partition 110bM.

When the separation control member 540 moves from the state shown in part (b) of FIG. 195 in the W51 direction in part (b) of FIG. 195 and moves to the second position shown in part (c) of FIG. 195, the partition contact portion 2510s moves in the W51 direction in part (b) of FIG. 195 beyond the partition 110bM. When the partition contact portion 2510s is separated from the partition 110bM, the holding member 2510 is rotated by the tension spring 530 in the direction of the arrow B1 in part (c) of FIG. 195 about the supported hole (second contact portion) 2510a and the support portion 2533c. Then, the attitude of the holding member 2510 is restricted by the second restricted surface 2510t of the holding member 2510 contacting the lower end portion 110bMa of the partition 110bM (state of part (c) of FIG. 195). The position of the holding member 2510 at this time is a position circumventing the partition 110bM in order to engage with the partition 110bM.

When the separation control member 540 moves in the W52 direction in part (c) of FIG. 195 and returns to the home position from the second position from the state shown in part (c) of FIG. 195, the developing unit 9 is rotated in the direction of arrow V2 in part (c) of FIG. 195 by the driving force received by the development coupling member 74. Then, the holding member 2510 supported by the development cover member 2533 also rotates and moves in the direction of the arrow V2 in part (c) of FIG. 195, and the partition contact portion 2510s is brought into contact with the contact portion 110bMb of the partition 110bM. When the partition contact portion 2510s contacts the contact portion (contacted portion, engaging portion) 110bMb of the partition 110bM, the rotation of the developing unit 9 stops (state shown in part (d) of FIG. 195). At this time, the holding member 2510 is in the restriction position (separation holding position, first position) in which, one end of the projecting portion (holding portion) 2501b contacts (engages) the contact portion (contacted portion, engaging portion) 110bMb of the partition 110bM, and at the other end, the supported hole 2510a contacts the support portion 2533c. That is, the holding member 2510 is engaged with the partition 110bM. Therefore, the developing unit 9 is maintained (stably held) at the retracted position (separated position).

As shown in part (d) of FIG. 195, the separation control member 540 placed at the home position is separated from the holding member 2510 and the development cover member 2533, and therefore, no load is applied thereto from the developing unit 9.

As described above, the developing unit 9 can be moved from the development position (contact position) to the retracted position (separation operation) by the operation of the separation control member 540 moving from the home position to the second position and returning to the home position again.

[Contact Operation]

Next, referring to FIG. 196, the operation of moving the developing unit 9 from the retracted position to the developed position will be described. Part (a) of FIG. 196 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is in the retracted position and the separation control member 540 is in the home position. Part (b) of FIG. 196 and part (c) of FIG. 196 show a state in which the separation control member 540 is moving from the home position in the W52 direction, and the developing unit 9 is moving from the retracted position to the developing position. Part (d) of FIG. 196 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is located at the developing position and the separation control member 540 is located at the home position.

As shown in part (b) of FIG. 196, when the separation control member 540 moves in the direction which is from the home position toward the first position (W52 direction), the second force application surface 540c of the separation control member 540 and the force receiving portion 2510e of the holding member 2510 are brought into contact with each other, and the second force application surface 540c urges the force receiving portion 2510e. The holding member 2510 thus urged by the force receiving portion 2510e is rotated about the supported hole (second contact portion) 2510a and the supporting portion 2533c in the direction of the arrow B2 in part (b) of FIG. 196. When the holding member 2510 rotates, the partition contact portion 2510s rotationally moves in the direction of the arrow B2 in part (b) of FIG. 196, and therefore, the partition contact portion 2510s is moved beyond the lower end portion 110bMa of the partition 110bM in the arrow Z2 direction in part (b) of FIG. 196, so that the contact portion (contacted portion, engaging portion) 110bMb and the partition contact portion 2510s are separated from each other, and the engagement between the holding member 2510 and the partition 110bM is broken. The position of the holding member 2510 at this time is a position which circumvents the partition 110bM in order to release the engagement with the partition 110bM, and is also a position for allowing the developing unit 9 to move to the developing position (contact position).

When the partition contact portion 2510s is separated from the partition 110bM, the partition contact portion 2510s comes into contact with the contact portion 110bMb of the partition 110bM, so that the developing unit 9 maintained in the retracted position is rotated in the arrow V2 direction by the driving force received by the development coupling member 74 and the urging force of the developing unit urging spring 134 (see FIG. 131, and so on) and is moved to the developing position (contact position) (state in part (c) of FIG. 196).

When the separation control member 540 shown in part (c) of FIG. 196 moves from the first position in the direction of the arrow W51 in part (c) of FIG. 196 toward the home position, the holding member 2510 is rotated by the tension spring 530 in the B1 direction. Then, the attitude of the holding member 2510 is restricted by the first restricted surface 2510h of the holding member 2510 coming into contact with the first restriction surface 2533h of the development cover member 2533. (State of part (d) of FIG. 196)

As shown in part (d) of FIG. 196, the separation control member 540 placed at the home position is separated from the holding member 2510 and the development cover member 2533, so that no load is applied thereto from the developing unit 9.

As described above, the developing unit 9 can be moved from the retracted position to the developed position by the operation of the separation control member 540 moving from the home position to the first position and returning to the home position again.

As described above, the holding member 2510 is provided with a portion (projecting portion 2501b) projecting from the developing unit 9 (or the developing frame) in the direction crossing the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller (in this embodiment, the direction perpendicular to each other). Further, the projecting portion is provided with an engaging portion 2510s. Therefore, the engaging portion 2510s can be engaged with the tray 110 to hold the developing unit 9 at a predetermined position (retracted position (separated position) in this embodiment).

The direction in which the holding member 2510 projects from the developing unit 9 (or the developing frame) is not limited to the direction crossing the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller (the direction perpendicular to each other in this embodiment).

Further, in this embodiment, the holding member 2510 is structured to engage with the partition 110b of the tray 110, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the holding member 2510 may be engaged with another portion of the tray 110 or another portion of the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 to hold the developing unit 9 at a predetermined position. Further, in this embodiment, the position of the developing unit 9 when the holding member 2510 is engaged with the ray 110 or the like is the retracted position (separation position), but the developing unit 9 may be held at the developing position (contact position). In this case, in place of the developing unit urging spring 134, a tension spring (separation direction urging member) 22541 or the like as described in the 20th embodiment may be used so that the developing unit 9 is urged in the direction from the developing position to the retracted position.

According to the structure of this embodiment described above, the same effects as those of Embodiment 1 and 9 can be provided.

Embodiment 23

Referring to FIGS. 197 to 200, a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment 23 of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, structures and operations different from those of the above-described embodiment 22 will be mainly described, and description of similar structures and operations will be omitted. For the structure corresponding to that in above-described Embodiment 22, the same reference numerals and characters are assigned, or the reference numerals in the first part is changed while the reference numerals and characters in the second part are the same.

In this embodiment, a part of the tray 110 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 described in the 22nd embodiment and supporting the process cartridge P and the slope 2633b2 of the holding member 2633b which is a portion of the developing unit 2690 are brought into contact with each other, so that the developing unit 2609 is maintained at the retracted position. The details will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 197, the mounting portion 110a for mounting the process cartridge of the tray 110 includes a plurality of partitions 110b (110bM, 110bC, and so on) corresponding to the process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK, respectively. By these partitions 110b, four spaces for accommodating the four process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are formed in the mounting portion 110a.

FIGS. 197 to 200 are illustrations of the second process cartridge PM placed at the second inner position inside the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 shown in FIG. 130 of the Embodiment 9, as viewed from the drive-side. For better illustration, FIGS. 197 to 200 are illustrations in which the tray 110 is partially cut so that the separation control member and the partition 110b can be seen. FIGS. 201 to 203 are partially enlarged views of the holding member portion in each embodiment, in which (a) shows a state of a retracted position, and (b) shows a state of a developed position.

[Movement to Development Position]

First, referring to FIGS. 197 to 198, the operation of the developing unit 2609 of the process cartridge PM installed between the partitions 110bM and 110bC from the retracted position to the developing position will be described. Part (a) of FIG. 197 shows a state in which the developing unit 2609 is in the retracted position and the separation control member 26540 is in the home position. Part (b) of FIG. 197 and part (a) of FIG. 198 show a state in which the separation control member 26540 is moving from the home position to the first position and the developing unit 2609 is moving from the retracted position to the developing position.

Part (b) of FIG. 198 shows a state in which the developing unit 2609 is in the developing position and the separation control member 26540 is in the home position.

The separation control member 26540 of this embodiment is provided in the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 as in the Embodiment 9. As shown in part (a) of FIG. 197, the force receiving portion 2633e, the separation control member 26540, and the retracting force receiving portion 2633a are arranged in this order in the W51 direction. Similarly to an Embodiment 9, the separation control member 26540 can move between the first position and the second position. Further, the separation control member is structured to be movable to the home position in which the force receiving portion 2633e and the retracting force receiving portion 2633a do not contact each other, between the first position and the second position.

The development cover member 2633, which is a portion of the developing frame, is provided with a force receiving portion 2633e and a retracting force receiving portion 2633a. Further, the development cover member 2633 is provided integrally with a holding member 2633b. The holding member 2633b is provided with an elastic portion 2633f which flexes when a force is applied, a curved surface 2633b1, and a slope 2633b2. In this embodiment, elasticity is provided by a molded leaf spring made of resin mold. However, as another example, the holding member 2633s may have a metal spring 2633sl as shown in FIG. 202, or the holding member 2633t itself may be a metal leaf spring as shown in FIG. 203.

[Contact Operation]

When the separation control member 26540 moves from the home position shown in part (a) of FIG. 197 in the W52 direction, which is the direction toward the first position, the first force application surface 26540c and the force receiving portion provided on the development cover member 2633 (first force receiving portion, contact force receiving portion) 2633e are brought into contact with each other, so that the first force application surface 26540c urges the force receiving portion 2633e. As shown in part (b) of FIG. 197, when the force receiving portion 2633e urges the first force application surface 26540c, the developing unit 2609 is rotated from the retracted position (separated position) about the swing axis K toward the developing position (direction of arrow V2 in part (b) of FIG. 90.

At this time, the holding member 2633b provided on the development cover member 2633 also rotates about the swing axis K in the direction of the arrow V2, and the slope 2633b2 of the holding member 2633b abuts against the partition 110bC due to the component force of the slope, and the elastic portion 2633f flexes (elastically deforms).

Then, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 198 and part (b) of FIG. 201, the surface 110bC2 of the partition 110bC and the curved surface 2633b1 come into contact with each other, and the holding member 2633b is placed in the gap between the partition 110bC and the developing frame of the developing unit 2609. In this state, the developing unit 2609 is in the developing position (contact position), and the developing unit is maintained in the developing position by the driving torque of the developing roller from the image forming apparatus main assembly and the urging by the developing unit urging spring (see FIG. 130 and the like).

The curved surface 2633b1 has an arc shape (see part (b) of FIG. 201) in which the center of the arc is the same as the swing axis K at the time when it is bent, and the reaction force produced when the developing unit 2609 is in the developing position does not act as a moment to rotate the developing unit 2609 in the V1 direction or the V2 direction.

As shown in part (b) of FIG. 198, the separation control member 26540 placed at the home position is separated from the force receiving portion 2633e, and therefore, the no load is applied from the developing unit 9.

As described above, the developing unit 9 is moved from the retracting position (separation position) to the developing position (contact position) By the separation control member 26540 moving from the home position to the first position and returning to the home position again.

[Separation Operation]

Next, referring to FIGS. 199 to 200, the operation will be described in which the developing unit 2609 of the process cartridge PM installed between the partition 110bM and the partition 110bC moves from the development position (contact position) to the retracted position (separation position). Part (a) of FIG. 199 shows a state in which the developing unit 2609 is in the developing position and the separation control member 26540 is in the home position. Part (b) of FIG. 199 and part (a) of FIG. 200 show a state in which the separation control member is moving from the home position to the second position and the developing unit 9 is moving from the developing position to the retracted position. Part (b) of FIG. 200 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is in the retracted position and the separation control member 26540 is in the home position.

When the separation control member 26540 moves from the home position shown in part (a) of FIG. 199 in the W51 direction, which is the direction toward the second position, the first force application surface 26540b is brought into contact with and urges force receiving portion (second force receiving portion, separating force receiving portion) 2633a provided on the development cover member 2633.

As shown in part (b) of FIG. 199, when the retracting force receiving portion 2633a is urged against the first force application surface 26540b, the developing unit 2609 is rotated about the swing axis K in the direction which is a direction from the developing position to the retracting position (arrow V1 direction). With further rotation, the elastic deformation of the elastic portion 2633f is restored, and the contact point between the corner portion 110bC1 of the partition 110bC and the holding member 2633b moves from the curved surface 2633b1 to the slope 2633b2 Then, it receives the reaction force F26 from the corner of the partition 110bC on the slope 2633b2 (See part (a) of FIG. 201). By the slope 2633b2, a moment for rotating the developing unit 2609 in the arrow V1 direction is produced, and the moment balances with the moment in the V2 direction (gravity of the developing unit 2609, driving torque received from the apparatus main assembly, and so on), so that the position (separation position) is maintained (held). That is, in this embodiment, the slope 2633b2 of the holding member (holding portion) 2633b is an engaging portion which engages with the corner portion (engaged portion) of the partition 110bC.

Then, as shown in part (b) of FIG. 200, the separation control member 26540 located at the home position is separated from the retracting force receiving portion 2633a, so that no load is applied thereto from the developing unit 9.

As described above, by the separation control member 540 moving from the home position to the second position and returning to the home position again, the developing unit can be moved from the contact position (contact position) to the retracted position (separation position), the retracted position can be maintained.

In this embodiment, when the developing unit 2609 is in the developing position, the curved surface 2633b1 and the partition 110bC are in contact with each other, but they may be separated from each other. In addition, the holding member is a projecting portion projecting from the developing unit (or development frame). And, the projecting direction thereof crosses (perpendicular to) with the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller in a direction from the developing unit 2609 toward the drum unit 2608 (or photosensitive drum). However, the direction in which the holding member 2510 projects from the developing unit 9 (or development frame) is not limited to such an example, as will be described with a modification which will be described hereinafter.

Further, in this embodiment, the holding member 2633b of the developing unit 2609 is brought into contact with the partition 110bC of the tray 110 to hold the developing unit at a predetermined position (retracted position), but this is not limiting to the present invention. That is, the holding member 2633b may be contacted with a of the tray 110 other than the partition bC or a of the image forming apparatus main assembly 502 other than the tray 110 to hold the developing unit 2609 at a predetermined position (retracted position).

Further, in this embodiment, the force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 2633e and the retracting force receiving portion (separation force receiving portion) 2633a are provided on the development cover member 2633 constituting the developing frame of the developing unit 2609, but the present invention is not limited to such an example.

That is, the developing unit is provided with movable members (152R, 152L, and so on) which are pressed by the cartridge pressing unit 191 or the like and move from the stand-by position to the operating position in the ZA direction as shown in Embodiments 1 to 8 and the like. Further, a force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 2633e and a retracting force receiving portion (separation force receiving portion) 2633a are provided at positions where a force can be received from the separation control member (196) when the movable member is in the operating position. As a specific example, the retracting force receiving portion (separation force receiving portion) 2633a is disposed at the position where the first force receiving portion 152Rk is provided, and the force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 2633e is disposed at the position where the second force receiving portion 152Rn is provided.

When the force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 2633e receives a force in the W42 direction, the developing unit moves in the direction which is from the separation position to the contact position, and when the retracting force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 2633a receives a force in the W41 direction, the force is transmitted from the movable member to the developing frame so that the developing unit moves in the direction which is from the contact position to the separation position.

With such a structure, the above-mentioned contact operation is carried out, by the developing unit moving in the direction which is a direction from the separation position to the contact position, and the separation operation described above is carried out, by the developing unit moving in the direction which is a direction from the contact position to the separation position.

Another Example of Embodiment 23

Another embodiment, that is, embodiment 23 will be described. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 204, the holding member 2633′b is provided so as to project at least in the direction of the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller. The holding member 2633′b is brought into contact with a side surface portion 110bCS and an almost horizontal surface portion 110bC3 of the tray 110 to maintain (hold) the developing unit 2609 in the retracted position (separated position).

A hole (opening, cut-away portion) 52θ′H is provided in the drive-side cartridge cover member 52θ′, which is a part of the drum frame. The holding member 2633′b provided integrally with the development cover member 2633′ which is a part of the developing frame penetrates the hole 52θ′H to contact the almost horizontal surface portion 110bC3.

The relationship between the holding member 2633′ of the developing unit 2609, the side surface portion 110bCS, and the almost horizontal surface portion 110bC3 is similar to the relationship between the holding member 2633, the partition 110bC, the corner portion 110bC1, or the surface 110bC2 in the above-described embodiment 26.

FIG. 205 is a view illustrating the movement of the holding member 2633′ in which the drive-side cartridge cover member 52θ′ is not shown for better illustration.

Part (a) of FIG. 205 is an illustration showing a state in which the developing unit 2609 is in the retracted position (separated position). At this time, the slope 2633′b2 and the almost horizontal surface portion 110bC3 are in contact with the holding member 2633′b, and therefore, the developing unit 2609 is maintained (held) at the retracted position.

Part (b) of FIG. 205 is an illustration showing a state in which the developing unit 2609 is in the developing position (contact position). At this time, the holding member 2633′b is in a state where at least a portion of the flat surface 2633′b1 is submerged below the almost horizontal surface portion 110bC3 (see part (c) of FIG. 205), and the developing unit 2609 is maintained (held) in the developing position (contact position).

According to the structure of this embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the first and Embodiment 9s can be provided.

Embodiment 24

In this embodiment, structures and operations different from those of the Embodiment 1 described above will be mainly described, and description of similar structures and operations will be omitted. For the structure corresponding to that in above-described Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals and characters are assigned, or the reference numerals in the first part is changed while the reference numerals and characters in the second part are the same.

FIG. 206 is a perspective view of the cartridge tray 1771. FIG. 207 is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge 1700C and a cartridge tray 1771, and is a view illustrating the operation related to the separation/contact mechanism, wherein (a) shows a separation state, and (b) shows a contact state. First, the cartridge tray 1771 will be described. As shown in FIG. 206, a contacted portion 1771b (M, C, K (Y is unillustrated)) extending inward in the longitudinal direction is provided at the longitudinal end of the cartridge tray 1771. Since all Y, M, C and K parts have the same structure, the suffix YMCK will be omitted in the following. The contacted portion 1771 is provided with a contacted surface 1771c facing the arrow X1 direction (the pushing direction of the cartridge tray 1771). Further, a second restriction surface 1771d adjacent to the contacted surface 1771c on the upper side (Z1 direction) is provided.

Next, referring to FIG. 207, the structure of the process cartridge 1700C will be described. The drive-side cartridge cover member 1716C, which is a portion of the drum frame, does not have a portion corresponding to the contacted surface 116c of the process cartridge 100, and instead, a space portion 1716Ce is provided to permit insertion of the contacted portion 1771b of the cartridge tray 1771. In the other respects, the structure of the process cartridge 1700C is the same as that of the process cartridge 100. Particularly, the process cartridge 1700C is similar to the process cartridge 100 in that it has a movable member 1752R and a spacer (restriction member, holding member) 1751R.

Next, the arrangement when the process cartridge 1700C is mounted on the cartridge tray will be described. The main difference between the Embodiment 1 and this embodiment is that the portion corresponding to the contacted surface 116c of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 of Embodiment 1 is the contacted surface 1771c of the cartridge tray 1771. Therefore, in the spaced state of the developing unit 1709 shown in part (a) of FIG. 207, the contact portion 1751Rc of the spacer 1751R contacts the contacted surface 1771c. Further, in the contacted state of the developing unit 1709 shown in part (b) of FIG. 207, the contact portion 1751Rc of the spacer 1751R is separated from the contacted surface 1771c, and the restricted surface (restricted portion) 1751Rk contacts the second restriction surface 1771d.

By applying the above structure, it is possible to provide the contacted surface on the cartridge tray 1771. The description of the operation of the separation/contact mechanism is the same as that in the Embodiment 1, and therefore, the description thereof will be omitted.

Further, in this embodiment, the contact/separation mechanism is provided only on the drive-side, but it may be provided only on the non-drive-side or may be provided on both of the drive-side and the non-drive-side. It can be appropriately selected according to the structure to which the invention is applied.

According to the structure of this embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the first and Embodiment 9s can be provided.

Embodiment 25

Referring to FIGS. 208 to 211, Embodiment 25 of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, structures and operations different from those of the above-described embodiment 14 will be mainly described, and description of similar structures and operations will be omitted. For the structure corresponding to that in above-described Embodiment 14, the same reference numerals and characters are assigned, or the reference numerals in the first part is changed while the reference numerals and characters in the second part are the same.

FIG. 208 is an illustration showing a state before the process cartridge P and the spacer 1110 are engaged. FIG. 209 is an illustration showing a state in which the process cartridge P and the spacer 1110 have been engaged. FIG. 210 is a partially enlarged view sequentially illustrating the process in which the process cartridge P and the spacer 1110 are being engaged with each other.

In this embodiment, there is no space between the force receiving portion (separation force receiving portion) 1110m and the force receiving portion (first force receiving portion, contact force receiving portion) 1110e of the retracting force receiving portion (second force receiving portion) of the spacer 1110, when the process cartridge P is in a free state (natural state not mounted to the image forming apparatus 502) and in the state before the tray 110 is lowered.

As shown in FIG. 208, an elastic member 1110SG1 (see FIG. 210) and an elastic member 1110SG2 are integrally mounted to the spacer 1110 between the retracting force receiving portion 1110m and the force receiving portion 1110e. The elastic members 1110SG1 and 1110SG2 are made of cushioning material such as urethane foam, but elastic members such as low-hardness rubber members and silicone members may also be used. Further, the elastic members 1110SG1 and 1110SG2 may be mounted to the retracting force receiving portion 1110m and the force receiving portion 1110e by using double-sided tape or an adhesive.

As shown in part (a) of FIGS. 208 and 210(a), a slit portion 110SL is provided between the elastic members 1110SG1 and 1110SG2, and in the free state of the process cartridge, the elastic members 1110SG1 and the elastic members 1110SG2 are in close contact with each other without a gap therebetween. In this example, two elastic members are used, but a structure in which a slit portion is provided in single elastic member may be used.

As shown in part (b) of FIG. 210, when the process cartridge is lowered in the main assembly, the first force application surface 540b and the second force application surface 540c enter the slit portion 1110SL, and finally, the state shown in FIG. 209 and part (c) of FIG. 210 results. In this state, the retracting force receiving portion 1110m and the force receiving portion 1110e can receive the separation force and the contact force from the separation control member 540 by way of the elastic members 1110SG1 or 1110SG2 provided between the force application portions 540b and 540c.

FIG. 211 is an illustration showing an operation in which the developing unit 9 moves between the developing position (contact position) and the retracting position (separation position). Part (a) of FIG. 211 shows a state in which the developing unit 9 is in the developing position and the separation control member 540 is in the home position. When the developing unit 9 is moved to the retracted position, the separation control member 540 moves in the direction of W51, so that the state shown in part (b) of FIG. 211 is changed to the state shown in part (c) of FIG. 211. When the separation control member 540 moves from there in the W52 direction and returns to the home position, the developing unit 9 is placed in the retracted position as shown in part (d) of FIG. 211. When the developing unit 9 is moved to the developing position, the separation control member 540 moves in the direction of W52 from the state shown in part (d) of FIG. 211 to move the developing unit 9 to the developing position, and then the separation control member 540 moves in the direction W51 to return to the home position, and the state shown in part (a) of FIG. 211 results.

Such movement between the developing position (contact position) and the retracting position (separation position) of the developing unit 9 is the same operation as that in the Embodiment 11 described above, and therefore, the details thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, even when the separation control member 540 is in the home position, the separation control member 540 and the elastic members 1110SG1 and 1110SG2 are in contact with each other. Therefore, the elastic force of the elastic members 1110SG1 and 1110SG2 is relatively small so that a high load is not applied to the separation control member 540.

According to the structure of this embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the first and Embodiment 9s can be provided.

Further, according to this embodiment, in the space between the retracting force receiving portion (second force receiving portion, separation force receiving portion) 1110m and the force receiving portion (first force receiving portion, contact force receiving portion) 1110e, the elastic members 1110SG1 and 1110SG2 are provided. By providing the elastic members 1110SG1 and 1110SG2 in this manner, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the space between the two force receiving portions with the result of incapability of receiving the force from the separation control member 540.

Another Example of Embodiment 25

Referring to FIGS. 212 and 213, another Example of Embodiment 25 will be described. In this other example, only the points different from those of the 25th embodiment will be described. In this example, the space between the retracting force receiving portion (second force receiving portion, separating force receiving portion) 2810m and the force receiving portion (first force receiving portion, contact force receiving portion) 2810e of the spacer 2810 can be closed.

FIGS. 212 and 213 are partially enlarged views showing behavior in which the retracting force receiving portion 2810m and the force receiving portion 2810e engage with the separation control member. Part (a) of FIG. 213 is a partially enlarged view illustrating a state in which the developing unit 9 is in the developing position, and part (b) of FIG. 213 is a partially enlarged view illustrating a state in which the developing unit 9 is in the retracted position.

The retracting force receiving portion 2810m and the force receiving portion 2810e are rotatably supported by the spacer 2810, and both are structured to be attracted to each other by the spring member 2810SP. Further, the spacer 2810 is provided with a rotation stop portion 2810STP1 and a 2810STP2 to restrict the rotations of the force receiving portion 2810e and the retracting force receiving portion 2810m, respectively. Slopes 2810m1 and 2810e1 are provided at the lower ends of the retracting force receiving portion 2810m and the force receiving portion 2810e.

In the free state of the process cartridge P (natural state in which the process cartridge P is not mounted to the image forming apparatus 502) before the tray 110 is lowered, the retracting force receiving portion 2810m and the force receiving portion 2810e are in close contact with each other and no space is formed therebetween, as shown in FIG. 212.

Next, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 213, when the process cartridge P supported by the tray 110 in the image forming apparatus 502 begins to lower, the first force application surface 540b and the second force application surface 540c comes into contact with slopes 2810m1 and 2810e1, and opens between the retracting force receiving portion 2810m and the force receiving portion 2810e against the urging force of the spring member 2810SP. Further, as the process cartridge P lowers, the first force application surface 540b and the second force application surface 540c enter between the retracting force receiving portion 2810m and the force receiving portion 2810e to further open between the retracting force receiving portion 2810m and the force receiving portion 2810e. Finally, the state shown in part (b) of FIG. 213 results, in which the first force application surface 540b and the second force application surface of the separation control member 540 are in the space formed between the retracting force receiving portion 2810m and the force receiving portion 2810e.

Part (a) of FIG. 214 is a partially enlarged view illustrating the relationship between the separation control member 540 and the spacer 2810 when the developing unit 9 is in the developing position, and part (b) of FIG. 214 is a partially enlarged view for illustrating the separation control member and the spacer 2810 in the state in which the developing unit 9 in the retracted position. Both part (a) of FIG. 214 and FIG. 214(b) show a state in which the separation control member 540 is in the home position. When moving the developing unit 9 from the developing position to the retracting position, the separation control member 540 moves in the direction of W51 from the state shown in part (a) of FIG. 214, presses the retracting force receiving portion 2810m to rotate it in the counterclockwise direction and bring it into contact with the rotation stop portion 2810STP2. By the separation control member 540 further moving in the direction of W51, the retracting force receiving portion 2810m in contact with the rotation stop portion 2810STP2 is further pressed, and the spacer 2810 itself is pressed by way of the rotation stop portion 2810STP2 to rotate it in the counterclockwise direction. By this, the spacer 2810 is moves to the restriction position (first position), and the developing unit 9 moves to the retracted position. Further, the separation control member 540 returns to the home position while maintaining the developing unit 9 in the retracted position, by moving in the direction of W52, and the state shown in part (b) of FIG. 214 results.

When moving the developing unit 9 from the retracted position to the developing position, the separation control member 540 moves in the W52 direction from the state shown in part (b) of FIG. 214, presses the force receiving portion 2810e to rotate it in the clockwise direction and bring it into contact with the rotation stop 2810STP2. Further, by the separation control member 540 moving in the W52 direction, the force receiving portion 2810e in contact with the rotation stop portion 2810STP1 is further pressed, and the spacer 2810 itself is pressed by way of the rotation stop portion 2810STP1 to rotate it clockwisely. By this, the spacer 2810 moves to the permission position (second position), and the developing unit 9 moves to the developing position. Further, the separation control member 540 returns to the home position while maintaining the developing unit 9 at the developing position by moving in the direction of W51, and the state shown in part (a) of FIG. 214 result.

Further, only one of the retracting force receiving portion 2810m and the force receiving portion 2810 may be structured to be rotatable (movable) relative to the spacer 2810.

In this example, in the state shown in part (a) of FIG. 214 and FIG. 214(b), between the retracting force receiving portion 2810m and the rotation stop portion 2810STP2, and between the force receiving portion 2810e and the rotation stop portion 2810STP1, there is a slight gap. By providing this gap, a positional error between the separation control member 540 at the home position and the rotation stop 2810STP2 and the rotation stop 2810STP1 of the developing unit 9 at the development position and the retracted position is permission position, and it can be avoided that the separation control member 540 is subjected to a high load.

According to the structure of the present alternative embodiment described above, the same effects as those of Embodiments 1 and 9 can be provided.

According to this example, the space between the retracting force receiving portion (second force receiving portion, separation force receiving portion) 2810m and the force receiving portion (first force receiving portion, contact force receiving portion) 2810e can be closed. By closing the space in this manner, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the space between these two force receiving portions with the result of incapability of receiving the force from the separation control member 540.

Embodiment 26

Next, referring to FIGS. 215 to 224, Embodiment 26 will be described. In this embodiment, structures and operations different from those of the Embodiment 1 described above will be mainly described, and description of similar structures and operations will be omitted. For the structure corresponding to that in above-described Embodiment 1, the same reference numerals and characters are assigned, or the reference numerals in the first part is changed while the reference numerals and characters in the second part are the same.

The process cartridges 100 of Embodiments 1 to 25 have been described as including a drum unit 108 and a developing unit 109, but the cartridge of this embodiment (developing cartridge 2311) does not include a drum unit 108. In this embodiment, the tray 2371 is provided with a photosensitive drum 2304 and a charging roller 2305, which are rotatably supported thereon. The developing unit 2309 is structured as a developing cartridge 2311 which is removable from the tray 2371. The structure of the tray 2371 and the mounting of the developing cartridge 2311 onto the tray 2371 will be described hereinafter. Similarly to the Embodiment 1, in the developing cartridge 2311, the side on which the development coupling portion 2332a of the development drive input gear is provided is the drive-side, and the opposite side with respect to the axial direction of the rotating axis M2 of the developing roller 2306 (parallel to the Y1 and Y2 directions in FIG. 217) is the non-drive-side.

Similarly to Embodiment 1, is provided with a separation/contact mechanism 2350R (see FIG. 217) is provided on the drive-side of the developing cartridge 2311, and a separation/contact mechanism 2350L (see FIG. 218) is provided on the non-drive-side. Further, since the separation/contact mechanism has almost the same function on the drive-side and the non-drive-side, R is added to the reference sign of each member on the drive-side, and L is added to the reference sign of each member on the non-drive-side with the same reference signs except for R and L.

[Tray Structure of Image Forming Apparatus]

Referring to FIGS. 215 to 216, the tray 2371 which supports the developing cartridge 2311 will be described in detail. FIGS. 215 and 216 are perspective views of the tray 2371 in an image forming apparatus (not shown). The tray 2371 is provided with a drive-side plate 2371a at the end in the arrow Y2 direction, a non-drive-side plate 2371b at the end in the arrow Y1 direction, and a drum holding member 2371c between them, they are formed integrally.

The drive-side side plate 2371a includes a positioning portion 2371Rv having straight portions 2371Rv1 and 2371Rv2, and has a positioning function for supporting and positioning the arc portion 2316e (see FIG. 217) of the drive-side supporting member 2316 of the developing cartridge 2311 as will be described hereinafter. Further, the straight portion 2371Rv1 and the straight portion 2371Rv2 form a substantially V-shape, and the angle θR formed between them is larger than 0° and smaller than 180 º.

The non-drive-side plate 2371b is provided with a positioning portion 2371Lv comprising straight portions 2371Lv1 and 2371Lv2, and has a positioning function for supporting and positioning the arc portion 2317e (see FIG. 218) of the non-drive-side supporting member of the developing cartridge 2311 which will be described hereinafter. Further, the straight portion 2371Lv1 and the straight portion 2371Lv2 form a substantially V-shape, and the angle θL formed between them is larger than 0° and smaller than 180 º.

The drum holding member 2371c rotatably supports the photosensitive drum 2304. The photosensitive drum 2304 is provided with a drum coupling member 2343 at the end in the Y2 direction of the arrow, and is structured to receive a driving force and rotate by engaging with a drum drive coupling on the main assembly side (not shown). Further, the drum holding member 2371c rotatably supports the charging roller 2305 on the photosensitive drum by way of a supporting member (not shown), the peripheral surface of the charging roller 2305 is contacted with the photosensitive drum 23041 to make the charging roller 2305 to be rotated by the photosensitive drum 2304.

Further, the drum holding member 2371c has a contacted surface (contact portion) is provided with 2371Rd which faces the separated holding surface (contact portion) 2351Rc (see FIG. 226) of the spacer 2351R, and which keeps the developing unit 2309 in a separated state, as in the Embodiment 1. Similarly, on the non-drive-side, the drum holding member 2371c has a contacted surface (contacting portion) 2371Ld facing the separation holding surface (contacting portion) 2351Lc of the spacer 2351L. Further, the drum holding member 2371c has a longitudinal positioning recess 2371e for determining the positions of the developing cartridge 2311 in the directions of arrows Y1 and Y2.

In addition, the drum holding member 2371c has rotation stop projections 2371Rk and 2371Lk for rotating and positioning the developing cartridge 2311 as will be described hereinafter. However, in this embodiment, only at the position where the developing unit accommodating the yellow (Y) toner is inserted (hereinafter, the insertion position of each color developing unit is referred to as a station), the rotation stop projections 2371Rk and 2371Lk for the yellow developing unit is provided not on the drum holding member 2371c but on the side plate connecting member 2371w. Further, in this embodiment, the rotation stop projections 2371Rk and 2371Lk are structured to stop the rotation of the developing cartridge of the adjacent station in the direction of arrow X1 instead of the developing cartridge of the station. The rotation stopper projections 2371Rk and 2371Lk may be provided on the drum holding member 2371c which holds the photosensitive drum of the same station so as to restrict the rotation of the developing unit of the same station. However, with respect to one developing unit, it is preferable that the positioning portions 2371Rv, 2371Lv and the rotation stop projections 2371Rk, 2371Lk are disposed at positions as remote as possible from each other in the same XZ cross-section (cross portion consisting of the arrow X direction and the Z direction) on the drive-side and the non-drive-side, respectively.

[Developing Cartridge Structure]

Next, referring to FIGS. 217 and 218, the developing cartridge 2311 to be mounted on the tray 2371 will be described in detail. FIG. 217 is an assembly perspective view of the drive-side of the developing cartridge 2311 including the separation/contact mechanism 2350R. In this embodiment, in order that the developing roller 2306 placed in the developing unit is capable of taking the developing position and the retracting position by moving relative to the photosensitive drum 2304 (see FIGS. 215 and 216) supported by the tray 2371, there is provided a drive-side supporting member 2316 which rotatably supports 2309. When the developing cartridge 2311 is mounted on the tray 2371, the drive-side supporting member is fixed to the tray 2371.

The drive-side supporting member 2316 is provided with a cylindrical support portion 2316a which fits with the outer diameter portion of the cylindrical portion 2328b of the development cover member 2328 and supports it rotatably. Here, the central axis of the cylindrical support portion 2316a of the development cover member 2328 is the same as the swing axis K described in the Embodiment 1, and is the rotation center of the developing unit and the development drive input gear 2332. Hereinafter, this central axis is referred to as a swing axis K.

The development cover member 2328 is provided with supporting member locking portions 2328m and 2328n extending in the arrow Y2 direction on the radial outer side of the cylindrical portion 2328b.

The supporting member locking portions 2328m and 2328n have supporting member locking surfaces 2328m1 and 2328n1 which extend toward the cylindrical portion 2328b of the development cover member 2328 at the end in the Y2 direction of the arrow and engage with the locked surface 2316h of the drive-side supporting member 2316 to restrict the movement of the drive-side supporting member 2316 in the arrow Y2 direction. A gap (not shown) is provided between the locked surface 2316h and the supporting member locking surfaces 2328m1 and 2328n1 so as not to hinder the rotation of the developing unit 2309 integrated with the development cover member 2328. Further, the drive-side supporting member 2316 has an arc portion 2316e centered on a swing axis K which contacts the straight portions 2371Rv1 and 2371Rv2 of the positioning portion 2371Rv of the tray 2371. Further, substantially right above the arc portion 2316e in the arrow Z1 direction, there is provided a pressed portion 2316g pressed by the supporting member pressing portion 2391b which will be described hereinafter. However, the arc portion 2316e does not have to be an arc centered on the center of rotation of the developing unit, and the arrangement and shape are not limited to those of this example. In addition, the drive-side supporting member 2316 is provided with a rotation stop projection 2316f which engages with the rotation stop projection 2371Rk of the tray 2371 in the directions of arrows X1 and X2. The positioning of the drive-side supporting member 2316 relative to the tray 2371 will be described hereinafter.

The separation/contact mechanism 2350R includes a spacer 2351R which is a restriction member (separation holding member), a movable member 2352R which is a pressing member, and a tension spring 2353. Similarly to the Embodiment 1, the development cover member 2328 is provided with a first supporting portion 2328c and a second supporting portion 2328k. The first supporting portion 2328c is fitted with the support receiving portion 2351Ra of the spacer 2351R and is rotatably supported thereby. Further, the second supporting portion 2328k is fitted with the oblong support receiving portion 2352Ra of the movable member 2352R and is rotatably supported. Further, the tension spring 2353 urges the movable member 2352R and the spacer 2351R to attract each other.

In the foregoing, the structure of the developing unit 2309 on the drive-side is described, and the developing cartridge 2311 on the drive-side after assembly is shown in FIG. 219.

FIG. 218 is an assembly perspective view of the non-drive-side of the developing cartridge 2311 including the separation/contact mechanism 2350L. The developing cartridge includes a non-drive-side supporting member 2317 as a member having the same function as the drive-side supporting member 2316.

The non-drive-side supporting member 2317 includes a cylindrical support portion (not shown) which fits with the outer diameter portion of the cylindrical portion 2327a of the non-drive-side bearing 2327 and supports it rotatably. The non-drive-side bearing 2327 is provided with supporting member locking portions 2327m and 2327n extending in the direction of arrow Y1. The supporting member locking portions 2327m and 2327n has, at the end in the arrow Y1 direction, supporting member locking surfaces 2327m1 and 2327n1 which engage with the locked surfaces 2317h and 2317k of the non-drive-side supporting member 2317 to restrict the movement, in the direction of the arrow Y1, of the non-drive-side supporting member 2317. A gap (not shown) is provided between the locked surfaces 2317h and 2317k and the supporting member locking surfaces 2317m1 and 2317n1 to prevent interference when the developing unit 2309 integrated with the non-drive-side bearing rotates. Here, the central axis of the cylindrical portion 2327a of the non-drive-side bearing 2327 is the same as the swing axis K described above, and is also the rotation center of the developing unit 2309. Further, the non-drive-side supporting member 2317 has an arc portion 2317e centered on a swing axis K which contacts the straight portions 2371Lv1 and 2371Lv2 of the positioning portion 2371Lv of the tray 2371. In addition, substantially right above the arc portion 2317e in the arrow Z1 direction, there is provided a pressed portion 2317g pressed by the supporting member pressing portion 2390b which will be described hereinafter. However, the arc portion 2317e does not have to be an arc centered on the center of rotation of the developing unit, and the arrangement and shape are not limited to those of this example. In addition, the non-drive-side supporting member 2317 is provided with a rotation stop recess 2317f which engages with the rotation stop projection 2371Lk of the tray 2371 in the directions of arrows X1 and X2. The positioning of the non-drive-side supporting member 2317 with respect to the tray will be described hereinafter.

Similarly to the Embodiment 1, the non-drive-side is provided with a development pressure spring 2334 as an urging member for producing an urging force for bringing the developing roller into contact with the photosensitive drum 2304. The development pressure spring 2334 is assembled between the spring-hooked portion 2327k of the non-drive-side bearing 2327 and the spring-hooked portion 2317m of the non-drive-side supporting member 2327. In this embodiment, the spring-hooked portion 2317m of the non-drive-side supporting member 2327 is disposed on the downstream side in the arrow BB direction (same as the BB direction described in Example 1) with respect to the spring-hooked portion 2327k of the non-drive-side bearing 2327, and the development pressure spring 2334 is used as a tension spring, but the development pressure spring 2334 may be used as a compression spring by disposing the spring-hooked portion 2317m on the upstream side in the arrow BB direction. Further, an urging member or the like having the same function as the development pressure spring 2334 which brings the developing roller 2306 into contact with the photosensitive drum 2304 may be provided on the tray 2371, and the structure for applying the urging force is not limited to such examples. The separation/contact mechanism 2350L includes a spacer 2351L which is a restriction member, a movable member 2352L which is a pressing member, and a tension spring 2353. Similarly to the Embodiment 1, the non-drive-side bearing 2327 is provided with a first supporting portion 2327b and a second supporting portion 2327e. The first supporting portion 2327b is fitted with the support receiving portion 2351La of the spacer 2351L and is rotatably supported thereby. Further, the second supporting portion 2327e is fitted with the oblong support receiving portion 2352La of the movable member 2352L and is rotatably supported thereby. Further, the tension spring 2353 urges the movable member 2352L and the spacer 2351L to attract each other.

Further, the non-drive-side end of the developing frame 2325 is provided with a longitudinal positioning projection 2325a which is integral with the developing frame and projects in the direction of arrow X2 (73 in FIG. 219).

The structure of the non-drive-side developing unit 2309 has been described in the foregoing, and the non-drive-side developing cartridge 2311 after assembly is shown in FIG. 220.

With the above-described structure, when the developing unit 2309 is mounted on the tray 2371, the drive-side supporting member 2316 and the non-drive-side supporting member 2317 are fixed to the tray 2371, by which the developing unit 2309 is rotatable about the swing axis K.

[Positioning of Developing Cartridge]

Next, a structure in which the developing cartridge 2311 is mounted on the tray 2371 and the position of the developing cartridge 2311 is determined will be described in detail.

FIGS. 221 and 222 are a drive-side perspective view and a non-drive-side perspective view illustrating a process of mounting the developing cartridge 2311 on the tray 2371 for four colors (2311Y, 2311M, 2311C, 2311K). First, on the drive-side, the position in the arrow Z direction is determined by the contact of the arc portion 2316e of the drive-side supporting member 2316 with the straight portions 2371Rv1 and 2371Rv2 of the positioning portion 2371Rv of the tray 2371 (FIG. 215, FIG. 217). Further, by engaging the rotation stop projection 2371Rk of the rotation stop projection 2371 with the rotation stop recess 2316f of the drive-side supporting member 2316, the rotation in the XZ cross-section including the arrow X and the arrow Z is restricted (see FIGS. 215 and 217). Similarly, on the non-drive-side, the position in the arrow Z direction is determined by the contact of the arc portion 2317e of the non-drive-side supporting member 2317 with the straight portions 2371Lv1 and 2371Lv2 of the positioning portion 2371Lv of the tray described above (see FIGS. 215 and 218). Further, by engaging the rotation stop projection 2371Lk of the tray 2371 with the rotation stop recess 2317f of the non-drive-side supporting member 2317, rotation in the XZ cross-section including the arrow X and the arrow Z is restricted (FIG. 215, FIG. 218). Further, the longitudinal positioning projection 2325a disposed on the non-drive-side of the developing frame 2325 engages with the longitudinal positioning recess 2371e of the tray 2371, so that the movement in the arrow Y direction is restricted (72 and 73 in FIG. 215). With the above positioning structure, the developing unit 2309 can be positioned with respect to the tray 2371 in the developing unit mounting complete attitude shown in FIG. 223 (drive-side perspective view) and FIG. 224 (non-drive-side perspective view).

Referring to FIG. 225, a structure in which the tray 2371 is mounted on the main assembly of the image forming apparatus (not shown) and the attitude of the developing unit 2309 is maintained will be described. Here, for simplification of the description, the Y station among the four color stations will be described as a representative example. The structures which will be described in the in the following are the same for other stations. FIG. 225 shows a drive-side (FIG. 225 (part (a) of FIG. 225) and the non-drive-side (part (b) of FIG. 225) as viewed in their respective directions when the tray 2371 is mounted in the main assembly of the image forming apparatus and the front door (synonymous with the front door 11 described in the Embodiment 1) (not shown) is moved to the closed state. In part (a) of FIG. 225 and FIG. 225(b), a part of the supporting member pressing portions 2391b and 2390b is deleted by the partial cross-sectional line CS, and the details will be described hereinafter.

Cartridge pressing units 2390 and 2391 include first force application portions 2391a and 2390a which have a function of pushing down the movable members 2352R and 2352L of the developing unit 2309 as in the Embodiment 1. In addition, they also include the supporting member pressing portion 2391b, 2390b which press the drive-side supporting member 2316 and the non-drive-side supporting member 2317 against the straight portions (2371Rv1 and 2371Rv2, 2371Lv1 and 2371Lv2) of the positioning portions 2371Rv and 2371Lv of the tray 2371 by an urging member (not shown). The supporting member pressing portions 2391b and 2390b contact the pressed portions 2316g and 2317g, respectively, and press the drive-side supporting member 2316 and the non-drive-side supporting member 2317 in the direction of arrow ZA with a predetermined urging force. By this, the positions and orientations of the drive-side supporting member 2316 and the non-drive-side supporting member 2317 in the XZ cross-section can be stably maintained in the image forming apparatus main assembly. Also in the Y direction of the arrow, the position of the developing cartridge 2311 is determined in the image forming apparatus main assembly by the longitudinal position restriction portion (not shown).

Here, with the structure of this embodiment, it is desirable that the positioning portion 2371Rv and the rotation stop projection 2371Rk of the tray 2371, the cylindrical support portion 2316a of the drive-side supporting member 2316, and the supporting member pressing portion 2391b of the cartridge pressing unit 2391 are arranged substantially at the same position in the direction of the arrows Y. Similarly, on the non-drive-side, it is desirable that the positioning portion 2371Lv and the rotation stop projection 2371Lk of the tray 2371, the cylindrical support portion 2317a of the non-drive-side supporting member 2317, and the supporting member pressing portion 2390b of the cartridge pressing unit are arranged substantially at the same position in the direction of the arrow Y. By arranging in this manner, the drive-side supporting member 2316 and the non-drive-side supporting member 2317 are constrained from tilting in the image forming apparatus main assembly, so that unnecessary increase in sliding resistance when the developing unit 2309 is rotated is suppressed.

[Contact/Separation Operation of Developing Unit]

Since the contact/separation operation in this embodiment is the same as that in the Embodiment 1 as described hereinafter, the separation/contact mechanism 2350R on the drive-side will be briefly described, and the description about the non-drive-side will be omitted because it is the same as the drive-side. Referring to FIGS. 226 to 229, the description will be made. The tray 2371 and the supporting member pressing portion 2391b are omitted.

FIG. 226 shows a state in which the developing unit 2309 is placed at a separated position (retracted position). When the separation control member 2396R moves in the W42 direction from this state, the second force application surface 2396Ra of the separation control member 2396R and the second force receiving surface 2352Rp of the movable member 2352R come into contact with each other, and the movable member 2352R swings in the BB direction about the support portion 2328k (see FIG. 217) of the development cover member 2328. Further, as the movable member 2352R rotates, the spacer 2351R is rotated in the B2 direction while the second pressing surface 2352Rr of the movable member 2352R is in contact with the second pressed surface 2351Re of the spacer 2351R. Then, the spacer 2351R is rotated by the movable member 2352R to the separation release position (permission position, second position) where the separation holding surface (contact portion) 2351Rc and the contacted surface (contacted portion) 2371d of the tray 2371 are separated. By this, the developing unit 2309 can move from the separated position to the contact position (development position) where the developing roller 2306 and the photosensitive drum 2304 are in contact with each other (state in FIG. 227).

Thereafter, the separation control member 2396R moves in the direction of W41 and returns to the home position (state of FIG. 228).

When the image forming operation is completed and the separation control member 2396R moves in the W41 direction, the first force application surface 2396Rb and the first force receiving surface 2352Rm are brought into contact with each other, and by the first pressing surface 2352Rq of the movable member 2352R contacting the pressed surface 2326c (see FIG. 217) of the second bearing 2326 on the drive-side, the developing unit is rotated from the contact position in the direction of arrow V1 about the swing axis K (state in FIG. 229).

Thereafter, the separation control member 2396R moves in the W42 direction and returns to the home position, by which the spacer 2351R contacts the contact surface 2371d of the tray 2371 again, and shifts to the restriction position (separation holding position, first position). By this, the state is established in which the separation control member 2396R does not act on the movable member 2352R (state in FIG. 226).

According to the structure of this embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the first and Embodiment 9s can be obtained.

According to this embodiment, the structure of moving the developing unit between the developing position and the retracting position as described in Embodiments 1 to 25 can be also applied to a developing cartridge not including a photosensitive drum or the like.

Another Example 1 of Embodiment 26

In embodiment 26, the tray 2371 is provided with a contacted surface (contacted portion) 2371d which contacts the separation holding surface (contact portion) 2351Rc of the spacer 2351R. In this Example, a contacted surface (contacted portion) 2316c is provided on the drive-side supporting member 2316 of the developing unit. In this Example, the structure and operation different from those of the above-described 26 will be mainly described, and the description of the same structure and operation will be omitted. The same reference numerals are assigned to the structures corresponding to the above-described Embodiment 26.

[Developing Cartridge Structure]

Similarly to the 26th embodiment, when the developing cartridge 2311 is mounted on the tray 2371, the drive-side supporting member 2316 is fixed to the tray 2371, and the developing unit 2309 swings relative to the drive-side supporting member 2316 in the V1 and V2 directions about the swing axis K.

As shown in FIG. 242, the drive-side supporting member 2316 has a contact surface (contact portion) 2316c which contacts the separation holding surface (contact portion) 2351Rc of the spacer 2351R. Further, the developing cartridge 2311 is provided with a development pressure spring (biasing member) 2334 having one end which is connected to the drive-side supporting member 2316 and the other end which is connected to the drive-side bearing 2326. The development pressure spring 2334 urges the drive-side bearing 2326 so that the developing unit 2309 rotates relative to the drive-side supporting member 2316 in the V2 direction. The V2 direction is a direction in which the developing unit 2309 is moved from the retracted position (separation position) to the developing position (contact position) when the developing cartridge 2311 is mounted on the tray 2371.

The non-drive-side of the developing cartridge 2311 has the same structure as the drive-side.

[Contact/Separation Operation of Developing Unit]

Since the contact separation operation in this embodiment is the same as in Embodiments 1 and 26, as will be described hereinafter, the separation/contact mechanism 2350R on the drive-side will be briefly described, and the description about the non-drive-side will be the same as that the drive-side, and therefore, it is omitted. The description will be made, referring to FIGS. 242 to 245. The tray 2371 and the supporting member pressing portion 2391b are omitted.

FIG. 242 shows a state in which the developing unit 2309 is located at a separated position (retracted position). When the separation control member 2396R moves in the W42 direction from this state, the second force application surface 2396Ra of the separation control member 2396R and the second force receiving surface 2352Rp of the movable member 2352R come into contact with each other, and the movable member 2352R swings in the BB direction about the second supporting portion 2328k (see FIG. 217) of the development cover member 2328. As the movable member 2352R further rotates, the spacer 2351R is rotated in the B2 direction while the second pressing surface 2352Rr of the movable member 2352R is in contact with the second pressed surface 2351Re of the spacer 2351R. Then, the spacer 2351R is rotated by the movable member 2352R to the separation release position (permission position, second position) where the separation holding surface (contact portion) 2351Rc and the contacted surface 2316c of the drive-side supporting member 2316 are separated. By this, the developing unit 2309 is enabled to move from the separated position to the contact position (development position) where the developing roller 2306 and the photosensitive drum 2304 are in contact with each other (state shown in FIG. 243).

Thereafter, the separation control member 2396R moves in the direction of W41 and returns to the home position (state shown in FIG. 244).

When the image forming operation is completed and the separation control member 2396R moves in the W41 direction, the first force application surface 2396Rb and the first force receiving surface 2352Rm come into contact with each other, and by the first pressing surface 2352Rq of the movable member 2352R coming into contact with the first pressed surface 2326c (see FIG. 217) of the drive-side bearing 2326, the developing unit 2309 is rotated from the contact position in the direction of arrow V1 about the swing axis K (state shown in FIG. 245).

Thereafter, the separation control member 2396R moves in the direction of W42 and returns to the home position, so that the spacer 2351R comes into contact with the contacted surface 2316c of the drive-side supporting member 2316 again and shifts to the restriction position (separation holding position, first position). By this, the state is established in which the separation control member 2396R does not act on the movable member 2352R (the state shown in FIG. 242).

[Mounting and Dismounting of Developing Cartridge Relative to Tray]

In this alternative embodiment, when the developing cartridge 2311 in the state where the developing unit 2309 is in the retracted position as shown in FIG. 242 is mounted on the tray 2371, the developing unit 2309 is maintained in the retracted position. This is because the spacer 2351R contacts the contacted surface 2316c of the drive-side supporting member 2316 to maintain the state of being in the restriction position (separation holding position, first position). For the same reason, also when the developing cartridge 2311 with the developing unit 2309 in the retracted position is removed from the tray 2371 as shown in FIG. 242, the developing unit 2309 maintains the retracted position.

According to the structure of this embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the first and Embodiment 9s can be provided.

According to this alternative embodiment, the structure of moving the developing unit between the developing position and the retracting position as described in Embodiments 1 to 25 can be applied to the developing cartridge not including a photosensitive drum or the like.

Further, according to this embodiment, since the retracted position of the developing unit 2309 can be determined in the developing cartridge 2311, the position accuracy of the retracted position can be improved as compared with the Embodiment 26. In addition, the developing cartridge 2311 can be mounted to or removed from the tray 2371 while maintaining the retracted position of the developing unit 2309. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the developing roller 2306 and the photosensitive drum 2304 from coming into contact with each other when the developing cartridge is being mounted to or removed from the tray 2371.

Another Example 2 of Embodiment 26

In the 26th embodiment and the other embodiment 1 of the 26th embodiment, the drum holding member 2371c which supports the photosensitive drum 2304 is integrally structured on the tray 2371. In this alternative Example, the drum holding member which supports the photosensitive drum and the charging roller is structured as a drum cartridge which can be mounted to and dismounted from the tray. Referring to FIGS. 230 to 234, the description will be made. In this other embodiment, the structure and operation different from those of the above-described will be mainly described, and the description of the same structure and operation will be omitted. Further, the same reference numerals are assigned to the structures corresponding to the above-described Embodiment 26.

FIG. 230 is a perspective view of the drive-side showing a process of mounting the developing cartridge 2311 and the drum cartridge 2308 on the tray 2372 for four colors. The tray 2372 is provided with a drive-side plate 2372a at the end in the arrow Y2 direction and a non-drive-side plate 2372b at the end in the arrow Y1 direction, and is integrally structured by way of a side plate connecting member 2372w (Y, M, C, K).

The drive-side plate 2372a is provided with a drum cartridge positioning portion 2372Rx which determines the position and orientation of the drum cartridge 2308, and a drum cartridge rotation stop projection 2372Rm. Similarly, it is provided further with a developing cartridge positioning portion 2372Rv which determines the position and orientation of the developing cartridge 2311, and a developing cartridge rotation stop projection 2372Rk.

The non-drive-side plate 2372b is provided with a drum cartridge positioning portion 2372Lx which determines the position and orientation of the drum cartridge 2308, and a drum cartridge rotation stop projection 2372Lm. Similarly, it is provided further with a developing cartridge positioning portion 2372Lv which determines the position and orientation of the developing cartridge 2311, and a developing cartridge rotation stop projection 2372Lk.

The drum cartridge 2308 includes a drive-side drum supporting member 2318 and a non-drive-side drum supporting member 2319 which rotatably support the photosensitive drum 2304, and a drum frame portion 2315 which rotatably supports the charging roller 2305, and they are formed integrally. The drive-side drum supporting member 2318 has an arc portion 2318e centered on a swing axis K which is in contact with the straight portions 2372Rv1 and 2372Rv2 of the positioning portion 2372Rv of the tray 2372. Further, substantially right above the arc portion 2318e in the arrow Z1 direction, there is provided a pressed portion 2318g pressed by a drum cartridge pressing portion (not shown) provided on the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. In addition, the drive-side drum supporting member 2318 is provided with a rotation stop projection 2317f which engages with the rotation stop projection 2372Rk of the tray 2372 in the directions of arrows X1 and X2. Further, the drive-side drum supporting member 2318 is provided with contacted surface (contacted portion) 2318c in contact with the separation holding surface (contact portion) 2351Rc of the spacer 2351R to hold the developing unit 2309 in the retracted position (separation position).

The positioning of the drive-side drum supporting member 2318 with respect to the tray 2372 is the same as the above-described structure (structure of the developing cartridge 2311 and the tray 2371), and therefore, the description thereof will be omitted. Similarly, the non-drive-side drum supporting member 2319 also has an arc portion 2319e centered on a swing axis K which contacts the straight portions 2372Lv1 and 2372Lv2 of the positioning portion 2372Lv of the tray 2372. Further, substantially right above the arc portion 2319e in the arrow Z1 direction, there is provided a pressed portion 2319g pressed by a drum cartridge pressing portion (not shown). In addition, the non-drive-side drum supporting member 2319 is provided with a rotation stop projection 2317f for engagement with the rotation stop projection 2372Lk of the tray 2372 in the directions of arrows X1 and X2. Since the positioning of the non-drive-side drum supporting member relative to the tray 2372 is the same as the above-described structure, the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, positioning of the drum cartridge 2308 on the tray 2372 will be described. First, as shown in FIGS. 231 and 232, the drum cartridge 2308 is pressed toward the positioning portions 2372Rv and 2372Lv of the tray 2372 in the Z2 direction by the main assembly drum cartridge pressing portion (not shown). By this, as shown in FIGS. 233 and 234, the arc portions 2318e and 2319e are pressed against the straight portions 2372Rv1, 2372Rv2, 2372Lv1 and 2372Lv2 in the Z2 direction. By this, the position of the drum cartridge in the Z2 direction is determined. Further, the drum cartridge rotation stop projections 2372Rm and 2372Lm of the tray 2372 engage with the drum cartridge rotation stop recesses 2318f and 2319f of the drive-side drum supporting member 2319 and the non-drive-side drum supporting member 2319, by which the rotation of the drum cartridge rotation in the XZ plane is restricted. Further, the movement in the arrow Y direction is restricted by the abutment between an unshown longitudinal direction abutment portion of the non-drive-side drum supporting member 2319 and an unshown longitudinal direction restricting portion of the tray 2372. With the above positioning structure, the drum cartridge 2308 can be positioned relative to the tray 2372 in the drum cartridge mounting complete attitude shown in FIGS. 233 and 234.

Since the mounting of the developing cartridge 2311 on the tray 2372 is the same as the above-described structure (structure of the developing cartridge 2311 and the tray 2371), the description thereof will be omitted.

The separation/contact mechanism in this embodiment may be provided on only one side of the developing unit 2309 on the drive-side or the non-drive-side, as in the Embodiment 2.

According to the structure of this embodiment described above, the same effects as those of the first and Embodiment 9s can be provided.

According to this alternative embodiment, a structure with which the developing unit is moved between the developing position and the retracted position as described in Embodiments 1 to 25 can be used with the structure in which the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge can be mounted to and dismounted from the image forming apparatus.

Embodiment 27

Embodiment 27 will be described. In this embodiment, structures and operations different from those of Embodiment 1 described above will be described, and members including similar structures and functions are assigned the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In Embodiment 1, the development pressing spring 134 is provided on the non-drive side of the process cartridge, and the developing unit 109 is urged toward the drum unit 108 by the driving torque (drive side) of the development coupling 32 and the urging force (non-drive-side) of the development pressing spring 134. In contrast, in Embodiment 27, the development pressing spring 134 of Embodiment 1 is omitted, and the pressing unit 2780 is provided on the non-drive side of the process cartridge 2700.

[Overall Structure]

First, the overall structure of a process cartridge 2700 as a cartridge according to Embodiment 27 will be described. Part (a) of FIG. 246 is a perspective view illustrating the process cartridge 2700 as viewed from the drive side, and part (b) of FIG. 246 is a perspective view illustrating the process cartridge 2700 as viewed from the non-drive side. FIG. 247 is an exploded perspective view of a developing unit 2709 including a separation/contact mechanism 150L on the non-drive side.

As shown in part (a) of FIG. 246 to FIG. 247, the process cartridge 2700 includes a drum unit 108 including a photosensitive drum 104 and a charging roller 105 (see FIG. 252), and a developing unit 2709 including a developing roller 106 (see FIG. 3). The photosensitive drum 104, the charging roller 105, the developing roller 106, the drum unit 108, and the developing unit 2709 constitute a photosensitive member, a charging member, a developing member, a first unit, and a second unit, respectively. The assembly structure of the drum unit 108 and the developing unit 2709 and the structure of the contact and separation mechanism 150 (150L, 150R) are the same as those of Embodiment 1.

That is, the developing unit 2709 is movable between a developing position and a separation position relative to the drum unit 108, and the developing roller 106 can deposit toner to the photosensitive drum 104 at the developing position in the process cartridge 2700. In a state where the process cartridge 2700 takes the separation position, at least a portion of the developing roller 106 is placed spaced from the photosensitive drum 104. The spacers 151L and 151R as holding portions regulate the relative positions between the drum unit 108 and the developing unit 2709, and are movable between a separation holding position as a first position for holding the developing unit 2709 in the separation position and a separation release position as a second position for holding the developing unit 2709 in the developing position.

Further, the structure on the drive side of the developing unit 2709 is the same as that of Embodiment 1, and therefore, the structure of the non-drive side of the developing unit 2709 will be mainly described below. A non-drive-side bearing 2727 fixed to a developing container 125 by a fixing screw 145 and an adhesive not shown, on the non-drive side of the developing unit 2709. The non-drive-side bearing 2727 as a bearing member rotatably supports the developing roller 106, and the separation/contact mechanism 150L is assembled to the non-drive-side bearing 2727 as described in Embodiment 1.

The process cartridge 2700 is supported at opposite end portions in a longitudinal direction (axial direction of the photosensitive drum 104) by a drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and a non-drive-side cartridge cover member 2717, respectively. For example, the outer diameter portion of the cylindrical portion 127a of the non-drive-side bearing 2727 is fitted into the developing unit support hole 117a of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 2717. The photosensitive drum 104 is fitted into the drum support hole 117b of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 2717. By this arrangement, the developing unit 2709 is supported by the drum unit 108 so as to be swingable about a swing axis K passing through the center of the developing unit support hole 117a.

Part (a) of FIG. 248 is a perspective view illustrating a non-drive side of the process cartridge 2700 in a state in which the moving member 152L is placed at a standby position, and part (b) of FIG. 248 is a perspective view illustrating a non-drive side of the process cartridge 2700 in a state in which the moving member 152L is located at a projecting position. Part (a) of FIG. 249 is a front view illustrating the non-drive side of the process cartridge 2700 in a state in which the moving member 152L is placed at the standby position, and part (b) of FIG. 249 is a front view illustrating the non-drive side of the process cartridge 2700 in a state in which the moving member 152L is placed at the projecting position. FIG. 250 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the non-drive side of the process cartridge 2700 in a state in which the moving member 152L is placed at the projecting position.

As shown in part (a) of FIG. 248 to FIG. 250, a pressing unit 2780 is mounted to the non-drive-side bearing 2727. The pressing unit 2780 is a unit for urging the developing unit 2709 toward the drum unit 108 when the process cartridge 2700 is mounted (supported) on the tray 171. In other words, the pressing unit 2780 can urge the developing unit 2709 from the separation position to the developing position (contact position) to cause the developing roller 106 to contact the photosensitive drum 104. In a state in which the process cartridge 2700 is not mounted on the tray 171 and the process cartridge 2700 is in a free state, the pressing unit 2780 does not urge the developing unit 2709 from the separated position to the developing position.

That is, in Embodiment 27, the process cartridge 2700 is not provided with the development pressing spring 134 which has been provided in Embodiment 1, but the pressing unit 2780 performs the same function as the development pressing spring 134 at the time when the process cartridge is mounted on the tray 171. In Embodiment 1, the development pressing spring 134 shown in FIG. 16 and part (a) of FIG. 30 is assembled between the spring-hooked portion 117e of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117 and the spring-hooked portion 127k of the non-drive-side bearing 127. However, since the development pressing spring 134 is not provided in Embodiment 27, the spring-hooked portion 117e and 127k are not formed in the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 2717 and the non-drive-side bearing 2727, as shown in FIG. 247 to part (b) of FIG. 249.

[Pressing Unit]

Next, the pressing unit 2780 and the peripheral structure thereof will be described. FIG. 251 is a perspective view illustrating a pressing unit 2780 assembled to the non-drive-side bearing 2727. As shown in FIGS. 250 and 251, the pressing unit 2780 as an urging portion includes a pressing member 2781 as a moving member and a pressing spring 2782 as an elastic member. The pressing member 2781 is movable to a stand-by position (position shown in FIG. 252) as a third position and a push-in position (position shown in FIG. 254) as a fourth position. The pressing member 2781 includes a shaft portion 2781a extending in an axial direction M28 along an axis M27, a contact surface 2781b provided at one end of the shaft portion 2781a in the axial direction M28, and a flange portion 2781c provided at the other end of the shaft portion 2781a in the axial direction M28 and extending radially outward of the shaft portion 2781a.

The contact surface 2781b functioning as a force receiving portion is structured to contact a partition 110b functioning as a force applying portion for an urging portion of the tray 171 in a state in which the process cartridge 2700 is mounted on the tray 171. The non-drive-side bearing 2727 includes a spring seat 2727a and a locking portion 2727b provided to face the spring seat 2727a with a gap therebetween in the axial direction M28. The locking portion 2727b includes a shaft support portion 2727c which supports the shaft portion 2781a of the pressing member 2781 slidably in the axial direction M28, and an abutment surface 2727d which is abutted to by the flange portion 2781c.

A pressing spring 2782, which is a compression spring, is compressed between the flange portion 2781c of the pressing member 2781 supported by the shaft support portion 2727c and the spring seat 2727a. The pressing member 2781 is urged in an urging direction M29 parallel to the axial direction M28 by the pressing spring 2782, and the flange portion 2781c of the pressing member 2781 abuts against the abutment surface 2727d.

FIG. 252 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the non-drive-side bearing 2727 and the pressing unit 2780. As shown in FIG. 252, in a state of the flange portion 2781c being in abutment to the abutment surface 2727d, the contact surface 2781b of the pressing member 2781 projects in the urging direction M29 beyond the outer surface 2727e of the non-drive-side bearing 2727. That is, in a state where no external force is applied to the pressing member 2781, the contact surface 2781b of the pressing member 2781 placed at the stand-by position is outside the non-drive-side bearing 2727.

[Mounting of Process Cartridge to Tray]

Next, a state in which the process cartridge 2700 is mounted on the tray 171 will be described. FIG. 253 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the process cartridge 2700 is mounted on the tray 171. FIG. 254 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the pressing unit 2780. As shown in FIG. 253, the tray 171 has four mounting portions 110a in which process cartridges 2700 corresponding to respective colors can be mounted. The mounting portions 110a are partitioned by partitions 110b, respectively. The partition 110b is provided so as to be inclined with respect to the axial direction M28 of the pressing member 2781.

When the process cartridge 2700 is mounted on the mounting portion 110a of the tray 171, the contact surface 2781b of the pressing member 2781 provided in the process cartridge 2700 is pressed by the partition 110b, as shown in FIGS. 253 and 254. The partition 110b extends in a direction inclined with respect to the axial direction M28 of the pressing member 2781, and therefore, the pressing member 2781 is pressed in the axial direction M28 by the partition 110b against the urging force of the pressing spring 2782 in the process of mounting the process cartridge 2700 to the mounting portion 110a. In other words, the contact surface 2781b of the pressing member 2781 receives a pressing force F27 as an external force from the partition 110b. The pressing force F27 imparted from the partition 110b to the contact surface 2781b of the pressing member 2781 is produced by the self-weight of the process cartridge 2700 even when the process cartridge 2700 is simply mounted on the mounting portion 110a, but a stronger pressing force F27 is produced by pressing the process cartridge 2700 by the cartridge pressing unit 190.

By the pressing force F27, the pressing member 2781 retracts toward the inside of the non-drive-side bearing 2727 along the axial direction M28. By this, the pressing member 2781 is moved from the stand-by position to the pressing position. At this time, the flange portion 2781c of the pressing member 2781 is separated from the abutment surface 2727d of the non-drive-side bearing 2727. And, the pressing member 2781 is pressed and moved by the partition 110b, by which the pressing spring 2782 is further compressed in the axial direction M28.

Therefore, the pressing force F28 acts on the spring seat 2727a of the non-drive-side bearing 2727 from the pressing spring 2782. The pressing force F28 acts as a moment (urging force) which rotates the developing unit 2709 in the direction of the arrow V2 about the swing axis K of the developing unit 2709. That is, the developing unit 2709 is urged toward the developing position. In other words, the pressing unit 2780 can apply an urging force to the developing unit 2709 to urge the developing unit 2709 toward the developing position while receiving the pressing force F27 by the contact surface 2781b of the pressing member 2781.

[Arrangement of Pressure Unit]

Here, referring to FIG. 252, the arrangement of the pressing unit 2780 will be described in detail. FIG. 252 illustrates a state in which the process cartridge 2700 is viewed in the direction of the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller 106 when the developing unit 2709 is in the separated position. As shown in FIG. 252, a straight line passing through the rotation axis M2 as the rotation center of the developing roller 106 and the rotation axis M1 as the rotation center of the photosensitive drum 104 is referred to as a first straight line L31.

And, a direction parallel to the first straight line L31 is referred to as an arrow D31 direction. Furthermore, with respect to the first straight line L31, a region on the side where the rotation axis M5 as the rotation center of the charging roller 105 is not provided is referred to as a first region AD31, and a region on the side where the rotation axis M5 of the charging roller 105 is provided is referred to as a second region AD32.

At this time, the pressing spring 2782 of the pressing unit 2780 is located at a position more remote from the photosensitive drum 104 than the developing roller 106 in the direction of the arrow D31 and is disposed in the first region AD31. The pressing member 2781 of the pressing unit 2780 is placed at a position more remote from the photosensitive drum 104 than the developing roller 106 in the direction of arrow D31. Furthermore, entirety of the pressing members 2781 is in the first region AD31.

In this manner, the pressing unit 2780 is placed at a relatively lower portion of the process cartridge 2700. Therefore, when the process cartridge 2700 is mounted to the first mounting position of the mounting portion 110a of the tray 171, the pressing member 2781 moves from the standby position to the pushed-in position immediately before the process cartridge 2700 reaches the first mounting position. By this, the load produced on the process cartridge 2700 can be reduced.

Further, the pressing unit 2780 is placed at a position relatively remote from the swing axis K, and therefore, even if the pressing force F28 is relatively small, a moment for rotating the developing unit 2709 in the direction of the arrow V2 about the swing axis K can be sufficiently assured. Therefore, the pressing spring 2782 can be reduced in size and cost. As illustrated in FIG. 252, a distance DS1 from the swing shaft K to the spring seat 2727a is longer than a distance DS2 from the swing shaft K to the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller 106.

As described above, in this embodiment, by the process cartridge 2700 being mounted on the mounting portion 110a of the tray 171, the developing unit 2709 is urged toward the developing position. In this embodiment, the pressing unit 2780 is provided only on the non-drive side of the process cartridge 2700, but the drive side of the process cartridge 2700 is urged toward the developing position by the driving torque imparted by the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 to the development coupling 32 as described in Embodiment 1. Therefore, during image forming operation, the developing unit 2709 can be stably held at the developing position, and therefore, the printing precision can be improved.

In a state in which the spacers 151L and 151R are located at the separation holding position and the developing unit 2709 is located at the separated position, the spacers 151L and 151R are abutted against the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 2717 by the pressing force F28 of the pressing unit 2780 and the above-described driving torque. Therefore, the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 2717 can position the developing unit 2709 by way of (sandwiching) the spacers 151L and 151R, and stably hold the developing unit 2709.

In addition, in a state in which the process cartridge 2700 is not mounted on the mounting portion 110a of the tray 171, no pressing force F28 of the pressing unit 2780 and no driving torque is produced, and therefore, the developing unit 2709 is not urged toward the developing position. This can prolong the life of the process cartridge 2700. In addition, since no urging force for urging the developing unit 2709 toward the developing position is produced, the load produced in the process cartridge 2700 can be reduced, and therefore, deformation of the process cartridge 2700 can be suppressed.

Even in the state in which the process cartridge 2700 is not mounted on the mounting portion 110a of the tray 171 (the state illustrated in FIG. 252), an urging force slightly acts on the spring seat 2727a of the non-drive-side bearing 2727 by the pressing spring 2782, but this urging force is much smaller than the pressing force F28, and therefore, no influence results on the extension of the service life of the process cartridge 2700.

Next, referring to FIGS. 255 to 258, Embodiment 28 will be described. In this embodiment, the structures and operations different from those of Embodiment 27 described above will be described, and the members having the same structures and functions will be assigned the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In Embodiment 27, the pressing unit 2780 is provided in the non-drive-side bearing 2727, and by the process cartridge 2700 being mounted on the mounting portion 110a of the tray 171, the pressing force F28 is imparted on the developing unit 2709. As is different, in Embodiment 28, a pressure spring 2882 is provided between the moving member 152L and the non-drive-side bearing 2827 as the bearing member. The moving member 152L and the pressing spring 2882 as an elastic member constitute an urging portion 2880. As in Embodiment 1, the moving member 152L is movable to a standby position (position shown in FIG. 256) as a third position and a projecting position (position shown in FIG. 258) as a fourth position. Hereinafter, the structure and operation of the pressing spring 2882 will be described in detail.

FIG. 255 is a perspective view illustrating the process cartridge 2800 in the state that the moving member 152L is not pushed by the cartridge pressing unit 190.

FIG. 256 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the process cartridge 2800 in the state that the moving member 152L is not pushed by the cartridge pressing unit 190. FIG. 257 is a perspective view illustrating the process cartridge 2800 in the state that the moving member 152L is pushed by the cartridge pressing unit 190. FIG. 258 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the process cartridge 2800 in the state that the moving member 152L is pushed by the cartridge pressing unit 190.

As shown in FIGS. 255 and 256, the process cartridge 2800 as a cartridge according to Embodiment 28 includes a drum unit 108 and a developing unit 2809 as a second unit. The developing unit 2809 is swingable about a swing axis K between a developing position (contact position) in which the developing roller 106 (see FIG. 3) is in contact with the photosensitive drum 104 and a separation position in which the developing roller 106 is spaced from the photosensitive drum 104.

As described in Embodiment 1, the cartridge pressing unit 190 as an urging member force applying unit is provided above the non-drive side of the process cartridge 2800. The cartridge pressing unit 190 is structured so as to move downward in the direction of the arrow ZA in interrelation with transition of a front door 11 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 from an open state to a closed state.

Spring seats 152Lj and 2827j are formed on the moving member 152L and the non-drive-side bearing 2827, respectively, and a pressing spring 2882 which is a compressed spring is compressed between these spring seats 152Lj and 2827j.

FIGS. 255 and 256 show a state in which the process cartridge 2800 is mounted on the mounting portion 110a of the tray 171 (see FIG. 253), and the front door 11 is in the open state. Therefore, the cartridge pressing unit 190 has not yet lowered in the direction of an arrow ZA, and a first force applying portion 190a of the cartridge pressing unit 190 and a pressed surface 152Lf as a force receiving portion of the moving member 152L are separated from each other.

FIGS. 257 and 258 illustrate a state in which the process cartridge 2800 is mounted on the mounting portion 110a of the tray 171 (see FIG. 253), and the front door 11 is in the closed state. When the front door 11 is brought from the open state to the closed state and the cartridge pressing unit 190 is lowered in the direction of the arrow ZA, the first force applying portion 190a of the cartridge pressing unit 190 pushes the pressed surface 152Lf of the moving member 152L. In other words, the pressed surface 152Lf receives a pressing force F29 as an external force from the first force applying portion 190a. Accordingly, the moving member 152L moves from the standby position to a projecting position in which a projecting portion 152Lh projects in the direction of the arrow ZA of the process cartridge 2800.

Similarly to Embodiment 1, the projecting portion 152Lh includes a first force receiving portion 152Lk as a separation force receiving portion and a second force receiving portion 152Ln as a contact force receiving portion (see FIGS. 29 and 35). A first force applying surface 196La as a contact force applying portion of a separation control member 196L (see FIGS. 35 and 36) pushes the second force receiving portion 152Ln of the moving member 152L, by which a force for moving the developing unit 2809 from the separation position to the developing position is applied to the process cartridge 2800. A second force applying surface 196Lb as a separation force applying portion of the separation control member 196L pushes the first force receiving portion 152Lk of the moving member 152L, by which a force for moving the developing unit 2809 from the developing position to the separation position is applied to the process cartridge 2800. When the moving member 152L is in the projecting position (the position illustrated in FIG. 258), the second force receiving portion 152Ln and the first force receiving portion 152Lk can receive forces from the first force applying surface 196La and the second force applying surface 196Lb of the separation control member 196L, respectively.

By movement of the moving member 152L to the projecting position, the spring seat 152Lj of the moving member 152L approaches the spring seat 2827j of the non-drive-side bearing 2827, so that the pressing spring 2882 is further compressed. Therefore, a pressing force F30 acts from the pressing spring 2882 to the spring seat 2827j of the non-drive-side bearing 2827. The pressing force F30 acts as a moment (urging force) effective to rotate the developing unit 2809 in a direction of an arrow V2 about the swing axis K of the developing unit 2809. That is, the developing unit 2809 is urged toward the developing position. In other words, the urging portion 2880 can apply an urging force to the developing unit 2809 to urge the developing unit 2809 toward the developing position while receiving the pressing force F29 at the pressed surface 152Lf of the moving member 152L.

[Arrangement of Urging Unit]

Here, referring to FIG. 256, the arrangement of the urging portion 2880 will be described in detail. FIG. 256 illustrates a state of the process cartridge 2800 as viewed in the direction of the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller 106 when the developing unit 2809 is in the separated position. As shown in FIG. 256, a straight line passing through a rotation axis M2 as the rotation center of the developing roller 106 and a rotation axis M1 as the rotation center of the photosensitive drum 104 is referred to as a first straight line L31.

A direction parallel to the first straight line L31 is referred to as an arrow D31 direction. Furthermore, with respect to the first straight line L31, the region on the side where a rotation axis M5 as the rotation center of a charging roller 105 does not exist is a first region AD31, and the region on the side where the rotation axis M5 of the charging roller 105 exists is a second region AD32.

At this time, the pressing spring 2882 of the urging portion 2880 is at a position more remote from the photosensitive drum 104 than the developing roller 106 in the direction of the arrow D31 and is in the second region AD32. The entirety of the pressing spring 2882 is provided so as to overlap the non-drive-side bearing 2827. Therefore, the process cartridge 2800 can be downsized.

As described above, in this embodiment, the developing unit 2809 is urged toward the developing position, by the process cartridge 2800 being mounted on the mounting portion 110a of the tray 171, and the front door 11 being brought from the open state to the closed state. By this, the same effects as those of Embodiment 27 are provided.

Further, even if the process cartridge 2800 is mounted on the mounting portion 110a of the tray 171, the developing unit 2809 is not urged to the developing position because the pressing force F30 is not produced in the developing unit 2809 before the front door 11 is closed. Accordingly, the service life of the process cartridge 2800 can be further prolonged as compared with Embodiment 27. In addition, the load produced in the process cartridge 2800 is reduced, and deformation of the process cartridge 2800 can be suppressed.

Further, even if the process cartridge 2800 is mounted on the tray 171, the process cartridge 2800 does not receive the above-described pressing force F27 from the partition 110b of the tray 171. Therefore, the force required to mount the process cartridge 2800 to the mounting portion 110a of the tray 171 can be reduced, and the operability can be improved.

Next, referring to FIGS. 259 to 262, Embodiment 29 will be described. In this embodiment, the structures and operations different from those of Embodiment 28 described above will be described, and members having the same structure and function will be assigned the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

In Embodiment 28, the pressing spring 2882 is provided between the moving member 152L and the non-drive-side bearing 2827. In Embodiment 29, the arrangement of the pressure spring is changed. Hereinafter, the structure and operation of the pressing spring 2982 will be described in detail.

FIG. 259 is a perspective view illustrating the process cartridge 2900 in a state that the moving member 152L is not pushed in by the cartridge pressing unit 190. FIG. 260 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the process cartridge 2900 in a state that the moving member 152L is not pushed by the cartridge pressing unit 190. FIG. 261 is a perspective view illustrating the process cartridge 2900 in a state that the moving member 152L is pushed by the cartridge pressing unit 190. FIG. 262 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the process cartridge 2900 in a state that the moving member 152L is pushed by the cartridge pressing unit 190.

As shown in FIGS. 259 and 260, the process cartridge 2900 as a cartridge according to Embodiment 29 includes a drum unit 108 and a developing unit 2909 as a second unit. The developing unit 2909 is swingable about a swing axis K between a developing position (contacting position) at which the developing roller 106 (see FIG. 3) is in contact with the photosensitive drum 104 and a separation position at which the developing roller 106 is separated from the photosensitive drum 104.

A spring seat 2990 is supported by the non-drive-side bearing 2927 as a bearing member so as to be movable in the arrow ZA direction, and a spring seat 2927j is formed so as to face the spring seat 2990 in the arrow ZA direction. Between the spring seats 2990 and 2927j, a pressing spring 2982, which is a compressed spring, is compressed. The spring seat 2990 and the pressing spring 2982 as an elastic member constitute an urging portion 2980. The spring seat 2990 is movable to a standby position (position shown in FIG. 259) as a third position and a lowered position (position shown in FIG. 261) as a fourth position.

FIGS. 259 and 260 show a state in which the process cartridge 2900 is mounted on the mounting portion 110a of the tray 171 (see FIG. 253), and the front door 11 is in the open state. Therefore, the cartridge pressing unit 190 has not yet lowered in the direction of the arrow ZA, so that the first force applying portion 190a of the cartridge pressing unit 190 and the pressed surface 152Lf of the moving member 152L are separated from each other. The cartridge pressing unit 190 is formed with a pressing portion 190h which faces a pressed surface 2990a as a force receiving portion of the spring seat 2990 in the direction of the arrow ZA and which is capable of pressing the spring seat 2990.

FIGS. 261 and 262 show a state in which the process cartridge 2900 is mounted on the mounting portion 110a of the tray 171 (see FIG. 253), and the front door 11 is in the closed state. When the front door 11 is brought from the open state to the closed state so that the cartridge pressing unit 190 is lowered in the direction of the arrow ZA, the first force applying portion 190a of the cartridge pressing unit 190 pushes the pressed surface 152Lf of the moving member 152L. Then, the moving member 152L moves to a projecting position in which the projecting portion 152Lh projects in the arrow ZA direction (downward) of the process cartridge 2900.

Simultaneously therewith, the pressing portion 190h of the cartridge pressing unit 190 pushes the pressed surface 2990a of the spring seat 2990 in the direction of the arrow ZA. In other words, the pressed surface 2990a of the spring seat 2990 receives the pressing force F31 as an external force from the pressing portion 190h. By this, the spring seat 2990 is lowered from the standby position to the lowered position to approach to the spring seat 2927j of the non-drive-side bearing 2927 with the result that the pressing spring 2982 is further compressed. Therefore, a pressing force F32 is applied to the spring seat 2927j of the non-drive-side bearing 2927 from the pressing spring 2982. The pressing force F32 acts as a moment (urging force) which rotates the developing unit 2909 in the direction of the arrow V2 about the swing axis K of the developing unit 2909. Thus, the developing unit 2909 is urged toward the developing position. In other words, the urging portion 2980 can apply the urging force to the developing unit 2909 to urge the developing unit 2909 toward the developing position while receiving the pressing force F31 by the pressed surface 2990a of the spring seat 2990.

[Arrangement of Urging Portion]

Here, referring to FIG. 260, the arrangement of the urging portion 2980 will be described in detail. FIG. 260 illustrates a state in which the process cartridge 2900 is viewed in the direction of a rotation axis M2 of the developing roller 106 when the developing unit 2909 is in the separated position. As shown in FIG. 260, a straight line passing through the rotation axis M2 as the rotation center of the developing roller 106 and a rotation axis M1 as the rotation center of the photosensitive drum 104 is referred to as a first straight line L31. In addition, a straight line passing through a rotation axis M5 as the rotation center of the charging roller 105 and the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 104 is referred to as a third straight line L33, and a tangent line to the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 at an intersection closer to the rotation axis M5 of the charging roller 105 of intersections of the third straight line L33 and the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 104 is referred to as a second straight line L32.

And, a direction parallel to the first straight line L31 is referred to as an arrow D31 direction. Further, with respect to the 1st straight line L31, a region on the side where the rotation axis M5 of the charging roller 105 exists is referred to as a first region AD31, and a region on the side where the rotation axis M5 of the charging roller 105 exists is referred to as a second region AD32. A region on the side where the rotation axis M5 of the charging roller 105 exists with respect to the second straight line L32 is referred to as a third region AD33.

At this time, the pressing spring 2982 of the urging portion 2980 is located at a position more remote from the photosensitive drum 104 than the developing roller 106 in the direction of the arrow D31 and is disposed in the third region AD33.

As described above, in this embodiment, by the front door 11 being brought from the open state to the closed state after the process cartridge 2900 is mounted on the mounting portion 110a of the tray 171, the developing unit 2909 is urged toward the developing position. Thus the same effects as those of Embodiment 28 can be provided.

Other Modification Examples of Embodiments 27 to 29

In Embodiments 27 to 29, the spacers 151L and 151R are rotatably supported by the developing unit, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the spacers 151L and 151R may be rotatably supported by the drum unit.

In Embodiment 27, the pressing unit 2780 is provided only on the non-drive side of the developing unit 2709, but it may be provided also on the drive side of the developing unit 2709. In this case, the urging force of the pressing unit provided on the drive side may be set to be lower than the urging force of the pressing unit provided on the non-drive side in consideration of the driving torque inputted from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 to the drive side of the process cartridge 2700. The pressing unit 2780 may be provided at a position between the drive side and the non-drive side of the developing unit 2709 in the axial direction of the swing shaft K. Similarly, the urging portions 2880 and 2980 of Embodiments 28 and 29 may be provided on the drive side of the developing unit or at positions between the drive side and the non-drive side of the developing unit.

The above-described embodiments may be combined as is appropriate. For example, the pressing unit 2780 of Embodiment 27 may be applied to the process cartridge of Embodiment 9.

The arrangements of the pressing unit 2780 of Embodiment 27 and the urging portions 2880 and 2980 of Embodiments 28 and 29 are not limited to the arrangement described in each Embodiment, and the arrangement may be changed as is appropriate.

The pressing springs 2782, 2882, 2982 are not limited to compression springs, and other urging means for urging the developing unit toward the developing position may be applied. For example, other types of springs such as a disc spring and a leaf spring, and other elastic members such as rubber and sponge may be used.

Next, referring to FIGS. 263 to 280, Embodiment 30 will be described. In this embodiment, structures and operations different from those of Embodiment 1 described in the foregoing will be described, and members having similar structures and functions are assigned the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In Embodiment 1, the spacer 151R is pushed by the movable member 152R which rotates in the direction of the arrow BB (see FIGS. 24 and 25) to rotate from the separation holding position to the separation release position against the urging force of the tension spring 153. In addition, the spacer 151R is rotated from the separation release position to the separation holding position by the urging force of the tension spring 153 by the movable member 152R, which rotates in the direction of the arrow BA (see FIG. 2797), pressing the drive-side bearing 125. In this manner, the spacer 151R which holds the developing unit 109 at the contact position or the separation position is rotated by receiving the pressing force provided by the movable member 152R or is rotated by the urging force of the tension spring 153.

As is different, in this embodiment, a cam 3065 which holds the developing unit 3009 at the developing position or the separation position is rotated by using a driving force for driving the developing roller 106 of the developing unit 3009. The structure of this embodiment will be described in detail.

[Overall Structure Arrangement]

First, the overall structure of a process cartridge 3000 as a cartridge according to Embodiment 30 will be described. Part (a) of FIG. 263 is a side view illustrating a drive side of the developing unit 3009 placed in the developing position (contact position). Part (b) of FIG. 263 is a side view illustrating a drive side of the developing unit 3009 placed in the separated position.

As shown in part (a) of FIG. 263 to FIG. 265, the process cartridge 3000 according to this embodiment includes a drum unit 108 including a photosensitive drum 104 and a charging roller 105 (see FIG. 269), a developing unit 3009 including a developing roller 106, a movable member 152R, a link unit 3040, and a cam unit 3060. The photosensitive drum 104, the charging roller 105, the developing roller 106, the drum unit 108, and the developing unit 2709 constitute a photosensitive member, a charging member, a developing member, a first unit, and a second unit, respectively.

The cam unit 3060 has a rotatable cam 3065, which has a cam surface 3065a which can contact a contact portion 3028d provided on the development cover member 3028 of the developing unit 3009. As described in Embodiment 1, the developing unit 3009 is provided so as to be swingable relative to the drum unit 108 about the swing axis K which is concentric with the rotation center of the development coupling portion 132a. The developing unit 3009 is urged so that the developing roller 106 approaches the photosensitive drum 104 by the urging force of the development pressing spring 134 (see FIG. 34) and the driving torque received by the development coupling portion 132a from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170.

The developing unit 3009 is movable between the developing position and the separated position relative to the drum unit 108, and the developing roller 106 of the process cartridge 3000 can deposit the toner onto the photosensitive drum 104 in the developing position. In a state in which the process cartridge 3000 is placed at the separated position, at least a portion of the developing roller 106 is placed away from the photosensitive drum 104.

As shown in part (a) of FIG. 263, in a state in which the cam surface 3065a of the cam 3065 is out of contact from the contact portion 3028d of the development cover member 3028, the developing roller 106 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 104, and the developing unit 3009 is placed at the development position. Then, as shown in part (b) of FIG. 263, by the cam 3065 rotating to such and extension that the contact portion 3028d of the development cover member 3028 is pressed by the cam surface 3065a, the developing unit 3009 moves to the separated position. In the state that the developing unit 3009 is at the separated position, the developing roller 106 is separated from the photosensitive drum 104.

FIG. 264 is the perspective view illustrating a drive-side cartridge cover member 3016, the developing cover member 3028, the movable member 152R, and the link unit 3040. FIG. 265 is a perspective view illustrating the development cover member 3028 and the movable member 152R. FIG. 266 is a perspective view illustrating the development cover member 3028. Parts (a) and (b) of FIG. 267 are perspective views illustrating the movable member 152R. FIG. 268 is a side view illustrating the development cover member 3028.

As shown in FIG. 264, the process cartridge 3000 is supported so as to be sandwiched between the drive-side cartridge cover member 3016 and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117 (see FIG. 13). The link unit 3040 is supported between the drive-side cartridge cover member 3016 and the movable member 152R, as will be described hereinafter.

As shown in FIGS. 265 to 268, the development drive input gear 132 provided with the development coupling portion 132 a (see FIG. 263) is rotatably engaged with the cylindrical portion 128b of the development cover member 3028. The development drive input gear 132 is in meshing engagement with a developing roller gear 131 fixed to the drive-side end portion of the developing roller 106 (see FIG. 263), and the developing roller 106 is rotated by the rotation of the development drive input gear 132.

The movable member 152R is provided with a link engaging portion 152Ri and a spring hooked portion 152Rj which project parallel to an axial direction of the swing shaft K outwardly in the longitudinal direction of the developing unit 3009. The developing cover member 3028 is also provided with a spring hooked portion 3028g which projects in the axial direction of the swing shaft K. A tension spring 3053 is stretched between the spring hooked portion 152Rj of the movable member 152R and the spring hooked portion 3028g of the developing cover member 3028, and the movable member 152R is urged in the direction of the arrow BA and the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow Z1 by the urging force of the tension spring 3053.

[Structure of Link Unit]

Next, a structure of the link unit 3040 will be mainly described. FIG. 269 is a perspective view illustrating the drive-side cartridge cover member 3016, the link unit 3040, and the cam unit 3060. Part (a) of FIG. 270 and part (b) of FIG. 270 are perspective views illustrating the drive-side cartridge cover member 3016. Part (a) of FIG. 271 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a broken line portion in part (b) of FIG. 270. Part (b) of FIG. 271 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a stopper 3044 and the peripheral structure thereof. Part (a) of FIG. 272 is a front view illustrating a link cam 3042. Part (b) of FIG. 272 and part (c) of FIG. 272 are perspective views illustrating the stopper 3044.

As shown in FIG. 269, the drive-side cartridge cover member 3016 covers the cam unit 3060, and the cam unit 3060 includes a cam drive gear 3061 that is engaged with the development drive input gear 132 (see FIG. 265). The cam drive gear 3061 is supported on one end side (drive side) of the drive transmission shaft 3064 so as not to be capable of movement relative to the drive transmission shaft 3064. A link unit and a cam unit similar to those on the drive side are provided on the other end side (non-drive side) of the drive transmission shaft 3064, and the cam unit on the non-drive side is driven by the driving force transmitted from the drive transmission shaft 3064. In this embodiment, the link unit 3040 and the cam unit 3060 are provided on each of the drive side and the non-drive side of the process cartridge 3000, but the link unit 3040 and the cam unit 3060 may be provided on only one of the drive side and the non-drive side.

As shown in FIGS. 264 and 269, the link unit 3040 includes a stopper link 3041, a link cam 3042, a link spring 3043, and a stopper 3044. The stopper link 3041 is provided with an oblong hole 3041a, a round hole 3041b, and a boss portion 3041c projecting in the axial direction of the swing shaft K. A shaft portion 3016d provided on the drive-side cartridge cover member 3016 passes through the round hole 3041b, and the stopper link 3041 is supported so as to be rotatable around the shaft portion 3016d.

A link engaging portion 152Ri formed on the movable member 152R is loosely fitted into the oblong hole 3041a of the stopper link 3041. When the movable member 152R swings in the direction of arrow BA or in the direction of arrow BB about a second support portion 127e (see FIG. 265), the link engaging portion 152Ri presses the inner peripheral surface of the oblong hole 3041a, so that the stopper link 3041 rotates around the shaft portion 3016d.

As shown in FIG. 264, FIG. 269 to part (b) of FIG. 270, and part (a) of FIG. 272, the drive-side cartridge cover member 3016 is provided with a shaft portion 3016e projecting in a direction away from the shaft portion 3016d. The link cam 3042 is formed with a round hole 3042a and an oblong hole 3042b extending in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the round hole 3042a. The round hole 3042a is loosely fitted around the large diameter portion 3016f of the shaft portion 3016e, and the link cam 3042 is supported rotatably about the large diameter portion 3016f. The boss portion 3041c of the stopper link 3041 penetrates the oblong hole 3042b. Since the boss portion 3041c of the stopper link 3041 and the oblong hole 3042b of the link cam 3042 are coupled in this manner, the link cam 3042 rotates about the large diameter portion 3016f in interrelation with the stopper link 3041 rotating about the shaft portion 3016d.

Further, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 272, the link cam 3042 has a substantially arc-shaped contact surface 3042c, slip preventing portions 3042d and 3042e provided at opposite end portions of the contact surface 3042c and projecting in a direction away from the round hole 3042a beyond the contact surface 3042c, and a first clearance surface 3042f and a second clearance surface 3042g. The first clearance 3042f surface and the second clearance 3042g surface are each formed in a substantially arc shape, and are disposed in the position closer to the round hole 3042a in the radial direction than the contact surface 3042c. The first clearance surface 3042f is provided on the opposite side of the contact surface 3042c with the slip preventing portion 3042d interposed in the rotational direction of the link cam 3042. The second clearance surface 3042g is provided on the opposite side of the contact surface 3042c with the slip preventing portion 3042e interposed in the rotational direction of the link cam 3042.

As shown in part (a) of FIG. 270 to part (b) of FIG. 271, the drive-side cartridge cover member 3016 is provided with a stopper support portion 3016h which slidably supports the stopper 3044. The stopper support portion 3016h is provided with a first support portion 3016h1 and a second support portion 3016h2, and the first support portion 3016h1 and the second support portion 3016h2 provided a support hole 3016i which extends in a movement direction D30 which is substantially parallel to the line connecting the rotation center of the cam unit 3060 and the rotation center of the link cam 3042. The support hole 3016i penetrates in the axial direction of the swing shaft K (see FIG. 264). In addition, the drive-side cartridge cover member 3016 is formed with a receiving portion 3016j which extends continuously with the first support portion 3016h1 toward the cam unit 3060 side.

As shown in part (b) of FIG. 272 and part (c) of FIG. 272, stopper 3044 is provided with a first supported portion 3044a, a second supported portion 3044b, an abutment portion 3044c, a cam locking portion 3044d, a spring hooked portion 3044e, and main body portion 3044f. The main body portion 3044f is structured to penetrate through the support hole 3016i, and the first supported portion 3044a projects from the body portion 3044f so as to sandwich the second support portion 3016h2 of the drive-side cartridge cover member 3016. The second supported portion 3044b projects from the main body portion 3044f so as to sandwich that the first support portion 3016h1. In this manner, the second support portion 3016h2 and the first support portion 3016h1 are inserted into between the first supported portions 3044a of the stopper 3044 and into between the second supported portions 3044b of the stopper 3044, respectively, by which the stopper 3044 is slidably movable in the movement direction D30.

The abutment portion 3044c projects from the main body portion 3044f toward one side in the movement direction D30, and the cam locking portion 3044d projects from the main body portion 3044f toward the other side in the movement direction D30. The abutment portion 3044c is provided to be slidable relative to the contact surface 3042c of the link cam 3042, the slip preventing portions 3042d and 3042e, the first clearance surface 3042f, and the second clearance surface 3042g.

The cam locking portion 3044d includes a cam contact surface 3044g which can contact the cam 3065 of the cam unit 3060, and a force receiving surface 3044h which is provided on the opposite side of the cam contact surface 3044g. The force receiving surface 3044h is structured to be capable of contacting the receiving portion 3016j of the drive-side cartridge cover member 3016. The cam contact surface 3044g and the force receiving surface 3044h are surfaces extending in a direction parallel to the movement direction D30 and the axial direction of the swing shaft K, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 264 and part (b) of FIG. 272 and part (c) of FIG. 272, a link spring 3043 which is a tension spring is stretched between the spring hooked portion 3044e of the stopper 3044 and the small diameter portion 3016g of the shaft portion 3016e. The stopper 3044 is urged in a direction of approaching the link cam 3042 by the urging force of the link spring 3043, so that the abutment portion 3044c of the stopper 3044 moves following the contact surface 3042c, the slip preventing portions 3042d, 3042e, the first clearance surface 3042f, and the second clearance surface 3042g of the link cam 3042.

[Structure of Cam Unit]

Next, the structure of the cam unit 3060 will be described. FIGS. 273 and 274 are exploded perspective views illustrating the cam unit 3060. FIG. 275 is a sectional view illustrating the cam unit 3060. FIG. 276 is a perspective view illustrating the cam unit 3060.

As shown in FIGS. 273 to 276, the cam unit 3060 includes the cam drive gear 3061, a clutch portion 3062, a coil spring 3063, a cam 3065, and a lid portion 3066. The cam drive gear 3061 includes a support hole 3061a into which the drive transmission shaft 3064 is fitted, and recesses 3061b and 3061c which are provided continuously with the support hole 3061a and which extend in the radial direction with 180 degrees of phase different from each other.

The clutch portion 3062 includes a through hole 3062a penetrated by the drive transmission shaft 3064, engaging portions 3062b and 3062c which can be engaged with the recesses 3061b and 3061c, respectively, a cylindrical portion 3062d extending in the axial direction, and a cam engaging portion 3062e with which the cam 3065 engages. The coil spring 3063 includes a coil portion 3063a fitted by tightening the cylindrical portion 3062d of the clutch portion 3062, one end portion 3063b provided at one end in the axial direction of the coil portion 3063a, and the other end portion 3063c provided at the other end in the axial direction of the coil portion 3063a.

The cam 3065 as a holding portion is structured to regulate the relative position between the drum unit 108 and the developing unit 3009 so as to be rotatable between a second rotational position (position shown in part (b) of FIG. 263) as a first position for holding the developing unit 3009 at a separation position by the drum unit 108 and a first rotational position (position shown in part (a) of FIG. 263) as a second position for holding the developing unit 3009 at the developing position by the drum unit 108. The cam 3065 includes a cylindrical portion 3065b extending in the axial direction, a cam portion 3065c projecting outward in the radial direction from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 3065b, and stopper contact portions 3065d and 3065e which extend outward in the radial direction from an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 3065b at respective positions with phases different from each other by 180 degrees. The cam surface 3065a which can press the contact portion 3028d (see part (b) of FIG. 263) of the developing cover member 3028 is formed on the cam portion 3065c. A groove-shaped spring hooked portion 3065f to which one end portion 3063b of the coil spring 3063 is locked is formed in the cylindrical portion 3065b.

The lid portion 3066 includes a small diameter portion 3066b, a medium diameter portion 3066c having an outer diameter larger than that of the small diameter portion 3066b, and a large diameter portion 3066d having an outer diameter larger than that of the medium diameter portion 3066c. The small diameter portion 3066b, the medium diameter portion 3066c, and the large diameter portion 3066d are provided coaxially and integrally, and have a through hole 3066a which is penetrated by the drive transmission shaft 3064. The middle diameter portion 3066c is provided with a groove-shaped spring hooked portion 3066e with which the other end portion 3063c of the coil spring 3063 is locked. The large diameter portion 3066d is provided with a groove-shaped pin engaging portion 3066f provided in the drive transmission shaft 3064 and engaged with a parallel pin 3067 which rotates integrally with the drive transmission shaft 3064. The parallel pin 3067 and the pin engaging portion 3066f are engaged with each other, so that the cam unit 3060 is prevented from disengaging out of the drive transmission shaft 3064.

[Operation of Cam Unit]

Next, referring to part (a) of FIG. 277 to part (b) of FIG. 280, the operation of the cam unit 3060 will be described. Part (a) of FIG. 277 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the link unit 3040 and the cam unit 3060 when the developing unit 3009 is placed at the developing position. Part (b) of FIG. 277 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an engaged state between the stopper 3044 and the cam 3065. Part (a) of FIG. 278 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the link unit 3040 and the cam unit 3060 immediately before the developing unit 3009 starts to move from the developing position to the separation position. Part (b) of FIG. 278 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the separated state of the stopper 3044 and the cam 3065. Part (a) of FIG. 279 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the link unit 3040 and the cam unit 3060 when the developing unit 3009 is placed at the separation position. Part (b) of FIG. 279 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an engaged state between the stopper 3044 and the cam 3065. Part (a) of FIG. 280 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the link unit 3040 and the cam unit 3060 immediately before the developing unit 3009 starts to move from the separation position to the developing position. Part (b) of FIG. 280 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the separated state of the stopper 3044 and the cam 3065.

As shown in part (a) of FIG. 263 and part (a) of FIG. 277 and part (b) of FIG. 277, in the state where the developing unit 3009 is placed at the developing position, the cam 3065 is at the first rotation position where the cam portion 3065c is placed on the opposite side of the contact portion 3028d of the developing cover member 3028. In the state in which the cam 3065 is placed at the first rotation position, the cam surface 3065a is separated from the contact portion 3028d of the developing cover member 3028. At this time, the abutment portion 3044c of the stopper 3044 is pressed by the contact surface 3042c of the link cam 3042, and the stopper 3044 is pushed toward the cam 3065 against the urging force of the link spring 3043. The abutment portion 3044c stably abuts on the contact surface 3042c by the slip preventing portions 3042d and 3042e provided at both end portions of the contact surface 3042c, even if vibration or the like happens.

The stopper contact portion 3065e of the cam 3065 is engaged with the stopper 3044. More specifically, the stopper contact portion 3065e of the cam 3065 has an abutment surface 3065g, and the abutment surface 3065g is in contact with the cam contact surface 3044g of the stopper 3044 as a positioning portion. Thus, the cam 3065 is positioned at the first rotational position.

In the state that the developing unit 3009 is located at the developing position, the driving force is inputted from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 to the development coupling portion 132a of the development drive input gear 132 during printing operation. More specifically, the development coupling portion 132a (see part (a) of FIG. 263) as the driving force receiving portion is rotatable in the direction of the arrow V2 as a predetermined direction, by receiving a driving force for rotationally driving the developing roller 106. By this, the development drive input gear 132 rotates, and the cam drive gear 3061 which is meshing engagement with the development drive input gear 132 rotates. As shown in FIG. 273, parts (a) and (b) of FIG. 276, the cam drive gear 3061 is engaged with the engagement portions 3062b and 3062c of the clutch portion 3062, and therefore, the clutch portion 3062 rotates in the direction of the arrow R10 integrally with the cam drive gear 3061.

Since the cam 3065 is engaged with the stopper 3044, rotation in the direction of the arrow R10 is restricted. At this time, the coil portion 3063a of the coil spring 3063 tightening the cylindrical portion 3062d of the clutch portion and the small diameter portion 3066b of the lid portion 3066, so that the lid portion 3066 is slightly rotated relative to the cam 3065 in the direction of the arrow R10. Then, the coil spring 3063 in which the one end portion 3063b is locked to the spring-hooked portion 3065f of the cam 3065 and the other end portion 3063c is locked to the spring hooked portion 3066e of the lid portion 3066 rotates by a predetermined amount in a direction of loosening the coil portion 3063a. Therefore, the driving force is no longer transmitted from the clutch portion 3062 to the cam 3065, the coil spring 3063, and the lid portion 3066, with the result that the cam 3065, the coil spring 3063, and the lid portion 3066 stop, that is, no longer rotate. As shown in FIG. 275, a gap SP 30 is provided between the coil portion 3063a and the inner diameter surface of the cylindrical portion 3065b of the cam 3065, so that the coil portion 3063a can be loosened by a predetermined amount and expanded radially outward.

As described above, by the coil portion 3063a being loosened, the tightening force of the clutch portion 3062 to the cylindrical portion 3062d by the coil portion 3063a is weakened, so that the frictional force between the coil portion 3063a and the cylindrical portion 3062d and the small diameter portion 3066b is reduced. By this, the driving force is no longer transmitted from the clutch portion 3062 to the cam 3065, the coil spring 3063, and the lid portion 3066, and the cam driving gear 3061 and the clutch portion 3062 rotate idly in the direction of the arrow R10 with respect to the coil spring 3063. The cam 3065, the coil spring 3063, and the lid portion 3066 stop and does not rotate. That is, the clutch portion 3062, the coil spring 3063, and the lid portion 3066 constitute a clutch 3090 (see FIG. 274) capable of interrupting the driving from the development coupling portion 132a to the cam 3065 when the cam 3065 is positioned at the first rotational position or the second rotational position by the stopper 3044.

When the development drive input gear 132 starts to rotate, the cam contact surface 3044g of the stopper 3044 receives a rotational force at the abutment surface 3065g, but the force receiving surface 3044h formed on the side of the stopper 3044 opposite from the cam contact surface 3044g is in contact with the receiving portion 3016j. The receiving portion 3016j extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the arrow R10 direction, which is the rotational direction of the cam 3065, and is placed downstream of the cam contact surface 3044g and the force receiving surface 3044h of the stopper 3044 in the arrow R10 direction. Accordingly, the rotational force received by the stopper 3044 from the cam 3065 is transmitted to the receiving portion 3016j of the drive-side cartridge cover member 3016 by way of the stopper 3044, and therefore, it is possible to suppress the positional displacement and deformation of the stopper 3044, thus improving an operation stability of the cam 3065.

When the developing unit 3009 is to be swung from the developing position to the separated position (as shown in part (a) of FIG. 278 and part (b) of FIG. 278), the separation control member 196R (see FIG. 25) moves from the home position in the direction of the arrow W41, and the movable member 152R is rotated in the direction of the arrow BA by being pressed by the separation control member 196R. Then, in interrelation with the rotation of the movable member 152R, the stopper link 3041 and the link cam 3042 rotate, and at the same time, the stopper 3044 moves in a direction away from the cam 3065 by the urging force of the link spring 3043. At this time, the abutment portion 3044c of the stopper 3044 slides on the contact surface 3042c and the slip preventing portion 3042d of the link cam 3042 to abut on the first clearance surface 3042f.

When the stopper 3044 moves in a direction away from the cam 3065, the stopper 3044 and the cam 3065 is disengaged from each other, and the rotation restriction of the cam 3065 in the direction of the arrow R10 is lifted. When the rotation restriction of the cam 3065 is ceased, the coil portion 3063a of the coil spring 3063 is tightened (reduced in diameter), so that the tightening force of the coil portion 3063a to the cylindrical portion 3062d of the clutch portion 3062 and the small diameter portion 3066b of the lid portion 3066 is recovered. Therefore, the frictional force between the coil portion 3063a and the cylindrical portion 3062d and the frictional force between the coil portion 3063a and the small diameter portion 3066b increase, so that the clutch portion 3062, the coil spring 3063, and the lid portion 3066 rotate integrally. The cam 3065 also rotates integrally with the clutch portion 3062 and the lid portion 3066 by way of the coil spring 3063. For this reason, the entire cam unit 3060 is integrally rotated in the direction of the arrow R10 by the driving force of the development drive input gear 132.

The separation control member 196R (see FIG. 25) temporarily moves from the home position in the W41 direction, and then immediately moves in the direction of the arrow 42 to return to the home position. Then, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 279 and part (b) of FIG. 279, the movable member 152R is pressed by the separation control member 196R to rotate in the direction of the arrow BB. Then, in interrelation with the rotation of the movable member 152R, the stopper link 3041 and the link cam 3042 rotate, and at the same time, the stopper 3044 moves in a direction of approaching the cam 3065 against the urging force of the link spring 3043. This is because the abutment portion 3044c of the stopper 3044 slides on the first clearance surface 3042f and the slip preventing portion 3042d of the link cam 3042 and abuts to the contact surface 3042c.

The cam 3065 rotated in the direction of arrow R10 by the driving force of the development drive input gear 132 rotates 180 degrees from the first rotational position shown in part (a) of FIG. 277-part (b) of FIG. 278 to reach the second rotational position, and abuts to the stopper 3044. More specifically, the stopper contact portion 3065d of the cam 3065 has an abutment surface 3065h, and the abutment surface 3065h is in abutment with the cam contact surface 3044g of the stopper 3044. Thus, the cam 3065 is positioned at the second rotational position.

As shown in part (b) of FIG. 263 and part (a) of FIG. 279 and part (b) of FIG. 279, the cam surface 3065a is in contact with the contact portion 3028d of the developing cover member 3028 when the cam 3065 is located at the second rotational position. When the cam 3065 rotates from the first rotational position to the second rotational position, the contact portion 3028d is pressed by the cam surface 3065a. By this, the developing unit 3009 swings from the developing position to the separated position against the urging force of the development pressing spring 134 (see FIG. 34) and the driving torque received by the development coupling portion 132a from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. The operation of the cam unit 3060 in a state that the abutment surface 3065h abuts against the cam contact surface 3044g is similar to that having been described referring to part (a) of FIG. 277 and part (b) of FIG. 277, and therefore, the description thereof will be omitted.

When the developing unit 3009 is to be swung from the separation position to the developing position, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 280 and part (b) of FIG. 280, the separation control member 196R (see FIG. 25) moves from the home position in the W42 direction, and is pressed by the separation control member 196R, so that the movable member 152R rotates in the direction of the arrow BB. Then, in interrelation with the rotation of the movable member 152R, the stopper link 3041 and the link cam 3042 rotate, and at the same time, the stopper 3044 moves in a direction away from the cam 3065 by the urging force of the link spring 3043. At this time, the abutment portion 3044c of the stopper 3044 slides on the contact surface 3042c and the slip preventing portion 3042e of the link cam 3042, and abuts to the second flank surface 3042g.

By movement of the stopper 3044 in a direction away from the cam 3065, the engagement state between the stopper 3044 and the cam 3065 is broken, and the rotation restriction of the cam 3065 in the direction of the arrow R10 is stopped. The operation of the cam unit 3060 when the engagement state between the stopper 3044 and the cam 3065 is broken is the same as that described referring to part (a) of FIG. 278 and part (b) of FIG. 278, and therefore, the description thereof will be omitted. That is, the entire cam unit 3060 is integrally rotated in the direction of arrow R10 by the driving force of the development drive input gear 132.

The separation control member 196R (see FIG. 25) temporarily moves from the home position in the W42 direction, and then immediately moves in the W41 direction to return to the home position. Then, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 277 and part (b) of FIG. 277, the movable member 152R is pressed by the separation control member 196R to rotate in the direction of the arrow BA. Then, in interrelation with the rotation of the movable member 152R, the stopper link 3041 and the link cam 3042 rotate, and at the same time, the stopper 3044 moves in a direction of approaching to the cam 3065 against the urging force of the link spring 3043. This is because the abutment portion 3044c of the stopper 3044 slides on the second flank surface 3042g and on the slip preventing portion 3042e of the link cam 3042 to abut to the contact surface 3042c.

The cam 3065 having rotated in the direction of arrow R10 by the driving force of the development drive input gear 132 rotates through 180 degrees from the second rotational position shown in part (a) of FIG. 279 and part (b) of FIG. 280 to reach the first rotational position to abut to the stopper 3044. As shown in part (a) of FIG. 263, when the cam 3065 rotates from the second rotational position to the first rotational position, the cam surface 3065a is separated from the contact portion 3028d of the development cover member 3028. By this, the developing unit 3009 swings from the separated position to the developing position by the urging force of the development pressing spring 134 (see FIG. 34) and the driving torque received by the development coupling portion 132a from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170.

As described above, in this embodiment, the driving force for rotating the cam 3065 in the direction of the arrow R10 is obtained from the driving force of the development coupling portion 132a which rotates only in one direction. In other words, the cam 3065 is rotatable from the second rotational position to the first rotational position by such a received force that the development coupling portion 132a is rotated in the arrow V2 direction, and also it is rotatable from the first rotational position to the second rotational position by such a received force that the development coupling portion 132a is rotated in the arrow V2 direction. The cam 3065 rotates only in one direction, that is, in the direction of the arrow R10, by such a received force that the development coupling portion 132a is rotated in the direction of the arrow V2. And, the separation control member 196R moving to rotate the movable member 152R, the stopper 3044 of the link unit 3040 is engaged with or is separated from the cam 3065 to position the cam 3065 at the first rotational position or the second rotational position. Therefore, a drive source exclusively for rotating the cam 3065 is not necessary, and the cost can be reduced accordingly. In addition, since the cam 3065 is rotated by using the driving of the development drive input gear 132 which rotates unidirectionally, the structure can be simplified as compared with a structure which requires forward rotation driving and reverse rotation driving mechanisms.

The cam 3065 stably holds, in the first rotation position (the position shown in part (a) of FIG. 263), the developing unit 3009 at the developing position, and stably holds, in the second rotation position (the position shown in part (b) of FIG. 263), the developing unit 3009 at the separation position. In this manner, the developing unit 3009 is swung between the developing position and the separation position by the cam 3065, and thus mechanical reliability is high and the durability can be improved.

Further, since the cam 3065 is driven by the driving force of the development drive input gear 132 and the separation control member 196R is moved to switch the position of the stopper 3044, the torque required for the movement of the separation control member 196R can be reduced. Therefore, the drive source such as a motor for driving the separation control member 196R can be downsized and the cost can be reduced, and in addition, the rigidity required for the separation control member 196R and the movable member 152R can be reduced.

Next, Embodiment 31 will be described, referring to FIG. 281 to part (c) of FIG. 296. In this embodiment, structures and operations different from those of Embodiment 1 described above will be described, and members including similar structures and functions are assigned the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, in place of the spacer 151R of Embodiment 1, the developing unit 3109 is held at the developing position or the separation position by a holding member 3120. In this embodiment, the movable member 152R is also provided in the developing unit 3109.

[Overall Structure]

First, an overall structure of the process cartridge 3100 as a cartridge will be described. FIG. 281 is a perspective view illustrating the holding member 3120 and the separation spring 3140. FIG. 282 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line 265A-265A of FIG. 281. FIGS. 283 and 284 are exploded perspective views illustrating a drive-side cartridge cover member 116, a development cover member 128, a holding member 3120 and a separation spring 3140.

As shown in FIGS. 281 and 282, the process cartridge 3100 according to this embodiment includes a drum unit 108 and a developing unit 3109 which is rotatable with respect to the drum unit 108. The developing unit 3109 as a second unit includes a developing roller 106, and the developing roller 106 has a metal core 106c made of a metal material and a rubber portion 106d fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the metal core 106c. A holding member 3120 is rotatably supported at an end portion 106e of the metal core 106c.

As shown in FIGS. 283 and 284, the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 covers the drive-side surface of the developing unit 3109, and supports the development cover member 128 rotatably about the swing axis K of the developing unit 3109. The developing roller 106 rotates in a direction of arrow R21. The metal core 106c of the developing roller 106 is rotatably supported by the drive-side bearing 126 of the developing unit 3109, and the developing roller gear 131 is fixed to the metal core 106c. The developing roller gear 131 is in meshing engagement with a development drive input gear 132 (see FIG. 15) which receives a driving torque from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 by the development coupling portion 132a. The development coupling portion 132a (see part (a) of FIG. 263) as a driving force receiving portion of the development drive input gear 132 is rotatable in the direction of the arrow V2 as a predetermined direction by receiving a driving force for rotationally driving the developing roller 106.

[Structure of Holding Member and Separation Spring]

Next, the structures of the holding member 3120 and the separation spring 3140 will be described in detail. The holding member 3120 as a holding portion regulates the relative position between the drum unit 108 and the developing unit 3109, and is structured to be rotatable between a separation holding position (position shown in FIG. 281) a 1st position for holding the developing unit 3109 at the separation position by the drum unit 108 and an abutment holding position (position shown in part (a) of FIG. 286) as a second position for holding the developing unit 3109 at the developing position by the drum unit 108. The holding member 3120 is provided with a hole portion 3120a having an oblong hole shape, a projection 3120b projecting outward in the radial direction, and a cylindrical portion 3120c extending in the axial direction. The end portion 106e of the metal core 106c penetrates through the hole portion 3120a. The hole portion 3120a has a friction surface 3120d and an opposing surface 3120e at an inner peripheral surface thereof. The friction surface 3120d and the opposing surface 3120e face each other in the extending direction of the oblong hole-shaped hole portion 3120a, and the friction surface 3120d is closer to the projection 3120b than the opposing surface 3120e.

A coil-shaped support portion 3140a of the separation spring 3140 is rotatably supported by the cylindrical portion 3120c, and a fixing portion 3140b projecting outward in the radial direction from the support portion 3140a is fixed to a spring fixing portion 3120f provided in the projection 3120b of the holding member 3120. A support portion 3140c projecting outward in the radial direction from the support portion 3140a is supported by a spring support portion 128f provided in the development cover member 128. The separation spring 3140 as an urging portion urges the holding member 3120.

As shown in FIG. 281, the projection 3120b of the holding member 3120 has a holding surface 3120g provided at an end portion in the extending direction of the hole portion 3120a, a locking surface 3120h on the downstream side in the arrow R21 direction of the projection 3120b, and a locking surface 3120i on the upstream side in the arrow R21 direction of the projection 3120b. The development cover member 128 is formed with a locking surface 128i which can be contacted by the locking surface 3120i.

The drive-side cartridge cover member 116 includes a held portion 116g which can contact the holding surface 3120g, a locked portion 116h which faces the locking surface 3120h, and a locked portion 116i which can face the locking surface 3120i. The locked portions 116h and 116i face each other with a gap equal to or larger than the width of the projection 3120b in the circumferential direction.

The angle formed by the fixing portion 3140b and the support portion 3140c of the separation spring 3140 is approximately 90 to 120°. In the state that the separation spring 3140 is assembled to the holding member 3120 and the development cover member 128, the support portion 3140c of the separation spring 3140 is charged in a state of being urged in the direction of the arrow R21.

[Operations of the Holding Member and the Separation Spring]

Next, the operations of the holding member 3120 and the separation spring 3140 will be described. Part (a) of FIG. 285 is a side view illustrating the force acting on the holding member 3120 and the separation spring 3140 in the state that the driving force is not imparted to the development drive input gear 132 from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170.

As shown in part (a) of FIG. 285, the separation spring 3140 is charged such that the fixing portion 3140b is urged in the direction of arrow R22, and the support portion 3140c is urged in the direction of arrow R21. Therefore, a force F41 acts from the fixing portion 3140b to the spring fixing portion 3120f of the holding member 3120. In addition, the support portion 3140c receives a force pressing the spring support portion 128f, so that a force F42 acts on the cylindrical portion 3120c of the holding member 3120 from the support portion 3140a. Further, a pressing force F40 is applied to the metal core 106c of the developing roller 106 by the urging force of the development pressing spring 134 (see FIG. 34).

The force F41 acts on the holding member 3120 to rotate in the direction of the arrow R22, but the holding member 3120 is constrained from rotating in the direction of the arrow R22 by the locking surface 3120i abutting against the locking surface 128i of the development cover member 128. In addition, the force F42 and the pressing force F40 act as forces in a direction in which the holding member 3120 approaches to the held portion 116g of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116, but the movement of the holding member 3120 is restricted by the holding surface 3120g abutting against the held portion 116g. In this manner, the holding member 3120 is in a state of holding back against the held portion 116g of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116, by which the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 are separated from each other, and the developing unit 3109 is held at the separated position.

Part (b) of FIG. 285 is a side view illustrating a state in which the driving force is inputted to the development drive input gear 132 in a state in which the developing unit 3109 is placed at the separation position. The holding surface 3120g of the holding member 3120 receives the reaction force NN1 from the held portion 116g. Here, the holding member 3120 receives a force F42 in a direction opposite to the reaction force NN1 from the separation spring 3140, but the force F42 is sufficiently smaller than the reaction force NN1.

The reaction force NN1 produces a reaction force-NN1 from the metal core 106c against the friction surface 3120d of the holding member 3120. When the driving force is inputted to the development drive input gear 132 in a state that the developing unit 3109 is placed at the separation position, the metal core 106c rotates in the direction of arrow R21. Then, a frictional force F43 due to the reaction force-NN1 is generated between the metal core 106c as the rotation shaft and the friction surface 3120d of the holding member 3120. The frictional force F43 produces a rotational force C43 that rotates in the direction of the arrow R21 in the holding member 3120. In addition, a force F41 resulting from the urging force of the separation spring 3140 described above acts on the holding member 3120, and the force F41 acts on the holding member 3120 as a force for rotating in the direction of the arrow R22. That is, the holding member 3120 receives the rotational force C43 as a first moment in the first direction (arrow R21 direction) which urges the holding member 3120 from a separation holding position toward an abutment holding position, and receives the force F41 as the second moment in the second direction (arrow R22 direction) opposite to the first direction.

Therefore, when the rotational force C43 becomes larger than the force F41, the holding member 3120 begins to rotate in the direction of the arrow R21. In this embodiment, a friction coefficient of the friction surface 3120d, a spring pressure of the development pressing spring 134, and a spring pressure of the separation spring 3140 are selected such that the holding member 3120 starts to rotate in the direction of the arrow R21 by the inputting of the driving force to the development drive input gear 132.

Part (a) of FIG. 286 is a side view illustrating the action of the holding member 3120 and the separation spring 3140 in a state in which the developing unit 3109 is at the developing position. By the holding member 3120 rotating in the direction of the arrow R21, the contact between the holding surface 3120g of the holding member 3120 and the held portion 116g is broken. The holding member 3120 can restrict rotation in the direction of the arrow R21 by the locking surface 3120h abutting against the locked portion 116h.

In addition, the holding member 3120 moves toward the second held portion 116j of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 by the pressing forces F40 and the force F42. By this, the holding surface 3120g of the holding member 3120 is bought into abutment against the second held portion 116j. At this time, the holding member 3120 moves so that the metal core 106c is positioned substantially at a central portion of the hole portion 3120a. In this manner, the state in which the holding member 3120 is held back against the held portion 116g of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 is released, by which the developing roller 106 is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 104, so that the developing unit 3109 is held at the developing position.

In a state in which the metal core 106c is placed substantially at the center portion of the hole portion 3120a, the metal core 106c and the friction surface 3120d of the hole portion 3120a are separated from each other, and therefore, the frictional force F43 described with reference to part (b) of FIG. 285 is zero. The metal core 106c and the hole portion 3120a are slightly in contact with each other, that is, at the surfaces other than the friction surface 3120d and the opposing surface 3120e, and therefore, the rotational force C43 of the holding member 3120 decreases to C43′ (<C43). By this, the rotational force C43′ becomes smaller than the force F41 tending to rotate the holding member 3120 in the direction of the arrow R22, with the result that the holding member 3120 rotates in the direction of the arrow R22. Then, the holding member 3120 is constrained from rotating in the direction of the arrow R22 by the locking surface 3120i abutting against the locked portion 116i.

Part (b) of FIG. 286 is a perspective view illustrating the action of the holding member 3120 and the separation spring 3140 in a state in which the developing unit 3109 is placed at a position further away from the drum unit 108 than in the separation position (hereinafter, referred to as a second separation position). The developing unit 3109 is placed at the second separation position by the separation control member 196R pressing the movable member 152R. And, by the force F42 caused by the spring force of the separation spring 3140 acting on the holding member 3120, the holding member 3120 is moved in a direction of approaching to the held portion 116g of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116. Then, the metal core 106c is brought into contact to the opposing surface 3120e of the holding member 3120.

A reaction force NN2 from the metal core 106c acts on the holding member 3120, and the metal core 106c rotates, thereby generating a frictional force F44. The frictional force F44 generates a rotational force C44 in the direction of the arrow R21 in the holding member 3120. The force F41 described above acts on the holding member 3120 and the force F41 acts on the holding member 3120 as a force for rotation in the direction of the arrow R22. That is, the holding member 3120 receives the rotational force C44 as a third moment in the first direction (arrow R21 direction) and the force F41 as a moment in the second direction (arrow R22 direction) opposite to the first direction.

In this embodiment, the force F41 is set to be larger than the rotational force C44, and the holding member 3120 rotates in the direction of the arrow R22. Here, in a state that the developing unit 3109 is moved from the developing position to the second separation position, that is, toward the separation position, and the development coupling portion 132a receives the driving force, the force F41 is larger than the rotational force C44. And, by the locking surface 3120i of the holding member 3120 abutting against the locking surface 128i of the development cover member 128, the rotation of the holding member 3120 in the direction of the arrow R22 is restricted. At this time, the holding surface 3120g faces the held portion 116g.

Thereafter, when the movable member 152R is released from the separation control member 196R, the holding surface 3120g of the holding member 3120 is brought into abutment to the held portion 116g by the action of the urging force of the development pressing spring 134 and the driving force of the development drive input gear 132, and the state returns to that shown in part (a) of FIG. 285.

As described above, in this embodiment, the driving force for rotating the holding member 3120 in the direction of the arrow R21 is obtained from the driving force of the development drive input gear 132 which rotates only in one direction. That is, the holding member 3120 is rotated from the separation holding position where the developing unit 3109 is held at the separation position to the contact holding position where the developing unit 3109 is held at the developing position, by the driving force of the development drive input gear 132. For this reason, a drive source exclusively for rotating the holding member 3120 is not necessary, and the cost can be reduced, accordingly.

When the developing unit 3109 is to be swung from the separation position to the developing position, the holding member 3120 is automatically rotated from the separation holding position to the contact holding position only by driving the development drive input gear 132. Therefore, a driving force for driving the separation control member 196R is not necessary, and energy saving can be achieved. In addition, when the developing unit 3109 is to be swung from the developing position to the separation position, the holding member 3120 is rotated from the contact holding position to the separation holding position by the spring force of the separation spring 3140, so that energy saving can be achieved. Further, since the holding member 3120 is rotated by using the driving of the development drive input gear 132 that rotates only in one direction, the structure can be simplified as compared with a structure which requires both of forward rotation driving and reverse rotation driving mechanism.

[Structure of Delaying Mechanism]

When the drive is inputted to the development drive input gear 132, the holding member 3120 quickly rotates from the separation holding position to the contact holding position. Therefore, the developing roller 106 of the developing unit 3109 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 104 immediately after the drive is inputted to the development drive input gear 132.

A service life of the developing roller 106 is longer if it is separated from the photosensitive drum 104 as much as possible except for the duration in which the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 104 is developed. In view of this, in this embodiment, a delaying mechanism 3200 for delaying the instance at which the developing roller 106 starts to rotate after the input of the drive to the development driving input gear 132 is provided, and the service life of the developing roller 106 is further extended.

Hereinafter, the structure of the delaying mechanism 3200 will be described in detail. FIGS. 287 and 288 are exploded perspective views illustrating the delaying mechanism 3200. FIG. 289 is a sectional view illustrating the delaying mechanism 3200. As shown in FIGS. 287 to 289, the development drive input gear 132 includes a development coupling portion 132a to which drive is inputted from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, and an output gear 132b which meshes with the developing roller gear 131. The delaying mechanism 3200 is disposed between the development coupling portion 132a and the output gear 132b, and is structured to transmit or shut the driving force of the development coupling portion 132a to the output gear 132b.

The delaying mechanism 3200 is provided in a drive transmission path extending from the development coupling portion 132a to the developing roller 106. The delaying mechanism 3200 includes a lever 3210, a clutch 3220, and a spring 3230. The development coupling portion 132a includes a cylindrical portion 132c extending in the axial direction D40, and a projecting portion 132d and a shaft portion 132e provided on one end surface of the cylindrical portion 132c in the axial direction D40 and projecting toward the output gear 132b. The projecting portion 132d extends in the radial direction, and the shaft portion 132e extends in the axial direction D40. The shaft portion 132e is rotatably supported by the output gear 132b. The position of the development coupling portion 132a in the axial direction D40 is regulated by the development cover member 128.

The lever 3210 includes a cylindrical support portion 3211 rotatably supported by the cylindrical portion 132c of the development coupling portion 132a, and a locking portion 3212 projecting radially outward from an outer peripheral surface of the support portion 3211. The clutch 3220 includes a recess 3221 rotatably supported by the cylindrical portion 132c of the development coupling portion 132a, an engagement groove 3222 formed in a bottom surface of the recess 3221, and a through hole 3223 formed in a central portion of the engagement groove 3222. The shaft portion 132e of the development coupling portion 132a penetrates the through hole 3223. The clutch 3220 has projecting portions 3224 and 3225 projecting outward in the radial direction, and the projecting portions 3224 and 3225 are disposed at positions of 180 degree phase difference.

The spring 3230 is a compression coil spring, and is compressed in the axial direction D40 between the clutch 3220 and the output gear 132b. The spring 3230 is fixed to the clutch 3220 and the output gear 132b. The output gear 132b is provided with groove portions 132f and 132g having sector shapes into which the projecting portions 3224 and 3225 of the clutch 3220 can enter, respectively. The projections 3224 and 3225 are provided so as to be rotatable by a predetermined angle in the state that they are in the groove portions 132f and 132g, respectively.

Part (a) of FIG. 290 is a perspective view illustrating the delaying mechanism 3200 in a state in which no drive is inputted to the development coupling unit 132a. Part (b) of FIG. 290 is a perspective view illustrating the clutch 3220, the spring 3230, and the output gear 132b in the state that no drive is inputted to the developing coupling unit 132a. FIG. 291 is a perspective view illustrating a drive transmission state in which drive is inputted to the development coupling portion 132a and the drive of the development coupling portion 132a is transmitted to the output gear 132b.

As shown in part (a) of FIG. 290 and part (b) of FIG. 290, in the state that no drive is input to the development coupling portion 132a, the projecting portion 132d of the development coupling portion 132a is not engaged with the engagement groove 3222 of the clutch 3220. In other words, the projecting portion 132d is out of phase with respect to the engagement groove 3222 in the rotational direction and is offset with respect to the engagement groove 3222 in the axial direction D40 of the delaying mechanism 3200.

The projecting portions 3224 of the clutch 3220 is spaced, in the direction of the arrow R31, from the one end surface 132f1 of the groove portion 132f. Similarly, the projecting portions 3225 of the clutch 3220h is spaced, in the direction of the arrow R31, from the one end surface 132g1 of the groove portion 132g.

When the development coupling portion 132a rotates in the direction of arrow R31 until the projecting portion 132d and the engagement groove 3222 are in phase, the clutch 3220 slides toward the development coupling portion 132a in the axial direction D40 by the urging force of the spring 3230. Then, the projecting portion 132d and the engagement groove 3222 are brought into engagement with each other. And, by the engagement between the projecting portion 132d and the engagement groove 3222, the development coupling portion 132a and the clutch 3220 rotate integrally. At this time, the lever 3210 remains at rest, that is, does not rotate.

By rotation of the clutch 3220 in the direction of the arrow R31, the projection portion 3224 is brought into contact with the one end surface 132f1, as illustrated in FIG. 291, and the projection portion 3225 is brought into contact with the one end surface 132g1. By this, the driving force of the development coupling portion 132a is transmitted to the output gear 132b by way of the clutch 3220, and the delaying mechanism 3200 becomes in the driving transmission state.

FIG. 292 is a perspective view illustrating an arrangement relationship between the lever 3210 and the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and the development cover member 128. Part (a) of FIG. 293 is a perspective view illustrating the position of the lever 3210 when the developing unit 3109 is placed in the developing position. Part (b) of FIG. 293 is a perspective view illustrating the position of the lever 3210 when the developing unit 3109 is placed in the separation position.

As shown in FIGS. 287 to 288 and FIG. 292, the development cover member 128 is provided with a cut-away portion 128r into which the locking portion 3212 of the lever 3210 is inserted. The cut-away portion 128r includes a first locking portion 128s, a second locking portion 128u, and has an inclined surface 128t which connects these first locking portion 128s and second locking portion 128u. The first locking portion 128s and the second locking portion 128u are provided so that the locking portion 3212 of the lever 3210 can be locked, and the second locking portion 128u is provided on the side closer to the development coupling portion 132a in the axial direction D40 than the first locking portion 128s.

The inclined surface 128t is provided so as to incline with respect to the axial direction D40, and smoothly guides the locking portion 3212 of the lever 3210 between the first locking portion 128s and the second locking portion 128u.

The drive-side cartridge cover member 116 is provided with a locking groove 116s for locking the locking portion 3212 of the lever 3210. When the locking portion 3212 is locked in the locking groove 116s in the directions of the arrows R31 and R32, the relative position of the lever 3210 in the directions of the arrows R31 and R32 with respect to the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 does not change. The locking portion 3212 is slidable in the axial direction D40 with respect to the locking groove 116s.

Since the development cover member 128 swings integrally with the developing unit 3209, the development cover member 128 rotates in the directions of arrows R31 and R32 relative to the lever 3210 when the developing unit 3209 swings between the developing position and the separation position.

[Operation of Delaying Mechanism]

Next, the operation of the delaying mechanism 3200 will be described in detail. Part (a) of FIG. 294 is a sectional view illustrating the delaying mechanism 3200 in a state in which no drive is inputted to the development coupling unit 132a. Part (b) of FIG. 294 is perspective views illustrating the delaying mechanism 3200 in a state in which no drive is inputted to the development coupling unit 132a. Part (c) of FIG. 294 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the phases of the projecting portion 132d and the engagement groove 3222 of the development coupling portion 132a are aligned. Part (d) of FIG. 294 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the clutch 3220 is slid in the axial direction D40.

As shown in part (a) of FIG. 294 and part (b) of FIG. 294, in the state that no drive is inputted to the development coupling portion 132a, the projecting portion 132d of the development coupling portion 132a is out of engagement with the engagement groove 3222 of the clutch 3220. As shown in part (b) of FIG. 294 and part (c) of FIG. 294, when the drive is input to the development coupling portion 132a and the phases of the projecting portion 132d and the engagement groove 3222 are aligned, the clutch 3220 is slid toward the development coupling portion 132a in the axial direction D40 by the urging force of the spring 3230. Then, as shown in part (d) of FIG. 294, the projecting portion 132d and the engagement groove 3222 engage with each other. And, the clutch 3220 is brought into contact with the lever 3210 in the axial direction D40.

Part (a) of FIG. 295 is a perspective view illustrating a state immediately before the clutch 3220 starts to rotate. Part (b) of FIG. 295 is a perspective view illustrating the delaying mechanism 3200 in the drive transmission state. As shown in part (a) of FIG. 295 and part (b) of FIG. 295, before the clutch 3220 starts to rotate, the projections 3224 and 3225 of the clutch 3220 are spaced, in the direction of the arrow R31, from one end surfaces 132f1 and 132g1, respectively.

By the rotation of the clutch 3220 in the direction of the arrow R31, as shown in part (c) of FIG. 295, the projection portion 3224 is brought into contact with the one end surface 132f1, and the projection portion 3225 is brought into contact with the one end surface 132g1. By this, the driving force of the development coupling portion 132a is transmitted to the output gear 132b by way of the clutch 3220, so that the delaying mechanism 3200 is brought into the driving transmission state. Here, the clutch 3220 rotates relative to the output gear 132b in the direction of the arrow R31 by a predetermined angle by the time at which the projections 3224 and 3225 come into contact with the end surfaces 132f1 and 132g1, respectively. Since the spring 3230 is fixed to the clutch 3220 and the output gear 132b, the clutch 3220 rotates by a predetermined angle in the direction of the arrow R31, by which the spring 3230 is twisted and the elastic force is charged.

When the delaying mechanism 3200 becomes in the drive transmission state, the developing roller 106 is rotated by the output gear 132b, and the holding member 3120 is rotated from the separation holding position to the contact holding position (see FIG. 286). By this, the developing unit 3109 swings from the separated position to the developing position. At this time, since the lever 3210 is locked by the locking groove 116s of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116, the attitude does not change. On the other hand, since the development cover member 128 that swings integrally with the developing unit 3109 swings with respect to the drive-side cartridge cover member 116, the lever 3210 rotates relative to the development cover member 128. Thus, the locking portion 3212 of the lever 3210 is locked with the second locking portion 128u as shown in part (a) of FIG. 293.

When the developing unit 3109 swings from the developing position to the separation position, the separation control member 196R first presses the movable member 152R to position the developing unit 3109 at the second separation position. At this time, the lever 3210 is locked by the locking groove 116s of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116, and therefore, the attitude thereof does not change. On the other hand, since the development cover member 128 which swings integrally with the developing unit 3109 swings with respect to the drive-side cartridge cover member 116, the lever 3210 rotates relative to the development cover member 128. Thus, as shown in part (b) of FIG. 293, the locking portion 3212 of the lever 3210 is locked with the first locking portion 128s by ascending the inclined surface 128t from the second locking portion 128u.

Therefore, the lever 3210 moves away from the development coupling portion 132a in the axial direction D40. Then, as illustrated in part (b) of FIG. 296, by the lever 3210 pressing the clutch 3220, the clutch 3220 also moves in a direction away from the development coupling portion 132a in the axial direction D40. By this, the engagement between the projecting portion 132d of the development coupling portion 132a and the engagement groove 3222 of the clutch 3220 is broken, and as illustrated in part (c) of FIG. 296, the clutch 3220 is rotated in the direction of arrow R32 by the elastic force charged by the spring 3230. Then, the phases of the projecting portion 132d and the engagement groove 3222 of the clutch 3220 become out of phase, and the delaying mechanism 3200 returns to the initial state as illustrated in part (b) of FIG. 294.

As described above, the delaying mechanism 3200 can extend the time duration from the inputting of the drive from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 to the development coupling portion 132a to the rotation of the holding member 3120 from the separation holding position to the contact holding position. In other words, the delaying mechanism 3200 as a transmission mechanism transmits the driving force received by the development coupling unit 132a to the developing roller 106 after a predetermined time elapses. The holding member 3120 does not start rotating until at least a time duration obtained by adding the time duration from the time at which the drive is inputted to the development coupling portion 132a to the time at which the projecting portion 132d of the development coupling portion 132a and the engagement groove 3222 of the clutch 3220 are in phase with each other and the time until the projecting portions 3224 and 3225 of the clutch 3220 are brought into contact with the one end surfaces 132f1 and 132g1 of the output gear 132b. This can shorten the time in which the developing roller 106 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 104, and can increase the service life of the developing roller 106.

Modification of Embodiments 30 to 31

In Embodiment 30, the cam drive gear 3061 rotates in the direction of the arrow R10 by receiving the driving force of the development coupling portion 132a to rotationally drive the developing roller 106, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the cam drive gear 3061 may be structured to rotate in the direction of the arrow R10 by receiving a driving force for rotationally driving the photosensitive drum 104 of the coupling member 143.

In addition, in Embodiment 30, the stopper 3044 is structured to move in interrelation with the movable member 152R, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the stopper 3044 may be structured to be moved by another member or actuator.

In Embodiment 30, the used clutch 3090 is a spring clutch including the coil spring 3063, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, other clutches such as a meshing clutch and an electromagnetic clutch may be applied instead of the clutch 3090.

In Embodiment 31, the holding member 3120 is rotated in the direction of the arrow R21 by receiving the driving force for rotationally driving the developing roller 106 of the development coupling portion 132a, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the holding member 3120 may be structured to be rotated in the direction of the arrow R21 by receiving a driving force for rotationally driving the photosensitive drum 104 of the coupling member 143.

The delaying mechanism 3200 of Embodiment 31 can delay a time by the duration obtained by adding the time period until the projecting portion 132d of the development coupling portion 132a and the engagement groove 3222 of the clutch 3220 are in phase with each other and the time period until the projections 3224 and 3225 of the clutch 3220 come into contact with the one end surfaces 132f1, 132g1 of the output gear 132b, respectively, but the duration may be provided by only one of them. The delay time may be changed as appropriate by the structure.

In Embodiments 30 to 28, the cam 3065 and the holding member 3120 are rotatably supported by the developing unit, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the cam 3065 and the holding member 3120 may be rotatably supported by the drum unit.

The above-described embodiments may be combined as appropriate. For example, the pressing unit 2780 of Embodiment 30 may be applied to the process cartridge of Embodiment 9.

Embodiment 32

Next, referring to FIGS. 297 to 305(b), Embodiment 32 will be described. For this embodiment, the structure and operation different from those of Embodiment 1 will be described, and the members having similar structures and functions are assigned by the same reference numerals, by which the description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, in place of the spacer 151R of Embodiment 1, a developing roller gear 4001 having a holding portion 4001b holds the developing unit 109 at the developing position or the separated position.

[Overall Structure of Process Cartridge]

Referring to FIGS. 297, 298 and 299, the structure of the process cartridge will be described. FIG. 297 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 100 as viewed from the non-drive side. FIG. 298 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge 100 as viewed from the drive side, which is one end side in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 104. FIG. 299 is a perspective view of the process cartridge 100 as viewed from the drive side.

In this embodiment, the first to fourth process cartridges 100 (100Y, 100M, 100C, 100K) may differ in the color of toner contained therein, in the amount of toner filled therein, and/or in the control by the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. However, although these four process cartridges may differ in size and the like, they have the same basic structure and functions, and are capable of performing the same functions. Therefore, in the following, one process cartridge 100 will be described as a representative.

Each process cartridge 100 includes a photosensitive drum (photosensitive member) 104 and process means that acts on the photosensitive drum 104. Here, the process means includes a charging roller 105 as a charging means (charging member) for charging the photosensitive drum 104, and a developing roller 106 as a developing means (developing member) for depositing toner onto the photosensitive drum 104 to develop a latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 104. The developing roller 106 carries toner on the surface thereof.

In addition, the process cartridge 100 may include an additional process means, such as a cleaning blade or brush contacting the photosensitive drum 104 as a cleaning means (cleaning member) for removing residual toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 104. Further, as further process means, a light guide member such as a light guide or lens for irradiating the photosensitive drum 104 with light, a light source, and so on may be provided as a discharging means for electrically discharging the surface of the photosensitive drum 104. The process cartridge 100 is divided into a drum unit (first unit) 108 (108Y, 108M, 108C, 108K) and a developing unit (second unit) 109 (109Y, 109M, 109C, 109K).

[Drum Unit Structure]

As shown in FIGS. 297 and 298, the drum unit 108 includes the photosensitive drum 104, the charging roller 105, a first drum frame portion 115, and a drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and a non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117 as a second drum frame portion fixedly mounted to the first drum frame portion 115. The photosensitive drum 104 is supported rotatably about a rotation axis (center of rotation) M1 by the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117 provided to respective ends of the process cartridge 100 in the longitudinal direction. The first drum frame portion 115 and the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117 as the second drum frame portion constitute a drum frame (first frame or photosensitive member frame) that rotatably supports the photosensitive drum 104.

The drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117 will be described hereinafter. As shown in FIGS. 298 and 299, a coupling member 143 for transmitting a driving force to the photosensitive drum 104 is provided on one end side of the photosensitive drum 104 in the longitudinal direction. As described above, the coupling member 143 engages with the main assembly side drum drive coupling 180 (see FIG. 6) serving as a drum drive output portion of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. Then, the driving force of a driving motor (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 104 to rotate the photosensitive drum 104 in the direction of the arrow A (see FIG. 297). In addition, the photosensitive drum 104 is provided with a drum flange 142 on the other end side in the longitudinal direction. The charging roller 105 (see FIG. 297) is supported by a drum frame 115 so as to be in contact with the photosensitive drum 104, thereby to be rotated by the photosensitive drum 104. The rotation axis M1 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100 and to the longitudinal direction of the drum unit 108.

[Structure of Developing Unit]

As shown in FIGS. 297 and 298, the developing unit 109 includes the developing roller 106, a toner feeding roller (developer supplying member) 107, a developing blade 130, and a developing container 125. The developing container 125 includes a lower frame 125a and a cover member 125b. The lower frame 125a and the cover member 125b are joined together by ultrasonic welding or the like. The developing container 125 which is the second frame includes a toner accommodating portion 129 which contains the toner to be supplied to the developing roller 106. A drive-side bearing 126 and a non-drive-side bearing 127 are fixedly mounted to the respective ends, in the longitudinal direction, of the developing container 125. The developing container 125 rotatably supports the developing roller 106, the toner feeding roller 107, and a stirring member 129a by way of a drive-side bearing 126 and a non-drive-side bearing 127, and the developing container 125 holds the developing blade 130. In this manner, the developing container 125, the drive-side bearing 126, and the non-drive-side bearing 127 constitute a developing frame (second frame) which supports the developing roller 106 rotatably about a rotation axis (rotation center) M2.

The stirring member 129a stirs the toner in the toner accommodating portion 129 by rotation thereof. The toner feeding roller (developer supplying member) 107 contacts the developing roller 106 to supply the toner to the surface of the developing roller 106 while scraping off the toner from the surface of the developing roller 106. The developing blade 130 is structured by mounting, by welding or the like, an elastic member 130b, which is a sheet metal having a thickness of about 0.1 mm, to a supporting member 130a of a metal material having an L-shaped cross-section. The developing blade 130 regulates a thickness of a layer of the toner on a peripheral surface of the developing roller 106, and forms a toner layer of a predetermined thickness between the elastic member 130b and the developing roller 106. The developing blade 130 is mounted to the developing container 125 at two positions on one end side and the other end side, in the longitudinal direction, with fixing screws 130c. The developing roller 106 includes a metal core 106c and a rubber portion 106d.

As shown in FIGS. 298 and 299, a development coupling portion 132a for transmitting the driving force to the developing unit 109 is provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the developing unit 109. The development coupling portion 132a is a member for engaging with a main assembly side development drive coupling 185 (see FIG. 6) which functions as a developing drive output portion of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, and rotates by receiving the rotational driving force of a drive motor (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. It is possible that the driving force received by the development coupling portion 132a is transmitted through a drive train (not shown) provided in the developing unit 109, thereby rotating the developing roller 106 in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 297. At one end of the developing unit 109 in the longitudinal direction, a development cover member 128 is provided to support and cover a development coupling portion 132a and the drive train (not shown). The outer diameter of the developing roller 106 is selected to be smaller than the outer diameter of the photosensitive drum 104. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the photosensitive drum 104 is selected to be in the range of Φ18 to Φ22, and the outer diameter of the developing roller 106 is selected to be in the range of Φ8 to Φ14. The selection of these outer diameters contributes to efficient arrangement. The rotation axis M2 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100 and to the longitudinal direction of the developing unit 109.

[Assembling of Drum Unit and Developing Unit]

Referring to Figure, the assembling of the drum unit 108 and the developing unit 109 will be described. The drum unit 108 and the developing unit 109 are connected by the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117 provided on the respective ends of the process cartridge 100 in the longitudinal direction. The drive-side cartridge cover member 116 provided at one end of the process cartridge 100 in the longitudinal direction is provided with a developing unit supporting hole 116a for supporting the developing unit 109 so that the developing unit 109 is swingable (movable). Similarly, the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117 provided at the other longitudinal end of the process cartridge 100 is provided with a developing unit supporting hole 117a for supporting the developing unit 109 so that the developing unit 109 is swingably supported. Furthermore, the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117 are provided with drum support holes 116b, 117b for rotatably supporting the photosensitive drum 104.

Here, at one end side of the process cartridge 100, an outer diameter portion of a cylindrical portion 128b of the development cover member 128 is fitted to the developing unit supporting hole 116a of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116. At the other end of the process cartridge 100, an outer diameter portion of a cylindrical portion (not shown) of the non-drive-side bearing 127 is fitted to the developing unit supporting hole 117a of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117. Furthermore, the ends of the photosensitive drum 104 in the longitudinal direction are fitted into the drum supporting holes 116b of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and the drum support hole 117b of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117, respectively. The drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117 are fixed to the drum unit 108 by screws, adhesive, or the like (not shown). By this, the developing unit 109 is supported by the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117 so as to be rotatable (swingable) relative to the drum unit 108 (photosensitive drum 104). With such structures, the developing roller 106 can be placed at a position where it acts on the photosensitive drum 104 during image forming operation. The drum unit 108 and the developing unit 109 are assembled through the above-described steps and integrated into the process cartridge 100, as shown in FIG. 299.

An axis connecting the center of the developing unit supporting hole 116a of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and the center of the developing unit supporting hole 117a of the non-drive-side cartridge cover member 117 is referred to as a pivot axis (rotation axis, rotation center) K. Here, the cylindrical portion 128b of the development cover member 128 on one end side is coaxial with the development coupling portion 132a. That is, the rotation axis of the development coupling portion 132a is coaxial with the swing axis K. The developing unit 109 is supported so as to be rotatable about a swing axis K. When the drum unit 108 and the developing unit 109 are assembled and integrated into the process cartridge 100, the rotation axis M1, the rotation axis M2, and the swing axis K are substantially parallel to one another. In this state, the rotation axis M1, the rotation axis M2, and the swing axis K are also substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100. The rotation axis of the developing roller 106 is also parallel to the swing axis K.

[Structure of Separation and Contact Mechanism]

Referring to part (a) of FIGS. 300 to 305(b), the structure for moving the developing unit (second unit) 109 relative to the drum unit (first unit) 108 of the process cartridge 100 in this embodiment will be described in detail. Specifically, a structure will be described in which the developing roller (developing member) 106 moves between a developing position (contact position) where the toner can be deposited onto the photosensitive drum 104 and a separated position where at least a portion of the developing roller 106 is positioned away from the photosensitive drum 104. Part (a) of FIG. 300 is a partial cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 100 when the developing unit 109 is in the contact position, as viewed from the drive side. Part (b) of FIG. 300 is a partial cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 100 when the developing unit 109 is in the separated position, as viewed from the drive side. More specifically, part (a) of FIG. 300 and part (b) of FIG. 300 are cross-sectional views in which a portion of the development cover member 128 and a portion of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 are partially omitted along partial cross-sectional line CS indicated in part (a) of FIG. 301 and part (b) of FIG. 301, respectively.

Part (a) of FIG. 301 is a partial sectional view of the process cartridge 100 with the developing unit 109 placed in the contact position, as viewed in the direction of arrow AA in part (a) of FIG. 300. Part (b) of FIG. 301 is a partial sectional view of the process cartridge 100 when the developing unit 109 is in the separated position, as viewed in the direction of arrow AA in part (b) of FIG. 300. Specifically, part (a) of FIG. 301 and part (b) of FIG. 301 are sectional views in which a portion of the development cover member 128, a portion of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116, and a portion of the drive-side bearing 126 are partially omitted along the partial sectional line CS. FIG. 302 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the drive side of the process cartridge 100. Part (a) of FIG. 303 is a side view of the developing roller gear 4001 as viewed from the inside in the axial direction of the developing roller 106. Part (b) of FIG. 303 is a perspective view of the developing roller gear 4001. Part (a) of FIG. 304 is a side view of the developing roller gear 4001 and the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 as viewed from the driving side when the developing unit 109 is in the contact position. Part (b) of FIG. 304 is a perspective view of the developing roller gear 4001 and the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 with the developing unit 109 placed in the separated position, as viewed in the direction of arrow AA in part (b) of FIG. 300. Part (a) of FIG. 305 is a perspective view of the developing roller gear 4001 and the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 with the developing unit 109 placed between the separated position and the contact position, as viewed in the direction of arrow AA in part (b) of FIG. 300. Part (b) of FIG. 305 is a perspective view of the developing roller gear 4001 and the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 with the developing unit 109 placed in the contact position, as viewed in the direction of arrow AA in part (b) of FIG. 300.

First, a structure for holding the developing unit 109 at the separated position will be described. As shown in FIG. 302, at one end in the longitudinal direction of the developing unit 109, there are provided a development drive input gear 132 and a developing roller gear 4001 as a gear member for transmitting the rotational drive force from the development drive input gear 132 to the developing roller 106. As described above, the development drive input gear 132 is a coupling member for engagement with the main assembly side development drive coupling 185 (see FIG. 9), the coupling member including a development coupling portion (driving force receiving portion) 132a for receiving the rotational driving force of the drive motor (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. A driving helical gear portion (first gear portion) 4000 for transmitting this rotational driving force to the developing roller gear 4001 is provided on the development drive input gear 132 coaxially with and integrally with the development coupling portion 132a.

As shown in FIG. 302 to part (b) of FIG. 303, the developing roller gear 4001 has an engaging portion 4001c which engages with the metal core 106c; and the engaging portion 4001c is provided with a rotation restricting portion 4001d which engages with a rotation restricting portion 4009 of the metal core 106c to restrict relative rotation of the developing roller gear 4001 relative to the metal core 106c. In other words, the rotation restricting portion 4001d is structured to transmit the rotational driving force from the developing roller gear 4001 to the metal core 106c. The developing roller gear 4001 is movable in the axial direction of the developing roller 106 relative to the metal core 106c. In addition, on the outer periphery of the developing roller gear 4001, there are integrally provided a holding portion 4001b for stably holding the developing unit 109 at a separated position where at least a part of the developing roller 106 is spaced away from the photosensitive drum 104, and a driven helical gear portion (second gear portion) 4001a. The driven helical gear portion 4001a is in meshing engagement with the driving helical gear portion 4000 to receive a rotational force (driving force), so that the driving force is transmitted to the developing roller 106 (metal core 106c). The holding portion 4001b is a cylindrical shape portion which is substantially concentric with the developing roller 106, and the surface (cylindrical surface) thereof is a contact surface (contact portion) 4001bs. The holding portion 4001b is provided outside the driven helical gear portion 4001a in the axial direction of the developing roller.

Further, between the developing roller gear 4001 and the drive-side bearing 126 as a biasing member, a compression spring (elastic member) 4003 is provided. The compression spring 4003 has an inner diameter larger than that of the metal core 106c, and is disposed approximately coaxially with the metal core 106c. An end (urging portion) 4003a of the compression spring 4003 contacts the developing roller gear 4001 to urge the developing roller gear 4001 outward in the axial direction (rotation axis direction) of the developing roller 106 with an urging force Fk, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 301 and (b). The end 4003a of the compression spring 4003 does not have to be in direct contact with the developing roller gear 4001, and another member may be interposed between the end 4003a and the developing roller gear 4001. The other members are urged by an end 4003a of a compression spring 4003, and the urging force also acts on the developing roller gear 4001.

As will be described in detail hereinafter, the direction in which the compression spring 4003 urges the developing roller gear 4001 is the direction in which the holding portion 4001b abuts against a contacted surface 4002. The holding portion 4001b of the developing roller gear 4001, the driven helical gear portion 4001a, the compression spring 4003, and the drive-side bearing 126 are arranged in this order from the outside in the axial direction of the developing roller 106. At this time, the developing roller gear 4001 is positioned at an outer position (first position) in the axial direction of the developing roller 106 by the urging force Fk of the compression spring 4003. When the developing roller gear 4001 is in the first position, the holding portion 4001b of the developing roller gear 4001 comes into contact with the contacted surface 4002 (described in detail below), thereby holding the developing unit 109 in the separated position. When the developing roller gear 4001 moves from the first position to a position (second position) on the inside in the axial direction of the developing roller 106, the holding portion 4001b and the contact surface 4002 no longer abut to each other, and the developing unit 109 is held at the developing position.

In this embodiment, the developing roller gear 4001 is a holding member (spacer) including the holding portion 4001b. That is, the developing roller gear 4001 has a driven helical gear portion (drive gear) 4001a and a holding portion 4001b, which are integrally formed. However, this structure is not inevitable, and, for example, the holding member may comprises the developing roller gear 4001 including the driven helical gear portion (drive gear) 4001a, and the holding portion 4001b as a member separate from the developing roller gear 4001. Furthermore, the position of the developing roller gear 4001 in the axial direction may be such that the holding portion 4001b is between the driven helical gear portion (driving gear) 4001a and the compression spring (urging member) 4003.

As shown in part (a) of FIG. 300 to FIG. 302, the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 is provided with a contacted surface (contacted portion) 4002 and an inclined surface 4004 for stably holding the developing unit 109 in the separated position by abutting against the contact surface (contact portion) 4001bs (see part (b) of FIG. 303) of the holding portion 4001b. As shown in part (a) of FIG. 304, the contacted surface 4002 is provided on a line segment 4011 connecting the central axis of the developing roller 106 and the central axis of the photosensitive drum 104. In addition, as shown in part (b) of FIG. 304, the contacted surface 4002 extends in the axial direction of the developing roller 106. The inclined surface 4004 is provided so as to connect the inner end surface 4010 of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and the abutted surface 4002 with each other. Further, the inclined surface 4004 is inclined from the inner end surface 4010 so that it is closer to the axis of the developing roller 106 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the developing roller 106, as is away from the developing roller 106 in the axial direction of the developing roller 106 (towards the outside of the cartridge 100).

Here, the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 is fixed to the drum unit 108 by screws, adhesive, or the like (not shown). Therefore, the contacted surface 4002 can be regarded as being integral with the drum unit 108. A part of the contacted surface 4002 overlaps a part of the holding portion 4001b as viewed from the drive side in the state that the developing unit 109 is in the contact position (hatched portion in part (a) of FIG. 304). That is, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 300, part (b) of FIG. 300 and part (a) of FIG. 304, the contacted surface 4002 protrudes, by a distance P1, from the outer peripheral surface (contact surface 4001bs) of the holding portion 4001b toward the central axis of the developing roller 106 (the developing roller 106 side), in the direction connecting the central axis of the developing roller 106 and the central axis of the photosensitive drum 104 (DD direction). The inclined surface 4004 is provided so as to smoothly connect the inner end surface 4010 of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and the contacted surface 4002 with each other.

As shown in part (b) of FIG. 304, a part of the holding portion 4001b and a part of the contacted surface 4002 are arranged so that they overlap in the axial direction of the developing roller 106 when the developing roller gear 4001 is in the first position. Specifically, the outer end surface 4001e of the holding portion 4001b in the axial direction of the developing roller 106 is placed outside the inclined surface 4004, and an area 4012 is formed where the holding portion 4001b and the contacted surface 4002 overlap with each other in the axial direction of the developing roller 106. As shown in part (b) of FIG. 305, when the developing roller gear 4001 is in the second position, the lengths of the contact surface 4002 and the inclined surface 4004 are selected so that the holding portion 4001b and the contact surface 4002 do not overlap with each other in the axial direction of the developing roller 106.

Specifically, when the developing roller gear 4001 is in the second position, the outer end surface 4001e is placed inside (on the right side in part (b) of FIG. 305) the inclined surface 4004, and no overlap region 4012 exists. That is, when the developing roller gear 4001 is in the first position, the contact surface 4001bs of the holding portion 4001b contacts the contacted surface 4002, and when the developing roller gear 4001 is in the second position, the contact surface 4001bs of the holding portion 4001b does not contact the contacted surface 4002.

As described hereinbefore, the contacted surface 4002 protrudes, by the distance P1, toward the central axis of the developing roller 106 beyond the contact surface 4001bs in the state that the developing unit 109 is in the contact position. By this, when the contact surface 4001bs of the holding portion 4001b contacts the contacted surface 4002, the developing unit 109 moves in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 104 by a distance P1 from the position taken in the state that it is in the contact position. Therefore, when the developing roller gear 4001 is in the first position, the contact surface 4001bs of the holding portion 4001b contacts the contacted surface 4002, and the developing unit 109 is in a position (separated position) where the surface of the developing roller 106 is spaced from the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 by the distance (separation amount) P1. By this, the developing unit 109 is stably held in the separated position.

[Contact Operation of Developing Unit]

Next, a structure for moving the developing unit 109 from the separated position to the contact position will be described. As described above, the driven helical gear portion 4001a of the developing roller gear 4001 and the driving helical gear portion 4000 of the development drive input gear 132 are in meshing engagement with each other. The driven helical gear portion 4001a receives the rotational driving force from the development drive input gear 132 to rotationally drive the developing roller 106 in the direction of arrow D shown in part (a) of FIG. 301. As shown in part (a) of FIG. 301, a torsion angle of the tooth surface of the driven helical gear portion 4001a is selected so that it receives a force (thrust force Fs) in the axially inward direction of the developing roller 106 during rotation. Therefore, the developing roller gear 4001 receives the thrust force Fs inward in the axial direction of the developing roller 106 during driving operation. Here, the urging force Fk of the compression spring 4003 urging the developing roller gear 4001 outward in the axial direction of the developing roller 106 is selected so that the thrust force Fs is greater than the urging force Fk. In addition, as long as the driven helical gear portion 4001a is structured to be able to receive thrust force Fs by meshing engagement with the driving helical gear portion 4000, only one of the driven helical gear portion 4001a and the driving helical gear portion 4000 may be a helical gear.

By doing so, during the developing roller gear 4001 being driven, the thrust force Fs overcomes the urging force Fk, with the result that the developing roller gear 4001 moves inward in the axial direction of the developing roller 106 (toward the second position). At this time, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 305, the developing roller gear 4001 moves inward in the axial direction along the inclined surface 4004 while a ridge portion 4001f of the holding portion 4001b is in contact with the inclined surface 4004. This is because the developing unit 109 is urged, relative to the drum unit 108, by a spring (not shown) in a direction in which the developing roller 106 approaches the photosensitive drum 104. While the developing roller gear 4001 moves axially inward along the inclined surface 4004 while being in contact with the inclined surface 4004, the distance (amount of separation) between the developing roller 106 and the photosensitive drum 104 gradually decreases from the distance P1. The force 4013 and its component forces 4013a and 4013b shown in part (a) of FIG. 305 will be used in the description of the separating operation of the developing unit which will be made hereinafter, and are ignored here in the description of the contacting operation of the developing unit.

Then, finally, as shown in part (b) of FIG. 305, the developing roller gear 4001 reaches the second position. At this time, in the axial direction of the developing roller 106, the contact surface 4001bs of the holding portion 4001b is at a position different from the contacted surface 4002 and from the inclined surface 4004. That is, when the developing roller gear 4001 reaches the second position, the contact surface 4001bs of the holding portion 4001b becomes not in contact with the contacted surface 4002 or the inclined surface 4004.

By this, the surface of the developing roller 106 and the surface of the photosensitive drum 104 come into contact with each other, so that the amount of separation between them becomes 0, and the developing unit 109 is in the contact position. When the developing roller gear 4001 is driven in this manner, the developing roller gear 4001 moves from the first position to the second position against the urging force Fk by the thrust force Fs, and thereafter, during the developing roller gear 4001 being driven, it is held in the second position so as not to move back to the first position. Therefore, the developing unit 109 can be stably held at the developing position.

[Separating Operation of Developing Unit]

Next, a structure for moving the developing unit 109 from the contact position to the separated position will be described. When the developing roller gear 4001 stops, the thrust force Fs is no longer generated. Then, the relationship becomes thrust force Fs (=0)<urging force Fk. At this time, the developing roller gear 4001 moves toward the outside in the axial direction of the developing roller 106 (to the first position) due to the urging force Fk of the compression spring 4003. As shown in part (a) of FIG. 305, when the ridge portion 4001f of the holding portion 4001b begins to abut against the inclined surface 4004, the developing unit 109 begins to move in such a direction that the developing roller 106 moves away from the photosensitive drum 104. That is, the holding portion 4001b moves in the axial direction of the developing roller 106 in contact with the inclined surface 4004, while moving from the second position to the first position.

Specifically, as shown in part (c) of FIG. 305, a reaction force 4013 corresponding to the urging force Fk which is received by the ridge portion 4001f from the inclined surface 4004 is decomposed into a component force 4013a in the axial direction of the developing roller 106 and a component force 4013b in the direction in which the developing roller 106 moves away from the photosensitive drum 104. This component force 4013b causes the developing unit 109 to move in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 104. Then, as shown in part (b) of FIG. 304, when the developing roller gear 4001 reaches the first position, the contact surface 4001bs of the holding portion 4001b and the contacted surface 4002 are brought into contact with each other, and the developing unit 109 returns to a position where the developing roller 106 (developing unit 109) is spaced away from the photosensitive drum 104 by P1. That is, the developing unit 109 returns to the previously described state in which it is stably held in the separated position. Therefore, during the period in which the development process is not performed (when the developing roller 106 is not driven), the developing unit 109 can be stably held in the separated position.

With the structure described above, the number of parts of the process cartridge 100 required to move the developing unit (second unit) 109 relative to the drum unit (first unit) 108 can be reduced. In the structure of this embodiment, the developing unit 109 moves to the developing position in interrelation with the start of driving of the developing roller 106, so that the developing roller 106 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 104. Therefore, the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 can move the developing unit 109 from the separated position to the contact position by simply controlling the start of driving of the developing roller 106 under the desired conditions, and there is no need to additionally control the start of movement of the developing unit 109 to the developing position.

Similarly, with the structure of this embodiment, in interrelation with the stopping of the driving of the developing roller 106, the developing unit 109 moves back to the separation position, so that the developing roller 106 is separated from the photosensitive drum 104. Therefore, the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 can move the developing unit 109 from the contact position to the separation position by simply controlling the driving and stopping of the developing roller 106 under the desired conditions, and there is no need to separately control the start of movement of the developing unit 109 to the separation position. As a result, costs for a control unit for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 can be reduced.

In addition, the developing unit (second unit) 109 can be moved between the contact position and the separated position without relying on the development separation control unit 195 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 having been described in Embodiment 1. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of parts, by removing the development separation control unit 195 from the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, for example.

In this embodiment, the inclined surface 4004 (inclined portion) is provided only on the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 of the drum unit 108, but the inclined portion does not have to be provided only on a member of the drum unit 108 side. For example, the inclined surface 4004 (inclined portion) may be provided on a member of the developing unit 109 side, such as the developing roller gear 4001. In other words, it is sufficient that at least one of the members on the drum unit 108 side and the developing unit 109 side is provided with an inclined surface 4004 (inclined portion), and the other side is provided with a contact portion (ridge portion 4001f of holding portion 4001b) which contacts the inclined portion. In this case, the other contact portion may be in the form of an inclined portion extending along with the inclined portion on the one side.

In this embodiment, the developing unit 109 is moved between the contact position and the separated position by moving the developing roller gear 4001 in the axial direction of the developing roller 106. However, the gear which moves in the axial direction of the developing roller 106 to move the developing unit 109 between the contact position and the separated position is not limited to the developing roller gear 4001. For example, it may be a gear which is provided on the developing unit 109 and is capable of being driven by the driving force from the development coupling portion 132a to move an additional gear not coaxial with the developing roller 106 in the axial direction of the developing roller 106.

In addition, in this embodiment, the driven helical gear portion 4001a, the holding portion 4001b and the urging member 4003 are provided only on the driving side of the cartridge 100 (one end side in the axial direction of the developing roller 106), but these may be provided only on the non-driving side of the cartridge 100 (the other end side in the axial direction of the developing roller 106) or may be provided on both of the driving side and the non-driving side.

Further, in the cartridge 100 of this embodiment, the first unit is the drum unit 108 provided with the photosensitive drum 104, but the present invention is also applicable to a cartridge not provided with the photosensitive drum 104 as in Embodiment 26. Moreover, this embodiment 32 may be appropriately combined with each of the foregoing Embodiments 1 to 31.

Embodiment 33

Next, Embodiment 33 will be described. This embodiment differs from Embodiment 32 in the structure for moving the developing roller gear 4001 in the axial direction of the developing roller 106. The structures and operations of the holding portion 4001b of the developing roller gear 4001 and the contacted surface 4002 are similar to those in Embodiment 32, and therefore, detailed description therefor will be omitted, and only the parts different from the Embodiment 32 will be described. Unless otherwise specified, the materials, shapes, and so on are the same as those in the above-described embodiments. Such portions are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the image forming apparatus main assembly has a spacing mechanism.

[Description of Separation and Contact Mechanism]

Referring to FIGS. 306 to 309, the separation and contact mechanism in this embodiment will be described. Part (a) of FIG. 306 and part (b) of FIG. 306 are perspective views of a movable member 152R. Part (a) of FIG. 307 and (b) are perspective views of a pressing member 4005. FIG. 308(a) is an exploded perspective view of a process cartridge 100 as viewed from the drive side, which is one end side in the axial direction of a photosensitive drum 104. Part (b) of FIG. 308 is a perspective view illustrating only the development cover member 128, the movable member 152R, the developing roller gear 4001 and the pressing member 4008. FIG. 309 is a partial cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 100 as viewed from the drive side in a state that the developing unit 109 is in the contact position and the movable member 152R is in an accommodated position (stand-by position). Specifically, FIG. 309 is a cross-sectional view in which a part of the development cover member 128, a part of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116, and a part of the drive-side bearing 126 are omitted along a partial cross-sectional line CS shown in part (a) of FIG. 310.

First, the movable member 152 as the first movable member will be described, taking the movable member 152R on the driving side for instance. As shown in part (a) of FIG. 306 and part (b) of FIG. 306, and part (a) of FIG. 308 and part (b) of FIG. 308, the movable member 152R has an oblong supported portion 152Ra in the form of an elongated hole. Here, the longitudinal direction of the elongated shape of the oblong supported portion 152Ra is a direction of an arrow LH, wherein an upward direction is a direction of an arrow LH1, and a downward direction is a direction of an arrow LH2. The oblong supported portion 152Ra penetrates in the axial direction of the developing roller 106, which is the HB direction.

The movable member 152R is provided with a projecting portion (force receiving portion) 152Rh on a downstream side in the direction of the arrow LH2 of the oblong supported portion 152Ra. The oblong supported portion 152Ra and the projecting portion 152Rh are connected by a main body portion 152Rb. On the other hand, the movable member 152R includes a pushed portion 152Re which projects in the direction of arrow LH1 and in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of arrow LH1, includes an arc-shaped pushed surface (moving force receiving portion, operating force receiving portion) 152Rf on the downstream side in the direction of arrow LH1, and further includes a push restriction surface 152Rg on the upstream side. In addition, the movable member 152R includes a first restricted surface (first restricted portion) 152Rv extending from the main body portion 152Rb, on an upstream side of the projecting portion 152Rh in the direction of the arrow LH2.

The projecting portion 152Rh includes a first force receiving portion (retraction force receiving portion, separation force receiving portion) 152Rk and a second force receiving portion 152Rn, which are arranged at an end portion in the direction of the arrow LH2 and are opposed to each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the arrow LH2. The first force receiving portion 152Rk includes a first force receiving surface (retraction force receiving surface, separation force receiving surface) 152Rm extending in the HB direction and having an arc shape, and the second force receiving portion 152Rn includes a second force receiving surface 152Rp extending in the HB direction and having an arc shape. The movable member 152R is also provided with a pressing portion 4006 for pressing a pressing member 4005 (which will be described hereinafter) extending inward in the axial direction of the developing roller 106 from the main body portion 152Rb.

As shown in part (a) of FIG. 307 to part (a) of FIG. 308, the pressing member 4005 as the second movable member is provided with a gear pressing surface (urging portion) 4005a which abuts against the developing roller gear 4001, and a pressed portion 4005b which abuts against the pressing portion 4006 of the movable member 152R. The gear pressing surface 4005a and the pressed portion 4005b are connected by a main body portion 4005c. The pressed portion 4005b projects inward in the axial direction of the developing roller 106, and the pressed portion 4005b and the main body portion 4005c are connected by an inclined surface 4005d. Further, a hole 4005g having a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the metal core 106c of the developing roller 106 is provided in the main body 4005c of the pressing member 4005.

Next, referring to part (a) of FIG. 306 to FIG. 309, the assembling of the movable member 152R and the pressing member 4005 will be described. The inner wall of the oblong supported portion 152Ra of the movable member 152R and the outer diameter portion of the second supporting portion 128k of the development cover member 128 fit with each other, so that the movable member 152R is supported by the development cover member 128 so as to be rotatable and movable in the extending direction of the elongated hole. Here, a center about which the movable member 152R assembled to the development cover member 128 swings is referred to as a swing axis HC.

The movement, in the direction of the swing axis HC, of the movable member 152R mounted to the development cover member 128 is restricted by a second retaining portion 128m abutting against the movable member 152R. Further, a tension spring 153 including a force receiving portion urging portion is provided, and it urges the movable member 152R in the direction of the arrow LH2 (longitudinal direction of the oblong supported portion 152Ra). The tension spring 153 is engaged with and connected with a spring hooked portion 4007 provided on the development cover member 128 and a spring-hooked portion 152Rs provided on the movable member 152R, and is extended therebetween. By this, the tension spring 153 applies a force to the spring-hooked portion 152Rs of the movable member 152R in the direction of the arrow F1, thereby providing an urging force in the direction of moving the movable member 152R in the direction of the arrow LH2 (longitudinal direction of the oblong supported portion 152Ra).

A line connecting the spring hooked portion 4007 of the development cover member 128 and the spring-hooked portion 152Rs of the movable member 152R is a line GS, and a line connecting the movable member 152Rs and the swing axis HC is a line HS. An angle θ2 formed between the lines GS and HS is selected to satisfy 0°≤02≤90°, with the clockwise direction centered on the spring-hooked portion 152Rs of the movable member 152R being positive. By this selection, the movable member 152R is urged so as to rotate in the direction of the arrow BA about the swing axis HC.

In addition, the first restricting surface 152Rv of the movable member 152R is brought into contact with the first restricting surface 128h of the development cover member 128 by the urging force of the tension spring 153 in the F1 direction. Further, a second restricting surface 152Rw of the movable member 152R is brought into contact with the second restricting surface 128q of the development cover member 128, so that the movable member 152R is positioned in place. The position at this time is referred to as the accommodated position of the movable member 152R and the projecting portion 152Rh.

The pressing member 4005 is assembled to the development cover member 128 so that the first positioning hole 4005e fits around the first positioning boss 4008a of the development cover member 128, and the first positioning hole 4005f fits around the first positioning boss 4008b of the development cover member 128. At this time, the metal core 106c is inserted into the hole 4005g. In addition, in the axial direction of the developing roller 106, the pressing member 4005 is disposed between the developing roller gear 4001 and the drive-side bearing 126. By this arrangement, the pressing member 4005 is supported by the development cover member 128 together with the developing roller gear 4001 so as to be movable in the axial direction of the developing roller 106 between the drive-side bearing 126 and the development cover member 128.

The arrangement is such that at this time, the gear pressing surface 4005a of the development pressing member 4005 is disposed so as to abut against the inner end surface of the developing roller gear 4001 in the axial direction of the developing roller 106. Therefore, in the axial direction of the developing roller 106, the holding portion 4001b, the gear pressing surface 4005a, and the pressing portion 4006 are arranged in the order named from the outside. In addition, the arrangement is such that when the developing unit 109 is in the contact position, the pressing portion 4006 of the movable member 152R and the inclined surface 4005d of the pressing member 4005 are in the same position with respect to the axial direction of the developing roller 106 (see part (a) of FIG. 313).

[Mounting of Process Cartridge 100 to Main Assembly of Image Forming Apparatus 170]

Next, referring to part (a) of FIG. 308 and part (b) of FIG. 308, and FIGS. 310 and 311, the mounting of the process cartridge 100 into the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 will be described. FIG. 310 is a partial cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 100 as viewed from the drive side, illustrating the movable member 152R placed in the operating position and the separation control member 196R placed in the home position. FIG. 311 is a partial cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 100 as viewed from the drive side, illustrating the movable member 152R placed in the operating position and the separation control member 196R having moved in a W41 direction. FIGS. 310 and 311 are cross-sectional views in which a part of the development cover member 128 and a part of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 are omitted in the partial cross-sectional line CS, respectively.

As described in the foregoing, the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 of this embodiment is provided with the separation control members 196R corresponding to the respective process cartridges 100. The separation control member 196R is provided with a first force application surface 196Ra and a second force applying surface (retraction force applying portion, separation force applying portion) 196Rb which project toward the process cartridge 100 and which face each other with a space 196Rd therebetween. The first force application surface 196Ra and the second force application surface 196Rb are connected by a connecting portion 196c on the lower surface side of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170. The separation control member 196R is supported by a control metal plate 197 so as to be rotatable about a rotation center 196Re. The separation member 196R is normally urged in an E1 direction by an urging spring. In addition, the control metal plate 197 is structured to be movable in W41 and W42 directions by a control mechanism (not shown), so that the separation control member 196R is structured to be movable in the W41 and W42 directions.

As described above, in interrelation with transition of the front door 11 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 from the open state to the closed state, the cartridge pressing unit 191 lowers in the direction of an arrow ZA, so that the first force applying portion 191a is brought into abutment to the pressed surface 152Rf of the movable member 152R. Thereafter, when the cartridge pressing unit 191 lowers to a predetermined position, the projecting portion 152Rh of the movable member 152R moves in the ZA direction (operating direction, predetermined direction) to project downward in a Z2 direction of the process cartridge 100.

The ZA direction is a direction which intersects (orthogonally in this embodiment) with the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller 106 (see FIG. 298), the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 104 (see FIG. 298), and the swing axis HC (see part (a) of FIG. 308). This position is referred to as a projecting position of the movable member 152R and the projecting portion 152Rh. The projecting position can also be referred to as a force receiving position or an operating position. In the projecting position, the projecting portion 152Rh projects from the developing frame more than in the stored position. When this operation is completed, a gap T3 is formed between the second force application surface 196Rb and the first force receiving surface 152Rm, as shown in FIG. 310. At this time, the separation control member 196R does not act on the movable member 152R, and the movable member 152R and the separation control member 196R are placed at the home positions. In addition, the second force receiving surface 152Rm of the movable member 152R and the second force application surface 196Rb of the separation control member 196R are disposed so as to partially overlap in the W41 and W42 directions.

[Description of Separation and Contact Operations]

Referring to FIG. 310 to part (b) of FIG. 313, the structure for moving the developing unit (second unit) 109 relative to the drum unit (first unit) 108 of the process cartridge 100 in this embodiment will be described in detail. Specifically, a structure will be described in which the developing roller (developing member) 106 moves between a developing position (contact position) where toner can be deposited onto the photosensitive drum 104 and a separated position where at least a part of the developing roller 106 is positioned away from the photosensitive drum 104.

The structures and operations of the holding portion 4001b of the developing roller gear 4001 and the contacted surface 4002 are similar to those in Embodiment 32, and therefore, detailed description for common parts will be omitted. Part (a) of FIG. 312 is a partial cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 100 with the developing unit 109 placed in the contact position, as viewed in the direction of arrow AA in FIG. 309. Part (b) of FIG. 312 is a partial cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 100 with the developing unit 109 placed in the separated position, as viewed in the direction of arrow AA in FIG. 309. Specifically, part (a) of FIG. 312 and part (b) of FIG. 312 are cross-sectional views in which a part of the development cover member 128 and a part of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 are omitted along the partial sectional line CS, respectively. Part (a) of FIG. 313 is a perspective view illustrating only the movable member 152R, the developing roller gear 4001, and the pressing member 4008 in a state in which the developing unit 109 is in the contact position and the movable member 152R is in the home position. Part (b) of FIG. 313 is a perspective view illustrating only the movable member 152R, the developing roller gear 4001, and the pressing member 1008 in the case that the developing unit 109 is in the separated position, and the movement of the movable member 152R in the W41 direction has been completed.

[Developing Unit Separation Operation]

First, a structure for holding the developing unit 109 at the separated position will be described. In the state shown in FIG. 310, the developing unit 109 is in the contact position, and the movable member 152R and the projecting portion 152Rh are in the operating positions. The structure is such that at this time, the separation control member 196R is movable in the W41 direction from the home position.

As shown in FIG. 311, when the separation control member 196R moves in the W41 direction, the second force application surface 196Rb is brought into abutment to the first force receiving surface 152Rm of the first force receiving portion 152Rk of the movable member 152R, so that the movable member 152R rotates in the W41 direction around the swing axis HC (see FIG. 309). That is, the movable member 152R receives a force in a direction (W41 direction) intersecting the axial direction of the developing roller 106, and moves in the direction intersecting the axial direction of the developing roller 106.

Also, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 313, the structure is such that when the developing unit 109 is in the contact position, the pressing portion 4006 of the movable member 152R and the inclined surface 4005d of the pressing member 4005 are at the same position with respect to the axial direction of the developing roller 106. Therefore, the pressing portion 4006 of the movable member 152R is structured to abut against the inclined surface 4005d in the process of movement of the movable member 152R in the W41 direction, and to abut against the pressed portion 4005b when the movement in the W41 direction is completed (the state shown in part (b) of FIG. 313).

Here, an angle θs between the inclined surface 4005d and the main body portion 4005c is selected such that when the movable member 152R moves in the W41 direction, the pressing member 4005 moves outward in the axial direction of the developing roller 106 (in the direction of arrow Y2) relative to the drive-side bearing 126. Here, the gear pressing surface 4005a of the pressing member 4005 abuts against the inner end surface (Y1 side) of the developing roller gear 4001 in the axial direction of the developing roller 106. Therefore, when the pressing member 4005 moves outward in the axial direction of the developing roller 106 (in the Y2 direction), the developing roller gear 4001 also moves outward in the axial direction of the developing roller 106 (in the Y2 direction) by being pressed and urged by the gear pressing surface (urging portion) 4005a. In other words, when the projecting portion 152Rh receives a force from the second force application surface 196Rb, the gear pressing surface 4005a urges the holding portion 4001b of the developing roller gear 4001 in the direction from the second position toward the first position.

By doing so, similarly to the Embodiment 32, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 312 and part (b) of FIG. 312, the developing roller gear 4001 contacts the inclined surface 4004, so that the developing roller 106 moves in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 104. And, as shown in part (b) of FIG. 312 and part (b) of FIG. 313, the developing roller gear 4001 moves outward (to the first position) in the axial direction of the developing roller 106, and a part of the holding portion 4001b of the developing roller gear 4001 abuts against a part of the contacted surface 4002 of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116. By the contact between the holding portion 4001b and the contact surface 4002, the developing unit 109 can be stably held in the separated position, in which the developing roller 106 is placed at a position away from the photosensitive drum 104.

Thereafter, when the separation control member 196R moves in the direction W42 toward the home position, the first force application surface 196Ra is brought into contact with the second force receiving surface 152Rp of the second force receiving portion 152Rn of the movable member 152R. Then, the movable member 152R rotates in the W42 direction about the swing axis HC (see FIG. 309), and the movable member 152R reaches the home position. Due to this movement, as shown in part (b) of FIG. 313, the pressing portion 4006 of the movable member 152R is no longer in contact with the pressed portion 4005b or the inclined surface 4005d of the pressing member 4005. Here, when the movable member 152R is in the home position, the pressing member 4005 is held outside the developing roller 106 in the axial direction, and the developing roller gear 4001 is also held in the first position.

[Contact Operation of Developing Unit]

Next, a structure for moving the developing unit 109 from the separated position to the contact position will be described. As in Embodiment 32, the driven helical gear portion 4001a of the developing roller gear 4001 and the driving helical gear portion 4000 of the development drive input gear 132 are in meshing engagement with each other. By this, the driven helical gear portion 4001a receives a rotational driving force from the development drive input gear 132, and as shown in part (a) of FIG. 312, receives a force (thrust force Fs) in the inward axial direction of the developing roller 106 during this rotation. Therefore, the developing roller gear 4001 receives the thrust force Fs directed inward in the axial direction of the developing roller 106 during driving, so that the developing roller gear 4001 moves inward in the axial direction of the developing roller 106 (to the second position).

At this time, the inner end surface of the developing roller gear 4001 in the axial direction of the developing roller 106 is in contact with the gear pressing surface 4005a of the pressing member 4005, and therefore, the pressing member 4005 moves inward in the axial direction of the developing roller 106 together with the developing roller gear 4001. Here, when the movable member 152R is in the home position (during image formation), the pressing portion 4006 is not in contact with the pressed portion 4005b or the inclined surface 4005d of the pressing member 4005, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 313, and therefore the movement of the developing roller gear 4001 is not hindered. When the developing roller gear 4001 is in the second position, the holding portion 4001b and the contacted surface 4002 are in different positions with respect to the axial direction of the developing roller 106. That is, as shown in part (a) of FIG. 312, the holding portion 4001b and the contacted surface 4002 are not in contact with each other. By this, the developing roller 106 (developing unit 109) is moved toward the photosensitive drum 104 to the contact position. Therefore, while the developing roller gear 4001 is being driven, the developing roller gear 4001 moves to the second position by the thrust force Fs, and the developing unit 109 is stably held at the developing position.

When the developing roller gear 4001 stops, the thrust force Fs is no longer produced. Therefore, after the developing roller gear 4001 stops, the movable member 152R is moved in the W41 direction to move the developing roller gear 4001 back to the first position, thus returning the developing unit 109 to a state in which it is stably held in the separated position. Thus, the developing unit 109 can be held in the separated position during the period in which the developing operation is not carried out.

With the structure described above, the developing unit 109 moves to the developing position in interrelation with the start of driving of the developing roller 106, and the developing roller 106 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 104. Therefore, the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 can move the developing unit 109 from the contact position to the separated position by simply controlling the start of driving of the developing roller 106 under the desired conditions, and there is no need to separately control the start of movement of the developing unit 109 to the developing position. As a result, costs for a control unit for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 can be saved.

In this embodiment, the developing unit 109 is moved between the contact position and the separated position by moving the developing roller gear 4001 in the axial direction of the developing roller 106. However, the gear movable in the axial direction of the developing roller 106 to move the developing unit 109 between the contact position and the separated position is not limited to the developing roller gear 4001. For example, the gear for moving the developing roller 106 may be an additional gear which is provided on the developing unit 109 not coaxially with the developing roller 106 and which is driven by the driving force supplied from the developing coupling 132a.

In this embodiment, the pressing member 4005 includes the gear pressing surface (urging portion) 4005a which is contactable with the developing roller gear 4001. However, instead of providing the pressing member 4005, the movable member 152 may have a gear pressing surface (urging portion) equivalent to the gear pressing surface 4005a, and may directly contact the developing roller gear 4001 to press and urge it, thereby moving the developing roller 106 outward in the axial direction (Y2 direction). Alternatively, the pressing member 4005 may not directly contact the developing roller gear 4001, but may be structured to press and urge the developing roller gear 4001 by a further additional member employed.

In addition, in this embodiment, the driven helical gear portion 4001a, the holding portion 4001b, the pressing member (second movable member) 4005 and the movable member (first movable member) 152 are provided only on the driving side, but they may be provided only on the non-driving side, or may be provided on both of the driving side and the non-driving side.

Moreover, the embodiment 33 may be appropriately combined with each of the previously described embodiments 1 to 32. For example, the structure of Embodiment 33 may be combined with Embodiment 32 so that a compression spring (urging member) 4005 including an urging portion for urging the developing roller gear 4001 similar to that of the Embodiment 32 is further added.

Embodiment 34

Next, referring to FIGS. 314 to 327, Embodiment 34 will be described. In this embodiment, the structures and operations different from those of above-described embodiment 1 and embodiment 33 will be described, and the members having similar structures and functions will be assigned the same reference numerals and descriptions therefor will be omitted. In this embodiment, the driving force transmitted from the development coupling portion 132a is utilized to release the movement restriction on the developing unit 109 placed at the separated position.

[Overall Structure of Process Cartridge]

Referring to FIGS. 314 to 317, the structure of the process cartridge 100 will be described. FIG. 314 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 100 as viewed from the non-drive side. FIG. 315 is a side view of the process cartridge 100 as viewed from the drive side, which is one end side of the photosensitive drum 104 in the axial direction. FIG. 316 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge 100 as viewed from the drive side, which is one end side of the photosensitive drum 104 in the axial direction. FIG. 317 is a perspective view of the process cartridge 100 as viewed from the drive side.

The main structure of the process cartridge 100 is the same as that of Embodiment 33, and therefore the description therefor will be omitted. In the following, the structures of this embodiment that is different from that of the Embodiment 33, that is, the structures in which the developing unit (second unit) 109 is moved relative to the drum unit (first unit) 108, will be described.

[Structure of the Separation/Contact Mechanism]

Referring to part (a) of FIG. 318 to FIG. 323, the separation/contact structure for moving the developing unit (second unit) 109 relative to the drum unit (first unit) 108 of the process cartridge 100 in this embodiment will be described in detail. Specifically, the structure will be described in which the developing roller (developing member) 106 moves between a developing position (contact position) where toner can be deposited onto the photosensitive drum 104 and a separated position where at least a part of the developing roller 106 is positioned spaced away from the photosensitive drum 104. Part (a) of FIG. 318 is a view of the process cartridge 100 as viewed from the drive side when the developing unit 109 is in the separated position. Part (b) of FIG. 318 is a view of the process cartridge 100 as viewed from the drive side when the developing unit 109 is in the contact position. In addition, in part (a) of FIG. 318 and part (b) of FIG. 318, a part of the side view is omitted to illustrate inner structure in a partial cross-section CS.

Part (a) of FIG. 319 is a perspective view of the movable member 152R as viewed from the drum unit side. Part (b) of FIG. 319 is a perspective view of the movable member 152R as viewed from the developing side. Part (a) of FIG. 320 is a view of the process cartridge 100 as viewed from the drive side. Part (b) of FIG. 320 is a perspective view of the process cartridge 100. FIG. 321 is a perspective view illustrating only the development cover member 128 and the movable member 152R. FIG. 322 is an exploded perspective view of the process cartridge 100 as viewed from the drive side, which is one end side in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 104. FIG. 323 is a partial cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 100 as viewed from the drive side in a state in which the developing unit 109 is in the contact position and the movable member 152R is in the accommodated position (standby position). In FIG. 323, a part of the side view is omitted to illustrate an inner side in partial cross-sections CS at two positions.

First, the movable member 152 as a force receiving member will be described, taking the movable member 152R on the driving side. As shown in part (a) of FIG. 319 and part (b) of FIG. 319, the movable member 152R has an oblong supported portion 152Ra having an elongated shape. Here, the longitudinal direction of the oblong shape of the oblong supported portion 152Ra is the direction of the arrow LH, the upward direction is the direction of the arrow LH1, and the downward direction is the direction of the arrow LH2. The oblong supported portion 152Ra penetrates the developing roller 106 in the axial direction, which is HB direction. The HB direction is perpendicular to the directions of the arrows LH1 and LH2.

The movable member 152R is provided with a projecting portion (force receiving portion) 152Rh on the downstream side in the direction of the arrow LH2 of the oblong supported portion 152Ra. The oblong supported portion 152Ra and the projecting portion 152Rh are connected by a main body portion 152Rb with each other. On the other hand, the movable member 152R has a pushed portion 152Re which projects in the direction of arrow LH1 and in a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction of arrow LH1, has an arc-shaped pushed surface (moving force receiving portion, operating force receiving portion) 152Rf on a downstream side, and has a push restricting surface 152Rg on the upstream side, in the direction of arrow LH1. Furthermore, a separating lever support portion 4100 is formed on the downstream, in the direction of the arrow LH2, side of the main body portion 152Rb.

The projecting portion 152Rh has a first force receiving portion (retraction force receiving portion, separation force receiving portion) 152Rk and a second force receiving portion (contact force receiving portion) 152Rn arranged at an end portion in the direction of the arrow LH2 and facing each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the arrow LH2. The first force receiving portion 152Rk has a first force receiving surface (retraction force receiving surface, separation force receiving surface) 152Rm extending in the HB direction and having an arc shape, and the second force receiving portion 152Rn has a second force receiving surface 152Rp extending in the HB direction and having an arc shape. The movable member 152R also has a columnar spring-hooked portion 152Rs which is connected to the main body portion 152Rb and projects in the HB direction.

Here, in the state that the process cartridge 100 is mounted in the image forming apparatus main assembly 170, the LH1 direction is substantially the same as a Z1 direction (see part (a) of FIG. 320), and the LH2 direction is substantially the same as a Z2 direction (see part (a) of FIG. 320). The HB direction is substantially the same as the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge 100.

Next, referring to part (a) and part (b) of FIG. 318 and part (a) and part (b) 320, the description will be made as to a release member 4101, a first holding member 4104, a second holding member 4105 and the second holding member restricting portion 4106. The first holding member 4104, the second holding member 4105, and the second holding member restricting portion 4106 function as a holding member (spacer) having a holding portion for stably holding the developing unit 109 at the separated position. As shown in part (a) of FIG. 320, the release member 4101 has a missing-tooth gear portion which includes a gear portion (drive transmission portion) 4101b for drive transmission, a drive transmission portion 4101b, and a release portion 4101a having a shape projecting radially from the center of rotation of the drive transmission portion 4101b. The release member 4101 is a driven portion which is moved by receiving a driving force from the development drive input gear (coupling member or driving force receiving portion) 132 by way of a gear portion 4109 and a drive transmission portion 4101b.

The first holding member 4104 is provided with a separation lever portion 4104a, a spring hooked portion 4104b, a contact portion (contact surface) 4104d, a spring support portion 4104e, and a guide portion 4104f. The second holding member 4105 has a pressed-down portion 4105a, a locked portion 4105b, and a restricting surface 4105c. Further, the second holding member restricting portion 4106 has a restricting surface 4106a.

Next, referring to FIGS. 321 to 323, the assembly of the movable member 152R will be described. The inner wall of the oblong supported portion 152Ra of the movable member 152R and the outer diameter of the second supporting portion 128k of the development cover member 128 fit together, by which the movable member 152R is supported by the development cover member 128 so as to be rotatable about the second supporting portion 128k and movable in an extension direction of the elongated hole (predetermined direction). Here, the center of oscillation of the movable member 152R assembled to the development cover member 128 is referred to as a swing axis HC (see FIG. 322).

The movement of the movable member 152R mounted on the development cover member 128 in the direction of the swing axis HC is restricted by abutment between the second retaining portion 128m and the movable member 152R. Further, the tension spring 153 is provided to urge the movable member 152R in the direction of the arrow LH2 (longitudinal direction of oblong supported portion 152Ra). The tension spring 153 is engaged with and connected to a spring hooked portion 4103 provided on the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and a spring-hooked portion 152Rs provided on the movable member 152R, and is assembled therebetween. By this, the tension spring 153 applies a force to the spring-hooked portion 152Rs of the movable member 152R in the direction of arrow F1 (see FIG. 323) to apply an urging force for moving the movable member 152R in the direction of arrow LH2 (the longitudinal direction of the oblong supported portion 152Ra).

As shown in FIG. 323, a line connecting the spring hooked portion 4103 of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and the spring-hooked portion 152Rs of the movable member 152R is referred as line GS, and a line connecting the movable member 152R and the swing axis HC is referred to as line HS. An angle θ2 between the lines GS and HS is selected to satisfy 0°≤θ2≤90°, wherein the clockwise direction about the spring-hooked portion 152Rs of the movable member 152R in FIG. 323 is positive. By such arrangement, the movable member 152R is urged so as to rotate in the direction of the arrow BA about the swing axis HC.

Next, referring to part (a) of FIG. 318, part (b) of FIG. 318, part (a) of FIG. 320, part (b) of FIG. 320 and FIG. 322, the description will be made as to the assembly of the release member 4101, the first holding member 4104, the second holding member 4105 and the second holding member restricting portion 4106. The release member 4101 is rotatably supported by a support portion 4102 of the development cover member 128, and the drive transmission portion 4101b is meshing engagement with the gear portion 4109 of the development drive input gear 132. The first holding member 4104 is supported by the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 so as to be movable in the W41 and W42 directions. Between the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and the first holding member 4104, a first urging member 4111 functioning is provided as a holding member urging portion.

The first urging member 4111 is engaged with and connected with the spring hooked portion 4107 of the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 and the spring hooked portion 4104b of the first holding member 4104, and is assembled therebetween. The first urging member 4111 applies an urging force to the spring hooked portion 4104b of the first holding member 4104, thereby to apply an urging force for moving the first holding member 4104 in the W42 direction.

The second holding member 4105 is supported by a guide portion 4104f of the first holding member 4104 so as to be movable relative to the first holding member 4104 in the Z1 direction and the Z2 direction perpendicular to (intersecting with) the W41 direction. Furthermore, by contacting this guide portion 4104f, the second holding member 4105 is restricted from moving in the W41 direction and the W42 direction relative to the first holding member 4104, and moves integrally with the first holding member 4104 in the W41 direction and the W42 direction. In addition, between the second holding member 4105 and the spring support portion 4104e of the first holding member 4104, a second urging member 4112 in the form of a spring is provided. The second urging member 4112 is connected to the second holding member 4105 and the spring support portion 4104e of the release member 4101, and the second urging member 4112 applies a force to the second holding member 4105 in the direction of arrow Z1, thereby applying an urging force for moving the second holding member 4105 in the Z1 direction. The second holding member restricting portion 4106 is fixed to the first holding member 4104 by screws, adhesive, or the like (not shown).

Furthermore, the urging force of the second urging member 4112 brings the restricting surface 4105c of the second holding member 4105 into contact with the restricting surface 4106a of the second holding member restricting portion 4106 to position the second holding member 4105 in place. At this time, the pressed-down portion 4105a of the second holding member 4105 is in a position where it projects beyond the second holding member restricting portion 4106 in the Z1 direction. The second holding member restricting portion 4106 functions to prevent the second holding member 4105 from disengaging in the Z1 direction. In addition, the locked portion 4105b of the second holding member 4105 is positioned, by the urging force of the first urging member 4111, at a locking portion 4108 provided on the drive-side cartridge cover member 116. That is, the movement of the first holding member 4104 in the direction of W42 which may otherwise be caused by the first urging member 4111 is restricted by abutment between the locked portion 4105b of the second holding member 4105 and the locking portion 4108.

[Mounting of Process Cartridge 100 to Main Assembly of Image Forming Apparatus 170]

Referring to FIGS. 324 to 327, the mounting of the process cartridge 100 into the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 will be described. FIG. 324 is a partial cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 100 as viewed from the drive side. In addition, in FIG. 324, a portion of the side view is omitted to illustrate inner part in a partial cross-section CS. FIG. 324 is a partial cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 100 as viewed from the drive side, showing the state in which the movable member 152R is in the operating position and the separation control member 196R is in the home position. FIG. 325 is a partial cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 100 as viewed from the drive side, showing a state in which the second holding member 4105 is no longer engaged with the locking portion 4108 and the separation control member 196R is in the home position. FIG. 326 is a partial cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 100 as viewed from the drive side, showing a state in which the second holding member 4105 is released by the release member 4101, the movable member 152R has moved in the W42 direction, and the separation control member 196R has moved in the W42 direction. FIG. 327 is a partial cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 100 as viewed from the drive side, showing the state in which the movable member 152R has moved in the W41 direction to the home position, and the separation control member 196R has moved in the W41 direction.

As described above, the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 of this embodiment includes the separation control members 196R corresponding to the process cartridges 100, respectively. The separation control member 196R projects toward the process cartridge 100, and has a first force application surface 196Ra and a second force applying surface (retraction force applying portion, separation force applying portion) 196Rb which face each other with a space 196Rd therebetween. The separation control member 196R is supported by a control metal plate 197 so as to be rotatable about a rotation center 196Re. The spacing member 196R is constantly urged in the E1 direction by an urging spring (not shown). In addition, the control metal plate 197 is structured to be movable in the W41 and W42 directions by a control mechanism (not shown), so that the separation control member 196R is movable in the W41 and W42 directions. As shown in FIG. 324, in interrelation with the front door 11 of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 transitioning from an open state to a closed state, the cartridge pressing unit 191 lowers in the direction of the arrow ZA, and the first force applying portion 191a abuts against the pressed surface 152Rf of the movable member 152R. Thereafter, when the cartridge pressing unit 191 lowers to a predetermined position, the movable member 152R moves in the ZA direction (operating direction, predetermined direction) from the accommodated position shown in FIG. 323, so that the projecting portion 152Rh projects downward in the Z2 direction of the process cartridge 100 as shown in FIG. 324.

The ZA direction intersects (orthogonally in this embodiment) with the rotation axis M2 of the developing roller 106 (see FIG. 298), the rotation axis M1 of the photosensitive drum 104 (see FIG. 298), and the swing axis HC (see FIG. 323). This position is referred to as the projecting position of the movable member 152R and the projecting portion 152Rh. The projecting position can also be referred to as a force receiving position or an operating position. When in the projecting position, the projecting portion 152Rh projects further beyond the developing frame than when in the stored position. When this operation is completed, as shown in FIG. 324, a gap T4 is formed between the first force application surface 196Ra of the separation control member 196R and the second force receiving surface 152Rp of the movable member 152R, and a gap T3 is formed between the second force application surface 196Rb and the first force receiving surface 152Rm. At this time, the separation control member 196R does not act on the movable member 152R, and the movable member 152R and the separation control member 196R are placed at the home positions. In addition, the second force receiving surface 152Rm of the movable member 152R and the second force application surface 196Rb of the separation control member 196R are disposed so as to partially overlap each other in the W41 and W42 directions.

[Separated State and Contact State of Process Cartridge 100 (Drive Side)]

Next, referring to FIGS. 324 to 327, the separated state and the contact state of the process cartridge (driving side) will be described. As shown in FIG. 324, when the movable member 152R is pressed down by the cartridge pressing mechanism 191 to be placed in the operating position (lowered position) and the separation control member 196R is placed in the home position, the process cartridge 100 and the developing unit 109 are in a separated state (placed at the separated position). At this time, no driving force is transmitted to the development drive input gear 132.

At this time, the second holding member 4105 is urged in the Z1 direction by the second urging member 4112, and the restricting surface 4105c and the restricting surface 4106a abut against each other, so that the second holding member 4105 projects downstream in the Z1 direction beyond the second holding member restricting portion 4106. In addition, by abutment between the restricting surface 4105c of the second holding member 4105 and the restricting surface 4106a of the second holding member restricting portion 4106, the first holding member 4104 supporting the second holding member 4105 is restricted in the movement thereof in the W42 direction by the urging force provided by the first urging member 4111. That is, the first holding member 4104 is held in a locked state at the first position.

In addition, by the contacted portion (contacted surface) 4110 of the development cover member 128 abutting against the contact portion (contact surface) 4104d, the rotation of the developing unit 109 about the swing axis K (see FIG. 316) toward the contact position is restricted. By this, at least a part of the developing roller 106 is placed at a position away from the photosensitive drum 104. At this time, it can be said that the developing unit 109 is stably held in the separated position by the drum unit 108 (the state shown in FIG. 324). In this manner, the first holding member 4104, the second holding member 4105, and the second urging member 4112 constitute a holding portion for stably holding the developing unit 109 in the separated position by the drum unit 108.

FIG. 326 shows the process cartridge 100 in the contact state, that is, the state in which the developing unit 109 is placed at the contact position. At this time, the second holding member 4105 is pressed down by the release member 4101 against the urging force of the second urging member 4112, and is lowered to a position in which the locked portion 4105b of the second holding member 4105 and the locking portion 4108 do not abut against each other. Therefore, the first holding member 4104 supporting the second holding member 4105 moves in the W42 direction by the urging force of the first urging member 4111, and is placed at the second position.

By this, the contact portion 4104d is spaced from the contacted portion 4110 of the development cover member 128 to release the restriction on the rotation of the developing unit 109 about the swing axis K (see FIG. 316) toward the contact position. Therefore, the developing unit 109 moves to a developing position (contact position) relative to the drum unit 108 where the developing roller 106 can deposit the toner onto the photosensitive drum 104. At this time, the developing unit 109 is in contact with the drum unit 108 (the state shown in FIG. 326).

[Explanation of Separation and Contact Operations]

Next, the structure for moving the developing unit (second unit) 109 relative to the drum unit (first unit) 108 of the process cartridge 100 in this embodiment will be described in detail, referring to part (a) of FIG. 318 and part (b) of FIG. 318 and FIGS. 323 to 327. More specifically, the description will be made as to the structure for moving the developing roller (developing member) 106 (see FIG. 314) between a developing position (contact position) where toner can be deposited onto the photosensitive drum 104, and a separated position (retracted position) where at least a part of the developing roller 106 is positioned away from the photosensitive drum 104.

First, a structure for moving the developing unit 109 from the separated position to the contact position will be described. As described above, in the state shown in FIG. 324, the process cartridge 100 and the developing unit 109 are in the separated state (placed at the separated position). And, the restricting surface 4105c of the second holding member 4105 abuts against the restricting surface 4106a of the second holding member restricting portion 4106, so that the first holding member 4104 supporting the second holding member 4105 is restricted in the movement thereof in the W42 direction by the urging force of the first urging member 4111. That is, the first holding member 4104 is held in the locked state at the first position.

A drive transmission portion 4101b of the release member 4101 is in meshing engagement with the gear portion 4109 of the development drive input gear 132. With such a structure, when the development coupling portion 132a receives a rotational driving force from the main assembly side development drive coupling 185 and thereby rotates, the drive transmission portion 4101b receives a rotational driving force from the gear portion 4109 of the development drive input gear 132 and rotates thereby. This makes the release member 4101 rotate, so that the release portion 4101a presses down the locked portion 4105b of the second holding member 4105.

When the second holding member 4105 is pressed down, the locking of the locked portion 4105b by the locking portion 4108 is released (state shown in FIG. 325). When the locking of the locked portion 4105b by the locking portion 4108 is ceased, the first holding member 4104 becomes movable in the W42 direction, and it is moved to the second position shown in FIG. 326 by the urging force of the first urging member 4111. When the first holding member 4104 is positioned in the second position, the contact portion 4104d is spaced from the contacted portion 4110 of the development cover member 128, and the restriction against rotation toward the contact position about the swing axis K (see FIG. 316) of the developing unit 109 is ceased. Therefore, the developing unit 109 moves to the developing position (contact position) relative to the drum unit 108 where the developing roller 106 can deposit the toner onto the photosensitive drum 104. The release member 4101 stops because the toothless portion 4101c faces the gear portion 4109 of the development drive input gear 132 to cease transmission of the drive force from the gear portion 4109 thereto.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 326, the separation lever portion 4104a (see part (a) of FIG. 320 and part (b) of FIG. 320) of the first holding member 4104 abuts against the separation lever support portion 4100 (see part (a) of FIG. 319) of the movable member 152R, thereby to move the movable member 152R in the W42 direction. Further, in a case, the separation control member 196R is controlled to move in the W42 direction in synchronism with the start of rotation of the main assembly side development drive coupling 185, and then move in the W41 direction to return to the home position. Therefore, there is a case in which the separation control member 196R moves the movable member 152R in the W42 direction before the separation lever portion 4104a presses the separation lever support portion 4100 of the movable member 152R. However, regardless of what causes the movable member 152R to move in the W42 direction, the first holding member 4104 is moved to the second position by the urging force of the first urging member 4111.

Next, a structure for moving the developing unit 109 from the contact position to the separated position will be described. The separation control member 196R is structured to be movable from the home position in the W41 direction in FIG. 326. When the separation control member 196R moves in the W41 direction, as shown in FIG. 327, the second force application surface 196Rb and the first force receiving surface 152Rm of the first force receiving portion 152Rk of the movable member 152R abut to each other, and the movable member 152R rotates in the direction of arrow BA about the swing axis HC. In other words, the movable member 152R moves in the direction of arrow BA (second direction) crossing with the direction ZA (predetermined direction) as a result of the first force receiving portion 152Rk receiving the force (separating force) from the second force application surface 196Rb.

The contact between the second force application surface 196Rb and the first force receiving surface 152Rm does not necessarily have to be surface contact, but may be line contact or point contact. When the movable member 152R rotates in the direction of arrow BA, the separation lever portion 4104a (see part (a) of FIG. 320 and part (b) of FIG. 320) of the first holding member 4104 contacts the separation lever support portion 4100 (see part (a) of FIG. 319) of the movable member 152R to receive a force in the direction W41. At this time, the first holding member 4104 overcomes the urging force of the first urging member 4111 to move in the W41 direction. As the first holding member 4104 moves in the W41 direction, the contact portion 4104d of the first holding member 4104 comes into contact with the contacted portion 4110 of the development cover member 128.

Then, the contacted portion 4110 receives a force from the contact portion 4104d to move the developing unit 109 to the separated position as shown in FIG. 324. Here, the type of the contact between the contact portion 4104d and the contacted portion 4110 does not necessarily have to be a surface contact, but may be a line contact or a point contact. In addition, the second holding member 4105 projects to above the locking portion 4108 by the urging force of the second urging member 4112. When the second holding member 4105 is projected upward beyond the locking portion 4108, the pressed-down portion 4105a pushes up the release portion 4101a of the release member 4101 to rotate the release member 4101 to a position where the drive transmission portion 4101b can again engage with the gear portion 4109 of the development drive input gear 132.

Therefore, when the development drive input gear 132 rotates next time, the developing unit 109 moves from the separated position to the contact position by the same operation as described above. In addition, by the second holding member 4105 projecting beyond the locking portion 4108, the locked portion 4105b of the second holding member 4105 is brought into contact with the locking portion 4108, to restore the developing unit 109 to the state of stably holding it in the separated position. Therefore, during periods when the development process is not carried out, the developing unit 109 is held in the separated position. And, the above-described gaps T3 and T4 are formed again, and the separation control member 196R is placed at the home position in which it does not act on the movable member 152R. Here, the transition from the state in FIG. 324 to the state in FIG. 327 takes place without delay.

With the above-described structure, by the rotation of the development coupling portion 132a by the rotational driving force received from the main assembly side development drive coupling 185, the developing unit 109 can be moved from the separation position to the contact position without relying on the separation control member 196R. That is, in interrelation with the start of driving of the developing roller 106, the developing unit 109 moves to the developing position, and the developing roller 106 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 104. Therefore, the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 can move the developing unit 109 from the separated position to the contact position by simply controlling the start of driving of the developing roller 106 under the desired conditions, and there is no need to separately control the start of movement of the developing unit 109 to the developing position. By this, costs for a control unit for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus main assembly 170 can be saved.

In this embodiment, the first holding member 4104 is supported by the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 of the drum unit (first unit) 108, and the contacted portion (contacted surface) 4110 is provided on the development cover member 128 of the developing unit (second unit) 109. However, the first holding member 4104 may be supported by the development cover member 128 of the developing unit (second unit) 109 or the like, and the contacted portion (contacted surface) 4110 may be provided on the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 of the drum unit (first unit) 108 or the like.

In this embodiment, the structure is such that the release member 4101 is rotatably supported by the development cover member 128, and presses the second holding member 4105 by the rotation thereof. However, the movement of the release member 4101 is not limited to rotation, and it may be structured to press the second holding member 4105 by sliding movement or the like. In addition, the release member 4101 may be movably supported by the drive-side cartridge cover member 116 of the drum unit (first unit) 108 or the like, instead of being movably supported by the development cover member 128.

The release member 4101 may be structured to be driven by a driving force transmitted from the development drive input gear 132 by way of a plurality of members. In addition, in this embodiment, the first holding member 4104, the second holding member 4105, the movable member 152R, and so on are provided only on the driving side of the cartridge 100 (one end side in the axial direction of the developing roller 106), but these members may be provided only on the non-driving side of the cartridge 100 (the other end side in the axial direction of the developing roller 106) or on both of the driving side and the non-driving side.

Further, in the cartridge 100 of this embodiment, the first unit is the drum unit 108 provided with the photosensitive drum 104, but the present invention is also applicable to a cartridge not provided with the photosensitive drum 104 as in Embodiment 26. Moreover, this embodiment 34 may be appropriately combined with any one of the previously described embodiments 1 to 33.

Examples of the Disclosed Structures or Concepts of this Embodiment

The following are examples of the disclosed structures or concepts of the above-described embodiments. However, these are merely examples, and the disclosure of the above-described embodiment is not limited to the structures or concepts described below.

[Structure 1]

A cartridge comprising:

• • a photosensitive member;
  • a first unit including the photosensitive member;
  • a developing member for depositing toner onto the photosensitive member;
  • a second unit which includes the developing member and which is movable, by movement relative to the first unit, between a developing position in which the toner is capable of being deposited onto the photosensitive member from the developing member and a spaced position in which at least a part of the developing member is spaced from the photosensitive member;
  • a coupling member;
  • a first gear portion for receiving a driving force from the coupling member to rotate;
  • a second gear portion for engagement with the first gear portion to receive a driving force and rotate, the second gear portion being movable in an axial direction of the developing member;
  • a holding portion movable, by movement of the developing member in the axial direction, between a first position for stably holding the second unit in the spaced position and a second position for stably holding the second unit in the developing position; and
  • an urging portion for urging the holding portion in a direction from the second position toward the first position in the axial direction of the developing member,
  • wherein at least one of the first gear portion and the second gear portion is a helical gear,
  • wherein when the second gear portion is driven and rotated by the first gear portion, the holding portion is moved from the first position to the second position by the second gear portion receiving a force from the first gear portion, and
  • wherein when the second gear portion is not driven by the first gear portion, the holding portion is moved from the second position toward the first position by an urging force of the urging portion.

[Structure 2]

A cartridge according to Structure 1, wherein the urging portion is provided on an elastic member or a member urged by the elastic member.

[Structure 3]

A cartridge according to Structure 2, wherein the elastic member is a spring.

[Structure 4]

A cartridge according to any one of Structure 1-3, further comprising a force receiving portion capable of receiving a force for moving the holding portion from the second position toward the first position, wherein the urging portion urges the holding portion from the second position toward the first position when the force receiving portion receives the force.

[Structure 5]

A cartridge according to Structure 4, wherein the urging portion urges the holding portion from the second position toward the first position by the force receiving portion moving in a direction crossing the axial direction of the developing member.

[Structure 6]

A cartridge according to Structure 5, further comprising a first movable member provided with the force receiving portion and a second movable member movable by receiving the force from the first movable member, wherein the urging portion is provided on the second movable member.

[Structure 7]

A cartridge according to Structure 6, wherein the second movable member urges, when moving in the axial direction of the developing member, the holding portion from the second position toward the first position by the urging portion.

[Structure 8]

A cartridge according to any one of Structure 1-7, further comprising a gear member, provided with the second gear portion, for transmitting the driving force to the developing member.

[Structure 9]

A cartridge according to Structure 8, wherein the gear member has a rotational axis coaxial with the rotational axis of the developing member.

[Structure 10]

A cartridge according to Structure 8 or 9, wherein the gear member is provided with the holding portion.

[Structure 11]

A cartridge according to any one of Structure 1-10, wherein the first unit includes a first frame rotatably supporting the photosensitive member, and the second unit includes a second frame rotatably supporting the developing member and supporting the holding portion, and wherein the holding portion stably holds the second unit in the spaced position by contacting the first frame.

[Structure 12]

A cartridge according to Structure 11, wherein the first frame is provided with an inclined surface inclined with respect to the rotational axis of the developing member, and the holding portion moves in the axial direction of the developing member while being in contact with the inclined surface, during movement of the holding portion from the second position to the first position.

[Structure 13]

A cartridge mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the cartridge comprising:

• • a first unit;
  • a developing member for depositing toner onto a photosensitive member;
  • a second unit which includes the developing member and which is movable, by movement relative to the first unit, between a developing position in which the toner is capable of being deposited onto the photosensitive member from the developing member and a spaced position in which at least a part of the developing member is spaced from the photosensitive member;
  • a driving force receiving portion capable of receiving a driving force from the main assembly;
  • a first gear portion for receiving a driving force from the driving force receiving portion to rotate;
  • a second gear portion for engagement with the first gear portion to receive a driving force and rotate, the second gear portion being movable in an axial direction of the developing member;
  • a holding portion movable, by movement of the developing member in the axial direction, between a first position for stably holding the second unit in the spaced position and a second position for stably holding the second unit in the developing position; and
  • an urging portion for urging the holding portion in a direction from the second position toward the first position in the axial direction of the developing member,
  • wherein at least one of the first gear portion and the second gear portion is a helical gear, wherein when the second gear portion is driven and rotated by the first gear portion, the holding portion is moved from the first position to the second position by the second gear portion receiving a force from the first gear portion, and
  • wherein when the second gear portion is not driven by the first gear portion, the holding portion is moved from the second position toward the first position by an urging force of the urging portion.

[Structure 14]

A cartridge according to Structure 13, wherein the urging portion is provided on an elastic member or a member urged by the elastic member.

[Structure 15]

A cartridge according to Structure 14, wherein the elastic member is a spring.

[Structure 16]

A cartridge according to any one of Structure 13-15, further comprising a force receiving portion capable of receiving a force for moving the holding portion from the second position toward the first position, wherein the urging portion urges the holding portion from the second position toward the first position when the force receiving portion receives the force.

[Structure 17]

A cartridge according to Structure 16, wherein the urging portion urges the holding portion from the second position toward the first position by the force receiving portion moving in a direction crossing the axial direction of the developing member.

[Structure 18]

A cartridge according to Structure 17, further comprising a first movable member provided with the force receiving portion and a second movable member movable by receiving the force from the first movable member, wherein the urging portion is provided on the second movable member.

[Structure 19]

A cartridge according to Structure 18, wherein the second movable member urges, when moving in the axial direction of the developing member, the holding portion from the second position toward the first position by the urging portion.

[Structure 20]

A cartridge according to any one of Structure 13-19, further comprising a gear member, provided with the second gear portion, for transmitting the driving force to the developing member.

[Structure 21]

A cartridge according to Structure 20, wherein the gear member has a rotational axis coaxial with the rotational axis of the developing member.

[Structure 22]

A cartridge according to Structure 20 or 21, wherein the gear member is provided with the holding portion.

[Structure 23]

A cartridge according to any one of Structure 13-22, wherein the first unit includes a first frame rotatably supporting the photosensitive member, and the second unit includes a second frame rotatably supporting the developing member and supporting the holding portion, and wherein the holding portion stably holds the second unit in the spaced position by contacting the first frame.

[Structure 24]

A cartridge according to Structure 23, wherein the first frame is provided with an inclined surface inclined with respect to the rotational axis of the developing member, and the holding portion moves in the axial direction of the developing member while being in contact with the inclined surface, during movement of the holding portion from the second position to the first position.

[Structure 25]

A cartridge;

• • a photosensitive member:
  • a first unit including the photosensitive member;
  • a developing member for depositing toner onto the photosensitive member;
  • a second unit which includes the developing member and which is movable, by movement relative to the first unit, between a developing position in which the toner is capable of being deposited onto the photosensitive member from the developing member and a spaced position in which at least a part of the developing member is spaced from the photosensitive member;
  • a coupling member;
  • a holding member movably supported by the first unit or the second unit, the holding member being movable between a first position for stably holding the second unit at the spaced position by the first unit and a second position for stably holding the second unit at the developing position by the first unit;
  • a driven portion movable by receiving a driving force from the coupling member; and
  • a spacing force receiving portion capable of receiving, when the second unit is in the developing position, a spacing force for moving the holding member from the second position toward the first position to move the second unit to the spaced position,
  • wherein the spacing force receiving portion is movable in a predetermined direction between a stand-by position and an operating position where the spacing force receiving portion projects from the second unit more than in the stand-by position,
  • wherein when the second unit is in the developing position and the spacing force receiving portion is in the operating position, the spacing force receiving portion is capable of moving the holding member from the second position to the first position, by movement of the spacing force receiving portion in a second direction crossing the predetermined direction by receiving the spacing force, and
  • wherein when the second unit is in the spaced position, the holding member moves from the first position toward the second position by movement of the driven portion by receiving the driving force from the coupling member.

[Structure 26]

A cartridge according to Structure 25, further comprising a locking portion for locking the holding member in the first position, wherein the holding member is provided with a locked portion to be locked by the locking portion when the holding member is in the first position, and wherein the holding member is moved from the first position toward the second position by releasing the driven portion from locking of the locking portion.

[Structure 27]

A cartridge according to Structure 26, further comprising an urging portion for urging the holding member so as to move it from the first position toward the second position.

[Structure 28]

A cartridge according to any one of Structure 25-27, wherein the driven portion is rotated by a driving force transmitted from the coupling member.

[Structure 29]

A cartridge according to any one of Structure 25-28, further comprising a movable member provided with the spacing force receiving portion, wherein when the second unit is in the developing position and the spacing force receiving portion is in the operating position, the movable member pushes the holding member to move it from the second position toward the first position by movement of the spacing force receiving portion in a second direction crossing the predetermined direction by receiving the spacing force.

[Structure 30]

A cartridge according to any one of Structure 25-29, wherein the first unit includes a first frame rotatably supporting the photosensitive member and movably supporting the holding member, and the second unit includes a second frame rotatably supporting the developing member, and wherein the holding member stably holding the second unit in the spaced position by contact with the second frame.

[Structure 31]

A cartridge mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the cartridge comprising:

• • a first unit;
  • a developing member for depositing toner onto a photosensitive member;
  • a second unit which includes the developing member and which is movable, by movement relative to the first unit, between a developing position in which the toner is capable of being deposited onto the photosensitive member from the developing member and a spaced position in which at least a part of the developing member is spaced from the photosensitive member;
  • a driving force receiving portion capable of receiving a driving force from the main assembly;
  • a holding member movably supported by the first unit or the second unit, the holding member being movable between a first position for stably holding the second unit at the spaced position by the first unit and a second position for stably holding the second unit at the developing position by the first unit;
  • a driven portion for receiving a driving force from the driving force receiving portion; and
  • a spacing force receiving portion capable of receiving, when the second unit is in the developing position, a spacing force for moving the holding member from the second position toward the first position to move the second unit to the spaced position, from the main assembly,
  • wherein the spacing force receiving portion is movable in a predetermined direction between a stand-by position and an operating position where the spacing force receiving portion projects from the second unit more than in the stand-by position,
  • wherein when the second unit is in the developing position and the spacing force receiving portion is in the operating position, the spacing force receiving portion is capable of moving the holding member from the second position to the first position, by movement of the spacing force receiving portion in a second direction crossing the predetermined direction by receiving the spacing force, and
  • wherein when the second unit is in the spaced position, the holding member moves from the first position toward the second position by movement of the driven portion by receiving the driving force from the driving force receiving portion.

[Structure 32]

A cartridge according to Structure 31, further comprising a locking portion for locking the holding member in the first position, wherein the holding member is provided with a locked portion to be locked by the locking portion when the holding member is in the first position, and wherein the holding member is moved from the first position toward the second position by releasing the driven portion from locking of the locking portion.

[Structure 33]

A cartridge according to Structure 32, further comprising an urging portion for urging the holding member so as to move it from the first position toward the second position.

[Structure 34]

A cartridge according to any one of Structure 31-33, wherein the driven portion is rotated by a driving force transmitted from the driving force receiving portion,

[Structure 35]

A cartridge according to any one of Structure 31-34, further comprising a movable member provided with the spacing force receiving portion, wherein when the second unit is in the developing position and the spacing force receiving portion is in the operating position, the movable member pushes the holding member to move it from the second position toward the first position by movement of the spacing force receiving portion in a second direction crossing the predetermined direction by receiving the spacing force.

[Structure 36]

A cartridge according to any one of Structure 31-35, wherein the first unit includes a first frame movably supporting the holding member, and the second unit includes a second frame rotatably supporting the developing member, and wherein the holding member stably holds the second unit in the spaced position by contacting the second frame.

[Structure 37]

An image forming apparatus comprising a main assembly in which a cartridge according to any one of Structure 1-36 is detachably mounted, and a transfer member provided in the main assembly and capable of transferring a toner image onto a recording material.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

A cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus are provided which include a first unit including a photosensitive member, and a second unit including a developing member for depositing toner on the photosensitive member and movable between a developing position and a spaced position.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, to apprise the public of the scope of the invention, the following claims are appended.

This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-041940 filed on Mar. 16, 2022, and the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A cartridge comprising: a photosensitive member;a first unit including the photosensitive member;a developing member for depositing toner onto the photosensitive member;a second unit including the developing member and movable between a developing position in which the toner is capable of being deposited onto the photosensitive member from the developing member and a spaced position in which at least a part of the developing member is spaced from the photosensitive member;a coupling member;a first gear portion configured to receive a driving force from the coupling member to rotate the first gear portion;a second gear portion for engagement with the first gear portion and configured to receive the driving force and thereby rotate, the second gear portion being movable in an axial direction of the developing member;a holding portion movable, by movement of the developing member in the axial direction, between a first position for stably holding the second unit in the spaced position and a second position for stably holding the second unit in the developing position; andan urging portion for urging the holding portion in a direction from the second position toward the first position in the axial direction of the developing member,wherein at least one of the first gear portion and the second gear portion is a helical gear,wherein, when the second gear portion is driven and rotated by the first gear portion, the holding portion is moved from the first position to the second position by the second gear portion receiving a force from the first gear portion, andwherein, when the second gear portion is not driven by the first gear portion, the holding portion is moved from the second position toward the first position by an urging force of the urging portion.

2. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the urging portion is provided on an elastic member or a member urged by the elastic member.

3. A cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the elastic member is a spring.

4. A cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a force receiving portion configured to receive a force for moving the holding portion from the second position toward the first position, wherein the urging portion urges the holding portion from the second position toward the first position when the force receiving portion receives the force.

5. A cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the urging portion urges the holding portion from the second position toward the first position by the force receiving portion moving in a direction crossing the axial direction of the developing member.

6. A cartridge according to claim 5, further comprising a first movable member provided with the force receiving portion and a second movable member movable by receiving the force from the first movable member, wherein the urging portion is provided on the second movable member.

7. A cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the second movable member urges, when moving in the axial direction of the developing member, the holding portion from the second position toward the first position by the urging portion.

8. A cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a gear member, provided with the second gear portion, configured to transmit the driving force to the developing member.

9. A cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the gear member has a rotational axis coaxial with a rotational axis of the developing member.

10. A cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the gear member is provided with the holding portion.

11. A cartridge according to, wherein the first unit includes a first frame rotatably supporting the photosensitive member, and the second unit includes a second frame rotatably supporting the developing member and supporting the holding portion, and wherein the holding portion stably holds the second unit in the spaced position by contacting the first frame.

12. A cartridge according to claim 11, wherein the first frame is provided with an inclined surface inclined with respect to the rotational axis of the developing member, and the holding portion moves in the axial direction of the developing member while being in contact with the inclined surface, during movement of the holding portion from the second position to the first position.

13-37. (canceled)