Image Forming Apparatus Including Coupling Member Selectively Coupled to Photosensitive Drum

• US 20170010581A1
• Filed: 09/26/2016
• Published: 01/12/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 10/31/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
• Original Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
• Inventors: Okabe, Yasushi, Hashimoto, Junichi
• Granted Patent: US 10,082,766 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 15/0178 using more than one reusable electrographic recording member, e.g. one for every monocolour image
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 15/0194 primary transfer to the final recording medium G03G15/0184 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 15/5008 Driving control for rotary photosensitive medium, e.g. speed control, stop position control
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 15/757 Drive mechanisms for photosensitive medium, e.g. gears
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 21/1647 Mechanical connection means
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 21/1652 Electrical connection means
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 21/1825 Pivotable subunit connection
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 21/1842 for guiding and mounting the process cartridge, positioning, alignment, locks G03G21/1864 and G03G21/1871 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 21/1853 the process cartridge being mounted perpendicular to the axis of the photosensitive member
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 21/1867 for electrically connecting the process cartridge to the apparatus, electrical connectors, power supply
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 2221/166 Electrical connectors
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 2221/1684 using extractable subframes, e.g. on rails or hinges
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 2221/1869 Cartridge holders, e.g. intermediate frames for placing cartridge parts therein

Abstract

An image forming apparatus includes a main body, endless belt, photosensitive drums, setting unit, contacting/separating mechanism, transmitting mechanism, and coupling members. The photosensitive drums are disposed in confrontation with the endless belt and are arranged in a first direction. Each photosensitive drum has an axis extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The setting unit sets the image forming apparatus to a monochrome mode or color mode. The contacting/separating mechanism controls at least one photosensitive drum to contact or separate from the endless in accordance with the set mode. The transmitting mechanism selectively transmits drive power to photosensitive drums. Each coupling member is selectively coupled to the corresponding photosensitive drum and has a coupling axis extending in the second direction. Each coupling member is uncoupled from the corresponding photosensitive drum when the contacting/separating mechanism controls the corresponding photosensitive drum to separate from the endless belt.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus comprising:

a main casing having a receiving area;

a process frame movably engaged with the receiving area and having a mounting portion, the process frame including a first wall extending in a first direction in which the process frame moves into and out of the main casing, a second wall extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and a third wall extending in the first direction, the second wall extending between the first wall and the third wall, the first wall being disposed on a first side of the receiving area; and

a cartridge including an electrode for supplying power to the cartridge, the electrode being disposed on the first side of the receiving area,

wherein, when the cartridge is in a mounted position within the mounting portion;

a first portion of the first wall of the process frame aligns with the electrode in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and

a top edge, in the third direction, of the first wall at the first portion is lower than a lowest point of the electrode in the third direction.