Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a driving roller that conveys a paper sheet; a detector that detects a desired point on the driving roller; and a hardware processor that: acquires a waveform signal indicating one of a change in an image forming position with respect to the paper sheet and a change in a sheet conveyance velocity; extracts a synchronous waveform signal from the waveform signal acquired by the hardware processor, the synchronous waveform signal being synchronized with one revolution of the driving roller, the one revolution being detected by the detector; and inputs a drive signal to a drive source of the driving roller, the drive signal being input to weaken an amplitude of the synchronous waveform signal extracted by the hardware processor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process cartridge comprising: a housing; a rotatable component; a driving force receiver configured to transmit a driving force to the rotatable component; an elastic member; wherein when the process cartridge is installed in an imaging device comprising a driving head, the driving force receiver has a first state and a second state relative to the driving head, the first state being a state in which the driving force receiver contacts the driving head and is in a pre-engaged position and the second state being a state in which the driving force receiver is engaged by the driving head; wherein when the driving force receiver is in the first state relative to the driving head, the elastic member is configured to urge the driving force receiver to transition from the first state to the second state as a result of rotation of the driving head.

Abstract: In examples provided herein, a roller damper comprises a damper body element having mass and having a shape to fit an interior of a tubular roller element. The roller element is associated with a natural frequency. The roller damper also comprises an elastomer support member coupled to the damper body element. The mass of the damper body element and the elastomer support member are selected based on the natural frequency of the tubular roller element.

Abstract: A lateral cap of a process cartridge includes a main body, a through hole, a flange and a guiding portion. The main body has a first side for being disposed to a housing of a process cartridge, and a second side opposite to the first side. The through hole penetrates through the first and second sides. The flange extends from the second side of the main body toward a direction away from the first side. The guiding portion extends from the flange toward an axis direction of the through hole. The lateral cap guides a rotational force receiving member to a desired position and can guide the rotational force receiving member to move toward a driving head to make them firmly coupled with each other when the rotational force receiving member is moved from a biased position to a coaxial position in alignment with the driving head.

Abstract: A bearing, for supporting a rotation shaft of a rotatable member, capable of being supported by a supporting portion provided with an engaging hole engageable with the bearing includes positioning projections having contact surfaces and bearing projections having sliding surfaces on which an outer peripheral surface of the rotation shaft slides. The positioning projections project from different positions so that between adjacent positioning projections, an outer peripheral surface of the bearing and the inner wall surface of the engaging hole form a gap therebetween. The bearing projections project from different positions so that between adjacent bearing projections, an inner peripheral surface of the bearing and an outer peripheral surface of the rotation shaft form a gap therebetween. With respect to a circumferential direction of the rotation shaft, the positioning projections and the bearing projections are provided at positions different from each other.

Abstract: A drive device, which is incorporated in an image forming apparatus, includes a drive motor and a plurality of gears driven by the drive motor. The plurality of gears include at least two gears disposed coaxially with each other and have a plurality of meshing portions. Each meshing portion is formed between a pair of gears of the plurality of gears. A difference between respective gear mesh frequencies of the plurality of meshing portions is set equal to or smaller than 100 Hz.

Abstract: The invention discloses a process cartridge detachably installed in an imaging device with a driving head along an installation direction, the process cartridge including: a housing, a driving force receiving member capable of receiving a rotation driving force of the driving head, a rotatable component rotatably supported by the housing and capable of receiving a force of the driving force receiving member to rotate, and a force receiving part arranged on the housing. When the process cartridge is installed in the imaging device and the driving force receiving member generates interference with the driving head in the installation direction, the driving force receiving member is movable and engageable with the driving head as the driving head rotates. The technical problem that the driving force receiving member in the process cartridge cannot be normally disengaged from the driving head in the imaging device in the prior art is solved.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a rear-side frame member that is disposed on the rear side of an image forming apparatus body so as to extend in a vertical or substantially vertical direction; and a drive unit that includes a drive part. The drive unit is detachably disposed on an inner surface of the rear-side frame member such that the drive part faces outward from the image forming apparatus body.

Abstract: A process cartridge configured to be detachably installed to a main body of the imaging device includes a housing, and a photosensitive drum arranged in the housing. A drive coupler configured to receive a driving force from a drive head of the main body of the imaging device is provided at an end of the photosensitive drum. The process cartridge can be installed to the main body of the imaging device or be detached from the main body of the imaging device in a manner that the photosensitive drum rotation axis forms a variable included angle with respect to the drive head rotation axis. The installation of the process cartridge is facilitated, and the engagement of the drive coupler with the drive head of the imaging device is facilitated.

Abstract: In a cartridge, a developing roller is configured to rotate around a first rotational axis extending in a predetermined direction and to carry developer thereon, the developing roller having a first end and a second end apart from each other in the predetermined direction, a from-first-to-second direction being defined along the predetermined direction as being directed from the first end to the second end. A developing electrode is formed of a conductive material and is configured to be electrically connected to the developing roller, the developing electrode including a main part and a protruding portion protruding from the main part in the from-first-to-second direction. A detection body is formed of an insulating material and is rotatably supported by the protruding portion, the detection body including a first opening that exposes part of the protruding portion and a covering portion covering part of the protruding portion.

Abstract: Example embodiments include a driving device having: a plurality of vibrating members that may vibrate when the vibrating members are driven; and a holding part that may hold the vibrating members. The holding part may include a first member with which one or more of the vibrating members may be brought into contact, and a second member with which one or more of the vibrating members may be brought into contact. The first member and the second member may be partially coupled to each other. A grounding member for electrically grounding a member held by the holding part may be brought into contact with one of the first member and the second member that is more difficult to vibrate.

Abstract: A driving-force transmission member includes a coupling portion that includes a driving-force transmission surface and that transmits a driving force to a cartridge coupling, a first helical gear portion that engages with a driven gear of a cartridge to transmit the driving force, and a second helical gear portion that engages with a drive gear to receive the driving force. The portions rotate integrally with each other when the driving-force transmission member rotates about the axis of rotation. The driving-force transmission surface is shaped with a twist in the same direction as the driving-force transmission member. Helical teeth of the first helical gear portion are shaped with a twist in the same direction as the driving-force transmission surface. Helical teeth of the second helical gear portion are shaped with a twist in a direction opposite to the twist direction of the helical teeth of the first helical gear portion.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: an image former having parts provided in a replaceable manner to be used for image formation; a sensing part that detects a characteristic value of the parts; and a controller that determines whether the characteristic value of the parts, which fluctuates immediately after manufacture, is in a stable state based on a comparison between information regarding the characteristic value of the parts based on a detection result of the sensing part and a threshold value and sets a process condition for the image former based on the detected characteristic value when determining that the characteristic value of the parts is not in the stable state.

Abstract: When viewed in an axial direction, a pair of circumferential ends and a notched portion of a cylindrical shaft are at different positions in a circumferential direction, and a first central angle of a first imaginary arc which connects the pair of circumferential ends and a first force receiving portion nearest to the pair of circumferential ends in an opposite direction to a direction, in which a force is received, from the pair of circumferential ends to the first force receiving portion in the opposite direction is smaller than a second central angle of a second imaginary arc, which connects the pair of circumferential ends and a second force receiving portion nearest to the pair of circumferential ends in the direction, in which the force is received, from the pair of circumferential ends to the second force receiving portion in the direction in which the force is received.

Abstract: A process cartridge configured to be detachably installed to a main body of the imaging device includes a housing, and a photosensitive drum arranged in the housing. A drive coupler configured to receive a driving force from a drive head of the main body of the imaging device is provided at an end of the photosensitive drum. The process cartridge can be installed to the main body of the imaging device or be detached from the main body of the imaging device in a manner that the photosensitive drum rotation axis forms a variable included angle with respect to the drive head rotation axis. The installation of the process cartridge is facilitated, and the engagement of the drive coupler with the drive head of the imaging device is facilitated.

Abstract: A drive transmission device, which may be included in an image forming apparatus, includes an apparatus body, a drive connecting body, a biasing body and a retracting device including an operating body and a linear body. The drive connecting body is coupled to a drive connection target body and disposed between a drive connecting position and a retracted position. The biasing body is configured to bias the drive connecting body to the drive connecting position. The operating body is configured to cause the drive connecting body to retract from the drive connecting position to the retracted position, in connection to movement of the operating body. The linear body is connected to the operating body and the drive connecting body. The operating body causes the opposed end of the linear body to move in a direction opposite a biasing direction of the biasing body.

Abstract: An end member includes a tubular bearing member and a shaft member held by the bearing member. The shaft member includes a rotating shaft rotatable around an axis and movable in an axial direction, and a rotating force receiving member disposed in one end portion of the rotating shaft and including an engaging member to be engaged with a driving shaft of the image forming apparatus body. The engaging member is switchable between a posture of being engaged with the driving shaft and a posture of not being engaged with the driving shaft. A maximum static friction coefficient applied when the rotating shaft moves in a rotating axial direction with respect to the bearing member is equal to or less than 0.40 where a force that acts in a direction orthogonal to a frictional force direction is 2.5 to 10.5 N.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process cartridge comprising: a housing; a rotatable component; a driving force receiver configured to transmit a driving force to the rotatable component; an elastic member; wherein when the process cartridge is installed in an imaging device comprising a driving head, the driving force receiver has a first state and a second state relative to the driving head, the first state being a state in which the driving force receiver contacts the driving head and is in a pre-engaged position and the second state being a state in which the driving force receiver is engaged by the driving head; wherein when the driving force receiver is in the first state relative to the driving head, the elastic member is configured to urge the driving force receiver to transition from the first state to the second state as a result of rotation of the driving head.

Abstract: A drive transmission unit is described that includes a drive source, and a rotatable drive transmitting member to transmit a driving force from the drive source. The drive transmitting member includes a bottom part intersecting an axis of the drive transmitting member, a circular transmitting part extending from the bottom part in an axial direction of the drive transmitting member and including an internal toothed surface on an inner circumferential surface of the transmitting part to mesh with a first member, and a first projecting part and a second projecting part projecting in opposite directions from the bottom part along the axial direction of the drive transmitting member and having different diameters.

Abstract: There is provided an end member which is disposed in an end portion of a columnar rotating body mounted on an image forming apparatus main body, comprising: a tubular bearing member; and a shaft member held by the bearing member, in which the shaft member includes a rotating shaft which oscillates within a range of 18° or less with respect to a direction along an axis of the bearing member, a rotating force receiving member which is disposed in one end portion of the rotating shaft and is provided with an engaging member which is engaged with a driving shaft of the image forming apparatus main body, and a regulating member which is engaged with or disengaged from the rotating shaft or the rotating force receiving member by pressing, and switches a posture in which the engaging member is engaged with the driving shaft and a posture in which the engaging member is not engaged with the driving shaft.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a coupling member, a transmitted member, and a rotary member. The transmitted member includes an accommodating portion configured to accommodate the coupling member, and a protruded portion integrally formed with an inner wall of the accommodating portion and protruding from the inner wall toward an inside of the accommodating portion. The coupling member includes a free end portion having a rotational force receiving portion that receives a rotational force, a connected portion connected to the transmitted member in such a manner that at least a part of the connected portion can be accommodated in the accommodating portion, and a recessed portion provided at the connected portion so that the protruded portion can enter. An inclination angle of a rotation axis of the coupling member relative to a rotation axis of the transmitted member is variable.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus has a drive shaft; a drive coupling supported in an axial direction to couple the drive shaft and a flange with play; a taper coupling supported inside the drive coupling with play to hold the drive shaft and the flange; and a pressing member for pressing the taper coupling, which consists of a tip portion having a tapered chuck structure and coming in surface contact with the drive shaft and the flange by the elastic force of the tapered chuck structure and the pressing force of the pressing member, and an axial portion having a cylindrical structure whose outer diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the drive coupling.

Abstract: A drive transmission mechanism includes a first gearbox including a driving source, a first gear train, a first frame configured to support one ends of a plurality of shafts of the first gear train, and a first gear cover configured to support the other ends of the shafts of the first gear train, wherein the first gear box is configured to transmit a driving force from the driving source; and a second gearbox including a second gear train, a second frame configured to support one ends of a plurality of shafts of the second gear train, and a second gear cover configured to support the other ends of the shafts of the second gear train, wherein the second gearbox is configured to receive the driving force from the driving source through the first gear train and configured to transmit the driving force. The second gearbox is fixed to the first gearbox.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus, an image forming unit forms a first image of a first color and a second image of a second color. An obtaining unit obtains information related to relative positions of a first measurement image, which is formed on an image carrier, of the first color and a second measurement image, which is formed on an image carrier, of the second color. A generation unit generates correlation data based on first information corresponding to a first image forming speed and second information corresponding to a second image forming speed. A controller, in a case where the image forming unit forms an image at the second image forming speed, corrects relative positions of the first image and the second image based on the first information in advance and the correlation data.

Abstract: A photoreceptor includes: a cylindrical support on which a photosensitive layer is formed and to which a predetermined voltage is applicable; and a flange provided in an end portion of the support, the flange including a Helmholtz resonator including a cavity portion and a communication portion allowing the cavity portion and an outside to communicate with each other.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, an image carrier driver which rotates the image carrier, a rotation detector which detects rotation of the image carrier, a rotary member in contact with the image carrier, a rotary member driver which rotates the rotary member, a first controller which controls the rotary member driver, and a second controller. The second controller controls the image carrier driver based on an output of the rotation detector and also controls the image carrier driver in a manner which attenuates a fluctuation component at a specific frequency. When the first controller changes a surface velocity of the rotary member, the second controller controls the image carrier driver in a manner that attenuates a fluctuation component at a specific frequency related to the changed surface velocity of the rotary member.

Abstract: In a developing cartridge, a tubular member is rotatable about an axis. The tubular member includes a protrusion extending along a portion of a peripheral surface of a shaft. The relay member is positioned between a gear and the tubular member. The relay member is movable in an axial direction of the shaft during rotation of the gear from a first rotational position to a second rotational position. In a case where the gear is at the first rotational position, the gear and the relay member engage with each other and the relay member and the tubular member engage with each other to rotate the tubular member. In a case where the gear is at the second rotational position, the engagement between the gear and the relay member or the engagement between the relay member and the tubular member is released.

Abstract: Example embodiments include a driving device having: a plurality of vibrating members that may vibrate when the vibrating members are driven; and a holding part that may hold the vibrating members. The holding part may include a first member with which one or more of the vibrating members may be brought into contact, and a second member with which one or more of the vibrating members may be brought into contact. The first member and the second member may be partially coupled to each other. A grounding member for electrically grounding a member held by the holding part may be brought into contact with one of the first member and the second member that is more difficult to vibrate.

Abstract: A separation member includes a contact surface contacting a photosensitive member when a transfer member is positioned at a second position, and a regulation unit that regulates a position of the separation member with respect to the photosensitive member, in which the regulation unit contacts the photosensitive member earlier than the contact surface in a process of inserting a cartridge in an apparatus main body.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a cartridge, a driver unit, a first universal joint, and a second universal joint, is provided. The cartridge is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus and has a first joint to receive a driving force from the image forming apparatus. The driver unit is configured to supply the driving force to the cartridge. The first universal joint is rotatable about a first axis and extends in a first direction based on the driving force. The second universal joint is coupled with the first universal joint and is rotatable along with the first universal joint. The second universal joint has a second joint coupled with the first joint and is rotatable along with the first joint.

Abstract: A drive device includes a plurality of gears; and a grease composition that is held on a tooth flank of at least one gear of the gears. The at least one gear is made of a resin. The grease composition contains a hydrocarbon base oil, lithium soap serving as a thickener, and olefin resin powder. A weight ratio between the hydrocarbon base oil and the lithium soap in the grease composition is in a range of 94.5:5.5 to 96.0:4.0. A consistency of the grease composition is in a range of 360 to 400.

Abstract: A drive transmission device includes a first rotary body coupled to a drive source, a second rotary body that receives a drive force transmitted from the drive source, a coupling that couples the first rotary body and the second rotary body, and a spring that presses the coupling toward the second rotary body. Each of the first rotary body and the second rotary body includes a plurality of grooves. The coupling has axially opposed first end and second end coupled to the first rotary body and the second rotary body, respectively. The coupling includes a plurality of couplers on a circumferential surface of each of the first end and the second end. The plurality of couplers are axially movable into and out of the plurality of grooves of each of the first rotary body and the second rotary body. The coupling has a spherical end face at the second end.

Abstract: A cartridge detachably attachable to a main body of an image forming apparatus is provided. The cartridge includes a rotary member and a cartridge coupler. The cartridge coupler includes a transmission member coupled to a rotation axis of the rotary member, a receiving member connected to a set coupler provided in the main body for transmission of power, and a connection member connecting the transmission member and the receiving member together. The receiving member has an Oldham structure allowing movement relative to the transmission member in an axial direction. The receiving member is movable to a first position at which a rotation axis of the receiving member is misaligned with a rotation axis of the transmission member in an attachment or detachment direction, and to a second position at which the rotation axis of the receiving member is aligned with the rotation axis of the transmission member.

Abstract: A fixing device includes an endless fixing belt stretched taut across a first roller and a second roller and rotatable in a predetermined direction of rotation. A pressure rotator is pressed against the first roller via the fixing belt to form a fixing nip between the pressure rotator and the fixing belt, through which a recording medium is conveyed. A separation aid, disposed downstream from the fixing nip in the direction of rotation of the fixing belt to separate the recording medium from the fixing belt, includes a contact face contacting an inner circumferential surface of the fixing belt and a bulge disposed at a center of the contact face in a longitudinal direction of the separation aid. The bulge projects toward the inner circumferential surface of the fixing belt relative to each lateral end of the contact face in the longitudinal direction of the separation aid.

Abstract: In a drive mechanism, a two-stage gear has an input gear and a sun gear. A planetary gear is engaged with both of outer teeth of the sun gear and inner teeth of a ring gear. A carrier, which is capable of rotating together with a rotational shaft, supports the planetary gear, and outputs drive force. A drive force transmission switching member switches between a connecting state connecting the two-stage gear and the carrier such that they rotate together via the rotational shaft, and a separating state separating the two-stage gear and carrier such that they rotate relative to each other. A one-way clutch allows the ring gear to rotate in one of a pair of opposite directions about the central axis of the rotational shaft, and prohibits the ring gear from rotating in the other one of the pair of opposite directions.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a driving assembly. The driving assembly is configured to be arranged on one end of a developing cartridge, the driving assembly comprises a connector configured to engage with a driving head of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The connector comprises a sleeve, a guide rod, and at least one engaging claw. The sleeve has a protrusion portion at its distal end relative to the developing cartridge, the protrusion portion axially projects outwards and has a limiting groove with an outwards opening; the engaging claw is hinged at the second end of the guide rod; when the driving assembly rotates upon receiving driving forces, a side surface of the limiting groove contacts a side surface of the engaging claw. A developing cartridge comprising the driving assembly is also provided.

Abstract: Provided is an opening/closing unit including a cover member and a conveying unit. The cover member is provided to one side surface of an apparatus main body so as to open and close a sheet conveying path. The conveying unit is provided inside of the cover member in the apparatus main body. The sheet conveying path includes a first conveying path formed between the conveying unit and the apparatus main body, and a second conveying path formed between the conveying unit and the cover member. When an operating lever of the cover member is rotated to a second position, opening operation of the cover member is enabled. When the operating lever is rotated to a first position in a state where the cover member is opened, the conveying unit rotates with respect to the cover member so that the second conveying path is opened.

Abstract: A transmitting assembly of a toner cartridge is provided. The transmitting assembly comprises a gear member, a tubular member disposed at the gear member and having an axial hole, an axial member provided with a shaft portion inserting into the axial hole and a head portion, an elastic member applying force on the axial member away from the gear member, two engaging claws provided with body portions disposed at the head portion and claw portions located at the body portions, and a torsional member connected with the engaging claws and applying force turning the engaging claws outward. The claw portions are located at two sides of the axial member, and abutting ends of the body potions are located at a center of the head portion. Accordingly, the transmitting assembly can be engaged with and separated from a driving member of an electronic image forming apparatus with ease and smoothness.

Abstract: A process cartridge configured to be detachably installed to a main body of the imaging device includes a housing, and a photosensitive drum arranged in the housing. A drive coupler configured to receive a driving force from a drive head of the main body of the imaging device is provided at an end of the photosensitive drum. The process cartridge can be installed to the main body of the imaging device or be detached from the main body of the imaging device in a manner that the photosensitive drum rotation axis forms a variable included angle with respect to the drive head rotation axis. The installation of the process cartridge is facilitated, and the engagement of the drive coupler with the drive head of the imaging device is facilitated.

Abstract: A process cartridge includes: a photosensitive drum; a rotatable developing roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum; a rotatable roller having a rotation shaft in a position deviated from an axis of the developing roller, for transmitting a driving force to the developing roller; a coupling member disposed at an end portion of the shaft of the developing roller; a driving force receiving portion, provided on the coupling member and movable in a direction crossing the shaft of the rotatable roller, for receiving a driving force to be transmitted to the developing roller; an urging member for urging the drive receiving portion in the direction crossing the shaft of the rotatable roller; a supporting portion for rotatably supporting the drive receiving portion so as to be movable together with the drive receiving portion toward the rotatable roller in the direction crossing the shaft of the rotatable roller; and an abutting portion for receiving the supporting portio

Abstract: An image forming apparatus cartridge includes a casing, a developer roller having an axis L1, and coupling member having an axis L2. The coupling member includes (i) a first end portion operatively connected with the developer roller, (ii) a second end portion having an outermost surface, (iii) an axle portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion to each other, and (iv) at least one projection extending from the second end portion. For at least part of the outermost surface of the second end portion, a maximum distance from the axis L2 to the outermost surface along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 increases as the distance along the axis L2 from the axle portion increases.

Abstract: A toner cartridge includes a case body having a side opening, a photosensitive roller disposed in the case body and having an imaginary axis, a transmitting assembly and a cover member. The transmitting assembly has an axial member and two engaging claws. Each engaging claw is rotatable between an opened and a closed positions and has a vertex; when the engaging claw is in the opened position, the vertex is defined with the imaginary axis a maximum distance away that is greater than a distance between any other position on the engaging claw and the imaginary axis. The axial member is insertable into the connecting hole in which the engaging claws in the opened position are accommodatable, and operators can directly mount the cover member on the side opening without closing the engaging claws, so that the procedure for mounting the cover member saves time and is convenient.

Abstract: A photoreceptor drum unit is provided with a cylindrical photoreceptor drum, and two end members which are respectively disposed at both ends of the photoreceptor drum in an axial direction. One of the end members is provided with an elastic member, is biased in the axial direction, and is extendable and contractable. The other of the end members is provided with a cylindrical bearing member and a shaft member held in the bearing member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus cartridge includes a casing, a developer roller having an axis L1, and a coupling member having an axis L2. The coupling member includes a first end portion operatively connected to the developer roller and a second end portion, with the second end portion including at least one projection that is open to the axis L2 and an outer surface that faces away from the first end portion. For at least part of the outer surface, a maximum distance from the axis L2 to the outer surface along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 decreases as the distance along the axis L2 from the first end portion increases.

Abstract: With a structure in which a coupling member includes a sphere providing a center of inclination (pivoting), a rotational force transmitted member has an opening have a diameter smaller than that of the sphere, and the coupling member is prevented from disengaging from rotational force transmitted member by contact of inner edge of the opening to the sphere, the inner edge of the opening may limit an inclinable (pivotable) angle range of the coupling member. In a state that a pin that is a shaft portion is inserted in a hole that is a through-hole provided in a coupling member, opposite end portions of the pin are supported by a driving side flange, which is a rotational force transmitted member. The coupling member, the driving side flange, and the pin are connected in this manner, and the pin contacts the inside of the hole without limiting the inclinable angle range.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus cartridge includes a casing, a developer roller having an axis L1, and a coupling member having an axis L2. The coupling member includes a first end portion operatively connected with the developer roller and a second end portion, the second end portion including at least one projection that is open to the axis L2 and an outer surface that faces away from the first end portion. For at least part of the outer surface, a maximum distance from the axis L2 to the outer surface along a line perpendicular to the axis L2 decreases as the distance along the axis L2 from the first end portion increases.

Abstract: A cartridge mountable to a printer, said printer including a coupling guide contactable to a coupling of the cartridge to guide the coupling member. A case of the cartridge is provided with a hole for exposing a free end portion of the coupling to an outside of the cartridge, and a retracted portion provided in downstream of the hole with respect to the mounting direction of the cartridge. When the cartridge is mounted to a main assembly of the printer, the coupling guide enters the retracted portion from which the coupling member has retracted.

Abstract: A drive device includes a slide bearing; a shaft that passes through the slide bearing; a gear that is fixed to the shaft; and a grease composition that is held in a clearance between the slide bearing and the shaft. At least one of the slide bearing and the shaft is made of a resin. The clearance is in a range of 10 to 110 ?m. The grease composition contains a hydrocarbon base oil and lithium soap serving as a thickener. A weight ratio of the hydrocarbon base oil to the lithium soap is in a range of 94.5:5.5 to 96.0:4.0. A consistency of the grease composition is in a range of 360 to 400.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of obtaining a good image quality without color shifts is described. The image forming apparatus includes a drive coupling 1015 which couples a drive shaft 1011 and a flange 1021 of an image bearing member 613 with a play, a taper coupling 1017 supported inside the drive coupling 1015 for holding the drive shaft 1011 and the flange 1021, and a pressing member 1013. The taper coupling 1017 includes a tip portion 1061, an axial portion 1062, a rear end portion 1063. The drive coupling 1015 includes claw portions 1042 engaging with the flange 1021 of the image bearing member 613, and a body portion 1041 having a length which is shorter than the distance between the flange 1021 of the image bearing member 613 and the rear end 1063 of the taper coupling 1017 in the axial direction of the drive shaft 1011.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a casing and a photosensitive drum rotatably supported in the casing. A rotatable driven coupling member is provided on an axial end of the photosensitive drum, with the driven coupling member including a driving force receiving portion for receiving a driving force to rotate the photosensitive drum. The driven coupling member is translatable with respect to the casing in a predetermined direction, which is substantially parallel to a rotational axis of the photosensitive drum, by a force received by a driven side abutment portion of the driven coupling member. A distance between the rotational axis of the driven coupling member and the driven side abutment portion is not more than a distance between the rotational axis of the driven coupling member and the driving force receiving portion.