Abstract: The invention relates to a photosensitive drum driving head, which comprises drum flange, drum shaft and boss, wherein the drum flange is disposed on the end portion of a photosensitive drum and connected with the photosensitive drum; the drum shaft is axially extended from the end portion of the drum flange; the boss is axially extended from the end face of the drum shaft and engaged with a recess in a driving head of image forming apparatus; three vertical convex teeth radially extended along the boss and engaged with power transmission portions are formed on side wall of the boss, perpendicular to the drum shaft, extended along an axial line of the photosensitive drum, and provided with mating surfaces formed by longitudinal cutting angles on end faces of the vertical convex teeth; at least one mating surface is engaged with an edge of a twisted bevel of the recess.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus may include a process cartridge, an apparatus body and a spacing member. The process cartridge may be detachably mountable to the apparatus body and include a photosensitive unit having a photosensitive member, a developing unit having a developing roller, and a driving input part into which a driving force from the apparatus body is configured to be inputted. The apparatus body may include a driving input member which is configured to input the driving force. Additionally or alternatively, the spacing member may be attached to the process cartridge and configured to space the photosensitive member and the developing roller. The spacing member may include a first cover part which is located between the driving input part and the driving input member and covers at least a portion of the driving input part.

Abstract: An image bearing member drive unit which is capable of performing excellent follow-up of random disturbances without increasing the costs and further with reduced energy loss. The image bearing member drive unit is formed by a brushless DC motor, a rotational position detector, a rotary encoder, a drive circuit, a motor driver IC, and a controller. The rotary encoder detects a drive speed of an image bearing member driven by the brushless DC motor. Drive current for the brushless DC motor is controlled according to the detected drive speed and a target speed. When a short brake signal for braking the brushless DC motor is on, current in a direction opposite to the drive current is generated to thereby brake the brushless DC motor.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a first image forming means for forming a toner image on a first photosensitive drum, a first motor configured to rotationally drive the first photosensitive drum, a second image forming means for forming a toner image on a second photosensitive drum having an outer diameter larger than that of the first photosensitive drum, and a second motor configured to rotationally drive the second photosensitive drum. The first motor is a DC motor, and the second motor is a stepping motor.

Abstract: A drive gear for a generally cylindrical imaging component. The drive gear includes a body for engaging the generally cylindrical imaging component; a cylindrical shaft attached to the body, the cylindrical shaft having an end surface; and three prongs extending longitudinally outward from the end surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a supporting mechanism including a bearing support portion that supports a bearing and is open so that the bearing is removed in a first direction that crosses a rotating shaft that is supported by the bearing, a driving shaft coupling that transmits a driving force to the rotating shaft by being connected to a rotating shaft coupling that is provided at one end of the rotating shaft, and a contact member that includes a bearing contact portion that makes contact with the bearing.

Abstract: An image formation apparatus includes: an image formation unit including an image carrier configured to carry a developer image; a drive unit configured to drive the image carrier; a holder provided with the drive unit; a transfer unit located to be opposed to the image carrier and configured to transfer the developer image from the image carrier on a transfer medium; and a switching unit configured to switch a position of the holder between an image formation position, at which the transfer unit transfers the developer image from the image carrier on the transfer medium, and a non-image formation position. The holder is configured to move together with the image formation unit.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a pair of side walls disposed opposite each other; a driven unit supported between the side walls; a drive unit with drive transmission gears attached to one of the side walls and drives the driven unit; and a reinforcing member connecting the pair of side walls. One end of the reinforcing member is attached to the side wall opposite the other side wall to which the drive unit is attached and the other end is attached to the drive unit. The driven unit is an image forming unit including at least an image carrier. The image carrier includes a rotary shaft, both lateral ends of which are supported by the pair of side walls. A gear portion engaging the drive transmission gears of the drive unit is disposed on one end of the rotary shaft of the image carrier.

Abstract: The belt driving mechanism of the present invention includes: a driving pulley; a driven pulley; a looped transmission belt extended over the driving pulley and the driven pulley; a first holding member that bearing-supports and holds the driving pulley; a second holding member that bearing-supports and holds the driven pulley, and is combined with the first holding member; and a biasing member that biases the first holding member and the second holding member to be separated, in a state in which the first holding member and the second holding member are combined.

Abstract: A first rotary body is configured to rotate by a drive force input from an external source and has a first outer peripheral surface. A second rotary body has a second outer peripheral surface and is configured to rotate by following a rotation of the first rotary body through a friction generated between the first outer peripheral surface and the second outer peripheral surface. A first gear is configured to rotate together with the first rotary body. A second gear is configured to rotate together with the second rotary body and is directory engaged with the first gear. The first gear has a first pitch circle and the second gear has a second pitch circle. A radius of the first pitch circle is smaller than a radius of the first rotary body, and a radius of the second pitch circle is larger than a radius of the second rotary body.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member for bearing an electrostatic image; a rotatable supporting member swingably supporting the rotatable supporting member, the rotatable supporting member being provided with a first gear portion and being rotatable while carrying a plurality of developing devices for developing the electrostatic image with toner; a drive transmission device for transmitting a rotational force to the rotatable supporting member, the drive transmission device being provided with a second gear portion engaged with first gear portion at an engagement position; and an opposing portion provided opposed to the rotatable supporting member with a gap therebetween which is smaller than an amount of engagement between the first gear portion and the second gear portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a driving component, a photosensitive drum and a process cartridge. The driving component comprises a gear having one fixed end and a regulating component having a rotational driving force receiver outside the other end projecting from the gear. The regulating component is provided within the gear by being moved reciprocally and translationally along the gear's longitudinal direction and a first direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction relative to the gear. A spring support part and a longitudinal position limit part are provided between the regulating component and the gear. The rotational driving force receiver is provided inside the regulating component by rotating around its own axis. Compared to the existing technology, the process cartridge using this driving component has a smooth engagement with a printer, reliable performance and stable work.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vibration-type driving apparatus including a vibrator including an electro-mechanical transducer; a driven body disposed in pressure-contact with the vibrator; a supporting portion extending from the vibrator; a base to which the vibrator is fixed with the supporting portion interposed therebetween; a vibration absorber disposed between the supporting portion and the base; and a compressive-force adjusting device capable of adjusting a compressive force to be applied to the vibration absorber between the supporting portion and the base.

Abstract: Provided is a photosensitive drum driving assembly, a photosensitive drum assembly, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus. The driving assembly including a supporting body and an engaging protrusion is connected to a drive shaft having a triangular twisted hole to transfer a rotary driving force from an image forming apparatus. The engaging protrusion twistedly protrudes to be inserted into the twisted hole, and includes three or more line contact portions on its cross-section perpendicular to the protrusion direction. The line contact portions are in line-contact with the surface of the twisted hole, and at least one portion of a surface formed by continuously joining the line-contact portions along the protrusion direction is a twisted contact-surface to receive the rotary driving force transferred by the drive shaft.

Abstract: A process cartridge includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a frame for supporting the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a developer roller for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum with a developer, and a developer supplying roller for supplying the developer to the developing roller. The process cartridge also includes first and second portions-to-be-positioned on ends of the cartridge, and a portion-to-be urged for receiving an elastic force. A developer supplying roller bias contact is provided exposed at an end side of the process cartridge for receiving a supplying roller bias voltage to be supplied to the developer side supplying roller, with the cartridge side developer supplying roller bias facing obliquely downward.

Abstract: A rotary driving apparatus that is capable of controlling a rotational speed correctly even when an anomaly occurs. A drive unit rotates a rotating member. A rotating body is rotated with the rotating member. A detection unit detects scales formed on the rotating body. A calculation unit calculates rotation information about the rotating member based on the detection result by the detection unit. A control value setting unit sets a control value to a predetermined value when the rotation information falls outside a predetermined range and a count of determinations that the rotation information falls outside the predetermined range is smaller than a predetermined count, and sets the control value based on the rotation information when the rotation information falls outside the predetermined range and the count of determinations is larger than the predetermined count. A control unit controls the drive unit based on the set control value.

Abstract: A power transmission apparatus and an image forming apparatus are provided. The power transmission apparatus of transmitting driving power to first and second movable members includes a driving unit which receives the driving power from a driving power source, and which rotates in forward and backward directions, a first driven unit which transmits the driving power to the first movable member, an elastic clutch which is provided between the driving unit and the first driven unit to selectively allow the driving power from the driving unit to be conveyed to the first driven unit based on the direction of the driving power, and a second driven unit to convey the driving power to the second movable member regardless of the direction of the driving power so as to allow the second movable member to rotate bi-directionally. The first movable member may be, e.g., a photosensitive body. The second movable member may be, e.g., exit rollers for ejecting processed printing medium out of the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having an improved power-transmission assembly to drive a developing cartridge mounted in a main body of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a main body, at least one driving coupling unit rotatably located in a side region of the main body, at least one driven coupling unit connected to a rotator inside a developing cartridge, and a coupling holder in which the driving and driven coupling units are connected to each other to enable a power-transmission from the driving coupling unit to the driven coupling unit. The driving coupling unit includes a first spherical portion to come into contact with one side of an inner surface of the coupling holder when received in the coupling holder. The driven coupling unit includes a second spherical portion to come into contact with the other side of the inner surface of the coupling holder when received in the coupling holder.

Abstract: A driving force transmission device includes a first driving member, a second driving member, a moving member and a connection drive section. The connection drive section separates, in conjunction with movement of the moving member in the first direction, the first driving member and the second driving member respectively from a first rotating member and a second rotating member in such a manner as to cause a time difference between a separating operation for separating the first driving member from the first rotating member and a separating operation for separating the second driving member from the second rotating member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a driving portion configured to generate a driving force, a first magnet configured to rotate when receiving the driving force from the driving portion, a second magnet that faces the first magnet with a gap interposed therebetween and is configured to rotate together with the first magnet while attracting and being attracted by the first magnet with magnetism, a rotating member configured to rotate in a predetermined direction when receiving the driving force from the second magnet, and a backward-rotation-suppressing mechanism configured to suppress rotation of the rotating member in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, first and second rotary shafts, a drive source to rotate at a predetermined low velocity and a predetermined high velocity, a first rotary transmitter connected between the drive force and the first rotary shaft, a second rotary transmitter connected between the drive force and the second rotary shaft, and a drive block member connected between the drive source and the second rotary shaft to block transmission of the drive force to the second rotary shaft when the drive source rotates at the predetermined high velocity. When the drive source rotates at the predetermined low velocity, the drive source drives the second rotary shaft using a difference in torque between an upper limit in high velocity rotation and an upper limit in low velocity rotation greater than the upper limit in high velocity rotation.

Abstract: An image heating apparatus includes a roller, a heating portion disposed within the roller, a bearing portion fitted around an end portion of the roller to rotably support the roller, and a retaining ring attached at an axially predetermined position of the roller to restrict the roller from moving in a axial direction of the roller with respect to the bearing portion. The retaining ring includes first and second projections fitted into a hole portion of the roller. Profiles of side surfaces of these first and second projections abutting edges of the hole portion in a circumferential direction are recessed in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A gear transmission device includes a drive rotator and a driven external gear. The drive rotator includes a drive internal gear to rotate about a rotary shaft. The driven external gear meshes with the drive internal gear to transmit a drive force to a drive target.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus stabilized in transferability of an image from the photosensitive member to the intermediate transfer belt. The image forming apparatus includes photosensitive drums and an intermediate transfer belt (ITB) that rotates in contact with each drum, brushless DC motors for driving the drum and the ITB for rotation. Rotary encoders associated with the drum and the ITB detect respective rotational speeds thereof. A controller sets a target value for the drum-associated rotary encoder for making the surface speeds of the drum and the belt equal to each other during normal printing operation, from a detection value from the drum-associated rotary encoder in a state of the drum being friction-driven by the belt at the primary transfer section, and controls the drum-associated motor such that the target value becomes a detection value.

Abstract: A developing roller including a housing containing toner; and a developing roller installed in the housing and supplies the toner to an electrostatic latent image formed on a photoconductor, the developing roller including a cylindrical unit in the form of a hollow pipe and a power transmission unit connected to one end of the cylindrical unit and connected to a power transmission member for rotating the developing roller. Both ends of the cylindrical unit are supported by the housing and the power transmission unit is not restricted by the housing. Both ends of the cylindrical unit are supported by the housing and the power transmission unit is not restricted by the housing.

Abstract: A synchronized drive unit, including a drive member including a pulley; a driven member including a pulley; a relay member including to transmit a power; and timing belts hung around the drive and driven members through the relay member with tension and rotates the drive and driven members in synchronization, wherein each of the timing belts is formed of plural narrow timing belts parallely placed in a rotational axis direction of the pulley and the narrow timing belts are located on the driven member so as to counteract their eccentric components each other.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of photoconductive drums, each photoconductive drum transferring a portion of a toner image to an intermediate transfer member. The photoconductive drums are individually rotated to a printing speed such that a downstream photoconductive drum starts rotating prior to an adjacent upstream photoconductive drum starts image transfer. Similarly, an upstream photoconductive drum starts deceleration when its following downstream station has transferred image.

Abstract: A universal OPC drum that allows a remanufacturer to stock a minimum number of OPC drum sleeves of various sizes and then add the appropriate gear for the desired cartridge at the time of cartridge remanufacture. A universal OPC drum may also include a universal hub and an electrical contact on each end to maintain universality without regard to whether the OEM contact is mounted on the drive or non-drive side of the OPC drum.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of preventing degradation of image quality and reducing time required for rotational phase control. Toner images different in color are formed on a plurality of photosensitive drums, respectively. The toner images are transferred onto an intermediate transfer belt in superimposed relation. A motor controller performs phase control for bringing phases of the respective photosensitive drums into predetermined relation based on a rotational phase difference detected using phase detection sensors. When the rotational phase difference is out of a predetermined range, the motor controller performs the phase control with the photosensitive drums and the intermediate transfer belt separated from each other, whereas when the rotational phase difference is within the predetermined range, the motor controller performs the phase control with the photosensitive drums and the intermediate transfer belt in contact with each other.

Abstract: An electrophotographic photoreceptor is removably installed and used in a device main unit of an electrophotography application device so as to form a process cartridge. The device main unit includes a driving-side power transmission portion. The photoreceptor includes a photosensitive drum including a cylindrical conductive base having a photosensitive layer containing a photoconductive material. A flange is fitted to the photosensitive drum. The flange includes a driven-side driving force transmission portion that has a cylindrical member and engaging protrusions. The flange transmits to the photosensitive drum a rotational driving force from the driving-side power transmission portion. A center of the cylindrical member is disposed on a central axis of the photosensitive drum. The protrusions are parallel to the central axis at positions on the outer periphery of the cylindrical member that trisect the cylindrical member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes: a main body provided with a drive-force supplying part; a cartridge comprising a rotary body and a drive-force transmission part; and a moving member supporting the cartridge. The drive-force transmission part transmits a drive force transmitted from the drive-force supplying part to the rotary body. The moving member is accommodated in and withdrawn from the main body. The cartridge is attached to and detached from the moving member when moving member is withdrawn from the main body. The moving member includes a drive-force relay part having an input portion and an output portion, the input portion receiving the drive force from the drive-force supplying part, the output portion outputting the drive force from the input portion to the drive-force transmission part of the cartridge attached to the moving member.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a driving source, a first rotator, a first power transmission system, at least one second rotator, a second power transmission system, and a damper. The driving source generates power. The first rotator is drivingly rotated by the power generated by the driving source. The first power transmission system transmits the power from the driving source to the first rotator. The second rotator is further downstream than the first rotator in a flow of power transmission. The second power transmission system transmits the power from at least one of the first power transmission system and the first rotator to the at least one second rotator. The damper attenuates oscillation between the first power transmission system and the second power transmission system or between the first rotator and the second power transmission system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process cartridge, comprising a photosensitive drum driving component in conjunction with an image forming apparatus driving head, wherein said image forming apparatus driving head includes a twisted recess and said photosensitive drum driving component includes a drum gear provided at an end of a photosensitive drum and connected to the photosensitive drum, a drum shaft outwardly projected in an axis direction from an end of the drum gear for rotatably supporting said photosensitive drum during operation and a boss outwardly projected from an end surface of the drum shaft. A first teeth and a second teeth in a radial direction of the boss are provided on a side wall of said boss, wherein said first teeth is engaged with a twisted-section of the twisted recess in said image forming apparatus and said second teeth is engaged with an end surface edge of other twisted-sections of the twisted recess in said image forming apparatus.

Abstract: A rotation driving force transmitting member is disposed between a motor section and a main body of a photoreceptor drum. The rotation driving force transmitting member has a convex member which is provided on the photoreceptor drum side and includes a twisted convex portion with an elliptical cross-section and a concave member which is provided on the motor section side and includes a twisted concave portion with an elliptical cross-section, the concave portion being fitted in the convex portion. The rotation driving force transmitting member transmits rotation driving force by the motor section to the photoreceptor drum via the convex member and the concave member in a state where the convex member is subjected to a drawing force toward the concave member side, due to rotation of the motor section in a state where the convex portion and the concave portion are fitted in each other.

Abstract: The rotary power transmission mechanism includes a flange member fitted to one end of a cylindrical member, a shaft inserted through an axial center of the flange member, and a pin member inserted through the shaft in a radial direction of the shaft. The flange member has a first contact portion and a second contact portion that have point symmetry with respect to an axial center of the shaft. When the pin member is rotated in one direction by the shaft rotating in the one direction, the first contact portion contacts a first end portion of the pin member and the second contact portion contacts a second end portion of the pin member. The pin member, when rotating in the one direction, pushes against the first contact portion and the second contact portion, rotates the flange member in the one direction, and thereby transmits rotary power to the cylindrical member.

Abstract: An electrophotographic photosensitive drum comprises a cylinder having a photosensitive layer formed thereon, with the cylinder being rotatable about an axis thereof. A driving force transmitting part is securely fixed to one axial end of the cylinder. The driving force transmitting part includes (i) a gear encircling a peripheral portion of the driving force transmitting part and (ii) a projection disposed on a side of the gear opposite from the cylinder, with the projection having a base and a free end. At least a portion of a cross-section of the projection at the base is offset from a corresponding portion of a cross-section of the projection at the free end, as seen in a direction of the axis.

Abstract: An electrophotographic image forming apparatus is provided including a body including an opening and a first coupler, a photoreceptor cartridge including a second coupler connected to the first coupler, a first gear connected to the second coupler, and a mounting portion, and attached to or detached from the body through the opening; and a development cartridge including a second gear connected to the first gear and attached or detached from the mounting portion through the opening while the photoreceptor cartridge is mounted in the body.

Abstract: An image carrier driver includes an image carrier, a first power transmitter, a rotator, a second power transmitter, and a damper. The image carrier is configured to rotate by power generated by a driving source. The first power transmitter is configured to transmit the power from the driving source to the image carrier. The rotator is disposed further downstream than the image carrier in a flow of power transmission. The second power transmitter is configured to transmit the power from the image carrier to the rotator. The damper is disposed in the image carrier and is configured to attenuate an oscillation associated with the power transmission and transmitted to the image carrier.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a housing with cover for covering and uncovering an opening in communication with an internal space. A drive portion generates a drive force that is transmitted intermittently by a clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism includes a transmission member with first a transmission portion that receives a drive force from the drive portion and a second transmission portion that engages an image forming portion. A link mechanism reciprocates the transmission member in a first direction in which the transmission member moves away from image forming portion and a second direction opposite the first direction. A flexible link connects the cover to the link mechanism. The link mechanism coordinates with cover and moves the transmission member in the first direction when the cover uncovers the opening. The link mechanism coordinates with cover and moves the transmission member in the second direction when cover covers the opening.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus which is capable of reducing first print output time and preventing slack of an intermediate transfer belt in a monochrome mode. Surfaces of photosensitive drums are electrically charged and exposed to light, thereby allowing electrostatic latent images to be formed thereon. Developers are attached to the electrostatic latent images to form visible images transferred to the intermediate transfer belt. Among the photosensitive drums, a photosensitive drum used in the monochrome mode and the intermediate transfer belt are rotatably driven by a first rotatably driving unit, and photosensitive drums other than the photosensitive drum used in the monochrome mode are driven by a second rotatably driving unit. In the monochrome mode, the rotational speed of the second rotatably driving unit is controlled so as to be equal to or less than that of the first rotatably driving unit without adjusting rotation phases of the photosensitive drums.

Abstract: A drive gear for a generally cylindrical imaging component. The drive gear includes a body for engaging the generally cylindrical imaging component; a cylindrical shaft attached to the body, the cylindrical shaft having an end surface; and three prongs extending longitudinally outward from the end surface.

Abstract: A drive includes a driving shaft that includes a distal end portion having a screw hole at a distal end and being inserted into a hollow portion from a first end of a driving roller in a rotation-axis direction, and that transmits a rotational driving force to the driving roller through a fit portion; a spring washer arranged at a second end of the driving roller opposite to the first end in the rotation-axis direction; and a screw rod that has an external thread which is screwed into the screw hole, that is inserted into the spring washer and inserted into the hollow portion from the second end, and that pinches the driving roller between the screw rod and the fit portion of the driving shaft in the rotation-axis direction through the spring washer when the external thread is screwed into the screw hole.

Abstract: An driving apparatus includes a plurality of image bearing bodies each of which is rotatable and capable of bearing a latent image and a developer image, a rotatable belt provided so as to face the image bearing bodies, a plurality of image-bearing-body-driving units for rotating the image bearing bodies, a belt driving unit for rotating the belt, and a control unit. The control unit causes the image-bearing-body-driving units and the belt driving unit to start rotating the image bearing bodies and the belt so that the image bearing bodies and the belt rotate at a first speed. When the control unit detects that the image bearing bodies and the belt rotate at the first speed, the control unit causes the image-bearing-body-driving units and the belt driving unit to accelerate rotation speeds of the image bearing bodies and the belt to a second speed faster than the first speed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an intermediate transfer member configured to rotate an image bearing member by contacting and operating the image bearing member, an image bearing member drive unit configured to drive the image bearing member, a control unit configured to output a torque instruction value to the image bearing member drive unit to control an assist torque generated by the image bearing member drive unit, and a measurement unit configured to measure a maximum speed and a minimum speed of the surface of the image bearing member, wherein the control unit controls the image bearing member drive unit using a new torque instruction value determined based on torque instruction values respectively corresponding to a maximum speed and a minimum speed when controlling the image bearing member drive unit so that the maximum speed and the minimum speed are included in a range.

Abstract: Provided is an image forming apparatus, including first and second drive portions respectively transmitting a drive force to first and second photosensitive drums, the first and second drive portions each including: a transmission gear rotated by the drive force; an idler gear rotated in mesh with the transmission gear; and a drive gear rotated in mesh with the idler gear. When a meshing angle of the idler gear is an angle from a meshing position between the idler gear and the transmission gear to a meshing position between the idler gear and the drive gear with respect to a rotation center of the idler gear, the meshing angles of the idler gears of the first and second drive portions are substantially equal to each other, and rotational phases of the idler gears of the first and second drive portions match with each other.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of preventing image defects, such as color shift, from being caused, by preventing increased transfer pressure from being applied by a primary transfer section to thereby prevent a surface speed difference from being generated between the photosensitive drum and the intermediate transfer belt. The image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive drum and an intermediate transfer belt that rotates in contact with the photosensitive drum, respective brushless DC motors for driving the photosensitive drum for rotation and the intermediate transfer belt for rotation, and a controller for controlling the brushless DC motors. The controller performs control such that the brushless DC motor applies assist torque to the photosensitive drum, for offsetting load torque acting thereon, thereby enabling the photosensitive drum to be friction-driven by the intermediate transfer belt.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an intermediate transfer member configured to rotate an image bearing member by contacting and operating the image bearing member to be driven, an image bearing member drive unit configured to drive the image bearing member by generating an assist torque for operating the image bearing member to be driven, an extraction unit configured to extract an image bearing member speed fluctuation component and an intermediate transfer member speed fluctuation component, and a control unit configured to output a torque instruction value to the image bearing member drive unit to control the assist torque generated by the image bearing member drive unit, wherein the control unit controls the assist torque generated by the image bearing member drive unit so that a difference between the image bearing member speed fluctuation component and the intermediate transfer member speed fluctuation component is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, includes: a mounting portion to which a cartridge is detachably mounted; a drive transmission member for transmitting a driving force by being engaged with a drive-transmitted member provided on the cartridge when the cartridge is mounted to the mounting portion; and a protecting member movable between a protecting position where the drive transmission member is prevented from being exposed toward the mounting portion and an open position where the protecting member is retracted from the protecting position to expose the drive transmission member to the mounting portion thereby to permit engagement of the drive transmission member with the drive-transmitted member.

Abstract: A cartridge drive gear assembly for holding a drum coupling includes a drive gear having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface including inner projections which extend into the interior of the drive gear and includes at least two voids disposed on opposing sides of the inner projections, and at least one slot disposed in the inner surface

Abstract: Image recording devices, such as electrophotographic devices, laser printers, copiers, and fax machines, often have a cartridge that utilizes a drive gear to transmit rotational force from the printer to the print cartridge. Also, it is desirable to remanufacture print cartridge both to reduce waste and to save resources. Therefore, it may be desirable to provide a drive gear mechanism that is easily replaced or reused when a print cartridge is remanufactured.