Patent Publication Number: US-2023152748-A1

Title: Drum unit, cartridge, process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a cartridge, a process cartridge, and a drum unit, for electrophotographic image formation. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the structure is known in which elements such as a photosensitive drum and a developing roller as a rotatable member related to image formation are integrated as a cartridge, which can be dismountably mounted to a image forming apparatus main assembly (hereinafter, apparatus main assembly). Here, in order to rotate the photosensitive drum in the cartridge, it is preferable to transmit the driving force from the apparatus main assembly. In this connection, the structure is known in which the coupling member on the cartridge side is engaged with the drive force transmission portion such as the drive pin on the apparatus main assembly side to transmit the drive force. 
     Here, in some image forming apparatus, the structure of is known in which the cartridge can be removed in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum. In Japanese Laid-open Patent Application No. 2008-233867 discloses a structure in which a coupling member provided at the end of the photosensitive drum is advanced and retracted in the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum. By this, a coupling member provided on the cartridge engages with and disengages from the drive pin provided in the apparatus main assembly. As a result, the rotational driving force of the apparatus main assembly is transmitted to the cartridge. The structure as described above is known. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Problem to be Solved by the Invention 
     An object of the present invention is to develop the above-mentioned prior art. 
     Means for Solving the Problem 
     A representative structure disclosed in the present application is a process cartridge comprising: 
     (1) a photosensitive drum; 
     (2) a frame rotatably supporting said photosensitive drum; 
     (3) a flange provided at an end portion of said photosensitive drum to transmit a driving force to said photosensitive drum; and 
     (4) a coupling member provided on said flange including (4-1) a movable member provided with a driving force receiving portion configured to receive the driving force, said movable member being movable relative to said flange between (a) an advanced position advanced away from said photosensitive member and (b) a retracted position retracted toward said photosensitive drum, and (4-2) a connecting member connected with said flange so as to transmit the driving force from said movable member to said flange; 
     wherein said connecting member includes, 
     (4-2-1) a shaft portion extending along a moving direction of said movable member, and 
     (4-2-2) a restricting portion configured to restrict said movable member so as to suppress disengagement, from said flange, of said movable member placed in the position, 
     wherein said restricting portion receives the driving force from said movable member by engagement with said movable member. 
     Another representative structure disclosed in the present application is a process cartridge comprising: 
     (1) a photosensitive drum; 
     (2) a frame rotatably supporting said photosensitive drum; 
     (3) a flange provided at an end portion of said photosensitive drum; and 
     (4) a coupling member provided on said flange to receive a driving force for rotating said photosensitive drum, said coupling member including (4-1) a movable member provided with a driving force receiving portion configured to receive the driving force, said movable member being movable relative to said flange between (a) an advanced position advanced away from said photosensitive member and (b) a retracted position retracted toward said photosensitive drum, and (4-2) a connecting member connected with said flange so as to transmit the driving force from said movable member to said flange; 
     wherein said connecting member includes, 
     (4-2-1) a shaft portion extending along a moving direction of said movable member, and 
     (4-2-2) an enlarged portion provided at the free end side of said shaft portion, said enlarged portion having a maximum rotation radius larger than a maximum rotation radius of said shaft portion, said enlarged portion being capable of receiving the driving force from said movable member by engagement with said movable member. 
     In addition, further representative structure disclosed in the present application is a cartridge comprising: 
     (1) a rotatable member rotatable while carrying toner on a surface thereof; 
     (2) a frame configured to rotatably support said rotatable member; 
     (3) a transmission member configured to transmit a driving force to said rotatable member; and 
     (4) a coupling member provided on said transmission member, said coupling member including (4-1) a movable member provided with a driving force receiving portion configured to receive the driving force, said movable member being movable relative to said transmission member between (a) an advanced position advanced toward outside of said cartridge and (b) a retracted position retracted toward an inside of said cartridge, and (4-2) a connecting member connected with said transmission member so as to transmit the driving force from said movable member to said transmission member; 
     wherein said connecting member includes, 
     (4-2-1) a shaft portion extending along a moving direction of said movable member, and 
     (4-2-2) an enlarged portion provided at the free end side of said shaft portion, said enlarged portion having a maximum rotation radius larger than a maximum rotation radius of said shaft portion, said enlarged portion being capable of receiving the driving force from said movable member by engagement with said movable member. 
     In addition, further representative arrangement disclosed in the present application is a cartridge comprising: 
     (1) a rotatable member rotatable while carrying toner on a surface thereof; 
     (2) a frame rotatably supporting said rotatable member; 
     (3) a transmission member configured to transmit a driving force to said rotatable member; and 
     (4) a coupling member provided on said transmission member, said coupling member including (4-1) a movable member provided with a driving force receiving portion configured to receive the driving force, said movable member being movable relative to said transmission member between (a) an advanced position advanced toward outside of said cartridge and (b) a retracted position retracted toward an inside of said cartridge, and (4-2) a connecting member connected with said transmission member so as to transmit the driving force from said movable member to said transmission member; 
     wherein said connecting member includes, 
     (4-2-1) a shaft portion extending along a moving direction of said movable member, and 
     (4-2-2) an enlarged portion provided at the free end side of said shaft portion, said enlarged portion having a maximum rotation radius larger than a maximum rotation radius of said shaft portion, said enlarged portion being capable of receiving the driving force from said movable member by engagement with said movable member. 
     In addition, further representative arrangement disclosed in the present application is a drum unit comprising: 
     (1) a photosensitive drum; 
     (2) the flange provided at an end portion of said photosensitive drum to transmit a driving force to said photosensitive drum; and 
     (3) a coupling member provided on said flange including (3-1) a movable member provided with a driving force receiving portion configured to receive the driving force, said movable member being movable relative to said flange between (a) an advanced position advanced away from said photosensitive member and (b) a retracted position retracted toward an inside of said photosensitive drum, and (3-2) a connecting member connected with said flange so as to transmit the driving force from said movable member to said flange; 
     wherein said connecting member includes, 
     (3-2-1) a shaft portion extending along a moving direction of said movable member, and 
     (3-2- 2 ) a restricting portion configured to restrict said movable member so as to suppress disengagement, from said flange, of said movable member placed in the position, 
     wherein said restricting portion receives said driving force from said movable member by engagement with said movable member. 
     In addition, the representative structure disclosed in the present application is a drum unit comprising: 
     (1) a photosensitive drum; 
     (2) the flange provided at an end portion of said photosensitive drum to transmit a driving force to said photosensitive drum; and 
     (3) a coupling member provided on said flange including (3-1) a movable member provided with a driving force receiving portion configured to receive the driving force, said movable member being movable relative to said flange between (a) an advanced position advanced away from said photosensitive member and (b) a retracted position retracted toward an inside of said photosensitive drum, and (3-2) a connecting member connected with said flange so as to transmit the driving force from said movable member to said flange, 
     wherein said connecting member includes, 
     (3-2-1) a shaft portion extending along a moving direction of said movable member, and 
     (3-2-2) a enlarged portion provided at the free end side of said shaft portion, said enlarged portion having a maximum rotation radius larger than a maximum rotation radius of said shaft portion, said enlarged portion being capable of receiving the driving force from said movable member by engagement with said movable member, 
     wherein said enlarged portion receives the driving force from said movable member by engagement with said movable member. 
     In addition, another representative arrangement disclosed in the present application is a drum unit detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said drum unit comprising: 
     a photosensitive drum; 
     a flange provided at an end portion of said photosensitive drum to transmit a driving force to said photosensitive drum; 
     a movable member having a free end portion provided with a driving force receiving portion configured to receive the driving force from the main assembly, and a small diameter portion at a position closer to said flange than the free end portion, the small diameter portion having a maximum rotation radius smaller than a maximum rotation radius of the free end portion, the movable member being movable relative to said flange between a transmitting position in which the driving force is capable of being transmitted to said flange and a non-transmitting position in which the driving force is not transmitted to said flange, and 
     a regulated portion which is restricted to restrict movement of said movable member in a direction away from said flange is provided and at least a part of said free end portion and said small diameter portion of said movable member. 
     In addition, further representative arrangement disclosed in the present application is a drum unit detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said drum unit comprising: 
     a photosensitive drum; 
     a shaft provided at an end of said photosensitive drum and configured to transmit a driving force to said photosensitive drum; 
     a movable member configured to receive a driving force and transmit the driving force to said shaft, said movable member being movable relative to said shaft between a transmitting position in which the driving force is capable of being transmitted to said shaft and a non-transmitting position in which the driving force is not transmitted to said shaft; 
     a first urging member to urge said movable member in a direction from the non-transmitting position toward the transmitting position; and 
     a second urging member configured to urge said movable member in a direction from the transmitting position toward the non-transmitting position. 
     Effect of the Invention 
     The prior art described above can be developed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         FIG.  1    is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus. 
         FIG.  2    is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge. 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view when the cartridge is disassembled. 
       In  FIG.  4   , part (a) and part (b) are illustrations for explaining how the cartridge is mounted and dismounted. 
       In  FIG.  5   , part (a) is a perspective view of the cartridge, and part (b) is a perspective view illustrating the internal mechanism of the cartridge. 
       In  FIG.  6   , part (a) and part (b) are perspective views illustrating the operation of the cartridge. 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view illustrating the coupling unit. 
       In  FIG.  8   , part (a) and part (b) are side views illustrating the operation when the opening and closing door of the image forming apparatus is opened and closed. 
       In  FIG.  9   , part (a) and part (b) are perspective views illustrating the internal mechanism of the coupling unit. 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view illustrating the internal mechanism of the coupling unit. 
       In  FIG.  11   , part (a) and part (b) are perspective views illustrating the coupling structure. 
       In  FIG.  12   , part (a) and part (b) are illustrations of the coupling. 
       In  FIG.  13   , part (a) and part (b) are illustrations of the coupling. 
       In  FIG.  14   , part (a) and part (b) are perspective views illustrating the internal mechanism of the coupling unit. 
       In  FIG.  15   , part (a) and part (b) are perspective views illustrating the internal mechanism of the coupling unit. 
         FIG.  16    is a perspective view illustrating the support structure of the coupling unit. 
       In  FIG.  17   , part (a) and part (b) are cross-sectional views illustrating the internal mechanism of the coupling unit. 
       In  FIG.  18   , part (a) and part (b) are enlarged views of  FIG.  17   . 
       In  FIG.  19   , part (a), part (b) and part (c) are illustrations of the cartridge operation. 
         FIG.  20    is a perspective view illustrating the relationship between the coupling and the driving shaft of the apparatus main assembly. 
       In  FIG.  21   , part (a)-Part (f) is an illustration for explaining how the cartridge is dismounted. 
     
    
    
     EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     Here, an image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus for forming an electrophotographic image) employing an electrophotographic method is called an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Here, the electrophotographic method refers to a method of developing an electrostatic image formed on a photosensitive member with toner. Here, the electrophotographic method refers to a method of developing, with toner, an electrostatic image formed on a photosensitive member. Here, the developing method may be any of a one-component developing method, a two-component developing method, and a dry development method. In addition, the electrophotographic photosensitive drum (electrophotographic photosensitive drum) is usable with an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and it means a structure in which a photosensitive member (photosensitive layer) is provided on the surface of a drum-shaped cylinder. 
     Here, a charging roller, a developing roller, and so on involved in image formation and acting on the photosensitive drum are called process means. In addition, a cartridge including a photosensitive member or process means (cleaning blade, developing roller, and so on) involved in image formation is called a process cartridge. In this embodiment, a process cartridge with which the photosensitive drum, the charging roller, the developing roller, the cleaning blade are integrated will be described as an example. 
     In the embodiment, among the electrophotographic methods usable with a wide range of applications such as multifunction machines, fax machines, and printers, take a laser beam printer will be taken as a example. Here, the reference numerals in the embodiments are for referring to the drawings and do not limit the structure. In addition, the dimensions and the like in Embodiments are for the purpose of clearly describing the relationship, and do not limit the structure. 
     A longitudinal direction of the process cartridge in the embodiments is a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the process cartridge is mounted to and dismounted from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main assembly. In addition, the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge is parallel to the rotation axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum (in the direction crossing with the sheet feeding direction). In the longitudinal direction, the side of the process cartridge where the photosensitive drum receives rotational force from the image forming apparatus main assembly is called a driving side (driven side), and the opposite side is called non-driving side. In addition, in the case where the description is made as upper (upper) without specifying otherwise, it means an upper side in the direction of gravity, and the opposite side means a lower side in the direction of gravity (the lower side) at the time when the image forming device is loaded in the image forming apparatus. 
     Embodiment 1 
     In the following, the laser beam printer in this embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The cartridge in this embodiment is a process cartridge in which a photosensitive drum as a photosensitive member (image bearing member, rotary member), a developing roller, a charging roller, and a cleaning blade as process means are integrated. This cartridge is mountable to and dismountable from the main assembly. Here, in the cartridge, as a rotatable member rotary member which rotates by receiving rotational force from the apparatus main assembly, a gear, a photosensitive drum, a flange, a developing roller, and so on are provided. 
     In the following, referring to  FIG.  1   , the structure of laser beam printer as electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and image forming process will be explained. Referring to  FIG.  2    and  FIG.  3   , a detailed structure of process cartridge will be explained. 
     Laser Beam Printer and Image Forming Process 
       FIG.  1    is a cross-sectional view of a laser beam printer main assembly A (hereinafter, referred to as an apparatus main assembly A) and a process cartridge (hereinafter, referred to as a cartridge B) which constitute the electrophotographic image forming apparatuses. In addition,  FIG.  2    is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge B. 
     Hereinafter, the apparatus main assembly A means a portion of the laser beam printer which is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, excluding the removable cartridge B. 
     First, referring to  FIG.  1   , the structure of the laser beam printer which is the electrophotographic image forming apparatus will be described. 
     The electrophotographic image forming apparatus shown in  FIG.  1    is a laser beam printer using electrophotographic technology in which the cartridge B is capable of being mounted to and dismounted from the apparatus main assembly A (mountable and dismountable). When the cartridge B is mounted in the apparatus main assembly A, the cartridge B is disposed below a laser scanner unit  3  as an exposure means (exposure device). 
     In addition, below the cartridge B, there is disposed a sheet tray  4  containing sheets P as recording materials (sheet materials) which are objects on which the image forming apparatus forms images. 
     Furthermore, in the apparatus main assembly A, a pickup roller  5   a , a feeding roller pair  5   b , a feeding roller pair  5   c , a transfer guide  6 , a transfer roller  7 , a feed guide  8 , a fixing device  9 , a discharge roller pair  10 , and a discharge tray  11  are provided along the conveyance direction X 1  of the sheet P, in the order from the upstream side. Here, the fixing device  9  as a fixing means includes a heating roller  9   a  and a pressure roller  9   b.    
     Referring to  FIG.  1    and  FIG.  2   , ac outline of the image formation process will be described. 
     In response to a print start signal, a drum cylinder  62  as a photosensitive drum which can carry a developer is rotationally driven at a predetermined circumferential speed (process speed) in a direction of an arrow R (hereinafter referred to as a rotational direction R). 
     The charging roller  66  to which a bias voltage is applied contacts an outer peripheral surface of the drum cylinder  62 , and uniformly charges the outer peripheral surface of the drum cylinder  62 . 
     The laser scanner unit  3  as an exposure means outputs a laser beam L in accordance with an image information inputted to the laser printer. The laser beam L passes through an exposure window  74  on the upper surface of the cartridge B and scans and exposes the outer peripheral surface of the drum cylinder  62 . By this, a portion of the charged drum cylinder  62  is electrically discharged to form an electrostatic image (electrostatic latent image) on the surface of the drum cylinder. 
     On the other hand, as shown in  FIG.  2   , in the developing unit  20  as the developing device, the developer in a toner chamber  29  (hereinafter referred to as “toner T”) is stirred and transported by rotation of the feeding sheet  43  as a feed member, and it is delivered into the toner supply chamber  28 . 
     The toner T as the developer is carried on the surface of the developing roller  32  as the developing means (process means, rotatable member), by the magnetic force of the magnet roller  34  (stationary magnet). Here, the developing roller  32  functions as a toner carrier (developer carrier, developing member) for carrying and transporting the developer to the developing zone to develop the electrostatic image formed on the drum cylinder  62 . A layer thickness of the toner T fed to the developing region on the circumferential surface of the developing roller  32  is regulated by the developing blade  42 . Here, the toner T is triboelectrically charged between the developing roller  32  and the developing blade  42 . 
     As described above, the toner T carried on the developing roller  32  develops (visualizes) the electrostatic image formed on the drum cylinder  62 . And, the drum cylinder  62  is a rotatable member which carries the toner image (image by toner) developed by the developing roller  32  on its surface and rotates in the rotational direction R. In addition, the drum cylinder  62  is an image bearing member which carries a toner image. 
     In addition, as shown in  FIG.  1   , in timed relationship with an output timing of the laser beam L, the sheet P stored in the lower portion of the apparatus main assembly A is fed from the sheet tray  4  by the pickup roller  5   a , the feeding roller pair  5   b , and the feeding roller pair  5   c.    
     And, the sheet P is supplied to the transfer position (transfer nip) between the drum cylinder  62  and the transfer roller  7  by way of the transfer guide  6 . At this transfer position, the toner image is sequentially transferred from the drum cylinder  62  as image bearing member to the sheet P as the recording material. 
     The sheet P on which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the drum cylinder  62  and fed to the fixing device  9  along the feed guide  8 . And, the sheet P passes through a fixing nip portion between the heating roller  9   a  and the pressure roller  9   b  which constitute the fixing device  9 . In the fixing nip portion, the unfixed toner image on the sheet P is fixed to the sheet P by being pressed and heated. Thereafter, the sheet P on which the toner image is fixed is fed by the discharge roller pair  10  and discharged to the discharge tray  11 . 
     On the other hand, as shown in  FIG.  2   , after the toner T is transferred onto the sheet, untransferred residual toner remaining on the drum surface without being transferred onto the sheet is deposited on the surface of the drum cylinder  62 . The untransferred residual toner is removed by the cleaning blade  77  which is in contact with the circumferential surface of the drum cylinder  62 . By this, the toner remaining on the drum cylinder  62  is removed, so that the cleaned drum cylinder  62  may be again charged and used for the imaging process. The toner (untransferred residual toner) removed from the drum cylinder  62  is stored in a waste toner chamber  71   b  of the cleaning unit  60 . 
     Here, the charging roller  66 , the developing roller  32 , and the cleaning blade  77  all function as the process means which act on the drum cylinder  62 . The image forming apparatus of this embodiment employs the method of removing the untransferred residual toner by the cleaning blade  77 , but a system (cleanerless system) may be employed in which the untransferred residual toner which is adjusted in the electric charge is collected by the developing device simultaneously with development. Here, in the cleanerless system, an auxiliary charging member (such as an auxiliary charging brush) for adjusting the charge of the untransferred residual toner also functions as the process means. 
     Structure of the Process Cartridge 
     Next, referring to  FIG.  2    and  FIG.  3   , detailed structure of the cartridge B will be described. 
       FIG.  3    is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge B. The cartridge B includes a frame (casing) that rotatably supports the drum cylinder  62  and the developing roller  32 . The frame of cartridge B can be disassembled into multiple units. The cartridge B of this embodiment is an integrated unit of the cleaning unit  60  and the developing unit  20 , and the cartridge B includes a frame of the cleaning unit  60  and a frame of the developing unit  20 . 
     In this embodiment, the description will be main using a structure in which the cleaning unit  60  supporting the drum cylinder  62  and the developing unit  20  supporting the developing roller  32  are connected by two connecting pins  75 , but the cartridge B may be divided into three or more units. A plurality of units may not be coupled by a coupling member such as a pin, and only a portion of the units may be replaced. 
     The cleaning unit  60  includes a cleaning frame  71 , a drum unit U 1 , the charging roller  66 , the cleaning blade  77  and the like. 
     The drum unit U 1  includes a drum cylinder unit U 2  and a coupling unit U 3  provided at the driving side end of the drum cylinder unit U 2 . In the drum cylinder unit U 2 , the drum cylinder  62  and the non-driving side flange are coupled together. The coupling unit U 3  is for receiving a rotational force for rotating the drum unit U 1  from the outside of the drum unit U 1 . The coupling unit U 3  includes a driving side flange  87  as a flange member and a moving coupling member (moving member, advancing retracting member, engaging member)  86 . The driving side flange  87  is mounted to the driving side of the drum cylinder  62 . The coupling unit U 3  is mounted to the drum cylinder  62 . 
     The moving member  86  receives rotational driving force from the apparatus main assembly A. The moving member  86  drives the driving side flange  87 . The driving side flange  87  drives the drum cylinder  62 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , the drum cylinder  62  is rotatable about a rotation axis L 1  (hereinafter, referred to as an axis L 1 ). In addition, the moving member  86  is rotatable about a rotation axis L 2  (hereinafter referred to as an axis L 2 ). Here, in this embodiment, a moving member  86  is connected to the end of the drum cylinder  62 , and the axis L 1  of the drum cylinder  62  and the axis L 2  of the moving member  86  are substantially coaxial. Therefore, in the following description, the axis L 1  and the axis L 2  may be referred to as one and the same. 
     In addition, in the direction of the axis L 2 , the direction toward the driving side is referred to as a longitudinally outer side LO, and a direction toward the non-driving side as a longitudinally inner side L 1 . 
     Here, the moving member  86  is constituted so as to be able to advance and retract along the axis L 2  relative to the drum cylinder  62  and the driving side flange  87 . In other words, the moving member  86  is movable substantially parallel at least to the direction (axial direction) in which the axis (L 2 ) extends. The moving member  86  can take a position (projected position, advanced position, first position) advanced (projected) toward the outside of driving side flange  87  and a position retracted toward the inside (drum cylinder side) of driving side flange  87  retracted position, second position). That is, the moving member  86  can reciprocate along the axial direction between the projected position and the retracted position (parallel to the rotation axis L 1  of the drum cylinder  62 ). That is, the moving member  86  can reciprocate along the axial direction between the projected position and the retracted position (parallel to the rotation axis L 1  of the drum cylinder  62 ). Details will be described hereinafter. 
     On the other hand, as shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , the developing unit  20  includes a toner accommodating container  22 , a bottom member  21 , a first side member  26 L (non-driving side), a second side member  26 R (driving side), the developing blade  42 , the developing roller  32 , and the magnet roller  34 . Here, in the toner container  22 , a feeding sheet  43  (stirring sheet) as a feeding member for feeding the toner is provided, and a toner T as a developer is contained therein. In addition, the developing unit  20  is provided with a compression spring  46  which applies an urging force in order to regulate the attitude of the unit between the developing unit  20  and the cleaning unit  60 . Furthermore, the cleaning unit  60  and the developing unit  20  are rotatably connected to each other by a connecting pin  75  as a connecting member, so that the cartridge B is constituted. 
     More specifically, rotation holes  23   b L,  23   b R are provided at ends of arm portions  23   a L and  23   a R provided on opposite ends of the developing unit  20 , respectively in the longitudinal direction (axial direction of the developing roller  32 ). The rotation holes  23   b L and  23   b R are parallel to the axis of the developing roller  32 . 
     In addition, in each of the opposite longitudinal opposite end portions of the cleaning frame  71  which is a frame on the cleaning unit  60  side, insertion holes  71   a  for inserting the connection pins  75  are formed. And, while aligning the arm portions  23   a L and  23   a R with the predetermined position of the cleaning frame  71 , the connecting pin  75  is inserted into the rotation holes  23   b L and  23   b R and the insertion hole  71   a . By this, the cleaning unit  60  and the developing unit  20  are rotatably coupled to each other about the connecting pin  75  as the connecting member. 
     At this time, a compression spring  46  mounted to the root of the arm portions  23   a L and  23   a R abuts to the cleaning frame  71  and urges the developing unit  20  to the cleaning unit  60  about the connecting pin  75  as the center of rotation. 
     By this, the developing roller  32  as a process means is reliably pressed in the direction of the drum cylinder  62  as the rotatable member. And, by ring-shaped spacers (not shown) mounted at the opposite ends of the developing roller  32  the developing roller  32  maintains a predetermined gap with respect to the drum cylinder  62 . 
     Mounting and Dismounting of Process Cartridge 
     Referring to  FIG.  4    and  FIG.  5   , the operation of mounting and dismounting the cartridge B relative to the apparatus main assembly A in the above structure will be described. 
       FIG.  4    is an illustration of how the cartridge B is mounted to and dismounted from the main assembly A of the apparatus. Part (a) of  FIG.  4    is a perspective view as seen from the non-driving side, and part (b) of  FIG.  4    is a perspective view as seen from the driving side. Here, the driving side refers to the longitudinal end portion of the cartridge B provided with the moving member  86 . 
     An opening/closing door  13  is rotatably provided on the apparatus main assembly A.  FIG.  4    is a view illustrating the apparatus main assembly A in a state in which the opening/closing door  13  is opened. 
     The apparatus main assembly A is provided with an opening O 1 , and the inside of the apparatus main assembly A is provided with a mounting space for the cartridge B. The inside of the apparatus main assembly A is provided with a driving shaft  110  (drive transmission member) and a guide member  12  as a guide mechanism. 
     Here, the driving shaft  110  is provided on the apparatus main assembly A side, and is a drive transmission mechanism on the main assembly side which transmits the driving force to the cartridge B mounted in the apparatus main assembly A, and it engages with the moving member  86  of the cartridge B. By the driving shaft  110  rotating after engagement the rotational force can be transmitted to the cartridge B. Here, the driving shaft  110  is supported by the apparatus main assembly A so as to be rotatable about an axis L 4 . In addition, the driving shaft  110  includes a drive application portion  110   b  as an application unit that applies the rotational force ( FIG.  20   ). 
     In addition, the guide member  12  as a guide mechanism is a main assembly side guide member for guiding the cartridge B into the apparatus main assembly A. The guide member  12  may be a plate-like member provided with a guide groove. In addition, the structure may be such that the upper end of the guide member  12  brought into contact with the lower surface of the cartridge B to guide the mounting and dismounting of the cartridge B while supporting the cartridge B at the lower side. 
       FIG.  5    is a perspective view of the cartridge B according to the embodiment of the present invention. 
     Part (a) of  FIG.  5    is a general arrangement of the cartridge B. Part (b) of  FIG.  5    is a view illustrating a mechanism for operating the moving member  86 . 
     In part (a) of  FIG.  5   , the cartridge B includes the developing unit  20  and the cleaning unit  60 . The cleaning unit  60  includes a cleaning frame  71 . The following are disposed on the side surface of the cleaning frame  71 . They are a coupling unit U 3  including a moving member  86 , a bearing  100  rotatably supporting the drum unit U 1 , and a restricting member  101  fixed to the bearing  100  to restrict movement of the coupling unit U 3  to the longitudinally outer side LO. 
     The developing unit  20  includes a toner storage frame  22  containing toner therein. 
     The developing unit  20  includes a toner storage frame  22  containing toner therein. The second side member  26 R is provided on the side surface of the toner storage frame  22 . A first lever  102  and a cover  105  are provided on the side surface of the second side member  26 R. 
     Part (b) of  FIG.  5    is an exploded perspective view at the time when the restricting member  101  and the cover  105  are removed. The restricting member  101  is fixed to the bearing  100  with a screw  107 . The end surface  101   a  of the restricting member  101  is capable of being in contact with the end surface  92   a  of a rotation cam  92  which will be described hereinafter with reference to  FIG.  9   , and it regulates the movement of the rotary cam  92  to the longitudinally outer side LO. 
     The second side member  26 R is provided on the side surface with a projection  26 R 1 , a projection  26 R 2 , and a projection  26 R 3 . The first lever  102 , the second lever  103 , a gear  104 , the cover  105 , a spring  106  as an urging member or an elastic member, and a screw  108  are mounted to the second side member  26 R. 
     Referring to part (b) of  FIG.  5   , part (a) of  FIG.  6   , and part (b) of  FIG.  6   , the mechanism for operating the moving member  86  will be further described. 
     Part (a) of  FIG.  6    shows a state in which the moving member  86  is retracted toward the longitudinally inner side LI (a retracted position or a driving force non-transmission position). 
     Part (b) of  FIG.  6    shows a state in which the moving member  86  projects toward the longitudinally outer side LO (advanced position, projecting position or driving force transmitting position). 
     The first lever  102  has a groove  102   a , a rack  102   b  in which gear teeth are formed, and an end surface  102   c . The groove  102   a  of the first lever  102  is slidably supported by the projection  26 R 2  of the second side member  26 R. 
     The second lever  103  has a groove  103   a , a rack  103   b  in which gear teeth are formed, an end surface  103  c, and a cylindrical portion  103   d  (also part (b) in  FIG.  5   ). The groove  103   a  of the second lever  103  is slidably supported by the projection  26 R 3  of the second side member  26 R. 
     The gear  104  is rotatably supported by the projection  26 R 1  of the second side member  26 R. The gear  104  is in meshing engagement with the rack  102   b  of the first lever  102  and the rack  103   b  of the second lever  103 . 
     The spring  106  is provided between the end surface  26 R 4  of the second side member  26 R and the end surface  103   c  of the second lever  103 . The spring  106  as an urging member or an elastic member urges the second lever  103  in the direction to move it toward the cleaning unit  60  side. In this embodiment, the spring  106  is a compression spring. Therefore, the spring  106  functions to move the second lever  103  toward the cleaning unit  60  side. As a result, with the cartridge B removed from the apparatus main assembly A, the first lever  102  and the second lever  103  are positioned in the state shown in part (a) of  FIG.  6   . 
     The cylindrical portion  103   d  of the second lever  103  engages with the engaging portion  92   f  of the rotation cam  92  described hereinafter with reference to Figure. Therefore, the structure is such that the rotating cam  92  rotates with the movement of the second lever  103 . 
     As shown in part (b) of  FIG.  6   , when the end surface  102   c  of the first lever  102  is pushed toward the cleaning unit  60  side, the first lever  102 , the gear  104 , the second lever  103 , and the rotating cam  92  move such that the moving member  86  projects towards the longitudinal outer LO. 
       FIG.  7    is an enlarged view of the coupling unit U 3  and the bearing  100 . 
     In  FIG.  7   , the bearing  100  accommodates and supports the coupling unit U 3 . That is, the bearing  100  rotatably supports the drum cylinder by way of a coupling unit U 3  (driving side drum flange  87 ). The bearing  100  is provided with a projection  100   a  and a projection  100   b  around the moving member  86 . The projection  100   a  and the projection  100   b  are used for positioning with respect to the apparatus main assembly A. 
       FIG.  8    is a view illustrating the operation for advancing and retracting the moving member  86 .  FIG.  8    shows the cartridge B and the opening/closing door  13  of the apparatus main assembly A. The opening/closing door  13  is rotatable about the rotation shaft  13   a . In addition, the opening/closing door  13  has an engaging portion  13   b  which engages with the first lever  102 . 
     Part (a) of  FIG.  8    shows the state, in which the cartridge B is inserted into the apparatus main assembly A by the user, and is held by the guide member  12  or the like of the apparatus main assembly A described above. In part (a) of  FIG.  8   , the opening/closing door  13  of the apparatus main assembly A is in an open state. 
     Part (b) of  FIG.  8    shows a state in which the opening/closing door  13  is closed. The opening/closing door  13  rotates in the direction approaching to the cartridge B about the rotation shaft  13   a . In the process of the door  13  being closed, the end surface  102   c  of the first lever  102  of the cartridge B is pressed by the engaging portion  13   b  of the opening/closing door  13  of the apparatus main assembly A. By the first lever  102  being pressed, the moving member  86  projects toward the longitudinally outer side LO. 
     Subsequently, referring to  FIG.  9   , a internal structure of the coupling unit U 3  for receiving a rotational force from the driving shaft  110  of the apparatus main assembly A will be described. Part (a) and (b) of  FIG.  9    are exploded perspective views of the coupling unit U 3 . The longitudinally outer side is referred to as LO, and the longitudinally inner side is referred to as LI. 
     The coupling unit U 3  includes a coupling shaft  90 , a coupling spring  91 , the moving member  86 , the rotating cam  92 , a linear motion cam  93 , a linear motion cam pressing spring  95 , the driving side flange  87 , a torsion spring  94 , and a fixing screw  96 . Details will be described hereinafter, but the coupling shaft  90  and the moving member (moving coupling member  86 ) are collectively referred to as the coupling member. 
     The coupling shaft  90  is provided on the driving side flange  87 . In this example, the coupling shaft  90  is fixed to the driving side flange  87  using a fixing screw  96 . In this example, the coupling shaft  90  is provided coaxially with the rotation axis L 1  of the drum cylinder  62 . In detail, the fixing screw  96  passes through the hole  87   a  of the driving side flange  87 , is inserted into the hole  90   a   1  of the coupling shaft  90 , and is fixed by a screw. The coupling shaft  90  has a free end portion  90   b  as a restricting portion (retaining portion) at the longitudinally outer side LO (longitudinal outer end portion) and a shaft portion (column portion)  90   a  at the longitudinally inner side LI. The free end portion  90   b  has a relatively large diameter as compared with the shaft portion  90   a . The longitudinal inner LI of the free end portion  90   b  it has an engaging portion  90   b   1  as a drive transmission portion consisting of a plurality of irregularities. The longitudinal inner LI of the free end portion  90   b  is provided with an engaging portion  90   b   1  as a drive transmission portion consisting of a plurality of recesses and projections. The radially inner side of the engaging portion  90   b   1  has an end surface  90   b   2  (an enlarged view is shown in  FIG.  10   ). 
     The moving member  86  has a projection  86   a  (driving force receiving portion) that projects toward the longitudinally outer side LO in the direction of the rotation axis L 2 . In this embodiment, the moving member  86  is provided with two projections  86   a . The two projections  86   a  are disposed at positions symmetrical to each other with respect to the axis L 2 . The projection  86   a  projects from the base  86   b . A shaft  86   s , a shaft  86   d , and an approximately oval cylinder  86   e  are connected in this order from the base  86   b  to the longitudinally inner side, the LI. The moving member  86  is provided with a through hole  86   c  and a engaging portion  86   f  as a driving force transmitting portion having a plurality of recesses and projections, concentrically with the rotation axis L 2 . 
     The engaging portion  86   f  (shown in a enlarged view in part (a) of  FIG.  11   ) is radially inward of the base  86   b  and adjacent to the longitudinally outer side LO of the through hole  86   c . The coupling shaft  90  is inserted into the through hole  86   c  of the moving member  86 . In other words, the coupling shaft  90   b  passes through the moving member  86  (small diameter portion  86   y ). The coupling spring  91  is mounted around the shaft portion  90   a  of the coupling shaft  90 , and is provided between an end surface  90   b   2  of the free end portion  90   b  as a restricting portion of the coupling shaft  90  and the moving member  86 . In other words, the coupling spring  91  is disposed at the free end  86   x  of the moving member  86 . Here, the coupling spring  91  may be provided on at least a portion of the free end  86   x  and the small diameter portion  86   y  of the moving member  86 . However, providing it at the free end  86   x  can afford more latitude in the design of the coupling spring  91 . The structure is such that the engaging portion  90   b   1  as a driving force receiving portion of the coupling shaft  90  and the engaging portion  86   f  as a driving force transmitting portion of the moving member  86  can be engaged and disengaged with each other. By this, a driving force is transmitted or blocked between the moving member  86  and the coupling shaft  90 . 
     Here, the engaging portion  90   b   1  functions as a regulating portion, and the engaging portion  86   f  functions as a regulated portion. By contact between the regulating portion (engaging portion  90   b   1 ) and the regulated portion (engaging portion  86   f ), the coupling shaft  90  can regulate the movement of the moving member  86 . That is, the movement of the moving member  86  away from the driving side flange  87  (or the drum cylinder  62 ) can be restricted. 
     In this embodiment, the engaging portion  86   f  functions both as a drive transmission portion and as a regulated portion, the engaging portion  90   b   1  Functions both as a driving force receiving portion and as a regulating portion. However, it is possible to separate these functions. Here, the combination of the functions as in this embodiment is superior to the structure not combining the functions in terms of downsizing and rigidity. Here, the engaging portion  86   f  of this embodiment is disposed outside the small diameter portion  86   y  in the rotational radius direction of the moving member  86 . 
     In this embodiment, the engaging portion  86   f  is provided at the free end  86   x  of the moving member  86 . However, the engaging portion  86   f  may be provided across the free end  86   x  of the moving member  86  and a connecting portion  86   y , or may be provided only at the connecting portion  86   y  of the moving member  86 . That is, the engaging portion  86   f  may be provided on at least a part of the free end  86   x  of the moving member  86  and the connecting portion  86   y . However, providing the engaging portion  86   f  only at the free end  86   x  of the moving member  86  improves the design latitude and the reliability of the drive transmission and now-transmission. 
     The rotating cam  92  is provided so as to surround the moving member  86 . The longitudinally outer side LO of the rotating cam  92  has an end surface  92   a . The longitudinally inner side LI of the rotating cam  92  has the end surface  92   b  provided with a cam  92   e , and a cylindrical portion  92   c  provided with a through hole  92   d  at the center. 
     The linear motion cam  93  has a cylindrical portion  93   a , a hole  93   j , a outer end surface  93   b , a hole  93   c , a cam  93   d , a hole  93   e , a shaft  93   f , a inner end surface  93   g , a wall  93   h , and a hole  93   i . A hole  93   j  is provided at the center of the cylindrical portion  93   a . The cam  93   d  projects from the outer end surface  93   b  to the longitudinally outer side LO. A hole  93   c  is disposed around the cylindrical portion  93   a . The holes  93   e  are provided at least in the outer end surface  93   b . The hole  93   e  may be a through hole. The shaft  93   f  and the wall  93   h  are disposed so as to project from the inner end surface  93   g  toward the longitudinal inner LI side. The hole  93   i  is provided in the longitudinally inner side LI of the linear motion cam  93 . The shaft portion  90   a  of the coupling shaft  90  is accommodated in the hole  93   i.    
     The shaft  86   d  of the moving member  86  is accommodated in the hole  93   j . The cylindrical portion  92   c  of the rotating cam  92  is accommodated in the hole  93   c . The structure is such that the cam  93   d  of the linear motion cam  93  and the end surface  92   b  including the inclined surface  92   e  of the rotation cam  92  abut to each other. 
     The torsion spring  94  has a hole  94   a , an arm  94   b  and an arm  94   c . By fitting the hole  94   a  of the torsion spring  94  around the shaft  93   f , the torsion spring  94  is held by the shaft  93   f . The arm  94   c  abuts on the radially inner surface of the wall  93   h  provided on the linear motion cam  93 . The arm  94   b  abuts to the approximately oval cylinder  86   e  provided on the moving member  86 . 
     In this embodiment, two cams  93   d , two holes  93   e , two shafts  93   f , and two walls  93   h  are provided. 
     The driving side flange  87  has a hole  87   a  in the longitudinally inner side LI. The driving side flange  87  has a gear portion  87   b , a hole  87   c , and a end surface  87   d  at the longitudinally outer side LO. 
     The linear motion cam pressing spring  95  as the urging member or the elastic member is accommodated in the hole  87   c  of the driving side flange  87 . The linear motion cam pressing spring  95  abuts to the end surface  87   d  of the driving side flange  87  at the longitudinally inner side LI, and abuts to the end surface  93   g  of the linear motion cam  93  at the longitudinally outer side LO. 
       FIG.  10    is an enlarged perspective view of the coupling shaft  90  and the coupling spring  91  as the urging member or elastic member. It is a Figure for explaining the free end portion  90   b  as a regulation portion of coupling shaft  90 . 
     The engaging portion  90   b   1  as the driving force receiving portion (intermediate driving force receiving portion, engaging portion) including a plurality of recesses and projections is provided at the free end portion  90   b  as the regulated portion of the coupling shaft  90 . In addition, the coupling shaft  90  has a shaft portion  90   a  on the longitudinally inner side LI of the free end portion  90   b . An arbitrary projection of the free end portion  90   b  has a surface  90   b   3  on one side in the circumferential direction and a surface  90   b   4  on the opposite side in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the surface  90   b   3  is a drive transmission surface (shaft side driving force receiving portion or flange side driving force receiving portion). 
     The coupling spring  91  is provided around the shaft portion  90   a . An end surface  91   a  of the coupling spring  91  abuts to the end surface  90   b   2  of the free end portion  90   b , in the assembled state. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  11 ,  12 , and  13   , the moving member  86  will be described.  FIG.  11    is a enlarged perspective view, part (a) of  FIG.  12    is a view seen from the side of the projection  86   a , and part (b) of  FIG.  12    is an A-A cross-section of part (a) of  FIG.  12   , Part 13 (a) is a side view, and part (b) of  FIG.  13    is a view as seen from the side of the cylinder  86   e.    
     The moving member  86  has two projections  86   a . The projection  86   a  has a surface  86   g  as a driving force receiving portion on one end side in the circumferential direction and a surface  86   t  on the other end side in the circumferential direction. It is preferable that the surface  86   g  and the surface  86   t  a slanted. A free end surface  86   i  is provided at the free end of the projection  86   a.    
     In addition, the moving member  86  has a engaging portion  86   f  as a driving force transmitting portion provided with a plurality of recesses and projections. A projection of the engaging portion  86   f  has a surface  86   j  on one side in the circumferential direction and a surface  86   k  on the opposite side in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the surface  86   j  is a drive transmission surface (drive power transmission portion). When the coupling shaft  90  and the moving member  86  are in the drive transmission state, a surface  90   b   3  as the driving force receiving portion of the coupling shaft  90  and the surface  86   j  as the driving force transmitting portion of the moving member  86  contact each other, so that the moving member  86  transmits the driving force to the coupling shaft  90 . The moving member  86  has an end surface  86   l . The end surface  86   l  abuts to the end surface  91   b  ( FIG.  10   ) of the coupling spring  91  in the assembled state. 
     As shown in  FIG.  12   , the moving member  86  has a outer portion (free end)  86   x  and the shaft  86   s  as the small diameter portion  86   y  provided closer to the drum cylinder  62  than the outer portion (free end)  86   x . Furthermore, the moving member  86  has an inner portion  86   z  provided at a position closer to the drum cylinder  62  than the small diameter portion  86   y . The outer side (free end)  86   x  of the moving member  86  is provided with the projection  86   a , the base  86   b , the shaft  86   s , and an inclined portion  86   m . The diameter of the shaft  86   s  as the small diameter portion  86   y  is smaller than the diameter of the outer portion (free end)  86   x . In other words, the maximum rotation radius of the small diameter portion  86   y  is smaller than the maximum rotation radius of the outer portion (free end)  86   x . Here, the maximum rotation radius is the maximum value of the distance from the rotation axis L 2  of the moving member  86 . 
     The outer side portion  86   x  has a portion (inclined portion  86   m ) gradually moving away from the axis L 2  toward the free end of the moving member  86  ( FIG.  12   ). The maximum rotation radius of the inclined portion  86   m  gradually increases with distance from the drum cylinder. 
     Furthermore, the maximum rotation radius of the small diameter portion  86   y  is smaller than the distance between the driving force receiving portion  86   g  and the rotation axis L 2 . The diameter of the shaft  86   d  is larger than the diameter of the shaft  86   s . Outline distance from the axis L 2  of the large diameter portion  86   h  of the approximately oval cylinder  86   e  is equal to or less than the outline distance of the outer portion from the axis L 2  of the shaft  86   d . The outer diameter of the small diameter (oval) portion  86   p  with respect to the axis L 2  is smaller than the outer distance of the (oval) large diameter portion  86   h  with respect to the axis L 2 . 
     The moving member  86  has a through hole  86   c  centered on the axis L 2 . 
     The moving member  86  has a through hole  86   c  concentric with the axis L 2 . 
       FIG.  14    is a view illustrating a contact portion between the rotary cam  92  and the linear motion cam  93 . The part (a) of  FIG.  14    and the part (b) of  FIG.  14    show the same elements as viewed at different angles. 
     The cylindrical portion  92   c  of the rotating cam  92  is accommodated in the hole  93   c  of the linear motion cam  93  and supported thereby. The end surface  92   b  of the rotating cam  92  includes the inclined surface  92   e , an end surface  92   g , and an end surface  92   h . The cam  93   d  of the linear motion cam  93  includes an inclined surface  93   k  and an end surface  93   l.    
     As shown in part (a) of  FIG.  6   , in a state that the moving member  86  is retracted toward the longitudinally inner side LI (non-driving side), the end surface  92   g  of the rotating cam  92  is in contact with the end surface  93   l  of the linear motion cam  93 . 
     As shown in part (b) of  FIG.  6   , in the state of projecting toward the longitudinally outer side LO (driving side) of the moving member  86 , the end surface  92   h  of the rotating cam  92  is in contact with the end surface  93   l  of the linear motion cam  93 . 
     Here, in the process of moving the moving member  86  from the retracted state (part (a) in  FIG.  6   ) to the projecting state (part (b) in  FIG.  6   ), the inclined surface  92   e  of the rotating cam  92  and the slope  93   d  of the linear motion cam  93  abut to each other. 
       FIG.  15    is a view illustrating the structure of the bearing  100  which accommodates the rotating cam  92 . The part (a) of  FIG.  15    and the part (b) of 
       FIG.  15    show the same element the as viewed at different angles. 
     The rotating cam  92  includes a cylindrical portion  92   c , an outer cylindrical portion  92   i , an engaging portion  92   f , and an end surface  92   b.    
     The rotating cam  92  includes the cylindrical portion  92   c , an outer cylindrical portion  92   i , engaging portion  92   f , and end surface  92   b . The bearing  100  includes a sector-shaped hole  100   c  for accommodating the cylindrical portion  92   c , a hole  100   d  for accommodating the outer cylindrical portion  92   i , a end surface  100   e  abutting against the end surface  92   b , and a slit  100   f  accommodating the engaging portion  92   f . The rotating cam  92  is rotatably mounted to the bearing  100 . 
       FIG.  16    is a view illustrating the structure of the coupling unit U 3  and the bearing  100 . 
     The coupling unit U 3  includes a linear motion cam  93 . The linear motion cam  93  includes the cam  93   d , the hole  93   e , and outer end surface  93   b . The bearing  100  includes a rib  100   f , a hole  100   g , and a end surface  100   h . The rib  100   f  of the bearing  100  is accommodated in the hole  93   e  of the linear motion cam  93 . By this, the linear motion cam  93  is constituted so as to be slidable along the rotation axis L 1  of the drum cylinder  62 , while being regulated so as not to be rotatable relative to the bearing  100 . The cam  93   d  of the linear motion cam  93  is accommodated in the hole  100   g  of the bearing  100 . The outer end surface  93   b  of the linear motion cam  93  is constituted so as to be able to abut to the end surface  100   h  of the bearing  100 . 
       FIG.  17    is a cross-sectional view of the coupling unit U 3 .  FIG.  18    is a partial enlarged view of  FIG.  17   . 
     Part (a) of  FIG.  17    and part (a) of  FIG.  18    show a state in which the moving member  86  is retracted toward the longitudinally inner side LI. 
     The coupling shaft  90  is held by the fixing screw  96  with respect to the driving side flange  87 . The moving member  86  is supported so that it is rotatable around the axis L 2 , and is movable in the direction of the axis L 2  relative to the coupling shaft  90 . The engaging portion  90   b   1  of the coupling shaft  90  and the engaging portion  86   f  of the moving member  86  are not engaged with each other. Between the coupling shaft  90  and the moving member  86 , a coupling spring  91  as a second urging member (second elastic member) is provided. The coupling spring  91  functions to move the moving member  86  relative to the coupling shaft  90  toward the longitudinally inner side LI. The end surface  91   a  of the coupling spring  91  abuts to the end surface  90   b   2  of the coupling shaft  90 . The end surface  91   b  of the coupling spring  91  abuts to the end surface  86   l  of the coupling  86  (part (a) in  FIG.  18   ). The linear motion cam  93  is disposed between the moving member  86  and the driving side flange  87 . The pressing spring  95  for pressing the linear motion cam is disposed between the linear motion cam  93  and the driving side flange  87 . The pressing spring  95  functional such that the linear motion cam  93  is moved relative to the driving side flange  87  toward the longitudinally outer side LO. The pressure spring  95  is provided inside the driving side flange  87 . The rotating cam  92  restricts the movement of the linear motion cam  93  toward the longitudinally outer side LO. The restricting member  101  restricts the movement of the rotating cam  92  toward the longitudinally outer side LO. The restricting member  101  is fixed to the bearing  100 . The bearing  100  rotatably supports the driving side flange  87  and the rotating cam  92 . 
     Part (a) of  FIG.  17    shows the state in which the moving member  86  is retracted toward the longitudinally inner side LI. In this state, the urging force of the pressing spring  95  causes the linear motion cam  93  to apply a force in the direction of the longitudinally outer side LO. By this, the cam  93   d  of the linear motion cam  93  abuts on the end surface  92   g  of the rotating cam  92 . By this, the rotary cam  92  receives a force in the direction toward the longitudinally outer side LO by the linear motion cam  93 . And, the end surface  92   a  of the rotating cam  92  is restricted from moving to the longitudinally outer side LO by the end surface  101   a  of the restricting member  101 . The coupling spring  91  urges the moving member  86  toward the longitudinally inner side LI such that the end surface  86   n  (of the longitudinal inner LI) of the moving member  86  and the end surface  93   m  of the linear motion cam  93  abut to each other. At this time, the connection between the engaging portion  90   b   1  as the driving force receiving portion of the coupling shaft  90  and the engaging portion  86   f  as the driving force transmitting portion of the moving member  86  is broken (disengaged state)). Therefore, at this time, the rotational driving force of the moving member  86  cannot be transmitted to the coupling shaft  90 . In other words, the moving member  86  at this time is located at the (driving force) non-transmission position. 
     Part (b) of  FIG.  17    and part (b) of  FIG.  18    show a state in which the moving member  86  projects toward the longitudinally outer side LO. 
     By the second lever  103 , the rotating cam  92  is rotated to a predetermined phase (parts (a) and (b) of  FIG.  6   ). Then, from the state in which the end surface  93   l  of the linear motion cam  93  abuts on the end surface  92   g  of the rotation cam  92 , the state changes such that it abuts to the end surface  92   h  (also in  FIG.  14   ). By this, the linear motion cam  93  is moved to the longitudinally outer side LO by the urging force of the linear motion cam pressing spring  95 . The end surface  93   m  of the linear motion cam  93  pushes the end surface  86   n  (of the longitudinal inner LI) of the moving member  86 . The urging force of the pressing spring  95  as the urging member (elastic member) is set to be larger than the urging force of the coupling spring  91  as the urging member (elastic member), and therefore, the moving member  86  moves to the longitudinally outer side LO. At this time, the engaging portion  90   b   1  as the driving force receiving portion of the coupling shaft  90  is engaged (connected) with engaging portion  86   f  as the driving force transmitting portion of the moving member  86 . As a result, the rotational driving force of the moving member  86  can be transmitted to the coupling shaft  90 . In other words, the moving member  86  at this time is located at the (driving force) transmitting position. 
     The free end portion  90   b  of the coupling shaft  90  restricts the movement of the moving member  86  toward the longitudinally outer side LO. 
     Next, the phase control mechanism of the moving member  86  will be described with reference to  FIG.  19   . 
     Part (a) of  FIG.  19    is a side view of the coupling unit U 3 . The part (b) of  FIG.  19    and the part (c) of  FIG.  19    are the B-B cross-sections of the part (a) of  FIG.  19   . 
     Part (b) of  FIG.  19    shows a state of stopping at an arbitrary phase after completion of image formation. 
     Part (b) of  FIG.  19    shows a state of stopping at an arbitrary phase after completion of image formation. The hole  94   a  of the torsion spring  94  is supported by the shaft  93   f  of the linear motion cam  93 . The arm  94   c  of the torsion spring  94  contacts the wall  93   h  of the linear motion cam  93 . The arm  94   b  of the torsion spring  94  contacts an approximately oval cylinder  86   e  of the moving member  86 . In the state of part (b) of  FIG.  19   , the arm  94   b  is in contact with the neighborhood of the (oval) large diameter portion  86   h  of the cylinder  86   e . Here, the torsion spring  94  is set to exert an urging force in a direction in which the space between the arm  94   b  and the arm  94   c  expands. Therefore, by the urging force of the torsion spring  94 , the moving member  86  receives the rotational force toward a phase in which the arm  94   b  abuts to the neighborhood of the small diameter portion (elliptic)  86   p  of the moving member  86 . When the user opens the door  13  of the apparatus main assembly A (part (a) in  FIG.  8   ), by the urging force of the spring  106  provided to the second side member  26 R, the second lever  103  and the rotating cam  92  are moved (part (a) in  FIG.  6   ). When the user opens the door  13  of the apparatus main assembly A (part (a) in  FIG.  8   ), the second lever  103  and the rotating cam  92  are moved (part (a) in  FIG.  6   ), by the urging force of the spring  106  provided on the second side member  26 R. As a result, the moving member  86  is in the state in which the moving member  86  shown in part (a) of  FIG.  17    is retracted toward the longitudinally inner side (inside of the cartridge) LI. That is, the spring  106  urges the moving member  86  from the driving force transmitting position (part (b) in  FIG.  17   ) to the driving force non-transmitting position (part (a) in  FIG.  17   ). At this time, the engaging portion  90   b   1  as the driving force receiving portion of the coupling shaft  90  is in the non-engaging state with the engaging portion  86   f  as the driving force transmitting portion of the moving member  86 , and therefore, the moving member  86  is rotated by the urging force of the torsion spring  94 . The moving member  86  rotates until a phase is established in which the arm  94   b  is brought into contact with the neighborhood of the (elliptic) small diameter portion  86   p  of the moving member  86 , and the rotating moment received by the moving member  86  is balanced, at a, it stops. 
       FIG.  20    is a view illustrating the moving member  86  and the main assembly driving shaft  110 . 
     The cartridge B includes the moving member  86  and the coupling shaft  90 . The apparatus main assembly A includes the driving shaft  110  and the bearing  111 . 
     The driving shaft  110  includes a shaft portion  110   a , a drive application portion  110   b , a free end portion  110   c , and a free end surface  110   d . The bearing  111  supports the shaft portion  110   a.    
     The moving member  86  is provided with a projection  86   a . The coupling shaft  90  has a free end portion  90   b . The coupling shaft  90  has a free end portion  90   b.    
     With the free end portion  90   b  of the coupling shaft  90  being in contact with or close to the free end surface  110   d  of the driving shaft  110 , the drive application portion  110   b  of the driving shaft  110  abuts to the drive force receiving portion of the projection  86   a  of the moving member  86 . By this, the moving member  86  receives the rotational driving force from the driving shaft  110 . 
       FIG.  21    is a view illustrating the positional relationship between the moving member  86  and the driving shaft  110  when the cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main assembly A. 
     From the state shown in part (a) of  FIG.  21    to the state shown in part (c) of  FIG.  21   , the cartridge B is being dismounted. Part (d) of  FIG.  21    to the part (f) of  FIG.  21    are cross-sectional views, corresponding to the part (a) of  FIG.  21    to the part (c) of Figure. Part (d) of  FIG.  21    to part (f) of  FIG.  21    are cross-sectional views, corresponding to the part (a) of  FIG.  21    to the part (c) of  FIG.  21   . The direction of dismounting of the cartridge B is indicated by an arrow E. 
     Part (a) of  FIG.  21    and part (d) of  FIG.  21    are illustrations showing a state at the end of image forming operation. The driving shaft  110  and the moving member  86  stop at any arbitrary phase. At this time, since the opening/closing door  13  of the apparatus main assembly A is closed, the moving member  86  is a position projecting to the longitudinally outer side (outside of the cartridge) LO. The drive application portion  110   b  of the driving shaft  110  is in contact with the projection  86   a  of the moving member  86 . 
     Part (b) of  FIG.  21    and part (e) of  FIG.  21    are illustrations showing a state in which the opening/closing door  13  of the apparatus main assembly A is opened. By opening the opening/closing door  13 , as described above, the moving member  86  moves to the longitudinally inner side LI. By this, from a state in which the drive application portion  110   b  of the driving shaft  110  and the projection  86   a  of the moving member  86  are not in contact with each other, they become in a state of being slightly touched with each other. 
     With the moving member  86  moved to the longitudinally inner LI, the phase control mechanism of the moving member  86  described in  FIG.  19    operates. Therefore, the projection  86   a  of the moving member  86  rotates to the phase shown in part (e) of  FIG.  21   , that is, the phase in which the movement is not prevented by the free end portion  110   c  of the driving shaft  110  when the projection  86   a  is moved in the separating direction E. 
     Part (c) of  FIG.  21    and part (f) of  FIG.  21    show a state in which the cartridge B is being dismounted from the apparatus main assembly A. The projection  86   a  of the moving member  86  moves in the separating direction E without being hindered by the free end portion  110   c  of the driving shaft  110 . 
     This movement is allowed even if the projection  86   a  abuts to the free end portion  110   c , provided that the free end portion  110   c  is not prevented from moving in the dismounting direction E. 
     On the way of removing the cartridge B from the apparatus main assembly A, the free end portion  110   c  and the free end surface  110   d  ( FIG.  20   ) of the driving shaft  110  abut to the inner surface  86   q  and the end surface  86   r  (part (a) in  FIG.  17   ,  FIG.  20   ) of the base  86   b  of the moving member  86 . Along with this movement, the moving member  86  further moves to the longitudinally inner LI. Finally, the dismounting of the cartridge B from the apparatus main assembly A is completed. 
     As the above-mentioned coupling unit U and the structure relevant thereto are summarized as follows. 
     The driving force (rotational force) received by the moving member (moving coupling member)  86  from the outside of the cartridge is transmitted to the driving side flange  87  by way of the coupling shaft  90  (part (b) of  FIG.  17   ). When the moving member  86  and the coupling shaft  90  transmit the driving force to the driving side flange  87 , the moving member  86  and the coupling shaft  90  are engaged with each other and integrally rotate. The moving member (moving coupling member)  86  and the coupling shaft  90  are collectively referred to as a coupling member. 
     The coupling member ( 86 ,  90 ) is a member coupled (coupling) with the driving shaft  110  of the image forming apparatus main assembly, and also a member for receiving the driving force (rotational force) from the driving shaft  110  (part (a) in  FIG.  21   ) outside the cartridge. The driving force received by the coupling member is transmitted to the drum cylinder  62  by way of the driving side flange  87 . The drum cylinder  62  is rotatably supported by the frame of cartridge B, and therefore, when the driving force is transmitted, the drum cylinder  62  rotates with respect to the frame. 
     When the driving force is transmitted to the drum cylinder  62 , the projection (driving force receiving portion)  86   a  provided on the moving member  86  first receives the driving force from the drive applying portion  110   b  of the driving shaft  110  (part (a) in  FIG.  21   ). The driving force is transmitted from the engaging portion  86   f  (part (a) in  FIG.  11   ) provided on the moving member  86  to the free end portion  90   b  (engaging portion  90   b   1 ) of the coupling shaft  90 . And, the driving force is transmitted from the coupling shaft  90  to the driving side flange  87  by the way of the fixing screw  96  ( FIG.  9   ) fixing the coupling shaft  90  to the driving side flange member  87 . The driving side flange  87  is connected to the end of the drum cylinder  62 , it transmits the driving force to the drum cylinder  62  ( FIG.  3   ). The driving side flange  87  is connected to the end of the drum cylinder  62 , and it transmits the driving force to the drum cylinder  62  ( FIG.  3   ). 
     Here, the flange (driving side flange member  87 ) provided with the coupling members ( 86 ,  90 ) includes the gear portion  87   b  (part (a) in  FIG.  9   ). The driving side flange member  87  is a gear member. 
     At least a portion of the coupling member is movable at least in the direction of the axis L 2  of the coupling member. That is, in this embodiment, the moving member  86  of the coupling member moves along the axis L 2  relative to the driving side flange  87  between the driving force transmitting position (projected position, advanced position) and the non-driving-force-transmitting position (retracted position) (parts (b) and (a) of  FIG.  17   ). The driving force transmission position (part (b) in  FIG.  17   ) is a position projecting toward the outside of the cartridge, away from the drum cylinder  62 . On the other hand, the non-driving-force-transmitting position (retracted position) is the retracted position, toward the inside of the drum cylinder  62  (the inside of the cartridge). When the moving member  86  is in the driving force transmitting position (part (b) in  FIG.  17   ), the free end of the moving member  86  is more away from the drum cylinder in the direction of the axis L 2  than when in the driving force non-transmission position (part (a) of  FIG.  17   ). 
     Here, in a narrow sense, the coupling member may mean only the moving member  86  provided with the driving force receiving portion (projection  86   a ). 
     On the other hand, the coupling shaft  90  is fixed to the driving side flange  87 . The coupling shaft  90  can also be called a fixed member (fixed coupling member) in the coupling member. Here, it is also possible to take such a structure that when the coupling shaft  90  is fixed to the driving side flange  87 , the coupling shaft  90  slightly moves relative to the driving side flange  87 . For example, there may be a slight gap between the coupling shaft  90  and the drive flange  87  so that the coupling shaft  90  can move relative to the drive flange  87  within the range of the gap. Even in such a case, if the distance by which the coupling shaft  90  can move with respect to the driving side flange  87  is within a certain range, and if the driving force can be transmitted from the coupling shaft  90  to the driving side flange  87 , there is no problem. In this embodiment, the coupling shaft  90  does not move in the direction of the axis L 2  with respect to the driving side flange  87 , and does not rotate about the axis L 2 , either. 
     In addition, the coupling shaft  90  may be referred to as a connecting member which is connected to the driving side flange member  87  such that the driving force from the coupling member can be transmitted to the driving side flange member  87 . In addition, the coupling shaft  90  is a shaft provided on the driving side flange  87 , and can also be called a support member for movably supporting the moving member  86 . 
     The coupling shaft  90  is also a relay member (intermediate transmission member) for relaying the driving force received by the moving member  86  to the driving side flange  87 , the coupling shaft  90  being provided between the moving member  86  and the driving side flange  87 . In addition, the coupling shaft  90  is also a retaining member for preventing the moving member  86  from disengaging out of the driving side flange  87 . The movable range of the moving member  86  is suppressed by the coupling shaft  90  in a predetermined range. That is, when the moving member  86  is located at the projecting position (advanced position), the movement of the moving member  86  is restricted by the free end portion  90   b  of the coupling shaft  90 , and further movement of the moving member  86  in the axial direction LI is suppressed (Part (b) of  FIG.  17   ). By this, it is suppressed for the moving member  86  in the projecting position to be separated from the drive flange member  87 . 
     In addition, the coupling shaft  90  includes the shaft portion  90   a  extending along the moving direction of the moving member  86 . The coupling shaft  90  is a guide member which guides the movement of the moving member  86  by the shaft portion (guide portion)  90   a . The coupling shaft  90  is a shaft (shaft member, column member, shaft) the major portion of which (that is, the shaft portion  90   a ) has a shaft shape (column shape). The shaft portion  90   a  is a penetrating portion which passes (penetrates) at least the inside of the moving member  86 . 
     A part on the free end side of the coupling shaft  90  (i.e. the free end portion  90   b ) is an exposed portion exposed to the outside of the moving member  86 . The free end portion  90   b  has a maximum rotation radius larger than the maximum rotation radius of the shaft portion  90   a . That is, the free end portion  90   b  is a portion (expanded portion, enlarged portion, expanded portion) radially expanded (expanded portion) from the shaft portion  90   a , and the diameter of the free end portion  90   b  is larger than the diameter of the shaft portion  90   b . That is, the free end portion  90   b  is a portion (expanded portion, enlarged portion, expanded portion) radially expanded (expanded portion) from the shaft portion  90   a , and the diameter of the free end portion  90   b  is larger than the diameter of the shaft portion  90   b . In addition, the diameter of the free end portion  90   b  is larger than the diameter of the through hole  86   c  (parts (a) and (b) of  FIG.  11   ) of the moving member  86 . In other words, the maximum rotation radius of the free end portion  90   b  is larger than the maximum rotation radius of the shaft  90   b  and the maximum rotation radius of the through hole. 
     In this embodiment, the free end portion  90   b  has a circular flat plate shape (disk shape), but it is not necessarily limited to such a shape. In addition, the maximum rotation radius of the free end portion  90   b  is larger than the maximum rotation radius of the small diameter portion  86   y  (part (b) of  FIG.  12   ). 
     In addition, the free end portion  90   b  is provided with a driving force receiving portion (engaging portion  90   b   1 ) for receiving a driving force from the moving member  86  as shown in part (b) of  FIG.  17    and  FIG.  10   . That is, the structure is such that the free end portion  90   b  (engaging portion  90   b   1 ) can receive driving force from the moving member  86  by engaging with the moving member  86 . Here, the structure is such that one or both of the free end  86   x  and the small diameter portion  86   y  of the moving member  86  engage with the free end portion  90   b  (part (b) of  FIG.  12   ). In this embodiment, the free end  86   x  is provided with the engaging portion  86   f  for engaging with the free end portion  90   b  (engaging portion  90   b   1 ). 
     The engaging portion  90   b   1  ( FIG.  10   , part (b) in  FIG.  9   ) is positioned outside the shaft portion  90   b  and the through hole  86   c  in the radial direction of the coupling member. That is, the free end portion  90   b  engages with the moving member  86  at a position outside the shaft  90   b  in the radial direction of the coupling member. 
     The free end portion  90   b  receives the driving force from the moving member  86  while suppressing the moving member  86  from disengaging out of the driving side flange member. That is, the free end portion  90   b  can perform both the function of restricting the movement of the moving member  86  and the function of receiving the driving force, and therefore, the structure of the coupling member can be simplified. 
     The moving member  86  of the coupling member moves from the retracted position (part (a) in  FIG.  17   ) to the advanced position (part (a) in  FIG.  17   ) by mounting the cartridge B into the apparatus main assembly A ( FIG.  1   ). After the cartridge B is inserted into the mounting main assembly A, when the opening/closing door  13  (part (b) in  FIG.  8   ) is closed, the mounting of the cartridge B to the apparatus main assembly A is completed. When the lever  102  (part (a) in  FIG.  5   , part (b) in  FIG.  8   ) is pushed by the opening/closing door  13 , the moving member  86  moves to the advanced position (part (a) in  FIG.  17   ). On the contrary, when the opening/closing door  13  is opened (part (a) in  FIG.  8   ), the moving member  86  moves to the retracted position (part (a) in  FIG.  17   ). That is, the moving member  86  moves in accordance with the opening closing operation (parts (a) and (b) of  FIG.  8   ) of the opening/closing door  13  provided in the apparatus main assembly A. 
     Next, the urging force of each spring usable with this embodiment will be described once again. 
     As shown in  FIG.  17   , in the coupling unit U 3 , the moving member  86  and the linear motion cam  93  are sandwiched between the driving side flange  87  and the coupling shaft  90 . The urging force of the spring  95  as the urging member for urging the moving member  86  and the linear motion cam  93  toward the longitudinally outer side LO is depicted by F 1 . The urging force of the coupling spring  91  as the urging member for urging the moving member  86  and the linear motion cam  93  toward the longitudinally inner side LI is F 2 . At this time, f 1 &gt;F 2  (F 1  is greater than F 2 ). 
     In addition, a spring  106  as the urging member shown in part (b) of  FIG.  5    functions to move the second lever  103  to the cleaning unit ( 60 ) side. By this, the rotating cam  92  overcomes the force which prevents the rotational movement of the rotating cam  92  caused by the urging forces F 1  and F 2 , so that it rotates to the position of the non-engaged state shown in part (a) of  FIG.  6    and part (a) of  FIG.  17   . In other words, the force for rotating the rotating cam  92  produced by the urging force of the spring  106  is set to be larger than the force which prevents the rotational movement of the rotating cam  92  which is produced by the urging force F 1  by the urging member and the urging force F 2  by the urging member. 
     In this state, by utilizing the urging force of the spring  106  (part (a) of  FIG.  6   ), the rotating cam  92  compresses the urging member (spring  95 ) to retract the linear motion cam  93  toward the longitudinally inner side LO. With the retraction of the linear motion cam  93 , the moving member  86  is also moved to the longitudinally inner side LO using the urging force of the spring  91 . As a result, in the state where no external force is applied to the first lever  102  of the cartridge B, the moving member  86  retracts toward the longitudinally inner side LI it becomes a state. As a result, in the state where no external force is applied to the first lever  102  of the cartridge B, the moving member  86  retracts toward the longitudinally inner side LI. That is, the moving member  86  at this time is located at the driving force non-transmission position. 
     On the other hand, when a external force exceeding the elastic force of the spring  106  is applied to the first lever  102  of the cartridge B, the first lever  102  and the second lever  103  move while contracting the spring  106  (part (b) in  FIG.  6   ). When the rotating cam  92  rotates in interrelation with the movement of the levers  102  and  103 , as shown in part (b) of  FIG.  17   , the linear motion cam  93  is allowed to move in the longitudinal outer LO direction. At this time, the urging force F 1  applied to the linear motion cam  93  overcomes the urging force F 2  applied to the linear motion cam  93 , and therefore, the force of the urging force F 1  moves the linear motion cam  92  to the longitudinally outer side LO. The moving member  86  is also pushed forward by the linear motion cam  92  to advance toward the longitudinally outer side LO. That is, the moving portion seat  86  is urged by the spring  95  by way of the linear motion cam  92  to move to the drive transmission position (projected position, advanced position). 
     Here, as shown in parts (a) and (b) of  FIG.  17   , the coupling spring  91  continues to urge the moving member  86  in the direction (longitudinally inner side LI direction) in which the coupling spring  91  approaches to the linear motion cam  93 . Therefore, the coupling spring  91  does not separate from the linear motion cam  93  even when the linear motion cam  93  moves to the longitudinally inner side LI. That is, the moving member  86  can be interlocked with the movement of the linear motion cam  93  by the urging force F 2  of the coupling spring  91  which is an urging member. The coupling spring  91  is a holding member (a holding member, a elastic member, a urging member) for holding (maintaining) a state where the moving member  86  interlocks with the linear motion cam  93  by its elastic force (urging force). 
     The linear motion cam  93  is a support member which supports the moving member  86 , and is also a interlocking member which moves with the moving member  86  by moving itself. 
     Here, the lever  102  is a operation member operated from the outside of the cartridge (in this embodiment, the opening/closing door  13 : part (a) in  FIG.  4   ) to move the coupling member (moving member  86 ). The first lever  102  is operatively (functionally) connected to the moving member  86 . That is, the first lever  102  is connected to the moving member  86  through the connecting mechanism including the gear  104 , the second lever  103 , the cam mechanism (linear motion cam  93 , rotation cam  93 ), each spring, and so on. And, the structure is such that the movement member  86  also moves (moves, operates) by the movement (movement, actuation) of the first lever  102 . In the axial direction, the lever  102 , the lever  103 , the coupling member (moving member  86  or the coupling shaft  90 ) are disposed on the same side (i.e. the driving side) of the cartridge B. 
     With the above structure, it is possible to reliably engage and disengage the moving member  86  relative to the main assembly shaft  110 . 
     As has been described in the foregoing, the present invention has made it possible to develop the prior art. 
     According to the present invention, there is provided a process cartridge and a drum unit capable of receiving a driving force from an apparatus main assembly, and a image forming apparatus including the process cartridge. 
     REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     U 3  Coupling unit. 
       86  Coupling. 
       90  Coupling shaft. 
       91  Coupling spring. 
       92  Rotating cam. 
       93  Linear motion cam. 
       94  Torsion Spring. 
       95  Linear motion cam pressure spring. 
       100  Bearing. 
       101  Regulating member. 
       102  First lever. 
       103  Second lever. 
       104  Gear. 
       105  Cover. 
       106  Spring.