Electrophotographic image forming apparatus, developing apparatus, and coupling member

摘要

ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, DEVELOPING APPARATUS, AND COUPLING MEMBER An image forming apparatus cartridge is described. The image forming apparatus cartridge comprises: a casing; a developer roller having an axis Li, the developer roller being rotatably supported in the casing to permit rotation about the axis Li; a first gear connected to the developer roller; a second gear in meshing engagement with the first gear; and a coupling member having an axis L2, the coupling member having (i) a first end portion connected to the second gear and operatively connected with the developer roller so as to be capable of transmitting a rotational force to the developer roller via the first and second gears, (ii) a second end portion having a recess formed therein and including at least two projections provided at diametrically opposed positions, and (iii) a connecting portion connecting the first end portion and the second end portion. The coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is substantially parallel to and offset from the axis Li of the developer roller, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis Li of the developer roller. A maximum angle of inclination of the axis L2 of the coupling member with respect to the axis Li of the developer roller is about 20 degrees to about 60 degrees. 11737249_1