Cartridge and imaging device

Abstract

The present application relates to a cartridge and an image forming apparatus. A cartridge capable of being installed in an image forming apparatus main body is disclosed, the cartridge including: a memory member storing information related to the cartridge; a support main body having a memory mounting portion on which the memory member is mounted; the memory member having a first surface, a second surface, and a side surface, the first surface being provided with a contact portion that is connected to a main body electrode portion of the image forming apparatus main body when the cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus main body; the memory mounting portion having a first opposing portion and a second opposing portion, the first opposing portion opposing the second surface and the second opposing portion opposing the side surface when the memory member is mounted; the memory member being mounted by an adhesive between the second surface and the first opposing portion and between the side surface and the second opposing portion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a cartridge and an image forming apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet-like recording medium such as paper according to an electrophotographic system or the like is known. Examples of the image forming apparatus include a copier, a facsimile, a printer such as a laser beam printer and an LED printer, and a multifunction machine (a multifunction printer) thereof.

[0003] Among these image forming apparatuses, a cartridge-type image forming apparatus is known. The cartridge is a unit that can be detachably installed into the image forming apparatus, and is, for example, a process cartridge. The process cartridge includes a photosensitive member, a process means such as a charging member, a developing member, and a cleaning member that acts on the photosensitive member, and the like. By using the cartridge, it is facilitated to perform a developer replenishment operation or maintenance of various process means of the image forming apparatus. That is, the photosensitive member, the charging member, the developing member, the cleaning member, and the like are made into a cartridge together with a frame body, and the cartridge can be detachably installed into an image forming apparatus main body. Therefore, since it is allowed for a user to perform the apparatus maintenance by himself / herself by replacing the cartridge, operability is improved.

[0004] Some cartridges are provided with a memory such as an IC memory so that information can be transmitted and received between the apparatus main body and the cartridge when the cartridge is installed on the apparatus main body. Examples of the information stored in the memory installed on the cartridge include a lot number of the cartridge, characteristics of the image forming apparatus, and characteristics of the process means. Therefore, it is facilitated to perform maintenance of the apparatus main body or the cartridge. In addition, the image formation is controlled in accordance with the information stored in the memory so that the image formation can be performed in an optimum condition.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-102506 discloses a method of fixing a memory to a frame body or a member of a cartridge by an adhesive or the like in an image forming apparatus using the cartridge provided with the memory. SUMMARY

[0006] When the memory is provided in a cartridge of an image forming apparatus, a method of more reliably preventing the memory from falling off is required.

[0007] The present application has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a technology for preventing a memory provided in a cartridge installed in an image forming apparatus from falling off.

[0008] The present application provides a cartridge that can be detachably installed into an image forming apparatus main body, the cartridge including:

[0009] a memory member that stores information related to the cartridge; and

[0010] a support body having a memory mounting portion on which the memory member is mounted,

[0011] wherein:

[0012] The memory member has a first surface, a second surface on a side opposite to the first surface, and a side surface extending in a direction intersecting the first surface and the second surface,

[0013] The first surface is provided with a contact portion that is connected to a main body electrode portion of the image forming apparatus main body in a case where the cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus main body,

[0014] The memory mounting portion has a first opposing portion that is a surface opposing the second surface in a case where the memory member is installed, and a second opposing portion opposing the side surface,

[0015] The memory member is mounted on the memory mounting portion by arranging an adhesive between the second surface and the first opposing portion and between the side surface and the second opposing portion.

[0016] According to the present application, it is possible to provide a technology for preventing a memory provided in a cartridge installed in an image forming apparatus from falling off.

[0017] Other features of the present application will become apparent from the following description of example embodiments with reference to the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of a memory mounting portion that accommodates a memory member;

[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge;

[0021] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a drive side of the cartridge;

[0022] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a non-drive side of the cartridge;

[0023] FIG. 6A is a view describing installation of the cartridge;

[0024] FIG. 6B is a view describing installation of the cartridge;

[0025] FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view describing a cartridge installation process;

[0026] FIG. 8A and FIG. 8Bis a diagram depicting the contacts of a memory component;

[0027] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a memory component;

[0028] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a memory mounting portion;

[0029] FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view illustrating mounting of a memory member on a memory mounting portion;

[0030] FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B is a perspective view showing the position of a memory mounting portion in a cartridge according to a modified example;

[0031] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C is a diagram illustrating the state of the adhesive after a conventional memory label is mounted;

[0032] FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B is a view showing the vicinity of a memory mounting portion according to a second embodiment;

[0033] FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B is a sectional view of the vicinity of a memory mounting portion according to a second embodiment;

[0034] FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B is a diagram describing a state in which a memory tag is mounted according to a second embodiment;

[0035] FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B is a diagram describing an insertion memory tag according to a second embodiment; and

[0036] FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional view illustrating mounting of a memory tag on a housing portion according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Hereinafter, the mode for implementing the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. However, unless otherwise specified, the functions, materials, sizes, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the functions, materials, sizes, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described later in the following description will be the same as those described initially.

[0038] In the following description, a laser beam printer is taken as an example of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and a process cartridge used in the laser beam printer is taken as an example of a cartridge. The present invention can be understood as an invention relating to a cartridge on which a memory member is mountable, or as an invention relating to an image forming apparatus including a cartridge and an image forming apparatus main body. Furthermore, the present invention can be understood as a method for manufacturing a cartridge or a method for manufacturing an image forming apparatus, the method including a step of mounting a memory member on a cartridge.

[0039] Note that, in the following description, the longitudinal direction of the cartridge will be the direction of the rotation axis of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and will be a direction that is approximately orthogonal to the direction in which the cartridge is mounted to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body. Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction, the side of the photosensitive drum from which the driving force is received from the image forming apparatus main body is defined as the driving side, and the side opposite the driving side is defined as the non-driving side. The "front side" of the image forming apparatus is defined as the direction in which, when the image forming apparatus main body is viewed from the front side, the driving side is located to the right and the non-driving side is located to the left.

[0040] First Embodiment

[0041] First, the overall configuration and the image forming process of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a device main body A of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus 10 and a process cartridge (hereinafter referred to as a cartridge B). FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge B. Here, the device main body A is the portion of the image forming apparatus excluding the cartridge B.

[0042] Overall Configuration

[0043] FIG. 2 The illustrated image forming apparatus 10 is a laser beam printer, and the cartridge B is capable of being detachably mounted into the device main body A. The device main body A has an exposure device 3 (laser scanner unit) for forming a latent image on the photosensitive drum 1 provided in the cartridge B when the cartridge B is mounted. Furthermore, a sheet tray 17 for accommodating sheets P, which are recording media on which images are to be formed, is arranged below the cartridge B in the plan view.

[0044] The image forming apparatus 10 performs an image forming process on the sheets P based on image information acquired by receiving from the outside of the apparatus or the like, in accordance with the control of the control unit 15.

[0045] In the device main body A, a pickup roller 7a, a pair of feed rollers 7b, a transfer roller 6, a conveyance guide member 8, a fixing device 21, a discharge roller 22, a discharge tray 23, and the like are also arranged in this order in the conveyance direction of the sheets P. The fixing device 21 is constituted by a heating roller 21a and a pressure roller 21b. The device main body A also includes a cartridge pressing member 27 and a cartridge pressing spring 28, which will be described later.

[0046] The cartridge B has a photosensitive drum 1 serving as an image bearing member, a charging roller 2 serving as a charging member, a developing unit 4 serving as a developing device, and a cleaning unit 5 serving as a cleaning device. The developing unit 4 has a developing roller 40 (developer bearing member) including a magnetic roller 36, a developing container 41 in which toner T (developer) is accommodated and held in a toner chamber 29, a conveyance member 43 also serving as a stirring member, and a developing blade 42. The cleaning unit 5 includes a cleaning frame body 51 including a waste toner chamber 51a and the like, and a cleaning blade 52.

[0047] Imaging process

[0048] Next, the imaging process will be described. Based on a print start signal of the control unit 15, the drive coupling 26 (see FIG. 6B ) of the device body A is rotated. Since the drive coupling 26 engages the photosensitive drum 1 of the cartridge B, as the drive coupling 26 rotates, the photosensitive drum 1 also rotates in the arrow R direction (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 ) at a predetermined peripheral speed (process speed). At this time, as shown in FIG. 3 , the charging roller 2 to which a bias voltage has been applied contacts the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1 to uniformly charge the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1.

[0049] Under the control of the control unit 15, the exposure device 3 of the device body A outputs a laser light L in accordance with image information. When the laser light L performs a scan exposure to the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1.

[0050] On the other hand, by rotation of the conveyance member 43, the toner T accommodated in the toner chamber 29 of the developing unit 4 is stirred and conveyed, and is fed out to the toner supply chamber 31. The toner T of the toner supply chamber 31 is carried on the surface of the developing roller 40 by the magnetic force of the magnetic roller 36 (fixed magnet). The developing blade 42 controls the layer thickness on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 40, while frictionally charging the toner T carried on the developing roller 40. Then, the toner T supplied to the photosensitive drum 1 develops the electrostatic latent image to appear as a toner image.

[0051] Further, in synchronization with the timing of the output of the laser L, the pickup roller 7a and the pair of feed rollers 7b convey the sheet P housed in the sheet tray 17 at the lower portion of the device main body A to a transfer position between the photosensitive drum 1 and the transfer roller 6. At the transfer position, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred to the sheet P. The sheet P on which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 1 and conveyed along the conveyance guide member 8 to the fixing device 21. The fixing device 21 performs a pressure / heating fixing process on the sheet P passing through the nip between the heating roller 21a and the pressure roller 21b to fix the toner image to the sheet P. Subsequently, the sheet P is conveyed to the discharge roller 22 and discharged to the discharge tray 23.

[0052] On the other hand, the cleaning blade 52 removes the residual toner on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1 on which the toner image has been transferred, and stores the removed residual toner in the waste toner chamber 51a, as shown in FIG. 3 . Thereafter, the photosensitive drum 1 is used again for the image forming process. In the above-described process, the charging roller 2, the developing roller 40, the transfer roller 6, and the cleaning blade 52 can be regarded as process devices acting on the photosensitive drum 1.

[0053] Overall configuration of the cartridge

[0054] Next, the overall configuration of the cartridge B will be described. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge B, and FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are exploded perspective views for describing the configuration of the cartridge B. Note that the screws for connecting the components to each other will be omitted in the present embodiment.

[0055] In FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 , the cartridge B is illustrated as being disassembled into the cleaning unit 5 and the developing unit 4. The cleaning unit 5 has the photosensitive drum 1, the charging roller 2, the cleaning blade 52, and a cleaning frame body 51 that supports the photosensitive drum 1, the charging roller 2, and the cleaning blade 52. On the drive side of the photosensitive drum 1, the drum shaft 78 is press-fitted into a hole portion 73a (see FIG. 4 ) of a drum bearing 73. Further, on the non-drive side of the photosensitive drum 1, the drum shaft 78 is press-fitted into a hole portion 51c (see FIG. 5 ) provided on the cleaning frame body 51. Thus, the photosensitive drum 1 is rotatably supported. Note that the drum bearing 73 and the cleaning frame body 51 can be collectively referred to as the cleaning frame body in a broad sense.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 3 , the charging roller 2 and the cleaning blade 52 are arranged to contact the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1. The charging roller 2 is brought into pressure contact with the photosensitive drum 1 in a state where the push member 68 pushes the charging roller bearing 67 toward the photosensitive drum 1. The charging roller 2 is driven to rotate by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 1.

[0057] The developing unit 4 has a developing roller 40, a developing container 41 that supports the developing roller 40, a developing blade 42, and the like. The developing roller 40 is rotatably installed on the developing container 41 by drive-side developing bearings 46 (see FIG. 4 ) and non-drive-side developing bearings 47 (see FIG. 5 ) provided at both ends thereof. Further, the non-drive-side developing bearings 47 of the present embodiment function as a support main body on which the memory mounting portion 200 is provided. On the memory mounting portion 200, the memory tag 100 that functions as a memory member is mounted.

[0058] Further, a magnetic roller 36 is provided in the developing roller 40. The developing blade 42 is arranged in the developing unit 4 for controlling a toner layer on the developing roller 40. As shown in FIG. 5 , spacing holding members 38 (38R and 38L) are installed at both ends of the developing roller 40. Since the spacing holding members 38 contact the photosensitive drum 1, the developing roller 40 is held so that a slight gap is generated between the developing roller 40 and the photosensitive drum 1.

[0059] The sequence for connecting the developing unit 4 and the cleaning unit 5 to each other to constitute the cartridge B will be described below. First, the center of a developing first support boss 46a of the drive-side developing bearing 46 is aligned with a first hanging hole 51i on the drive side of the cleaning frame main body 51, and the center of a developing second support boss 47a of the non-drive-side developing bearing 47 is aligned with a second hanging hole 51j on the non-drive side of the cleaning frame main body 51. Specifically, when the developing unit 4 is moved in the direction of the arrow G, the developing first support boss 46a and the developing second support boss 47a are fitted into the first hanging hole 51i and the second hanging hole 51j, respectively. Thus, the developing unit 4 is rotatably connected to the cleaning unit 5. Accordingly, the developing roller 40 is connected so as to be able to contact and separate from the photosensitive drum 1. Thereafter, the drum bearing 73 is installed on the cleaning unit 5 to constitute the cartridge B.

[0060] Developing push members 48 (non-drive-side developing push member 48L and drive-side developing push member 48R) composed of compression springs push the developing unit 4 toward the cleaning unit 5 by a pushing force. Thus, the spacing holding members 38 provided at the developing roller 40 are caused to contact the photosensitive drum 1.

[0061] Installation of the cartridge

[0062] Next, the installation of the cartridge B will be described using FIG. 6A , FIG. 6B , FIG. 7A , and FIG. 7B . FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the apparatus main body A during the installation of the cartridge B when viewed from the drive-side guide portion. FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the apparatus main body A during the installation of the cartridge B when viewed from the non-drive-side guide portion. FIG. 7Ais a sectional view of the apparatus main body A during positioning of the cartridge B when viewed from the drive side. FIG. 7B is a sectional view of the apparatus main body A during positioning of the cartridge B when viewed from the non-drive side.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 6A , the mounting direction of the cartridge B is a direction (indicated by an arrow C) that is substantially orthogonal to the axis of the photosensitive drum 1. The drive-side plate 24 has a drive-side rail 24h that functions as a guide (see FIG. 6B ), and the non-drive-side plate 25 has a non-drive-side upper rail 25d and a non-drive-side lower rail 25e (see FIG. 6A ).

[0064] Further, the drum bearing 73 provided on the drive side of the cartridge B is provided with a rotation-stopping portion 73c (see FIG. 4 , FIG. 6A and FIG. 7A ). Further, the cleaning frame main body 51 has a positioning portion 51d and a rotation-stopping portion 51e on the non-drive side in the longitudinal direction thereof (see FIG. 5 , FIG. 6B and FIG. 7B ).

[0065] The rotation-stopping portion 73c on the drive side of the cartridge B inserted into the apparatus main body A is guided by the drive-side rail 24h of the apparatus main body A. At the same time, the positioning portion 51d and the rotation-stopping portion 51e on the non-drive side of the cartridge B are guided by the non-drive-side upper rail 25d and the non-drive-side lower rail 25e of the apparatus main body A, respectively.

[0066] Next, a state in which the opening and closing door 30 is closed will be described. As shown in FIG. 7A , the drive-side plate 24 has an upper positioning portion 24a, a lower positioning portion 24b, and a rotation-stopping portion 24c as a positioning mechanism. Further, the drum bearing 73 has an upper positioning portion 73d and a lower positioning portion 73f. Further, as shown in FIG. 7B , the non-drive-side plate 25 has a non-drive-side positioning portion 25a and a non-drive-side rotation-stopping portion 25c.

[0067] Further, the cartridge pressing members 27 (27R and 27L) are rotatably installed at both axial ends of the opening and closing door 30. The cartridge pressing springs 28 (28R and 28L) are installed at both longitudinal ends of a front plate 29 provided in the apparatus main body A, respectively. The drum bearing 73 has a pressed portion 73e that functions as a push pressure receiving portion, and the cleaning frame main body 51 has a pressed portion 51o on the non-drive side. When the opening and closing door 30 is closed, the pressed portions 73e and 51o of the cartridge B are pressed by the cartridge pressing members 27 (27R and 27L) that are pushed by the cartridge pressing springs 28 (28R and 28L) of the apparatus main body A.

[0068] When the cartridge B receives the pressing force, the upper positioned portion 73d, the lower positioned portion 73f, and the rotation-stopped portion 73c of the cartridge B are respectively fixed to the upper positioning portion 24a, the lower positioning portion 24b, and the rotation-stopping portion 24c of the apparatus body A. In addition, on the non-driven side, the positioned portion 51d and the rotation-stopped portion 51e of the cartridge B are respectively fixed to the non-driven side positioning portion 25a and the non-driven side rotation-stopping portion 25c of the apparatus body A. Therefore, the cartridge B and the photosensitive drum 1 are both positioned on the driven side and the non-driven side.

[0069] Note that the configuration for positioning the cartridge B in the apparatus body A is not limited to the above examples. For example, without using the cartridge pressing member 27, the opening and closing door 30 may directly push in the cartridge B, or the user may push in the cartridge B. Furthermore, the position and number of the positioning structures on the apparatus body A side and the position and number of the positioning structures on the cartridge B side are not limited to the above examples.

[0070] Positioning of label connector and memory label

[0071] like FIG. 6A As shown, the non-driving side plate 25 of the apparatus body A is provided with a tag connector 32 at a position corresponding to the memory mounting portion 200 of the cartridge B. The tag connector 32 includes electrical contacts that can be electrically connected to the memory tag 100 . FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B : is an enlarged perspective view showing the positioning arrangement of the memory tag 100 provided in the cartridge B and the tag connector 32 provided in the device body A. The tag connector 32 is supported by the non-driven side plate 25 and is pressed from the non-driven side plate 25 toward the cartridge B by a connector spring 35. Furthermore, the tag connector 32 is provided with a main body electrode portion 33 that is capable of contacting the contact portion 101 provided in the memory tag 100. The tag connector 32 is also provided with contact positioning portions 34 (34a and 34b) formed on both sides across the main body electrode portion 33.

[0072] Meanwhile, the non-driving side developing bearing 47 of the cartridge B is provided with a memory mounting portion 200 for mounting the memory tag 100. In the memory mounting portion 200, positioning ribs 202a and 202b and side wall portions 200a and 200b are provided at positions opposing the contact positioning portions 34a and 34b of the tag connector 32 when the cartridge B is mounted.

[0073] As the cartridge B is inserted into the device main body A, the side wall portions 200a and 200b and the positioning ribs 202a and 202b engage with the opposing contact positioning portions 34a and 34b, respectively. When the memory mounting portion 200 is positioned with respect to the label connector 32 in the above-described manner, the cartridge B is positioned in the device main body A. Thus, the contact portion 101 of the memory label 100 contacts the main electrode portion 33 of the label connector 32 to establish an electrical connection. Accordingly, it is possible to transmit and receive information between the cartridge B and the device main body A.

[0074] Configuration of memory label and memory mounting portion

[0075] The detailed configuration of the memory label 100 and the memory mounting portion 200 will be described below. FIG. 1A is a plan view of the memory mounting portion 200 before the memory label 100 is mounted. FIG. 1B is a sectional view of the memory mounting portion 200 in a state where the memory label 100 is fixed by the adhesive 300. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the memory label 100. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the memory mounting portion 200 before the memory label 100 is mounted. FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B are sectional views showing a process of applying the adhesive 300 to mount the memory label 100 on the memory mounting portion 200.

[0076] Memory label

[0077] The memory label 100 includes a memory element that stores information related to the cartridge B. The information includes, for example, a lot number of the cartridge, characteristic information of the cartridge, characteristic information of an image forming apparatus to which the cartridge is to be mounted, and the like. By referring to these information items, it is possible to facilitate maintenance of the device main body A or the cartridge B.

[0078] The memory label 100 exemplified in FIG. 9 is a plate-like member whose upper surface has a length of 5.5 mm and a width of 5 mm, and a thickness of 1.4 mm. The memory label 100 includes a contact surface 100a (first surface), a bottom surface 100b (second surface) opposite to the contact surface 100a, and four side surfaces 100c extending in a direction intersecting the contact surface 100a and the bottom surface 100b. Further, the memory label 100 is composed of two layers of a memory substrate 102 (on which a memory element, not shown, is mounted) and a protection portion 103 (which is integral with the memory substrate 102 and covers and protects the memory element). On the contact surface 100a of the upper surface of the memory substrate 102, a contact portion 101 electrically connected to the memory element is formed to be exposed. Note that the shape of the memory label 100 is not limited to the substantially cuboid shape.

[0079] Memory installation part

[0080] The following will refer to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B 、 FIG. 5 、 FIG. 9 to FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B The configuration for mounting the memory tag 100 on the cartridge B will be described in detail.

[0081] The memory mounting portion 200 for accommodating and fixing the memory tag 100 is formed as a substantially quadrilateral recess in a plan view at a predetermined position of the non-driving side developing bearing 47 serving as the outer portion of the cartridge B (see FIG. FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B 、 FIG. 5 、 FIG. 10 ). The recess of the memory mounting portion 200 is open in the direction of mounting the cartridge into the device body A. The recess serves as a housing portion 201 for housing the memory tag 100. The housing portion 201 includes a bottom surface opposing portion 201b (first opposing portion) opposing the bottom surface 100b when the memory tag 100 is housed. The housing portion 201 also includes a side surface restricting portion 201c (second opposing portion) opposing the side surface 100c when the memory tag 100 is housed, a side surface buffer portion 201d, and an inclined surface 201e (third opposing portion).

[0082] Note that in the following description, for convenience, the direction perpendicular to the surface of the bottom surface opposing portion 201b will be defined as the height direction, and the distance from the surface of the bottom surface opposing portion 201b in the height direction will be defined as the height.

[0083] like FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B As shown, side surface buffer 201d is positioned farther from side surface 100c than side surface restrictor 201c. Furthermore, inclined surface 201e is provided to connect side surface restrictor 201c and side surface buffer 201d. Furthermore, height Lc of side surface restrictor 201c in the thickness direction of memory tag 100 falls within a range not greater than thickness Lmc of side surface 100c of memory tag 100 (Lc < Lmc). In this embodiment, Lmc = 1.4 mm and Lc = 0.8 mm are assumed.

[0084] In the housing portion 201, the position of each side surface 100c of the memory tag 100 is restricted by the side surface restricting portion 201c opposite to the respective side surface 100c. Here, in order to reliably contact the body electrode portion 33 of the device main body A to the contact portion 101 of the memory tag 100, it is necessary to more greatly suppress the movement of the memory tag 100 within the housing portion 201. In the present embodiment, the width Lb between the side surface restricting portions 201c opposite to each other is thus set to be slightly greater than the width Lmb of the memory tag 100 (Lb > Lmb). Thus, it is achieved to smoothly house the memory tag 100 in the housing portion 201 and to prevent the memory tag 100 from freely moving within the housing portion 201.

[0085] Installation and fixation of the memory tag on the memory mounting portion

[0086] The memory tag 100 is fixed to the memory mounting portion 200 by the adhesive 300. In the fixed state, the adhesive 300 is present between the bottom surface 100b and the bottom surface opposing portion 201b and between the side surface 100c and the side surface restricting portion 201c. As the adhesive 300, it is preferable to use an adhesive having sufficient adhesive strength to the respective materials of the memory tag 100 and the memory mounting portion 200. For example, when an epoxy resin or a glass epoxy resin is used as the memory tag 100 and a PPE resin (polyphenylene ether), a PE resin (polyethylene), a PS resin (polystyrene), or a PP resin (polypropylene) is used as the memory mounting portion 200, a cyanoacrylate adhesive can be used. However, the material types of the memory tag 100, the memory mounting portion 200, and the adhesive 300 are not limited to the above-described materials.

[0087] In installing the memory tag 100, first, the adhesive 300 is applied to the housing portion 201, as shown in FIG. 11A Next, as shown in FIG. 11B , the memory tag 100 is inserted into the housing portion 201. By inserting the memory tag 100 into the housing portion 201, the adhesive 300 is pressed and expanded by the memory tag 100 and spread between the bottom surface 100b of the memory tag and the bottom surface opposing portion 201b. The adhesive 300 that is pressed and expanded is further spread at least between the side surface 100c and the side surface restricting portion 201c.

[0088] FIG. 1B A state in which the insertion of the memory tag 100 is completed is shown. In FIG. 1BIn the illustrated example, the plurality of surfaces of the memory tag 100 (here, the bottom surface 100b and at least the range of the side surface 100c opposite the side surface restriction portion 201c) are adhered. Thus, compared to a case where only the bottom surface 100b is adhered, the memory tag 100 can be more firmly fixed to the memory mounting portion 200.

[0089] Further, when the amount of the adhesive 300 is such that the height of the upper surface 300a of the adhesive 300 is lower than the height of the contact surface 100a, the adhesive 300 is prevented from adhering to the contact surface 100a. Thus, the electrical connection between the main electrode portion 33 of the tag connector 32 and the contact portion 101 of the memory tag 100 can be ensured.

[0090] In the present embodiment, the side surface buffer portion 201d and the inclined surface 201e are provided at a region closer to the contact surface 100a than the side surface restriction portion 201c, as shown in FIG. 1B These portions are positioned at a position farther from the memory tag 100 than the side surface restriction portion 201c. Thus, compared to a case where the side surface buffer portion 201d and the inclined surface 201e are not provided (i.e., a case where the side surface 100c and the opposite surface are parallel to each other), the volume of the space in which the adhesive 300 can be accommodated between the memory tag 100 and the housing portion 201 can be increased.

[0091] Here, as shown in FIG. 1B the height of the portion where the inclined surface 201e and the side surface buffer portion 201d are connected to each other is set to be lower than the height of the contact surface 100a, so the timing at which the buffer region between the side surface buffer portion 201d and the side surface 100c starts to function as a buffer can be accelerated.

[0092] Here, when a plurality of cartridges B are manufactured, the upper surface 300a of the adhesive 300 in each cartridge B preferably has a predetermined height. However, in the manufacturing step, it is possible that the height of the upper surface 300a fluctuates slightly due to fluctuations in the amount of the adhesive 300 applied. Thus, by providing the side surface buffer portion 201d and the inclined surface 201e in the housing portion 201 as in the present embodiment, even if the amount of the adhesive 300 applied fluctuates, the fluctuations in the height of the upper surface 300a can be reduced.

[0093] In addition, according to the present embodiment, when the memory tag 100 is inserted into the housing portion 201, even if the memory tag 100 contacts the housing portion 201, the memory tag 100 will be put into the side surface restriction portion 201c along the inclined surface 201e. Thus, since the bottom surface 100b is adhered to the bottom surface opposite portion 201b closely, the memory tag 100 can be reliably mounted on the memory mounting portion 200.

[0094] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the memory tag 100 can be securely fixed to the memory mounting portion 200 by the adhesive 300, and the memory tag can be prevented from falling off from the memory mounting portion. In addition, the fluctuation in the height of the upper surface 300a of the adhesive 300 can be reduced. In addition, the memory tag 100 can be smoothly mounted on the memory mounting portion 200.

[0095] Variation

[0096] In the above description, the non-drive-side developing bearing 47 of the developing unit 4 is exemplified as the support main body provided with the memory mounting portion 200. However, the present application is not limited to this example. As another example to which the present application is applicable, FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B The cartridge B illustrated includes the photosensitive drum 1, the charging unit 1002 serving as a charging device, and the developing unit 4 serving as a developing device. The photosensitive drum 1 and the developing unit 4 are rotatably supported by the cartridge B by the drive-side drum bearing 73 and the non-drive-side drum bearing 74. In the present embodiment, the memory mounting portion 200 is provided at the non-drive-side drum bearing 74. FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B In the example illustrated, the memory mounting portion 200 is provided at the non-drive-side drum bearing 74, but can also be provided at the drive-side drum bearing 73, the charging unit 1002, or the developing unit 4.

[0097] In addition, the memory tag mounting configuration of the present embodiment is also applicable to cartridges other than the process cartridge. Examples of other cartridges include a drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum, and a developing cartridge including a developer carrying member for supplying a developer to an image carrying member on which a toner image is formed, and a developer accommodating portion accommodating the developer. Further, examples of other cartridges include a developer cartridge accommodating a developer, and an inkjet cartridge accommodating ink used in an inkjet recording apparatus. Furthermore, the present application is applicable to a case where a memory tag is mounted on a cartridge that can be detachably mounted to a main body of an image forming apparatus.

[0098] Second Embodiment

[0099] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Since the present embodiment is generally characterized by the configuration of the memory mounting portion and the method of mounting and fixing the memory tag, these parts will mainly be described. The description of the configurations common to the first embodiment will be simplified.

[0100] Surging and splashing of adhesive

[0101] Here, the surging, splashing, and the like of the adhesive 1300 that can occur when the memory tag 100 is mounted on the accommodating portion 1201 as illustrated in the first embodiment with the adhesive 1300 having low viscosity material properties will be described. FIG. 13A to FIG. 13CThe behavior of the adhesive 1300 when the memory tag 100 is inserted into the housing 1201 coated with the adhesive 1300 is shown. FIG. 13A The state immediately after the memory tag 100 is installed is shown. FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line K-K in FIG. 13A , showing a state in which the adhesive 1300 surges due to the installation of the memory tag 100. FIG. 13C is also a cross-sectional view taken along the line K-K in FIG. 13A , showing a state in which the adhesive splashes due to the installation of the memory tag.

[0102] When the memory tag 100 is inserted into the housing 1201 coated with the adhesive 1300, the adhesive 1300 is pressed and spread to the memory tag 100. Here, when the adhesive 1300 has a low viscosity (for example, approximately 2 mpa-s), as shown in FIG. 13B , a surge 1301 can occur in the adhesive 1300 that is pressed and spread. The surging adhesive 1300 sometimes rebounds after hitting the side surface buffer 1201d, falls onto the contact surface 100a of the memory tag 100, and adheres to the contact portion 101.

[0103] In addition, when the speed at which the memory tag 100 is installed is fast, the adhesive squeezed out by the memory tag 100 sometimes splashes out as droplets 1302, as shown in FIG. 13C . Thus, there is a possibility that the adhesive 1300 adheres to the contact portion 101 of the contact surface 100a or splashes outside the housing.

[0104] Therefore, when the adhesive 1300 having a low viscosity is used in the configuration of the first embodiment, it is necessary to precisely manage the amount of the adhesive 1300 coated and prevent the surging adhesive 1300 from moving onto the contact surface 100a. Furthermore, it is necessary to reduce the installation speed of the memory tag 100 to reduce the splashing of the adhesive 1300.

[0105] Memory installation portion

[0106] In view of this problem, the present embodiment provides a configuration for stably installing the memory tag 100 on the cartridge B even when the adhesive 1300 having a low viscosity is used. FIG. 14A is a perspective view of the vicinity of the memory installation portion. FIG. 14B is a view of the vicinity of the memory installation portion when viewed from the front side of the bottom surface opposing portion. FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the memory installation portion when viewed from the KX-KX cross section and the KY-KY cross section of FIG. 14B . The KX-KX cross section is a cross section taken along the line K-K in FIG. 15B . The KY-KY cross section is a cross section taken along the line L-L in FIG. 14BFIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the memory mounting portion when viewed in the KZ-KZ cross section of FIG. 5.

[0107] As with the first embodiment, the memory tag 100 is housed in the memory mounting portion 1200 and fixed by the adhesive 1300 to be mounted on the cartridge B. Further, the memory mounting portion 1200 of the present embodiment is also provided at the non-driving side developing bearing 47 (the non-driving side developing bearing 47 serves as an external portion of the cartridge B) as a substantially quadrangular recess that is open at one end. The recess constitutes a housing portion 1201. The housing portion 1201 includes a bottom surface opposing portion 1201b (a first opposing portion) opposing the bottom surface 100b of the memory tag 100 and a side surface restricting portion 1201c (a second opposing portion) opposing the side surface 100c.

[0108] Further, as shown in FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B and FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B The bottom surface opposing portion 1201b of the present embodiment is provided with a flow path groove 1201f. The flow path groove 1201f includes a quadrangular portion and a cross-shaped portion. The quadrangular portion is a portion corresponding to a connecting portion between the bottom surface opposing portion 1201b and the side surface restricting portion 1201c and is a portion obtained by connecting four outer sides of the bottom surface opposing portion 1201b to each other. The cross-shaped portion is provided at the center of the bottom surface opposing portion 1201b. In order to make the adhesive 1300 spread smoothly, the cross-shaped groove and the quadrangular groove are preferably connected to each other. Due to the presence of the flow path groove 1201f, when the adhesive 1300 is applied, the adhesive 1300 spreads uniformly to the entire surface of the bottom surface opposing portion 1201b.

[0109] Note that the shape of the flow path groove 1201f is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B and FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B The arrangement or shape of the flow path groove 1201f is appropriately designed in accordance with the type of the adhesive 1300, the application conditions of the adhesive 1300, the materials or sizes of the two members to be adhered to each other, the required adhesive strength, and the like.

[0110] For example, the shape of the flow path groove 1201f is not limited to the cross shape including the cross-shaped groove at the center portion of the bottom surface opposing portion 1201b. Alternatively, the number of grooves in the longitudinal direction and / or the lateral direction can be increased, or a groove in the oblique direction can be added. Further, for example, the flow path groove 1201f can be provided only at the center portion of the bottom surface opposing portion 1201b. In this case, the shape is not limited to the cross shape. In contrast, the flow path groove 1201f can be provided only around the bottom surface opposing portion 1201b.

[0111] In the present embodiment, the side surface buffer portion 1201d, the accumulation groove portion 1201g, the inclined portion 1201e, and the overflow step portion 1201h are also provided at positions further away from the bottom surface opposing portion 1201b than the side surface restricting portion 1201c.

[0112] The height of the side surface restricting portion 1201c in the direction perpendicular to the surface forming the bottom surface opposing portion 1201b is set to fall within a range not greater than the thickness of the memory tag. By setting such a height, when the memory tag 100 is inserted, it is possible to prevent the adhesive 1300 from bouncing after hitting the side surface restricting portion 1201c. In the present embodiment, the height of the side surface restricting portion 1201c is set to 0.8 mm with respect to the thickness of the memory tag of 1.4 mm (see FIG. 12). FIG. 17B ).

[0113] The accumulation groove portion 1201g is a groove-shaped portion formed at a position lower than the apex of the side surface restricting portion 1201c in the direction perpendicular to the surface forming the bottom surface opposing portion 1201b. In the present embodiment, the accumulation groove portion 1201g is provided at both left and right portions that are constituent portions of the four sides of the bottom surface opposing portion 1201b, as shown in FIG. 12. However, the accumulation groove portion 1201g can be provided at three portions to correspond to three sides of the bottom surface opposing portion 1201b, or can be arranged at four portions so as to surround the bottom surface opposing portion 1201b in all directions. FIG. 15B

[0114] The side surface buffer portion 1201d is provided at a position further away from the bottom surface opposing portion 1201b than the side surface restricting portion 1201c so as to surround the side surface restricting portion 1201c in all directions. The side surface buffer portion 1201d is provided at a position further away from the bottom surface opposing portion 1201b than the accumulation groove portion 1201g with respect to the portions where the accumulation groove portion 1201g is provided. It can be said that the side surface buffer portion 1201d roughly defines the outermost periphery of the entire accommodation portion 1201.

[0115] The upper surface of the side surface restricting portion 1201c is referred to as a side surface restricting upper surface portion 1201i. The inclined portion 1201e and the overflow step portion 1201h are provided on the side surface restricting upper surface portion 1201i. The overflow step portion 1201h is provided to connect the side surface restricting portion 1201c and the accumulation groove portion 1201g to each other. In the direction perpendicular to the surface of the bottom surface opposing portion 1201b, the height of the overflow step portion 1201h is lower than the height of the side surface restricting upper surface portion 1201i and higher than the heights of the accumulation groove portion 1201g and the bottom surface opposing portion 1201b.

[0116] ​In a direction perpendicular to the surface of the bottom surface opposing portion 1201b of the side surface restricting portion 1201c, the inclined portion 1201e has an inclined shape that is lower on the side closer to the side surface restricting portion 1201c and higher on the side closer to the storage recessed portion 1201g. The inclined portion 1201e functions to induce the memory tag 100 when the memory tag 100 is mounted.

[0117] Mounting and fixing of the memory tag on the memory mounting portion

[0118] FIG. 16A A state in which the adhesive 1300 spreads over the entire area of the memory mounting portion 1200 during the application of the adhesive 1300 is shown. FIG. 16B is a sectional view showing a state in which the memory tag 100 is inserted into the receiving portion 1201 while being induced into the inclined portion 1201e.

[0119] FIG. 17A A process of inserting the memory tag 100 into the receiving portion 1201 is shown. FIG. 17B is a sectional view of the receiving portion 1201 when viewed from the SB-SB cross section of FIG. 17A showing the flow of the adhesive 1300 when the memory tag 100 is inserted into the receiving portion 1201.

[0120] FIG. 18A is a sectional view of the receiving portion 1201 when viewed from the SA-SA cross section of FIG. 17A showing the flow of the adhesive 1300 when the memory tag 100 is inserted into the receiving portion 1201. FIG. 18B is a sectional view showing a state in which the mounting of the memory tag 100 is completed.

[0121] First, as shown in FIG. 16A , the adhesive 1300 is applied to the receiving portion 1201 of the memory mounting portion 1200. In the example shown in FIG. 16A , the adhesive 1300 is applied near the center of the bottom surface opposing portion 1201b. In the present embodiment, a cyanoacrylate adhesive (having a viscosity of about 2 mpa-s) having sufficient adhesive strength for both the memory tag 100 and the memory mounting portion 1200 is used as the adhesive 1300.

[0122] The applied adhesive 1300 spreads to the surface of the bottom surface opposing portion 1201b along the flow path grooves 1201f provided in a cross shape at the center of the bottom surface opposing portion 1201b (as shown in FIG. 16AAdhesive 1300 then spreads along flow path grooves 1201f on the four outer sides of bottom surface opposing portion 1201b. As a result, adhesive 1300 is evenly spread over the entire area of ​​bottom surface opposing portion 1201b. Consequently, when memory tag 100 is later installed, uneven coverage of adhesive 1300 is reduced, ensuring proper adhesion and fixation of memory tag 100. Furthermore, overflow of adhesive 1300 due to uneven coverage of adhesive 1300 is prevented.

[0123] In addition, the configuration of this embodiment is also applicable to the case where the amount of adhesive 1300 applied fluctuates within the surface of the adhesive 1300 and the adhesive 1300 partially overflows. That is, the overflowing adhesive 1300 flows into the accumulation groove portion 1201g along the overflow step portion 1201h having a height lower than the side surface restriction upper surface portion 1201i (as shown in FIG. FIG. 16A (as indicated by arrow Yb in FIG.

[0124] Next, if FIG. 16B As shown, memory tag 100 is inserted into receiving portion 1201 (as indicated by arrow F). Even if the center of memory tag 100 is slightly offset from the center of bottom surface opposing portion 1201b at this time, memory tag 100 can be moved and inserted into receiving portion 1201 while sliding in the direction of arrow S due to the presence of inclined portion 1201e. That is, positioning fluctuations can be absorbed during the attachment of memory tag 100 to receiving portion 1201.

[0125] Then, if FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B As shown, when the memory tag 100 is inserted into the receiving portion 1201, the adhesive 1300 is pressed and expanded by the memory tag 100. At this time, the adhesive 1300 spreads between the bottom surface 100b and the bottom surface opposing portion 1201a, and between the side surface 100c and at least the side surface limiting portion 1201c. Thus, the adhesive 1300 is placed at the portion where the memory tag 100 needs to be fixed.

[0126] Furthermore, the excess adhesive 1300 that overflows after being pressed and expanded by the memory tag 100 passes over the side surface restriction upper surface portion 1201i and flows out in the direction of the side surface buffer portion 1201d. At this time, in the case where the accumulation groove portion 1201g is provided, the excess adhesive 1300 that overflows flows downward into the accumulation groove portion 1201g (such as the side wall of the side surface buffer portion 1201d) before hitting the side wall of the side surface buffer portion 1201d. FIG. 17B ), thereby preventing the surge of the adhesive 1300.

[0127] In addition, if FIG. 18AAs shown, the overflow step portion 1201h that limits the upper surface portion 1201i with a height lower than the side surface is provided at both ends of the side surface on which the storage recessed groove portion 1201g is not provided. Therefore, the overflowed adhesive 1300 flows into the storage recessed groove portion 1201g along the overflow step portion 1201h (as indicated by an arrow Yd in FIG. 12B). When the insertion of the memory tag 100 is completed, as shown in FIG. 12C, the plurality of surfaces of the memory tag 100 (the bottom surface 100b and at least the range of the side surface 100c opposite to the side surface limiting portion 1201c) are adhered. FIG. 18A FIG. 18B As shown, the overflow step portion 1201h that limits the upper surface portion 1201i with a height lower than the side surface is provided at both ends of the side surface on which the storage recessed groove portion 1201g is not provided. Therefore, the overflowed adhesive 1300 flows into the storage recessed groove portion 1201g along the overflow step portion 1201h (as indicated by an arrow Yd in FIG. 12B). When the insertion of the memory tag 100 is completed, as shown in FIG. 12C, the plurality of surfaces of the memory tag 100 (the bottom surface 100b and at least the range of the side surface 100c opposite to the side surface limiting portion 1201c) are adhered.

[0128] As shown, the overflow step portion 1201h that limits the upper surface portion 1201i with a height lower than the side surface is provided at both ends of the side surface on which the storage recessed groove portion 1201g is not provided. Therefore, the overflowed adhesive 1300 flows into the storage recessed groove portion 1201g along the overflow step portion 1201h (as indicated by an arrow Yd in FIG. 12B). When the insertion of the memory tag 100 is completed, as shown in FIG. 12C, the plurality of surfaces of the memory tag 100 (the bottom surface 100b and at least the range of the side surface 100c opposite to the side surface limiting portion 1201c) are adhered.

[0129] The above-described configuration can cause the excess adhesive 1300 that overflows during the application of the adhesive 1300 or during the installation of the memory tag 100 to actively flow into the storage recessed groove portion 1201g. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the surge of the adhesive 1300 or to prevent the adhesive 1300 from overflowing to the contact surface 100a of the memory tag 100. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the overflowed excess adhesive 1300 from adhering to the contact portion 101 of the contact surface 100a of the memory tag 100 or to splash to the housing portion 1201 or the outside of the cartridge B. Therefore, it is possible to stably ensure the electrical connection between the body electrode portion 33 of the tag connector 32 and the contact portion 101 of the memory tag 100.

[0130] In addition, the above-described configuration can prevent the surge of the adhesive 1300 or the splashing of the adhesive 1300 to the contact portion 101 of the contact surface 100a of the memory tag 100 during the installation of the memory tag 100. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent the fluctuation in the application of the adhesive 1300 during the installation and to stably install the memory tag 100. Furthermore, since the splashing is less likely to occur even if the installation speed of the memory tag 100 is increased, the productivity is improved.

[0131] Note that the installation site of the memory installation portion 1200 is provided at the non-driving side developing bearing 47 of the developing unit 4, but is not limited thereto. The configuration of the present embodiment is also applicable to the case where the memory tag 100 is installed at the driving side developing bearing 46 of the developing unit 4 as used in the modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 12A FIG. 12B ​​The cartridge described is the same cartridge B. Furthermore, the present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment in that the configuration of the memory mounting portion 1200 is also applicable to a cartridge other than a process cartridge or an image forming apparatus other than an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

[0132] As described above, according to the various embodiments of the present application, the memory tag can be securely fixed to the memory mounting portion by an adhesive, and the memory tag is prevented from falling off from the memory mounting portion. Note that the constituent elements related to the shape of the memory mounting portion described in the various embodiments of the present application can be arbitrarily combined together, as long as no contradiction arises between the constituent elements.

[0133] While the present application has been described with reference to example embodiments, it is to be understood that the application is not limited to the disclosed example embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the widest interpretation so as to embrace all the variations and equivalents.

Claims

1. A cartridge capable of being detachably mounted in an imaging device body, the cartridge comprising: a memory member storing information related to the cartridge, the memory member including a memory substrate on which the memory elements are mounted; as well as The support body has a memory mounting portion, and the memory member is mounted on the memory mounting portion. in: The memory member has a first surface, a second surface on a side opposite to the first surface, and a plurality of side surfaces extending in a direction intersecting the first surface and the second surface, The first surface is provided with a contact portion connected to a main body electrode portion of the imaging device main body when the cartridge is mounted in the imaging device main body. The memory mounting portion has a first opposing portion which is a surface opposing the second surface when the memory member is mounted, and a plurality of second opposing portions opposing the plurality of side surfaces. The memory member is mounted on the memory mounting portion by arranging an adhesive between the second surface and the first opposing portion and between the plurality of side surfaces and the plurality of second opposing portions, Assuming that a direction perpendicular to the surface of the first opposing portion is defined as a height direction, in a case where the memory member is mounted on the memory mounting portion, the heights of the plurality of second opposing portions are lower than the heights of the plurality of side surfaces, The plurality of second opposing portions include a first portion and a second portion opposing each other, and a width between the first portion and the second portion is greater than a width of the memory member.

2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein The memory mounting portion also has a third relative portion, which is connected to one of the multiple second relative portions, is farther away from one of the multiple side surfaces than the one of the multiple second relative portions, and is positioned at a higher position than the one of the multiple second relative portions.

3. The cartridge according to claim 2, wherein The one second opposing portion and a third opposing portion of the plurality of second opposing portions are connected to each other by an inclined surface inclined with respect to the height direction.

4. The cartridge according to claim 3, wherein In a case where the memory member is mounted on the memory mounting portion, a height of a portion where the inclined surface and the third opposing portion are connected to each other is lower than a height of the first surface.

5. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein The memory mounting portion has an accumulating recess portion provided at a position farther from the first opposing portion than the plurality of second opposing portions.

6. The cartridge according to claim 5, wherein In the height direction, a bottom surface of the sump groove portion has a height lower than a height of an upper surface of one of the plurality of second opposing portions.

7. The cartridge according to claim 5, wherein The accumulating groove portion can accommodate the adhesive overflowing from the first opposing portion over the upper surface of one of the plurality of second opposing portions.

8. The cartridge according to claim 5, wherein The accumulating groove portion is provided at a position corresponding to at least a portion of the plurality of second opposing portions.

9. The cartridge according to claim 8, wherein The memory mounting portion has a step portion provided at a portion where one second relative portion provided with the accumulating groove portion among the plurality of second relative portions and another second relative portion not provided with the accumulating groove portion among the plurality of second relative portions are connected to each other.

10. The cartridge according to claim 9, wherein In the height direction, the height of the step portion is lower than the height of an upper surface of one of the plurality of second opposing portions and higher than the height of the accumulating groove portion.

11. The cartridge according to claim 9, wherein The step portion allows the adhesive that overflows from the first opposing portion over the upper surface of the one of the plurality of second opposing portions to flow into the accumulating groove portion.

12. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein The memory mounting portion has an inclined portion provided on an upper surface of one of the plurality of second opposing portions and shaped to be lower in height on a side close to the first opposing portion and higher in height on a side away from the first opposing portion.

13. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein The first opposing portion is provided with a flow path groove that spreads the adhesive on a surface of the first opposing portion.

14. The cartridge according to claim 13, wherein The flow path groove includes a portion provided at the center of the first opposing portion.

15. The cartridge according to claim 13, wherein The flow path groove includes a portion provided to surround an outer side of the first opposing portion.

16. An imaging device comprising: Imaging device body; as well as A cartridge detachably mountable to an imaging device main body, wherein The cartridge is a cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 15, and The imaging device main body has a main body electrode portion connected to the contact portion.

Images