Cartridge and imaging device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a box and an imaging device. The box can be mounted to and detached from a main component of an imaging device and can be used to form an image on a recording material. The box includes: a memory configured to store information about the box; a guide configured to guide a guided portion provided in the main component when the box is installed in the main component, and to guide a main component contact provided in the main component to a memory contact; and a gripping portion. The guide is provided at the bottom of the box when the box is suspended by gripping the gripping portion, and the guide constitutes a part of a supporting portion configured to support the box when the box is placed on a horizontal placement surface. The guide has a surface opposite to the horizontal placement surface when the box is supported at the supporting portion. The surface of the memory contact is inclined relative to the horizontal placement surface and opposite to the horizontal placement surface. The guide has a plate-like shape, and the plate-like shape has a thickness relative to the longitudinal direction of the box.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application named “Box and Imaging Device”, with a national application date of January 22, 2019 and a national application number of 201910057640.9. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a cartridge which is attachable to and detachable from an apparatus main assembly of an image forming apparatus and which can be used to form an image on a recording material, and to an image forming apparatus including the cartridge. Background Art

[0003] The imaging device is, for example, an electrophotographic imaging device. The electrophotographic imaging device forms an image on a recording material by using an electrophotographic imaging type. Examples of the electrophotographic imaging device include an electrophotographic copier, an electrophotographic printer (LED printer, laser beam printer, etc.), a fax machine, a multi-function machine having multiple functions of these machines, a word processor, and the like.

[0004] An image is formed on a recording material by an image forming apparatus, and for example, the recording material includes paper, an OHT sheet, etc. The recording material also includes an intermediate transfer member of the image forming apparatus, an image display member (white member), etc.

[0005] The cartridge is, for example, a process cartridge or a developing cartridge, and assists in an image forming process of forming an image on a recording material in a state where the cartridge is detachably mounted in a main assembly of the image forming apparatus. The main assembly of the image forming apparatus refers to an apparatus component obtained by excluding the cartridge from the constituent elements of the image forming apparatus.

[0006] A process cartridge is prepared by integrally assembling a rotatable image bearing member for forming a latent image thereon with at least one of a charging device, a developing device, a cleaning device, etc., which are process devices that can act on the image bearing member for image formation. Then, the process cartridge is detachably mounted in the main assembly of the apparatus. The image bearing member is an electrophotographic photosensitive member in an electrophotographic image forming type, an electrostatic recording dielectric member in an electrostatic recording image forming type, a magnetic recording (magnetic) material in a magnetic recording image forming type, etc.

[0007] Therefore, the processing box includes a processing box that is prepared by integrally assembling an image bearing member and a developing device as an imaging processing device into a box and then detachably installed in the main component of the device. Such a processing box that integrally includes an image bearing member and a developing device is called a so-called integrated processing box. In addition, a processing box that integrally includes an image bearing member and a processing device other than a developing device is called a so-called functional separation type processing box. That is, a processing box for forming an image by pairing with a developing unit (which includes a developing device and is a component separated from the processing box) is called a so-called functional separation type processing box.

[0008] In addition, the developing box includes a developer bearing member (developing roller) for supplying a developer (toner) to the image bearing member, and contains a developer for developing a latent image formed on the image bearing member, and is detachably mounted in the main assembly of the device. In the case of the developing box, the image bearing member rotates in the main assembly of the device or on a box supporting member. Alternatively, the image bearing member is provided in a so-called functional separation type processing box. In this case, the processing box does not include a developing device.

[0009] Therefore, the box includes a so-called integrated process box or a so-called functional separation type process box. In addition, the box includes a case where the so-called functional separation type process box and the developer box are paired with each other. In addition, the box includes a case where: the image bearing member is fixedly installed in the main component of the device or on the box supporting member, and the developer box is used to be mountable to the main component of the device and detachable from the main component of the device so as to act on the image bearing member. In addition, the box includes a developer box that accommodates the developer (toner) supplied to the process box or the developer box.

[0010] In an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, an electrophotographic photosensitive member (i.e., a photosensitive drum) which is generally a drum-type image bearing member is uniformly charged. Then, the charged photosensitive drum is selectively exposed to form an electrostatic latent image (electrostatic image). Then, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum is developed into a toner image using a toner as a developer.

[0011] Thereafter, the toner image is transferred from the photosensitive drum to a recording material (medium) (e.g., a recording sheet or a plastic sheet), and then heat and pressure are applied to the toner image transferred to the recording material so that the toner image is fixed on the recording material, thereby implementing image recording. Such an imaging device generally requires toner supply and maintenance of various processing devices. In order to facilitate toner supply and maintenance, the following processing box types have been put into practical use, wherein: a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a developing device, a cleaning device, etc. are integrally assembled as a box in a frame, and the box is used as a processing box that is detachably mounted to the main component of the imaging device.

[0012] According to this box type, a part of the maintenance of the imaging device can be performed by the user himself (herself) without relying on the service personnel responsible for after-sales service. For this reason, the operability of the device can be significantly improved, so that an imaging device with excellent usability can be provided. For this reason, the box type has been widely used in imaging devices.

[0013] Here, a method is adopted in which the cartridge includes a memory (storage device, storage element) and helps maintain and improve print quality by registering service information and print quality information in the memory.

[0014] During changing the cartridge, the cartridge is taken out from the imaging device, and in some cases the cartridge is placed alone on a horizontal placement surface. At this time, in some cases, the electrical contacts of the memory are damaged.

[0015] In the invention disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application No. 2004-302019, a portion extending from the vicinity of a storage device to a cartridge mounting portion is formed to have an outer configuration including an arc portion, thereby protecting the memory.

[0016] However, when the box is placed on a horizontal placement surface so that the outer diameter portion including the arc portion faces the horizontal placement surface, the posture of the box is unstable and falls down, so there is a concern that the component members (such as the photosensitive drum) exposed to the outer surface of the box will be damaged.

[0017] Furthermore, in a structure in which a guide for guiding contacts of the imaging device to electrical contacts of the memory is provided in the cartridge, when the guide is placed on a horizontal placement surface in contact with the horizontal placement surface, there is a possibility that the guide itself may be deformed or broken. Summary of the invention

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, a box is provided, which can be installed to and removed from the main component of an imaging device and can be used to form an image on a recording material, and the box includes: a memory, the memory is configured to store information about the box; a guide, the guide is configured to guide a portion to be guided set in the main component when the box is installed in the main component, and guide a main component contact set in the main component to a memory contact of the memory; and a gripping portion, wherein the guide is set at the bottom of the box when the box is suspended by gripping the gripping portion, and the guide constitutes a part of a supporting portion configured to support the box when the box is placed on a horizontal placement surface, wherein the guide has a chamfered surface formed by chamfering, and wherein, when the box is supported at the supporting portion, the chamfered surface is opposite to the horizontal placement surface, and the surface of the memory contact is inclined relative to the horizontal placement surface.

[0019] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 Parts (a) and (b) are diagrams of a box (processing box) in one embodiment (for representing the characteristics of the present invention).

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging device in this embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the box.

[0023] Figure 4 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the box.

[0024] Figure 5A is a schematic exploded perspective view of the box, Figure 5B is a schematic exploded perspective view of the box.

[0025] Figure 6 Parts (a) and (b) are illustrations of the box guide portion.

[0026] Figure 7 Parts (a) and (b) are illustrations of the box positioning portion.

[0027] Figure 8 Parts (a) and (b) are illustrations of the box guide portion.

[0028] Figures 9A to 9D is a diagram of the drive transmission structure.

[0029] Figures 10A to 10D is a diagram of the memory tag structure.

[0030] Fig.11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an imaging device.

[0031] Fig.12 is a perspective view showing a modified embodiment.

[0032] Fig.13 is a diagram for assembling a drum unit according to the present invention.

[0033] Fig.14 is a diagrammatic representation of a toner sealing structure of a cleaning unit according to the present invention.

[0034] Fig.15 Parts (a) to (d) are illustrations of a toner seal structure of a developing unit according to the present invention.

[0035] Fig.16 Parts (a), (b) and (c) are exploded views of a developing unit according to the present invention at a driving side.

[0036] Fig.17 Parts (a) and (b) are exploded views of a developing unit according to the present invention at a non-driving side.

[0037] Fig.18 Parts (a) and (b) are illustrations for assembling a drum support according to the present invention.

[0038] Fig.19 Parts (a) and (b) are illustrations of a protective member according to the present invention.

[0039] Fig. 20is a diagram of a buffer member installed in an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

[0040] Fig.21 Parts (a) and (b) are diagrams of contact structures of an imaging device according to the present invention.

[0041] Fig. 22 Parts (a) to (d) are illustrations of the contact structure of the process cartridge according to the present invention.

[0042] Fig.23 Parts (a) and (b) are sectional views of a process cartridge according to the present invention.

[0043] Fig.24A Parts (a) and (b), Fig. 24B Parts (c) and (d) of Fig.24C Parts (e) and (f) of FIG. 1 are schematic diagrams showing the appearance of the process cartridge according to the present invention.

[0044] Fig.25 Parts (a) and (b) are schematic diagrams showing the appearance of a process cartridge according to the present invention.

[0045] Fig.26A Parts (a) and (b), Fig.26B Parts (c) and (d) of Fig.26C Parts (e) and (f) of FIG. 1 are schematic diagrams showing the appearance of the process cartridge according to the present invention.

[0046] Fig. 27 Parts (a) and (b) are schematic diagrams showing the appearance of a process cartridge according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] <Example 1>

[0048] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] Here, the rotation axis direction of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum is the longitudinal direction. In addition, with respect to the longitudinal direction, the side of the drum receiving the driving force from the main assembly of the image forming apparatus is the driving side, and the opposite side of the driving side is the non-driving side.

[0050] Will use Figure 2 and Figure 3 The general structure and image forming process of the cassette type image forming apparatus in this embodiment are described. Figure 2 1 is a sectional view of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus in this embodiment, and shows a state in which the process cartridge B is mounted in the apparatus main assembly (electrophotographic image forming apparatus main assembly) A in this embodiment and an image forming operation can be performed. Figure 3is a schematic sectional view of the cartridge B. Here, the apparatus main assembly A is a portion obtained by removing the cartridge B from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

[0051] <General Structure of Electrophotographic Image Forming Apparatus>

[0052] Figure 2 The image forming apparatus shown is a laser beam printer in which a cartridge B is mountable to and detachable from an apparatus main component A and uses electrophotographic technology. This printer performs an image forming operation based on electronic image information input to a controller (not shown) from an external device (not shown) such as a print server, and is capable of printing out a toner image by forming a toner image on a recording material (hereinafter referred to as a sheet material) PA as an imaging object. When cartridge B is mounted at a predetermined mounting portion in the apparatus main component A in a predetermined mounting manner, an exposure device (laser scanner unit) 3 for forming a latent image on a photosensitive drum 62 as an image bearing member is provided. In addition, below cartridge B in the apparatus main component A, a sheet (feed) tray 4 for accommodating the sheet material PA is provided. The photosensitive drum 62 is an electrophotographic photosensitive member for electrophotographic imaging.

[0053] Furthermore, in the main assembly A of the apparatus, a pickup roller 5a, a feed roller pair 5b, a transfer guide 6, a transfer roller 7, a feed guide 8, a fixing device 9, a discharge roller pair 10, a discharge tray 11, etc. are sequentially arranged along the feeding direction D of the sheet material PA. The fixing device 9 is composed of a heating roller 9a and a pressure roller 9b.

[0054] <Imaging Processing>

[0055] The outline of the image forming process will be described. Based on a print start signal, the drum 62 is rotationally driven in the direction of arrow R at a predetermined peripheral speed (process speed). In addition, a charging roller (charging member) 66 applying a bias voltage contacts the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62 and uniformly charges the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62.

[0056] The exposure device 3 outputs laser light L according to image information. The laser light L passes through the laser opening 71h provided in the cleaning frame 71, so that the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62 is subjected to scanning exposure. As a result, an electrostatic latent image depending on the image information is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62.

[0057] On the other hand, Figure 3As shown, in the developing unit (developing device) 20 (second unit) as a developing device, the toner T in the toner chamber 29 is stirred and fed by the rotation of the feeding member (stirring member), whereby the toner T is sent to the toner supply chamber 28. The toner T is carried on the surface of the developing roller 32 by the magnetic force of the magnetic roller 34 (fixed magnet). The developing roller 32 is a developer carrying member for carrying the developer (toner) T on its surface to develop the latent image formed on the drum 62.

[0058] The toner T is frictionally charged while the layer thickness on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 32 as a developer carrying member is regulated by the developing blade 42. The toner T is supplied to the drum 62 according to the electrostatic latent image so that the electrostatic latent image is visualized (developed) as a toner image. The drum 62 is an image bearing member for carrying the latent image and the toner image (developer image) on its surface.

[0059] like Figure 2 As shown, the sheet material PA accommodated in the sheet tray 4 provided at the lower part of the apparatus main assembly A is fed by the pickup roller 5a and the feed roller pair 5b in synchronization with the output timing of the laser light L. Then, the sheet material PA is fed to the transfer position (transfer portion) between the drum 62 and the transfer roller 7 via the transfer guide 6. At the transfer position, the toner image is successively transferred from the drum 62 to the sheet material PA.

[0060] The sheet material PA to which the toner image is transferred is separated from the drum 62 and then fed to the fixing device 9 along the conveying guide 8. Then, the sheet material PA passes through the nip portion between the heating roller 9a and the pressure roller 9b constituting the fixing device 9. At the nip portion, pressure and heat fixing processing are performed so that the toner image is fixed to the sheet material PA. The sheet material PA to which the toner image is fixed is fed to the discharge roller pair 10 and then discharged onto the discharge tray 11.

[0061] On the other hand, Figure 3 As shown, the drum 62 after toner image transfer is used again for image forming processing after residual toner on the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62 is removed by the cleaning blade 77. The residual toner removed from the drum 62 is stored in the residual toner chamber 71b of the cleaning unit 60. The cleaning unit 60 is a unit including the drum 62.

[0062] In the above, the charging roller 66 , the developing roller 32 , the transfer blade 7 , and the cleaning blade 77 are process devices actable on the drum 62 .

[0063] <General structure of the box>

[0064] Will use Figure 3 , 23, 4, 5, 24A, 24B, 24C, 25, 26A, 26B, 26C and 27 are used to describe the general structure of box B. Figure 3 and 23 is a cross-sectional view of box B, Figure 4 5 and 5 are schematic exploded perspective views for explaining the structure of box B. Fig.24A , 24B , 24C, 26A, 26B and 26C are schematic diagrams showing the appearance of box B, Fig.25 and 27 : is a perspective view showing the appearance of the cartridge B.

[0065] Fig.24A Part (a) is a side view of box B viewed from the drive side. Fig.24A Part (b) is a side view of box B viewed from the non-driving side. Fig. 24B Part (c) is from Fig.24A Part (a) is a side view of box B viewed from direction VW1. Fig. 24B Part (d) is from Fig.24A Part (a) is a side view of box B viewed from direction VW2. Fig.24C Part (e) is from Fig.24A A side view of box B viewed from direction DW3 shown in part (a). Fig.24C The part (f) is from Fig.24A Part (a) is a side view of box B viewed from direction DW4. Fig.25 Parts (a) and (b) are perspective views of box B.

[0066] Fig.26A Part (a) is a side view of box B viewed from the drive side. Fig.26A Part (b) is a side view of box B viewed from the non-driving side. Fig.26B Part (c) is from Fig.26A A side view of box B viewed from direction VW5 shown in part (a). Fig.26B Part (d) is from Fig.26A A side view of box B viewed from direction VW6 shown in part (a). Fig.26C Part (e) is from Fig.26A A side view of box B viewed from direction DW7 shown in part (a). Fig.26C The part (f) is from Fig.26A Part (a) is a side view of box B viewed from direction DW8. Fig. 27 Parts (a) and (b) are perspective views of box B.

[0067] The cartridge B includes a cleaning unit 60 (photosensitive member holding unit, drum holding unit, image bearing member holding unit, first unit) and a developing unit 20 (developer bearing member holding unit, second unit). The process cartridge is prepared by integrally assembling an electrophotographic photosensitive drum and at least one process device that can act on the photosensitive member into a cartridge that can be mounted to a main assembly (apparatus main assembly) of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and can be detached from the main assembly (detachably mounted on the main assembly). As an example of the process device, a charging device, a developing device, and a cleaning device are listed.

[0068] like Figure 3 As shown, the cleaning unit 60 includes a drum 62, a charging roller 66, a cleaning member 77, and a cleaning frame 71 that supports these members. The drum 62 includes a driving side drum flange 63 provided on the driving side (on one end side of the drum 62 relative to the longitudinal direction), and the driving side drum flange 63 is rotatably supported by a hole 73a of a drum support portion 73 on the driving side. In a broad sense, the drum support portion 73 and the cleaning frame 71 can be collectively referred to as a cleaning frame. Here, as Fig.13 As shown, the driving side drum flange 63 is provided with a through hole 63a.

[0069] On the non-driving side (on the other end side of the drum 62 with respect to the longitudinal direction), as Figure 5A and 13 As shown, a structure is adopted in which a hole (not shown) of the non-driving side drum flange 64 is rotatably supported by a drum shaft 78 press-fitted into a hole 71c of the cleaning frame 71. The driving side drum flange 63 and the non-driving side drum flange 64 are supported portions rotatably supported by a bearing portion. Incidentally, the drum 62 and the drum shaft 78 can be rotatably supported by Fig.23 When the cartridge B is mounted in the apparatus main assembly A, the drum shaft 78 contacts the electrode member 79 shown in the portion (a) of the drum. Fig.21 The drum contact portion 84 of the device main component A is shown in part (b).

[0070] In the cleaning unit 60, the charging roller 66 and the cleaning member 77 are arranged to contact the outer peripheral surface of the drum 62. The cleaning member 77 includes a rubber scraper 77a as a scraper-shaped elastic member formed of rubber (as an elastic material), and a supporting member 77b for supporting the rubber scraper 77a. The rubber scraper 77a contacts the drum 62 opposite to the rotation direction R of the drum 62. That is, the rubber scraper 77a contacts the drum 62 so that the free end of the rubber scraper 77a points upward relative to the rotation direction R of the drum 62.

[0071] like Figure 3 As shown, the residual toner removed from the surface of the drum 62 by the cleaning member 77 accumulates in a residual toner chamber 71 b formed by the cleaning frame 71 and the cleaning member 77 .

[0072] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , a receiving sheet 65 for preventing residual toner from leaking from the cleaning frame 71 is provided at an edge portion of the cleaning frame 71 in contact with the drum 62. Fig.14 As shown, end sealing members 74 and 75 for preventing toner from leaking from both end portions of the cleaning frame 71 are provided at both end portions of the cleaning frame 71 , respectively.

[0073] The charging roller 66 is rotatably mounted in the cleaning unit 60 via a charging roller supporting portion 67 at each end portion relative to the longitudinal direction of the cleaning frame 71. Incidentally, the longitudinal direction of the cleaning frame 71 (the longitudinal direction of the cartridge B) is substantially parallel to the direction (axial direction) along which the rotation axis of the drum 62 extends.

[0074] For this reason, hereinafter, when simply referring to the longitudinal direction or simply referring to the axial direction, the longitudinal direction or the axial direction means the axial direction of the drum 62 unless otherwise specified.

[0075] The charging roller 66 is brought into pressure contact with the drum 62 by pressing the charging roller bearing 67 toward the drum 62 by the urging member 68. The charging roller 66 is rotated by the rotation of the drum 62.

[0076] like Fig.21 As shown in part (a) of the apparatus main assembly A, a charging contact portion 82 for applying a voltage to the charging roller 66 is provided, and the voltage is applied by contact between the charging contact portion 82 and the contact portion 69a of the electrode member 69 provided on the cleaning frame 71. Fig. 22 As shown in parts (a) and (b) of FIG. 1 , voltage is applied to the charging roller 66 via the electrode member 69, the urging member 68 and the charging roller support 67. The electrode member 69 is press-fitted and fixed to the press-fitted portion 71m of the cleaning frame 71 via the press-fit portion 69b.

[0077] like Figure 3 As shown, the developing unit 20 includes a developing roller 32, a developing container 23 for supporting the developing roller 32, a developing blade 42, etc. Figure 4 and 5A As shown, the developing roller 32 is rotatably mounted to the developing container 23 by supporting members 26 and 27 provided at both ends thereof. Fig. 22 The supporting member 26 shown in parts (c) and (d) is provided with a conductive portion 26c for supplying a voltage to the developing roller 32, and is connected to the developing roller 32 through the conductive portion 26e. Fig.21 A voltage is applied by contacting the developing contact portion 83 of the apparatus main component A shown in part (a).

[0078] In addition, a magnetic roller 34 is provided inside the developing roller 32. A developing blade 42 for controlling the toner layer on the developing roller 32 is provided in the developing unit 20. Fig.17 and 18 As shown, a gap retaining member 38 is mounted to each end portion of the developing roller 32 , and the developing roller 32 maintains a predetermined minute gap with the drum 62 through contact of the gap retaining member 38 with the drum 62 .

[0079] In addition, if Figure 3 and 16 As shown, a blow-off prevention sheet 33 for preventing toner from leaking from the developing unit 20 is provided to contact the developing roller 32 at an edge portion of the bottom member 22. Fig.15 As shown, at both ends of the developing container 23, in order to prevent toner from leaking from the ends, end sealing members 36 and 37 are provided in contact with the developing roller 32. In addition, regulating members 40 and 41 for regulating (preventing) the toner on the developing roller 32 from flowing out to the outside with respect to the longitudinal direction and for collecting the toner deposited on the gap retaining member 38 in contact with the developing roller 32, and the gap retaining member 38 are installed on the developing blade 42.

[0080] Furthermore, a feeding member 43 is provided in the toner chamber 29 formed by the developing container 23 and the bottom member 22. The feeding member 43 not only stirs the toner contained in the toner chamber 29 but also feeds the toner to the toner supply chamber 28.

[0081] like Fig.16 As shown, on the driving side of the developing unit 20, a developing gear 47, idle gears 48 and 49, and a stirring gear 50 are arranged in series, and a stirring (feeding) member 43 is driven in association with the driving of the developing roller 32. In addition, the developing roller 32 is supported by the supporting member 26 on the driving side. In addition, as shown in FIG. Fig.17 As shown, on the non-driving side, a bearing member 27 and a supporting member 35 are provided for supporting the developing roller 32 on the non-driving side and for fixedly supporting the phase of the magnetic roller 34. Incidentally, the bearing members 26 and 27 are fixed to the developing container 23 by a fixing member 86 such as a screw.

[0082] like Figure 4 As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the cartridge B is constructed by combining the cleaning unit 60 and the developing unit 20. When the developing unit 20 and the cleaning unit 60 are connected to each other, the following operations are performed. First, the center of the first hanging hole 71i of the driving side of the cleaning frame 71 with respect to the first developing unit supporting boss 26a of the supporting member 26 and the center of the second hanging hole 71j of the second developing unit supporting boss 27a of the supporting member 27 with respect to the non-driving side of the cleaning frame 71 are aligned with each other.

[0083] Specifically, by moving the developing unit 20 in the direction of arrow G, the first developing unit supporting boss 26a and the second developing unit supporting boss 27a are engaged with the first hanging hole 71i and the second hanging hole 71j, respectively. As a result, the developing unit 20 is movably connected to the cleaning unit 60. More specifically, the developing unit 20 is rotatably (rotatably movably) connected to the cleaning unit 60. Thereafter, the cartridge B is constructed by assembling the drum bearing portion 73 and the cleaning unit 60, as shown in FIG. Fig.18 shown.

[0084] Incidentally, the drum bearing portion 73 is fixed to the cleaning frame 71 by a fixing member 86 such as a screw. Further, the drum bearing portion 73 is provided with an injection opening 73h through which an adhesive such as limonene is injected, and the cleaning frame 71 is provided with a flow path 71n along which the adhesive flows, so that the cleaning frame 71 and the drum bearing portion 73 are adhesively fixed to each other.

[0085] Here, if Figure 5B As shown in part (a) of the drum support 73, the drum support 73 is provided with protruding portions 73b1 and 73b2. When the drum support 73 is assembled with the cleaning unit 60, as shown in FIG. Figure 5B As shown in part (b), the cleaning frame 71 is provided with receiving surfaces 71e1 and 71e2 at positions opposite to the protruding portions 73b1 and 73b2, respectively. In the state where the assembly of the box B is completed, the protruding portions 73b1 and 73b2 contact the receiving surfaces 71e1 and 73e2, respectively, thereby suppressing the deformation of the cleaning frame 71. This will be described in detail later.

[0086] like Figure 4 and 5B As shown in part (b) of the drawing, the first end portion 46Rb of the driving side pressing member 46R is fixed to the surface 26b of the supporting member 26, and the second end portion 46Ra contacts the surface 71k which is a part of the cleaning unit 60. Figure 5A As shown, the first end portion 46Lb of the non-driving side urging member 46L is fixed to the surface 27 b of the bearing member 27 , and the second end portion 46La contacts a surface 71 l which is a part of the cleaning unit 60 .

[0087] In this embodiment, each of the driving side urging member 46R and the non-driving side urging member 46F is formed with a compression spring. The driving side urging member 46R and the non-driving side urging member 46F use the urging force of these springs to urge the developing unit 20 toward the cleaning unit 60, so that the developing roller 32 is configured to be reliably pressed against the drum 62.

[0088] Furthermore, the developing roller 32 maintains a predetermined gap with the drum 62 by the gap maintaining member 38 provided at each end of the developing roller 32. Figure 5BAs shown, with respect to the cleaning frame 71 and the drum support 73 positioned relative to each other, the protruding portions 73b1 and 73b2 contact the receiving surfaces 71e1 and 71e2, respectively, and therefore, even when the spring force acts on these members, these members can be prevented from being deformed.

[0089] like Fig.19 As shown, a protective member 80 is mounted on the cartridge B to cover the drum 62. The protective member 80 is provided for the purpose of preventing damage and contamination of the drum 62, and is removed (detached) from the cartridge B when the cartridge B is mounted in the image forming apparatus A. The protective member 80 is provided with four claws 80a for fixing the protective member 80 to the cartridge B, and two protruding portions 80b for spacing the drum 62 and the developing roller 32 from each other.

[0090] <Installation of the box>

[0091] In the present embodiment, the apparatus main assembly A includes a portion including the discharge tray 11 on its upper side, and the portion is rotatably connected to the apparatus main assembly A as an openable door 13 so as to be operable and closable relative to the apparatus main assembly A via a hinge shaft 13a. The openable door 13 can be opened and closed at a position corresponding to the position of the discharge tray 11 on the upper side thereof. Figure 2 The closed position 13A and Figure 6 The opening and closing operation of the openable door 13 is performed by the user (operator), and the opening 17 provided at the upper surface side of the apparatus main component A is widely opened by opening and rotating the openable door 13 to the open position 13B. The opened opening 17 serves as a cartridge insertion opening so that the cartridge B can be detachably (removably) mounted in the cartridge mounting portion of the apparatus main component A.

[0092] Then, after the cartridge B is installed in the apparatus main assembly A, the openable door 13 is closed and rotated to the closed position 13A. As a result, the opening 17 is closed. In a state where the cartridge B is installed in the mounting portion of the apparatus main assembly A in a predetermined manner and the opening 17 is closed by the openable door 13, the imaging device can perform an imaging operation.

[0093] Figure 6 Part (a) is a schematic diagram of the drive side guide portion of the main assembly A of the device, which is used to illustrate the installation of the box B, Figure 6 Part (b) is a schematic diagram of the non-driving side guide portion of the device main component A, which is used to illustrate the installation of box B. Figure 7 Part (a) is a schematic diagram of the main assembly A of the device on the drive side, used to illustrate the positioning of the box B, Figure 7 Part (b) is a schematic diagram of the main component A of the device on the non-driving side, used to illustrate the positioning of box B. Figure 8 Part (a) is a schematic diagram of the drive side guide portion of the device main component A, which is used to illustrate the installation of the box B, Figure 8 Part (b) is a schematic diagram of the non-driving side guide portion of the device main component A, which is used to illustrate the installation of box B.

[0094] like Figure 6 Parts (a) and (b) and Fig. 9A and 9B As shown, the side plate 15 of the main assembly A of the device includes a first guide rail 15g and a second guide rail 15h as guides. In addition, the side plate 16 of the main assembly A of the device includes a third guide rail 16d and a fourth guide rail 16e on the non-driving side. In addition, the drum support 73 provided at the driving side of the box B includes a guided portion 73g and a rotation-prevented portion 73c.

[0095] Incidentally, the mounting direction of the cartridge B is a direction (arrow C direction) substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drum 62. Further, with respect to the longitudinal direction of the cleaning frame 71, there are positioned portions 71d and rotation prevented portions 71g on the non-driving side.

[0096] When the cartridge B is installed through the opening 17 of the apparatus main assembly A, the guided portion 73g and the rotation-prevented portion 73c at the driving side of the cartridge B are guided by the first guide rail 15g and the second guide rail 15h of the apparatus main assembly A. The positioned portion 71d and the rotation-prevented portion 71g are guided by the third guide rail 16d and the fourth guide rail 16e at the non-driving side of the cartridge B. As a result, the cartridge B is installed in the apparatus main assembly A.

[0097] Next, the closed state of the openable door 13 will be described. Figure 6 Parts (a) and (b) of Figure 7 As shown in parts (a) and (b), the side plate 15 on the driving side includes a first positioning portion 15a, a second (lower) positioning portion 15b and a rotation preventing portion 15c as a positioning portion. In addition, the side plate 16 on the non-driving side includes a positioning portion 16a and a rotation preventing portion 16c. The drum support portion 73 of the box B includes a positioned portion (a first positioned portion, a first protrusion, a first protruding portion) 73d and a positioned portion (a second positioned portion, a second protrusion, a second protruding portion) 73f at the lower portion.

[0098] In addition, the box urging members 1 and 2 are rotatably mounted with respect to the longitudinal direction through both ends of the openable door 13. The box urging springs 19 and 21 are mounted at both ends of the front plate 18 of the apparatus main assembly A with respect to the longitudinal direction. The drum bearing portion 73 includes a urged portion 73e as an urging force receiving portion, and the cleaning frame 71 includes an urged portion 71o ( Figure 3By closing the openable door 13, the pressed portions 73e and 71o of the cartridge B are pressed by the cartridge pressing members 1 and 2 which are pressed by the cartridge pressing springs 19 and 21 of the apparatus main assembly A ( Figure 7 ).

[0099] As a result, on the driving side, the positioned portion 73d, the positioned portion 73f at the bottom and the rotation-preventing portion 73c of the box B contact the positioning portion 15a, the positioning portion 15b at the bottom and the rotation-preventing portion 15c of the main assembly A of the device, respectively. Therefore, the box B and the drum 62 are positioned on the driving side. In addition, on the non-driving side, the positioned portion 71d and the rotation-preventing portion 71g of the box B contact the positioning portion 16a and the rotation-preventing portion 16c of the main assembly A of the device, respectively. Therefore, the box B and the drum 62 are positioned.

[0100] Incidentally, the rotation-prevented portions 73c and 71g on the driving side and the non-driving side are respectively as shown in FIG. Figure 8 The D-shaped protrusions shown in parts (a) and (b) of the present invention are obtained by linearly cutting a cylinder, and have flat surface portions 73c1 and 71g1, respectively. When installing the box B, the flat surface portions 73c1 and 73g1 are grasped by the retaining portions 15f and 16f of the main assembly A of the device, respectively, so that the click feeling of the installation completion of the box B can be transmitted to the user.

[0101] When the cartridge B is mounted in the apparatus main assembly A, in order to improve the availability of the mounting operation, as Figure 4 and 5A As shown, the box B is provided with a gripping portion 71f. The gripping portion 71f is provided with a plurality of holes 71f1. Fig.11 As shown, during operation in a state where box B is installed in the main component A of the device (during image forming operation of the image forming device), internal air passes through hole 71f1 (in the direction of arrow H), so that the temperature rise of box B can be effectively suppressed.

[0102] <Driving Force Receiving Structure of Cartridge>

[0103] Next, we will use Figures 9A to 9D The structure in which the cartridge B receives the driving force from the apparatus main assembly A is described. Fig. 9A is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the main assembly A of the apparatus on the drive side, Fig. 9B 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the apparatus main assembly A on the non-driving side. Fig. 9C 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state before the driving portion of the cartridge B and the apparatus main assembly A are engaged with each other, Fig.9D It is a schematic diagram of the state in which the driving portion of the cartridge B and the apparatus main assembly A are engaged with each other.

[0104] like Fig. 9AAs shown, the apparatus main assembly A is provided with a drive (driving force) transmitting member 81 for receiving a driving force from a driving source (not shown) of the apparatus main assembly A and for transmitting the driving force to the cartridge B. Fig. 9B As shown, on the driving side of the cartridge B, the driving side drum flange 63 is provided with a driving (driving force) receiving portion 63b which engages with the drive transmitting member 81 for receiving the driving force.

[0105] When the cartridge B is mounted in the apparatus main assembly A and the openable door 13 is closed and then the main switch of the apparatus main assembly A is turned on, the drive transmission member 81 moves in the direction of arrow E while rotating. Then, as shown in FIG. Fig.9D As shown, the drive transmitting portion 81 b of the drive transmitting member 81 and the drive receiving portion 63 b of the driving side drum flange 63 engage with each other, so that the drum 62 is rotated by the driving side drum flange 63 .

[0106] Incidentally, when the apparatus main assembly A is packed and transported in a state in which the cartridge B is mounted in the apparatus main assembly A, it is preferred that the drive transmitting portion 81b of the drive transmitting member 81 and the drive receiving portion 63b of the drive side drum flange 63 engage with each other. As a result, the drive transmitting member 81 supports the drive side drum flange 63, and therefore, the cartridge B can be prevented from moving in the apparatus main assembly A during transportation of the apparatus main assembly A, thereby suppressing the breakage of a part of the cartridge B due to collision with the constituent parts in the apparatus main assembly A due to shock and vibration during transportation of the apparatus main assembly A.

[0107] Therefore, in the vicinity of the engaged portion between the apparatus main assembly A and the cartridge B at the driving side, there is no need to provide a buffer member for preventing a collision from occurring in the gap between the apparatus main assembly A and the cartridge B. On the other hand, on the non-driving side, as shown in FIG. Fig. 20 As shown, a buffer member 85 is provided.

[0108] <Memory section>

[0109] Will use Figures 10A to 10D and Fig.21 Part (b) describes the memory portion of box B (memory for storing information about box B) during installation of box B.

[0110] Fig. 10A is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the memory portion 24 of the box B. Fig. 10B 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the memory contact portion (main assembly contact) 12 of the main assembly A of the apparatus. Fig. 10C 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state before the memory portion 24 is connected before the installation of the cartridge B is completed. Fig. 10D 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the memory portion 24 is connected after the installation of the cartridge B is completed. Fig.21Part (b) is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the memory contact portion of the device main component A.

[0111] like Fig. 10A As shown, the cartridge B is provided with a memory portion (hereinafter, referred to as a memory tag) 24 which communicates with the controller (information reading and writing portion) of the apparatus main assembly A and includes an electric contact (memory contact) 24b through which information is input and output. A guide 27c and an upper guide 27d are provided adjacent to the memory tag 24. When the cartridge B is mounted in the apparatus main assembly A, the guides 27c and 27d guide the guided portions 14H and 14L provided in the apparatus main assembly A, and guide the memory contact portion (main assembly contact) 12 provided in the apparatus main assembly A to the memory contact 24b of the memory tag 24.

[0112] In the present embodiment, the memory tag 24 is mounted on the support member 27 on the non-driving side, and the guide 27 c is formed as a part of the support member 27 .

[0113] like Fig. 10B and Fig.21 As shown in part (b) of the apparatus, the apparatus main component A includes a main component contact 12 that communicates with an electrical contact (memory contact) 24b of a memory tag 24, and includes guided portions 14H and 14L adjacent to the main component contact 12. In addition, the main component contact 12 and the guided portions 14H and 14L can move integrally relative to the apparatus main component A.

[0114] The operation will be described in which the electric contacts 24b of the memory tag 24 contact the main assembly contacts 12 when the cartridge B is mounted in the apparatus main assembly A and the memory tag 24 and the controller of the apparatus main assembly A are therefore in a communicable state.

[0115] When installing box B, if Fig. 10C As shown, the guided portion 14L and the guide 27c of the cartridge B engage with each other, and the guided portion 14H and the upper guide 27d engage with each other. In addition, the guided portions 14H and 14L and the main assembly contact 12 follow the movement of the memory tag 24 and are positioned relative to the memory tag 24. Fig. 10D As shown, after the installation of the cartridge B is completed, the main assembly contacts 12 and the electrical contacts 24b of the memory tag 24 come into contact with each other, so that the memory tag 24 and the controller of the apparatus main assembly A are in an electrically communicable state.

[0116] <Supporting structure when the box is installed>

[0117] Next, we will use Figure 1The supporting structure when the box B is placed (mounted) on a horizontal placement surface (mounting surface) F such as a floor or a table, which is the main point of the present embodiment, is described. Figure 1 Parts (a) and (b) are schematic diagrams for explaining a state in which the box B is placed on the horizontal placement surface F.

[0118] When the box B is placed on the horizontal placement surface F in a state where the gripping portion 71f is gripped, the bottom 30 of the box B moves toward the horizontal placement surface F. Here, the bottom 30 is provided with a supporting portion 25 for stably supporting the posture of the box B. The supporting portion 25 is composed of a guide 27c, and the guide 27c has a chamfered surface 27c1. In other words, the guide 27c constitutes a part of the supporting portion 25.

[0119] That is, Figure 1 As shown in the part (a) of FIG. 1 , there is provided a support portion 25 which is disposed on the bottom 30 of the cartridge B when the cartridge B is suspended by grasping the grasping portion 71f and which supports the cartridge B when the cartridge B is placed on the horizontal placement surface F. Furthermore, there is provided a chamfered surface 27c1 formed by chamfering (beveling) the guide 27c.

[0120] like Figure 1 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , in a state where the box B is placed on the horizontal placement surface F, the angle α of the chamfered surface 27c1 is 0° to 20°. Figure 1 As shown, the chamfered surface 27c1 is substantially parallel to the horizontal placement surface F. Therefore, even when the user applies a force to the box B in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow K, at a position where the box B is rotated by a certain angle in the opposite direction, the chamfered surface 27c1 contacts the horizontal placement surface F as a whole, thereby preventing (limiting) the rotational movement of the box B.

[0121] Specifically, the chamfered surface 27c1 receives the force generated by the rotational movement of the box B in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow K, so that the chamfered surface 27c1 prevents the rotational movement of the box B in the opposite direction. Therefore, the chamfered surface 27c1 serves not only as a force receiving portion but also as a preventing portion for preventing the rotational movement of the box B.

[0122] Incidentally, the rotational motion refers to the motion in which the box B rotates around a direction perpendicular to the Figure 1 The rotational motion is a rotational motion of rotating about a line (as an axis) extending in the direction of the drawing. The (inclination) angle β of the contactable surface 24a (of the memory contact 24b) relative to the horizontal placement surface F at the side where the memory tag 24 can contact the main component contact 12 is 45° or more, so that the normal J of the contactable surface 24a intersects the horizontal placement surface F. At this time, the contactable surface 24a is set to be spaced apart from the horizontal placement surface F upward.

[0123] That is, the memory contact 24b is arranged so that the normal of the contactable surface where the memory contact 24b can contact the main component contact 12 intersects with the horizontal placement surface F, and the contactable surface is spaced apart from the horizontal placement surface F and the height of the contactable surface is increased.

[0124] exist Figure 1 In the case of the portion (b), the angle α is greater than 0°. When the user grasps the grasping portion 71f and wants to mount the cartridge B on the horizontal placement surface F, it is assumed that the photosensitive drum 62 is in a position where the cartridge B is positioned about the center of its cross section. Figure 1 The state of part (b) is further rotated counterclockwise. In this case, by making the angle α larger than 0°, it is easy to reproduce Figure 1 The state of part (b) can effectively prevent the photosensitive drum 62 from coming into contact with the horizontal placement surface F and being damaged by the horizontal placement surface F.

[0125] That is, when the box B is supported by the support portion 25, the surface in contact with the horizontal placement surface F at the support portion 25 is the chamfered surface 27c1. In addition, the surface 24a of the memory contact 24b is inclined relative to the horizontal placement surface F, and the chamfered surface 27c1 is parallel to the horizontal placement surface F (substantially parallel).

[0126] like Figure 1 As shown in part (a) of the drawing, when the cartridge B is placed on the horizontal placement surface F in a state where the support portion 25 contacts the horizontal placement surface F, the position of the center of gravity W of the cartridge B is located on the side opposite to the drum 62 with respect to the support portion 25. For this reason, the cartridge B is rotationally moved in the direction of the arrow K by the force M exerted by the center of gravity W, so that Figure 1 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 1 , the posture of the box b is stabilized in a state where the horizontal placement surface F and the chamfered surface 27c1 are in contact with each other.

[0127] Therefore, the support portion 25 is formed relative to the position of the center of gravity W so that the cartridge B does not move rotationally in the direction of the drum 62, and therefore, damage to the drum 62 (cartridge constituent member) due to the drop of the cartridge B can be suppressed. In addition, also on the driving side, similarly, the support member 26 is provided with a protruding portion 26d (such as Fig.19 As shown in part (a) above, the posture of box B is stabilized.

[0128] Furthermore, when the cartridge B is placed on the horizontal placement surface F, the chamfered surface 27c1 of the guide 27c opposes the horizontal placement surface F in a substantially parallel relationship, and contacts the horizontal placement surface F from this state. For this reason, when the chamfered surface 27c1 contacts the horizontal placement surface F at one surface (in a state closer to a parallel state) compared to a case where the cartridge B contacts the horizontal placement surface F at its edge, deformation and breakage of the guide 27c can be suppressed. In a case where the shape of the chamfered surface 27c1 is made equal to the shape of the upper chamfered surface 27d1, the chamfered surface 27c1 contacts the horizontal placement surface F with a greater pressure, thereby easily causing deformation and breakage of the guide 27c.

[0129] In the event that the guide 27c is broken, there is also a possibility that the guiding function of the guide 27c is impaired and the connection between the contact portion (main assembly contact) 12 and the electric contact (memory contact) 24b is not satisfactorily established.

[0130] According to the chamfered surface 27c of the present embodiment, this situation can be effectively prevented. Also from such a point of view, as described above, the angle α can be ideally 0° to 20°. That is, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the box B, the chamfered surface 27c1 can ideally have an angle α of 0° to 20° relative to the horizontal placement surface F.

[0131] Here, in the present embodiment, the upper guide 27d also has an upper guide chamfered surface 27d1 ( Fig. 10A ), and the chamfering amount of the chamfered surface 27c1 of the guide 27c is greater than the chamfering amount of the upper guide chamfered surface 27d1 of the upper guide 27d. When the user holds the grip portion 71f and places the cartridge B on the horizontal placement surface F, the cartridge B can contact the horizontal placement surface F at the chamfered surface 27c1 having a larger area than the upper chamfered surface 27d1, so that the user can stably place the cartridge B on the horizontal placement surface F. Also from such a viewpoint, as described above, the angle α may be desirably 0° to 20°.

[0132] Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the chamfered surface 27c1 has a shape such that the guide 27c is cut away along a straight line so as to have an angle of 45°, but the effect of the present invention does not necessarily depend on this angle. Fig.12 In a modified embodiment of the present invention, the chamfered surface 27c1 may also have an arc-shaped chamfered surface with a small curvature.

[0133] When the cartridge B is placed on the horizontal placement surface F, the memory is arranged above the chamfered surface 27c1. In the structure in which the guide 27c for guiding the main assembly contact 12 to the memory tab 24 is provided, when the guide 27c is placed in contact with the horizontal placement surface F, the chamfered surface 27c1 of the guide 27c stabilizes the posture of the cartridge B. Therefore, the drum 62 can be prevented from being damaged.

[0134] Furthermore, compared with the case where the corner of the guide 27c contacts the horizontal placement surface F, the chamfered surface 27c1 of the guide 27c contacts the horizontal placement surface F, so that deformation and breakage of the guide 27c itself can be suppressed. Therefore, the guide 27c is stably engaged with the guided portion 14L, and the main assembly contact 12 and the guided portion 14L can be stably guided. With respect to the functions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the constituent elements described in the above-described embodiments and modified embodiments, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to these parameters.

[0135] Here, the cartridge is not limited to the integrated process cartridge as in the above-described embodiments. In the cartridge according to the present invention, the separate type process cartridge includes a developing cartridge including a developing device for developing a latent image formed on an image bearing member and a process device other than the developing device.

[0136] According to the above description, in the structure in which the guide member for guiding the main component contact to the memory contact is provided, when the guide member is placed on the horizontal placement surface in contact with the horizontal placement surface, the chamfered surface of the guide member stabilizes the posture of the cartridge, thereby preventing the component member from being damaged. In addition, compared with the case in which the corner of the guide member contacts the horizontal placement surface, the chamfered surface of the guide member contacts the horizontal placement surface, thereby suppressing deformation and breakage of the guide member itself, and thus the guide member can stably guide the main component contact.

[0137] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A cartridge which can be mounted to and removed from a main assembly of an image forming apparatus and can be used to form an image on a recording material, the main assembly comprising a guided first portion and a main assembly contact which can be moved integrally, the cartridge comprising: an image bearing member configured to form a latent image; a memory configured to store information about the cartridge; a first guide member configured to guide the guided first portion when the cartridge is mounted in the main assembly so that the main assembly contact is guided to a reservoir contact of the reservoir; and The grip part, wherein the first guide is disposed at the bottom of the box when the box is suspended by grasping the grasping portion, and the first guide constitutes a part of the supporting portion configured to support the box when the box is placed on a horizontal placement surface, wherein the first guide has a surface opposite to the horizontal placement surface when the cartridge is supported at the support portion, wherein, when the cartridge is supported at the support portion, the surface of the memory contact is inclined relative to and opposite to the horizontal placement surface, wherein the first guide has a plate-like shape having a thickness relative to a longitudinal direction of the box, wherein, when the cartridge is supported at the supporting portion, the image bearing member is disposed above the storage.

2. The box according to claim 1, wherein A normal line extending in a direction faced by a surface of the memory contact at a side capable of contacting the main assembly contact intersects the horizontal placement surface, and the surface of the memory contact is formed to be spaced upward from the horizontal placement surface.

3. The box according to claim 1, wherein In a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the box, the surface of the first guide has an angle of 0° to 20° with respect to the horizontal placement surface.

4. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein The main assembly includes a guided second portion, the guided first portion, the guided second portion and the main assembly contact are capable of moving integrally, The box also includes: a second guide member configured to guide the second portion so that the main assembly contact is guided to the memory contact; wherein, when the cartridge is placed on the horizontal placement surface, the reservoir is disposed above the surface of the first guide, the second guide is disposed above the reservoir, and the image bearing member is disposed above the second guide.

5. The box according to claim 1, further comprising: A processing device capable of acting on the image bearing member.

6. The box according to claim 5, wherein The processing device is a developing roller configured to develop the latent image, and The box also includes: a first unit including the image bearing member, and a second unit rotatably connected to the first unit, Wherein, the second unit includes the developing roller, the storage, and the first guide.

7. A cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a developing device configured to develop said latent image formed on said image bearing member.

8. An imaging device comprising: The box according to claim 1; and A transfer portion is configured to transfer the toner image formed by the cartridge onto a recording material.

Images