Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To appropriately dispose a storage member in a case where a toner cartridge includes the storage member.SOLUTION: A cartridge unit comprises: a first unit including a first supporting portion and a second supporting portion; and a second unit including a first supported portion and a second supported portion, a storage member storing information, and supplies developer to the first unit, the second unit including the storage member having a memory contact and a contact arrangement surface on which the memory contact is disposed. The second unit is configured to rotate from a first position to a second position in a state where the first supported portion is supported by the first supporting portion and the second supported portion is supported by the second supporting portion, so as to be positioned with respect to the first unit. The second unit rotates from the first position to the second position such that the first supported portion and the second supported portion are rotation centers of the second unit, and the normal direction of the contact arrangement surface which faces toward the direction in which the memory contact is exposed faces toward a direction opposite to the direction in which the second unit is directed from the first position to the second position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 25

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge unit. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In a laser beam printer or a copying machine, which is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a toner image is formed on a photosensitive drum and then transferred to a sheet serving as a recording material, thereby forming an image on the recording material. In laser beam printers, in order to facilitate maintenance, a method is widely adopted in which some parts of the image forming device are provided in a cartridge, and the cartridge is removed from the main body of the device to perform maintenance or replacement. Patent Document 1 discloses a cartridge unit that has a photosensitive unit having a photosensitive drum, a developing unit having a developing roller, and a toner cartridge that contains toner, and in which the developing unit and the toner cartridge are detachable from the photosensitive unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-10243 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A toner cartridge containing toner is removably provided in a process cartridge having a developing unit and a photosensitive unit. A cartridge unit is configured by integrating the process cartridge and the toner cartridge. Meanwhile, the cartridge unit may be provided with a storage member for storing information. An object of the present invention is to provide an optimal arrangement of the storage member when the toner cartridge is provided with the storage member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the cartridge unit of the present invention comprises: a first unit including a photosensitive drum, a developing roller, a first support portion, and a second support portion; a second unit configured to be detachable from the first unit, the second unit having a first supported portion supported by the first support portion, a second supported portion supported by the second support portion, and a first memory member that stores information, and supplies developer to the first unit, the first memory member having a first memory element, a first memory contact electrically connected to the first memory element, and a first contact arrangement surface on which the first memory contact is arranged; having the second unit is configured to rotate from a first position to a second position in a state in which the first supported portion is supported by the first supporting portion and the second supported portion is supported by the second supporting portion, and be positioned relative to the first unit; the second unit rotates from the first position to the second position such that the first supported portion and the second supported portion become a rotation center of the second unit; The normal direction of the first contact arrangement surface facing the direction in which the first memory contact is exposed is characterized by facing in the opposite direction to the direction in which the second unit moves from the first position to the second position.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the cartridge unit of the present invention comprises: A cartridge unit detachably mountable to a main body of an image forming apparatus, the main body comprising: The cartridge unit has a positioning portion and a rotation stopper portion. a first unit having a photosensitive drum and a developing roller; a second unit configured to be detachable from the first unit, having a first memory member for storing information, and supplying a developer to the first unit, the first memory member having a first memory element, a first memory contact electrically connected to the first memory element, and a first contact arrangement surface on which the first memory contact is arranged; a positioned portion that abuts against the positioning portion; a rotation-stopped portion that abuts against the rotation-stopping portion to restrict rotation around the positioned portion; having The first contact arrangement surface is characterized in that it faces in a direction opposite to a direction in which the stopped portion is pressed against the rotation preventing portion.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the cartridge unit of the present invention comprises: A cartridge unit detachably mountable to a main body of an image forming apparatus, a first unit having a photosensitive drum and a developing roller; a second unit configured to be detachable from the first unit, having a first memory member for storing information, and supplying a developer to the first unit, the first memory member having a first memory element, a first memory contact electrically connected to the first memory element, and a first contact arrangement surface on which the first memory contact is arranged; having The second unit is configured to be detachable from the device body in a state where the second unit is attached to the first unit, the second unit has an end surface at an end in a rotational axis direction of the developing roller, the end surface extending in a direction intersecting the rotational axis direction, The first memory member is characterized by being installed on the end surface.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the cartridge unit of the present invention comprises: a first unit having a photosensitive drum and a developing roller; a second unit configured to be detachable from the first unit, having a first memory member for storing information, and supplying a developer to the first unit, the first memory member having a first memory element, a first memory contact electrically connected to the first memory element, and a first contact arrangement surface on which the first memory contact is arranged; having the second unit is configured to move from a first position to a second position in contact with the first unit and be positioned relative to the first unit; the first contact arrangement surface faces a direction in which the second unit moves from the first position to the second position; A cartridge unit, wherein the first unit has an opening that exposes a first contact arrangement surface.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the cartridge unit of the present invention comprises: a first unit including a photosensitive drum, a developing roller, a metal member, and a first roller that contacts the photosensitive drum; a second unit configured to be detachable from the first unit, having a first memory member for storing information, and supplying developer to the first unit, the first memory member having a first memory element and a first memory contact electrically connected to the first memory element; having When viewed along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, the first memory member passes through one end of the first memory member and the When a tangent line that touches the first roller is defined as a first tangent line, and a tangent line that passes through the other end of the first memory member and touches the first roller is defined as a second tangent line, at least a portion of the metal member or the photosensitive drum overlaps with the area surrounded by the first tangent line, the second tangent line, the first memory member, and the first roller. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, when the toner cartridge includes a storage member, the storage member can be appropriately disposed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus including a cartridge unit according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a development unit according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 3]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a developing unit according to a first embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a developing unit according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge according to a first embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a top view of a development unit according to a first embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a process cartridge according to a first embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a photoconductor unit according to a first embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a developing unit and a photoconductor unit according to a first embodiment; [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a top view showing the arrangement relationship between a photoconductor unit and a developing unit according to a first embodiment; [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a developing unit according to a first embodiment, viewed from below; [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a toner cartridge according to a first embodiment; [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge according to a first embodiment, viewed from below; [Figure 14] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a toner cartridge according to a first embodiment; [Figure 15A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge and a process cartridge according to a first embodiment; [Figure 15B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge and a process cartridge according to a first embodiment; [Figure 15C] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge and a process cartridge according to a first embodiment; [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an opening and closing operation of a receiving-side shutter of the developing unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 illustrates an opening and closing operation of a discharge-side shutter of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the operation of the lift mechanism of the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the operation of the lift mechanism of the first embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cartridge unit according to a first embodiment; [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cartridge unit according to a first embodiment; [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is a side view of a cartridge unit according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 23] Schematic diagram showing the same direction and the reverse direction in the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cartridge unit according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 25] FIG. 1 is a side view of a cartridge unit according to a first embodiment; [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cartridge unit according to a second embodiment; [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cartridge unit according to a second embodiment; [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cartridge unit according to a third embodiment; [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cartridge unit and a first main body memory contact according to the third embodiment; [Diagram 30] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cartridge unit according to a fourth embodiment; [Diagram 31] FIG. 13 is a front view of the cartridge unit according to the fourth embodiment, seen from the mounting direction. [Diagram 32] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cartridge unit according to the fourth embodiment is mounted to the main body of the apparatus; [Diagram 33] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cartridge unit and a first main body memory contact according to the fourth embodiment; [Diagram 34] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cartridge unit according to a fifth embodiment; [Diagram 35] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cartridge unit according to the fifth embodiment is mounted to the main body of the apparatus; [Diagram 36] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the first memory tag and its periphery according to the fifth embodiment; [Figure 37] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge according to a sixth embodiment; [Figure 38] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cartridge unit according to a sixth embodiment; [Figure 39] 13 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge unit according to a sixth embodiment. [Diagram 40] FIG. 13 is a side view of the cartridge unit according to the sixth embodiment. [Diagram 41]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a toner cartridge according to a seventh embodiment; [Diagram 42] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a cartridge unit according to a seventh embodiment; [Diagram 43] 13 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge unit according to a seventh embodiment. [Diagram 44] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a cartridge unit according to an eighth embodiment; [Diagram 45] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge unit according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 46] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a waste toner unit according to a ninth embodiment; [Figure 47] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a waste toner unit according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 48] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a process cartridge according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 49] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cartridge unit according to a ninth embodiment; [Figure 50] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cartridge unit according to a ninth embodiment; [Figure 51] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge unit according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 52] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge unit according to a ninth embodiment. [Diagram 53] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge unit according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 54] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge unit according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 55] FIG. 13 is a top view of the cartridge unit according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 56] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge unit according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 57] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a cartridge unit according to a tenth embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the embodiments may be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the device to which the invention is applied and various conditions, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0013] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In the following description, directions are defined based on the user who uses the image forming apparatus 1. That is, the front side of the image forming apparatus 1 is referred to as the "front", the back side as the "rear", the top side as the "upper", and the bottom side as the "lower". In addition, the left side of the image forming apparatus 1 when viewed from the front side is referred to as the "left" and the right side as the "right". The directions of the process cartridge 5 and the toner cartridge 9 are also defined in the same manner as the image forming apparatus 1, assuming that they are in the same posture as when they are attached to the image forming apparatus 1. Each direction in each drawing is defined by an arrow shown in the drawing. The front-rear direction, the up-down direction, and the left-right direction shown by these arrows are mutually orthogonal. These directions are the same in all drawings. The up-down direction is parallel to the vertical direction, and the left-right direction and the front-rear direction are parallel to the horizontal direction. In addition, the left-right direction is parallel to the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 61 and the rotation axis direction of the developing roller 71, respectively. In addition, the developing unit 7 is attached to the photosensitive unit 6 and integrated with it is called the process cartridge 5. The insertion direction (mounting direction) S1 when mounting this process cartridge 5 to the apparatus main body 2 and the removal direction S2 are parallel to the front-rear direction and perpendicular to the left-right direction and the up-down direction. In addition, a toner cartridge 9 serving as a second unit that supplies toner to the developing unit 7 is detachably provided in the process cartridge 5 serving as a first unit. The process cartridge 5 and the toner cartridge 9 mounted together are referred to as a cartridge unit 10.

[0014] <Overall configuration of image forming apparatus> 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus 1 to which a cartridge unit 10 is attached, and the cross section is parallel to the up-down direction and the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body. The printer mainly comprises a paper feed section 3 for supplying paper S into the body 2, an exposure device 4, a cartridge unit 10 for transferring a toner image onto the paper S, and a fixing device 8 for thermally fixing the toner image transferred onto the paper S.

[0015] The paper feed section 3 is provided at the bottom inside the device body 2, and mainly includes a paper feed tray 31 and a paper feed mechanism 32. The paper S stored in the paper feed tray 31 is supplied by the paper feed mechanism 32 toward the cartridge unit 10 (between the photosensitive drum 61 and the transfer roller 63).

[0016] The exposure device 4 is disposed in the upper part of the apparatus main body 2, and includes a laser emitting unit (not shown), a polygon mirror (denoted by omitted reference numerals), a lens, a reflecting mirror, etc. In the exposure device 4, a laser beam based on image data emitted from the laser emitting unit is scanned at high speed over the surface of the photosensitive drum 61, thereby exposing the surface of the photosensitive drum 61.

[0017] The cartridge unit 10 is detachably attached to the apparatus main body 2, and is disposed below the exposure device 4. When a door (opening / closing member) 21 of the apparatus main body 2 is opened (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1), the cartridge unit 10 is inserted into a storage section 23 of the apparatus main body 2 in an insertion direction S1 from an opening formed in the apparatus main body 2, and the cartridge unit 10 is attached to the apparatus main body 2. When the cartridge unit 10 is to be removed from the apparatus main body 2, the cartridge unit 10 is moved in a removal direction S2 and taken out.

[0018] The cartridge unit 10 has a process cartridge 5 and a toner cartridge 9. The cartridge unit 10 is configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body 2 with the toner cartridge 9 attached to the process cartridge 5. The process cartridge 5 mainly includes a photosensitive unit 6 and a developing unit 7. The photosensitive unit 6 mainly includes a photosensitive drum 61, a corona charger 68, an exposure unit 69, a recovery roller 62, and a transfer roller 63. The developing unit 7 is configured to be detachably mounted on the photosensitive unit 6. Alternatively, the developing unit 7 may be integrated with the photosensitive unit 6 and be replaceable. The developing unit 7 mainly includes a developing roller 71, a supply roller 72, a layer thickness regulating blade 73, a toner storage section (developer storage section) 74 that stores toner (developer), and a first agitator 75A provided in the toner storage section 74. The developing unit 7 may be configured to be separable from the photosensitive unit 6. In this case, the toner cartridge 9 is detachable from the developing unit 7 while the photoconductor unit 6 and the developing unit 7 are coupled together.

[0019] <Image formation process> Next, an image forming process using this process cartridge 5 will be described. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 5. The photosensitive drum 61 is rotationally driven during the image forming process. First, the surface of the photosensitive drum 61 is uniformly charged by the corona charger 68, and then exposed to a laser beam corresponding to image data emitted from the exposure device 4 (see Figure 1), thereby forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data on the photosensitive drum 61.

[0020] On the other hand, the toner in the toner storage section 74 is agitated by the first agitator 75A, and then supplied to the developing roller 71 via the supply roller 72. The toner supplied to the developing roller 71 then enters between the developing roller 71 and the layer thickness regulating blade 73 and is carried on the developing roller 71 as a thin layer of a constant thickness.

[0021] The toner carried on the developing roller 71 is supplied to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 61. As a result, the toner adheres to the electrostatic latent image, making it visible, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 61. Thereafter, the paper S is transported between the photosensitive drum 61 and the transfer roller 63, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 61 is transferred onto the paper S.

[0022] 1, the fixing device 8 is disposed at the rear of the process cartridge 5, and mainly includes a heating roller 82 and a pressure roller 81. The paper S onto which the toner image has been transferred passes through this fixing device 8, during which the paper S is heated and pressurized between the heating roller 82 and the pressure roller 81, and the toner image is fixed onto the paper S. The paper S that has passed through the fixing device 8 is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 22.

[0023] The corona charger 68 is a charging unit that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 61 without contact. The exposure unit 69 has a light-emitting diode as a light source and a light guide as a light-guiding member, and guides light emitted from the light-emitting diode through the light guide to irradiate the surface of the photosensitive drum 61 with the light. A current is supplied to the light-emitting diode from the device body 2. The surface of the photosensitive drum 61 is neutralized by the irradiation of light from the exposure unit 69. In addition, a predetermined voltage is applied from the device body 2 to the collection roller 62, which collects foreign matter such as paper powder and dirt and toner adhering to the surface of the photosensitive drum 61.

[0024] <Process cartridge configuration> Next, a description will be given of each unit of the process cartridge 5. As described above, the process cartridge 5 includes the photosensitive unit 6 and the developing unit .

[0025] <Developing unit configuration> First, the configuration of the developing unit 7 will be described. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the developing unit 7, taken along the line AA in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the developing unit 7. The line AA in FIG. 3 is parallel to the vertical and front-rear directions. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the developing unit 7. FIG. 6 is a top view of the developing unit 7, with the top surface of the housing 700 removed for ease of explanation. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the developing unit 7 as seen from below. As shown in FIG. 2, the developing unit 7 has a developing roller 71 rotatably supported at the rear of the housing 700.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the developing roller 71, the supply roller 72, and the first agitator (first agitating member) 75A are rotatably supported at both ends by a left side wall 704 and a right side wall 705 of the housing 700. A developing coupling 710, a developing roller gear 711, a supply roller gear 712, a first agitator gear 713, and idle gears 715A and 715B are provided to the left of the left side wall 704 of the housing 700. The developing roller gear 711 is fixed to an end of the developing roller 71, and the supply roller gear 712 is fixed to an end of the supply roller 72. The first agitator gear 713 is fixed to an end of an agitating rod 78A (see FIG. 5) of the first agitator 75A.

[0027] The developing unit 7 is also capable of mounting a toner cartridge 9 for supplying toner, and is provided with a toner receiving section 770 for receiving the toner supplied by the toner cartridge 9. The developing unit 7 is also provided with a lift mechanism 760 for holding and lifting up the toner cartridge 9.

[0028] 3, the developing unit 7 is provided with an electrical contact 720A as a first electrical contact that is electrically connected to the developing roller 71 and is supplied with a voltage to be applied to the developing roller 71. The developing unit 7 is also provided with an electrical contact 720B as a second electrical contact that is electrically connected to the supply roller 72 and is supplied with a voltage to be applied to the supply roller 72. These electrical contacts come into contact with a power supply contact (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 2, thereby supplying power to the developing roller 71 and the supply roller 72.

[0029] Next, the drive structure of the developing unit 7 will be described with reference to FIG. In conjunction with the operation of closing the door 21 (FIG. 1) installed in the apparatus body 2, a developing drive transmission member (not shown) provided in the apparatus body 2 moves rightward to a position for engaging with the developing coupling 710. On the other hand, in conjunction with the operation of opening the door 21 (FIG. 1) of the apparatus body 2, the developing drive transmission member moves leftward to a position for releasing the engagement with the developing coupling 710.

[0030] When the apparatus main body 2 is operated after the door 21 (FIG. 1) of the apparatus main body 2 is closed, a driving force is transmitted (input) from the developing drive transmission member to the developing coupling 710 as a driving force receiving member. Next, the developing roller 71 can be rotated via the developing roller gear 711 from the gear provided on the peripheral surface of the developing coupling 710, and the supply roller 72 can be rotated via the supply roller gear 712. The developing drive transmission member is configured to transmit a driving force to the developing coupling 710 while allowing the developing coupling 710 to shift in position within a predetermined range. A side holder 719 attached to the housing 700 restricts the movement of the developing coupling 710, the developing roller gear 711, and the supply roller gear 712 in the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 71.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 5, the developing unit 7 has a first agitator 75A, which agitates the toner in the toner storage section 74. The first agitator 75A is provided with an agitating rod 78A and an agitating sheet 79A. The first agitator 75A is configured to be rotatable by receiving a driving force from the developing coupling 710 via an idle gear 715A and a first agitator gear 713 (see FIG. 6). The toner near the first agitator 75A in the toner storage section 74 is agitated by the first agitator 75A, and then supplied to the supply roller 72, and further supplied to the developing roller 71 by the supply roller 72.

[0032] <Photoconductor unit structure and development unit support> Next, the detailed configuration of the photosensitive unit 6 will be described. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the process cartridge 5. Fig. 8 is a partial perspective view of the photosensitive unit 6. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the developing unit 7 and the photosensitive unit 6. Fig. 10 is a top view showing the positional relationship in the left-right direction between the photosensitive unit 6, the developing unit 7, and the developing roller 71.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 9, the photosensitive unit 6 mainly includes a frame 610 having a pair of left side walls 611 and right side walls 612, and a photosensitive drum 61 rotatably supported at the rear of the frame 610. The photosensitive drum 61 is formed by coating a photosensitive layer on the outer surface of an aluminum drum tube. The front of the frame 610 includes a mounting portion 615 to which the developing unit 7 can be mounted, a gripping portion 617 with which the user grips the photosensitive unit 6, and a pressing member 640 that presses the developing unit 7. As shown in FIG. 7, the toner storage portion 74 of the developing unit 7 mounted in the mounting portion 615 is disposed between the left side wall 611 and the right side wall 612 in the left-right direction.

[0034] 7 and 9, receiving portions 641 for receiving the rotary bearing members 746A and 746B of the developing roller 71 are formed on the left side wall 611 and the right side wall 612 of the frame 610, ahead of the photosensitive drum 61. The receiving portions 641 are substantially U-shaped recesses with an open front side, and the rotary shaft of the developing roller 71 is inserted into the receiving portions 641. The developing unit 7 is supported on the photosensitive unit 6 by the receiving portions 641.

[0035] 10, protrusions 643 are provided on both left and right ends of a bottom surface 613 of the frame 610, protruding upward. These protrusions 643 abut against bosses 718 provided on the bottom of a housing 700 of the developing unit 7, as shown in FIG. 11, to movably support the developing unit 7. In addition, in the configuration of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, a pressing member 650 is provided to restrict removal of the developing unit 7 when the developing unit 7 is attached to the photoconductor unit 6.

[0036] 9, the pressing members 640 are provided in front of the frame 610 at both ends of the frame 610 in the left-right direction, and are biased in the front-to-rear direction by compression springs 640A (FIG. 10) serving as biasing members. Therefore, the pressing members 640 press bosses 718 (FIG. 11) provided on the housing 700 of the developing unit 7 by the biasing force of the compression springs 640A (FIG. 10). By pressing the developing unit 7 with the pressing members 640, the developing roller 71 is biased toward the photosensitive drum 61.

[0037] 8, a photosensitive drum gear (first gear) 65 and a transfer gear (second gear) 66 are fixed to the left end of the photosensitive drum 61, and are configured to rotate integrally with the photosensitive drum 61. When the process cartridge 5 is mounted in the apparatus main body 2, a drive gear (not shown) of the apparatus main body 2 meshes with the photosensitive drum gear 65, transmitting a driving force to the photosensitive drum 61 and the transfer gear 66, enabling them to rotate. Furthermore, the transfer gear 66 meshes with a transfer roller gear (third gear) 67 fixed to the left end of the transfer roller 63, enabling the transfer roller 63 to rotate as well.

[0038] <Toner cartridge configuration> Next, a description will be given of the structure of the toner cartridge 9. Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge 9, Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge 9 as viewed from below, and Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge 9.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 12, the toner cartridge 9 mainly includes a container member 911, a bottom member 912, a T-side holder L92, a T-side holder R93, a discharge port forming member 94, a discharge side shutter 95, a conveying screw 96, and a second agitator 97. In addition, in order to transmit driving force, the toner cartridge 9 mainly includes a conveying screw gear 980, a T idle gear 981, and a second agitator gear 982. The T-side holder L92 and the T-side holder R93 can be said to be parts of the toner container 910. The T-side holder L92, the T-side holder R93, and the toner container 910 can be collectively called the frame of the toner cartridge 9. The T-side holder L92, the T-side holder R93, and the toner container 910 may be integrally formed.

[0040] 13, a toner container 910 is formed by a container member 911 and a bottom member 912, and toner is stored inside the toner container 910. An outlet forming member 94 is provided at one end in the longitudinal direction of the toner container 910. The outlet forming member 94 has an outlet forming surface 94C on its outer periphery, and an outlet 94A for discharging toner to the outside is formed in the outlet forming surface 94C.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 14, the conveying screw 96 and the second agitator 97 are rotatably provided inside the toner container 910. The conveying screw 96 and the second agitator 97 are rotated by the driving force transmitted by a conveying screw gear 980 and a second agitator gear 982 provided outside the toner container 910 (see FIG. 12). The second agitator 97 is composed of a second stirring rod 98 and a second stirring sheet 99, similar to the first agitator 75A. The toner contained inside the toner container 910 is stirred and conveyed by the second agitator 97 toward the conveying screw 96. Next, the toner is conveyed by the conveying screw 96 to the right toward the discharge port 94A shown in FIG. 13, and discharged from the discharge port 94A.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 12, a discharge side shutter 95 is rotatably provided inside the discharge port forming member 94. The discharge side shutter 95 is provided with a toner passing hole 95A and a closing portion 95B. The discharge side shutter 95 rotates to change the position of the toner passing hole 95A and the position of the discharge port 95B. When the positions of the closing portion 95B and the closing portion 95C are aligned, the toner can be discharged from the discharge port 94A. On the other hand, when the closing portion 95B faces the discharge port 94A, the discharge of the toner from the discharge port 94A is restricted, thereby preventing the toner inside the toner container 910 from leaking out during transportation, etc.

[0043] <Toner cartridge support> Next, the supporting structure of the toner cartridge 9 will be described. Figures 15A to 15C are perspective views of the toner cartridge 9 and the process cartridge 5. Figure 15A shows the state before the toner cartridge 9 is mounted to the process cartridge 5. Figure 15B shows the state in which the toner cartridge 9 is in the process of being mounted to the process cartridge 5. Figure 15C shows the state after mounting of the toner cartridge 9 to the process cartridge 5 is complete.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 15A to 15C, the toner cartridge 9 is detachably attached to the developing unit 7. A container member 911 of the toner cartridge 9 is provided with a grip portion 911A as a second unit gripping portion. A T-side holder L92 and a T-side holder R93 are fixed to both ends in the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 9. The T-side holder L92 and the T-side holder R93 are respectively provided with a supported projection L92A and a supported projection R93A (supported portion) for being supported by the developing unit 7. In addition, the developing unit 7 is provided with a support portion L730 and a support portion R731 for supporting the supported projection L92A and the supported projection R93A.

[0045] When the toner cartridge 9 is mounted to the developing unit 7, as shown in FIG. 15A, the toner cartridge 9 is moved in the direction of the arrow S3 while gripping the grip portion 911A from above the developing unit 7. As shown in FIG. 15B, the toner cartridge 9 moved in the direction of the arrow S3 is in a state in which the supported protrusion L92A and the supported protrusion R93A are supported by the support portion L730 and the support portion R731. From this state, the toner cartridge 9 is rotated in the direction of the arrow R3 around the supported protrusion L92A and the supported protrusion R93A as the rotation center. As a result, as shown in FIG. 15C, the mounting of the toner cartridge 9 to the process cartridge 5 is completed, and the cartridge unit 10 is formed. The direction of the rotation axis of the toner cartridge 9 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 9.

[0046] Furthermore, when the toner cartridge 9 is completely attached to the process cartridge 5, the conveying screw gear 980 of the toner cartridge 9 can mesh with the idle gear 715B of the developing unit 7. This allows the driving force of the developing unit 7 to be transmitted to the toner cartridge 9.

[0047] The lifespan of the toner cartridge 9, which is determined by the amount of toner stored in the toner cartridge 9, is set to be shorter than the lifespan of the process cartridge 5, which is determined by the lifespan of the photosensitive drum 61 and the developing roller 71. Therefore, it is necessary to replace only the toner cartridge 9 that has reached the end of its life, separately from the process cartridge 5. In this case, the toner cartridge 9 can be replaced simply by opening the door 21 (FIG. 1) of the apparatus main body 2, and the user can perform the replacement work without removing the process cartridge 5 from inside the apparatus main body 2.

[0048] <Opening and closing of the receiving shutter> Next, the opening and closing operation of the receiving side shutter will be described. Figure 16 shows the opening and closing operation of the receiving side shutter of the developing unit 7, with Figure 16(a) showing the receiving side shutter in a closed state and Figure 16(b) showing the receiving side shutter in an open state.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 4, the toner receiving portion 770 of the developing unit 7 is composed of a toner receiving port 771 provided on the upper surface 700A of the housing 700, a receiving side shutter seal 772, a receiving side shutter 773, a receiving port cover 774, and a connecting seal 775. Holes 772A, 773A, 774A, and 775A are provided in the receiving side shutter seal 772, the receiving port cover 774, and the connecting seal 775, respectively. The positions of hole 772A in the receiving side shutter seal 772, hole 774A in the receiving port cover 774, and hole 775A in the connecting seal 775 are assembled in a state where they match the position of the toner receiving port 771. The receiving side shutter 773 has a shielding portion 773B in addition to hole 773A, and is assembled in a state where it can slide. The toner receiving port 771 is opened and closed by the sliding movement of shielding portion 773B.

[0050] 16(a) and (b), the opening and closing operation of the receiving-side shutter 773 will be described. The opening and closing operation of the receiving-side shutter 773 is performed in conjunction with the mounting and removal operations of the toner cartridge 9. As shown in Figs. 16(a) and (b), a driving protrusion group 94B is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the discharge port forming member 94 of the toner cartridge 9. In addition, a driven protrusion group 773C is arranged on the receiving-side shutter 773.

[0051] As described above, in the installation process of the toner cartridge 9, the toner cartridge 9 is rotated to transition to the installation complete state. Fig. 16(a) shows the state before the toner cartridge 9 is rotated in the installation process of the toner cartridge 9. In the state shown in Fig. 16(a), the shielding portion 773B of the receiving side shutter 773 faces the toner receiving opening 771, and the toner receiving opening 771 is closed. At this time, the driving protrusion group 94B and the driven protrusion group 773C are in an engaged state.

[0052] 16B shows the completed installation state after the toner cartridge 9 has been rotated. At this time, the toner cartridge 9 is rotated while the driving protrusion group 94B and the driven protrusion group 773C are kept engaged, so the receiving-side shutter 773 slides in conjunction with the rotation of the toner cartridge 9. As a result, the position of the hole 773A of the receiving-side shutter 773 and the position of the toner receiving opening 771 coincide with each other, and the toner receiving opening 771 is opened. When the toner cartridge 9 is removed from the developing unit 7, the receiving-side shutter 773 similarly slides in conjunction with the rotation of the toner cartridge 9, and the toner receiving opening 771 is closed.

[0053] As described above, when the toner cartridge 9 is attached to the developing unit 7, the toner receiving opening 771 is open, allowing toner to be received into the developing unit 7. On the other hand, when the toner cartridge 9 is not attached to the developing unit 7, the toner receiving opening 771 is closed, preventing foreign matter from entering the developing unit 7 and preventing toner from leaking out of the developing unit 7.

[0054] <Opening and closing of the discharge side shutter> Next, a description will be given of the opening and closing operation of the discharge-side shutter 95. Figure 17 is a diagram showing the opening and closing operation of the discharge-side shutter 95 of the toner cartridge 9, where Figure 17(a) shows the discharge-side shutter 95 in a closed state, and Figure 17(b) shows the discharge-side shutter 95 in an open state.

[0055] As described above, the discharge port 94A is open when the position of the discharge port 94A of the discharge port forming member 94 shown in Fig. 12 coincides with the position of the toner passage hole 95A of the discharge-side shutter 95. Also, the discharge port 94A is closed when the closing portion 95B of the discharge-side shutter 95 faces the discharge port 94A. The opening and closing operation of the discharge-side shutter 95 is also performed in conjunction with the rotational operation when the toner cartridge 9 is attached and detached, similar to the opening and closing operation of the receiving-side shutter 773 described above.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 17(a) and 17(b), the discharge side shutter 95 is provided with a locking projection 95C. The engaging projection 95C is disposed radially inward of the supported projection R93A. The supporting portion R731 of the developing unit 7 is provided with an engaging portion 731A and a notch 731B.

[0057] Fig. 17(a) shows a state before the toner cartridge 9 is rotated during the installation process of the toner cartridge 9. In the state shown in Fig. 17(a), the closing portion 95B (Fig. 12) of the discharge-side shutter 95 and the discharge opening 94A (Fig. 12) face each other, so the discharge opening 94A (Fig. 12) is closed. At this time, the locked protrusion 95C is sandwiched between the locking portion 731A, and the discharge-side shutter 95 is prohibited from rotating relative to the developing unit 7.

[0058] 17(b) shows the completed installation state after the toner cartridge 9 has been rotated. At this time, the toner cartridge 9 is rotated relative to the developing unit 7 in a state in which the rotational movement of the discharge-side shutter 95 is prohibited. Here, since the supported protrusion R93A can enter the notch 731B, the rotation of the toner cartridge 9 is not hindered, although the rotation of the discharge-side shutter 95 is prohibited.

[0059] As described above, the rotation of the toner cartridge 9 during the installation process of the toner cartridge 9 causes the discharge-side shutter 95 to rotate relatively inside the toner cartridge 9. As a result, the position of the toner passage hole 95A (FIG. 12) of the discharge-side shutter 95 matches the position of the discharge opening 94A (FIG. 12), and the discharge opening 94A (FIG. 12) is opened. Similarly, when the toner cartridge 9 is removed from the developing unit 7, the discharge-side shutter 95 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the toner cartridge 9, and the discharge opening 94A (FIG. 12) is closed.

[0060] <Toner cartridge lift mechanism> Next, the lift mechanism 760 of the toner cartridge 9 will be described. Figure 18 shows the movement of the lift mechanism 760 during the process of mounting the toner cartridge 9 to the developing unit 7. Figure 18(a) shows a state in which the developing unit 7 is placed on the lift mechanism 760 during the process of mounting the toner cartridge 9. Figure 18(b) shows a state in which the lift mechanism 760 is opened during the process of mounting the toner cartridge 9. Figure 18(c) shows a state in which mounting of the toner cartridge 9 is completed.

[0061] 19(a) to (c) show the movement of the toner cartridge 9 being lifted up by the lift mechanism 760 when the toner cartridge 9 is attached to the developing unit 7. FIG. 19(a) shows the state when the toner cartridge 9 has been completely attached to the developing unit 7. FIG. 19(b) shows the state when the toner cartridge 9 is being lifted up by the lift mechanism 760. FIG. 19(c) shows the state when the toner cartridge 9 has been lifted up. For ease of explanation, the side holders 719 of the developing unit 7 are omitted from FIGS. 19(a) to (c).

[0062] As shown in Figs. 19(a) to (c), a protruding portion 92B is provided on the T-side holder L92 of the toner cartridge 9, and the protruding portion 92B has a contact surface 92C, a holding surface 92D, and a receiving surface 92E. As shown in Fig. 5, the lift mechanism 760 is composed of a boss 719A provided on the side holder 719 of the developing unit 7, a lift member 761, and a torsion coil spring 762. The lift member 761 and the torsion coil spring 762 are attached to the boss 719A and are rotatable about the boss 719A. The lift member 761 has a contact portion 761A, an operating portion 761B, and a lifting portion 761C. The lift member 761 is biased in the direction of the arrow R1 by the torsion coil spring 762.

[0063] First, the movement of the lift mechanism 760 during the installation process of the toner cartridge 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. When the toner cartridge 9 is rotated during the installation process, the abutment surface 92C and the abutment portion 761A come into contact with each other as shown in FIG. 18(a), and the toner cartridge 9 is placed on the lift mechanism 760. When the toner cartridge 9 continues to rotate, the abutment portion 761A is pressed by the abutment surface 92C as shown in FIG. 18(b), causing the lift member 761 to rotate in the direction of the arrow R2, allowing the toner cartridge 9 to rotate. When the toner cartridge 9 continues to rotate and the installation is completed, the abutment portion 761A falls off the abutment surface 92C and comes into contact with the holding surface 92D as shown in FIG. 18(c). The lift member 761 can hold the toner cartridge 9 in the completed installation state. That is, the lift member 761 is a support member for supporting the toner cartridge 9 on the process cartridge 5. In this way, the lift mechanism 760 as an operating member moves the toner cartridge 9 in the direction of installation on the process cartridge 5.

[0064] Next, the movement of the toner cartridge 9 from the installation completion state to the lifted up state will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 19(a), when the toner cartridge 9 is in the completed mounting state, the abutment portion 761A of the lift member 761 abuts against the holding surface 92D, and the toner cartridge 9 cannot be removed. To remove the toner cartridge 9, as shown in FIG. 19(b), the operation portion 761B of the lift member 761 is operated to rotate the lift member 761 in the direction of the arrow R2. As a result, the lifting portion 761C of the lift member 761 abuts against the receiving surface 92E, and the toner cartridge 9 can be rotated. After that, when the operation portion 761B is released, as shown in FIG. 19(c), the lift member 761 rotates in the direction of the arrow R1 by the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 762. The abutment surface 92C and the operation portion 761B come into abutment with each other, and the toner cartridge 9 is placed on the lift mechanism 760 in a lifted-up state. This makes it possible to remove the toner cartridge 9. In this manner, the lift mechanism 760 moves the toner cartridge 9 in a direction in which it is removed from the process cartridge 5.

[0065] <Memory tag placement> Next, the memory member in the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the cartridge unit 10 as seen obliquely from above, and Fig. 21 is a perspective view as seen obliquely from below. The cartridge unit 10 has a second memory tag 101 as a second memory member of the process cartridge 5, and a first memory tag 102 as a first memory member of the toner cartridge 9.

[0066] The second memory tag 101 and the first memory tag 102 each have a memory substrate, a memory chip (storage element) provided on the memory substrate to store information, and a memory contact electrically connected to the memory chip. The memory chip may be provided inside the memory substrate. The memory contact is, for example, an electrode provided on the memory substrate. As the memory contact, the second memory tag 101 has a second memory contact 101a, and the first memory tag 102 has a first memory contact 102a. The second memory tag 101 has a second memory chip (second storage element), a second memory contact 101a electrically connected to the second memory chip, and a second contact arrangement surface on which the second memory contact 101a is arranged. The first memory tag 102 has a first memory chip (first storage element), a first memory contact 102a electrically connected to the first memory chip, and a first contact arrangement surface on which the first memory contact 102a is arranged. The first memory tag 102 is disposed on the top surface of the process cartridge 5 when the cartridge unit 10 is in a used position. As can be seen from Figure 20, the first memory tag 102 is disposed at a position away from the discharge port forming member 94 and the discharge-side shutter 95.

[0067] The number of second memory contacts 101a and first memory contacts 102a is four each. The four second memory contacts 101a are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction of the cartridge unit 10, in the left-right direction of the process cartridge 5. The four first memory contacts 102a are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction of the cartridge unit 10, in the left-right direction of the toner cartridge 9. The second memory tag 101 and the first memory tag 102 can store and transmit various information. When the second memory contacts 101a and the main body memory contacts of the device main body 2 are electrically connected, information is transmitted between the device main body 2 and the second memory contacts 101a. When the first memory contacts 102a and the main body memory contacts of the device main body 2 are electrically connected, information is transmitted between the device main body 2 and the first memory contacts 102a.

[0068] The second memory tag 101 and the first memory tag 102 store different information. The second memory tag 101 provided in the process cartridge 5 stores information about the process cartridge 5. For example, the information about the process cartridge 5 is information about the print usage history of the photosensitive drum 61 and the developing roller 71 provided in the process cartridge 5. The first memory tag 102 provided in the toner cartridge 9 stores information about the toner cartridge 9. For example, the information about the toner cartridge 9 is information about the remaining amount of toner contained in the toner cartridge 9. By reading this information with the device main body 2, the device main body 2 is controlled to notify the user of the need to replace the process cartridge 5 or toner cartridge 9 with a new cartridge.

[0069] Next, the arrangement of the second memory tag 101 and the first memory tag 102 in the axial direction will be described. Here, the axial direction refers to the rotation axis direction (left and right direction) of the photosensitive drum 61 or the rotation axis direction (left and right direction) of the developing roller 71, and will be simply referred to as the axial direction in the following description. In FIG. 21, the second memory tag 101 is arranged on the left side of the lower surface of the process cartridge 5. In FIG. 20, the first memory tag 102 is arranged on the right side of the upper surface of the toner cartridge 9. The toner cartridge 9 has a discharge port 94A as a developer discharge port for discharging toner to the process cartridge 5. The discharge port 94A of the toner cartridge is provided on the right side of the toner cartridge 9. In this way, the discharge port 94A and the first memory tag 102 are arranged on one end side with respect to the center of the toner cartridge 9 in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the toner cartridge 9. "Some member (in this case, the discharge port 94A and the first memory tag 102) is disposed on one end side with respect to the center of the toner cartridge 9 in the axial direction" means that the distance between the end of one end side of the toner cartridge 9 and the member in the axial direction is shorter than the distance between the end of the other end side opposite to the one end side of the toner cartridge 9 and the member in the axial direction. Similarly, "Some member is disposed on the other end side with respect to the center of the toner cartridge 9" means that the distance between the end of the other end side of the toner cartridge 9 and the member in the axial direction is shorter than the distance between the end of the one end side of the toner cartridge 9 and the member in the axial direction. The lift mechanism 760, which is a support member for supporting the toner cartridge 9 on the process cartridge 5, is provided on the left side of the toner cartridge 9. That is, the first memory tag 102 is disposed on the same side as the discharge port 94A with respect to the center of the toner cartridge 9 in the axial direction, and is disposed on the opposite side to the lift mechanism 760. Therefore, in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the toner cartridge 9, the lift mechanism 760 is disposed on the other end side opposite to the one end side with respect to the center of the toner cartridge 9. Note that the second memory tag 104 can also be disposed on the one end side with respect to the center of the toner cartridge 9.

[0070] The arrangement of the first memory tag 102 will be further described with reference to FIG. 22. FIG. 22 is a side view of the cartridge unit 10 as viewed from the right side. As described above, the toner cartridge 9 is attached to the process cartridge 5 by rotating the toner cartridge 9. The position 9 of the toner cartridge 9 before the toner cartridge 9 is p is indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 22. The rotation direction of the toner cartridge 9 is indicated by an arrow S4 in FIG. 22. The rotation direction S4 of the toner cartridge 9 is the mounting direction of the toner cartridge 9 with respect to the process cartridge 5. FIG. 22 shows a position 9r of the toner cartridge 9 when the toner cartridge 9 rotates and is mounted in the process cartridge 5. As can be seen from FIG. 22, when the toner cartridge 9 moves from position 9p to position 9r, the first memory tag 102 moves integrally with the T-side holder L92, the T-side holder R93, and the toner container 910. With the toner cartridge 9 in contact with the process cartridge 5, the toner cartridge 9 moves from position 9p (first position) to position 9r (second position), and the toner cartridge 9 is positioned in the process cartridge 5. In this case, the toner cartridge 9 rotates from position 9p to position 9r in a state where the supported protrusion L92A is supported by the support portion L730 and the supported protrusion R93A is supported by the support portion R731 (the state shown in FIG. 15B). The position 9r (second position) of the toner cartridge 9 when the toner cartridge 9 is positioned relative to the process cartridge 5 is the mounting completion position or positioning position of the toner cartridge 9 relative to the process cartridge 5. In the up-down direction (vertical direction), the position of the first memory tag 102 when the toner cartridge 9 is at position 9r is lower than the position of the first memory tag 102 when the toner cartridge 9 is at position 9p. Also, as can be seen from FIG. 17(a), FIG. 17(b), FIG. 20, and FIG. 22, in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 9, the distance between the rotation center of the toner cartridge 9 (supported protrusion L92A and supported protrusion R93A) and the discharge port 94A is shorter than the distance between the rotation center of the toner cartridge 9 and the first memory tag 102. Furthermore, when the toner cartridge 9 is in position 9r, the first memory tag 102 is located at the highest position in the toner cartridge 9 in the vertical direction. As can be seen from Figures 9 and 22, the first memory tag 102 is located above the upper ends of the left side wall 611 and the right side wall 612 in the vertical direction.

[0071] The first memory tag 102 has a first contact arrangement surface on which the first memory contact 102a is arranged. The device main body 2 has a first main body memory contact 104a that abuts against the first memory contact 102a when the cartridge unit 10 is attached to the device main body 2. The first memory contact 102a has a first memory contact surface that abuts against the first main body memory contact 104a. When the cartridge unit 10 is attached to the device main body 2, the first memory contact 102a receives a pressing force from the first main body memory contact 104a of the device main body 2 and abuts against the first main body memory contact 104a. The direction of this pressing force is indicated by an arrow F1. The pressing force direction F1 is the same direction as the rotation direction S4 when the toner cartridge 9 is attached as described above. In other words, the first memory contact 102a receives a pressing force from the first main body memory contact 104a of the device main body 2, and the toner cartridge 9 is pressed from position 9p toward position 9r. The first memory contact 102a has a first memory contact surface extending parallel to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The first memory contact surface of the first memory contact 102a may be formed at the same height as the first contact arrangement surface of the first memory tag 102. There may be a step between the first contact arrangement surface of the first memory tag 102 and the first memory contact surface of the first memory contact 102a. In the first contact arrangement surface, the normal direction M1 of the first memory contact surface facing the direction in which the first memory contact 102a is exposed faces the opposite direction to the rotation direction S4. That is, the normal direction M1 of the first memory contact surface faces the opposite direction to the direction (rotation direction S4) in which the toner cartridge 9 moves from position 9p (first position) to position 9r (second position). The first contact arrangement surface and the first memory contact surface are parallel. Therefore, the normal direction M1 of the first contact arrangement surface facing the direction in which the first memory contact 102a is exposed faces the opposite direction to the rotation direction S4. That is, the normal direction M1 of the first contact arrangement surface faces in the opposite direction to the direction (rotation direction S4) in which the toner cartridge 9 moves from position 9p (first position) to position 9r (second position). As a result, the pressing force direction F1 and the rotation direction S4 are the same direction.

[0072] Here, the meaning of the same direction and the opposite direction will be explained with reference to Fig. 23. Fig. 23 is a schematic diagram showing the same direction and the opposite direction in the present invention. When two directions are the same direction, does not mean that the two directions are completely in the same direction, but that the two directions have directional components in the same direction. That is, in Fig. 23(a), when the angle between the reference direction B1 and the specific direction is in the range A1 of -90° to 90°, not including -90° and 90°, the two directions are considered to be in the same direction. Note that when the angle between the two directions is in the range A2 of 45° to -45° as in Fig. 23(b), the components in the same direction become stronger, which is more effective in achieving the effects of the present invention described below.

[0073] On the other hand, being in opposite directions means that the two directions have opposite direction components. That is, in Fig. 23(c), when the angle between the reference direction B1 and the predetermined direction is in the range A3 of 90° to -90°, which does not include 90° or -90°, the two directions are considered to be in opposite directions. Note that when the angle between the two directions is in the range A4 of 135° to -135° as shown in Fig. 23(d), the components in the opposite directions become stronger, which is more effective in achieving the effects of the present invention described below.

[0074] Next, the positioning of the cartridge unit 10 in the apparatus main body 2 will be described with reference to Figures 24 and 25. Figure 24 is a perspective view of the cartridge unit 10 as seen obliquely from above. Figure 25 is a side view of the cartridge unit 10 as seen from the right side. The process cartridge 5 of the cartridge unit 10 is provided with a positioned protrusion 105a as a positioned portion and a positioned protrusion 105b as a rotation-stopped portion. The positioned protrusions 105a and 105b are provided at the front and rear of the process cartridge 5 so as to protrude in the axial direction from the left side wall 611 and the right side wall 612 of the frame 610, respectively. With respect to the mounting direction of the process cartridge 5, the positioned protrusion 105a provided on the front side of the process cartridge 5 is provided coaxially with the photosensitive drum 61. As can be understood from FIGS. 12, 15A, 20, and 24, in this embodiment, the first memory tag 102 is attached to the T-side holder R93. However, the first memory tag 102 may be attached to the toner container 910.

[0075] The main body 2 has a guide groove 106 as a positioning portion for supporting the positioned projections 105a and 105b. The guide groove 106 is shown by a dotted line in FIG. 25. The cartridge unit 10 moves backward with respect to the main body 2 and is attached to the main body 2. When the cartridge unit 10 is attached, the positioned projections 105a and 105b pass through the inside of the guide groove 106 along the guide groove 106. When the positioned projections 105a and 105b pass through the inside of the guide groove 106, the upper surface 106a and the lower surface 106b (rotation-stopped portion) of the guide groove 106 restrict the vertical movement of the positioned projections 105a and 105b. This restricts the vertical movement of the cartridge unit 10 relative to the main body 2 when it is attached. Furthermore, when the cartridge unit 10 is in a position in which it is used, the movement of the cartridge unit 10 in the direction of gravity is restricted.

[0076] FIG. 25 shows a state where the cartridge unit 10 is completely mounted to the apparatus main body 2 and positioned in the apparatus main body 2. The guide groove 106 has a positioning groove 106c formed on the rear side of the guide groove 106 in the mounting direction of the process cartridge 5. The positioning groove 106c has a lower surface 106d continuous with the lower surface 106b of the guide groove 106, and a vertical surface 106e extending vertically from the lower surface 106d. A biasing force directed backward and downward is applied to the process cartridge 5 by a biasing member (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 2. This biasing force causes the positioned protrusion 105a to abut against the lower surface 106d and the vertical surface 106e of the positioning groove 106c, and the positioned protrusion 105a is positioned in the guide groove 106. Furthermore, due to this biasing force, the positioned protrusion 105b provided at the rear of the process cartridge 5 comes into contact with the lower surface 106b of the guide groove 106, and the positioned protrusion 105b is positioned in the guide groove 106. By determining the position of the positioned protrusion 105a, the position of the cartridge unit 10 is determined in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 61. On the other hand, by determining the position of the positioned protrusion 105b, the position of the cartridge unit 10 is determined in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 61. The cartridge unit 10 is restricted from rotating around the positioned protrusion 105a. In other words, the attitude of the cartridge unit 10 is determined. More specifically, the positioned protrusion 105a is restricted from moving in the horizontal and vertical directions by the guide groove 106. The positioned protrusion 105b is restricted from moving in the vertical direction by the guide groove 106. In this manner, the cartridge unit 10 is positioned in the apparatus main body 2. The opposite side of the longitudinal direction of the cartridge unit 10 is also positioned by the same configuration. The positioned protrusion 105a may be configured to be biased backward and upward by a biasing member (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 2. In this case, the positioned protrusion 105a comes into contact with the upper surface (opposite to the lower surface 106d) and the vertical surface 106e of the positioning groove 106c by this biasing force, and the positioned protrusion 105a is positioned in the guide groove 106.

[0077] Here, the direction F1 of the pressing force from the first main body memory contact 104a acting on the first memory contact 102a is the same as the direction P1 of the positioning projection 105b abutting against the lower surface 106b of the guide groove 106. That is, the normal direction M1 (the same as the normal direction M1 of the first contact arrangement surface) of the first memory contact surface facing the direction in which the first memory contact 102a is exposed faces the opposite direction to the direction (the direction in which the positioning projection 105b is pressed) P1 in which the positioning projection 105b abuts against the guide groove 106. As a result, the pressing force direction F1 and the positioning direction P1 are the same direction. The positioning projection 105b abuts against the lower surface 106b, and the rotation around the positioning projection 105a is restricted. Also, in FIG. 25, the distance b in the front-rear direction between the position of the positioning projection 105a and the positioning projection 105b is set to be larger than the distance a in the front-rear direction between the position of the positioning projection 105b and the position of the line along the pressing force direction F1. The distance a is equal to the distance in the front-rear direction between the position of the positioned protrusion 105b and the position where the first memory contact 102a and the first main body memory contact 104a contact each other. That is, the relationship in the front-rear direction between the position of the positioned protrusion 105a, the position of the positioned protrusion 105b, and the position of the line along the pressing force direction F1 is distance a<distance b. Also, in the front-rear direction, the position where the first memory contact 102a and the first main body memory contact 104a contact each other is located farther from the positioned protrusion 105a than the positioned protrusion 105b. Furthermore, as can be seen from FIG. 25, the distance between the first memory contact 102a and the positioned protrusion 105a is longer than the distance between the positioned protrusion 105b and the positioned protrusion 105a.

[0078] The effects of the first embodiment are described below. First, the effects of the arrangement of the first memory tag 102 in the axial direction are described. The first memory tag 102 is provided on the same side as the discharge port 94A of the toner cartridge 9 in the axial direction, and on the opposite side to the lift mechanism 760 of the toner cartridge 9. Since the lift mechanism 760 is a part that is directly operated by the user who uses the printer (image forming device), it is necessary to keep the lift mechanism 760 clean so as not to soil the user's hands. For this reason, the lift mechanism 760 is disposed on the opposite side of the discharge port 94A in the axial direction so as to separate the lift mechanism 760 from the discharge port 94A of the toner cartridge 9, which is prone to toner stains.

[0079] Furthermore, if the first memory contact 102a becomes dirty, there is a risk that the information transmission between the device body 2 and the first memory tag 102 will become unstable, and so it is necessary to prevent the first memory contact 102a from becoming dirty. Therefore, by arranging the first memory tag 102 on the opposite side of the lift mechanism 760 in the axial direction, it is possible to prevent the first memory contact 102a from becoming dirty when the user accidentally touches the first memory contact 102a while operating the lift mechanism 760.

[0080] As described above, usability can be improved by preventing the user's hands from being stained with toner. Furthermore, by preventing the user from accidentally touching the first memory contact 102a, staining of the first memory contact 102a can be prevented, and the information between the device main body 2 and the first memory tag 102 can be easily exchanged. The transmission can be carried out reliably.

[0081] Next, the effect of the arrangement of the first memory tag 102 in the cross-sectional direction perpendicular to the axial direction will be described. The first memory tag 102 is arranged so that the direction F1 of the pressing force that the first memory contact 102a receives from the first main body memory contact 104a of the device main body 2 is the same as the rotation direction S4 when the toner cartridge 9 is mounted. The pressing force from the first main body memory contact 104a can stably press the toner cartridge 9 in the mounting direction (rotation direction S4) to the process cartridge 5. This can improve the positional accuracy of the toner cartridge 9 relative to the process cartridge 5. The improved positional accuracy of the toner cartridge 9 improves the positional accuracy of the first memory contact 102a relative to the first main body memory contact 104a, so that the two can be reliably electrically connected and the reliability of information transmission can be improved.

[0082] Next, another effect of the configuration of the first embodiment will be described. As described above, the lift mechanism 760 has a function of preventing the toner cartridge 9 from coming off the process cartridge 5. Therefore, on the side where the lift mechanism 760 is arranged in the axial direction, the lift mechanism 760 can ensure the positional accuracy of the toner cartridge 9 relative to the process cartridge 5. On the other hand, when the first memory tag 102 is arranged on the side where the lift mechanism 760 is not arranged in the axial direction, the first memory tag 102 stably presses the toner cartridge 9 in the mounting direction (rotation direction S4) by the pressing force on the first memory contact 102a instead of the lift mechanism 760. The pressing force on the first memory contact 102a can ensure the positional accuracy of the toner cartridge 9 relative to the process cartridge 5. This ensures that the first memory contact 102a and the first main body memory contact 104a are electrically connected reliably, improving the reliability of information transmission.

[0083] Furthermore, the effect of the arrangement of the first memory tag 102 will be described. The first memory tag 102 is arranged so that the direction F1 of the pressing force that the first memory contact 102a receives from the first main body memory contact 104a is the same as the direction P1 in which the positioned protrusion 105b abuts against the guide groove 106, which is a positioning portion of the apparatus main body 2. This allows the positioned protrusion 105b of the process cartridge 5 to reliably abut against the lower surface 106b of the guide groove 106 by the pressing force, so that the process cartridge 5 can be more reliably positioned in the apparatus main body 2.

[0084] In FIG. 25, the relationship in the front-rear direction between the positions of the positioned protrusions 105a, 105b, and the position of the line along the pressing force direction F1 is distance a<distance b. The pressing force that the first memory contact 102a receives from the first main body memory contact 104a generates a rotation moment in the upward direction indicated by the arrow S5 in FIG. 25 in the positioned protrusion 105a, with the abutment position of the positioned protrusion 105b and the guide groove 106 as a fulcrum. As described above, a downward and rearward biasing force is applied to the cartridge unit 10 by a biasing member (not shown) provided in the main body 2 of the apparatus for positioning the cartridge unit 10 in the main body 2 of the apparatus. However, if the force of the rotation moment S5 acting in the direction opposite to the biasing force is large, the positioning of the cartridge unit 10 may become unstable. Therefore, the relationship in the front-rear direction between the positions of the positioned protrusions 105a, 105b, and the position of the line along the pressing force direction F1 is distance a<distance b. Therefore, the force of the rotational moment (S5) can be suppressed to a small value with respect to the pressing force that the first memory contact 102a receives from the first main body memory contact 104a. This makes it possible to stabilize the positioning of the cartridge unit 10 in the device main body 2. As described above, the pressing force of the first main body memory contact 104a generates a moment in a direction that urges the positioned protrusion 105a upward. Therefore, when the positioned protrusion 105a is given an upward and rearward urging force to position the cartridge unit 10, the pressing force of the first main body memory contact 104a assists in the upward positioning of the positioned protrusion 105a. It is possible.

[0085] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described in detail. Unless otherwise specified, the second embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used for the same configuration as the first embodiment, and detailed description will be omitted.

[0086] The arrangement of the memory tag will be described with reference to Figs. 26 and 27. Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the cartridge unit 10 when viewed obliquely from above, and Fig. 27 is a perspective view of the cartridge unit 10 when viewed obliquely from below. As shown in Fig. 27, the second memory tag 107 is provided on the right side of the lower surface of the process cartridge 5. The cartridge unit 10 has the second memory tag 107 as the second storage member of the process cartridge 5 and the first memory tag 102 as the first storage member of the toner cartridge 9. The second memory tag 107 in the second embodiment is smaller than the second memory tag 101 in the first embodiment described above. The number of the second memory contacts 101a in the second embodiment is two, which is less than the number of the second memory contacts 101a described above. The second memory tag 107 in the second embodiment is capable of storing and transmitting various information, similar to the second memory tag 101 described above.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 26, the first memory tag 102 is provided on the left side of the top surface of the toner cartridge 9. The discharge port 94A of the toner cartridge 9 and the electrical contacts 720A and 720B of the process cartridge 5 are provided on the right side of the cartridge unit 10. That is, the first memory tag 102 is provided on the opposite side in the axial direction to the discharge port 94A of the toner cartridge 9 and the electrical contacts 720A and 720B of the process cartridge. Therefore, in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the toner cartridge 9, the discharge port 94A is disposed on one end side with respect to the center of the toner cartridge 9, and the first memory tag 102 is disposed on the other end side opposite to the one end side with respect to the center of the toner cartridge 9. In addition, in the axial direction, the second memory tag 107 is disposed on one end side with respect to the center of the cartridge unit 10. In the front-rear and left-right directions, the position of the first memory tag 102 in this embodiment is the same as the position of the first memory tag 102 in the first embodiment. 26, the first memory tag 102 is disposed at a position away from the discharge port forming member 94 and the discharge-side shutter 95. In this embodiment, as can be seen from Figures 12, 15A, and 26, the first memory tag 102 is attached to the T-side holder L92. However, the first memory tag 102 may also be attached to the toner container 910.

[0088] The effects of the second embodiment will be described below. In the second embodiment, by using the miniaturized second memory tag 107, it is possible to install the second memory tag 107 in a small space of the process cartridge 5. In addition, by arranging the first memory tag 102 on the opposite side in the axial direction to the discharge port 94A of the toner cartridge 9 and separating the first memory tag 102 from the discharge port 94A which is easily stained with toner, it is possible to prevent the first memory contact 102a from being stained with toner. Furthermore, the first memory tag 102 is arranged on the opposite side in the axial direction to the electrical contacts 720A and 720B and separated from the electrical contacts 720A and 720B. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the influence of electrical noise generated from the electrical contacts 720A and 720B. This can improve the stability of information transmission.

[0089] Another configuration of the second embodiment will be described. The memory tags may be arranged as follows. As shown in FIG. 26, the first memory tag 102 may be provided on the left side of the top surface of the toner cartridge 9, and the second memory tag 101 may be provided on the left side of the bottom surface of the process cartridge 5, as shown in FIG. 21. In this way, the second memory tag 101 and the first memory tag 102 may be arranged on the left side of the bottom surface of the process cartridge 5. Since the second memory tag 107 can be provided on the opposite side of the electrical contacts 720A and 720B in the axial direction, it is possible to avoid the influence of electrical noise generated from the electrical contacts 720A and 720B. This improves the stability of information transmission. In other words, the second memory tag 107 can be disposed on the other end side of the center of the toner cartridge 9.

[0090] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, differences from the above-mentioned embodiments will be described in detail. Unless otherwise specified, the third embodiment has the same configuration as each embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used for the same configuration as each embodiment, and detailed description will be omitted.

[0091] The arrangement of the memory tag will be described with reference to FIG. 28. FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the cartridge unit 10 when viewed obliquely from above. The toner cartridge 9 has an end face (right end face in FIG. 28) extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction at an end in the axial direction (right end face in FIG. 28). In this embodiment, the right end face extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 9. However, the right side surface may be inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 9. The first memory tag 102 is installed on the right end face of the toner cartridge 9 so that the first contact arrangement face and the first memory contact face of the first memory contact 102a face rightward in the axial direction. That is, the first contact arrangement face and the first memory contact face of the first memory contact 102a are arranged so that they face the outside of the toner cartridge 9 in the axial direction. The first memory contact 102a is arranged at a position recessed into the inside of the cartridge unit 10 toward the left in the axial direction. Also, similarly to the second embodiment, in the axial direction, the first memory tag 102 is disposed on one end side with respect to the center of the cartridge unit 10, and the second memory tag 107 is disposed on the other end side opposite the one end side with respect to the center of the cartridge unit 10. As can be seen from Figures 12, 15A and 28, the first memory tag 102 is attached to the T-side holder R93. Note that the second memory tag 107 can also be disposed on one end side with respect to the center of the toner cartridge 9.

[0092] Figure 29 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cartridge unit 10 is mounted in the device main body 2 and the first memory contact 102a is in contact with the first main body memory contact 104a. After the cartridge unit 10 is mounted in the device main body 2, the first main body memory contact 104a is moved leftward in the axial direction (the direction of the arrow C1 in Figure 29) by a mechanism (not shown) provided in the device main body 2. This makes it possible to satisfactorily electrically connect the first memory contact 102a and the first main body memory contact 104a.

[0093] The effects of the third embodiment will be described. The first memory tag 102 is installed on the side end surface of the toner cartridge 9 so that the first contact arrangement surface and the first memory contact surface of the first memory contact 102a face in the axial direction. This eliminates the need to place the first memory tag 102 on the upper surface of the toner cartridge 9. This allows the cartridge unit 10 and the device main body 2 to be downsized in the vertical direction. Downsizing the device main body 2 in the vertical direction is particularly effective in downsizing the entire device in the vertical direction in a multifunction printer in which a document reading device is installed on the top of the device main body 2.

[0094] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, differences from the above-mentioned embodiments will be described in detail. Unless otherwise specified, the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as each embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used for the same configuration as each embodiment, and detailed description will be omitted.

[0095] The arrangement of the memory tag will be described with reference to Figs. 30 and 31. Fig. 30 is a perspective view of the cartridge unit 10 as viewed obliquely from above. Fig. 31 is a front view of the cartridge unit 10 as viewed from the mounting direction. As in the third embodiment, the toner cartridge 9 has an end face (right end face in Fig. 30) extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction at the end in the axial direction (right end face in Fig. 30). As in the third embodiment, the first memory tag 102 is installed on the right end face of the toner cartridge 9 so that the first contact arrangement face and the first memory contact face of the first memory contact 102a face rightward in the axial direction. Also, the first memory tag 102 is installed so that the first memory contact 102a is located at the outermost side of the cartridge unit 10 in the axial direction as viewed from the mounting direction of the cartridge unit 10. To be precise, in the area through which the first memory tag 102 passes when the cartridge unit 10 is mounted, the first memory contact 102a is located at the outermost position of the cartridge unit 10 in the axial direction. Explaining with reference to FIG. 31, an area A1 is defined as an area in which the first memory contact 102a is provided perpendicular to the axial direction when viewed from the mounting direction of the cartridge unit 10. At this time, the first memory contact 102a is installed so that the first memory contact 102a is located further rightwardly outward than the outermost position P2 on the right side of the axial direction of the cartridge unit 10 excluding the first memory tag 102 in the area A1. That is, the first memory contact 102a is located at the most protruding position of the toner cartridge 9 or the cartridge unit 10 toward the outside in the axial direction. Note that, outside the area through which the first memory tag 102 passes when the cartridge unit 10 is mounted, there may be a portion located outwardly in the axial direction from the first memory contact 102a. Furthermore, there may be a portion located axially outward of the first memory contact 102a in the upstream region of the first memory tag 102 in the mounting direction of the cartridge unit 10. As can be seen from Figures 12, 15A, and 30, the first memory tag 102 is attached to the T-side holder R93.

[0096] FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing a state in the middle of mounting the cartridge unit 10 to the device main body 2. FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing a state in which the cartridge unit 10 is mounted to the device main body 2 and the first memory contact 102a contacts the first main body memory contact 104a. In this way, the first memory contact 102a contacts the first main body memory contact 104a by moving the cartridge unit 10 in the mounting direction (arrow S1 direction) when mounting the cartridge unit 10. This electrically connects the first memory contact 102a to the first main body memory contact 104a. In the fourth embodiment, unlike the third embodiment described above, the device main body 2 is not provided with a mechanism for moving the first main body memory contact 104a in the C1 direction (see FIG. 29). However, like the third embodiment, the device main body 2 may be provided with a mechanism for moving the first main body memory contact 104a in the C1 direction (see FIG. 29).

[0097] Next, the positioning of the first main body memory contact 104a will be described with reference to Figs. 30, 32, and 33. The first main body memory contact 104a is configured to be movable in the vertical direction. As shown in Fig. 30, the toner cartridge 9 is provided with a positioning groove 108 which is a positioning portion of the first main body memory contact 104a. The positioning groove 18 determines the position of the first main body memory contact 104a. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 32, the device main body 2 is provided with a positioned protrusion 109 which is a positioned portion that engages with the positioning groove 108. By the engagement of the positioning groove 108 and the positioned protrusion 109 shown in Fig. 33, the first main body memory contact 104a is positioned with respect to the first memory contacts 102a in the up-down direction (vertical direction) in which the multiple first memory contacts 102a are arranged. The first main body memory contacts 104a are positioned relative to the first memory contacts 102a so that the first memory contacts 102a are aligned in a row and the first main body memory contacts 104a are aligned in a row in the vertical direction when the cartridge unit 10 is in a position for use. More specifically, the first main body memory contacts 104a are positioned in a direction intersecting with the mounting direction of the cartridge unit 10 and with the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 61.

[0098] The effects of the fourth embodiment are described below. The first memory tag 102 is installed on the toner cartridge 9 so that the first memory contact 102a is located at the outermost side of the cartridge unit 10 in the axial direction when viewed from the mounting direction of the cartridge unit 10. This allows the first memory contact 102a and the first main body memory contact 104a to be satisfactorily electrically connected by the action of mounting the cartridge unit 10 to the device main body 2. With this configuration, there is no need to provide a movement mechanism for the first main body memory contact 104a as in the third embodiment, and therefore the configuration of the device main body 2 can be simplified.

[0099] In addition, the toner cartridge 9 is provided with a positioning portion for the first main body memory contact 104a. This improves the positioning accuracy between the first memory contact 102a and the first main body memory contact 104a, so that information can be transmitted reliably. Furthermore, the improved positioning accuracy allows the size of the first contact arrangement surface and the first memory contact surface of the first memory contact 102a to be reduced, so that the overall outer shape of the first memory tag 102 can be reduced. In addition, the positioning of the first memory contact 102a and the first main body memory contact 104a is performed in the direction in which the multiple first memory contacts 102a are arranged. This allows the multiple first memory contacts 102a to be reduced in size, so that the first memory tag 102 can be more effectively reduced in size.

[0100] [Fifth embodiment] Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. In the fifth embodiment, differences from the above-mentioned embodiments will be described in detail. Unless otherwise specified, the fifth embodiment has the same configuration as each embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used for the same configuration as each embodiment, and detailed description will be omitted.

[0101] The arrangement of the memory tag will be described with reference to FIG. 34. FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the cartridge unit 10 when viewed obliquely from above. As in the third and fourth embodiments, the toner cartridge 9 has an end face (right end face in FIG. 34) extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction at the end in the axial direction (right end face in FIG. 34). As in the third and fourth embodiments, the first memory tag 110 is installed on the right end face of the toner cartridge 9 so that the first contact arrangement face and the first memory contact face of the first memory contact 110a face rightward in the axial direction. That is, the first contact arrangement face and the first memory contact face of the first memory contact 110a face outward in the axial direction. The first memory tag 110 in the fifth embodiment is smaller than the first memory tag 102 in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, and the number of the first memory contacts 110a in the fifth embodiment is smaller than the number of the first memory contacts 102a. Similarly to the first memory tag 102, the first memory tag 110 of the fifth embodiment is capable of storing and transmitting various information.

[0102] <Memory tag support> The support structure of the first memory tag 110 will be described with reference to Figures 35 and 36. Figure 35 is a perspective view showing a state in the middle of mounting the cartridge unit 10 to the device main body 2. Figure 36 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the cartridge unit 10 has been mounted to the device main body 2 and the first memory contact 110a has come into contact with the first main body memory contact 111a.

[0103] 36, the first memory tag 110 is supported by a memory support base 112 as a support part, using fixing means such as double-sided tape. The memory support base 112 has a fixing part 112a that fixes the first memory tag 110, and a regulating part 112b formed so as to protrude in the up-down direction and the front-rear direction. The toner cartridge 9 has a T-side holder R93 and a memory cover 113 fixed to the T-side holder R93 by fixing means such as a screw (not shown). The T-side holder R93 and the memory cover 113 are an example of a first frame.

[0104] The first memory tag 110 supported by the memory support base 112 is exposed to the outside through a hole 113a formed in the memory cover 113. The hole 113a is formed to be larger than the outer shape of the memory support base 112, so that the memory support base 112 can move in the up-down and front-rear directions relative to the side holder R93 and the memory cover 113. The restricting portion 112b of the memory support base 112 is disposed in a space A2 provided between the T-side holder R93 and the memory cover 113. In the axial direction, the left-right width B1 of the restricting portion 112b is formed to be smaller than the width B2 of the space between the T-side holder R93 and the memory cover 113.

[0105] A compression spring 114 is provided between the memory support base 112 and the T-side holder R93 so as to press the memory support base 112 to the right. When the cartridge unit 10 is not attached to the device main body 2, the urging force of the compression spring 114 causes the regulating portion 112b of the memory support base 112 to come into contact with the inner surface of the memory cover 113, and the movement of the memory support base 112 to the right is restricted. When an external force F2 larger than the urging force of the compression spring 114 is applied to the memory support base 112 in the left direction, the regulating portion 112b of the memory support base 112 comes into contact with the outer surface of the T-side holder R93, and the movement of the memory support base 112 to the left is restricted. On the other hand, the movement of the memory support base 112 in the up-down direction and the front-rear direction is restricted by the abutment of the hole portion 113a of the memory cover 113 and the memory support base 112.

[0106] As described above, the memory support base 112 can move in three directions, namely, the up-down direction, the front-back direction, and the left-right direction, with respect to the toner cartridge 9, but the memory support base 112 is supported so that the movement is restricted to a predetermined amount. For example, the axial direction is the first direction (left-right direction), the direction perpendicular to the first direction (left-right direction) is the second direction (up-down direction), and the direction perpendicular to the second direction (up-down direction) is the third direction (front-back direction). Also, for example, the axial direction is the first direction (left-right direction), the direction perpendicular to the first direction (left-right direction) is the second direction (front-back direction), and the direction perpendicular to the second direction (front-back direction) is the third direction (up-down direction). In these cases, the memory support base 112 is configured to be movable in each of the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction with respect to the side holder R93 and the memory cover 113.

[0107] Next, the positioning configuration of the first memory tag 110 will be described with reference to Figs. 35 and 36. The device body 2 is provided with a first memory contact holder 111 that supports a first body memory contact 111a. The first memory contact holder 111 is formed with an inclined inner wall surface 111b so as to surround the first body memory contact 111a. The memory support base 112 has an inclined surface 112c formed to abut against the inclined inner wall surface 111b in order to position the memory support base 112 relative to the first memory contact holder 111. The inclined surface 112c is formed so as to surround the fixed portion 112a of the memory support base 112.

[0108] When the cartridge unit 10 is mounted in the apparatus main body 2, as shown in FIG. 36, the inclined surface 112c of the memory support base 112 abuts against the inclined inner wall surface 111b of the first memory contact holder 111 due to the biasing force of the compression spring 114. Then, the first memory contact 110a abuts against the first main body memory contact 111a with the first memory contact 110a being positioned relative to the first main body memory contact 111a. At this time, a gap is formed between the memory support base 112 and the hole 113a of the memory cover 113 in the up-down direction and the front-rear direction. Also, a gap is formed between the regulating portion 112b of the memory support base 112 and each of the T-side holder R93 and the memory cover 113 in the left-right direction. As a result, the memory support base 112 is positioned relative to the first memory contact holder 111 in the up-down direction, the front-rear direction, and the left-right direction. In this manner, the first memory contact 110a and the first main body memory contact 111a are accurately positioned relative to each other in the three directions of up-down, front-rear, and left-right.

[0109] The effects of the fifth embodiment are described below. The memory support base 112 of the first memory tag 110 is supported so as to be movable in three directions, namely, the up-down direction, the front-rear direction, and the left-right direction, relative to the toner cartridge 9. Then, when the cartridge unit 10 is mounted, the memory support base 112 supporting the first memory tag 110 is positioned in three directions relative to the first memory contact holder 111. That is, the first memory contact 110a and the first main body memory contact 111a are positioned with high accuracy relative to each other in three directions. This can improve the positioning accuracy of the first memory contact 110a and the first main body memory contact 111a in the up-down direction and the front-rear direction in which the first contact arrangement surface and the first memory contact surface 110b of the first memory contact 110a extend. Therefore, the first memory contact 110a and the first main body memory contact 111a can be reliably electrically connected to improve the reliability of information transmission. Furthermore, by improving the positioning accuracy, the sizes of the first contact arrangement surface and the first memory contact surface 110b can be reduced, so that the first memory tag 110 can be made smaller.

[0110] In addition, the positioning accuracy of the first memory contact 110a and the first main body memory contact 111a can be improved in the left-right direction that is the normal direction of the first contact arrangement surface and the first memory contact surface 110b of the first memory contact 110a. Therefore, the contact pressure between the first memory contact 110a and the first main body memory contact 111a can be made appropriate, and damage to each contact when they come into contact can be suppressed, thereby improving the reliability of information transmission.

[0111] [Sixth embodiment] Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. In the sixth embodiment, differences from the above-mentioned embodiments will be described in detail. Unless otherwise specified, the sixth embodiment has the same configuration as each embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used for the same configuration as each embodiment, and detailed description will be omitted.

[0112] The arrangement of the memory tag will be described with reference to Figs. 37 and 38. Figs. 37 and 38 are perspective views of the toner cartridge 9 and the cartridge unit 10, respectively, when viewed obliquely from below. A protruding portion 115 that protrudes downward is formed on the T-side holder L92 of the toner cartridge 9. The first memory tag 110 is installed on the tip of the protruding portion 115 so that the first contact arrangement surface and the first memory contact surface 110b of the first memory contact 110a face downward. The first memory tag 110 is provided on the left side of the toner cartridge 9. In addition, the toner cartridge 9 has the above-mentioned discharge port 94A provided on the right side of the toner cartridge 9. Therefore, in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the toner cartridge 9, the discharge port 94A is disposed on one end side with respect to the center of the toner cartridge 9, and the first memory tag 110 is disposed on the other end side opposite to the one end side with respect to the center of the toner cartridge 9.

[0113] Fig. 38 shows the state of the cartridge unit 10 with the toner cartridge 9 attached to the process cartridge 5. The first memory tag 110 is positioned so that the first memory contact 110a is exposed to the outside from an opening 116 formed in the frame 610 of the process cartridge 5. The second memory tag 101 and the first memory tag 110 are provided on the left side of the bottom surface of the cartridge unit 10, as shown in Fig. 38.

[0114] The arrangement of the first memory tag 110 will be further described with reference to Figure 39. Figure 39 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge unit 10 as viewed from the left side. As described above, the toner cartridge 9 is attached to the process cartridge 5 by rotating the toner cartridge 9 relative to the process cartridge 5. The position 9p of the toner cartridge 9 before rotation is indicated by a dotted line in Figure 39. The rotation direction of the toner cartridge 9 is indicated by an arrow S4 in Figure 39. The rotation direction S4 of the toner cartridge 9 is the mounting direction of the toner cartridge 9 relative to the process cartridge 5. The position of the toner cartridge 9 when the toner cartridge 9 is rotated and attached to the process cartridge 5 is as follows: Position 9r is shown in Figure 39. With the toner cartridge 9 in contact with the process cartridge 5, the toner cartridge 9 moves from position 9p (first position) to position 9r (second position) and is positioned relative to the process cartridge 5. The position 9r (second position) of the toner cartridge 9 when it is positioned relative to the process cartridge 5 is the mounting completion position or positioning position of the toner cartridge 9 relative to the process cartridge 5.

[0115] The first memory tag 110 has a first contact arrangement surface on which the first memory contact 110a is arranged. The device main body 2 has a first main body memory contact 104a that abuts against the first memory contact 110a when the cartridge unit 10 is attached to the device main body 2. The first memory contact 110a has a first memory contact surface that abuts against the first main body memory contact 104a. The first memory contact 110a has a first memory contact surface 110b that extends parallel to the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The first memory contact surface 110b of the first memory contact 110a may be formed at the same height as the first contact arrangement surface of the first memory tag 110. There may be a step between the first contact arrangement surface of the first memory tag 110 and the first memory contact surface 110b of the first memory contact 110a. The first contact arrangement surface of the first memory tag 110 and the first memory contact surface 110b of the first memory contact 110a are exposed from an opening 116 of the process cartridge 5.

[0116] The normal direction M1 of the first contact arrangement surface and the first memory contact surface 110b facing the direction in which the first memory contact 110a is exposed faces the same direction with respect to the rotation direction S4. That is, the first contact arrangement surface and the first memory contact surface 110b are arranged so as to face the same direction as the direction in which the toner cartridge 9 is mounted (rotation direction S4). Therefore, the normal direction M1 of the first contact arrangement surface and the first memory contact surface 110b faces the direction in which the toner cartridge 9 faces from the position 9p (first position) to the position 9r (second position) (rotation direction S4). In other words, the first contact arrangement surface of the first memory tag 110 and the first memory contact surface 110b of the first memory contact 110a face the direction in which the toner cartridge 9 faces from the position 9p (first position) to the position 9r (second position) (rotation direction S4).

[0117] Next, the mounting of the cartridge unit 10 into the device main body 2 will be described with reference to Figures 39 and 40. Figure 40 is a side view showing the relationship between the cartridge unit 10 and the mounting guide. When the cartridge unit 10 is mounted into the device main body 2, as shown in Figure 39, the second memory contact 101a of the second memory tag 101 is electrically connected to the second main body memory contact 103a on the device main body 2 side, and information is transmitted. Also, when the cartridge unit 10 is mounted into the device main body 2, as shown in Figure 39, the first memory contact 110a of the first memory tag 110 is electrically connected to the first main body memory contact 104a on the device main body 2 side, and information is transmitted.

[0118] FIG. 40 shows, by a dotted line, a guide groove 106 which is a guide for mounting the cartridge unit 10 to the main body 2 of the apparatus. The positioned projections 105a and 105b provided on the cartridge unit 10 are guided by the guide groove 106, and the cartridge unit 10 is mounted to the main body 2 of the apparatus. The guide groove 106 is formed as a groove shape through which the positioned projections 105a and 105b can pass, and has an upper surface 106a and a lower surface 106b. The lower surface 106b of the guide groove 106 is formed with an inclined surface 106f for guiding the cartridge unit 10 downward as the cartridge unit 10 is mounted to the back of the main body 2 of the apparatus when the cartridge unit 10 is mounted. As the cartridge unit 10 is guided downward by the inclined surface 106f of the guide groove 106, the second memory contact 101a and the first memory contact 110a come into contact with the second main body memory contact 103a and the first main body memory contact 104a, respectively.

[0119] The effects of the sixth embodiment will be described below. The effects of the arrangement of the first memory tag 110 in the axial direction will be described. The first memory tag 110 has a toner capacity of 1000 to 15000 in the axial direction. The toner discharge port 94A is disposed on the opposite side of the cartridge 9. This makes it possible to prevent the first memory contact 110a from being stained with toner.

[0120] Next, the effect of the arrangement of the first memory tag 110 in the cross-sectional direction perpendicular to the axial direction will be described. The first contact arrangement surface and the first memory contact surface 110b are arranged so as to face the same direction as the direction in which the toner cartridge 9 is mounted (rotation direction S4). The frame 610 of the process cartridge 5 in which the toner cartridge 9 is mounted is located in the mounting direction of the toner cartridge 9. In order to expose the first memory contact surface 110b facing the mounting direction of the toner cartridge 9 to the outside from the frame 610, an opening 116 is formed in the frame 610. In this way, the first memory contact surface 110b is exposed downward from the cartridge unit 10 and can abut against the first main body memory contact 104a of the device main body 2.

[0121] As described above, when the cartridge unit 10 is mounted in the device main body 2, it is guided backward and downward by the mounting guide (guide groove 106) and mounted in the device main body 2. Since the first memory contact surface 110b is disposed on the lower surface of the cartridge unit 10, the first memory contact surface 110b comes into contact with the first main body memory contact 104a by the operation of mounting the cartridge unit 10. This allows the first memory contact 110a and the first main body memory contact 104a to be electrically connected well. According to the configuration of the sixth embodiment, there is no need to provide a mechanism for moving the first main body memory contact 104a in the device main body 2 in order to bring the first main body memory contact 104a into contact with the first memory contact surface 110b, so the configuration of the device main body 2 can be simplified.

[0122] [Seventh embodiment] Next, the seventh embodiment will be described. In the seventh embodiment, the differences from the above-mentioned embodiments will be described in detail. Unless otherwise specified, the seventh embodiment has the same configuration as the above-mentioned embodiments, so the same reference numerals are used for the same configuration as the above-mentioned embodiments, and detailed description will be omitted.

[0123] The arrangement of the memory tag will be described with reference to Figs. 41 and 42. Figs. 41 and 42 are perspective views of the toner cartridge 9 and the cartridge unit 10, respectively, when viewed obliquely from below. As shown in Fig. 41, the first memory tag 110 is installed on the T-side holder L92 of the toner cartridge 9 so that the first contact arrangement surface and the first memory contact surface 110b of the first memory contact 110a face downward. The first memory tag 110 is provided on the left side of the toner cartridge 9. In addition, the toner cartridge 9 has the above-mentioned discharge port 94A provided on the right side of the toner cartridge 9. Therefore, in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the toner cartridge 9, the discharge port 94A is disposed on one end side with respect to the center of the toner cartridge 9, and the first memory tag 110 is disposed on the other end side opposite to the one end side with respect to the center of the toner cartridge 9.

[0124] 42, the second memory tag 101 is provided on the left side of the bottom surface of the cartridge unit 10. Also, a second relay contact 117c which is electrically connected to the first main body memory contact 104a when the cartridge unit 10 is mounted in the device main body 2 is provided on the left side of the bottom surface of the cartridge unit 10. The second relay contact 117c will be described in detail later.

[0125] <Memory tag relay contact> The relay contact 117 of the memory tag will be described with reference to FIG. 43. FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge unit 10. FIG. 43 shows a state in which the toner cartridge 9 is mounted in the developing unit 7 of the process cartridge 5 constituting the cartridge unit 10, and further shows a state in which the cartridge unit 10 is mounted in the main body 2 of the apparatus. The relay contact 117 is a current The relay contact 117 is provided in the image unit 7. The relay contact 117 has a first relay contact 117a which is a connection portion with the first memory contact 110a, an extension portion 117b which extends downward from the first relay contact 117a, and a second relay contact 117c which is a connection portion with the device main body 2. The first relay contact 117a and the second relay contact 117c are electrically connected by the extension portion 117b.

[0126] The second relay contact 117c is disposed so that the second relay contact 117c is exposed to the outside from an opening 116 formed in the frame 610 of the process cartridge 5. This allows the second relay contact 117c to be electrically connected to the first main body memory contact 104a of the apparatus main body 2. As a result, the first memory contact 110a is electrically connected to the first main body memory contact 104a via the relay contact 117. This allows information stored in the first memory tag 110 to be transmitted to the apparatus main body 2.

[0127] The effects of the seventh embodiment are described below. The effects of the arrangement of the first memory contact 110a and the relay contact 117 in the axial direction are described. The first memory contact 110a and the relay contact 117 are provided on the opposite side of the discharge port 94A of the toner cartridge 9 in the axial direction. This makes it possible to prevent the first memory contact 110a and the relay contact 117 from being stained with toner, and ensures information transmission with the device main body 2.

[0128] Next, the effect of the arrangement of the second relay contact 117c in the cross-sectional direction perpendicular to the axial direction will be described. The second relay contact 117c is arranged on the lower surface of the cartridge unit 10. Therefore, similar to the sixth embodiment described above, the second relay contact 117c and the first main body memory contact 104a can be satisfactorily electrically connected by the action of mounting the cartridge unit 10.

[0129] Next, the effect of providing the relay contact 117 will be described. In the sixth embodiment described above, the toner cartridge 9 is provided with a protruding portion 115 in order to expose the first memory contact 110a provided on the toner cartridge 9 to the outside through the opening 116 formed in the frame 610 of the process cartridge 5. The first memory tag 110 is provided at the tip of the protruding portion 115. The reason for this arrangement is that the toner cartridge 9 and the opening 116 are far apart. In the seventh embodiment, the relay contact 117 is provided between the toner cartridge 9 and the opening 116, so there is no need to provide the protruding portion 115 on the toner cartridge 9, and the toner cartridge 9 can be made smaller. In addition, the miniaturization of the toner cartridge 9 allows for a reduction in costs, including the logistics costs, of the toner cartridge 9 that is shipped and sold as a single product.

[0130] [Eighth embodiment] Next, an eighth embodiment will be described. In the eighth embodiment, differences from the above-mentioned embodiments will be described in detail. Unless otherwise specified, the eighth embodiment has the same configuration as each embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used for the same configuration as each embodiment, and detailed description will be omitted.

[0131] The arrangement of the memory tag will be described with reference to FIG. 44. FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the cartridge unit 10 as viewed obliquely from below. As shown in FIG. 44, the second memory tag 101 is provided on the left side of the lower surface of the cartridge unit 10. On the other hand, the first memory tag 110 is provided on the right side of the lower surface of the cartridge unit 10. The first memory tag 110 is installed on the lower surface of the toner cartridge 9 such that the first contact arrangement surface and the first memory contact surface 110b face downward, as in the sixth embodiment. The first contact arrangement surface and the first memory contact surface 110b are exposed from the opening 116 of the frame 610. That is, in the left-right direction, the first memory tag 110 is arranged on one end side with respect to the center of the cartridge unit 10, and the second memory tag 101 is arranged on the other end side with respect to the center of the cartridge unit 10. It should be noted that the second memory tag 101 can also be disposed on one end side of the center of the toner cartridge 9.

[0132] According to the eighth embodiment, the second memory tag 101 and the first memory tag 110 are disposed on the lower surface of the cartridge unit 10, as in the sixth embodiment. Therefore, the second memory contact 101a and the first memory contact 110a can be electrically connected well to the second main body memory contact 103a and the first main body memory contact 104a, respectively, by the operation when the cartridge unit 10 is attached. As another configuration related to the eighth embodiment, the first memory contact 110a may be the second relay contact 117c as in the seventh embodiment. Even in this way, the information of the first memory tag 110 can be transmitted well to the device main body 2.

[0133] [Ninth embodiment] Next, a ninth embodiment will be described. In the ninth embodiment, differences from the above-mentioned embodiments will be described in detail. Unless otherwise specified, the ninth embodiment has the same configuration as each embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used for the same configuration as each embodiment, and detailed description will be omitted.

[0134] FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge unit 10 according to the ninth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 45, a cover member 202, a waste toner unit 210, and a corona charger 68 are provided on a frame 201 of the photoconductor unit 6. The corona charger 68 is provided with a wire member 68a as a metal member and a frame 68b as a metal member, and bias voltages of different voltages are applied to each of them from the apparatus main body 2. The developing unit 7 is provided with a second memory tag 101 as a second memory member, and the toner cartridge 9 is provided with a first memory tag 102 as a first memory member. Here, the photoconductor unit 6 and the developing unit 7 mounted and integrated are referred to as a process cartridge 5.

[0135] A through hole 911b is provided in both side walls in the left-right direction of the container member 911 of the toner cartridge 9, and the through hole 911b is covered with a transparent cover member 920. The T-side holder L92 and the T-side holder R93 (see FIG. 12) of the toner cartridge 9 are provided with a holder L through hole 92g and a holder R through hole 93b (see FIG. 56), respectively, which are coaxial with the through hole 911b.

[0136] The configuration of waste toner unit 210 will be described with reference to Figures 46(a), (b) and 47(a), (b). Figures 46(a) and (b) are perspective views of waste toner unit 210. Figures 47(a) and (b) are exploded perspective views of waste toner unit 210. Waste toner unit 210 includes waste toner container 212, container lid 211, collection roller 62 as a first roller, peeling roller 250 as a second roller, and biasing member 240. Collection roller 62 has a metal shaft covered with a conductive sponge member as a roller portion. Moreover, both the shaft portion and the roller portion of peeling roller 250 are made of metal as a single unit.

[0137] The collection roller 62 is rotatably supported by having its shaft portions at both ends supported by the first shaft hole 212d and the second shaft hole 212e of the waste toner container 212. The stripping roller 250 is rotatably supported by having its shaft portions at both ends supported by the third shaft hole 212c and the fourth shaft hole 212f of the waste toner container 212. The surfaces of the collection roller 62 and the stripping roller 250 are in contact with each other (see FIG. 45). After the collection roller 62 and the stripping roller 250 are assembled into the waste toner container 212, the container lid 211 is fixed to the waste toner container 212.

[0138] A collection roller gear 232 and a stripping roller gear 231 are fixed to the left shafts of the collection roller 62 and the stripping roller 250, respectively. A support shaft 212b is provided on the wall, and a first idler gear 230 is rotatably supported on the support shaft 212b. The first idler gear 230 meshes with a photosensitive member gear (first gear) 65 (see FIG. 8) provided on the photosensitive drum 61 to transmit a driving force. The driving force from the photosensitive drum 61 is transmitted in this order to the first idler gear 230, the stripping roller gear 231, and the collection roller gear 232, and the collection roller 62 and the stripping roller 250 are rotated.

[0139] A collection roller electrode 220 and a peeling roller electrode 221 made of conductive resin are rotatably and slidably fixed to the right shafts of the collection roller 62 and the stripping roller 250, respectively. Two fixing protrusions 212g are provided on the outside of the rear side wall of the waste toner container 212, and a biasing member 240 is fixed to each of them. The sealing sheet 260 is a sheet-like plastic member, and is provided below the opening 212a of the waste toner container 212. One end of the sealing sheet 260 is fixed to the waste toner container 212, and the other end abuts against the collection roller 62.

[0140] Attachment of the waste toner unit 210 to the photosensitive unit 6 will be described with reference to FIG. 48. FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the photosensitive unit 6 and the waste toner unit 210. As shown in FIG. 48, the waste toner unit 210 is attached through an opening 201a of a frame 201 of the photosensitive unit 6. Thereafter, a lid member 202 is attached to the frame 201, and the waste toner unit 210 is mounted on the photosensitive unit 6. The waste toner unit 210 is held by a rail (not shown) provided on the frame 201 so as to be movable toward the photosensitive drum 61. In addition, the biasing member 240 abuts against the abutment wall 201b of the frame 201 (see FIG. 45), and the pressing force biases the collection roller 62 toward the photosensitive drum 61, causing the surface of the collection roller 62 to abut against the surface of the photosensitive drum 61.

[0141] A predetermined voltage is applied to the collection roller 62 and the peeling roller 250 from the apparatus body 2 via a collection roller electrode 220 and a peeling roller electrode 221, respectively. The collection roller 62 collects paper powder and toner adhering to the surface of the photosensitive drum 61. The peeling roller 250 peels off paper powder and toner adhering to the surface of the collection roller 62. The peeled off toner is collected in the waste toner container 212. The seal sheet 260 prevents the collected toner from leaking from between the collection roller 62 and the lower part of the opening 212a of the waste toner container 212.

[0142] Figures 49 and 50 are perspective views of the cartridge unit 10 according to the ninth embodiment. As shown in Figure 49, a first memory tag 102 is provided on the upper surface on the side of the discharge port 94A (see Figure 13) of the toner cartridge 9. As shown in Figure 50, a second memory tag 101 is provided on the lower part on the side of the development coupling 710 (see Figures 4 and 9) of the development unit 7.

[0143] The arrangement of components of the cartridge unit 10 according to the ninth embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 51 to 54. Figs. 51 to 54 are cross-sectional views of the cartridge unit 10. As shown in Fig. 51, a drum cylinder (aluminum tube) 61a of the photosensitive drum 61 and a metal frame 68a of the corona charger 68 are provided in a projection range (range between lines L1 and L2) of the collection roller 62 onto the outer shape of the first memory tag 102 in the cross-sectional direction. The aluminum tube 61a and the metal frame 68a are made of metal. When viewed along the axial direction, the line segment L1 is a tangent (first tangent) that passes through one end of the first memory tag 102 and is tangent to the collection roller 62, and the line segment L2 is a tangent (second tangent) that passes through the other end of the first memory tag 102 and is tangent to the collection roller 62. The aluminum tube 61a of the photosensitive drum 61 and the metal frame 68a of the corona charger 68 overlap in an area defined or surrounded by the line segments L1, L2, the first memory tag 102, and the collection roller 62.

[0144] With the configuration shown in FIG. 51, electromagnetic noise is generated from the collection roller 62 powered by the main body 2 of the apparatus. Even if electromagnetic noise is generated, it is electromagnetically blocked by the metallic aluminum tube 61a and metal frame 68a from traveling toward the first memory tag 102. This reduces electromagnetic noise originating from the collection roller 62 and radiated toward the first memory tag 102, stabilizing the operation of the first memory tag 102.

[0145] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 51, an aluminum base tube 61a is provided in a projection range (range between line segments L3 and L4) from the collection roller 62 to the outer shape of the second memory tag 101 in the cross-sectional direction. When viewed along the axial direction, the line segment L3 is a tangent line passing through one end of the second memory tag 101 and tangent line to the collection roller 62, and the line segment L4 is a tangent line passing through the other end of the second memory tag 101 and tangent line to the collection roller 62. The aluminum base tube 61a of the photosensitive drum 61 overlaps an area partitioned or surrounded by the line segments L3, L4, the second memory tag 101, and the collection roller 62. With the configuration shown in FIG. 51, even if electromagnetic noise is generated from the collection roller 62 powered by the device body 2, the electromagnetic noise heading toward the second memory tag 101 is electromagnetically shielded by the metallic aluminum base tube 61a. Therefore, the electromagnetic noise radiated to the second memory tag 101 from the collection roller 62 is reduced, and the operation of the second memory tag 101 becomes stable.

[0146] As shown in Fig. 52, the aluminum tube 61a is provided in a projection range (range between line segments L5 and L6) from the contact portion N1 of the collection roller 62 and the photosensitive drum 61 onto the outer shape of the first memory tag 102 in the cross-sectional direction. The collection roller 62 contacts the photosensitive drum 61 at the contact portion N1 (first contact point). When viewed along the axial direction, the line segment L5 is a straight line (first straight line) connecting one end of the first memory tag 102 and the contact portion N1, and the line segment L6 is a straight line (second straight line) connecting the other end of the first memory tag 102 and the contact portion N1. The aluminum tube 61a overlaps the area partitioned or surrounded by the line segments L5, L6, and the first memory tag 102. 52, even if electromagnetic noise is generated from the contact portion N1 between the collection roller 62 powered by the apparatus main body 2 and the photosensitive drum 61, the electromagnetic noise directed toward the first memory tag 102 is electromagnetically shielded by the aluminum tube 61a. Therefore, the electromagnetic noise radiated to the first memory tag 102 from the contact portion N1 between the collection roller 62 and the photosensitive drum 61 is reduced, and the operation of the first memory tag 102 is stabilized.

[0147] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 52, an aluminum tube 61a is provided in a projection range (range between line segments L7 and L8) from the contact portion N1 of the collection roller 62 and the photosensitive drum 61 to the outer shape of the second memory tag 101 in the cross-sectional direction. When viewed along the axial direction, the line segment L7 is a straight line connecting one end of the second memory tag 101 and the contact portion N1, and the line segment L8 is a straight line connecting the other end of the second memory tag 101 and the contact portion N1. The aluminum tube 61a overlaps an area partitioned or surrounded by the line segments L7, L8, and the second memory tag 101. With the configuration shown in FIG. 52, even if electromagnetic noise is generated from the contact portion N1 of the collection roller 62 and the photosensitive drum 61, which is powered by the device main body 2, the electromagnetic noise heading toward the second memory tag 101 is electromagnetically shielded by the aluminum tube 61a. Therefore, electromagnetic noise radiated to the second memory tag 101 from the contact portion N1 between the collection roller 62 and the photosensitive drum 61 is reduced, and the operation of the second memory tag 101 becomes stable.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 53, the metal frame 68a of the corona charger 68 is provided in the projection range (range between lines L9 and L10) from the peeling roller 250 onto the outer shape of the first memory tag 102 in the cross-sectional direction. The peeling roller 250 abuts against the collection roller 62. When viewed along the axial direction, the line segment L10 is a tangent (third tangent) that passes through one end of the first memory tag 102 and is tangent to the peeling roller 250, and the line segment L9 is a tangent (fourth tangent) that passes through the other end of the first memory tag 102 and is tangent to the peeling roller 250. The metal frame 68a of the corona charger 68 overlaps the area partitioned or surrounded by the line segments L9, L10, the first memory tag 102, and the peeling roller 250. In the configuration shown in FIG. 53, With this configuration, even if electromagnetic noise is generated from the peeling roller 250 powered by the device body 2, the electromagnetic noise directed toward the first memory tag 102 is electromagnetically shielded by the metal frame 68a. Therefore, the electromagnetic noise radiated to the first memory tag 102 from the peeling roller 250 is reduced, and the operation of the first memory tag 102 becomes stable.

[0149] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 53, an aluminum blank tube 61a is provided in a projection range (range between line segments L11 and L12) from the peeling roller 250 onto the outer shape of the second memory tag 101 in the cross-sectional direction. When viewed along the axial direction, the line segment L11 is a tangent line passing through one end of the second memory tag 101 and tangent to the peeling roller 250, and the line segment L12 is a tangent line passing through the other end of the first memory tag 102 and tangent to the peeling roller 250. The aluminum blank tube 61a overlaps an area partitioned or surrounded by the line segments L11, L12, the second memory tag 101, and the peeling roller 250. With the configuration shown in FIG. 53, even if electromagnetic noise is generated from the peeling roller 250 powered by the device body 2, the electromagnetic noise heading toward the second memory tag 101 is electromagnetically shielded by the aluminum blank tube 61a. Therefore, the electromagnetic noise radiated to the second memory tag 101 from the peeling roller 250 is reduced, and the operation of the second memory tag 101 becomes stable.

[0150] As shown in FIG. 54, the metal frame 68a is provided in a projection range (range between line segments L13 and L14) from the contact portion N2 of the peeling roller 250 and the collection roller 62 to the outer shape of the first memory tag 102 in the cross-sectional direction. The peeling roller 250 contacts the collection roller 62 at the contact portion N2 (second contact point). When viewed along the axial direction, the line segment L13 is a straight line (third straight line) connecting one end of the first memory tag 102 and the contact portion N2, and the line segment L14 is a straight line (fourth straight line) connecting the other end of the first memory tag 102 and the contact portion N2. The metal frame 68a overlaps the area partitioned or surrounded by the line segments L13, L14, and the first memory tag 102. 54, even if electromagnetic noise is generated from the contact portion N1 between the peeling roller 250 powered by the device body 2 and the collection roller 62, the electromagnetic noise directed toward the first memory tag 102 is electromagnetically shielded by the metal frame 68a. Therefore, the electromagnetic noise radiated to the first memory tag 102 from the contact portion N2 between the peeling roller 250 and the collection roller 62 is reduced, and the operation of the first memory tag 102 is stabilized.

[0151] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 54, the aluminum tube 61a is provided in a projection range (range between line segments L15 and L16) from the contact portion N2 of the peeling roller 250 and the collection roller 62 to the outer shape of the second memory tag 101 in the cross-sectional direction. When viewed along the axial direction, the line segment L15 is a straight line connecting one end of the first memory tag 102 and the contact portion N2, and the line segment L16 is a straight line connecting the other end of the first memory tag 102 and the contact portion N2. The aluminum tube 61a overlaps the area partitioned or surrounded by the line segments L15, L16, and the first memory tag 102. With the configuration shown in FIG. 54, even if electromagnetic noise is generated from the contact portion N2 of the peeling roller 250 and the collection roller 62 powered by the device body 2, the electromagnetic noise heading toward the second memory tag 101 is electromagnetically shielded by the aluminum tube 61a. Therefore, electromagnetic noise radiated to the second memory tag 101 from the contact portion N2 between the peeling roller 250 and the collection roller 62 is reduced, and the operation of the second memory tag 101 becomes stable.

[0152] The arrangement of parts of the cartridge unit 10 according to the ninth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 55. Figure 55 is a view of the cartridge unit 10 as seen from above. For ease of explanation, some parts are omitted in Figure 55. As shown in Figure 55, the first memory tag 102 is arranged inwardly (in the range of arrow W1 in Figure 55) from both ends of the aluminum tube 61a of the photosensitive drum 61 in the axial direction (left-right direction of the cartridge unit 10). Similarly, the first memory tag 102 is arranged inwardly (in the range of arrow W2 in Figure 55) from both ends of the metal frame 68a of the corona charger 68 in the axial direction.

[0153] Furthermore, the roller portions of the collection roller 62 and the peeling roller 250 are disposed inside both ends of the aluminum tube 61a of the photosensitive drum 61 (in the range of the arrow W1 in FIG. 55). Similarly, they are disposed inside both ends of the metal frame 68a of the corona charger 68 (in the range of the arrow W2 in FIG. 55). This configuration provides electromagnetic shielding against electromagnetic noise radiation from the collection roller 62 and the peeling roller 250 and from the contact portions N1 and N2 of the rollers to the first memory tag 102 described above in all left and right directions. This stabilizes the operation of the first memory tag 102.

[0154] The second memory tag 101 may be disposed in the same position in the left-right direction as the first memory tag 102. This configuration provides electromagnetic shielding against electromagnetic noise radiation from all positions in the left-right direction originating from the collection roller 62 and the peeling roller 250, and from the contact portions N1 and N2 of the respective rollers. This stabilizes the operation of the second memory tag 101.

[0155] Here, a configuration for detecting the toner amount of the toner cartridge 9 will be described. As shown in FIG. 48, a side holder through hole 719b is provided in the side holder 719 of the developing unit 7, and a receiving port cover through hole 774d is provided in the receiving port cover 774. FIG. 56 is a schematic cross-sectional view in the left-right direction of the toner amount detection portion of the cartridge unit 10. The side holder through hole 719b, the receiving port cover through hole 774d, the through hole 911b of the container member 911 (see FIG. 45), the holder L through hole 92g, and the holder R through hole 93b are arranged coaxially in the left-right direction in FIG. 56. When the cartridge unit 10 is attached to the apparatus main body 2, a light emitting element 280 is provided on one end side of the toner container 910, and a light receiving element 281 is provided on the other end side of the toner container 910. Light from the light emitting element 280 passes through the toner container 910 of the toner cartridge 9 and is detected by the light receiving element 281.

[0156] The amount of light detected by the light receiving element 281 and the change over time of the light amount change depending on the amount of remaining toner T stirred in the toner container 910. The amount of remaining toner T in the toner cartridge 9 can be detected by the change in the detected light of the light receiving element 281. With this configuration, when the amount of toner in the toner cartridge 9 is running low, the user can be notified and prompted to replace the toner cartridge 9. In addition, the first memory tag 102 stores information related to the amount of toner T contained in the toner cartridge 9.

[0157] [Tenth embodiment] Next, a tenth embodiment will be described. In the tenth embodiment, differences from the above-mentioned embodiments will be described in detail. Unless otherwise specified, the tenth embodiment has the same configuration as the other embodiments, so the same reference numerals are used for the same configuration as the other embodiments, and detailed description will be omitted. In the tenth embodiment, the arrangement of the first memory tag 102 in the ninth embodiment is changed.

[0158] FIG. 57 is a perspective view of the cartridge unit 10 according to the tenth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 57, the first memory tag 102 is provided on the top surface of the toner cartridge 9 on the opposite side to the side where the discharge port 94A (see FIG. 13) of the toner cartridge 9 is located in the vertical direction. The position of the first memory tag 102 in the cross-sectional direction is the same as that of the ninth embodiment (see FIGS. 51 to 54). This configuration can prevent the first memory tag 102 from being soiled by toner scattered from the discharge port 94A when the user installs or removes the toner cartridge 9 in the process cartridge 5. This can prevent the transmission of information between the first memory tag 102 and the device main body 2 from becoming unstable due to toner soiling of the first memory contact 102a. In addition, since the arrangement of parts in the cross-sectional direction is the same as that of the ninth embodiment, electromagnetic shielding is performed against electromagnetic noise radiation from the collection roller 62 and the peeling roller 250.

[0159] In the tenth embodiment, the first memory tag 102 is provided on the opposite side to the recovery roller electrode 220 (see FIG. 48) and the stripping roller electrode 221 (see FIG. 48) in the left-right direction (axial direction). When the electrodes (not shown) of the device main body 2 come into contact with the recovery roller electrode 220 and the stripping roller electrode 221, the power supply unit receives power supplied to the recovery roller 62 and the stripping roller 250 from the device main body 2. The power supply unit is provided on the opposite side to the first memory tag 102 in the left-right direction (axial direction). In the axial direction, the power supply unit is disposed at one end side with respect to the center of the cartridge unit 10, and the first memory tag 102 is disposed at the other end side opposite to the one end side with respect to the center of the cartridge unit 10. This configuration allows the distance between the power supply unit and the first memory tag 102 to be increased. In this way, even if electromagnetic noise occurs at the electrode contact portion, the distance from the source to the first memory tag 102 is large, so that the effect of the electromagnetic noise on the first memory tag 102 can be reduced. Therefore, the operation of the first memory tag 102 is stable. [Explanation of symbols]

[0160] 5: process cartridge, 9: toner cartridge, 10: cartridge unit, 62: photosensitive drum, 71: developing roller, 102: first memory tag, 102a: first memory contact

Claims

1. a first unit including a photosensitive drum, a developing roller, a first support portion, and a second support portion; a second unit configured to be detachable from the first unit, having a first supported portion supported by the first support portion, a second supported portion supported by the second support portion, and a first memory member that stores information, and supplies developer to the first unit, the first memory member having a first memory element, a first memory contact electrically connected to the first memory element, and a first contact arrangement surface on which the first memory contact is arranged; having the second unit is configured to rotate from a first position to a second position in a state in which the first supported portion is supported by the first supporting portion and the second supported portion is supported by the second supporting portion, and is positioned relative to the first unit; the second unit rotates from the first position to the second position such that the first supported portion and the second supported portion become a rotation center of the second unit; A cartridge unit, characterized in that the normal direction of the first contact placement surface facing the direction in which the first memory contact is exposed faces in the opposite direction to the direction in which the second unit moves from the first position to the second position.

2. the second unit has a developer discharge port for discharging the developer to the first unit, 2. The cartridge unit according to claim 1, wherein the developer discharge port and the first storage member are disposed on one end side with respect to a center of the second unit in a longitudinal direction of the second unit.

3. the first unit has an operating member that moves the second unit in a direction to be detached from the first unit, 3. The cartridge unit according to claim 2, wherein the operation member is disposed on the other end side opposite to the one end side with respect to the center of the second unit in the longitudinal direction of the second unit.

4. the second unit has a developer discharge port for discharging the developer to the first unit, The cartridge unit described in claim 1, characterized in that, in the longitudinal direction of the second unit, the developer discharge port is located at one end side with respect to the center of the second unit, and the first memory member is located at the other end side opposite the one end side with respect to the center of the second unit.

5. A cartridge unit detachably attached to a main body of an image forming apparatus, the main body having a positioning portion and a rotation stopper portion, the cartridge unit comprising: a first unit having a photosensitive drum and a developing roller; a second unit configured to be detachable from the first unit, having a first memory member for storing information, and supplying a developer to the first unit, the first memory member having a first memory element, a first memory contact electrically connected to the first memory element, and a first contact arrangement surface on which the first memory contact is arranged; a positioned portion that abuts against the positioning portion; a rotation-stopped portion that abuts against the rotation-stopping portion to restrict rotation around the positioned portion; having The first contact arrangement surface is configured to be in a direction in which the rotation-stopped portion is pressed against the rotation stopper portion. and facing in the opposite direction.

6. the second unit has a developer discharge port for discharging the developer to the first unit, 6. The cartridge unit according to claim 5, wherein the developer discharge port and the first storage member are disposed on one end side with respect to a center of the second unit in a longitudinal direction of the second unit.

7. a support member provided on the first unit for supporting the second unit on the first unit; 7. The cartridge unit according to claim 6, wherein the support member is disposed on the other end side opposite the one end side with respect to the center of the second unit in the longitudinal direction of the second unit.

8. the second unit has a developer discharge port for discharging the developer to the first unit, The cartridge unit described in claim 5, characterized in that, in the longitudinal direction of the second unit, the developer discharge port is located at one end side with respect to the center of the second unit, and the first memory member is located at the other end side opposite the one end side with respect to the center of the second unit.

9. 6. The cartridge unit according to claim 5, wherein a distance between said first memory contact and said positioned portion is longer than a distance between said positioned portion and said rotation-stopped portion.

10. 10. A cartridge unit according to claim 1, wherein the first memory member is disposed on a top surface of the second unit when the cartridge unit is in a position for use.

11. A cartridge unit detachably mountable to a main body of an image forming apparatus, a first unit having a photosensitive drum and a developing roller; a second unit configured to be detachable from the first unit, having a first memory member for storing information, and supplying a developer to the first unit, the first memory member having a first memory element, a first memory contact electrically connected to the first memory element, and a first contact arrangement surface on which the first memory contact is arranged; having The second unit is configured to be detachable from the device body in a state where the second unit is attached to the first unit, the second unit has an end surface at an end in a rotational axis direction of the developing roller, the end surface extending in a direction intersecting the rotational axis direction, A cartridge unit, wherein the first storage member is disposed on the end surface.

12. 12. A cartridge unit according to claim 11, wherein the first memory contact is disposed at a position that protrudes most outward in the direction of the rotation axis.

13. the apparatus main body has a main body memory contact that comes into contact with the first memory contact when the cartridge unit is attached to the apparatus main body, 12. The cartridge unit according to claim 11, wherein the second unit has a positioning portion for determining a position of the main body memory contact.

14. The second unit supports a first frame and the first storage member, and is configured to be fixed to the first frame. a support part movable relative to the support part, The cartridge unit described in claim 11, characterized in that when the direction of the rotation axis is a first direction, a direction perpendicular to the first direction is a second direction, and a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is a third direction, the support portion is configured to be movable in each of the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction relative to the first frame body.

15. a first unit having a photosensitive drum and a developing roller; a second unit configured to be detachable from the first unit, having a first memory member for storing information, and supplying a developer to the first unit, the first memory member having a first memory element, a first memory contact electrically connected to the first memory element, and a first contact arrangement surface on which the first memory contact is arranged; having the second unit is configured to move from a first position to a second position in contact with the first unit and be positioned relative to the first unit; the first contact arrangement surface faces a direction in which the second unit moves from the first position to the second position; A cartridge unit, wherein the first unit has an opening that exposes a first contact arrangement surface.

16. the second unit has a developer discharge port for discharging the developer to the first unit, With respect to a longitudinal direction of the second unit, the developer discharge port is disposed on one end side with respect to a center of the second unit, and the first storage member is disposed on the other end side with respect to the center of the second unit, the other end side being opposite to the one end side. A cartridge unit according to claim 15.

17. the second unit has a developer discharge port for discharging the developer to the first unit, With respect to the longitudinal direction of the second unit, the developer discharge port and the first storage member are disposed on one end side with respect to the center of the second unit. A cartridge unit according to claim 15.

18. 18. The cartridge unit according to claim 15, wherein the first memory member is disposed on a bottom surface of the second unit when the cartridge unit is in an orientation for use.

19. the first unit has a second storage member for storing information; 19. A cartridge unit according to claim 1, wherein the second memory member has a second memory element and a second memory contact electrically connected to the second memory element.

20. A cartridge unit as described in claim 19, characterized in that, in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge unit, the first memory member is arranged on one end side with respect to the center of the cartridge unit, and the second memory member is arranged on the other end side opposite the one end side with respect to the center of the cartridge unit.

21. a first unit including a photosensitive drum, a developing roller, a transfer roller, a metal member, and a first roller that contacts the photosensitive drum; A second unit is configured to be detachable from the first unit, has a first storage member for storing information, and supplies developer to the first unit, the first storage member being a first storage element. a second unit having a first memory contact electrically connected to the first memory element; having A cartridge unit characterized in that, when viewed along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, a tangent line that passes through one end of the first memory member and is tangent to the first roller is defined as a first tangent line, and a tangent line that passes through the other end of the first memory member and is tangent to the first roller is defined as a second tangent line, wherein at least a portion of the metal member or the photosensitive drum overlaps an area surrounded by the first tangent line, the second tangent line, the first memory member, and the first roller.

22. the first roller abuts against the photosensitive drum at a first abutment point; A cartridge unit as described in claim 21, characterized in that when, when viewed along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, a straight line connecting the one end of the first memory member and the first abutment point is defined as a first straight line, and a straight line connecting the other end of the first memory member and the first abutment point is defined as a second straight line, at least a portion of the metal member or the photosensitive drum overlaps an area surrounded by the first straight line, the second straight line, and the first memory member.

23. a second roller in contact with the first roller; A cartridge unit as described in claim 21 or 22, characterized in that when, when viewed along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, a tangent that passes through one end of the first memory member and is tangent to the second roller is defined as a third tangent, and a tangent that passes through the other end of the first memory member and is tangent to the first roller is defined as a fourth tangent, at least a portion of the metal member or the photosensitive drum overlaps an area surrounded by the third tangent, the fourth tangent, the first memory member, and the second roller.

24. the second roller abuts against the first roller at a second abutment point; The cartridge unit described in claim 23, characterized in that when, when viewed along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum, a straight line connecting the one end of the first memory member and the second abutment point is defined as a third straight line, and a straight line connecting the other end of the first memory member and the second abutment point is defined as a fourth straight line, at least a portion of the metal member or the photosensitive drum overlaps an area surrounded by the third straight line, the fourth straight line, and the first memory member.

25. 25. The cartridge unit according to claim 21, wherein the first memory member is provided on an inner side of a corona charger or both ends of the photosensitive drum in the axial direction.

26. the second unit has a developer discharge port for discharging the developer to the first unit, 26. The cartridge unit according to claim 21, wherein the developer discharge port and the first memory member are disposed on one end side with respect to a center of the second unit in a longitudinal direction of the second unit.

27. the second unit has a developer discharge port for discharging the developer to the first unit, A cartridge unit described in any one of claims 21 to 25, characterized in that, in the longitudinal direction of the second unit, the developer discharge port is arranged on one end side with respect to the center of the second unit, and the first memory member is arranged on the other end side opposite the one end side with respect to the center of the second unit.

28. a power supply unit that receives power to be supplied to the first roller from a main body of the device; The power supply unit is disposed at one end of the cartridge unit in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum.

26. The cartridge unit according to claim 21, wherein the first memory member is disposed on the first end side of the cartridge unit, and the first memory member is disposed on the other end side of the cartridge unit.

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