Image forming device

Abstract

To provide, in an image forming apparatus that has a developing cartridge provided with a memory medium mounted on a cartridge tray, a technology that can prevent an increase in size of the image forming apparatus or ensure a larger capacity of developer in the developing cartridge.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus is used which comprises: a main body; a developing cartridge that has a housing, a memory medium, a memory medium unit, a developer carrier, and a projection in a longitudinal direction of a developer carrier; and a tray that has a frame body, an image carrier, a guide member provided at one end in the longitudinal direction, an electric contact part with the memory medium, and a memory unit support part. The guide member includes a portion that functions as the memory unit support part, and a downstream part that is located downstream of the memory unit support part in the mounting direction of the developing cartridge. The memory unit support part guides the projection to the downstream part when the developing cartridge is mounted on the frame body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a developing cartridge. [Background technology]

[0002] Electrophotographic image forming devices such as laser printers and LED printers are well known. These image forming devices utilize a system in which a developer cartridge, which includes a container containing developer, is detachably attached to the device body. Furthermore, some developer cartridge-based image forming devices are equipped with a cartridge tray for attaching the developer cartridge. This allows users to easily replace the developer cartridge by pulling the cartridge tray out of the image forming device body. The cartridge tray includes a photosensitive drum facing the developing roller of the developer cartridge. The developing roller supplies developer to the photosensitive drum to develop a latent image. An image is formed by supplying toner from the developer cartridge via the developing roller to the photosensitive drum, which has been charged and selectively exposed to light. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an image forming device having a cartridge tray to which a developer cartridge can be detachably attached.

[0003] A developer cartridge may be provided with a memory medium that stores information about the developer cartridge. The information about the developer cartridge includes yield information, such as the number of pages that can be printed, and information indicating the amount of developer remaining. This information is used by the control unit of the image forming apparatus main body to control the apparatus and manage the lifespan of the developer cartridge. When a memory chip, such as a contact-type IC chip, is used as the memory medium, information about the cartridge is communicated between the memory medium and the control unit of the image forming apparatus main body by bringing electrical contacts on the memory medium into contact with electrical contacts on the cartridge tray or the main body of the apparatus. For example, Patent Document 2 describes a memory medium that stores information about the cartridge. Patent Document 2 describes a technique in which information relating to such a developing cartridge is stored in a memory means provided in a side folder of the cartridge in an image forming apparatus and used for control. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-008977 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-062053 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When the developer cartridge has a memory medium and information on the memory medium is read via contacts on the cartridge tray, the cartridge tray must be provided with an engagement portion and contacts for the memory medium of the developer cartridge. The cartridge tray must also be provided with a tray communication portion for communicating with the image forming apparatus main body. The main body must also be provided with a main body-side metal terminal for communicating with the tray-side metal terminal. Therefore, space is required in the cartridge tray or developer cartridge to arrange the information communication components, which may result in an increase in the size of the image forming apparatus. Alternatively, instead of increasing the size of the apparatus, it is necessary to secure the component arrangement space by reducing the size of the cartridge tray or developer cartridge. However, for example, if the component arrangement space is secured by reducing the size of the developer cartridge, there is a risk of problems such as a reduction in the amount of developer that can be accommodated in the developer cartridge.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a technology that prevents the size of an image forming device from increasing or that can ensure a larger developer capacity in a developing cartridge in an image forming device in which a developing cartridge equipped with a memory medium is attached to a cartridge tray.

[0007] In view of the above problems, a further object of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables the miniaturization of memory medium units.

[0008] Since the developing roller is a component exposed to the outside of the developer cartridge when in use, the developing roller is sometimes covered with a protective member to prevent damage during transport. Furthermore, the electrical contacts of the memory chip are also located in a position exposed to the outside of the developer cartridge, so they are sometimes covered with a protective member to prevent damage during transport. However, providing multiple protective members to protect the developing roller and the electrical contacts increases the time and effort required to remove multiple protective members, resulting in reduced usability. Furthermore, there are concerns that a user may forget to remove one protective member, or that a user may come into contact with the electrical contacts while removing one protective member after removing the other.

[0009] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a developing cartridge that can improve usability.

[0010] In this image forming apparatus, a memory means is attached to the developer cartridge, and a control unit provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus reads and writes information from and to the memory means. A contact-type IC chip is suitable as the memory means from the standpoints of performance and cost. Communication between the control unit and the memory means is enabled by electrical contacts of the memory connection means on the main body side, which is electrically connected to the control unit, coming into contact with electrical contacts on the cartridge side, which is electrically connected to the memory means. However, in such a configuration in which the memory means attached to the developer cartridge and the memory connection means attached to the image forming apparatus main body are in contact at the electrical contacts, there is a risk of friction occurring between the memory means and the memory connection means when the relative position between the image forming apparatus main body and the developer cartridge changes. Such a change in relative position occurs, for example, when the photosensitive drum arranged on the main body and the developing roller arranged on the developer cartridge are separated from each other.

[0011] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for reducing wear on memory means that stores information about developing cartridges. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The present invention employs the following configuration: An image forming apparatus, The main body and A developer cartridge that contains a developer, The housing and a memory medium provided in the housing and configured to store information relating to the developing cartridge; and a memory medium unit supporting the memory medium; a developer carrier that carries the developer; a protruding portion protruding along the longitudinal direction from a part of the housing intersecting the longitudinal direction of the developer carrier; a developer cartridge having the The device is movable between a storage position where it is stored in the main body and a pulled-out position where it is pulled out from the main body. A movable tray, a frame into which the developing cartridge can be attached; an image carrier provided to face the developer carrier when the developer cartridge is attached to the frame, on which an electrostatic latent image is formed and on which the developer is supplied from the developer carrier to the electrostatic latent image; a guide member provided at a position corresponding to one end of the developer cartridge in the longitudinal direction when the developer cartridge is mounted in the frame, and guiding the protrusion; and an electrical contact portion that abuts and is electrically connected to the memory medium when the developer cartridge is mounted in the frame. a memory unit support portion that supports the memory medium unit when the developing cartridge is attached to the frame; a tray having It is equipped with the guide member includes a portion that functions as the memory unit support portion that supports the memory medium unit when the developer cartridge is attached to the frame, and a downstream portion that is located downstream of the memory unit support portion in the attachment direction of the developer cartridge, the memory unit support portion guides the protrusion toward a surface of the downstream portion that abuts against the developer cartridge when the developer cartridge is attached to the frame body; The image forming apparatus is characterized by the above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, in an image forming device in which a developer cartridge equipped with a memory medium is attached to a cartridge tray, a technology can be provided that prevents the image forming device from becoming larger in size or that can ensure a larger developer capacity in the developer cartridge.

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention can provide a technology that enables the memory medium unit to be made smaller.

[0015] Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a developing cartridge that can improve usability.

[0016] Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique for reducing wear on memory means for storing information about developing cartridges. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] Schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the placement of the cartridge tray. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating how to mount a developing cartridge on a cartridge tray. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of the cartridge tray and developing cartridge [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a guide portion and a memory unit support portion of the cartridge tray. [Figure 6] A top view and a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the configuration of the cartridge tray [Figure 7] A perspective view of the developing cartridge as seen from the non-drive side [Figure 8] A perspective view and a configuration diagram of the developing cartridge as seen from the drive side [Figure 9] Configuration diagram of the memory tag unit provided in the developing cartridge [Figure 10A] Schematic cross-sectional view showing the state before the developer cartridge is installed [Figure 10B] Schematic cross-sectional view showing the state of the developing cartridge being installed [Figure 10C] Schematic cross-sectional view showing the development cartridge in a fully installed state [Figure 10D] Schematic cross-sectional view showing the developer cartridge in a separated state [Figure 11] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a modified example of a guide member provided in the cartridge tray; FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is another schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the guide member provided in the cartridge tray; [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is another schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the guide member provided in the cartridge tray; [Figure 14] 10A is a perspective view showing a state in which a developing roller cover is attached to a developing cartridge of a second embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the developing roller cover. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the shape of the developing roller cover on the drive side according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the removal of the developing roller cover according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing an example of the positional relationship between the memory tag unit and the memory tag protection portion of the developing roller cover according to the second embodiment. [Figure 18] 10 is a perspective view of a cartridge tray and a developing cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the cartridge guide portion, the memory guide portion, and the memory unit support portion in the third embodiment. [Figure 20]10 is a schematic diagram of a cartridge tray according to a third embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 21] 10 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge according to the third embodiment, seen from the non-drive side; [Figure 22] A perspective view and a configuration diagram of a developing cartridge according to a third embodiment, as viewed from the drive side. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a memory tag unit of a developing cartridge according to a third embodiment. [Figure 24A] 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state before the developer cartridge of the third embodiment is mounted; [Figure 24B] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which a developing cartridge according to a third embodiment is being installed; [Figure 24C] 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the development cartridge of the third embodiment is completely mounted; [Figure 24D] 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a separated state of the developing cartridge according to the third embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus and a developing cartridge according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cartridge tray and a developing cartridge according to a fourth embodiment; [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge according to a fourth embodiment; [Figure 28] Another perspective view of the developing cartridge according to the fourth embodiment [Figure 29] Behavior diagram of a developing cartridge when inserted into a cartridge tray according to a fourth embodiment [Figure 30] Another diagram showing the behavior of the developing cartridge when it is inserted into the cartridge tray according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 31] 10 is a diagram showing the behavior of a developing cartridge attached to a cartridge tray according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 32] Behavior diagram of the memory tag connector unit according to the fourth embodiment [Figure 33] 10 is a diagram illustrating behavior when a separating operation according to the fourth embodiment is performed. [Figure 34] 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a memory tag connector unit according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 35]10 is a diagram showing the behavior of the memory tag connector unit according to the fourth embodiment during the separation operation. [Figure 36] 10 is a block diagram of a memory tag unit according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 37] 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a memory tag connector unit according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 38] 10 is a diagram showing the behavior of the memory tag connector unit according to the fifth embodiment during the separation operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] In the following description, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail by way of example with reference to the drawings and embodiments. However, the functions, materials, shapes, relative positions, etc. of the components described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the functions, materials, shapes, etc. of components that have already been described in the following description are the same as those described in the initial description unless otherwise specified.

[0019] In the following description, the direction extending along the drum axis (rotation axis) of the photosensitive drum of the cartridge tray is referred to as the "first direction, longitudinal direction, or longitudinal." The direction intersecting the first direction (in this embodiment, the direction in which the developing cartridge is inserted into the cartridge tray) is referred to as the "second direction" or "developing cartridge mounting direction." The direction in which the cartridge tray is inserted into the image forming apparatus main body is referred to as the "third direction" or "cartridge mounting direction." In addition, when it is necessary to explain the shape of the components that make up the developer cartridge and the relative positions of the components, these directions will be used in the explanation, assuming that the housing of the developer cartridge is in the same position as when it is attached to the cartridge tray. The first direction and the second direction intersect each other, preferably perpendicular to each other. The second direction and the third direction intersect each other, preferably perpendicular to each other. The third direction and the first direction intersect each other, preferably perpendicular to each other. In the drawings relating to an embodiment, the first direction corresponds to the Y direction, the second direction corresponds to the Z direction, and the third direction corresponds to the X direction, but this example is not limiting.

[0020] In the following description, the side of the image forming apparatus where the front door is provided is referred to as the front side (front face), and the side opposite the front side is referred to as the back side (rear face). When viewing the image forming apparatus from the front, the left side is referred to as the drive side, and the right side is referred to as the non-drive side.

[0021] [Embodiment 1] An embodiment of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention, and a developing cartridge 8 and a cartridge tray 3 used in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] <Configuration of image forming apparatus> The configuration of the image forming apparatus will be described. Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 1. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the cartridge tray 3 and the developing cartridge 8.

[0023] The image forming apparatus 1 has an apparatus main body 2 and a cartridge tray 3 in which a developing cartridge 8 is attached. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 is a four-color full-color laser printer that uses an electrophotographic image forming process, and forms a color image on a recording medium S.

[0024] The cartridge tray 3 is a tray capable of holding four developer cartridges 8 (8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K). The image forming apparatus 1 forms an image on a recording medium S (e.g., printing paper) using developer (e.g., toner) supplied from the developer cartridges 8 (8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K). The cartridge tray 3 is removable from the device main body 2. The cartridge tray 3 is movable between a storage position where it is stored in the device main body 2 and a pull-out position where it is pulled out from the device main body 2, and when it is in the pull-out position, a developer cartridge 8 can be attached to the cartridge tray 3.

[0025] In this embodiment, four developer cartridges 8 containing developers of different colors (for example, yellow, cyan, magenta, and black) can be attached to one cartridge tray 3. However, the number of developer cartridges 8 attached to the cartridge tray 3 is not limited to four, and may be one to three, or five or more. The types of colors are also not limited to this. The order in which the colors are arranged is also not limited to the example in FIG. 1. For example, in FIG. 1, the developer cartridges may be arranged in the order of YMCK from the left.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the image forming apparatus 1 has a laser scanner unit LB as an exposure means, a transfer belt unit 11 as a transfer means, a paper feed unit 18 as a feeding means, a fixing unit 21 as a fixing means, and a discharge unit 22 as a discharge means.

[0027] The laser scanner unit LB is provided above the developer cartridges 8 (8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K) and the cartridge tray 3. The laser scanner unit LB outputs laser light Z corresponding to image information. The laser light Z passes through an exposure window 10 and scans and exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K).

[0028] The transfer belt unit 11 is provided below the developer cartridges 8 (8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K) and cartridge tray 3. The transfer belt unit 11 has a drive roller 13 and tension rollers 14 and 15, and a flexible transfer belt 12 is stretched around these rollers. The photosensitive drums 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) are in contact with the upper surface of the transfer belt 12. This contact area is the transfer area. A transfer roller 16 is provided inside the transfer belt so as to face the photosensitive drums 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K). A predetermined bias is applied to the transfer roller 16 during transfer, and an electric charge is applied to the recording medium S via the transfer belt 12. The electric field generated at this time transfers the developer image on the photosensitive drum 4 to the recording medium S in contact with the photosensitive drum 4.

[0029] A paper feed unit 18 is provided below the transfer belt unit 11. The paper feed unit 18 has a paper feed tray 19 that stores a stack of recording media S, and a paper feed roller 20. A fixing unit 21 and a discharge unit 22 are provided above the device main body 2. The recording medium S onto which the developer image has been transferred is fixed by the fixing unit 21 and is discharged to a discharge tray 23 via the discharge unit 22.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus main body 2 is provided with a front door 40. After opening the front door 40, the user can remove the cartridge tray 3 along the tray pull-out rails 41. As shown in FIG. 3, the user can individually remove and replace each of the developer cartridges 8 (8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K). The cartridge tray 3 of this embodiment has four slots arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, each corresponding to one of the developer cartridges 8 (8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K). Each slot can accommodate one of the four developer cartridges 8, with the longitudinal directions aligned.

[0031] 1, a photosensitive drum 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) as an image carrier corresponding to each of the developing cartridges 8 (8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K) is provided in each slot of the cartridge tray 3. Each slot is further provided with a charging roller 5 as a charging means and a cleaning blade 7 as a cleaning means as process means acting on the photosensitive drum 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K).

[0032] As shown in FIG. 4, the developer cartridges 8 (8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K) each include a developer roller 6 as a developer carrier that supplies developer onto the photosensitive drum 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K). The developer cartridge 8 also includes a memory tag unit 80 as shown in FIG. 3 and other figures. The memory tag unit 80 is equipped with a memory tag 81, which is a memory medium for storing information. The memory tag 81 is, for example, a contact-type IC chip having an electrical contact portion. When the electrical contact portion of the memory tag 81 comes into contact with the tray-side contact portion 32 (see FIG. 5), which is an electrical contact portion provided on the cartridge tray 3, the controller 43 of the image forming apparatus 1 and the memory medium can communicate with each other, enabling information to be read and written. This allows the user to be notified of information about the developer cartridge, such as the remaining amount of developer.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the cartridge tray 3 has tray-side metal terminals 49. The tray-side metal terminals 49 are connected to the tray-side contact portions 32 of each slot by electrical wiring (not shown), and each tray-side contact portion 32 relays information read from the memory tag 81 to the main body-side metal terminals 9. In the figure, one tray-side metal terminal 49 is provided on the cartridge tray 3, but a tray-side metal terminal may be provided for each slot. In that case, a main body-side metal terminal 9 is also provided for each slot. After the developer cartridge 8 is attached to the cartridge tray 3 at the pulled-out position outside the main body of the apparatus, the cartridge tray 3 is accommodated and positioned at the accommodated position within the main body of the apparatus. Then, the tray-side metal terminals 49 of the cartridge tray 3 come into contact with the main body-side metal terminals 9 of the main body 2 and are electrically connected. As a result, the control unit 43 controls the memory tag 8. When the cartridge tray 3 is attached to the device main body 2, the main body-side metal terminal 9 is electrically connected to the tray-side metal terminal 49 provided on the cartridge tray 3, and transmits and receives signals to and from the tray-side metal terminal 49. The main body-side metal terminal 9 is the device main body communication unit.

[0034] The control unit 43 of the image forming apparatus 1 has computing resources such as a processor such as a CPU and various memories. The control unit 43 is configured, for example, with a circuit board, and executes various processes in the image forming apparatus 1 by the processor operating in accordance with a program. As described above, the control unit 43 communicates with the memory tag 81 via the main body-side metal terminal 9, the tray-side metal terminal 49, and the tray-side contact portion 32, and is capable of reading and writing information. The display unit 42 of the image forming apparatus 1 is a user interface for the image forming apparatus 1 and has a display device such as an LCD panel, which can present information to the user in the form of text or images. The display unit 42 displays information to the user under the control of the control unit 43. For example, the control unit 43 can display the remaining amount of developer of each color in the developer cartridge 8, which it reads from the memory tag 81.

[0035] <Image formation operation> The image forming operation will be described with reference to Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cartridge tray 3 and the developing cartridge 8.

[0036] The operation for forming a full-color image is as follows. The front door 40 is closed with the cartridge tray 3, with the developer cartridges 8 (8Y, 8M, 8C, 8K) installed, in the storage position. This completes the installation of the developer cartridges 8 and cartridge tray 3. At this time, the drum drive couplings 52 (52Y, 52M, 52C, 52K in FIG. 2(b)) provided in the main body 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 engage with the drum drive input couplings 54 (54Y, 54M, 54C, 54K in FIG. 3) connected to the photosensitive drums 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) provided in the cartridge tray 3. In addition, the developer drive couplings 51 provided in the main body 2 engage with the engaging coupling portions of the drive input gears 62 (FIG. 3) of each developer cartridge 8 installed in the cartridge tray 3. Drum drive gears 53 (53Y, 53M, 53C, 53K) are rotationally driven via drive output motors and gears (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 1. Photosensitive drums 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) are rotationally driven at a predetermined speed via the drum drive gears (in the direction of arrow D in FIGS. 1 and 4).

[0037] Each developer cartridge 8 is driven via a developer drive coupling 51 and a drive input gear 62. The transfer belt 12 is also driven to rotate at a speed corresponding to the speed of the photosensitive drums 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K) (in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 1). The laser scanner unit LB is also driven. In synchronization with the driving of the laser scanner unit LB, the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K) are uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity and potential by the charging roller 5. The laser scanner unit LB then scans and exposes the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K) with laser light Z in accordance with the image signals for each color. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal for the corresponding color is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, and 4K). This electrostatic latent image is developed into a developer image (toner image) by the developing roller 6, which is driven to rotate at a predetermined speed (in the direction of arrow E in FIG. 4).

[0038] By performing this electrophotographic image forming process, a yellow developer image corresponding to the yellow component of the full-color image is formed on the photoreceptor drum 4Y, and similarly, developer images corresponding to the magenta, cyan, and black components of the full-color image are formed on the photoreceptor drums 4M, 4C, and 4K, respectively.

[0039] Meanwhile, recording media S are separated and fed one by one at a predetermined controlled timing. The leading edge of the developer image on the circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 4 moves to the transfer section, which is the point facing the transfer belt 12. The timing at which the recording media S is transported to the transfer section is synchronized with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 4, and the recording media S is transported to the transfer belt 12 at a predetermined controlled timing so that the printing start positions at the transfer section coincide. The developer images on each photosensitive drum 4 are sequentially transferred onto the recording media S, which are electrostatically attracted to the transfer belt 12 and transported, by an electric field formed between each photosensitive drum 4 and transfer roller 16. The recording media S, onto which the four-color developer images have been transferred, are fixed in a fixing unit 21 and then discharged to a discharge tray 23 via a discharge unit 22.

[0040] <Cartridge tray configuration> The detailed configuration of the cartridge tray 3 will be described using Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the cartridge guide portion 33, the memory guide portion 31, and the memory unit support portion 34a, with a portion encircled and enlarged. Figure 6 shows the cartridge tray 3 according to this embodiment. Figure 6(a) is a top view, and Figure 6(b) is a cross-sectional schematic view. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge 8 according to this embodiment, as seen from the non-drive side. Figure 8 shows the drive side of the developing cartridge 8 according to this embodiment, with Figure 8(a) being a perspective view and Figure 8(b) being an exploded view. As shown in Figures 1, 5, and 6, the photosensitive drum 4 is rotatably attached to a cartridge tray frame 30 provided in the cartridge tray 3 about a rotation axis extending in a first direction (the direction of arrow D).

[0041] (Image formation mechanism) A drum drive input coupling 54 for transmitting a driving force to the photosensitive drum 4 is provided on the driving side of the photosensitive drum 4. The drum drive input coupling 54 engages with a drum drive coupling 52 (see FIG. 2(b)) of the image forming apparatus 1, whereby the driving force from the image forming apparatus 1 is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 4.

[0042] The charging roller 5 is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the first direction. The charging roller 5 is supported by the cartridge tray frame 30 so that it can contact the photosensitive drum 4 and rotate following the photosensitive drum 4. The charging roller 5 is electrically connected to the image forming apparatus 1, so that the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity and potential. However, the means for charging the photosensitive drum 4 is not limited to this.

[0043] Furthermore, the cartridge tray frame 30 is provided with a cleaning blade 7 and a cleaning frame 27 as cleaning means. The cleaning blade 7 is fixed at a position where it contacts the photosensitive drum 4, and removes waste developer remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 that was not transferred during image formation. The cleaning frame 27 collects the removed waste developer. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which the waste developer is collected in the developer cartridge 8, the fixing unit 21, or the like, without providing a cleaning means.

[0044] (Guide and fixing mechanisms) The cartridge tray frame 30 is provided with a guide member for guiding the developer cartridge 8 equipped with the memory tag unit 80 until it is installed at the installation position. The guide member includes a portion that functions as a guide portion that abuts against the memory tag unit 80 equipped on the developer cartridge 8 and the cartridge side positioning portion to assist installation. The guide member also includes a portion that functions as a fixing portion (guide side positioning portion) for positioning and fixing the memory tag unit 80 and the cartridge side positioning portion. The cartridge tray 3 also has a developer pressure member 91 that functions as a rotation stopper, etc. Note that a certain portion of the guide member may have both a guide function and a positioning function.

[0045] The guide member is a part of the side wall of the cartridge tray frame 30 that is positioned in the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge 8. The guide members are arranged at both ends in the direction of the cartridge tray frame 30. These ends correspond to the two side walls of the cartridge tray frame 30. As shown in Figures 5, 6(b), 10A to 13, etc., the cross section of the guide member has a substantially U-shape including one side and the other side that face each other. As will be described in more detail later, in the installed state, the memory medium unit is supported between the one side and the other side.

[0046] The guide portions include a first guide member for guiding the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a and the developing roller bearing positioning portion 71a of the developing cartridge 8, and a second guide member for guiding the memory tag unit 80.

[0047] The developing roller cover positioning portion 68a and the developing roller bearing positioning portion 71a are protruding portions that protrude in the first direction (longitudinal direction) from the side wall of the cartridge, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. Note that although the protruding portions are cylindrical in shape in Figures 7 and 8, other shapes such as a polygonal pillar shape can be used as long as they can be guided by the guide portion and are stably positioned. 6(b), the first guide member includes all or some of the receiving member guide portion 39, memory unit support portion 34a, cartridge guide portion 33, drive input positioning portion 37, drive input guide portion 38, memory second guide portion 34c, and memory guide portion 31. The second guide member includes memory guide portion 31 and memory second guide portion 34c. In other words, the second guide member also functions as the first guide member. Which guide portion guides which portion of the developer cartridge 8 or memory tag unit 80 varies depending on the angle and trajectory when the user inserts the developer cartridge. Therefore, the relationship between the guide portion and the guided portion is not limited to a fixed relationship. For example, the memory guide portion 31 may abut against a portion other than the memory tag unit 80.

[0048] The guide-side positioning portions include members for positioning and fixing the developer cartridge 8 (developer roller positioning portion 35, drive input positioning portion 37) and members for positioning and fixing the memory tag unit (memory unit support portion 34a, memory unit support recess 34b). The drive input positioning portion 37 also serves as a guide portion for abutting against the developer roller cover positioning portion 68a when the developer cartridge 8 is attached, guiding it to the developer roller positioning portion 35.

[0049] As will be described in detail later, in the guide member of this embodiment, the guide portion for guiding the installation of the developer cartridge 8 and the guide-side positioning portion for positioning and supporting the memory tag unit are located at approximately the same position in the longitudinal direction. Here, the state in which the guide portion and the guide-side positioning portion are located at approximately the same position in the longitudinal direction refers to a state in which the widths of the guide portion and the guide-side positioning portion are approximately the same in the longitudinal direction and the two are approximately overlapping. However, the effect can be achieved as long as the guide portion and the guide-side positioning portion are located so that they at least partially overlap in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the guide portions and guide-side positioning portions located on the side walls of the cartridge tray frame 30 are sized in the longitudinal direction so as to fit within the width of the side walls in the longitudinal direction.

[0050] The surface of the developing roller positioning portion 35 abuts against the developer cartridge 8 in the installed state to fix and position it. In this embodiment, the developing roller positioning portion 35 is provided on both the drive side and non-drive side of the cartridge tray 3. A guide side positioning portion must be provided at least at one end. While FIG. 6(b) shows the developing roller positioning portion 35 on the drive side, it is also provided at a symmetrical position on the non-drive side (not shown). In this embodiment, the memory unit support portion for fixing the memory tag unit 80 is also provided on the drive side, but it may also be provided on the non-drive side.

[0051] When the developing cartridge 8 is inserted, the developing roller 6 of the developing cartridge 8 is arranged coaxially. The placed cartridge side positioning portions (developing roller cover positioning portion 68a, developing roller bearing positioning portion 71a) abut against the developing roller positioning portion 35. As a result, the developing cartridge 8 is positioned. The developing roller cover positioning portion 68a and the developing roller bearing positioning portion 71a, which are arranged coaxially with the developing roller 6 of the developing cartridge 8 shown in FIG. 7, come into contact with and butt against the developing roller positioning portion 35 and the drive input positioning portion 37 (FIG. 6) when the installation of the developing cartridge 8 is complete. This positions the developing cartridge 8 in the up-down direction, which is the installation direction (second direction) of the developing cartridge 8. In other words, the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a and the developing roller bearing positioning portion 71a function as positioning means for positioning the developing cartridge by coming into contact with a member directly or indirectly supported by the main body of the image forming apparatus when the developing cartridge is installed. In this embodiment, the "member directly or indirectly supported by the main body of the image forming apparatus" refers to the developing roller positioning portion 35 and the drive input positioning portion 37.

[0052] The developer pressure member 91, which is a pressure member, functions as a rotation stopper when the developer cartridge 8 is completely installed. The developer pressure member 91 is provided on both the drive side and non-drive side of the cartridge tray 3. Figure 6(b) shows the developer pressure member 91 on the drive side, and it is provided in a symmetrical position on the non-drive side (developer pressure member 95 in Figure 6(a)). The developer pressure member 91 is supported by the cartridge tray frame 30 so as to be rotatable around its longitudinal axis. When the developer cartridge 8 is not installed, the developer pressure member 91 is pulled in the direction of arrow H by the developer pressure spring 90, and is fixed in contact with the cartridge tray frame 30.

[0053] The developer pressure member 91 has a rotation stopper boss guide portion 91b. When the developer cartridge 8 is installed, the rotation stopper boss guide portion 91b guides and guides the developer rotation stopper bosses 28a, 28b provided on the developer cartridge 8. The developer pressure member 91 also has a cartridge pressure portion 91c for stably positioning the developer roller cover positioning portion 68a and the developer roller bearing positioning portion 71a in the developer roller positioning portion 35 when the installation of the developer cartridge 8 is complete.

[0054] Here, for example, when developer cartridge 8C is the first developer cartridge, the guide member corresponding to the first developer cartridge is referred to as the first guide member. Furthermore, when the adjacent developer cartridge 8K is the second developer cartridge, the guide member corresponding to the second developer cartridge is referred to as the second guide member. Furthermore, developer pressure member 91C is referred to as the first pressure member, and developer pressure member 91K is referred to as the second pressure member. In this case, with the configuration of this embodiment, even when developer pressure member 91C rotates in the direction of arrow K or the direction of arrow H, it rotates within the space provided in cartridge tray frame 30, and therefore, the developer pressure member 91C does not come into contact with the second guide member.

[0055] In this embodiment, the memory tag unit 80 and the drive input cover positioning portion 68b are not present on the non-drive side of the developer cartridge 8. Therefore, the guide portion of the cartridge tray frame 30 on the non-drive side only needs to position the developing roller bearing positioning portion 71a to the developing roller positioning portion 35, and therefore may have a different shape from that on the drive side.

[0056] The cartridge tray frame 30 has a cartridge guide portion 33, a developing roller positioning guide portion 36, a memory guide portion 31, a memory unit support portion 34a, a drive input positioning portion 37, a drive input guide portion 38, and a receiving member guide portion 39. When the developing cartridge 8 is mounted, these guide portions function as guide portions for assisting and guiding the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a and the developing roller bearing positioning portion 71a until they are mounted in the developing roller positioning portion 35. Here, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the non-drive side of the developing cartridge 8 does not have parts or shapes such as the memory tag unit 80 and the drive input cover portion 68b. Therefore, the attachment assist guide shape of the cartridge tray frame 30 on the non-drive side does not necessarily need to include a guide for a memory tag unit, which will be described later. In other words, as long as it is possible to position the developing roller bearing positioning portion 71a in the developing roller positioning portion 35, the shape may be symmetrical to that on the drive side, or it may have a dedicated shape. Here, the symmetrical shape will mainly be explained below, focusing on the drive side. The cartridge guide portions 33 (33Y, 33M, 33C, 33K) and the developing roller positioning guide portions 36 shown in Figures 5 and 6 are guide portions that abut against the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a when the developing cartridge 8 is installed, and guide it to the developing roller positioning portion 35.

[0057] The drive input positioning portion 37 is an installation guide that abuts against the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a to guide the developing cartridge 8 to the developing roller positioning portion 35 when the developing cartridge 8 is installed. Furthermore, when installation is complete, it abuts against the drive input cover positioning portion 68b to position the developing cartridge 8. In other words, the drive input positioning portion 37 functions as both a guide portion and a guide-side positioning portion.

[0058] In the attached state, the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a is pressed and fixed to the developing roller positioning portion 35 by the developing pressure member 91. Similarly, the drive input cover positioning portion 68b is fixed to the drive input positioning portion 37. As a result, the developing cartridge 8 is stably positioned by the developing roller positioning portion 35 and the drive input positioning portion 37, which serve as guide-side positioning portions, and the developing pressure member 91.

[0059] The drive input guide portion 38 is an installation guide that abuts against the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a when installing the developer cartridge 8, guiding it to the developing roller positioning portion 35. The drive input guide portion 38 is also an installation guide that abuts against the drive input cover positioning portion 68b, guiding it to the drive input positioning portion 37.

[0060] When the developer cartridge 8 is installed, the memory guide portion 31, the memory unit support portion 34a, and the receiving member guide portion 39 come into contact with the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a to guide the developer cartridge 8 to the developing roller positioning portion 35. They also serve as installation guides that come into contact with the drive input cover positioning portion 68b to guide the developer cartridge 8 to the drive input positioning portion 37. Therefore, these components function not only as memory guide portions and memory positioning portions, but also as guide portions for the developer cartridge 8 itself. When the developer cartridge 8 is installed, which of the guide portions and guide side positioning portions each portion comes into contact with depends on the orientation of the developer cartridge 8 during installation. However, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the developer cartridge 8 comes into contact with one of the guide members while being guided downstream in the installation direction, and is ultimately positioned on the appropriate surface.

[0061] Furthermore, the memory unit support portion 34a stably positions the electrical contact portion of the memory tag 81 provided in the memory tag unit 80 relative to the tray-side contact portion 32. In other words, the memory unit support portion 34a functions as a backup portion, and the spring force of the memory tag pressing spring 83 presses the memory tag 81. The memory guide portion 31 and the receiving member guide portion 39 are attachment guides for guiding the memory tag unit 80 into the memory unit support portion 34a.

[0062] With this configuration, when the developer cartridge 8 is installed, the memory tag unit portion is guided by the memory guide portion 31 and the receiving member guide portion 39, which are guide portions provided on the cartridge tray 3. The electrical contact portion of the memory tag 81 is then guided to a position where it can come into contact with the tray-side contact portion 32. The memory tag unit 80 is then positioned by the memory unit support portion 34a, thereby achieving a stable electrical connection.

[0063] <<Configuration of the developing cartridge>> The developing cartridge 8 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 7 to 9. The developing cartridge 8 is generally composed of a developer accommodating frame 28, a developing roller 6, an end sealing member 25, an agitating roller 26, a developer regulating blade 29, a cartridge bearing (drive side) 70, a cartridge bearing (non-drive side) 71, a cartridge side cover 68, a developing roller gear 61, a drive input coupling gear 62, an agitating roller gear 63, and a memory tag unit 80.

[0064] (Development and drive configuration) The developer accommodating frame 28 is a housing capable of accommodating developer and supplies the developer to the developing roller 6. The agitating roller 26 functions to agitate the developer in the developer accommodating frame 28 and to apply the developer to the developing roller 6. The end sealing members 25 are made up of a drive-side sealing member 25a and a non-drive-side sealing member 25b provided on both sides in the longitudinal direction (FIG. 7), and prevent developer from leaking out of the developer accommodating frame 28 from both ends of the developing roller 6. The developing roller 6 and the agitating roller 26 are rollers that can rotate about a rotation axis extending in the first direction, and each include a roller main body and a roller shaft. The roller main body is made of a material such as elastic rubber or a sponge member. The roller shaft is made of a material such as metal or conductive resin.

[0065] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8(a), the developing roller 6 and the agitating roller 26 are rotatably supported by a cartridge bearing (drive side) 70 and a cartridge bearing (non-drive side) 71. The cartridge bearing (drive side) 70 is fixed to the developer accommodating frame 28 together with the cartridge side cover 68 by screws 99a and 99c. The cartridge bearing (non-drive side) 71 is fixed to the developer accommodating frame 28 by a screw 99d. As shown in FIG. 8(b), the roller shafts of the developing roller 6 and the agitating roller 26 pass through the cartridge bearing (drive side) 70, and each roller shaft is connected to a developing roller gear 61 and an agitating roller gear 63. The developing roller gear 61 transmits the driving force input from the main body via a drive input gear 62 to the developing roller 6, and the agitating roller gear 63 transmits the driving force input via the drive input gear 62 to the agitating roller 26.

[0066] The drive input coupling gear 62 serving as the drive input portion is a gear rotatably supported by the cartridge bearing (drive side) 70 and the cartridge side cover 68. The drive input coupling gear 62 has an engaging coupling portion for receiving the drive force from the main body and transmits the drive force from the main body to the developing roller gear 61 and the agitating roller gear 63. The engaging coupling may have any shape as long as it can transmit the drive force. In this embodiment, the developing cartridge side has a triangular concave hole. On the other hand, the engaging coupling portion on the main body side has a convex triangular rib corresponding to the triangular concave shape.

[0067] The developer regulating blade 29 (FIGS. 5 and 7) is a blade that comes into contact with the developing roller 6 and regulates the thickness of the developer carried on the developing roller 6. The developer regulating blade 29 is fixed to the developer accommodating frame 28 with screws or the like, and regulates the thickness of the developer on the developing roller to a constant value by controlling the angle of contact with the developing roller 6 and the amount of penetration. The developer regulating blade 29 is generally made of a stainless steel plate such as SUS or a rubber material. The cartridge side cover 68 rotatably supports the developing roller gear 61 and one end of the drive input coupling gear 62.

[0068] (Guide and fixing configuration) Furthermore, the cartridge side cover 68 has cartridge side positioning portions (developing roller cover positioning portion 68a and drive input cover positioning portion 68b) that slide and abut against guide portions and fixing portions provided on the cartridge tray 3 when the developing cartridge 8 is attached to the cartridge tray 3. The developing roller cover positioning portion 68a is The drive input cover positioning portion 68b is coaxial with the drive input coupling gear 62 and has a cylindrical outer shape. 8, the end (outermost shell portion) of the cartridge side cover 68 in the first direction (longitudinal direction) is located outside the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a, which is a protruding portion. In other words, the effect of making the developing cartridge 8 larger can be obtained compared to when the memory tag unit 80 is located inside the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a in the longitudinal direction. As described above, the developing cartridge 8 is positioned and fixed after being attached to the cartridge tray 3 by the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a, the drive input cover positioning portion 68b, and the developing rotation stop boss (drive side) 28a provided on the developer accommodating frame 28.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 7, the developer cartridge 8 is mounted on the non-drive side by slidingly contacting the cartridge guide provided on the cartridge tray 3 via the cartridge bearing (non-drive side) 71 and the developer rotation stop boss (non-drive side) 28b of the developer accommodating frame 28. As with the drive side, each boss is cylindrically shaped to provide smooth guidance. The developer roller bearing positioning portion 71a is on the axis of the developer roller 6 and is arranged coaxially with the drive-side developing roller gear 61 and developing roller cover positioning portion 68a. The developer rotation stop boss (non-drive side) 28b is coaxial with the developer rotation stop boss (drive side) 28a.

[0070] (Memory configuration) FIG. 9 is a structural diagram of the memory tag unit 80 of the developer cartridge 8 according to this embodiment. As shown in the exploded view of FIG. 9(a), the memory tag unit 80 is composed of a memory tag 81, a memory tag pressing member 82 as a pressing member, a memory tag pressing spring 83, and a pressing spring receiving member 84. The memory tag pressing member 82 has a memory installation groove 87 for installing and fixing the memory tag 81. The memory tag 81 is fixed by any method, such as adhesive, double-sided tape, or heat crimping. An electrical contact portion formed of a metal terminal or the like is provided on the surface of the memory tag 81, and the electrical contact portion is exposed when the memory tag 81 is fixed in the memory installation groove 87. As shown in FIG. 9(b), the memory tag pressing member 82, the memory tag pressing spring 83, and the pressing spring receiving member 84 are configured as an integrated unit.

[0071] The memory tag pressing spring 83 serving as a biasing means is a compression spring that abuts against a spring bearing surface (not shown) of the memory tag pressing member 82 and a spring bearing surface (not shown) of the pressing spring bearing member 84, respectively, and is compressed from its natural state. The memory tag pressing spring 83 constantly biases the memory tag pressing member 82 in a predetermined direction (rearward in this embodiment). The memory tag pressing member 82 is movable in the front-rear direction relative to the pressing spring bearing member 84 as long as a protruding spring bearing member regulated portion 84a provided on the pressing spring bearing member 84 moves between the front regulating portion 82a and the rear regulating portion 82b provided on the memory tag pressing member 82. The spring bearing member regulated portion 84a of the spring bearing member 84 has a first regulated surface 84c facing the front regulating portion 82a and a second regulated surface 84b facing the rear regulating portion 82b. In the following, in this embodiment, the pressing spring receiving member 84 will be described as being movable relative to the developer accommodating frame 28, which is the housing of the developing cartridge 8, but it is also possible for the pressing spring receiving member 84 to be a member fixed to the developer accommodating frame 28 by any method, such as screw fastening. The spring force of the memory tag pressing spring 83 causes the front restricting portion 82a of the memory tag pressing member 82 to come into contact with the spring receiving member restricted portion 84a of the pressing spring receiving member 84, and the memory tag unit is held as an integral unit. Furthermore, the memory tag unit 80 can expand and contract further in the compression direction of the memory tag pressing spring 83 than in FIG. 9(b). That is, it can be compressed to a position where the rear restricting portion 82b of the memory tag pressing member 82 comes into contact with the second restricted surface 84b of the pressing spring receiving member 84. That is, when the memory tag unit 80 exists alone, as shown in FIG. 9(b), the spring force of the memory tag pressing spring 83 causes the memory tag pressing member 82 to contact the spring receiving member restricted portion 84a of the pressing spring receiving member 84. The memory tag unit 80 is in an extended state, with the first regulated surface 84c contacting the front regulating portion 82a of the memory tag pressing member 82. In this state, the length of the memory tag unit 80 measured in the front-to-rear direction (second direction), which is the direction in which the memory tag pressing spring 83 expands and contracts, is defined as the natural length hm of the memory tag unit 80. When the memory tag 81 is pressed upon installation of the developer cartridge 8, the memory tag pressing member 82 moves relatively forward against the spring force of the memory tag pressing spring 83, and the memory tag unit 80 is in a compressed state. The length of the memory tag unit 80 can be made shorter than the natural length hm until the second regulated surface 84b of the spring receiving member regulated portion 84a of the spring receiving member 84 contacts the rear regulating portion 82b of the memory tag pressing member 82.

[0072] The memory tag pressing member 82 has posture restriction bosses 85 (85a, 85b, 85c). When the memory tag unit 80 is assembled to the developer cartridge 8 as shown in Figure 8, it is assembled so as to be sandwiched in the longitudinal direction between the cartridge bearing (drive side) 70 and the cartridge side cover 68, and movement in the first longitudinal direction is restricted. At this time, the posture restriction bosses 85a, 85b fit into posture restriction holes 86a, 86b of the cartridge side cover 68, and the posture restriction boss 85c fits into the posture restriction hole 86c of the cartridge bearing (drive side) 70.

[0073] Here, the diameter of the attitude restriction holes 86 is set to be larger than the diameter of the attitude restriction boss 85. For example, if the diameter of the cylindrical boss is φ3 mm and the diameter of each attitude restriction hole is φ8 mm, the attitude restriction boss can move in a plane perpendicular to its axis within a range of play (clearance) of approximately 5 mm. This allows the memory tag unit 80 to move in the second and third directions within the range restricted by the attitude restriction bosses 85 (85a, 85b, 85c) and the attitude restriction holes 86 (86a, 86b, 86c).

[0074] Here, since the memory tag 81 is fixed to the memory tag pressing member 82, the attitude restriction boss 85 is provided on the memory tag pressing member 82 to take advantage of component tolerances when positioning it with the cartridge tray 3. However, the attitude restriction boss 85 may also be provided on the pressing spring receiving member 84. Furthermore, the clearances in the first, second, and third directions that restrict the movement of the memory tag unit 80 and the relationship between the attitude restriction boss 85 and the attitude restriction hole 86 may be adjusted so that the cartridge tray 3 and memory tag unit 80 can be smoothly engaged, as described below, and the shapes of the attitude restriction boss 85 and the attitude restriction hole 86 do not need to be perfect circles.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the memory tag unit 80 is configured to be held by the cartridge bearing (drive side) 70 and the cartridge side cover 68 in a state where it can move within a certain range to positions in the first, second, and third directions. However, the configuration is not limited to this embodiment as long as the memory tag unit 80 can be moved in at least one arbitrary direction when incorporated into the developer cartridge 8. Furthermore, although the memory tag unit 80 is configured on the drive side of the developer cartridge 8 in this embodiment, it may also be configured on the non-drive side.

[0076] <Developing cartridge installation operation> This section describes the operation of mounting the developer cartridge 8 on the cartridge tray 3. Figures 10A to 10D are diagrams illustrating the behavior of the developer cartridge 8 when mounted on the cartridge tray 3 of this embodiment, and are schematic cross-sectional views of the drive-side side of the developer cartridge 8 and the corresponding cartridge tray 3.

[0077] FIG. 10A is a schematic cross-sectional view immediately before the developer cartridge 8 is inserted into any slot of the cartridge tray 3. At this time, the developer cartridge 8 is not yet attached to the cartridge tray 3. The developer pressure member 91 is pulled by the developer pressure spring 90 and its position is restricted by the cartridge tray 3. The developer cartridge 8 is also in the state shown in FIGS. 7 and 8( At this time, the position of the memory tag unit 80 is restricted within the range of play between the attitude restriction holes 86 (86a, 86b, 86c) of the developer cartridge 8 and the attitude restriction bosses 85 (85a, 85b, 85c) of the memory tag unit 80.

[0078] Figure 10B shows the state in which the developer cartridge 8 is in the middle of being mounted on the cartridge tray 3. Figure 8 shows the state in which the developer cartridge 8 advances to the downstream portion of the guide member in the mounting direction. Here, the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a of the developer cartridge 8 abuts against the cartridge guide portion 33 of the cartridge tray 3, and the memory tag pressing member 82 and pressing spring receiving member 84 of the memory tag unit 80 abut against the memory guide portion 31 and receiving member guide portion 39 of the cartridge tray 3, respectively.

[0079] When transitioning from the state in Figure 10A to the installation state in Figure 10B, the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a of the developer cartridge 8 is guided by the memory unit support portion 34a of the guide member and the like toward the developing roller positioning portion 35, which is the guide-side positioning portion located downstream. This allows the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a of the developer cartridge 8 to be smoothly guided toward the surface that will come into contact with when the developer cartridge 8 is installed. Furthermore, the existence of the cartridge guide portion 33 allows the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a to be guided more stably.

[0080] The mounting posture and insertion trajectory of the developer cartridge 8 differ depending on the gripping angle of the developer cartridge 8 and the insertion action of each user. Therefore, each portion of the guide member of the cartridge tray 3 (memory guide portion 31, receiving member guide portion 39, memory unit support portion 34a, cartridge guide portion 33, developing roller positioning guide portion 36, and drive input guide portion 38) can guide the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a to the developing roller positioning portion 35. Furthermore, each of these portions can guide the drive input cover positioning portion 68b to the drive input positioning portion 37. However, regardless of the mounting posture, the posture and trajectory of the developer cartridge 8 are regulated by contact with each guide portion, and the developer cartridge 8 is smoothly guided to the mounting completion position.

[0081] Furthermore, with respect to the memory tag unit 80, the memory tag pressing member 82 and the pressing spring receiving member 84 come into contact with the memory guide portion 31 and the receiving member guide portion 39, and the memory tag unit 80 is guided while being compressed to the state shown in Figure 10C. Here, the memory tag unit 80 is guided while its position is restricted by the posture restricting boss and posture restricting hole.

[0082] 10C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the developer cartridge 8 when it has been completely attached to the cartridge tray 3. At this time, the developer roller cover positioning portion 68a and the drive input cover positioning portion 68b of the developer cartridge 8 are in contact with the developer roller positioning portion 35 and the drive input positioning portion 37 of the cartridge tray 3, respectively. In this manner, the cartridge-side positioning portion of the developer cartridge 8 is smoothly guided by the memory unit support portion 34a and the like against the contact surface of the guide-side positioning portion. Furthermore, because the memory unit support portion 34a serves both as a guide portion for the developer cartridge 8 and a positioning portion for the memory tag unit 80, space can be saved compared to when these are provided separately.

[0083] When the developer cartridge 8 is mounted, the developer rotation stop boss 28a first contacts the arcuate surface of the rotation stop boss guide portion 91b provided on the developer pressure member 91 of the cartridge tray 3. Then, as the mounting of the developer cartridge 8 progresses, the developer rotation stop boss 28a rotates the developer pressure member 91 in the direction of arrow K and contacts the cartridge pressure portion 91c, resulting in the mounted state shown in FIG. 10C. In the mounted state, the developer rotation stop boss 28a is pressed in the direction of arrow H by the spring force of the developer pressure spring 90. As a result, the developer cartridge 8 is pressed in the direction of arrow H, the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a and the drive input cover positioning portion 68b are stably positioned by the developing roller positioning portion 35 and the drive input positioning portion 37 of the guide member. As a result, the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4 come into contact with each other, enabling image formation. In the state shown in FIG. 10C, the developing roller rotation stop boss 28a does not come into contact with the spacing member 92, and a gap is maintained between them.

[0084] 10C, the memory tag unit 80's pressing spring receiving member 84 and the memory unit support portion 34a come into contact, causing the memory unit support portion 34a to function as a backup portion. As a result, the memory tag 81 is pressed toward the tray-side contact portion 32 by the spring force of the memory tag pressing spring 83. This stabilizes the connection between the electrical contacts. The memory unit support recess 34b, which is provided to include the tray-side contact portion 32, also regulates the position of the memory tag pressing member 82 that secures the memory tag 81.

[0085] In other words, the memory tag unit 80 has a gap with respect to the developer cartridge 8, but the memory tag unit 80 fits between the memory unit support portion 34a and the memory unit support recess 34b, restricting movement in the second and third directions. Movement of the memory tag unit 80 is also restricted in the first direction (the longitudinal direction) because the memory tag pressing member 82 fits into the memory unit support recess 34b. With the above configuration, the electrical contact portion of the memory tag 81 contacts and is fixed to the tray-side contact portion 32. The contact pressure of the contact portion of the memory tag 81 need only be a pressure that ensures stable positioning, and can be determined by the shape of the recess provided in the tray-side contact portion 32 or the shape of the memory tag pressing member 82. Instead of a configuration in which the memory tag pressing member 82 abuts against the recess, the position may be determined by contact between the memory tag 81 and the tray-side contact portion 32.

[0086] FIG. 10D is a schematic cross-sectional view of the developing roller 6 of the developing cartridge 8 and the photosensitive drum 4 of the cartridge tray 3 when they are spaced apart. In this embodiment, this spaced state is possible for purposes such as extending the component life of the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4. As shown in FIG. 6, spacing members 92, 93 are provided on the drive side and non-drive side of the cartridge tray 3 to separate the developing cartridge 8. As shown in FIG. 6(b), the spacing member 92 on the drive side is attached so as to be rotatable about a spacing member rotation center 92a. The spacing member 93 on the non-drive side has a rotation center at a symmetrical position and operates in the same way, so a description thereof will be omitted. The spacing member 92 is subjected to a spacing member pressing force F by the image forming apparatus 1 pressing a spacing member (not shown). This allows it to rotate in the direction of arrow J.

[0087] 10D shows a state in which the spacing member 92 has rotated in the direction of arrow J from the state in FIG. 10C due to the spacing member pressing force F. Here, the developer rotation stop boss (drive side) 28a of the developer cartridge 8 rotates the developer pressure member 91 in the direction of arrow K, and moves and is lifted in accordance with the rotation of the spacing member 92. As a result, the developing roller 6 is separated from the photosensitive drum 4.

[0088] Even in the separated state, as shown in Figure 10D, the memory tag unit 80 is positioned in the cartridge guide portion 33, and there is a gap between the developer cartridge 8 that allows play. Therefore, contact between the electrical contact portions is maintained even in the separated state. This is because the posture regulation bosses 85 (85a, 85b, 85c) of the memory tag unit 80 do not abut against the posture regulation holes 86 (86a, 86b, 86c) of the developer cartridge 8, and the position of the memory tag unit 80 remains as in the state shown in Figure 10C.

[0089] <Positional relationship between memory tag unit and cartridge guide> The positional relationship between the memory tag unit portion and the cartridge guide portion of the cartridge tray 3 in the longitudinal direction will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, and 10A to 10D. As described above, when the developing cartridge 8 is mounted in the cartridge tray 3, The developing roller cover positioning portion 68a and the drive input cover positioning portion 68b, which are positioning portions on the ridge 8 side, pass through or come into contact with the memory guide portion 31, receiving member guide portion 39, memory unit support portion 34a, and memory unit support recess 34b of the cartridge tray 3. Thereafter, the positioning portion on the developing cartridge 8 side moves to the installation completion position while coming into contact with the cartridge guide portion 33 or the drive input guide portion 38.

[0090] 10A-B, when the developer cartridge 8 is inserted into the cartridge tray 3, depending on the angle of the developer cartridge 8 at the time of insertion, the developer roller cover positioning portion 68a may first come into contact with and be guided by the memory unit support portion 34a before reaching the cartridge guide portion 33. Alternatively, the developer roller cover positioning portion 68a may come into contact with and be guided by the drive input guide portion 38 before moving downward. However, in either case, the developer roller cover positioning portion 68a is guided downward while coming into contact with the cartridge guide portion 33, etc., and fits into the developer roller positioning portion 35.

[0091] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the memory guide portion 31, receiving member guide portion 39, memory unit support portion 34a, and memory unit support recess 34b are provided at approximately the same position in the longitudinal direction as the cartridge guide portion 33. That is, the members for determining the positional relationship between each positioning portion of the developer cartridge 8 and the cartridge tray 3 and the members for determining the positional relationship between the memory tag unit 80 of the developer cartridge 8 and the cartridge tray 3 are provided at approximately the same position in the longitudinal direction. With this arrangement, regardless of the angle at which the developer cartridge 8 is inserted, the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a and the drive input cover positioning portion 68b are guided by contacting the memory guide portion 31, the memory unit support portion 34a, etc. As a result, it is possible to significantly prevent the user from making a mistake in the insertion position.

[0092] Furthermore, guide portions such as the cartridge guide portion 33, developing roller positioning portion 35, and developing roller positioning guide portion 36 of the cartridge tray 3, fixing portions such as the memory unit support portion 34a and memory unit support recess 34b for fixing the memory tag unit 80, and the tray-side contact portion 32 with the memory tag 81 are located at approximately the same positions in the longitudinal direction. As a result, when the developing cartridge is installed, the cartridge guide portion 33 and the memory tag unit 80 are located at approximately the same positions in the longitudinal direction. This configuration improves the longitudinal positioning accuracy of the memory tag unit 80. The improved longitudinal positioning accuracy allows for stable engagement of the memory tag unit 80, thereby improving the accuracy of alignment between the tray-side contact portion 32 of the cartridge tray 3 and the electrical contact portion of the memory tag 81 of the developing cartridge 8. This allows for the size of the memory tag contacts to be reduced. Furthermore, the stability of the electrical connection is improved.

[0093] Furthermore, when the guide portion of the cartridge tray 3 and the fixed portion and contact portion of the memory tag unit 80 are positioned at approximately the same longitudinal position as the cartridge guide portion 33, the following favorable effects are achieved compared to when the fixed portion and contact portion are positioned inside or outside the guide portion in the longitudinal direction.

[0094] First, consider the case where the memory fixing portion and electrical contact portion of the cartridge tray 3 are located longitudinally outboard of the cartridge guide portion 33. In this case, the memory tag unit 80 is also located longitudinally outboard of the cartridge tray 3, and space must be secured for this. As a result, the size of the cartridge tray 3 increases. Also, a corresponding space is required for the device main body 2. This increases the size of the device. On the other hand, if they are located at approximately the same position longitudinally, the increase in size of the cartridge tray 3 and the device main body 2 can be suppressed, and the device can be made more compact.

[0095] Next, in the cartridge tray 3, the fixing portion of the memory and the electrical contact portion are Consider the case where the memory tag unit 80 is disposed longitudinally inward of the edge guide portion 33. In this case, the memory tag unit 80 is also disposed longitudinally inward of the developer cartridge 8, and the memory tag unit 80 and the developer accommodating frame 28 overlap in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. As a result, in order to secure space, it becomes necessary to shorten the developer accommodating frame 28 in the longitudinal direction or to reduce the size of the developer accommodating frame 28. As a result, the developer capacity that can be stored decreases. On the other hand, if the memory tag unit 80 and the developer accommodating frame 28 are disposed at approximately the same position in the longitudinal direction, it is not necessary to reduce the size of the developer accommodating frame 28, and therefore the developer capacity can be secured.

[0096] In the above description, the guide parts such as the cartridge guide part 33 and the fixing parts and contact parts of the memory tag unit 80 are arranged at approximately the same position in the longitudinal direction. However, if the guide parts and the fixing parts and contact parts of the memory are arranged so that they at least partially overlap in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, it is possible to obtain effects such as preventing an increase in the device size and a decrease in developer capacity.

[0097] Furthermore, by arranging the cartridge guide portion 33 and the memory fixing portion and contact portion to fit within the longitudinal width of one side wall of the cartridge tray frame 30, an increase in the size of the device can be prevented. Here, as shown in FIG. 6(a), of the sides of the cartridge tray frame 30, two side walls extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction are referred to as the first side wall 30a and the second side wall 30b. The first side wall 30a is the side wall on which the memory fixing portion and contact portion are disposed, and is the side wall that corresponds to the memory tag unit 80 when the developing cartridge is attached. In this case, by arranging the cartridge guide portion 33 and the memory fixing portion and contact portion in the longitudinal direction to fit within the width of the first side wall 30a, an increase in the size of the device can be prevented.

[0098] As described above, in this embodiment, the guide portion of the cartridge tray 3 and the fixing portion and contact portion of the memory tag unit 80 are arranged so as to at least partially overlap in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and more preferably are arranged at approximately the same position in the longitudinal direction. With this configuration, in an image forming apparatus 1 in which a developer cartridge 8 equipped with a memory tag 81, which is a memory medium, is detachably attached to the cartridge tray 3, it is possible to prevent an increase in the size of the image forming apparatus 1 and a decrease in developer capacity. It also enables a stable connection of the memory medium.

[0099] In the embodiment, the memory tag unit 80 was disposed at one end of the drive side of the developer cartridge 8, and therefore the guide portion on the drive side and the fixing portion and contact portion of the memory were disposed at approximately the same position in the longitudinal direction. However, the present invention can also be applied to a case where the memory tag unit 80 is disposed at the other end different from the drive side of the developer cartridge 8. In that case, the guide portion at the other end and the fixing portion and contact portion of the memory may be disposed at approximately the same position in the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, at least the guide portion at the other end and the fixing portion and contact portion of the memory may be disposed so as to at least partially overlap in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0100] [Variations] Next, different configuration examples of the image forming apparatus in embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. In the above, the guide member is provided continuously when viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, in the cross-sectional views of the guide member of the cartridge tray 3 shown in Figures 11 and 12, the guide member is not continuous. However, such a cross-sectional shape can also be considered to form a substantially U-shaped cross section by including imaginary planes extending from the surface of the memory unit support portion 34a and the surface of the cartridge guide portion 33.

[0101] 11(a) shows a cross-sectional structure of the guide member in the first modified example. In the cross section of this modified example, as shown in the figure, the memory unit support portion 34a and the cartridge guide portion 33 are not continuous. When the developer cartridge 8 is installed in this configuration, the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a passes through the receiving member guide portion 39, and proceeds downstream in the installation direction along an imaginary plane extending from the memory unit support portion 34a, and reaches the surface of the cartridge guide portion 33. It is then guided by the cartridge guide portion 33 and positioned and fixed. In this way, even if the guide member is divided into multiple members in cross section and the member that backs up the memory tag unit 80 is independent, it is possible to guide the developer cartridge 8 downstream and fix it.

[0102] 11(b) shows the cross-sectional structure of the guide member in the second modified example. In the cross section of this modified example, the memory unit support portion 34a and the cartridge guide portion 33 are not continuous. In this modified example, an imaginary plane extending from the surface of the memory unit support portion 34a is substantially continuous with the surface of the cartridge guide portion 33. In this configuration, when the developer cartridge 8 is installed, the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a is continuously guided by the memory unit support portion 34a and the cartridge guide portion 33 via the receiving member guide portion 39, and is positioned and fixed.

[0103] 12(a) shows the cross-sectional structure of the guide member in the third modified example. In this modified example, the memory unit support portion 34a and the cartridge guide portion 33 are not continuous in the cross section. In this modified example, when the developer cartridge 8 is installed, the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a comes into contact with and is guided by the receiving member guide portion 39, moves downstream in the installation direction, and is positioned and fixed via the surface of the cartridge guide portion 33.

[0104] 12(b) shows the cross-sectional structure of the guide member in the fourth modified example. In this cross-section of the modified example, the memory unit support portion 34a and the cartridge guide portion 33 are not continuous, and the cartridge guide portion 33 further includes multiple members (an upstream cartridge guide portion 33a and a downstream cartridge guide portion 33b). In this configuration, when the developer cartridge 8 is installed, the developer roller cover positioning portion 68a is guided and positioned by the cartridge guide portion 33 via the receiving member guide portion 39, the upstream cartridge guide portion 33a, and the downstream cartridge guide portion 33b.

[0105] 13 shows the cross-sectional structure of the guide member in the fifth modified example. In the first embodiment, the support surface of the memory unit support portion 34a and the guide surface of the cartridge guide portion 33 were at different angles in the cross section. In contrast, in the cross section of this modified example, as shown in the figure, the surface of the memory unit support portion 34a and the surface of the cartridge guide portion 33 form a continuous, substantially flush surface. In this case, the upstream side of the substantially flat surface included in one side of the substantially U-shape functions as a backup for the memory tag unit 80. When the developer cartridge 8 is installed in this configuration, the developer roller cover positioning portion 68a passes through the receiving member guide portion 39 and is guided to the same surface, where it is positioned and fixed. As described above, even when guide members having various shapes are used, the developing cartridge 8 can be appropriately guided and positioned.

[0106] [Embodiment 2] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Explanations of parts that overlap with the above embodiment may be simplified.

[0107] Basically, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the image forming operation, the configuration of the cartridge tray 3 and the developing cartridge 8, etc. are the same as those explained above using Figures 1 to 9, etc. Furthermore, the configuration of the memory tag unit 80 to which the memory tag 81, which is a memory medium (storage means), is attached is also the same as explained above. Furthermore, the operation of attaching the developing cartridge 8 is also the same as that explained above using Figures 10A to 10D.

[0108] <Developing roller cover> Next, the developing roller cover 100 as a cover member attached to the developing cartridge 8 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0109] Figure 12(a) is a perspective view showing the developer cartridge 8 with the developing roller cover 100 according to this embodiment attached, as viewed from the non-drive side. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the developer cartridge 8 with the developing roller cover 100 according to this embodiment attached, as viewed from the drive side. Figure 12(b) is a perspective view showing only the developing roller cover 100 removed, as viewed from the same direction as Figure 12(a).

[0110] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , the developing roller cover 100 includes a developing roller protection portion 101, a memory tag unit protection portion 102, a drive-side fitting portion 103, a non-drive-side fitting portion 104, and a handle portion 105. The developing roller protection portion 101 is a first covering portion that covers at least a portion of the exposed portion of the developing roller 6. In this embodiment, the developing roller protection portion 101 covers the entire exposed portion of the developing roller 6 when viewed from both the second direction and the third direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 12( b ), the memory tag unit protection portion 102 in this embodiment has an opening that opens upward. In other words, when the developing roller cover 100 is moved downward (in the direction in which the developing roller cover 100 moves away from the developing roller 6), the memory tag unit protection portion 102 does not interfere with the memory tag unit 80. In addition, the memory tag unit protection section 102 is open toward the non-drive side in the longitudinal direction when viewed from above, and is formed as a U-shaped recess on the inside to accommodate the memory tag unit 80 (see Figure 15(a)).

[0111] The developing roller protection portion 101 abuts against the developer accommodating frame 28 and the drive-side positioning portion 68a, thereby restricting the position of the developing roller 6. This forms a gap between the developing roller 6 and the developing roller cover 100, preventing impact to the developing roller 6 when handling it during transportation or replacement.

[0112] The memory tag unit protection part 102 is a second covering part that covers at least a part of the exposed part (particularly the electrical contact part (metal terminal)) of the memory tag 81 of the memory tag unit 80 on the drive side of the developer cartridge 8. In this embodiment, the entire electrical contact part (metal terminal) of the memory tag 81 as seen at least from the second direction is covered by the memory tag unit protection part 102. In this embodiment, the developing roller cover 100 is configured as an integrated member in which the memory tag unit protection part 102 and the developing roller protection part 101 are connected to each other by a manufacturing method such as injection molding of a resin material, for example.

[0113] The non-drive side fitting portion 104, which is a first engagement portion in this embodiment, is connected to one side (non-drive side in this embodiment) in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller protection portion 101. The non-drive side fitting portion 104 fits into the outer periphery of the developing roller bearing positioning portion 71a, which is the first positioning portion in this embodiment, thereby preventing the developing roller cover 100 from coming off the developing cartridge 8. The drive side fitting portion 103, which is a second engagement portion in this embodiment, is connected to the other side (drive side in this embodiment) in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller protection portion 101. The drive side fitting portion 103 fits into the outer periphery of the drive side positioning portion 68a, which is the second positioning portion in this embodiment, thereby preventing the developing roller cover 100 from coming off the developing cartridge 8.

[0114] The handle portion 105 is connected to the non-drive side fitting portion 104 on the side opposite to the side where the non-drive side fitting portion 104 is connected to the developing roller protection portion 101. The handle portion 105 protrudes in the longitudinal direction from the cartridge bearing 71 that constitutes the side surface in the longitudinal direction of the developing cartridge 8. The user grasps the handle portion 105 to elastically deform the developing roller cover 100, and The developing roller cover 100 can be unlocked by longitudinally disengaging the non-drive-side fitting portion 104 from the developing roller bearing positioning portion 71a. The non-drive-side fitting portion 104 also functions as a connecting portion that connects the handle portion 105 and the developing roller protection portion 101, and as described above, the non-drive-side fitting portion 104 as this connecting portion needs to have a shape that is easily elastically deformable. That is, the handle portion 105 and the developing roller protection portion 101 are connected by two column-shaped members that sandwich the developing roller bearing positioning portion 71a and form a space on the opposite side from the handle portion. Then, as described below, the user can remove the developing roller cover 100 from the developer cartridge 8 by operating the handle portion 105.

[0115] In this way, the developing roller cover 100 of this embodiment is configured as an integrated member in which the developing roller protection portion 101, the memory tag unit protection portion 102, the drive side fitting portion 103, the non-drive side fitting portion 104, and the handle portion 105 are connected to each other.

[0116] <How to remove the developing roller cover from the developing cartridge> A method for removing the developing roller cover 100 from the developing cartridge 8 will be described with reference to Figures 14(a) to 14(c).

[0117] 14(a) shows the developing cartridge 8 before removing the developing roller cover 100. In this state, the drive-side fitting portion 103 of the developing roller cover 100 is fitted with the drive-side positioning portion 68a, and the non-drive-side fitting portion 104 is fitted with the developing roller bearing positioning portion 71a.

[0118] 14(b) shows a state in which the developing roller cover 100 is deformed by gripping the handle portion 105 and pulling it toward the non-drive side in the longitudinal direction from the state in FIG. 14(a). At this time, the non-drive side fitting portion 104 is disengaged from the developing roller bearing positioning portion 71a.

[0119] 14(c) shows the state in which the developing roller cover 100 is pulled substantially downward (in the second direction) while gripping the handle portion 105 from the state in FIG. 14(b). At this time, the developing roller cover 100 rotates in the second direction around the engagement portion between the drive-side engagement portion 103 and the drive-side positioning portion 68a as the rotation axis, and the developing roller protection portion 101 moves away from the developing roller 6. In this state, the user can remove the developing roller cover 100 from the developer accommodating frame 28 of the developer cartridge 8 by sliding the developing roller cover 100, for example, toward the drive side in the longitudinal direction. At this time, because the memory tag unit protection portion 102 has a concave shape that opens toward the non-drive side in the longitudinal direction, interference between the memory tag unit protection portion 102 and the memory tag unit 80 is avoided.

[0120] The operation for removing the developing roller cover 100 from the state shown in FIG. 14(c) is not limited to the above. For example, the developing roller cover 100 may be further rotated in the second direction from the state shown in FIG. 14(c) to disengage the drive-side fitting portion 103 from the drive-side positioning portion 68a. In this case, the engagement amount between the drive-side fitting portion 103 and the drive-side positioning portion 68a shown in FIG. 13 is set so that the engagement between the drive-side fitting portion 103 and the drive-side positioning portion 68a is released by rotating the developing roller cover 100 by a predetermined angle. In this case, too, the memory tag unit protection portion 102 has an opening that opens upward, so that interference between the memory tag unit protection portion 102 and the memory tag unit 80 is avoided.

[0121] <Positional relationship between memory tag unit and memory tag unit protection unit> The positional relationship between the memory tag unit 80 and the memory tag unit protection part 102 will now be described. Figures 15(a) to 15(c) show three configuration examples in which the positional relationship between the memory tag unit 80 and the memory tag unit protection parts 102a, 102b, and 102c is different. Figures 15(a) to 15(c) all show the developing car in a state in which the developing roller cover 100 is not removed. 1 shows the driving side end of the cartridge 8 as viewed from above.

[0122] The first example shown in Fig. 15(a) is configured such that the spring receiving member restricted portion 84a of the spring receiving member 84 of the memory tag unit 80 abuts on the front restricting portion 82a (see Fig. 9(b)). That is, in this example, the memory tag unit 80 protected by the memory tag unit protection portion 102a is in an extended state. With respect to the expansion and contraction direction (second direction) of the memory tag unit 80, a gap ha1 is secured between the memory tag pressing member 82 and the memory tag unit protection portion 102a, and a gap ha2 is secured between the spring receiving member 84 and the memory tag unit protection portion 102a. These gaps ha1 and ha2 are set to a sufficient distance for the memory tag unit 80 to be in an extended state. That is, even if the posture regulating bosses 85a, 85b, and 85c move inside the posture regulating holes 86a, 86b, and 86c, the memory tag unit protection portion 102a and the memory tag unit 80 do not abut. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the memory tag pressing member 82 and the spring receiving member 84 from abutting and being damaged due to an impact during transportation or the like.

[0123] The second example shown in Fig. 15(b) is the same as the first example in that the memory tag unit 80 is in an extended state while being protected by the memory tag unit protection portion 102a. However, compared with the first example, the gap hb1 between the memory tag pressing member 82 and the memory tag unit protection portion 102b and the gap hb2 between the spring receiving member 84 and the memory tag unit protection portion 102b are set narrower (hb1 < ha1, hb2 < ha2). These gaps hb1 and hb2 are sized such that when the posture regulating bosses 85a, 85b, and 85c move inside the posture regulating holes 86a, 86b, and 86c, the memory tag pressing member 82 or the spring receiving member 84 and the memory tag unit protection portion 102b may abut. However, the memory tag pressing member 82 and the spring receiving member 84 do not simultaneously abut on the memory tag unit protection portion 102b, and only one of them abuts. By adopting this configuration, the movement of the memory tag pressing member 82 and the spring receiving member 84 is restricted more than in the first example. With such a configuration, the amount of movement when the memory tag unit 80 is impacted is reduced, and it becomes possible to prevent the memory tag unit 80 from being damaged.

[0124] The third example shown in Figure 15(c) shows a configuration in which the memory tag pressing member 82 and the spring receiving member 84 are constantly in contact with the memory tag unit protection portion 102c. In this configuration, the position of the memory tag unit 80 is fixed by the developing roller cover 100. The inner width hc of the memory tag unit protection portion 102c is set to be the same as or narrower than the natural length hm of the memory tag unit shown in Figure 9(b). As a result, the memory tag pressing member 82 and the spring receiving member 84 are pressed against the memory tag unit protection portion 102c by the biasing force of the memory tag pressing spring 83, and the positions of the memory tag pressing member 82 and the spring receiving member 84 are determined. The inner width hc may be such that the spring receiving member regulated portion 84a abuts against the front regulating portion 82a or the rear regulating portion 82b of the memory tag pressing member 82, or the spring receiving member regulated portion 84a may be spaced apart from both the front regulating portion 82a and the rear regulating portion 82b. In this embodiment, the memory tag unit 80 is fixed in place while protected by the memory tag unit protecting portion 102c, and will not move even if subjected to an impact during transportation, thereby protecting the memory tag unit 80 from damage.

[0125] (Variation) In the above-described embodiments and the following embodiments, a full-color image forming apparatus in which four developer cartridges are mounted on one cartridge tray is described. However, the present technology can also be applied to developer cartridges that are directly attached to and detached from the main body of the image forming apparatus (for example, developer cartridges in a monochrome printer).

[0126] The technology described in this embodiment can also be applied to cover members that protect components of cartridges other than the developer cartridge. For example, in a cover member attached to a photosensitive cartridge having a photosensitive drum and a memory tag, it is conceivable to integrally form a first covering portion that covers the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum and a second covering portion that covers the electrical contact portion (metal terminal) of the memory tag.

[0127] [Embodiment 3] The following describes, with reference to the drawings, examples of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention, and a developing cartridge 8 and a cartridge tray 3 used in the image forming apparatus 1. Explanations of parts that overlap with the above-described embodiment may be simplified.

[0128] <Configuration of image forming apparatus> The configuration of the image forming apparatus will be described. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the cartridge tray 3 and the developing cartridge 8. The outline of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and the cross-sectional schematic diagram of the cartridge tray and the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 4 are common to the above-described embodiments, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, the perspective view of the cartridge tray and the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 18 is not shown because the position of the memory tag unit 80 is different from that shown in FIG. 3 above, and it is on the opposite side in FIG. 18 from that in FIG. 3 in terms of the tray insertion direction. The arrangement, functions, and symbols of the other members are common, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0129] <Image formation operation> As for the image forming operation, the series of operations in this embodiment are also common to the operations described in the first embodiment with reference to FIGS.

[0130] <Cartridge tray configuration> The detailed configuration of the cartridge tray 3 will be described using Figures 4, 19, 20, 21, and 22. Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the cartridge guide portion 33, the memory guide portion 31, and the memory unit support portion 34, with some portions circled and enlarged. Figure 20 shows the cartridge tray 3 according to this embodiment. Figure 20(a) is a top view, and Figure 20(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view. Figure 21 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge 8 according to this embodiment, with Figure 21(a) being a perspective view from the non-drive side and Figure 21(b) being a perspective view from the drive side. Figure 22 shows the drive side of the developing cartridge 8 according to this embodiment, with Figure 22(a) being a perspective view and Figure 22(b) being an exploded view. As shown in Figures 4, 19, and 20, the photosensitive drum 4 is rotatably attached to a cartridge tray frame 30 provided in the cartridge tray 3 about a rotation axis extending in a first direction (the direction of arrow D).

[0131] (Image formation mechanism) A drum drive input coupling 54 for transmitting a driving force to the photosensitive drum 4 is provided on the driving side of the photosensitive drum 4. The drum drive input coupling 54 engages with a drum drive coupling 52 (see FIG. 2(b)) of the image forming apparatus 1, whereby the driving force from the image forming apparatus 1 is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 4.

[0132] The charging roller 5 is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the first direction. The charging roller 5 is supported by the cartridge tray frame 30 so that it can contact the photosensitive drum 4 and rotate following the photosensitive drum 4. The charging roller 5 is electrically connected to the image forming apparatus 1, so that the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity and potential. However, the means for charging the photosensitive drum 4 is not limited to this.

[0133] Furthermore, the cartridge tray frame 30 is provided with a cleaning blade as a cleaning means. The cleaning blade 7 and cleaning frame 27 are provided. The cleaning blade 7 is fixed at a position where it contacts the photosensitive drum 4, and removes waste developer remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 that could not be transferred during image formation. The cleaning frame 27 collects the removed waste developer.

[0134] (Guide and fixing mechanisms) The cartridge tray frame 30 is provided with a guide member for guiding the developer cartridge 8 equipped with the memory tag unit 80 until it is installed at the installation position. The guide member includes a portion that functions as a guide portion that abuts against the memory tag unit 80 equipped on the developer cartridge 8 and the cartridge side positioning portion to assist installation. The guide member also includes a portion that functions as a fixing portion (guide side positioning portion) for positioning and fixing the memory tag unit 80 and the cartridge side positioning portion. The cartridge tray 3 also has a developer pressure member 91 that functions as a rotation stopper, etc. Note that a certain portion of the guide member may have both a guide function and a positioning function.

[0135] The guide members are disposed on both ends of the sides of the cartridge tray frame 30 in the longitudinal direction of the developer cartridge 8. As shown in Figures 24A to 24D, 19, 20, etc., the cross section of the guide members has a generally U-shaped configuration including one side and the other side that face each other. As will be described in more detail later, in the attached state, the memory tag unit 80 is supported between the one side and the other side.

[0136] The guide portions include members (cartridge guide portion 33, developing roller positioning guide portion 36, drive input guide portion 38) for guiding the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a and developing roller bearing positioning portion 71a of the developing cartridge 8, and a second guide member (memory guide portion 31) for guiding the memory tag unit 80. As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a and the developing roller bearing positioning portion 71a are protruding portions that protrude in a first direction (longitudinal direction) from the side wall of the cartridge. Note that although the protruding portions in Figures 21 and 22 are cylindrical, other shapes such as a polygonal pillar shape can be used as long as they can be guided by the guide portions and are stably positioned. However, which guide portion guides which portion of the developer cartridge 8 or memory tag unit 80 varies depending on the angle and trajectory when the user inserts the developer cartridge. Therefore, the relationship between the guide portion and the guided portion is not limited to a fixed relationship. For example, there are cases where the memory guide portion 31 abuts against a portion other than the memory tag unit 80.

[0137] The guide-side positioning portions include members for positioning and fixing the developing cartridge 8 (developing roller positioning portion 35, drive input positioning portion 37) and members for positioning and fixing the memory tag unit 80 (memory unit support portion 34). The drive input positioning portion 37 also serves as a guide portion for abutting against the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a and guiding it to the developing roller positioning portion 35 when the developing cartridge 8 is attached.

[0138] As will be described in detail later, in the guide member of this embodiment, the guide portion for guiding the installation of the developer cartridge 8 and the guide-side positioning portion for positioning and supporting the memory tag unit are located at approximately the same position in the longitudinal direction. Here, the state in which the guide portion and the guide-side positioning portion are located at approximately the same position in the longitudinal direction refers to a state in which the widths of the guide portion and the guide-side positioning portion are approximately the same in the longitudinal direction and the two are approximately overlapping. However, the effect can be achieved as long as the guide portion and the guide-side positioning portion are located so that they at least partially overlap in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the guide portions and guide-side positioning portions located on the sides of the cartridge tray frame 30 are sized in the longitudinal direction so as to fit within the width of the sides in the longitudinal direction.

[0139] The surface of the developing roller positioning portion 35 comes into contact with the developer cartridge 8 in the installed state, and the developing roller is fixed and positioned. In this embodiment, the developing roller positioning portion 35 is provided on both the drive side and non-drive side of the cartridge tray 3. A guide-side positioning portion must be provided at least at one end. The WW cross section in Figure 20 shows the developing roller positioning portion 35 on the drive side, but it is also provided at a symmetrical position on the non-drive side (not shown).

[0140] The developer cartridge 8 is inserted into the cartridge tray 3. Then, the developer roller cover positioning portion 68a and the developer roller bearing positioning portion 71a, which are arranged coaxially with the developer roller 6 of the developer cartridge 8 shown in Figures 21 and 22, come into contact with and butt against the developer roller positioning portion 35. This positions the developer cartridge 8.

[0141] The developer pressure member 91, which is a pressure member, functions as a rotation stopper when the developer cartridge 8 is completely installed. The developer pressure member 91 is provided on both the drive side and non-drive side of the cartridge tray 3. The WW cross section in Figure 20 shows the developer pressure member 91 on the drive side, and the non-drive side is provided in a symmetrical position. The developer pressure member 91 is supported on the cartridge tray frame 30 so as to be rotatable around a pressure member rotation center 91a, which serves as the longitudinal axis. When the developer cartridge 8 is not installed, the developer pressure member 91 is pulled in the direction of arrow H by the developer pressure spring 90 and is fixed in contact with the cartridge tray frame 30. The developer pressure spring 90 has engagement portions at both ends that engage with bosses protruding outward in the longitudinal direction of the developing roller 6. The engagement portions at both ends pull the protruding bosses inward, applying a counterclockwise rotation force to the developer pressure member 91 in the figure.

[0142] The developer pressure member 91 has a rotation stopper boss guide portion 91b. When the developer cartridge 8 is installed, the rotation stopper boss guide portion 91b guides and guides the developer rotation stopper bosses 28a, 28b provided on the developer cartridge 8. The developer pressure member 91 also has a cartridge pressure portion 91c for stably positioning the developer roller cover positioning portion 68a and the developer roller bearing positioning portion 71a in the developer roller positioning portion 35 when the installation of the developer cartridge 8 is complete.

[0143] Here, for example, when developer cartridge 8C is the first developer cartridge, the guide member corresponding to the first developer cartridge is the first guide member. Furthermore, when the adjacent developer cartridge 8K is the second developer cartridge, the guide member corresponding to the second developer cartridge is the second guide member. Furthermore, developer pressure member 91C is the first pressure member, and developer pressure member 91K is the second pressure member. In this case, with the configuration of this embodiment, even when developer pressure member 91C rotates in the direction of arrow K or the direction of arrow H, it rotates within the space provided in cartridge tray frame 30, and therefore, the developer pressure member 91C does not come into contact with the second guide member.

[0144] 21 and 22, the non-drive side of the developer cartridge 8 does not have the memory tag unit 80 or the drive input cover positioning portion 68b. Therefore, the guide portion of the cartridge tray frame 30 on the non-drive side only needs to position the developing roller bearing positioning portion 71a with the developing roller positioning portion 35, and therefore may have a different shape from that on the drive side.

[0145] The cartridge guide portions 33 (33Y, 33M, 33C, 33K) and the developing roller positioning guide portions 36 shown in Figures 19 and 20 are guide portions that abut against the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a when the developing cartridge 8 is installed, and guide it to the developing roller positioning portion 35.

[0146] The drive input positioning portion 37 is an installation guide that contacts the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a to guide the developing cartridge 8 to the developing roller positioning portion 35 when the developing cartridge 8 is installed. Furthermore, when installation is complete, the drive input cover positioning portion 37 contacts the driving input cover positioning portion 68b to position the developing cartridge 8. That is, the drive input positioning portion 37 has a function as a guide portion and a function as a guide-side positioning portion.

[0147] In the attached state, the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a is pressed and fixed to the developing roller positioning portion 35 by the developing pressure member 91. Similarly, the drive input cover positioning portion 68b is fixed to the drive input positioning portion 37. As a result, the developing cartridge 8 is stably positioned by the developing roller positioning portion 35 and the drive input positioning portion 37, which serve as guide-side positioning portions, and the developing pressure member 91.

[0148] The drive input guide portion 38 is an installation guide that abuts against the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a when installing the developer cartridge 8, guiding it to the developing roller positioning portion 35. The drive input guide portion 38 is also an installation guide that abuts against the drive input cover positioning portion 68b, guiding it to the drive input positioning portion 37.

[0149] When the developer cartridge 8 is installed, the memory guide portion 31 and the memory unit support portion 34 abut against the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a to guide it to the developing roller positioning portion 35. They also serve as installation guides that abut against the drive input cover positioning portion 68b to guide it to the drive input positioning portion 37. Therefore, these components function not only as memory guide portions and memory positioning portions, but also as guide portions for the developer cartridge 8 itself. When the developer cartridge 8 is installed, which of the guide portions and guide side positioning portions each portion abuts against depends on the orientation of the developer cartridge 8 at the time of installation. However, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the developer cartridge 8 abuts against one of the guide members while being guided downstream in the installation direction, and is ultimately positioned on the appropriate surface.

[0150] Furthermore, the memory unit support portion 34 stably positions the electrical contact portion of the memory tag 81 provided in the memory tag unit 80 relative to the tray-side contact portion 32. Furthermore, the memory guide portion 31 is an attachment guide for guiding the memory tag unit 80 into the memory unit support portion 34.

[0151] With this configuration, when the developer cartridge 8 is attached, the memory tag unit 80 is guided by the memory guide portion 31, which is a guide portion provided on the cartridge tray 3. The electrical contact portion of the memory tag 81 is then guided to a position where it can come into contact with the tray-side contact portion 32. The memory tag unit 80 is then positioned by the memory unit support portion 34, thereby achieving a stable electrical connection.

[0152] <<Configuration of the developing cartridge>> The developing cartridge 8 will be described with reference to Figures 4, 21, 22, and 23. The developing cartridge 8 is generally composed of a developer accommodating frame 28, a developing roller 6, an end sealing member 25, an agitating roller 26, a developer regulating blade 29, a cartridge bearing (drive side) 70, a cartridge bearing (non-drive side) 71, a cartridge side cover 68, a developing roller gear 61, a drive input coupling gear 62, an agitating roller gear 63, and a memory tag unit 80.

[0153] (Development and drive configuration) The developer accommodating frame 28 is a housing capable of accommodating developer and supplies the developer to the developing roller 6. The agitating roller 26 functions to agitate the developer in the developer accommodating frame 28 and to apply the developer to the developing roller 6. The developing roller 6 and the agitating roller 26 are rollers that can rotate about a rotation axis extending in the first direction, and each include a roller main body and a roller shaft. The roller main body is made of a material such as elastic rubber or a sponge member. The roller shaft is made of a material such as metal or conductive resin.

[0154] 21 and 22(a), the developing roller 6 and the agitating roller 26 are rotatably supported by a cartridge bearing (drive side) 70 and a cartridge bearing (non-drive side) 71. The cartridge bearing (drive side) 70 is fixed to the developer accommodating frame 28 together with the cartridge side cover 68 by screws 99a and 99c. The cartridge bearing (non-drive side) 71 is fixed to the developer accommodating frame 28 with a screw 99d. As shown in Figure 22(b), the roller shafts of the developing roller 6 and the agitating roller 26 pass through the cartridge bearing (drive side) 70, and each roller shaft is connected to a developing roller gear 61 and an agitating roller gear 63. The developing roller gear 61 transmits the driving force from the main body to the developing roller 6, and the agitating roller gear 63 transmits the driving force from the main body to the agitating roller 26.

[0155] The drive input coupling gear 62, which serves as the drive input portion, is a gear rotatably supported by the cartridge bearing (drive side) 70 and the cartridge side cover 68. The drive input coupling gear 62 has an engaging coupling portion for receiving the drive force from the main body, and transmits the drive force from the main body to the developing roller gear 61 and the agitating roller gear 63. The engaging coupling may have any shape as long as it can transmit the drive force. In this example, the developing cartridge side has a triangular concave hole. On the other hand, the engaging coupling portion on the main body side has a convex triangular rib that corresponds to the triangular concave shape.

[0156] The developer regulating blade 29 is a blade that comes into contact with the developing roller 6 and regulates the thickness of the developer carried on the developing roller 6. The developer regulating blade 29 is fixed to the developer accommodating frame 28 with screws or the like, and regulates the thickness of the developer on the developing roller to a constant value by controlling the angle of contact with the developing roller 6 and the amount of penetration. The developer regulating blade 29 is generally made of a stainless steel plate or rubber. The cartridge side cover 68 rotatably supports the developing roller gear 61 and one end of the drive input coupling gear 62.

[0157] (Guide and fixing configuration) Furthermore, the cartridge side cover 68 has cartridge-side positioning portions (developing roller cover positioning portion 68a and drive input cover positioning portion 68b). When the developer cartridge 8 is attached to the cartridge tray 3, the cartridge-side positioning portions (developing roller cover positioning portion 68a and drive input cover positioning portion 68b) slide and abut against guide portions (memory guide portion 31, cartridge guide portion 33, developing roller positioning guide portion 36, drive input guide portion 38) and fixed portions (memory unit support portion 34, developing roller positioning portion 35, drive input positioning portion 37) provided on the cartridge tray 3. The developing roller cover positioning portion 68a is cylindrical and coaxial with the developing roller 6 and the developing roller gear 61. The drive input cover positioning portion 68b is cylindrical and coaxial with the drive input coupling gear 62. As can be seen from FIG. 22 , the end (outermost shell portion) of the pressure spring receiving member 84 in the first direction (longitudinal direction) is positioned outside the protruding developing roller cover positioning portion 68a. In other words, the developer cartridge 8 can be made larger than when the memory tag unit 80 is located longitudinally inward of the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a. That is, a space for storing more toner can be formed in the developer accommodating frame 28. As described above, the developing cartridge 8 is positioned and fixed after being attached to the cartridge tray 3 by the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a, the drive input cover positioning portion 68b, and the developing rotation stop boss (drive side) 28a provided on the developer accommodating frame 28.

[0158] As shown in Figure 21, on the non-drive side, the developer cartridge 8 is brought into sliding contact with the cartridge guide portion provided on the cartridge tray 3 by the cartridge bearing (non-drive side) 71 and the developer rotation stop boss (non-drive side) 28b of the developer accommodating frame 28, completing the installation. As with the drive side, the bosses are cylindrical in shape, allowing for smooth guiding. The developing roller bearing positioning portion 71a is coaxial with the developing roller 6, and is arranged coaxially with the driving side developing roller gear 61 and the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a. The developing rotation stop boss (non-driving side) 28b is coaxial with the developing rotation stop boss (driving side) 28a.

[0159] (Memory configuration) FIG. 23 is a structural diagram of the memory tag unit 80 of the developer cartridge 8 according to this embodiment. The memory tag unit 80 is composed of a memory tag 81, a memory tag pressing member 82, a memory tag pressing spring 83, and a pressing spring bearing member 84. The memory tag pressing member 82 functions as a memory holding member that holds the memory tag 81. The pressing spring bearing member 84 functions as a moving member and is movable relative to the memory tag pressing member 82 (memory holding member). The pressing spring bearing member 84 (moving member) is allowed to move within a predetermined range in a direction substantially parallel to the pressing direction in which the memory tag 81 is pressed against the tray-side contact portion 32. The memory tag pressing member 82 has a memory mounting groove 87 for mounting and fixing the memory tag 81. The memory tag 81 is fixed by any method, such as adhesive, double-sided tape, or heat caulking. 23, the memory tag pressing member 82, the memory tag pressing spring 83, and the pressing spring receiving member 84 are configured as an integrated unit. The memory tag pressing member 82 and the memory tag pressing spring 83 are movable relatively in approximately the third direction.

[0160] The memory tag pressing spring 83 is a compression spring serving as an elastic member. The memory tag pressing spring 83 abuts against a spring bearing surface (not shown) of the memory tag pressing member 82 and a spring bearing surface (not shown) of the pressing spring bearing member 84, respectively, and is in a compressed state from the spring's natural state. Therefore, the memory tag pressing spring 83 generates a biasing force on the memory tag pressing member 82 and the pressing spring bearing member 84 in a direction to release the compression. The spring force of the memory tag pressing spring 83 abuts against the front restricting portion 82a (spring bearing member restricting portion) of the memory tag pressing member 82 and the spring bearing member restricted portion 84a of the pressing spring bearing member 84, thereby holding the memory tag unit as an integrated unit. Furthermore, the memory tag unit 80 can expand and contract further in the compression direction of the memory tag pressing spring 83 than in the assembled state shown in FIG. 23. That is, the memory tag pressing member 82 can be compressed to a position where the rear restricting portion 82b (spring receiving member restricting portion) of the memory tag pressing member 82 and the spring receiving member restricted portion 84d of the pressing spring receiving member 84 come into contact. However, depending on the shape of the compression spring, it may not be possible to compress the memory tag pressing member 82 to a position where the rear restricting portion 82b and the spring receiving member restricted portion 84d come into contact. Also, the gap T is defined as the predetermined range between the rear restricting portion 82b and the spring receiving member restricted portion 84d, i.e., the range within which the memory tag pressing member 82 can move relative to the pressing spring receiving member 84. In particular, the gap Ta is defined as the gap between the rear restricting portion 82b and the spring receiving member restricted portion 84d when the front restricting portion 82a and the spring receiving member restricted portion 84a come into contact. That is, the gap T can take a value between Ta≧T≧0.

[0161] The pressure spring receiving member 84 has posture restriction bosses 85 (85a, 85b, 85c). When the memory tag unit 80 is assembled to the developer cartridge 8 as shown in Figure 22, it is assembled so as to be sandwiched in the longitudinal direction between the cartridge bearing (drive side) 70 and the cartridge side cover 68, and movement in the first direction, which is the longitudinal direction, is restricted. At this time, the posture restriction bosses 85a, 85b fit into posture restriction holes 86a, 86b of the cartridge side cover 68, and the posture restriction boss 85c fits into the posture restriction hole 86c of the cartridge bearing (drive side) 70.

[0162] Here, the diameter of the posture restriction holes 86 is set to be larger than the diameter of the posture restriction boss 85. For example, if the boss diameter is cylindrical and the hole diameter is φ3 mm, there will be a gap of φ5 mm, allowing the cylindrical boss to move. As a result, movement of the memory tag unit 80 in the second and third directions is restricted by the posture restriction bosses 85 (85a, 85b, 85c) and the posture restriction holes 86 (86a, 86b, 86c) with a certain degree of gap and play.

[0163] Furthermore, the clearances in the first, second, and third directions that restrict the movement of the memory tag unit 80 and the relationship between the attitude restriction boss 85 and the attitude restriction hole 86 can be adjusted so that the cartridge tray 3, which will be described later, can be smoothly engaged with the memory tag unit 80. The clearances in the third direction that restrict the movement of the memory tag unit 80 and the relationship between the attitude restriction boss 85 and the attitude restriction hole 86 will be described later.

[0164] Also, here, the memory tag unit 80 is configured so that its position in the first, second, and third directions is regulated with a certain amount of clearance by the cartridge bearing (drive side) 70 and the cartridge side cover 68. However, as long as the memory tag unit can be moved in any direction in the developer cartridge state, the configuration is not limited to this embodiment. Also, although the memory tag unit 80 is configured on the drive side of the developer cartridge 8 in this embodiment, it may be configured on the non-drive side.

[0165] <Developing cartridge installation operation> We will now explain the operation of mounting the developer cartridge 8 on the cartridge tray 3. Figures 24A to 24D are schematic cross-sectional views showing the behavior of the developer cartridge 8 when mounted on the cartridge tray 3 according to this embodiment, and are schematic cross-sectional views of the drive-side side of the developer cartridge 8 and the corresponding cartridge tray 3.

[0166] Figure 24A is a schematic cross-sectional view immediately before the developer cartridge 8 is inserted into any slot of the cartridge tray 3. At this time, the cartridge tray 3 is in the same state as when the developer cartridge 8 is not present (see the WW cross-sectional view in Figure 20). The developer pressure member 91 is pulled by the developer pressure spring 90 and its position is regulated by the cartridge tray 3. The developer cartridge 8 is also in the same state as in Figures 21 and 22(a). At this time, the position of the memory tag unit 80 is regulated within the range of the gap between the attitude regulation holes 86 (86a, 86b, 86c) of the developer cartridge 8 and the attitude regulation bosses 85 (85a, 85b, 85c) of the memory tag unit 80.

[0167] Figure 24B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the developer cartridge 8 when it is attached to the cartridge tray 3 and is in the insertion position relative to the cartridge tray 3. When changing from Figure 24A to the attachment state of Figure 24B, the drive input cover positioning portion 68b of the developer cartridge 8 is guided by the drive input positioning portion 37 of the cartridge tray 3. At this time, the guide portions of the cartridge tray 3 (memory guide portion 31, cartridge guide portion 33, drive input guide portion 38) function as guide portions to the drive input positioning portion 37 of the cartridge tray 3. At this time, the developer rotation determining boss (drive side) 28a of the cartridge tray 3 abuts against the rotation stopper boss guide portion 91b of the developer pressure member 91, and the position is determined.

[0168] The mounting posture and insertion trajectory of the developer cartridge 8 differ depending on the gripping angle of the developer cartridge 8 and the insertion action of each user. Therefore, each portion of the guide member of the cartridge tray 3 (memory guide portion 31, cartridge guide portion 33, drive input guide portion 38) can guide the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a to the developing roller positioning portion 35. Furthermore, each of these portions can guide the drive input cover positioning portion 68b to the drive input positioning portion 37. However, regardless of the mounting posture, the developer cartridge 8 is smoothly guided by each guide portion.

[0169] 24C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge 8 when it is mounted in the cartridge tray 3 and in the first mounting position where the developing roller 6 abuts against the photosensitive drum, i.e., when the mounting of the developing cartridge 8 to the cartridge tray 3 is complete. At this time, the developing roller of the developing cartridge 8 is positioned between the developing roller positioning portion 35 and the drive input positioning portion 37 of the cartridge tray 3. The cartridge cover positioning portion 68a and the drive input cover positioning portion 68b are in contact with each other. In this way, the cartridge-side positioning portion of the developer cartridge 8 is smoothly guided by the contact surface of the guide-side positioning portion. Also, as described above, the memory guide portion 31 and the memory unit support portion 34 serve as both guide portions for the developer cartridge 8 and positioning portions for the memory tag unit 80, which enables space saving compared to when they are provided separately.

[0170] When the developer cartridge 8 is installed, the developer rotation stop boss 28a first contacts the rotation stop boss guide portion 91b provided on the developer pressure member 91 of the cartridge tray 3. Next, the developer cartridge 8 is moved in the direction of arrow M, which is the developer cartridge installation direction. As the installation of the developer cartridge 8 progresses, the developer rotation stop boss 28a rotates the developer pressure member 91 in the direction of arrow K around the pressure member rotation center 91a and contacts the cartridge pressure portion 91c, resulting in the installation state shown in Figure 24C. In the installed state, the developer rotation stop boss 28a is pressed in the direction of arrow H by the spring force of the developer pressure spring 90. This presses the developer cartridge 8 in the direction of arrow H, so that the developer roller cover positioning portion 68a and the drive input cover positioning portion 68b are stably positioned relative to the developer roller positioning portion 35 and the drive input positioning portion 37 of the guide member. As a result, the developer roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4 contact each other, enabling image formation. In the state shown in FIG. 24C, the developing device rotation stop boss 28a is not in contact with the spacing member 92, and a gap is maintained between them.

[0171] 24C, the developer cartridge 8 is moved in the direction of arrow M. As a result, the posture restriction boss 85 of the pressure spring receiving member 84 comes into contact with the posture restriction hole 86 of the cartridge side cover 68, and the memory tag 81 is pressed toward the tray-side contact portion 32 by the spring force of the memory tag pressure spring 83 (see FIG. 24C). Furthermore, the position of the memory tag pressing member 82 that secures the memory tag 81 is restricted by the memory unit support portion 34 provided on the tray-side contact portion 32 of the cartridge guide portion 3.

[0172] In other words, although the memory tag unit 80 had a gap relative to the developer cartridge 8, the memory tag support portion 34 and the memory tag pressing member 82 come into contact, and the position restriction boss 85 and the position restriction hole 86 come into contact. As a result, the memory tag unit 80 fits into the memory unit support portion 34, the memory tag pressing spring 83 is compressed, and a gap Tc (Ta > Tc) is formed between the rear restriction portion 82b and the spring receiving member restricted portion 84d. This restricts movement of the memory tag unit 80 in the second and third directions. Furthermore, since the memory tag pressing member 82 fits into the memory unit support portion 34, movement of the memory tag unit 80 is also restricted in the first direction, the longitudinal direction. With the above configuration, the electrical contact portion of the memory tag 81 comes into contact with and is fixed to the tray-side contact portion 32. The contact pressure of the contact portion of the memory tag 81 may be any pressure that ensures stable positioning, and may be determined by the shape of the memory unit support portion 34 provided on the tray-side contact portion 32 or the memory tag pressing member 82.

[0173] FIG. 24D is a schematic cross-sectional view of a developer cartridge 8 in which the developing roller 6 of the developer cartridge 8 is spaced from the photosensitive drum 4 of the cartridge tray 3 and in the spaced position (second installation position) relative to the cartridge tray 3. In this embodiment, this spaced state is possible for purposes such as extending the component life of the developing roller 6 and the photosensitive drum 4. Therefore, even when the developing roller 6 is spaced from the photosensitive drum 4, the electrical connection between the memory tag 81 and the tray-side contacts must be maintained. As shown in FIG. 20, spacing members 92 and 93 are configured on the drive side and non-drive side of the cartridge tray 3 to separate the developer cartridge 8. As shown in the WW cross section of FIG. 20, the spacing member 92 on the drive side is attached so as to be rotatable around a spacing member rotation center 92a. The spacing member 93 on the non-drive side also has a rotation center at a symmetrical position and operates in the same way, so a description thereof will be omitted. The spacing member 92 is subjected to a spacing member pressing force F due to the pressure of a spacing member (not shown) from the image forming apparatus 1. As a result, the spacing member 92 rotates in the direction of arrow J. Rotation becomes possible.

[0174] 24D is a diagram showing a state in which the spacing member 92 has rotated in the direction of arrow J due to the spacing member pressing force F from the state in FIG. 24C. Here, the developer rotation stop boss (drive side) 28a of the developer cartridge 8 rotates the developer pressure member 91 in the direction of arrow K around the pressure member rotation center 91a as the rotation center, and is moved and lifted in accordance with the rotation of the spacing member 92 (see FIG. 20). As a result, the developing roller 6 moves from the first mounting position to the second mounting position described above and is separated from the photosensitive drum 4.

[0175] At this time, the position restriction holes 86a, 86b (see FIG. 22) of the cartridge side cover 68 also move and are lifted in accordance with the rotation in the direction of arrow K. The direction in which the memory tag 81 presses the tray-side contact portion 32 is approximately the same as the horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of gravity when the cartridge side cover 68 is lifted. Furthermore, the memory tag pressing member 82 of the memory tag unit 80 and the memory unit support portion 34 are already engaged with each other, and their relative positional relationship does not change in the first, second, or third directions. Therefore, the pressing spring receiving member 84, which is movable in the third direction relative to the memory tag pressing member 82, moves in the third direction as the position restriction boss 85 is pressed by the position restriction hole 86. As a result, the memory tag pressing spring 83 is further compressed from the state shown in FIG. 24C, and the gap between the rear restriction portion 82b and the spring receiving member restricted portion 84d becomes Td (Ta>Tc>Td), further narrowing. 24C and 24D, the developing roller 6 moves from the contact position (first mounting position) with respect to the photosensitive drum 4 to the separated position (second mounting position). In this case, the pressing spring receiving member 84 as a moving member moves closer to the memory tag pressing member 82 as a memory holding member, further compressing the memory tag pressing spring 83. This maintains electrical and mechanical contact of the memory tag 81 with the tray-side contact portion 32.

[0176] <Memory tag and cartridge guide length> The longitudinal relationship between the memory tag unit portion and the cartridge guide portion of the cartridge tray 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 24A to 24D, 19, and 20. As described above, when the developer cartridge 8 is mounted on the cartridge tray 3, the developing roller cover positioning portion 68a and the drive input cover positioning portion 68b, which are positioning portions of the developer cartridge 8, pass through or pass while abutting against the memory guide portion 31 and the memory unit support portion 34 of the cartridge tray 3. Thereafter, the positioning portion on the developer cartridge 8 side moves to the mounting completion position while abutting against the cartridge guide portion 33 or the drive input guide portion 38.

[0177] For example, in the example of Figures 24A and 24B, when the developer cartridge 8 is inserted into the cartridge tray 3, the following cases are possible depending on the angle of the developer cartridge 8 at the time of insertion. That is, the developer roller cover positioning portion 68a may first abut and be guided on the side opposite to the side on which the memory guide portion 31 and the memory unit support portion 34 are provided. It is also possible that the developer roller cover positioning portion 68a abuts against the drive input guide portion 38, is guided, and then moves downward. However, in either case, the developer roller cover positioning portion 68a is guided downward while abutting against the cartridge guide portion 33, etc., and fits into the developer roller positioning portion 35.

[0178] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 20, the memory guide portion 31 and the memory unit support portion 34 are provided at approximately the same position in the longitudinal direction as the cartridge guide portion 33. In other words, the members for defining the positional relationship between each positioning portion of the developer cartridge 8 and the cartridge tray 3, and the members for defining the positional relationship between the memory tag unit 80 of the developer cartridge 8 and the cartridge tray 3 are provided at approximately the same position in the longitudinal direction. With this arrangement, the developing roller cover 80 can be inserted at any angle regardless of the angle at which the developer cartridge 8 is inserted. The positioning portion 68a and the drive input cover positioning portion 68b are guided by contacting the memory guide portion 31, the memory unit support portion 34, etc. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from making a significant mistake in the insertion position.

[0179] Furthermore, guide portions such as the cartridge guide portion 33, developing roller positioning portion 35, and developing roller positioning guide portion 36 of the cartridge tray 3, fixing portions such as the memory unit support portion 34 for fixing the memory tag unit 80, and the tray-side contact portion 32 with the memory tag 81 are arranged at approximately the same position in the longitudinal direction. As a result, when the developer cartridge is installed, the cartridge guide portion 33 and the memory tag unit 80 are arranged at approximately the same position in the longitudinal direction. This configuration improves the longitudinal positioning accuracy of the memory tag unit 80. Improved longitudinal positioning accuracy allows the engagement operation of the memory tag unit 80 to be performed stably, thereby improving the accuracy of alignment between the tray-side contact portion 32 of the cartridge tray 3 and the electrical contact portion of the memory tag 81 of the developer cartridge 8. This allows the size of the memory tag contacts to be reduced, and also improves the stability of the electrical connection.

[0180] Furthermore, if the guide portion of the cartridge tray 3 and the fixed portion and contact portion of the memory tag unit 80 are positioned at approximately the same longitudinal position as the cartridge guide portion 33, the following favorable effects are achieved compared to when the fixed portion and contact portion are positioned inside or outside the guide portion in the longitudinal direction.

[0181] First, consider the case where the fixing portion and electrical contact portion of the memory tag 81 are located longitudinally outboard of the cartridge guide portion 33 in the cartridge tray 3. In this case, the memory tag unit 80 is also located longitudinally outboard of the cartridge tray 3, and space must be secured for this. As a result, the size of the cartridge tray 3 increases. Also, a corresponding space is required for the device main body 2. This increases the size of the device. On the other hand, if they are located at approximately the same position longitudinally, the increase in size of the cartridge tray 3 and the device main body 2 can be suppressed, and the device can be made more compact.

[0182] Next, consider a case where the fixing portion and electrical contact portion of the memory tag 81 are located longitudinally inward of the cartridge guide portion 33 in the cartridge tray 3. In this case, the memory tag unit 80 is also located longitudinally inward of the developer cartridge 8, and the memory tag unit 80 and the developer accommodating frame 28 overlap in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. As a result, in order to secure space, it becomes necessary to shorten the developer accommodating frame 28 in the longitudinal direction or reduce the size of the developer accommodating frame 28. As a result, the developer capacity that can be stored decreases. On the other hand, if the memory tag unit 80 and the developer accommodating frame 28 are located at approximately the same position in the longitudinal direction, there is no need to reduce the size of the developer accommodating frame 28, and the developer capacity can be secured.

[0183] In the above description, the guide parts such as the cartridge guide part 33 and the fixing parts and contact parts of the memory tag unit 80 are arranged at approximately the same position in the longitudinal direction. However, if the guide parts and the fixing parts and contact parts of the memory are arranged so that they at least partially overlap in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, it is possible to obtain effects such as preventing an increase in the device size and a decrease in developer capacity.

[0184] Furthermore, an increase in the size of the device can be prevented by fitting the cartridge guide portion 33 and the fixing portion and contact portion of the memory within the width of one side of the cartridge tray frame 30. Here, as shown in Figure 20(a), of the side walls of the cartridge tray frame 30, the side walls corresponding to the two sides extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction are referred to as a first side wall 30a and a second side wall 30b. The first side wall 30a is where the fixing portion and contact portion of the memory are arranged. This is the side that corresponds to the memory tag unit 80 when the developing cartridge is attached. In this case, by configuring the cartridge guide portion 33 in the longitudinal direction, the memory fixing portion, and the contact portion to fit within the width of the first side wall 30a, it is possible to prevent an increase in the size of the device.

[0185] Thus, in this embodiment, the guide portion of the cartridge tray 3 and the fixing portion and contact portion of the memory tag unit 80 are arranged so as to at least partially overlap in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and more preferably are arranged at approximately the same position in the longitudinal direction. With this configuration, in an image forming apparatus 1 in which a developer cartridge 8 equipped with a memory tag 81, which is a memory medium, is detachably attached to the cartridge tray 3, it is possible to prevent an increase in the size of the image forming apparatus 1 and a decrease in developer capacity. It also becomes possible to stably connect the memory tag 81, which is a memory medium.

[0186] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pressure spring receiving member 84 is movable in the third direction by the position restriction boss 85 being pressed by the position restriction hole 86. The direction in which the memory tag 81 is pressed toward the tray-side contact portion 32 is substantially the same as the direction in which the developer cartridge 8 attempts to move relative to the cartridge tray 3 when the developing roller 6 separates from the photosensitive drum 4. For example, suppose the direction in which the memory tag 81 presses the tray-side contact portion 32 is opposite the direction in which the developer cartridge 8 attempts to move relative to the cartridge tray 3. In this case, a wide gap must be secured between the rear restriction portion 82b and the spring receiving member restricted portion 84d to move the memory tag 81 while maintaining the electrical connection between the memory tag 81 and the tray-side contact portion 32. This increases the range of movement of the memory tag pressing member 82 relative to the pressure spring receiving member 84, making it impossible to reduce the size of the memory tag unit 80 or the memory tag pressing spring 83. However, with the configuration described above, the positions of the memory tag 81 and the tray-side contact portion 32 are arranged so that they approach each other as they move from the insertion position to the abutting position, and from the abutting position to the separated position. This reduces the range of movement of the memory tag pressing member 82 relative to the pressing spring receiving member 84. Reducing the range of movement of the memory tag pressing member 82 relative to the pressing spring receiving member 84 allows the memory tag unit 80 to be made smaller. Furthermore, by making the memory tag pressing spring 83 smaller, the holding force required to fit the memory unit support portion 34 and the memory tag pressing member 82 can be reduced, thereby reducing the load on the memory tag 81 and the tray-side contact portion 32.

[0187] [Embodiment 4] <Configuration of image forming apparatus> An image forming apparatus 501 according to an embodiment of the present invention and a developing cartridge 502 used in the image forming apparatus 501 will be described. Figure 25(a) is a conceptual diagram showing a cross section of an image forming apparatus 501. Figure 25(b) is a perspective view of a developing cartridge 502. Figure 25(c) is an enlarged view of a portion of the developing cartridge 502, which corresponds to the circled portion in Figure 25(b). Figure 25(d) is a conceptual diagram of Figure 25(a) as viewed from cross section DD.

[0188] The image forming apparatus 501 is an electrophotographic printer such as a laser printer or an LED printer. The image forming apparatus 501 includes, as its main components, an image forming apparatus main body 504 (also simply referred to as the "main body"), developer cartridges 502, and a cartridge tray 503. In this embodiment, there are four developer cartridges 502, 2A to 2D, and the cartridge tray 503 includes a frame capable of holding all four developer cartridges 502. The image forming apparatus 501 forms an image on the recording surface of printing paper using developer 521 (for example, toner) supplied from the developer cartridges 502. A more detailed configuration will be described later. Note that unless there is a particular need to distinguish between them, they will simply be referred to as developer cartridges 502.

[0189] 26 is a perspective view of the cartridge tray 503 and the developing cartridge 502. The four developing cartridges 502A to 502D are respectively arranged in four slots 531 provided in the cartridge tray 503. Each developing cartridge 502 is individually replaceable, and when replacing it, the cartridge tray 503 is pulled out from the front of the image forming apparatus 501, and then the developing cartridge 502 attached to the slot 531 is removed and a new developing cartridge 502 is attached. A photosensitive drum 532 serving as an image carrier is provided near the bottom of each of the four slots 531.

[0190] In this embodiment, the four developer cartridges 502 contain developers 521 of different colors (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). However, the number of developer cartridges 502 mounted on the cartridge tray 503 is not limited to four, and may be three or less, or five or more.

[0191] As shown in FIG. 25(c), each of the four developer cartridges 502 has a memory tag unit 522. The memory tag unit 522 is composed of a memory tag 221 and a memory tag holder 222. The memory tag 221 further includes an electrical contact surface that physically contacts the electrical contact 416 and a memory element electrically connected to the electrical contact surface. In other words, the memory tag 221 is an IC chip that can read and write information and can store information. Here, the memory tag 221 stores information about the developer cartridge. Examples of information about the developer cartridge include information about the remaining amount of developer 521, information about the cumulative amount of developer consumed, the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller 525, and information about the date of start of use. Of course, this information is not limited to these. The multiple developer cartridges 502 are lined up in the slot so that they face the same direction. Therefore, the memory tags 221 are arranged in series in the insertion direction of the cartridge tray 503, and the connector portions 411 of the memory tag connector unit 541, which will be described later, are also arranged in series so as to face the memory tags 221. As shown in FIGS. 25(a) to 25(d), the image forming apparatus main body 504 includes an electric control unit 540, a memory tag connector unit 541 as a memory connection means, a control unit 542, an optical unit 543, and a display 544.

[0192] The control unit 542 is electrically connected to the memory tag connector unit 541 and has a processor such as a CPU and various memories. The control unit 542 is configured, for example, by a circuit board. The processor of the control unit 542 operates in accordance with programs stored in the memory or instructions input by the user, thereby executing various processes in the image forming apparatus 501. The electric control unit 540 is a control unit that manages the electric system related to driving, and is configured by circuits or the like in which elements such as capacitors are arranged, and functions as a motor driver or the like. The control unit 542 may also perform the functions of the electric control unit.

[0193] An optical unit 543 is disposed above in the second direction (above in the Z direction on the paper) the cartridge tray 503 in which the four developer cartridges 502 are mounted. The optical unit 543 irradiates the charged photosensitive drum 532 with laser light according to image information, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum.

[0194] 25(d), the memory tag connector unit 541 is provided on the apparatus main body side adjacent to the optical unit 543 in the first direction. In conventional image forming apparatuses, an area 547 adjacent to the optical unit 543 between side plates 548, 49 that support the cartridge tray 503 etc. is empty space. Therefore, in this embodiment, by utilizing the area 547 adjacent to the optical unit 543, the memory tag connector unit 541 can be arranged without increasing the size of the image forming apparatus 501.

[0195] In this embodiment, a memory tag connector unit 541 is provided above the developer cartridge 502 in the second direction. The memory tag connector unit 541 is arranged to face the memory means when the cartridge tray 503 with the developer cartridge 502 housed in the slot 531 is inserted into the main body. The memory tag connector unit 541 moves in conjunction with the closing of a front door 545 of the image forming apparatus main body 504, and engages with the memory tag unit 522 of each developer cartridge 502. As a result, the control unit 542 and each memory tag 221 are electrically connected. The behavior of the memory tag connector unit 541 will be described in detail later.

[0196] The display 544 displays various information related to the operation of the image forming apparatus 501 on the screen in accordance with commands from the control unit 542. The information on the display can be used, for example, for the user to input instructions. The four developer cartridges 502 inserted into the cartridge tray 503 each have the same configuration and perform the same operation. Therefore, in the following description, one slot 531 will be used as a representative.

[0197] <<Configuration of the developing cartridge>> 27 and 28 are perspective views of the developer cartridge 502 as viewed from different directions. Also, in order to illustrate the positional relationship between the developer cartridge 502 and the photosensitive drum 532, the photosensitive drum 532 mounted on the cartridge tray 503 is shown in isolation. The developer cartridge 502 of this embodiment has, as its main components, a memory tag unit 522, a developer container 523, a gear portion 524, and a developer roller 525. The memory tag unit 522 is disposed on the top surface of the developer cartridge 502. The top surface here refers to the surface that constitutes the downstream side of the developer cartridge 502 in the insertion direction.

[0198] The developing container 523 is a housing capable of containing the developer 521. The housing is made of a resin frame or the like. A storage chamber 235 for containing the developer 521 is provided inside the developing container 523. The developing container 523 has a first surface 231 provided at an end on one side in the first direction and a second surface 232 provided at an end on the opposite side of the first surface 231 in the first direction. The developing container 523 has a third surface 233 which is an upper surface portion in the second direction. The developing container 523 also has a visor portion 234 located on an extension of the third surface 233 in the first direction. The gear portion 524 is located on the first surface 231. The developing container 523 has a grip portion 237 located at the third surface 233. The grip portion 237 has a protrusion 239 protruding in the second direction.

[0199] In this embodiment, the memory tag unit 522 is positioned so as to straddle the overhanging portion 234 and the third surface 233. At least one side of the cartridge tray 503 must be open toward the main body. This allows the developer cartridge 502 to be accommodated in the cartridge tray, and the memory means is not covered by the cartridge tray 503 even when the developer cartridge is accommodated, so that the third surface 233 of the developer cartridge 502 can face the memory connection means on the main body after accommodation. However, the memory tag unit 522 may also be positioned at the first-direction end of the third surface 233 or the overhanging portion 234. This allows the space of the storage chamber 235 in which the developer 521 is accommodated to be maintained or minimized, thereby allowing the developer 521 to be efficiently accommodated in the storage chamber 235.

[0200] The developing container 523 has a developing roller 525 as a developer carrier and an opening 236 for supplying developer 521 to the developing roller 525. The opening 236 is located on the surface opposite to the third surface 233 across the storage chamber 235. The developing roller 525 is a roller that can rotate around a rotation axis extending in the first direction. The developing roller 525 is disposed opposite to the opening 236 of the developing container 523. In other words, the third surface 233 is the surface located on the opposite side to the developing roller 525 across the storage chamber 235. The developing roller 525 of this embodiment is The developing roller includes a main body 251 and a developing roller shaft 252. The developing roller main body 251 is a cylindrical member extending in a first direction. The developing roller main body 251 is made of, for example, elastic rubber.

[0201] The developing roller shaft 252 is a cylindrical member that penetrates the developing roller main body 251 in the first direction. The developing roller shaft 252 is made of a metal or a conductive resin. The developing roller main body 251 is fixed to the developing roller shaft 252 so as not to rotate relative to it. One end of the developing roller shaft 252 in the first direction is fixed to a developing roller gear 241 (described later) so as not to rotate relative to it. Therefore, when the developing roller gear 241 rotates, the developing roller shaft 252 also rotates, and the developing roller main body 251 rotates together with the developing roller shaft 252. Note that the developing roller shaft 252 does not have to penetrate the developing roller main body 251 in the first direction. For example, a pair of developing roller shafts 252 may extend in the first direction from both ends of the developing roller main body 251 in the first direction.

[0202] As shown in FIG. 25(a), the developer cartridge 502 also has a supply roller 246. The supply roller 246 is located between the developing roller 525 and the storage chamber 235. The supply roller 246 is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the first direction. When the developer cartridge 502 receives a driving force, the developer 521 is supplied from the storage chamber 235 in the developer container 523 to the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller main body 251 via the supply roller 246. At this time, the developer 521 is frictionally charged between the supply roller 246 and the developing roller 525. Meanwhile, a bias voltage is applied to the developing roller shaft 252 of the developing roller 525. Therefore, the developer 521 is attracted to the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller main body 251 due to the electrostatic force between the developing roller shaft 252 and the developer 521.

[0203] The developing cartridge 502 also has a developing blade 526. The developing blade 526 shapes the developer 521 supplied to the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller main body 251 to a uniform thickness. The developer 521 on the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller main body 251 is then supplied to a photosensitive drum 532 provided in the drawer tray 3. At this time, the developer 521 moves from the developing roller main body 251 to the photosensitive drum 532 in accordance with the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 532. As a result, the electrostatic latent image is visualized on the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 532.

[0204] The gear portion 524 is located on the first surface 231 of the developing container 523. The gear portion 524 has a developing roller gear 241, a coupling 242, and a side cover 244. Note that in Figures 27 and 28, the multiple gear teeth of each gear are not shown. The coupling 242 is the gear that first receives the driving force supplied from the image forming apparatus 501. The coupling 242 is capable of rotating around a rotation axis extending in the first direction. The coupling 242 is provided with a fastening hole 243 that is recessed in the first direction. In addition, multiple gear teeth (not shown) are provided at equal intervals around the outer periphery of the coupling 242.

[0205] When the cartridge tray 503 with the developer cartridge 502 attached thereto is housed in the image forming apparatus main body 504, the drive shaft (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main body 504 is inserted into the fastening hole 243 of the coupling 242. This couples the drive shaft and the coupling 242 so that they cannot rotate relative to each other. Therefore, when the drive shaft rotates, the coupling 242 rotates. The developing roller gear 241 is a gear for rotating the developing roller 525. The developing roller gear 241 is rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the first direction. A plurality of gear teeth (not shown) are provided at equal intervals around the entire outer periphery of the developing roller gear 241. Some of the gear teeth of the coupling 242 and some of the gear teeth of the developing roller gear 241 mesh with each other. The developing roller gear 241 is also mounted on the end of the developing roller shaft 252 of the developing roller 525 in the first direction so that it cannot rotate relative to the developing roller 525. This Therefore, when the coupling 242 rotates, the developing roller gear 241 rotates, and together with the developing roller gear 241, the developing roller 525 also rotates.

[0206] <<Inserting the developing cartridge into the cartridge tray>> Next, the insertion operation of the developer cartridge 502 into the cartridge tray 503 will be described. FIGS. 29 and 30 are diagrams showing the behavior when the developer cartridge 502 is inserted into the cartridge tray 503. As shown in FIGS. 26, 29, and 30, the cartridge tray 503 has a first guide plate 533, a second guide plate 534, a pair of pressure members 535 (35A, 35B) provided at both ends, and a spacing member 536. As shown in FIG. 26, the pressure members 535A and 35B are disposed at the ends of each of the four slots 531 in the cartridge tray 503 in the first direction. The pressure member 535A is disposed on the side of the end of the cartridge tray 503 in the first direction where the memory tag unit 522 is located. The pressure member 535B is disposed on the side of the end of the cartridge tray 503 in the first direction where the memory tag unit 522 is not located.

[0207] The pressure member 535 provided in the cartridge tray 503 has a pressure elastic body (not shown). The pressure elastic body is formed, for example, of a coil spring or the like. As shown in FIG. 29 , the pressure member 535 is biased in the direction of arrow a. A spacing member 536 is provided in each of the four slots 531 in the cartridge tray 503, at both ends of the cartridge tray 503 in the first direction. The spacing member 536 provided in the cartridge tray 503 also has a spacing elastic body (not shown) and is biased in the direction of arrow b in FIG. 29 . The spacing elastic body can also be formed, for example, of a coil spring or the like.

[0208] On the other hand, the developer container 523 included in the developer cartridge 502 has a developer protrusion 238 as a protruding member. The developer protrusion 238 is a columnar member extending in a first direction from the first surface 231 of the developer container 523. The developer protrusion 238 is not covered by the side cover 244 and is exposed to the outside.

[0209] The first guide plate 533 and the second guide plate 534 are members provided at each end of the cartridge tray 503 in the first direction for guiding the developer cartridges 502 into the respective slots 531. The first guide plate 533 and the second guide plate 534 face each other with a gap between them in the third direction.

[0210] When the developer cartridge 502 is mounted on the cartridge tray 503, first, as shown in FIG. 29, the developer cartridge 502 is guided so that the developing roller gear 241 and part of the side cover 244 of the developer cartridge 502 are positioned between the first guide plate 533 and the second guide plate 534. The guided developer cartridge 502 is inserted in the second direction (downward) into the cartridge tray 503 (first position). At this time, the developer protrusion 238 of the developer container 523 comes into contact with the side surface 351 of the pressure member 535 and the upper surface 361 of the spacing member 536. At this point, the photosensitive drum 532 and the developing roller 525 are not yet in contact with each other.

[0211] Next, referring to FIG. 30, the rotational movement of the developer container 523 after the developer cartridge 502 is inserted into the cartridge tray 503 will be described. After the developer cartridge 502 is inserted into the cartridge tray 503, the developer container 523 rotates relative to the cartridge tray 503 around the center 245 of the coupling 242. Specifically, the developer cartridge 502 is tilted in the direction of arrow c relative to the cartridge tray 503, with the center 245 of the coupling 242 as the rotation center. Due to the force generated during this rotation, the developer protrusion 238 of the developer container 523 moves against the pressure force of the pressure member 535 to a position where it contacts the lower surface 352 of the pressure member 535 (second position). During the rotational movement, the user slides the developer cartridge between the first guide plate 533 and the second guide plate 534, It is advisable to push in the developing cartridge 502.

[0212] The second position is a position where an image can be formed, and is a predetermined position of the developer cartridge 502 in the cartridge tray 503. In addition, at the second position, the developer protrusion 238 and the spacing member 536 are not in contact with each other. Even at the second position, the pressure member 535 presses the developer protrusion 238 in the direction of arrow a. This presses the developer roller 525 against the photosensitive drum 532. When the user inserts the developer cartridge 502 into the cartridge tray 503, it is in either the first position or the second position. In other words, the user may leave the developer cartridge 502 in the first position, or may push it all the way to the second position.

[0213] Here, it is desirable that the developing roller 525 be pressed against the photosensitive drum 532 with a uniform force. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the pressures exerted by the pressure members 535A and 535B are designated as pressure A and pressure B, respectively, taking into consideration the engagement force with which the memory tag connector unit 541 (described later) engages with the memory tag unit 522, pressure B is set to be greater than pressure A. However, appropriate pressures A and B may be set taking into consideration the influence of other factors. This allows the contact pressure of the developing roller 525 against the photosensitive drum 532 to be maintained at an optimum level, resulting in the formation of a good image.

[0214] <<Insertion Operation into Cartridge Tray of Image Forming Apparatus>> The behavior of the developing cartridge 502 when the cartridge tray 503 is inserted into the main body will be described with reference to Figure 31. Figure 31 shows the state in which the cartridge tray 503 is inserted with the front door 545 of the image forming apparatus main body 504 open. The front door 545 is a door portion provided on the main body, and is a door portion that is provided at the insertion opening of the cartridge tray 503 and can be opened and closed by the user. The image forming apparatus main body 504 has an abutment protrusion 546 that is a member that protrudes downward from above. Figure 31(a) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the cartridge tray 503 with the developing cartridge 502 attached thereto has been pulled out from the image forming apparatus main body 504. Figure 31(b) is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the cartridge tray 503 with the developing cartridge 502 attached thereto has been inserted into the image forming apparatus main body 504.

[0215] As shown in FIG. 31(a), as described above, the relative positions of the developer cartridge 502 and the cartridge tray 503 may be either the first position before being pushed all the way in or the second position after being pushed in. However, the developer cartridge 502 in the first position moves to the second position as the cartridge tray 503 is inserted into the image forming apparatus main body 504 in the third direction. Specifically, the gripping portion 237 of the developer cartridge 502 interferes with the abutting protrusion 546 of the image forming apparatus main body 504, and the gripping portion 237 receives a force in the direction of arrow d. As a result, the developer cartridge 502 rotates about the center 245 of the coupling 242 and moves to the second position. As a result, as shown in FIG. 31(b), when the cartridge tray 503 is inside the image forming apparatus main body 504, the developer cartridge 502 is attached to the cartridge tray 503 in the second position. 31(a), the grip portion 237 of the developer cartridge 502, which is in the second position, does not interfere with the abutment protrusion 546 even during the process of inserting the cartridge tray 503 into the image forming apparatus main body 504 in the third direction, so the developer cartridge 502 maintains the second position. Note that the part of the developer cartridge 502 that interferes with the abutment protrusion 546 is not limited to the grip portion 237.

[0216] 32 shows the behavior of memory tag connector unit 541 of image forming apparatus main body 504. Memory tag connector unit 541 has, as its main components, a connector portion 411, a connector holding portion 412, and an elastic member 415. Connector portion 411 has electrical contacts 416, a connector-guided portion 414, and a pressure-receiving surface 418. Connector holding portion 412, which serves as holding means, has a pair of connector guide portions 413 and a pressure-receiving surface 417.

[0217] FIG. 32(a) is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the first direction when the cartridge tray 503 is inserted into the image forming apparatus main body 504 and the front door 545 is open. FIG. 32(b) is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the first direction when the memory tag connector unit 541 moves in the direction of arrow e in FIG. 32(a) in conjunction with the operation of closing the front door 545 and engages with the memory tag unit 522. When the front door 545 is open, the memory tag connector unit 541 is in an upper retracted position and does not abut against the memory tag holder 222 even when the cartridge tray 503 is inserted into or pulled out of the main body. In other words, when the front door 545 is open, there is no friction between the memory tag and the cartridge tray 503, whether it is in the first tray position stored in the main body or the second tray position pulled out from the main body. When the front door 545 is closed, the memory tag connector unit 541 moves downward from the retracted position and is positioned in a connectable position where it can be connected to the memory tag.

[0218] This movement causes the memory tag connector unit 541 to engage with the memory tag holding portion 222 of the developer cartridge 502 in the second position. This positions the memory tag connector unit 541 and the memory tag holding portion 222, and brings the memory tag 221 and the electrical contact 416 into contact with a predetermined pressure. As a result, the memory tag connector unit 541 and the memory tag unit 522 are positioned. In addition, the control unit 542 and the memory tag 221 are electrically connected.

[0219] ≪Separation operation≫ When the cartridge tray 503 containing the developer cartridge 502 has been completely inserted into the image forming apparatus main body 504, the developer cartridge 502 is in the rotated second position, and the photosensitive drum 532 and the developing roller 525 are in a contact position. In this state, the image forming apparatus main body 504 can perform a separation operation at a predetermined timing to separate the developing roller 525 from the photosensitive drum 532. Figure 33 shows the separation operation.

[0220] The image forming apparatus 501 has a separation lever. The separation lever is provided, for example, near a side plate of the cartridge tray 503. The driving force from the image forming apparatus 501 causes the separation lever to press a separation member 536 of the cartridge tray 503, causing the separation member 536 to move in the direction of arrow f in FIG. 33 toward the pressure member 535. As a result, the separation member 536 comes into contact with the developing protrusion 238 and presses the developing protrusion 238 in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 532 against the pressure of the pressure member 535 (state in FIG. 33(a)). As a result, the developing container 523 and the developing roller 525 of the developing cartridge 502 move in the direction of arrow f in FIG. 33 (separating direction) (third position, state in FIG. 33(b)). As a result, the developing roller 525 and the photosensitive drum 532 are separated from each other. This series of operations is called a separating operation, and the positional relationship between developing roller 525 and photosensitive drum 532 in the separated state is called a separating position. The separating direction (arrow f direction) is a direction intersecting with the first direction.

[0221] <Configuration of memory tag connector unit> In this embodiment, even if the positional relationship changes between the abutting position and the separated position, the engagement between the connector portion 411 of the memory tag connector unit 541 and the memory tag holding portion 222 of the memory tag unit 522 is maintained. Therefore, in either positional relationship, the electrical connection between the control portion 542 and the memory tag as memory means is maintained. This maintenance of the engaged state between the connector portion 411 and the memory tag holding portion 222 is possible due to the configuration of the connector portion 411, which will be described later.

[0222] 34, a description will be given of a configuration in which the connector portion 411 of the memory tag connector unit 541 moves in accordance with the separating operation of the developing cartridge 502. FIG. 34(a) is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the memory tag connector unit 541 and the cartridge tray 503. Fig. 34(b) is an enlarged view of the circled portion in Fig. 34(a). Fig. 34(c) is a diagram showing the force applied when connecting the memory tag unit 522 and the memory tag connector unit 541.

[0223] As described above, the memory tag connector unit 541 has, as its main components, a connector portion 411, a plate-shaped connector holding portion 412, and an elastic member 415. The connector holding portion 412 has a pair of connector guide portions 413 extending in the separation direction (the direction of arrow f), and a pressure receiving surface 417. As shown in FIG. 34(c), the connector portion 411 has a protrusion 410, electrical contacts 416, connector-guided portions 414 facing the pair of connector guide portions 413, and a pressure receiving surface 418. Note that, in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the developing roller, the extending direction of the connector guide portions 413 is not limited to being completely aligned with the separation direction (the direction of arrow f). The extending direction of the connector guide portions 413 does not have to be completely aligned with the approximately separation direction (the direction of arrow f) as long as the connector-guided portions 414 are movable. For example, if there is a gap between the guide surface (inner surface) of connector guide portion 413 and the guided surface of connector-guided portion 414, the extending direction of connector guide portion 413 does not need to completely coincide with the separating direction (arrow f direction). Also, even if protruding portion 410 is swingable / movable relative to connector-guided portion 414, the extending direction of connector guide portion 413 does not need to completely coincide with the separating direction (arrow f direction).

[0224] The pair of connector guide portions 413 are both side surfaces of a groove-like portion formed in the connector holding portion 412, and an elastic member 415 is disposed in the groove-like portion. The connector-guided portion 414 is movable in the directions of arrows g and f together with the portion of the connector portion 411 that abuts against the memory tag unit 522, i.e., the protruding portion 410 that protrudes from below the connector holding portion 412. The directions of arrows g and f correspond to the directions in which the memory tag unit 522 moves when the position of the developing cartridge 502 with respect to the cartridge tray 503 changes between the separated position and the abutted position.

[0225] The connector-guided portion 414 is guided by a pair of connector guide portions 413 (guide portions). Therefore, the connector-guided portion 414 is movable in the separation direction (arrow f direction) relative to the pair of connector guide portions 413 along the pair of connector guide portions 413 extending in the separation direction (arrow f direction). In other words, the connector portion 411 is movable in the separation direction (arrow f direction) relative to the connector holding portion 412. An elastic member 415 as a biasing means is interposed between a pressure receiving surface 418 of the connector portion 411 and a pressure receiving surface 417 of the connector holding portion 412, and constantly biases the connector portion 411 in the abutting direction (arrow g direction) relative to the connector holding portion 412, which is the direction opposite to the separation direction. Therefore, the connector portion 411 is biased in the abutting direction (arrow g direction) relative to the connector holding portion 412 within the movable range of the pair of connector guide portions 413. The presence of connector guide portion 413 restricts movement of connector portion 411 in directions other than the separation direction or the contact direction.

[0226] <<Memory tag connector unit behavior during separation operation>> Figure 35 shows the behavior of the memory tag connector unit 541 during the separation operation. Figure 35(a) is a view of a part of the image forming apparatus 501 with the front door 545 open, viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The developer cartridge 502 in Figure 35(a) is in the second position. Figure 35(b) is a view of a part of the image forming apparatus 501 with the front door 545 closed, viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The developer cartridge 502 is also in the second position in Figure 35(b). Figure 35(c) is a view of the memory tag connector unit 541 engaged with the memory tag unit 522, viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The developer cartridge 502 at this time is in the third position.

[0227] With reference to Figure 35(a), the positions of the memory tag unit 522 and the memory tag connector unit 541 before the front door 545 is closed will be described. Because the developer cartridge 502 is in the second position, the position of the memory tag unit 522 is fixed. Furthermore, the memory tag connector unit 541 is positioned above the developer cartridge 502 in the second direction, and as described above, the connector portion 411 receives a biasing force from the elastic member 415 in the direction opposite to the separation direction (the direction of arrow g), and is biased in the direction opposite to the separation direction (the direction of arrow g) within its movable range. Therefore, the position of the memory tag connector unit 541 is fixed.

[0228] 35(b), a state in which the front door 545 is closed and the memory tag connector unit 541 moves in the direction of arrow e will be described. As the memory tag connector unit 541 moves downward on the paper surface, the protrusion 410 of the connector part 411 engages with the memory tag holding part 222.

[0229] Next, with reference to Figure 35(c), a description will be given of the state change that accompanies the separation operation. The connector portion 411 is held so as to be movable in the separation direction (the direction of arrow f), and is biased in the direction opposite to the separation direction (the direction of arrow g), so it moves in response to the change in position of the developer cartridge 502 that accompanies the separation operation. Therefore, the engagement state between the protrusion 410 of the connector portion 411 and the memory tag holding portion 222 is maintained. With this configuration, even when the separation operation is performed, the memory tag 221 does not rub against the electrical contact 416, reducing wear on the memory tag 221 and the electrical contact 416.

[0230] As described above, in the image forming apparatus 501 of this embodiment, the memory tag connector unit 541 is disposed in the vicinity of the optical unit 543 in the first direction, where a space was previously required. Then, by closing the front door 545 with the cartridge tray 503 inserted inside the main body, the memory and the control unit are electrically connected. Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus 501 having a memory means without increasing the size of the image forming apparatus 501.

[0231] In addition, by taking into consideration the engagement force of the memory tag connector unit 541 (memory connection means) with the memory tag unit 522 and setting pressure B to be greater than pressure A, the contact pressure of the developing roller 525 against the photosensitive drum 532 can be kept optimal, allowing a good image to be output. Furthermore, by positioning the memory tag unit 522 so as to straddle both the overhanging portion 234 and the third surface 233, the reduction in space of the storage chamber 235 can be minimized, and the developer 521 can be efficiently stored in the storage chamber 235. Furthermore, the memory tag connector unit 541 is provided with the elastic member 415, which allows it to follow the separation operation of the developing cartridge 502 and the photosensitive drum 532. This prevents friction between the memory tag 221 and the electrical contact 416, reducing the risk of wear.

[0232] Furthermore, the memory tag unit 572 is provided on a surface that is not covered by the cartridge tray 503 when the developer cartridge 502 is accommodated in the cartridge tray 503, i.e., on the top surface (third surface 233) of the developer cartridge housing. Compared to providing the memory tag unit 572 on the side surface of the developer cartridge (first surface 231 or second surface 232) or on a surface of the developer cartridge 502 perpendicular to the third direction, the memory tag connector unit 541 can be incorporated into the main body under conditions that are less restricted by the configuration of the cartridge tray 503. For example, if the memory tag unit 572 is provided on the side surface of the developer cartridge, the side wall of the cartridge tray 503 would get in the way when attempting to connect the memory tag connector unit 541 to the memory tag unit 572. Furthermore, if the memory tag unit 572 is provided on a surface of the developer cartridge 502 perpendicular to the third direction or such that the electrical contact surface of the memory tag unit 572 intersects with the third direction, the memory tag connector unit 541 would need to be located inside the cartridge tray 503. According to the above embodiment, this problem can be solved.

[0233] [Embodiment 5] An image forming apparatus 506 according to another embodiment of the present invention and a developing cartridge 507 used in the image forming apparatus 506 will be described. The following description will focus on differences from the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 506 of this embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment mainly in the configurations of the memory tag unit 572 and the memory tag connector unit 591.

[0234] <Configuration of memory tag unit and memory tag connector unit> Figure 36 shows the configuration of the memory tag unit 572 arranged in the developing cartridge 507. Figures 36(a) and 36(b) are perspective views of the developing cartridge 507 seen from different directions, and also show the positional relationship with the photosensitive drum 532. Figure 36(c) is an enlarged view corresponding to the circled portion in Figure 36(b), and shows the detailed configuration of the memory means.

[0235] As shown in the figure, the memory tag unit 572 of this embodiment has a memory tag 721, a memory tag holding portion 722 as memory holding means for holding the memory tag 721, a memory tag guide portion 723 as memory guide means for guiding the memory tag holding portion 722, and a first elastic member 724 that applies a biasing force in the direction of arrow i to the memory tag holding portion 722. With this configuration, the memory tag 721 is held movably, and the direction of its movement is restricted to the third direction in which the cartridge tray 503 is inserted.

[0236] The developing container 573 is a housing capable of containing the developer 571. A container chamber 735 for containing the developer 571 is provided inside the developing container 573. The developing container 573 has a first surface 731 provided at one end in the first direction and a second surface 732 provided at an end on the opposite side of the first surface 731 in the first direction. The developing container 573 has a third surface 733 that is an upper surface in the second direction. The developing container 573 also has a canopy portion 734 located on an extension of the third surface 733 in the first direction. In this embodiment, the memory tag unit 572 is located so as to straddle both the canopy portion 734 and the third surface 733. However, the memory tag unit 572 may be located at the end in the first direction of the third surface 733 or at the canopy portion 734. This allows the space of the storage chamber 735 in which the developer 571 is stored to be minimized or not to be compromised, and the developer 571 can be efficiently stored in the space of the storage chamber 735.

[0237] As described above, the memory tag guide portion 723 is provided so as to straddle the third surface 733 and the overhang portion 734 of the developing container 573, and has a pair of guide surfaces 725 (one of the guide surfaces is not shown) facing each other in the first direction. The guide surface 725 extends in the direction of arrow h. The memory tag holding portion 722 has a guided surface (not shown) for being guided by the guide surface 725. Therefore, the memory tag holding portion 722 is supported so as to be movable in the direction of arrow h along the guide surface 725 relative to the developing cartridge 507 by having the guided surface (not shown) guided by the guide surface 725. In addition, the first elastic member 724 applies a biasing force to the memory tag holding portion 722 in the direction of arrow i (the opposite direction to the direction of arrow h).

[0238] Figure 37 shows the configuration of the memory tag connector unit 591 of this embodiment. Figure 37(a) shows the configuration of the memory tag connector unit 591 and its positional relationship with the cartridge tray 503. Figure 37(b) is an enlarged view of the circled portion in Figure 37(a). Figure 37(c) is a diagram showing the force applied when connecting the memory tag unit 572 and the memory tag connector unit 591.

[0239] As shown in FIG. 37, the memory tag connector unit 591 has the following main components: The connector 911 has a connector portion 911, a connector holding portion 912, and a second elastic member 915. The connector holding portion 912 has a pair of connector guide portions 913 extending in the direction of arrow j, and a pressure receiving surface 917. The connector portion 911 has a protrusion 910, an electrical contact 916, a connector-guided portion 914 facing the pair of connector guide portions 913, and a pressure receiving surface 918.

[0240] The connector-guided portion 914 is guided by a pair of connector guide portions 913. Therefore, the connector-guided portion 914 is movable in the direction of arrow j relative to the pair of connector guide portions 913, along the pair of connector guide portions 913 extending in the direction of arrow j. In other words, the connector portion 911 is movable in the direction of arrow j relative to the connector holding portion 912. The second elastic member 915 is interposed between a pressure receiving surface 918 of the connector portion 911 and a pressure receiving surface 917 of the connector holding portion 912, and constantly biases the connector portion 911 in the direction of arrow k relative to the connector holding portion 912. Therefore, the connector portion 911 is biased in the direction of arrow k relative to the connector holding portion 912 within the movable range of the pair of connector guide portions 913.

[0241] In this figure, the connector guide portion 913 restricts the movement direction of the connector portion 911 to the up-down direction substantially perpendicular to the third direction. However, the movement direction of the connector portion 911 is not limited to this, and may be determined in accordance with the relationship with the movement distance of the memory tag holding portion 722 on the memory tag guide portion 723. In other words, it is sufficient if the movement of the memory tag holding portion 722 and the movement of the connector portion 911 can absorb the change in the connection position of the memory tag 721 and the electrical contacts 916 due to the separation operation.

[0242] <<Behavior of memory tag unit and memory tag connector unit during separation operation>> Figure 38 shows the behavior of the memory tag unit 572 and the memory tag connector unit 591 during the separation operation. Figure 38(a) is a view of a portion of the image forming apparatus 506 with the front door 545 open, viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The developer cartridge 507 in Figure 38(a) is in the second position. Figure 38(b) is a view of a portion of the image forming apparatus 506 with the front door 545 closed, viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The developer cartridge 507 is also in the second position in Figure 38(b). Figure 38(c) is a view of the memory tag connector unit 591 engaged with the memory tag unit 572, viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The developer cartridge 507 at this time is in the third position.

[0243] Referring to Figure 38(a), the positional relationship between the memory tag unit 572 and the memory tag connector unit 591 before the front door 545 is closed will now be described. At this time, the developer cartridge 507 is located in the second position. The memory tag holding portion 722 is urged in the direction of arrow i by the first elastic member 724. Therefore, the position of the memory tag unit 572 is fixed. The memory tag connector unit 591 is located above the developer cartridge 507 in the second direction, and as described above, the connector portion 911 receives a urging force in the direction of arrow k from the second elastic member 915 and is urged in the direction of arrow k within its movable range. Therefore, the position of the memory tag connector unit 591 is fixed.

[0244] 38(b), a state in which the front door 545 is closed and the memory tag connector unit 591 moves in the direction of arrow m will be described. As the memory tag connector unit 591 moves in the direction of arrow m, the protrusion 910 of the connector part 911 engages with the memory tag holding part 722.

[0245] Next, with reference to Figure 38(c), a description will be given of the state change accompanying the separating operation. The connector part 911 is held so as to be movable in the direction of the arrow j, and the memory tag holding part 722 is held so as to be movable in the direction of the arrow h. Here, the connector part movement direction (arrow j direction) and the separating direction (arrow n direction) are different. Therefore, when the developing cartridge 507 is moved in the separating direction (arrow n direction), When they are separated, a force acts between the memory tag holding section 722 and the connector section 911 such that the positions of the memory tag holding section 722 and the connector section 911 are displaced relative to each other in the direction of arrow h.

[0246] However, as described above, the memory tag holding portion 722 is movable in the direction of arrow h relative to the developing cartridge 507. Therefore, the memory tag holding portion 722 and the connector portion 911 do not move relative to each other, even when the developing cartridge 507 is moving from the second position to the third position or when the developing cartridge 507 is in the third position.

[0247] Therefore, following the separating operation of the developer cartridge 507, the protrusion 910 of the connector portion 911 and the memory tag holding portion 722 are maintained in an engaged state. That is, although the separating direction, the moving direction of the memory tag holding portion 722, and the moving direction of the connector portion 911 are all different, the influence of the movement of the developer cartridge 502 in the separating direction is absorbed separately by the moving direction of the memory tag holding portion 722 and the moving direction of the connector portion 911. As a result, even when a separating operation is performed, the memory tag 721 does not rub against the electrical contacts 916, thereby reducing the risk of the memory tag 721 rubbing against the electrical contacts 916 and wearing out.

[0248] As explained above, even if the direction in which the developing cartridge 507 is separated and the direction in which the connector portion moves are different, the memory tag holding portion 722 can move relative to the developing cartridge 507, so the memory tag 721 does not rub against the electrical contact 916 due to the separation operation, thereby reducing the risk of the memory tag 721 rubbing against the electrical contact 916 and becoming worn.

[0249] <Modification> Furthermore, the above-described fourth and fifth embodiments have been described using the developer cartridges 502 and 7 that can be attached to the cartridge trays 503 and 8, respectively. However, the developer cartridges 502 and 7 may be attachable to drum cartridges. A drum cartridge is a cartridge having one photosensitive drum. The developer cartridges 502 and 7 may also be process cartridges having a photosensitive drum. A process cartridge is a single cartridge including a developing roller and a photosensitive drum. A toner cartridge may also be used instead of the developer cartridges 502 and 7. A toner cartridge is a cartridge that can contain toner and does not have a developing roller.

[0250] That is, the present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus having a main body, an attachment portion, and a cartridge member attached to the attachment portion. When a developer cartridge is attached to a drum cartridge, the drum cartridge corresponds to the attachment portion. Also, for example, when a process cartridge is housed in a cartridge tray, the process cartridge is the cartridge member and the cartridge tray corresponds to the attachment portion. Also, when a toner cartridge is used, the toner cartridge corresponds to the cartridge member. Even in these cases, the electrical connection between the two is maintained by the memory connection means on the main body side, which is connected to the memory means on the cartridge member side, moving in response to changes in the positional relationship between the mounting portion and the cartridge member between the separated position and the abutting position. [Explanation of symbols]

[0251] 1: image forming apparatus, 2: apparatus main body, 3: cartridge tray, 4: photosensitive drum, 5: charging roller, 6: developing roller, 8: developing cartridge, 9: main body side metal terminal, 28: developer accommodating frame (housing), 30: cartridge tray frame, 33: cartridge guide, 34a: memory unit support portion, 43: control portion, 80: memory tag unit (storage means, memory medium unit), 81a: electrical contact portion, 68a: second positioning portion (drive side positioning portion), 71a: first positioning portion (developing roller bearing positioning portion), 100: cover member (developing roller roller cover), 101: first covering portion (developing roller protection portion), 102: second covering portion (memory tag unit protection portion), 103: second engaging portion (drive side mating portion), 104: first engaging portion (non-drive side mating portion), 105: handle portion 501: Image forming apparatus, 502: Development cartridge, 521: Developer, 522: Memory tag unit, 221: Memory tag, 525: Development roller, 503: Cartridge tray, 532: Photosensitive drum, 504: Image forming apparatus main body, 541: Memory tag connector unit, 411: Connector section, 542: Control section

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus, a device main body having a plurality of main body connectors; a cartridge tray having a plurality of photosensitive drums and movable between a storage position in which the cartridge is stored in the main body of the apparatus and a pulled-out position in which the cartridge is pulled out from the main body of the apparatus; a plurality of cartridges attached to the cartridge tray, each of which has a developing roller, a developing container containing toner, and a memory member having a memory contact surface, and which are removable from the cartridge tray when the cartridge tray is in the extended position; When the cartridge tray is in the storage position, the memory contact surface faces upward in the vertical direction and contacts one of the plurality of main body connectors, and when one of the plurality of main body connectors and the memory contact surface are in contact with each other, each of the plurality of cartridges is movable between an abutting position where the developing roller abuts against one of the plurality of photosensitive drums and a separated position where the developing roller is separated from one of the plurality of photosensitive drums. An image forming apparatus characterized by:

2. Each of the plurality of cartridges has a memory holding portion that holds the memory member, and the memory holding portion is movable relative to the developing container.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

3. The device body has a connector biasing member that presses one of the plurality of body connectors toward the memory contact surface.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

4. The cartridge tray is configured to move from the storage position to the pull-out position through an opening in the device body, the device body includes a door that is movable between a closed position that covers the opening and an open position that exposes the opening; When the door is in the open position, one of the plurality of main body connectors is spaced from the memory contact surface, and when the door is in the closed position, one of the plurality of main body connectors is in front abutting the memory contact surface; 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

5. One of the plurality of main body connectors moves in conjunction with the movement of the door.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.

6. An image forming apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a moving member that moves each of the plurality of cartridges between the abutting position and the separated position.

7. The memory contact surface faces downstream in the direction of movement of each of the plurality of cartridges when each of the plurality of cartridges moves from the abutting position to the separated position.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is a recording medium.

Images