Container and inspection method

Abstract

To further develop a conventional cartridge.SOLUTION: A container stores developer and is arranged in an image forming apparatus. A first member and a second member, which are resin members, are integrally joined to each other by using an adhesive to form the container. The adhesive contains a fluorescent agent.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a container and an inspection method. [Background technology]

[0002] An electrophotographic image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus) is an apparatus that forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic image forming method. Examples of image forming apparatuses include electrophotographic copiers, electrophotographic printers (LED printers, laser beam printers, etc.), facsimile machines, and word processors.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a cartridge that is detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus, in which a toner storage section for storing toner is formed by welding a first frame and a second frame together. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-019241 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention aims to further develop conventional cartridges. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention employs the following configuration: A container for containing a developer, a first member and a second member; a connecting member that connects the first member and the second member; Equipped with A fluorescent agent is added to the connecting member. The container is characterized by the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a new type of cartridge can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] Schematic cross-sectional view showing the printer configuration [Figure 2] A perspective view of a process cartridge and a toner cartridge [Figure 3] A perspective view of a process cartridge and a toner cartridge [Figure 4] Side view of the process cartridge and toner cartridge [Figure 5] Side view of the process cartridge and toner cartridge [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of a process cartridge and a toner cartridge [Figure 7] Diagram of the process cartridge and toner cartridge viewed from the direction of removal [Figure 8] Memory tag diagram [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of a memory tag of the process cartridge; [Figure 10] A top view showing the arrangement of memory tags on the process cartridge [Figure 11] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of a memory tag of a process cartridge; [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a mounting member; [Figure 13] A side view showing the arrangement of memory tags of the process cartridge [Figure 14] Cross-sectional view showing installation of a toner cartridge into a process cartridge [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the mounting member; [Figure 16] FIG. 1 shows a portion of the attachment member and the cleaning collection chamber. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the mounting member; [Figure 18]Cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the mounting member [Figure 19] A perspective view explaining the observation method [Figure 20] Diagram explaining the observation method [Figure 21] A diagram showing an example of an observation method [Figure 22] A diagram showing an example of an observation method [Figure 23] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the cleaning frame; [Figure 24] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a process of joining the cleaning frame; [Figure 25] Diagram showing the inspection process for adhesive application status DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the following embodiments may be changed as appropriate depending on the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to these.

[0010] [Embodiment] <Overall printer overview> The basic configuration and operation of a printer 100 as an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the printer 100 according to this embodiment. Arrow Z indicates the vertical direction, and arrow H indicates the horizontal direction.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 100 has a main body 100A, a process cartridge P as a cartridge detachably mounted in the main body 100A, and a toner cartridge T.

[0012] The apparatus main body 100A has a scanner 101 as an exposure device, a stacking tray 102 on which sheets S are stacked, a paper feed roller 103, a transfer roller 104, a fixing unit 105, a discharge tray 106, and a control unit 107. In addition, a process cartridge P and a toner cartridge (developer cartridge) T are removably mounted in the apparatus main body 100A.

[0013] The process cartridge P has a drum unit 10 having a photosensitive drum 12, a cleaning blade (cleaning member) 14, a charging roller (charging member) 13, and a drum frame 11, and a developing unit 30 having a developing roller 32 and a developing frame 31. The photosensitive drum 12 is rotatably supported by the drum frame 11. The developing roller 32 is rotatably supported by the developing frame 31.

[0014] The toner cartridge T can be attached to the process cartridge P. The toner cartridge T contains toner as a developer and is configured to supply the toner to the developing unit 30 of the process cartridge P. The toner cartridge T has a toner transport member 62, a toner transport screw 63, and a toner frame 55. The toner transport member 62 and the toner transport screw 63 are rotatably supported by the toner frame 55.

[0015] A description will now be given of the image forming operation on the sheet S. The control unit 107 of the printer 100 starts the image forming operation on the sheet S based on a signal received from an external device.

[0016] First, the photosensitive drum 12 is rotated by the drive source of the apparatus main body 100A. With a charging voltage applied to the charging roller 13, the charging roller 13 is rotated by the photosensitive drum 12. As a result, the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 is uniformly charged. Based on image information, the scanner 101 irradiates a laser beam toward the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 12, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12.

[0017] Toner is supplied from the developing roller 32 to the photosensitive drum 12, and the electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image. As the photosensitive drum 12 rotates, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 12 is transported toward a transfer unit formed between the transfer roller 104 and the photosensitive drum 12.

[0018] Meanwhile, a sheet S is fed from a stacking tray 102 by a sheet feed roller 103. The sheet S is transported to the transfer section in synchronization with the timing at which the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 12 reaches the transfer section.

[0019] A transfer voltage is applied to the transfer roller 104, and the toner image is transferred from the photosensitive drum 12 to the sheet S. Residual toner that has not been transferred to the sheet S is removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 by a cleaning blade 14.

[0020] The sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred is transported toward the fixing unit 105. When the sheet S passes through the fixing unit 105, the toner image is heated and pressurized by the fixing unit 105, and is fixed to the sheet S.

[0021] The printer 100 according to this embodiment is capable of performing double-sided printing, in which an image is formed on both the front and back sides of the sheet S. When an image is formed only on the front side of the sheet S, the sheet S passes through the fixing unit 105 and is discharged to the discharge tray 106. On the other hand, when double-sided printing is performed, the sheet S, on which the toner image is fixed on the front side, is transported again toward the transfer unit through the double-sided transport path, and a toner image is formed on the back side of the sheet S. Thereafter, the sheet S passes through the fixing unit 105 and is discharged to the discharge tray 106.

[0022] <Installing and removing the process cartridge and toner cartridge> 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, the installation and removal of the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T according to this embodiment will be described.

[0023] 2 and 3 are perspective views of the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T. FIGS. 4 and 5 are side views of the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T.

[0024] 5, the photosensitive drum 12 is rotatable around a rotation axis (first axis) 12a. The direction in which the rotation axis 12a extends is called the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12 (axial direction).

[0025] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the process cartridge P and toner cartridge T as seen from the drive side. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the process cartridge P and toner cartridge T as seen from the non-drive side. Fig. 4 is a side view of the drive side of the process cartridge P and toner cartridge T as seen in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 12. Fig. 5 is a side view of the non-drive side of the process cartridge P and toner cartridge T as seen in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 12.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 100 has a door (opening / closing member) 100B that covers an opening 100C of the device main body 100A. The door 100B is attached to the device main body 100A so as to be rotatable. The door 100B has a closed position where it covers the opening 100C, and a closed position where the opening 100C is open. When the door 100B is in the open position, the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T can be installed in the apparatus main body 100A and removed from the apparatus main body 100A through the opening 100C.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the drum frame 11 has a process driving end (first end of the drum frame 11) 11f1 and a process non-driving end (second end of the drum frame 11) 11f2 opposite the process driving end 11f1 in the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12. The process driving end 11f1 and the process non-driving end 11f2 are the outermost portions (ends) of the drum frame 11 in the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12. There may be multiple process driving ends 11f1 and multiple process non-driving ends 11f2. The center of the drum frame 11 in the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12 is referred to as the center 11f3. The distance from the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 to the process driving end 11f1 is equal to the distance from the center 11f3 to the process non-driving end 11f2.

[0028] In this embodiment, the process driving end 11f1 and the process non-driving end 11f2 are the outermost portions (ends) of the process cartridge P in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 12. In other words, the process driving end 11f1 and the process non-driving end 11f2 coincide with the driving end (first end of the process cartridge P) and the non-driving end (second end of the process cartridge P) of the process cartridge P in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 12.

[0029] In the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 12, the side on which the process driving end 11f1 is located relative to the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 is the driving side of the drum frame 11 or the driving side of the process cartridge P. In the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 12, the side on which the process non-driving end 11f2 is located relative to the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 is the non-driving side of the drum frame 11 or the non-driving side of the process cartridge P. In this embodiment, in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 12, the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 is the same as the center of the process cartridge P.

[0030] In the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 12, the driving side of the drum frame 11 or the driving side of the process cartridge P is located opposite to the non-driving side of the drum frame 11 or the non-driving side of the process cartridge P.

[0031] As will be described later, the toner conveying member 62 is rotatable around a rotation axis 62a. The direction in which the rotation axis 62a extends is referred to as the rotation axis direction (axial direction) of the toner conveying member 62. The toner conveying screw 63 is rotatable around a rotation axis 63a. The direction in which the rotation axis 63a extends is referred to as the rotation axis direction (axial direction) of the toner conveying screw 63.

[0032] In the direction of the rotation axis of the toner transport screw 63, the toner frame 55 has a toner driving end (first end of the toner frame 55) 55a1 and a toner non-driving end 55a2 (second end of the toner frame 55) opposite the toner driving end 55a1. The toner driving end 55a1 and the toner non-driving end 55a2 are the outermost portions (ends) of the toner frame 55 in the direction of the rotation axis of the toner transport screw 63. There may be multiple toner driving ends 55a1 and multiple toner non-driving ends 55a2. The center of the toner frame 55 in the direction of the rotation axis of the toner transport screw 63 is referred to as the center 55a3. The distance from the center 55a3 of the toner frame 55 to the toner driving end 55a1 is equal to the distance from the center 11f3 to the toner non-driving end 55a2.

[0033] In this embodiment, the toner driving end 55a1 and the toner non-driving end 55a2 are the outermost portions (ends) of the toner cartridge T in the direction of the rotation axis of the toner transport screw 63. a1 and the toner non-driving end 55a2 coincide with the driving end (first end of the toner cartridge T) and the non-driving end (second end of the toner cartridge T) of the toner cartridge T.

[0034] In the direction of the rotation axis of the toner transport screw 63, the side on which the toner driving end 55a1 is located relative to the center 55a3 of the toner frame 55 is the driving side of the toner frame 55 or the driving side of the toner cartridge T. In the direction of the rotation axis of the toner transport screw 63, the side on which the toner non-driving end 55a2 is located relative to the center 55a3 of the toner frame 55 is the non-driving side of the toner frame 55 or the non-driving side of the toner cartridge T. In this embodiment, in the direction of the rotation axis of the toner transport screw 63, the center 55a3 of the toner frame 55 is the same as the toner cartridge T.

[0035] In the direction of the rotation axis of the toner transport screw 63, the drive side of the toner frame 55 or the drive side of the toner cartridge T is located opposite to the non-drive side of the toner frame 55 or the non-drive side of the toner cartridge T.

[0036] In this embodiment, the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12, the rotational axis direction of the toner transport member 62, and the rotational axis direction of the toner transport screw 63 are parallel to one another. Therefore, the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12, the rotational axis direction of the toner transport member 62, and the rotational axis direction of the toner transport screw 63 are simply referred to as the axial direction (first direction) LD.

[0037] In this embodiment, the position of the center 55a3 of the toner frame 55 is the same as the position of the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 in the axial direction LD. However, the position of the center 55a3 of the toner frame 55 and the position of the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 may be different.

[0038] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the process cartridge P has a drive-side process guide 22 on the drive side of the drum frame 11. The toner cartridge T has a drive-side toner guide 51 on the drive side of the toner frame 55. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the process cartridge P has a non-drive-side process guide 23 on the non-drive side of the drum frame 11. The toner cartridge T has a non-drive-side toner guide 52 on the non-drive side of the toner frame 55.

[0039] The direction in which the process cartridge P is attached to the apparatus main body 100A is called the attachment direction PDA. The direction in which the process cartridge P is removed from the apparatus main body 100A is called the removal direction PDD. The attachment direction PDA and the removal direction PDD are collectively called the attachment / detachment direction PD. The drive side process guide 22 and the non-drive side process guide 23 are formed along the attachment / detachment direction PD. The drive side process guide 22 and the non-drive side process guide 23 are guided by guide portions of the apparatus main body 100A, and the process cartridge P moves in the attachment / detachment direction PD relative to the apparatus main body 100A.

[0040] The direction in which the toner cartridge T is attached to the apparatus main body 100A is called the attachment direction TDA. The direction in which the toner cartridge T is removed from the apparatus main body 100A is called the removal direction TDD. The attachment direction TDA and the removal direction TDD are collectively called the attachment / detachment direction TD. The drive side toner guide 51 and the non-drive side toner guide 52 are formed along the attachment / detachment direction TD. The drive side toner guide 51 and the non-drive side toner guide 52 are guided by guide portions of the apparatus main body 100A, and the toner cartridge T moves in the attachment / detachment direction TD relative to the apparatus main body 100A.

[0041] In this embodiment, the attachment / detachment direction PD is a direction that intersects with the axial direction LD. It is preferable that the angle between the attachment / detachment direction PD and a direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD is smaller than the angle between the axial direction LD and the attachment / detachment direction PD, and it is more preferable that the attachment / detachment direction PD is a direction that intersects with the axial direction LD at right angles.

[0042] In this embodiment, the attachment / detachment direction TD is a direction that intersects with the axial direction LD. It is preferable that the angle between the direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD and the attachment / detachment direction TD is smaller than the angle between the axial direction LD and the attachment / detachment direction TD, and it is more preferable that the attachment / detachment direction TD is a direction that intersects with the axial direction LD at right angles.

[0043] In this embodiment, the attachment / detachment direction PD and the attachment / detachment direction TD are parallel to each other, but the attachment / detachment direction PD and the attachment / detachment direction TD may be different from each other.

[0044] In this embodiment, the process cartridge P is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 100A without the toner cartridge T attached to the apparatus main body 100A. In other words, the process cartridge P is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 100A before the toner cartridge T is attached to the apparatus main body 100A.

[0045] With the toner cartridge T not yet attached to the apparatus main body 100A, the process cartridge P is attached to the apparatus main body 100A through the opening 100C. Furthermore, with the process cartridge P attached to the apparatus main body 100A, the toner cartridge T is attached to the apparatus main body 100A and the process cartridge P through the opening 100C.

[0046] When the toner cartridge T and the process cartridge P are attached to the apparatus main body 100A, the process cartridge P is located downstream of the toner cartridge T in the attachment direction PDA and the attachment direction TDA.

[0047] When the toner cartridge T and the process cartridge P are removed from the apparatus main body 100A, the toner cartridge T is removed from the apparatus main body 100A and the process cartridge P through the opening 100C. Thereafter, the process cartridge P is removed from the apparatus main body 100A through the opening 100C.

[0048] <Process cartridge> The structure of the process cartridge P according to this embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. FIG.

[0049] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T. Specifically, Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T taken along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD.

[0050] The process cartridge P includes a developing unit 30 and a drum unit 10. The developing unit 30 is movably (rotatably) connected to the drum unit 10. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the process cartridge P has a drive side spring 37 and a non-drive side spring 38. The drive-side spring 37 and the non-drive-side spring 38 are attached to the drum unit 10 and the developing unit 30. The drive-side spring 37 and the non-drive-side spring 38 bias the developing unit 30 so that the developing roller 32 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 12.

[0051] As shown in Figure 6, the developing unit 30 has a developing frame 31, a developing roller 32 (developer carrier) that carries toner, a supply roller 33 (supply member) that comes into contact with the developing roller 32 to supply toner, a developing blade 34, and an agitating member 35. The developing frame 31 supports the developing roller 32, the supply roller 33, the developing blade 34, and the agitating member 35. The developing frame 31 is provided with a developing chamber 31a and a developing chamber 31b as storage sections. The developing chamber 31a contains an agitating member. A member 35 is disposed in the developing chamber 31b, and a developing roller 32, a supply roller 33, and a developing blade 34 are disposed in the developing chamber 31b.

[0052] Toner supplied from the toner cartridge T is accommodated in the developer accommodating chamber 31a. The agitator 35 transports the toner accommodated in the developer accommodating chamber 31a to the developer chamber 31b. The toner transported to the developer chamber 31b is supplied to the developer roller 32 by a supply roller 33 which rotates in contact with the developer roller 32. The toner supplied to the developer roller 32 is regulated by the developer blade 34, and a toner layer is formed on the surface of the developer roller 32. The developer blade 34 functions as a layer thickness regulating member which regulates the thickness of the toner layer.

[0053] As shown in Figure 6, the drum unit 10 has a drum frame 11. The drum frame 11 supports a photosensitive drum 12, a charging roller 13, a cleaning blade 14, an intermediate conveying member 15, an intermediate screw 16, and a transmission shaft 17. The drum unit 10 also has a memory tag 90P, which will be described later. The drum frame 11 is equipped with a cleaning material recovery chamber 19.

[0054] The charging roller 13 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 12 and is rotated by the photosensitive drum 12. The cleaning blade 14 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 12 and collects toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12. The collected toner is stored in a cleaning collection chamber 19. The drum unit 10 may have a return screw that returns the collected toner to the toner cartridge T.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the process cartridge P has a process coupling 36 (first input portion, developing drive member) and a drum gear 21 (second input portion, drum drive member). When the process coupling 36 engages with the main body coupling of the apparatus main body 100A, a driving force (external force) is transmitted from the apparatus main body 100A to the process coupling 36. When the drum gear 21 engages with the main body gear of the apparatus main body 100A, a driving force (external force) is transmitted from the apparatus main body 100A to the drum gear 21, causing the drum gear 21 to rotate. When the drum gear 21 rotates, the photosensitive drum 12 is driven to rotate.

[0056] 3 and 5, the developing roller electrode 32a, the developing blade electrode 34a, the supply roller electrode 33a, and the charging roller electrode 13a are arranged on the non-drive side of the process cartridge P. The developing roller electrode 32a, the developing blade electrode 34a, the supply roller electrode 33a, and the charging roller electrode 13a are electrically connected to the developing roller 32, the developing blade 34, the supply roller 33, and the charging roller 13, respectively. When an image forming operation is performed, a predetermined voltage is applied to the developing roller electrode 32a, the developing blade electrode 34a, the supply roller electrode 33a, and the charging roller electrode 13a from the power supply of the apparatus main body 100A.

[0057] In this embodiment, the directions of the rotation axes of the developing roller 32, supply roller 33, stirring member 35, charging roller 13, intermediate conveying member 15, intermediate screw 16, and transmission shaft 17 are parallel to the axial direction LD. The directions of the rotation axes of the gears other than the process coupling 36 and drum gear 21 are also parallel to the axial direction LD.

[0058] <Toner cartridge> The configuration of the toner cartridge T according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. As shown in Figure 6, a toner storage chamber 53 is provided in a toner frame 55 of the toner cartridge T. The toner storage chamber 53 stores toner to be supplied to the process cartridge P. When toner recovered from the photosensitive drum 12 is returned to the toner cartridge T, a recovery chamber for storing recovered toner may be provided in addition to the toner storage chamber.

[0059] <Memory configuration> The memory configuration will be explained with reference to FIG. 8, which is an explanatory diagram of the memory tag 90.

[0060] In this embodiment, the process cartridge P has a memory tag 90P as a memory that stores information about the process cartridge P. In addition, the toner cartridge T has a memory tag 90T as a memory that stores information about the toner cartridge T. The stored information includes, for example, information about the usage history of the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T.

[0061] The memory tag 90P of the process cartridge P and the memory tag 90T of the toner cartridge T have similar shapes. When there is no need to distinguish between the memory tags 90P and 90T, or when explaining matters common to the memory tags 90P and 90T, the memory tags 90P and 90T will be simply referred to as memory tags 90.

[0062] 8, the memory tag 90 in this embodiment has a memory element 90d that stores information about the process cartridge P or the toner cartridge T, and a conductive portion (electrode portion, interface portion, memory contact) 90a electrically connected to the memory element 90d. The conductive portion 90a includes a first electrode (first terminal, first memory electrode, first memory contact) 90a1 and a second electrode (second terminal, second memory electrode, second memory contact) 90a2, and the first electrode 90a1 and the second electrode 90a2 are electrically connected to the memory element 90d.

[0063] The memory tag 90 includes a holding portion (holding substrate) 90b that holds the conductive portion 90a (first electrode 90a1, second electrode 90a2). The memory tag 90 includes a protection portion 90c that covers and protects the memory element 90d. In this embodiment, the conductive portion 90a is disposed on one surface (front surface) of the holding portion 90b, and the memory element 90d is disposed on the other surface (back surface) of the holding portion 90b.

[0064] The memory tag 90 in this embodiment is a plate-shaped member with an area of ​​5.5 mm x 5 mm and a thickness of 1.4 mm. The holding portion 90b and the protective portion 90c are integrated. The memory tag 90 has a two-layer structure formed by the holding portion 90b and the protective portion 90c. The holding portion 90b and the protective portion 90c form a substrate portion (substrate) 90f having a conductive portion 90a.

[0065] The substrate 90f has a front surface 90f1 on which the conductive portion 90a is arranged, and a back surface 90f2 on the back side of the front surface 90f1.

[0066] The control unit 107 of the printer 100 is electrically connected to the memory element 90d via the conductive portion 90a, thereby reading out the information stored in the memory element 90d and controlling the printer 100.

[0067] Specifically, the apparatus main body 100A is provided with a body contact (body electrode) 92 that comes into contact with the conductive portion 90a when the process cartridge P or the toner cartridge T is attached to the apparatus main body 100A. The body contact 92 has a first body electrode 92a1 and a second body electrode 92a2. When the process cartridge P or the toner cartridge T is attached to the apparatus main body 100A, the first body electrode 92a1 comes into contact with the first electrode 90a1, and the second body electrode 92a2 comes into contact with the second electrode 90a2.

[0068] In this embodiment, the number of electrodes arranged on the conductive portion 90a is two, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the conductive portion 90a may have three or more electrodes. Also, one electrode may be arranged on the holding portion 90b, and the other electrodes may be arranged in a different portion.

[0069] Furthermore, the holding portion 90b and the protection portion 90c may be disposed at positions separated from each other. For example, the substrate having the conductive portion 90a and the substrate having the memory element 90d may be disposed at separate positions.

[0070] <Process cartridge memory tag layout> The arrangement of the memory tag 90P of the process cartridge P will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13.

[0071] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the memory tag 90P of the process cartridge P. Fig. 10 is a top view showing the arrangement of the memory tag 90P of the process cartridge P. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the memory tag 90P of the process cartridge P. Figs. 10 and 11 are views of the memory tag 90P viewed in a direction parallel to the surface 90f1 on which the conductive portion 90a is arranged and perpendicular to the axial direction LD.

[0072] Fig. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the mounting member 91. Fig. 13 is a side view showing the arrangement of the memory tag 90P of the process cartridge P. Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing the memory tag 90P of the process cartridge P and the mounting member 91 for mounting the memory tag 90P before they are mounted. Fig. 13 is a side view showing the mounting member 91 to which the memory tag 90P of the process cartridge P is mounted.

[0073] A substrate 90f of the memory tag 90P is attached to the drum frame 11. More specifically, the drum frame 11 has a collection container (container) 11g equipped with a cleaning material collection chamber 19, and an attachment member 91 to which the memory tag 90P is attached. The collection container 11g is equipped with the cleaning material collection chamber 19 and a cleaning material opening 19a communicating with the cleaning material collection chamber 19. The attachment member 91 is attached to the collection container 11g so as to cover the cleaning material opening 19a. In this embodiment, the attachment member 91 is adhered to the collection container 11g. A substrate 90f of the memory tag 90P is supported by the attachment member 91.

[0074] The mounting member 91 of the process cartridge P is disposed on the non-driving side of the process cartridge P. In the axial direction LD, the distance between the mounting member 91 and the process non-driving end 11f2 is shorter than the distance between the mounting member 91 and the process driving end 11f1.

[0075] The mounting member 91 is disposed near the non-drive end 11f2 in the axial direction LD. The distance between the non-drive end 11f2 and the mounting member 91 in the axial direction LD is shorter than the distance between the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 and the mounting member 91.

[0076] In the axial direction LD, the entire memory tag 90P is disposed between the process driving end 11f1 and the process non-driving end 11f2. In this embodiment, in the axial direction LD, the entire memory tag 90P is disposed between the process non-driving end 11f2 and the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11. In other words, in the axial direction LD, the entire memory tag 90P is disposed on the non-driving side of the drum frame 11 (the non-driving side of the process cartridge P).

[0077] In the axial direction LD, the distance between the conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90P and the process non-driven end 11f2 is shorter than the distance between the conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90P and the process driving end 11f1. In addition, in the axial direction LD, the distance between the memory tag 90P and the process non-driven end 11f2 is shorter than the distance between the memory tag 90P and the process driving end 11f1.

[0078] In the axial direction LD, the distance between the non-process driving end 11f2 and the conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90P is greater than the distance between the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 and the conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90P. In addition, the distance between the non-process driving end 11f2 and the memory tag 90P in the axial direction LD is shorter than the distance between the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 and the memory tag 90P.

[0079] 10 and 11, the drum frame 11 has a first protrusion 91a, a second protrusion 91b, a third protrusion 91c, and a fourth protrusion 91d. At least a part of the fourth protrusion 91d functions as a wall that forms the cleaning material collection chamber 19.

[0080] In this embodiment, the first protrusion 91a, the second protrusion 91b, the third protrusion 91c, and the fourth protrusion 91d are arranged on the non-drive side of the drum frame 11. In the axial direction LD, the distance between the non-drive end 11f2 and the first protrusion 91a and the second protrusion 91b is shorter than the distance between the drive end 11f1 and the first protrusion 91a and the second protrusion 91b. In the axial direction LD, the distance between the non-drive end 11f2 and the third protrusion 91c and the fourth protrusion 91d is shorter than the distance between the drive end 11f1 and the third protrusion 91c and the fourth protrusion 91d.

[0081] Furthermore, the distance in the axial direction LD between the non-process driven end 11f2 and the first protruding portion 91a and the second protruding portion 91b is shorter than the distance between the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 and the first protruding portion 91a and the second protruding portion 91b. Furthermore, the distance in the axial direction LD between the non-process driven end 11f2 and the third protruding portion 91c and the fourth protruding portion 91d is shorter than the distance between the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 and the third protruding portion 91c and the fourth protruding portion 91d.

[0082] In addition, the distance in the axial direction LD between the non-process driven end 11f2 and the first protrusion 91a and the second protrusion 91b is shorter than the distance between the non-process driven end 11f2 and the substrate 90f and the conductive portion 90a. In the axial direction LD, the distance in the axial direction LD between the non-process driven end 11f2 and the third protrusion 91c and the fourth protrusion 91d is longer than the distance between the non-process driven end 11f2 and the substrate 90f and the conductive portion 90a.

[0083] In the axial direction LD, the first protrusion 91a and the third protrusion 91c are adjacent to the substrate 90f and face a side surface of the holding portion 90b that is perpendicular to the surface 90f1 on which the conductive portion 90a is disposed. In the axial direction LD, the conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90P is disposed between the first protrusion 91a and the third protrusion 11c. In this embodiment, at least one of the first protrusion 91a and the third protrusion 11c is in contact with the substrate 90f of the memory tag 90P.

[0084] In addition, the distance between the second protrusion 91b and the non-process driven end 11f2 in the axial direction LD is shorter than the distance between the first protrusion 91a and the non-process driven end 11f2. In the axial direction LD, the first protrusion 91a is disposed between the second protrusion 91b and the memory tag 90P, and the second protrusion 91b is disposed between the first protrusion 91a and the non-process driven end 11f2.

[0085] Furthermore, the distance between the fourth protrusion 91d and the non-process driving end 11f2 in the axial direction LD is longer than the distance between the third protrusion 91c and the non-process driving end 11f2. The distance between the fourth protrusion 91d and the process driving end 11f1 is shorter than the distance between the third protrusion 91c and the process driving end 11f1. In other words, the third protrusion is disposed between the substrate 90f and the process driving end 11f1, and the fourth protrusion 91d is disposed between the third protrusion 91c and the process driving end 11f1 in the axial direction LD.

[0086] Here, the direction parallel to the normal direction 90g of the surface 90f1 of the holding portion 90b of the memory tag 90p and in which the conductive portion 90a is exposed is defined as the exposure direction 90g1. In other words, the exposure direction 90g1 can be said to be the direction in which the conductive portion 90a faces. In this embodiment, the exposure direction 90g1 is parallel to the attachment direction PDA.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 7, when viewed in the direction opposite to the exposure direction 11g1, the memory tag 90P has the following characteristics: In this embodiment, the substrate 90f is adhered to a mounting member 91 of the drum frame 11, and movement of the substrate 90f in the exposure direction 90g1 is restricted.

[0088] In the exposure direction 90g1, the first protrusion 91a and the third protrusion 91c protrude relative to the surface 90f1 and the conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90p, the second protrusion 91b protrudes relative to the first protrusion 91a, and the fourth protrusion 91d protrudes relative to the third protrusion 91c.

[0089] In other words, in the exposure direction 90g1, the tip 91a1 of the first protrusion 91a and the tip 91c1 of the third protrusion 91c are located downstream of the surface 90f1 and the conductive portion 90a. The tip 91b1 of the second protrusion 91b and the tip 91d1 of the fourth protrusion 91d are located downstream of the tip 91a1 of the first protrusion 91a and the tip 91c1 of the third protrusion 91c. Furthermore, in the exposure direction 90g1, the tip 91d1 of the fourth protrusion 91d is located downstream of the tip 91b1 of the second protrusion 91b.

[0090] In the normal direction 90g of the memory tag 90P, the distance between the tip 91b1 of the second protrusion 91b and the tip 91a1 of the first protrusion 91a is longer than the distance between the conductive portion 90a and the tip 91a1 of the first protrusion 91a. The distance between the tip 91d1 of the fourth protrusion 91d and the tip 91c1 of the third protrusion 91c is longer than the distance between the conductive portion 90a and the tip 91c1 of the third protrusion 91c.

[0091] In the direction of the rotation axis 12a of the photosensitive drum 12, the distance between the tip 91b1 of the second protrusion 91b and the tip 91a1 of the first protrusion 91a is longer than the distance between the conductive portion 90a and the tip 91a1 of the first protrusion 91a. The distance between the tip 91d1 of the fourth protrusion 91d and the tip 91c1 of the third protrusion 91c is longer than the distance between the conductive portion 90a and the tip 91c1 of the third protrusion 91c.

[0092] In other words, the length by which the second protrusion 91b protrudes relative to the first protrusion 91a in the exposure direction 90g1 is longer than the length by which the first protrusion 91a protrudes relative to the surface 90f1. The length by which the fourth protrusion 91d protrudes relative to the third protrusion 91c in the exposure direction 90g1 is longer than the length by which the third protrusion 91c protrudes relative to the surface 90f1.

[0093] An end of the second protruding portion 91b in the exposure direction 90g1 is provided with an inclined surface 91b2 that is inclined with respect to the axial direction LD and the exposure direction 90g1.

[0094] In addition, in the axial direction LD, the distance between the first protrusion 91a and the second protrusion 91b is longer than the distance between the substrate 90f of the memory tag 90P and the first protrusion 91a. The distance between the third protrusion 91c and the fourth protrusion 91d is longer than the distance between the substrate 90f of the memory tag 90P and the third protrusion 91c.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 13, when viewed in the axial direction LD, at least a portion of the substrate 90f of the memory tag 90P overlaps with the second protruding portion 91b.

[0096] The drum frame 11 has a reinforcing rib connected to at least one of the first protrusion 91a and the third protrusion 91c. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 9, a connecting portion 91g1 is connected to the first protrusion 91a and the third protrusion 91c in the axial direction LD. A connecting portion 91g2 is connected to the first protrusion 91a and the second protrusion 91b in the axial direction LD. A connecting portion 91g3 is connected to the third protrusion 91c and is connected to the third protrusion 91c in the axial direction LD.

[0097] The connecting portion 91g1, the connecting portion 91g2, and the connecting portion 91g3 protrude in the exposure direction 90g1. The connecting portions 91g1 and 91g2 are ribs (reinforcing ribs) extending in the axial direction LD. The connecting portions 91g1 and 91g2 each have a function of reinforcing the first protruding portion 91a. The connecting portions 91g1 and 91g3 each have a function of reinforcing the third protruding portion 91c. In this embodiment, the connecting portions 91g1, 91g2, and 91g3 are provided on the mounting member 91.

[0098] Although it is preferable that the number of connecting portions 91g1, 91g2, and 91g3 is plural, at least one of connecting portion 91g1, 91g2, and 91g3 may be singular. In this embodiment, the two connecting portions 91g1 are connected via a first protrusion 91a and a third protrusion 91c. The two connecting portions 91g2 are also connected via a connecting portion (reinforcing rib), and the two connecting portions 91g3 are also connected via a connecting portion (reinforcing rib).

[0099] The memory tag 90P can be protected by the first protrusion 91a, the second protrusion 91b, the third protrusion 91c, and the fourth protrusion 91d.

[0100] It can also be said that the second protrusion 91b and the fourth protrusion 91d have the function of protecting the first protrusion 91a and the third protrusion 91c adjacent to the memory tag 90P, thereby preventing deformation due to an external force acting on the first protrusion 91a and the third protrusion 91c arranged near the substrate 90f of the memory tag 90P.

[0101] Furthermore, when the process cartridge P is attached to the apparatus main body 100A, the memory tag 90P is inclined with respect to the horizontal and vertical directions so that the conductive portion 90a faces downward in the vertical direction Z.

[0102] As shown in Figure 12, the mounting member 91 has a first protrusion 91a, a second protrusion 91b, and a third protrusion 91c. The collection container 11g has a fourth protrusion 91d. A memory mounting portion 91e to which the memory tag 90P is attached is formed between the first protrusion 91a and the third protrusion 91c. In other words, the memory tag 90P is supported by the mounting member 91 of the drum frame 11 at the memory mounting portion 91e. The memory mounting portion (support portion) 91e supports the circuit board 90f of the memory tag 90P.

[0103] When a used process cartridge P is collected and reused, toner may be removed from the cleaning and recovery chamber 19. According to the configuration shown in this embodiment, when the attachment member 91 is removed from the recovery container 11g, the cleaning opening 19a is exposed, and the toner can be removed from the cleaning and recovery chamber 19.

[0104] Furthermore, even if at least one of the first protrusion 91a, the second protrusion 91b, and the third protrusion 91c is deformed, by replacing the mounting member 91, the drum frame 11 can be returned to a state in which the first protrusion 91a, the second protrusion 91b, and the third protrusion 91c are not deformed.

[0105] Furthermore, by removing the attachment member 91 from the collection container 11g, the memory tag 90P can be removed from the process cartridge P. When reusing the process cartridge P, the memory tag 90P attached to the used process cartridge P may be reused by rewriting the information thereon, or may be replaced with another memory tag 90P.

[0106] After the attachment member 91 is removed from the collection container 11g, the attachment member 91 is attached to the collection container 11g again to close the cleaning opening 19a. At this time, the removed attachment member 91 may be used again, or a different attachment member 91 may be used.

[0107] In summary, the removed memory tag 90P and attachment member 91 may be reused. In addition, at least one of the memory tag 90P and the attachment member 91 may be replaced with a new part.

[0108] <Detailed explanation of mounting member 91> Figure 15 shows that the entire mounting member 91 is molded from a transparent material. In reality, the material of mounting member 91 is not necessarily transparent, but this figure shows it as transparent for reference in explaining the state of the adhesive. An adhesive is interposed as a connecting member between bonding surface 91S, which is the abutting surface on the mounting member side, and bonding surface 19S, which is the abutting surface on the cleaning and recovery chamber side. In the figure, the location where this adhesive is placed is shown from the normal direction of bonding surface 19S (the front direction of the paper in Figure 21).

[0109] Alternatively, the joints of the mounting member 91 can be made of a transparent material (not shown), and the remaining portions can be two-color molded or insert molded with a flame-retardant, non-transparent material to create a partially transparent area, allowing the adhesive application state to be observed in a similar manner. However, if the entire mounting member 91 is made of a transparent material, for example, if flame retardancy is required for the mounting member 91, a flame retardant must be added. This reduces transparency and reduces the appearance, such as the loss of uniformity in color. Furthermore, two-color molding or insert molding to achieve partial transparency tends to be more expensive than single-color molding. Therefore, while using a transparent material is preferable for more detailed observation of the adhesive (detection of the adhesive state), the choice can be made based on a balance between cost and aesthetics.

[0110] (First Example) Next, the details of the attachment member 91 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0111] 15(a) shows the state before the attachment member 91 is attached, and is a schematic diagram partially cut away near the cleaning opening 19a of the cleaning and recovery chamber 19 that accommodates the waste developer. The attachment member 91 (first member) made of a resin material and the cleaning and recovery chamber 19 (second member) that accommodates the waste developer are separate members, as described above.

[0112] The mounting member 91 is inserted until it hits the joint surface 19S shown by hatching, and then temporarily joined together as shown in Figure 15(b), and finally fixed with adhesive 200 (see also Figure 30).

[0113] 16 to 18, the mounting member 91 will be described in more detail. The mounting member 91 has mating surfaces 91T1 to 91T4, and the cleaning material collection chamber 19 has mating surfaces 19s1 to 19s4. The mating surfaces 91T1 to 91T4 on the mounting member side and the mating surfaces 19s1 to 19s4 on the cleaning material collection chamber side face each other after positioning. That is, when determining the position of the mounting member 91 relative to the cleaning material collection chamber 19, the mating surfaces 91T1 to 91T4 are abutted against the mating surfaces 19s1 to 19s4, respectively, and the mating surface 91T is abutted against the mating surface 19S.

[0114] Next, a method for bonding these components will be described with reference to Figure 17. Figure 17 is a view of Figure 15 viewed from the injection port T5.

[0115] First, as shown in FIG. 17(a), the attachment member 91 and the cleaning and recovery chamber 19 are fitted together. After that, as shown in FIG. 17(b), adhesive 200 is injected from the injection port T5 formed by the surfaces 91T5 and 19S5. Then, the adhesive drips from the injection port T5 and, due to capillary action, penetrates and spreads to each of the bonding surfaces (19S1 to S4, 91T1 to T4) shown in FIGS. 20(a) to 20(c). As shown in FIG. 20(a), in this embodiment, at least At least a part of the joining surfaces 19S4 and 91T4 is not exposed to the outside.

[0116] 21 is a reference diagram for explaining the penetration of the adhesive, and shows a see-through view of the mounting member 91. As shown here, the adhesive 200 spreads from the injection port downwards on the paper surface.

[0117] In this embodiment, the mounting member 91 and the cleaning and recovery chamber 19 are made of a styrene-based resin material. The color is selected to be black. Although D-limonene is used for the adhesive 200, the container material and adhesive are not limited to this, and other materials may be selected as appropriate. In this embodiment, the adhesive 200 is a limonene adhesive called "Tinopal OB CO" manufactured by BASF.

[0118] Next, the configuration of the mating surfaces will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 18. As described above, the mounting member 91 and the cleaning and recovery chamber 19 abut against each other at mating surfaces 19S and 91T. Furthermore, a shaft portion (convex portion) formed by mating surfaces 91T1 and 91T3, which are wall-like upright surfaces angled relative to mating surface 91T, and a hole portion (concave portion) formed by mating surfaces 19S1 and 19S3, are fitted together with a small gap. Furthermore, a shaft portion (convex portion) formed by mating surfaces 91T2 and 91T4, shown in Figure 16, is also fitted together with a hole portion (concave portion) formed by mating surfaces 19S2 and 19S4.

[0119] With this configuration, the adhesive injected from the injection port permeates by capillary action into the bonding surfaces 19S, 19S1 to 19S4 on the cleaning and recovery chamber side and the bonding surfaces 91T, 91T1 to 91T4 on the mounting member side (FIG. 18(b)). In this way, the mounting member 91 and the cleaning and recovery chamber 19 are joined.

[0120] The adhesive 200 used in this embodiment contains a fluorescent agent. Fluorescent agents have the property of emitting strong light when irradiated with black light, even in minute amounts. Therefore, by irradiating light with a wavelength that reacts to the fluorescent agent, it is possible to detect adhesive 200 that has leaked (overflowed) into a minute gap exposed to the exterior (FIG. 19(b)).

[0121] As a specific detection method, as shown in Fig. 19(a), black light 201 (or UV light) is irradiated from the direction of the arrow, and an image is taken with camera 202. Then, the control unit 107 processes the captured image, thereby detecting the adhesion state.

[0122] As shown in Figure 19(b), the mounting member 91 of this embodiment has slits 91SL on the mating surfaces 91T3 and 19S3 to allow for as wide an area of ​​application as possible without interruption. Additionally, chamfered shapes 91T1C, 91T2C, and 91T3C are provided on the ridges of the mating surfaces T1-T3 to avoid obstructing the irradiated light. These slits and chamfered shapes increase the exposed area of ​​the end of the mating surface and allow for a wider distribution of irradiated light. The chamfered shapes 91T1C, 91T2C, and 91T3C connect with mating portions 81F1, 81F2, and 81F3, which are the exposed portions of the mating surface when the mounting member 91 (first member) and the cleaning and recovery chamber 19 (second member) are mated. Therefore, the leaked adhesive 244 first seeps out from the mating portions 81F1, 81F2, and 81F3 and spreads to the chamfered shapes 91T1C, 91T2C, and 91T3C. Therefore, inspection is performed by irradiating light from a black light onto an area including at least the mating portions 81F1, 81F2, and 81F3.

[0123] With the above configuration, at least a part of the adhesive 200 containing the fluorescent material flows out (overflows) at the end portions of the joining surface 19S1 and the joining surface 91T1 in the approximately parallel direction (FIGS. 20(a) and 20(c)). The adhesive 200 that has permeated to the ends of the three sides (1T3, 91S3) contains a fluorescent agent that emits light when irradiated with black light, allowing the application state to be observed. Specifically, the detection area 200AR is observed visually or by image processing of an image captured by a camera.

[0124] (Second Example) As another embodiment, an example in which there are no joining surfaces (19S1, 19S2, 19S3) that become the standing wall portions shown in FIG. 20 is shown in FIGS. 22(a) to 22(c).

[0125] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 22(c), there is no opposing vertical wall surface to the vertical wall surfaces 191T1, 191T2, and 191T3 (which are not joined in this case and are therefore referred to as vertical wall surfaces). Therefore, the joint is the mating portion between the vertical wall surface 191T1 and the joint surface 119S. That is, the first flat surface 191T of the first member and the joint surface 119S are joined to each other, and the surface of the vertical wall surface 191T1 intersects with the joint surface 119S.

[0126] As in the first embodiment, adhesive 1200 injected from the injection port permeates by capillary action into mating portions 181F1, 181F2, and 181F3 between vertical wall surface 191T1, which is the abutting surface, and joining surface 119S. The adhesive then reaches the base of vertical wall surfaces 191T1, 191T2, and 191T3 (which are not joining surfaces in this case) of mounting member 191, and finally reaches corner δ formed by joining surface 119S and vertical wall surface 191T1 in FIG. 22(c). By including at least joining portions 181F1, 181F2, and 181F3 in the area irradiated with light from the black light, it becomes possible to observe adhesive 1200 seeping out from the joining surfaces.

[0127] In this embodiment, adhesive 1200 flows out from the gap between two flat surfaces, namely, upright wall surface 191T1 and joining surface 119S. Here, adhesive 1200 flowing into corner δ only flows out (overflows) into a small area where capillary action occurs. However, even with a small amount of adhesive, the application condition can be inspected by observing the light emitted from area 1200AR due to the effect of the fluorescent agent contained therein.

[0128] As described above, in this example, single-color molded components are joined using an adhesive containing a fluorescent agent, and a black light is irradiated parallel to the joining surface to illuminate a small area, allowing the adhesive application status to be detected. This eliminates the need for transparent components as in the past. This allows for the construction of a single-color, non-transparent, flame-retardant material, which can reduce costs. Furthermore, the color options are expanded, resulting in a more unified appearance.

[0129] The fluorescent agent is added in a ratio of approximately 0.01-6.0 (wt%) to the adhesive. The fluorescent agent in this embodiment emits strong fluorescence at a wavelength of approximately 450 nm. Therefore, it is recommended to use light with a wavelength close to this (e.g., black light). The type and amount of additive are not limited to the above range of amounts, and may be determined appropriately depending on the material, detection performance, and other conditions.

[0130] In each example of this embodiment, the attachment member 91 that holds the memory tag 90P and the cleaning and recovery chamber 19 are bonded together. However, the configuration to which the present invention is applicable is not limited to this, and the present invention can be preferably applied to a location where a container that stores developer or waste developer is made up of multiple members. In other words, according to this embodiment, when there is a possibility of developer leakage and there is a high need to detect the adhesive condition, it is possible to confirm that the joints of a storage container made up of multiple members are securely bonded.

[0131] (Third Example) Next, as a third embodiment, a case where the present invention is applied to a cleaning frame which is a waste developer container will be described. In some cases, the toner collection chamber 219 (first member) and the cleaning container 211 (second member) are joined together using an adhesive. Since the cleaning frame contains toner, the adhesion must be performed with precision to prevent toner leakage, and it is highly necessary to check the adhesion state.

[0132] 24, the cleaning material collecting chamber 219 has a groove 219a, and the cleaning material container has a ribbed projection 211a. The groove 219a and the projection 211a are annular and are formed to face each other.

[0133] As shown in Figure 24(a), adhesive 244 as a connecting member is applied to groove 219a formed in cleaning collection chamber 219. In this embodiment, hot melt that is applied in a heated state is used as adhesive 244. The hot melt is injected in a molten state from application nozzle 281a and applied to groove 219a (see Figure 24).

[0134] 24(b), the convex portion 211a is inserted into the groove portion 219a in the direction of the arrow. Finally, as shown in FIG. 24(c), the cleaning material collection chamber 219 and the cleaning material container 211 are integrally joined together with the adhesive 244.

[0135] In this embodiment, the adhesive 244 is colorless and transparent in its molten state when applied, and is applied to the groove 219a, so it is difficult to check even the slightest imperfections with the naked eye or through normal image processing. Here, minute imperfections include, for example, minute discontinuities in the hot melt and minute spills into unnecessary areas.

[0136] Therefore, as in the first and second embodiments, a fluorescent agent is added to the adhesive 244. This makes it possible to detect minute adhesive application states, as shown in FIG. 25(a). FIG. 25(a) shows a method for detecting the application state. When a black light 201 is irradiated onto the adhesive portion, the adhesive 244 emits light. This is captured by a camera 202, and the resulting image is then subjected to image processing.

[0137] According to this embodiment, it is now possible to observe the minute application state of the adhesive 244 in a transparent state, which was previously difficult, and it is possible to prevent the outflow of imperfect application that could become a route for toner leakage.

[0138] Specific examples of coating defects will be described with reference to Figures 25(b) and (c). Figure 25(b) shows a state in which the amount of coating is insufficient (a state in which the groove 219a is not filled). Figure 25(c) shows a state in which the coating position is misaligned and the adhesive spills out of the groove 219a as a result. The control unit 107 may, for example, store image information of a state in which the adhesive 244 is properly applied, and may detect coating defects by performing image processing on the captured image.

[0139] This embodiment also provides other effects, which will be described below. For example, if a manufacturing device is stopped for an extended period of time due to a sudden malfunction on the manufacturing line, the hot melt may remain at a high temperature for an extended period of time. In this case, thermal degradation (e.g., a decrease in viscosity, generation of foreign matter such as charcoal) may occur in the hot melt, potentially impairing the stability of the applied state.

[0140] If the viscosity of the hot melt decreases, it will tend to flow downward when applied to a slope. In this case, even if the injection pressure during application remains the same, the amount of injection increases, increasing the amount applied, and increasing the risk of the adhesive 244 spilling out of the joint when joining the cleaning material collection chamber 219 and the cleaning material container 211. Therefore, by adding a fluorescent agent to the adhesive 244, the state of the hot melt after application can be confirmed.

[0141] Furthermore, hot melt adhesives generally have the characteristic of turning brown when thermally degraded. Hot melt that has changed color will have a lower luminescence when irradiated with black light compared to normal hot melt. Therefore, by detecting the degree of fermentation, it is possible to grasp the deterioration of the hot melt itself and prevent application defects from occurring. It is also possible to determine the timing for equipment maintenance and replacement of deteriorated adhesive 244.

[0142] Another advantage is that the adhesive 244 can be effectively removed when reusing the cleaning material collection chamber or the cleaning material container. For example, when reusing a process cartridge, the cleaning material collection chamber 219 and the cleaning material container 211 are separated, and then adhesive is applied again to rejoin them. At this time, it is preferable to remove as much of the applied adhesive 244 as possible and then rejoin them with newly applied adhesive. However, it is difficult to visually check the remaining adhesive 244, and it is particularly difficult to check the adhesive remaining at the bottom of the groove portion 219a (see FIG. 25(d)).

[0143] Even in this case, adding a fluorescent agent to the adhesive makes it possible to confirm the luminescence under black light, and it is possible to reliably identify even minute amounts of adhesive remaining. For this reason, the inclusion of a fluorescent agent is suitable for removing the adhesive when it is reused.

[0144] While this embodiment describes the case where a cleaning frame and a cleaning container are joined, the same effect can be achieved by using the present invention on a developing frame or a toner frame that contains developer. The present invention can be applied to other locations in the above-described embodiments as long as the condition can be confirmed by adding a fluorescent substance to the adhesive. In particular, if the location is one where toner leakage may occur, such a configuration is effective for preventing leakage from the adhesive joint. The toner can be either unused toner or used waste toner (waste developer). For example, the present invention can be included in various components, such as developing devices, toner cartridges, toner containers, process cartridges, and image forming apparatuses, including a developing container (toner container) that contains toner and is formed by joining multiple components with an adhesive. The present invention can also be used in inspections after the developing container is assembled as an integrated unit, or before one component is joined to the other. The present invention can also be considered as a manufacturing method or inspection method for a developing container that includes an inspection step using black light.

[0145] <Positioning the toner cartridge and arranging the memory tag> The relationship between the configuration for positioning the toner cartridge T and the arrangement of the memory tag 90T will be described. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the attachment of the toner cartridge T to the process cartridge P. Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge T attached to the apparatus main body 100A, viewed from the drive side of the toner cartridge T. Note that some parts of the toner cartridge T are omitted in the drawing.

[0146] The toner cartridge T has a positioned portion 55c1 that is positioned in the process cartridge P, and a force receiving portion 55c2 that is pressed by the apparatus main body 100A. The positioned portion 55c1 and the force receiving portion 55c2 are protrusions that are disposed on the side surface of the toner frame 55 and protrude in the axial direction LD.

[0147] The process cartridge P has a toner cartridge positioning portion 47 that positions the toner cartridge T. Furthermore, the device main body 100A of the printer 100 has a toner cartridge pressing portion 110 that holds the toner cartridge T in a predetermined position. The toner cartridge pressing portion 110 is pressed in a predetermined direction by a spring or the like.

[0148] As shown in Figure 14, when the toner cartridge T is mounted in the apparatus main body 100A and the process cartridge P, the positioned portion 55c1 of the toner cartridge T abuts against the toner cartridge positioning portion 47 of the process cartridge P. In the direction TDA, the positioned portion 55c1 of the toner cartridge T is positioned. In addition, in the direction perpendicular to the mounting direction TDA and directed downward in the vertical direction, the positioned portion 55c1 of the toner cartridge T abuts against the toner cartridge positioning portion 47 and is positioned.

[0149] Further, a driving-side rotation stopper 51a is provided on the driving-side toner guide 51. The driving-side rotation stopper 51a abuts against the apparatus main body 100A, and prevents the toner cartridge T from rotating around the positioned portion 55c1.

[0150] When the toner cartridge T is driven by the apparatus main body 100A, the first toner coupling 75 is driven counterclockwise in FIG. 14. As a result, a counterclockwise force acts on the toner cartridge T. When the toner cartridge T rotates counterclockwise, the positioned portion 55c1 moves away from the toner cartridge positioning portion 47, and the position of the toner cartridge T becomes unstable. Therefore, the force receiving portion 55c2 of the toner cartridge T is pressed by the toner cartridge pressing portion 110 of the apparatus main body 100A, thereby preventing the positioned portion 55c1 of the toner cartridge T from moving away from the toner cartridge positioning portion 47.

[0151] The force receiving portion 55c2 is disposed downstream of the positioned portion 55c1 in the rotation direction of the first toner coupling 75. The toner cartridge pressing portion 110 presses the force receiving portion 55c2 in the direction opposite to the direction in which the toner cartridge T rotates.

[0152] The above-described configuration for pressing the toner cartridge T toward the process cartridge P is also provided on the non-drive side of the toner cartridge T. The configuration of the non-drive side is the same as the configuration of the drive side described above, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0153] [Configuration 1] A container for containing a developer, a first member and a second member; a connecting member that connects the first member and the second member; Equipped with A fluorescent agent is added to the connecting member. A container characterized by: [Configuration 2] At least a portion of the connection member is exposed to the outside of the container. 2. The container according to claim 1 . [Configuration 3] The first member and the second member are bonded to each other to form a container for containing a developer. 2. The container according to claim 1 . [Configuration 4] A first joint portion of the first member and a second joint portion of the second member are joined by the connecting member. 3. The container according to claim 2. [Configuration 5] One of the first joining portion and the second joining portion is a groove portion and the other is a protrusion portion, and the first member and the second member are joined by the groove portion and the protrusion portion engaging with each other in a state in which the connecting member is placed in the groove portion. 5. The container according to claim 4. [Configuration 6] The connecting member exposed to the outside of the container is the first joint portion and the second joint portion. The joining surface is located in a portion exposed to the outside of the container. 5. The container according to claim 4. [Configuration 7] The first joint portion and the second joint portion are each a flat surface that is butted against the connecting member with the connecting member disposed therebetween. 5. The container according to claim 4. [Configuration 8] The connecting member is limonene 8. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 7. [Configuration 9] The connecting member is a hot melt. 8. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 7. [Configuration 10] The fluorescent agent is added to the connecting member at a ratio of 0.01 to 6.0 (wt%). 8. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 7. [Method 1] A method for inspecting a container that contains a developer, comprising: the container includes a first member, a second member, and a connecting member that connects the first member and the second member, and a fluorescent agent is added to the connecting member; A step of irradiating the container with light using a black light to detect the connection member exposed to the outside of the container. An inspection method characterized by: [Method 2] A method for inspecting a container that contains a developer, comprising: the container is configured by connecting a first member and a second member with a connecting member, a fluorescent agent is added to the connecting member, The method includes a step of arranging the connecting member on at least one of the first member and the second member, and detecting the connecting member by irradiating light from a black light onto the first member or the second member on which the connecting member is arranged before the first member and the second member are connected. An inspection method characterized by: [Method 3] In the detecting step, an insufficient amount of application or overflow of the connection member is detected. The testing method according to Method 2, characterized in that [Explanation of symbols]

[0154] 19S1 to S4... Standing wall surface (joint area), 53... Toner storage chamber, 55... Toner frame body, 90... Memory tag, 200... Adhesive

Claims

1. A container for containing a developer, a first member and a second member; a connecting member that connects the first member and the second member; Equipped with A fluorescent agent is added to the connecting member. A container characterized by:

2. At least a portion of the connection member is exposed to the outside of the container.

2. The container of claim 1.

3. The first member and the second member are bonded to each other to form a container for containing a developer.

2. The container of claim 1.

4. A first joint portion of the first member and a second joint portion of the second member are joined by the connecting member.

3. The container of claim 2.

5. One of the first joining portion and the second joining portion is a groove portion and the other is a protrusion portion, and the first member and the second member are joined by the groove portion and the protrusion portion engaging with each other in a state in which the connecting member is placed in the groove portion.

5. The container of claim 4.

6. The connecting member exposed to the outside of the container has a joint surface between the first joint portion and the second joint portion located in a portion exposed to the outside of the container.

5. The container of claim 4.

7. The first joint portion and the second joint portion are each a flat surface that is butted against the connecting member when the connecting member is disposed therebetween.

5. The container of claim 4.

8. The connecting member is limonene 8. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The connecting member is a hot melt.

8. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. The fluorescent agent is added to the connecting member at a ratio of 0.01 to 6.0 (wt %).

8. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. A method for inspecting a container that contains a developer, comprising: the container includes a first member, a second member, and a connecting member that connects the first member and the second member, and a fluorescent agent is added to the connecting member; A step of irradiating the container with light using a black light to detect the connection member exposed to the outside of the container. An inspection method characterized by:

12. A method for inspecting a container that contains a developer, comprising: the container is configured by connecting a first member and a second member with a connecting member, a fluorescent agent is added to the connecting member, The method includes a step of arranging the connecting member on at least one of the first member and the second member, and detecting the connecting member by irradiating light from a black light onto the first member or the second member on which the connecting member is arranged before the first member and the second member are connected. An inspection method characterized by:

13. In the detecting step, an insufficient amount of application or overflow of the connection member is detected.

13. The inspection method according to claim 12.

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