Toner cartridge

Abstract

To further develop a conventional technology.SOLUTION: A toner cartridge has: (a) a first rotating member that is rotatable around an axis line extending in an axial direction; (b) a frame body that is provided with a first chamber, a second chamber, a first opening, and a second opening for storing toner, and that has (i) a wall that partitions the first chamber and the second chamber from each other to prevent the toner from moving between the first chamber and the second chamber, and (ii) a first end and a second end opposite to the first end in the axial direction, wherein (iii) the first chamber accommodates the first rotating member, the outside of the frame body and the first chamber are communicated through the first opening, and the outside of the frame body and the second chamber are communicated through the second opening; and (c) a memory that has a memory contact electrically connected with a storage element. In the axial direction, a distance between the memory contact and the first end is shorter than a distance between the memory contact and the second end, and a distance between the second opening and the second end is shorter than a distance between the second opening and the first end.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a toner cartridge used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus).

Background Art

[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 the image forming apparatus include an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (such as an LED printer, a laser beam printer), a facsimile machine, and a word processor.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a cartridge including a memory that stores information.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present invention is a further development of conventional technology.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] One aspect of the invention according to the present application is as follows.

[0007] a first rotating member rotatable about an axis extending in an axial direction; A frame comprising a first chamber, a second chamber, a first opening, and a second opening for containing toner, wherein (i) a wall separating the first chamber and the second chamber to prevent the toner from moving between them, (ii) a first end in the axial direction and a second end opposite to the first end, and (iii) the first chamber housing the first rotating member, the first opening connecting the outside of the frame to the first chamber, and the second opening connecting the outside of the frame to the second chamber, A memory having a memory element for storing information and a memory contact electrically connected to the memory element, It has, With respect to the axial direction, the distance between the memory contact and the first end is shorter than the distance between the memory contact and the second end, and the distance between the second opening and the second end is shorter than the distance between the second opening and the first end. Ku, In the axial direction, the second chamber is located between the first chamber and the second end. A toner cartridge characterized by the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] This invention can further develop the conventional technology. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the printer. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of process cartridges and toner cartridges. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of process cartridges and toner cartridges. [Figure 4] This is a side view of the process cartridge and toner cartridge. [Figure 5] This is a side view of the process cartridge and toner cartridge. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge and a toner cartridge. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge and a toner cartridge. [Figure 8] It is a side view illustrating the drive transmission path of the process cartridge. [Figure 9] It is a diagram of the process cartridge and the toner cartridge as viewed from the detachment direction. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view of the toner cartridge. [Figure 11] It is a perspective view of the toner cartridge. [Figure 12] It is a diagram of the toner cartridge as viewed from the detachment direction. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge. [Figure 14] It is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge. [Figure 15] It is a side view of the toner cartridge. [Figure 16] It is a side view of the toner cartridge. [Figure 17] It is an explanatory diagram of a memory tag. [Figure 18] It is a perspective view showing the arrangement of a memory tag on a process cartridge. [Figure 19] It is a top view showing the arrangement of a memory tag on a process cartridge. [Figure 20] It is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of a memory tag on a process cartridge. [Figure 21] It is a perspective view explaining a mounting member. [Figure 22] It is a side view showing the arrangement of a memory tag on a process cartridge. [Figure 23] It is a cross-sectional view explaining attachment of the toner cartridge to the process cartridge. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in the following embodiments should be appropriately modified depending on the configuration and various conditions of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied. Therefore, unless otherwise specifically stated, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to those embodiments. [Examples]

[0011] <Overall printer overview> The basic configuration and operation of the printer 100 as an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 1. Figure 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.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the printer 100 has a main unit 100A, a process cartridge P and a toner cartridge T which are removablely attached to the main unit 100A.

[0013] The main unit 100A includes a scanner 101 as an exposure device, a loading tray 102 on which sheets S are loaded, a paper feed roller 103, a transfer roller 104, a fixing unit 105, an output tray 106, and a control unit 107. The process cartridge P and the toner cartridge (developer cartridge) T are also detachably mounted on the main unit 100A.

[0014] The process cartridge P comprises 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 on the drum frame 11. The developing roller 32 is rotatably supported on the developing frame 31.

[0015] The toner cartridge T is installable on the process cartridge P. The toner cartridge T contains toner as a developer and is configured to supply 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 on the toner frame 55.

[0016] The image formation operation on sheet S will now be described. The control unit 107 of the printer 100 starts the image formation operation on sheet S based on a signal received from an external device.

[0017] First, the photosensitive drum 12 is rotated by the drive source of the main unit 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 the image information, the scanner 101 irradiates a laser onto the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 12, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12.

[0018] Toner is supplied to the photosensitive drum 12 from the developing roller 32, and the electrostatic latent image is developed as a toner image. As the photosensitive drum 12 rotates, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 12 is transported toward the transfer section formed between the transfer roller 104 and the photosensitive drum 12.

[0019] Meanwhile, a sheet S is fed from the loading tray 102 by the paper feed roller 103. The sheet S is transported to the transfer section in time with the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 12 reaching the transfer section.

[0020] 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. Any residual toner that was not transferred to the sheet S is removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 by the cleaning blade 14.

[0021] The sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred is transported toward the fuser unit 105. As the sheet S passes through the fuser unit 105, the toner image is heated and pressurized by the fuser unit 105 and fixed to the sheet S.

[0022] The printer 100 according to this embodiment can perform double-sided printing, which involves image formation on both the front and back surfaces of a sheet S. When an image is formed only on the front surface of the sheet S, the sheet S passes through the fuser unit 105 and is discharged into the output tray 106. On the other hand, when double-sided printing is performed, the sheet S, with the toner image fixed to its front surface, is transported again towards the transfer unit through the double-sided transport path, where a toner image is formed on the back surface of the sheet S. After that, the sheet S passes through the fuser unit 105 and is discharged into the output tray 106.

[0023] <Installing and removing process cartridges and toner cartridges> The installation and removal of the process cartridge P and toner cartridge T according to this embodiment will be explained using Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

[0024] Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views of the process cartridge P and toner cartridge T. Figures 4 and 5 are side views of the process cartridge P and toner cartridge T.

[0025] As shown in Figure 5, the photosensitive drum 12 is rotatable around the rotation axis (first axis) 12a. The direction in which the rotation axis 12a extends is called the rotation axis direction (axial direction) of the photosensitive drum 12.

[0026] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the process cartridge P and toner cartridge T as seen from the drive side. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the process cartridge P and toner cartridge T as seen from the non-drive side. Figure 4 is a side view of the process cartridge P and toner cartridge T on the drive side as seen in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 12. Figure 5 is a side view of the process cartridge P and toner cartridge T on the non-drive side as seen in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 12.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the printer 100 has a door (opening / closing member) 100B that covers the opening 100C of the device body 100A. The door 100B is rotatably mounted to the device body 100A. The door 100B is configured to move between a closed position that covers the opening 100C and an open position that exposes the opening 100C. With the door 100B in the open position, the process cartridge P and toner cartridge T can be attached to the device body 100A and removed from the device body 100A through the opening 100C.

[0028] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the drum frame 11 has a process drive end (the first end of the drum frame 11) 11f1 and a process non-drive end (the second end of the drum frame 11) 11f2 opposite to the process drive end 11f1, in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 12. The process drive end 11f1 and the process non-drive end 11f2 are the outermost parts (ends) of the drum frame 11 in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 12. There may be multiple process drive ends 11f1 and process non-drive ends 11f2. The center of the drum frame 11 in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 12 is called the center 11f3. The distance from the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 to the process drive end 11f1 is equal to the distance from the center 11f3 to the process non-drive end 11f2.

[0029] In this embodiment, the process drive end 11f1 and the process non-drive end 11f2 are the outermost parts (ends) of the process cartridge P in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 12. In other words, in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 12, the process drive end 11f1 and the process non-drive end 11f2 coincide with the drive end (first end of the process cartridge P) and the non-drive end (second end of the process cartridge P) of the process cartridge P.

[0030] In the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12, the side of the drum frame 11 where the process drive end 11f1 is located relative to the center 11f3 is the drive side of the drum frame 11 or the drive side of the process cartridge P. In the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12, the side of the drum frame 11 where the process non-drive end 11f2 is located relative to the center 11f3 is the non-drive side of the drum frame 11 or the non-drive side of the process cartridge P. In this embodiment, in the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12, the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 is the same as the center of the process cartridge P.

[0031] In the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 12, the drive side of the drum frame 11 or the drive side of the process cartridge P is located on the opposite side of the non-drive side of the drum frame 11 or the non-drive side of the process cartridge P.

[0032] As described later, the toner transport member 62 is rotatable around the rotation axis 62a. The direction in which the rotation axis 62a extends is called the rotation axis direction (axial direction) of the toner transport member 62. The toner transport screw 63 is rotatable around the rotation axis 63a. The direction in which the rotation axis 63a extends is called the rotation axis direction (axial direction) of the toner transport screw 63.

[0033] With respect to the rotation axis direction of the toner transport screw 63, the toner frame 55 has a toner drive end (the first end of the toner frame 55) 55a1 and a toner non-drive end 55a2 (the second end of the toner frame 55) opposite to the toner drive end 55a1. The toner drive end 55a1 and the toner non-drive end 55a2 are the outermost parts (ends) of the toner frame 55 in the rotation axis direction of the toner transport screw 63. There may be multiple toner drive ends 55a1 and toner non-drive ends 55a2. With respect to the rotation axis direction of the toner transport screw 63, the center of the toner frame 55 is called the center 55a3. The distance from the center 55a3 of the toner frame 55 to the toner drive end 55a1 is equal to the distance from the center 55a3 to the toner non-drive end 55a2.

[0034] In this embodiment, the toner drive end 55a1 and the toner non-drive end 55a2 are the outermost parts (ends) of the toner cartridge T in the direction of the rotation axis of the toner transport screw 63. In other words, in the direction of the rotation axis of the toner transport screw 63, the toner drive end 55a1 and the toner non-drive end 55a2 coincide with the drive end (first end of the toner cartridge T) and the non-drive end (second end of the toner cartridge T) of the toner cartridge T.

[0035] In the rotational axis direction of the toner transport screw 63, the side of the toner frame 55 where the toner drive end 55a1 is located relative to the center 55a3 is the drive side of the toner frame 55 or the drive side of the toner cartridge T. In the rotational axis direction of the toner transport screw 63, the side of the toner non-drive end 55a2 located relative to the center 55a3 is the non-drive side of the toner frame 55 or the non-drive side of the toner cartridge T. In this embodiment, in the rotational axis direction of the toner transport screw 63, the center 55a3 of the toner frame 55 is the same as that of the toner cartridge T.

[0036] 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 on the opposite side of the non-drive side of the toner frame 55 or the non-drive side of the toner cartridge T.

[0037] 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 each other. 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.

[0038] In this embodiment, with respect to the axial direction LD, the position of the center 55a3 of the toner frame 55 and the position of the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 are the same. 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The direction in which the process cartridge P is attached to the main unit 100A is called the attachment direction PDA. The direction in which the process cartridge P is removed from the main unit 100A is called the removal direction PDD. The attachment direction PDA and the removal direction PDD are collectively referred to as 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 the guide portion of the main unit 100A, and the process cartridge P moves in the attachment / detachment direction PD relative to the main unit 100A.

[0041] The direction in which the toner cartridge T is attached to the main unit 100A is called the attachment direction TDA. The direction in which the toner cartridge T is removed from the main unit 100A is called the removal direction TDD. The attachment direction TDA and the removal direction TDD are collectively referred to as 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 the guide portion of the main unit 100A, and the toner cartridge T moves in the attachment / detachment direction TD relative to the main unit 100A.

[0042] In this embodiment, the attachment / detachment direction PD is a direction intersecting the axial direction LD. It is preferable that the angle between the direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD and the attachment / detachment direction PD 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 perpendicular to the axial direction LD.

[0043] In this embodiment, the attachment / detachment direction TD is a direction that intersects 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 perpendicular to the axial direction LD.

[0044] In this embodiment, the attachment / detachment direction PD and the attachment / detachment direction TD are parallel, but the attachment / detachment direction PD and the attachment / detachment direction TD may be different.

[0045] In this embodiment, the process cartridge P is installed and removed while the toner cartridge T is not installed in the device body 100A. In other words, the process cartridge P is installed and removed before the toner cartridge T is installed in the device body 100A.

[0046] With the toner cartridge T not yet installed in the device body 100A, the process cartridge P is installed in relation to the device body 100A through the opening 100C. Furthermore, with the process cartridge P installed in relation to the device body 100A, the toner cartridge T is installed in relation to both the device body 100A and the process cartridge P through the opening 100C.

[0047] When the toner cartridge T and process cartridge P are installed in the main unit 100A, the process cartridge P is located downstream of the toner cartridge T in the installation direction PDA and the installation direction TDA.

[0048] When removing the toner cartridge T and process cartridge P from the device body 100A, the toner cartridge T is removed from the device body 100A and process cartridge P through the opening 100C. Subsequently, the process cartridge P is removed from the device body 100A through the opening 100C.

[0049] <Processing Cartridge> The configuration of the process cartridge P according to this embodiment will be explained in more detail using Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.

[0050] Figures 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views of the process cartridge P and toner cartridge T. Specifically, Figures 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views of the process cartridge P and toner cartridge T with the cross-sectional direction being perpendicular to the axial direction LD. Figure 7 is a view of the process cartridge P and toner cartridge T cut along the rotation axis RS of the return screw 18, which will be described later.

[0051] Figure 8 is a side view illustrating the drive transmission path of the process cartridge P. Figure 9 shows the process cartridge P and toner cartridge T as viewed in the removal direction PDD.

[0052] 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 Figures 4 and 5, the process cartridge P has a drive spring 37 and a non-drive spring 38, which are attached to the drum unit 10 and the developing unit 30. The drive spring 37 and the non-drive spring 38 bias the developing unit 30 so that the developing roller 32 is pressed toward the photosensitive drum 12.

[0053] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the developing unit 30 includes a developing frame 31, a developing roller 32 (developer carrier) that carries toner, a supply roller 33 (supply member) that contacts the developing roller 32 to supply toner, a developing blade 34, and an agitator 35. The developing frame 31 supports the developing roller 32, the supply roller 33, the developing blade 34, and the agitator 35. The developing frame 31 is equipped with a developing storage chamber 31a and a developing chamber 31b. The agitator 35 is located in the developing storage chamber 31a, and the developing roller 32, the supply roller 33, and the developing blade 34 are located in the developing chamber 31b.

[0054] The toner supplied from the toner cartridge T is stored in the developing chamber 31a. The agitator 35 transports the toner stored in the developing chamber 31a to the developing chamber 31b. The toner transported to the developing chamber 31b is supplied to the developing roller 32 by the supply roller 33, which rotates in contact with the developing roller 32. The toner supplied to the developing roller 32 is regulated by the developing blade 34, and a toner layer is formed on the surface of the developing roller 32. The developing blade 34 functions as a layer thickness regulating member that regulates the thickness of the toner layer.

[0055] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the drum unit 10 includes a drum frame 11, a photosensitive drum 12 (image carrier), a charging roller 13, a cleaning blade 14, an intermediate transport member 15, an intermediate screw 16, a transmission shaft 17, and a return screw 18. The drum frame 11 supports the photosensitive drum 12, the charging roller 13, the cleaning blade 14, the intermediate transport member 15, the intermediate screw 16, the transmission shaft 17, and the return screw 18. Furthermore, the drum unit 10 has a memory tag 90P, which will be described later.

[0056] The drum frame 11 includes a cleaning and recovery chamber 19. An intermediate transport member 15, an intermediate screw 16, and a return screw 18 are arranged in the cleaning and recovery chamber 19.

[0057] As shown in Figure 7, the drum frame 11 is provided with a return path 45 that houses the return screw 18. The return path 45 can be considered part of the cleaning recovery chamber 19.

[0058] 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 (waste toner, residual toner, and recovered toner) is stored in the cleaning and collection chamber 19. The recovered toner is transported by the intermediate transport member 15 toward the intermediate screw 16, and the intermediate screw 16 transports the recovered toner toward the return screw 18. The intermediate transport member 15 transports the recovered toner in a direction intersecting the axial direction LD. The intermediate screw 16 transports the recovered toner along the axial direction LD.

[0059] The return screw (rotating member) 18 rotates around the rotation axis (second axis) RS. The direction in which the rotation axis RS of the return screw 18 extends is called the rotation axis direction (second direction) of the return screw 18.

[0060] The rotational axis direction of the return screw 18 is perpendicular to the axial direction LD. Preferably, the angle between the direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD and the rotational axis direction of the return screw 18 is smaller than the angle between the axial direction LD and the rotational axis direction of the return screw 18, and more preferably, the rotational axis direction of the return screw 18 is perpendicular to the axial direction LD.

[0061] As shown in Figure 7, the drum frame 11 is provided with a return opening 20. The return opening 20 communicates with the return path 45 of the cleaning recovery chamber 19 and the outside of the drum frame 11, and faces the return screw 18. The recovered toner transferred from the intermediate screw 16 to the return screw 18 is transported by the return screw 18 toward the return opening 20, discharged from the return opening 20, and received by the toner cartridge T after passing through the toner receiving port 84, which will be described later.

[0062] Thus, the return screw 18 functions as a transport member that transports the toner recovered from the photosensitive drum 12 toward the toner receiving port 84. The direction in which the return screw 18 transports the recovered toner is from the process cartridge P toward the toner cartridge T, and is upward in the vertical direction.

[0063] The return screw 18 has helical fins and a screw shaft, and rotates around the rotation axis RS to transport the toner toward the return opening 20. The helical fins and screw shaft are integrally formed.

[0064] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the process cartridge P has a process coupling 36 (first input, developing drive member) and a drum gear 21 (second input, drum drive member). When the process coupling 36 engages with the main coupling of the device body 100A, driving force (external force) is transmitted from the device body 100A to the process coupling 36. When the drum gear 21 engages with the main gear of the device body 100A, driving force (external force) is transmitted from the device body 100A to the drum gear 21, causing the drum gear 21 to rotate. As the drum gear 21 rotates, the photosensitive drum 12 is driven and rotates.

[0065] In this embodiment, the process coupling 36 and the drum gear 21 are located on the drive side of the process cartridge P. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the process drive end 11f1 and the process coupling 36 is shorter than the distance between the process non-drive end 11f2 and the process coupling 36. Similarly, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the process drive end 11f1 and the drum gear 21 is shorter than the distance between the process non-drive end 11f2 and the drum gear 21. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the process coupling 36 and the drum gear 21 are closer to the process drive end 11f1 than to the process non-drive end 11f2.

[0066] As shown in Figure 8, the process cartridge P has an agitator gear 39 that drives the agitator member 35, a developing gear 40 that drives the developing roller 32, and a supply gear 41 that drives the supply roller 33. The agitator gear 39, developing gear 40, and supply gear 41 are connected to a process coupling 36 via a plurality of idler gears 42, and as the process coupling 36 rotates, the developing roller 32, the supply roller 33, and the agitator member 35 are driven and rotate.

[0067] Furthermore, the process cartridge P includes an intermediate transport gear 24 that drives the intermediate transport member 15, an intermediate screw gear 25 that drives the intermediate screw 16, and a shaft gear 26 that drives the transmission shaft 17. The intermediate transport gear 24, intermediate screw gear 25, and shaft gear 26 are connected to a process coupling 36 via a plurality of idler gears 27, and the rotation of the process coupling 36 causes the intermediate transport member 15, intermediate screw 16, and transmission shaft 17 to rotate.

[0068] The return path 45 and the return screw 18 are located on the non-driven side of the process cartridge P (see Figures 2, 3, and 9). In other words, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the return screw 18 and the process non-driven end 11f2 is shorter than the distance between the return screw 18 and the process driven end 11f1. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the return screw 18 is closer to the process non-driven end 11f2 than to the process driven end 11f1.

[0069] More specifically, as shown in Figure 9, in the axial direction LD, the distance between the rotation axis RS and the non-driven process end 11f2 is shorter than the distance between the rotation axis RS and the driven process end 11f1. Also, in the axial direction LD, the distance between the rotation axis RS and the non-driven process end 11f2 is shorter than the distance between the rotation axis RS and the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11. In other words, in the axial direction LD, the rotation axis RS is closer to the non-driven process end 11f2 than to the driven process end 11f1 and the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11.

[0070] As shown in Figure 7, a transmission gear 28 is attached to the transmission shaft 17, and a return gear 29 that meshes with the transmission gear 28 is attached to the return screw 18. The transmission gear 28 and the return gear 29 are bevel gears, and the rotation of the transmission shaft 17 causes the return screw 18 to rotate. In other words, the driving force transmitted to the process coupling 36 is transmitted by the transmission shaft 17 from the driving side of the process cartridge P to the non-driving side of the process cartridge P, and then transmitted to the return screw 18. In short, the process coupling 36 is configured to drive the return screw 18.

[0071] As shown in Figure 9, the transmission shaft 17 is located outside the cleaning and recovery chamber 19, and the transmission gear 28 and return gear 29 mesh on the outside of the cleaning and recovery chamber 19.

[0072] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the non-driven side of the process cartridge P is equipped with a developing roller electrode (developing roller contact) 32a, a developing blade electrode (developing blade contact) 34a, a supply roller electrode (supply roller contact) 33a, and a charging roller electrode (charging contact) 13a. In other words, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the non-driven process end 11f2 and the charging roller electrode 13a is shorter than the distance between the driven process end 11f1 and the charging roller electrode 13a. Similarly, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distances between the non-driven process end 11f2 and the developing roller electrode 32a, developing blade electrode 34a, and supply roller electrode 33a are shorter than the distances between the driven process end 11f1 and the developing roller electrode 32a, developing blade electrode 34a, and supply roller electrode 33a. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the charging roller electrode 13a, developing roller electrode 32a, developing blade electrode 34a, and supply roller electrode 33a are closer to the non-driven process end 11f2 than to the driven process end 11f1.

[0073] The developing roller 32 electrode, developing blade 34 electrode, supply roller 33 electrode, and charging roller electrode 13a are electrically connected to the developing roller 32, developing blade 34, supply roller 33, and charging roller 13, respectively. When the image forming operation is performed, a predetermined voltage is applied to the developing roller electrode 32a, developing blade electrode 34a, supply roller electrode 33a, and charging roller electrode 13a from the power supply 100A of the main unit of the device.

[0074] The material of the developing roller electrode 32a, developing blade electrode 34a, supply roller electrode 33a, and charging roller electrode 13a may be metal or a conductive resin.

[0075] In this embodiment, the rotational 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 rotational axes of each gear, excluding the process coupling 36, drum gear 21, and return gear 29, are also parallel to the axial direction LD.

[0076] <Toner Cartridge> The configuration of the toner cartridge T according to this embodiment will be explained in more detail with reference to Figures 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16.

[0077] Figures 10 and 11 are perspective views of the toner cartridge T. Specifically, Figures 10(a) and (b) are perspective views of the toner cartridge T as seen from the drive side. In Figure 10(b), a portion of the toner cartridge T is omitted. Figures 11(a) and (b) are perspective views of the toner cartridge T as seen from the non-drive side. In Figure 11(b), a portion of the toner cartridge T is omitted.

[0078] Figure 12 is a diagram of the toner cartridge T as seen in the removal direction TDD. Figure 13 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge T. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge T with the direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD as the cross-sectional direction.

[0079] Figures 15 and 16 are side views of the toner cartridge T. Specifically, Figure 15 is a side view of the drive side of the toner cartridge T as seen in the axial direction LD. Figure 16 is a side view of the non-drive side of the toner cartridge T as seen in the axial direction LD.

[0080] As shown in Figures 6 and 13, the toner frame 55 of the toner cartridge T is equipped with a toner storage chamber (first chamber) 53 and a toner recovery chamber (second chamber) 54. The toner storage chamber 53 contains the toner supplied to the process cartridge P. The toner recovery chamber 54 contains the toner returned from the process cartridge P by the return screw 18.

[0081] The toner collection chamber 54 and the toner storage chamber 53 are separated (isolated) from each other. Specifically, the toner frame 55 has a partition wall 55b, and the toner collection chamber 54 and the toner storage chamber 53 are (completely) separated by the partition wall 55b. This prevents toner from moving between the toner collection chamber 54 and the toner storage chamber 53, and prevents the toner stored in the toner collection chamber 54 from mixing with the toner stored in the toner storage chamber 53.

[0082] The volume of the toner storage chamber 53 is larger than the volume of the toner collection chamber 54. In this embodiment, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the partition wall 55b and the toner non-driven end 55a2 is shorter than the distance between the partition wall 55b and the toner driven end 55a1. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the partition wall 55b is closer to the toner non-driven end 55a2 than to the toner driven end 55a1.

[0083] In the axial direction, the toner storage chamber 53 is positioned to overlap with the center 55a3 of the toner frame 55. On the other hand, in the axial direction LD, the toner recovery chamber 54 is positioned on the non-driven side of the toner frame 55. In the axial direction LD, the distance between the toner recovery chamber 54 and the non-driven toner end 55a2 is shorter than the distance between the toner recovery chamber 54 and the driven toner end 55a1. That is, in the axial direction LD, the toner recovery chamber 54 is closer to the non-driven toner end 55a2 than to the driven toner end 55a1. Also, in the axial direction LD, the toner recovery chamber 54 is positioned between the toner storage chamber 53 and the non-driven toner end 55a2.

[0084] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the toner frame 55 has a container section 56 equipped with a toner storage chamber 53 and a toner collection chamber 54, a drive end cover 57 positioned on the drive side of the toner cartridge T, and a non-drive end cover 58 positioned on the non-drive side of the toner cartridge T.

[0085] The container section 56 includes a first container 56a having a toner storage chamber 53 and a second container 56b having a toner collection chamber 54. The second container 56b is fixed to the first container 56a.

[0086] In this embodiment, the side walls of the first container 56a and the side walls of the second container 56b face each other and function as a partition wall 55b.

[0087] As shown in Figures 10(a) and (b), the toner frame 55 is provided with a toner outlet (first opening) 61 for discharging toner contained in the toner storage chamber 53 toward the developing unit 30 of the process cartridge P. The toner outlet 61 connects the outside of the toner frame 55 to the toner storage chamber 53, and the toner contained in the toner storage chamber 53 is discharged to the outside of the toner frame 55 through the toner outlet 61. The toner outlet 61 is provided in the first container 56a.

[0088] With respect to the axial direction LD, the toner outlet 61 was located on the drive side of the toner frame 55. With respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the toner outlet 61 and the toner drive end 55a1 was shorter than the distance between the toner outlet 61 and the toner non-drive end 55a2. In other words, with respect to the axial direction LD, the toner outlet 61 was closer to the toner drive end 55a1 than to the toner non-drive end 55a2.

[0089] The toner outlet 61 is covered by an outlet shutter (not shown). The outlet shutter opens and closes in conjunction with the attachment and removal of the toner cartridge T from the process cartridge P. When the toner cartridge T is attached to the process cartridge P, toner is allowed to be discharged from the toner outlet 61. As described above, the developing roller 32 of the process cartridge P develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 12 with the toner discharged from the toner outlet 61.

[0090] As shown in Figures 6 and 13, the toner storage chamber 53 houses a toner transport member 62 and a toner transport screw 63. The toner transport member 62 and the toner transport screw 63 can be called the first rotating member of the toner cartridge T.

[0091] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the toner cartridge T has a toner discharge device 64 for discharging toner from the toner discharge port 61.

[0092] The toner discharge device 64 includes a pump unit 65 that compresses and sends out air, an air guide 66 that guides the air sent out by the pump unit 65 toward the toner discharge port 61, a compression unit 67 that compresses the pump unit 65, and an operating gear 68 that moves the compression unit 67. The operating gear 68 is provided with an operating groove 68a for moving the compression unit 67.

[0093] The toner transport member 62 has a flexible fin 62b and a shaft 62c to which the fin 62b is attached, and transports toner toward the toner transport screw 63 by rotating around the rotation axis 62a. As shown in Figure 14, the fin 62b contacts the inner wall of the toner storage chamber 53 and deforms from its natural state, as shown by the dotted line, to transport the toner. The toner transport screw 63 has a helical fin 63b1 and a screw shaft 63b2, and transports toner toward the toner discharge port 61 by rotating around the rotation axis 63a. The helical fin 63b1 and the screw shaft 63b2 are integrally formed.

[0094] Meanwhile, as the operating gear 68 rotates, the compression unit 67, which engages with the operating groove 68a, moves in the direction of the rotation axis of the operating gear 68. As the compression unit 67 moves, the pump unit 65 is compressed, and the pump unit 65 sends air toward the toner storage chamber 53.

[0095] The air that is sent out is guided towards the toner outlet 61 by the air guide 66. A cover member is positioned near the toner outlet 61, and the cover member covers a portion of the toner transport screw 63. This prevents the toner transported by the toner transport member 62 from being directly discharged from the toner outlet 61, and also ensures that the air released from the air guide 66 is efficiently directed towards the toner outlet 61.

[0096] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 10(a) and (b), the toner frame 55 is equipped with a toner receiving port (second opening) 84 that receives toner returned from the process cartridge P. The toner receiving port 84 connects the outside of the toner frame 55 to the toner recovery chamber 54. The toner recovery chamber 54 contains the toner (recovered toner) discharged from the toner return opening 20 and passed through the toner receiving port 84.

[0097] With respect to the axial direction LD, the toner inlet 84 is located on the non-driven side of the toner frame 55. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the toner inlet 84 and the non-driven toner end 55a2 is shorter than the distance between the toner inlet 84 and the driven toner end 55a1. Also, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the toner inlet 84 and the non-driven toner end 55a2 is shorter than the distance between the toner inlet 84 and the center 55a3 of the toner frame 55. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the toner inlet 84 is closer to the non-driven toner end 55a2 than to the driven toner end 55a1 and the center 55a3 of the toner frame 55.

[0098] The toner inlet 84 is covered by an inlet shutter 85. The inlet shutter 85 opens and closes in conjunction with the installation and removal of the toner cartridge T from the process cartridge P.

[0099] More specifically, the inlet shutter 85 is movable between a closed position that covers the toner inlet 84 and an open position that exposes the toner inlet 84. As shown in Figure 7, when the toner cartridge T is attached to the process cartridge P, the inlet shutter 85 comes into contact with the process cartridge P and moves to the open position. With the toner cartridge T attached to the process cartridge P, the toner inlet 84 and the toner return opening 20 face each other.

[0100] As shown in Figure 13, the toner recovery chamber 54 includes a first recovery chamber 69, a second recovery chamber 70, and a third recovery chamber 71. The toner cartridge T has a first recovery screw 72 that transports toner from the first recovery chamber 69 to the second recovery chamber 70, and a second recovery screw (second rotating member) 73 that transports toner from the second recovery chamber 70 to the third recovery chamber 71. The first recovery screw 72 and the second recovery screw 73 are housed in the toner recovery chamber 54.

[0101] As shown in Figure 7, the first retrieval screw 72 is rotatable around the rotation axis 72a, and the second retrieval screw 73 is rotatable around the rotation axis 73a. The direction of the rotation axis 72a is parallel to the axial direction LD, and the direction of the rotation axis 73a is intersecting with the axial direction LD. It is preferable that the angle between the direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD and the direction of the rotation axis 73a is smaller than the angle between the axial direction LD and the direction of the rotation axis 73a, and it is more preferable that the direction of the rotation axis 73a is perpendicular to the axial direction LD.

[0102] The toner received from the toner receiving port 84 is stored in the first recovery chamber 69 and transported from the first recovery chamber 69 to the second recovery chamber 70 by the first recovery screw 72. The toner transported to the second recovery chamber 70 is transported vertically upward by the second recovery screw 73 and transported from the second recovery chamber 70 to the third recovery chamber 71.

[0103] As shown in Figures 15(a) and 15(b), the toner cartridge T includes a second toner coupling 74, a first toner coupling 75, a transport gear 76, and an ejection gear 77.

[0104] The actuating gear 68, the second toner coupling 74, the first toner coupling 75, the transport gear 76, and the discharge gear 77 are located on the drive side of the toner cartridge T. In other words, in the axial direction LD, the distance between the second toner coupling 74, the first toner coupling 75 and the toner drive end 55a1 is shorter than the distance between the second toner coupling 74, the first toner coupling 75 and the toner non-drive end 55a2. That is, in the axial direction LD, the second toner coupling 74 and the first toner coupling 75 are closer to the toner drive end 55a1 than to the toner non-drive end 55a2.

[0105] The drive end cover 57 covers at least a portion of the operating gear 68, the second toner coupling 74, the first toner coupling 75, the transport gear 76, and the discharge gear 77, and also has a toner drive end guide 51. The drive end cover 57 covers at least a portion of the pump section 65.

[0106] The transport gear 76 is connected to the toner transport member 62, and the discharge gear 77 is connected to the toner transport screw 63. The second toner coupling 74 receives a driving force (external force) from the main body 100A and rotates the transport gear 76. As a result, the toner transport member 62 is rotated. The first toner coupling 75 meshes with the operating gear 68 via an idler gear, and the operating gear 68 meshes with the discharge gear 77. The first toner coupling 75 receives a driving force (external force) from the main body 100A and rotates the operating gear 68 and the discharge gear 77. As a result, the pump section 65 is compressed and the toner transport screw 63 is rotated.

[0107] In other words, the second toner coupling 74 functions as a drive member that drives the toner transport member 62. The first toner coupling 75 functions as a drive member that drives the toner discharge device 64 and the toner transport screw 63.

[0108] As shown in Figure 16, the toner cartridge T has a detection member 78 for detecting the amount of toner in the toner recovery chamber 54. The toner non-drive end cover 58 covers the detection member 78 and has a toner non-drive end guide 52.

[0109] In this embodiment, the detection member 78 is a pair of light guides that guide light. The detection member 78 includes a light guide member 78a1 and a light guide member 78a2, and is located on the non-driven side of the toner cartridge T. In other words, with respect to the axial LD, the distance between the light guide member 78a1, the light guide member 78a2 and the toner non-driven end 55a2 is shorter than the distance between the light guide member 78a1, the light guide member 78a2 and the toner driven end 55a1. That is, with respect to the axial LD, the light guide member 78a1 and the light guide member 78a2 are closer to the toner non-driven end 55a2 than to the toner driven end 55a1.

[0110] Parts of light guide member 78a1 and part of light guide member 78a2 are exposed to the toner collection chamber 54. One of light guide member 78a1 and one of light guide member 78a2 guides light from the outside of the toner collection chamber 54 to the inside of the toner collection chamber 54. The light guided to the inside of the toner collection chamber 54 passes through the toner collection chamber 54. The other of light guide member 78a1 and one of light guide member 78a2 guides light from the inside of the toner collection chamber 54 to the outside of the toner collection chamber 54.

[0111] The control unit 107 of the device body 100A can detect the amount of toner based on the light that has passed through the inside of the toner recovery chamber 54 via the light guide members 78a1 and 78a2. Alternatively, a pair of electrodes facing each other can be used as the detection member 78. In this case, the control unit 107 of the device body 100A can detect the amount of toner based on the change in capacitance between the electrode pair.

[0112] <Memory Configuration> The memory configuration will be explained using Figure 17. Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram of the memory tag 90.

[0113] In this embodiment, the process cartridge P has a memory tag 90P which stores information about the process cartridge P. The toner cartridge T also has a memory tag 90T which stores information about the toner cartridge T. The stored information includes, for example, information regarding the usage history of the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T.

[0114] The memory tag 90P for process cartridge P and the memory tag 90T for toner cartridge T have similar shapes. When not distinguishing between memory tag 90P and memory tag 90T, or when explaining features common to both memory tag 90P and memory tag 90T, both memory tag 90P and memory tag 90T are simply referred to as memory tag 90.

[0115] As shown in Figure 17, the memory tag 90 in this embodiment has a memory element 90d that stores information about a process cartridge P or a toner cartridge T, and a conductive part (electrode part, interface part, memory contact) 90a electrically connected to the memory element 90d. The conductive part 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.

[0116] 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 also includes a protective portion 90c that covers and protects the memory element 90d. In this embodiment, the conductive portion 90a is arranged on one side (front surface) of the holding portion 90b, and the memory element 90d is arranged on the other side (back surface) of the holding portion 90b.

[0117] In this embodiment, the memory tag 90 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.

[0118] The substrate 90f has a surface 90f1 on which the conductive portion 90a is arranged, and a back surface 90f2 on the back side of the surface 90f1.

[0119] The control unit 107 of the printer 100 controls the printer 100 by electrically connecting to the memory element 90d via the conductive part 90a, thereby reading the information stored in the memory element 90d.

[0120] Specifically, the main body 100A is provided with a main body contact (main body electrode) 92 that contacts the conductive part 90a when the process cartridge P or toner cartridge T is installed in the main body 100A. The main body contact 92 has a first main body electrode 92a1 and a second main body electrode 92a2. When the process cartridge P or toner cartridge T is installed in the main body 100A, the first main body electrode 92a1 contacts the first electrode 90a1, and the second main body electrode 92a2 contacts the second electrode 90a2.

[0121] In this embodiment, the number of electrodes arranged on the conductive part 90a is two, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the conductive part 90a may have three or more electrodes. Alternatively, one electrode may be placed on the holding part 90b, and the other electrodes may be placed on other parts.

[0122] Furthermore, the holding portion 90b and the protective portion 90c may be arranged at positions far apart from each other. For example, the substrate having the conductive portion 90a and the substrate having the memory element 90d may be arranged at positions far apart from each other.

[0123] <Placement of memory tags on the process cartridge> The arrangement of the memory tag 90P of the process cartridge P will be explained using Figures 3, 5, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22.

[0124] Figure 18 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the memory tag 90P on the process cartridge P. Figure 19 is a top view showing the arrangement of the memory tag 90P on the process cartridge P. Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the memory tag 90P on the process cartridge P. Figures 19 and 20 show the memory tag 90P viewed in a direction parallel to the surface 90f1 on which the conductive part 90a is located, and perpendicular to the axial direction LD.

[0125] Figure 21 is a perspective view illustrating the mounting member 91. Figure 22 is a side view showing the arrangement of the memory tag 90P on the process cartridge P. Figure 21 is a perspective view showing the process cartridge P before the memory tag 90P and the mounting member 91 to which the memory tag 90P is attached are installed. Figure 22 is a side view showing the mounting portion 91 on the process cartridge P to which the memory tag 90P is attached.

[0126] The 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 collection chamber 19, and a mounting member 91 to which the memory tag 90P is attached. The collection container 11g is equipped with a cleaning collection chamber 19 and a cleaning opening 19a communicating with the cleaning collection chamber 19. The mounting member 91 is attached to the collection container 11g so as to cover the cleaning opening 19a. In this embodiment, the mounting member 91 is bonded to the collection container 11g. The substrate 90f of the memory tag 90P is supported by the mounting member 91.

[0127] The mounting member 91 of the process cartridge P is located on the non-driven side of the process cartridge P. With respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the mounting member 91 and the process non-driven end 11f2 is shorter than the distance between the mounting member 91 and the process driven end 11f1.

[0128] With respect to the axial direction LD, the mounting member 91 is positioned near the non-driven process end 11f2. With respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the non-driven process end 11f2 and the mounting member 91 is shorter than the distance between the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 and the mounting member 91. In other words, with respect to the axial direction LD, the mounting member 91 is closer to the non-driven process end 11f2 than to the driven process end 11f1 and the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11.

[0129] With respect to the axial LD, the entire memory tag 90P is positioned between the process drive end 11f1 and the process non-drive end 11f2. In this embodiment, with respect to the axial LD, the entire memory tag 90P is positioned between the process non-drive end 11f2 and the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11. In other words, with respect to the axial LD, the entire memory tag 90P is positioned on the non-drive side of the drum frame 11 (the non-drive side of the process cartridge P).

[0130] Regarding the axial LD, the distance between the conductive part 90a of the memory tag 90P and the process non-driven end 11f2 is shorter than the distance between the conductive part 90a of the memory tag 90P and the process driven end 11f1. Furthermore, regarding the axial 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 driven end 11f1.

[0131] With respect to the axial LD, the distance between the non-driven process end 11f2 and the conductive part 90a of the memory tag 90P is shorter than the distance between the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 and the conductive part 90a of the memory tag 90P. Furthermore, with respect to the axial LD, the distance between the non-driven process end 11f2 and the memory tag 90P is shorter than the distance between the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 and the memory tag 90P. In other words, with respect to the axial LD, the conductive part 90a of the memory tag 90P and the memory tag 90P are closer to the non-driven process end 11f2 than to the driven process end 11f1 and the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11.

[0132] As shown in Figure 5, when viewed in the axial direction LD, the conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90P is positioned between the rotation axis RS of the return screw 18 and a straight line RS1 that is parallel to the rotation axis RS of the return screw 18 and passes through the rotation center of the photosensitive drum 12. When viewed in the axial direction LD, the rotation center of the photosensitive drum 12 coincides with the rotation axis 12a of the photosensitive drum 12. In other words, the conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90P is positioned between the rotation axis RS of the return screw 18 and the rotation axis 12a of the photosensitive drum 12 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis RS of the return screw 18 and the axial direction LD. In this embodiment, when viewed in the axial direction LD, the entire memory tag 90P is positioned between the rotation axis RS of the return screw 18 and the straight line RS1.

[0133] This allows the return screw 18, the photosensitive drum 12, the memory tag 90P, and the conductive part 90a to be arranged in a space-saving manner.

[0134] In this embodiment, the charging roller electrode 13a, developing roller electrode 32a, developing blade electrode 34a, and supply roller electrode 33a are positioned between the rotation axis RS and the straight line RS1 when viewed in the axial direction LD. The charging roller electrode 13a, developing roller electrode 32a, developing blade electrode 34a, and supply roller electrode 33a are positioned between the rotation axis RS and the rotation axis 12a in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis RS and the axial direction LD.

[0135] This allows the return screw 18, the photosensitive drum 12, the charging roller electrode 13a, the developing roller electrode 32a, the developing blade electrode 34a, and the supply roller electrode 33a to be arranged in a space-saving manner.

[0136] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the conductive part 90a of the memory tag 90P and the process non-driven end 11f2 is shorter than the distance between the rotation axis RS of the return screw 18 and the process non-driven end 11f2. In other words, with respect to the axial direction LD, the conductive part 90a of the memory tag 90P is closer to the process non-driven end 11f2 than to the rotation axis RS of the return screw 18.

[0137] As shown in Figure 5, the memory tag 90P is arranged such that the conductive portion 90a faces in a direction that intersects the axial direction LD. Specifically, the normal direction 90g of the surface 90f1 on which the conductive portion 90a is located intersects the axial direction LD. It is preferable that the angle between the direction orthogonal to the axial direction LD and the normal direction 90g is smaller than the angle between the axial direction LD and the normal direction 90g, and it is more preferable that the normal direction 90g is in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction LD.

[0138] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3, 5, and 9, the conductive portion 90a is positioned to face the mounting direction PDA. In other words, with respect to the mounting direction PDA, the conductive portion 90a is positioned downstream of the substrate 90f. It is also preferable that the angle between the attachment / detachment direction PD and the normal direction 90g is smaller than the angle between the orthogonal direction of the attachment / detachment direction PD and the normal direction 90g, and it is more preferable that the normal direction 90g is parallel to the attachment / detachment direction PD.

[0139] In this embodiment, when viewed in the axial direction LD, the normal direction 90g is inclined with respect to the direction of the rotation axis RS of the return screw 18.

[0140] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, 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 portion of the fourth protrusion 91d functions as a wall forming the toner recovery chamber 19.

[0141] In this embodiment, the first protrusion 91a, the second protrusion 91b, the third protrusion 91c, and the fourth protrusion 91d are located on the non-driven side of the drum frame 11. With respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the process non-driven end 11f2 and the first protrusion 91a and the second protrusion 91b is shorter than the distance between the process driven end 11f1 and the first protrusion 91a and the second protrusion 91b. With respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the process non-driven end 11f2 and the third protrusion 91c and the fourth protrusion 91d is shorter than the distance between the process driven end 11f1 and the third protrusion 91c and the fourth protrusion 91d.

[0142] Furthermore, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the process non-driven end 11f2 and the first protrusion 91a and the second protrusion 91b is shorter than the distance between the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 and the first protrusion 91a and the second protrusion 91b. Furthermore, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the process non-driven end 11f2 and the third protrusion 91c and the fourth protrusion 91d is shorter than the distance between the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 and the third protrusion 91c and the fourth protrusion 91d.

[0143] In other words, with respect to the axial direction LD, the first protrusion 91a, the second protrusion 91b, the third protrusion 91c, and the fourth protrusion 91d are closer to the process non-drive end 11f2 than to the process drive end 11f1 and the center 11f3.

[0144] Furthermore, with respect to the axial LD, the distance between the process non-driven end 11f2 and the first protrusion 91a and the second protrusion 91b is shorter than the distance between the process non-driven end 11f2 and the substrate 90f and the conductive part 90a. With respect to the axial LD, the distance between the process non-driven end 11f2 and the third protrusion 91c and the fourth protrusion 91d is longer than the distance between the process non-driven end 11f2 and the substrate 90f and the conductive part 90a. In other words, with respect to the axial LD, the first protrusion 91a and the second protrusion 91b are closer to the process non-driven end 11f2 than the substrate 90f and the conductive part 90a. Also, with respect to the axial LD, the third protrusion 91c and the fourth protrusion 91d are further from the process non-driven end 11f2 than the substrate 90f and the conductive part 90a.

[0145] With respect to the axial direction LD, the first protrusion 91a and the third protrusion 91c are adjacent to the substrate 90f and face the side surface perpendicular to the surface 90f1 of the holding portion 90b where the conductive portion 90a is located. With respect to the axial direction LD, the conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90P is located 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 90 of the memory tag 90.

[0146] Furthermore, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the second protrusion 91b and the process non-driven end 11f2 is shorter than the distance between the first protrusion 91a and the process non-driven end 11f2. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the second protrusion 91b is closer to the process non-driven end 11f2 than the first protrusion 91a. With respect to the axial direction LD, the first protrusion 91a is positioned between the second protrusion 91b and the memory tag 90P, and the second protrusion 91b is positioned between the first protrusion 91a and the process non-driven end 11f2.

[0147] Furthermore, with respect to the axial LD, the distance between the fourth protrusion 91d and the process non-driven end 11f2 is longer than the distance between the third protrusion 91c and the process non-driven end 11f2. In other words, with respect to the axial LD, the fourth protrusion 91d is further from the process non-driven end 11f2 than the third protrusion 91c. The distance between the fourth protrusion 91d and the process driven end 11f1 is shorter than the distance between the third protrusion 91c and the process driven end 11f1. In other words, with respect to the axial LD, the fourth protrusion 91d is closer to the process driven end 11f1 than the third protrusion 91c. That is, with respect to the axial LD, the third protrusion is located between the substrate 90f and the process driven end 11f1, and the fourth protrusion 91d is located between the third protrusion 91c and the process driven end 11f1.

[0148] Here, the exposure direction 90g1 is defined as 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. 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 mounting direction PDA.

[0149] As shown in Figure 9, when viewed in the opposite direction to the exposure direction 11g1, the entire surface 90f1 of the substrate 90f of the memory tag 90P is exposed. In this embodiment, the substrate 90f is bonded to the mounting member 91 of the drum frame 11, restricting the movement of the substrate 90f in the exposure direction 90g1.

[0150] With respect to the exposure direction 90g1, the first protrusion 91a and the third protrusion 91c protrude relative to the surface 90f1 and conductive part 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.

[0151] In other words, with respect to the exposure direction 90g1, the tip 91a1 of the first protrusion 91a and the tip 91c1 of the third protrusion 11c are located downstream of the surface 90f1 and the conductive part 90a. Also, 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, with respect to the exposure direction 90g1, the tip 91d1 of the fourth protrusion 91d is located downstream of the tip 91b1 of the second protrusion 91b.

[0152] With respect to 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 part 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 part 90a and the tip 91c1 of the third protrusion 91c.

[0153] With respect to 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 part 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 part 90a and the tip 91c1 of the third protrusion 91c.

[0154] In other words, with respect to the exposure direction 90g1, the length of the second protrusion 91b protruding relative to the first protrusion 91a is longer than the length of the first protrusion 91a protruding relative to the surface 90f1. With respect to the exposure direction 90g1, the length of the fourth protrusion 91d protruding relative to the third protrusion 91c is longer than the length of the third protrusion 91c protruding relative to the surface 90f1.

[0155] The end of the second projection 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.

[0156] Furthermore, with respect to 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.

[0157] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 22, when viewed in the axial direction LD, at least a portion of the substrate 90f of the memory tag 90P overlaps with the second protrusion 91b.

[0158] The drum frame 11 has reinforcing ribs connected to at least one of the first protrusion 91a and the third protrusion 91c. Specifically, as shown in Figure 18, the first protrusion 91a and the third protrusion 91c are connected to a connecting portion 91g1 which is positioned between the first protrusion 91a and the third protrusion 91c in the axial direction LD. The first protrusion 91a is connected to a connecting portion 91g2 which is positioned between the first protrusion 91a and the second protrusion 91b in the axial direction LD. The third protrusion 91c is connected to a connecting portion 91g3 which is positioned between the third protrusion 91c and the fourth protrusion 91d in the axial direction LD.

[0159] The connecting parts 91g1, 91g2, and 91g3 are ribs (reinforcement ribs) that protrude in the exposure direction 90g1 and extend in the axial direction LD. Each of the connecting parts 91g1 and 91g2 has the function of reinforcing the first protruding part 91a. Each of the connecting parts 91g1 and 91g3 has the function of reinforcing the third protruding part 91c. In this embodiment, the connecting parts 91g1, 91g2, and 91g3 are provided on the mounting member 91.

[0160] The number of connecting parts 91g1, 91g2, and 91g3 is preferably multiple, but at least one of the connecting parts 91g1, 91g2, and 91g3 may be single. In this embodiment, the two connecting parts 91g1 are connected via the first protrusion 91a and the third protrusion 91c. The two connecting parts 91g2 are also connected via connecting parts (reinforcement ribs), and the two connecting parts 91g3 are also connected via connecting parts (reinforcement ribs).

[0161] The first protrusion 91a, the second protrusion 91b, the third protrusion 91c, and the fourth protrusion 91d can protect the memory tag 90P.

[0162] Furthermore, the second protrusion 91b and the fourth protrusion 91d can also be said to have the function of protecting the first protrusion 91a and the third protrusion 91c adjacent to the memory tag 90P. This prevents deformation of the first protrusion 91a and the third protrusion 91c, which are located near the substrate 90f of the memory tag 90P, due to external forces.

[0163] Furthermore, when the process cartridge P is attached to the main body 100A, the memory tag 90P is inclined with respect to the horizontal and vertical directions such that the conductive part 90a faces downward in the vertical direction Z.

[0164] As shown in Figure 21, the mounting member 91 has a first protrusion 91a, a second protrusion 91b, and a third protrusion 91c. The recovery container 11g has a fourth protrusion 91d. A memory mounting portion 91e is formed between the first protrusion 91a and the third protrusion 91c, to which the memory tag 90P is attached. 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 substrate 90f of the memory tag 90P.

[0165] When a used process cartridge P is collected and reused, toner may be removed from the cleaning collection chamber 19. According to the configuration shown in this embodiment, when the mounting member 91 is removed from the collection container 11g, the cleaning opening 19a is exposed, and toner can be removed from the cleaning collection chamber 19.

[0166] Furthermore, if at least one of the first protrusion 91a, the second protrusion 91b, or the third protrusion 91c becomes deformed, 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 by replacing the mounting member 91.

[0167] Furthermore, the memory tag 90P can be removed from the process cartridge P by removing the attachment member 91 from the recovery container 11g. When the process cartridge P is reused, the memory tag 90P that was attached to the used process cartridge P may be reused after its information is rewritten, or it may be replaced with another memory tag 90P.

[0168] After removing the mounting member 91 from the collection container 11g, the mounting member 91 is reattached to the collection container 11g in order to close the cleaning opening 19a. At this time, the removed mounting member 91 may be reused, or a different mounting member 91 may be used.

[0169] In summary, the removed memory tag 90P and mounting member 91 may be reused. Alternatively, at least one of the memory tag 90P and mounting member 91 may be replaced with a new part.

[0170] <Toner cartridge memory layout> The arrangement of the memory tag 90T of the toner cartridge T will be explained using Figures 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, and 17.

[0171] As shown in Figures 10, 11, 12, and 13, the substrate 90f of the memory tag 90T of the toner cartridge T is attached to the toner frame 55. More specifically, the memory tag 90T of the toner cartridge T is supported by the support portion 57a ​​of the drive-side cover 57, which is part of the toner frame 55.

[0172] The memory tag 90T is positioned such that the conductive portion 90a faces in a direction intersecting the axial direction LD. Therefore, the angle between the normal direction 90g of the surface 90f1 and the direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD is smaller than the angle between the normal direction 90g of the surface 90f1 and the axial direction LD. In this embodiment, the normal direction 90g of the surface 90f1 is parallel to the direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD. Therefore, the above angle is zero degrees.

[0173] Furthermore, the conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90T is positioned to face the mounting direction TDA. In other words, with respect to the mounting direction TDA, the conductive portion 90a is positioned on the downstream side of the substrate 90f. It is also preferable that the angle between the attachment / detachment direction TD and the normal direction 90g is smaller than the angle between the orthogonal direction of the attachment / detachment direction TD and the normal direction 90g, and it is more preferable that the normal direction 90g is parallel to the attachment / detachment direction TD.

[0174] Furthermore, when the toner cartridge T is attached to the main unit 100A, the memory tag 90T is tilted in both the horizontal and vertical directions such that the conductive part 90a faces downward in the vertical direction.

[0175] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, with respect to the axial direction LD, the entire memory tag 90T is positioned between the toner drive end 55a1 and the toner non-drive end 55a2. In this embodiment, with respect to the axial direction LD, the entire memory tag 90T is positioned between the toner drive end 55a1 and the center 55a3 of the toner frame 55. In other words, with respect to the axial direction LD, the entire memory tag 90T is positioned on the drive side of the toner frame 55 (the drive side of the toner cartridge T).

[0176] With respect to the axial LD, the distance between the conductive part 90a of the memory tag 90T and the toner drive end 55a1 is shorter than the distance between the conductive part 90a of the memory tag 90T and the non-drive end 55a2 of the toner. Furthermore, the distance between the conductive part 90a of the memory tag 90T and the toner drive end 55a1 is shorter than the distance between the conductive part 90a of the memory tag 90T and the center 55a3 of the toner frame 55. In other words, with respect to the axial LD, the conductive part 90a of the memory tag 90T is closer to the toner drive end 55a1 than to the non-drive end 55a2 and the center 55a3 of the toner frame 55. With respect to the axial LD, the conductive part 90a of the memory tag 90T is located between the toner outlet 61 and the toner drive end 55a1.

[0177] In this embodiment, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the entire memory tag 90T and the toner drive end 55a1 is shorter than the distance between the entire memory tag 90T and the toner non-drive end 55a2. Furthermore, the distance between the entire memory tag 90T and the toner drive end 55a1 is shorter than the distance between the entire memory tag 90T and the center 55a3 of the toner frame 55. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the entire memory tag 90T is closer to the toner drive end 55a1 than to the toner non-drive end 55a2 and the center 55a3 of the toner frame 55. With respect to the axial direction LD, the entire memory tag 90T is positioned between the toner outlet 61 and the toner drive end 55a1.

[0178] Furthermore, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the toner outlet 61 and the toner drive end 55a1 is shorter than the distance between the toner outlet 61 and the toner non-drive end 55a2. The distance between the toner inlet 84 and the toner non-drive end 55a2 is shorter than the distance between the toner inlet 84 and the toner drive end 55a1.

[0179] With respect to the axial LD, the distance between the conductive part 90a and the toner drive end 55a1 is shorter than the distance between the toner drive end 55a1 and the toner recovery chamber 54. Also, the distance between the conductive part 90a and the non-driving toner end 55a2 is longer than the distance between the toner recovery chamber 54 and the non-driving toner end 55a2. Furthermore, the distance between the conductive part 90a and the toner drive end 55a1 is shorter than the distance between the toner drive end 55a1 and the partition wall 55b. The distance between the conductive part 90a and the toner drive end 55a1 is shorter than the distance between the toner drive end 55a1 and the toner inlet 84. In other words, with respect to the axial LD, the conductive part 90a is closer to the toner drive end 55a1 than the toner recovery chamber 54, the partition wall 55b, and the toner inlet 84.

[0180] In other words, in the toner cartridge T of this embodiment, the toner recovery chamber 54 and the toner receiving port 84 are located on the non-drive side of the toner cartridge T, and the conductive part 90a of the memory tag 90T is located on the drive side.

[0181] The distance between the conductive part 90a and the toner drive end 55a1 is shorter than the distance between the toner drive end 55a1 and the toner outlet 61. Also, the distance between the conductive part 90a and the toner drive end 55a1 is shorter than the distance between the toner storage chamber 53 and the toner drive end 55a1. In other words, with respect to the axial direction LD, the conductive part 90a is closer to the toner drive end 55a1 than to the toner outlet 61 and the toner storage chamber 53.

[0182] Furthermore, with respect to the axial LD, the area (range) where the pump unit 65 is located and the area (range) where the memory tag 90T and conductive part 90a are located overlap at least partially. This allows the pump unit 65 and conductive part 90a to be arranged in a space-saving manner with respect to the axial LD.

[0183] This improves the design flexibility of each of the toner storage chamber 53, toner collection chamber 54, toner discharge port 61, toner receiving port 84, memory tag 90T, and conductive part 90a. For example, it becomes easy to secure space for the toner collection chamber 54 and toner receiving port 84, as well as space for the conductive part 90a and main body contact 92 of the memory tag 90T.

[0184] Furthermore, with respect to the axial LD, the presence of gaps between the conductive part 90a, the toner discharge port 61, and the toner receiving port 84 (each being offset from the others) suppresses the adhesion of toner to the conductive part 90a. The placement of the conductive part 90a on the drive side of the toner frame 55 and the placement of the toner receiving port 84 on the non-drive side of the toner frame 55 suppresses the adhesion of recovered toner to the conductive part 90a.

[0185] When installing the toner cartridge T onto the main unit 100A and the process cartridge P, reaction forces from the main unit 100A and the process cartridge P act on the memory tag 90T of the toner cartridge T, the shutter (not shown) that covers the toner outlet 61, and the inlet shutter 85 that covers the toner inlet 84. If the memory tag 90T, the toner outlet 61, and the toner inlet 84 are concentrated on either the drive side or the non-drive side, the reaction forces acting on them when installing the toner cartridge T will be concentrated on either the drive side or the non-drive side, causing the toner cartridge T to tilt. On the other hand, by distributing the memory tag 90T, the toner outlet 61, and the toner inlet 84 between the drive side and the non-drive side, the concentration of reaction forces is suppressed, and the tilting of the toner cartridge T is suppressed.

[0186] <Toner cartridge positioning and memory tag placement> The configuration for positioning the toner cartridge T and the relationship between the placement of the memory tag 90T will be explained using Figures 12, 15(a), and 23. Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the attachment of the toner cartridge T to the process cartridge P.

[0187] Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge T installed in the device body 100A, as seen from the drive side of the toner cartridge T. Note that some parts of the toner cartridge T are omitted in Figure 23.

[0188] The toner cartridge T has a positioning portion 55c1 that is positioned on the process cartridge P and a force receiving portion 55c2 that is pressed by the device body 100A. The positioning portion 55c1 and the force receiving portion 55c2 are projections located on the side surface of the toner frame 55 and protruding in the axial direction LD.

[0189] The process cartridge P has a toner cartridge positioning unit 45 for positioning the toner cartridge T. Furthermore, the main body 100A of the printer 100 has a toner cartridge pressing unit 110 for holding the toner cartridge T in a predetermined position. The toner cartridge pressing unit 110 is pressed in a predetermined direction by a spring or the like.

[0190] As shown in Figure 23, when the toner cartridge T is installed in the device body 100A and the process cartridge P, the positioning portion 55c1 of the toner cartridge T abuts against the toner cartridge positioning portion 45 of the process cartridge P. This positions the positioning portion 55c1 of the toner cartridge T in the installation direction TDA. In addition, in the direction perpendicular to the installation direction TDA and directed downward in the vertical direction, the positioning portion 55c1 of the toner cartridge T abuts against the toner cartridge positioning portion 45 and is positioned.

[0191] Furthermore, the drive-side toner guide 51 is equipped with a drive-side rotation stopper 51a. The drive-side rotation stopper 51a contacts the main body 100A of the device, preventing the toner cartridge T from rotating around the positioning part 55c1.

[0192] When the toner cartridge T is driven by the main unit 100A, the first toner coupling 75 is driven counterclockwise as shown in Figures 15(a) and 23. As a result, a counterclockwise force acts on the toner cartridge T. When the toner cartridge T rotates counterclockwise, the positioning part 55c1 moves away from the toner cartridge positioning part 45, and the position of the toner cartridge T becomes unstable.

[0193] Therefore, the force-receiving portion 55c2 of the toner cartridge T is pressed by the toner cartridge pressing portion 110 of the device body 100A, thereby preventing the positioning portion 55c1 of the toner cartridge T from separating from the toner cartridge positioning portion 45.

[0194] Regarding the rotational direction of the first toner coupling 75, the force receiving portion 55c2 is positioned downstream of the positioning portion 55c1. The toner cartridge pressing portion 110 presses the force receiving portion 55c2 in the opposite direction to the rotation of the toner cartridge T.

[0195] Furthermore, in the configuration of this embodiment, the direction of the force received by the force receiving portion 55c2 from the toner cartridge pressing portion 110 is such that it inhibits the movement of the toner cartridge T in the removal direction TDD. In order to reduce the burden on the user when attaching and detaching the toner cartridge T, it is preferable that the force generated by the toner cartridge pressing portion 110 is small. In order to suppress the rotation of the toner cartridge T with an even smaller force, it is preferable that the distance between the force receiving portion 55c2 and the first toner coupling 75 is long. In this embodiment, in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD, the distance between the rotation center of the first toner coupling 75 and the positioned portion 55c1 and the distance between the rotation center of the first toner coupling 75 and the force receiving portion 55c2 are approximately the same.

[0196] The above configuration, which presses the toner cartridge T toward the process cartridge P, is also provided on the non-driven side of the toner cartridge T. The configuration on the non-driven side is the same as the configuration on the driven side described above, so its explanation is omitted.

[0197] Next, the positional relationship between the memory tag 90T, the positioning portion 55c1, and the force receiving portion 55c2 will be explained.

[0198] In this embodiment, the normal direction 90g of the surface 90f1 to which the conductive part 90a of the memory tag 90T is attached and the attachment / detachment direction TD of the toner cartridge T are substantially parallel.

[0199] The memory tag 90T is located on the drive side of the toner cartridge T. When installed in the printer 100, the conductive part 90a makes contact with the main body contact 92 located on the main body 100A, and communication with the control unit 107 takes place.

[0200] At this time, in order to ensure communication stability, the main contact 92 is in contact with the conductive part 90a while pressing it along the normal direction 90g. If the position of the memory tag 90T shifts while the conductive part 90a is being pressed by the main contact 92, the surface of the conductive part 90a may be worn away.

[0201] To suppress surface wear of the conductive portion 90a, it is preferable to suppress misalignment of the memory tag 90T. Therefore, in this embodiment, the memory tag 90T is positioned near the positioning portion 55c1 and the force receiving portion 55c2.

[0202] Specifically, in the attachment / detachment direction TD of the toner cartridge T, the distance between the memory tag 90T and the positioning portion 55c1, and the distance between the memory tag 90T and the force receiving portion 55c2 are shorter than the distance between the memory tag 90T and the first toner coupling 75. Furthermore, the memory tag 90T is positioned to at least partially overlap the force receiving portion 55c2 in a direction perpendicular to the normal direction 90g and the axial direction LD of the surface 90f1.

[0203] With the above configuration, wear on the conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90T can be reduced.

[0204] <Variation> In this embodiment, the process cartridge P develops an electrostatic latent image using toner supplied from the toner cartridge T, and the return screw 18 transports the toner recovered from the photosensitive drum 12 toward the toner cartridge T. However, the configuration related to the protection of the memory tag 90 by the first protrusion 91a, second protrusion 91b, third protrusion 91c, and fourth protrusion 91d, and the configuration supporting the memory tag 90P by the mounting member 91 can also be applied to other process cartridges. For example, these configurations can also be applied to process cartridges that are not supplied with toner from the toner cartridge T. In this case, the toner recovered from the photosensitive drum 12 is retained in the cleaning recovery chamber 19.

[0205] <Summary> This embodiment discloses at least the following configuration.

[0206] (Composition 1) A first rotating member that is rotatable about an axis extending in the axial direction, A frame comprising a first chamber, a second chamber, a first opening, and a second opening for containing toner, wherein (i) a wall separating the first chamber and the second chamber to prevent the toner from moving between them, (ii) a first end in the axial direction and a second end opposite to the first end, and (iii) the first chamber housing the first rotating member, the first opening connecting the outside of the frame to the first chamber, and the second opening connecting the outside of the frame to the second chamber, A memory having a memory element for storing information and a memory contact electrically connected to the memory element, It has, With respect to the axial direction, the distance between the memory contact and the first end is shorter than the distance between the memory contact and the second end, and the distance between the second opening and the second end is shorter than the distance between the second opening and the first end. A toner cartridge characterized by the following features.

[0207] (Configuration 2) With respect to the axial direction, the distance between the second chamber and the second end is shorter than the distance between the second chamber and the first end. A toner cartridge according to configuration 1, characterized by the features described above.

[0208] (Composition 3) The toner cartridge according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the second chamber is located between the first chamber and the second end in the axial direction.

[0209] (Composition 4) The toner cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that, in the axial direction, the distance between the memory contact and the first end is shorter than the distance between the center of the frame and the memory contact.

[0210] (Composition 5) The toner cartridge according to configuration 4, characterized in that, in the axial direction, the distance between the second opening and the second end is shorter than the distance between the center of the frame and the second opening.

[0211] (Composition 6) With respect to the axial direction, the distance between the first opening and the first end is shorter than the distance between the first opening and the second end. A toner cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, characterized by the above.

[0212] (Composition 7) The toner cartridge according to configuration 6, characterized in that, in the axial direction, the memory contact is arranged between the first opening and the first end.

[0213] (Composition 8) The toner cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized in that the first opening is configured to allow the discharge of the toner contained in the first chamber.

[0214] (Composition 9) A toner cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, further comprising a second rotating member housed in the second chamber, wherein the direction of the rotation axis of the second rotating member is in a direction intersecting the axial direction.

[0215] (Composition 10) Having a drive member configured to drive the first rotating member, A toner cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that, in the axial direction, the distance between the first end and the drive member is shorter than the distance between the second end and the drive member.

[0216] (Composition 11) It further has a pump section that sends air toward the first chamber, The toner cartridge according to configuration 10, characterized in that, with respect to the axial direction, the range in which the pump section is located and the range in which the memory contacts are located overlap at least partially.

[0217] (Composition 12) The toner cartridge according to configuration 11, wherein the frame comprises a first container having the first chamber, a second container having the second chamber, and a cover that covers at least a part of the pump section and at least a part of the drive member, and the memory is supported by the cover.

[0218] (Composition 13) The second chamber has a light guide member that is partially exposed, A toner cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, characterized in that, in the axial direction, the distance between the light guide member and the second end is shorter than the distance between the light guide member and the first end.

[0219] (Composition 14) A toner cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, characterized in that the volume of the first chamber is greater than the volume of the second chamber.

[0220] (Composition 15) The toner cartridge according to any one of configurations 1 to 14, characterized in that the second chamber is configured to contain the toner that has passed through the second opening.

[0221] (Composition 16) A toner cartridge as described in one of configurations 1 to 15, The device body into which the toner cartridge is removably mounted, Photosensitive drum and A developing roller configured to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum using the toner discharged from the first aperture, A transport member configured to transport the toner recovered from the photosensitive drum toward the second opening, An image forming apparatus characterized by having the following features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0222] P Process Cartridge 11 Drum Frame 12 Photosensitive drums 18. Screw back 19. Cleaning Collection Room T Toner Cartridge 53 Toner Storage Room 54 Toner Collection Room 55 Toner Frame 55b Partition wall 57 Drive end cover 61 Toner output port 62 Toner transport component 63 Toner transport screw 84 Toner receiving opening 90, 90T, 90P memory tags 90a conductive part 90f substrate 90f1 surface 90g Normal direction 91 Mounting components 91a 1st protrusion 91b Second protrusion 91c 3rd protrusion 91d 4th protrusion

Claims

1. A first rotating member that is rotatable about an axis extending in the axial direction, A frame comprising a first chamber, a second chamber, a first opening, and a second opening for containing toner, wherein (i) a wall separating the first chamber and the second chamber to prevent the toner from moving between them, (ii) a first end in the axial direction and a second end opposite to the first end, and (iii) the first chamber housing the first rotating member, the first opening connecting the outside of the frame to the first chamber, and the second opening connecting the outside of the frame to the second chamber, A memory having a memory element for storing information and a memory contact electrically connected to the memory element, It has, With respect to the axial direction, the distance between the memory contact and the first end is shorter than the distance between the memory contact and the second end, and the distance between the second opening and the second end is shorter than the distance between the second opening and the first end. With respect to the axial direction, the second chamber is located between the first chamber and the second end. A toner cartridge characterized by the following features.

2. With respect to the axial direction, the distance between the second chamber and the second end is shorter than the distance between the second chamber and the first end. The toner cartridge according to feature 1.

3. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the axial direction, the distance between the memory contact and the first end is shorter than the distance between the center of the frame and the memory contact.

4. The toner cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that, in the axial direction, the distance between the second opening and the second end is shorter than the distance between the center of the frame and the second opening.

5. With respect to the axial direction, the distance between the first opening and the first end is shorter than the distance between the first opening and the second end. The toner cartridge according to feature 1.

6. The toner cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that the memory contact is located between the first opening and the first end in the axial direction.

7. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the first opening is configured to allow the discharge of the toner contained in the first chamber.

8. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a second rotating member housed in the second chamber, wherein the direction of the rotation axis of the second rotating member is in a direction intersecting the axial direction.

9. Having a drive member configured to drive the first rotating member, The toner cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the axial direction, the distance between the first end and the drive member is shorter than the distance between the second end and the drive member.

10. It further has a pump section that sends air toward the first chamber, The toner cartridge according to claim 9, characterized in that, with respect to the axial direction, the range in which the pump section is located and the range in which the memory contacts are located overlap at least partially.

11. The toner cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the frame comprises a first container having the first chamber, a second container having the second chamber, and a cover that covers at least a part of the pump section and at least a part of the drive member, and the memory is supported by the cover.

12. The second chamber has a light guide member that is partially exposed, The toner cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the axial direction, the distance between the light guide member and the second end is shorter than the distance between the light guide member and the first end.

13. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the volume of the first chamber is greater than the volume of the second chamber.

14. The toner cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the second chamber is configured to contain the toner that has passed through the second opening.

15. A toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The device body into which the toner cartridge is removably mounted, Photosensitive drum and A developing roller configured to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum using the toner discharged from the first aperture, A transport member configured to transport the toner recovered from the photosensitive drum toward the second opening, An image forming apparatus characterized by having the following features.

Images