Image forming apparatus

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In laser beam printers and copiers serving as electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, an image is formed on a recording material by forming a toner image on a photosensitive drum and transferring the toner image onto a sheet serving as a recording material. In laser beam printers, in order to facilitate maintenance, a system in which some components of the image forming apparatus are provided in a cartridge, and the cartridge is taken out of the apparatus main body for maintenance or replacement is widely adopted. Patent Document 1 discloses a cartridge unit including a photosensitive unit having a photosensitive drum, a developing unit having a developing roller, and a toner cartridge for accommodating toner, wherein the developing unit and the toner cartridge are detachably attachable to the photosensitive unit. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2018-10243 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] A process cartridge including a developing unit and a photosensitive unit is detachably provided with a toner cartridge in which toner is accommodated. The cartridge unit is configured by integrating the process cartridge and the toner cartridge. On the other hand, the cartridge unit may include a storage member that stores information. An object of the present invention is to suitably arrange a storage member when the toner cartridge includes the storage member. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0005] To achieve the above objective, the image forming apparatus of the present invention is A device body having multiple main contacts, It includes a support section and a toner cartridge that houses toner and is detachable from the support section, With the toner cartridge mounted on the support portion A unit inserted into the main body of the device in the insertion direction, It has, The toner cartridge has an end face extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge, and a memory provided on the end face, the memory having a memory chip for storing information and a plurality of memory contacts electrically connected to the memory chip, and in the orientation when the unit is used, the plurality of memory contacts are oriented in the longitudinal direction and aligned vertically, The plurality of memory contacts are located on the outermost edge of the unit in the longitudinal direction in the region through which the memory passes when the unit is inserted into the device body, and the insertion direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. With the unit inserted into the main body of the device, the plurality of memory contacts are electrically connected to the plurality of main body contacts. The operation of inserting the aforementioned unit into the main body of the device, The plurality of memory contacts contact the plurality of main body contacts. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, when a toner cartridge includes a storage member, the storage member can be suitably arranged. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus equipped with a cartridge unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of the developing unit of the first embodiment [Figure 3] Perspective view of the developing unit of the first embodiment [Figure 4] Exploded perspective view of the developing unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view of the process cartridge of the first embodiment [Figure 6] Top view of the developing unit of the first embodiment [Figure 7]Perspective view of the process cartridge according to the first embodiment [Figure 8] Partial perspective view of the photoreceptor unit according to the first embodiment [Figure 9] Perspective view of the developing unit and the photoreceptor unit according to the first embodiment [Figure 10] Top view showing the arrangement relationship between the photoreceptor unit and the developing unit according to the first embodiment [Figure 11] Perspective view of the developing unit according to the first embodiment as viewed from below [Figure 12] Exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment [Figure 13] Perspective view of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment as viewed from below [Figure 14] Cross-sectional view of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment [Figure 15A] Perspective view of the toner cartridge and the process cartridge according to the first embodiment [Figure 15B] Perspective view of the toner cartridge and the process cartridge according to the first embodiment [Figure 15C] Perspective view of the toner cartridge and the process cartridge according to the first embodiment [Figure 16] Diagram showing the opening and closing operation of the receiving-side shutter of the developing unit according to the first embodiment [Figure 17] Diagram showing the opening and closing operation of the discharge-side shutter of the toner cartridge according to the first embodiment [Figure 18] Diagram showing the operation of the lift mechanism according to the first embodiment [Figure 19] Diagram showing the operation of the lift mechanism according to the first embodiment [Figure 20] Perspective view of the cartridge unit according to the first embodiment [Figure 21] Perspective view of the cartridge unit according to the first embodiment [Figure 22] Side view of the cartridge unit according to the first embodiment [Figure 23] Schematic diagram showing the same direction and opposite direction in the present invention [Figure 24] Perspective view of the cartridge unit according to the first embodiment [Figure 25] Side view of the cartridge unit of the first embodiment [Figure 26] Perspective view of the cartridge unit of the second embodiment [Figure 27] Perspective view of the cartridge unit of the second embodiment [Figure 28] Perspective view of the cartridge unit of the third embodiment [Figure 29] Perspective view of the cartridge unit and the first main unit memory contact of the third embodiment. [Figure 30] Perspective view of the cartridge unit of the fourth embodiment [Figure 31] Front view of the cartridge unit of the fourth embodiment as seen from the mounting direction. [Figure 32] Perspective view of the cartridge unit of the fourth embodiment being attached to the main body of the device. [Figure 33] Perspective view of the cartridge unit and the first main unit memory contact of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 34] Perspective view of the cartridge unit of the fifth embodiment [Figure 35] Perspective view of the cartridge unit of the fifth embodiment being attached to the main body of the device. [Figure 36] Cross-sectional view of the area around the first memory tag of the fifth embodiment [Figure 37] Perspective view of the toner cartridge of the sixth embodiment [Figure 38] Perspective view of the cartridge unit of the sixth embodiment [Figure 39] Cross-sectional view of the cartridge unit of the sixth embodiment [Figure 40] Side view of the cartridge unit of the sixth embodiment [Figure 41] Perspective view of the toner cartridge of the seventh embodiment [Figure 42] Perspective view of the cartridge unit of the seventh embodiment [Figure 43] Cross-sectional view of the cartridge unit of the seventh embodiment [Figure 44] Perspective view of the cartridge unit of the eighth embodiment [Figure 45]Cross-sectional view of the cartridge unit of the ninth embodiment [Figure 46] Perspective view of the waste toner unit of the ninth embodiment. [Figure 47] Decompressed perspective view of the waste toner unit of the ninth embodiment. [Figure 48] Exploded perspective view of the process cartridge of the ninth embodiment. [Figure 49] Perspective view of the cartridge unit of the ninth embodiment [Figure 50] Perspective view of the cartridge unit of the ninth embodiment [Figure 51] Cross-sectional view of the cartridge unit of the ninth embodiment [Figure 52] Cross-sectional view of the cartridge unit of the ninth embodiment [Figure 53] Cross-sectional view of the cartridge unit of the ninth embodiment [Figure 54] Cross-sectional view of the cartridge unit of the ninth embodiment [Figure 55] Top view of the cartridge unit of the ninth embodiment [Figure 56] Schematic cross-sectional view of the cartridge unit of the ninth embodiment. [Figure 57] Perspective view of the cartridge unit of the 10th embodiment [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in the embodiments should be appropriately modified depending on the configuration of the device to which the invention is applied and various conditions, and this is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the following embodiments.

[0013] [First Embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In the following description, directions are defined based on the user of the image forming apparatus 1. That is, the front side of the image forming apparatus 1 is "front," the back side is "rear," the top side is "up," and the bottom side is "down." Also, when viewing the image forming apparatus 1 from the front, the left side is "left" and the right side is "right." The process cartridge 5 and toner cartridge 9 are also defined in the same way as the image forming apparatus 1, assuming they are in the same orientation as when installed in the image forming apparatus 1. Each direction in each drawing is defined by the arrow indicated in the drawing. The front / back, up / down, and left / right directions indicated by these arrows are mutually orthogonal directions. These directions are shown in the same way in all drawings. The up / down direction is parallel to the vertical direction, and the left / right and front / back directions are parallel to the horizontal direction. Also, the left / right direction is parallel to the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 61 and the rotation axis direction of the developing roller 71, respectively. Furthermore, the developing unit 7 installed on the photosensitive unit 6 and integrated into one unit is called the process cartridge 5. The insertion direction (mounting direction) S1 and removal direction S2 when mounting the process cartridge 5 into the main unit 2 are parallel to the front-to-back direction and perpendicular to the left-to-right and up-to-down directions. Furthermore, the process cartridge 5, as the first unit, is detachably equipped with a toner cartridge 9, which serves as the second unit for supplying toner to the developing unit 7. The integrated process cartridge 5 with the toner cartridge 9 attached is referred to as the cartridge unit 10.

[0014] <Overall configuration of the image forming apparatus> Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 1 with the cartridge unit 10 installed, and its cross-section is parallel in the vertical and front-to-back directions. As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 1 is the main apparatus The device mainly comprises a paper feed unit 3 for supplying paper S into the body 2, an exposure device 4, a cartridge unit 10 for transferring a toner image onto the paper S, and a fixing device 8 for thermally fixing the toner image transferred onto the paper S.

[0015] The paper feeding unit 3 is located at the bottom of the main body 2 of the device and mainly comprises a paper tray 31 and a paper feeding mechanism 32. Paper S placed in the paper tray 31 is supplied by the paper feeding mechanism 32 toward the cartridge unit 10 (between the photosensitive drum 61 and the transfer roller 63).

[0016] The exposure apparatus 4 is located at the top of the apparatus body 2 and includes a laser light-emitting unit (not shown), a polygon mirror (with reference numerals omitted), a lens, a reflector, etc. In this exposure apparatus 4, the surface of the photosensitive drum 61 is exposed by high-speed scanning of the surface of the photosensitive drum 61 with laser light based on image data emitted from the laser light-emitting unit.

[0017] The cartridge unit 10 is detachable from the main body 2 of the apparatus and is located below the exposure apparatus 4. When the door (opening / closing member) 21 of the main body 2 is opened (indicated by a dashed line in Figure 1), the cartridge unit 10 is inserted into the housing section 23 of the main body 2 in the insertion direction S1 through the opening formed in the main body 2, and the cartridge unit 10 is mounted on the main body 2. To remove the cartridge unit 10 from the main body 2, the cartridge unit 10 is moved in the removal direction S2 and removed.

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

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

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

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

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the fuser unit 8 is located behind the process cartridge 5 and mainly comprises a heating roller 82 and a pressure roller 81. The paper S on which the toner image has been transferred passes through this fuser unit 8, during which time the paper S is heated and pressurized between the heating roller 82 and the pressure roller 81, fixing the toner image onto the paper S. The paper S that has passed through the fuser unit 8 is discharged onto the output tray 22.

[0023] The corona charger 68 is a charging unit that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 61 without contact. The exposure unit 69 is equipped with a light-emitting diode as a light source and a light guide as a light guide member, and guides the light emitted from the light-emitting diode to irradiate the surface of the photosensitive drum 61 with light. The current supplied to the light-emitting diode is supplied from the main body of the device 2. The surface of the photosensitive drum 61 is discharged by the irradiation of light from the exposure unit 69. In addition, a predetermined voltage is applied to the recovery roller 62 from the main body of the device 2 to recover foreign matter such as paper dust and dirt, as well as toner, that has adhered to the surface of the photosensitive drum 61.

[0024] <Process Cartridge Configuration> Next, we will describe each unit of the process cartridge 5. As mentioned above, the process cartridge 5 comprises a photoreceptor unit 6 and a developer unit 7.

[0025] <Developing Unit Configuration> First, the configuration of the developing unit 7 will be described. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the developing unit 7, and is a cross-sectional view at cross-section AA in Figure 3. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the developing unit 7. Note that cross-section AA in Figure 3 is parallel in the vertical and front-to-back directions. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the developing unit 7. Figure 6 is a top view of the developing unit 7, showing the state with the top surface of the housing 700 removed for ease of explanation. Figure 11 is a perspective view of the developing unit 7 from below. As shown in Figure 2, the developing unit 7 has a developing roller 71 rotatably supported at the rear of the housing 700.

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

[0027] Furthermore, the developing unit 7 is equipped with a toner cartridge 9 for supplying toner, and a toner receiving section 770 for receiving the toner supplied by the toner cartridge 9. In addition, the developing unit 7 is also equipped with a lift mechanism 760 for holding and lifting up the toner cartridge 9.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3, the developing unit 7 is provided with an electrical contact 720A, which serves as a first electrical contact and is electrically connected to the developing roller 71, supplying the voltage applied to the developing roller 71. The developing unit 7 is also provided with an electrical contact 720B, which serves as a second electrical contact and is electrically connected to the supply roller 72, supplying the voltage applied to the supply roller 72. Power is supplied to the developing roller 71 and the supply roller 72 when these electrical contacts come into contact with a power supply contact (not shown) provided on the main body of the device 2.

[0029] Next, the drive configuration of the developing unit 7 will be explained using Figure 4. It is provided in the main body 2 of the apparatus. In conjunction with the closing of the door 21 (Figure 1), a developing drive transmission member (not shown) provided on the main body 2 of the device moves to the right to a position for engaging with the developing coupling 710. On the other hand, in conjunction with the opening of the door 21 (Figure 1) of the main body 2 of the device, the developing drive transmission member moves to the left to a position for disengaging from the developing coupling 710.

[0030] After closing the door 21 (Figure 1) of the main body 2 of the device, when the main body 2 is operated, driving force is transmitted (input) from the developing drive transmission member to the developing coupling 710, which acts as a driving force receiving member. Next, the developing roller 71 becomes rotatable via the developing roller gear 711 from the gear provided on the circumferential surface of the developing coupling 710, and the supply roller 72 becomes rotatable via the supply roller gear 712. The developing drive transmission member is configured to transmit driving force to the developing coupling 710 while allowing a positional displacement of the developing coupling 710 within a predetermined range. The movement of the developing coupling 710, developing roller gear 711, and supply roller gear 712 in the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 71 is restricted by the side holder 719 attached to the housing 700.

[0031] As shown in Figure 5, the developing unit 7 has a first agitator 75A, which agitates the toner in the toner storage section 74. The first agitator 75A includes an agitation rod 78A and an agitation sheet 79A. The first agitator 75A is configured to be rotatable by receiving driving force from the developing coupling 710 via an idler gear 715A and a first agitator gear 713 (see Figure 6). The toner in the vicinity of the first agitator 75A in the toner storage section 74 is agitated by the first agitator 75A and then supplied to the supply roller 72, which in turn supplies it to the developing roller 71.

[0032] <Configuration of the photoreceptor unit and support for the developing unit> Next, the detailed configuration of the photoconductor unit 6 will be described. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the process cartridge 5. Figure 8 is a partial perspective view of the photoconductor unit 6. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the developer unit 7 and the photoconductor unit 6. Figure 10 is a top view showing the left-right arrangement of the photoconductor unit 6, the developer unit 7, and the developer roller 71.

[0033] As shown in Figure 9, the photoreceptor unit 6 mainly comprises a frame 610 having a pair of left-side walls 611 and a right-side wall 612, and a photosensitive drum 61 rotatably supported at the rear of the frame 610. The photosensitive drum 61 is constructed by coating the outer surface of an aluminum drum tube with a photosensitive layer. At the front of the frame 610 are a mounting section 615 to which the developing unit 7 can be mounted, a gripping section 617 for the user to grasp the photoreceptor unit 6, and a pressing member 640 for pressing the developing unit 7. As shown in Figure 7, the toner storage section 74 of the developing unit 7 mounted on the mounting section 615 is positioned between the left-side wall 611 and the right-side wall 612 in the left-right direction.

[0034] As shown in Figures 7 and 9, the left wall 611 and right wall 612 of the frame 610 have receiving portions 641 that receive the rotating shaft bearing members 746A and 746B of the developing roller 71, positioned in front of the photosensitive drum 61. The receiving portion 641 is a roughly U-shaped recess with an open front, into which the rotating shaft of the developing roller 71 is inserted. The developing unit 7 is supported by the photosensitive unit 6 through the receiving portion 641.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, projections 643 are provided on both the left and right ends of the bottom surface 613 of the frame 610, projecting upward. These projections 643 contact bosses 718 provided on the bottom of the housing 700 of the developing unit 7, as shown in Figure 11, thereby supporting the developing unit 7 in a movable manner. In addition, in the configuration of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, a retaining member 650 is provided to restrict the removal of the developing unit 7 when it is mounted on the photoreceptor unit 6.

[0036] As shown in Figure 9, the pressing members 640 are located at the front of the frame 610, at both ends of the frame 610 in the left-right direction, and are biased from front to back by a compression spring 640A (Figure 10) acting as a biasing member. As a result, the biasing force of the compression spring 640A (Figure 10) causes the pressing members 640 to press against the bosses 718 (Figure 11) provided on the housing 700 of the developing unit 7. By pressing the developing unit 7 with the pressing members 640, the developing rollers 71 are biased toward the photosensitive drum 61.

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

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

[0039] As shown in Figure 12, the toner cartridge 9 mainly comprises a container member 911, a bottom member 912, a T-side holder L92, a T-side holder R93, an outlet forming member 94, an outlet side shutter 95, a transport screw 96, and a second agitator 97. It also includes a transport screw gear 980, a T-idler gear 981, and a second agitator gear 982 for transmitting drive. The T-side holder L92 and T-side holder R93 can also be considered part of the toner container 910. Furthermore, the T-side holder L92, T-side holder R93, and toner container 910 can be collectively referred to as the frame of the toner cartridge 9. The T-side holder L92, T-side holder R93, and toner container 910 may be integrally formed.

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

[0041] As shown in Figure 14, the transport screw 96 and the second agitator 97 are rotatably mounted inside the toner container 910. The transport screw 96 and the second agitator 97 rotate by the transmission of driving force by the transport screw gear 980 and the second agitator gear 982, which are located outside the toner container 910 (see Figure 12). The second agitator 97, like the first agitator 75A, is composed of a second stirring rod 98 and a second stirring sheet 99. The toner contained inside the toner container 910 is stirred and transported by the second agitator 97 towards the transport screw 96. Next, the toner is transported to the right by the transport screw 96 towards the discharge port 94A shown in Figure 13, and discharged from the discharge port 94A.

[0042] As shown in Figure 12, a discharge-side shutter 95 is rotatably provided inside the discharge port forming member 94. The discharge-side shutter 95 is provided with a toner passage hole 95A and a closing part 95B. The discharge-side shutter 95 rotates to change the position of the toner passage hole 95A and the discharge port 9 When the positions of 4A align, toner can be discharged from the discharge port 94A. On the other hand, when the closing section 95B faces the discharge port 94A, toner discharge from the discharge port 94A is restricted, preventing toner from leaking out of the toner container 910 during transport or other situations.

[0043] <Toner cartridge support> Next, the support configuration of the toner cartridge 9 will be described. Figures 15A to 15C are perspective views of the toner cartridge 9 and the process cartridge 5. Figure 15A shows the state before the toner cartridge 9 is installed in the process cartridge 5. Figure 15B shows the state during the installation of the toner cartridge 9 in the process cartridge 5. Figure 15C shows the state after the toner cartridge 9 has been installed in the process cartridge 5.

[0044] As shown in Figures 15A to 15C, the toner cartridge 9 is configured to be detachable from the developing unit 7. The container member 911 of the toner cartridge 9 is provided with a handle portion 911A which serves as a second unit gripping portion. T-side holders L92 and R93 are fixed to both ends of the toner cartridge 9 in the longitudinal direction. The T-side holders L92 and R93 are each provided with supported projections L92A and R93A (supported portions) for being supported by the developing unit 7. The developing unit 7 is also provided with support portions L730 and R731 for supporting the supported projections L92A and R93A.

[0045] When installing the toner cartridge 9 into the developing unit 7, as shown in Figure 15A, the toner cartridge 9 is moved in the direction of arrow S3 from above the developing unit 7 while gripping the handle portion 911A. As shown in Figure 15B, the toner cartridge 9, after being moved in the direction of arrow S3, is in a state where the supported projections L92A and R93A are supported by the support portions L730 and R731. From this state, the toner cartridge 9 is rotated in the direction of arrow R3 with the supported projections L92A and R93A as the center of rotation. This completes the installation of the toner cartridge 9 into the process cartridge 5, as shown in Figure 15C, and forms the cartridge unit 10. The direction of the rotation axis of the toner cartridge 9 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 9.

[0046] Furthermore, when the toner cartridge 9 is fully mounted onto the process cartridge 5, the transport screw gear 980 of the toner cartridge 9 can engage with the idler gear 715B of the developing unit 7. This transmits the driving force of the developing unit 7 to the toner cartridge 9.

[0047] The lifespan of the toner cartridge 9, determined by the amount of toner it holds, is shorter than that of the process cartridge 5, which is determined by the lifespan of the photosensitive drum 61 and the developing roller 71. Therefore, only the toner cartridge 9, once it reaches the end of its lifespan, needs to be replaced separately from the process cartridge 5. In this case, the toner cartridge 9 can be replaced simply by opening the door 21 (Figure 1) of the main unit 2, allowing the user to perform the replacement without removing the process cartridge 5 from inside the main unit 2.

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

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, the toner receiving section 770 of the developing unit 7 consists of a toner receiving port 771 provided on the upper surface 700A of the housing 700, a receiving side shutter seal 772, a receiving side shutter 773, a receiving port cover 774, and a connecting seal 775. The seal 772, receiving side shutter 773, receiving port cover 774, and connecting seal 775 are each provided with holes 772A, 773A, 774A, and 775A, respectively. The holes 772A in the receiving side shutter seal 772, 774A in the receiving port cover 774, and 775A in the connecting seal 775 are assembled to coincide with the position of the toner receiving port 771. In addition to the holes 773A, the receiving side shutter 773 is also equipped with a shielding portion 773B, which is assembled to allow for sliding movement. The toner receiving port 771 is opened and closed by sliding the shielding portion 773B.

[0050] Here, the opening and closing operation of the receiving shutter 773 will be explained with reference to Figures 16(a) and (b). The opening and closing operation of the receiving shutter 773 is performed in conjunction with the installation and removal operations of the toner cartridge 9. As shown in Figures 16(a) and (b), a group of drive protrusions 94B is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the discharge port forming member 94 of the toner cartridge 9. In addition, a group of driven protrusions 773C is arranged on the receiving shutter 773.

[0051] As mentioned above, during the installation process of the toner cartridge 9, the toner cartridge 9 is rotated to complete the installation. Figure 16(a) shows the state before the rotation of the toner cartridge 9 during the installation process. In the state shown in Figure 16(a), the shielding portion 773B of the receiving side shutter 773 faces the toner receiving port 771, and the toner receiving port 771 is closed. At this time, the drive projection group 94B and the driven projection group 773C are engaged.

[0052] Figure 16(b) shows the completed installation state after the toner cartridge 9 has been rotated. At this time, the rotation of the toner cartridge 9 is performed while the drive projection group 94B and the driven projection group 773C are engaged, so the receiving shutter 773 slides in conjunction with the rotation of the toner cartridge 9. As a result, the position of the hole 773A of the receiving shutter 773 and the position of the toner receiving port 771 coincide, and the toner receiving port 771 is opened. Similarly, when the toner cartridge 9 is detached from the developing unit 7, the receiving shutter 773 slides in conjunction with the rotation of the toner cartridge 9, and the toner receiving port 771 is closed.

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

[0054] <Opening and closing operation of the discharge shutter> Next, the opening and closing operation of the discharge shutter 95 will be explained. Figure 17 shows the opening and closing operation of the discharge shutter 95 of the toner cartridge 9, with Figure 17(a) showing the discharge shutter 95 in the closed state and Figure 17(b) showing the discharge shutter 95 in the open state.

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

[0056] As shown in Figures 17(a) and (b), the discharge-side shutter 95 is provided with a locking projection 95C. The locking projection 95C is positioned radially inward of the supported projection R93A. In addition, the support portion R731 of the developing unit 7 is provided with a locking portion 731A and a notch portion 731B.

[0057] Figure 17(a) shows the state before the toner cartridge 9 is rotated during the installation process. In the state shown in Figure 17(a), the closing part 95B (Figure 12) and the discharge port 94A (Figure 12) of the discharge-side shutter 95 are facing each other, so the discharge port 94A (Figure 12) is closed. At this time, the locking projection 95C is held in place by the locking part 731A, and the rotational movement of the discharge-side shutter 95 relative to the developing unit 7 is prohibited.

[0058] Figure 17(b) shows the completed installation state after the toner cartridge 9 has been rotated. At this time, the toner cartridge 9 is rotated relative to the developing unit 7 while the rotation of the discharge shutter 95 is prohibited. Here, since the supported projection R93A can fit into the notch 731B, the rotation of the discharge shutter 95 is prohibited, but the rotation of the toner cartridge 9 is not hindered.

[0059] As described above, the rotation of the toner cartridge 9 during the installation process causes the discharge shutter 95 to rotate relative to the toner cartridge 9. This causes the position of the toner passage hole 95A (Figure 12) of the discharge shutter 95 to coincide with the position of the discharge port 94A (Figure 12), resulting in the discharge port 94A (Figure 12) being open. Similarly, when the toner cartridge 9 is detached from the developing unit 7, the discharge shutter 95 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the toner cartridge 9, and the discharge port 94A (Figure 12) is closed.

[0060] <Toner cartridge lift mechanism> Next, we will explain the lift mechanism 760 of toner cartridge 9. Figure 18 shows the movement of the lift mechanism 760 during the process of installing the toner cartridge 9 into the developing unit 7. Figure 18(a) shows the developing unit 7 resting on the lift mechanism 760 during the toner cartridge 9 installation process. Figure 18(b) shows the lift mechanism 760 opening during the toner cartridge 9 installation process. Figure 18(c) shows the state after the toner cartridge 9 has been installed.

[0061] Figures 19(a) to (c) show the movement of the toner cartridge 9 being lifted up by the lift mechanism 760 when the toner cartridge 9 is installed in the developing unit 7. Figure 19(a) shows the state after the toner cartridge 9 has been installed in the developing unit 7. Figure 19(b) shows the state in which the toner cartridge 9 is being lifted up by the lift mechanism 760. Figure 19(c) shows the state in which the toner cartridge 9 has been lifted up. Note that the side holder 719 of the developing unit 7 is omitted in Figures 19(a) to (c) for ease of explanation.

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

[0063] First, the movement of the lift mechanism 760 during the installation process of the toner cartridge 9 will be explained using Figures 18(a) to (c). During the installation process of the toner cartridge 9, when the toner cartridge 9 rotates, the contact surface 92C and the contact portion 761A come into contact, as shown in Figure 18(a), and the toner cartridge 9 rests on the lift mechanism 760. If the rotation of the toner cartridge 9 continues, as shown in Figure 18(b), the contact portion 761A is pressed by the contact surface 92C, causing the lift member 761 to rotate in the direction of arrow R2, allowing the rotation of the toner cartridge 9 to continue. If the rotation of the toner cartridge 9 continues and the installation of the toner cartridge 9 is completed, as shown in Figure 18(c), the contact portion 761A detaches from the contact surface 92C and comes into contact with the holding surface 92D. The lift member 761 can hold the toner cartridge 9 in the installed state. In other words, the lift member 761 is a support member for supporting the toner cartridge 9 on the process cartridge 5. Thus, the lift mechanism 760, as an operating member, moves the toner cartridge 9 in the direction of installation on the process cartridge 5.

[0064] Next, the movement of transitioning the toner cartridge 9 from the fully installed state to the lifted state will be explained using Figures 19(a) to (c). As shown in Figure 19(a), when the toner cartridge 9 is fully installed, the contact portion 761A of the lift member 761 is in contact with the holding surface 92D, and the toner cartridge 9 cannot be removed. To remove the toner cartridge 9, as shown in Figure 19(b), the operating portion 761B of the lift member 761 is operated to rotate the lift member 761 in the direction of arrow R2. This causes the holding portion 761C of the lift member 761 to come into contact with the receiving surface 92E, allowing the toner cartridge 9 to rotate. After that, when the operating portion 761B is released, as shown in Figure 19(c), the lift member 761 rotates in the direction of arrow R1 due to the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 762. The contact surface 92C and the operating portion 761B come into contact, and the toner cartridge 9 is lifted up and placed on the lift mechanism 760. This makes it possible to remove the toner cartridge 9. In this way, the lift mechanism 760 moves the toner cartridge 9 in the direction that removes it from the process cartridge 5.

[0065] <Placement of memory tags> Next, the memory member in the first embodiment will be described. Figure 20 is a perspective view of the cartridge unit 10 when viewed from diagonally above, and Figure 21 is a perspective view when viewed from diagonally below. The cartridge unit 10 has a second memory tag 101 as a second memory member of the process cartridge 5 and a first memory tag 102 as a first memory member of the toner cartridge 9.

[0066] The second memory tag 101 and the first memory tag 102 each have a memory substrate, a memory chip (storage element) provided on the memory substrate for storing information, and memory contacts electrically connected to the memory chip. The memory chip may be placed inside the memory substrate. The memory contacts are, for example, electrodes provided on the memory substrate. As memory contacts, the second memory tag 101 has a second memory contact 101a, and the first memory tag 102 has a first memory contact 102a. The second memory tag 101 has a second memory chip (second storage element), a second memory contact 101a electrically connected to the second memory chip, and a second contact placement surface on which the second memory contact 101a is arranged. The first memory tag 102 has a first memory chip (first storage element), a first memory contact 102a electrically connected to the first memory chip, and a first contact placement surface on which the first memory contact 102a is arranged. The first memory tag 102 is positioned on the top surface of the process cartridge 5 in the orientation in which the cartridge unit 10 is used. As can be seen from Figure 20, the first memory tag 102 is positioned away from the discharge port forming member 94 and the discharge side shutter 95.

[0067] There are four second memory contacts 101a and four first memory contacts 102a. The four second memory contacts 101a are arranged perpendicular to the mounting direction of the cartridge unit 10 and in the left-right direction of the process cartridge 5. The four first memory contacts 102a are arranged perpendicular to the mounting direction of the cartridge unit 10 and in the left-right direction of the toner cartridge 9. The second memory tag 101 and the first memory tag 102 are capable of storing and transmitting various types of information. Information is transmitted between the device body 2 and the second memory contact 101a by electrical contact between the second memory contact 101a and the main memory contact of the device body 2. Information is transmitted between the device body 2 and the first memory contact 102a by electrical contact between the first memory contact 102a and the main memory contact of the device body 2.

[0068] The second memory tag 101 and the first memory tag 102 store different information. The second memory tag 101, located on the process cartridge 5, stores information about the process cartridge 5. For example, the information about the process cartridge 5 includes information about the printing usage history of the photosensitive drum 61 and developing roller 71 located on the process cartridge 5. The first memory tag 102, located on the toner cartridge 9, stores information about the toner cartridge 9. For example, the information about the toner cartridge 9 includes information about the remaining amount of toner contained in the toner cartridge 9. By reading this information, the device body 2 performs control such as notifying the user to replace the process cartridge 5 or toner cartridge 9 with new cartridges.

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

[0070] Furthermore, the arrangement of the first memory tag 102 will be explained using Figure 22. Figure 22 is a side view of the cartridge unit 10 as seen from the right side. As mentioned above, the toner cartridge 9 is mounted on the process cartridge 5 by rotating the toner cartridge 9. Position 9 of the toner cartridge 9 before rotation p is indicated by a dotted line in Figure 22. The rotation direction of the toner cartridge 9 is indicated by the arrow S4 in Figure 22. The rotation direction S4 of the toner cartridge 9 is the mounting direction of the toner cartridge 9 relative to the process cartridge 5. Figure 22 shows the position 9r of the toner cartridge 9 when it has rotated and is mounted on the process cartridge 5. As can be seen from Figure 22, when the toner cartridge 9 moves from position 9p to position 9r, the first memory tag 102 moves integrally with the T-side holder L92, the T-side holder R93, and the toner container 910. With the toner cartridge 9 in contact with the process cartridge 5, the toner cartridge 9 moves from position 9p (first position) to position 9r (second position), and the toner cartridge 9 is positioned on the process cartridge 5. In this case, with the supported projection L92A supported by the support part L730 and the supported projection R93A supported by the support part R731 (as shown in Figure 15B), the toner cartridge 9 rotates from position 9p to position 9r. Position 9r (second position) of the toner cartridge 9 when it is positioned relative to the process cartridge 5 is the position where the toner cartridge 9 is fully mounted or positioned relative to the process cartridge 5. In the vertical direction, the position of the first memory tag 102 when the toner cartridge 9 is at position 9r is lower than the position of the first memory tag 102 when the toner cartridge 9 is at position 9p. Also, as can be seen from Figures 17(a), 17(b), 20, and 22, in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 9, the distance between the rotation center of the toner cartridge 9 (supported projections L92A and R93A) and the discharge port 94A is shorter than the distance between the rotation center of the toner cartridge 9 and the first memory tag 102. Furthermore, when the toner cartridge 9 is in position 9r, the first memory tag 102 is located at the highest position within the toner cartridge 9 in the vertical direction. Also, as can be seen from Figures 9 and 22, in the vertical direction, the first memory tag 102 is located above the upper ends of the left wall 611 and the right wall 612.

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

[0072] Here, the meanings of same direction and opposite direction will be explained using Figure 23. Figure 23 is a schematic diagram showing same direction and opposite direction in the present invention. Two directions being the same means that the two directions are the same. This does not mean that the two directions are pointing in exactly the same direction, but rather that the two directions have a directional component in the same direction. That is, in Figure 23(a), the two directions are considered to be in the same direction if the angle between the reference direction B1 and the predetermined direction is in the range A1 of -90° to 90°, excluding -90° and 90°. Note that, as in Figure 23(b), when the angle between the two directions is in the range A2 of 45° to -45°, the directional component in the same direction becomes stronger, and therefore it is more effective for the effects of the present invention described later.

[0073] On the other hand, being in opposite directions means that the two directions have directional components that are opposite. That is, in Figure 23(c), the angle between the reference direction B1 and the predetermined direction is in the range A3 of 90° to -90°, excluding 90° and -90°, when the two directions are in opposite directions. Note that, as shown in Figure 23(d), when the angle between the two directions is in the range A4 of 135° to -135°, the opposite component becomes stronger, and therefore the effects of the present invention, which will be described later, are more effective.

[0074] Next, the positioning of the cartridge unit 10 on the device body 2 will be explained using Figures 24 and 25. Figure 24 is a perspective view of the cartridge unit 10 from diagonally above. Figure 25 is a side view of the cartridge unit 10 from the right side. The process cartridge 5 of the cartridge unit 10 is provided with a positioning projection 105a as a positioning part and a positioning projection 105b as a rotation-stopping part. The positioning projections 105a and 105b are provided so as to protrude axially from the left wall 611 and the right wall 612 of the frame 610, respectively, at the front and rear of the process cartridge 5. Regarding the mounting direction of the process cartridge 5, the positioning projection 105a provided on the front side of the process cartridge 5 is provided coaxially with the photosensitive drum 61. As can be seen from Figures 12, 15A, 20, and 24, in this embodiment the first memory tag 102 is attached to the T-side holder R93. However, the first memory tag 102 may be attached to the toner container 910.

[0075] The main body of the device 2 has a guide groove 106 as a positioning part for supporting the positioning projections 105a and 105b. The guide groove 106 is shown as a dotted line in Figure 25. The cartridge unit 10 moves rearward relative to the main body of the device 2 and is mounted on the main body of the device 2. When the cartridge unit 10 is mounted, the positioning projections 105a and 105b pass through the inside of the guide groove 106 along the guide groove 106. As the positioning projections 105a and 105b pass through the inside of the guide groove 106, the vertical movement of the positioning projections 105a and 105b is restricted by the upper surface 106a and lower surface 106b (rotation-preventing part) of the guide groove 106. This restricts the vertical movement of the cartridge unit 10 relative to the main body of the device 2 when it is mounted. In addition, when the cartridge unit 10 is in use, its movement in the direction of gravity is restricted.

[0076] Figure 25 shows the state after the cartridge unit 10 has been installed on the main body 2 of the apparatus and the cartridge unit 10 has been positioned on the main body 2. The guide groove 106 has a positioning groove 106c formed on the inner side of the guide groove 106 in the direction in which the process cartridge 5 is installed. The positioning groove 106c has a lower surface 106d that is continuous with the lower surface 106b of the guide groove 106, and a vertical surface 106e that extends vertically from the lower surface 106d. The process cartridge 5 is subjected to a biasing force directed backward and downward by a biasing member (not shown) provided on the main body 2 of the apparatus. Due to this biasing force, the positioning projection 105a comes into contact with the lower surface 106d and the vertical surface 106e of the positioning groove 106c, and the positioning projection 105a is positioned on the guide groove 106. Furthermore, this biasing force causes the positioning projection 105b, located at the rear of the process cartridge 5, to come into contact with the lower surface 106b of the guide groove 106, thereby positioning the positioning projection 105b in the guide groove 106. Once the position of the positioning projection 105a is determined, the position of the cartridge unit 10 in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 61 is determined. On the other hand, once the position of the positioning projection 105b is determined, the position of the cartridge unit 10 is determined. The cartridge unit 10 is restricted from rotating around the positioning projection 105a. In other words, the orientation of the cartridge unit 10 is determined. More specifically, the positioning projection 105a is restricted from moving horizontally and vertically by the guide groove 106. The positioning projection 105b is restricted from moving vertically by the guide groove 106. In this way, the cartridge unit 10 is positioned within the device body 2. The opposite side of the longitudinal direction of the cartridge unit 10 is positioned by a similar configuration. It is also possible that the positioning projection 105a is given a biasing force toward the rear and upward by a biasing member (not shown) provided on the device body 2. In this case, this biasing force causes the positioning projection 105a to contact the upper surface (opposite the lower surface 106d) and the vertical surface 106e of the positioning groove 106c, thereby positioning the positioning projection 105a in the guide groove 106.

[0077] Here, the direction F1 of the pressing force from the first main body memory contact 104a acting on the aforementioned first memory contact 102a is the same direction as the direction P1 that causes the positioning projection 105b to come into contact with the lower surface 106b of the guide groove 106. That is, the normal direction M1 of the first memory contact surface facing the direction in which the first memory contact 102a is exposed (the same as the normal direction M1 of the first contact arrangement surface) is opposite to the direction P1 in which the positioning projection 105b comes into contact with the guide groove 106 (the direction in which it is pressed). As a result, the direction of the pressing force F1 and the positioning direction P1 are in the same direction. The positioning projection 105b comes into contact with the lower surface 106b, and rotation around the positioning projection 105a is restricted. Also, in Figure 25, the distance b in the front-rear direction between the position of the positioning projection 105a and the position of the positioning projection 105b is set to be greater than the distance a in the front-rear direction between the position of the positioning projection 105b and the position of the line along the direction F1 of the pressing force. Distance a is equal to the distance in the front-rear direction between the position of the positioned projection 105b and the position where the first memory contact 102a and the first main body memory contact 104a make contact. That is, the relationship in the front-rear direction between the position of the positioned projection 105a, the position of the positioned projection 105b, and the position of the line along the direction F1 of the pressing force is such that distance a < distance b. Also, in the front-rear direction, the position where the first memory contact 102a and the first main body memory contact 104a make contact is located further away from the positioned projection 105b than the positioned projection 105b is located. Furthermore, as can be seen from Figure 25, the distance between the first memory contact 102a and the positioned projection 105a is longer than the distance between the positioned projection 105b and the positioned projection 105a.

[0078] The effects of the first embodiment will be described below. First, the effects of the arrangement of the first memory tag 102 in the axial direction will be described. The first memory tag 102 is provided on the same side as the toner cartridge 9's outlet 94A in the axial direction, and on the opposite side from the toner cartridge 9's lift mechanism 760. Since the lift mechanism 760 is a part that users of the printer (image forming apparatus) directly operate, it is necessary to keep the lift mechanism 760 clean so that the user's hands do not get dirty. For this reason, the lift mechanism 760 is positioned on the opposite side in the axial direction from the toner cartridge 9's outlet 94A, so that the lift mechanism 760 is away from the toner cartridge 9's outlet 94A, where toner stains are likely to occur.

[0079] Furthermore, contamination of the first memory contact 102a could lead to unstable information transmission between the device body 2 and the first memory tag 102, so it is necessary to prevent contamination of the first memory contact 102a as well. Therefore, by positioning the first memory tag 102 on the opposite side of the lift mechanism 760 in the axial direction, it is possible to prevent contamination of the first memory contact 102a by accidentally touching it while operating the lift mechanism 760.

[0080] As described above, usability can be improved by preventing toner stains on the user's hands. Furthermore, by preventing the user from accidentally touching the first memory contact 102a, the first memory contact 102a is prevented from becoming contaminated, and the information of the device body 2 and the first memory tag 102 is preserved. Communication can be carried out reliably.

[0081] Next, the effect of arranging the first memory tag 102 in a cross-sectional direction perpendicular to the axial direction will be explained. The first memory tag 102 is arranged such that the direction F1 of the pressing force F1 received by the first memory contact 102a from the first main body memory contact 104a of the device body 2 is the same as the rotation direction S4 when the toner cartridge 9 is installed. This pressing force from the first main body memory contact 104a allows the toner cartridge 9 to be stably pressed in the direction of installation (rotation direction S4) onto the process cartridge 5. Therefore, the positional accuracy of the toner cartridge 9 relative to the process cartridge 5 can be improved. And because the positional accuracy of the toner cartridge 9 is improved, the positional accuracy of the first memory contact 102a relative to the first main body memory contact 104a is also improved, so that the two can be reliably electrically connected and the reliability of information transmission can be improved.

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

[0083] Furthermore, the effects of the placement of the first memory tag 102 will be explained. The first memory tag 102 is positioned such that the direction F1 of the pressing force received by the first memory contact 102a from the first main body memory contact 104a is the same as the direction P1 in which the positioning projection 105b contacts the guide groove 106, which is the positioning part of the main body 2. As a result, the positioning projection 105b of the process cartridge 5 can be reliably brought into contact with the lower surface 106b of the guide groove 106 by the pressing force, thereby enabling more reliable positioning of the process cartridge 5 to the main body 2.

[0084] In Figure 25, the relationship between the position of the positioned projection 105a, the position of the positioned projection 105b, and the position of the line along the direction F1 of the pressing force is such that distance a < distance b. The pressing force received by the first memory contact 102a from the first main body memory contact 104a generates an upward rotational moment on the positioned projection 105a, indicated by arrow S5 in Figure 25, with the contact position between the positioned projection 105b and the guide groove 106 as the pivot point. As described above, the cartridge unit 10 is subjected to downward and rearward biasing forces by biasing members (not shown) provided on the device body 2 for positioning on the device body 2. However, if the force of the rotational moment S5 acting in the opposite direction to the biasing force is large, the positioning of the cartridge unit 10 may become unstable. Therefore, the relationship between the position of the positioned projection 105a, the position of the positioned projection 105b, and the position of the line along the direction F1 of the pressing force is such that distance a < distance b. Therefore, the rotational moment (S5) force on the first memory contact 102a relative to the pressing force received from the first main body memory contact 104a can be kept small. This stabilizes the positioning of the cartridge unit 10 on the device body 2. As described above, the pressing force of the first main body memory contact 104a generates a moment in the direction that biases the positioned projection 105a upward. Therefore, when the cartridge unit 10 is positioned by applying upward and backward biasing forces to the positioned projection 105a, the pressing force of the first main body memory contact 104a assists in the upward positioning of the positioned projection 105a. It is possible.

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

[0086] The arrangement of the memory tags will be explained using Figures 26 and 27. Figure 26 is a perspective view of the cartridge unit 10 viewed from diagonally above, and Figure 27 is a perspective view of the cartridge unit 10 viewed from diagonally below. As shown in Figure 27, the second memory tag 107 is provided on the right side of the lower surface of the process cartridge 5. The cartridge unit 10 has a second memory tag 107 as the second storage member of the process cartridge 5 and a first memory tag 102 as the first storage member of the toner cartridge 9. The second memory tag 107 in the second embodiment is smaller than the second memory tag 101 in the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, the number of second memory contacts 101a in the second embodiment is two, which is fewer than the four number of second memory contacts 101a described above. The second memory tag 107 in the second embodiment, like the second memory tag 101 described above, is capable of storing and transmitting various types of information.

[0087] As shown in Figure 26, the first memory tag 102 is located on the left side of the upper surface of the toner cartridge 9. The toner cartridge 9's outlet 94A and the process cartridge 5's electrical contacts 720A and 720B are located on the right side of the cartridge unit 10. In other words, the first memory tag 102 is located on the opposite side in the axial direction from the toner cartridge 9's outlet 94A and the process cartridge's electrical contacts 720A and 720B. Therefore, in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the toner cartridge 9, the outlet 94A is located at one end relative to the center of the toner cartridge 9, and the first memory tag 102 is located at the other end, opposite to the one end relative to the center of the toner cartridge 9. Also, in the axial direction, the second memory tag 107 is located at one end relative to the center of the cartridge unit 10. In the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, the position of the first memory tag 102 in this embodiment is the same as the position of the first memory tag 102 in the first embodiment. As can be seen from Figure 26, the first memory tag 102 is positioned away from the discharge port forming member 94 and the discharge side shutter 95. In this embodiment, as can be seen from Figures 12, 15A, and 26, the first memory tag 102 is attached to the T-side holder L92. However, the first memory tag 102 may also be attached to the toner container 910.

[0088] The effects of the second embodiment are described below. In the second embodiment, by using a miniaturized second memory tag 107, it is possible to install the second memory tag 107 even in the small space of the process cartridge 5. Furthermore, by positioning the first memory tag 102 on the opposite side in the axial direction from the toner cartridge 9's outlet 94A, and separating the first memory tag 102 from the outlet 94A which is prone to toner contamination, toner contamination of the first memory contact 102a can be prevented. In addition, the first memory tag 102 is positioned on the opposite side in the axial direction from the electrical contacts 720A and 720B, separating the first memory tag 102 from the electrical contacts 720A and 720B. As a result, the first memory tag 102 can be spared from the effects of electrical noise generated from the electrical contacts 720A and 720B. This improves the stability of information transmission.

[0089] Other configurations of the second embodiment will be described. The memory tags may be arranged as follows: The first memory tag 102 may be provided on the left side of the upper surface of the toner cartridge 9, as shown in Figure 26, and the second memory tag 101 may be provided on the left side of the lower surface of the process cartridge 5, as shown in Figure 21. In this way, the second memory tag 101 and the first memory tag 102 Since the second memory tag 107 can be placed on the opposite side of the axial direction from the electrical contacts 720A and 720B, it can be isolated from the effects of electrical noise generated by the electrical contacts 720A and 720B. This improves the stability of information transmission. In other words, the second memory tag 107 can also be placed on the other end side relative to the center of the toner cartridge 9.

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

[0091] The arrangement of the memory tag will be explained using Figure 28. Figure 28 is a perspective view of the cartridge unit 10 as seen from diagonally above. The toner cartridge 9 has an end face (right end face in Figure 28) that extends in a direction intersecting the axial direction at its axial end (right end in Figure 28). In this embodiment, the right end face extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 9. However, the right side surface may be inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge 9. The first memory tag 102 is installed on the right end face of the toner cartridge 9 such that the first contact arrangement surface and the first memory contact surface of the first memory contact 102a face to the right in the axial direction. In other words, the first contact arrangement surface and the first memory contact surface of the first memory contact 102a are arranged to face outwards from the toner cartridge 9 in the axial direction. The first memory contact 102a is positioned to the left in the axial direction and recessed into the inside of the cartridge unit 10. Furthermore, similar to the second embodiment, in the axial direction, the first memory tag 102 is positioned on one end side of the center of the cartridge unit 10, and the second memory tag 107 is positioned on the other end side opposite to the center of the cartridge unit 10. As can be seen from Figures 12, 15A, and 28, the first memory tag 102 is attached to the T-side holder R93. The second memory tag 107 can also be positioned on one end side of the center of the toner cartridge 9.

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

[0093] The effects of the third embodiment will now be described. The first memory tag 102 is installed on the side end surface of the toner cartridge 9 such that the first contact arrangement surface and the first memory contact surface of the first memory contact 102a face in the axial direction. This eliminates the need to place the first memory tag 102 on the top surface of the toner cartridge 9. As a result, the cartridge unit 10 and the main body of the device 2 can be made smaller in the vertical direction. Making the main body of the device 2 smaller in the vertical direction is particularly effective in a multi-function printer in which a document scanning device is installed on top of the main body of the device 2, as it reduces the overall size of the device in the vertical direction.

[0094] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, the fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the differences from the embodiments described above will be explained in detail. Unless otherwise specified, the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as the embodiments, so the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as in the embodiments, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0095] The arrangement of the memory tag will be explained using Figures 30 and 31. Figure 30 is a perspective view of the cartridge unit 10 from diagonally above. Figure 31 is a front view of the cartridge unit 10 from the mounting direction. Similar to the third embodiment, the toner cartridge 9 has an end face (right end face in Figure 30) that extends in a direction intersecting the axial direction at its axial end (right end in Figure 30). Similar to the third embodiment, the first memory tag 102 is installed on the right end face of the toner cartridge 9 such that the first contact arrangement surface and the first memory contact surface of the first memory contact 102a face to the right in the axial direction. Furthermore, the first memory tag 102 is installed such that, when viewed from the mounting direction of the cartridge unit 10, the first memory contact 102a is located on the outermost part of the cartridge unit 10 in the axial direction. More precisely, when the cartridge unit 10 is installed, the first memory contact 102a is located at the outermost edge of the cartridge unit 10 in the axial direction within the area through which the first memory tag 102 passes. Using Figure 31, region A1 is defined as the area where the first memory contact 102a is provided perpendicular to the axial direction when viewed from the installation direction of the cartridge unit 10. In this case, the first memory contact 102a is positioned further to the right and outward than the outermost position P2 on the right side of the cartridge unit 10 in the axial direction, excluding the first memory tag 102, within region A1. That is, the first memory contact 102a is positioned at the most protruding position of the toner cartridge 9 or cartridge unit 10, facing outward in the axial direction. Note that outside the area through which the first memory tag 102 passes when the cartridge unit 10 is installed, there may be portions located further outward in the axial direction than the first memory contact 102a. Furthermore, regarding the mounting direction of the cartridge unit 10, there may be a portion in the upstream area of ​​the first memory tag 102 that is located axially outward from the first memory contact 102a. As can be seen from Figures 12, 15A, and 30, the first memory tag 102 is attached to the T-side holder R93.

[0096] Figure 32 is a perspective view showing the cartridge unit 10 in the process of being mounted onto the device body 2. Figure 33 is a perspective view showing the cartridge unit 10 mounted onto the device body 2 and the first memory contact 102a in contact with the first main body memory contact 104a. In this way, the first memory contact 102a and the first main body memory contact 104a come into contact when the cartridge unit 10 is moved in the mounting direction (direction of arrow S1) during mounting. As a result, the first memory contact 102a and the first main body memory contact 104a are electrically connected. In the fourth embodiment, unlike the third embodiment described above, the device body 2 is not provided with a mechanism for moving the first main body memory contact 104a in the C1 direction (see Figure 29). However, as in the third embodiment, the device body 2 may be provided with a mechanism for moving the first main body memory contact 104a in the C1 direction (see Figure 29).

[0097] Next, the positioning of the first main memory contact 104a will be explained using Figures 30, 32, and 33. The first main memory contact 104a is configured to be movable in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 30, the toner cartridge 9 is provided with a positioning groove 108, which is the positioning part for the first main memory contact 104a. The positioning groove 18 determines the position of the first main memory contact 104a. On the other hand, the device body 2 is provided with a positioning projection 109, which is the part to be positioned and engages with the positioning groove 108, as shown in Figure 32. Through the engagement of the positioning groove 108 and the positioning projection 109 shown in Figure 33, the first main memory contact 104a is positioned relative to the first memory contact 102a in the vertical direction, which is the direction in which the multiple first memory contacts 102a are arranged. In the orientation in which the cartridge unit 10 is used, the first main body memory contacts 104a are positioned relative to the first memory contacts 102a such that multiple first memory contacts 102a are aligned in a line in the vertical direction, and multiple first main body memory contacts 104a are aligned in a line. More specifically, the first main body memory contacts 104a are positioned in a direction that intersects with the mounting direction of the cartridge unit 10 and the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 61.

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

[0099] Furthermore, the toner cartridge 9 is provided with a positioning section for the first main body memory contact 104a. This improves the positioning accuracy between the first memory contact 102a and the first main body memory contact 104a, thereby ensuring reliable information transmission. Moreover, the improved positioning accuracy allows for a reduction in the size of the first contact arrangement surface and the first memory contact surface of the first memory contact 102a, thus enabling a reduction in the overall external size of the first memory tag 102. In addition, the positioning between the first memory contact 102a and the first main body memory contact 104a is performed in the direction in which the multiple first memory contacts 102a are arranged. This allows for a reduction in the size of the multiple first memory contacts 102a, thus enabling a more effective reduction in the size of the first memory tag 102.

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

[0101] The arrangement of the memory tag will be explained using Figure 34. Figure 34 is a perspective view of the cartridge unit 10 viewed from diagonally above. Similar to the third and fourth embodiments, the toner cartridge 9 has an end face (right end face in Figure 34) extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction at its axial end (right end in Figure 34). Similar to the third and fourth embodiments, the first memory tag 110 is installed on the right end face of the toner cartridge 9 such that the first contact arrangement surface and the first memory contact surface of the first memory contact 110a face to the right in the axial direction. In other words, the first contact arrangement surface and the first memory contact surface of the first memory contact 110a face outwards from the toner cartridge 9 in the axial direction. The first memory tag 110 in the fifth embodiment is smaller than the first memory tag 102 in the above embodiments, and the number of first memory contacts 110a in the fifth embodiment is less than the number of first memory contacts 102a. Furthermore, the first memory tag 110 of the fifth embodiment, like the first memory tag 102, is capable of storing and transmitting various types of information.

[0102] <Memory tag support> The support configuration of the first memory tag 110 will be explained with reference to Figures 35 and 36. Figure 35 is a perspective view showing the state during the installation of the cartridge unit 10 into the device body 2. Figure 36 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the cartridge unit 10 is installed into the device body 2 and the first memory contact 110a is in contact with the first main body memory contact 111a.

[0103] As shown in Figure 36, the first memory tag 110 is supported by a memory support base 112, which serves as a support, by fixing means such as double-sided tape. The memory support base 112 has a fixing part 112a for fixing the first memory tag 110 and a restricting part 112b formed to protrude in the vertical and front-rear directions. The toner cartridge 9 has a T-side holder R93 and a memory cover 113 fixed to the T-side holder R93 by fixing means such as screws (not shown). The T-side holder R93 and the memory cover 113 are examples of the first frame.

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

[0105] A compression spring 114 is provided between the memory support base 112 and the T-side holder R93 to press the memory support base 112 to the right. When the cartridge unit 10 is not mounted on the device body 2, the biasing force of the compression spring 114 causes the restricting portion 112b of the memory support base 112 to contact the inner surface of the memory cover 113, restricting the movement of the memory support base 112 to the right. If an external force F2 greater than the biasing force of the compression spring 114 is applied to the memory support base 112 in the leftward direction, the restricting portion 112b of the memory support base 112 contacts the outer surface of the T-side holder R93, restricting the movement of the memory support base 112 to the left. On the other hand, the vertical and horizontal movement of the memory support base 112 is restricted by the contact between the hole 113a of the memory cover 113 and the memory support base 112.

[0106] As described above, the memory support base 112 is movable in three directions relative to the toner cartridge 9: up and down, front and back, and left and right. However, the memory support base 112 is supported in such a way that its movement is restricted to a predetermined amount. For example, the axial direction may be defined as the first direction (left and right), the direction perpendicular to the first direction (left and right) as the second direction (up and down), and the direction perpendicular to the second direction (up and down) as the third direction (front and back). Alternatively, for example, the axial direction may be defined as the first direction (left and right), the direction perpendicular to the first direction (left and right) as the second direction (front and back), and the direction perpendicular to the second direction (front and back) as the third direction (up and down). In these cases, the memory support base 112 is configured to be movable in the first, second, and third directions relative to the side holder R93 and the memory cover 113.

[0107] Next, the positioning configuration of the first memory tag 110 will be explained using Figures 35 and 36. The device body 2 is provided with a first memory contact holder 111 that supports the first main body memory contact 111a. The first memory contact holder 111 has an inclined inner wall surface 111b that surrounds the first main body memory contact 111a. The memory support base 112 has an inclined surface 112c that is formed to contact the inclined inner wall surface 111b in order to position the memory support base 112 relative to the first memory contact holder 111. The inclined surface 112c is formed to surround the fixing portion 112a of the memory support base 112.

[0108] When the cartridge unit 10 is mounted on the device body 2, as shown in Figure 36, the biasing force of the compression spring 114 causes the inclined surface 112c of the memory support base 112 to come into contact with the inclined inner wall surface 111b of the first memory contact holder 111. Then, with the first memory contact 110a positioned relative to the first main body memory contact 111a, the first memory contact 110a and the first main body memory contact 111a come into contact. At this time, gaps are formed in the vertical and horizontal directions between the memory support base 112 and the hole 113a of the memory cover 113. In addition, gaps are formed in the horizontal direction between the restricting portion 112b of the memory support base 112 and between the T-side holder R93 and the memory cover 113. As a result, the memory support base 112 is positioned relative to the first memory contact holder 111 in the vertical, horizontal, and horizontal directions. As described above, the first memory contact 110a and the first main body memory contact 111a are precisely positioned relative to each other in three directions: up and down, front and back, and left and right.

[0109] The effects of the fifth embodiment are described below. The memory support base 112 of the first memory tag 110 is supported so as to be movable in three directions: up and down, front and back, and left and right, relative to the toner cartridge 9. When the cartridge unit 10 is installed, the memory support base 112 supporting the first memory tag 110 is positioned in three directions relative to the first memory contact holder 111. That is, the first memory contact 110a and the first main body memory contact 111a are precisely positioned relative to each other in three directions. As a result, the positioning accuracy of the first memory contact 110a and the first main body memory contact 111a can be improved in the up and down and front and back directions, where the first contact arrangement surface and the first memory contact surface 110b of the first memory contact 110a are spread. Therefore, the first memory contact 110a and the first main body memory contact 111a can be reliably electrically connected, improving the reliability of information transmission. Furthermore, by improving positioning accuracy, the size of the first contact placement surface and the first memory contact surface 110b can be reduced, thereby enabling miniaturization of the first memory tag 110.

[0110] Furthermore, the positioning accuracy between the first memory contact 110a and the first main body memory contact 111a can be improved with respect to the left-right direction, which is the normal direction to the first contact arrangement surface and the first memory contact surface 110b of the first memory contact 110a. As a result, the contact pressure between the first memory contact 110a and the first main body memory contact 111a can be made appropriate, and damage to each contact during contact can be suppressed, thereby improving the reliability of information transmission.

[0111] [Sixth Embodiment] Next, the sixth embodiment will be described. In the sixth embodiment, the differences from the embodiments described above will be explained in detail. Unless otherwise specified, the sixth embodiment has the same configuration as the other embodiments, so the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as in the other embodiments, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0112] The arrangement of the memory tag will be explained using Figures 37 and 38. Figures 37 and 38 are perspective views of the toner cartridge 9 and cartridge unit 10, respectively, viewed from diagonally below. A protruding portion 115 is formed on the T-side holder L92 of the toner cartridge 9, projecting downwards. The first memory tag 110 is installed at the tip of the protruding portion 115 such that the first contact arrangement surface and the first memory contact surface 110b of the first memory contact 110a face downwards. The first memory tag 110 is located on the left side of the toner cartridge 9. The toner cartridge 9 also has the aforementioned discharge port 94A located on the right side. Therefore, in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the toner cartridge 9, the discharge port 94A is located on one end side relative to the center of the toner cartridge 9, and the first memory tag 110 is located on the other end side, opposite to the one end side relative to the center of the toner cartridge 9.

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

[0114] Furthermore, the arrangement of the first memory tag 110 will be explained using Figure 39. Figure 39 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge unit 10 as seen from the left side. As mentioned above, the toner cartridge 9 is mounted on the process cartridge 5 by rotating the toner cartridge 9 relative to the process cartridge 5. The position 9p of the toner cartridge 9 before rotation is shown by the dotted line in Figure 39. The rotation direction S4 of the toner cartridge 9 is the mounting direction of the toner cartridge 9 relative to the process cartridge 5. When the toner cartridge 9 is rotated and mounted on the process cartridge 5, the toner cartridge 9 Position 9r is shown in Figure 39. With the toner cartridge 9 in contact with the process cartridge 5, the toner cartridge 9 moves from position 9p (first position) to position 9r (second position), and the toner cartridge 9 is positioned relative to the process cartridge 5. Position 9r (second position) of the toner cartridge 9 when it is positioned relative to the process cartridge 5 is the position where the toner cartridge 9 is fully installed or positioned relative to the process cartridge 5.

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

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

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

[0118] Figure 40 shows a dotted line representing a guide groove 106, which serves as a mounting guide for the cartridge unit 10 to the device body 2. Positioning protrusions 105a and 105b on the cartridge unit 10 are guided by the guide groove 106, and the cartridge unit 10 is mounted on the device body 2. The guide groove 106 is formed as a groove shape through which the positioning protrusions 105a and 105b can pass, and has an upper surface 106a and a lower surface 106b. The lower surface 106b of the guide groove 106 has an inclined surface 106f that guides the cartridge unit 10 downward as it is mounted further into the device body 2 during installation. As the cartridge unit 10 is guided downward by the inclined surface 106f of the guide groove 106, the second memory contact 101a and the first memory contact 110a come into contact with the second main body memory contact 103a and the first main body memory contact 104a, respectively.

[0119] The effects of the sixth embodiment are described below. The effects of the arrangement of the first memory tag 110 in the axial direction will be described. The first memory tag 110 is arranged in the axial direction of the toner It is located on the opposite side of the output port 94A of the cartridge 9. This prevents toner contamination of the first memory contact 110a.

[0120] Next, the effects of arranging the first memory tag 110 in a cross-sectional direction perpendicular to the axial direction will be explained. The first contact arrangement surface and the first memory contact surface 110b are arranged to face the same direction as the direction in which the toner cartridge 9 is installed (rotation direction S4). In the direction in which the toner cartridge 9 is installed, the frame 610 of the process cartridge 5 into which the toner cartridge 9 is installed is located. An opening 116 is formed in the frame 610 in order to expose the first memory contact surface 110b facing the direction in which the toner cartridge 9 is installed toward the outside from the frame 610. In this way, the first memory contact surface 110b is exposed toward the bottom of the cartridge unit 10 and can come into contact with the first main body memory contact 104a of the device body 2.

[0121] As mentioned above, when the cartridge unit 10 is mounted on the device body 2, it is guided backward and downward by the mounting guide (guide groove 106) and mounted on the device body 2. Since the first memory contact surface 110b is located on the lower surface of the cartridge unit 10, the operation of mounting the cartridge unit 10 causes the first memory contact surface 110b to come into contact with the first main body memory contact 104a. This allows for good electrical connection between the first memory contact 110a and the first main body memory contact 104a. According to the configuration of the sixth embodiment, since there is no need to provide a mechanism in the device body 2 to move the first main body memory contact 104a in order to bring the first main body memory contact 104a into contact with the first memory contact surface 110b, the configuration of the device body 2 can be simplified.

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

[0123] The arrangement of the memory tag will be explained using Figures 41 and 42. Figures 41 and 42 are perspective views of the toner cartridge 9 and cartridge unit 10, respectively, viewed from diagonally below. As shown in Figure 41, the first memory tag 110 is installed on the T-side holder L92 of the toner cartridge 9, with the first contact arrangement surface and the first memory contact surface 110b of the first memory contact 110a facing downwards. The first memory tag 110 is located on the left side of the toner cartridge 9. The toner cartridge 9 also has the aforementioned discharge port 94A located on the right side. Therefore, in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the toner cartridge 9, the discharge port 94A is located on one end relative to the center of the toner cartridge 9, and the first memory tag 110 is located on the other end, opposite to the one end relative to the center of the toner cartridge 9.

[0124] As shown in Figure 42, the second memory tag 101 is located on the left side of the lower surface of the cartridge unit 10. Additionally, the second relay contact 117c, which is electrically connected to the first main unit memory contact 104a when the cartridge unit 10 is mounted on the device body 2, is also located on the left side of the lower surface of the cartridge unit 10. Details of the second relay contact 117c will be described later.

[0125] <Memory tag relay contact> The relay contact 117 of the memory tag will be explained using Figure 43. Figure 43 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge unit 10. Figure 43 shows the state in which the toner cartridge 9 is installed in the developing unit 7 of the process cartridge 5 that constitutes the cartridge unit 10, and further shows the state in which the cartridge unit 10 is installed in the main body 2 of the device. The relay contact 117 is It is provided on the image unit 7. The relay contact 117 has a first relay contact 117a which is a connection part with the first memory contact 110a, an extension part 117b which extends downward from the first relay contact 117a, and a second relay contact 117c which is a connection part with the device body 2. The first relay contact 117a and the second relay contact 117c are electrically connected by the extension part 117b.

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

[0127] The effects of the seventh embodiment are described below. The effects of the arrangement of the first memory contact 110a and the relay contact 117 in the axial direction will be described. The first memory contact 110a and the relay contact 117 are provided on the opposite side of the toner cartridge 9's outlet 94A in the axial direction. This prevents toner contamination of the first memory contact 110a and the relay contact 117 and ensures reliable information transmission with the device body 2.

[0128] Next, the effects of arranging the second relay contact 117c in a cross-sectional direction perpendicular to the axial direction will be explained. The second relay contact 117c is located on the lower surface of the cartridge unit 10. Therefore, as in the case of the sixth embodiment described above, the operation when installing the cartridge unit 10 allows for good electrical connection between the second relay contact 117c and the first main unit memory contact 104a.

[0129] Next, the effects of providing the relay contact 117 will be explained. In the sixth embodiment described above, a protrusion 115 is provided on the toner cartridge 9 so that the first memory contact 110a installed on the toner cartridge 9 is exposed to the outside through an opening 116 formed in the frame 610 of the process cartridge 5. The first memory tag 110 is then installed at the tip of the protrusion 115. This arrangement is due to the distance between the toner cartridge 9 and the opening 116. In the seventh embodiment, since the relay contact 117 is provided between the toner cartridge 9 and the opening 116, there is no need to provide the protrusion 115 on the toner cartridge 9, and the toner cartridge 9 can be miniaturized. Furthermore, the miniaturization of the toner cartridge 9 makes it possible to reduce costs, including logistics costs, for the toner cartridge 9 that is shipped and sold as a single product.

[0130] [Eighth Embodiment] Next, the eighth embodiment will be described. In the eighth embodiment, the differences from the embodiments described above will be explained in detail. Unless otherwise specified, the eighth embodiment has the same configuration as the embodiments, so the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as in the embodiments, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0131] The arrangement of the memory tags will be explained using Figure 44. Figure 44 is a perspective view of the cartridge unit 10 when viewed from diagonally below. As shown in Figure 44, the second memory tag 101 is provided on the left side of the lower surface of the cartridge unit 10. On the other hand, the first memory tag 110 is provided on the right side of the lower surface of the cartridge unit 10. As in the sixth embodiment, the first memory tag 110 is installed on the lower surface of the toner cartridge 9 with the first contact arrangement surface and the first memory contact surface 110b facing downwards. The first contact arrangement surface and the first memory contact surface 110b are exposed through the opening 116 of the frame 610. In other words, in the left-right direction, the first memory tag 110 is positioned on one end side of the center of the cartridge unit 10, and the second memory tag 101 is positioned on the other end side of the center of the cartridge unit 10. Alternatively, the second memory tag 101 can be positioned at one end relative to the center of the toner cartridge 9.

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

[0133] [Ninth Embodiment] Next, the ninth embodiment will be described. In the ninth embodiment, the differences from the embodiments described above will be explained in detail. Unless otherwise specified, the ninth embodiment has the same configuration as the other embodiments, so the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as in the other embodiments, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0134] Figure 45 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge unit 10 according to the ninth embodiment. As shown in Figure 45, the frame 201 of the photoreceptor unit 6 is provided with a lid member 202, a waste toner unit 210, and a corona charger 68. The corona charger 68 comprises a wire member 68a as a metal member and a frame 68b as a metal member, each to which a different voltage bias is applied from the main body of the device 2. The developing unit 7 is provided with a second memory tag 101 as a second storage member, and the toner cartridge 9 is provided with a first memory tag 102 as a first storage member. Here, the photoreceptor unit 6 and the developing unit 7, when mounted together, are referred to as the process cartridge 5.

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

[0136] The configuration of the waste toner unit 210 will be explained using Figures 46(a), (b) and 47(a), (b). Figures 46(a), (b) are perspective views of the waste toner unit 210. Figures 47(a), (b) are exploded perspective views of the waste toner unit 210. The waste toner unit 210 comprises a waste toner container 212, a container lid 211, a recovery roller 62 as a first roller, a stripping roller 250 as a second roller, and a biasing member 240. The recovery roller 62 has a metal shaft covered with a conductive sponge material as the roller part. The stripping roller 250 has both its shaft and roller parts made of a single piece of metal.

[0137] The recovery roller 62 is rotatably supported by the shafts at both ends of the recovery roller 62, which are supported by the first shaft hole 212d and the second shaft hole 212e of the waste toner container 212. Similarly, the stripping roller 250 is rotatably supported by the shafts at both ends of the stripping roller 250, which are supported by the third shaft hole 212c and the fourth shaft hole 212f of the waste toner container 212. The surfaces of the recovery roller 62 and the stripping roller 250 are in contact (see Figure 45). After the recovery roller 62 and the stripping roller 250 are assembled into the waste toner container 212, the container lid 211 is fixed to the waste toner container 212.

[0138] The recovery roller gear 232 and the stripping roller gear 231 are fixed to the left shafts of the recovery roller 62 and the stripping roller 250, respectively. Furthermore, on the left side of the waste toner container 212... A support shaft 212b is provided on the wall, and the first idler gear 230 is rotatably supported on it. The first idler gear 230 meshes with the photoreceptor gear (first gear) 65 (see Figure 8) provided on the photoreceptor drum 61, and the driving force is transmitted. The driving force from the photoreceptor drum 61 is transmitted in the order of the first idler gear 230, the stripping roller gear 231, and the recovery roller gear 232, and the recovery roller 62 and the stripping roller 250 are rotationally driven.

[0139] On the right-side shafts of the recovery roller 62 and the stripping roller 250, a recovery roller electrode 220 and a stripping roller electrode 221, both made of conductive resin, are fixed so as to be rotatable and slidable. Two fixing protrusions 212g are provided on the outer side of the rear side wall of the waste toner container 212, and a biasing member 240 is fixed to each of them. The sealing sheet 260 is a sheet-like plastic material and is provided at the bottom of the opening 212a of the waste toner container 212. One end of the sealing sheet 260 is fixed to the waste toner container 212, and the other end is in contact with the recovery roller 62.

[0140] The attachment of the waste toner unit 210 to the photoconductor unit 6 will be explained using Figure 48. Figure 48 is a perspective view of the photoconductor unit 6 and the waste toner unit 210. As shown in Figure 48, the waste toner unit 210 is installed through the opening 201a of the frame 201 of the photoconductor unit 6. Then, the lid member 202 is attached to the frame 201, and the waste toner unit 210 is mounted on the photoconductor unit 6. The waste toner unit 210 is held so as to be movable in the direction of the photosensitive drum 61 by rails (not shown) provided on the frame 201. In addition, the biasing member 240 contacts the contact wall 201b of the frame 201 (see Figure 45), and the pressing force biases the recovery roller 62 in the direction of the photosensitive drum 61, causing the surface of the recovery roller 62 to contact the surface of the photosensitive drum 61.

[0141] A predetermined voltage is applied to the recovery roller 62 and the stripping roller 250 from the main body 2 via the recovery roller electrode 220 and the stripping roller electrode 221, respectively. The recovery roller 62 recovers paper dust and toner adhering to the surface of the photosensitive drum 61. The stripping roller 250 also strips off paper dust and toner adhering to the surface of the recovery roller 62. The stripped toner is collected in the waste toner container 212. The sealing sheet 260 prevents the recovered toner from leaking between the lower part of the opening 212a of the waste toner container 212 and the recovery roller 62.

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

[0143] The component arrangement of the cartridge unit 10 according to the ninth embodiment will be explained using Figures 51 to 54. Figures 51 to 54 are cross-sectional views of the cartridge unit 10. As shown in Figure 51, the drum cylinder (aluminum tube) 61a of the photosensitive drum 61 and the metal frame 68a of the corona charger 68 are provided in the projection range (the range between line segments L1 and L2) from the recovery roller 62 onto the outer shape of the first memory tag 102 in the cross-sectional direction. The aluminum tube 61a and the metal frame 68a are made of metal. Viewed along the axial direction, line segment L1 is a tangent line (first tangent) that passes through one end of the first memory tag 102 and is tangent to the recovery roller 62, and line segment L2 is a tangent line (second tangent) that passes through the other end of the first memory tag 102 and is tangent to the recovery roller 62. The aluminum tube 61a of the photosensitive drum 61 and the metal frame 68a of the corona charger 68 overlap the area demarcated or enclosed by line segment L1, line segment L2, the first memory tag 102, and the recovery roller 62.

[0144] With the configuration shown in Figure 51, electromagnetic noise is generated from the recovery roller 62, which is powered by the main body of the device 2. Even if electromagnetic noise occurs, the electromagnetic noise directed toward the first memory tag 102 is electromagnetically shielded by the metal aluminum tube 61a and the metal frame 68a. As a result, the electromagnetic noise originating from the retrieval roller 62 radiated to the first memory tag 102 is reduced, and the operation of the first memory tag 102 becomes stable.

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

[0146] As shown in Figure 52, the aluminum tube 61a is provided in the area projected onto the outer shape of the first memory tag 102 in the cross-sectional direction from the contact portion N1 of the recovery roller 62 and the photosensitive drum 61 (the area between line segments L5 and L6). The recovery roller 62 contacts the photosensitive drum 61 at the contact portion N1 (first contact point). Viewed along the axial direction, line segment L5 is a straight line (first straight line) connecting one end of the first memory tag 102 and the contact portion N1, and line segment L6 is a straight line (second straight line) connecting the other end of the first memory tag 102 and the contact portion N1. The aluminum tube 61a overlaps the area demarcated or enclosed by line segments L5, L6, and the first memory tag 102. As shown in Figure 52, even if electromagnetic noise is generated from the contact point N1 between the recovery roller 62 and the photosensitive drum 61, which are powered from the main body 2 of the device, the electromagnetic noise directed toward the first memory tag 102 is electromagnetically shielded by the aluminum tube 61a. Therefore, the electromagnetic noise originating from the contact point N1 between the recovery roller 62 and the photosensitive drum 61 that is radiated toward the first memory tag 102 is reduced, and the operation of the first memory tag 102 becomes stable.

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

[0148] As shown in Figure 53, the metal frame 68a of the corona charger 68 is provided in the area where the stripping roller 250 is projected onto the outer shape of the first memory tag 102 in the cross-sectional direction (the area between line segments L9 and L10). The stripping roller 250 is in contact with the recovery roller 62. Viewed along the axial direction, line segment L10 is a tangent line (third tangent) that passes through one end of the first memory tag 102 and is tangent to the stripping roller 250, and line segment L9 is a tangent line (fourth tangent) that passes through the other end of the first memory tag 102 and is tangent to the stripping roller 250. The metal frame 68a of the corona charger 68 overlaps the area demarcated or enclosed by line segments L9 and L10, the first memory tag 102, and the stripping roller 250. As a result, even if electromagnetic noise is generated from the stripping roller 250 powered by the main unit 2 of the device, the electromagnetic noise directed toward the first memory tag 102 is electromagnetically shielded by the metal frame 68a. Therefore, the electromagnetic noise originating from the stripping roller 250 that is radiated toward the first memory tag 102 is reduced, and the operation of the first memory tag 102 becomes stable.

[0149] Similarly, as shown in Figure 53, the aluminum tube 61a is provided in the projection range (the range between line segments L11 and L12) from the stripping roller 250 onto the outer shape of the second memory tag 101 in the cross-sectional direction. Viewed along the axial direction, line segment L11 is a tangent line that passes through one end of the second memory tag 101 and is tangent to the stripping roller 250, and line segment L12 is a tangent line that passes through the other end of the first memory tag 102 and is tangent to the stripping roller 250. The aluminum tube 61a overlaps the region demarcated or enclosed by line segments L11 and L12, the second memory tag 101, and the stripping roller 250. With the configuration shown in Figure 53, even if electromagnetic noise is generated from the stripping roller 250 powered by the device body 2, the electromagnetic noise directed toward the second memory tag 101 is electromagnetically shielded by the aluminum tube 61a. Therefore, electromagnetic noise originating from the stripping roller 250 radiated to the second memory tag 101 is reduced, and the operation of the second memory tag 101 becomes more stable.

[0150] As shown in Figure 54, a metal frame 68a is provided in the area projected onto the outer shape of the first memory tag 102 in the cross-sectional direction from the contact portion N2 of the stripping roller 250 and the recovery roller 62 (the area between line segments L13 and L14). The stripping roller 250 contacts the recovery roller 62 at the contact portion N2 (the second contact point). Viewed along the axial direction, line segment L13 is a straight line (third straight line) connecting one end of the first memory tag 102 and the contact portion N2, and line segment L14 is a straight line (fourth straight line) connecting the other end of the first memory tag 102 and the contact portion N2. The metal frame 68a overlaps the area demarcated or enclosed by line segments L13, L14, and the first memory tag 102. As shown in Figure 54, even if electromagnetic noise is generated from the contact point N1 between the stripping roller 250 and the recovery roller 62, which are powered from the main body 2 of the device, the electromagnetic noise directed toward the first memory tag 102 is electromagnetically shielded by the metal frame 68a. Therefore, the electromagnetic noise originating from the contact point N2 between the stripping roller 250 and the recovery roller 62 that is radiated toward the first memory tag 102 is reduced, and the operation of the first memory tag 102 becomes stable.

[0151] Similarly, as shown in Figure 54, an aluminum tube 61a is provided in the area projected onto the outer shape of the second memory tag 101 in the cross-sectional direction from the contact portion N2 of the stripping roller 250 and the recovery roller 62 (the area between line segments L15 and L16). Viewed along the axial direction, line segment L15 is a straight line connecting one end of the first memory tag 102 and the contact portion N2, and line segment L16 is a straight line connecting the other end of the first memory tag 102 and the contact portion N2. The aluminum tube 61a overlaps the area demarcated or enclosed by line segments L15, L16, and the first memory tag 102. With the configuration shown in Figure 54, even if electromagnetic noise is generated from the contact portion N2 of the stripping roller 250 and the recovery roller 62, which are powered from the main body of the device 2, the electromagnetic noise directed toward the second memory tag 101 is electromagnetically shielded by the aluminum tube 61a. Therefore, electromagnetic noise originating from the contact area N2 between the stripping roller 250 and the recovery roller 62 that is radiated to the second memory tag 101 is reduced, and the operation of the second memory tag 101 becomes stable.

[0152] The component arrangement of the cartridge unit 10 according to the ninth embodiment will be explained using Figure 55. Figure 55 is a view of the cartridge unit 10 from above. Some components are omitted in Figure 55 for the sake of explanation. As shown in Figure 55, the first memory tag 102 is positioned inward from both ends of the aluminum tube 61a of the photosensitive drum 61 in the axial direction (left-right direction of the cartridge unit 10) (the area indicated by arrow W1 in Figure 55). Similarly, the first memory tag 102 is positioned inward from both ends of the metal frame 68a of the corona charger 68 in the axial direction (the area indicated by arrow W2 in Figure 55).

[0153] Furthermore, the roller portions of the recovery roller 62 and the stripping roller 250 are positioned inside both ends of the aluminum tube 61a of the photosensitive drum 61 (within the range of arrow W1 in Figure 55). Similarly, they are positioned inside both ends of the metal frame 68a of the corona charger 68 (within the range of arrow W2 in Figure 55). This configuration provides electromagnetic shielding to the first memory tag 102 from electromagnetic noise radiation originating from the recovery roller 62 and the stripping roller 250, as well as from the contact portions N1 and N2 of each roller, at all positions in the left-right direction. As a result, the operation of the first memory tag 102 is stabilized.

[0154] The second memory tag 101 may be positioned in the same location as the first memory tag 102 in the left-right direction. This configuration provides electromagnetic shielding against electromagnetic noise radiation from all left-right positions originating from the recovery roller 62 and the stripping roller 250, as well as from the contact points N1 and N2 of each roller. As a result, the operation of the second memory tag 101 becomes stable.

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

[0156] The amount of light detected by the light-receiving element 281, and the temporal change in the amount of light, change depending on the amount of remaining toner T being agitated in the toner container 910. The amount of remaining toner T in the toner cartridge 9 can be detected by the change in the light detected by the light-receiving element 281. With this configuration, the user can be notified when the amount of toner in the toner cartridge 9 is low, and the replacement of the toner cartridge 9 can be encouraged. In addition, the first memory tag 102 stores information related to the amount of toner T stored in the toner cartridge 9.

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

[0158] Figure 57 is a perspective view of the cartridge unit 10 according to the 10th embodiment. As shown in Figure 57, the first memory tag 102 is provided on the upper surface of the toner cartridge 9 opposite to the side where the toner cartridge outlet 94A (see Figure 13) is located, in the vertical direction. The position of the first memory tag 102 in the cross-sectional direction is the same as in the 9th embodiment (see Figures 51 to 54). This configuration prevents the first memory tag 102 from being soiled by toner scattered from the outlet 94A when the user attaches or detaches the toner cartridge 9 to the process cartridge 5. This prevents the transmission of information between the first memory tag 102 and the device body 2 from becoming unstable due to toner contamination of the first memory contact 102a. Furthermore, since the arrangement of components in the cross-sectional direction is the same as in the 9th embodiment, electromagnetic shielding is performed against electromagnetic noise radiation originating from the recovery roller 62 and the stripping roller 250.

[0159] Furthermore, in the tenth embodiment, the first memory tag 102 is located on the opposite side of the recovery roller electrode 220 (see Figure 48) and the stripping roller electrode 221 (see Figure 48) in the left-right direction (axial direction). The power supply unit receives power from the device body 2 to be supplied to the recovery roller 62 and the stripping roller 250 by contact between the electrodes (not shown) of the device body 2 and the recovery roller electrode 220 and the stripping roller electrode 221. The power supply unit is located on the opposite side of the first memory tag 102 in the left-right direction (axial direction). In the axial direction, the power supply unit is located at one end relative to the center of the cartridge unit 10, and the first memory tag 102 is located at the other end, opposite to the one end relative to the center of the cartridge unit 10. This configuration allows for a larger distance between the power supply unit and the first memory tag 102. By doing this, even if electromagnetic noise is generated at the electrode contact point, the distance from the source to the first memory tag 102 is large, thus reducing the impact of the electromagnetic noise on the first memory tag 102. Therefore, the operation of the first memory tag 102 becomes stable. [Explanation of symbols]

[0160] 5…Process cartridge, 9…Toner cartridge, 10…Cartridge unit, 62…Photosensitive drum, 71…Developing roller, 102…First memory tag, 102a…First memory contact

Claims

1. A device body having multiple main contacts, A unit comprising a support section, a toner cartridge containing toner and detachable from the support section, wherein the unit is inserted into the main body of the device in the insertion direction with the toner cartridge mounted on the support section, It has, The toner cartridge has an end face extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the toner cartridge, and a memory provided on the end face, the memory having a memory chip for storing information and a plurality of memory contacts electrically connected to the memory chip, and in the orientation when the unit is used, the plurality of memory contacts are oriented in the longitudinal direction and aligned vertically, The plurality of memory contacts are located on the outermost edge of the unit in the longitudinal direction in the region through which the memory passes when the unit is inserted into the device body, and the insertion direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. When the unit is inserted into the main body of the device, the plurality of memory contacts come into contact with the plurality of main body contacts as the unit is inserted into the main body of the device, so that the plurality of memory contacts are electrically connected to the plurality of main body contacts. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following features.

2. The plurality of memory contacts are provided in the toner cartridge at the position that protrudes most outward in the longitudinal direction. The image forming apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The insertion direction is a direction intersecting the vertical direction. The image forming apparatus according to feature 1 or 2.

4. The unit has a positioning portion and a rotation-stopping portion, When the unit is inserted into the device body, the positioning portion and the rotation-preventing portion are positioned such that the unit is restricted from rotating around the positioning portion. Supported by the main body, The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. With respect to the insertion direction, the positioning portion is located downstream of the rotation-preventing portion. The image forming apparatus according to feature 4.

6. When the positioning portion and the rotation-preventing portion are supported by the device body, the positioning portion is restricted from moving in the horizontal and vertical directions, and the rotation-preventing portion is restricted from moving in the vertical direction. The image forming apparatus according to feature 5.

7. The device body includes an opening and a door, the door being able to open so as to allow the insertion of the unit through the opening. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The unit includes a coupling, and the device body includes a drive transmission member. The drive transmission member is configured to move to a position where it engages with the coupling in conjunction with the closing operation of the door. The drive transmission member is configured to move to a position where it is disengaged from the coupling in conjunction with the opening of the door. The image forming apparatus according to feature 7.

Images