CN117289578A

CN117289578A - Cartridge, toner cartridge, and image forming apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN117289578A
Application number: CN202310720500.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 樫出阳介; 福井悠一; 林直树; 前田直树; 木村乔; 竹内俊阳; 吴服秀一; 矢田刚之
Original assignee: Canon Inc
Current assignee: Canon Inc
Priority date: 2022-06-24
Filing date: 2023-06-16
Publication date: 2023-12-26
Also published as: JP2024002381A

Abstract

The invention relates to a cartridge, a toner cartridge, and an image forming apparatus. The case includes: a photosensitive drum rotatable about an axis extending in an axial direction; a memory including a memory element configured to store information, a memory contact electrically connected to the memory element, and a substrate having a surface on which the memory contact is disposed; and a frame supporting the photosensitive drum, the substrate being mounted on the frame, and the frame including a first end with respect to an axial direction and a second end opposite to the first end. The frame includes a container provided with a receiving chamber for receiving the developer collected from the photosensitive drum and an opening communicating with the receiving chamber, and a mounting member mounted on the container to cover the opening. The mounting member includes a support portion for supporting the substrate.

Description

Cartridge, toner cartridge, and image forming apparatus

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a cartridge and a toner cartridge for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus).

Background

An electrophotographic image forming apparatus is an apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium by using an electrophotographic image forming type. Examples of the image forming apparatus include an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (LED printer, laser beam printer, etc.), a facsimile machine, a word processor, etc.

Japanese laid-open patent application No.2019-128565 discloses a contact provided with a memory for storing information.

The present invention further advances the art.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge comprising: a photosensitive drum rotatable about an axis extending in an axial direction; a memory including a memory element configured to store information, a memory contact electrically connected to the memory element, and a substrate having a surface on which the memory contact is disposed; and a frame that supports the photosensitive drum, on which the substrate is mounted, and which includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end with respect to an axial direction, wherein the frame includes a container provided with a receiving chamber for receiving developer collected from the photosensitive drum and an opening communicating with the receiving chamber, and the frame includes a mounting member mounted on the container to cover the opening, and wherein the mounting member includes a supporting portion for supporting the substrate.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge comprising: a photosensitive drum rotatable about an axis extending in an axial direction; a memory including a memory element configured to store information, a memory contact electrically connected to the memory element, and a substrate having a surface on which the memory contact is provided, wherein the substrate is disposed such that a normal direction of the surface intersects with an axial direction; a frame that supports the photosensitive drum, the substrate being mounted on the frame, and the frame including a first end with respect to an axial direction and a second end opposite to the first end, a first projection, a second projection, a third projection, and a fourth projection, wherein a distance between the memory contact and the second end with respect to the axial direction is shorter than a distance between a center of the frame and the memory contact, wherein the first projection is adjacent to the substrate and is disposed between the substrate and the second end, the second projection is disposed between the first projection and the second end, the third projection is disposed between the substrate and the first end, and the fourth projection is disposed between the third projection and the first end, and wherein the first projection and the third projection project with respect to the surface, the second projection projects with respect to the first projection, and the fourth projection projects with respect to the third projection, toward an exposure direction parallel to a normal direction and to which the memory contact is exposed.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge comprising: a photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction; a rotatable member rotatable about a second axis extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a memory including a memory element configured to store information, a memory contact electrically connected to the memory element, and a substrate having a surface on which the memory contact is disposed; and a frame supporting the photosensitive drum and the rotatable member, the substrate being mounted on the frame, and the frame including a first end with respect to a first direction and a second end opposite the first end, wherein, when viewed in the first direction, the memory contact extends in the second direction and is positioned between the second axis and a straight line passing through a center of rotation of the photosensitive drum.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toner cartridge including: a first rotatable member rotatable about an axis extending in an axial direction; a frame provided with a first chamber for accommodating toner, a second chamber, a first opening, and a second opening, wherein (i) the frame includes a wall for partitioning between the first chamber and the second chamber to prevent movement of toner between the first chamber and the second chamber, (ii) the frame includes a first end with respect to an axial direction and a second end opposite to the first end with respect to the axial direction, (iii) the first chamber accommodates a first rotatable member, the first opening allowing communication between an exterior of the frame and the first chamber, the second opening allowing communication between the exterior of the frame and the second chamber; and a memory including a memory element configured to store information, and a memory contact electrically connected to the memory element, wherein a distance between the memory contact and the first end is shorter than a distance between the memory contact and the second end, and a distance between the second opening and the second end is shorter than a distance between the second opening and the first end, with respect to an axial direction.

Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of a printer.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the process cartridge and the toner cartridge.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the process cartridge and the toner cartridge.

Fig. 4 is a side view of the process cartridge and the toner cartridge.

Fig. 5 is a side view of the process cartridge and the toner cartridge.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the process cartridge and the toner cartridge.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view of the process cartridge and the toner cartridge.

Fig. 8 is a side view for showing a drive transmission path for the process cartridge.

Fig. 9 is a schematic view of the process cartridge and the toner cartridge when viewed in the detaching direction.

Parts (a) and (b) of fig. 10 are perspective views of the toner cartridge.

Parts (a) and (b) of fig. 11 are perspective views of the toner cartridge.

Fig. 12 is a schematic view of the toner cartridge when viewed in the detaching direction.

Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an internal structure of the toner cartridge.

Fig. 14 is a sectional view of the toner cartridge.

Parts (a) and (b) of fig. 15 are side views of the toner cartridge.

Fig. 16 is a side view of the toner cartridge.

Fig. 17 is an illustration of a memory tag.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the memory tag of the process cartridge.

Fig. 19 is a plan view (plan view) showing the arrangement of the memory tag of the process cartridge.

Fig. 20 is a sectional view showing the arrangement of the memory tag of the process cartridge.

Fig. 21 is a perspective view for illustrating the mounting member.

Fig. 22 is a side view showing the arrangement of the memory tag of the process cartridge.

Fig. 23 is a sectional view showing the mounting of the toner cartridge to the process cartridge.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the size, material, shape and relative arrangement of the constituent elements described in the following embodiments should be appropriately changed according to the structure and various conditions of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the following examples unless otherwise specified.

Example 1

< overview of Printer >

The basic structure of the printer 100 as an image forming apparatus according to embodiment 1 and the operation of the printer 100 will be described using fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view showing the structure of a printer 100 according to the present embodiment. Arrow Z represents the vertical direction and arrow H represents the horizontal direction.

As shown in fig. 1, the printer 100 includes a device main assembly 100A, and a process cartridge P and a toner cartridge T, which are cartridges detachably mounted to the device main assembly 100A.

The apparatus main assembly 100A includes a scanner 101 as an exposure device, a stack tray 102 on which sheets S are stacked, a sheet (paper) feeding roller 103, a transfer roller 104, a fixing portion 105, a discharge tray 106, and a controller 107. Further, the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge (developer cartridge) T are detachably mounted into the apparatus main assembly 100A.

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

The toner cartridge T is mountable to the process cartridge P. The toner cartridge T accommodates toner as a developer, and is configured to supply toner to the developing unit 30 of the process cartridge P. The toner cartridge T includes a toner feeding member 62, a toner feeding screw 63, and a toner frame 55. The toner feeding member 62 and the toner feeding screw 63 are rotatably supported by the toner frame 55.

An image forming operation for forming an image on the sheet S will be described. The controller 107 of the printer 100 starts an image forming operation based on a signal received from an external device.

First, the photosensitive drum 12 is rotated by the drive source of the apparatus main assembly 100. In a state where a charging voltage is applied to the charging roller 13, the charging roller 13 is rotated by the photosensitive drum 12. As a result, the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 is uniformly charged. Based on the image information, the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 12 is irradiated with laser light by the scanner 101 so that an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12.

Toner is supplied from the developing roller 32 to the photosensitive drum 12, so that an electrostatic latent image is formed as a toner image. The photosensitive drum 12 rotates so that the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 12 is conveyed to a transfer portion formed between the transfer roller 104 and the photosensitive drum 12.

On the other hand, the sheet S is fed from the stack tray 102 by the feed roller 103. The sheet S is fed to the transfer portion in synchronization with the timing at which the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 12 reaches the transfer portion.

A transfer voltage is applied to the transfer roller 104 so that the toner image is transferred from the photosensitive drum 12 onto the sheet S. The transfer residual toner not transferred onto the sheet S is removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum 12 by the cleaning blade 14.

The sheet S having the toner image transferred thereon is conveyed toward the fixing portion 105. When the sheet S passes through the fixing portion 105, the toner image is heated and pressed by the fixing portion 105, so that the toner image is fixed on the sheet S.

The printer 100 according to the present embodiment is capable of performing duplex printing in which an image forming operation for forming an image is performed on the front side (side) and the back side (side) of the sheet S. In the case where an image is formed only on the front surface of the sheet S, the sheet S passing through the fixing portion 105 is discharged onto the discharge tray 106. On the other hand, in the case of performing double-sided printing, the sheet S having the toner image fixed on the front side is fed again to the transfer portion through the double-sided feeding path, and then the toner image is formed on the back side of the sheet S. After that, the sheet S passes through the fixing portion 105 and is discharged onto the discharge tray 106.

< mounting and removing of Process Cartridge and toner Cartridge >

The mounting and dismounting of the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T according to the present embodiment will be described using fig. 1 to 5.

Fig. 2 and 3 are perspective views of the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T.

As shown in fig. 5, the photosensitive drum 12 is rotatable about a rotation axis (first axis) 12 a. The direction in which the rotation axis 12a extends is referred to as the rotation axis direction (axial direction).

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T when viewed from the driving side. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T when viewed from the non-driving side. Fig. 4 is a side view of the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T on the driving side as viewed in the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12. Fig. 5 is a side view of the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T on the non-driving side as viewed in the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12.

As shown in fig. 1, the printer 100 includes a door (openable member) 100B covering an opening 100C of the apparatus main assembly 100A. The door 100B is rotatably installed with respect to the apparatus main assembly 100A. The door 100B is configured to be movable between a closed position in which the door 100B closes the opening 100C and an open position in which the opening 100C is exposed. In a state in which the door 100B is in the open position, the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T are allowed to be mounted into the apparatus main assembly 100A through the opening 100C and detached from the apparatus main assembly 100A.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, the drum frame 11 includes a process drive end (first end of the drum frame 11) 11f1, and a process non-drive end (second end of the drum frame 11) 11f2 opposite to the process drive end 11f1, with respect to the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12. The process driving end 11f1 and the process non-driving end 11f2 are portions (end portions) positioned at the outermost side of the drum frame 11 with respect to the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12. Each of the process drive end 11f1 and the process non-drive end 11f2 may be provided at a plurality of positions. The center of the drum frame 11 with respect to the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12 is referred to as a center 11f3. The distances from the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 to the process driving end 11f1 and the distances from the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 to the process non-driving end 11f2 are equal to each other.

In the present embodiment, the process driving end 11f1 and the process non-driving end 11f2 are portions (end portions) positioned at the outermost side of the process cartridge P with respect to the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12. That is, the process driving end 11f1 and the process non-driving end 11f2 coincide with the driving end of the process cartridge P (the first end of the process cartridge P) and the non-driving end of the process cartridge P (the second end of the process cartridge P), respectively, with respect to the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12.

The side of the process drive end 11f1 disposed with respect to the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 with respect to the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12 is the driving side of the drum frame 11 or the driving side of the process cartridge P. The side of the process non-drive end 11f2 disposed with respect to the center 11f3 with respect to the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12 is the non-drive side of the drum frame 11 or the non-drive side of the process cartridge P. In the present embodiment, the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 is the same as the center of the process cartridge P with respect to the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12.

The driving side of the drum frame 11 and the driving side of the process cartridge P are positioned on opposite sides of the non-driving side of the drum frame 11 and the non-driving side of the process cartridge P, respectively, with respect to the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12.

As described later, the toner feeding member 62 is rotatable about the rotation axis 62 a. The direction in which the rotation axis 62a extends is referred to as the rotation axis direction (axial direction) of the toner feeding member 62.

The toner feed screw 63 is rotatable about a rotation axis 63 a. The direction in which the rotation axis 63a extends is referred to as the rotation axis direction (axial direction) of the toner feed screw 63.

With respect to the rotation axis direction of the toner feed screw 63, the toner frame 55 includes a toner driving end (first end of the toner frame 55) 55a1, and a toner non-driving end (second end of the toner frame 55) 55a2 opposite to the toner driving end 55a 1. The toner driving end 55a1 and the toner non-driving end 55a2 are portions (end portions) positioned at the outermost side of the toner frame 55 with respect to the rotation axis direction of the toner feed screw 63. Each of the toner driving end 55a1 and the toner non-driving end 55a2 may be provided at a plurality of positions. The center of the toner frame 55 with respect to the rotation axis direction of the toner feed screw 63 is referred to as a center 55a3. The distances from the center 55a3 of the toner frame 55 to the toner driving end 55a1 and the distances from the center 55a3 of the toner frame 55 to the toner non-driving end 55a2 are equal to each other.

In the present embodiment, the toner driving end 55a1 and the toner non-driving end 55a2 are portions (end portions) positioned at the outermost side of the process cartridge P with respect to the rotation axis direction of the toner feed screw 63. That is, with respect to the rotation axis direction of the toner feed screw 63, the toner driving end 55a1 and the toner non-driving end 55a2 coincide with the driving end of the toner cartridge T (the first end of the toner cartridge T) and the non-driving end of the toner cartridge T (the second end of the toner cartridge T), respectively.

With respect to the rotation axis direction of the toner feed screw 63, the side on which the toner driving end 55a1 is arranged with respect to the center 55a3 of the toner frame 55 is the driving side of the toner frame 55 or the driving side of the toner cartridge T. With respect to the rotation axis direction of the toner feed screw 63, the side on which the toner non-drive end 55a2 is arranged with respect to the center 55a3 is the non-drive side of the toner frame 55 or the non-drive side of the toner cartridge T. In the present embodiment, the center 55a3 of the toner frame 11 is the same as the center of the toner cartridge T with respect to the rotation axis direction of the toner feed screw 63.

The driving side of the toner frame 55 and the driving side of the toner cartridge T are positioned on opposite sides of the non-driving side of the toner frame 55 and the non-driving side of the toner cartridge T, respectively, with respect to the rotation axis direction of the toner feed screw 63.

In the present embodiment, the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12, the rotation axis direction of the toner feed member 62, and the rotation axis direction of the toner feed screw 63 are parallel to each other. Therefore, each of the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum 12, the rotational axis direction of the toner feed member 62, and the rotational axis direction of the toner feed screw 63 is simply referred to as an axial direction (first direction) LD.

In the present embodiment, the position of the center 55a3 of the toner frame 55 and the position of the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 are the same with respect to the axial direction LD. However, the position of the center 55a3 of the toner frame 55 and the position of the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 may be different from each other.

As shown in fig. 2 and 4, the process cartridge P includes a driving side process guide 22 located on the driving side of the drum frame 11. The toner cartridge T includes a driving-side toner guide 51 located on the driving side of the toner frame 55. As shown in fig. 3 and 5, the process cartridge P includes a non-driving side process guide 23 located on the non-driving side of the drum frame 11. The toner cartridge T includes a non-driving side toner guide 52 located on the non-driving side of the toner frame 55.

The direction in which the process cartridge P is mounted in the apparatus main assembly 100A is referred to as a mounting direction PDA. The direction in which the process cartridge P is detached from the apparatus main assembly 100A is referred to as the detachment direction PDD. The attachment direction PDA and the detachment direction PDD are collectively referred to as an attachment and detachment direction PD. The driving side process guide 22 and the non-driving side process guide 23 are formed along the attachment and detachment direction PD. The driving-side process guide 22 and the non-driving-side process guide 23 are guided by the guide portion of the apparatus main assembly 100A so that the process cartridge P moves relative to the apparatus main assembly 100A.

The direction in which the toner cartridge T is mounted in the apparatus main assembly 100A is referred to as a mounting direction TDA. The direction in which the toner cartridge T is detached from the apparatus main assembly 100A is referred to as a detachment direction TDD. The mounting direction TDA and the dismounting direction TDD are collectively referred to as mounting and dismounting direction TD. The driving-side toner guide 51 and the non-driving-side toner guide 52 are formed along the attachment and detachment direction TD. The driving-side toner guide 51 and the non-driving-side toner guide 52 are guided by the guide portion of the apparatus main assembly 100A so that the toner cartridge T moves relative to the apparatus main assembly 100A.

In the present embodiment, the attachment and detachment direction PD is a direction intersecting the axial direction LD. The angle formed by the direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD and the attachment and detachment direction PD may be preferably smaller than the angle formed by the axial direction LD and the attachment and detachment direction PD, and the attachment and detachment direction PD may be further preferably the direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD.

In the present embodiment, the attachment and detachment direction TD is a direction intersecting the axial direction LD. The angle formed by the direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD and the attachment and detachment direction TD may be preferably smaller than the angle formed by the axial direction LD and the attachment and detachment direction TD, and the attachment and detachment direction TD may be further preferably the direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD.

In the present embodiment, the attachment and detachment direction PD and the attachment and detachment direction TD are parallel to each other, but the attachment and detachment direction PD and the attachment and detachment direction TD may be different from each other.

In the present embodiment, the attachment and detachment of the process cartridge P is performed in a state where the toner cartridge T is not mounted in the apparatus main assembly 100A. In other words, the mounting and dismounting of the process cartridge P is performed before the toner cartridge T is mounted in the apparatus main assembly 100A.

In a state where the toner cartridge T is not mounted in the apparatus main assembly 100A, the process cartridge P is mounted in the apparatus main assembly 100A through the opening 100C. Further, in a state where the process cartridge P is mounted in the apparatus main assembly 100A, the toner cartridge T is mounted in the apparatus main assembly 100A and mounted to the process cartridge P.

In a state where the toner cartridge T and the process cartridge P are mounted in the apparatus main assembly 100A, the process cartridge P is positioned downstream of the toner cartridge T with respect to the mounting direction PDA and the mounting direction TDA.

In the case of detaching the toner cartridge T and the process cartridge P from the apparatus main assembly 100A, the toner cartridge T is detached from the apparatus main assembly 100A and the process cartridge P through the opening 100C. Thereafter, the process cartridge P is detached from the apparatus main assembly 100A through the opening 100C.

< Process Cartridge >

The structure of the process cartridge P will be described in further detail using fig. 2 to 9.

Fig. 6 and 7 are sectional views of the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T. Specifically, fig. 6 and 7 are sectional views of the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T, wherein the direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD is a cross-sectional direction. Fig. 7 is a sectional view in which the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T are cut along the rotation axis RS of the return screw 18 described later.

Fig. 8 is a side view showing a drive transmission path of the process cartridge P. Fig. 9 is a schematic view of the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T when viewed in the detaching direction PDD.

The process cartridge P includes a developing unit 30 and a drum unit 10. The developing unit 30 is movably (rotatably) connected to the drum unit 10 with respect to the drum unit 10. As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the process cartridge P includes a driving side spring 37 and a non-driving side spring 38, and the driving side spring 37 and the non-driving side spring 38 are mounted to the drum unit 10 and the developing unit 30. The drive-side spring 37 and the non-drive-side spring 38 urge the developing unit 30 so that the developing roller 32 is pressed toward the photosensitive drum 12.

As shown in fig. 6 and 7, the developing unit 30 includes a developing roller 32 (developer carrying member) for carrying toner, a supply roller 33 (supply member) in contact with the developing roller 32 for supplying toner, a developing blade 34, and a stirring member 35. The developing frame 31 supports the developing roller 32, the supply roller 33, the developing blade 34, and the stirring member 35. The developing frame 31 is provided with a developer accommodating chamber 31a and a developing chamber 31b. In the developer accommodating chamber 31a, a stirring member 35 is provided, and in the developing chamber 31b, a developing roller 32, a supply roller 33, and a developing blade 34 are provided.

The toner supplied from the toner cartridge T is accommodated in the developer accommodating chamber 31 a. The stirring member 35 feeds the toner accommodated in the developer accommodating chamber 31a to the developing chamber 31b. The toner fed to the developing chamber 31b is supplied to the developing roller 32 by a supply roller 33 that rotates in contact with the developing roller 32. The toner supplied to the developing roller 32 is regulated by the developing blade 34, thereby forming a toner layer on the surface of the developing roller 32. The developing blade 34 has a function as a layer thickness regulating member for regulating the thickness of the toner layer.

As shown in fig. 6 and 7, the drum unit 10 includes a drum frame 11, a photosensitive drum 12 (image bearing member), a charging roller 13, a cleaning blade 14, an intermediate feeding member 15, an intermediate screw 16, a transmission shaft 17, and a return screw 18. The drum frame 11 supports the photosensitive drum 12, the charging roller 13, the cleaning blade 14, the intermediate feeding member 15, the intermediate screw 16, the transmission shaft 17, and the return screw 18. Further, the drum unit 10 includes a memory tag 90P described later.

The drum frame 11 includes a cleaning collection chamber 19. In the cleaning collecting chamber 19, an intermediate feeding member 15, an intermediate screw 16 and a return screw 18 are provided.

As shown in fig. 7, the drum frame 11 is provided with a return path 45 including the return screw 18. The return path 45 can be said to be part of the clean collection chamber 19.

The charging roller 13 contacts the photosensitive drum 12 and is rotated by the photosensitive drum 12. The cleaning blade 14 contacts the photosensitive drum 12 and collects toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 12. The collected toners (waste toner, residual toner, collected toner) are accommodated in the cleaning collection chamber 19. The intermediate frame member 15 feeds the collected toner toward the intermediate screw 16, and the intermediate screw 16 feeds the collected toner toward the return screw 18. The intermediate feeding member 15 feeds the collected toner toward a direction intersecting the axial direction LD. The intermediate screw 16 feeds the collected toner in the axial direction LD.

The return screw (rotatable member) 18 rotates about a rotation axis (second axis) RS. The direction in which the rotation axis RS of the return screw 18 extends is referred to as the rotation axis direction (second direction) of the return screw 18.

The rotation axis direction of the return screw 18 is a direction intersecting the axial direction LD. The angle formed by the direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD and the rotation axis direction of the return screw 18 may be preferably smaller than the angle formed by the axial direction LD and the rotation axis direction of the return screw 18, and the rotation axis direction of the return screw 18 may be further preferably the direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD.

As shown in fig. 7, the drum frame 11 is provided with a return opening 20. The return opening 20 communicates with the return path 45 of the cleaning collection chamber 19 and the outside of the drum frame 11 and is opposite the return screw 18. The collected toner transferred from the intermediate screw 16 to the return screw 18 is fed by the return screw 18 toward the return opening 20, and is discharged through the return opening 20, and then passes through a toner receiving opening 84 described later and is received by the toner cartridge T.

Thus, the return screw 18 has a function as a feeding member for feeding the toner collected from the photosensitive drum 12 toward the toner receiving opening 84. The direction in which the return screw 18 feeds the collected toner is a direction from the process cartridge P toward the toner cartridge T, and is an upward direction with respect to the vertical direction.

The return screw 18 includes a helical fin and a screw shaft, and feeds toner toward the return opening 20 by rotating about the rotation axis RS. The helical fin and the screw shaft are integrally formed with each other.

As shown in fig. 2 and 4, the process cartridge P includes a process coupling (first input portion, development driving member) and a drum gear 21 (second input portion, drum driving member). The process coupling 36 is engaged with the main assembly coupling of the apparatus main assembly 100A, so that a driving force (external force) is transmitted from the apparatus main assembly 100A to the process coupling 36. The drum gear 21 is engaged with the main assembly gear of the apparatus main assembly 100, so that a driving force (external force) is transmitted from the apparatus main assembly 100A to the drum gear 21, and thus the drum gear 21 rotates. The drum gear 21 rotates so that the photosensitive drum 12 is driven and rotated.

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

As shown in fig. 8, the process cartridge P includes a stirring gear 39 for driving the stirring member 35, a developing gear 40 for driving the developing roller 32, and a supply gear 41 for driving the supply roller 33. The stirring gear 39, the developing gear 40, and the supplying gear 41 are connected to the process coupling 36 via a plurality of idler gears 42, and by the rotation of the process coupling 36, the developing roller 32, the supplying roller 33, and the stirring member 35 are driven and rotated.

Further, the process cartridge includes an intermediate feed gear 24 for driving the intermediate feed member 15, an intermediate screw gear 25 for driving the intermediate screw 16, and a shaft gear 26 for driving the transmission shaft 17. The intermediate feed gear 24, the intermediate screw gear 25, and the shaft gear 26 are connected to the process coupling 36 via the plurality of idler gears 27, and the intermediate feed member 15, the intermediate screw 16, and the drive shaft 17 are rotated by the rotation of the process coupling 36.

The return path 45 and the return screw 18 are provided on the non-driving side of the process cartridge P (see fig. 2, 3, and 9). That is, the distance between the return screw 18 and the process non-drive end 11f2 is shorter than the distance between the return screw 18 and the process drive end 11f1 with respect to the axial direction LD. That is, the return screw 18 is closer to the process drive end 11f1 than to the process non-drive end 11f2 with respect to the axial direction LD.

More specifically, as shown in fig. 9, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the rotation axis RS and the process non-driving end 11f2 is shorter than the distance between the rotation axis RS and the process driving end 11f 1.

Further, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the rotation axis RS and the process non-drive end 11f2 is shorter than the distance between the rotation axis RS and the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11. That is, the rotation axis RS is closer to the process non-drive end 11f2 than to the process drive end 11f1 and the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 with respect to the axial direction LD.

As shown in fig. 7, a drive gear 28 is mounted on the drive shaft 17, and a return gear 29, which is interengageable with the drive gear 28, is mounted on the return screw 18. Each of the drive gear 28 and the return gear 29 is a bevel gear, and the return screw 18 rotates by rotation of the drive shaft 17. That is, the driving force transmitted to the process coupling 36 is transmitted from the driving side of the process cartridge P to the non-driving side of the process cartridge P through the driving shaft 17, and then transmitted to the return screw 18. That is, the process coupling 36 is configured to drive the return screw 18.

As shown in fig. 9, the transmission shaft 17 is provided outside the cleaning collecting chamber 19 such that the transmission gear 28 and the return gear 29 are engaged with each other outside the cleaning collecting chamber 19.

As shown in fig. 3 and 5, on the non-driving side of the process cartridge P, a developing roller electrode (developing roller contact) 32a, a developing blade electrode (developing blade contact) 34a, a supply roller electrode (supply roller contact) 33a, and a charging roller electrode (charging roller contact) 13a are provided. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the process non-drive end 11f2 and the charging roller electrode 13a is shorter than the distance between the process drive end 11f1 and the charging roller electrode 13a. Similarly, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between each of the developing roller electrode 32a, the developing blade electrode 34a and the supply roller electrode 33a and the process non-driving end 11f2 is shorter than the distance between each of the developing roller electrode 32a, the developing blade electrode 34a and the supply roller electrode 33a and the process driving end 11f 1. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, each of the charging roller electrode 13a, the developing roller electrode 32a, the developing blade electrode 34a, and the supply roller electrode 33a is closer to the process non-driving end 11f2 than to the process driving end 11f 1.

The developing roller electrode 32a, the developing blade electrode 34a, the supply roller electrode 33a, and the charging roller electrode 13a are connected to the developing roller 32, the developing blade 34, the supply roller 33, and the charging roller 13, respectively. When the image forming operation is performed, predetermined voltages are applied to the developing roller electrode 32a, the developing blade electrode 34a, the supply roller electrode 33a, and the charging electrode 13a, respectively, from the power supply of the apparatus main assembly 100A.

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

Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the directions of the rotational axes of the developing roller 32, the supply roller 33, the stirring member 35, the charging roller, the intermediate feeding member 15, the intermediate screw 16, and the transmission shaft 17 are parallel to the axial direction LD. The direction of the rotational axis of the gears other than the process coupling 36, the drum gear 21 and the return gear 29 is also parallel to the axial direction LD.

< toner Cartridge >

The structure of the toner cartridge T according to the present embodiment will be described in further detail using fig. 6, 7, and 10 to 16.

Parts (a) and (b) of fig. 10 and parts (a) and (b) of fig. 11 are perspective views of the toner cartridge T. Specifically, parts (a) and (b) of fig. 10 are perspective views of the toner cartridge T when viewed from the driving side. In part (b) of fig. 10, a part of the toner cartridge T is omitted. Parts (a) and (b) of fig. 11 are perspective views of the toner cartridge T when viewed from the non-driving side. In part (b) of fig. 11, a part of the toner cartridge T is omitted.

Fig. 12 is a schematic view of the toner cartridge T when viewed in the detaching direction TDD. Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the toner cartridge T. Fig. 14 is a sectional view of the toner cartridge T, in which a direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD is a cross-sectional direction.

Fig. 15 and 16 are side views of the toner cartridge T. Specifically, parts (a) and (b) of fig. 15 are side views of the toner cartridge T as viewed in the axial direction LD. Fig. 16 is a side view of the non-driving side of the toner cartridge T as viewed in the axial direction LD.

As shown in fig. 6 and 13, the toner frame 55 of the toner cartridge T is provided with a toner accommodating chamber (first chamber) 53 and a toner collecting chamber (second chamber) 54. In the toner accommodating chamber 53, the toner supplied to the process cartridge P is accommodated. In the toner collection chamber 54, toner returned from the process cartridge P by the return screw 18 is accommodated.

The toner collecting chamber 54 and the toner accommodating chamber 53 are separated (partitioned) from each other. Specifically, the toner frame 55 includes a partition wall 55b, and the toner collection chamber 54 and the toner accommodating chamber 53 are (completely) separated from each other by the partition wall 55 b. Thereby, the toner is prevented from moving between the toner collecting chamber 54 and the toner accommodating chamber 53, and the toner accommodated in the toner collecting chamber 54 and the toner accommodated in the toner accommodating chamber 53 are prevented from being mixed with each other.

The volume of the toner accommodating chamber 53 is larger than the volume of the toner collecting chamber 54. In the present embodiment, the distance between the partition wall 55b and the toner non-driving end 55a2 is shorter than the distance between the partition wall 55b and the toner driving end 55a1 with respect to the axial direction LD. That is, the partition wall 55b is closer to the toner non-driving end 55a2 than to the toner driving end 55a1 with respect to the axial direction LD.

With respect to the axial direction LD, the toner accommodating chamber 53 is disposed so as to overlap with the center 55a3 of the toner frame 55. On the other hand, the toner collection chamber 54 is provided on the non-driving side of the toner frame 55 with respect to the axial direction LD. With respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the toner collection chamber 54 and the toner non-drive end 55a2 is shorter than the distance between the toner collection chamber 54 and the toner drive end 55a 1. That is, the toner collection chamber 54 is closer to the toner non-drive end 55a2 than to the toner drive end 55a 1. Further, with respect to the axial direction LD, the toner collection chamber 54 is provided between the toner accommodating chamber 53 and the toner non-drive end 55a 2.

As shown in fig. 12 and 13, the toner frame 55 includes a container portion 56 provided with a toner accommodating chamber 53 and a toner collecting chamber 54, a driving side cover 57 provided on the driving side of the toner cartridge T, and a non-driving side cover 58 provided on the non-driving side of the toner cartridge T.

The container portion 56 includes a first container 56a provided with the toner accommodating chamber 53 and a second container 56b provided with the toner collecting chamber 54. The second container 56b is fixed to the first container 56a.

In the present embodiment, the side wall of the first container 56a and the side wall of the second container 56b are opposed to each other, and have a function as the partition wall 55 b.

As shown in parts (a) and (b) of fig. 10, the toner frame 55 is provided with a toner discharge opening (first opening) 61 for allowing the toner accommodated in the toner accommodating chamber 53 to be discharged toward the developing unit 30 of the process cartridge P. The toner discharge opening 61 communicates with the toner frame 55 and the outside of the toner accommodating chamber 53, so that the toner accommodated in the toner accommodating chamber 53 is discharged to the outside of the toner frame 55 through the toner discharge opening 61. The toner discharge opening 61 is provided in the first container 56 a.

The toner discharge opening 61 is provided on the driving side of the toner frame 55 with respect to the axial direction LD. With respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the toner discharge opening 61 and the toner driving end 55a1 is shorter than the distance between the toner discharge opening 61 and the toner non-driving end 55a 2. That is, the toner discharge opening 61 is closer to the toner driving end 55a1 than to the toner non-driving end 55a2 with respect to the axial direction LD.

The toner discharge opening 61 is covered with a discharge opening shutter, not shown. The discharge opening shutter opens and closes in conjunction with the attachment and detachment of the toner cartridge T to and from the process cartridge P. In a state where the toner cartridge T is mounted to the process cartridge P, the toner is allowed to be discharged through the toner discharge opening 61. As described above, the developing roller 32 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 12 with the toner discharged through the toner discharge opening 61.

As shown in fig. 6 and 13, inside the toner accommodating chamber 53, a toner feeding member 62 and a toner feeding screw 63 are accommodated. The toner feed member 62 and the toner feed screw 63 may be referred to as a first rotatable member of the toner cartridge T.

As shown in fig. 13 and 14, the toner cartridge T includes a toner discharge device 64 for discharging toner through the toner discharge opening 61.

The toner discharge device 64 includes a pump portion 65 for conveying air by being compressed, an air guide 66 for guiding the air conveyed by the pump portion 65 toward the toner discharge opening 61, a compression portion 67 for compressing the pump portion 65, and an actuation gear 68 for moving the compression portion 67. The actuation gear 68 is provided with an actuation groove 68a for moving the compression portion 67.

The toner feeding member 62 includes a flexible fin 62b and a shaft 62c mounting the fin 62b, and feeds toner toward the toner feeding screw 63 by rotating about the rotation axis 62 a. As shown in fig. 14, the fin 62b contacts the inner wall of the toner accommodating chamber 53 and deforms from a natural state shown by a broken line, thereby feeding the toner. The toner feed screw 63 includes a helical fin 63b1 and a screw shaft 63b2, and rotates about a rotation axis 63a so that toner is fed toward the toner discharge opening 61. The helical fin 63b1 and the screw shaft 63b2 are integrally formed with each other.

On the other hand, the actuation gear 68 rotates such that the compression portion 67 engaged with the actuation groove 68a moves in the direction of the rotation axis of the actuation gear 68. The compression portion 67 moves and thus the pump portion 65 is compressed, so that the pump portion 65 conveys air toward the toner accommodating chamber 53.

The conveyed air is guided toward the toner discharge opening 61 by the air guide 66. Incidentally, in the vicinity of the toner discharge opening 61, a cover member is provided, and covers a part of the toner feed screw 63. Thereby, the toner fed by the toner feeding member 62 is suppressed from being directly discharged through the toner discharge opening 61, and the air dissipated from the air guide 66 is effectively moved toward the toner discharge opening 61.

Further, as shown in parts (a) and (b) of fig. 10, the toner frame 55 is provided with a toner receiving opening (second opening) 84 through which toner returned from the process cartridge P is received. The toner receiving opening 84 communicates with the outside of the toner frame 55 and the toner collecting chamber 54. The toner collection chamber 54 accommodates toner (collected toner) discharged through the toner return opening 20 and passing through the toner receiving opening 84.

The toner receiving opening 84 is provided on the non-driving side of the toner frame 55 with respect to the axial direction LD. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the toner receiving opening 84 and the toner non-driving end 55a2 is shorter than the distance between the toner receiving opening 84 and the toner driving end 55a 1. Further, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the toner receiving opening 84 and the toner non-driving end 55a2 is shorter than the distance between the toner receiving opening 84 and the center 55a3 of the toner frame 55. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the toner receiving opening 84 is closer to the toner non-drive end 55a2 than to the center 55a3 of the toner frame 55.

The toner receiving opening 84 is covered by a receiving opening shutter 85. The receiving opening shutter 85 opens and closes in conjunction with the attachment and detachment of the toner cartridge T to and from the process cartridge P.

More specifically, the receiving opening shutter 85 is movable between a closed position where the receiving opening shutter 85 covers the toner receiving opening 84 and an open position where the toner receiving opening is exposed. As shown in fig. 7, the toner cartridge T is mounted to the process cartridge P such that the receiving opening shutter 85 contacts the process cartridge P and moves to the open position. In a state where the toner cartridge T is mounted to the process cartridge P, the toner receiving opening 84 and the toner return opening 20 are opposed to each other.

As shown in fig. 13, the toner collection chamber 54 includes a first collection chamber 69, a second collection chamber 70, and a third collection chamber 71. The toner cartridge T includes a first collecting screw 72 for feeding toner from the first collecting chamber 69 to the second collecting chamber 70, and a second collecting screw (second rotatable member) 73 for feeding toner from the second collecting chamber 70 to the third collecting chamber 71. The first and second collecting screws 72 and 73 are accommodated in the toner collecting chamber 54.

As shown in fig. 7, the first collecting screw 72 is rotatable about the rotation axis 72a, and the second collecting screw 73 is rotatable about the rotation axis 73 a. The direction of the rotation axis 72a is parallel to the axial direction LD, and the direction of the rotation axis 73a is a direction intersecting the axial direction LD. The angle formed by the direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD and the direction of the rotation axis 73a may be preferably smaller than the angle formed by the axial direction LD and the direction of the rotation axis 73a, and the direction of the rotation axis 73a may be further preferably the direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD.

The toner received through the toner receiving opening 83 is accumulated in the first collecting chamber 69, and is fed from the first collecting chamber 69 to the second collecting chamber 70 by the first collecting screw 72. The toner fed to the second collection chamber 70 is fed upward with respect to the vertical direction by the second collection screw 73, and is thus fed from the second collection chamber 70 to the third collection chamber 71.

As shown in parts (a) and (b) of fig. 15, the toner cartridge T includes a second toner coupling 74, a first toner coupling 75, a feed gear 76, and a discharge gear 77.

The actuation gear 68, the second toner coupling 74, the first toner coupling 75, the feed gear 76, and the discharge gear 77 are disposed on the driving side of the toner cartridge T. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between each of the second toner coupling 74 and the first toner coupling 75 and the toner driving end 55a1 is shorter than the distance between each of the second toner coupling 74 and the first toner coupling 75 and the toner non-driving end 55a 2. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, each of the second toner coupling 74 and the first toner coupling 75 is closer to the toner driving end 55a1 than to the toner non-driving end 55a 2.

The driving end cap 57 covers at least a part of the actuating gear 68, the second toner coupling 74, the first toner coupling 75, the feeding gear 76, and the discharging gear 77, and includes the toner driving end guide 51. The drive end covers at least a portion of the pump section 65.

A feed gear 76 is connected to the toner feed member 62, and a discharge gear 77 is connected to the toner feed screw 63. The second toner coupling 74 receives a driving force (external force) from the apparatus main assembly 100A, and rotates the feed gear 76. As a result, the toner feeding member 62 rotates.

The first toner coupling 75 is engaged with the actuation gear 68 through the idler gear, and the actuation gear 68 is engaged with the discharge gear 77. The first toner coupling 75 receives a driving force (external force) from the apparatus main assembly 100A, and rotates the actuation gear 68 and the discharge gear 77. As a result, the pump portion 65 is compressed to rotate the toner feed screw 63.

That is, the second toner coupling 74 has a function as a driving member for driving the toner feeding member 62. The first toner coupling 75 has a function as a driving member for driving the toner discharging device 64 and the toner feed screw 63.

As shown in fig. 16, the toner cartridge T includes a detection member 78 for detecting the amount of toner in the toner collection chamber 54. The toner non-drive end cap 58 covers the detection member 78 and includes the toner non-drive end guide 52.

In the present embodiment, the detection member 78 is a pair of light guides for guiding light. The detection member 78 includes light guide members 78a1 and 78a2, and is disposed on the non-driving side of the toner cartridge. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between each of the light guiding members 78a1 and 78a2 and the toner non-driving end 55a2 is shorter than the distance between each of the light guiding members 78a1 and 78a2 and the toner driving end 55a 1. That is, each of the light guide members 78a1 and 78a2 is closer to the toner non-driving end 55a2 than to the toner driving end 55a1 with respect to the axial direction LD.

Each portion of the light guiding members 78a1 and 78a2 is exposed to the toner collecting chamber 54. One of the light guide members 78a1 and 78a2 guides light from the outside to the inside of the toner collection chamber 54. Light guided to the inside of the toner collection chamber 54 passes through the toner collection chamber 54. The other of the light guide members 78a1 and 78a2 guides light from the inside to the outside of the toner collection chamber 54.

The controller 107 of the apparatus main assembly 100A can detect the toner amount based on the light passing through the inside of the toner collection chamber 54 by the light guide members 78a1 and 78a 2. Incidentally, as the detecting member 78, a pair of electrodes opposed to each other may also be used. In this case, the controller 107 of the apparatus main assembly 100A can detect the toner amount based on the change in electrostatic capacitance between the electrodes.

< memory >

The structure of the memory will be described using fig. 17. Fig. 17 is an illustration of a memory tag 90.

The process cartridge P in the present embodiment includes a memory tag 90P as a memory for storing information of the process cartridge P. Further, the toner cartridge T includes a memory tag 90T as a memory for storing information of the toner cartridge T.

As the stored information, for example, information about the usage history of the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T is included.

The memory tag 90P of the process cartridge P and the memory tag 90T of the toner cartridge T have similar shapes. When the memory tag 90P and the memory tag 90T are not distinguished from each other, or when contents common to the memory tag 90P and the memory tag 90T are described, the memory tag 90P and the memory tag 90T will be simply referred to as the memory tag 90.

As shown in fig. 17, the memory tag 90 in the present embodiment includes a storage element 90d for storing information of the process cartridge P or the toner cartridge T, and a conductive portion (electrode portion, interface portion, memory contact) 90a electrically connected to the storage element 90d.

The conductive portion 90a includes a first electrode (first terminal, first memory electrode, first memory contact) 90a1 and a second electrode (second terminal, second memory electrode, second memory contact) 90a2, and each of the first electrode 90a1 and the second electrode 90a2 is electrically connected to the memory element 90d.

The memory tag 90 includes a holding portion (holding substrate) 90b for holding the conductive portion 90a (the first electrode 90a1, the second electrode 90a 2). The memory tag 90 includes a protection portion 90c for covering and protecting the memory element 90d. In the present embodiment, the conductive portion 90a is provided on one surface (front surface) of the holding portion 90b, and the memory element 90d is provided on the other surface (rear surface) of the holding portion 90b.

The memory tag 90 in the present embodiment is a plate-like member having dimensions of 5.5 mm×5 mm and a thickness of 1.4 mm. The holding portion 90b and the protecting portion 90c are integrally provided with each other. The memory tag 90 has a two-layer structure formed of a holding portion 90b and a protecting portion 90 c. A substrate portion (substrate) 90f provided with a conductive portion 90a is formed by the holding portion 90b and the protecting portion 90 c.

The substrate 90f has a front surface 90f1 on which the conductive portion 90a is provided, and a rear surface 90f2 opposite to the front surface 90f 1.

The controller 107 of the printer 100 reads information stored in the storage element 90d by being electrically connected to the storage element 90d via the conductive portion 90a, and thus controls the printer 100.

Specifically, the apparatus main assembly 100A is provided with a main assembly contact (main assembly electrode) 92 that contacts the conductive portion 90A in a state where the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T are mounted in the apparatus main assembly 100A. The main assembly contact 92 includes a first main assembly electrode 92a1 and a second main assembly electrode 92a2. In a state where the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T are mounted in the apparatus main assembly 100A, the first main assembly electrode 92a1 contacts the first electrode 90A1, and the second main assembly electrode 92a2 contacts the second electrode 90A2.

In the present embodiment, the number of electrodes provided at the conductive portion 90a is two, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the conductive portion 90a may include three or more electrodes. Further, one electrode is provided on the holding portion 90b, and the other electrode may be provided on a different portion.

Further, the holding portion 90b and the protecting portion 90c may be provided at positions spaced apart from each other. For example, a substrate provided with the conductive portion 90a and a substrate provided with the memory element 90d may be provided at spaced apart positions.

< arrangement of memory tag of Process Cartridge >

The arrangement of the memory tag 90P of the process cartridge P will be described using fig. 3, 5, and 18 to 22.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the memory tag 90P of the process cartridge P. Fig. 19 is a top view showing the arrangement of the memory tag 90P of the process cartridge P. Fig. 20 is a sectional view showing the arrangement of the memory tag 90P of the process cartridge P. Fig. 19 and 20 are schematic views of the memory tag 90P viewed in a direction parallel to the surface 90f1 on which the conductive portion 90a is provided and perpendicular to the axial direction LD.

Fig. 21 is a perspective view showing the mounting member 91. Fig. 22 is a side view showing the arrangement of the memory tag 90P of the process cartridge P. Fig. 21 is a perspective view showing a state before the memory tag 90P of the process cartridge P and the mounting member 91 on which the memory tag 90P is mounted are mounted. Fig. 22 is a side view showing the mounting member 91 on which the memory tag 90P of the process cartridge P is mounted.

The base plate 90f of the memory tag 90P is mounted on the drum frame 11. More specifically, the drum frame 11 includes a collection container (container) 11g provided with a cleaning collection chamber 19, and includes a mounting member 91 on which a memory tag 90P is mounted. The collection container 11g is provided with a cleaning collection chamber 19, and a cleaning opening 19a communicating with the cleaning collection chamber 19. The mounting member 91 is mounted on the collection container 11g to cover the cleaning opening 19a. In the present embodiment, the mounting member 91 is coupled to the collection container 11g. The substrate 90f of the memory tag 90P is supported by the mounting member 91.

The mounting member 91 of the process cartridge P is provided on the non-driving side of the process cartridge P. With respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the mounting member 91 and the process non-driving end 11f2 is shorter than the distance between the mounting member 91 and the process driving end 11f 1.

The mounting member 91 is disposed near the process non-drive end 11f2 with respect to the axial direction LD. With respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the non-drive end 11f2 and the mounting member 91 is processed shorter than the distance between the center 11f3 and the mounting member 91. That is, the mounting member 91 is closer to the process non-drive end 11f1 than to the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 with respect to the axial direction LD.

With respect to the axial direction LD, the entire memory tag 90P is disposed between the process drive end 11f1 and the process non-drive end 11f 2. In the present embodiment, the entire memory tag 90P is disposed between the process non-drive end 11f2 and the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 with respect to the axial direction LD. In other words, the entire memory tag 90P is disposed on the non-driving side of the drum frame 11 (the non-driving side of the process cartridge P).

With respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90P and the process non-driving end 11f2 is shorter than the distance between the conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90P and the process driving end 11f 1. Further, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the memory tag 90P and the process non-driving end 11f2 is shorter than the distance between the memory tag 90P and the process driving end 11f 1.

With respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the process non-drive end 11f2 and the conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90P is shorter than the distance between the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 and the conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90P. Further, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the process non-drive end 11f2 and the memory tag 90P is shorter than the distance between the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 and the memory tag 90P. That is, the conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90P and the memory tag 90P are closer to the process non-driving end 11f2 than to the process driving end 11f1 and the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11 with respect to the axial direction LD.

As shown in fig. 5, the conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90P is disposed between the rotation axis RS of the return screw 18 and a straight line RS1 that is parallel to the rotation axis RS of the return screw 18 and passes through the rotation center of the photosensitive drum 12, as viewed in the axial direction LD. The rotation center of the photosensitive drum 12 coincides with the rotation axis 12a of the photosensitive drum 12 as viewed in the axial direction LD. That is, the conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90P is positioned between the rotational axis RS of the return screw 18 and the rotational axis 12a of the photosensitive drum 12 with respect to the direction perpendicular to the rotational axis RS and the axial direction LD of the return screw 18. In the present embodiment, the entire memory tag 90P is disposed between the rotation axis RS of the return screw 18 and the straight line RS1 as viewed in the axial direction LD.

Thereby, the return screw 18, the photosensitive drum 12, the memory tag 90P, and the conductive portion 90a can be provided in a space-saving manner.

In the present embodiment, the charging roller electrode 13a, the developing roller electrode 32a, the developing blade electrode 34a, and the supply roller electrode 33a are disposed between the rotation axis RS and the straight line RS1 as viewed in the axial direction LD. The charging roller electrode 13a, the developing roller electrode 32a, the developing blade electrode 34a, and the supply roller electrode 33a are disposed between the rotation axis RS and the rotation axis 12a with respect to a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis RS and the axial direction LD.

Thereby, the return screw 18, the photosensitive drum 12, the charging roller electrode 13a, the developing roller electrode 32a, the developing blade electrode 34a, and the supply roller electrode 33a can be disposed in a space-saving manner.

Further, as shown in fig. 9, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90P and the process non-driving end 11f2 is shorter than the distance between the rotation axis RS of the return screw 18 and the process non-driving end 11f2. That is, the conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90P is closer to the process non-drive end 11f2 than the rotational axis RS of the return screw 18 with respect to the axial direction LD.

As shown in fig. 5, the memory tag 90P is disposed such that the conductive portion 90a points in a direction intersecting the axial direction LD. Specifically, a normal direction 90g of the surface 90f1 in which the conductive portion 90a is provided so as to intersect the axial direction LD. The angle formed by the direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD and the normal direction 90g may be preferably smaller than the angle formed by the axial direction LD and the normal direction 90g, and the normal direction 90g may be more preferably the direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD.

Further, as shown in fig. 3, 4, and 9, the conductive portion 90a is provided to be directed toward the mounting direction PDA. In other words, the conductive portion 90a is provided on the downstream side of the substrate 90f with respect to the mounting direction PDA. Further, an angle formed by the attachment and detachment direction PD and the normal direction 90g may be preferably smaller than an angle formed by a direction perpendicular to the attachment and detachment direction PD and the normal direction 90g, and the normal direction 90g may be more preferably parallel to the attachment and detachment direction PD.

Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the normal direction 90g is inclined in the direction of the rotation axis RS of the return screw 18 as viewed in the axial direction LD.

As shown in fig. 19 and 20, the drum frame 11 includes a first photosensitive drum 91a, a second projection 91b, a third projection 91c, and a fourth projection 91d. At least a part of the fourth projection 91d has a function as a wall for forming the toner collection chamber 19.

In the present embodiment, the first projection 91a, the second projection 91b, the third projection 91c, and the fourth projection 91d are provided on the non-driving side of the drum frame 11. With respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between each of the first and second protruding portions 91a, 91b and the process non-driving end 11f2 is shorter than the distance between each of the first and second protruding portions 91a, 91b and the process driving end 11f 1. With respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between each of the third and fourth protruding portions 91c, 91 and the process non-driving end 11f2 is shorter than the distance between each of the third and fourth protruding portions 91c, 91d and the process driving end 11f 1.

Further, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between each of the first projection 91a and the second projection 91b and the process non-drive end 11f2 is shorter than the distance between each of the first projection 91a and the second projection 91b and the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11. Further, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between each of the third projection 91c and the fourth projection 91d and the process non-driving end 11f2 is shorter than the distance between each of the third projection 91c and the fourth projection 91d and the center 11f3 of the drum frame 11.

That is, the first, second, third and fourth projecting portions 91a, 91b, 91c and 91d are closer to the process non-driving end 11f2 than to the process driving end 11f1 and the center 11f3 with respect to the axial direction LD.

Further, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between each of the first protruding portion 91a and the second protruding portion 91b and the process non-driving end 11f2 is shorter than the distance between each of the substrate 90f and the conductive portion 90a and the process non-driving end 11f2. With respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between each of the third projection 91c and the fourth projection 91d and the process non-driving end 11f2 is longer than the distance between each of the substrate 90f and the conductive portion 90a and the process non-driving end 11f2. That is, the first and second protruding portions 91a and 91b are closer to the process non-driving end 11f2 than the substrate 90f and the conductive portion 90a are to the axial direction LD. Further, the third and fourth protruding portions 91c and 91d are farther from the process non-driving end 11f2 than the substrate 90f and the conductive portion 90a with respect to the axial direction LD.

The first convex portion 91a and the third convex portion 91c are adjacent to the substrate 90f with respect to the axial direction LD, and are opposite to side surfaces perpendicular to the surface 91f1 of the supporting portion 90b on which the conductive portion 90a is provided. The conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90P is disposed between the first protruding portion 91a and the third protruding portion 91c with respect to the axial direction LD. In the present embodiment, at least one of the first projection 91a and the third projection 91c contacts the substrate 90 of the memory tag 90P.

Further, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the second projection 91b and the process non-driving end 11f2 is shorter than the distance between the first projection 91a and the process non-driving end 11f2. That is, the second projection 91b is closer to the process non-driving end 11f2 than the first projection 91a is, with respect to the axial direction LD. With respect to the axial direction LD, the first projection 91a is provided between the second projection 91b and the memory tag 90P, and the second projection 91b is provided between the first projection 91a and the process non-driving end 11f2.

Further, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the fourth projection 91d and the processed non-driving end 11f2 is longer than the distance between the third projection 91c and the processed non-driving end 11f2. That is, the fourth protrusion 91d is farther from the process non-driving end 11f2 than the third protrusion 91c with respect to the axial direction LD. The distance between the fourth protrusion 91d and the process driving end 11f1 is shorter than the distance between the third protrusion 91c and the process driving end 11f1. That is, the fourth protrusion 91d is closer to the process driving end 11f1 than the third protrusion 91c is, with respect to the axial direction LD. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the third protruding portion 91c is provided between the base plate 90f and the process driving end 11f1, and the fourth protruding portion 91d is provided between the third protruding portion 91c and the process driving end 11f1.

Here, a direction perpendicular to the normal direction 90g of the surface 90f1 of the holding portion 90b of the memory tag 90P and in which the conductive portion 90a is exposed is defined as an exposure direction 90g1. That is, it can be said that the exposure direction 90g1 is a direction in which the conductive portion 90a faces. In the present embodiment, the exposure direction 90g1 is parallel to the mounting direction PDA.

As shown in fig. 9, the entire surface 90f1 of the substrate 90f of the memory tag 90P is exposed when viewed in a direction opposite to the exposure direction 90g1. In the present embodiment, the base plate 90f is coupled to the mounting member 91 of the drum frame 11 such that the movement of the base plate 90f in the exposure direction 90g1 is restricted.

With respect to the exposure direction 90g1, the first protruding portion 91a1 and the third protruding portion 91c protrude with respect to the surface 90f1 and the conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90P, the second protruding portion 91b protrudes with respect to the first protruding portion 91a, and the fourth protruding portion 91d protrudes with respect to the third protruding portion 91 c.

In other words, with respect to the exposure direction 90g1, the tip 91a1 of the first projection 91 and the tip 91c of the third projection 91c are positioned downstream of the surface 90f1 and the conductive portion 90 a. Further, the tip 91b1 of the second projection 91b and the tip 91d1 of the fourth projection 91d are positioned downstream of the tip 91a1 of the first projection 91a and the tip 91c1 of the third projection 91 c. Further, with respect to the exposure direction 90g1, the tip 91d1 of the fourth projection 91d is positioned downstream of the tip 91b1 of the second projection 91 b.

With respect to the normal direction 90g of the memory tag 90P, the distance between the tip 91b1 of the second projection 91b and the tip 91a1 of the first projection 91a is longer than the distance between the conductive portion 90a and the tip 90a1 of the first projection 91 a. The distance between the tip 91d1 of the fourth projection 91d and the tip 91c1 of the third projection 91c is longer than the distance between the conductive portion 90a and the tip 91c of the third projection 91 c.

The distance between the tip 91b1 of the second projection 91b and the tip 91a1 of the first projection 91a is longer than the distance between the conductive portion 90a and the tip 90a1 of the first projection 91a with respect to the direction of the rotational axis 12a of the photosensitive drum 12. The distance between the tip 91d1 of the fourth projection 91d and the tip 91c1 of the third projection 91c is longer than the distance between the conductive portion 90a and the tip 91c of the third projection 91 c.

In other words, the protruding length of the second protruding portion 91b with respect to the first protruding portion 91a is longer than the protruding length of the first protruding portion 91a with respect to the surface 90f1 with respect to the exposure direction 90g 1. With respect to the exposure direction 90g1, the protruding length of the fourth protruding portion 91d with respect to the third protruding portion 91c is longer than the protruding length of the third protruding portion 91c with respect to the surface 90f 1.

At the end of the second projection 91b with respect to the exposure direction 90g1, the inclined surface 91b2 is inclined with respect to the axial direction LD and the exposure direction 90g 1.

Further, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the first projection 91a and the second projection 91b is longer than the distance between the substrate 90f of the memory tag 90P and the first projection 91a. The distance between the third projection 91c and the fourth projection 91d is longer than the distance between the substrate 90f of the memory tag 90P and the third projection 91c.

Further, as shown in fig. 22, at least a portion of the base plate 90f of the memory tag 90P overlaps the second projection 91b as viewed in the axial direction LD.

The drum frame 11 is provided with a reinforcing rib connected to at least any one of the first projection 91a and the third projection 91c. Specifically, as shown in fig. 18, a connection portion 91g1 provided between the first projection 91a and the third projection 91c with respect to the axial direction LD is connected to the first projection 91a and the third projection 91c. The connection portion 91g2 provided between the first projection 91a and the second projection 91b with respect to the axial direction LD is connected to the first projection 91a. The connection portion 91g3 provided between the third projection 91c and the fourth projection 91d with respect to the axial direction LD is connected to the third projection 91c.

Each of the connection portions 91g1, 91g2, and 91g3 is a rib (reinforcing rib) protruding in the exposure direction 90g1 and extending in the axial direction LD. Each of the connection portions 91g1 and 91g2 has a function of reinforcing the first projection 91a. Each of the connection portions 91g1 and 91g3 has a function of reinforcing the third projection 91c. In the present embodiment, the connection portions 91g1, 91g2, and 91g3 are provided on the mounting member 91.

The number of each of the connection parts 91g1, 91g2, and 91g3 may preferably be a plurality of numbers, but at least one of the connection parts 91g1, 91g2, and 91g3 may be a single connection part. In the present embodiment, the two connection portions 91a1 are connected to each other via the first projection 91a and the third projection 91 c. The two connection portions 91a2 are also connected to each other via connection portions (reinforcing ribs), and the two connection portions 91a3 are also connected to each other via connection portions (reinforcing ribs).

The memory tag 90P can be protected by the first, second, third, and fourth protruding portions 91a, 91b, 91c, and 91 d.

Further, it can also be said that the second projection 91b and the fourth projection 91d have a function of protecting the first projection 91a and the third projection 91c adjacent to the memory tag 90P. Thereby, the external force is suppressed from being applied to the first and third protruding portions 91a and 91c provided near the substrate 90f of the memory tag 90P and deforming the first and third protruding portions 91a and 91 c.

Further, in a state in which the process cartridge P is mounted in the apparatus main assembly 100A, the memory tag 90P is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction and the vertical direction Z such that the conductive portion 90A is directed downward with respect to the vertical direction Z.

As shown in fig. 21, the mounting member 91 includes a first projection 91a, a second projection 91b, and a third projection 91c. The collection container 11g includes a fourth projection 91d. Between the first projection 91a and the third projection 91c, a memory mounting portion 91e on which the memory tag 90P is mounted is formed. That is, the memory tag 90P is supported at the memory mounting portion 91e by the mounting member 91 of the drum frame 11. The memory mounting portion (supporting portion) 91e supports the substrate 90f of the memory tag 90P.

When the used process cartridge P is collected and then reused, the toner is removed from the cleaning collection chamber 19 in some cases. According to the configuration described in the present embodiment, in the case where the mounting member 91 is removed from the collection container 11g, the cleaning opening 19a is exposed so that the toner can be removed from the cleaning collection chamber 19.

Further, in addition, in the case where at least one of the first projection 91a, the second projection 91b, and the third projection 91c is deformed, by replacing the mounting member 91, the drum frame 11 can be restored to the state where the first projection 91a, the second projection 91b, and the third projection 91c are not deformed.

Further, by detaching the mounting member 91 from the collection container 11g, the memory tag 90P can be detached from the process cartridge P. In the case where the process cartridge P is reused, the memory tag 90P mounted on the used process cartridge P is reused by rewriting information or replaced with another memory tag 90P in some cases.

In order to close the cleaning opening 91a after the mounting member 91 is removed from the collection container 11g, the mounting member 91 is mounted again on the collection container 11 g. At this time, the detached mounting member 91 may be used again, or another mounting member 91 may be used.

In summary, the detached memory tag 90P and the detached mounting member 91 can be reused. Further, at least any one of the memory tag 90P and the mounting member 91 may be replaced with a new component part.

< arrangement of the reservoir of toner cartridge >

The arrangement of the memory tag 90T of the toner cartridge T will be described using fig. 10 to 13 and 15 to 17.

As shown in fig. 10 to 13, a substrate 90f of a memory tag 90T of the toner cartridge T is mounted on the toner frame 55. More specifically, the memory tag 90T of the toner cartridge T is supported by the supporting portion 57a of the driving side cover 57, which is a part of the toner frame 55.

The memory tag 90T is disposed such that the conductive portion 90a points in a direction intersecting the axial direction LD. Therefore, an angle formed by the normal direction 90g of the surface 90f1 and the direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD is smaller than an angle formed by the normal direction 90g of the surface 90f1 and the axial direction LD. In the present embodiment, the normal direction 90g of the surface 90f1 is parallel to the direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD. Therefore, the angle formed is 0 degrees.

Further, the conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90T is provided to be directed in the mounting direction TDA. In other words, the conductive portion 90a is disposed on the downstream side of the substrate 90f with respect to the mounting direction TDA. Further, an angle formed by the attachment and detachment direction TD and the normal direction 90g may be preferably smaller than an angle formed by a direction perpendicular to the attachment and detachment direction TD and the normal direction 90g, and the normal direction 90g may be more preferably parallel to the attachment and detachment direction TD.

Further, in a state where the toner cartridge T is mounted in the apparatus main assembly 100A, the memory tag 90T is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction and the vertical direction so that the conductive portion 90A is directed downward with respect to the vertical direction.

As shown in fig. 12 and 13, with respect to the axial direction LD, the entire memory tag 90T is disposed between the toner driving end 55a1 and the toner non-driving end 55a 2. In the present embodiment, the entire memory tag 90T is disposed between the toner driving end 55a1 and the center 55a3 of the toner frame 55 with respect to the axial direction LD. In other words, the entire memory tag 90T is disposed on the driving side of the toner frame 55 (the driving side of the toner cartridge T) with respect to the axial direction LD.

With respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90T and the toner driving end 55a1 is shorter than the distance between the conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90T and the toner non-driving end 55a 2. Further, the distance between the conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90T and the toner driving end 55a1 is shorter than the distance between the conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90T and the center 55a3 of the toner frame 55. That is, the conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90T is closer to the toner driving end 55a1 than to the toner non-driving end 55a2 and the center 55a3 of the toner frame 55 with respect to the axial direction LD. The conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90T is disposed between the toner discharge opening 61 and the toner driving end 55a1 with respect to the axial direction LD.

In the present embodiment, the distance between the entire memory tag 90T and the toner driving end 55a1 is shorter than the distance between the entire memory tag 90T and the toner non-driving end 55a2 with respect to the axial direction LD. Further, the distance between the entire memory tag 90T and the toner driving end 55a1 is shorter than the distance between the entire memory tag 90T and the center 55a3 of the toner frame 55. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the entire memory tag 90T is closer to the toner driving end 55a1 than to the toner non-driving end 55a2 and the center 55a3 of the toner frame 55. With respect to the axial direction LD, the entire memory tag 90T is disposed between the toner discharge opening 61 and the toner driving end 55a 1.

Further, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the toner discharge opening 61 and the toner driving end 55a1 is shorter than the distance between the toner discharge opening 61 and the toner non-driving end 55a 2. The distance between the toner receiving opening 84 and the toner non-drive end 55a2 is shorter than the distance between the toner receiving opening 84 and the toner drive end 55a 1.

With respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the conductive portion 90a and the toner driving end 55a1 is shorter than the distance between the toner driving end 55a1 and the toner collection chamber 54. Further, the distance between the conductive portion 90a and the toner non-driving end 55a2 is longer than the distance between the toner collection chamber 54 and the toner non-driving end 55a 2. Further, the distance between the conductive portion 90a and the toner driving end 55a1 is shorter than the distance between the toner driving end 55a1 and the partition wall 55 b. The distance between the conductive portion 90a and the toner driving end 55a1 is shorter than the distance between the toner driving end 55a1 and the toner discharge opening 84. That is, the conductive portion 90a is closer to the toner driving end 55a1 than each of the toner collecting chamber 54, the partition wall 55b, and the toner receiving opening 84 with respect to the axial direction LD.

That is, in the toner cartridge T of the present embodiment, the toner collection chamber 54 and the toner receiving opening 84 are provided on the non-driving side of the toner cartridge T, and the conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90T is provided on the driving side of the memory tag 90T.

The distance between the conductive portion 90a and the toner driving end 55a1 is shorter than the distance between the toner driving end 55a1 and the toner discharge opening 61. Further, the distance between the conductive portion 90a and the toner driving end 55a1 is shorter than the distance between the toner accommodating chamber 53 and the toner driving end 55a1. That is, the conductive portion 90a is closer to the toner driving end 55a1 than the toner discharge opening 61 and the toner accommodating chamber 53 with respect to the axial direction LD.

Further, with respect to the axial direction LD, the region (range) in which the pump portion 65 exists and the region (range) in which the memory tag 90T and the conductive portion 90a exist at least partially overlap each other.

Thereby, the pump portion 65 and the conductive portion 90a can be disposed in a space-saving manner with respect to the axial direction LD.

Thereby, the degree of freedom in design of each of the toner accommodating chamber 53, the toner collecting chamber 54, the toner discharge opening 61, the toner receiving opening 84, the memory tag 90T, and the conductive portion 90a can be improved. For example, a space in which the toner collection chamber 54 and the toner receiving opening 84 are provided and a space in which the conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90T and the main assembly contact 92 are provided can be easily ensured.

Further, with respect to the axial direction LD, a gap is formed between the conductive portion 90a, the toner discharge opening 61, and the toner receiving opening 84 (these portions are disposed offset from each other), thereby suppressing toner deposition on the conductive portion 90 a. The conductive portion 90a is provided on the driving side of the toner frame 55, and the toner receiving opening 84 is provided on the non-driving side of the toner frame 55, thereby suppressing the collected toner from depositing on the conductive portion 90 a.

When the toner cartridge T is mounted in the apparatus main assembly 100A and mounted to the process cartridge P, the reaction force from the apparatus main assembly 100A and the process cartridge P acts on the memory tag 90T of the toner cartridge T, a shutter (not shown) for closing the toner discharge opening 61, and a receiving opening shutter 85 for closing the toner receiving opening 84. When the memory tag 90T, the toner discharge opening 61, and the toner receiving opening 84 are provided together on the driving side or the non-driving side, the reaction force acting on these portions is concentrated at the driving side or the non-driving side to tilt the toner cartridge T. On the other hand, the memory tag 90T, the toner discharge opening 61, and the toner receiving opening 84 are provided and distributed to the driving side and the non-driving side, thereby suppressing concentration of the reaction force and thus suppressing tilting of the toner cartridge T.

< positioning of toner cartridge and arrangement of memory tag >

The relationship between the configuration concerning the positioning of the toner cartridge T and the arrangement of the memory tag 90T will be described using part (a) of fig. 12, 15 and fig. 23. Fig. 23 is a sectional view for illustrating the mounting of the toner cartridge T to the process cartridge P.

Fig. 23 is a sectional view of the state in which the toner cartridge T is mounted in the apparatus main assembly 100A, as viewed from the driving side of the toner cartridge T. Incidentally, in fig. 23, a part of the members of the toner cartridge T are omitted.

The toner cartridge T includes a portion to be positioned 55c1 positioned by the process cartridge P and a force receiving portion 55c2 pressed by the apparatus main assembly 100A. Each of the portion to be positioned 55c1 and the force receiving portion 55c2 is a projection provided on a side surface of the toner frame 55 and projecting toward the axial direction LD.

The process cartridge P includes a toner cartridge positioning portion 45 for positioning the toner cartridge T. Further, the apparatus main assembly 100A of the printer 100 includes a toner cartridge pressing portion 110 for holding the toner cartridge T at a predetermined position. The toner cartridge pressing portion 110 is pressed toward a predetermined direction by a spring or the like.

As shown in fig. 23, when the toner cartridge T is mounted in the apparatus main assembly 100A and the process cartridge P, the portion to be positioned 55c1 abuts against the toner cartridge positioning portion 45 of the process cartridge P. Thereby, the portion to be positioned 55c1 of the toner cartridge T is positioned with respect to the mounting direction TDA. Further, with respect to the direction perpendicular to the mounting direction TDA and toward the downstream of the vertical direction, the portion to be positioned 55c1 of the toner cartridge T abuts against the toner cartridge positioning portion 45 and is positioned.

Further, the driving-side toner guide 51 is provided with a driving-side rotation stopper 51a. The driving-side rotation stopper contacts the apparatus main assembly 100A, thereby inhibiting the toner cartridge T from rotating about the portion to be positioned 55c 1.

When the toner cartridge T is driven by the apparatus main assembly 100A, the first toner coupling 75 is driven in the counterclockwise direction in part (a) of fig. 15 and fig. 23. As a result, a force in the counterclockwise direction acts on the toner cartridge T. When the toner cartridge T rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the portion to be positioned 55c1 is separated from the toner cartridge positioning portion 45, thereby making the position of the toner cartridge T uncertain.

Accordingly, the force receiving portion 55c2 of the toner cartridge T is pressed by the toner cartridge pressing portion 110 of the apparatus main assembly 100A, thereby suppressing the separation of the portion to be positioned 55c1 from the toner cartridge positioning portion 45.

The force receiving portion 55c2 is provided on the downstream side of the portion to be positioned 55c1 with respect to the rotational direction of the first toner coupling 75. The toner cartridge pressing portion 110 presses the pressure receiving portion 55c2 in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the toner cartridge T.

Further, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the direction of the force received by the force receiving portion 55c2 from the toner cartridge pressing portion 110 is the direction in which the movement of the toner cartridge T in the removal direction TDD is prohibited. In order to reduce the burden on the user who performs the mounting and dismounting of the toner cartridge T, the force generated by the toner cartridge pressing portion 110 may preferably be small. In order to suppress the rotation of the toner cartridge T with a small force, the distance between the force receiving portion 55c2 and the first toner coupling 75 may preferably be long. In the present embodiment, the distance between the rotation center of the first toner coupling member 75 and the portion to be positioned 55c1 and the distance between the rotation center of the first toner coupling member 75 and the force receiving portion 55c1 are almost the same with respect to the direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD.

The above-described configuration in which the toner cartridge T is pressed toward the process cartridge P is also provided on the non-driving side of the toner cartridge T. The configuration of the non-driving side is similar to the above-described configuration of the driving side, and thus, a description will be omitted.

Next, the positional relationship among the memory tag 90T, the portion to be positioned 55a1, and the force receiving portion 55c2 will be described.

Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the normal direction 90g of the surface 90f1 of the conductive portion 90a on which the memory tag 90T is mounted and the mounting and dismounting direction TD of the toner cartridge T are directions substantially parallel to each other.

The memory tag 90T is provided on the driving side of the toner cartridge T, and when the memory tag 90T is mounted in the printer 100, the conductive portion 90A and the main assembly contact 92 provided in the apparatus main assembly 100A are in contact with each other, thereby establishing communication of the memory tag 90T with the controller 107.

At this time, in order to secure the stability of communication, the main assembly contact 92 contacts the conductive portion 90A in a state where the conductive portion 90A is pressed along the normal direction 90 g. When the position of the memory tag 90T is deviated in a state where the conductive portion 90a is pressed by the main assembly contact 92, the surface of the conductive portion 90a is worn out in some cases.

In order to suppress abrasion of the surface of the conductive portion 90a, positional deviation of the memory tag 90T may be preferably suppressed. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the memory tag 90T is provided near the portion to be positioned 55c1 and the force receiving portion 55c 2.

Specifically, with respect to the mounting and dismounting direction TD of the toner cartridge T, the distance between the memory tag 90T and the portion to be positioned 55c1 and the distance between the memory tag 90T and the force receiving portion 55c2 are shorter than the distance between the memory tag 90T and the first toner coupling 75. Further, the memory tag 90T is disposed so as to overlap the force receiving portion 55c2 at least partially with respect to a direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD and the normal direction 90g of the surface 90f 1.

With the above configuration, abrasion of the conductive portion 90a of the memory tag 90T can be reduced.

< modified example >

Incidentally, the process cartridge P of the present embodiment has a configuration in which: the electrostatic latent image is developed with the toner supplied from the toner cartridge 1, and the toner collected from the photosensitive drum 12 is fed toward the toner cartridge T. However, the configuration related to the protection of the memory tag 90T by the first to fourth projections 91a to 91d and the configuration of supporting the memory tag 90T by the mounting member 91 are also applicable to the process cartridges other than the process cartridge P of the present embodiment. For example, these configurations are also applicable to a type of process cartridge in which toner is not supplied from the toner cartridge T. In this case, the toner collected from the photosensitive drum 12 remains in the cleaning collection chamber 19.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A cartridge, comprising:

a photosensitive drum rotatable about an axis extending in an axial direction;

a memory including a memory element configured to store information, a memory contact electrically connected to the memory element, and a substrate having a surface on which the memory contact is disposed; and

a frame supporting the photosensitive drum, the substrate being mounted on the frame, and the frame including a first end with respect to an axial direction, and a second end opposite to the first end,

wherein the frame includes a container provided with a receiving chamber for receiving the developer collected from the photosensitive drum and an opening communicating with the receiving chamber, and a mounting member mounted on the container to cover the opening, and

wherein the mounting member includes a support portion for supporting the substrate.

2. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein a mounting member is coupled to the container.

3. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein a distance between the second end and a memory contact is shorter than a distance between the first end and a memory contact with respect to an axial direction.

4. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein a distance between the second end and the mounting member is shorter than a distance between the first end and the mounting member with respect to an axial direction.

5. The cartridge of claim 1, wherein a distance between the memory contact and the second end is shorter than a distance between a center of the frame and the memory contact with respect to the axial direction.

6. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the normal direction of the surface is a direction intersecting with the axial direction.

7. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the mounting member includes a first projection provided between the memory contact and the second end with respect to the axial direction, and includes a second projection provided between the first projection and the second end with respect to the axial direction, and

wherein the second projection and the base plate at least partially overlap each other when viewed in the axial direction.

8. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a developing unit including a developing roller,

Wherein the developing unit is connected to a drum unit including the photosensitive drum, the memory, and the frame.

9. A cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the drum unit further includes a drum driving member for driving the photosensitive drum, and a distance between the drum driving member and the first end is shorter than a distance between the drum driving member and the second end with respect to the axial direction.

10. A cartridge according to claim 9, wherein the developing unit further includes a developing drive member for driving the developing roller, and a distance between the developing drive member and the first end is shorter than a distance between the developing drive member and the second end with respect to the axial direction.

11. The cartridge of claim 10, further comprising a developer roller contact electrically connected to the developer roller,

wherein a distance between the developing roller contact and the second end is shorter than a distance between the developing roller contact and the first end with respect to the axial direction.

12. The cartridge of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising:

a charging member configured to charge the photosensitive drum; and

a charging contact electrically connected to the charging member,

wherein a distance between the charging contact and the second end is shorter than a distance between the charging contact and the first end with respect to the axial direction.

13. An image forming apparatus comprising:

the cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and 9 to 11; and

a main assembly to which the cartridge is detachably mountable,

wherein the cartridge is configured to be mounted to the main assembly toward a direction intersecting the axial direction.

14. A cartridge, comprising:

a photosensitive drum rotatable about an axis extending in an axial direction;

a memory including a memory element configured to store information, a memory contact electrically connected to the memory element, and a substrate having a surface on which the memory contact is provided, wherein the substrate is disposed such that a normal direction of the surface intersects with an axial direction;

a frame supporting the photosensitive drum, the substrate being mounted on the frame, and the frame including a first end with respect to an axial direction and a second end opposite to the first end, a first projection, a second projection, a third projection, and a fourth projection,

wherein the distance between the memory contact and said second end is shorter than the distance between the centre of the frame and the memory contact with respect to the axial direction,

wherein, with respect to the axial direction, a first projection is adjacent to the base plate and is disposed between the base plate and the second end, a second projection is disposed between the first projection and the second end, a third projection is disposed between the base plate and the first end, and a fourth projection is disposed between the third projection and the first end, and

Wherein the first projecting portion and the third projecting portion project with respect to the surface toward an exposure direction parallel to the normal direction and in which the memory contact is exposed, the second projecting portion projects with respect to the first projecting portion, and the fourth projecting portion projects with respect to the third projecting portion.

15. The cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the fourth projection projects with respect to the second projection toward the exposure direction.

16. The cartridge of claim 14, wherein the base plate and the second projection at least partially overlap each other when viewed in the axial direction.

17. The cartridge of claim 14, wherein the frame includes a reinforcing rib connected to at least any one of the first projection and the third projection.

18. A cartridge according to claim 14, wherein said frame includes a container provided with a housing chamber for housing the developer collected from the photosensitive drum, and a mounting member including a mounting member mounted on the container, and

19. The cartridge of claim 18, wherein the mounting member comprises a first projection, a second projection, and a third projection, and the container comprises a fourth projection.

20. The cartridge according to claim 14, wherein a distance between the fourth projection and the second end is shorter than a distance between the fourth projection and a center of the frame with respect to the axial direction.

21. The cassette of claim 14, wherein the substrate is supported by the frame when viewed in a direction opposite to the exposure direction such that the substrate is exposed as a whole.

22. The cartridge according to claim 14, wherein at an end of the second projection with respect to the exposure direction, the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface are inclined with respect to the axial direction and the exposure direction.

23. The cartridge according to any one of claims 14 to 22, further comprising a developing unit including a developing roller,

24. A cartridge according to claim 23, wherein the drum unit further includes a drum driving member for driving the photosensitive drum, and a distance between the drum driving member and the first end is shorter than a distance between the drum driving member and the second end with respect to the axial direction.

25. A cartridge according to claim 24, wherein the developing unit further includes a developing drive member for driving the developing roller, and a distance between the developing drive member and the first end is shorter than a distance between the developing drive member and the second end with respect to the axial direction.

26. The cartridge of claim 25, further comprising a developer roller contact electrically connected to the developer roller,

27. The cartridge of any one of claims 14 to 22, further comprising:

a charging member configured to charge the photosensitive drum; and

a charging contact electrically connected to the charging member,

28. The cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the normal direction is a direction intersecting the axial direction.

29. An image forming apparatus comprising:

the cartridge of any one of claims 14 to 22, 24 to 26 and 28; and

a main assembly to which the cartridge is detachably mountable,

30. A cartridge, comprising:

a photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction;

a rotatable member rotatable about a second axis extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction;

a frame supporting the photosensitive drum and the rotatable member, the substrate being mounted on the frame, and the frame including a first end with respect to a first direction and a second end opposite to the first end,

wherein the memory contact is positioned between the second axis and a straight line passing through the rotation center of the photosensitive drum and extending in the second direction when viewed in the first direction.

31. The cartridge of claim 30, wherein the rotatable member is a screw.

32. The cartridge of claim 30, wherein a distance between the second end and a memory contact is shorter than a distance between the first end and a memory contact relative to a first direction.

33. The cartridge of claim 32, wherein a distance between the memory contact and the second end is shorter than a distance between a center of the frame and the memory contact relative to the first direction.

34. The cartridge of claim 30, wherein a distance between the second axis and the second end is shorter than a distance between the second axis and the first end relative to the first direction.

35. The cartridge according to claim 30, wherein the normal direction of the surface is a direction intersecting the first direction.

36. The cartridge of claim 35, wherein a normal direction of the surface is inclined relative to the second direction when viewed in the first direction.

37. The cartridge according to claim 30, wherein the frame includes a receiving chamber in which the rotatable member is received, and includes an opening through which the receiving chamber communicates with an outside of the frame.

38. The cartridge according to any one of claims 30 to 37, further comprising a developing unit including a developing roller,

39. A cartridge according to claim 38, wherein the drum unit further includes a drum driving member for driving the photosensitive drum, and a distance between the drum driving member and the first end is shorter than a distance between the drum driving member and the second end with respect to the first direction.

40. A cartridge according to claim 39, wherein the developing unit further includes a developing drive member for driving the developing roller, and a distance between the developing drive member and the first end is shorter than a distance between the developing drive member and the second end with respect to the first direction.

41. The cartridge of claim 40, further comprising a developer roller contact electrically connected to the developer roller,

wherein a distance between the developing roller contact and the second end is shorter than a distance between the developing roller contact and the first end with respect to the first direction.

42. The cartridge of claim 41, wherein the developer roller contact is disposed between the line and the second axis when viewed in the first direction.

43. A cartridge according to claim 40, wherein the developing drive member is configured to drive the rotatable member.

44. The cartridge of claim 30, further comprising:

a charging member configured to charge the photosensitive drum; and

a charging contact electrically connected to the charging member,

wherein, with respect to the first direction, a distance between the charging contact and the second end is shorter than a distance between the charging contact and the first end.

45. The cartridge of claim 44, wherein the charging contact is disposed between the line and the second axis when viewed in the first direction.

46. An image forming apparatus comprising:

the cartridge of any one of claims 30 to 37, 39 to 43 and 45; and

a main assembly to which the cartridge is detachably mountable,

Wherein the cartridge is configured to be mounted to the main assembly toward a direction intersecting the first direction.

47. A toner cartridge, comprising:

a first rotatable member rotatable about an axis extending in an axial direction;

a frame provided with a first chamber for accommodating toner, and a second chamber, a first opening, and a second opening, wherein,

(i) The frame includes a wall for partitioning between the first chamber and the second chamber to prevent toner from moving between the first chamber and the second chamber,

(ii) The frame includes a first end opposite to the first end with respect to the axial direction, and a second end opposite to the first end with respect to the axial direction

(iii) The first chamber receiving the first rotatable member, the first opening allowing communication between the exterior of the frame and the first chamber, the second opening allowing communication between the exterior of the frame and the second chamber; and

a memory including a memory element configured to store information, and a memory contact electrically connected to the memory element,

wherein a distance between the memory contact and the first end is shorter than a distance between the memory contact and the second end, and a distance between the second opening and the second end is shorter than a distance between the second opening and the first end, with respect to the axial direction.

48. The toner cartridge according to claim 47, wherein a distance between the second chamber and the second end is shorter than a distance between the second chamber and the first end with respect to the axial direction.

49. The toner cartridge of claim 47, wherein the second chamber is disposed between the first chamber and the second end with respect to the axial direction.

50. The toner cartridge of claim 47, wherein a distance between the memory contact and the first end is shorter than a distance between a center of the frame and the memory contact with respect to the axial direction.

51. The toner cartridge according to claim 50, wherein a distance between the second opening and the second end is shorter than a distance between a center of the frame and the second opening with respect to the axial direction.

52. The toner cartridge of claim 47, wherein a distance between the first opening and the first end is shorter than a distance between the first opening and the second end with respect to the axial direction.

53. The toner cartridge of claim 52, wherein, with respect to the axial direction, a memory contact is disposed between the first opening and the first end.

54. The toner cartridge according to claim 47, wherein the first opening allows discharging the toner accommodated in the first chamber.

55. The toner cartridge according to claim 47, further comprising a second rotatable member housed in the second chamber,

wherein the direction of the rotation axis of the second rotatable member is a direction intersecting the axial direction.

56. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 47 to 55, further comprising a driving member configured to drive the first rotatable member,

wherein the distance between the first end and the drive member is shorter than the distance between the second end and the drive member with respect to the axial direction.

57. The toner cartridge according to claim 56, further comprising a pump portion configured to deliver air toward the first chamber,

wherein the range in which the pump part is present and the range in which the reservoir contact is present at least partially overlap each other with respect to the axial direction.

58. The toner cartridge according to claim 57, wherein the frame includes a first container provided with a first chamber, a second container provided with a second chamber, and a cover covering at least a portion of the pump portion and a portion of the driving member, and

wherein the reservoir is supported by the cover.

59. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 47 to 55, further comprising a light guiding member, a portion of the light guiding member being exposed to the second chamber,

Wherein a distance between the light guiding member and the second end is shorter than a distance between the light guiding member and the first end with respect to the axial direction.

60. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 47 to 55, wherein a volume of the first chamber is larger than a volume of the second chamber.

61. The toner cartridge of any of claims 47-55, wherein the second chamber is configured to receive toner through the second opening.

62. An image forming apparatus comprising:

the toner cartridge according to any one of claims 47 to 55, 57, and 58;

a main assembly to which the toner cartridge is detachably mountable;

a photosensitive drum;

a developing roller configured to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum with toner discharged through the first opening; and

and a feeding member configured to feed the toner collected from the photosensitive drum toward the second opening.