JP2007047399A - Process cartridge, developing device and electrophotographic image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to transport an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in a state in which a process cartridge is stored inside an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, to reduce a packing material for shipping and space required for the shipping and to protect a contact point between an apparatus main body side connector and a memory tag when the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is transported in a state in which the process cartridge stored inside the main body. <P>SOLUTION: The process cartridge which is attachable and detachable to and from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is provided with: an electrophotographic photoreceptor; a developing member for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photoreceptor; a storage container for developer storing the developer which is supplied to a developer carrier; a sealing member sealing the developer container until use is started for the process cartridge, separating the developer storing container and a developing container holding the developer carrier and removed when use is started for the process cartridge; a handle member grasped when the sealing member is removed; and a memory member which is a storage means and has the contact point for electrically connecting with the main body electrical contact part provided on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body when the process cartridge is attached to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. When the process cartridge is attached to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus in a state in which the sealing member is not removed, the contact part of the memory member and the main body electrical contact part are separated by the handle member or the sealing member. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a process cartridge and a developing device that can be attached to and detached from a main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which the process cartridge and the developing device are detachably attached.

  Here, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic image forming process. For example, an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (for example, an LED printer, a laser beam printer, etc.) , An electrophotographic facsimile machine, an electrophotographic word processor, and the like. Further, as the process cartridge, a charging unit, a developing unit or a cleaning unit and an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the process cartridge can be attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Further, it means that at least the developing means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrated into a cartridge so that it can be attached to and detached from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body.

  An electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a printer (hereinafter referred to as an image forming apparatus) forms a latent image by selectively exposing a uniformly charged electrophotographic photosensitive body (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum), The latent image is visualized with a developer (hereinafter referred to as toner), and the visualized toner image is transferred to a recording medium for image recording. Such an apparatus must be replenished every time the toner runs out, but this toner replenishment operation is troublesome and may be contaminated. In addition, maintenance of each member can be performed only by a professional service person, and the user is often inconvenient.

  Therefore, the photosensitive drum, the charger, the developing unit, the cleaning unit, etc. are integrated into a cartridge so that the user can replenish the toner and increase the service life by attaching the process cartridge to the main body of the image forming apparatus. Parts that have been made replaceable, such as photoreceptor drums, that are easy to maintain have been put to practical use.

  Further, in such a process cartridge, a developer container that holds and stores a developer carrier (hereinafter referred to as a developing roller) that applies toner to the photosensitive drum, and a developer container that stores toner to be supplied to the developer container. (Hereinafter referred to as a toner storage container), and a seal member is used to seal the toner in the toner storage container until the start of use, and to isolate the developing container from the toner storage container in order to prevent toner scattering. ing. The seal member is configured to be removed when the process cartridge is used. The seal member is pulled out from the inside of the cartridge before mounting the process cartridge in the main body of the image forming apparatus, thereby opening the opening of the toner storage container storing the toner, and supplying the toner to the developing container and the developing roller. It is possible to supply.

Further, there is known a process cartridge having a handle member that can be gripped by the user at an end of the seal member so that the user can easily pull out the seal member. Some handle members are formed integrally with the toner storage container, and when the user removes the seal member, the handle member is separated from the toner storage frame. In such a case, the separation part of the handle is provided with a step or a notch so that stress concentrates on the separation part and is easily separated. (For example, see Patent Document 1)
Further, in recent years, a product in which a memory member (hereinafter referred to as a memory tag) as a storage means for various service information and process information is mounted on a process cartridge has been realized. The image forming apparatus uses the information recorded in the memory tag to further improve image quality and process cartridge maintenance. The memory tag has a contact portion (hereinafter referred to as a memory tag contact portion) for electrical connection with a main body electrical contact portion provided in an electrical connection means (hereinafter referred to as a connector) provided in the image forming apparatus main body. In addition, there is an image forming apparatus that performs electrical communication by electrical connection with a memory tag of a process cartridge. In such an apparatus, a configuration is known in which a connector on the apparatus main body side and a memory tag are in contact with each other in a state where the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body.

On the other hand, as a physical distribution form of the image forming apparatus and the process cartridge, conventionally, the image forming apparatus and the process cartridge are packed in separate boxes, or the image forming apparatus main body and the process cartridge are packed in one box. It has been. The process cartridge is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus at the time of use and is positioned at an image formable position. Among them, for the purpose of reducing the volume of the box when packing the image forming apparatus main body and the process cartridge into one box and increasing the distribution efficiency, the process cartridge can be packed in the state where it is mounted in the image forming apparatus main body. Proposed, the first mounting means for mounting and holding the process cartridge at an image formable position, and the second mounting means for mounting and holding the process cartridge at a position different from the image forming position An image forming apparatus main body is known. (For example, see Patent Document 2)
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-282779 (page 11-15, Fig. 5, 8, 10, 11, 14, 16, 19-24) JP 07-104637 (see FIG. 2)

  Conventionally, when packing and transporting a process cartridge mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, protection of a drive transmission portion from the image forming apparatus main body to the process cartridge, a contact portion between the photosensitive drum and the transfer roller, and a memory tag In some cases, it is desirable to protect the contact portion of the device and to take measures against vibration and shock that the entire process cartridge is subjected to during transportation.

  A first object according to the present application is to enable transport of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in a state where a process cartridge is accommodated in the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and to provide a packaging material for transportation of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a space required for transportation. Is to reduce.

  The second object of the present application is to protect the connector on the apparatus body side and the contact portion of the memory tag when the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is transported in a state where the process cartridge is accommodated in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus body. That is.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to the present application develops an electrophotographic photosensitive member and an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member in a process cartridge that is detachable from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The developer container, a developer container that contains the developer supplied to the developer carrier, and the developer container and the developer carrier that are sealed until the process cartridge is used. A seal member that is separated from a developing container that holds a body and is removed when the process cartridge is used, a handle member that is gripped when the seal member is removed, and a storage unit, the process cartridge being the electrophotographic Contact portion for electrically connecting to a main body electrical contact portion provided in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body when mounted on the image forming apparatus main body When the process cartridge is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus with the memory member having and without removing the seal member, the grip member or the seal member causes the contact portion of the memory member to A process cartridge characterized in that the main body electrical contact portion is spaced apart.

  According to a second aspect of the present application, in a process cartridge detachable from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a developing member for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, A developer storage container for storing a developer to be supplied to the development carrier, and a development for holding the developer storage container and the development carrier by sealing the developer storage container until the use of the process cartridge is started. A seal member that is isolated from the container and removed when the process cartridge starts to be used; a grip member that is gripped when the seal member is removed; and a storage unit, wherein the process cartridge is attached to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. A memory member having a contact portion for electrically connecting to a main body electrical contact portion provided in the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus when mounted; The grip member or the seal member covers the contact portion of the memory member when the process cartridge is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus without the seal member being removed. This is a featured process cartridge.

  A third invention according to the present application is the process cartridge, wherein the handle member is detachably provided in the developer container or another frame of the process cartridge.

  As described above, the present invention provides a memory tag contact by providing a handle member or a seal member between the connector of the main body electrical contact portion provided in the image forming apparatus main body and the memory tag contact portion. The image forming apparatus main body can be packed and transported and transported in a state where the process cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus main body without adding a cover member for protecting the portion. As a result, the individual packaging box can be made smaller and the transportation / transport efficiency can be increased.

  In addition, when starting to use the process cartridge, it is possible to avoid forgetting to remove the cover member that protects the memory tag contact portion.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Description of image forming apparatus and image forming process)
First, an image forming apparatus main body A to which a process cartridge B configured according to the present invention is detachably mounted will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In this embodiment, an electrophotographic laser beam printer will be described as an example. After the process cartridge B is mounted at the image forming position of the image forming apparatus main body A, the photosensitive drum 9 is charged by a charging roller 10 as charging means, and then a laser diode, a polygon mirror, a lens, a reflection mirror, etc. By irradiating the laser beam L corresponding to the image information from the optical means 1 having, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the photosensitive drum 9. The electrostatic latent image is developed with toner by a developing unit to be a visible image, that is, a toner image.

  The developing means includes a developing sleeve 11 incorporating a magnet roller therein, a developing blade 25 as a toner amount regulating member for applying a triboelectric charge to the toner on the surface of the developing sleeve 11 and forming a toner layer having a predetermined thickness. The developing chamber 13 and the toner storage chamber 22 are formed by welding and integrating the developing frame body 22f1 and the lid member 22f2. The toner storage chamber 22 stores toner. In the toner storage chamber 22, a stirring member 16 that stirs the toner and feeds the toner into the developing chamber 13 is provided. By the rotation of the stirring member 16, the toner in the toner storage chamber 22 is sent out to the developing sleeve 11 in the developing chamber 13. Then, the toner adheres to the surface of the developing sleeve 11 containing the magnet roller, is conveyed by the rotation of the developing sleeve 11, is given a triboelectric charge by the developing blade 25, and develops a toner layer having a predetermined thickness. Formed on the sleeve 11 and conveyed to the developing area of the photosensitive drum 9. The toner supplied to the development area is transferred to an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 9 to form a toner image. The developing sleeve 11 is connected to a developing bias circuit, and normally, a developing bias voltage in which a DC voltage is superimposed on an AC voltage is applied.

  On the other hand, the recording medium 2 set in the recording medium cassette 3a is conveyed to the transfer position by the pickup roller 3b and the conveying roller pair 3c in synchronization with the toner image formation described above. A transfer roller 4 as a transfer unit is disposed at the transfer position, and a toner image on the photosensitive drum 9 is transferred to the recording medium 2 by applying a voltage to the transfer roller 4.

  The recording medium 2 that has received the transfer of the toner image is conveyed to the fixing unit 5 via the conveyance guide 3d. The fixing unit 5 includes a driving roller 5c and a fixing roller 5b incorporating a heater 5a, and fixes the transferred toner image on the recording medium 2 by applying heat and pressure to the passing recording medium 2. Thereafter, the recording medium 2 is discharged to the discharge tray 6 by the discharge roller pairs 3e and 3f. The discharge tray 6 is provided on the upper surface of the image forming apparatus A. The pickup roller 3b, the conveyance roller pair 3c, the conveyance guide 3d, the discharge roller pairs 3e, 3f, and the like constitute conveyance means for the recording medium 2. The photosensitive drum 9 after the toner image is transferred to the recording medium 2 by the transfer roller 4 is subjected to the next image forming process after the toner agent remaining on the photosensitive drum 9 is removed by the cleaning unit 17. The cleaning means 17 scrapes off the residual toner on the photosensitive drum 9 by an elastic cleaning blade 17a provided in contact with the photosensitive drum 9, and collects it in the removed toner reservoir 17b.

  Next, the process cartridge B that is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus main body A will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Description of process cartridge)
The process cartridge B includes a developing device unit 19 and a photoreceptor unit 24. The developing device unit 19 formed integrally by welding the developing frame 22f1 and the lid member 22f2 holds developing means such as the developing sleeve 11 and the developing blade 25. Further, the developing device unit 19 is formed so that the developing chamber 13 and the toner storage chamber 22 for storing toner are communicated with each other through a toner supply opening 22e. The photoconductor unit 24 is formed by attaching the photoconductor drum 9, the cleaning means 17 such as the elastic cleaning blade 17a, the charging roller 10 and the like to the cleaning frame 12c.

(Description of toner seal member)
Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the toner storage chamber 22 for storing toner is sealed until the process cartridge B is used, and the toner storage chamber 22 and the developing chamber 13 are separated from each other in order to prevent the toner from scattering. The sealing member 30 to be described will be described. FIG. 3A is a diagram for explaining the state before the seal member 30 is attached. FIG. 3B is an explanatory view in which a seal member 30 is attached. FIG. 3C illustrates a state in which the seal member 30 is folded back. FIG. 3D is a diagram illustrating a state in which developing means such as the developing sleeve 11 and the developing blade 25 are attached.

  The seal member 30 seals the toner storage chamber 22 by separating the toner storage chamber 22 for storing toner and the developing chamber 13 until the use of the process cartridge B is started, and is removed when the process cartridge B is used. . The seal member 30 is configured by laminating a base material layer (biaxially stretched nylon film) and a cushion layer (low-density polyethylene) on a PET (polyester) film, and a heat-welding layer (sealant layer) on an attachment surface. As shown in FIG. 3A, the seal member 30 is attached to the periphery of the toner supply opening 22e so as to close the toner supply opening 22e of the toner storage chamber 22.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the seal member 30 has a length of about twice or more the longitudinal dimension of the toner supply opening 22e, and substantially half of the length. Is attached to the periphery of the toner supply opening 22e so as to close the toner supply opening 22e. Then, the other part to which the seal member 30 is not attached is folded back at one end 30a in the longitudinal direction of the toner supply opening 22e and overlapped with the part blocking the toner supply opening 22e. The end 30b of the seal member 30 is pulled out from the hole 22g at the end formed in the body 22f1.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3D, the developing blade 25 is attached to the developing frame 22f1. The developing sleeve 11 is positioned on the developing frame 22f1 by the side covers 37a and 37b. At this time, the gear 41 side of the developing sleeve 11 is used as a side cover 37b. Arms 38a and 38b protrude from the side covers 37a and 37b toward the cleaning frame 12c, and are provided in the longitudinal coupling holes 39a and 39b and the cleaning frame 12c provided at the ends of the arms 38a and 38b. The cleaning frame body 12c and the side covers 37a and 37b can be rotatably coupled by a pin (not shown) that fits into a coupling hole (not shown). Then, compression coil springs (not shown) on the arm portions 38a and 38b are contracted between the cleaning frame 12c, and the spacers 40a and 40b on both sides of the developing sleeve 11 and the photosensitive drum 7 are in pressure contact.

  Further, when the side cover 37a is attached to the developing device frame 22f1, the end 30b of the seal member 30 is pulled out through the through hole 37a1 of the side cover 37a. As shown in FIG. 3D, the side cover 37a is provided with a handle member 37c serving as a handle portion. The handle member 37c is integrally formed with the side cover 37a, and a connecting portion (not shown) connected to the side cover 37a is formed so as to be able to be separated with a particularly small thickness. The end 30b of the seal member 30 drawn out from the through hole 37a1 of the side cover 37a is further heat-welded to the handle member 37c and fixed through the hole 37c2 of the handle member 37c.

  Further, as will be described later, the handle member 37c bends approximately 90 ° in the direction of the arrow U when the process cartridge B is attached to the image forming apparatus main body A. (See FIG. 3 (d)). Immediately before using the new process cartridge B, the user raises the seal member 30 and the handle member 37c in the direction of the arrow V, and further depresses them to separate them at a thin connection portion (not shown), and the handle member 37c. Is grasped by hand and pulled out in the longitudinal direction of the seal member 30, the seal member 30 is torn and removed. As a result, the toner supply opening 22e of the toner storage chamber 22 is opened.

(Description of means for attaching process cartridge to image forming apparatus)
Next, means for attaching the process cartridge B to the image forming apparatus main body A will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4, 5, and 6. FIG. The process cartridge B is detachably mounted on a cartridge mounting portion 8 provided in the image forming apparatus main body A. The mounting means for detachably mounting the process cartridge B is disposed at an accessible position by opening the openable / closable cartridge cover (open / close cover) 14 with respect to the concealed body of the image forming apparatus main body A. Yes. FIG. 1 shows the cartridge mounting portion with the cartridge cover 14 opened.

  In FIG. 5, a cartridge mounting guide member 15 is attached to both left and right wall surfaces (not shown) of the cartridge mounting portion 8 (only one side is shown in FIG. 5). Each of the left and right cartridge mounting guide members 15 includes guide portions 15a and 15c that serve as guides when the process cartridge B is inserted, and a cartridge positioning portion that is formed continuously with the guide portion 15a and positions the process cartridge B. 15b. Note that the guide portion 15c is bent downward in the vicinity of the vicinity of the cartridge positioning portion 15b.

  The guide portion 15a guides bosses 12c1 (see FIG. 4) that are formed on both side surfaces of the cleaning frame body 12c and protrudes on both sides in the longitudinal direction. A long and thin long guide portion 12c2 (see FIG. 4) is provided to project outward. Then, the boss 12c1 of the cleaning frame 12c is fitted to the cartridge positioning part 15b continuous with the guide part 15a, and the process cartridge B is positioned with respect to the image forming apparatus main body A.

  When mounting the process cartridge B, the cartridge cover 14 is opened, and the boss 12c1 and the longitudinal guide portion 12c2 of the cleaning frame 12c are inserted along the guide portion 15a and the guide portion 15c, respectively. Thereby, the process cartridge B is guided by the guide portions 15a and 15c, and the boss 12c1 of the cleaning frame 12c is fitted and positioned in the cartridge positioning portion 15b. At this time, the longitudinal guide portion 12c2 of the cleaning frame 12c is positioned in a state separated from the guide portion 15c. In this way, the process cartridge B is positioned on the image forming apparatus A (see FIG. 6), and the process cartridge B is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body A by closing the cartridge cover 14.

  When the process cartridge B is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion in this way, a helical gear (not shown) provided at the end of the photosensitive drum 9 held by the process cartridge B as shown in FIG. Meshes with a helical gear G1 provided in the image forming apparatus main body A. Thereafter, when the helical gear G1 rotates (counterclockwise in FIG. 6), the photosensitive drum 9 rotates (clockwise in FIG. 6) via the helical gear (not shown).

  As a result, the driving force of the image forming apparatus main body A is transmitted to the process cartridge B. At this time, a force is applied to the process cartridge B to rotate clockwise about the bosses 12c1 provided on both side surfaces coaxially with the photosensitive drum 9 in the same manner as the rotational direction of the photosensitive drum 9. To do. Then, the contact recess 12c6 (see FIG. 6) provided on the upper surface of the cleaning frame body 12c contacts the fixed member 15x (see FIG. 5) provided in the image forming apparatus main body A. As a result, the position of the cleaning frame 12c of the process cartridge B with respect to the image forming apparatus main body A is determined.

(Description of memory tag)
Next, the memory tag will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a memory member (hereinafter referred to as a memory tag) 20 serving as information storage means is attached to the affixing seating surface 42 of the side cover 37a. Specifically, the memory tag 20 has a memory chip 20a which is a storage element such as a RAM and a ROM, and memory tag contact portions 21a and 21b on both sides thereof on the substrate 20b. The memory chip 20a is disposed in the center, and protects the memory element with a resin coating layer (protection part).

  The memory tag contact portions 21a and 21b are connected to body electrical contact portions 33a and 33b (see FIGS. 8, 9, and 10) of the image forming apparatus body A, which will be described later, in order to read and write information from and to the memory chip 20a. For this purpose, two phosphor bronze plates plated with gold are mounted on the substrate 20b. The memory tag contact portions 21a and 21b are arranged on the same surface as the memory chip 20a and on both sides of the memory chip 20a. Information necessary for the memory chip 20a (for example, process cartridge lot number, initial values and usage conditions such as process conditions, characteristics of the main body of the image forming apparatus, characteristics of the process means, etc.) is input in advance, and the process cartridge B Is attached to the image forming apparatus main body A, the state of use of the process cartridge B is notified to a control board (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main body A by exchanging information with the image forming apparatus main body A. It is used for the purpose of serving as an image forming operation and displaying the state of the process cartridge B to the user. Further, since writing can be performed to the memory chip 20a even during use, writing is performed as needed.

  The memory tag 20 is positioned by engaging the notch portion 20c of the memory tag 20 with the positioning rib 42a of the attaching seating surface 42 of the side cover 37a. The memory tag 20 is fixed to the affixing seat surface 42 with a double-sided tape (not shown) or the like.

(Explanation of memory tag and handle member)
As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the new process cartridge B (the seal member 30 is not removed) is configured such that the handle member 37 c is bent in the U direction so as to cover the memory tag 20. It has become. Further, in order to bend the handle member 37c and keep the memory tag 20 covered, the handle member 37c is fixed to the side cover 37a using a tape member 23t as shown in FIG. 7C. . In this embodiment, the tape member 23t is used as the fixing means for the handle member 37c. However, it is possible to use snap fitting, fastening with screws, light welding, or the like. When the user uses a new process cartridge B, first, the tape member 23t is peeled off, the handle member 37c is raised in the direction of arrow V, and further, the thin connection portion is cut off. Thereafter, the handle member 37c is grasped by hand and pulled out in the longitudinal direction of the seal member 30, whereby the seal member 30 is torn and removed, so that it can be used. By covering the memory tag 20 with the handle member 37c, the memory tag contact portions 21a and 21b of the memory tag 20 can be protected.

(Description of connector configuration)
Next, the connector configuration provided in the image forming apparatus main body A will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 10, the connector 31 that is an electrical connection means is disposed at a position facing the memory tag contact portions 21 a and 21 b of the memory tag 20 when the process cartridge B is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body A. Is done. The connector 31 includes a pair of arm portions 31b and main body electrical contact portions 33a and 33b. (Refer to FIG. 8) Further, by attaching the rotation center (not shown) of the arm portion 31b to the contact holder 32, the connector 31 is rotatably disposed on the contact holder 32. The main body electrical contact portions 33a and 33b are connected to a control board (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main body A via bundled wires (not shown). Further, the contact holder 32 is rotatably supported by a support portion (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main body A around the shaft portion 35. In the present embodiment, the rotation center of the arm portion 31b of the connector 31 and the rotation center of the shaft portion 35 of the contact holder 32 are formed coaxially, but this is not restrictive.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a spring (not shown), which is an elastic member, is attached between the connector 31 and the contact holder 32, and is biased in the direction of the arrow U2, and the connector 31 is connected to the contact holder. 32 abuts against the rotation stop surface 32b. Further, a spring (not shown), which is an elastic member, is attached between the contact holder 32 and a support portion (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main body A, and is urged in the direction of the arrow V2 at the position shown in FIG. Then, it abuts against a rotation stop surface (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main body A.

(Explanation of cartridge cover opening / closing operation and connector interlock mechanism)
Next, a cartridge cover opening / closing operation and a connector interlocking mechanism will be described with reference to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10. FIG. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a new process cartridge B is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body A and the cartridge cover is opened. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a new process cartridge B is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body A and the cartridge cover is closed. FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the process cartridge B from which the seal member 30 is removed is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body A and the cartridge cover is closed.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the contact holder 32 rotates in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the cartridge cover 14. As described above, FIGS. 8 and 9 show the new process cartridge B, and the seal member 30 is unopened. Therefore, the handle member 37c is integrally formed with the side cover 37a.

  The opening / closing operation of the cartridge cover 14 is transmitted to the contact holder 32 via a link member 36 that can move in the Y1 and Y2 directions in conjunction with the cartridge cover 14. When the cartridge cover 14 is closed by the user, the link member 36 moves in the Y1 direction and abuts against the inclined surface 32a of the contact holder 32. Further, when the link member 36 is pushed in, the contact holder 32 rotates in the U2 direction around the shaft portion 35 of the contact holder 32. Further, when the cartridge cover 14 is closed, the link member 36 is further pushed in, and the contact holder 32 rotates, so that the connector 31 comes into contact with the handle member 37c as shown in FIG. When the cartridge cover 14 is completely closed, the contact holder 32 is further rotated. However, when the handle member 37c is not removed, the connector 31 is further rotated from the position in contact with the handle member 37c. There is nothing.

When the cartridge cover 14 is opened from the closed state, the link member 36 moves in the Y2 direction. Therefore, the contact holder 32 is returned in the direction of the arrow V2 by a spring (not shown) which is an elastic member between the support portion (not shown) of the image forming apparatus A. (Return from the state of FIG. 9 to the state of FIG. 8)
The biasing force by the spring (not shown) when the connector 31 abuts on the handle member 37c is acting in a direction different from the arrow V direction (see FIG. 3) for raising the handle member 37c. Further, since the handle member 37c is fixed to the side cover 37a with the tape member 23t, the handle member 37c is not separated from the side cover 37a.

  With the configuration described above, in the state where the process cartridge B is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body A, the handle member 37a covers the memory tag 20 and the memory tag contact portions 21a and 21b and the main body electrical contact portion 33a. 33b can be separated from each other, so that the memory tag 20 can be protected from vibration and shock during transportation and transportation.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 10, a state where the process cartridge B from which the seal member 30 has been removed is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body A and the cartridge cover is closed will be described.

  After the seal member 30 is pulled out, the process cartridge B is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 8 (see FIG. 1) of the image forming apparatus main body A, and when the cartridge cover 14 is closed by the user, the link member 36 moves in the Y1 direction. To contact the inclined surface 32 a of the contact holder 32. Further, when the link member 36 is pushed in, the contact holder 32 rotates in the U2 direction around the shaft portion 35 of the contact holder 32. Further, when the cartridge cover 14 is closed, the link member 36 is further pushed in, and the contact holder 32 rotates, and as shown in FIG. 10, the main body electrical contact portions 33a and 33b of the connector 31 and the cartridge of the memory tag 20 The electrical contacts 21a and 21b are connected to electricity.

  At this time, in order for both contact portions to start to rub against each other, the force biased in the direction of the arrow U2 is greater than the maximum static friction force between the main body electrical contact portions 33a and 33b and the memory tag contact portions 21a and 21b. And a spring (not shown) having an appropriate spring constant is used.

  The main body electrical contact portions 33a and 33b and the memory tag contact portions 21a and 21b have sliding areas that rub against each other for a certain distance. Therefore, the two contact portions can remove foreign substances such as the developer adhering to the contact portions and the paper dust of the recording paper as the recording medium by the wiping action during the rubbing.

  In this embodiment, the operation until the user makes the new process cartridge B and the image forming apparatus main body A usable is as follows.

  The process cartridge B is transported and transported to the user in a state of being mounted in the image forming apparatus main body A. At this time, since the handle member 37c covers the memory tag 20, the memory tag contact portions 21a and 21b and the main body electrical contact portions 33a and 33b are separated from each other. It can protect from damage of the part.

  Thereafter, the user unpacks, takes out the image forming apparatus main body A from the individual packaging box, and further removes the process cartridge B from the image forming apparatus main body A. After the user removes the process cartridge B from the image forming apparatus main body A, the user removes the tape member 23t fixed to the side cover 37a of the process cartridge B, cuts and raises the handle member 37c from the side cover 37a, and moves the handle member 37c to the arrow. Raise it in the V direction (see Fig. 3 (b)) and then tilt it down to disconnect the thin connection. Thereafter, the handle member 37c is grasped by hand and pulled out in the longitudinal direction of the seal member 30, whereby the seal member 30 is torn and removed, so that it can be used.

  As a result, the toner supply opening 22e of the toner storage chamber 22 is opened, and the toner in the toner storage chamber 22 is supplied to the developing chamber 13 via the toner supply opening 22e, so that the process cartridge B is ready for use. The process cartridge B in this state is again inserted into the image forming apparatus main body A and attached. Further, when the cartridge cover 14 is completely closed, the main body electrical contact portions 33a and 33b and the cartridge electric contacts 21a and 21b come into contact with each other and are electrically connected, so that the process cartridge B and the image forming apparatus main body A can be used. It becomes a state.

  Further, when the process cartridge B is used without pulling out the sealing member 30, the memory tag 20 and the connector 31 cannot be electrically connected in the image forming apparatus main body A. A special detection is made by displaying a message prompting the removal work of the seal member 30 such as “There is a seal member” or “Please pull the seal member” on the main body of the device, or by turning on a warning lamp. It is possible to detect and prevent forgetting to pull without using a member.

  In this embodiment, the 37c memory tag 20 is completely covered with the handle member. However, as shown in FIG. 11, the handle member 37c may have a hole 37c1 or a notch shape. By providing the hole 37c1 or the cutout shape, the user can put his / her finger when pulling out the toner seal member 30 from the process cartridge B, and the toner seal member 30 can be pulled out more easily.

  Although the embodiment has described the process cartridge, the same applies to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body to which the developing device and the process cartridge are detachably mounted. Here, the developing device includes a developing cartridge that is detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus and in which the developing means and the toner container are integrated.

  As described above, the present invention provides a memory tag contact by providing a handle member or a seal member between the connector of the main body electrical contact portion provided in the image forming apparatus main body and the memory tag contact portion. The image forming apparatus main body can be packed and transported and transported in a state where the process cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus main body without adding a cover member for protecting the portion. As a result, the individual packaging box can be made smaller and the transportation / transport efficiency can be increased.

  In addition, when starting to use the process cartridge, it is possible to avoid forgetting to remove the cover member that protects the memory tag contact portion.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which shows one Embodiment of the process cartridge of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the sealing member attachment state which shows embodiment of this invention. It is a cartridge side view showing an embodiment of the present invention. It is the schematic which shows the state which mounted the process cartridge in the cartridge mounting part which shows embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which mounted | wore the cartridge mounting part which shows embodiment of this invention with the process cartridge. FIG. 5 is a perspective view for explaining a state in which a developer seal member showing an embodiment of the process cartridge of the present invention is attached to a developer storage container. 1 is a perspective view showing a contact holder and a main body contact portion of an electrical connection means showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view for explaining the non-connection operation of the contact holder of the electrical connection means and the storage means of the process cartridge showing an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view for explaining the connection operation of the contact holder of the electrical connection means and the storage means of the process cartridge showing an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. It is a schematic perspective view for explaining a handle member showing an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

A Image forming device
B process cartridge 1 optical means 2 recording medium 3a recording medium cassette 3b pickup roller 3c conveying roller pair 3d conveying guide 3e, 3f discharging roller pair 4 transfer roller 5 fixing means 5a heater 5b fixing roller 5c driving roller 6 discharging tray 8 cartridge mounting portion 9 Photosensitive drum (electrophotographic photosensitive member)
10 Charging roller 11 Developing sleeve (developer carrier or developing roller)
12c Cleaning frame 12c1 Boss 12c2 Longitudinal guide portion 12c6 Abutting recess 13 Developing chamber 14 Cartridge cover 15 Cartridge mounting guide member 15a, 15c Guide portion 15b Cartridge positioning portion 15d, 15e Both left and right wall surfaces of cartridge mounting portion 15x Fixed member 16 Stirring Member 17 cleaning means 17a elastic cleaning blade 17b removed toner reservoir 19 developing device unit 20 memory tag (memory member)
20a memory chip 20b substrate 20c notch 21a, 21b memory tag contact 22 toner storage chamber 22f1 developing frame 22f2 lid member 22e toner supply opening 22g hole 23t tape member 24 photoconductor unit 25 developing blade 30 seal member 30a End portion 30b end portion 31 connector 31a connector link member 31b contact holder 31b1 arm portion 32 contact holder 32a inclined surface 33a, 33b body electrical contact portion 35 shaft portion 36 link member 37a, 37b side cover 37a1 hole 37b1 through-hole portion 37c Member 37c1 hole 37c2 hole 38a, 38b Arm part 39a, 39b Coupling hole 40a, 40b Spacer 41 Gear 42 Adhering seat surface 42a Positioning rib G1, G2 Helical gear L Laser beam light

Claims (9)

In a process cartridge detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a developing member for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a developer supplied to the developing carrier. A developer storage container for storing;
Seal the developer container until the process cartridge is used,
Isolating the developer container and the developer container holding the developer carrier,
A seal member to be removed at the start of use of the process cartridge;
A handle member to be gripped when removing the seal member, and a storage means,
A memory member having a contact portion for electrically connecting to a main body electric contact portion provided in the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus when the process cartridge is mounted in the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus; ,
In a state where the seal member is not removed,
When the process cartridge is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the contact portion of the memory member and the main body electrical contact portion are separated from each other by the handle member or the seal member. cartridge. In a process cartridge detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a developing member for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a developer supplied to the developing carrier. A developer storage container for storing;
A seal member that seals the developer container until the use of the process cartridge is started, isolates the developer container and the developer container that holds the developer carrier, and is removed at the start of use of the process cartridge; A grip member for gripping when removing the seal member, and a storage means, and a main body provided on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body when the process cartridge is mounted on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus The grip member has a memory member having a contact portion for electrical connection with an electrical contact portion, and the process cartridge is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus without the seal member being removed. Alternatively, the process cartridge is characterized in that the seal member covers the contact portion of the memory member.   3. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the handle member is detachably provided on the developer container or another frame of the process cartridge. In a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a developing member for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member and development supplied to the developing carrier A developer storage container for storing the developer, and the developer storage container is sealed until the use of the developing device is started, so that the developer storage container and the development container for holding the development carrier are isolated, and the development A seal member that is removed at the start of use of the device;
A handle member that is gripped when removing the seal member, and a storage unit, and a main body electric provided in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body when the developing device is attached to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. A memory member having a contact portion for electrical connection with the contact portion, and when the developing device is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus without the seal member being removed, The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion of the memory member and the main body electrical contact portion are separated by the seal member. In a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a developing member for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member and development supplied to the developing carrier A developer storage container for storing the developer, and the developer storage container is sealed until the use of the developing device is started, so that the developer storage container and the development container for holding the development carrier are isolated, and the development A seal member that is removed at the start of use of the device;
A handle member that is gripped when removing the seal member, and a storage unit, and a main body electric provided in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body when the developing device is attached to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. A memory member having a contact portion for electrically connecting to the contact portion,
The grip member or the seal member covers the contact portion of the memory member when the developing device is mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus without the seal member being removed. Developing device.   The developing device according to claim 4, wherein the handle member is detachably provided on the developer container or another frame of the developing device. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, to which a process cartridge and a developing device can be attached and detached, wherein the process cartridge and the developing device develop an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member. The developer storage container, a developer storage container for storing the developer supplied to the development carrier, and the developer storage container and the development carrier are sealed until the developer device is used. A seal member that separates the developing container that holds the body and is removed at the start of use of the developing device, a handle member that is gripped when the seal member is removed, and a storage unit,
A memory member having a contact portion for electrically connecting to a main body electric contact portion provided in the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus when the developing device is mounted on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus; When the process cartridge and the developing device are mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus with the seal member not removed, the handle member or the seal member causes the contact portion of the memory member and the main body to be attached. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, wherein electrical contact portions are separated. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, to which a process cartridge and a developing device can be attached and detached, wherein the process cartridge and the developing device develop an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member. The developer storage container, a developer storage container for storing the developer supplied to the development carrier, and the developer storage container and the development carrier are sealed until the developer device is used. A seal member that isolates the developing container that holds the body and is removed at the start of use of the developing device;
A handle member that is gripped when removing the seal member, and a storage unit, and a main body electric provided in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body when the developing device is attached to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. When the process cartridge and the developing device are mounted on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus with the memory member having a contact portion for electrically connecting to the contact portion, and without removing the seal member, By a handle member or the sealing member,
An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, wherein the contact portion of the memory member is covered.   The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the handle member is detachably provided on the developer storage container or another frame of the developing device.

Images