JP2020149043A - Method for reproducing cartridge and cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a method for reducing the number of restrictions on the shape and size of a new storage member, even when reproducing a cartridge in which an attachment part of the storage member is arranged in a part engaged with a guide member of an apparatus body.SOLUTION: A reproduction method is for reproducing a cartridge from a raw material cartridge. The raw material cartridge can be attached/detached to/from an apparatus body of an image forming apparatus. The apparatus body includes a guide member. The raw material cartridge includes: a frame body which includes an engagement part engaged with the guide member and a first attachment part provided in the engagement part; and a first storage member. The first storage member includes a first holding part which holds a first electrode and is attached to the first attachment part. The reproduction method has: a removal process for removing the first holding part; an electrode attachment process for attaching a second electrode to the frame body; and an element attachment process for attaching a second storage element to the frame body in a position different from the first attachment part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a cartridge used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a copier and a printer, and a method for reproducing the cartridge.

The electrophotographic image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus) is an apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium by using an electrophotographic image forming method. 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, and the like.

The developing apparatus includes a developing means that acts on an electrophotographic photosensitive member (photoreceptor). The developing apparatus may be configured as a cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus.

The cartridge is configured to be removable from the device body of the image forming apparatus. An example of a cartridge is a process cartridge. The process cartridge is a cartridge having a photoconductor and a process means acting on the photoconductor. Examples of process means include developing means, charging means, cleaning means and the like. Another example of the cartridge is a cartridge provided with developing means (developing cartridge). According to these cartridge methods, maintenance of the image forming apparatus can be performed by replacing the cartridge.

A storage member such as a memory chip provided with a storage element for storing service information and process information may be mounted on a cartridge as described above. The image forming apparatus further improves the image quality and the maintainability of the cartridge by utilizing the information stored in the storage element.

Cartridges that have lost their commercial value may have their parts replaced and re-commercialized. Patent Document 1 discloses a reproduction method in which a storage member attached to a frame of a cartridge is removed and a new storage member is attached.

On the other hand, in Patent Document 2, the storage member has a storage element and an electrode. Further, a slit portion to which the storage member is attached is arranged in a portion guided by a guide member of the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus when the cartridge is attached.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-47397 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-142490

When the cartridge has a storage member arranged at a portion engaged with the guide member of the apparatus main body, the shape and size of the storage member must meet the requirements for preventing collision with the guide member.

One of the objects of the present invention is to use a new storage member (a member having a new storage element and electrodes) when the cartridge is reproduced by exchanging the storage member arranged at the portion engaged with the guide member. It is to relax the required shape and size requirements.

In order to solve the above problems, one of the inventions according to the present application is as follows.

A reproduction method in which a cartridge is reproduced from a material cartridge, the material cartridge can be attached to and detached from the device main body of an image forming apparatus, and the device main body can be attached to and detached from the main body electrode and the material cartridge. With a guide member configured to guide the cartridge,
The material cartridge is
A frame body including an engaging portion configured to engage with the guide member and a first mounting portion provided on the engaging portion.
A first storage element for storing information, a first electrode electrically connected to the first storage element, and a first holding the first storage element and the first electrode. A first storage member having a holding portion of the above, wherein the first holding portion is attached to the first mounting portion, and the first electrode is in contact with the main body electrode. With storage members
Have,
The reproduction method is
A removal step of removing the first holding portion from the first mounting portion,
The electrode attachment process of attaching the second electrode to the frame, and
In the element mounting step of mounting the second storage element for storing information on the frame, the second storage element is attached to the second mounting portion located at a position different from that of the first mounting portion. Element mounting process to be mounted and
Have,
The second storage element and the second electrode are electrically connected by a connecting member.
A method for reproducing a cartridge, wherein the second electrode is in contact with the main body electrode and is arranged at the engaging portion.

In order to solve the above problems, one of the inventions according to the present application is as follows.

A cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus, and the apparatus main body has a main body electrode and a guide member configured to guide the cartridge when the cartridge is attached and detached.
The cartridge is
A frame body having an engaging portion configured to engage with the guide member, and
A cartridge electrode that can contact the main body electrode and
An electrode holding portion that holds the cartridge electrode, and an electrode holding portion that is attached to the frame body.
A storage element for storing information and
An element holding portion that holds the storage element, and an element holding portion that is attached to the frame body.
A connecting member that electrically connects the cartridge electrode and the storage element,
Have,
A cartridge characterized in that the cartridge electrode and the electrode holding portion are arranged in the engaging portion, and the element holding portion is attached to the frame body at a position away from the electrode holding portion.

As described above, according to the present invention, when the storage member arranged in the portion engaged with the guide member is replaced to reproduce the cartridge, a new storage member (having a new storage element and an electrode) is provided. It is possible to relax the requirements regarding the shape and size of the member).

The figure explaining the installation process of a storage unit Schematic cross-sectional view of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus Schematic perspective of the drum cartridge Sectional view of drum cartridge Cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge The figure explaining the installation of a drum cartridge and a developing cartridge The figure explaining the installation of the drum cartridge Sectional drawing explaining composition of guide member The figure explaining the arrangement of the storage member and the first attachment part The figure explaining the storage member The figure explaining the attachment of the storage member The figure explaining the removal process of a storage member Diagram illustrating a storage unit Sectional view of guide member and drum cartridge The figure explaining the arrangement of the conductive path member

[Example 1]
(Overall configuration of image forming apparatus)
First, the overall configuration of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter, image forming apparatus) 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus main body 10 of the image forming apparatus 100 is equipped with a drum cartridge (cartridge) 9 as a photoconductor unit and a developing cartridge 4 as a developing apparatus. In this embodiment, four drum cartridges 9 (9Y, 9M, 9C, 9K) and four developing cartridges 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) are mounted on the apparatus main body 10. The drum cartridge 9 and the developing cartridge 4 are configured to be removable from the apparatus main body 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the drum cartridge 9 and the developing cartridge 4 are arranged so as to be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction while being mounted on the apparatus main body 10.

Each drum cartridge 9 (9Y, 9M, 9C, 9K) includes an electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter, photosensitive drum) 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) as an image carrier that supports an electrostatic latent image. Further, process means such as a charging roller 2 (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) as a charging member and a cleaning member 6 (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) as a cleaning member are provided around the photosensitive drum 1. The charging roller 2 (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d). As will be described later, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) is developed by toner as a developing agent, and the toner is applied to the photosensitive drum 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d). An image is formed. In the cleaning member 6 (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d), after the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) is transferred to the recording medium S, the photosensitive drum 1 (1a, 1b, The toner remaining in 1c and 1d) is removed.

Further, each developing cartridge 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) includes a developing roller 25 (25a, 25b, 25c, 25d) as a developing agent carrier for supporting toner. Each developing cartridge 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) includes a developing blade 35 (35Y, 35M, 35C, 35K) as a regulating member. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) is developed by the developing rollers 25 (25a, 25b, 25c, 25d). As a result, toner images of each color are formed on each photosensitive drum 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d).

In this embodiment, each drum cartridge 9 (9Y, 9M, 9C, 9K) is configured to be detachably attached to the apparatus main body 10 along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d). To. Each developing cartridge 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) is configured to be detachable from the apparatus main body 10 along the axial direction of the developing rollers 25 (25a, 25b, 25c, 25d). In the mounting direction of the drum cartridge 9 and the developing cartridge 4, the upstream side is defined as the front side surface side, and the downstream side in the mounting direction is defined as the back side surface side.

Further, the apparatus main body 10 includes a scanner unit 3 as an exposure apparatus. The scanner unit 3 is arranged below the drum cartridge 9 and the developing cartridge 4. The photosensitive drum 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) charged by the charging roller 2 (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) is exposed by the scanner unit 3. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information is formed on the photosensitive drum 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d).

A cassette 17 containing a recording medium S such as paper is attached to the apparatus main body 10. The cassette 17 is arranged at the bottom of the scanner unit 3.

The apparatus main body 10 includes a feeding roller 54, a transport roller pair 76, and a resist roller pair 55. The feeding roller 54 separates and feeds the recording media S in the cassette 17 one by one. The transport roller pair 76 transports the fed recording medium S. The resist roller pair 55 synchronizes the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 with the recording medium S.

Further, an intermediate transfer unit 5 as an intermediate transfer means is attached to the apparatus main body 10. The intermediate transfer unit 5 is arranged above the drum cartridge 9 and the developing cartridge 4. The toner image formed on each photosensitive drum 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) is transferred to the intermediate transfer unit 5. The intermediate transfer unit 5 includes a drive roller 56, a driven roller 57, a primary transfer roller 58 (58a, 58b, 58c, 58d), and an opposing roller 59. The intermediate transfer unit 5 further includes a transfer belt 14.

Each primary transfer roller 58 (58a, 58b, 58c, 58d) is arranged at a position corresponding to each photosensitive drum 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d). The opposing roller 59 is arranged at a position facing the secondary transfer roller 69, which will be described later. During the image forming operation, the transfer belt 14 circulates in the direction of arrow N in the drawing while facing and in contact with the photosensitive drum 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d).

When a voltage is applied to the primary transfer rollers 58 (58a, 58b, 58c, 58d), the toner image is transferred from the photosensitive drum 1 (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) to the transfer belt 14. By applying a voltage to the opposing roller 59 and the secondary transfer roller 69, the toner image is transferred from the transfer belt 14 to the recording medium S.

The device main body 10 includes a fixing portion 74. The recording medium S on which the toner image is formed is conveyed upward and heated and pressurized by the fixing portion 74. Then, the toner image is fixed on the recording medium S. After that, the recording medium S is discharged to the discharge unit 75 by the discharge roller 72.

(Drum cartridge)
The drum cartridge 9 (9Y, 9M, 9C, 9K) will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the drum cartridge 9 according to the present embodiment. Further, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the drum cartridge 9 according to the present embodiment. More specifically, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the photosensitive drum 1 in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis direction. That is, it is the figure which looked at the drum cartridge 9 cut in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis direction of a photosensitive drum 1, along the rotation axis direction of a photosensitive drum 1. In this embodiment, the drum cartridges 9Y, 9M, 9C, and 9K have the same configuration. Therefore, in the following description, one drum cartridge 9 will be described. In this embodiment, in the insertion direction of the drum cartridge 9 and the developing cartridge 4, which will be described later, the upstream side in the insertion direction is defined as the front side, and the downstream side is defined as the back side.

As shown in FIG. 3, the drum cartridge 9 includes a drum frame 27. The photosensitive drum 1 is rotatably supported by the drum frame 27 via the first drum bearing 11b and the second drum bearing 11a. The photosensitive drum 1 is rotatable around the rotation axis indicated by the broken line.

The drum cartridge 9 includes a drum coupling 16 as a drive receiving member that receives a drive from the apparatus main body 10. The first drum bearing 11b and the drum coupling 16 are arranged on one end side of the drum frame 27 in the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 1 (longitudinal direction of the drum cartridge 9). A second drum bearing 11a is arranged on the other end side of the drum frame 27. The drum frame body 27 has a guided portion 27b, which will be described later, and a first mounting portion 27c.

As shown in FIG. 4, a charging roller 2 and a cleaning member 6 are arranged around the photosensitive drum 1. The cleaning member 6 includes an elastic member 7 formed of a rubber blade and a cleaning support member 8. In the image forming operation, the photosensitive drum 1 rotates in the direction of the arrow in FIG. The elastic member 7 abuts in the counter direction with respect to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 1. The residual toner removed from the photosensitive drum 1 by the cleaning member 6 falls into the residual toner chamber 27a of the drum frame 27.

As shown in FIG. 4, the sealing sheet 21 is attached to the drum frame 27 and is in contact with the photosensitive drum 1. The sealing sheet 21 prevents the residual toner in the residual toner chamber 27a from leaking from the gap between the drum frame 27 and the photosensitive drum 1.

By transmitting the driving force of the main body driving motor (not shown), which is a driving source, to the drum coupling 16 of the drum cartridge 9, the photosensitive drum 1 rotates according to the image forming operation. As shown in FIG. 4, the charging roller 2 is rotatably supported by the drum frame 27 via the charging roller bearing 28. The charging roller 2 is pressed toward the photosensitive drum 1 by the pressing member 46, and is rotated by the photosensitive drum 1 (in the direction of the arrow in the figure).

(Development cartridge)
Next, the developing cartridge 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge 4 according to this embodiment. More specifically, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the developing roller 25 in a direction (orthogonal direction) orthogonal to the rotation axis direction.

The development cartridge 4Y containing yellow toner, the development cartridge 4M containing magenta toner, the development cartridge 4C containing cyan toner, and the development cartridge 4K containing black toner have the same configuration. .. Therefore, in the following description, one developing cartridge 4 will be described. Further, in the following description, the toner is not distinguished by color and is simply referred to as toner T.

The developing cartridge 4 includes a developing frame 31 as a frame, a developing roller 25, a toner supply roller 34 that rotates in contact with the developing roller 25, a developing blade 35 that regulates a toner layer on the developing roller 25, and a toner conveying member 36. To be equipped. Toner T is stored in the developing frame 31. The developing roller 25, the toner supply roller 34, the developing blade 35, and the toner conveying member 36 are rotatably supported by the developing frame 31. The developing blade 35 is fixed to the developing frame 31. In the image forming operation, the developing roller 25 rotates in the direction of arrow V in the figure. The toner supply roller 34 rotates in contact with the developing roller 25. With the developing roller 25 in contact with the photosensitive drum 1, the developing roller 25 rotates in the direction of the arrow V to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 with toner.

The developing frame 31 includes a developing chamber 31c and a toner accommodating chamber 31a located below the developing chamber 31c. The developing roller 25 and the toner supply roller 34 are arranged in the developing chamber 31c. The developing chamber 31c and the toner accommodating chamber 31a are separated by a partition wall 31d. Further, the partition wall 31d is provided with a toner opening 31b through which toner transported from the toner storage chamber 31a to the developing chamber 31c passes.

Further, the developing frame 31 has an urging portion 31e. The urging portion 31e is urged by an urging member (not shown) provided on the apparatus main body 10. As a result, the developing frame 31 can move between the position where the developing roller 25 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 1 and the position where the developing roller 25 is separated from the photosensitive drum 1.

The developing frame 31 includes a developing bearing (not shown) that supports the developing roller 25. The developing bearings are arranged at both ends of the developing frame 31 in the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 25.

As shown in FIG. 5, the developing blade 35 comes into contact with the developing roller 25 and regulates the toner T supported on the developing roller 25. As a result, a toner layer having a uniform thickness is formed on the surface of the developing roller 25.

The toner storage chamber 31a of the developing frame 31 is provided with a toner transporting member 36 for agitating the stored toner and transporting the toner to the developing chamber 31c through the toner opening 31b.

(Installation of drum cartridge and development cartridge)
Next, a configuration in which the drum cartridge 9 and the developing cartridge 4 are inserted into the apparatus main body 10 of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating mounting of the drum cartridge 9 and the developing cartridge 4 according to the present embodiment.

The drum cartridge 9 (9Y, 9M, 9C, 9K) and the developing cartridge 4 (4Y, 4M, 4C, 4K) are inserted into the openings 101 (101a, 101b, 101c, 101d) of the apparatus main body 10.

The drum cartridge 9 is attached / detached along the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 1 (arrow F direction in the drawing). Further, the developing cartridge 4 is attached / detached along the rotation axis direction of the developing roller 25 (in the direction of arrow J in the drawing). That is, the mounting direction of the drum cartridge 9 is the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 1. The mounting direction of the developing cartridge 4 is the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 25. When the drum cartridge 9 and the developing cartridge 4 are removed, the drum cartridge 9 and the developing cartridge 4 are moved in the direction opposite to the mounting direction. In this embodiment, the attachment / detachment direction of the developing cartridge 4 and the attachment / detachment direction of the drum cartridge 9 are parallel.

In this embodiment, the developing cartridge 4 and the drum cartridge 9 can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 10 independently of each other. Further, when the developing cartridge 4 and the drum cartridge 9 are mounted on the apparatus main body 10, the rotation axis direction of the developing roller 25 and the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 1 are parallel to each other.

Here, the apparatus main body 10 includes a member configured to guide the developing cartridge 4 when the developing cartridge 4 is attached and detached. Further, the apparatus main body 10 includes a guide member 84 (84Y, 84M, 84C, 84K) as a member configured to guide the drum cartridge 9 when the drum cartridge 9 is attached / detached. Further, the apparatus main body 10 includes an upper guide member 85 (85Y, 85M, 85C, 85K) for guiding the drum cartridge 9 together with the guide member 84 (84Y, 84M, 84C, 84K).

The guide member 84 (84Y, 84M, 84C, 84K) is configured to guide the drum frame 27. The guide member 84 (84Y, 84M, 84C, 84K) is provided below the apparatus main body 10. The guide members 84 (84Y, 84M, 84C, 84K) have the same configuration. Therefore, in the following description, one guide member 84 will be described.

(Relationship between drum cartridge and guide member)
The relationship between the drum cartridge 9 and the guide member 84 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 7 (a), (7b), 8 (a), and 8 (b).

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating mounting of the drum cartridge 9 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating a state in which the drum cartridge 9 is being mounted. FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the drum cartridge 9 has been mounted. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the guide member 84 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the guide member 84. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the guide member 84 and the drum cartridge 9. 8 (a) and 8 (b) are cross-sectional views of the photosensitive drum 1 in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis direction. That is, it is the figure which looked at the guide member 84 cut in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis direction of a photosensitive drum 1, along the rotation axis direction of a photosensitive drum 1. In other words, the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIGS. 8A and 8B is the attachment / detachment direction of the drum cartridge 9.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the drum cartridge 9 is mounted in the direction of arrow F along the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 1. At this time, the second drum bearing 11a is located on the upstream side of the first drum bearing 11b in the mounting direction of the drum cartridge 9. Further, the drum frame body 27 includes a guided portion 27b. When the drum cartridge 9 is mounted on the apparatus main body 10, the guided portion 27b is configured to be guided by the guide member 84. In the state of FIG. 7A, a part of the drum cartridge 9 is exposed to the outside of the apparatus main body 10.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the guided portion 27b is engaged with the guide member 84 in a state where the drum cartridge 9 is mounted on the apparatus main body. In the state of FIG. 7B, the entire drum cartridge 9 is housed inside the apparatus main body 10. That is, the drum cartridge 9 is guided by the guide member 84, so that the entire drum cartridge 9 is housed inside the device body from a position where at least a part of the drum cartridge 9 is exposed to the outside of the device body 10. Move to the correct position.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the guide member 84 has a first guide surface 84a and a second guide surface 84b facing the first guide surface 84a. The guide member 84 has a third guide surface 84c.

Here, the direction intersecting the mounting direction of the drum cartridge 9 (the direction orthogonal to each other in this embodiment) is referred to as the first intersection direction Fp1. As shown in FIG. 8B, the first guide surface 84a and the second guide surface 84b regulate the movement of the drum cartridge 9 in the first crossing direction Fp1. More specifically, when the drum cartridge 9 moves in the first direction along the first crossing direction Fp1, the first guide surface 84a comes into contact with the guided portion 27b, and the drum cartridge 9 moves. Be regulated. When the drum cartridge 9 moves in the direction opposite to the first direction (second direction) along the first crossing direction Fp1, the second guide surface 84b comes into contact with the guided portion 27b, and the drum cartridge 9 Movement is restricted.

Further, the direction intersecting the mounting direction of the drum cartridge 9 and the first intersecting direction Fp1 (direction orthogonal to each other in this embodiment) is referred to as a second intersecting direction Fp2. As shown in FIG. 8B, the third guide surface 84c restricts the movement of the drum cartridge 9 in the second crossing direction Fp2. More specifically, the third guide surface 84c comes into contact with the guided portion 27b, and the movement of the drum cartridge 9 is restricted.

Here, the space between the first guide surface 84a and the second guide surface 84b can also be referred to as a guide groove of the guide member 84. In other words, the first guide surface 84a and the second guide surface 84b are portions that form a guide groove. Further, the guided portion 27b is a portion that engages with the guide groove. That is, the guided portion 27b can also be called an engaging portion that engages with the guide member 84.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, with the drum cartridge 9 mounted on the apparatus main body 10, the first mounting portion 27c and the storage member 60, which will be described later, are the first guide surface 84a and the second. It is located between the guide surface 84b. In this embodiment, in a state where the guided portion 27b is guided by the guide member 84 (engaged state), the first mounting portion 27c and the storage member 60 are the first guide surface 84a and the second guide surface. It is located between 84b. In the present embodiment, the state in which the guided portion 27b is guided by the guide member 84 includes a state in which the drum cartridge 9 is being mounted on the apparatus main body 10.

In other words, the first mounting portion 27c and the storage member 60 are arranged in the guided portion 27b. Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, the first mounting portion 27c and the storage member 60 overlap the guided portion 27b when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 1. However, the first mounting portion 27c and the storage member 60 do not come into contact with the guide member 84.

(Memory member)
Regarding the storage member (first storage member) 60, using FIGS. 9 (a), 9 (b), 10 (a), 10 (b), 11 (a), and 11 (b). explain.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of the storage member 60 and the first attachment portion 27c. FIG. 9A is an overall view of the drum cartridge 9. FIG. 9B is an enlarged view of the first mounting portion 27c. The direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIGS. 9 (a) and 9 (b) is the first crossing direction Fp1. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a storage member 60. FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the storage member 60. FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the storage member 60 and corresponds to the back side of FIG. 10A. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating attachment of the storage member 60. FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating a state before the storage member 60 is attached. FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the storage member 60 is attached.

As shown in FIG. 9A, a storage member 60 is attached to the drum cartridge 9. The drum frame body 27 includes a first mounting portion 27c. The first mounting portion 27c is provided on the guided portion 27b.

As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the first mounting portion 27c is provided on the lower surface of the drum frame body 27. A storage member 60 is attached to the first attachment portion 27c. Therefore, the storage member 60 is also arranged on the lower surface of the drum frame 27. More specifically, the first electrode 62 is arranged so as to face the third guide surface 84c with the guided portion 27b engaged with the guide member 84.

As described above, the first mounting portion 27c and the storage member 60 are located between the first guide surface 84a and the second guide surface 84b in a state where the drum cartridge 9 is mounted on the apparatus main body 10. It is arranged like this. In this embodiment, the first mounting portion 27c and the storage member 60 are positioned between the first guide surface 84a and the second guide surface 84b in a state where the guided portion 27b is engaged with the guide member 84. The first mounting portion 27c and the storage member 60 are arranged so as to do so.

As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the storage member 60 includes a first storage element 63 for storing information, a first electrode 62, a first storage element 63, and a third. It has a first substrate (first holding portion) 61 for holding one electrode 62. The first electrode 62 is electrically connected to the first storage element 63 inside the first substrate 61.

As the first storage element 63, a so-called RAM (random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), or the like is used. As the information stored in the first storage element 63, information regarding the drum cartridge 9, for example, information regarding the life of the drum cartridge 9 such as the cumulative rotation time of the photosensitive drum 1 is stored. The first storage element 63 may store information about the device main body 10, for example, information about control of the device main body 10 in the image forming operation.

The first electrode 62 is arranged on one side of the first substrate 61. The first storage element 63 is arranged on the other surface side of the substrate 61 (in this embodiment, the back side of the first electrode 62).

The storage member 60 is attached to the drum frame 27 by attaching the first substrate 61 to the first attachment portion 27c.

The device body 10 includes a body electrode 65 that comes into contact with the first electrode 62. As shown in FIG. 9B, the first electrode 62 is located at a position where it can come into contact with the main body electrode 65 in a state where the drum cartridge 9 is mounted on the main body 10. As shown in FIG. 10B, in this embodiment, a plurality of first electrodes 62 and a plurality of main body electrodes 65 are provided.

In this embodiment, the main body electrode 65 and the first electrode 62 come into contact with each other to communicate between the first storage element 63 and the control unit of the device main body 10. The control unit is electrically connected to the main body electrode 65.

In this embodiment, the main body electrode 65 moves in conjunction with the movement of the door (not shown) provided in the main body of the device. When the door is closed, the opening 101 is covered with the door, and the main body electrode 65 moves in the direction approaching the first electrode 62 (upward in the vertical direction in this embodiment) (see FIG. 9B). Then, the main body electrode 65 comes into contact with the first electrode 62 and presses the first electrode 62. When the door is opened, the opening 101 is exposed and the main body electrode 65 moves away from the first electrode 62 (vertically downward in this embodiment). Then, the main body electrode 65 is separated from the first electrode 62 (see FIG. 9B).

A method of mounting the storage member 60 on the drum cartridge 9 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 11 (a) and 11 (b), the first mounting portion 27c has a slit 41. The storage member 60 is inserted in the slit 41 of the first mounting portion 27c in the direction of the arrow H1 so that the first electrode 62 faces outward. In this embodiment, the direction of the arrow H1 is the same as the direction intersecting the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 1.

The first mounting portion 27c has a regulating wall 42 on the back side of the slit 41. Further, the first mounting portion has a receiving rib 43, a retaining portion 44, and a snap fit 45. These portions are in contact with the first substrate 61 to regulate the position of the storage member 60.

The receiving rib 43 and the retaining portion 44 restrict the movement of the first storage member in the thickness direction of the first substrate 61. The regulation wall 42, the snap fit 45, and the side surface portions 41a and 41b of the slit restrict the movement of the first storage member in the direction intersecting the thickness direction of the first substrate 61. More specifically, the regulating wall 42 regulates the movement of the first storage member with respect to the insertion direction of the first storage member. The snap fit 45 regulates the movement of the first storage member in the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the first storage member. The side surface portions 41a and 41b regulate the movement of the storage member 60 in the longitudinal direction of the drum cartridge 9 (the same as the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 1).

The tip of the receiving rib 43 may be melted and then cooled to form a molten portion that prevents the storage member 60 from coming out of the slit 41. In addition, ultrasonic welding or the like is used for melting the receiving rib 43.

Further, in the present embodiment, the first mounting portion 27c is integrally molded with the drum frame body 27, but another member having the first mounting portion 27c is configured to be mounted on the drum frame body 27. You may.

(Reproduction method of drum cartridge)
A method of disassembling and reproducing the drum cartridge 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 (a), 1 (b), 12, 13, and 14.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an attachment process of the storage unit 80. FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a state before the storage unit 80 is attached. FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a state in which the storage unit 80 is attached. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a process of removing the storage member. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the storage unit 80. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the guide member 84 and the drum cartridge 9.

For example, when the storage member 60 of the collected drum cartridge 9 is damaged, the storage member 60 is replaced with a new storage member (a member having a new storage element and electrodes) when the drum cartridge 9 is reproduced. In some cases. On the other hand, as described above, the first mounting portion 27c and the storage member 60 are placed between the first guide surface 84a and the second guide surface 84b in a state where the drum cartridge 9 is mounted on the apparatus main body 10. It is arranged so that it is located in. In other words, the first mounting portion 27c and the storage member 60 are arranged in the guided portion 27b. Therefore, the storage member 60 has a shape and size so as not to collide with the guide member 84 when the drum cartridge 9 is attached / detached.

When a new storage member is attached in the same manner as the storage member 60, the requirements required for the shape and size of the new storage member in order to prevent collision with the guide member 84 are the requirements required for the storage member 60. Is the same as. Therefore, in this embodiment, the new electrode is arranged at the position where the first electrode 62 was arranged, and the new storage element is attached at a position different from the new electrode. By doing so, the requirements required for the shape and size of the new storage member can be relaxed more than the requirements required for the storage member 60.

The method of disassembling the drum cartridge 9 of this embodiment includes a step of removing the storage member 60. The method for reproducing the drum cartridge 9 of this embodiment includes a step of removing the storage member 60 and a step of attaching a new storage unit 80 different from the storage member 60. In other words, the method for reproducing the drum cartridge 9 described below can also be called a replacement method for replacing the storage member 60 with the storage unit 80.

Hereinafter, a step of removing the storage member 60 and a step of attaching a new storage unit 80 will be described.

<Removal process of memory member>
First, a used drum cartridge (first cartridge, material cartridge) 9 is prepared.

Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the first substrate 61 is removed from the first mounting portion 27c by pressing the storage member 60 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction. At this time, the snap fit 45 is moved so that the removal of the first substrate 61 is permitted. As a result, the storage member 60 can be removed from the first mounting portion 27c. The snap fit 45 may be removed to remove the storage member 60 from the first attachment portion 27c.

When a molten portion is formed at the tip of the receiving rib 43, the storage member 60 can be removed from the first mounting portion 27c by removing the fused portion. The molten portion may be pushed by the first substrate 61 to destroy the fused portion.

<Configuration of information storage unit>
The storage unit 80 attached to the drum frame 27 instead of the storage member 60 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 13, the storage unit 80 includes an electrode unit 81 and an element unit 82. The electrode unit 82 has a second electrode (cartridge electrode or new electrode) 81a and a second substrate (electrode holding portion or second holding portion) 81b that holds the second electrode 81a. The element unit 82 holds a second storage element (memory element or new storage element) 82a for storing information and a third substrate (element holding unit or third holding) that holds the second storage element 82a. Part) 82b. In this embodiment, the third substrate 82b is larger than the slit 41. That is, the third substrate 82b cannot be inserted into the slit 41.

In this embodiment, the second storage element 82a and the second electrode 81a are electrically connected by a conduction path member (connecting member) 83. The conduction path member 83 may be attached to the second storage element 82a and the second electrode 81a in the process of reproducing the drum cartridge 9. Further, in the process of reproducing the drum cartridge 9 for the conduction path member 83 connected to one of the second storage element 82a and the second electrode 81a, the conduction path member 83 is replaced with the second storage element 82a and the second. It may be attached to the other side of the electrode 81a. In these cases, it can be said that the method for reproducing the drum cartridge 9 includes a connection step of electrically connecting the second storage element 82a and the second electrode 81a by the conduction path member 83. For example, after at least one of the second storage element 82a and the second electrode 81a is attached to the drum frame 27, a connection step is carried out, and the conductive path member 83 performs the second storage element 82a and the second. The electrode 81a may be electrically connected. Further, the conduction path member 83 may be connected to the second storage element 82a and the second electrode 81a in advance. That is, even if the second storage element 82a and the second electrode 81a are attached to the drum frame 27 in a state where the second storage element 82a and the second electrode 81a are electrically connected by the conductive path member 83. Good. In any case, in the state where the reproduction of the drum cartridge 9 is completed, the second storage element 82a and the second electrode 81a are electrically connected by the conduction path member 83.

In this embodiment, the conduction path member 83 is fixed to the second electrode 81a with solder or the like. Similarly, the conduction path member 83 is fixed to the second storage element 82a with solder or the like. Further, the conduction path member 83 has flexibility and can be freely deformed. As a result, even when the electrode unit 81 and the element unit 82 are arranged at separate positions, the conduction path member 83 can easily connect the electrode unit 81 and the element unit 82.

Since the function of the second electrode 81a and the relationship with the main body electrode 65 are the same as the function of the first electrode 62 and the relationship with the main body electrode 65, detailed description thereof will be omitted. Further, in this embodiment, the shape and number of the second electrodes 81a are the same as the shape and number of the first electrodes 62.

As the second storage element 82a, a so-called RAM, ROM, or the like is used. The second storage element 82a stores the same information as the first storage element 63.

Here, the total size of the second substrate 81b and the third substrate 82b is larger than that of the slit 41. More specifically, at least one of the total size of the second substrate 81b and the third substrate 82b in the thickness direction and the total size in the direction intersecting the thickness direction corresponds to the slit. It is larger than the size of 41. That is, the second substrate 81b and the third substrate 82b cannot be inserted into the slit 41 at the same time.

In this embodiment, the size in the direction intersecting the thickness direction of the third substrate 82b is defined by the size of the slit 41 in the corresponding direction (side surface portions 41a, 41b, regulation wall 42, snap fit 45). It is larger than the size of the space to be created).

The size of the third substrate 82b in the thickness direction may be larger than the size of the slit 41 in the corresponding direction (the size of the gap between the receiving rib 43 and the retaining portion 44). ..

Even when such an electrode unit 81 and an element unit 82 are used, the electrode unit 81 and the element unit 82 can be attached to the drum frame 27 according to the method described later.

Next, a step of attaching the electrode unit 81 to the drum cartridge 9 and a method of attaching the element unit 82 will be described.

<Installation process of electrode unit>
The second electrode 81a is attached to the drum frame 27 (electrode attachment step). The second electrode 81a is arranged at a position where it can come into contact with the main body electrode 65 when the drum cartridge 9 is mounted on the main body 10.

That is, the second electrode 81a is arranged at the position where the first electrode 62 was arranged. The second electrode 81a is located between the first guide surface 84a and the second guide surface 84b with the drum cartridge 9 mounted on the apparatus main body 10. In this embodiment, the second electrode 81a is located between the first guide surface 84a and the second guide surface 84b in a state where the guided portion 27b is engaged with the guide member 84. Further, the second electrode 81a is arranged so as to face the third guide surface 84c in a state where the guided portion 27b is engaged with the guide member 84. In other words, the second electrode 81a is arranged on the guided portion 27b. Further, in this embodiment, the second substrate 81b is also arranged on the guided portion 27b. The second electrode 81a and the second substrate 81b do not come into contact with the guide member 84.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in this embodiment, the second electrode 81a is attached to the drum frame 27 via the second substrate 81b. More specifically, the second electrode 81a is attached to the drum frame 27 by inserting the second substrate 81b into the slit 41 of the first attachment portion 27c. The second substrate 81b may be adhered to the drum frame 27 with an adhesive or the like.

The second electrode 81a may be adhered to the drum frame 27 with an adhesive, tape, or the like. In this case, the adhesive, tape, or the like corresponds to the second holding portion.

The storage member 60 may be used as the electrode unit 81 after removing the first storage element 63 or the like. In this case, the first substrate 61 functions as the second substrate 81b, and the first electrode 62 functions as the second electrode 81a. According to this method, the electrode unit 81 can be attached to the drum frame 27 with the same accuracy as the storage member 60.

<Mounting process of element unit>
The second storage element 82a is attached to the drum frame 27 (element attachment step). In this embodiment, the second storage element 82a is attached to the drum frame 27 via the third substrate 82b. An adhesive or the like is used for attaching the third substrate 82b.

The position where the second storage element 82a is attached will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, when the drum cartridge 9 is attached / detached, the guided portion 27b provided in the lower part of the drum frame 27 is guided by the guide member 84 provided in the image forming apparatus main body. The second storage element 82a is arranged at a position where it does not come into contact with the guide member 84 when the drum cartridge 9 is attached or detached.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 14, the second storage element 82a and the third substrate 82b can be attached to the first recess 27d and the second recess 27e of the drum frame 27. The first recess 27d and the second recess 27e are second mounting portions for mounting the second storage element 82a. The first recess 27d and the second recess 27e are located at different positions from the first mounting portion 27c.

In this embodiment, the first recess 27d and the second recess 27e are located at positions away from the first mounting portion 27c. In this embodiment, the positions of the first recess 27d and the second recess 27e are separated from the positions of the first mounting portion 27c in the rotation axis direction of the photosensitive drum 1 (longitudinal direction of the drum cartridge 9). In other words, the positions of the first recess 27d and the second recess 27e do not overlap with the positions of the first mounting portion 27c. Therefore, the second substrate 81b and the third substrate 82b are located at positions separated from each other.

Further, in this embodiment, the first recess 27d and the second recess 27e are located at twisted positions with respect to the first mounting portion 27c. That is, the spreading direction of the third substrate 82b and the spreading direction of the first substrate 61 intersect (orthogonally in this embodiment). Further, the direction in which the third substrate 82b spreads and the direction in which the second substrate 81b spreads intersect (orthogonally in this embodiment). In other words, the direction in which the surface on which the second substrate 81b is attached spreads and the direction in which the surface on which the third substrate 82b is attached spreads intersect (orthogonally in this embodiment).

As shown in FIG. 14, the second recess 27e is in a position where it does not engage with the guide member 84 while the guided portion 27b is guided by the guide member 84. That is, in the second crossing direction Fp2, the second recess 27e is located at a position away from the first guide surface 84a. In other words, in the second crossing direction Fp2, the position of the second recess 27e does not overlap with the position of the first guide surface 84a. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the second storage element 82a from coming into contact with the guide member 84 when the drum cartridge 9 is attached or detached.

The first recess 27d is in a position facing the guide member 84 in a state where the guided portion 27b is engaged (guided) with the guide member 84.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 14, the drum frame 27 has a protrusion 27f around the first recess 27d. The protruding portion 27f projects in the first crossing direction Fp1 with respect to the first recess 27d. As shown in FIG. 14, in this embodiment, the tip 27fa of the protruding portion 27f faces the first guide surface 84a in a state where the guided portion 27b is guided by the guide member 84. In this embodiment, the tip 27fa of the protrusion 27f is guided by the first guide surface 84a. In other words, it can be said that the tip 27fa is a part of the guided portion 27b.

Here, as shown in FIG. 14, in the first crossing direction Fp1, the tip 27fa of the protruding portion 27f is first of the element unit 82 (the second storage element 82a and the third substrate 82b). It is located near the guide surface 84a. With this configuration, when the drum cartridge 9 is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 10, contact between the storage unit 82 and the lower rail (guide member 84) can be avoided, and the storage unit 82 can be prevented from being damaged. Therefore, the reliability of the remanufactured cartridge can be improved.

In this embodiment, the second storage element 82a and the third substrate 82b are attached to the first recess 27d. Further, as described above, the second storage element 82a and the third substrate 82b may be attached to the second recess 27e.

The mounting position of the storage unit 80 is not limited to the position described in this embodiment. That is, the storage unit 80 can be freely arranged as long as it does not come into contact with the guide member 84. For example, it may be arranged on the back side of the first recess 27d.

Here, the arrangement of the conductive path member 83 will be described with reference to FIG. 15 (FIGS. 15A to 15D) are views for explaining the arrangement of the conductive path member 83. Further, FIG. 15A is a view of the vicinity of the second storage element 82a in the second crossing direction Fp2. 15 (b) to 15 (d) are cross-sectional views orthogonal to the extending direction of the conductive path member 83.

In order to prevent the conductive path member 83 from being damaged, it is preferable that the conductive path member 83 is arranged so as not to come into direct contact with the guide member 84. In order to prevent the conductive path member 83 from coming into contact with the guide member 84, it is preferable to arrange the conductive path member 83 so as to come into contact with the drum frame 27. For example, the drum frame 27 has a wall 27g that projects toward the guide member 84, and the wall 27g is arranged between the second storage element 82a and the second electrode 81a or around the second storage element 82a. May be done. In this case, the conductive path member 83 may be brought into contact with the tip of the wall 27g (see FIG. 15A).

Further, the conductive path member 83 may be brought into contact with the second mounting portion (the bottom portion of the first recess 27d or the bottom of the second recess 27e).

Further, a part of the drum frame 27 may be removed to form a passage through which the conductive path member 83 passes (passage forming step). For example, a notch 27g1 may be formed at the tip of the wall 27g and passed through the conductive path member 83 (see FIG. 15B). At this time, the depth of the notch 27g1 is preferably such that the conductive path member 83 does not protrude from the tip of the wall 27g. Further, the covering member 27h covering the notch 27g1 may be attached to the drum frame 27 to prevent the conductive path member 83 from coming off from the notch 27g1. Further, the hole 27g2 may be formed in the wall 27g and passed through the conductive path member 83 (see FIG. 15C). The conductive path member 83 is preferably arranged so as to be in contact with the surface forming the notch 27g1 and the hole 27g2.

Further, in order to prevent the conductive path member 83 from coming into contact with the guide member 84, at least a part of the conductive path member 83 may be covered with the covering member 86 between the second storage element 82a and the second electrode 81a. Good (see FIG. 15 (d)). Here, at least a part of the covering member 86 is located between the conductive path member 83 and the guide member 84. The covering member 86 suppresses the deformation of the conductive path member 83 toward the guide member 84. Further, the covering member 86 makes it easier to maintain the state in which the conductive path member 83 is in contact with the drum frame body 27. As the covering member 86, a sheet member, a tape, a substance that cures at room temperature (for example, an epoxy resin or an adhesive) or the like can be used.

As described above, the storage member 60 can be replaced with the storage unit 80. The drum cartridge 9 can be reproduced. That is, a new drum cartridge (second cartridge, cartridge) 109 can be manufactured from the used drum cartridge (first cartridge, material cartridge) 9 (see FIG. 1B). The new drum cartridge 109 has the same configuration as the drum cartridge 9 except that the storage member 60 is replaced with the storage unit 80, and is removable from the device main body 10. In other words, the new drum cartridge 109 is a drum cartridge 9 in which the storage member 60 is replaced with the storage unit 80.

In the process of reproducing the drum cartridge 9, parts such as the photosensitive drum 1, the cleaning member 6, and the charging roller 2 may be replaced, and the residual toner chamber 27a may be cleaned. That is, the new drum cartridge 109 may further include at least one of another photosensitive drum, another cleaning member, and another charging roller 2.

In this embodiment, the second electrode 81a is arranged at the position where the first electrode 62 was arranged, and the second storage element 82a is attached at a position different from that of the second electrode 81a. By doing so, it is not necessary to secure a space for arranging both the second electrode 81a and the second storage element 82a at the position where the storage member 60 is attached. That is, if the space for arranging the second electrode 81a can be secured, it is not necessary to secure the space for arranging the second storage element 82a. In other words, if the second electrode 81a can be arranged in the same manner as the first electrode 62, the second storage element 82a has a shape and size that can be attached to the first attachment portion 27c together with the second electrode 81a. You don't have to have it.

That is, the size of the second storage element 82a is larger than that of the case where the storage member in which both the new electrode and the new storage element are held is attached to the first attachment portion 27c in the same manner as the storage member 60. The requirements for the shape can be relaxed. Similarly, the requirements for the size and shape of the third substrate 82b that holds the second storage element 82a can be relaxed. For example, the element unit 82 can be attached to the drum frame 27 even when the third substrate 82b is larger than the slit 41.

Therefore, when the drum cartridge 9 is reproduced, the requirements regarding the shape and size required for the new storage member (the member having the second electrode 81a and the second storage element 82a) can be relaxed.

In the above description, a method of replacing the storage member of the drum cartridge 9 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to, for example, a developing cartridge 4, a toner cartridge for storing toner, or other cartridges (replacement parts configured to be removable from the apparatus main body 10).

1 (1a to 1d) Photosensitive drum 9 Drum cartridge 27 Cleaning frame 27a Residual toner chamber 27b Guided part 27c First mounting part 27d First recess (second mounting part)
27e Second recess (second mounting part)
27f projecting part 27fa tip 41 slit 60 storage member (first storage member)
61 Substrate (first holding part)
62 First electrode 63 Storage element 65 Main body electrode 80 Storage unit 81 Electrode unit 81a Second electrode (cartridge electrode)
81b Second substrate (electrode holding part)
82 Element unit 82a Second storage element 82b Third substrate (element holding part)
83 Connecting member 84 Guide member 84a First guide surface 84b Second guide surface 84c Third guide surface 100 Electrophotographic image forming apparatus 101 (101a, 101b, 101c, 101d) Opening 109 New drum cartridge (second) Cartridge, cartridge)

Claims (20)

A reproduction method in which a cartridge is reproduced from a material cartridge, the material cartridge can be attached to and detached from the device main body of an image forming apparatus, and the device main body can be attached to and detached from the main body electrode and the material cartridge. With a guide member configured to guide the cartridge,
The material cartridge is
A frame body including an engaging portion configured to engage with the guide member and a first mounting portion provided on the engaging portion.
A first storage element for storing information, a first electrode electrically connected to the first storage element, and a first holding the first storage element and the first electrode. A first storage member having a holding portion of the above, wherein the first holding portion is attached to the first mounting portion, and the first electrode is in contact with the main body electrode. With storage members
Have,
The reproduction method is
A removal step of removing the first holding portion from the first mounting portion,
The electrode attachment process of attaching the second electrode to the frame, and
In the element mounting step of mounting the second storage element for storing information on the frame, the second storage element is attached to the second mounting portion located at a position different from that of the first mounting portion. Element mounting process to be mounted and
Have,
The second storage element and the second electrode are electrically connected by a connecting member.
A method for reproducing a cartridge, wherein the second electrode is in contact with the main body electrode and is arranged at the engaging portion. The method for reproducing a cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the reproduction method includes a connection step of electrically connecting the second storage element and the second electrode by the connection member. The method for reproducing a cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the connection step is performed after at least one of the second electrode and the second storage element is attached to the frame. The second electrode and the second storage element are attached to the frame in a state where the second storage element and the second electrode are electrically connected by the connecting member. The method for reproducing a cartridge according to claim 1. The guide member has a first guide surface and a second guide surface facing the first guide surface, and the first guide surface and the second guide surface are the material cartridge. It is configured to regulate the movement of the material cartridge in the first crossing direction that intersects the mounting direction of the
When the engaging portion engages with the guide member, the first mounting portion and the first electrode are located between the first guide surface and the second guide surface.
Claim 1 is characterized in that, when the engaging portion engages with the guide member, the second electrode is located between the first guide surface and the second guide surface. The method for reproducing a cartridge according to any one of 4 to 4. The guide member has a third guide surface for restricting the movement of the material cartridge in a second crossing direction that intersects the mounting direction and the first crossing direction.
The method for reproducing a cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the second electrode is arranged so as to face the third guide when the engaging portion is guided by the guide member. .. The method for reproducing a cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the second mounting portion is located at a position away from the first guide surface in the second crossing direction. The method for reproducing a cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the second mounting portion faces the first guide surface when the engaging portion engages with the guide member. The frame body has a protruding portion, and the protruding portion is arranged so that the tip of the protruding portion faces the first guide surface when the engaging portion engages with the guide member.
The method for reproducing a cartridge according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the tip is located closer to the first guide surface than the second storage element. The second electrode is attached to the first mounting portion via the second holding portion.
The method for reproducing a cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second storage element is attached to the second attachment portion via a third holding portion. The material cartridge is
The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the image carrier is configured to support an electrostatic latent image and has an image carrier rotatably supported by the frame. The method for reproducing the cartridge described. A cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus, and the apparatus main body has a main body electrode and a guide member configured to guide the cartridge when the cartridge is attached and detached.
The cartridge is
A frame body having an engaging portion configured to engage with the guide member, and
A cartridge electrode that can contact the main body electrode and
An electrode holding portion that holds the cartridge electrode, and an electrode holding portion that is attached to the frame body.
A storage element for storing information and
An element holding portion that holds the storage element, and an element holding portion that is attached to the frame body.
A connecting member that electrically connects the cartridge electrode and the storage element,
Have,
A cartridge characterized in that the cartridge electrode and the electrode holding portion are arranged in the engaging portion, and the element holding portion is attached to the frame body at a position away from the electrode holding portion. The guide member has a first guide surface and a second guide surface facing the first guide surface, and the first guide surface and the second guide surface are of the cartridge. It is configured to regulate the movement of the cartridge in the first crossing direction that intersects the mounting direction.
12. The cartridge electrode according to claim 12, wherein the cartridge electrode is located between the first guide surface and the second guide surface when the engaging portion engages with the guide member. cartridge. The guide member has a third guide surface for restricting the movement of the cartridge in a second crossing direction that intersects the mounting direction and the first crossing direction.
13. The cartridge according to claim 13, wherein the cartridge electrode is arranged so as to face the third guide when the engaging portion engages with the guide member. The cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the element holding portion is located at a position away from the first guide surface in the second crossing direction. The cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the element holding portion is arranged at a position facing the first guide surface when the engaging portion engages with the guide member. The frame body has a protruding portion, and the protruding portion is arranged so that the tip of the protruding portion faces the first guide surface when the engaging portion engages with the guide member.
The cartridge according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the tip is located closer to the first guide surface than the storage element. The frame has a slit into which the electrode holding portion is inserted.
The cartridge according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the element holding portion is larger than the slit. The cartridge according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the connecting member has flexibility. The cartridge is
The invention according to any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the image carrier is configured to support an electrostatic latent image and has an image carrier rotatably supported by the frame. The listed cartridge.

Images