Cartridge and image forming apparatus

A cartridge includes: first and second cartridge constituent members assembled with each other; a memory for storing information on the cartridge; a color display member for displaying color information of a developer accommodated in the cartridge; first and second supporting portions provided on the first and second cartridge constituent members, wherein the first supporting portion is provided with a slit for permitting insertion of the memory, and the second supporting portion is provided with a slit for permitting insertion of the color display member; and first and second preventing portions provided on the other cartridge constituent member. When the first and second cartridge constituent members are assembled with each other, the first preventing portion prevents movement of the memory inserted in the first supporting portion, and the second preventing portion prevents movement of the color display member inserted in the second supporting portion.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART

The present invention relates to a cartridge detachably mountable to an apparatus main assembly of an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material. Further, the present invention relates to the image forming apparatus, to which the cartridge is detachably mountable, for forming the image on the recording material.

The image forming apparatus forms the image on the recording material by using an image forming process such as an electrophotographic image forming type, an electrostatic image forming type or a magnetic recording image forming type. Examples of the image forming apparatus may include a copying machine, a printer (a laser beam printer, an LED printer or the like), a facsimile machine, a multi-function machine having functions of these machines, a word processor, and so on.

The recording material is a material on which the image is to be formed by the image forming apparatus, and includes, e.g., paper, an OHP sheet, an intermediary transfer member and an image display member of the image forming apparatus.

The cartridge is, e.g., a process cartridge or a developing cartridge, and contributes to the image forming process for forming the image on the recording material in a state in which the cartridge is detachably mounted to the apparatus main assembly of the image forming apparatus. The apparatus main assembly of the image forming apparatus means an apparatus constituent portion obtained by excluding the cartridge from constituent members of the image forming apparatus.

The process cartridge is prepared by integrally assembling a rotatable image bearing member, on which a latent image is to be formed, and at least one of a charging means, a developing means, a cleaning means and the like as process means for image formation actable on the image bearing member into a cartridge (unit), and the cartridge is detachably mounted to the apparatus main assembly of the image forming apparatus. Examples of the image bearing member may include an electrophotographic photosensitive member in the electrophotographic image forming type, an electrostatic recording dielectric member in the electrostatic recording image forming type and a magnetic recording (magnetic) material in the magnetic recording image forming type.

Accordingly, the process cartridge includes a cartridge which is prepared by integrally assembling the image bearing member and the developing means as the image forming process means into a unit and which is detachably mounted to the apparatus main assembly. The process cartridge integrally including the image bearing member and the developing means is referred to as a so-called integral type. Further, the process cartridge integrally including the image bearing member and the process means other than the developing means is referred to as a so-called separation type. That is, the process cartridge for forming the image by being paired with a developing unit, as a separate member from the process cartridge, including the developing means is referred to as the separation type.

Further, the developing cartridge includes a developer carrying member (developing roller) for supplying the developer to the image bearing member and accommodates the developer (toner) used for developing the latent image, by the developer carrying member, formed on the image bearing member. The developing cartridge is detachably mounted to the apparatus main assembly.

In the case of the developing cartridge, the image bearing member is mounted to the apparatus main assembly or a cartridge supporting member. Alternatively, the image bearing member is provided in the so-called separation type process cartridge. In this case, the process cartridge does not include the developing means.

Therefore, the cartridge includes the process cartridges of the so-called integral type and the so-called separation type. Further, the cartridge includes the case where the so-called separation type process cartridge and the developing cartridge are used in a pair. Further, the cartridge includes the case where the image bearing member is fixedly mounted to the apparatus main assembly or the cartridge supporting member, and the developing cartridge actable on the image bearing member is used in a detachably mountable manner. Further, the cartridge includes a developer cartridge accommodating the developer (toner) to be supplied to the process cartridge, the developing cartridge or the like.

For example, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, such as a printer, using an electrophotographic process electrically charges uniformly the electrophotographic photosensitive member as the image bearing member and then forms a latent image by selective exposure of the electrophotographic photosensitive member to light. Then, the latent image is developed with the developer to be visualized as a developer image. The developer image is then transferred onto a recording material (medium).

By applying heat and pressure to the transferred developer image, the developer image is fixed on the recording material, so that an image is recorded.

Such a conventional electrophotographic image forming apparatus was accompanied with supply of the developer and maintenance of various process devices.

As a means for facilitating such a developer supplying operation and maintenance, all or a part of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, a charging means, the developing means, a cleaning means and the like are integrally assembled, as a cartridge, in a frame. A process cartridge type in which the cartridge is detachably mountable to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is employed.

According to the process cartridge type, the maintenance of the image forming apparatus can be performed in the form of replacement of the process cartridge or the developing device by a user himself (herself), and therefore it was possible to remarkably improve productivity. Therefore, the process cartridge type has been widely used in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

In such a process cartridge, there is a cartridge on which a memory (IC memory or the like) for storing information of the cartridge. When the cartridge is mounted in the apparatus main assembly, it is possible to transfer the information between the apparatus main assembly and the cartridge. A constitution in which a state such as an operation status of the cartridge is notified to a controller of the apparatus main assembly has been proposed (U.S. Pat. No. 5,937,239).

In the memory mounted on the cartridge, pieces of insert on characteristics of the image forming apparatus and the process means and the like are registered. As a result, maintenance of the apparatus main assembly or the cartridge can be facilitated. Further, control of image formation is effected depending on the information stored in the memory. As a result, the image formation can be carried out under a best condition.

As a fixing method of the memory on the cartridge, various methods have been known. For example, there is a method such that the memory is fixed to a frame of the cartridge by a double-side tape or the like. This method is effective in the case where a relatively broad area can be ensured as a bonding surface. Further, a method such that the memory is directly formed by insert molding has been known. There is also a method such that a frame of the cartridge is provided with an opening and a guide (portion) and then a memory is slid and inserted through the opening (Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application (JP-A) 2006-293003). In this method, movement of the memory is prevented by the opening and the guide, and therefore the memory can be easily mounted to the frame.

Further, in the case of a cartridge used in a full-color electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a color display means for permitting discrimination of the cartridge depending on the color of the toner accommodated in the cartridge is mounted to the cartridge. As the color display means, a method such that labels which are colored depending on toner colors and to which displaying characters or marks or the like are added has been known (JP-A 2003-195728).

In conventional examples described above, the memory was fixed to the cartridge by forming a retaining portion such that the opening is covered by a projected portion which is provided at an end portion of the opening and then is melted by thermal caulking. The projected portion is provided in the neighborhood of a cartridge electrical contact provided on the memory in order to electrically connect the memory with the apparatus main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and when the projected portion is melted by the thermal caulking or the like, there was a possibility that the retaining portion covers the cartridge electrical contact.

For this reason, in the conventional examples, the above problem has been solved by increasing a size of the memory in order to ensure a margin by increasing a distance between the projected portion and the electrical contact, and by managing a manufacturing condition of the thermal caulking or the like.

Further, with respect to the color display means, in the case where the above-described labels are fixed, there is a need to fix the labels to the associated cartridges by the double-side tape or the like, but its fixing method is different from the fixing method of the memory, and therefore there was a need to fix the labels and the memory to the cartridges in separate steps.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the circumstances described above, the present invention is a further development of the prior art. A principal object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge capable of downsizing a memory.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus using the cartridge.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cartridge used for forming an image on a recording material, comprising: a first cartridge constituent member and a second cartridge constituent member which are assembled with each other; a memory for storing information on the cartridge; a color display member for displaying color information of a developer accommodated in the cartridge; a first supporting portion and a second supporting portion which are provided on the first and second cartridge constituent members, wherein the first supporting portion is provided with a slit for permitting insertion of the memory, and the second supporting portion is provided with a slit for permitting insertion of the color display member; and a first preventing portion and a second preventing portion which are provided on the other cartridge constituent member, wherein when the first and second cartridge constituent members are assembled with each other, the first preventing portion prevents movement of the memory inserted in the first supporting portion, and the second preventing portion prevents movement of the color display member inserted in the second supporting portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: the described above; mounting means for detachably mounting the cartridge; feeding means for feeding a recording material; and a main assembly electrical contact for being electrically connected with the memory.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A cartridge and an image forming apparatus using the cartridge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Incidentally, in the following embodiments, as an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a full-color electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which four process cartridges are detachably mountable is described as an example.

Further, in the following embodiments, as an example of the image forming apparatus, a printer is exemplified. However, the image forming apparatus is not limited to the printer. The present invention is also applicable to, e.g., other image forming apparatuses such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine and a multi-function machine having functions of these machines in combination.

<General Structure of Image Forming Apparatus>

First, an image forming apparatus1according to the present invention will be described with reference toFIG. 2which is a schematic sectional view.

An image forming apparatus1is a four color-based full-color laser printer using the electrophotographic image forming process and effects color image formation on a recording material S based on image information (electrical image signal) inputted from an external host device300to a contact circuit portion (control means or a controller)100. The external host device300is a personal computer, an image reader, a facsimile, a network or the like.

The image forming apparatus1is of a process cartridge type in which in a state in which the cartridge contributing to an image forming process is detachably mounted, an image is formed on the recording material S. To the image forming apparatus1in this embodiment, for process cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) are detachably mounted to an apparatus main assembly2, and a color image is formed on the recording material S.

Here, with respect to the image forming apparatus1, the side (surface) on which an apparatus openable door3is provided is referred to as a front side (surface), and a side (surface) opposite to the front side (surface) is referred to as a rear side (surface). Further, a right side when the image forming apparatus1is viewed from the front surface is referred to as a driving side, and a left side is referred to as a non-driving side.

Inside the apparatus main assembly2, the four cartridges P consisting of the first cartridge PY, the second cartridge PM, the third cartridge PC and the fourth cartridge PK are provided and arranged in a horizontal direction. The respective first to fourth cartridges P have the same electrophotographic process mechanism but contains developers (toners) different in color from one another. To the cartridges P, a rotational driving force is transmitted from a drive output portion (not shown) of the apparatus main assembly2. Further, to the cartridges P, bias voltages (charging bias, developing bias and the like) are supplied from the apparatus main assembly2(not shown).

Each of the cartridges P is a process cartridge of an integral type, and as shown inFIG. 3, includes a cleaning unit8and a developing device9. The developing device9is connected swingably about a shaft W1relative to the cleaning unit8.

The cleaning unit8includes a drum type electrophotographic photosensitive member (photosensitive drum)4as a rotatable image bearing member on which a latent image is to be formed, and a charging means5and a cleaning means7which are actable, as process means, on the photosensitive drum4. As the charging means5, a charging roller which is a contact charging member is used. As the cleaning means7, a cleaning blade is used.

The developing device9is a contact developing device using a one-component non-magnetic developer (toner), and includes a developing (device) frame26and a developer carrying member (developing roller) as a developing means6provided relative to the developing frame26. The developing frame26includes a developer accommodating chamber (developer accommodating portion)26cin which the toner is accommodated.

The first cartridge PY accommodates the toner of yellow (Y) in its developer accommodating chamber26cand forms the toner image of yellow on the surface of the photosensitive drum4. The second cartridge PM accommodates the toner of magenta (M) in its developer accommodating chamber26cand forms the image of magenta on the surface of the photosensitive drum4. The third cartridge PC accommodates the toner of cyan (C) in its developer accommodating chamber26cand forms the toner image of cyan on the surface of the photosensitive drum4. The fourth cartridge PK accommodates the toner of black (K) in its developer accommodating chamber26cand forms the toner image of black on the surface of the photosensitive drum4.

Above the four cartridges P, a laser scanner unit LB as an exposure means is provided. This laser scanner unit LB outputs laser light Z correspondingly to image information. Then, the laser light Z passes through an exposure window portion10of each cartridge P, so that the surface of the photosensitive drum4is subjected to scanning exposure to the laser light Z.

Under the four cartridges P, an intermediary transfer belt unit11as a transfer member is provided. This intermediary transfer belt unit11includes a driving roller13, a turn roller14and a tension roller15, and includes a flexible endless transfer belt12extended and stretched by the rollers.

The photosensitive drum4of each of the four cartridges P is contacted to an upper surface of the transfer belt12at its lower surface. A resultant contact portion is a primary transfer portion. Inside the transfer belt12, primary transfer rollers16are provided opposed to the associated photosensitive drums4. Oppositely to the turn roller14, a secondary transfer roller17is provided in contact with the transfer belt12. A resultant contact portion between the transfer belt12and the secondary transfer roller17is a secondary transfer portion.

Below the intermediary transfer belt unit11, a sheet feeding unit18is provided. This sheet feeding unit18includes a sheet feeding tray19in which sheets of the recording material S are stacked, and includes a sheet feeding roller20and the like.

In an upper left side (upper rear side) of the apparatus main assembly2inFIG. 2, a fixing unit21and a sheet discharging unit22are provided. At an upper surface of the apparatus main assembly2, a sheet discharge tray23is defined. On the recording material S, the (unfixed) toner image is fixed as a fixed image by the fixing means provided in the fixing unit21, and then the recording material S is discharged as an image-formed product onto the discharge tray23. A recording material feeding path from the feeding unit18to the discharging unit22is a feeding means for feeding the recording material.

An operation for forming a full-color image is as follows. The photosensitive drums4of the cartridges P are rotationally driven at a predetermined speed (in an arrow D direction inFIG. 3and in a counterclockwise direction inFIG. 2). The transfer belt12is also rotationally driven in the same direction (arrow C direction inFIG. 2) as the rotational direction of the photosensitive drums4(at their contact portions) at a speed corresponding to the speed of the photosensitive drums4.

The laser scanner unit LB is also driven. In synchronism with the drive of the laser scanner unit LB, the surface of the photosensitive drum4of each cartridge is electrically charged uniformly to a predetermined polarity and a predetermined potential by the charging roller5. The scanner unit LB scans and exposes the surface of each photosensitive drum4with the laser light Z depending on an associated color image signal. As a result, the electrostatic latent image depending on the image signal for the associated color is formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum4. The thus formed electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image by the developing roller6which is rotationally driven (in an arrow E direction inFIG. 3or in the clockwise direction inFIG. 2) at a predetermined speed.

By the electrophotographic image forming process operation as described above, on the photosensitive drum4of the first cartridge PY, a yellow (Y) toner image corresponding to a yellow (Y) component for the full-color image is formed. Then, the toner image is primary-transferred onto the transfer belt12. Similarly, on the photosensitive drum4of the second cartridge PM, a magenta toner image corresponding to a magenta component for the full-color image is formed. Then, the toner image is primary-transferred superposedly onto the yellow toner image which has already been transferred on the transfer belt12.

Further, on the photosensitive drum4of the third cartridge PC, a cyan toner image corresponding to a cyan component for the full-color image is formed. Then, the toner image is primary-transferred superposedly onto the yellow and magenta toner images which have already been transferred on the transfer belt12. Similarly, on the photosensitive drum4of the fourth cartridge PK, a black toner image corresponding to a black component for the full-color image is formed. Then, the toner image is primary-transferred superposedly onto the yellow, magenta and cyan toner images which have already been transferred on the transfer belt12.

In this way, unfixed and superposedly transferred toner images of yellow, magenta, cyan and black for the four color-based full-color image are formed on the transfer belt12.

On the other hand, at predetermined control timing, sheets of the recording material S are separated and fed one by one from the feeding unit18. The recording material S is introduced into a secondary transfer portion which is a contact portion between the secondary transfer roller17and the transfer belt12with predetermined control timing. As a result, in a process in which the recording material S is nipped and conveyed at the secondary transfer portion, the four color toner images superposed on the transfer belt12are collectively secondary-transferred onto the surface of the recording material S. Then, the recording material S on which the toner images are secondary-transferred is introduced into a fixing unit21and then is subjected to fixing, so that the recording material S is discharged as a full-color image-formed product onto the discharge tray23.

A structure of the cartridge P will be described. The respective cartridges P have the same electrophotographic process mechanism and accommodate the toner different in color from each other.FIG. 3is a schematic sectional view of the cartridge P, andFIG. 4is a perspective view of the cartridge P as seen from a non-driving-side.FIG. 5is a perspective view of a driving-side portion of the cartridge P, andFIG. 6is an exploded perspective view of the developing device4.

The cartridge P has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in a direction of a rotational axis a of the photosensitive drum4as a longitudinal direction, and includes the cleaning unit8, the developing device9, a driving-side cover member24and a non-driving-side cover member25.

1) Structure of Cleaning Unit8

As shown inFIG. 3, the cleaning unit8is constituted by the photosensitive drum4, the charging roller5, a cleaning container29including the cleaning blade7. The photosensitive drum4is rotatably supported by a bearing member24H in the driving-side cover member24side and a bearing member25H in the non-driving-side cover member25side. Further, the photosensitive drum4obtains a driving force of a motor (not shown) of the apparatus main assembly2by engagement of a drum driving coupling4a(FIG. 5) in the driving-side cover member24side with a drive output coupling (not shown) in the apparatus main assembly2side, and thus is rotationally driven (in the arrow D direction inFIG. 3).

The cleaning container29functions as a frame for holding the cleaning blade7and the charging roller5as the process means for image formation. The charging roller5is rotatably supported at its end portions by charging roller bearings27in the driving-side and the non-driving-side of the cleaning container29and is driven by rotation of the photosensitive drum4in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum4. At this time, in order to uniformly charge the surface of the photosensitive drum4, the charging roller5is urged against the photosensitive drum4by an urging spring28at each of the end portions thereof.

The cleaning blade7is fixed on the cleaning container29, and an elastic rubber end portion thereof is disposed in contact with the photosensitive drum4in a direction counterdirectionally to the rotational direction (the arrow D direction inFIG. 3). During image formation, the cleaning blade7scrapes off a transfer residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum4to clean the surface of the photosensitive drum4. At this time, the end of the cleaning blade7is contacted to the surface of the photosensitive drum4at predetermined pressure in order to sufficiently scrape off the transfer residual toner.

Further, the transfer residual toner scraped off from the surface of the photosensitive drum4by the cleaning blade7is accommodated as a waste (residual) toner in a residual toner accommodating portion29aof the cleaning container29. For that purpose, on the cleaning container29, a residual toner collecting sheet member44for preventing the residual toner from leaking out from a gap between itself and the photosensitive drum4or the cleaning blade7is fixed with respect to the longitudinal direction of the photosensitive drum4. Further, at each of longitudinal end portions of the cleaning blade7, a cleaning blade end portion seal member (not shown) is provided.

2) Structure of Developing Device9

A structure of the developing device9will be described with reference toFIGS. 3 and 6. The developing device9has an elongated shape in which the developing roller (developer carrying member)6as the developing means extends in a rotational axis direction as the longitudinal direction. In addition to the developing roller6, the developing device9is constituted by the developing frame26, a developing blade31, developing device end portion seal members34R and34L, a flexible sheet member35, and supplying roller shaft seals37R and37L.

The developing roller6and the developer supplying roller33are provided at an opening, and end portions of shafts of the developing roller6and the developer supplying roller33are rotatably supported by a driving-side bearing38and a non-driving-side bearing39which are mounted on side surfaces of the developing frame26. Further, at driving-side end portions of a core material (metal)6aof the developing roller6and a core material (metal)33aof the developer supplying roller33, a driving gear40and a supplying roller gear41are provided, respectively, and are engaged with a developing device drive input gear42. The developing device drive input gear42includes a developing device drive coupling42a(FIGS. 5 and 6) with which a drive output coupling (not shown) in the apparatus main assembly2side is engaged, so that a driving force of a driving motor (not shown) for the apparatus main assembly2is transmitted. As a result, the developing roller6and the developer supplying roller33are rotationally driven at predetermined speeds (arrow E and F directions inFIG. 3).

The developing blade31is an about 0.1 mm-thick elastic metal plate, and is an elongated member with respect to the rotational axis direction of the developing roller6. A developing blade31is supported by a supporting metal plate32, and the supporting metal plate32is mounted to the developing frame26. The developing blade31and the supporting metal plate32constitute a developing blade unit30. A free end of the developing blade31with respect to a widthwise direction is contacted to the developing roller6counterdirectionally to the rotational direction (arrow E direction inFIG. 3). A developing blade seal36is provided on the supporting metal plate32.

As shown inFIG. 6, the developing device end portion seal members34R and34L are provided at ends of the opening of the developing frame26, so that toner leakage from a gap between the developing frame26and each of the developing blade31and the developing roller6is prevented.

Further, the flexible sheet member35is provided in contact with the developing roller6at a longitudinal side surface in a side where the sheet member35opposes the developing blade31at the opening of the developing frame26, thus preventing the toner leakage from a gap between the developing frame26and the developing roller6. Further, the supplying roller shaft seal members37R and37L are mounted on the core material33aof the developer supplying roller33at exposed portions outside the developing frame26, thus preventing the toner leakage from a gap between the core material33aand a core material through hole provided in the developing frame26.

The developing device9is a swingably supported by the shaft W1between the driving-side cover member24and the non-driving-side cover member25. That is, the cleaning unit8and the developing device9are connected with each other by the shaft W1. Further, the developing device9is urged rotatably about the shaft W1by an urging member (not shown) so that the developing roller6openings the photosensitive drum4in the cleaning unit8side at a predetermined urging force in a free state. A developing drive coupling42is provided coaxially with an axis b of the shaft W1.

In each cartridge P, the cleaning unit8is positionally fixed at a positioning portion (described later with reference toFIG. 12) in the apparatus main assembly side in a state in which the cleaning unit8is mounted at a mounting portion of the apparatus main assembly2in a predetermined manner. The developing device9is in the free state during the image formation of the image forming apparatus. That is, the developing device9is urged rotatably about the shaft W1by the urging member so that the developing roller6contacts the photosensitive drum4in the cleaning unit8side at the predetermined urging force.

Further, during the image formation, by the drive, the developer supplying roller33and the developing roller6are rotated and rubbed with each other, so that the toner in the developer accommodating chamber26cis carried on the developing roller6. The developing blade31regulates a thickness of a toner layer formed on a peripheral surface of the developing roller6, and at the same time, imparts triboelectric charges, generated between itself and the developing roller6by contact pressure, to the toner. Then, at the contact portion between the developing roller6and the photosensitive drum4, the charged toner on the developing roller6is deposited on the electrostatic latent image, so that the electrostatic latent image is developed.

Further, during non-image formation of the image forming apparatus, the developing device8is held at a position where the developing device8is rotated about the shaft W1against the urging member by an actable member (not shown) in the apparatus main assembly side in a direction in which the developing roller6is spaced from the photosensitive drum4.

3) Memory and Color Display Member

Each cartridge P is provided with a memory200for storing pieces of information such as a lot number of the cartridge P, characteristics of the image forming apparatus and characteristics of the process means. Further, the cartridge P is provided with a color display member80(80Y,80M,80C,80K) so as to be discriminated depending on the type such as a toner color (FIG. 4).

In each cartridge P, main assembly electrical contacts (contact member) in the apparatus main assembly side are electrically connected with electrical contacts (cartridge electrical contacts) in the memory200side in the mounted state at the mounting portion in the apparatus main assembly2in the predetermined manner. As a result, it becomes possible to transfer the pieces of information between the control circuit portion100in the apparatus main assembly2side and the memory200in the cartridge P side. The control circuit portion100transfers the pieces of information stored in the memory200to grasp a state such as an operation status of the cartridge P, thus effecting control of the image formation depending on the information. As a result, the image formation is carried out under a best condition.

FIG. 7is a perspective view of an outer appearance of the memory200in this embodiment. The memory200is constituted by a memory substrate200a, a pair of cartridge electrical contacts200band200c, and an IC (not shown). The memory200is a rectangular plate member. Further, in this embodiment, the memory200is mounted to a memory supporting portion (slit portion)24a, described above, provided in the driving-side cover member24as a memory supporting means.

That is, the memory includes the cartridge electrical contacts200band200c, electrically connectable with the main assembly electrical contacts90(FIG. 10) of the apparatus main assembly2, for transmitting the information on the process means of the cartridge P to the control circuit portion100of the apparatus main assembly2.

The electrical contacts200band200care electrically connected with the main assembly electrical contacts90in the apparatus main assembly2side when the cartridge P is mounted in the apparatus main assembly2. Further, the insert stored in the memory200is transmitted via the main assembly electrical contacts90to the control circuit portion100in the apparatus main assembly2side. The memory200is mounted in the memory supporting portion24aso that the cartridge electrical contacts200band200care directed to the outside.

The color display member80of the cartridge P is a member capable of permitting discrimination of the type such as the color of the toner accommodated in the cartridge P. The color display member80Y of the first cartridge PY indicates that the color of the accommodated toner is yellow (Y). Similarly, the color display members80M,80C and80K of the second, third and fourth cartridges PM, PC and PK, respectively, indicate that the colors of the accommodated toners are magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (K), respectively.

Incidentally, in this embodiment, the color display member80is mounted in a color display member supporting portion (slit portion)24b, described later, provided on the driving-side cover member24as a color display member supporting means.

<Mounting and Dismounting Constitution (Mounting Means) of Cartridge P Relative to Apparatus Main Assembly2>

A mounting and dismounting operation of the respective cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) relative to the apparatus main assembly2will be described. In the apparatus main assembly2in this embodiment, exchange (replacement) of each cartridge is of a type in which a user places the cartridge P (PY, PM, PC, PK) on a pulling-out unit (cartridge tray)51and exchanges the cartridge P in a front-access manner.

The pulling-out unit51supports the cartridges P mountably and dismountably. The pulling-out unit51is constituted so as to be movable (pushable in and pullable out) by a rail member45along a rectilinear line between a pulled-out position where the cartridge P can be mounted and dismounted at the outside of the apparatus main assembly2and a mounting position where the cartridge P is mounted at the inside of the apparatus main assembly2.

FIG. 2shows a state in which the pulling-out unit51is moved to the mounting position where the cartridge P is mounted at the inside of the apparatus main assembly2, and in which an apparatus openable door3is closed.FIG. 8shows a state in which the apparatus openable door3is opened and then the pulling-out unit51is pulled out to the pulled-out position where each of the cartridges P can be mounted and dismounted at the outside of the apparatus main assembly2. An arrow D2direction is a pulling-out movement direction, and an arrow D1direction is a pushing-in movement direction. The pulling-out movement direction D2and the pushing-in movement direction D1are the substantially horizontal direction.

A mounting operation of the cartridge P in the apparatus main assembly2will be described. The user opens the apparatus openable door3by rotating the door3about a hinge shaft3a. Then, the user moves and pulls out the pulling-out unit51to the pulled-out position where the cartridge P can be mounted and dismounted at the outside of the apparatus main assembly2.

Here, in interrelation with an opening operation of the openable door3, connection of the drive output portions in the apparatus main assembly side with the drum drive coupling4aand the developing (device) drive coupling42aof the cartridge P is eliminated. In each cartridge P, pressing of the cleaning unit8toward the main assembly-side positioning portion91(FIG. 12) is eliminated. Further, the connection of the bias output portion in the apparatus main assembly side with the cartridge P is eliminated. Further, the connection of the main assembly electrical contacts90(FIG. 10) with the electrical contacts200band200cof the memory200of the cartridge P is eliminated.

Further, by movement of the rail member45or the intermediary transfer belt unit11, spacing between the transfer belt12and the photosensitive drum4of the cartridge B is made. In this state, the pulling-out unit51can be moved from the mounting position in the apparatus main assembly2to the pulled-out position.

In a state in which the pulling-out unit51is moved to the pulled-out position, the cartridge P can be mounted and dismounted for exchange relative to the cartridge P. That is, the cartridge P is dismounted from the pulling-out unit51toward above in an arrow C2direction, and is mounted and held in the pulling-out unit51in an arrow C1direction (in the substantially gravitation direction).

The respective cartridges P are disposed and arranged in a movement direction so that a longitudinal direction (an axial direction of the photosensitive drum4) of each cartridge P is a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the pulling-out unit51. Further, in the pulling-out unit51, four cartridge mounting portions51afor permitting mounting of the four cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) are provided in a line. Further, at end portions of the four cartridge mounting portions51a, main assembly display labels53(53Y,53M,53C,53K) different depending on the colors of the toners accommodated in the cartridges P are provided.

The main assembly display labels53are provided correspondingly to the color display members80provided on the first to fourth cartridges. Specifically, as shown inFIGS. 8 and 9, on each cartridge P for accommodating the toner of an associated color and on the cartridge mounting portion51awhere the cartridge P is to be mounted, the color display member80and the main assembly color display label53on which the associated color of the toner is displayed are provided, respectively.

Incidentally, in this embodiment, the color display member80of the cartridge P is provided on the driving-side cover member24. The corresponding main assembly color display label53is disposed at a driving-side end portion of the cartridge mounting portion51aso that the main assembly color display label53can be recognized simultaneously with the color display member80when the cartridge P is mounted in the pulling-out unit51.

As a result, the user visually recognizes the color display member80and the main assembly color display label53provided at the driving-side end portion of the cartridge mounting portion51awhen the cartridge P is newly mounted in the apparatus main assembly2or when the cartridge P is exchanged due to the end of a lifetime thereof. Then, by checking that the colors of the color display member80and the main assembly color display label53coincide with each other, the cartridge P is properly mounted in the cartridge mounting portion51a.

On the other hand, in the case where the colors of the color display member80and the main assembly color display label53do not coincide with each other, the user can visually recognize that the cartridge P is erroneously inserted, and therefore it is possible to prevent an erroneous insertion of the cartridge P into the cartridge mounting portion51a. Incidentally, even if the cartridge P is forcedly inserted, the cartridge P and the apparatus main assembly2are not damaged since the cartridge P or the cartridge mounting portion51ais provided with a projection or a cut-away portion for discrimination.

With respect to the necessary cartridge P corresponding to a predetermined mounting portion51aof the pulling-out unit51, an old cartridge is replaced with a new cartridge, and then the pulling-out unit51is sufficiently moved and pulled into the apparatus main assembly2. Then, the apparatus operable door3is closed.

Here, in interrelation with a closing operation of the door3, by movement of the rail member45or the intermediary transfer belt unit11, contact between the transfer belt12and the photosensitive drum4of each cartridge P is made. In each cartridge P, pressing of the cleaning unit8toward the main assembly-side positioning portion91(FIG. 12) is made. The connection of the main assembly-side drive output portions with the drum drive coupling4aand the developing drive coupling42aof each cartridge P is made.

Further, the connection of the main assembly-side bias output portion with each cartridge P is made. Further, the connection of the main assembly electrical contacts90(FIG. 10) with the electrical contacts200band200cof the memory200of each cartridge P is made.

As a result, the image forming apparatus1is placed in a state in which the cartridges P are mounted at predetermined mounting portions in the apparatus main assembly2, so that the image forming apparatus1is capable of performing an image forming operation.

<Positioning Constitution of Cartridge P>

A positioning constitution when the cartridges P are mounted in the apparatus main assembly2will be described specifically with reference toFIGS. 10-12and16. Incidentally, in the following, an arrow X direction is defined as a direction parallel to an insertion direction of the memory200shown inFIG. 1, an arrow Y direction is defined as a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction (X direction) of the memory200, and an arrow Z direction is defined as a thickness direction of the memory200.

FIG. 10is a perspective view of the main assembly electrical contact90. The main assembly electrical contact90is provided with contact positioning portions90dand90eformed in slits for permitting engagement with positioning ribs24dand24e(FIG. 11), respectively, of the driving-side cover member24of the cartridge P. Incidentally, at an end of each of the contact positioning portions90dand90e, a guiding surface90sfor guiding the engagement with the rib24dor24eof the driving-side cover member24. Further, the main assembly electrical contact90is provided with electrical contact portions90band90ccontactable with the electrical contacts200band200c(FIG. 7), respectively, of the memory200.

FIG. 11shows a state in which the pulling-out unit51is moved to the mounting position in the apparatus main assembly2and in which the apparatus openable door3is opened. In this state, the contact positioning portions90dand90eare not engaged with the positioning ribs24dand24eof the driving-side cover member24of the cartridge P. Accordingly, the electrical contact portions90band90cof the main assembly electrical contact90do not contact the electrical contacts200band200cof the memory200. In other words, the memory200and the main assembly electrical contact90are in a state in which they are not electrically connected with each other.

FIG. 12shows a state in which the pulling-out unit51is moved to the mounting position in the apparatus main assembly2and in which the door3is closed. In this state, the contact positioning portions90dand90eof the main assembly electrical contact90engage with the positioning ribs24dand24eof the driving-side cover member24of the cartridge P.

Specifically, in interrelation with the closing operation of the door3of the apparatus main assembly2, the main assembly electrical contact90is lowered in an arrow J direction inFIG. 11, so that at first the guiding surfaces90sprovided at the ends of the contact positioning portions90dand90econtact the positioning ribs24dand24e. Thereafter, when the main assembly electrical contact90is further lowered, the contact positioning portions90dand90eguided by the guiding surfaces90sengage with the positioning ribs24dand24e.

In this case, a width Q1(FIG. 16) of each of the positioning ribs24dand24eand a width Q3(FIG. 10) of each of the contact positioning portions90dand90eare mutually engageable dimensions. For that reason, positioning of the main assembly electrical contact90relative to the memory200with respect to the arrow X direction (FIG. 1) is made. Further, a width Q2(FIG. 16) between the positioning ribs24dand24eand a width Q4(FIG.10) between the contact positioning portions90dand90eare mutually engageable dimensions, and therefore positioning of the main assembly electrical contact90relative to the memory with respect to the arrow Y direction (FIG. 1) is made.

Further, by abutment of end surfaces90zof the contact positioning portions90dand90eagainst recessed surfaces24z(portions-to-be-urged:FIG. 11) of the driving-side cover member24, positioning of the main assembly electrical contact90relative to the memory200with respect to the arrow Z direction (FIG. 1) is made.

As described above, the main assembly electrical contact90is positioned relative to the memory200, whereby it is possible to bring the electrical contact portions90band90cinto contact with the electrical contacts200band200cof the memory200with reliability.

Incidentally, as shown inFIG. 12, in interrelation with the closing operation of the door3, the pressing of the cleaning unit8of each cartridge P toward the main assembly-side positioning portion91is made. Specifically, each of portions-to-be-positioned (bearing portions)24H and25H provided on the side cover members24and25is abutted against a V-character portion91aprovided in the main assembly-side positioning portion91, whereby the cartridge P is positioned relative to the apparatus main assembly2.

At this time, the driving-side side cover member24is urged in the arrow J direction ofFIG. 12by an unshown urging member (means) provided above the main assembly electrical contact90. Similarly, also the non-driving-side side cover member25is urged in the arrow J direction ofFIG. 12by an unshown urging member. In this way, a constitution in which the driving-side side cover member24receives a force from the unshown urging member provided on the main assembly electrical contact90is employed.

Here, the driving-side side cover member24includes the portion-to-be-positioned24H relative to the main assembly positioning portion91and the positioning ribs24dand24erelative to the main assembly electrical contact90. In this embodiment, a constitution in which the driving-side side cover member24including the positioning portion relative to the apparatus main assembly supports the memory200is employed. For that reason, the memory200can be positioned relative to the main assembly electrical contact90with high accuracy.

Further, as shown inFIGS. 11 and 16, in this embodiment, the memory200supported by the driving-side side cover member24is disposed outside relative to the color display member80with respect to the longitudinal direction (arrow Y direction ofFIG. 1) of the cartridge P. That is, the memory200is disposed in a side close to a side surface24ghaving a wall extending in a vertical direction to a force applied from the main assembly urging member in the arrow J direction.

The arrangement of the memory200and the color display member80is not limited thereto. However, as described above, the memory200to which the force is applied from the urging member (not shown) provided above the main assembly electrical contact90is provided at the longitudinal outside portion, of the driving-side side cover member24, where rigidity is stronger. As a result, it is possible to suppress deformation of the driving-side side cover member24at the time when the cover member24receives the force from the main assembly electrical contact90.

Accordingly, the above arrangement is effective, as the arrangement of the structure in which the cover member24supports the memory200and the color display member80, in suppressing a degree of deformation of the cover member24and in positioning of the cartridge P relative to the apparatus main assembly2with high accuracy when the cartridge P is positioned relative to the apparatus main assembly2. Particularly, the above-described arrangement achieves a better effect as a constitution when the memory200and the color display member80are disposed in a limited space.

<Supporting Structure for Memory200and Color Display Member80>

A supporting structure for the memory200and the color display member80in each cartridge P will be described specifically with reference to FIGS.1and13-16. Incidentally, the supporting structures for the memory200an the color display member80in each of the cartridges P are the same.

In this embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, each cartridge P (PY, PM, PC, PK) is provided with the memory200, for storing information, on an upper surface of the driving-side cover member24as a supporting means for supporting the memory200and the color display member80. Similarly, on the upper surface of the driving-side cover member24, the color display member80for displaying color information is provided.

As the color display member80, a member colored correspondingly to an associated one of the colors (Y, M, C, K) of the cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) is mounted. Here, as described above, the arrow X, Y and Z directions are defined as the direction parallel to the insertion direction of the memory200, the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction (X direction) of the memory200, and the thickness direction of the memory200, respectively.

In the following, a mounting method of the memory200and the color display member80will be described specifically.FIG. 1is an exploded perspective view of the memory200and the color display member80, andFIG. 13is a perspective view of the driving-side (side) cover member24.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 13, the memory200and the color display member80are mounted on the upper surface of the driving-side cover member24. The driving-side cover member24is provided with a memory supporting portion24aas a first supporting portion for supporting the memory200. In this embodiment, the memory supporting portion24ais a slit which is open with respect to one direction in order to permit insertion of the memory200.

Similarly, the driving-side cover member24is provided with a color display member supporting portion24bas a second supporting portion for supporting the memory200. Also, the color display member supporting portion24bis, similarly as the memory supporting portion24a, a slit which is open with respect to one direction in order to permit insertion of the memory200.

Further, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 13, the memory200and the color display member80are inserted into the above-described supporting portions24aand24b, respectively. That is, the memory200and the color display member80are slid, with respect to an arrow W direction, into open portions24a7and24b7, respectively, provided in the memory supporting portion (slit)24aand the color display member supporting portion (slit)24bfor the driving-side cover member24. That is, the insertion direction of the memory200into the supporting portion24aand the insertion direction of the color display member80into the supporting portion24bare the same direction.

The supporting portions (insertion portions)24aand24binto which the memory200and the color display member80are inserted, respectively, may be disposed on the same flat surface (plane) of the driving-side cover member24or may also be disposed on flat surfaces (planes), different in height, of the driving-side cover member24.

FIG. 14is a sectional view taken along R-R line shown inFIG. 13. The memory200is supported by a projected portion24a5of the memory supporting portion24a, and is prevented from moving the arrow Z direction by projected portions24a1and24a2of the memory supporting portion24a. Further, the memory200is prevented from moving in the arrow Y direction by surfaces (sides)24a3and24a4of the memory supporting portion24a. Further, a free end of the memory200with respect to the insertion direction is prevented from moving by a surface (side)24a6opposite from the open portion24a7of the memory supporting portion24a.

FIG. 15is a sectional view taken along S-S line shown inFIG. 13. The color display member80is supported by a projected portion24b5of the color display member supporting portion24b, and is prevented from moving the arrow Z direction by projected portions24b1and24b2of the color display member supporting portion24b. Further, the color display member80is prevented from moving in the arrow Y direction by surfaces (sides)24b3and24b4of the memory supporting portion24b. Further, a free end of the memory200with respect to the insertion direction is prevented from moving by a surface (side)24b6opposite from the open portion24b7of the color display member supporting portion24b.

Here, when each of the cartridges P (PY, PM, PC, PK) is mounted in the apparatus main assembly2, the electrical contact portions90band90cof the main assembly electrical contact90(FIG. 10) contact the electrical contacts200band200cof the memory200through an upward open portion24cof the memory200. As a result, the control circuit portion100in the apparatus main assembly2side and the memory200in the cartridge P side are capable of establishing communication therebetween.

FIG. 16is an illustration showing an assembled state of the memory200and the color display member80. The memory200and the color display member80are prevented from moving in the arrow X direction by (movement) preventing surfaces (sides)29aand29b, respectively, provided on the cleaner container29, by mounting the preventing surface side cover member24to the cleaner container29. Specifically, at a driving-side side surface of the cleaner container29, a mounting surface29c(FIG. 1), the memory (movement) preventing surface29aand the color display member (movement) preventing surface29bof the driving-side side cover member24are provided. The driving-side side cover member24on which the memory200and the color display member80are inserted in the memory supporting portion24aand the color display member supporting portion24b, respectively is mounted on the mounting surface29cof the cleaner container29.

Further, when the driving-side side cover member24is assembled with the cleaner container29, the open portion24a7of the memory supporting portion24aopposes the memory preventing surface29b, and the open portion24b7of the color display member supporting portion24bopposes the color display member preventing surface24b. As a result, movement of the memory200in the arrow X direction is prevented by the memory preventing surface29aand the above-described the surface24a6opposite from the open portion24a7. Similarly, movement of the color display member80in the arrow X direction is prevented by the color display member preventing surface29band the surface24b6opposite from the open portion24b7.

That is, when the cleaner container29and the driving-side side cover member24are assembled with each other, the movement of the memory200inserted in the memory supporting portion24ais prevented by the memory preventing surface29a, and the movement of the color display member80inserted in the color display member supporting portion24bis prevented by the color display member preventing surface29b.

FIG. 19is a schematic view showing a positional relationship among the memory200, the memory supporting portion24a, the memory preventing surface29a, and drive transmitting members4a,42and40with respect to a longitudinal direction. As shown inFIG. 19, both the memory supporting portion24aand the memory preventing surface29aare provided in the driving-side. That is, in one longitudinal end side of the roller member such as the photosensitive drum4, also as shown inFIG. 5, the drum drive coupling (drive transmitting member)4ais provided. Further, in one longitudinal end side of the roller member such as the developing roller6, also as shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the developing (device) drive input gear (drive transmitting member)42and the developing roller gear (drive transmitting member)40are provided.

In this way, the memory200, the memory supporting portion24aand the memory preventing surface29aare disposed at positions closer, than a central portion of the roller members, to a side where the drive transmitting members4a,42and40are positioned with respect to the longitudinal direction of the roller members. As a result, a disposition space for the drive transmitting members4a,42and40can be utilized, so that it is possible to achieve downsizing of the cartridge P with respect to the longitudinal direction.

Further, as shown inFIG. 19, at least one of the memory200, the memory supporting portion24aand the memory preventing surface29ais disposed as follows. That is, the associated member is disposed so as to partly overlap with the drum drive coupling (drive transmitting member)4a, the developing (device) drive input gear (drive transmitting member)42, the developing roller gear (drive transmitting member)40, and the like with respect to the longitudinal direction of the roller members4and6. As a result, such arrangement can further contribute to the downsizing of the cartridge P with respect to the longitudinal direction.

The constitution of the cartridge P in this embodiment is summarized as follows. The cartridge P contributes to the image forming process in the state in which the cartridge P is detachably mounted in the apparatus main assembly2of the image forming apparatus for forming the image on the recording material S. The cartridge P includes the cleaner container (first cartridge constituent member)29and the driving-side side cover member (second cartridge constituent member)24which are to be assembled with each other. The cartridge P includes the memory200for storing the information on the cartridge P and the color display member80for displaying the color information of the developer accommodated in the cartridge P.

Here, either one of the cleaner container29and the driving-side side cover member24which are to be assembled with each other is a side surface-side member for constituting the side surface of the roller members4and6with respect to the longitudinal direction.

The driving-side side cover member24is provided with the memory supporting portion (first supporting portion)24ahaving the slit opened for permitting the insertion of the memory200and the color display member supporting portion (second supporting portion)24bhaving the slit opened for permitting the insertion of the color display member80.

The cleaner container29is provided with the memory preventing surface (first preventing portion)29afor preventing the movement200, inserted in the memory supporting portion24a, when the cleaner container29and the driving-side side cover member24are assembled with each other. Similarly, the cleaner container29is provided with the color display member preventing surface (second preventing portion)29bfor preventing the movement of the color display member80inserted in the color display member supporting portion24b.

The slit of the memory supporting portion24aand the slit of the color display member supporting portion24bare open in the same direction from an upstream side toward a downstream side with respect to the assembling direction of the cleaner container29and the driving-side side cover member24.

In this way, a constitution in which the memory200and the color display member80are assembled with the driving-side side cover member24as the supporting means from the same direction and then positions of the memory200and the color display member80are prevented from movement only by mounting the cover member24to the cleaner container29. As a result, it is possible to easily fix the memory200and the color display member80on the cartridge P.

On the other hand, by dismounting the driving-side side cover member24from the cleaner container29, the memory200can be easily dismounted. That is, in the case where the cartridge P is recycled or in the case where there is an inconvenience of the memory200if any, it is possible to simply perform dismounting and exchange of the memory200without damaging (breaking) the components. Accordingly, it is possible to provide the cartridge having good recycling efficiency and good operation efficiency of the memory exchange.

The insertion direction of the memory200into the supporting portion24aand the insertion direction of the color display member80into the supporting portion24bare the same direction, so that it is possible to obtain an effect such that the assembling is facilitated when the cartridge is assembled automatically.

Further, in this embodiment, the supporting portions (insertion portions)24aand24bin which the memory200and the color display member80are inserted, respectively, are different in height, so that this difference in height provides an effect of contributing to the downsizing of the cartridge. Further, the memory200and the color display member80are not placed in a single supporting portion (insertion portion) but are placed in different supporting portions (insertion portions), whereby it is possible to obtain an effect such that accumulation of play can be prevented.

Here, in the case where control of the image formation is effected depending on the color of the toner filled in the cartridge P, there is a need to write (store) the color information of the cartridge P in the memory200by checking the color of the toner filled in the cartridge P. The memory200in this embodiment is disposed in the neighborhood of the color display member80. For that reason, the checking of the color of the color display member80and the writing of the color information in the memory200can be performed in the same (single) step. Accordingly, the step of writing the color information in the memory200can be further simplified.

The memory200and the color display member80which have been conventionally fixed by different means (such as thermal caulking and the double-side tape) are only required to be fixed to the cleaner container29after being inserted into the driving-side side cover member24, so that the positions thereof are prevented from movement. For that reason, it is possible to realize not only an improvement in assembling property but also a reduction in cost.

Further, as the color display member80in this embodiment, a resin plate having rigidity is used. An advantage of this is such that compared with a flexible sheet material such as a label which has been conventionally used, the rigid resin plate is more suitable for automation of assembling such as supply or handling of components. Accordingly, by using the color display member80having the rigidity, the assembling property can be improved.

As described above, in this embodiment, the memory200and the color display member80are inserted into the memory supporting portion (slit portion)24aand the color display member supporting portion (slit portion)24b, respectively, of the driving-side cover member24. Thereafter, only by mounting the driving-side cover member24to the cleaner container29, the movement of the positions of the memory200and the color display member80is prevented. As a result, the cartridge electrical contact is prevented from being covered with the fixing portion melted by the thermal caulking, and therefore a distance between the fixing portion and the cartridge electrical contact can be shortened. Accordingly, the memory200can be downsized.

Further, a constitution in which the memory200and the color display member80are prevented from movement only by mounting the driving-side cover member24to the cleaner container29is employed. For that reason, the memory200and the color display member80can be fixed easily, so that it is possible to provide an inexpensive cartridge improved in assembling property.

The memory supporting portion24aand the color display member supporting portion24b, and the memory preventing surface29aand the color display member preventing surface29bcan be provided on the driving-side cover member24and the cleaner container29, respectively, relative to each other.

That is, in this embodiment, the memory supporting portion24aand the color display member supporting portion24bof the driving-side cover member24are provided at the open portions24a7and24b7, respectively, of the driving-side cover member24at the inside of the cartridge P with respect to the longitudinal direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a constitution in which the open portions are provided at an outside portions of the cleaner container29with respect to the longitudinal direction of the cartridge P and then the memory200and the color display member80are slid and inserted from the longitudinal outside of the cleaner container29and in which the preventing surfaces are provided to the driving-side cover member24may also be employed. Also in this constitution, a similar effect can be obtained.

That is, a constitution in which the memory supporting portion24aand the color display member supporting portion24bare provided to the cleaner container29and in which the memory preventing surface29aand the color display member preventing surface29bare provided to the driving-side cover member24may also be employed. Also in this constitution, a similar effect can be obtained.

Further, a constitution in which the memory supporting portion24aand the color display member preventing surface24aare provided to the cleaner container29and the preventing surface cover member24and in which the memory preventing surface29aand the color display member supporting portion29aare provided to the other one of the cleaner container29and the driving-side cover member24may also be employed. Also in this constitution, a similar effect can be obtained.

A cartridge in Embodiment 2 according to the present invention will be described with reference toFIGS. 17 and 18.FIG. 17is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a structure of a memory200and a color display member80in this embodiment, andFIG. 18is an illustration showing an assembled state of the memory200and the color display member80in this embodiment. Incidentally, in this embodiment, a constitution and an operation which are different from those in Embodiment 1 described above will be described. Members or portions having the same constitutions and functions as those in Embodiment 1 are represented by the same reference numerals or symbols, and the description in Embodiment 1 will be also applied to this embodiment.

In Embodiment 1, the constitution in which the driving-side cover member24is mounted to the cleaner container29after the memory200and the color display member80are inserted into the memory supporting portion24aand the color display member supporting portion24b, respectively, of the driving-side cover member24, thereby to prevent the movement of the positions of the memory200and the color display member80was described.

In this embodiment, a cleaner container290has an urging shape such that the memory200and the color display member80are urged when the driving-side cover member24is mounted to the cleaner container290.

Specifically, as shown inFIG. 17, on a driving-side side surface of the cleaner container290, a memory urging portion (first preventing portion)290afor urging the memory200when the driving-side cover member24is mounted and a color display member urging portion (second preventing portion)290bfor urging the color display member80when the driving-side cover member24is mounted are provided.

Each of the urging portions290aand290bhas flexibility (elasticity) and is constituted integrally with the cleaner container290. Further, the driving-side cover member24on which the memory200and the color display member80are inserted in the memory supporting portion24aand the color display member supporting portion24b, respectively, is assembled with the cleaner container290. As a result, as shown inFIG. 18, the urging portions290aand290bcontact upstream free end surfaces200xand80x, respectively, of the memory200and the color display member80with respect to the insertion direction.

At this time, the urging portions290aand290bhave flexibility, and therefore are flexed (bent) in predetermined amounts with respect to an arrow X direction by being urged by the memory200and the color display member80, respectively, during assembling of the driving-side cover member24. As a result, predetermined urging forces are applied from the urging portions290aand290bto the memory200and the color display member80, respectively. As a result, the memory200is urged against a surface24a6opposite from an open portion24a7of the driving-side cover member24, so that movement of the position of the memory200with respect to the arrow X direction is prevented.

Similarly, the color display member80is urged against a surface24b6opposite from an open portion24b7of the driving-side cover member24, so that movement of the position of the color display member80with respect to the arrow X direction is prevented.

A constitution of the cartridge in this embodiment is summarized as follows. The memory supporting means24is mounted to the cleaner container290functioning as a frame for holding the process means. The movement of the memory200and the movement of the color display member80are prevented, when the memory supporting means24is mounted to the cleaner container290, by the urging portions290aand290bprovided on the cleaner container290.

In this way, the cleaner container290has an urging shape as described above, so that the movement of the positions of the memory200and the color display member80with respect to the arrow X direction can be prevented with no play, and therefore this embodiment is effective in the case where the positions of the memory200and the color display member80are regulated with high accuracy.

As described above, also in this embodiment, a constitution in which the movement of the position of the memory200is prevented by mounting the driving-side cover member24to the cleaner container290is employed. Accordingly, similarly as in Embodiment 1, the memory200can be downsized, and it is possible to provide an inexpensive cartridge which is easy to fix the memory200and the color display member80thereto.

Further, a constitution in which the memory200and the color display member80are prevented from movement only by mounting the driving-side cover member24to the cleaner container290is employed. For that reason, the memory200and the color display member80can be fixed easily, so that it is possible to provide an inexpensive cartridge improved in assembling property similarly as in Embodiment 1.

Further, also in this embodiment, in the case where the cartridge P is recycled or in the case where there is an inconvenience of the memory200if any, it is possible to simply perform dismounting and exchange of the memory200without damaging (breaking) the components. Accordingly, similarly as in Embodiment 1, it is possible to provide the cartridge having good recycling efficiency and good operation efficiency of the memory exchange.

Also in this embodiment, a constitution in which the memory supporting portion24aand the color display member supporting portion24bare provided to the cleaner container290and in which the memory urging portion290aand the color display member urging portion290bare provided to the driving-side cover member24may also be employed. Also in this constitution, a similar effect can be obtained.

Further, a constitution in which the memory supporting portion24aand the color display member preventing surface24aare provided to the cleaner container29and the preventing surface cover member24and in which the memory preventing surface29aand the color display member supporting portion29aare provided to the other one of the cleaner container29and the driving-side cover member24may also be employed. Also in this constitution, a similar effect can be obtained.

Other Embodiments

(1) In the above-described embodiments, an example in which the cartridge detachably mountable to the cartridge mounting portion of the apparatus main assembly of the image forming apparatus for forming the image on the recording material is the process cartridge is described, but the cartridge may also be the developing cartridge. Further, the cartridge may also be the developer cartridge. Further, the type of the process cartridge is not limited to the integral type, but may also be the separation type.

(2) The type of the image forming apparatus is not limited to the electrophotographic image forming type using the electrophotographic photosensitive member as the image bearing member as the above-described embodiments. For example, the type may also be the electrostatic recording image forming type using the electrostatic dielectric member as the image bearing member or the magnetic recording image forming type using the magnetic recording (magnetic) material as the image bearing member. Further, the image forming apparatus is not limited to the image forming apparatus of the intermediary transfer type. The image forming apparatus may also be an image forming apparatus of the type in which the developer image formed on the image bearing member is directly transferred onto the recording material S. The image forming apparatus may also be a monochromatic image forming apparatus.

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Applications Nos. 170307/2013 filed Aug. 20, 2013 and 117664/2014 filed Jun. 6, 2014, which are hereby incorporated by reference.