Patent ID: 12222674

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. However, dimensions, materials, shapes and relative arrangements of constituent elements described in the following embodiments should appropriately be changed depending on structures and various conditions of apparatuses to which the present invention is applied. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the following embodiments unless otherwise specified.

Embodiment 1

<General Outline of Printer>

A basic structure of a printer100as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment 1 and an operation of the printer100will be described usingFIG.1.FIG.1is a schematic sectional view showing a structure of the printer100according to this embodiment. An arrow Z represents a vertical direction, and an arrow H represents a horizontal direction.

As shown inFIG.1, the printer100includes an apparatus main assembly100A, and a process cartridge P and a toner cartridge T which are as cartridges detachably mountable to the apparatus main assembly100A.

The apparatus main assembly100A includes a scanner101as an exposure device, a stacking tray102on which sheets S are stacked, a sheet (paper) feeding roller103, a transfer roller104, a fixing portion105, a discharge tray106, and a controller107. Further, the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge (developer cartridge) T are detachably mounted into the apparatus main assembly100A.

The process cartridge P includes a photosensitive drum12, a cleaning blade (cleaning member)14, a charging roller (charging member)13, a drum unit including a drum frame11, and a developing unit30including a developing roller32and a developing frame31. The photosensitive drum12is rotatably supported by the drum frame11. The developing roller32is rotatably supported by the developing frame31.

The toner cartridge T is mountable to the process cartridge P. The toner cartridge T accommodates toner as a developer and is constituted so as to supply the toner to the developing unit30of the process cartridge P. The toner cartridge T includes a toner feeding member62, a toner feeding screw63, and a toner frame55. The toner feeding member62and the toner feeding screw63are rotatably supported by the toner frame55.

An image forming operation for forming an image on a sheet S will be described. A controller107of the printer100starts the image forming operation on the basis of a signal received from an external device.

First, the photosensitive drum12is rotated by a driving source of the apparatus main assembly100. In a state in which a charging voltage is applied to the charging roller13, the charging roller13is rotated by the photosensitive drum12. As a result, a surface of the photosensitive drum12is electrically charged uniformly. On the basis of image information, the charged surface of the photosensitive drum12is irradiated with laser light by the scanner101, so that an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum12.

The toner is supplied from the developing roller32to the photosensitive drum12, so that the electrostatic latent image is formed as a toner image. The photosensitive drum12is rotated, so that the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum12is conveyed to a transfer portion formed between the transfer roller104and the photosensitive drum12.

On the other hand, the sheet S is fed from the stacking tray102by the feeding roller103. The sheet S is fed to the transfer portion in synchronism with a timing when the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum12reaches the transfer portion.

A transfer view is applied to the transfer roller104, so that the toner image is transferred from the photosensitive drum12onto the sheet S. Transfer residual toner which is not transferred onto the sheet S is removed from the surface of the photosensitive drum12by the cleaning blade14.

The sheet S on which the toner image is transferred is conveyed toward the fixing portion105. When the sheet S passes through the fixing portion105, the toner image is heated and pressed by the fixing portion105, so that the sheet S is fixed on the sheet S.

The printer100according to this embodiment is capable of executing double-side printing in which an image forming operation for forming images on a front surface (side) and a back surface (side) of the sheet S. In the case where the image is formed on only the front surface of the sheet S, the sheet S passed through the fixing portion105is discharged on the discharge tray106. On the other hand, in the case where the double-side printing is executed, the sheet S on which the toner image is fixed on the front surface is fed again to the transfer portion through a double-side feeding passage, and then the toner image is formed on the back surface of the sheet S. Thereafter, the sheet S passes through the fixing portion105and is discharged on the discharge tray106.

<Mounting and Demounting of Process Cartridge and Toner Cartridge>

Mounting and demounting of the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T according to this embodiment will be described usingFIGS.1to5.

FIGS.2and3are perspective views of the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T.

As shown inFIG.5, the photosensitive drum12is rotatable about a rotational axis (first axis)12a. A direction in which the rotational axis12aextends is referred to as a rotational axis direction (axial direction).

FIG.2is the perspective view of the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T as viewed from a driving side.FIG.3is the perspective view of the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T as viewed from a non-driving side.FIG.4is the side view of the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T on the driving side as viewed in the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum12.FIG.5is the side view of the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T on the non-driving side as viewed in the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum12.

As shown inFIG.1, the printer100includes a door (openable member)100B covering an opening100C of the apparatus main assembly100A. The door100B is rotatably mounted relative to the apparatus main assembly100A. The door100B is constituted so as to be movable between a closed position where the door100B closes the opening100C and an open position where the opening100C is exposed. In a state in which the door100B is in the open position, through the opening100C, mounting of the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge C into the apparatus main assembly100A and demounting of the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge C from the apparatus main assembly100A are permitted.

As shown inFIGS.2and3, with respect to the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum12, the drum frame11includes a process drive end (first end of the drum frame11)11f1and a process non-drive end (second end of the drum frame11)11f2opposite from the process drive end11f1. The process drive end11f1and the process non-drive end11f2are portions (ends) positioned on outermost sides of the drum frame11with respect to the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum12. Each of the process drive end11f1and the process non-drive end11f2may be provided at a plurality of positions. With respect to the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum12, a center of the drum frame11is referred to as a center11f3. A distance from the center11f3of the drum frame11to the process drive end11f1and a distance from the center11f3of the drum frame11to the process non-drive end11f2are equal to each other.

In this embodiment, the process drive end11f1and the process non-drive end11f2are portions (ends) positioned on outermost sides of the process cartridge P with respect to the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum12. That is, with respect to the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum12, the process drive end11f1and the process non-drive end11f2coincide with a drive end (first end of the process cartridge P) of the process cartridge P and a non-drive end (second end of the process cartridge P) of the process cartridge P, respectively.

With respect to the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum12, a side where the process drive end11f1is disposed relative to the center11f3of the drum frame11is a driving-side of the drum frame11or a driving-side of the process cartridge P. With respect to the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum12, a side where the process non-drive end11f2is disposed relative to the center11f3is a non-driving-side of the drum frame11or a non-driving-side of the process cartridge P. In this embodiment, with respect to the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum12, the center11f3of the drum frame11is the same as a center of the process cartridge P.

With respect to the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum12, the driving-side of the drum frame11and the driving-side of the process cartridge P are positioned on sides opposite from the non-driving-side of the drum frame11and the non-driving-side of the process cartridge P, respectively.

As described later, the toner feeding member62is rotatable about a rotational axis62a. A direction in which the rotational axis62aextends is referred to as a rotational axis direction (axial direction) of the toner feeding member62.

The toner feeding screw63is rotatable about a rotational axis63a. A direction in which the rotational axis63aextends is referred to as a rotational axis direction (axial direction) of the toner feeding screw63.

With respect to the rotational axis direction of the toner feeding screw63, the toner frame55includes a toner drive end (first end of the toner frame55)55a1and a toner non-drive end (second end of the toner frame55)55a2opposite from the toner drive end55a1. The toner drive end55a1and the toner non-drive end55a2are portions (ends) positioned on outermost sides of the toner frame55with respect to the rotational axis direction of the toner feeding screw63. Each of the toner drive end55a1and the toner non-drive end55a2may be provided at a plurality of positions. With respect to the rotational axis direction of the toner feeding screw63, a center of the toner frame55is referred to as a center55a3. A distance from the center55a3of the toner frame55to the toner drive end55a1and a distance from the center55a3of the toner frame55to the toner non-drive end55a2are equal to each other.

In this embodiment, the toner drive end55a1and the toner non-drive end55a2are portions (ends) positioned on outermost sides of the process cartridge P with respect to the rotational axis direction of the toner feeding screw63. That is, with respect to the rotational axis direction of the toner feeding screw63, the toner drive end55a1and the toner non-drive end55a2coincide with a drive end (first end of the toner cartridge T) of the toner cartridge T and a non-drive end (second end of the toner cartridge T) of the toner cartridge T, respectively.

With respect to the rotational axis direction of the toner feeding screw63, a side where the toner drive end55a1is disposed relative to the center55a3of the toner frame55is a driving-side of the toner frame55or a driving-side of the toner cartridge T. With respect to the rotational axis direction of the toner feeding screw63, a side where the toner non-drive end55a2is disposed relative to the center55a3is a non-driving-side of the toner frame55or a non-driving-side of the toner cartridge T. In this embodiment, with respect to the rotational axis direction of the toner feeding screw63, the center55a3of the toner frame11is the same as a center of the toner cartridge T.

With respect to the rotational axis direction of the toner feeding screw63, the driving-side of the toner frame55and the driving-side of the toner cartridge T are positioned on sides opposite from the non-driving-side of the toner frame55and the non-driving-side of the toner cartridge T, respectively.

In this embodiment, the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum12, the rotational axis direction of the toner feeding member62, and the rotational axis direction of the toner feeding screw63are parallel to each other. Accordingly, each of the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum12, the rotational axis direction of the toner feeding member62, and the rotational axis direction of the toner feeding screw63is simply referred to as an axial direction (first direction) LD.

In this embodiment, with respect to the axial direction LD, a position of the center55a3of the toner frame55and a position of the center11f3of the drum frame11are the same. However, the position of the center55a3of the toner frame55and the position of the center11f3of the drum frame11may be different from each other.

As shown inFIGS.2and4, the process cartridge P includes a driving-side process guide22on the driving-side of the drum frame11. The toner cartridge T includes a driving-side toner guide51on the driving-side of the toner frame55. As shown inFIGS.3and5, the process cartridge P includes a non-driving-side process guide23on the non-driving-side of the drum frame11. The toner cartridge T includes a non-driving-side toner guide52on the non-driving-side of the toner frame55.

A direction in which the process cartridge P is mounted in the apparatus main assembly100A is referred to as a mounting direction PDA. A direction in which the process cartridge P is demounted from the apparatus main assembly100A is referred to as a demounting direction PDD. The mounting direction PDA and the demounting direction PDD are collectively referred to as a mounting and demounting direction PD. The driving-side process guide22and the non-driving-side process guides23are formed along the mounting and demounting direction PD. The driving-side process guide22and the non-driving-side process guide23are guided by guiding portions of the apparatus main assembly100A, so that the process cartridge P is moved relative to the apparatus main assembly100A.

A direction in which the toner cartridge T is mounted in the apparatus main assembly100A is referred to as a mounting direction TDA. A direction in which the toner cartridge T is demounted from the apparatus main assembly100A is referred to as a demounting direction TDD. The mounting direction TDA and the demounting direction TDD are collectively referred to as a mounting and demounting direction TD. The driving-side toner guide51and the non-driving-side toner guides52are formed along the mounting and demounting direction TD. The driving-side toner guide51and the non-driving-side toner guide52are guided by guiding portions of the apparatus main assembly100A, so that the toner cartridge T is moved relative to the apparatus main assembly100A.

In this embodiment, the mounting and demounting direction PD is a direction crossing the axial direction LD. An angle formed by a direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD and the mounting and demounting direction PD may preferably be less than an angle formed by the axial direction LD and the mounting and demounting direction PD, and the mounting and demounting direction PD may further preferably be the direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD.

In this embodiment, the mounting and demounting direction TD is a direction crossing the axial direction LD. An angle formed by a direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD and the mounting and demounting direction TD may preferably be less than an angle formed by the axial direction LD and the mounting and demounting direction TD, and the mounting and demounting direction TD may further preferably be the direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD.

In this embodiment, the mounting and demounting direction PD and the mounting and demounting direction TD are parallel to each other, but the mounting and demounting direction PD and the mounting and demounting direction TD may be different from each other.

In this embodiment, the mounting and the demounting of the process cartridge P are performed in a state in which the toner cartridge T is not mounted in the apparatus main assembly100A. In other words, the mounting and the demounting of the process cartridge P are performed before the mounting of the toner cartridge T in the apparatus main assembly100A.

In the state in which the toner cartridge T is not mounted in the apparatus main assembly100A, the process cartridge P is mounted in the apparatus main assembly100A through the opening100C. Further, in a state in which the process cartridge P is mounted in the apparatus main assembly100A, the toner cartridge T is mounted in the apparatus main assembly100A and mounted to the process cartridge P.

In a state in which the toner cartridge T and the process cartridge P are mounted in the apparatus main assembly100A, the process cartridge P is positioned downstream of the process cartridge P with respect to the mounting direction PDA and the mounting direction TDA.

In the case where the toner cartridge T and the process cartridge P are demounted from the apparatus main assembly100A, the toner cartridge T is demounted from the apparatus main assembly100A and the process cartridge P through the opening100C. Thereafter, the process cartridge P is demounted from the apparatus main assembly100A through the opening100C.

<Process Cartridge>

The structure of the process cartridge P will be described usingFIGS.2to9.

FIGS.6and7are sectional views of the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T. Specifically,FIGS.6and7are the sectional views of the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T, in which a direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD is a cross-sectional direction.FIG.7is the sectional view in which the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T are cut along a rotational axis RS of a returning screw18described later.

FIG.8is a side view for illustrating a drive transmitting path of the process cartridge P.FIG.9is a schematic view of the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T as viewed in the demounting direction PDD.

The process cartridge P includes the developing unit30and the drum unit10. The developing unit30is connected to the drum unit10movably (rotatably) relative to the drum unit10. As shown inFIGS.4and5, the process cartridge P includes a driving-side spring37and a non-driving-side spring38, and the driving-side spring37and the non-driving-side spring38are mounted to the drum unit10and the developing unit30. The driving-side spring37and the non-driving-side spring38urge the developing unit30so that the developing roller32is pressed toward the photosensitive drum12.

As shown inFIGS.6and7, the developing unit30includes the developing roller32(developer carrying member) for carrying the toner, a supplying roller33(supplying member) for supplying toner in contact with the developing roller32, a developing blade34, and a stirring member35. The developing frame31supports the developing roller32, the supplying roller33, the developing blade34, and the stirring member35. The developing frame31is provided with a developer accommodating chamber31aand a developing chamber31b. In the developer accommodating chamber31a, the stirring member35is disposed, and in the developing chamber31b, the developing roller32, the supplying roller33, and the developing blade34are disposed.

The toner supplied from the toner cartridge T is accommodated in the developer accommodating chamber31a. The stirring member35feeds the toner, accommodated in the developer accommodating chamber31a, to the developing chamber31b. The toner fed to the developing chamber31bis supplied to the developing roller32by the supplying roller33rotating in contact with the developing roller32. The toner supplied to the developing roller32is regulated by the developing blade34, so that a toner layer is formed on a surface of the developing roller32. The developing blade34has a function as a layer thickness regulating member for regulating a thickness of the toner layer.

As shown inFIGS.6and7, the drum unit10includes the drum frame11, the photosensitive drum12(image bearing member), the charging roller13, the cleaning blade14, an intermediary feeding member15, an intermediary screw16, a transmission shaft17, and the returning screw18. The drum frame11supports the photosensitive drum12, the charging roller13, the cleaning blade14, the intermediary feeding member15, the intermediary screw16, the transmission shaft17, and the returning screw18. Further, the drum unit10includes a memory tag90P described later.

The drum frame11includes a cleaning collecting chamber19. In the cleaning collecting chamber19, the intermediary feeding member15, the intermediary screw16, and the returning screw18are disposed.

As shown inFIG.7, the drum frame11is provided with a returning path45including the returning screw18. The returning path45can be said as a part of the cleaning collecting chamber19.

The charging roller13contacts the photosensitive drum12and is rotated by the photosensitive drum12. The cleaning blade14contacts the photosensitive drum12and collects the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum12. The collected toner (waste toner, residual toner, collected toner) is accommodated in the cleaning collecting chamber19. The collected toner is fed toward the intermediary screw16by the intermediary frame member15, and the intermediary screw16feeds the collected toner toward the returning screw18. The intermediary feeding member15feeds the collected toner toward a direction crossing the axial direction LD. The intermediary screw16feeds the collected toner along the axial direction LD.

The returning screw (rotatable member)18rotates about the rotational axis (second axis) RS. A direction in which the rotational axis RS of the returning screw18extends is referred to as a rotational axis direction (second direction) of the returning screw18.

The rotational axis direction of the returning screw18is a direction crossing the axial direction LD. An angle formed by a direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD and the rotational axis direction of the returning screw18may preferably be less than an angle formed by the axial direction LD and the rotational axis direction of the returning screw18, and the rotational axis direction of the returning screw18may further preferably be the direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD.

As shown inFIG.7, the drum frame11is provided with a returning opening20. The returning opening20communicates with the returning path45of the cleaning collecting chamber19and an outside of the drum frame11, and opposes the returning screw18. The collected toner delivered from the intermediary screw16to the returning screw18is fed toward the returning opening20by the returning screw18, and is discharged through the returning opening20, and then passes through a toner receiving opening84described later and is received by the toner cartridge T.

Thus, the returning screw18has a function as a feeding member for feeding, toward the toner receiving opening84, the toner collected from the photosensitive drum12. A direction in which the returning screw18feeds the collected toner is a direction from the process cartridge P toward the toner cartridge T and is an upward direction with respect to a vertical direction.

The returning screw18includes a helical fin and a screw shaft and feeds the toner toward the returning opening20by being rotated about the rotational axis RS. The helical fin and the screw shaft are formed integrally with each other.

As shown inFIGS.2and4, the process cartridge P includes a process coupling (first input portion, development driving member) and a drum gear21(second input portion, drum driving member). The process coupling36engages with a main assembly coupling of the apparatus main assembly100A, so that a driving force (external force) is transmitted from the apparatus main assembly100A to the process coupling36. The drum gear21engages with a main assembly gear of the apparatus main assembly100, so that the driving force (external force) is transmitted from the apparatus main assembly100A to the drum gear21, and thus the drum gear21is rotated. The drum gear21is rotated, so that the photosensitive drum12is driven and rotated.

In this embodiment, the process coupling36and the drum gear21are disposed on the driving-side of the process cartridge P. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the process drive end11f1and the process coupling36is shorter than a distance between the process non-drive end11f2and the process coupling36. Similarly, with respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the process drive end11f1and the drum gear21is shorter than a distance between the process non-drive end11f2and the drum gear21. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the process coupling36and the drum gear21are closer to the process drive end11f1than to the process non-drive end11f2.

As shown inFIG.8, the process cartridge P includes a stirring gear39for driving the stirring member35, a developing gear40for driving the developing roller32, and a supplying gear41for driving the supplying roller33. The stirring gear39, the developing gear40, and the supplying gear41are connected to the process coupling36via a plurality of idler gears42, and by rotation of the process coupling36, the developing roller32, the supplying roller33, and the stirring member35are driven and rotated.

Further, the process cartridge includes an intermediary feeding gear24for driving the intermediary feeding member15, an intermediary screw gear25for driving the intermediary screw16, and a shaft gear26for driving the transmission shaft17. The intermediary feeding gear24, the intermediary screw gear25, and the shaft gear26are connected to the process coupling36via a plurality of idler gears27, and by rotation of the process coupling36, the intermediary feeding member15, the intermediary screw16, and the transmission shaft17are rotated.

The returning path45and the returning screw18are disposed on the non-driving-side of the process cartridge P (see,FIGS.2,3and9). That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the returning screw18and the process non-drive end11f2is shorter than a distance between the returning screw18and the process drive end11f1. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the returning screw18is closer to the process drive end11f1than to the process non-drive end11f2.

More specifically, as shown inFIG.9, with respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the rotational axis RS and the process non-drive end11f2is shorter than a distance between the rotational axis RS and the process drive end11f1.

Further, with respect to the axial direction LD, the distance between the rotational axis RS and the process non-drive end11f2is shorter than a distance between the rotational axis RS and the center11f3of the drum frame11. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the rotational axis RS is closer to the process non-drive end11f2than to the process drive end11f1and the center11f3of the drum frame11.

As shown inFIG.7, a transmission gear28is mounted on the transmission shaft17, and a returning gear29engageable with the transmission gear28each other is mounted on the returning screw18. Each of the transmission gear28and the returning gear29is a bevel gear, and by rotation of the transmission shaft17, the returning screw18is rotated. That is, the driving force transmitted to the process coupling36is transmitted from the driving-side of the process cartridge P to the non-driving-side of the process cartridge P by the transmission shaft17, and then is transmitted to the returning screw18. That is, the process coupling36is constituted so as to drive the returning screw18.

As shown inFIG.9, the transmission shaft17is disposed on an outside of the cleaning collecting chamber19, so that the transmission gear28and the returning gear29engage with each other on the outside of the cleaning collecting chamber19.

As shown inFIGS.3and5, on the non-driving-side of the process cartridge P, a developing roller electrode (developing roller contact)32a, a developing blade electrode (developing blade contact)34a, a supplying roller electrode (supplying roller contact)33a, and a charging roller electrode (charging roller contact)13aare provided. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the process non-drive end11f2and the charging roller electrode13ais shorter than a distance between the process drive end11f1and the charging roller electrode13a. Similarly, with respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the process non-drive end11f2and each of the developing roller electrode32a, the developing blade electrode34a, and the supplying roller electrode33ais shorter than a distance between the process drive end11f1and each of the developing roller electrode32a, the developing blade electrode34a, and the supplying roller electrode33a. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, each of the charging roller electrode13a, the developing roller electrode32a, the developing blade electrode34a, the supplying roller electrode33ais closer to the process non-drive end11f2than to the process drive end11f1.

The developing roller electrode32a, the developing blade electrode34a, the supplying roller electrode33a, and the charging roller electrode13aare connected to the developing roller32, the developing blade34, the supplying roller33, and the charging roller13, respectively. When the image forming operation is performed, predetermined voltages are applied from power sources of the apparatus main assembly100A to the developing roller electrode32a, the developing blade electrode34a, the supplying roller electrode33a, and the charging electrode13a, respectively.

A material of each of the developing roller electrode32a, the developing blade electrode34a, the supplying roller electrode33a, and the charging roller electrode13amay be metal or an electroconductive resin.

Incidentally, in this embodiment, directions of rotational axes of the developing roller32, the supplying roller33, the stirring member35, the charging roller, the intermediary feeding member15, the intermediary screw16, and the transmission shaft17are parallel to the axial direction LD. Directions of rotational axes of the gears except for the process coupling36, the drum gear21, and the returning gear29are also parallel to the axial direction LD.

<Toner Cartridge>

The structure of the toner cartridge T according to this embodiment will be described usingFIGS.6,7, and10to16.

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

FIG.12is a schematic view of the toner cartridge T as viewed in the demounting direction TDD.FIG.13is a schematic view showing an inside structure of the toner cartridge T.FIG.14is a sectional view of the toner cartridge T, in which a direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD is a cross-sectional direction.

FIGS.15and16are side views of the toner cartridge T. Specifically, parts (a) and (b) ofFIG.15are the side views of the toner cartridge T as viewed in the axial direction LD.FIG.16is the side view of the toner cartridge T on the non-driving-side as viewed in the axial direction LD.

As shown inFIGS.6and13, the toner frame55of the toner cartridge T is provided with a toner accommodating chamber (first chamber)53and a toner collecting chamber (second chamber)54. In the toner accommodating chamber53, the toner supplied to the process cartridge P is accommodated. In the toner collecting chamber54, the toner returned from the process cartridge P by the returning screw18is accommodated.

The toner collecting chamber54and the toner accommodating chamber53are separated (spaced) from each other. Specifically, the toner frame55includes a partition wall55b, and the toner collecting chamber54and the toner accommodating chamber53are (completely) separated from each other by the partition wall55b. By this, the toner is prevented from moving between the toner collecting chamber54and the toner accommodating chamber53, so that the toner accommodated in the toner collecting chamber54and the toner accommodated in the toner accommodating chamber53are prevented from being mixed with each other.

A volume of the toner accommodating chamber53is larger than a volume of the toner collecting chamber54. In this embodiment, with respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the partition wall55band the toner non-drive end55a2is shorter than a distance between the partition wall55band the toner drive end55a1. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the partition wall55bis closer to the toner non-drive end55a2than to the toner drive end55a1.

With respect to the axial direction LD, the toner accommodating chamber53is disposed so as to overlap with the center55a3of the toner frame55. On the other hand, with respect to the axial direction LD, the toner collecting chamber54is disposed on the non-driving-side of the toner frame55. With respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the toner collecting chamber54and the toner non-drive end55a2is shorter than a distance between the toner collecting chamber54and the toner drive end55a1. That is, the toner collecting chamber54is closer to the toner non-drive end55a2than to the toner drive end55a1. Further, with respect to the axial direction LD, the toner collecting chamber54is disposed between the toner accommodating chamber53and the toner non-drive end55a2.

As shown inFIGS.12and13, the toner frame55includes a container portion56provided with the toner accommodating chamber53and the toner collecting chamber54, a driving-side cover57provided on the driving-side of the toner cartridge T, and a non-driving-side cover58provided on the non-driving-side of the toner cartridge T.

The container portion56includes a first container56aprovided with the toner accommodating chamber53and a second container56bprovided with the toner collecting chamber54. The second container56bis fixed to the first container56a.

In this embodiment, a side wall of the first container56aand a side wall of the second container56boppose each other, and have a function as the partition wall55b.

As shown in parts (a) and (b) ofFIG.10, the toner frame55is provided with a toner discharge opening (first opening)61for permitting discharge of the toner, accommodated in the toner accommodating chamber53, toward the developing unit30of the process cartridge P. The toner discharge opening61communicates with outside of the toner frame55and the toner accommodating chamber53, so that the toner accommodated in the toner accommodating chamber53is discharged to outside of the toner frame55through the toner discharge opening61. The toner discharge opening61is provided in the first container56a.

With respect to the axial direction LD, the toner discharge opening61is disposed on the driving-side of the toner frame55. With respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the toner discharge opening61and the toner drive end55a1is shorter than a distance between the toner discharge opening61and the toner non-drive end55a2. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the toner discharge opening61is closer to the toner drive end55a1than to the toner non-drive end55a2.

The toner discharge opening61is covered with an unshown discharge opening shutter. The discharge opening shutter is opened and closed in interrelation with mounting and demounting of the toner cartridge T relative to the process cartridge P. In a state in which the toner cartridge T is mounted to the process cartridge P, discharge of the toner through the toner discharge opening61is permitted. As described above, the developing roller32develops the electrostatic latent image, formed on the photosensitive drum12, with the toner discharged through the toner discharge opening61.

As shown inFIGS.6and13, inside the toner accommodating chamber53, the toner feeding member62and the toner feeding screw63are accommodated. The toner feeding member62and the toner feeding screw63can be called a first rotatable member of the toner cartridge T.

As shown inFIGS.13and14, the toner cartridge T includes a toner discharging device64for discharging the toner through the toner discharge opening61.

The toner discharging device64includes a pump portion65for sending air by being compressed, an air guide66for guiding the air sent by the pump portion65toward the toner discharge opening61, a compressing portion67for compressing the pump portion65, and an actuating gear68for moving the compressing portion67. The actuating gear68is provided with an actuating groove68afor moving the compressing portion67.

The toner feeding member62includes a flexible fin62band a shaft62con which the fin62bis mounted, and feeds the toner toward the toner feeding screw63by being rotated about a rotational axis62a. As shown inFIG.14, the fin62bcontacts an inner wall of the toner accommodating chamber53and is deformed from a natural state indicated by a broken line, and thus feeds the toner. The toner feeding screw63includes a helical fin63b1and a screw shaft63b2and is rotated about a rotational axis63a, so that the toner is fed toward the toner discharge opening61. The helical fin63b1and the screw shaft63b2are formed integrally with each other.

On the other hand, the actuating gear68is rotated, so that the compressing portion67engaging with the actuating groove68amoves in a direction of the rotational axis of the actuating gear68. The compressing portion67is moved and thus the pump portion65is compressed, so that the pump portion65sends the air toward the toner accommodating chamber53.

The sent air is guided toward the toner discharge opening61by an air guide66. Incidentally, in the neighborhood of the toner discharge opening61, a cover member is provided and covers a part of the toner feeding screw63. By this, the toner fed by the toner feeding member62is suppressed such that the toner is directly discharged through the toner discharge opening61, and the air dissipated from the air guide66is efficiently moved toward the toner discharge opening61.

Further, as shown in parts (a) and (b) ofFIG.10, the toner frame55is provided with a toner receiving opening (second opening)84that receives the toner returned from the process cartridge P. The toner receiving opening84communicates with the outside of the toner frame55and the toner collecting chamber54. The toner collecting chamber54accommodates toner (collected toner) discharged through the toner returning opening20and passing through the toner receiving opening84.

With respect to the axial direction LD, the toner receiving opening84is disposed on the non-driving-side of the toner frame55. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the toner receiving opening84and the toner non-drive end55a2is shorter than a distance between the toner receiving opening84and the toner drive end55a1. Further, with respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the toner receiving opening84and the toner non-drive end55a2is shorter than a distance between the toner receiving opening84and the center55a3of the toner frame55. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the toner receiving opening84is closer to the toner non-drive end55a2than to the center55a3of the toner frame55.

The toner receiving opening84is covered with a receiving opening shutter85. The receiving opening shutter85is opened and closed in interrelation with mounting and demounting of the toner cartridge T relative to the process cartridge P.

More specifically, the receiving opening shutter85is movable between a closed position where the receiving opening shutter85covers the toner receiving opening84and an open position where the toner receiving opening is exposed. As shown inFIG.7, the toner cartridge T is mounted to the process cartridge P, so that the receiving opening shutter85is contacted to the process cartridge P and is moved to the open position. In a state in which the toner cartridge T is mounted to the process cartridge P, the toner receiving opening84and the toner returning opening20oppose each other.

As shown inFIG.13, the toner collecting chamber54includes a first collecting chamber69, a second collecting chamber70, and a third collecting chamber71. The toner cartridge T includes a first collecting screw72for feeding the toner from the first collecting chamber69to the second collecting chamber70and a second collecting screw (second rotatable member)73for feeding the toner from the second collecting chamber70to the third collecting chamber71. The first collecting screw72and the second collecting screw73are accommodated in the toner collecting chamber54.

As shown inFIG.7, the first collecting screw72is rotatable about a rotational axis72a, and the second collecting screw73is rotatable about a rotational axis73a. A direction of the rotational axis72ais parallel to the axial direction LD, and a direction of the rotational axis73ais a direction crossing the axial direction LD. An angle formed by a direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD and the direction of the rotational axis73amay preferably be shorter than an angle formed by the axial direction LD and the direction of the rotational axis73a, and the direction of the rotational axis73amay further preferably be the direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD.

The toner received through the toner receiving opening83is accumulated in the first collecting chamber69and is fed from the first collecting chamber69to the second collecting chamber70by the first collecting screw72. The toner fed to the second collecting chamber70is fed upward with respect to a vertical direction by the second collecting screw73and thus fed from the second collecting chamber70to the third collecting chamber71.

As shown in parts (a) and (b) ofFIG.15, the toner cartridge T includes a second toner coupling74, a first toner coupling75, a feeding gear76, and a discharging gear77.

The actuating gear68, the second toner coupling74, the first toner coupling75, the feeding gear76, and the discharging gear77are provided on the driving-side of the toner cartridge T. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between each of the second toner coupling74and the first toner coupling75and the toner drive end55a1is shorter than a distance between each of the second toner coupling74and the first toner coupling75and the toner non-drive end55a2. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, each of the second toner coupling74and the first toner coupling75is closer to the toner drive end55a1than to the toner non-drive end55a2.

The driving end cover57covers at least a part of the actuating gear68, the second toner coupling74, the first toner coupling75, the feeding gear76, and the discharging gear77, and includes a toner driving end guide51. The driving end covers at least a part of the pump portion65.

The feeding gear76is connected to the toner feeding member62, and the discharging gear77is connected to the toner feeding screw63. The second toner coupling74receives a driving force (external force) from the apparatus main assembly100A and rotates the feeding gear76. As a result, the toner feeding member62is rotated.

The first toner coupling75engages with the actuating gear68through idler gears, and the actuating gear68engages with the discharging gear77. The first toner coupling75receives the driving force (external force) from the apparatus main assembly100A and rotates the actuating gear68and the discharging gear77. As a result, the pump portion65is compressed, so that the toner feeding screw63is rotated.

That is, the second toner coupling74has a function as a driving member for driving the toner feeding member62. The first toner coupling75has a function as a driving member for driving the toner discharging device64and the toner feeding screw63.

As shown inFIGS.5and16, the toner cartridge T includes a detecting member78for detecting a toner amount in the toner collecting chamber54. The toner non-driving end cover58covers the detecting member78and includes the toner non-driving end guide52.

In this embodiment, the detecting member78is a light guide pair for guiding the light. The detecting member78includes light guiding members78a1and78a2and is disposed on the non-driving-side of the toner cartridge. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between each of the light guiding members78a1and78a2and the toner non-drive end55a2is shorter than a distance between each of the light guiding members78a1and78a2and the toner drive end55a1. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, each of the light guiding members78a1and78a2is closer to the toner non-drive end55a2than to the toner drive end55a1.

Each of parts of the light guiding members78a1and78a2is exposed to the toner collecting chamber54. One of the light guiding members78a1and78a2guides the light from outside to an inside of the toner collecting chamber54. The light guided to the inside of the toner collecting chamber54passes through the toner collecting chamber54. The other one of the light guiding members78a1and78a2guides the light from the inside to outside of the toner collecting chamber54.

The controller107of the apparatus main assembly100A is capable of detecting the toner amount on the basis of the light passing through the inside of the toner collecting chamber54through the light guiding members78a1and78a2. Incidentally, as the detecting member78, a pair of electrodes opposing each other can also be used. In this case, the controller107of the apparatus main assembly100A is capable of detecting the toner amount on the basis of a change in electrostatic capacity between the electrodes.

<Memory>

A structure of the memory will be described usingFIG.17.FIG.17is an illustration of a memory tag90.

The process cartridge P in this embodiment includes the memory tag90P as the memory for storing information on the process cartridge P. Further, the toner cartridge T includes a memory tag90T as a memory for storing information on the toner cartridge T.

The information stored, for example, is use history of the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T is included.

The memory tag90P of the process cartridge P and the memory tag90T of the toner cartridge T have similar shapes. When the memory tag90P and the memory tag90T are not discriminated from each other or when a matter common to the memory tag90P and the memory tag90T is described, the memory tag90P and the memory tag90T will be simply referred to as the memory tag90.

As shown inFIG.17, the memory tag90in this embodiment includes a storing element90dfor storing information on the process cartridge P or the toner cartridge T, and an electroconductive portion (electrode portion, interface portion, memory contact)90aelectrically connected to the storing element90d.

The electroconductive portion90aincludes a first electrode (first terminal, first memory electrode, first memory contact)90a1and a second electrode (second terminal, second memory electrode, second memory contact)90a2, and each of the first electrode90a1and the second electrode90a2is electrically connected to the storing element90d.

The memory tag90includes a holding portion (holding substrate)90bfor holding the electroconductive portion90a(first electrode90a1, second electrode90a2). The memory tag90includes a protecting portion90cfor covering and protecting the storing element90d. In this embodiment, the electroconductive portion90ais disposed on one surface (front surface) of the holding portion90b, and the storing element90dis disposed on the other surface (back surface) of the holding portion90b.

The memory tag90in this embodiment is a plate-like member of 5.5 mm×5 mm in size and 1.4 mm in thickness. The holding portion90band the protecting portion90care provided integrally with each other. The memory tag90has a two-layer structure formed by the holding portion90band the protecting portion90c. By the holding portion90band the protecting portion90c, a substrate portion (substrate)90fprovided with the electroconductive portion90ais formed.

The substrate90fhas a front surface90f1on which the electroconductive portion90ais disposed, and a back surface90f2opposite from the front surface90f1.

The controller107of the printer100reads the information stored in the storing element90dby being electrically connected to the storing element90dthrough the electroconductive portion90aand thus controls the printer100.

Specifically, the apparatus main assembly100A is provided with a main assembly contact (main assembly electrode)92contacting the electroconductive portion90ain a state in which the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T are mounted in the apparatus main assembly100A. The main assembly contact92includes a first main assembly electrode92a1and a second main assembly electrode92a2. In the state in which the process cartridge P and the toner cartridge T are mounted in the apparatus main assembly100A, the first main assembly electrode92a1contacts the first electrode90a1, and the second main assembly electrode92a2contacts the second electrode90a2.

In this embodiment, the number of the electrodes disposed at the electroconductive portion90ais two, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the electroconductive portion90amay include three or more electrodes. Further, one electrode is disposed on the holding portion90b, and another electrode may be disposed on a different portion.

Further, the holding portion90band the protecting portion90cmay be disposed in positions spaced from each other. For example, a substrate provided with the electroconductive portion90aand a substrate provided with the storing element90dmay be disposed in spaced positions.

<Arrangement of Memory Tag of Process Cartridge>

An arrangement of the memory tag90P of the process cartridge P will be described usingFIGS.3,5, and18to22.

FIG.18is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the memory tag90P of the process cartridge P.FIG.19is a top view showing the arrangement of the memory tag90P of the process cartridge P.FIG.20is a sectional view showing the arrangement of the memory tag90P of the process cartridge P.FIGS.19and20are schematic views in which the memory tag90P is viewed in a direction parallel to the surface90f1on which the electroconductive portion90ais disposed and perpendicular to the axial direction LD.

FIG.21is a perspective view for illustrating a mounting member91.FIG.22is a side view showing the arrangement of the memory tag90P of the process cartridge P.FIG.21is a perspective view showing a state before the memory tag90P of the process cartridge P and the mounting member91on which the memory tag90P is mounted are mounted.FIG.22is a side view showing the mounting member91on which the memory tag90P of the process cartridge P is mounted.

The substrate90fof the memory tag90P is mounted on the drum frame11. More specifically, the drum frame11includes a collecting container (container)11gprovided with the cleaning collecting chamber19and includes the mounting member91on which the memory tag90P is mounted. The collecting container11gis provided with the cleaning collecting chamber19and a cleaning opening19acommunicating with the cleaning collecting chamber19. The mounting member91is mounted on the collecting container11gso as to cover the cleaning opening19a. In this embodiment, the mounting member91is bonded to the collecting container11g. The substrate90fof the memory tag90P is supported by the mounting member91.

The mounting member91of the process cartridge P is disposed on the non-driving-side of the process cartridge P. With respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the mounting member91and the process non-drive end11f2is shorter than a distance between the mounting member91and the process drive end11f1.

With respect to the axial direction LD, the mounting member91is disposed in the neighborhood of the process non-drive end11f2. With respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the process non-drive end11f2and the mounting member91is shorter than a distance between the center11f3and the mounting member91. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the mounting member91is closer to the process non-drive end11f1than to the center11f3of the drum frame11.

With respect to the axial direction LD, entirety of the memory tag90P is disposed between the process drive end11f1and the process non-drive end11f2. In this embodiment, with respect to the axial direction LD, the entirety of the memory tag90P is disposed between the process non-drive end11f2and the center11f3of the drum frame11. In other words, the entire memory tag90P is disposed on the non-driving-side of the drum frame11(on the non-driving-side of the process cartridge P).

With respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the electroconductive portion90aof the memory tag90P and the process non-drive end11f2is shorter than a distance between the electroconductive portion90aof the memory tag90P and the process drive end11f1. Further, with respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the memory tag90P and the process non-drive end11f2is shorter than a distance between the memory tag90P and the process drive end11f1.

With respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the process non-drive end11f2and the electroconductive portion90aof the memory tag90P is shorter than a distance between the center11f3of the drum frame11and the electroconductive portion90aof the memory tag90P. Further, with respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the process non-drive end11f2and the memory tag90P is shorter than a distance between the center11f3of the drum frame11and the memory tag90P. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the electroconductive portion90aof the memory tag90P and the memory tag90P are closer to the process non-drive end11f2than to the process drive end11f1and to the center11f3of the drum frame11.

As shown inFIG.5, as viewed in the axial direction LD, the electroconductive portion90aof the memory tag90P is disposed between the rotational axis RS of the returning screw18and a rectilinear line RS1which is parallel to the rotational axis RS of the returning screw18and which passes through a rotation center of the photosensitive drum12. As viewed in the axial direction LD, the rotational center of the photosensitive drum12coincide with the rotational axis12aof the photosensitive drum12. That is, the electroconductive portion90aof the memory tag90P is positioned between the rotational axis RS of the returning screw18and the rotational axis12aof the photosensitive drum12with respect to a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis RS of the returning screw18and the axial direction LD. In this embodiment, as viewed in the axial direction LD, the entire memory tag90P is disposed between the rotational axis RS of the returning screw18and the rectilinear line RS1.

By this, the returning screw18, the photosensitive drum12, the memory tag90P, and the electroconductive portion90acan be disposed in a space-saving manner.

In this embodiment, as viewed in the axial direction LD, the charging roller electrode13a, the developing roller electrode32a, the developing blade electrode34a, and the supplying roller electrode33aare disposed between the rotational axis RS and the rectilinear line RS1. The charging roller electrode13a, the developing roller electrode32a, the developing blade electrode34a, and the supplying roller electrode33aare disposed between the rotational axis RS and the rotational axis12awith respect to the direction perpendicular to the rotational axis RS and the axial direction LD.

By this, the returning screw18, the photosensitive drum12, the charging roller electrode13a, the developing roller electrode32a, the developing blade electrode34a, and the supplying roller electrode33acan be disposed in a space-saving manner.

Further, as shown inFIG.9, with respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the electroconductive portion90aof the memory tag90P and the process non-drive end11f2is shorter than a distance between the rotational axis RS of the returning screw18and the process non-drive end11f2. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the electroconductive portion90aof the memory tag90P is closer to the process non-drive end11f2than the rotational axis RS of the returning screw18is.

As shown inFIG.5, the memory tag90P is disposed so that the electroconductive portion90adirects in a direction crossing the axial direction LD. Specifically, a normal direction90gto the surface90f1where the electroconductive portion90ais disposed crosses the axial direction LD. An angle formed by a direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD and by the normal direction90gmay preferably be less than an angle formed by the axial direction LD and the normal direction90g, and the normal direction90gmay more preferably be the direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD.

Further, as shown inFIGS.3,4, and9, the electroconductive portion90ais disposed so as to direct in the mounting direction PDA. In other words, with respect to the mounting direction PDA, the electroconductive portion90ais disposed on a side downstream of the substrate90f. Further, an angle formed by the mounting and demounting direction PD and the normal direction90gmay preferably be less than an angle formed by a direction perpendicular to the mounting and demounting direction PD and by the normal direction90g, and the normal direction90gmay more preferably be parallel to the mounting and demounting direction PD.

Incidentally, in this embodiment, as viewed in the axial direction LD, the normal direction90gis inclined in a direction of the rotational axis RS of the returning screw18.

As shown inFIGS.19and20, the drum frame11includes a projected portion91a, a second projected portion91b, a third projected portion91c, and a fourth projected portion91d. At least a part of the fourth projected portion91dhas a function as a wall for forming the toner collecting chamber19.

In this embodiment, the first projected portion91a, the second projected portion91b, the third projected portion91c, and the fourth projected portion91dare provided on the non-driving-side of the drum frame11. With respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the process non-drive end11f2and each of the first projected portion91aand the second projected portion91bis shorter than a distance between the process drive end11f1and each of the first projected portion91aand the second projected portion91b. With respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the process non-drive end11f2and each of the third projected portion91cand the fourth projected portion91is shorter than a distance between the process drive end11f1and each of the third projected portion91cand the fourth projected portion91d.

Further, with respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the process non-drive end11f2and each of the first projected portion91aand the second projected portion91bis shorter than a distance between the center11f3of the drum frame11and each of the first projected portion91aand the second projected portion91b. Further, with respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the process non-drive end11f2and each of the third projected portion91cand the fourth projected portion91dis shorter than a distance between the center11f3of the drum frame11and each of the third projected portion91cand the fourth projected portion91d.

That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the first projected portion91a, the second projected portion91b, the third projected portion91c, and the fourth projected portion91dare closer to the process non-drive end11f2than to the process drive end11f1and to the center11f3.

Further, with respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the process non-drive end11f2and each of the first projected portion91aand the second projected portion91bis shorter than a distance between the process non-drive end11f2and each of the substrate90fand the electroconductive portion90a. With respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the process non-drive end11f2and each of the third projected portion91cand the fourth projected portion91dis longer than a distance between the process non-drive end11f2and each of the substrate90fand the electroconductive portion90a. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the first projected portion91aand the second projected portion91bare closer to the process non-drive end11f2than the substrate90fand the electroconductive portion90aare. Further, with respect to the axial direction LD, the third projected portion91cand the fourth projected portion91dare farther from the process non-drive end11f2than the substrate90fand the electroconductive portion90aare.

With respect to the axial direction LD, the first projected portion91aand the third projected portion91care adjacent to the substrate90fand oppose side surfaces perpendicular to the surface91f1of the holding portion90bon which the electroconductive portion90ais disposed. With respect to the axial direction LD, the electroconductive portion90aof the memory tag90P is disposed between the first projected portion91aand the third projected portion91c. In this embodiment, at least one of the first projected portion91aand the third projected portion91ccontacts the substrate90of the memory tag90P.

Further, with respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the second projected portion91band the process non-drive end11f2is shorter than a distance between the first projected portion91aand the process non-drive end11f2. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the second projected portion91bis closer to the process non-drive end11f2than the first projected portion91ais. With respect to the axial direction LD, the first projected portion91ais disposed between the second projected portion91band the memory tag90P, and the second projected portion91bis disposed between the first projected portion91aand the process non-drive end11f2.

Further, with respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the fourth projected portion91dand the process non-drive end11f2is longer than a distance between the third projected portion91cand the process non-drive end11f2. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the fourth projected portion91dis farther from the process non-drive end11f2than the third projected portion91cis. A distance between the fourth projected portion91dand the process drive end11f1is shorter than a distance between the third projected portion91cand the process drive end11f1. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the fourth projected portion91dis closer to the process drive end11f1than the third projected portion91cis. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the third projected portion91cis disposed between the substrate90fand the process drive end11f1, and the fourth projected portion91dis disposed between the third projected portion91cand the process drive end11f1.

Here, a direction which is parallel to the normal direction90gof the surface90f1of the holding portion90bof the memory tag90P and in which the electroconductive portion90ais exposed is defined as an exposure direction90g1. That is, the exposure direction90g1can be said to be a direction in which the electroconductive portion90afaces. In this embodiment, the exposure direction90g1is parallel to the mounting direction PDA.

As shown inFIG.9, as viewed in a direction opposite to the exposure direction90g1, the entire surface90f1of the substrate90fof the memory tag90P is exposed. In this embodiment, the substrate90fis bonded to the mounting member91of the drum frame11, so that movement of the substrate90fin the exposure direction90g1is restricted.

With respect to the exposure direction90g1, the first projected portion91a1and the third projected portion91care projected relative to the surface90f1and the electroconductive portion90aof the memory tag90P, the second projected portion91bis projected relative to the first projected portion91a, and the fourth projected portion91dis projected relative to the third projected portion91c.

In other words, with respect to the exposure direction90g1, a tip91a1of the first projected portion91and a tip91cof the third projected portion91care positioned downstream of the surface90f1and the electroconductive portion90a. Further, a tip91b1of the second projected portion91band a tip91d1of the fourth projected portion91dare positioned downstream of the tip91a1of the first projected portion91aand the tip91c1of the third projected portion91c. Further, with respect to the exposure direction90g1, the tip91d1of the fourth projected portion91dis positioned downstream of the tip91b1of the second projected portion91b.

With respect to the normal direction90gof the memory tag90P, a distance between the tip91b1of the second projected portion91band the tip91a1of the first projected portion91ais longer than a distance between the electroconductive portion90aand the tip90a1of the first projected portion91a. A distance between the tip91d1of the fourth projected portion91dand the tip91c1of the third projected portion91cis longer than a distance between the electroconductive portion90aand the tip91cof the third projected portion91c.

With respect to the rotational axis12adirection of the photosensitive drum12, a distance between the tip91b1of the second projected portion91band the tip91a1of the first projected portion91ais longer than a distance between the electroconductive portion90aand the tip90a1of the first projected portion91a. A distance between the tip91d1of the fourth projected portion91dand the tip91c1of the third projected portion91cis longer than a distance between the electroconductive portion90aand the tip91cof the third projected portion91c.

In other words, with respect to the exposure direction90g1, a length of projection of the second projected portion91brelative to the first projected portion91ais longer than a length of projection of the first projected portion91arelative to the surface90f1. With respect to the exposure direction90g1, a length of projection of the fourth projected portion91drelative to the third projected portion91cis longer than a length of projection of the third projected portion91crelative to the surface90f1.

At an end portion of the second projected portion91bwith respect to the exposure direction90g1, an inclined surface91b2is inclined with respect to the axial direction LD and the exposure direction90g1.

Further, with respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the first projected portion91aand the second projected portion91bis longer than a distance between the substrate90fof the memory tag90P and the first projected portion91a. A distance between the third projected portion91cand the fourth projected portion91dis longer than a distance between the substrate90fof the memory tag90P and the third projected portion91c.

Further, as shown inFIG.22, as viewed in the axial direction LD, at least a part of the substrate90fof the memory tag90P overlaps with the second projected portion91b.

The drum frame11is provided with a reinforcing rib connected to at least either one of the first projected portion91aand the third projected portion91c. Specifically, as shown inFIG.18, to the first projected portion91aand the third projected portion91c, a connecting portion91g1provided between the first projected portion91aand the third projected portion91cwith respect to the axial direction LD is connected. To the first projected portion91a, a connecting portion91g2provided between the first projected portion91aand the second projected portion91bwith respect to the axial direction LD is connected. To the third projected portion91c, a connecting portion91g3provided between the third projected portion91cand the fourth projected portion91dwith respect to the axial direction LD is connected.

Each of the connecting portions91g1,91g2, and91g3is a rib (reinforcing rib) which projects in the exposure direction90g1and which extends in the axial direction LD. Each of the connecting portions91g1and91g2has a function of reinforcing the first projected portion91a. Each of the connecting portions91g1and91g3has a function of reinforcing the third projected portion91c. In this embodiment, the connecting portions91g1,91g2, and91g3are provided on the mounting member91.

The number of each of the connecting portions91g1,91g2, and91g3may preferably be a plurality of numbers, but at least one of the connecting portions91g1,91g2, and91g3may be a single connecting portion. In this embodiment, two connecting portions91a1are connected to each other via the first projected portion91aand the third projected portion91c. Two connecting portions91a2are also connected to each other via a connecting portion (reinforcing rib), and two connecting portions91a3are also connected to each other via a connecting portion (reinforcing rib).

By the first projected portion91a, the second projected portion91b, the third projected portion91c, and the fourth projected portion91d, the memory tag90P can be protected.

Further, it can also be said that the second projected portion91band the fourth projected portion91dhave a function of protecting the first projected portion91aand the third projected portion91cwhich are adjacent to the memory tag90P. By this, it is possible to suppress an external force is exerted on the first projected portion91aand the third projected portion91cwhich are disposed in the neighborhood of the substrate90fof the memory tag90P and deforms the first projected portion91aand the third projected portion91c.

Further, in a state in which the process cartridge P is mounted in the apparatus main assembly100A, the memory tag90P is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction and the vertical direction Z so that the electroconductive portion90adirects downward with respect to the vertical direction Z.

As shown inFIG.21, the mounting member91includes the first projected portion91a, the second projected portion91b, and the third projected portion91c. The collecting container11gincludes the fourth projected portion91d. Between the first projected portion91aand the third projected portion91c, a memory mounting portion91eon which the memory tag90P is mounted is formed. That is, the memory tag90P is supported by the mounting member91of the drum frame11at the memory mounting portion91e. The memory mounting portion (supporting portion)91esupports the substrate90fof the memory tag90P.

When the process cartridge P used up is collected and then is re-utilized, the toner is removed from the cleaning collecting chamber19in some cases. According to a constitution described in this embodiment, in the case where the mounting member91is removed from the collecting container11g, the cleaning opening19ais exposed, so that the toner can be removed from the cleaning collecting chamber19.

Further, also in the case where at least one of the first projected portion91a, the second projected portion91b, and the third projected portion91cis deformed, by exchanging the mounting member91, the drum frame11can be restored to a state in which the first projected portion91a, the second projected portion91b, and the third projected portion91care not deformed.

Further, by demounting the mounting member91from the collecting container11g, the memory tag90P can be demounted from the process cartridge P. In the case where the process cartridge P is re-utilized, the memory tag90P mounted on the used-up process cartridge P is re-utilized by rewriting information or is exchanged to another memory tag90P is some cases.

In order to close the cleaning opening91aafter the mounting member91is removed from the collecting container11g, the mounting member91is mounted again on the collecting container11g. At this time, the demounted mounting member91may be used again or another mounting member91may also be used.

In summary, the demounted memory tag90P and the demounted mounting member91may be re-utilized. Further, at least either one of the memory tag90P and the mounting member91may be exchanged to a new component part.

<Arrangement of Memory of Toner Cartridge>

An arrangement of the memory tag90T of the toner cartridge T will be described usingFIGS.10to13and15to17.

As shown inFIGS.10to13, the substrate90fof the memory tag90T of the toner cartridge T is mounted on the toner frame55. More specifically, the memory tag90T of the toner cartridge T is supported by a supporting portion57aof the driving-side cover57which is a part of the toner frame55.

The memory tag90T is disposed so that the electroconductive portion90adirects in a direction crossing the axial direction LD. Accordingly, an angle formed by the normal direction90gof the surface90f1and a direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD is less than an angle formed by the normal direction90gof the surface90f1and the axial direction LD. In this embodiment, the normal direction90gof the surface90f1is parallel to the direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD. Accordingly, the above-described angle is 0 degrees.

Further, the electroconductive portion90aof the memory tag90T is disposed so as to direct the mounting direction TDA. In other words, with respect to the mounting direction TDA, the electroconductive portion90ais disposed on a side downstream of the substrate90f. Further, an angle formed by the mounting and demounting direction TD and the normal direction90gmay preferably be less than an angle formed by a direction perpendicular to the mounting and demounting direction TD and by the normal direction90g, and the normal direction90gmay more preferably be parallel to the mounting and demounting direction TD.

Further, in a state in which the toner cartridge T is mounted in the apparatus main assembly100A, the memory tag90T is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction and the vertical direction so that the electroconductive portion90adirects downward with respect to the vertical direction.

As shown inFIGS.12and13, with respect to the axial direction LD, the entire memory tag90T is disposed between the toner drive end55a1and the toner non-drive end55a2. In this embodiment, with respect to the axial direction LD, the entire memory tag90T is disposed between the toner drive end55a1and the center55a3of the toner frame55. In other words, with respect to the axial direction LD, the entirety of the memory tag90T is disposed on the driving-side of the toner frame55(on the driving-side of the toner cartridge T).

With respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the electroconductive portion90aof the memory tag90T and the toner drive end55a1is shorter than a distance between the electroconductive portion90aof the memory tag90T and the toner non-drive end55a2. Further, the distance between the electroconductive portion90aof the memory tag90T and the toner drive end55a1is shorter than a distance between the electroconductive portion90aof the memory tag90T and the center55a3of the toner frame55. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the electroconductive portion90aof the memory tag90T is closer to the toner drive end55a1than to the toner non-drive end55a2and to the center55a3of the toner frame55. With respect to the axial direction LD, the electroconductive portion90aof the memory tag90T is disposed between the toner discharge opening61and the toner drive end55a1.

In this embodiment, with respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the entire memory tag90T and the toner drive end55a1is shorter than a distance between the entire memory tag90T and the toner non-drive end55a2. Further, the distance between the entire memory tag90T and the toner drive end55a1is shorter than a distance between the entire memory tag90T and the center55a3of the toner frame55. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the entire memory tag90T is closer to the toner drive end55a1than to the toner non-drive end55a2and to the center55a3of the toner frame55. With respect to the axial direction LD, the entire memory tag90T is disposed between the toner discharge opening61and the toner drive end55a1.

Further, with respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the toner discharge opening61and the toner drive end55a1is shorter than a distance between the toner discharge opening61and the toner non-drive end55a2. A distance between the toner receiving opening84and the toner non-drive end55a2is shorter than a distance between the toner receiving opening84and the toner drive end55a1.

With respect to the axial direction LD, a distance between the electroconductive portion90aand the toner drive end55a1is shorter than a distance between the toner drive end55a1and the toner collecting chamber54. Further, a distance between the electroconductive portion90aand the toner non-drive end55a2is longer than a distance between the toner collecting chamber54and the toner non-drive end55a2. Further, the distance between the electroconductive portion909aand the toner drive end55a1is shorter than a distance between the toner drive end55a1and the partition wall55b. The distance between the electroconductive portion90aand the toner drive end55a1is shorter than a distance between the toner drive end55a1and the toner discharge opening84. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the electroconductive portion90ais closer to the toner drive end55a1than to each of the toner collecting chamber54, the partition wall55b, and the toner receiving opening84.

That is, in the toner cartridge T in this embodiment, the toner collecting chamber54and the toner receiving opening84were disposed on the non-driving-side of the toner cartridge T, and the electroconductive portion90aof the memory tag90T was disposed on the driving-side of the memory tag90T.

The distance between the electroconductive portion90aand the toner drive end55a1is shorter than a distance between the toner drive end55a1and the toner discharge opening61. Further, the distance between the electroconductive portion90aand the toner drive end55a1is shorter than a distance between the toner accommodating chamber53and the toner drive end55a1. That is, with respect to the axial direction LD, the electroconductive portion90ais closer to the toner drive end55a1than the toner discharge opening61and the toner accommodating chamber53are.

Further, with respect to the axial direction LD, a region (range) in which the pump portion65exists and a region (range) in which the memory tag90T and the electroconductive portion90aexist at least partially overlap with each other.

By this, with respect to the axial direction LD, the pump portion65and the electroconductive portion90acan be disposed in a space-saving manner.

By this, a degree of design freedom of each of the toner accommodating chamber53, the toner collecting chamber54, the toner discharge opening61, the toner receiving opening84, the memory tag90T, and the electroconductive portion90acan be improved. For example, it is possible to easily ensure a space in which the toner collecting chamber54and the toner receiving opening84are disposed and a space in which the electroconductive portion90aof the memory tag90T and the main assembly contact92are disposed.

Further, with respect to the axial direction LD, a gap is formed between the electroconductive portion90a, the toner discharge opening61, and the toner receiving opening84(these portions are disposed and shifted from each other), so that deposition of the toner on the electroconductive portion90ais suppressed. The electroconductive portion90ais disposed on the driving-side of the toner frame55, and the toner receiving opening84is disposed on the non-driving-side of the toner frame55, so that deposition of the collected toner on the electroconductive portion90ais suppressed.

When the toner cartridge T is mounted in the apparatus main assembly100A and is mounted to the process cartridge P, reaction forces from the apparatus main assembly100A and the process cartridge P act on the memory tag90T of the toner cartridge T, a shutter (not shown) for closing the toner discharge opening61, and the receiving opening shutter85for closing the toner receiving opening84. When the memory tag90T, the toner discharge opening61, and the toner receiving opening84are collectively disposed on the driving-side or the non-driving-side, the reaction forces acting on these portions concentrated at the driving-side or the non-driving-side, so that the toner cartridge T is inclined. On the other hand, the memory tag90T, the toner discharge opening61, and the toner receiving opening84are disposed and distributed to the driving-side and the non-driving-side, so that concentration of the reaction force is suppressed and thus the inclination of the toner cartridge T is suppressed.

<Positioning of Toner Cartridge and Arrangement of Memory Tag>

A relationship between a constitution regarding positioning of the toner cartridge T and an arrangement of the memory tag90T will be described usingFIG.12, part (a) ofFIG.15, andFIG.23.FIG.23is a sectional view for illustrating mounting of the toner cartridge T to the process cartridge P.

FIG.23is the sectional view in which a state that the toner cartridge T is mounted in the apparatus main assembly100A is viewed from the driving-side of the toner cartridge T. Incidentally, inFIG.23, a part of components of the toner cartridge T is omitted.

The toner cartridge T includes a portion-to-be-positioned55c1positioned by the process cartridge P and a force receiving portion55c2pressed by the apparatus main assembly100A. Each of the portion-to-be-positioned55c1and the force receiving portion55c2is a projection disposed on a side surface of the toner frame55and projected toward the axial direction LD.

The process cartridge P includes a toner cartridge positioning portion45for positioning the toner cartridge T. Further, the apparatus main assembly100A of the printer100includes a toner cartridge pressing portion110for holding the toner cartridge T in a predetermined position. The toner cartridge pressing portion110is pressed toward a predetermined direction by a spring or the like.

As shown inFIG.23, when the toner cartridge T is mounted in the apparatus main assembly100A and the process cartridge P, the portion-to-be-positioned55c1abuts against the toner cartridge positioning portion45of the process cartridge P. By this, with respect to the mounting direction TDA, the portion-to-be-positioned55c1of the toner cartridge T is positioned. Further, with respect to a direction perpendicular to the mounting direction TDA and toward downstream of the vertical direction, the portion-to-be-positioned55c1of the toner cartridge T abuts against the toner cartridge positioning portion45and is positioned.

Further, the driving-side toner guide51is provided with a driving-side rotation stopper51a. The driving-side rotation stopper contacts the apparatus main assembly100A, so that the toner cartridge T is suppressed from rotating about the portion-to-be-positioned55c1.

When the toner cartridge T is driven by the apparatus main assembly100A, the first toner coupling75is driven in the counterclockwise direction in part (a) ofFIG.15andFIG.23. As a result, a force in the counterclockwise direction acts on the toner cartridge T. When the toner cartridge T is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, the portion-to-be-positioned55c1is separated from the toner cartridge positioning portion45, so that the position of the toner cartridge T is not determined.

Therefore, the force receiving portion55c2of the toner cartridge T is pressed by the toner cartridge pressing portion110of the apparatus main assembly100A, so that the portion-to-be-positioned55c1is suppressed from being separated from the toner cartridge positioning portion45.

With respect to the rotational direction of the first toner coupling75, the force receiving portion55c2is disposed on a downstream side of the portion-to-be-positioned55c1. The toner cartridge pressing portion110presses the force received portion55c2in a direction opposite to a rotational direction of the toner cartridge T.

Further, in the constitution of this embodiment, a direction of the force received by the force receiving portion55c2from the toner cartridge pressing portion110is a direction in which movement of the toner cartridge T in the demounting direction TDD is inhibited. In order to reduce a load of a user who performs mounting and demounting of the toner cartridge T, a force generated by the toner cartridge pressing portion110may preferably be small. In order to suppress the rotation of the toner cartridge T with a smaller force, a distance between the force receiving portion55c2and the first toner coupling75may preferably be long. In this embodiment, with respect to the direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD, a distance between the rotation center of the first toner coupling75and the portion-to-be-positioned55c1and a distance between the rotation center of the first toner coupling75and the force receiving portion55c1are almost the same.

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

Next, a positional relationship between the memory tag90T, the portion-to-be-positioned55a1, and the force receiving portion55c2will be described.

Incidentally, in this embodiment, the normal direction90gto the surface90f1on which the electroconductive portion90aof the memory tag90T is mounted and the mounting and demounting direction TD of the toner cartridge T are directions substantially parallel to each other.

The memory tag90T is provided on the driving-side of the toner cartridge T, and when the memory tag90T is mounted in the printer100, the main assembly contact92provided in the apparatus main assembly100A and the electroconductive portion90acontact each other, so that communication of the memory tag90T with the controller107is established.

At this time, in order to ensure stability of the communication, the main assembly contact92contacts the electroconductive portion90ain a state in which the electroconductive portion90A is pressed along the normal direction90g. When a position of the memory tag90T is deviated in the state in which the electroconductive portion90ais pressed by the main assembly contact92, the surface of the electroconductive portion90ais abraded in some cases.

In order to suppress abrasion of the surface of the electroconductive portion90a, the positional deviation of the memory tag90T may preferably be suppressed. For that reason, in this embodiment, the memory tag90T was disposed in the neighborhood of the portion-to-be-positioned55c1and the force receiving portion55c2.

Specifically, with respect to the mounting and demounting direction TD of the toner cartridge T, a distance between the memory tag90T and the portion-to-be-positioned55c1and a distance between the memory tag90T and the force receiving portion55c2are shorter than a distance between the memory tag90T and the first toner coupling75. Further, the memory tag90T is disposed so as to at least partially overlap with the force receiving portion55c2with respect to a direction perpendicular to the axial direction LD and the normal direction90gto the surface90f1.

By the constitution described above, the abrasion of the electroconductive portion90aof the memory tag90T can be reduced.

Modified Embodiment

Incidentally, the process cartridge P of this embodiment has a constitution in which the electrostatic latent image is developed with the toner supplied from the toner cartridge1and in which the toner collected from the photosensitive drum12is fed toward the toner cartridge T. However, a constitution relating to protection of the memory tag90T by the first to fourth projected portions91aand91dand a constitution for supporting the memory tag90T by the mounting member91are also applicable to process cartridges other than the process cartridge P of this embodiment. For example, these constitutions are also applicable to the process cartridge of a type in which the toner is not supplied from a toner cartridge T. In this case, the toner collected from the photosensitive drum12is retained in the cleaning collecting chamber19.

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

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Applications Nos. 2022-101530 filed on Jun. 24, 2022, 2022-101531 filed on Jun. 24, 2022, 2022-101532 filed on Jun. 24, 2022, and 2022-101533 filed on Jun. 24, 2022, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.