JP2000356940A - Electrophotographic image forming device, process cartridge, electrifying member, developer carrier, individual discriminating member, developing unit and electrifying unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrophotographic image forming device capable of individually discriminating process cartridges one by one with simple constitution. SOLUTION: The process cartridge 16 is provided with the individual discriminating member in which the individual discrimination information of the process cartridge is recorded by using a dielectric 23 or a resistor electrically connected to an electrifying means 2 or a developer carrier 4a. By applying electrifying bias to the electrifying means 2 or applying developing bias to the developer carrier 4a, the individual discrimination information of the process cartridge 16 is discriminated by discrimination means (24, 17 and 18) by using an electric signal obtained from the dielectric 23 or the resistor of the individual discriminating member.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a process cartridge, a charging member, a developer carrier, an individual identification member, a developing unit, and a charging unit.

Here, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording medium using an electrophotographic image forming method. Examples of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus include, for example, an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (for example, a laser printer, an LED printer, and the like), a facsimile machine, a word processor, and the like.

A process cartridge is a cartridge in which a charging unit, a developing unit or a cleaning unit and an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed as a cartridge, and this cartridge is made detachable from an image forming apparatus main body. In addition, at least one of the charging means, the developing means, and the cleaning means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge so that the cartridge can be detachably mounted on the image forming apparatus main body. Furthermore,
This means that at least the developing means and the electrophotographic photoreceptor are integrally formed as a cartridge so as to be detachable from the apparatus main body.

[0004]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic image forming process, a cartridge is integrally formed with an electrophotographic photosensitive member and process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the cartridge is used for image forming. A process cartridge system that can be attached to and detached from the forming apparatus main body is employed. According to this process cartridge system, the maintenance of the apparatus can be performed by the user himself without relying on a serviceman, so that the operability can be remarkably improved. Therefore, this process cartridge system is widely used in image forming apparatuses.

In such a process cartridge, in order to manage the replacement time, it is desirable that information on the use of each process cartridge, such as the number of prints and the number of rotations of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, can be stored. .

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-83768 discloses a proposal in which a magnetic disk is mounted coaxially with the rotation axis of an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and information is read and written on the magnetic disk so that the number of prints can be stored. Has been made.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-92959 proposes that an optical recording medium for storing use information is attached to a process cartridge and information is written by a laser beam for image exposure.

In addition to the information storage means in the process cartridge, a plurality of operating pieces are individually mounted on the process cartridge as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-102259, and these operating pieces are attached to the apparatus main body. There is also a method in which each process cartridge is identified by pressing a provided microswitch, and the number of prints is stored in the apparatus main body according to each identification code.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a further development of the above-mentioned prior art, and its main object is to form an electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of identifying individual process cartridges with a simple structure. It is to provide a device.

Another main object is to provide a process cartridge capable of reading out the individual identification information of the process cartridge by using a charging bias or a developing bias.

Another main object is to provide a charging member capable of reading out the individual identification information of the process cartridge by using a charging bias.

Another main object is to provide a developer carrier capable of reading out the individual identification information of the process cartridge by using a developing bias.

Another main object of the present invention is to provide an individual identification member which can read out the individual identification information of a process cartridge by using a charging bias.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an individual identification member which can read out individual identification information of a process cartridge by using a developing bias.

Another main object of the present invention is to provide a developing unit capable of reading individual identification information of the developing unit by using a developing bias.

Another main object is to provide a charging unit capable of reading out the individual identification information of the charging unit by using a charging bias.

[0017]

A typical configuration of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned object has a detachable process cartridge and a process cartridge for forming an image on a recording medium. In the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, (a) an electrophotographic photosensitive member, charging means for applying a charging bias to charge the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. A developer carrying a developing agent, and a developing bias is applied to develop the electrostatic latent image with the developer; and a charging means, or a dielectric electrically connected to the developer carrying body. Mounting means for removably mounting a process cartridge having an individual identification member on which individual identification information of the process cartridge is recorded using a body or a resistor; A first application means for applying a charging bias to the conductive means, and a second application means for applying a developing bias to the developer carrier (c),
And (d) applying a charging bias to the charging unit by the first applying unit or applying a developing bias to the developer carrier by the second applying unit. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: identification means for identifying the individual identification information of the process cartridge using the obtained electric signal; and (e) conveyance means for conveying the recording medium. is there.

A typical configuration of a process cartridge according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a process cartridge detachably mountable to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, comprising an electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. A charging unit for applying a charging bias from the side to charge the electrophotographic photosensitive member; and a developer for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. A developer carrier to which a developing bias is applied from the apparatus main body side to develop the electrostatic latent image with a developer;
An individual identification member that records individual identification information of the process cartridge using a dielectric or a resistor electrically connected to the charging unit, or the developer carrier;
A process cartridge characterized by having:

A typical configuration of the charging member according to the present invention for achieving the above object is used in a process cartridge detachable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and is provided with a charging bias Is applied to charge the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the process cartridge, the individual identification information of the process cartridge is recorded using a dielectric or a resistor electrically connected to the charging member. A charging member having an individual identification member.

A typical configuration of the developer carrier according to the present invention for achieving the above object is used in a process cartridge detachable from the main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and includes a photosensitive member formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member. A developer carrying a developer for developing the electrostatic latent image, and a developer bias applied from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body side to develop the electrostatic latent image with the developer; A developer carrier having an individual identification member that records individual identification information of the process cartridge using a dielectric electrically connected to a body.

A typical configuration of the individual identification member according to the present invention for achieving the above object is detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, and includes an electrophotographic photosensitive member and the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. A charging unit that applies a charging bias to the electrophotographic photosensitive member by applying a charging bias from a side, and a developer for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member; An individual identification member for recording individual identification information of a process cartridge having a developer carrier to which a developing bias is applied from a main body side to develop the electrostatic latent image with a developer; An individual identification member characterized in that individual identification information of the process cartridge is recorded using a dielectric or a resistor that is electrically connected.

A typical configuration of the individual identification member according to the present invention for achieving the above object is to be detachable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and to include an electrophotographic photosensitive member and the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. A charging unit configured to apply a charging bias to the electrophotographic photosensitive member by applying a charging bias from an apparatus main body side, and a developer for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member; A developer carrying member to which a developing bias is applied from a forming apparatus main body side to develop the electrostatic latent image with a developer; and an individual identification member for recording individual identification information of a process cartridge, wherein the developer An individual identification member wherein individual identification information of the process cartridge is recorded using a dielectric electrically connected to a carrier.

A typical configuration of a developing unit according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a developing unit detachable from the main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. A developing means for developing an image, and a dielectric material electrically connected to the developing means, or an individual identification member that records individual identification information of the developing unit using a resistor. This is a developing unit characterized by the following.

A typical configuration of the charging unit according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a charging unit detachable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Means, and a dielectric material electrically connected to the charging means, or an individual identification member that records individual identification information of the charging unit using a resistor. .

(Operation) In the above-described electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the individual identification information of the process cartridge is read out by applying a charging bias to a charging means or by applying a developing bias to a developer carrier. This is performed using an electric signal obtained from the dielectric or resistor of the member. Then, the identification means identifies the individual process cartridge based on the electric signal. As described above, since the charging bias and the developing bias are used to read the individual identification information, a new power supply for supplying power to the individual identification member is not required, and components such as a dielectric and a resistor are small. With a simple configuration, individual identification of each process cartridge can be performed with a simple configuration.

In the above-mentioned process cartridge, the individual identification information is read from the dielectric or resistor of the individual identification member by applying a charging bias to the charging means or by applying a developing bias to the developer carrier. It can be performed using an electric signal. Since the charging bias and the developing bias itself can be used to read out the individual identification information in this manner, a new power supply component for supplying power to the individual identification member is not required, and the dielectric material of the individual identification member is not required. Since components such as a resistor and a resistor are small and have a simple configuration, the configuration of the information storage means for managing the process cartridge can be simplified.

In the above-mentioned charging member, the individual identification information of the process cartridge can be read out by using an electric signal obtained from a dielectric or a resistor of the individual identification member by applying a charging bias. Since the charging bias itself can be used to read the individual identification information in this manner, it is not necessary to newly provide a power supply component for supplying power to the dielectric and the resistor of the individual identification member in the process cartridge. Since components such as a dielectric and a resistor of the individual identification member are also small and simple, the configuration of the information storage means for managing the process cartridge can be simplified.

In the above-mentioned developer carrier, the individual identification information of the process cartridge can be read out by using an electric signal obtained from the dielectric of the individual identification member by applying a developing bias. Since the developing bias itself can be used to read the individual identification information in this manner, it is not necessary to newly provide a power supply component for supplying power to the dielectric of the individual identification member in the process cartridge. Since the dielectric component is small and has a simple configuration, the configuration of the information storage means for managing the process cartridge can be simplified.

In the above-mentioned individual identification member, the individual identification information of the process cartridge can be read by using an electric signal obtained from a dielectric or a resistor by applying a charging bias. As described above, the charging bias itself can be used to read the individual identification information. Therefore, it is not necessary to newly provide a power supply component for supplying power to the dielectric or the resistor in the process cartridge. Parts such as body are small and simple configuration,
The configuration of the information storage means for managing the process cartridge can be simplified.

In the above-mentioned individual identification member, the individual identification information of the process cartridge can be read out by using an electric signal obtained from a dielectric by applying a developing bias. To read the individual identification information in this way,
Since the developing bias itself can be used, it is not necessary to newly provide a power supply component for supplying power to the dielectric in the process cartridge, and since the dielectric component is small and has a simple configuration, it is necessary to manage the process cartridge. The configuration of the information storage means can be simplified.

In the above-mentioned developing unit, the reading of the individual identification information can be performed by using an electric signal obtained from a dielectric or a resistor of the individual identification member by applying a developing bias to the developing means. As described above, the developing bias itself can be used to read out the individual identification information, so that a new power supply component for supplying power to the individual identification member is not required, and the dielectric or resistor of the individual identification member is not required. Such components are small and have a simple configuration, so that the configuration of the information storage means for managing the process cartridge having the developing unit can be simplified.

In the above-mentioned charging unit, the reading of the individual identification information can be performed using an electric signal obtained from a dielectric or a resistor of the individual identification member by applying a charging bias to the charging means. As described above, the charging bias itself can be used to read out the individual identification information, so that a new power supply component for supplying power to the individual identification member is not required, and a dielectric or a resistor of the individual identification member is not required. Such components are small and have a simple configuration, so that the configuration of the information storage means for managing the process cartridge having the charging unit can be simplified.

[0033]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Overall Configuration of Electrophotographic Image Forming Apparatus) The overall configuration of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (laser beam printer) according to the embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge detachably mounted on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

In FIG. 1, M denotes an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter, referred to as “image forming apparatus main body”) of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus (laser beam printer). 1
Reference numeral 6 denotes a process cartridge in which an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a charging device (charging unit), a developing device, and a cleaning device are integrated, and is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body M. Specifically, a guide member (mounting means) not shown is provided in the image forming apparatus main body M,
When the operator moves the process cartridge 16 along the guide member (mounting means), the process cartridge 16 is detachably mounted to the image forming apparatus main body M.

Reference numeral 1 denotes a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter, referred to as a photosensitive member).
The image forming apparatus main body M
Is rotationally driven in the direction of the arrow R1 by a driving means (not shown) provided in the printer. The surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is uniformly charged by a charging roller (charging means (or charging member)) 2 included in the charging device. The charging roller 2 is arranged so that its surface is in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 1, and forms a charging nip portion N 1 with the surface of the photosensitive drum 1.
Then, the photosensitive drum 1 is rotated in the direction of arrow R <b> 2 following the photosensitive drum 1, and applies a charging bias in which a DC voltage is superimposed on an AC voltage from a high voltage power supply 8 which is a first applying unit provided in the image forming apparatus main body M. As a result, the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is uniformly charged.

Reference numeral 3 denotes an exposure device provided in the image forming apparatus main body M, which forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1 uniformly charged. Specifically, the photosensitive drum 1 is irradiated with a laser beam corresponding to the image information to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 1 according to the image information.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a developing device (toner image forming means), which is a hopper as a toner storage device for storing and storing the toner (developer) T, and a developing sleeve (developing means) 4a as a developer carrier. And a developing blade 4b. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 is
To develop. More specifically, the developing sleeve 4a containing a fixed magnet is rotated in the direction of arrow R4, and the toner layer provided with a triboelectric charge by the developing blade 4b, which is a toner regulating member disposed in the vicinity of the developing sleeve 4a, is removed. 4a. Then, a developing bias is applied to the developing sleeve 4a by a high voltage circuit (not shown), which is a second applying means provided in the image forming apparatus main body M. As a result, the toner T on the developing sleeve 4a is transferred onto the photosensitive drum 1, and the photosensitive drum 1
Is developed as a toner image.

The toner image on the photosensitive drum 1 is transferred to a transfer material (recording medium (recording paper, OHP) by a transfer roller (transfer unit) 5 which is a transfer device provided in the image forming apparatus main body M and rotated in the direction of arrow R5. Sheet, cloth, etc.) are transferred to P. Specifically, the toner is transferred to the transfer material P by applying a transfer bias to the transfer roller 5 by a high voltage circuit (not shown) which is a third application unit. Here, the transfer material P is stored in a cassette (not shown), is fed by a feed roller (not shown), and is synchronized with the toner image on the photosensitive drum 1 by the registration roller 9 to be in contact with the photosensitive member. It is sent to the transfer nip N2 between the drum 1 and the transfer roller 5.

Then, the toner image transferred to the transfer material P is transported together with the transfer material P to a fixing device 7, where the toner image is heated and pressurized by the fixing device 7 and fixed on the transfer material P to form a recorded image.

On the other hand, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 1 without being transferred to the transfer material P after the transfer of the toner image (hereinafter referred to as “transfer residual toner”) is removed by a cleaning blade 6 a in a cleaning device (cleaning means) 6. You. Photoreceptor drum 1 from which transfer residual toner on the surface has been removed
Is provided for the next image formation starting from the charging of the charging device 2, and the above-described series of electrophotographic image forming processes is repeated.

(Description of Individual Identification and Life Management of Process Cartridge) In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the longitudinal direction of the charging roller 2 of the charging device (charging unit) (the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 1). ), A derivative ring 23 which is an individual identification member that records individual identification information (hereinafter referred to as “identification information”) of the process cartridge 16.
Is attached. Then, by applying a charging bias to the charging roller 2 from the high-voltage power supply 8 which is the first application unit, the derivative ring 2 is applied to the image forming apparatus main body M.
An individual information detection control unit (identification means) for identifying an individual of the process cartridge 16 using the output waveform (electric signal) output by the unit 3 is provided. Specifically, the individual information detection control unit detects the output waveform output from the derivative ring 23 via the sliding contact 24, and the process cartridge 1 using the output signal from the detection unit 17.
And a control unit 18 for performing individual identification and managing the life of each process cartridge based on information on the number of prints of the transfer material P in the image forming apparatus main body M.

Further, individual identification and life management of the process cartridge will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a front view of an individual identification member of the process cartridge and an individual information detection control unit of the image forming apparatus main body.
Is a side view of the individual identification member and the individual information detection control unit shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the charging roller and the individual identification member, and FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the individual information detection control unit.

As shown in FIG. 3, the photosensitive drum 1 includes a drum substrate 11, a charge generation layer 12, and a charge transport layer 13 in this order from the inside. It constitutes a photosensitive layer. The charging roller 2 is formed by forming an elastic layer 22 made of a medium resistance rubber or the like around a metal core 21, and the elastic layer 22 is in contact with the charge transport layer 13 of the photosensitive drum 1. Then, a charging bias in which an AC voltage and a DC voltage are superimposed is applied to the metal core 21 from the high voltage power supply 8, whereby the charging roller 2 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 1.

At the end of the core 21 of the charging roller 2,
As shown in FIG. 5, a dielectric ring 23 on which individual identification information of the process cartridge 16 is recorded is attached. The dielectric ring 23 is formed such that its outer diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the charging roller 2 so as not to contact the photosensitive drum 1. In the circumferential direction, a portion 23a of a high dielectric constant layer made of a material having a high dielectric constant
And a portion 23b of a low dielectric constant layer made of a material having a low dielectric constant.
And are alternately arranged. In the dielectric ring 23, in order to distinguish each process cartridge by each of the dielectric layers 23a and 23b, the circumferential length and number of the high dielectric layers 23a and the low dielectric layers 23b are individually set for each process cartridge. It is unique accordingly. That is, the dielectric ring 23 has a plurality of dielectric portions 23a and 23b having different dielectric constants of the electric charge of the charging bias.
Individual information of the process cartridge 16 is recorded by appropriately combining 3a and 23b in the circumferential direction.

A sliding contact 24 is in contact with the peripheral surface of the dielectric ring 23. When a charging bias from the high voltage power supply 8 is applied to the metal core 21 of the charging roller 2, the dielectric ring 23 The detection means 17 detects the electric charge of the charging bias induced by the detecting means 17 through the sliding contact 24, and the control means 18
Output. Then, the individual identification of the process cartridge 16 is performed by the control means 18, and the number-of-prints information 25 in the image forming apparatus main body M (see FIG. 6).
Thus, the life of the process cartridge 16 is managed.

Next, the operation of the individual information detection control section will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 6, the process cartridge 16
When a charging bias is applied from the high voltage power supply 8 to the charging roller 2, the signal waveform output from the dielectric ring 23 is large in a portion corresponding to the high dielectric layer 23 a and conversely, in the low dielectric layer 23 b Becomes smaller in the portion corresponding to. This signal waveform is rectified by the rectifier 171 in the detecting means 17 and then output as a serial signal 173 binarized by the discriminator 172.
It is taken in by U181. When the CPU 181 receives the serial signal 173, it checks whether or not it has been recognized as individual identification information in the past against data stored in the EEPROM 182 as storage means, and determines whether the mounted process cartridge 16 has been remounted or replaced. To identify whether or not it is newly attached.

The CPU 181 adds the number-of-prints information 25 obtained from the image forming apparatus main body M to each of the identified process cartridges, and stores the information in the EEPROM 182. When the integrated number of prints exceeds a predetermined value, a warning of the life is displayed on the display device 26 to notify the user.

As described above, in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus of this embodiment, the process cartridge 1
Since the identification information of No. 6 is recorded on the dielectric ring 23 electrically connected to the charging roller 2, the charging bias itself can be used for detecting the individual identification of the process cartridge 16. For this reason, a new dielectric ring 2
Since no power supply for supplying power to the process cartridge 16 is required, and the dielectric ring 23 used for identifying the process cartridge 16 is small and simple, the individual identification of each process cartridge is performed with a simple configuration. There is an effect that can be. Accordingly, individual identification and life management of each process cartridge can be performed without significantly increasing the cost.

In the process cartridge 16 of this embodiment, since the identification information is recorded on the dielectric ring 23 electrically connected to the charging roller 2, the charging bias is applied to the charging roller 2. The identification information can be read. For this reason, a power supply component for supplying power to the dielectric ring 23 is not required, and the dielectric ring 23 has a small and simple configuration. Can be simplified.

The charging roller 2 of the present embodiment has the dielectric ring 23 on which the identification information of the process cartridge 16 is recorded and which is electrically connected.
The identification information can be read by applying a charging bias to the charging roller 2. For this reason, a power supply component for supplying power to the dielectric ring 23 is not required, and the dielectric ring 23 has a small and simple configuration. Can be simplified.

Further, in the dielectric ring 23 of this embodiment, since the identification information of the process cartridge 16 is recorded and is electrically connected to the charging roller 2, by applying a charging bias to the charging roller 2, The identification information can be read. For this reason, a power supply component for supplying power to the dielectric ring 23 is not required, and the dielectric ring 23 has a small and simple configuration. Can be simplified.

In the charging device (charging unit) of this embodiment, since the identification information is recorded on the dielectric ring 23 electrically connected to the charging roller 2, a charging bias is applied to the charging roller 2. By doing so, the identification information can be read. For this reason, there is no need for a new power supply component for supplying power to the dielectric ring 23, and the dielectric ring 23 has a small and simple configuration, so that information for managing the process cartridge 16 including the charging device is required. The configuration of the storage means can be simplified.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a charging roller and an individual identification member, and FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of an individual information detection control unit.

In the present embodiment, the same members as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 7, the charging roller (charging means (or charging member)) 2 of the process cartridge 16 is the same as that of the first embodiment described above. , A charging bias of only a DC voltage is applied from a high voltage power supply 81 to uniformly charge the photosensitive drum 1.

The feature of this embodiment is that FIG.
As shown in (1), only the DC voltage is used as the charging bias applied to the charging roller 21 of the process cartridge 16 by the high-voltage power supply (first applying unit) 81, and the identification information of the process cartridge 16 ( Resistor ring 2 which is an individual identification member recorded with individual identification information)
5 is attached.

Hereinafter, the individual identification and the life management of the process cartridge in this embodiment will be described in detail.

(Description of Process Cartridge Individual Identification and Life Management) In this embodiment, the end of the core metal 21 of the charging roller 2 included in the charging device (charging unit) is provided as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, a resistor ring 25 recording identification information of the process cartridge 16 is attached. The resistor ring 25 is the same as the dielectric ring 23 of the first embodiment.
Similarly to the above, the outer diameter is formed to be smaller than the outer diameter of the charging roller 2 so as not to contact the photosensitive drum 1. In the circumferential direction, portions 25a of a high resistance layer made of a material having a high resistance value and portions 25b of a low resistance layer made of a material having a low resistance value are alternately arranged. The resistor ring 25 includes a plurality of resistance layer portions 25.
In order to distinguish individual process cartridges by a and 25b, the circumferential length and number of the high resistance layer portion 25a and the low resistance layer portion 25b are unique to each process cartridge. That is, the resistor ring 25 has a plurality of resistance portions 25a and 25b having different resistance values, and the individual information of the process cartridge 16 is recorded by appropriately combining these resistance portions 25a and 25b in the circumferential direction. ing.

A sliding contact 24 is in contact with the peripheral surface of the resistor ring 25, and when a charging bias from the high voltage power supply 81 is applied to the metal core 21 of the charging roller 2, the resistance ring 25 Is detected by the detecting means 17 through the sliding contact 24 and output to the control means 18. Then, the control unit 18 identifies the process cartridge 16 individually, and manages the life of the process cartridge 16 based on the number-of-prints information 25 (see FIG. 9) in the image forming apparatus main body M.

Next, the operation of the individual information detection control section (identification means) will be described in further detail with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 9, the process cartridge 16
When a charging bias is applied from the high-voltage power supply 8 to the charging roller 2, the signal waveform output from the resistor ring 25 is small at a portion corresponding to the high-resistance layer 25 a and conversely corresponds to the low-resistance layer 25 b. Part gets bigger. This signal waveform is output as a serial signal 173 binarized by the discriminator 172 in the detecting means 17,
8 is taken into the CPU 181. When receiving the serial signal 173, the CPU 181 determines whether or not it has been recognized in the past as the individual identification information.
By comparing the data with the data stored in M182, it is determined whether the mounted process cartridge 16 has been remounted or newly mounted by replacement.

The CPU 181 adds the number-of-prints information 25 obtained from the image forming apparatus main body M to each identified process cartridge, and stores the information in the EEPROM 182. When the integrated number of prints exceeds a predetermined value, a warning of the life is displayed on the display device 26 to notify the user.

As described above, in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus of this embodiment, the process cartridge 1
Since the identification information of No. 6 is recorded on the resistor ring 25 electrically connected to the charging roller 2, the charging bias itself can be used for detecting the individual identification of the process cartridge 16. Therefore, a new resistor ring 2
5 does not require a power supply for power supply, and the resistor ring 2 for identifying the process cartridge 16 individually.
5 is also a small and simple configuration, so that there is an effect that individual identification of each process cartridge can be performed with a simple configuration. Accordingly, individual identification and life management of each process cartridge can be performed without significantly increasing the cost.

In the process cartridge 16 of this embodiment, since the identification information is recorded on the resistor ring 25 electrically connected to the charging roller 2, the charging bias is applied to the charging roller 2. The identification information can be read. For this reason, a power supply component for supplying power to the resistor ring 25 is not required, and
Also, since the resistor ring 25 is small and has a simple configuration,
The configuration of the information storage means for managing the process cartridge 16 can be simplified.

In addition, the charging roller 2 of the present embodiment has the resistor ring 25 in which the identification information of the process cartridge 16 is recorded and is electrically connected.
The identification information can be read by applying a charging bias to the charging roller 2. For this reason, no new power supply component is required for supplying power to the resistor ring 25, and the resistor ring 25 has a small and simple configuration. Can be simplified.

In the resistor ring 25 of this embodiment, since the identification information of the process cartridge 16 is recorded and is electrically connected to the charging roller 2, by applying a charging bias to the charging roller 2. The identification information can be read. For this reason, no new power supply component is required for supplying power to the resistor ring 25, and the resistor ring 25 has a small and simple configuration. Can be simplified.

In the charging device (charging unit) of this embodiment, since the identification information is recorded on the resistor ring 25 electrically connected to the charging roller 2, a charging bias is applied to the charging roller 2. By doing so, the identification information can be read. For this reason, a power supply component for supplying power to the resistor ring 25 is not required, and
Also, since the resistor ring 25 is small and has a simple configuration,
The configuration of the information storage unit for managing the process cartridge 16 including the charging device can be simplified.

In the present embodiment, since a DC voltage is used as the charging bias applied to the charging roller 2 in addition to the above-described configuration, the resistance of the process cartridge 16 is determined by a dispersion condition of a conductive material or the like. There are advantages that a resistor whose value can be easily adjusted can be used, and that the output waveform obtained from the resistor ring 25 does not include an AC component, so that a rectifier is not required in the detecting means 17. For this reason, the circuit configuration of the individual information detection control unit can be simplified, and a merit in cost is further exhibited.

[Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIG.
Is a perspective view of an individual identification member, and FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of an individual information detection control unit.

In this embodiment, the same members as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals. Further, the electrophotographic image forming process of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus shown in the present embodiment is the same as that of the above-described electrophotographic image forming apparatus of the first embodiment. Therefore, the process cartridge 16 is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body M.

The electrophotographic image forming apparatus of this embodiment is
As shown in FIG. 10, a predetermined gap (gap) is provided between the photosensitive drum 1 of the process cartridge 16 and the developing sleeve 4a by a developing spacer roller 41, and between the photosensitive drum 1 and the developing sleeve 4a. The image forming apparatus includes a developing device (developing unit) 4 that applies a developing bias in which an AC bias is superimposed on a DC bias to perform jumping development of the toner T on the developing sleeve 4a. The identification information (individual identification information) of the process cartridge 16 is recorded on the developing spacer roller 41 of the developing device 4 using a dielectric material, and the identification information is read out by the developing bias.

Hereinafter, individual identification and life management of the process cartridge in this embodiment will be described in detail.

(Description of Individual Identification and Life Management of Process Cartridge) As shown in FIG. 11, the developing spacer rollers 41 of the developing device 4 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the developing sleeve 4a (the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 1). It is formed in a cap-like shape so that it can be fitted to both ends. And
As shown in FIG. 12, the developing sleeve 4a is fitted to both ends in the longitudinal direction. Thereby, the developing spacer roller 4
The developing sleeve 4a is arranged with a predetermined gap between the developing sleeve 4a and the photosensitive drum 1 by abutting the outer peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 4 against the peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 1.

On the developing spacer roller 41, a dielectric ring 4 on which individual identification information of the process cartridge 16 is recorded.
1c is integrally formed on the outer surface. Dielectric ring 4
1c is formed by injection molding or the like, and is formed so that its outer diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the photosensitive drum 1, so that it does not directly hit the photosensitive drum 1. In the circumferential direction, portions 41a of a high dielectric constant layer made of a material having a high dielectric constant and portions 41b of a low dielectric constant layer made of a material having a low dielectric constant are alternately arranged. The dielectric ring 41c is provided with each dielectric layer portion 41.
In order to distinguish each process cartridge by a and 41b, the circumferential length and number of the high dielectric layer portion 41a and the low dielectric layer portion 41b are unique to each process cartridge. That is, the dielectric ring 41c
Has a plurality of dielectric portions 41a and 41b having different dielectric constants of charges of the charging bias, and these dielectric portions 41a and 41b
The individual information of the process cartridge 16 is recorded by appropriately combining b in the circumferential direction. In other words, the dielectric ring 41c is a spacer that is disposed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developing sleeve 4a as a developer carrier and maintains a predetermined distance from the photosensitive drum 1 by the developing spacer roller 41. It has a configuration that doubles.

A sliding contact 42 is in contact with the peripheral surface of the dielectric ring 41c, and a developing bias in which an AC voltage and a DC voltage are superimposed is applied from a high voltage power supply 43 to the developing sleeve 4a.
, The charge of the charging bias induced in the dielectric ring 41c is applied to the detecting means 44 through the sliding contact 42.
And outputs it to the control means 45. The control unit 45 identifies the individual process cartridge 16, and manages the life of the process cartridge 16 based on the number-of-prints information 25 (see FIG. 9) in the image forming apparatus main body M.

Next, the operation of the individual information detection control section (identification means) will be described in further detail with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 10, the process cartridge 1
When a developing bias is applied to the developing sleeve 4a from the high-voltage power supply 43, the signal waveform output from the dielectric ring 41c is large in the portion corresponding to the high dielectric layer 41a, and conversely, in the low dielectric layer 41c. The portion corresponding to 41b becomes smaller. As in the first embodiment, this signal waveform is rectified by a rectifier (not shown) in the detecting means 44 and then output as a serial signal binarized by a discriminator (not shown). CPU not shown in control means 45
It is taken in. When the CPU receives the serial signal,
It is compared with data stored in an EEPROM (not shown) as storage means to determine whether or not it has been recognized as individual identification information in the past, and whether the mounted process cartridge 16 has been remounted or newly mounted by replacement. Identification.

The CPU adds print number information (not shown) obtained from the image forming apparatus main body M to each of the identified process cartridges, and stores the information in the EEPROM. When the integrated number of prints exceeds a predetermined value, a warning of the life can be displayed on a display device (not shown) to notify the user.

As described above, in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus of this embodiment, the process cartridge 1
Since the identification information of No. 6 is recorded on the dielectric ring 41c electrically connected to the developing sleeve 4a, the developing bias itself can be used for detecting the individual identification of the process cartridge 16. Therefore, a new power supply for supplying power to the dielectric ring 41c is not required, and the dielectric ring 41c for identifying the individual process cartridge 16 has a small and simple configuration. There is an effect that identification can be performed with a simple configuration. Accordingly, individual identification and life management of each process cartridge can be performed without significantly increasing the cost.

In the process cartridge 16 of the present embodiment, since the identification information is recorded on the dielectric ring 41c electrically connected to the developing sleeve 4a, the developing bias is applied to the developing sleeve 4c. The identification information can be read. For this reason, there is no need for a new power supply component for supplying power to the dielectric ring 41c, and since the dielectric ring 41c is small and has a simple configuration, a configuration of an information storage means for managing the process cartridge 16 is provided. Can be simplified.

Since the developing sleeve 4a of this embodiment has the dielectric ring 41c in which the identification information of the process cartridge 16 is recorded and is electrically connected, it is necessary to apply a charging bias to the developing sleeve 4a. Can read the identification information. For this reason,
Since a power supply component for supplying power to the dielectric ring 41c is not required, and the dielectric ring 41c is small and has a simple configuration, the configuration of the information storage means for managing the process cartridge 16 is simplified. can do.

The dielectric ring 41c of the present embodiment is
In the above, since the identification information of the process cartridge 16 is recorded and is electrically connected to the developing sleeve 4a,
The identification information can be read by applying a developing bias to the developing sleeve 4a. For this reason, there is no need for a new power supply component for supplying power to the dielectric ring 41c, and since the dielectric ring 41c is small and has a simple configuration, a configuration of an information storage means for managing the process cartridge 16 is provided. Can be simplified.

In the developing device (developing unit) 4 of this embodiment, since the identification information is recorded on the dielectric ring 41c electrically connected to the developing sleeve 4a, the developing bias is applied to the developing sleeve 4c. The identification information can be read by applying. For this reason, there is no need for a new power supply component for supplying power to the dielectric ring 41c, and since the dielectric ring 41c is small and has a simple configuration, information for managing the process cartridge 16 including the developing device is provided. The configuration of the storage means can be simplified.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the life of the process cartridge 16 is estimated from the number of prints has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, the life of the process cartridge 16 may be estimated.

The case where the individual identification information of the process cartridge 16 is used for managing the life of the process cartridge 16 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the individual identification information is used for identifying the toner color of the process cartridge 16. Is also good.

In this embodiment, the same effect can be obtained by using the resistor ring of the second embodiment described above in place of the dielectric ring 41c.

[Other Embodiments] Although the case where the process cartridge shown in the above-described embodiment forms a single-color image is illustrated, the process cartridge according to the present invention is provided with a plurality of developing means, and a plurality of color images ( For example, a two-color image, 3
The present invention can also be suitably applied to a cartridge for forming a color image or full color.

The electrophotographic photosensitive member is not limited to the above-mentioned photosensitive drum, and includes, for example, the following. First, a photoconductor is used as a photoconductor, and examples of the photoconductor include amorphous silicon, amorphous selenium, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, and an organic photoconductor (OP).
C) and the like. Further, as the shape on which the photoconductor is mounted, for example, a drum shape or a belt shape is used.For example, in a drum type photoconductor,
The photoconductor is deposited or coated on a cylinder of aluminum alloy or the like.

Further, as a method of cleaning the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum, the cleaning means may be constituted by using a blade, a fur brush, a magnetic brush or the like.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a laser beam printer is exemplified as an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an electrophotographic copying machine, a facsimile machine, a word processor, etc. Of course, it is also possible to use it for the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

[0092]

As described above, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus of the present invention can identify individual process cartridges with a simple configuration.

Further, the process cartridge of the present invention
Reading of the individual identification information can be performed using a charging bias or a developing bias.

Further, the charging member of the present invention can read out the individual identification information of the process cartridge by using the charging bias.

Further, the developer carrier of the present invention can read out the individual identification information of the process cartridge by using the developing bias.

Further, the individual identification member of the present invention can read out the individual identification information of the process cartridge by using the charging bias.

Further, the individual identification member of the present invention can read out the individual identification information of the process cartridge by using the developing bias.

The developing unit of the present invention can read out the individual identification information by using the developing bias.

The charging unit of the present invention can read out the individual identification information by using the charging bias.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an individual identification member and an individual information detection control unit according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a side view of an individual identification member and an individual information detection control unit according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a charging roller and an individual identification member according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of an individual information detection control unit according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a charging roller and an individual identification member according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of an individual information detection control unit according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a developing spacer roller according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an end of a developing sleeve according to a third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 photosensitive drum 2 charging roller 4a developing sleeve 8 high voltage power supply 16 process cartridge 17 detecting means 18 control means 23 dielectric ring 23a high dielectric layer part 23b low dielectric layer part 24 sliding contact 25 resistor ring 25a high Resistance layer portion 25b Low resistance layer portion 41 Developing spacer roller 41c Dielectric ring 41a High dielectric layer portion 41b Low dielectric layer portion 42 Sliding contact 43 High voltage power supply 44 Detecting means 45 Control means

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Seiichi Shinohara 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Yusuke Nakazono 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Non-corp. F term (reference) 2H027 DA50 DE04 HB05 HB15 2H071 BA04 BA13 BA32 BA33 DA06 DA08 DA32

Claims (50)

[Claims] 1. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for detachably attaching a process cartridge and forming an image on a recording medium, comprising: (a) an electrophotographic photosensitive member; and a charging bias being applied to the electrophotographic photosensitive member. A developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and applying a developing bias to develop the electrostatic latent image with the developer. A process cartridge comprising: a developer carrier; and an individual identification member that records individual identification information of the process cartridge using a dielectric or a resistor electrically connected to the charging unit or the developer carrier. Mounting means for removably mounting the developing means, (b) first applying means for applying a charging bias to the charging means, and (c) a developing device on the developer carrier. And (d) applying a charging bias to the charging unit by the first applying unit, or a developing bias to the developer carrier by the second applying unit. Identification means for identifying the individual identification information of the process cartridge using an electric signal obtained from a dielectric or resistor of the individual identification member by application of (i), (e) conveying means for conveying the recording medium, An electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising: 2. A transfer unit to which a transfer bias is applied to transfer a developer image of the electrostatic latent image of the electrophotographic photosensitive member by a developer to the recording medium, and a transfer bias is applied to the transfer unit. 3. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a third application unit for applying the image. 3. The dielectric body of the individual identification member electrically connected to the charging unit has a plurality of dielectric portions having different dielectric constants of charges of the charging bias, and the plurality of dielectric portions have different dielectric constants. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the individual identification information of the process cartridge is recorded by being combined. 4. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said first applying means applies a charging bias in which an AC voltage and a DC voltage are superimposed on said charging means. 5. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein said dielectric has a high dielectric layer portion and a low dielectric layer portion as a plurality of dielectric portions. 6. A resistor in the individual identification member electrically connected to the charging unit has a plurality of resistance portions having different resistance values, and the process cartridge is formed by combining the plurality of resistance portions. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the individual identification information is recorded. 7. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said second applying means applies a DC voltage as a charging bias to said charging means. 8. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the resistor has a high resistance layer portion and a low resistance layer portion as a plurality of resistance portions. 9. A dielectric in the individual identification member electrically connected to the developer carrier, the dielectric having a plurality of dielectric portions having different dielectric constants in a circumferential direction, and formed in a ring shape. The individual identification information of the process cartridge is recorded by combining a plurality of dielectric portions, and the distance between the process cartridge and the electrophotographic photosensitive member is maintained at a predetermined value by being disposed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the developer carrier. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrophotographic image forming apparatus also serves as a spacer. 10. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said second applying means applies a developing bias in which an AC voltage and a DC voltage are superimposed on said developer carrier. 11. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the dielectric has a high dielectric layer portion and a low dielectric layer portion as a plurality of dielectric portions. 12. A process cartridge detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; and a charging device for applying a charging bias from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body to charge the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Means for carrying a developer for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photoreceptor, and a developing bias is applied from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body side to develop the electrostatic latent image into a developer. A developer carrying member to be developed by the charging means, or an individual identifying member that records individual identifying information of the process cartridge using a dielectric or a resistor electrically connected to the developer carrying member; A process cartridge comprising: 13. The dielectric body of the individual identification member electrically connected to the charging means has a plurality of dielectric portions having different dielectric constants of the electric charges of the charging bias, and the plurality of dielectric portions have different dielectric constants. 13. The process cartridge according to claim 12, wherein individual identification information of the process cartridge is recorded by being combined. 14. The process cartridge according to claim 13, wherein a charging bias in which an AC voltage and a DC voltage are superimposed is applied to the charging unit from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. 15. The process cartridge according to claim 13, wherein the dielectric has a high dielectric layer portion and a low dielectric layer portion as a plurality of dielectric portions. 16. The process cartridge according to claim 16, wherein the resistor in the individual identification member electrically connected to the charging unit has a plurality of resistance portions having different resistance values, and the process cartridge is formed by combining the plurality of resistance portions. 13. The process cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the individual identification information is recorded. 17. The process cartridge according to claim 16, wherein a DC voltage is applied to the charging unit from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body as a charging bias. 18. The process cartridge according to claim 16, wherein the resistor has a high resistance layer portion and a low resistance layer portion as a plurality of resistance portions. 19. A dielectric of the individual identification member electrically connected to the developer carrier, the dielectric having a plurality of dielectric portions having different dielectric constants in a circumferential direction, and formed in a ring shape.
The individual identification information of the process cartridge is recorded by combining the plurality of dielectric portions, and the distance between the developer carrying member and the electrophotographic photosensitive member arranged at both ends in the longitudinal direction is set to a predetermined value. 13. The process cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the process cartridge also serves as a holding spacer. 20. A developing bias in which an AC voltage and a DC voltage are superimposed is applied to the developer carrier from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
The process cartridge according to 1. 21. The process cartridge according to claim 19, wherein the dielectric has a high dielectric layer portion and a low dielectric layer portion as a plurality of dielectric portions. 22. The process cartridge includes a cleaning unit for removing a developer remaining on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, the charging unit, the developer carrier, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member. 22. The process cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the cartridge is formed into a cartridge, and the cartridge is detachable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. 23. A charging device which is used in a process cartridge detachably mountable to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and which applies a charging bias from the main body side of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus to charge the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the process cartridge A charging member, comprising: an individual identification member on which individual identification information of the process cartridge is recorded using a dielectric or a resistor electrically connected to the charging member. 24. The dielectric body of the individual identification member electrically connected to the charging member has a plurality of dielectric portions having different dielectric constants, and the process cartridge is formed by combining the plurality of dielectric portions. 24. The charging member according to claim 23, wherein the individual identification information is recorded. 25. The charging member according to claim 24, wherein a charging bias in which an AC voltage and a DC voltage are superimposed is applied to the charging member from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body side. 26. The charging member according to claim 24, wherein the dielectric has a high dielectric layer portion and a low dielectric layer portion as a plurality of dielectric portions. 27. The resistor in the individual identification member electrically connected to the charging member has a plurality of resistance portions having different resistance values, and the process cartridge is formed by combining the plurality of resistance portions. 24. The charging member according to claim 23, wherein the individual identification information is recorded. 28. The charging member according to claim 27, wherein a DC voltage is applied to the charging member from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body side as a charging bias. 29. The charging member according to claim 27, wherein the resistor has a high resistance layer portion and a low resistance layer portion as a plurality of resistance portions. 30. A process cartridge, which is used in a process cartridge detachable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus and carries a developer for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member,
In a developer carrier to which a developing bias is applied from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body side to develop the electrostatic latent image with a developer, the developer is electrically connected to the developer carrier by using a dielectric. A developer carrier having an individual identification member on which individual identification information of a process cartridge is recorded. 31. A dielectric of the individual identification member electrically connected to the developer carrier, the dielectric having a plurality of dielectric portions having different dielectric constants in a circumferential direction, and formed in a ring shape.
The individual identification information of the process cartridge is recorded by combining the plurality of dielectric portions, and the distance between the developer carrying member and the electrophotographic photosensitive member arranged at both ends in the longitudinal direction is set to a predetermined value. 31. The developer carrier according to claim 30, wherein the developer carrier also serves as a holding spacer. 32. A developing bias in which an AC voltage and a DC voltage are superimposed is applied to the developer carrier from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body side.
32. The developer carrier according to claim 31. 33. The developing device according to claim 30, wherein the dielectric has a high dielectric layer portion and a low dielectric layer portion as a plurality of dielectric portions. Agent carrier. 34. An electrophotographic photosensitive member detachable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and charging means for applying a charging bias from the main body side of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus to charge the electrophotographic photosensitive body. A developer for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a developing bias is applied from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body side to develop the electrostatic latent image with the developer. An individual identification member for recording individual identification information of a process cartridge having a developer carrier that performs the individual identification of the process cartridge by using a dielectric or a resistor electrically connected to the charging unit. An individual identification member characterized by recording information. 35. A dielectric electrically connected to the charging means, having a plurality of dielectric portions having different dielectric constants, and combining the plurality of dielectric portions to obtain individual identification information of the process cartridge. The individual identification member according to claim 34, wherein the member is recorded. 36. The individual identification member according to claim 35, wherein a charging bias in which an AC voltage and a DC voltage are superimposed is applied to the charging unit from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. 37. The individual identification member according to claim 35, wherein the dielectric has a high dielectric layer portion and a low dielectric layer portion as a plurality of dielectric portions. 38. A resistor electrically connected to the charging means has a plurality of resistance portions having different resistance values, and the individual identification information of the process cartridge is obtained by combining the plurality of resistance portions. The individual identification member according to claim 34, wherein the member is recorded. 39. The individual identification member according to claim 38, wherein a DC voltage is applied to the charging member from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body side as a charging bias. 40. The individual identification member according to claim 38, wherein the resistor has a high resistance layer portion and a low resistance layer portion as a plurality of resistance portions. 41. An electrophotographic photosensitive member detachable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and charging means for applying a charging bias from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus to charge the electrophotographic photosensitive body. A developer for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a developing bias is applied from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body side to develop the electrostatic latent image with the developer. An individual identification member for recording individual identification information of a process cartridge having a developer carrier that performs the individual identification information of the process cartridge using a dielectric electrically connected to the developer carrier. An individual identification member characterized by recording the following. 42. A dielectric that is electrically connected to the developer carrying member is formed in a ring shape having a plurality of dielectric portions having different dielectric constants of electric charges of the charging bias in a circumferential direction,
The individual identification information of the process cartridge is recorded by combining the plurality of dielectric portions, and the distance between the developer carrying member and the electrophotographic photosensitive member arranged at both ends in the longitudinal direction is set to a predetermined value. 42. The individual identification member according to claim 41, which also serves as a holding spacer. 43. A developing bias in which an AC voltage and a DC voltage are superimposed is applied to the developer carrier from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.
The individual identification member according to 1. 44. The individual identification member according to claim 42, wherein the dielectric has a high dielectric layer portion and a low dielectric layer portion as a plurality of dielectric portions. 45. A developing unit detachable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member; and electrically connected to the developing means. Dielectric, or
And an individual identification member on which individual identification information of the developing unit is recorded using a resistor. 46. A charging unit detachable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, wherein: a charging unit for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member; and a dielectric electrically connected to the charging unit;
And an individual identification member on which individual identification information of the charging unit is recorded using a resistor. 47. The developing unit according to claim 45, wherein said dielectric has a high dielectric layer portion and a low dielectric layer portion as a plurality of dielectric portions. 48. The developing unit according to claim 45, wherein the resistor has a high resistance layer portion and a low resistance layer portion as a plurality of resistance portions. 49. The charging unit according to claim 46, wherein the dielectric has a high dielectric layer portion and a low dielectric layer portion as a plurality of dielectric portions. 50. The charging unit according to claim 46, wherein the resistor has a high resistance layer portion and a low resistance layer portion as a plurality of resistance portions.