JP2001022249A - Sealing member, method for attaching storing medium, processing cartridge and electro-photographic image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily detach a recording medium which is a reuse part from a processing cartridge by reading and writing specified information in a non- contact state by a storing medium controlling means that a main body possesses. SOLUTION: A nonvolatile memory 1 as the storing medium in which the specified information is read and written in the non-contact state is arranged in a groove as a recessed part provided on the external surface of a developing unit 33U1. The manufacture logo of the processing cartridge 33, a product number or the like are printed on a sealing member 11 consisting of a resin seal that has flexibility and is able to be peeled. An I/F on the side of an image forming device main body communicating with the nonvolatile memory 1 in the non-contact state is controlled by a memory controlling means as the storing medium controlling means constituting a drum life detecting means. The specified information such as for instance the number of rotation or the rotating time of a photosensitive drum is written and read to/from the nonvolatile memory 1 on the side of the processing cartridge 33 in the non-contact state by the I/F.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a seal member, a method for mounting a storage medium, a process cartridge, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

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 into a cartridge, and this cartridge is detachably mountable to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body.
In addition, at least one of the charging unit, the developing unit, and the cleaning unit and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge so as to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. Further, at least the developing means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge so as to be detachable from the image forming 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.

[0005] In such a process cartridge, in recent years, parts have begun to be reused. Therefore, it is desired that the reuse parts can be easily removed when the process cartridge is reused (recycled).

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a further development of the above-mentioned prior art, and its main purpose is to easily reuse a storage medium, which is a reusable part, from a process cartridge when the process cartridge is reused. It is an object of the present invention to provide a seal member that can be detached from a vehicle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of mounting a storage medium that allows a storage medium, which is a reusable part, to be easily removed from the process cartridge when the process cartridge is reused.

Another main object is to provide a process cartridge from which a storage medium as a reusable part can be easily removed when the process cartridge is reused.

Another main object is to provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge capable of easily removing a storage medium, which is a reusable part, can be detached when a process cartridge is reused. .

[0010]

A typical configuration of a sheet member according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a peelable sheet that is attached to the outer surface of a process cartridge that is detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. The seal member includes a storage medium in which predetermined information is read and written in a non-contact manner by a storage medium control unit included in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body.

A typical configuration of a method for mounting a storage medium according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a process cartridge detachably mountable to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and a storage cartridge provided in the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. In a method for mounting a storage medium on which a predetermined information is read and written in a non-contact manner by a medium control unit, the storage medium is disposed in a recess provided on an outer surface of the process cartridge, and then the storage medium is disposed in the recess. A method for mounting a storage medium, comprising: attaching a peelable seal member to an exterior surface of the process cartridge so as to cover the storage medium.

A typical configuration of a method for mounting a storage medium according to the present invention for achieving the above object is as follows: a process cartridge detachably mountable to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus; In a storage medium mounting method for mounting a storage medium in which predetermined information is read and written in a non-contact manner by storage medium control means having
A method for attaching a storage medium, comprising: attaching the storage medium to a peelable seal member that is attached to an exterior surface of the process cartridge, and then attaching the seal member to an exterior surface of the process cartridge.

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. Processing means, a cartridge frame for holding the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the processing means, and a storage medium on which predetermined information is read and written in a non-contact manner by a storage medium control means of the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. A releasable seal member attached to the exterior surface of the cartridge frame, wherein the storage medium is attached to the exterior surface of the cartridge frame by the seal member.

A typical configuration of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present invention for achieving the above object is to mount a process cartridge in a main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus and to form an image on a recording medium. (A) an electrophotographic photosensitive member, process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, a cartridge frame for holding the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the process means, and predetermined information A non-contact readable and writable storage medium, and a peelable seal member attached to the exterior surface of the process cartridge, wherein the storage medium is attached to the exterior surface of the cartridge frame by the seal member. Mounting means for removably mounting the process cartridge, and (b) the predetermined medium with respect to the storage medium. Write information in a non-contact, and a storage medium control means for or read, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus characterized by having a conveying means for conveying the (c) the recording medium.

(Operation) In the sheet member, the storage medium can be removed by peeling off the seal member from the outer surface of the process cartridge.

[0016] In the above-mentioned method of mounting a storage medium,
The storage medium can be removed by peeling off the seal member from the outer surface of the process cartridge.

Further, in the above-mentioned storage medium mounting method, the storage medium can be removed integrally with the seal member by peeling the seal member from the outer surface of the process cartridge.

In the above process cartridge and the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the storage medium can be removed by peeling off the seal member from the outer surface of the process cartridge.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment A process cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (laser beam printer) to which the process cartridge can be mounted will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the external appearance of the process cartridge, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which the process cartridge is mounted.

Here, as the order of the description, first, the overall configuration of the process cartridge and the electrophotographic image forming apparatus using the same will be described, and then the nonvolatile memory (storage medium) and the seal member of the process cartridge will be described. .

(Overall Configuration) The electrophotographic image forming apparatus (laser beam printer) 100 shown in this embodiment is modulated by image information sent from an optical system 32 from a personal computer or the like, as shown in FIG. A laser beam 23 is applied to a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter, referred to as a “photosensitive drum”) 21 to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 21, and the electrostatic latent image is developed by a developer (hereinafter, referred to as a developer). "Toner")
To form a toner image. Then, in synchronization with the toner image, a recording medium (recording paper, OHP sheet, cloth, etc.) P
Roller 34a from cassette 34 containing
The recording medium P is separated and fed one by one,
The toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 21, which is transported by a transport unit 30 including a transport roller (not shown), a registration roller 28, a transport guide 29, and the like, and formed as a process cartridge 33, is transferred to a transfer roller 25 as a transfer unit The image is transferred to the recording medium P by applying a voltage. Then, the recording medium P is conveyed to a fixing device 26 as fixing means via a conveyance guide 36. The fixing device 26 includes a driving roller 26a and a heater (not shown).
And a fixing rotator 26b formed of a tubular sheet rotatably supported by a support (not shown) and applying heat and pressure to the recording medium P passing therethrough to fix the transferred toner image. I do. Then, the recording medium P is conveyed by the discharge roller 31 and is discharged through the reversing conveyance path to the discharge section 37
It is configured to discharge to

On the other hand, the process cartridge 33 has an electrophotographic photosensitive member and at least one process means. Here, as the process means, for example, a charging means for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member, a developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, a cleaning for cleaning toner remaining on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member There are means.

The process cartridge 33 of this embodiment is
Is a photosensitive drum 2 having a photosensitive layer as shown in FIG.
1 in the R1 direction, and a charging roller 22 serving as a charging unit.
To charge the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 uniformly. The charged photosensitive drum 21 is exposed to laser light 23 from the optical system 32 through an exposure opening 33b provided in a cartridge frame 33a as a cartridge frame to form an electrostatic latent image. And
The electrostatic latent image is developed with toner by developing means 24a of the developing device 24. More specifically, the developing roller 24 as a developing rotator (developer carrying member) incorporating a fixed magnet is used.
b, a toner layer provided with a triboelectric charge by the developing blade 24c is formed on the surface of the developing roller 24b, and the toner is transferred to the photosensitive drum 21 in accordance with the electrostatic latent image. An image is formed and visualized. The developing members such as the developing roller 24b and the developing blade 24c are held by the developing device 24. The developing roller 24b is a photosensitive drum 2
1 and supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 21. Then, after applying a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner image to the transfer roller 25 to transfer the toner image to the recording medium P, the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 21 is scraped off by the cleaning blade 27b of the cleaner 27, and The cleaning device 27a that scoops up the toner with the squeeze sheet 27c and collects the toner in the removed toner storage portion 27d removes residual toner on the photosensitive drum 21.

The photosensitive drum 21, charging roller 22,
Each member such as the developing unit 24a and the cleaning unit 27a is provided with a cartridge frame 3 as a cartridge frame.
3a, the cartridge is integrally formed as a cartridge, and is detachably mounted to a cartridge mounting means (not shown) provided in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body 100a. The cartridge frame 33a includes a developing unit 33U1 including a developing device 24, a photosensitive drum 21, and a charging roller 22.
And a cleaning unit 33U2 that holds the cleaning unit 27a (see FIG. 1). The developing unit 33U1 and the cleaning unit 33U2 are rotatably connected to each other at opposing portions by a pin-shaped connecting member (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 2, the cartridge mounting means includes an opening / closing member 3 of the image forming apparatus main body 100a.
When the opening 8 is opened about the shaft 38a, a cartridge space for mounting the process cartridge 33 appears, and a cartridge mounting guide as mounting means (not shown) is disposed on the left and right sides. Then, the process cartridge 33
Bosses 3a and ribs 3b provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of FIG.
And the process cartridge 33 is guided into the image forming apparatus main body 1.
It is attached to and detached from 00a in the direction of arrow X.

Such a process cartridge 33 includes:
As described above, the photosensitive drum 21 uniformly charged is selectively exposed to form an electrostatic latent image, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized with toner, and the electrostatic latent image is developed with toner. The converted toner image is transferred to the recording medium P to perform image recording.

In such a process cartridge 33, when used for a long period of time, the photosensitive drum 21 is scraped off, and there is a tendency for image defects such as fog to occur during image formation. Therefore, as means for notifying the life of the photosensitive drum 21, the number of rotations or the rotation time of the photosensitive drum 21 is detected and integrated, and when this integrated value exceeds a predetermined value,
A drum life detecting unit (not shown) for determining the life of the photosensitive drum 21 is provided in the image forming apparatus main body 100a. In addition, a drum life detecting unit that determines the life of the photoconductor drum 21 by considering the application time of the AC voltage applied to the charging roller 22 in addition to the number of rotations or the rotation time of the photoconductor drum 21 is provided. In some cases. The number of rotations or the rotation time of the photosensitive drum 21 depends on the process cartridge 3 having the photosensitive drum 21.
3 (for example, EEPRO)
M). In this case, as the IC memory,
As described in JP-A-10-221938, a non-contact type which can read and write predetermined information in a non-contact manner is used. It is desired that the IC memory can be easily removed from the process cartridge 33 when the process cartridge 33 is reused.

(Description of Non-Volatile Memory and Seal Member of Process Cartridge) Next, a non-volatile memory (storage medium), which is a reusable component used in the process cartridge, and a seal member for attaching the non-volatile memory to the process cartridge Will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the process cartridge when the process cartridge is viewed from the developing unit side. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a mounting portion where a non-volatile memory is mounted on the outer surface of the process cartridge by a seal member.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a nonvolatile memory as a storage medium capable of reading and writing predetermined information in a non-contact manner. As shown in FIG. 3, the non-volatile memory 1 is arranged in a groove 333 as a concave portion provided on the outer surface (outer surface) of the developing unit 33U1.

Numeral 11 denotes a sealing member made of a peelable resin seal having flexibility. The sealing member 11 has a maker logo of the process cartridge 33 and a product No.
Etc. are printed. The sealing member 11 uses a polyester sheet having a thickness of about 0.15 t as a base material and a double-sided tape such as DIC81.
03D (trade name: Daitac, manufactured by Dainippon Ink). The seal member 11 includes the developing unit 3
The surface on the exterior surface side of 3U1 is a bonding surface (FIG. 3).
), And is attached to the outer surface of the developing unit 33U1 around the groove 333 provided on the outer surface of the developing unit 33U1.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 2 denotes the nonvolatile memory 1
I on the image forming apparatus main body 100a side that performs non-contact communication with the
/ F, which is controlled by a memory control means 35 as a storage medium control means constituting the above-mentioned drum life detecting means. The memory control unit 35 is configured to write or read out predetermined information such as the number of rotations or the rotation time of the photosensitive drum 21 to / from the non-volatile memory 1 of the process cartridge 33 by the I / F 2 in a non-contact manner. Have been.

The mounting method of the nonvolatile memory according to the present embodiment is as follows. First, the non-volatile memory 1 is inserted into the groove 33 provided on the outer surface of the developing unit 33U1.
3, and then seal the sealing member 11 so as to close the groove 333 with the developing unit 33U around the groove 333.
Paste on the exterior of 1.

In this embodiment, as described above, the non-volatile memory 1 is provided with the developing unit 3 by the seal member 11.
Since the non-volatile memory 1 is mounted on the outer surface of the developing unit 33U1, the non-volatile memory 1 can be easily removed from the outer surface of the developing unit 33U1 only by peeling off the seal member 11 when reusing the process cartridge 33. Further, since the nonvolatile memory 1 can be easily removed from the outer surface of the developing unit 33U1 just by peeling off the seal member 11, there is an effect that the disassembly of the process cartridge 33 for removing the nonvolatile memory 1 can be improved. .

Further, since the sealing member 11 has flexibility, it acts as a cushioning material for protecting the nonvolatile memory 1 as an electronic component from mechanical shock. Therefore, there is also an effect that damage to the nonvolatile memory 1 can be suitably prevented.

In the present embodiment, the sealing member 11
Although an example using a resin sheet having a polyester sheet as a base material has been described above, similar effects can be obtained by using a seal having an elastomer base material as the seal member 11.

In this embodiment, the seal member 11 is formed by a maker logo of the process cartridge 33,
Product No. Although the example of the manufacturer's seal that specifies the above is described, a seller's seal that specifies the seller (sales company) or a handling caution seal that indicates the handling caution of the process cartridge 33 can be used.

[Second Embodiment] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the non-volatile memory 1 is placed in the groove 333 on the outer surface of the developing unit 33U1 shown in the first embodiment. Double-sided tape 334 (DIC 810) as a fixing member
The configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment except that it is fixed via a 3D or the like).

The mounting method of the nonvolatile memory according to the present embodiment is as follows. First, double-sided tape 33
4 is a groove 33 provided on the outer surface of the developing unit 33U1.
3, the nonvolatile memory 1 is placed in the groove 333.
The nonvolatile memory 1 is fixed to the developing unit 33U1 via the double-sided tape 334. Thereafter, the seal member 11 is attached to the exterior surface of the developing unit 33U1 around the groove 333 so as to close the groove 333.

As described above, in this embodiment, the nonvolatile memory 1 can be fixed to the developing unit 33U1 by the double-sided tape 334 in the groove 333 of the developing unit 33U1, so that the nonvolatile memory 1 can be securely fixed. . Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment described above, there is an effect that the design tolerance of the groove 333 provided on the exterior surface of the developing unit 33U1 can be widened.

In this embodiment, since the non-volatile memory 1 is fixed to the developing unit 33U1 by the double-sided tape 334, it is difficult to take out the non-volatile memory 1 as compared with the first embodiment. 11
The nonvolatile memory 1 by simply peeling off the developing unit 33U.
1 can be easily removed from the exterior surface.

In the present embodiment, the double-sided tape 334 is used as a fixing member for fixing the nonvolatile memory 1 to the developing unit 33U1, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[Third Embodiment] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the non-volatile memory 1 is provided between the non-volatile memory 1 and the seal member 11 shown in the first embodiment. The configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment except that a malt plane 335 as a protection member for protection is arranged.

The mounting method of the nonvolatile memory according to the present embodiment is as follows. First, the non-volatile memory 1 is inserted into the groove 33 provided on the outer surface of the developing unit 33U1.
After that, the malt plane 335 is arranged on the nonvolatile memory 1. Thereafter, the seal member 11 is attached to the exterior surface of the developing unit 33U1 around the groove 333 so as to close the groove 333.

As described above, in this embodiment, since the malt plane 335 is provided on the nonvolatile memory 1, the malt plane 335 functions as a cushioning material for protecting the nonvolatile memory 1 from mechanical shock. I do. Therefore, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment described above, there is an effect that the damage of the nonvolatile memory 1 can be more appropriately prevented.

The malt plane 335 may be arranged between the nonvolatile memory 1 and the groove 333, or between the nonvolatile memory 1 and the groove 333 and between the nonvolatile memory 1 and the seal member 11. As a result, a sandwich structure sandwiching the nonvolatile memory 1 can be adopted. Further, the second
The malt plane 335 may be arranged on the nonvolatile memory 1 in the embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the malt plane 335 is used as a protection member for protecting the nonvolatile memory 1, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[Fourth Embodiment] This embodiment is an example showing a seal member 12 provided with a nonvolatile memory 1 as shown in FIG. As the seal member 12, the same member as the seal member 11 shown in the first embodiment is used. The non-volatile memory 1 is attached to the attachment surface on the exterior surface side of the developing unit 33U1.

The mounting method of the nonvolatile memory according to the present embodiment is as follows. First, the sealing member 12
After the non-volatile memory 1 is attached to the surface to which the non-volatile memory 1 is attached, the non-volatile memory 1 of the seal member 12 is replaced with the developing unit 33U.
The seal member 12 is attached to the exterior surface of the developing unit 33U1 around the groove 333 so as to be disposed in the groove 333 provided on the exterior surface of the developing unit 33U1.

As described above, in the present embodiment, since the seal member 12 includes the nonvolatile memory 1, when the process cartridge 33 is reused, the nonvolatile memory 1 can be integrally removed simply by peeling off the seal member 12. There is an effect that can be. Further, since the seal member 12 has flexibility as in the first embodiment described above,
The non-volatile memory 1 can be protected from mechanical shock, and damage to the non-volatile memory 1 can be suitably prevented.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the non-volatile memory 1 in which predetermined information is read and written in a non-contact manner by the memory control means 35 included in the image forming apparatus main body 100a is provided with a peelable seal such as a manufacturer's logo seal, a precautionary seal, or the like. The process cartridge 33 is formed by using the members 11 and 12.
Of the sealing members 11 and 12
The nonvolatile memory 1 can be easily removed simply by peeling off. Therefore, the process cartridge 33 for removing the non-volatile memory 1 can be easily disassembled, and the non-volatile memory 1 can be easily reused.
In addition, by providing the sealing members 11 and 12 with flexibility or disposing the malt plane 335 on the nonvolatile memory 1 as a protection member, the nonvolatile memory 1 can be protected from mechanical shock. As a result, there is also an effect that breakage of the nonvolatile memory 1 can be suitably prevented.

Accordingly, in the sealing members 11 and 12 shown in the embodiment of the present invention, the process cartridge 33
When reusing the non-volatile memory 1, the nonvolatile memory 1, which is a reusable part, can be easily removed simply by peeling it off from the process cartridge 33.

In the method of mounting the storage medium (non-volatile memory 1) described in the embodiment of the present invention, when the process cartridge 33 is reused, it can be reused simply by peeling off the seal members 11 and 12 from the process cartridge 33. The non-volatile memory 21 as a component can be easily removed.

In the process cartridge 33 shown in the embodiment of the present invention, the process cartridge 3
When reusing the non-volatile memory 3, the non-volatile memory 1, which is a reusable part, can be easily removed simply by peeling off the seal members 11, 12.

Also, in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus 100 shown in the embodiment of the present invention, the sealing members 11 and 12 are used.
Process cartridge 33 that allows the nonvolatile memory 21 that is a reusable part to be easily removed simply by peeling off
Can be detachably attached to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

(Other Embodiments) In the above embodiment, the mounting position of the non-volatile memory on the outer surface of the process cartridge has been described by taking the outer surface of the developing unit as an example. And may be appropriately selected in view of the configuration of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Further, as the memory mounting mode for mounting the non-volatile memory on the outer surface of the process cartridge, the groove has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

Although the process cartridge shown in the above-described embodiment has exemplified a case where a single color image is formed, 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, It can also be suitably used for a cartridge forming a three-color image or a full-color image.

The electrophotographic photosensitive member is not limited to the photosensitive drum, but includes, for example, the following. First, a photoconductor is used as a photoconductor. Examples of the photoconductor include amorphous silicon, amorphous selenium, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, and an organic photoconductor (OP).
C) and the like. As the shape on which the photoconductor is mounted, for example, a drum shape or a belt shape is used. For example, in the case of a drum type photoconductor, a photoconductor is deposited or coated on a cylinder made of an aluminum alloy or the like. It is a work done.

Various developing methods such as a known two-component magnetic brush developing method, a cascade developing method, a touch-down developing method, and a cloud developing method can be used as the developing method.

As for the structure of the charging means, a so-called contact charging method is used in the above-described embodiment. However, as another structure, a metal shield such as aluminum is provided around three sides of a conventionally used tungsten wire. It goes without saying that a configuration may be used in which positive or negative ions generated by applying a high voltage to the tungsten wire are moved to the surface of the photoreceptor drum, and the surface of the drum is uniformly charged.

The charging means may be a blade (charging blade), a pad type, a block type, a rod type, a wire type, or the like, in addition to the roller type.

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

The process cartridge described above is
For example, an electrophotographic photosensitive member and at least one of the process means
It has one. Therefore, as an aspect of the process cartridge, for example, in addition to the above-described one, for example, an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a charging unit are integrally formed into a cartridge and can be detachably attached to the apparatus main body. An electrophotographic photosensitive member and a developing means are integrally formed into a cartridge and can be attached to and detached from an apparatus main body. An electrophotographic photosensitive member and a cleaning means are integrally formed into a cartridge, which can be attached to and detached from an apparatus main body. Further, there is an electrophotographic photosensitive member and two or more of the above-mentioned process means which are combined into a cartridge to be detachable from the apparatus main body.

That is, the above-mentioned process cartridge is one in which the charging means, the developing means or the cleaning means are integrally formed as a cartridge, and this cartridge is made detachable with respect to the 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 attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body. Further, it refers to a device in which at least the developing means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge so as to be detachably mountable to the image forming apparatus main body. The process cartridge can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body by the user himself. Therefore, the maintenance of the apparatus main body can be performed by the user himself.

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.

[0066]

As described above, the seal member according to the present invention allows the storage medium, which is a reusable part, to be easily removed from the process cartridge when the process cartridge is reused.

Further, according to the storage medium mounting method of the present invention, when the process cartridge is reused, the storage medium as a reusable part can be easily removed from the process cartridge.

In the process cartridge according to the present invention, when the process cartridge is reused, the storage medium, which is a reusable part, can be easily removed.

Further, in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present invention, when the process cartridge is reused, a process cartridge from which a storage medium, which is a reusable part, can be easily removed can be detachably mounted.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a process cartridge.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a mounting portion of a nonvolatile memory by a seal member of a process cartridge according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a mounting portion of a nonvolatile memory by a seal member of a process cartridge according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a mounting portion of a non-volatile memory by a seal member of a process cartridge according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a mounting portion of a nonvolatile memory by a seal member of a process cartridge according to a fourth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Non-volatile memory 11, 12 ... Resin seal 21 ... Electrophotographic photosensitive member 22 ... Charging roller 24a ... Developing means 27a ... Cleaning means 30 ... Conveying means 33 ... Process cartridge 35 Memory control unit 100a Electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body 333 Groove 334 Double-sided tape 335 Malt plane

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Takayasu Yumi Nomo 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term in Canon Inc. (reference) 2H071 BA04 BA13 BA33 BA37 DA06 DA08 DA13 DA15

Claims (26)

[Claims] 1. A detachable seal member attached to an exterior surface of a process cartridge detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, wherein predetermined information is not contacted by a storage medium control means of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. A storage member comprising a storage medium read and written by: 2. The seal member according to claim 1, wherein the seal member is a seal used to clearly indicate a manufacturer or a seller of the process cartridge. 3. The seal member according to claim 1, wherein the seal member is a seal used to indicate handling of the process cartridge. 4. The seal member according to claim 1, wherein the seal member has flexibility. 5. The seal member according to claim 1, wherein the seal member uses a flexible resin or elastomer as a base material. 6. The seal member according to claim 1, wherein the storage medium is a nonvolatile memory. 7. A storage medium in which a storage medium on which predetermined information is read and written in a non-contact manner by a storage medium control means of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body is attached to a process cartridge detachable from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. In the attaching method, the storage medium is arranged in a concave portion provided on an outer surface of the process cartridge, and then a peelable seal member is attached to the outer surface of the process cartridge so as to cover the storage medium in the concave portion. A method of attaching a storage medium, characterized by attaching. 8. The fixing device according to claim 7, wherein prior to disposing the storage medium in the recess, a fixing member for fixing the storage medium to the process cartridge is disposed in the recess. How to attach storage media. 9. The recording medium according to claim 7, wherein a protection member for protecting the recording medium is provided on the recording medium before attaching the seal member to an exterior surface of the process cartridge. How to attach storage media. 10. Prior to disposing the storage medium in the recess, a protection member for protecting the storage medium is disposed in the recess, and the seal member is attached to an exterior surface of the process cartridge. 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein a protection member for protecting the storage medium is provided on the recording medium. 11. Prior to disposing the storage medium in the recess, a fixing member for fixing the storage medium to the process cartridge is disposed in the recess, and the sealing member is provided on an exterior surface of the process cartridge. 8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: disposing a protection member for protecting the storage medium on the recording medium before attaching the storage medium. 12. Prior to disposing the storage medium in the recess, a fixing member for fixing the storage medium to the process cartridge is disposed in the recess, and the sealing member is provided on an exterior surface of the process cartridge. 8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: disposing a protection member for protecting the storage medium on the recording medium before attaching the storage medium. 13. A storage medium in which a storage medium on which predetermined information is read and written in a non-contact manner by a storage medium control means of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body is attached to a process cartridge detachable from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. In the attaching method, a method of attaching a storage medium, wherein the storage medium is attached to a peelable seal member to be attached to an outer surface of the process cartridge, and then the seal member is attached to an outer surface of the process cartridge. . 14. A process cartridge detachable from a main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; a process unit acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member; and a process unit for holding the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the process unit. A cartridge frame, a storage medium in which predetermined information is read and written in a non-contact manner by a storage medium control means of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, and a peelable seal member to be attached to an exterior surface of the cartridge frame. A process cartridge, wherein the storage medium is attached to an outer surface of the cartridge frame by the seal member. 15. The storage medium is disposed in a recess provided on an exterior surface of the cartridge frame, and the seal member is attached to the exterior surface of the cartridge frame so as to close the recess. The process cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the process cartridge is attached to an outer surface of the cartridge frame. 16. The storage medium is attached to the seal member, and the seal member is attached to the outer surface of the cartridge frame so as to be disposed in a concave portion provided on the outer surface of the cartridge frame. ,
The process cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the process cartridge is attached to an outer surface of the cartridge frame. 17. The method according to claim 14, wherein the seal member is used as a seal indicating a manufacturer or a seller of the process cartridge. Process cartridge. 18. The process cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the seal member is used as a seal indicating handling of the process cartridge. 19. The process cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the seal member has flexibility. 20. The process cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the seal member uses a flexible resin or elastomer as a base material. 21. The process cartridge according to claim 15, wherein a fixing member for fixing the storage medium to the cartridge frame is provided in the recess. 22. A method according to claim 19, wherein a protection member for protecting the storage medium is provided between at least one of the storage medium and the cartridge frame or between the storage medium and the seal member. The process cartridge according to claim 15, wherein: 23. Further, a fixing member for fixing the storage medium to the cartridge frame is provided in the recess, and a protection member for protecting the storage medium is provided between the storage medium and the seal member. 16. The process cartridge according to claim 15, wherein the process cartridge is provided. 24. The process cartridge according to claim 14, wherein said storage medium is a nonvolatile memory. 25. The process cartridge is a charging unit for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member as the process unit, and develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member with a developer. And a developing unit for removing the developer remaining on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge, and the cartridge is formed into the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The process cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the process cartridge is detachable from a main body. 26. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge is detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body and forms an image on a recording medium, comprising: (a) an electrophotographic photosensitive member; A process unit acting on a body; a cartridge frame for holding the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the process unit; a storage medium capable of reading and writing predetermined information in a non-contact manner; A mounting member for removably mounting a process cartridge mounted on the outer surface of the cartridge frame by the sealing member, the storage medium comprising:
(B) storage medium control means for writing and reading the predetermined information to and from the storage medium in a non-contact manner; and (c) transport means for transporting the recording medium. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus.