JP2001215861A - Process cartridge, packaging member for process cartridge, and packaging structure for process cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a process cartridge and its packaging member which can prevent rewriting of information stored in a storage means is prevented under the condition where packaged during transportation, and to provide a packaging structure of the process cartridge which can prevent rewriting of information stored in the storage means during transportation of the process cartridge, and moreover enables access easily to a communication means from the outside. SOLUTION: The process cartridge 2 is packaged with the packaging member 30 using a material having a shielding effect for preventing rewriting of prescribed information stored in a storage means 26 in response to the influence of an external magnetic field during transportation of the process cartridge 2. In order to enable access from the outside to the communication means during transportation of the process cartridge, a material without shielding effect or a shielding effect weaker than the above shielding effect is used for the packaging member.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a process cartridge, a process cartridge packing member, and a process cartridge packing structure.

Here, a process cartridge is a unit 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 made detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. is there. In addition, at least one of the charging unit, the developing unit, and the cleaning unit and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed as a cartridge so that the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the electrophotographic 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 detachably mountable to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

[0003] The packing member of the process cartridge is used for packing the process cartridge.
Examples of the packing member include a packing bag, a packing material, a packing box, and the like.

[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, a storage element (storage means) is incorporated, and service information is registered in the storage element to facilitate maintenance of the image forming apparatus main body or the process cartridge. ing. Some of the connections between the image forming apparatus main body and the storage elements mounted on the process cartridge use connectors or the like.However, in order to avoid communication problems due to poor mechanical contact, the process cartridge and the image forming apparatus main body must be connected to each other. There is also a method in which a communication antenna (communication means) is provided, and communication between the image forming apparatus main body and the process cartridge is wirelessly performed by electromagnetic induction induced by an inductor.

In a process cartridge,
When the assembly is completed at the factory, the package is packed using a packing bag, a packing material, a packing box, and the like, and then stored in a warehouse or transported to a shipping destination.

FIG. 7 shows an example of packing a process cartridge using a packing bag, a packing material, a packing box, or the like. As shown in FIG. 7, the process cartridge 2 is first wrapped in a packing bag 30 of polyethylene or the like. Thereafter, it is stored in a packing box 32 such as a cardboard box via a packing material 31 such as styrene foam or pulp mold for absorbing the impact.

[0008]

When a non-contact type process cartridge for wirelessly communicating with the main body of the image forming apparatus is packed and distributed (transported), a communication antenna or a storage element is electromagnetically supplied from outside. May be affected.

For example, in physical distribution represented by security checks at customs, freight management of a shipping company, etc., there is a great possibility that the contents of a storage element having a communication antenna are electromagnetically affected, such as being rewritten. . Further, when receiving an inspection by a security machine at an airport in logistics, it is conceivable that the electromagnetic force of a motor driving a belt of the security machine affects the storage element. Also, a storage element may be affected in a system in which a code that can be automatically read electromagnetically is attached to a product to collect sales information at a store of a mass merchandise store and manage sales, stock, and the like.

On the other hand, in some cases, it is necessary to check the process cartridge during distribution. For this purpose, a packing structure that allows easy access to the storage element built in the process cartridge is desirable.

The present invention is a further development of the above prior art.

An object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge which can prevent information stored in a storage means from being rewritten in a packed state during transportation.

An object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge which can prevent information stored in a storage means from being rewritten during transportation.

An object of the present invention is to prevent the information stored in the storage means from being rewritten in the packed state during transportation, and to enable external access to the communication means even in the packed state during transportation. To provide a process cartridge.

An object of the present invention is to prevent the information stored in the storage means from being rewritten in the packed state during transportation, and to simplify access to the communication means from outside even in the packed state during transportation. Another object of the present invention is to provide a process cartridge which can be used.

An object of the present invention is to provide a packing member for a process cartridge which can prevent information stored in a storage means from being rewritten during transportation of the process cartridge.

An object of the present invention is to provide a packaging member for a process cartridge which can prevent information stored in a storage means from being rewritten while the process cartridge is being transported, and which can access an external communication means. It is in.

An object of the present invention is to provide a packaging structure of a process cartridge which can prevent information stored in a storage means from being rewritten during transportation of the process cartridge and which can easily access an external communication means. To provide.

[0019]

(1) A typical configuration of a process cartridge according to the present invention for achieving the above object is an electrophotographic photosensitive member in a process cartridge detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. A process unit acting on the electrophotographic photoreceptor; a storage unit storing predetermined information; and a main unit communication unit of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main unit storing predetermined information stored in the storage unit. Communication means for communicating with contact, and using a material having a shielding effect of preventing predetermined information stored in the storage means from being rewritten under the influence of an external magnetic field during transportation of the process cartridge. The process cartridge is characterized in that the process cartridge is packed by a packing member.

(2) A typical configuration of the process cartridge according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a process cartridge detachable from the main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; A process unit that acts on the body, a storage unit that stores predetermined information, and a non-contact communication unit that communicates the predetermined information stored in the storage unit with a main body communication unit of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. Communication means; a cartridge frame for holding the electrophotographic photosensitive member, the developing means, the storage means, and the communication means; and a cartridge frame provided to cover the communication means, for transporting the process cartridge. A material having a shielding effect for preventing predetermined information stored in the storage means from being rewritten under the influence of an external magnetic field. There the shield member, a process cartridge and having a.

(3) A typical configuration of the process cartridge according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a process cartridge detachable from the main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; A process unit that acts on the body, a storage unit that stores predetermined information, and a non-contact communication unit that communicates the predetermined information stored in the storage unit with a main body communication unit of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. And a communication unit, wherein the process cartridge is partially made of a material having a shielding effect of preventing the predetermined information stored in the storage unit from being rewritten under the influence of an external magnetic field during transportation of the process cartridge. No or less than the shielding effect to allow external access to the communication means during transport of the It is a process cartridge, characterized in that the material having had shielding effect is packed by the packing member used in the portion other than said portion.

(4) A typical configuration of the process cartridge according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a process cartridge detachable from the main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; A process unit that acts on the body, a storage unit that stores predetermined information, and a non-contact communication unit that communicates the predetermined information stored in the storage unit with a main body communication unit of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. Communication means, and a material having a shielding effect of preventing the predetermined information stored in the storage means from being rewritten under the influence of an external magnetic field during the transportation of the process cartridge; and A seal without the shielding effect or weaker than the shielding effect so as to allow external access to the communication means It is a process cartridge, characterized in that is packed with the packing member having a structure in which a combination of a material having an effect.

(5) A typical configuration of the packing member of the process cartridge according to the present invention for achieving the above object is detachable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and includes an electrophotographic photosensitive member and the electrophotographic photosensitive member. A process unit that acts on the photoreceptor, a storage unit that stores predetermined information, and communicates the predetermined information stored in the storage unit with a main body communication unit of the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus in a non-contact manner. A packing member for packing a process cartridge having a communication means for preventing a predetermined information stored in the storage means from being rewritten under the influence of an external magnetic field during transportation of the process cartridge. A packing member for a process cartridge, characterized by using a material having the following.

(6) A typical configuration of a packing member of a process cartridge 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 photosensitive member. A process unit that acts on the photoreceptor, a storage unit that stores predetermined information, and communicates the predetermined information stored in the storage unit with a main body communication unit of the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus in a non-contact manner. A packing member for packing a process cartridge having a communication means for preventing a predetermined information stored in the storage means from being rewritten under the influence of an external magnetic field during transportation of the process cartridge. Using a material having a part as above, the communication means can be externally accessed while the process cartridge is being transported. Rudo ineffective, or a packing member of the process cartridge, characterized in that by using a material having a weak shielding effect than the shielding effect in a portion other than said portion.

(7) A typical configuration of the packing structure of the process cartridge 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 photosensitive member. A process unit that acts on the photoreceptor, a storage unit that stores predetermined information, and communicates the predetermined information stored in the storage unit with a main body communication unit of the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus in a non-contact manner. For preventing a predetermined information stored in the storage unit from being rewritten by the influence of an external magnetic field during transportation of the process cartridge. A material having an effect and the system for allowing external access to the communication means during transportation of the process cartridge. No field effect, or a packaging structure of the process cartridge, characterized in that the material with a weak shielding effect than the shielding effect has a structure for use in combination with the packing member.

(Operation) In the process cartridge of the above (1), the predetermined information stored in the storage means is affected by an external magnetic field during transportation of the process cartridge due to the material having a shielding effect used for the packing member. Rewriting is prevented.

In the process cartridge (2), the material having a shielding effect used for the shielding member provided on the cartridge frame so as to cover the communication means is affected by an external magnetic field during the transportation of the process cartridge. Thus, the predetermined information stored in the storage means is prevented from being rewritten.

In the process cartridge of (3), the predetermined information stored in the storage means is affected by an external magnetic field during transportation of the process cartridge, due to the material having a shielding effect used for a part of the packing member. Rewriting is prevented. Further, by using a material having no shielding effect or a shielding effect weaker than the shielding effect used for a part other than a part of the packing member,
External access to the communication means is possible during transport of the process cartridge.

In the above process cartridge (4), the material of the packing member having a shielding effect is
This prevents the predetermined information stored in the storage unit from being rewritten due to the influence of the external magnetic field during the transportation of the process cartridge. Also, there is no shielding effect of the packing material,
Alternatively, a material having a shielding effect weaker than the shielding effect enables external access to the communication means during transportation of the process cartridge.

In the process cartridge packing member of the above (5), the predetermined information stored in the storage means is affected by an external magnetic field during the transportation of the process cartridge, due to the material having a shielding effect used for the packing member. Rewriting is prevented.

In the packing member of the process cartridge of the above (6), the predetermined material stored in the storage means under the influence of the external magnetic field during the transportation of the process cartridge due to the material having a shielding effect used for a part of the packing member. Is prevented from being rewritten. In addition, a material having no shielding effect or having a shielding effect weaker than the shielding effect used for a part other than a part of the packing member enables external access to the communication means during transportation of the process cartridge. .

In the process cartridge packing structure of (7), the predetermined information stored in the storage means is rewritten by the material having the shielding effect of the packing member under the influence of the external magnetic field during the transportation of the process cartridge. Is prevented. In addition, a material having no shielding effect or a shielding effect weaker than the shielding effect of the packing member enables external access to the communication means during transportation of the process cartridge.

[0033]

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

First Embodiment (Overall Configuration) First, the overall configuration of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge is mounted will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (laser beam printer) equipped with a process cartridge.
6 is a sectional view of the process cartridge.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electrophotographic image forming apparatus (laser beam printer) 1 forms an image on a recording medium (hereinafter, referred to as “recording paper”) 3 such as a recording paper, an OHT sheet, or a cloth by an electrophotographic process. Is formed.
In forming an image on the recording paper 3, a toner (developer) image is formed on a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter, referred to as “photosensitive drum”) 23. More specifically, the photosensitive drum 23 is charged by the charging unit 28, and then the laser scanner 11 as an optical unit is charged on the photosensitive drum 23.
Then, a laser beam L corresponding to the image information is applied to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 23 according to the image information.
The electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing unit 22 to form a toner image. Then, in synchronization with the formation of the toner image, the recording paper 3 stored in the cassette 4 is reversely conveyed by the pickup roller 5, the paper feed roller 6, and the registration roller 9. Next, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 23 of the process cartridge 2 is transferred to the recording paper 3 by applying a voltage to a transfer roller 10 as a transfer unit. Thereafter, the recording paper 3 to which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 12. The fixing unit 12 includes a driving roller 12a and a fixing roller 12b having a heater (not shown). Then, heat and pressure are applied to the passing recording paper 3 to fix the transferred toner image. Then, the recording paper 3 is conveyed by a fixing discharge roller 13, and further, is fed by FD conveyance rollers 14 and 15 to an FD discharge tray 16.
Transport to The FD discharge tray 16 is a main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as an "image forming apparatus main body") 1a.
Is provided on the upper surface. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a multi-purpose tray (hereinafter referred to as “M”) for manual sheet feeding (not shown) in the image forming apparatus main body 1a.
PT), and an MPT paper feed roller 8 for feeding the recording paper 3 from the MPT to the registration roller 9.

(Process Cartridge) On the other hand, the process cartridge comprises at least one electrophotographic photosensitive member.
It has two process means. Here, as the process means, for example, a charging means for charging an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, a cleaning means for cleaning toner remaining on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member Etc. As shown in FIG. 6, the process cartridge 2 according to the present embodiment
The photosensitive drum 23 having the photosensitive layer is rotated, and the surface thereof is uniformly charged by applying a voltage to a charging roller 28 serving as a charging unit. Next, a laser beam L corresponding to the image information from the laser scanner 11 is applied to the photosensitive drum 23 through the exposure opening 29 to form an electrostatic latent image. Then, the electrostatic latent image is developed by developing means 22 using toner. That is, the charging roller 28 is
And charges the photosensitive drum 23. The charging roller 28 is driven and rotated by the photosensitive drum 23. Further, the developing means 22 includes the photosensitive drum 2
The toner is supplied to the developing area 3 to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 23.

The developing means 22 sends out the toner in the toner container 21a to the developing roller 22a by the rotation of the toner sending member 22b1. Then, while rotating the developing roller 22a containing the fixed magnet, the developing blade 2
A toner layer provided with a triboelectric charge by 2b is formed on the surface of the developing roller 22a, and the toner is supplied to a developing area of the photosensitive drum 23. Then, the toner image is transferred to the photosensitive drum 23 in accordance with the electrostatic latent image, thereby forming a toner image and visualizing the toner image. Here, the developing blade 22b regulates the amount of toner on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 22a and applies a triboelectric charge.

Then, a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner image is applied to the transfer roller 10 to transfer the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 23 to the recording paper 3. Is removed. Here, the cleaning unit 24 includes the photosensitive drum 2
The elastic cleaning blade 24 provided in contact with 3
The toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 23 is scraped off by a, and collected in the removed toner reservoir 24b.

The process cartridge 2 shown in this embodiment includes a toner frame 21b having a toner container 21a for storing toner, a developing roller 22a, and a developing blade 22b.
The developing unit 21 is combined with a developing frame 21c that holds a developing member such as the above. It has a removed toner reservoir 24b, and is constituted by combining a photosensitive drum 23, a cleaning means 24 such as an elastic cleaning blade 24a, and a cleaning frame 25 holding a charging roller 28. That is, the housing 2 as a cartridge frame is composed of the developing unit 21 and the cleaning frame 25.
a, and a photosensitive drum 23,
The charging roller 28, the developing unit 22, and the cleaning unit 24 are arranged and integrated. The process cartridge 2 is detachable by an operator from cartridge mounting means (not shown) of the image forming apparatus main body 1a.

When the opening / closing member (not shown) provided in the upper part of the main body 1a of the image forming apparatus so as to be openable and closable is opened about a shaft, the space for the cartridge mounting portion appears, and the cartridge mounting means is provided on the left and right sides. Guides formed of bosses and ribs (not shown) provided on both outer surfaces in the longitudinal direction (axial direction of the photosensitive drum 23) of the process cartridge 2 are guided by fitting into the illustrated cartridge mounting guide member, and the process cartridge 2 forms an image. It is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 1a in the arrow X direction (see FIG. 1).

(Description of Communication Configuration) Next, the communication configuration between the image forming apparatus main body and the process cartridge will be described with reference to FIG.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a communication core 27 is provided by providing a magnetic core on the side of the process cartridge 2 where the image forming apparatus main body 1a contacts the process cartridge 2. Further, an inductor is provided on the image forming apparatus main body 1a side to form a communication antenna 18 as main body communication means. Then, a method is employed in which communication between the image forming apparatus main body 1a and the process cartridge 2 is performed wirelessly by electromagnetic induction of inductor induction via a magnetic core.

This will be described in more detail. Image forming apparatus main body 1
a, a CPU for controlling the entire electrophotographic image forming apparatus 1
A controller 17 is provided. The controller 17 is connected to a communication antenna (inductor) 18 as a main body communication unit. In the process cartridge 2, a storage element 26 as storage means is built in a housing 2a. And the housing 2a
(The image forming apparatus main body 1 of the process cartridge 2)
A communication antenna 27 as communication means connected to the storage element 26 is disposed on the surface on the side of the insertion direction into the memory element a.
Then, the process cartridge 2 is moved to the image forming apparatus main body 1.
1, the communication antenna 27 connected to the storage element 26 and the communication antenna 18 connected to the controller 17 face each other, as shown in FIG. Thereby, power is supplied to the storage element 26, and the controller 17 and the storage element 26 can communicate with each other in a non-contact manner. In the present embodiment, the storage element 26 stores life management information (for example, individual identification data and rotation information of the photosensitive drum 23) for managing the life of the process cartridge 2 as predetermined information. The controller 17 receives the life management information via the communication antennas 18 and 27, and the controller 17 transmits a part of the life management information (rotation information of the photosensitive drum 23) to the communication antennas 18 and 27. By transmitting the information to the storage element 26 via the storage element 26, a part of the life management information stored in the storage element 26 is rewritten.

(Explanation of Packing Member) When the process cartridge 2 is shipped, it is packed using a packing bag, a packing material, and a packing box as a packing member described later. In this case, the communication antenna 27 or the storage element 26 may be electromagnetically affected from the outside, and the life management information of the storage element 26 may be rewritten. Here, the reason for packing the process cartridge 2 in a packing bag is to prevent dust from adhering to the process cartridge 2 and to prevent external light from entering a light-sensitive material (photosensitive layer) such as the photosensitive drum 23. This is to prevent

Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the life management information stored in the storage element 26 is stored in a packing bag (packing member) 30 for storing and packing the process cartridge 2 from the outside. A material having a shielding effect of preventing rewriting under the influence was used. More specifically, a material having a strong shielding effect, such as an aluminum sheet, is coated on the entire front or back surface of the packing bag 30 or the entire front and back surfaces. by this,
A shield made of a material having a shielding effect of preventing the life management information stored in the storage element 26 from being rewritten from the outside by the influence of a magnetic field on the entire front surface or the back surface, or the entire front surface and the back surface of the packing bag 30. The surface 30a is formed.

Next, a packing form when the process cartridge is shipped will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing a packing procedure of the process cartridge, and FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a packing form of the process cartridge.

The process cartridge is packed in a packing bag, a packing material,
In the case of packing using a packing box, as shown in FIG. 2, the process cartridge 2 is first stored in the packing bag 30 and wrapped, and then the styrofoam is applied to the process cartridge 2 from above the packing bag 30 for the purpose of absorbing shock. The packing material 31 is fitted to protect the process cartridge 2. Then, the process cartridge 2 packed by the packing bag 30 and the packing material 31 is stored together with the packing bag 30 and the packing material 31 in the cardboard packing box 32.

As described above, the process cartridge 2 is packed and packed by the packing bag 30, the packing material 31, and the packing box 32, and distributes an external electromagnetic field (external magnetic field) from any external direction during the distribution. The shield surface 30a of the bag 30 shields (shields). As a result, the communication antenna 27 or the storage element 26 of the process cartridge 2 is externally affected by the electromagnetic field, and
Troubles such as the renewal of the life management information of the user can be prevented.

Further, the material having the shielding effect may be used for the packing material 31 or the packing box 32. In this case, the packing bag 30 may be made of, for example, polyethylene.

When the material having the shielding effect is used for the packing material 31, the packing material 31 is formed in a box shape capable of packing the entire process cartridge 2 (see FIG. 3). Then, the entire inner surface or outer surface of the box-shaped packing material 31 is coated with an aluminum sheet. Thereby, the entire surface of the inner or outer surface of the packing material 31 is shielded from a material having a shielding effect for preventing the life management information stored in the storage element 26 from being rewritten by the influence of a magnetic field from the outside. Are formed.

When a material having a shielding effect is used for the packing box 32, the entire inner surface or outer surface of the packing box 32 is coated with an aluminum sheet. Thereby, the storage element 26 is provided on the entire inner surface or outer surface of the packing box 32.
A shield surface (not shown) made of a material having a shielding effect for preventing the stored life management information from being rewritten under the influence of a magnetic field from the outside.

As described above, by using the material having the shielding effect for the packing material 31 or by using the material having the shielding effect for the packing box 32, the packing material 3 is formed.
The external electromagnetic field from any external direction can be shielded (shielded) by the shield surface 1 or the shield surface of the packing box 32 during the distribution of the process cartridge 2. Thereby, the communication antenna 27 of the process cartridge 2 is
Alternatively, the storage element 26 is affected by an electromagnetic field from outside,
Problems such as rewriting of the life management information of the storage element 26 can be prevented.

In this embodiment, the entire surface of the front surface or the back surface of the packing bag 30 used for packing the process cartridge 2,
Alternatively, a material having a strong shielding effect such as an aluminum sheet is coated on the entire inner surface or outer surface of the packing material 31 or the packing box 32, but the communication of the process cartridge 2 in the packing bag 30, the packing material 31 or the packing box 32 is performed. A portion having a strong shielding effect, such as the aluminum sheet, may be coated on a portion facing the antenna 27 for use and a portion facing the storage element 26. In this case, an external electromagnetic field to the communication antenna 27 and the storage element 26 can be shielded by a shield surface (not shown) coated with a material having a strong shielding effect. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the communication antenna 27 or the storage element 26 of the process cartridge 2 from being affected by an electromagnetic field from the outside, thereby preventing a problem that the life management information of the storage element 26 is rewritten.

[Second Embodiment] In this embodiment,
A process cartridge that can prevent the life management information stored in the storage element from being rewritten during physical distribution will be described. 4A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a process cartridge according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a packed state of the process cartridge illustrated in FIG.

In this embodiment, the basic structure of the process cartridge is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the description of the overlapping members will be omitted. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same members that overlap.

The process cartridge 2 of this embodiment
As shown in FIG. 4A, a housing 2a has a built-in storage element 26 as storage means. A communication antenna 27 as communication means connected to the storage element 26 is provided on the front surface of the housing 2a. When the process cartridge 2 is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 1a, the communication antenna 27 faces the communication antenna 18 connected to the controller 17 of the image forming apparatus main body 1a. Then, a shield film 33 as a shield member made of a material having a strong shield effect, such as an aluminum sheet, is attached to the surface of the housing 2a so as to cover the communication antenna 27.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the process cartridge 2 is housed in a polyethylene packing bag 30 and wrapped, and a styrofoam packing material 31 is fitted over the packing bag 30. And is stored in the cardboard packing box 32 together with the packing bag 30 and the packing material 31.

The process cartridge 2 is packed and packed by the packing bag 30, the packing material 31, and the packing box 32 as described above, and an external electromagnetic field (external magnetic field) from the outside to the communication antenna 27 during the physical distribution. Is shielded by the film 33. That is, it is possible to shield the external electromagnetic field of the vertical component that has the greatest influence on the communication antenna 27. Thus, it is possible to prevent the communication antenna 27 of the process cartridge 2 from being affected by an electromagnetic field from the outside, thereby preventing a problem that the life management information of the storage element 26 is rewritten.

[Third Embodiment] In the present embodiment,
It is possible to prevent the information stored in the storage element from being rewritten in the packed state during distribution, and furthermore, to be able to access the communication antenna from outside even in the packed state during distribution. A process cartridge, a packing member of the process cartridge, and a packing structure of the process cartridge will be described. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a packing form of the process cartridge according to the embodiment.

In this embodiment, the basic structure of the process cartridge is the same as that of the above-described first embodiment, and the description of the overlapping members will be omitted. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same members that overlap.

As shown in FIG. 5, the process cartridge 2 according to this embodiment has a storage element 2 in a housing 2a.
And a communication antenna 27 connected to the storage element 26 on the upper surface of the housing 2a (the surface located above the process cartridge 2 when the process cartridge 2 is inserted into the image forming apparatus main body 1a).

As shown in FIG. 5, the packing bag 30 used for packing the process cartridge 2 is substantially horizontal on the communication antenna 27 side with the process cartridge 2 housed and wrapped so as to face the communication antenna 27. Has a portion 30b that overlaps the For the portion 30b, a material having no shielding effect or having a shielding effect weaker than the shielding effect is used. After the process cartridge 2 is stored in the packing bag 30, the portion 30b is overlapped with the communication antenna 27 so that the communication antenna 27 connected to the controller 40 of the cartridge checking device can be inserted. In order to shield an external electromagnetic field (external magnetic field) of a vertical component which has the greatest influence on the communication antenna 27, the surface of the portion 30c other than the portion 30b has a strong shielding effect such as an aluminum sheet. The shield surface is formed by coating the material.

The process cartridge 2 is inserted into the packing material 31 so that the communication antenna 27 of the controller can be inserted into the portion 30b where the packing bag 39 overlaps.
The opening 31a is provided on the side of the communication antenna 27.

In the packing box 32, a part of the process cartridge 2 on the communication antenna 27 side can be opened and closed so that the communication antenna 27 of the controller can be inserted into the portion 30b where the packing bag 39 overlaps. An opening / closing door 34 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 5, the process cartridge 2 is housed in a packing bag 30 and wrapped. Here, the portion 30b of the packing bag 30 has the communication antenna 2 so that the communication antenna 27 of the cartridge checking device can be inserted.
7 overlaps. Then, the packing material 31 is fitted and protected from above the packing bag 30, and stored in the packing box 32 together with the packing bag 30 and the packing material 31.

As described above, the process cartridge 2 is packed and packed by the packing bag 30, the packing material 31, and the packing box 32. During the packing, the external electromagnetic field (external magnetic field) from the outside to the communication antenna 27 is distributed. Is shielded by a portion 30c of the packing bag 30 on which a shield surface is formed. That is, it is possible to shield the external electromagnetic field of the vertical component that has the greatest influence on the communication antenna 27. Thus, it is possible to prevent the communication antenna 27 of the process cartridge 2 from being affected by an electromagnetic field from the outside, thereby preventing a problem that the life management information of the storage element 26 is rewritten. When the process cartridge 2 is checked during distribution, the communication antenna 41 of the cartridge checking device is opened from outside the packing box 32, and the opening / closing door 34 of the packing box 32 is opened at the portion 30b where the packing bag 30 overlaps. It is inserted through the opening window 34 a that appears and the opening 31 a of the packing material 31. Thus, the communication antenna 27 can be accessed from outside even in a packed state during distribution.

Further, the material having the above-described shielding effect may be used for the opening / closing door 34 of the packing box 32. In this case, the above-mentioned packing bag is used.

When the material having the shielding effect is used for the opening / closing door 34 of the packing box 32, an aluminum sheet is coated on the entire surface of the opening / closing door 34 or the back surface.
Accordingly, a shield surface (not shown) made of a material having a shielding effect of preventing the life management information stored in the storage element 26 from being rewritten from the outside under the influence of a magnetic field, on the entire inner surface or outer surface of the packing box 32. Are formed.

As described above, the above-mentioned material having the shielding effect and the material having no shielding effect or having a shielding effect weaker than the shielding effect are used in combination in the packing bag 30 and the packing box 32 to form a structure. The open / close door 34 of the packing box 32 and the portion 30c of the packing bag 30 can shield (shield) external electromagnetic fields from all directions during the flow of the process cartridge 2. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the communication antenna 27 or the storage element 26 of the process cartridge 2 from being affected by an electromagnetic field from the outside, thereby preventing a problem that the life management information of the storage element 26 is rewritten. When the process cartridge 2 is checked during distribution,
The communication antenna 41 of the cartridge checking device is externally provided from the outside of the packing box 32, and the opening window 34a which appears when the opening / closing door 34 of the packing box 32 is opened in the portion 30b where the packing bag 30 overlaps, and the opening 31a of the packing material 31 Can be inserted through. Thus, the communication antenna 27 can be accessed from outside even in a packed state during distribution.

Further, the material having the shielding effect may be used for the packing material 31. In this case, as the packing bag 30, a material having no shielding effect or a material having a shielding effect weaker than the shielding effect is used for the portions 30b and 30c.

When the above-mentioned material having a shielding effect is used for the packing material 31, the packing material 31 is formed in a box shape capable of packing the entire process cartridge 2 (see FIG. 5). Then, the entire inner surface or outer surface of the box-shaped packing material 31 is coated with an aluminum sheet. Thereby, the entire surface of the inner or outer surface of the packing material 31 is shielded from a material having a shielding effect for preventing the life management information stored in the storage element 26 from being rewritten by the influence of a magnetic field from the outside. Are formed.

As described above, the material having the above-mentioned shielding effect and the material having no shielding effect or having a shielding effect weaker than the shielding effect are packed in the packing bag 30.
And the packing material 31 are used in combination, so that the shield surface of the packing material 31 allows the external communication antenna 27 during the distribution of the process cartridge 2.
External electromagnetic field can be shielded. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the communication antenna 27 or the storage element 26 of the process cartridge 2 from being affected by an electromagnetic field from the outside, thereby preventing a problem that the life management information of the storage element 26 is rewritten. When the process cartridge 2 is checked during distribution, the communication antenna 41 of the cartridge check device is externally provided from the packing box 32.
The opening window 34 that appears when the opening / closing door 34 of the packing box 32 is opened in the portion 30b where the packing bag 30 overlaps.
a, It may be inserted through the opening 31a of the packing material 31. Thus, the communication antenna 27 can be accessed from outside even in a packed state during distribution.

The packing bag 30 made of a material having no shielding effect or having a shielding effect weaker than the shielding effect, the packing material 31 made of the material having the shielding effect described above, The process cartridge 2 may be packed using the packing box 32 in which a material having a shielding effect is used for the door 34.

As described above, the above-described material having the shielding effect and the material having no shielding effect or having a shielding effect weaker than the shielding effect are used in combination with the packing bag 30 and the packing material 31 to provide a structure. The open / close door 34 of the packing box 32 and the shield surface of the packing material 31 can shield (shield) external electromagnetic fields from all directions during the distribution of the process cartridge 2. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the communication antenna 27 or the storage element 26 of the process cartridge 2 from being affected by an electromagnetic field from the outside, thereby preventing a problem that the life management information of the storage element 26 is rewritten. When the process cartridge 2 is checked during distribution,
The communication antenna 41 of the cartridge checking device is externally provided from the outside of the packing box 32, and the opening window 34a which appears when the opening / closing door 34 of the packing box 32 is opened in the portion 30b where the packing bag 30 overlaps, and the opening 31a of the packing material 31 Can be inserted through. Thus, the communication antenna 27 can be accessed from outside even in a packed state during distribution.

[Other Embodiments] In the above-described embodiment, the case where a material having a strong shielding effect is used as the packing material of the styrofoam used for the purpose of absorbing the impact of the process cartridge, but the pulp used for the same purpose is used. A material having a strong shielding effect may be used for the packaging material of the mold.

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, The present invention can be suitably applied to a cartridge for forming a three-color image or a full-color image.

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. Examples of the photoconductor include amorphous silicon, amorphous selenium, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, and an organic photoconductor (OP).
C) and the like. For example, a drum-shaped or belt-shaped one is used as the shape on which the photoconductor is mounted. For example, in the case of a drum-type photoconductor, a photoconductor is deposited or coated on a cylinder of aluminum alloy or the like. It was done.

As a developing method, it is possible to use 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.

In the above-described embodiment, a so-called contact charging method is used for the structure of the charging means. However, as another structure, a metal shield made of aluminum or the like is provided around three sides of a conventionally used tongue wire. Naturally, a configuration may be used in which positive or negative ions generated by applying a high voltage to the tongue wire are moved to the surface of the photosensitive drum, and the surface of the drum is uniformly charged.

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

As a method for cleaning the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum, a cleaning means may be constituted by using a blade, a fur brush, 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, in addition to the above-described embodiment, for example, an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a charging unit are integrally formed into a cartridge and can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body. The electrophotographic photosensitive member and the developing means are integrally formed into a cartridge,
A device that can be attached to and detached from the device body. An electrophotographic photosensitive member and a cleaning means are integrally formed into a cartridge so that the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body. Further, there is a type in which an electrophotographic photoreceptor and two or more of the above-mentioned process means are combined into a cartridge to be integrally 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 and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrated into a cartridge, and this cartridge is detachably mountable to the main body of the image forming apparatus. . 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 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.

[0085]

As described above, in the process cartridge according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the information stored in the storage means from being rewritten in the packed state during transportation.

Further, in the process cartridge according to the present invention, the information stored in the storage means can be prevented from being rewritten during transportation.

Further, in the process cartridge according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the information stored in the storage means from being rewritten in the packed state during transportation, and to provide the external communication means even in the packed state during transportation. Enable access to

Further, in the process cartridge according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the information stored in the storage means from being rewritten in the packed state during transportation, and to provide an external communication means even in the packed state during transportation. Access to the site easily.

In the packing member for the process cartridge according to the present invention, the information stored in the storage means can be prevented from being rewritten during the transportation of the process cartridge.

In the packing member of the process cartridge according to the present invention, the information stored in the storage means can be prevented from being rewritten while the process cartridge is being transported, and the communication means can be externally accessed. .

In the packing structure of the process cartridge according to the present invention, the information stored in the storage means can be prevented from being rewritten while the process cartridge is being transported, and external access to the communication means can be easily performed. And

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a procedure for packing a process cartridge according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a packing form of the process cartridge according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4A is a schematic configuration diagram of a process cartridge according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view showing a packing form of the process cartridge shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a packing form of a process cartridge according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a process cartridge.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing an example of packing a conventional process cartridge.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 1 electrophotographic image forming apparatus 1a electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body 2 process cartridge 2a housing 17 controller 18 communication antenna (electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body side) 26 storage element 27 Communication antenna (process cartridge side) 30 Packaging bag 31 Packaging material 32 Packaging box 33 Shielding membrane 34 Door

Claims (25)

[Claims] 1. 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; a storage unit for storing predetermined information; Communication means for non-contact communication of predetermined information stored in the storage means with the main body communication means of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body; and A process cartridge, wherein the process cartridge is packed by a packing member using a material having a shielding effect for preventing predetermined information stored in the storage means from being rewritten. 2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the packing member is made of a material having the shielding effect at least at a portion facing the communication unit. 3. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the packing member is a packing box, a packing material, or a packing bag. 4. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein an aluminum sheet is used as the material having the shielding effect. 5. A process cartridge detachable from a main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: an electrophotographic photoreceptor; a process unit acting on the electrophotographic photoreceptor; a storage unit for storing predetermined information; Communication means for non-contact communication of predetermined information stored in the storage means with a main body communication means of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body; the electrophotographic photosensitive member, the developing means, the storage means, and the communication means And a cartridge frame for holding the communication unit. The cartridge frame is provided so as to cover the communication unit, and predetermined information stored in the storage unit is rewritten under the influence of an external magnetic field during transportation of the process cartridge. And a shielding member made of a material having a shielding effect to prevent the occurrence of the phenomenon. 6. The process cartridge according to claim 5, wherein an aluminum sheet is used as a material of the shield member. 7. 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; a storage unit for storing predetermined information; Communication means for non-contact communication of predetermined information stored in the storage means with the main body communication means of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body; and A material having a shielding effect for preventing predetermined information stored in the storage means from being rewritten is used in part, and the shielding effect is provided so that the communication means can be externally accessed while the process cartridge is being transported. Packing material using a material having no shielding effect or having a shielding effect weaker than the shielding effect for parts other than the part. A process cartridge characterized in that the process cartridge is provided. 8. The process cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the packing member is a packing box, a packing material, or a packing bag. 9. The process cartridge according to claim 7, wherein an aluminum sheet is used as the material having the shielding effect. 10. A process cartridge detachably mountable to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, wherein: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; a process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member; a storage means for storing predetermined information; Communication means for non-contact communication of predetermined information stored in the storage means with the main body communication means of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body; and A material having a shielding effect for preventing the predetermined information stored in the storage means from being rewritten, and the absence of the shielding effect so as to enable external access to the communication means during transportation of the process cartridge, or Be packed by a packing member having a structure combining a material having a shielding effect weaker than the shielding effect. And a process cartridge. 11. A packing box, a packing material, and a packing bag as the packing member, wherein the material having the shielding effect and the material having no shielding effect or having a shielding effect weaker than the shielding effect are used. The process cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the process cartridge is used in combination. 12. A material having no shielding effect or having a shielding effect weaker than the shielding effect is used for a part of the packing material or the packing bag on the side of the communication unit, and a material of the packing box on the communication unit side is used. The process cartridge according to claim 11, wherein the material having the shielding effect is used for the portion, and the portion can be opened and closed so that the communication means can be accessed from outside. 13. Using a material having no shielding effect or having a shielding effect weaker than the shielding effect on a portion of the packing bag on the side of the communication device, the portion is provided with an external access to the communication device. A part of the packing box is opened and closed so as to be overlapped so as to be able to be used and a material having the shielding effect is used for a part other than the part of the packing bag, so that the communication means can be accessed from outside. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the function is enabled.
2. The process cartridge according to 1. 14. An aluminum sheet is used as the material having the shielding effect.
14. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 13 to 13. 15. The process cartridge is a charging unit for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member as the process unit, and is used for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member with a developer. Developing means, at least one of cleaning means for removing the developer remaining on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge, and this cartridge is attached to and detached from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the process cartridge is enabled. 16. An electrophotographic photoreceptor detachable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a process unit acting on the electrophotographic photoreceptor, a storage unit for storing predetermined information, and the storage unit A packing member for packing a process cartridge having communication means for contactlessly communicating predetermined information stored in the means with the main body communication means of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body; A packing material for a process cartridge, wherein a material having a shielding effect of preventing predetermined information stored in the storage means from being rewritten under the influence of an external magnetic field is used. 17. The packing member for a process cartridge according to claim 16, wherein a material having the shielding effect is used at least in a portion facing the communication unit. 18. An electrophotographic photoreceptor which is detachably attached to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, a process means for acting on the electrophotographic photoreceptor, a storage means for storing predetermined information, and the storage A packing member for packing a process cartridge having communication means for contactlessly communicating predetermined information stored in the means with the main body communication means of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body; A part of a material having a shielding effect to prevent the predetermined information stored in the storage means from being rewritten under the influence of the external magnetic field, and from the outside to the communication means during transportation of the process cartridge. A material having no shielding effect or having a shielding effect weaker than the shielding effect so that access is possible The packing member of the process cartridge, characterized in that are used outside of the part. 19. The packing member for a process cartridge according to claim 16, wherein the packing member is a packing box, a packing material, or a packing bag. 20. An aluminum sheet is used as the material having the shielding effect.
20. A packaging member for a process cartridge according to any one of claims 19 to 19. 21. An electrophotographic photosensitive member detachable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a process unit acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, a storage unit for storing predetermined information, and the storage unit In a packing structure for packing a process cartridge having a communication unit for non-contacting communication with a main body communication unit of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, the predetermined information stored in the unit is packed by a packing member. A material having a shielding effect for preventing predetermined information stored in the storage means from being rewritten under the influence of an external magnetic field, and enabling external access to the communication means while the process cartridge is being transported. The packing with a material having no shielding effect or having a shielding effect weaker than the shielding effect Packing structure of the process cartridge, characterized in that the structure used in combination with wood. 22. At least one of a packing box, a packing material, and a packing bag as the packing member, wherein the material having the shielding effect and the material having no shielding effect or having a shielding effect weaker than the shielding effect are used. 22. The packing structure for a process cartridge according to claim 21, wherein the packing structure is used in combination with the process cartridge. 23. A material having no shielding effect or having a shielding effect weaker than the shielding effect is used for a part of the packing material or the packing bag on the communication means side, 23. The packaging structure for a process cartridge according to claim 22, wherein the material having the shielding effect is used for the portion, and the portion can be opened and closed so that the communication means can be accessed from outside. . 24. Using a material having no shielding effect or having a shielding effect weaker than the shielding effect in a portion of the packing bag on the side of the communication means to prevent external access to the communication means. A part of the packing box is opened and closed so as to be overlapped so as to be able to be used and a material having the shielding effect is used for a part other than the part of the packing bag, so that the communication means can be accessed from outside. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the function is enabled.
3. The packing structure of the process cartridge according to 2. 25. An aluminum sheet as a material having the shielding effect.
25. A packaging structure for a process cartridge according to any one of claims 24 to 24.