JP2004061596A - Image forming apparatus using process cartridge with installed non-volatile memory - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inexpensive process cartridge with an installed memory by preventing the electric and physical damage and the defective conduction of a memory part in a process cartridge having a contact type memory, to provide an image forming apparatus using the same and to provide a reliable connection system for an electric contact. <P>SOLUTION: The contact type memory is retreated to the inside of a cartridge housing in a state where the process cartridge is a single body, and is moved to the surface of the cartridge housing when it is loaded in an image forming apparatus main body or the opening/closing cover of the image forming apparatus main body is closed or by interlocking with the actuation of the driving source of the image forming apparatus, whereby it comes electrically contact with the contact of the image forming apparatus. In the reliable connection system for the electric contact, operation is divided to two actions, and the contact is moved in parallel with the other contact in the case of the second action. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a process cartridge having a non-volatile memory for communicating information with an image forming apparatus main body such as a copying machine, a laser beam printer, and a facsimile, and a non-volatile memory for the image forming apparatus main body. It relates to the connection method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 15 shows a method of connecting a cartridge equipped with a nonvolatile memory to a conventional image forming apparatus. The process cartridge 113 is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body 101, and is provided in such a manner that an electrically conductive portion of the nonvolatile memory 121 is exposed on the surface of the case of the process cartridge 113. Further, a guide portion 125 for positioning and fitting to the image forming apparatus main body 101 is provided at or near the non-volatile memory holding portion of the process cartridge 113. The opening / closing cover 117 provided on the image forming apparatus main body 101 has a contact 118 for making electrical connection with the nonvolatile memory 121, and the nonvolatile memory 121 is located at a predetermined position in or near the holding portion of the contact 118. A guide portion 120 for guiding and a biasing spring 119 for pressing the contact point 118 against the memory with a predetermined pressure are provided. After the process cartridge 113 is mounted in the main body 101 of the image forming apparatus, the cover 117 is closed, so that the non-volatile memory 121 guided by the process cartridge 113 and the guide portions 120 and 125 of the main body 101 of the image forming apparatus is connected to the main body side contact. 118 is accurately contacted with an appropriate contact pressure and electrically connected.
[0003]
As shown in FIG. 16, when the process cartridge 113 having the contact type non-volatile memory 121 ′ at the tip is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body 101, the state is changed from 113a (broken line) to 113b (dashed line). A configuration is also conceivable in which a rake is made (in the direction of arrow A) and electrical contact is established with a contact 118 ′ provided on the image forming apparatus main body 101.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
With the conventional connection method, the non-volatile memory is exposed on the surface of the cartridge housing. If dust or dirt adheres to the electrical contacts of the non-volatile memory, a conduction failure may occur and a communication error may occur. was there. In addition, when a user clears a jam or replaces a process cartridge, the nonvolatile memory may be physically damaged or may be electrically damaged by static electricity.
[0005]
As a method for solving these problems, it is conceivable to use a non-contact type non-volatile memory in order to prevent conduction failure due to dust or dust, but the configuration has been complicated.
[0006]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the problems of electrical damage due to static electricity, physical damage when handling a process cartridge, and poor conduction due to dust or dust, which are disadvantages when using a contact type nonvolatile memory for a process cartridge. Provided are an inexpensive and inexpensive process cartridge equipped with a nonvolatile memory, and an image forming apparatus using the process cartridge.
[0007]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 16, when a process cartridge having a contact-type non-volatile memory at the tip is mounted so as to be scooped into the image forming apparatus main body, the position of the memory contact on the locus relative to the contact of the image forming apparatus main body is determined. And the connecting portion is easily damaged.
[0008]
In a broad sense, this is not limited to a memory, but is provided on a member 126 rotatable about a fulcrum 126a with respect to a connector that can be electrically contacted provided on the image forming apparatus main body 101 as shown in FIG. A similar problem arises in a configuration in which the contact point 127 is brought into contact by a rotating operation (the direction of arrow B). Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a configuration that solves such a problem of the connection direction of the contacts.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus using the process cartridge, the non-volatile memory is retracted into the cartridge housing in the cartridge alone, but the cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus main body, or thereafter, the image forming is performed. The non-volatile memory is moved to the surface of the cartridge housing in a state where the opening / closing cover of the apparatus is closed, or in conjunction with the operation of the drive source thereafter, thereby making electrical contact with the contact of the image forming apparatus. , Inexpensive, and has realized a configuration that is reliable against physical and electrical damage.
[0010]
Also, when connecting the electrical contacts, the contact operation is divided into two, and the second operation is configured to make contact in parallel with each other's contact direction, thereby providing a highly reliable electrical connection. Was realized.
[0011]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(1st Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a process cartridge and a main body of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0012]
The image forming apparatus main body 1 forms a latent image on the photosensitive drum 3 by irradiating a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member 3 (hereinafter, referred to as a photosensitive drum) with laser light based on image information from an optical system 2, The latent image portion is developed by adsorbing toner to form a toner image. The sheet feeding device also includes a sheet feeding cassette 5 for stacking sheet materials 4 and sheet feeding means 6 for picking up the sheet materials 4 stacked one by one and feeding them into the image forming apparatus main body 1. The sheet material 4 fed from the sheet feeding device is conveyed to the transfer device by adjusting the posture of the sheet material 4 by the registration roller pair 7 arranged downstream of the sheet feeding device. The sheet material 4 conveyed by the registration roller pair 7 enters a nip portion between the transfer roller 8 and a transfer roller 8 urged by a predetermined pressing force to a position facing the photosensitive drum 3 in the transfer device. At this time, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 3 is transferred to the sheet material 4 by applying a voltage to the transfer roller 8. The sheet material 4 to which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to a fixing device 9 downstream. The fixing device 9 includes a pressure roller 10 as a fixing unit and a fixing roller 11 having a built-in heater, and applies heat and pressure to the sheet material 4 passing therethrough to fix the transferred toner image on the sheet material 4.
[0013]
The sheet material 4 conveyed from the fixing device 9 is discharged from the inside of the image forming apparatus main body 1 to the outside of the apparatus by a discharge roller pair 12. Further, the image forming apparatus main body 1 has a manual paper feeder (not shown), and can be fed from a manual tray.
[0014]
On the other hand, as described above, the process cartridge 13 is configured such that the photosensitive drum 3 and at least one process unit are integrally formed into a cartridge, and this cartridge is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus main body 1. Here, the processing means includes, for example, a charging means 14 for applying a predetermined voltage to the photosensitive drum 3 to charge the photosensitive drum 3, and a developing means for attaching toner to a latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 3 and developing the latent image. 15, cleaning means 16 for cleaning the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3;
[0015]
Next, a method for connecting the nonvolatile memory will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
[0016]
In FIG. 2, a cartridge door 17 that opens and closes when the process cartridge 13 is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body 1 is rotatably attached to the main body exterior member. A rib 17a for pushing down the rod 22 in the process cartridge 13 in conjunction with opening and closing of the door is formed integrally with the door. Further, in the image forming apparatus main body 1, a contact 18 that is vertically movable with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 1 is disposed below the process cartridge 13, and the contact 18 is biased by an urging spring 19. The main body 1 is urged upward with a predetermined pressing force. In addition, a guide portion 20 for guiding the nonvolatile memory 21 to the contact 18 is provided at or near the holding portion of the contact 18.
[0017]
The process cartridge 13 includes a non-volatile memory 21, a rod 22 that holds the non-volatile memory 21 and is vertically movable with respect to the process cartridge 13, and a rod spring 23 that urges the rod 22 upward. Here, the rod 22 and the process cartridge 13 are provided with spring holding portions 24 for attaching the rod spring 23, respectively. A guide portion 25 for fitting and connecting to the contact 18 of the image forming apparatus main body 1 is provided at or near the holding portion of the nonvolatile memory 21.
[0018]
In FIG. 2, when the process cartridge 13 is outside the image forming apparatus main body 1 or inside the image forming apparatus main body 1 but the cartridge door 17 is open, the non-volatile memory 21 is pressed by the rod spring 23. Is retracted inside the housing of the process cartridge 13, and the rod 22 is held.
[0019]
In FIG. 3, when the process cartridge 13 is mounted in the image forming apparatus main body 1 and the cartridge door 17 is closed, the rib 17a formed integrally with the cartridge door 17 pushes down the rod 22, and the non-volatile memory 21 stores the process cartridge. 13 is exposed from the surface of the housing 13 and is guided by a guide portion 25 provided at or near the nonvolatile memory holding portion and a guide portion 20 provided near the contact holding portion in the image forming apparatus main body 1. The memory 21 and the contact 18 on the side of the image forming apparatus main body 1 come into contact with each other with a predetermined contact pressure, and can be electrically connected.
[0020]
It is desirable that the nonvolatile memory 21 be an IC memory from the viewpoint of space. Here, the IC memory has a pattern having electrical continuity arranged on one surface of the upper sheet of the film, and an IC chip arranged on the other surface. A part of the film has a hole, and the input / output pins of the IC chip and the pattern are electrically connected by a bonding wire at the part, and then the surface on which the IC chip and the bonding wire are sealed with resin and the IC chip is arranged. Are electrically insulated.
[0021]
In FIG. 2, when the process cartridge 13 is outside the image forming apparatus main body 1 or inside the image forming apparatus main body 1 but the cartridge door 17 is open, the non-volatile The rod 22 is held with the memory 21 retracted inside the housing of the process cartridge 13. At this time, it is desirable that the electrically conductive portion of the non-volatile memory 21 is retracted to a depth of 15 mm or more with respect to the housing surface 32 of the process cartridge 13 in order to prevent electrostatic breakdown.
[0022]
(Second embodiment)
The schematic configuration of the process cartridge with a nonvolatile memory and the main body of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as the configuration described in the first embodiment of the present invention. And the detailed description is omitted.
[0023]
First, a method of connecting the nonvolatile memory will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 4, a contact 18 movable in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 1 is disposed above the process cartridge 13 in the image forming apparatus main body 1, and the contact 18 is biased by an urging spring 19. The image forming apparatus 1 is urged downward with a predetermined pressing force. In addition, a guide portion 20 for guiding the nonvolatile memory 21 to the contact 18 is provided at or near the holding portion of the contact 18.
[0024]
The process cartridge 13 includes a non-volatile memory 21, a rod 22 which holds the non-volatile memory 21 and is rotatably attached to the process cartridge 13 coaxially with the photosensitive drum 3, and for rotating the rod 22. A rod spring 23 having a necessary moment is provided. Here, the rod 22 and the process cartridge 13 are provided with spring holding portions 24 for attaching the rod spring 23, respectively. A guide portion 25 for fitting and connecting to the contact 18 of the image forming apparatus main body 1 is provided at or near the holding portion of the nonvolatile memory 21.
[0025]
In FIG. 4, when the process cartridge 13 is outside the image forming apparatus main body 1 or inside the image forming apparatus main body 1 but the cartridge door 17 is open, the non-volatile memory 21 The rod 22 is held while retracted inside the housing of the process cartridge 13.
[0026]
In FIG. 5, when the process cartridge 13 is mounted in the image forming apparatus main body 1 and the cartridge door 17 is closed, the rib 17a formed integrally with the cartridge door 17 pushes down the rod 22, and the rotation of the rod 22 causes the non-volatility. The memory 21 is exposed from the surface of the housing of the process cartridge 13 and has a guide portion 25 provided at or near a nonvolatile memory holding portion, and a guide portion provided at or near a contact holding portion in the image forming apparatus main body 1. Guided by 20, the non-volatile memory 21 and the contact 18 on the image forming apparatus main body 1 side contact with a predetermined contact pressure, and can be electrically connected.
[0027]
(Third embodiment)
The schematic configuration of the process cartridge with a nonvolatile memory and the image forming apparatus main body according to the third embodiment of the present invention is the same as the configuration described in the first embodiment of the present invention. And the detailed description is omitted.
[0028]
First, the connection method of the nonvolatile memory will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 6, a contact 18 movable in a substantially horizontal direction with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 1 is disposed in front of the process cartridge 13 in the image forming apparatus main body 1. It is urged forward with a predetermined pressing force toward the image forming apparatus main body 1. In addition, a guide portion 20 for guiding the nonvolatile memory 21 to the contact 18 is provided at or near the holding portion of the contact 18.
[0029]
The process cartridge 13 includes a non-volatile memory 21, a first rod 22 that holds the non-volatile memory 21 and is movable in a substantially horizontal direction with respect to the process cartridge 13, and a pressing force required to move the first rod 22. Is disposed. Here, the rod 22 and the process cartridge 13 are provided with spring holding portions 24 for attaching the rod spring 23, respectively. A guide portion 25 for fitting and connecting to the contact 18 of the image forming apparatus main body 1 is provided at or near the holding portion of the nonvolatile memory 21. Further, a second rod 26 that can move in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the process cartridge 13 is disposed, and the surface 22a of the first rod 22 and the surface 26a of the second rod 26 come into contact with each other, so that the second rod 26 Can be converted into the horizontal movement of the first rod 22.
[0030]
6, when the process cartridge 13 is outside the image forming apparatus main body 1 or inside the image forming apparatus main body 1 but the cartridge door 17 is open, the non-volatile memory 21 is pressed by the rod spring 23. Is retracted inside the housing of the process cartridge 13, and the first rod 22 is held.
[0031]
7, when the process cartridge 13 is mounted in the image forming apparatus main body 1 and the cartridge door 17 is closed, the rib 17a formed integrally with the cartridge door 17 pushes down the second rod 26 (a direction in the figure). . When the second rod 26 is pushed down, the first rod 22 is pushed forward in the interlocked manner (direction b in the drawing), and the nonvolatile memory 21 is exposed from the housing surface of the process cartridge 13, and the nonvolatile memory holding unit Alternatively, the non-volatile memory 21 and the contact between the non-volatile memory 21 and the image forming apparatus main body 1 are guided by the guide section 25 provided in the vicinity thereof and the contact holding section in the image forming apparatus main body 1 or the guide section 20 provided in the vicinity thereof. 18 come into contact with a predetermined contact pressure and become electrically connectable.
[0032]
(Fourth embodiment)
The schematic configuration of the process cartridge with a nonvolatile memory and the image forming apparatus main body according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is the same as the configuration described in the first embodiment of the present invention. And the detailed description is omitted.
[0033]
FIGS. 8 and 9 are views showing a drive connection state and a drive release state of the drive motor 27 and the drive gear 28 in the image forming apparatus main body 1 and the process cartridge 13. 8, a helical gear 28a is formed on the peripheral surface of the shaft 27a of the drive motor 27 and the drive gear 28, and a convex shaft 28b is provided integrally with the rotation center of the drive gear 28. The drive gear 28 is rotatably fitted to the main body bearing 29, and a compression spring 30 is disposed between the drive gear 28 and the main body bearing 29. In the image forming apparatus main body 1, a contact 18 that is movable in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 1 is disposed below the process cartridge 13, and the contact 18 is formed by an urging spring 19. The main body 1 is urged upward with a predetermined pressing force. In addition, a guide portion 20 for guiding the nonvolatile memory 21 to the contact 18 is provided at or near the holding portion of the contact 18.
[0034]
On the other hand, the process cartridge 13 has a non-volatile memory 21, a first rod 22 which holds the non-volatile memory 21 and is movable in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the process cartridge 13, and a spring required for retracting the first rod 22. A rod spring 23 having a force is provided. Here, the rod 22 and the process cartridge 13 are provided with spring holding portions 24 for attaching the rod spring 23, respectively. A guide portion 25 for fitting and connecting to the contact 18 of the image forming apparatus main body 1 is provided at or near the holding portion of the nonvolatile memory 21. Further, a second rod 26 that is movable in a substantially horizontal direction with respect to the process cartridge 13 is disposed, and the surface 22a of the first rod 22 and the surface 26a of the second rod 26 come into contact with each other, so that the second rod 26 Can be converted to the vertical movement of the first rod 22.
[0035]
8, when the process cartridge 13 is outside the image forming apparatus main body 1 or is set at a predetermined position inside the image forming apparatus main body 1, the non-volatile memory 21 is moved to the process cartridge 13 by the spring force of the rod spring 23. The first rod 22 is held in a state where the first rod 22 is retracted inside the housing.
[0036]
In FIG. 9, when the process cartridge 13 is set at a predetermined position in the image forming apparatus main body 1 and the drive motor 27 starts rotating, the drive gear 28 moves in a substantially horizontal direction by the action of the helical gear. (A direction in the figure) At the same time, the convex shaft 28b provided at the rotation center of the drive gear 28 contacts the second rod 26, and the second rod 26 moves in the same direction as the drive gear 28. In conjunction with this, the first rod 22 is pushed downward (in the direction B in the drawing), and the non-volatile memory 21 is exposed from the surface of the casing of the process cartridge 13, and the non-volatile memory holding portion or a guide portion provided near the non-volatile memory holding portion. The nonvolatile memory 21 and the contact 18 of the image forming apparatus main body 1 are contacted at a predetermined contact pressure by being guided by the contact holding section 25 in the image forming apparatus main body 1 or a guide section 20 provided in the vicinity thereof. And can be electrically connected.
[0037]
Conversely, when the rotation of the drive motor 27 stops, the substantially horizontal force applied to the drive gear 28 disappears, and the drive gear 28 moves in a direction away from the second rod 26 by the urging force of the compression spring 30. Simultaneously, the non-volatile memory 21 moves in a direction away from the main body side contact 18 by the spring force of the rod spring 23 attached to the first rod 22, and the electrical connection is cut off.
[0038]
(Fifth embodiment)
The schematic configuration of the process cartridge with a nonvolatile memory and the image forming apparatus main body according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is the same as the configuration described in the first embodiment of the present invention. And the detailed description is omitted.
[0039]
10 and 11, in the image forming apparatus main body 1, a contact 18 movable in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 1 is disposed above the process cartridge 13, and the contact 18 is biased. The spring 19 urges the image forming apparatus main body 1 downward with a predetermined pressing force. In addition, a guide portion 20 for guiding the nonvolatile memory 21 to the contact 18 is provided at or near the holding portion of the contact 18.
[0040]
The process cartridge 13 includes a non-volatile memory 21, a rod 22 that holds the non-volatile memory 21 and is rotatably attached to the process cartridge 13 coaxially with the photosensitive drum 3, and is necessary for rotating the rod 22. A rod spring 23 having a great moment is arranged. Here, the rod 22 and the process cartridge 13 are provided with spring holding portions 24 for attaching the rod spring 23, respectively. A guide portion 25 for fitting and connecting to the contact 18 of the image forming apparatus main body 1 is provided at or near the holding portion of the nonvolatile memory 21.
[0041]
When the process cartridge 13 is outside the image forming apparatus main body 1, the rod 22 is held in a state where the non-volatile memory 21 is retracted inside the housing of the process cartridge 13 due to the moment of the rod spring 23.
[0042]
In FIG. 11, when the process cartridge 13 is inserted along a predetermined track in the image forming apparatus main body 1, a rib 26 formed integrally with the image forming apparatus main body 1 in the middle of the insertion track moves the rod 22 to an arrow C. The nonvolatile memory 21 is exposed from the housing surface of the process cartridge 13 by the rotation of the rod 22. When the insertion of the process cartridge 13 is completed and the process cartridge 13 is positioned at a predetermined position in the image forming apparatus main body 1, the guide section 25 provided at or near the nonvolatile memory holding section and the image forming apparatus main body 1 The non-volatile memory 21 and the contact 18 on the image forming apparatus main body 1 side are guided by a guide unit 20 provided at or near the contact holding unit and contact with a predetermined contact pressure, thereby enabling electrical connection.
[0043]
(Sixth embodiment)
The schematic configuration of the process cartridge with a nonvolatile memory and the image forming apparatus main body according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is the same as the configuration described in the first embodiment of the present invention. And the detailed description is omitted.
[0044]
In FIG. 12, a non-volatile memory 21 in the process cartridge 13, a rod 22 that holds the non-volatile memory 21 and is movable in the vertical direction with respect to the process cartridge 13, and a holding portion of the non-volatile memory 21 or in the vicinity thereof A guide portion 25 for fitting and connecting to the contact 18 of the image forming apparatus main body 1 is provided. In addition, a conductive material 34 is attached to an outer periphery near an opening 33 provided on the surface of the process cartridge 13 housing. When the process cartridge 13 is outside the image forming apparatus main body 1, even if static electricity is accidentally applied to the vicinity of the electrically conductive portion of the non-volatile memory 21, the non-volatile memory 21 Can be prevented from electrostatic breakdown.
[0045]
(Seventh embodiment)
The schematic configuration of the process cartridge with a nonvolatile memory and the image forming apparatus main body according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention is the same as the configuration described in the first embodiment of the present invention. And the detailed description is omitted.
[0046]
In FIG. 13, the process cartridge 13 includes a non-volatile memory 21, a rod 22 which holds the non-volatile memory 21 and is movable in a vertical direction with respect to the process cartridge 13, and a pressing force required to move the rod 22. A rod spring (not shown) is provided. A guide portion 25 for fitting and connecting to the contact 18 of the image forming apparatus main body 1 is provided at or near the holding portion of the nonvolatile memory 21. Further, in the vicinity of the opening 33 on the surface of the casing of the process cartridge 13, a protective cap 35 a covering the entire opening 33, a cap rod 35 formed integrally with the protective cap 35 a and having a rotation center in the main body of the process cartridge 13, A cap spring 26 for urging the cap rod 35 in the D direction at a predetermined moment is attached. Here, the cap rod 35 and the process cartridge 13 are provided with spring holding portions 37 for attaching the cap spring 26, respectively.
[0047]
In FIG. 13, when the process cartridge 13 is outside the image forming apparatus main body 1, the rod is held in a state where the non-volatile memory 21 is retracted inside the housing of the process cartridge 13 by the pressing force of the rod spring (not shown). The protective cap 35 is held so as to cover the entire opening 33 on the surface of the process cartridge 13 housing.
[0048]
In FIG. 14, when the process cartridge 13 is inserted along a predetermined track in the image forming apparatus main body 1, a rib 38 formed integrally with the image forming apparatus main body 1 rotates the cap rod 35 in the middle of the insertion track. Then, the rotation of the rod 35 holds the protective cap 35 a in a state of being retracted from the opening 33 on the surface of the process cartridge 13 housing. When the insertion of the process cartridge 13 is completed and the cartridge is positioned at a predetermined position in the image forming apparatus main body 1 and the cartridge door (not shown) is closed, a rib (not shown) formed integrally with the cartridge door (not shown) is provided. ) Pushes down the rod 22, the non-volatile memory 21 is exposed from the surface of the housing of the process cartridge 13, and the guide portion 25 provided at or near the non-volatile memory holding portion and the contact holding portion in the image forming apparatus main body 1. Alternatively, the non-volatile memory 21 and the contact 18 on the image forming apparatus main body 1 side are guided by a guide unit 20 provided in the vicinity thereof, and come into contact with a predetermined contact pressure, so that they can be electrically connected.
[0049]
(Eighth embodiment)
FIGS. 18 to 20 show an electrical contact connection system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a sectional view of an image forming apparatus main body having a contact. A contact 40 provided on a rotating member 41 rotatably supported with respect to the image forming apparatus main body is connected to a contact 40 provided on the image forming apparatus main body 1. Here, the contact 42 is urged by the elastic member 43 in the direction of arrow P. When the rotating member 41 is closed with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 1 in the direction of arrow Q, the contacts 42 are located close to each other, although they are not electrically connected to the contact 40 of the other party. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 19, when the rotatable member 44 is closed in the direction of arrow R with respect to the image forming apparatus main body 1, a tab 45 provided on the rotatable member 44 as shown in FIG. As a result, the contact 42 moves parallel to the direction in which it comes into contact with the contact 40 (in the direction of the arrow S), and the electrical connection can be made smoothly.
[0050]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a process cartridge including a non-volatile memory having electrically contactable contacts and a non-volatile memory holding member for holding the non-volatile memory is detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. And an electrical contact that contacts the contact of the non-volatile memory, and a non-volatile memory retracted into a recess provided on the surface of the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus main body having a drive source for driving the apparatus main body. The non-volatile memory is retained by interlocking with the mounting of the process cartridge to the image forming apparatus, or by subsequently closing the opening / closing cover, or by interlocking with the operation of a drive source in the image forming apparatus main body thereafter. The non-volatile memory is moved to the approximate surface of the process cartridge via the member, thereby connecting the non-volatile memory. There low cost In the structure where the contact with the electrical contact of the image forming apparatus main body, physical, and realize reliable structure against electrical damage.
[0051]
In a contact configuration having a first electric contact and a second electric contact electrically connectable to the first electric contact, when making an electric connection, the second electric contact is connected to the first electric contact. It is divided into two stages, a first operation of moving the electric contact in the vicinity of the electric contact and a second operation of moving the second electric contact in parallel with the contact direction of each other and making contact with the first electric contact. As a result, a highly reliable contact connection method for physical damage has been realized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a cross-sectional configuration of a main part of an image forming apparatus main body according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a non-connected state of a non-volatile memory and a main body side contact of a process cartridge according to first and sixth embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a connection state between a non-volatile memory and a main body side contact of the process cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a non-connection state between a non-volatile memory and a main body side contact of a process cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5
Non-volatile memo of a process cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention
Sectional drawing which shows the connection state of a rim and a main body side contact.
FIG. 6
Non-volatile memo of a process cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a disconnected state between the contact and the main body side contact.
FIG. 7
Non-volatile memo of a process cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention
Sectional drawing which shows the connection state of a rim and a main body side contact.
FIG. 8
Non-volatile memo of process cartridge according to fourth embodiment of the present invention
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a disconnected state between the contact and the main body side contact.
FIG. 9
Non-volatile memo of a process cartridge according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention
Sectional drawing which shows the connection state of a rim and a main body side contact.
FIG. 10
Non-volatile memo of process cartridge according to fifth embodiment of the present invention
Sectional drawing which shows a reconfiguration.
FIG. 11
Non-volatile memo of process cartridge according to fifth embodiment of the present invention
Sectional drawing which shows the connection state of a rim and a main body side contact.
FIG.
Cutting around the opening of the process cartridge according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention
Front view and perspective view.
FIG. 13
Non-volatile memo of a process cartridge according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a disconnected state between the contact and the main body side contact.
FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing a connection state between a non-volatile memory and a main body side contact of a process cartridge according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a sectional view showing a conventional example.
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing an electrical connection when a conventional process cartridge is mounted.
FIG. 17 is a sectional view showing the electrical connection of a conventional connector.
FIG. 18 is a sectional view showing the electrical connection of the connector according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a sectional view showing an electrical connection of a connector according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a sectional view showing an electrical connection of a connector according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Image forming apparatus main body
2 Optical system
3 Photoconductor drum
4 sheet materials
5 Paper cassette
6 Paper feeding means
7 Registration roller pair
8 Transfer roller
9 Fixing device
10 Pressure roller
11 Fixing roller
12 Discharge roller pair
13 Process cartridge
14 Charging means
15 Developing means
16 Cleaning means
17 Cartridge door
17a rib
18 contacts
19 biasing spring
20 Guide part (non-volatile memory side)
21 Non-volatile memory
22 rod or first rod
22a Rod surface
23 Rod spring
24 Spring holding part
25 Guide part (contact side)
26 Second rod
26a Surface of the second rod
27 Drive motor
27a shaft
28 Drive gear
28a helical gear
28b convex axis
29 Bearing
30 compression spring
31 rib
32 Process cartridge housing surface
33 opening
34 conductive material
35 Cap Rod
35a protective cap
36 cap spring
37 Spring holding part
38 ribs
40 electrical contacts
41 Rotating member
42 electrical contacts
43 Elastic member
44 Rotating member
101 Image Forming Apparatus Main Body
113 process cartridge
118 contacts
119 biasing spring
120 Guide part (contact side)
121 Non-volatile memory
125 Guide section (non-volatile memory side)

Claims (14)

A non-volatile memory having electrically contactable contacts, a non-volatile memory holding member for holding the non-volatile memory, and a process cartridge detachable from the image forming apparatus main body;
In the image forming apparatus main body having an electrical contact that contacts the contact of the nonvolatile memory,
The non-volatile memory retracted in the recess provided on the process cartridge surface is interlocked with the mounting operation of the process cartridge to the image forming apparatus, via the non-volatile memory holding member,
By moving the non-volatile memory to almost the surface of the process cartridge,
An image forming apparatus, wherein a contact of a non-volatile memory contacts an electrical contact of an image forming apparatus main body. A non-volatile memory having electrically contactable contacts, a non-volatile memory holding member for holding the non-volatile memory, and a process cartridge detachable from the image forming apparatus main body;
In an image forming apparatus main body having an electric contact that contacts the contact of the nonvolatile memory and a cover that opens and closes when a process cartridge is attached and detached,
With the process cartridge attached to the image forming apparatus,
The nonvolatile memory retracted in the recess provided on the surface of the process cartridge, in conjunction with the operation of closing the cover, via the nonvolatile memory holding member,
By moving the non-volatile memory to almost the surface of the process cartridge,
An image forming apparatus, wherein a contact of a non-volatile memory contacts an electrical contact of an image forming apparatus main body. A non-volatile memory having electrically contactable contacts, a non-volatile memory holding member for holding the non-volatile memory, and a process cartridge detachable from the image forming apparatus main body;
In the image forming apparatus main body having an electric contact that contacts the contact of the nonvolatile memory and a drive source for driving the apparatus main body,
The non-volatile memory retracted in the concave portion provided on the surface of the process cartridge is connected to the drive source in the image forming apparatus main body while the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus. Through the memory holding member,
By moving the non-volatile memory to almost the surface of the process cartridge,
An image forming apparatus, wherein a contact of a non-volatile memory contacts an electrical contact of an image forming apparatus main body. An electrical contact provided on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, which is in electrical contact with a nonvolatile memory provided on the process cartridge, is a pin biased by a spring, a leaf spring, or a wire rod having a spring property. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is configured to elastically make electrical contact with a contact of the nonvolatile memory. At least one of the electrical contact portion of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body and the non-volatile memory holding portion of the process cartridge is elastically biased in a direction in which the electrical contact portion contacts the contact, and the memory contact is electrically connected. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: When the process cartridge is not mounted in the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the non-volatile memory is retracted into the process cartridge housing, and in this state, the non-volatile memory or its electrical contact portion is not in the process cartridge housing. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is retracted into the housing with a depth of at least 15 mm from the surface of the image forming apparatus. The non-volatile memory is moved to the vicinity of the surface of the process cartridge housing via the non-volatile memory holding member, and a conductive material is attached to an opening of the process cartridge housing for exposing electrical contacts of the memory. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: An opening for exposing electrical contacts of the non-volatile memory located on the surface of the process cartridge housing is provided with an openable and closable lid that is closed when the process cartridge is not mounted. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cover is opened in conjunction with the movement of the contact to the surface of the process cartridge housing, and the memory contact contacts the contact on the image forming apparatus main body. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the non-volatile memory holding member is formed of a rod-shaped member, has the non-volatile memory at one end thereof, and is movable in a longitudinal direction in parallel. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the nonvolatile memory holding member has a rotatable cam or lever shape, and the nonvolatile memory is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the cam or near a tip of the lever. In the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, a guide portion for positioning the non-volatile memory holding member with respect to the image forming apparatus main body contact is provided in the vicinity of the electric contact portion with the non-volatile memory. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: It has a film-like sheet, a conductive pattern provided on one side of the film-like sheet, and an IC chip provided on the other side. The film-like sheet has pattern contacts and input / output pins of the IC chip. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a non-volatile memory configured with a hole for enabling electrical connection is used. A non-volatile memory having electrically contactable contacts, and a non-volatile memory holding member for holding the non-volatile memory, wherein the non-volatile memory retracted into a concave portion provided on the surface of the housing is provided on a substantially surface of the housing. A process cartridge that is movable. In a contact configuration having a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact electrically connectable to the first electrical contact, when making an electrical connection, the second electrical contact is connected to the first electrical contact The two operations are divided into a first operation of moving the electric contacts in the vicinity of the vicinity and a second operation of moving the second electric contacts in parallel to the directions of contact with each other and making contact with the first electric contacts. Characteristic contact connection method.

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