JP2018005065A - Image forming apparatus and belt unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus and a belt unit capable of arranging a cartridge electrode and a main body electrode with high degree of freedom.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 1 comprises a main body casing 2, and a belt unit 4 which can be attached to and detached from the main body casing 2. A cartridge includes an IC chip 41, and a cartridge electrode 24 electrically connected to the IC chip 41. The main body casing 2 has a first power source 21, a second power source 22 for supplying power having lower voltage than that of the first power source 21 to the IC chip 41, and a main body electrode 23 electrically connected to the second power source 22. The belt unit 4 includes a first belt electrode 36 which is brought into contact with the cartridge electrode 24 when the cartridge is attached, a second belt electrode 37 which is brought into contact with the main body electrode 23, and a substrate 38 which connects the first belt electrode 36 with the second belt electrode 37 electrically.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a belt unit.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus including a process cartridge including a photosensitive drum and a main body casing to which the process cartridge can be attached and detached is known.

  Such an image forming apparatus includes a plurality of process cartridges. Each of the plurality of process cartridges includes an IC chip. The IC chip stores the number of prints of the process cartridge and information about the process cartridge, for example, color information of toner filled in the process cartridge (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The image forming apparatus executes power supply, data transmission, and the like between the plurality of IC chips and the main body casing.

  In such a case, the process cartridge usually includes a terminal electrically connected to the IC chip. The main body casing includes terminals connected to the respective terminals of the plurality of cartridges in a state where the plurality of process cartridges are mounted on the main body casing.

JP 2006-201699 A

  However, in the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 described above, it is necessary to directly connect the terminals of the plurality of cartridges to the plurality of terminals of the main body casing, and the layout of the terminals of the main body casing is restricted. .

  Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an image forming apparatus and a belt unit that can improve the degree of freedom of arrangement of main body electrodes.

  An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a cartridge including a main body casing and a photosensitive drum, the cartridge including a cartridge removable from the main body casing, a transfer roller extending in an axial direction, and a belt contacting the photosensitive drum. A belt unit detachably attached to the main body casing, the cartridge includes an IC chip and a cartridge electrode electrically connected to the IC chip, and the main body casing is attached to the transfer roller. On the other hand, a first power source configured to supply power, a second power source configured to supply power having a lower voltage than the first power source to the IC chip, and a second power source And a belt unit that is in contact with the cartridge electrode when the cartridge is mounted. And belt electrode comprises a second belt electrode in contact with the apparatus electrode, a first belt electrode, and the substrate for electrically connecting the second belt electrode.

  The belt unit of the present disclosure is a belt unit including a transfer roller extending in the axial direction and a belt, and is a cartridge including a main body casing and a photosensitive drum that contacts the belt, and is attached to and detached from the main body casing. The cartridge includes an IC chip and a cartridge electrode electrically connected to the IC chip, and the main body casing is configured to supply power to the transfer roller. A first power source; a second power source configured to supply power having a lower voltage than the first power source to the IC chip; and a body electrode electrically connected to the second power source. A belt unit provided in the image forming apparatus, the first belt electrode contacting the cartridge electrode when the cartridge is mounted, and a book It comprises a second belt electrode in contact with the electrode, a first belt electrode, and the substrate for electrically connecting the second belt electrode.

  According to such a configuration, the IC chip of the cartridge and the second power source of the main body casing are electrically connected via the belt unit.

  As a result, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the body electrode is improved as compared with the case where the cartridge electrode of the cartridge and the body electrode of the body casing are directly connected.

  According to the image forming apparatus and the belt unit of the present disclosure, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the main body electrode is improved.

FIG. 1 is a central sectional view showing a first embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 1 viewed from the cartridge electrode side. FIG. 3 is a plan view for explaining the arrangement of the belt unit, the first power source, and the second power source of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the belt unit shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a side view showing the relationship between the substrate shown in FIG. 3, the cartridge, the driving roller, and the driven roller. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing connections between terminals of the first belt electrode, the second belt electrode, and the substrate shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a central sectional view showing a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge according to the first modification of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge according to the second modification of the present invention.

[First Embodiment]
1. Overview of Image Forming Apparatus 1 As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a paper feeding unit 200 that supplies paper to the image forming unit 100 and an image that forms an image on the paper supplied from the paper feeding unit 200. A forming unit 100, a paper discharge unit 300 that discharges a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 100, and a main body casing 2 that houses the image forming unit 100, the paper supply unit 200, and the paper discharge unit 300.

  The image forming unit 100 includes a plurality of, specifically, four cartridges 3K, 3Y, 3M, and 3C, and a belt unit 4.

  The four cartridges 3K, 3Y, 3M, and 3C are detachable from the main casing 2.

  The four cartridges 3K, 3Y, 3M, and 3C are arranged in order. The direction in which the four cartridges 3K, 3Y, 3M, and 3C are arranged is defined as an arrangement direction. The four cartridges 3K, 3Y, 3M, and 3C are spaced from each other in the arrangement direction.

  The four cartridges 3K, 3Y, 3M, and 3C have the same structure. Therefore, in the following description, the structure of the cartridge 3K will be described, and the description of the same structure as the cartridge 3K will be omitted for the cartridges 3Y, 3M, and 3C.

  The cartridge 3 </ b> K includes a drum cartridge 7 and a developing cartridge 8 that can be attached to and detached from the drum cartridge 7.

  The drum cartridge 7 includes a photosensitive drum 10. In other words, each of the four cartridges 3K, 3Y, 3M, and 3C includes the photosensitive drum 10.

  The photosensitive drum 10 can rotate in the axial direction. The axial direction intersects the alignment direction.

  The developing cartridge 8 includes a developing roller 12.

  The developing roller 12 can rotate in the axial direction. A part of the peripheral surface of the developing roller 12 is exposed. The developing roller 12 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 10 when the developing cartridge 8 is mounted on the drum cartridge 7. As a result, the developing roller 12 can supply toner to the photosensitive drum 10.

  Further, the developing cartridge 8 stores toner therein. Specifically, the developing cartridge 8 of the cartridge 3K contains black toner. The developing cartridge 8 of the cartridge 3Y contains yellow toner. The developing cartridge 8 of the cartridge 3M stores magenta toner. The developing cartridge 8 of the cartridge 3C contains cyan toner.

  The belt unit 4 can be attached to and detached from the main casing 2. The belt unit 4 is located between the four cartridges and the paper feeding unit 200 in the intersecting direction that intersects both the alignment direction and the axial direction. The belt unit 4 includes a driving roller 15, a driven roller 16, a belt 17, and a plurality, that is, four transfer rollers 18.

  The drive roller 15 extends in the axial direction. The drive roller 15 can rotate in the axial direction. The driving roller 15 is configured to rotate by receiving a driving force from the main body casing 2 and move the belt 17 around.

  The driven roller 16 is located at a distance from the driving roller 15 in the arrangement direction. The driven roller 16 is located on the opposite side of the paper discharge unit 300 in the arrangement direction. The driven roller 16 extends in the axial direction. The driven roller 16 can rotate in the axial direction. The driven roller 16 is configured to rotate so as to be driven by the driving roller 15 and apply tension to the belt 17.

  The belt 17 is wound around the driving roller 15 and the driven roller 16. The belt 17 is in contact with the four photosensitive drums 10. The belt 17 is configured to convey the paper between the belt 17 and the four photosensitive drums 10.

  Each of the four transfer rollers 18 is arranged at an interval. The transfer roller 18 extends in the axial direction. The transfer roller 18 can rotate in the axial direction. The transfer roller 18 is configured to transfer the toner image on the photosensitive drum 10 onto a sheet that passes between the photosensitive drum 10 and the belt 17.

2. Details of Cartridge As shown in FIG. 2, the cartridge 3 </ b> K includes an IC chip 41 and a cartridge electrode 24 electrically connected to the IC chip 41. Specifically, the developing cartridge 8 includes an IC chip 41 and the drum cartridge 7 includes a cartridge electrode 24. The IC chip 41 is located at the center of the developing cartridge 8 in the axial direction. Specifically, the IC chip 41 is located at the center between one end of the transfer roller 18 in the axial direction and the other end of the transfer roller 18 in the axial direction. The cartridge electrode 24 is located at the end of the drum cartridge 7 in the axial direction. The cartridge electrode 24 is connected to the IC chip 41 by a wiring (not shown) when the developing cartridge 8 is attached to the drum cartridge 7.

  The IC chip 41 stores information regarding the developing cartridge 8. The information about the developing cartridge 8 includes, for example, information about the color of toner contained in the developing cartridge 8, information about whether the developing cartridge 8 is a new product because it is new, information about the number of sheets that the developing cartridge 8 can print, and the like. It is. More specifically, when the developing cartridge 8 is new, the IC chip 41 indicates that the developing cartridge 8 contains black toner, information that the developing cartridge 8 is new, and the developing cartridge 8. Stores information that the number of sheets that can be printed is 6000.

  The cartridge electrode 24 includes a first cartridge terminal 25, a first cartridge terminal 26, a first cartridge terminal 27, and a second cartridge terminal 28. In other words, the cartridge electrodes 24 of the four cartridges 3K, 3Y, 3M, and 3C each include a first cartridge terminal 25, a first cartridge terminal 26, a first cartridge terminal 27, and a second cartridge terminal 28. . That is, the total number of the first cartridge terminals 25, the first cartridge terminals 26, the first cartridge terminals 27, and the second cartridge terminals 28 is 16.

  The first cartridge terminal 25 is provided to supply power from the second power source 22 (described later) to the IC chip 41. Specifically, the power from the second power source 22 (described later) is supplied from the main body electrode 23, the third terminal 55 of the second belt electrode 37, the first wiring 71 of the substrate 38, the first terminal 51 of the first belt electrode 36, and , And supplied to the IC chip 41 through the first cartridge terminal 25.

  The first cartridge terminal 26 is provided to transmit a clock pulse from the IC chip 41 to the main body casing 2. Specifically, the clock pulse passes through the first cartridge terminal 26, the first terminal 52 of the first belt electrode 36, the second wiring 72 of the substrate 38, the third terminal 56 of the second belt electrode 37, and the body electrode 23. And transmitted from the IC chip 41 to the main casing 2.

  The first cartridge terminal 27 is provided for grounding the IC chip 41. Specifically, the IC chip 41 includes the first cartridge terminal 27, the first terminal 53 of the first belt electrode 36, the third wiring 73 of the substrate 38, the third terminal 57 of the second belt electrode 37, and the main body electrode 23. Is grounded.

  The second cartridge terminal 28 is provided for transmitting and receiving information related to the drum cartridge 7 between the IC chip 41 and the main casing 2. Specifically, the information about the drum cartridge 7 includes the main body electrode 23, the fourth terminal 58 of the second belt electrode 37, the fourth wiring 74K of the substrate 38, the second terminal 54 of the first belt electrode 36, and the second cartridge terminal. The data is transmitted / received between the IC chip 41 and the main body casing 2 via 28.

3. Arrangement of Belt Unit 4 As shown in FIG. 3, the main body casing 2 includes a first power source 21, a second power source 22, and a belt unit 4.

  The first power supply 21 is configured to supply power to the plurality of transfer rollers 18. Specifically, the electric power supplied from the first power supply 21 is controlled at a constant current so that the transfer current becomes a constant value.

  The second power supply 22 is located at a distance from the first power supply 21 in the axial direction. The second power supply 22 is configured to supply power to the IC chip 41 (see FIG. 2). The voltage of power supplied from the second power supply 22 is lower than the voltage of power supplied from the first power supply 21.

  The belt unit 4 is located between the first power supply 21 and the second power supply 22 in the axial direction.

  The main casing 2 includes two pressing members 45 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

  The pressing member 45 is located on the opposite side of the driving roller 15 with respect to the driven roller 16 in the arrangement direction. The two pressing members 45 are located at an interval from each other in the axial direction. The pressing member 45 presses the belt unit 4 in the direction from the driven roller 16 toward the driving roller 15 in the alignment direction when the belt unit 4 is attached to the main body casing 2.

4). Configuration of Belt Unit 4 The belt unit 4 has one end and the other end that is separated from the one end in the axial direction and closer to the second power source 22 than the one end.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the belt unit 4 includes a frame 33.

  The frame 33 supports the driving roller 15 and the driven roller 16. Specifically, the frame 33 includes a first wall 34 and a second wall 35. The first wall 34 and the second wall 35 are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. The first wall 34 is located at one end of the belt unit 4. The second wall 35 is located at the other end of the belt unit 4. The drive roller 15 has one end and the other end that is separated from the one end in the axial direction and closer to the second power source 22 than the one end. The driven roller 16 has one end and the other end that is separated from the one end in the axial direction and closer to the second power source 22 than the one end. The first wall 34 supports one end of the driving roller 15 and one end of the driven roller 16. The second wall 35 supports the other end of the driving roller 15 and the other end of the driven roller 16.

  That is, in the axial direction, the first wall 34 is located near the first power source 21, and the second wall 35 is located near the second power source 22.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the belt unit 4 further includes a first belt electrode 36, a second belt electrode 37, and a substrate 38.

  The first belt electrode 36 is configured to electrically connect the IC chip 41 and the belt unit 4. Four first belt electrodes 36 are provided so as to correspond to the four cartridges 3K, 3Y, 3M, and 3C, respectively. Specifically, the four first belt electrodes 36 are the first belt electrode 36 that contacts the cartridge electrode 24 of the cartridge 3K, the first belt electrode 36 that contacts the cartridge electrode 24 of the cartridge 3Y, and the cartridge electrode of the cartridge 3M. The first belt electrode 36 is in contact with the first belt electrode 36 and the first belt electrode 36 is in contact with the cartridge electrode 24 of the cartridge 3C.

  Each of the four first belt electrodes 36 is located at the other end of the belt unit 4. Each of the four first belt electrodes 36 is arranged at an interval in the arrangement direction. Each of the four first belt electrodes 36 is located closer to the second power source 22 than the first power source 21 in the axial direction.

  Each of the four first belt electrodes 36 includes a first terminal 51, a first terminal 52, a first terminal 53, and a second terminal 54, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. That is, in the belt unit 4, four first terminals 51, four first terminals 52, four first terminals 53, and four second terminals 54 are provided. That is, the total number of the first terminals 51, the first terminals 52, the first terminals 53, and the second terminals 54 is 16.

  The second belt electrode 37 is configured to electrically connect the main body casing 2 and the belt unit 4. The second belt electrode 37 is located at the other end of the belt unit 4 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. As shown in FIG. 1, the second belt electrode 37 is located between the photosensitive drum 10 of the cartridge 3M and the photosensitive drum 10 of the cartridge 3C in the arrangement direction. The second belt electrode 37 is in contact with the main body electrode 23 (described later).

  As shown in FIG. 6, the second belt electrode 37 includes one third terminal 55, one third terminal 56, one third terminal 57, one fourth terminal 58, and one fifth terminal. A terminal 59, one sixth terminal 60, and one seventh terminal 61 are provided. Thus, in the belt unit 4, the third terminal 55 is one, the third terminal 56 is one, the third terminal 57 is one, the fourth terminal 58 is one, the fifth terminal 59 is one, One 6 terminal 60 and one seventh terminal 61 are provided. That is, the total number of third terminals 55, third terminals 56, third terminals 57, fourth terminals 58, fifth terminals 59, sixth terminals 60, and seventh terminals 61 is seven. The total number of the third terminal 55, the third terminal 56, the third terminal 57, the fourth terminal 58, the fifth terminal 59, the sixth terminal 60, and the seventh terminal 61 is the first terminal 51, the first terminal 52, Less than the total number of first terminals 53 and second terminals 54.

  The first terminal 51, the first terminal 52, the first terminal 53, the second terminal 54, the third terminal 55, the third terminal 56, the third terminal 57, the fourth terminal 58, the fifth terminal 59, and the sixth terminal. 60 and the seventh terminal 61 are gold-plated.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6, the substrate 38 is configured to electrically connect the first belt electrode 36 and the second belt electrode 37. The substrate 38 is located on the second wall 35. In other words, the substrate 38 is located closer to the second power source 22 than the first power source 21 in the axial direction. Therefore, the board 38 is suppressed from receiving noise from the first power supply 21 having a higher voltage than the second power supply 22.

  The substrate 38 is a circuit board in which conductive pattern wiring is formed on a resin material such as phenol resin.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the substrate 38 includes a first wiring 71, a second wiring 72, a third wiring 73, and a plurality of, that is, four fourth wirings 74K, 74Y, 74M, and 74C. .

  As shown in FIG. 6, the first wiring 71 is configured to collectively connect the four first terminals 51 to the one third terminal 55. That is, the third terminal 55 is electrically connected to the first terminal 51 by the first wiring 71. Thereby, in the belt unit 4, although there are four 1st terminals 51, the number of the 3rd terminals 55 electrically connected with the 1st terminal 51 can be made into one. Therefore, the power from the second power supply 22 is collectively supplied to the four IC chips 41 via the one third terminal 55.

  The second wiring 72 is configured to collectively connect the four first terminals 52 to the one third terminal 56. That is, the third terminal 56 is electrically connected to the first terminal 52 by the second wiring 72. Thereby, in the belt unit 4, although there are four 1st terminals 52, the number of the 3rd terminals 56 electrically connected with the 1st terminal 52 can be made into one. For this reason, the clock pulses from the four IC chips 41 are collectively transmitted to the main casing 2 via the third terminal 56.

  The third wiring 73 is configured to collectively connect the four first terminals 53 to the one third terminal 57. That is, the third terminal 57 is electrically connected to the first terminal 53 by the third wiring 73. Thereby, in the belt unit 4, although there are four 1st terminals 53, the number of the 3rd terminals 57 electrically connected with the 1st terminal 53 can be made into one. For this reason, the four IC chips 41 are collectively grounded via one third terminal 57.

  Each of the four fourth wirings 74K, 74Y, 74M, and 74C electrically connects the second terminal 54 to each of the fourth terminal 58, the fifth terminal 59, the sixth terminal 60, and the seventh terminal 61. It is the structure for. Specifically, the fourth wiring 74K electrically connects the second terminal 54 corresponding to the cartridge 3K and the fourth terminal 58. The fourth wiring 74Y electrically connects the second terminal 54 corresponding to the cartridge 3Y and the fifth terminal 59. The fourth wiring 74M electrically connects the second terminal 54 corresponding to the cartridge 3M and the sixth terminal 60. The fourth wiring 74 </ b> C electrically connects the second terminal 54 corresponding to the cartridge 3 </ b> C and the seventh terminal 61. As described above, the fourth terminal 58, the fifth terminal 59, the sixth terminal 60, and the seventh terminal 61 are electrically connected to the second terminal 54 by the four fourth wirings 74K, 74Y, 74M, and 74C. Is done. For this reason, information regarding the four IC chips 41 is individually transmitted to and received from the main casing 2 via the fourth terminal 58, the fifth terminal 59, the sixth terminal 60, and the seventh terminal 61.

  Moreover, the board | substrate 38 is extended in a row direction, as shown in FIG. In the arrangement direction, the dimension L1 of the substrates 38 is longer than the dimension between the photosensitive drums 10 of the cartridges located at both ends in the arrangement direction of the four cartridges 3K, 3Y, 3M, and 3C. The dimension L2 of the substrate 38 in the intersecting direction is smaller than the respective diameters of the driving roller 15 and the driven roller 16.

  Specifically, the dimension L1 of the substrates 38 in the alignment direction is, for example, 63 mm or more, preferably 189 mm or more, for example, 200 mm or less, preferably 195 mm or less.

  The substrate 38 and the first belt electrode 36 are connected by soldering a plurality of, that is, four conducting wires extending from the first belt electrode 36 to the respective ends of the respective wirings of the substrate 38.

  Since the substrate 38 is longer than the dimension between the photosensitive drums 10 of the cartridges located at both ends in the arrangement direction of the four cartridges 3K, 3Y, 3M, and 3C, the distance from the cartridge 3K to the substrate 38 and the cartridge 3C to the substrate The board | substrate 38 is arrange | positioned so that the distance to 38 may become equal. Therefore, the lengths of the plurality of conducting wires extending from each of the four first belt electrodes 36 are aligned.

  The dimension L2 of the substrate 38 in the intersecting direction is, for example, 8 mm or more, preferably 12 mm or more, for example, 26 mm or less, preferably 20 mm or less.

  The belt unit 4 further includes a cover 39 as shown in FIG.

  The cover 39 extends in the arrangement direction. The cover 39 covers the substrate 38. Note that four first belt electrodes 36 are exposed from the cover 39. More specifically, four first terminals 51, four second terminals 54, four first terminals 52, and four first terminals 53 are exposed from the cover 39. Accordingly, the substrate 38 can be reliably protected by the cover 39 while each of the four first belt electrodes 36 can come into contact with the cartridge electrode 24 of the corresponding cartridge.

5. Electrical connection As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the main casing 2 further includes a main body electrode 23.

  The body electrode 23 is electrically connected to the second power source 22. The main body electrode 23 is located closer to the second power source 22 than the first wall 34 in the axial direction when the belt unit 4 is attached to the main body casing 2. That is, the body electrode 23 is located at the other end of the belt unit 4 as shown in FIG.

  The main body electrode 23 is in contact with the second belt electrode 37 of the belt unit 4.

  The arrangement of the second belt electrode 37 is arranged without being restricted by the arrangement of the cartridge electrodes 24 of the four cartridges 3K, 3Y, 3M, and 3C. Therefore, the body electrode 23 of the body casing 2 is arranged with a high degree of freedom.

  The pressing member 45 presses the belt unit 4 toward the main body electrode 23 in the alignment direction when the belt unit 4 is attached to the main body casing 2.

  As a result, the second belt electrode 37 of the belt unit 4 is reliably in electrical contact with the main body electrode 23 of the main body casing 2.

  Each of the four first belt electrodes 36 contacts the cartridge electrode 24 of the corresponding cartridge when the four cartridges 3K, 3Y, 3M, and 3C are mounted on the main casing 2 as shown in FIG. To do.

  The first terminal 51 contacts the first cartridge terminal 25 of the corresponding cartridge when the corresponding cartridge is mounted.

  The first terminal 52 contacts the first cartridge terminal 26 of the corresponding cartridge when the corresponding cartridge is mounted.

  The first terminal 53 contacts the first cartridge terminal 27 of the corresponding cartridge when the corresponding cartridge is mounted.

  The second terminal 54 contacts the second cartridge terminal 28 of the corresponding cartridge when the corresponding cartridge is mounted.

  In this way, the IC chips 41 of the cartridges 3K, 3Y, 3M, and 3C are connected to the main body casing 2 via the belt unit 4.

6). Operation and Effect According to this image forming apparatus 1, the IC chip 41 of the cartridge and the second power source 22 of the main body casing 2 are electrically connected via the belt unit 4.

As a result, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the main body electrode 23 is improved as compared with the case where the cartridge electrodes 24 of the four cartridges 3K, 3Y, 3M, and 3C and the main body electrode 23 of the main body casing 2 are directly connected.
[Second Embodiment]
A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the description of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The image forming apparatus of the present invention can also be configured as an intermediate transfer type image forming apparatus 80 including an intermediate transfer belt 81 and a secondary transfer roller 82.

  Toner images are transferred from the four photosensitive drums 10 to the intermediate transfer belt 81. A toner image is formed on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 81.

  The secondary transfer roller 82 is located on the opposite side of the driven roller 16 with respect to the drive roller 15 in the arrangement direction. The secondary transfer roller 82 is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt 81.

  The paper supplied from the paper supply unit 200 passes between the intermediate transfer belt 81 and the secondary transfer roller 82. A toner image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 81 to the sheet. Then, the paper is discharged to the paper discharge unit 300.

According to such 2nd Embodiment, the effect similar to above-described 1st Embodiment can be acquired.
[First Modification]
A first modification will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the cartridge includes a drum cartridge including the photosensitive drum 10, a developing roller 12, and a developing cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the drum cartridge. It has. The developing cartridge includes an IC chip 41.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, the cartridge may include a drum unit 90 and a developing unit 91.

  In this case, the drum unit 90 includes the photosensitive drum 10. The developing unit 91 cannot be detached from the drum unit 90. The developing unit 91 includes a developing roller 12.

  The cartridge including the drum unit 90 and the developing unit 91 can be employed for both the image forming apparatus 1 of the first embodiment and the image forming apparatus 80 of the second embodiment.

According to such a 1st modification, the effect similar to above-described 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment can be acquired.
[Second Modification]
A second modification will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the first modification described above, as shown in FIG. 8, the cartridge includes a drum unit 90 that includes the photosensitive drum 10, and a developing unit 91 that includes the developing roller 12 and cannot be detached from the drum unit 90. .

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, the cartridge may include a process cartridge 95 and a toner cartridge 98.

  In this case, the process cartridge 95 includes a drum unit 96 and a developing unit 97.

  The drum unit 96 includes the photosensitive drum 10. The developing unit 97 cannot be detached from the drum unit 96. The developing unit 97 includes a developing roller 12. The drum unit 96 includes a cartridge electrode 24 that is electrically connected to the IC chip 41.

  Further, the toner cartridge 98 is detachable from the drum unit 96. The toner cartridge 98 stores toner therein. The toner cartridge 98 includes an IC chip 41.

  A cartridge including the process cartridge 95 and the toner cartridge 98 can be employed for both the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment and the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment.

According to such a 2nd modification, the effect similar to above-mentioned 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment can be acquired.
[Other variations]
In the above-described embodiment, the four first terminals 51 are used as one third terminal 55, the four first terminals 52 are used as one third terminal 56, and the four first terminals 53 are used as one third terminal 57. The total number of the third terminal 55, the third terminal 56, the third terminal 57, the fourth terminal 58, the fifth terminal 59, the sixth terminal 60, and the seventh terminal 61 was seven. The number is not limited to seven.

  For example, four first terminals 51 are combined into one third terminal 55, four first terminals 52 are combined into one third terminal 56, and four third terminals 57 are combined with respect to four first terminals 53. It can also be configured to include. In that case, the total number of the third terminal 55, the third terminal 56, the third terminal 57, the fourth terminal 58, the fifth terminal 59, the sixth terminal 60, and the seventh terminal 61 is ten.

  Also, only the four first terminals 51 are combined into one third terminal 55, four third terminals 57 for the four first terminals 52, and four third terminals for the four first terminals 53. It can also comprise so that the terminal 57 may be provided. In that case, the total number of the third terminal 55, the third terminal 56, the third terminal 57, the fourth terminal 58, the fifth terminal 59, the sixth terminal 60, and the seventh terminal 61 is thirteen.

  It should be noted that any one of the first terminal 51, the first terminal 52, and the first terminal 53 can be selected as appropriate.

  Also in such a modification, the same effect as the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above can be obtained.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Main body casing 3K cartridge 3Y cartridge 3M cartridge 3C cartridge 4 Belt unit 7 Drum cartridge 8 Developing cartridge 10 Photosensitive drum 12 Developing roller 15 Driving roller 16 Driven roller 17 Belt 18 Transfer roller 21 1st power supply 22 2nd power supply 23 Main body electrode 24 Cartridge electrode 25 First cartridge terminal 26 First cartridge terminal 27 First cartridge terminal 28 Second cartridge terminal 34 First wall 35 Second wall 36 First belt electrode 37 Second belt electrode 38 Substrate 39 Cover 41 IC chip 45 pressing member 51 first terminal 52 first terminal 53 first terminal 54 second terminal 55 third terminal 56 third terminal 57 third terminal 58 fourth terminal 59 fifth terminal 60 sixth terminal 61 seventh end 80 The image forming apparatus 81 an intermediate transfer belt 90 drum 91 developing unit 95 the process cartridge 96 drum unit 97 developing unit 98 Toner Cartridge

Claims (16)

A body casing;
A cartridge including a photosensitive drum, wherein the cartridge is detachable from the main body casing;
A belt unit comprising a transfer roller extending in the axial direction and a belt contacting the photosensitive drum, the belt unit being detachable from the main body casing,
The cartridge is
IC chip,
A cartridge electrode electrically connected to the IC chip,
The main body casing is
A first power source configured to supply power to the transfer roller;
A second power source configured to supply power to the IC chip having a voltage lower than that of the first power source;
A body electrode electrically connected to the second power source,
The belt unit is
A first belt electrode that contacts the cartridge electrode when the cartridge is mounted;
A second belt electrode in contact with the body electrode;
A substrate that electrically connects the first belt electrode and the second belt electrode;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The belt unit is positioned between the first power source and the second power source in the axial direction, and has one end and the other end separated from the one end in the axial direction, the first unit being more than the one end. The other end close to two power sources,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main body electrode is located at the other end. The belt unit is
A driving roller having one end and the other end separated from the one end in the axial direction and closer to the second power source than the one end, and extending in the axial direction;
A driven roller positioned at a distance in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction with respect to the driving roller, one end and the other end separated from the one end in the axial direction, and more than the one end A second end near the second power source, and a driven roller extending in the axial direction,
The belt wound around the drive roller and the driven roller;
A first wall that supports one end of the drive roller and one end of the driven roller;
A second wall that supports the other end of the driving roller and the other end of the driven roller,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the substrate is located on the second wall.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the belt unit further includes a cover that covers the substrate. The cartridge includes a first cartridge and a second cartridge,
Two first belt electrodes are provided so as to correspond to the first cartridge and the second cartridge,
The cartridge electrodes of each of the two cartridges are
A first cartridge terminal;
A second cartridge terminal for transmitting and receiving information about the cartridge between the IC chip and the main casing;
Each of the two first belt electrodes is
A first terminal that contacts the first cartridge terminal when the cartridge is mounted;
A second terminal that contacts the second cartridge terminal when the cartridge is mounted;
The second belt electrode is
A first terminal corresponding to the first cartridge and a first terminal corresponding to the second cartridge are grouped together, and a third terminal electrically connected to the first terminal;
A fourth terminal electrically connected to the second terminal corresponding to the first cartridge;
A fifth terminal electrically connected to the second terminal corresponding to the second cartridge,
The total number of the third terminal, the fourth terminal, and the fifth terminal corresponds to the first terminal corresponding to the first cartridge, the first terminal corresponding to the second cartridge, and the first cartridge. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number of the second terminals is less than the total number of the second terminals corresponding to the first cartridge.   The first cartridge terminal is used for supplying power from the second power source to the IC chip, used for transmitting a clock pulse from the IC chip to the main body casing, and grounds the IC chip. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image forming apparatus is any one of uses for the purpose.   The dimension of the substrate in the arrangement direction in which the plurality of cartridges are arranged is longer than the dimension between the photosensitive drums of the cartridges located at both ends of the arrangement direction. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main body casing includes a pressing member that presses the belt unit toward the main body electrode. The cartridge is
A drum cartridge comprising the photosensitive drum;
A developing cartridge detachable from the drum cartridge, the developing cartridge including a developing roller;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The cartridge is
A drum unit comprising the photosensitive drum;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a developing unit that is detachable from the drum unit and includes a developing roller. The cartridge is
A process cartridge comprising: a drum unit including the photosensitive drum; and a developing unit that is non-detachable from the drum unit and includes a developing roller.
The image according to claim 1, further comprising: a toner cartridge that is detachable from the process cartridge and that can accommodate toner therein. Forming equipment. A belt unit comprising a transfer roller extending in the axial direction and a belt,
A body casing;
A cartridge including a photosensitive drum in contact with the belt, the cartridge being detachable from the main body casing,
The cartridge is
IC chip,
A cartridge electrode electrically connected to the IC chip,
The main body casing is
A first power source configured to supply power to the transfer roller;
A second power source configured to supply power to the IC chip having a voltage lower than that of the first power source;
A body unit electrically connected to the second power source, and a belt unit provided in an image forming apparatus,
A first belt electrode that contacts the cartridge electrode when the cartridge is mounted;
A second belt electrode in contact with the body electrode;
A substrate that electrically connects the first belt electrode and the second belt electrode;
A belt unit comprising: A driving roller having one end and the other end separated from the one end in the axial direction and closer to the second power source than the one end, and extending in the axial direction;
A driven roller positioned at a distance in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction with respect to the driving roller, one end and the other end separated from the one end in the axial direction, and more than the one end A second end near the second power source, and a driven roller extending in the axial direction,
The belt wound around the drive roller and the driven roller;
A first wall that supports one end of the drive roller and one end of the driven roller;
A second wall that supports the other end of the driving roller and the other end of the driven roller,
The belt unit according to claim 12, wherein the substrate is located on the second wall.   The belt unit according to claim 13, further comprising a cover that covers the substrate. Two first belt electrodes are provided so as to correspond to the two cartridges,
Each of the two first belt electrodes is
A first terminal that contacts a first cartridge terminal provided in the cartridge electrode when the cartridge is mounted;
A second terminal that contacts a second cartridge terminal provided in the cartridge electrode for transmitting and receiving information about the cartridge between the IC chip and the main body casing when the cartridge is mounted; Prepared,
The second belt electrode is
A first terminal corresponding to the first cartridge and a first terminal corresponding to the second cartridge, and a third terminal electrically connected to the first terminal; ,
A fourth terminal electrically connected to the second terminal corresponding to the first cartridge;
A fifth terminal electrically connected to the second terminal corresponding to the second cartridge,
The total number of the third terminal, the fourth terminal, and the fifth terminal is the first terminal corresponding to the first cartridge, the second terminal corresponding to the second cartridge, and the first terminal. The total number of the second terminals corresponding to the cartridge of the second and the second terminals corresponding to the second cartridge of the second is less than the total number of the second terminals. Belt unit. The first cartridge terminal is used for supplying power from the second power source to the IC chip, used for transmitting a clock pulse from the IC chip to the main body casing, and grounds the IC chip. The belt unit according to claim 15, wherein the belt unit is any one of the applications for.

Images