JP5518146B2 - Process cartridge and image forming apparatus using the same - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a process cartridge (cartridge, process unit) used for a copying machine, a printer, or the like that employs an electrophotographic system, and an image forming apparatus using the same.

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

  The process cartridge is a cartridge in which a charging unit, a developing unit or a cleaning unit and an electrophotographic photosensitive drum are integrally formed, and the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. In addition, at least one of the charging unit, the developing unit, and the cleaning unit and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum are integrally formed into a cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Further, it means that at least the developing means and the electrophotographic photosensitive drum are integrated into a cartridge so that it can be attached to and detached from the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body.

  In a process cartridge that can be attached to and detached from an image forming apparatus, it is required to stabilize the contact pressure of the electrical contact connector of the image forming apparatus with respect to the electrical contact portion of the process cartridge when the process cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus body. It is done. For this purpose, a backup member for urging the cartridge has been provided (Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-45857 A

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

  An object of the present invention is to further improve the stability of electrical contacts in a process cartridge having an electrical contact portion with an image forming apparatus main body.

  Another object of the present invention is to downsize the process cartridge and the image forming apparatus.

(1) A typical configuration of a cartridge according to the present invention for achieving the above object is as follows:
A cartridge detachably attached to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus having a pull-out member that can take a mounting position inside the apparatus main body and a pull-out position that is pulled out from the mounting position and can be mounted with the cartridge,
Developing means for forming a developer image using a developer;
A power receiving portion provided on one side surface in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge, for receiving a driving force for driving the developing means from the apparatus main body;
A first electrical contact provided on a side surface opposite to the side surface on which the power receiving portion is provided, for receiving power to be supplied from the apparatus main body to the developing means;
A memory for communicating with a control unit provided in the apparatus body;
A second electrical contact provided at a position closer to the first electrical contact than the power receiving portion in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge, and electrically connected to the memory;
The second electrical contact is provided on the upstream side in the mounting direction in which the cartridge is mounted on the drawer member .

(2) In addition, the typical configuration of the process unit according to the present invention for achieving the above object,
A process unit detachable from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus having a pull-out member that can take a mounting position inside the apparatus main body and a pull-out position that is pulled out from the mounting position and can be mounted with a cartridge ,
An image carrier capable of forming a developer image;
Process means acting on the image carrier;
A power receiving portion provided on one side surface of the process unit in the longitudinal direction and receiving a driving force for driving the process means from the apparatus main body;
A first electrical contact provided on a side opposite to the side on which the power receiver is provided, and electrically connecting the apparatus main body and the process means;
A memory for communicating with a control unit provided in the apparatus body;
A second electrical contact provided at a position closer to the first electrical contact than the power receiving portion in the longitudinal direction of the process unit and electrically connected to the memory;
The second electrical contact is provided on the upstream side in the mounting direction in which the process unit is mounted on the drawer member .
(3) A typical configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention for achieving the above object is as follows:
An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium,
An apparatus main body, and the process unit (2) that is attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body,
The apparatus body communicates with a first body-side electrical contact connected to the first electrical contact for supplying power to the process means included in the process unit, a control unit of the apparatus body, and the memory. And a second body-side electrical contact connected to the second electrical contact for performing.
(4) Moreover, the typical structure of the cartridge according to the present invention for achieving the above object is as follows:
A cartridge detachably attached to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus having a pull-out member that can take a mounting position inside the apparatus main body and a pull-out position that is pulled out from the mounting position and can be mounted with the cartridge,
A cylindrical member;
A power receiving portion for receiving a driving force for driving the columnar member from the apparatus body;
A memory for communicating with a control unit provided in the apparatus body;
A first electrical contact for supplying power for imaging;
A second electrical contact electrically connected to the memory;
A third electrical contact for supplying power for image formation;
A cartridge frame housing the cylindrical member;
Have
The first electrical contact, the second electrical contact, and the third electrical contact are provided on the cartridge frame,
The power receiving portion is provided on one side surface in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge frame,
The first electrical contact, the second electrical contact, and the third electrical contact are provided on a side surface opposite to a side surface on which the power receiving portion of the cartridge frame is provided,
The second electrical contact and the third electrical contact are provided at a position closer to the first electrical contact than the power receiving portion with respect to the longitudinal direction,
The first electrical contact and the third electrical contact are provided on the same side surface of the cartridge frame,
The second electrical contact is provided on the surface of a surface different from the side surface, upstream of the mounting direction in which the cartridge is mounted on the drawer member.
(5) Further, a typical configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention for achieving the above object is as follows:
An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium,
An apparatus main body, and the cartridge according to (4), which is detachable from the apparatus main body,
A control unit;
A first body-side electrical contact connected to the first electrical contact;
A second body-side electrical contact connected to the second electrical contact;
A third body-side electrical contact connected to the third electrical contact;
It is characterized by having.

  According to the present invention, in the process cartridge having the electrical contact portion with the image forming apparatus main body, the stability of the electrical contact can be further improved.

  According to the present invention, the process cartridge and the image forming apparatus can be reduced in size.

1 is an external perspective view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical left side view of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 2. 1 is an external perspective view of an image forming apparatus with an apparatus opening / closing door open. FIG. 3 is a schematic vertical left side view of the image forming apparatus in a state where the apparatus opening / closing door is opened. 2 is an external perspective view of the image forming apparatus in a state where a cartridge tray is pulled out to the outside of the apparatus main body. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic vertical left side view of the image forming apparatus in a state where the cartridge tray is pulled out to the outside of the apparatus main body. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the cartridge as viewed from the non-driving side. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the cartridge as viewed from the drive side. It is a transverse left view of a cartridge. It is an external perspective view of the cartridge tray as viewed from the drive side. It is an external perspective view of the cartridge tray as viewed from the non-driving side. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a positioning and fixing state on the non-driving side of the cartridge. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a positioning and fixing state on the drive side of the cartridge. FIG. 6 is a view showing a state where positioning and fixing on the non-driving side of the cartridge is released. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which positioning and fixing on the driving side of the cartridge is released. It is a perspective view of the board | substrate which has the cartridge electrical contact for memory. It is a disassembled perspective view of the board | substrate which has a protrusion part and cartridge electrical contact on a cartridge side. It is explanatory drawing of the positional relationship of the board | substrate which has a cartridge positioning part and a cartridge electrical contact. It is the top view of the board | substrate and protrusion part part of a cartridge side, and a bottom view of a main body pressing member. It is the figure which showed the state by which the connection of the main body electrical contact and the cartridge electrical contact was cancelled | released. It is the figure which showed the state by which the connection of the main body electrical contact and the cartridge electrical contact was cancelled | released. It is the figure which showed the state by which the connection of the main body electrical contact and the cartridge electrical contact was cancelled | released. It is explanatory drawing of the adjustment function and wiping function of a main body electrical contact which has a spring property.

[Example 1]
<< Overall Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus >>
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a color electrophotographic image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a schematic left side view of a longitudinal section, and FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is a four-color full-color laser printer using an electrophotographic process. The image forming apparatus 1 is a recording medium (for example, paper, an OHP sheet, a label, etc.) based on an electrical image signal input to a control unit (control circuit board) 2 from an external host device (not shown) such as a personal computer / image reader. ) Image formation for S is executed.

  In the following description, the front side (front side) of the image forming apparatus 1 is the side on which the apparatus opening / closing door 3 is disposed. The rear side is the opposite side. The front-rear direction is a direction from the rear side to the front side of the apparatus main body (front direction) and the opposite direction (rear direction). Left and right are left or right when the main body is viewed from the front side. The left-right direction is a direction from left to right (left direction) and the opposite direction (right direction).

  Also, one end side and the other end side in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the electrophotographic photosensitive drum are defined as a driving side and a non-driving side, respectively.

In the apparatus main body 1A of the image forming apparatus 1, a plurality of first to fourth process cartridges (cartridges, process units) PY, PM, PC, and PK that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body from the rear side to the front side. Are arranged in the horizontal direction (lateral direction) (in-line configuration, tandem type). The cartridges have the same electrophotographic process mechanism as each other except that the color of the contained developer is different.

Each cartridge of this embodiment includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum (image carrier, cylindrical member) 4, and a drum unit (first unit) provided with charging means 5 and cleaning means 7 as process means acting on the drum 4. A frame body) and a developing unit (second frame body) 6 having developing means. A charging roller is used as the charging means 5. A cleaning blade is used as the cleaning means 7. A developing roller (columnar member) 6a is used as the developing means.

  The first cartridge PY contains a yellow (Y) developer in a developing container, and the surface of the drum 4 forms a Y-color developer image. The second cartridge PM contains a magenta (M) developer in a developing container, and forms an M color developer image on the surface of the drum 4. The third cartridge PC contains a cyan (C) developer in a developing container, and forms a C-color developer image on the surface of the drum 4. The fourth cartridge PK contains a black (K) developer in a developing container, and forms a K-color developer image on the surface of the drum 4.

  A laser scanner unit 8 is disposed above the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. The scanner unit 8 outputs laser light L modulated in accordance with the image information of each color input from the external host device to the control unit 2. The laser beam L passes through an exposure window 9 provided on the upper surface of the cartridge, and scans and exposes the drum surface of each cartridge.

  An intermediate transfer belt unit 10 as a transfer member is disposed below the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. The unit 10 includes a flexible endless belt 12 as a transfer belt, and a driving roller 13, a turn roller 14, and a tension roller 15 that suspends and stretches the belt 12. The driving roller 13 and the tension roller 15 are disposed on the rear side in the apparatus main body 1A. The turn roller 14 is disposed on the front side in the apparatus book 1A.

  The lower surface of the drum 4 of each cartridge is in contact with the upper surface of the upstream belt portion of the belt 12 (primary transfer nip portion). A primary transfer roller 16 is disposed inside the belt 12 so as to face the drum 4 of each cartridge via an ascending belt portion. A secondary transfer roller 17 is brought into contact with the driving roller 14 via the belt 12.

  A feeding unit 18 is disposed below the belt unit 10. The unit 18 includes a paper tray 19, a feeding roller 20, a separation pad 21, and the like. The paper tray 19 can be freely inserted and removed from the front side of the apparatus main body (front loading).

  A fixing unit 22 and a paper discharge unit 23 are disposed on the upper rear side in the apparatus main body 1A. The upper surface of the apparatus main body 1 </ b> A is a discharge tray 24. The fixing unit 22 has a fixing film assembly 22a and a pressure roller 22b. The discharge unit 23 is a roller 23a and a roller 23b.

  Each cartridge that is mounted at the mounting position in the apparatus main body 1A is pressed from above by a cartridge pressing mechanism, which will be described later, and is held in a state where it is positioned and fixed to a positioning portion on the apparatus main body side. The drive output unit on the apparatus main body side is coupled to the drive input unit of the cartridge. Further, the power supply system on the apparatus main body side is electrically connected to the input electrical contact on the cartridge side.

  The operation for forming a full-color image is as follows. The drums 4 of the first to fourth cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are driven to rotate at a predetermined speed in the counterclockwise direction indicated by the arrow. The belt 12 is also rotationally driven at a speed corresponding to the speed of the drum 4 in the clockwise direction of the arrow (forward direction with respect to the drum rotation). The scanner unit 8 is also driven. In synchronization with this drive, the charging roller 5 uniformly charges the surface of the drum 4 to a predetermined polarity and potential at a predetermined control timing in each cartridge.

  The scanner unit 8 scans and exposes the surface of each drum 4 with a laser beam L modulated in accordance with an image signal of each color. Thereby, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image signal of the corresponding color is formed on the surface of each drum 4. The formed electrostatic latent image is developed as a developer image by the developing unit 6.

  By the electrophotographic image forming process operation as described above, a Y developer image corresponding to the yellow component of the full color image is formed on the drum 4 of the first cartridge PY. Then, the developer image is primarily transferred onto the belt 12.

  An M color developer image corresponding to the magenta component of the full color image is formed on the drum 4 of the second cartridge PM. The developer image is primary-transferred superimposed on the Y-color developer image already transferred onto the belt 12.

  A C developer image corresponding to the cyan component of the full color image is formed on the drum 4 of the third cartridge PC. The developer image is primary-transferred superimposed on the Y + M developer image already transferred onto the belt 12.

  A K-color developer image corresponding to the black component of the full-color image is formed on the drum 4 of the fourth cartridge PC, and the developer image is developed in Y color + M color + C color already transferred onto the belt 12. Superimposed on the agent image is primarily transferred.

  In this way, a four-color full-color unfixed developer image of Y color + M color + C color + K color is formed on the belt 12.

  In each cartridge, the transfer residual developer remaining on the surface of the drum 4 after the primary transfer of the developer image to the belt 12 is removed by the cleaning unit 7.

  On the other hand, the feeding roller 20 is driven at a predetermined control timing. Accordingly, the sheets S stacked on the sheet tray 19 are separated and fed by the cooperation of the roller 20 and the separation pad 21. Then, the sheet S is introduced into a nip portion (secondary transfer nip portion) between the secondary transfer roller 17 and the belt 12. Thus, the four-color superimposed developer images on the belt 12 are sequentially transferred onto the surface of the sheet S in the course of the sheet S being nipped and conveyed through the nip portion.

  The sheet S is separated from the surface of the belt 12, introduced into the fixing unit 22, and heated and pressurized at the fixing nip portion. As a result, the color developer images are mixed and fixed onto the paper. Then, the sheet S exits the fixing unit 22 and is discharged onto the tray 24 by the discharge unit 23 as a full-color image formed product.

  The secondary transfer residual developer remaining on the surface of the belt 12 after paper separation is removed by the belt cleaner 25. The belt 12 is cleaned by, for example, removing the secondary transfer residual developer electrostatically on the surface of the drum 4 at the primary transfer nip portion of the first cartridge PY and removing the developer by the cleaning means 7. 25 can be omitted.

<Cartridge replacement method>
As each of the first to fourth cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK is used for image formation, the developer stored in the developing unit 6 is consumed.

  Therefore, for example, a means (not shown) for detecting the developer remaining amount of each cartridge is provided, and the control unit 2 sets the detected remaining amount value to a preset threshold value for cartridge life warning or life warning. Let them compare. Then, for a cartridge whose detected remaining amount value is smaller than the threshold value, the display unit (not shown) displays a life warning or a life warning for the cartridge. This prompts the user to prepare a cartridge for replacement, or prompts the user to replace the cartridge to maintain the quality of the output image.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the cartridge is replaced by a front access in order to improve usability by placing the cartridge on a cartridge tray (a drawer member, a moving member that moves while supporting the cartridge). . That is, the cartridge tray is a mounting member for detachably mounting the process cartridge.

  When the cartridge tray is pulled out to the outermost side of the apparatus main body 1A, all cartridges come out of the apparatus main body 1A. Therefore, it is easy to replace the cartridge with respect to the tray.

  That is, on the front side of the image forming apparatus, an opening 26 through which the cartridge passes is provided in order to insert the cartridge into the apparatus main body and to remove the cartridge from the apparatus main body.

  And the door 3 as an apparatus opening / closing member which can move between the closed position which closes this opening 26, and the open position which opens the opening 26 is provided.

  In the present embodiment, the door 3 can be opened and closed with respect to the apparatus main body 1A around a horizontal axis (hinge axis) 27 on the door lower side. The door 3 can be raised with the hinge shaft 27 as a center and rotated in the direction to be closed with respect to the apparatus main body 1A as shown in FIGS. The opening 26 is closed by closing the door 3. Further, the door 3 can be tilted toward the front side of the apparatus main body 1A around the hinge shaft 27 and rotated to be in a state opened from the apparatus main body 1A as shown in FIGS. Thereby, the opening 26 on the front surface of the apparatus main body is largely opened. A handle 3 a is provided on the door 3.

  A pair of left and right tray holding members (moving means) having a longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction facing the inner side of the left frame (non-driving side) and the inner side of the right frame (driving side) of the main frame serving as the skeleton of the apparatus main body 1A 28L and 28R (FIG. 4) are provided. The cartridge tray 29 is held between the holding members 28L and 28R so as to be slidable horizontally in the front-rear direction. The cartridges PY / PM / PC / PK are supported by the tray 29.

  The door 3 and the holding members 28L and 28R are connected via a door link 30, and in conjunction with the opening and turning of the door 3, the holding members 28L and 28R are pulled by the door link 30 to guide the inside of the apparatus main body 1A. It moves a predetermined amount along the member (not shown) forward and upward, that is, diagonally upward. As a result, the holding members 28L and 28R are pulled out to positions where the front side portions protrude from the opening 26 to the outside of the apparatus main body by a predetermined amount, as shown in FIGS.

  In conjunction with the movement of the holding members 28L and 28R, the coupling of the drive output unit on the apparatus main body side to the drive input unit of each cartridge PY, PM, PC, PK is released (drive release). The pressing of the cartridge by the pressing mechanism that positions and fixes each cartridge is released (cartridge pressing release). Further, the positioning and fixing of the tray 29 is released. The conduction of the power supply system on the apparatus main body side with respect to the input electrical contact on each cartridge side is released (power supply release).

  Then, the tray 29 supporting the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK moves obliquely upward together with the holding members 28L and 28R, so that each cartridge rises from the positioning portion. Thereby, the lower surface of the drum 4 of each cartridge is separated from the surface of the belt 12 and is in a non-contact state (FIG. 5), and the tray 29 can be pulled out from the apparatus main body 1A.

  Therefore, the user grasps the handle portion 29a exposed from the opening 26 and slides the tray 29 substantially horizontally with respect to the holding members 28L and 28R. Then, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the tray 29 is sufficiently pulled out from the opening 26 to a predetermined pulling position outside the apparatus main body.

  As a result, the first to fourth four cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK held on the tray 29 pass through the opening 26 and are exposed to the outside of the apparatus main body 1A, and the upper surfaces of all the cartridges are opened. Is done. When the tray 29 is pulled out by a predetermined sufficient amount, a further pulling movement is prevented by a stopper portion (not shown). Further, the tray 29 is stably held by the holding members 28L and 28R in a state where the tray 29 is pulled out substantially horizontally to a predetermined pulling position.

  With this configuration, the cartridge can be replaced by front access without moving the belt 12.

The tray 29 supports the cartridges roughly so that the individual cartridges can be taken out right above. In addition, the tray 29 supports the individual cartridges by moving them downward (mounting direction) . Therefore, the used cartridge to be replaced is lifted upward from the tray 29 and removed as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. Then, a new cartridge is inserted into the tray 29 from above.

  In the present embodiment, the tray 29 stores the developer of K color, C color, M color, and Y color from the upstream side to the downstream side in the moving direction moving from the outside to the inside of the apparatus main body 1A, respectively. The cartridges PK, PC, PM, and PY are arranged and supported in this order. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the cartridge PK that consumes a large amount of developer, that is, the replacement frequency is high, is arranged on the front side. Therefore, the cartridge PK can be exposed to the outside of the apparatus main body A by slightly pulling the drawer outward. Therefore, the exchange operability of the cartridge PK can be improved.

  When the old and new cartridges are replaced with respect to the tray 29, this time, the tray 29 pulled out is slid horizontally with respect to the holding members 28L and 28R in the reverse order to the above, and the main body of the apparatus is opened from the opening 26. Push inside. This pushing-in is sufficiently performed until the tray 29 is prevented from being pushed further by a stopper portion (not shown) to return to the state shown in FIGS.

  Then, the door 3 is closed and rotated. In conjunction with the closing and turning of the door 3, the holding members 28L and 28R are pushed by the door link 30 and moved back and downward, that is, obliquely downward by a predetermined amount along the guide member (not shown) in the apparatus main body. Is done. In conjunction with the return movement of the holding members 28L and 28R, the cartridge pressing mechanism presses and each cartridge is positioned and fixed to the positioning portion on the apparatus main body side.

  Further, the drive output unit on the apparatus main body side is coupled to the drive input unit of each cartridge PY / PM / PC / PK. In addition, the power supply system on the apparatus main body side is made conductive with respect to the input electrical contacts on each cartridge side. The tray 29 is positioned and fixed. The lower surface of the drum 4 of each cartridge PY / PM / PC / PK comes into contact with the surface of the belt 12. That is, the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK are returned to the state shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in which the cartridges are mounted at the latent image forming position in the apparatus main body, and the image forming operation can be performed.

  The tray 29 supports the cartridge and can move in a substantially horizontal direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the drum 4. The tray 29 can be mounted with the cartridge mounted inside the apparatus main body and pulled out from the mounting position. It is a drawer member which can take a drawer position.

  Further, before the holding members 28L and 28R move the tray 29 to the pull-out position where the cartridge can be attached and detached, moving means for moving the tray 29 upward from the mounting position and downward toward the mounting position. It is.

  In other words, the holding members 28L and 28R are support members for supporting the tray 29, and a first position for moving the tray 29 between the pulling position and the mounting position, and the tray And a second position for positioning 29 at the latent image forming position. Then, in conjunction with the closing of the door 3, the holding members 28L and 28R move from the first position to the second position. In conjunction with the opening of the door 3, the holding members 28L and 28R move from the second position to the first position.

"cartridge"
In this embodiment, the first to fourth process cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK have the same configuration. The structure of the cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS.

  8 is a perspective view of the cartridge as viewed from the non-driving side, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the cartridge as viewed from the driving side, and FIG. 10 is a transverse right side surface of the cartridge.

  The cartridge is a horizontally long assembly in which the axial direction aa of the drum 4 is the left-right direction, and the left-right direction is the longitudinal direction. The drum unit (first frame) 31 and the developing unit (second frame) 6 It is an assembly body.

Referring to FIG. 10, the drum unit 31 includes a drum 4, a charging roller 5, and a cleaning blade 7 in a cleaning container (cleaning frame, cartridge frame, process unit frame) 31 a. The drum 4 is rotatably mounted between the left and right side plates of the container 31a via bearing portions 32L and 32R. The charging roller 5 is arranged in parallel with the drum 4 so as to be in contact with the drum 4, and is rotatably mounted between the left and right side plates of the container 31a via a bearing portion.

  The blade 7 is an elastic rubber blade whose base is fixed to the container 31a, and is disposed in contact with the drum 4 in the counter direction with respect to the drum rotation direction. The blade 7 serves to remove the transfer residual developer on the drum. The developer removed from the drum by the blade 7 is accommodated in the container 31a.

  The developing unit 6 includes a developing roller 6a, a developer applying roller 6b, and a developer regulating member (developing blade) 6c in a developing container (developing frame) 6e. And the developer (not shown) which is a developer is accommodated in the container 6e. The developing roller 6a is composed of an elastic rubber roller, and is rotatably mounted between the left and right side plates of the container 6e via a bearing portion. The developer application roller 6b is a member for applying the developer to the development roller 6a. The developer application roller 6b is arranged in parallel with the development roller 6a so as to contact the development roller 6a, and is rotatable between the left and right side plates of the container 6e via a bearing portion. Is attached.

  The developer regulating member 6c is an elastic thin plate member whose base is fixed to the container 6e. The developer regulating member 6c is in contact with the developing roller 6a in the counter direction with respect to the developing roller rotation direction downstream of the developer application roller 6b in the developing roller rotation direction. Are arranged. The developer regulating member 6c serves to regulate the developer applied to the developing roller 6a by the developer application roller 6b to a certain thickness and to impart a predetermined charge amount to the applied developer.

  A drum driving coupling (drum driving force receiving portion) 33 and a developing driving coupling (developing roller power receiving portion) 34 are disposed on the side surface on the driving side of the cartridge. Further, a driving-side holding receiving portion 35R is provided. The holding receiving portion 35R is disposed on the upper side of the cartridge. The drum drive coupling 33 is coaxially disposed on the drum 4 and receives a driving force for rotating the drum 4 from the apparatus main body in a state where the cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body.

  The developing drive coupling 34 receives a driving force for rotating the developing roller 6a and the developer applying roller 6b from the apparatus main body in a state where the cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body. The holding receiving portion 35R is a portion that is supported by the tray 29 in order to support the cartridge to the tray 29, and is disposed on the upper side of the cartridge. Further, the driving-side bearing portion 32R is used as a driving-side supported portion for positioning the cartridge by engaging with the driving-side main body positioning portion when the cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body. The supported portion 32R is below the cartridge.

  A non-driving side holding receiving portion 35L is disposed on the side surface portion of the cartridge on the non-driving side. The holding receiving portion 35L is a portion that is supported by the tray 29 in order to support the cartridge on the tray 29 in cooperation with the driving-side holding receiving portion 35R, and is disposed on the upper side of the cartridge. Further, the non-driving side bearing portion 32L serves as a non-driving side supported portion for positioning the cartridge by engaging the non-driving side main body positioning portion when the cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body. This supported portion 32L is below the cartridge.

  For the drum drive coupling 33 and the development drive coupling 34, a first drive output section (not shown) and a second drive output section (not shown) on the apparatus body side when the cartridge is mounted on the apparatus body, respectively. (Not shown) are connected. Then, the drive is transmitted from the first drive output unit to the drum drive coupling 33, whereby the drum 4 is rotationally driven at a predetermined speed in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. The charging roller 5 rotates following the rotation of the drum 4.

  Further, the drive is transmitted from the second drive output unit to the development drive coupling 34. The development drive coupling 33 has a step gear (not shown) integrally formed on the same axis and meshes in series with a drive gear (not shown) that drives the development roller 6a and the developer application roller 6b. ing. Therefore, in order to rotate the developing roller 6a and the developer application roller 6b in the clockwise direction in FIG. 10, the rotation driving in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 10 is input to the developing drive coupling 34 from the second drive output unit of the apparatus main body. Is done.

  The developer in the container 6e is applied to the developing roller 6a that is rotationally driven by the developer application roller 6b that is rotationally driven. The developer applied to the developing roller 6a is regulated to a certain thickness by the developer regulating member 6c and is given an electric charge, and the developing roller 6a rotates to a development site which is a contact portion between the developing roller 6a and the drum 4. It is conveyed and used for developing the latent image on the drum surface.

  The developer remaining on the developing roller 6a after the development is returned to the container 6e by the subsequent rotation of the developing roller 6a and removed from the developing roller 6a by the developer application roller 6b. Simultaneously with the removal of the developer, the developer is newly applied to the developing roller 6a by the developer applying roller 6b.

First to fourth cartridge electrical contacts 36 to 39 are disposed on the left side surface which is the non-driving side of the cartridge. The first electrical contact 36 (third electrical contact for supplying electric power for forming an image) is electrically connected to the charging roller 5, and a charging bias (electric power) supplied from the apparatus main body to the charging roller. ) The second electrical contact 37 (first electrical contact for receiving power supplied to the developing means) is electrically connected to the developing roller 5, and a developing bias (power) supplied from the apparatus main body to the developing roller is supplied. receive.

The third electrical contact 38 is electrically connected to the developer application roller 6b and receives an application bias supplied from the apparatus main body to the developer application roller. The fourth electrical contact 39 (third electrical contact electrically connected to the memory ) is an electrical contact having a memory, and is electrically connected to the control unit 2 on the apparatus main body side. With this connection, communication between the control unit 2 and the memory is performed.

  The first and second electrical contacts 36 and 37 are provided exposed from the left side surface of the cartridge. The third electrical contact 38 is disposed so as to be exposed at the tip of the cartridge in the direction in which the tray 29 moves from the outside to the inside of the apparatus main body. The fourth electrical contact 38 is disposed so as to be exposed on the non-driving side of the upper surface of the cartridge.

<Cartridge tray>
The tray 29 will be described with reference to FIGS. The tray 29 has a rectangular large frame portion formed by combining four frame portions 29b, 29c, 29d, and 29e on the front, rear, left, and right sides. The inside of the large frame portion is divided into four substantially equally in the front-rear direction by three partition plates 29k, and the first to fourth horizontally long small frame portions 29 (in order from the rear frame portion 29c side to the front frame portion 29b side). 1) to 29 (4) are formed.

  Each of the small frame portions 29 (1) to 29 (4) is a portion (cartridge housing space, cartridge mounting portion) for inserting and holding the first to fourth cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK. The tray 29 roughly holds the cartridges PY, PM, PC, and PK in each of the horizontally long small frames 29 (1) to 29 (4).

  In each of the small frame portions 29 (1) to 29 (4), the first drive output portion and the second drive output portion on the apparatus main body 1A side enter and exit the tray on the right frame portion (drive side) 29e. Holes 29f and 29g are provided. The left frame portion (non-driving side) 29d has first to third elasticity using spring materials that are electrically connected to first to third electrical contacts 36 to 38 of the cartridge, respectively. Intermediate electrical contacts 41 to 43 are arranged.

  Each of the intermediate electrical contacts 41 to 43 has an inner contact portion (a) located inside each of the cartridge housing spaces 29 (1) to 29 (4) and an outer contact portion (b) located outside. The inner contact portion (a) and the outer contact portion (b) are electrically connected. The inner contact portions (a) of the intermediate electrical contacts 41 to 43 can be electrically connected to the first to third electrical contacts 36 to 38 on the cartridge side, respectively. Also, the outer contact portions (b) of the intermediate electrical contacts 41 to 43 can be electrically connected to corresponding output electrical contacts (main body electrical contacts: not shown) provided on the bias substrate of the apparatus main body. is there.

  Each cartridge PY / PM / PC / PK is inserted into the corresponding cartridge housing space 29 (1) -29 (4) from above. As the cartridges are inserted, the lower surfaces of the holding receiving portions 35R and 35L on the driving side and the non-driving side are received on the upper surfaces of the left and right frame portions 29d and 29e of the tray 29. As a result, the cartridge is supported on the tray 29. That is, the tray 29 supports each cartridge so that it can be taken out directly above, and supports each cartridge by moving it downward.

Also, the first to third electrical contacts 36 to 38 on the cartridge side and the inner contact portions (a) of the intermediate electrical contacts (main body side electrical contacts) 41 to 43 on the tray 29 side are in elastic contact with each other. It is in an electrically connected state. The tray 29 is moved into the apparatus main body. When each cartridge is mounted at the latent image forming position, the outer contact portions (b) of the intermediate electrical contacts 41 to 43 on the tray 29 side correspond to the corresponding output electrical contacts provided on the bias substrate on the apparatus main body side. It will be in the state which contacted elastically and was electrically connected.

That is, the power supply system on the apparatus main body side becomes conductive via the intermediate electrical contacts 41 to 43 on the tray 29 side with respect to the first to third electrical contacts 36 to 38 of each cartridge. The intermediate electrical contacts 41 to 43 serve to supply the bias received from the output electrical contact on the apparatus main body side to the kite ridge side. The intermediate electrical contact 42 is a first body-side electrical contact with respect to the electrical contact 37, and the intermediate electrical contact 41 is a third body-side electrical contact with respect to the electrical contact 36.

<Cartridge positioning and fixing>
FIG. 13 shows a positioning and fixing state of the cartridge on the non-driving side with respect to the apparatus body. FIG. 14 shows a positioning and fixing state of the cartridge with respect to the apparatus main body on the driving side.

  When each cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, the non-driving side and driven side supported parts 32L and 32R engage with the non-driving side and driving side main body positioning parts 44L and 44R on the apparatus main body side, respectively. Thus, the apparatus main body supports the cartridge from below. That is, the cartridge is supported in the apparatus main body at at least two places in the longitudinal direction of the drum 4.

  In the present embodiment, the non-driving side and driving side main body positioning portions 44L and 44R are fixedly disposed facing the left and right sides in the apparatus main body, respectively, and a pair of left and right stays with the longitudinal direction as the longitudinal direction. V-shaped grooves formed along the length of the members 45L and 45R. A downward arc portion of the supported portion is fitted into the V-shaped groove to position the cartridge. That is, the supported parts 32L and 32R on the cartridge side have a cylindrical shape with the drum axis as the central axis, and are provided on the two arcuate surfaces that are part of the cylindrical shape and the main body positioning parts 44L and 44R. Two slopes having a substantially V-shape are engaged with each other.

  Further, when each cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, the pressed parts on the upper surfaces of the non-driving side and the driving side are moved downward, and the non-driving side and driving-side main body pressing members 46L and 46R on the apparatus main body side are lowered. Pressed. As a result, the non-driving side and driving side supported portions 32L and 32R are pressed against the non-driving side and driving side main body positioning portions 44L and 44R, respectively, and the cartridge is positioned and fixed.

  The non-driving side main body pressing members 46L corresponding to the respective cartridges are arranged along the longitudinal side on the lower surface side of the non-driving side pressing portion holding member 47L having the longitudinal direction as the longitudinal direction. Each main body pressing member 46L is held to be slidable in the vertical direction with respect to the main body pressing member 47L via an elastic member (compression coil spring) 48L for generating a pressing force.

  The drive-side main body pressing members 46R corresponding to the cartridges are also arranged along the length on the lower surface side of the drive-side pressing portion holding member 47R having the longitudinal direction as the longitudinal direction. Each main body pressing member 46R is held so as to be slidable in the vertical direction with respect to the pressing portion holding member 47R via an elastic member 48R for generating a pressing force.

  The non-driving side and driving side pressing portion holding members 47L and 47R move in parallel in the apparatus body in conjunction with the opening / closing operation of the door 3 (the operation of the door link 30) (the interlocking mechanism is omitted in the figure). ). When the door 3 is closed toward the fully closed state with respect to the apparatus main body, the pressing portion holding members 47L and 47R are pushed down via the door link 30, and the lower surfaces of the main body pressing members 46L and 46R are in the cartridge. It abuts on the pressed part on the upper surface.

  Then, the elastic members 48L and 48R are pressed and contracted between the pressing portion holding members 47L and 47R and the main body pressing members 46L and 46R by the downward movement of the pressing portion holding members 47L and 47R. The pressed portion of the cartridge is pressed by the main body pressing members 46L and 46R by the compression / reaction reaction force of the elastic members 48L and 48R. As a result, the non-driving side and driving side supported portions 32L and 32R are pressed by the non-driving side and driving side body positioning portions 44L and 44R, respectively, and the cartridge is positioned and fixed.

  When the door 3 is opened, the pressing portion holding members 47L and 47R are moved upward in parallel with the door opening operation, and the main body pressing members 46L and 46R are separated from the cartridge as shown in FIGS. The cartridge is released.

<< Relationship Between Fourth Cartridge Electrical Contact 39 and Main Body Pressing Member 46L >>
In this embodiment, the fourth cartridge electrical contact 39 (FIG. 8) disposed on the upper surface of the non-driving side of the cartridge is a memory electrical contact (second electrical contact) , as shown in FIG. A pair of contact portions 39 a and 39 b are disposed so as to be exposed on the surface of the substrate 49. A memory M is provided on the back surface of the substrate 49. The electrical contacts 39 (a · b) are electrically connected to the memory M.

  On the upper surface of the drum unit (first frame) 31 on the non-driving side, as shown in FIG. 18, a space is provided on both sides corresponding to the longitudinal dimension of the substrate 49 in the horizontal direction intersecting the axis of the drum 4. Two protrusions 50 and 50 are provided. The substrate 49 is fitted between the two protrusions 50, 50 with the surface side having the electrical contacts 39 (a, b) facing upward, the longitudinal direction being a horizontal direction intersecting the axis of the drum 4, The drum unit 31 is adhered to the upper surface.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the substrate 49 has two points a · b with respect to the V-shaped main body positioning portion 44L when the non-driving side cylindrical supported portion 32L is mounted on the apparatus main body. Are provided on a perpendicular bisector N of a line segment connecting the two points. Here, the supported portions 32L and 32R of the cartridge support the drum 4 so that the rotation center (drum axis aa) of the drum 4 is positioned on the vertical bisector N (vertical bisector). It is a bearing part.

  The non-drive-side main body pressing member 46L corresponds to a portion of the cartridge where the substrate 49 and the protrusions 50 and 50 are provided. The lower surface of the main body pressing member 46L has a substrate 49 protruding in a convex shape from the upper surface of the cartridge and a downward concave shape 46a that engages with the protrusions 50 and 50. FIG. 20 is a plan view of the cartridge-side substrate 49 and the protrusions 50 and 50, and a bottom view of the main body pressing member 46L.

  The main body electrical contact portion 51 is disposed on the bottom surface of the concave shape 46a of the main body pressing member 46L. The main body electrical contact portion 51 is disposed with a pair of contact portions (front end portions of the main body electrical contacts) 51a and 51b exposed on the surface of the substrate 52, and is electrically connected to the control unit 2 via lead wires (not shown). To contact.

  The main body pressing member 46L is engaged (fitted) with the concave shape 46a to the protrusion 49, 50 and the substrate 49, which is a convex shape on the cartridge side, when the cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body. Then, the lower surface portions 46b and 46c of the main body pressing member 46L abut against the upper surface portions 31b and 31c of the cartridge, respectively. The main body pressing member 46L presses the cartridge with the compression reaction force of the elastic member 48L.

  In the main body pressing member 46L, the lower surface portions 46b and 46c are the lower surface portions on the one side and the other side with the substrate 52 intersecting with the axial direction of the drum 4, and the lower surface portion 46b is the first pressing portion and the lower surface portion. 46c is a 2nd press part.

  Also, the upper surface portions 31b and 31c on the cartridge side pressed by the first and second pressing portions 46b and 46c are the first pressed portion and the second pressed portion. The substrate 49 having the cartridge electrical contacts 39 (a · b) and the protrusions 50 and 50 are provided between the first pressed portion 31b and the second pressed portion 31c.

  In the mounted state of the cartridge with respect to the apparatus main body, the cartridge electrical contact 39 (a · b) and the electrical contact portion 51 (a · b) on the side of the main body pressing member 46L come into contact with each other and are electrically connected. This enables communication between the control unit 2 of the apparatus main body and the memory M on the cartridge side.

  Each of the protrusions 50 and 50 of the cartridge has a first positioning portion 50a that engages with the concave shape 46a of the main body pressing member 46L to position the main body pressing member 46L in the axial direction of the drum 4. The second positioning portion 50 b that positions the main body pressing member 46 </ b> L in a direction that intersects the axial direction of the drum 4 is provided. The first positioning portion 50a and the second positioning portion 50b have a height for positioning the main body pressing member 46L before the main body electrical contact portion 51 (a · b) contacts the cartridge electric contact 39 (a · b). Have.

  When the door 3 is opened, the main body pressing member 46L moves away from the cartridge by the parallel movement of the pressing portion holding member 47L in conjunction with the door opening operation, and the pressing of the cartridge is released. Further, the connection between the main body electrical contact 51 (a · b) and the cartridge electrical contact 39 (a · b) is released.

  21 and 22 show a state in which the main body pressing member 46L is separated from the cartridge, and the connection between the main body electrical contact portion 51 (a · b) and the cartridge electrical contact 39 (a · b) is released. In FIG. 23, the main body pressing member 46L presses the cartridge, and the cartridge electrical contact 39 (a · b) and the electric contact portion 51 (a · b) on the main body pressing member 46L side come into contact with each other for electrical connection. It shows the state.

  When the arrangement position of the electrical contact between the cartridge and the apparatus main body and the arrangement position of the pressed portion of the cartridge with respect to the apparatus main body are considered, the pressing portion of the apparatus main body follows the position variation of the cartridge. By disposing the cartridge electrical contact 39 between the first pressed portion 31b and the second pressed portion 31c of the cartridge, the distance between the cartridge electrical contact 39 and the main body electrical contact portion 51 is kept constant. . Therefore, the fluctuation of the contact pressure between the cartridge electrical contact 39 and the main body electrical contact portion 51 is reduced, and the stability of the electrical contact can be ensured.

  The pressing force for pressing the cartridge is also used for the pressing force for pressing the cartridge electrical contact 39 against the main body electrical contact portion 51. Accordingly, the cartridge and the image forming apparatus can be reduced in size.

  The main body pressing member 46L has a fitting relationship with the axial direction of the drum 4 and the horizontal axial direction of the apparatus main body intersecting the axis by the electric contact position restricting portion of the cartridge. In other words, the main body pressing member 46L is configured to follow the main body electric contact portion 51 with respect to the position fluctuation of the cartridge (position fluctuation of the cartridge electric contact).

  Therefore, it is possible to reduce the displacement of the cartridge electrical contact 39 and the main body electric contact portion 51 in the shearing direction of the cartridge, and the shaving due to the rubbing of the cartridge electric contact 39 and the main body electric contact portion 51 in the shearing direction is reduced. it can. Therefore, it is possible to further ensure the stability of the electrical contact.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 24, the front end portion of the main body electrical contact portion 51 (a · b) has a spring property and has an adjusting function for the cartridge electrical contact 39 (a · b). Further, when the main body electrical contact portion 51 (the tip of the a • b comes into contact with the cartridge electrical contact 39 (a • b), the cartridge electrical contact 39 (the cartridge electrical contact 39 (a 24 is provided with a wiping function for removing foreign matter on the surface of Fig. 24 (b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion along (b)-(b) in (a), and (c) is (b). It is an enlarged view of the part enclosed with the broken line in FIG.

  As described above, by providing the cartridge electrical contact between the first pressed portion and the second pressed portion that receive a pressing force from the device main body of the cartridge, the stability of the electrical contact between the cartridge and the device main body is improved. It becomes possible to improve. Further, the process cartridge and the image forming apparatus can be downsized.

  In the above-described embodiment, the tray 29 that moves linearly in the horizontal direction with respect to the installation surface of the apparatus main body 1A has been described. However, the moving member of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be configured to move linearly upward or diagonally downward with respect to the installation surface of the apparatus main body 1A. Even in this case, it goes without saying that it has a configuration in which it moves linearly and then descends.

  1. Electrophotographic image forming apparatus (device main body), 3. Opening / closing door, P (Y, M, C, K), Process cartridge, 4. Electrophotographic photosensitive drum, 8. Scanner unit, 10..Intermediate transfer belt unit, 18..sheet feeding unit, 22..fixing unit, 28L.28R..tray holding member (moving means), 29..cartridge tray (moving member), 36 to 39..cartridge Side electrical contacts, 41 to 43 ..intermediate electrical contacts on the cartridge tray side, 46L, 46R, .main body pressing member, 51..main body electrical contacts

Claims (18)

A cartridge detachably attached to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus having a pull-out member that can take a mounting position inside the apparatus main body and a pull-out position that is pulled out from the mounting position and can be mounted with the cartridge,
Developing means for forming a developer image using a developer;
A power receiving portion provided on one side surface in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge, for receiving a driving force for driving the developing means from the apparatus main body;
A first electrical contact provided on a side surface opposite to the side surface on which the power receiving portion is provided, for receiving power to be supplied from the apparatus main body to the developing means;
A memory for communicating with a control unit provided in the apparatus body;
A second electrical contact provided at a position closer to the first electrical contact than the power receiving portion in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge, and electrically connected to the memory;
And the second electrical contact is provided on the upstream side in the mounting direction in which the cartridge is mounted on the drawer member .   The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the developing unit is a developing roller.   The cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a third electrical contact for supplying electric power for forming an image.   The first electrical contact and the third electrical contact are provided on a surface of the same surface of the cartridge frame, and the second electrical contact is provided on a surface of another surface. 3. The cartridge according to 3. The said 3rd electrical contact is provided in the downstream rather than the said 2nd electrical contact with respect to the mounting direction which mounts the said cartridge in the said drawer member, The Claim 3 or 4 characterized by the above-mentioned. cartridge. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium,
An apparatus main body, and the cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is detachable from the apparatus main body,
The apparatus main body is configured to communicate with the first main body side electric contact connected to the first electric contact for supplying electric power to the developing means, the control unit of the apparatus main body, and the memory. An image forming apparatus comprising: a second body-side electrical contact connected to the second electrical contact.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the connection between the second electrical contact and the second main body side electrical contact is released in conjunction with an operation of opening the apparatus opening / closing door. A process unit detachable from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus having a pull-out member that can take a mounting position inside the apparatus main body and a pull-out position that is pulled out from the mounting position and can be mounted with a cartridge ,
An image carrier capable of forming a developer image;
Process means acting on the image carrier;
A power receiving portion provided on one side surface of the process unit in the longitudinal direction and receiving a driving force for driving the process means from the apparatus main body;
A first electrical contact provided on a side opposite to the side on which the power receiver is provided, and electrically connecting the apparatus main body and the process means;
A memory for communicating with a control unit provided in the apparatus body;
A second electrical contact provided at a position closer to the first electrical contact than the power receiving portion in the longitudinal direction of the process unit and electrically connected to the memory;
And the second electrical contact is provided on the upstream side in the mounting direction in which the process unit is mounted on the drawer member .   9. A process unit according to claim 8, comprising a third electrical contact for supplying power for forming an image.   The first electrical contact and the third electrical contact are provided on the same surface of the process unit frame, and the second electrical contact is provided on a different surface. Item 10. The process unit according to Item 9. The said 3rd electrical contact is provided in the downstream rather than the said 2nd electrical contact with respect to the mounting direction which mounts the said process unit to the said drawer member, The Claim 9 or 10 characterized by the above-mentioned. Process units. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium,
An apparatus main body, and the process unit according to any one of claims 8 to 11 detachable from the apparatus main body,
The apparatus body has a first body side electric contacts connected to said first electrical contact for supplying power to process means the process unit has a communication between the memory and the control unit of the device body An image forming apparatus comprising: a second main body side electrical contact connected to the second electrical contact for performing.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the connection between the second electrical contact and the second main body side electrical contact is released in conjunction with an operation of opening the apparatus opening / closing door. A cartridge detachably attached to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus having a pull-out member that can take a mounting position inside the apparatus main body and a pull-out position that is pulled out from the mounting position and can be mounted with the cartridge,
A cylindrical member;
A power receiving portion for receiving a driving force for driving the columnar member from the apparatus body;
A memory for communicating with a control unit provided in the apparatus body;
A first electrical contact for supplying power for imaging;
A second electrical contact electrically connected to the memory;
A third electrical contact for supplying power for image formation;
A cartridge frame housing the cylindrical member;
Have
The first electrical contact, the second electrical contact, and the third electrical contact are provided on the cartridge frame,
The power receiving portion is provided on one side surface in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge frame,
The first electrical contact, the second electrical contact, and the third electrical contact are provided on a side surface opposite to a side surface on which the power receiving portion of the cartridge frame is provided,
The second electrical contact and the third electrical contact are provided at a position closer to the first electrical contact than the power receiving portion with respect to the longitudinal direction,
The first electrical contact and the third electrical contact are provided on the same side surface of the cartridge frame,
The second electrical contact cartridge, characterized in that the surface of the surface that is different from said side surface is provided on an upstream side with respect to the mounting direction for mounting the cartridge on the drawer member. The cartridge has a supported portion that engages with a main body positioning portion provided in the apparatus main body, and the supported portion includes the first electrical contact, the second electrical contact, and the third electrical contact. a cartridge according to claim 1 4, characterized in that provided on the side surface of said different cartridges. The cartridge according to claim 14 or 15 , wherein the cylindrical member is an electrophotographic photosensitive member or a developing roller. The cartridge according to any one of claims 14 to 16 , wherein the third electrical contact is electrically connected to a charging roller. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium,
An apparatus main body, and the cartridge according to any one of claims 14 to 17 , which is detachable from the apparatus main body,
A control unit;
A first body-side electrical contact connected to the first electrical contact;
A second body-side electrical contact connected to the second electrical contact;
A third body-side electrical contact connected to the third electrical contact;
An image forming apparatus comprising: