KR20030057279A - Process cartridge and electrophotographic image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The process cartridge includes a frame body, a substrate having a cartridge electrical contact electrically connected to the memory element, and a cartridge presser provided in the frame body. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which the process cartridge is loaded includes a main body electrical connecting means and a main body electrical contact. The cartridge pressing portion moves the main body electrical connecting means such that when the process cartridge is loaded onto the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the process cartridge moves in a direction in which the process cartridge is electrically connected with the cartridge electrical contact. The cartridge pressing portion is operated to provide a driving force for pressing the body electrical contact in a direction in which the cartridge electrical contact is electrically connected with the cartridge electrical contact. In this way, the main body electrical contacts and the cartridge electrical contacts come in contact stably and reliably.

Description

PROCESS CARTRIDGE AND ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS}

The present invention relates to a process cartridge that can be detached or attached to a body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

Examples of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus include, for example, an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrophotographic printer (for example, an LED printer, a laser printer, etc.), an electrophotographic facsimile, an electrophotographic word processor, and the like.

Further, the process cartridge including at least one of the electrophotographic and charging means, the developing means and the cleaning means is integrally formed with the cartridge as the process means to be detachably attached to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Alternatively, at least the developing means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed of a cartridge as process means and detachably attached to the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

Conventionally, in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic image forming process, an electrophotographic photosensitive member and process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally integrated as a cartridge, and such a cartridge is manufactured to be detachably attached to the main body of the image formatting apparatus. A process cartridge system is adopted which is characterized by the above-mentioned. According to this process cartridge system, the maintenance of the device can be performed by the user himself without depending on the repairman, so that the operability is particularly improved. Thus, such a process cartridge system is widely used in an image forming apparatus.

Furthermore, in this type of process cartridge system as described, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-179476, storage means such as an IC memory for storing information transferred to the image forming apparatus main body is mounted on the process cartridge, Proposes a process cartridge system wherein the process cartridge is interchanged with the apparatus main body when the process cartridge is loaded on the apparatus main body, so that the condition of the use of the process cartridge or the like is informed to the apparatus main body. In addition, the lot number of the process cartridge, the characteristics of the image forming apparatus and the characteristics of the process cartridge in the storage means mounted on the process cartridge are registered, so that the image forming apparatus and the process cartridge can be easily managed, and the image forming control is performed by the storage means. In accordance with the information registered on the image, image formation is performed under optimum conditions.

In an image forming apparatus employing such a process cartridge, as a connecting means for electrically connecting the process cartridge and a storage means mounted on the apparatus main body, a contact type and a light emitting element for connection by using a contact made of a connector or a spring material, Wireless contactless by using a light receiving element or by magnetic induction of the inductor inductance through the magnetic core is available. Among these means, contact connecting means using spring materials are generally used because of their simple construction and advantageous cost.

However, in the above-described prior art using the contact connecting means, the electrical connection between the storage means of the storage means of the process cartridge and the image forming apparatus main body is sometimes unstable as described below.

The process cartridge attached on the apparatus main body generates a movement in the rotational direction about the photosensitive drum and a motion in the thrust direction of the photosensitive drum when the device is started or stopped. In general, the contact contact pressure is fixed with driving force applied from the apparatus body to the process cartridge. For this reason, in the state where the driving force is applied or not, there is a possibility that the attitude of the process cartridge is changed, thereby making the electrical contact pressure irregular.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned outstanding problems associated with the prior art.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a process cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which the main body electrical contact and the cartridge electrical contact provided on the apparatus main body can be stably and reliably contacted with the process cartridge attached on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. To provide.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a process cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which the positional accuracy at which the cartridge electrical contact is in contact with the main body electrical contact is improved while the process cartridge is attached on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a process cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus which, when the process cartridge is attached onto the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, make contact between the main body electrical contact and the cartridge electrical contact provided on the apparatus main body stably and reliably. To provide.

Another object of the present invention is to stably and reliably contact the main body electrical contact and the cartridge electrical contact provided on the apparatus main body without being affected by the change in attitude of the process cartridge or the unevenness of the part dimensions due to the transmission of the driving force. To provide a process cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a process cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus which can prevent wear and deformation.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a process cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having improved jam process operability.

A further object of the present invention is a process cartridge having a main body electrical contact means provided to be movable and a main body electrical contact provided on the main body electrical contact means, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; Process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; A frame body; A memory element for storing information; A cartridge electrical contact in electrical connection with the memory element and in electrical connection with the body electrical contact when the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus body; A substrate provided on the frame and having a memory element and a cartridge electrical contact; It is provided in the frame body and causes the main body electrical contact means to move so that when the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus main body, the main body electrical contact moves in a direction in which the main body electrical contact is electrically connected with the cartridge electrical contact, and the main body electrical contact and the cartridge electrical contact are electrically It provides a process cartridge characterized by having a cartridge pressurizing portion for providing a pressing force for pressing the main body electrical contact in a direction in which the main body electrical contact is electrically connected to the cartridge electrical contact after being connected.

Still another object of the present invention is a process cartridge detachable from an image forming apparatus having a main body electrical contact means provided to be movable and a main body electrical contact provided in the main body electrical contact means, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; Process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; A frame body; A memory element for storing information; A cartridge electrical contact in electrical connection with the memory element and in electrical connection with the body electrical contact when the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus body; A substrate provided on the frame body, the substrate having a memory element and a cartridge electrical contact and provided on the upper surface side of the frame body when the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus body; Is provided on the frame, provided in the frame, which causes the main body electrical connecting means to move so that when the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus main body, the main body electrical contact moves in a direction in which the main body electrical contact is electrically connected with the cartridge electrical contact. And a pressing force for pressing the main body electrical contact in the direction in which the main body electrical contact is electrically connected with the cartridge electrical contact after the cartridge electrical contact is electrically connected to the upper end of the frame in the attaching direction of the process cartridge when the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus main body. A cartridge pressing portion provided on the top; When the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus body, it engages with the body guide provided on the body connecting means and performs the positioning of the body electrical connecting means in a direction intersecting with the attachment direction of the process cartridge, and the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus body. It is to provide a process cartridge characterized in that it has a cartridge guide portion provided on the frame body, which is provided by projecting on the upper surface side of the frame body.

A further object of the present invention is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge is detachable and forms an image on a recording medium, comprising: (i) main body electrical connecting means provided to be movable; (Ii) a main body electrical contact provided on the main body electrical connecting means; (Iii) an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a frame body, a memory element for storing information, a memory cartridge electrically connected with the memory element, and a process cartridge attached to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus A cartridge electrical contact which is electrically connected to the main body electrical contact, the substrate provided on the frame and having the memory element and the cartridge electrical contact; A pressurizing portion for causing the main body electrical contact means to move in a direction of making electrical contact with the contact, and providing a pressing force for urging the main body electrical contact in the direction of electrical contact with the cartridge electrical contact after the main body electrical contact and the cartridge electrical contact are electrically connected. Having process cartridge removed Mounting means for mounting and; (Iii) An electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising a conveying means for conveying a recording medium.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge is detachable and forms an image on a recording medium, wherein (i) the cartridge is electroplated when the process cartridge is attached on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus. A main body electrical contact for electrical connection with the contact; (Ii) a first movable member rotatably provided in the apparatus main body; (Iii) a first spring member provided between the first movable member and the apparatus main body, the first spring member biasing the first movable member in a direction in which the main body electrical contact is separated from the cartridge electrical contact; (Iii) a second movable member rotatably provided at the first movable member and supporting the main body electrical contact; (Iii) a second spring member provided between the first movable member and the second movable member, the second spring member biasing the second movable member in a direction in which the main body electrical contact is electrically connected with the cartridge electrical contact; (Iii) rotatably attached to the process cartridge, wherein the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, the process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, the frame body, the memory element for storing information, and the process cartridge are electrophotographic; A cartridge electrical contact electrically connected to a memory element for electrically connecting the main body electrical contact when attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus, a substrate provided on the frame and having a memory element and a cartridge electrical contact, and provided on the frame The main body electrical contact means to move the main body electrical contact in the direction of the electrical contact with the cartridge electrical contact when the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus main body, and after the main body electrical contact and the cartridge electrical contact are electrically connected In the direction of electrical contact with the cartridge electrical contacts. Stacking means having a cartridge pressurizing portion for providing a pressing force to pressurize with; (Iii) An electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising a conveying means for conveying a recording medium.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a main body electrical connecting means provided to be movable, a main body electrical contact provided on the main body electrical connecting means, and a main body guide provided on the main body electrical connecting means. A removable process cartridge, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; Process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; A frame body; A memory element for storing information; A cartridge electrical contact electrically connected to the memory element and electrically connected to the main body electrical contact when the process cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body; A substrate provided on the frame and having a memory element and a cartridge electrical contact; It is provided by protruding from the frame body, and when the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus main body, it is engaged with the main body guide portion and orients the main body electrical contact means in a direction crossing the loading direction of the process cartridge, and the main body electrical contact is electrically connected with the cartridge electrical contact. A cartridge guide portion abutting against the main body electrical contact means such that the main body electrical contact is guided to the cartridge electrical contact in the direction of the main body; It is provided on the frame and moves the main body electrical contact means so that when the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus main body, the main body electrical contact means moves in the direction in which the main body electrical contact is electrically connected with the cartridge electrical contact. Pressing force to press the main body electrical contact means so that the main body electrical contact means is guided along the cartridge guide when it touches, and pressurizes the main body electrical contact in the direction of electrical contact with the cartridge electrical contact after the main body electrical contact and the cartridge electrical contact are electrically connected. It is to provide a process cartridge, characterized in that it has a cartridge pressurizing portion for providing.

A further object of the present invention is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge is detachable and forms an image on a recording medium, comprising: (i) main body connecting means provided to be movable; (Ii) a main body electrical contact provided on the main body electrical connecting means; (Iii) a main body guide portion provided on the main body electrical connection means; (Iii) a process cartridge detachably provided with a process cartridge, the process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a frame, a memory element for storing information, and a process cartridge electrically connected with the memory element A cartridge electrical contact, which is electrically connected to the main body electrical contact when attached on the apparatus main body, a substrate provided on the frame body and having a memory element and a cartridge electrical contact, protruding from the frame body, wherein the process cartridge forms an electrophotographic image. When attached on the body of the device, it engages with the body guide and orients the body electrical contact means in a direction intersecting with the attachment direction of the process cartridge and the body electrical contact is in the direction in which the body electrical contact is electrically connected with the cartridge electrical contact. Before the main unit to be guided to A cartridge guide portion abutting against the connecting means, the main body electrical connecting means being provided on the frame body so that the main body electrical contact moves in a direction in which the main body electrical contact is electrically connected to the cartridge electrical contact when the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus main body. The main body electrical contact means is urged so that the main body electrical contact means is guided along the cartridge guide when the electrical contact means abuts against the cartridge guide, and the main body electrical contact is connected to the cartridge electrical contact after the main body electrical contact and the cartridge electrical contact are electrically connected. Attachment means having a pressurizing portion for providing a pressing force to pressurize in a direction in which the electrical connection is made; (Iii) An electrophotographic image forming apparatus comprising a conveying means for conveying a recording medium.

1 is a schematic block diagram showing the construction of a first embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged block diagram showing components of the first embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a sectional view of the process cartridge of the first embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 4 is an external perspective view of the process cartridge of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the cartridge loading zone of the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the force exerted by a cartridge in the cartridge loading area of the first embodiment of the present invention;

7A and 7B are views showing the electrical connection means in the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the whole, and FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a contact holder of the electrical connection means.

Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, showing a state in which a process cartridge is not loaded.

Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, showing a state in which a process cartridge is loaded.

Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, showing a state in which a process cartridge is not loaded.

Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, showing a state in which a process cartridge is loaded.

Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, showing a state in which a process cartridge is not loaded.

Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, showing a state in which a process cartridge is loaded.

Figure 14 is a perspective view showing electrical connection means of the fourth embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 15 is an external perspective view of the process cartridge of the fourth embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 16 is a block diagram showing a fifth embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

Fig. 17 is a block diagram showing a fifth embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, showing a state where a process cartridge is loaded.

18A and 18B are views showing the electrical connection means of the fifth embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, and Fig. 18A is a perspective view of the electrical connection means with the contact holder separated from the holder holding portion, and Fig. 18B is a contact point. Perspective view of the electrical connection means with the holder absorbably held from the holder holding portion.

Figure 19 is an external perspective view of the process cartridge of the fifth embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

Fig. 20 is a schematic sectional view showing the construction of the sixth embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

Fig. 21A is a perspective view showing the form of the area where the storage means of the process cartridge is attached in the sixth embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, and Fig. 21B is a perspective view showing the state in which the storage means is mounted on the process cartridge.

Figure 22 is a perspective view showing the form of another zone in which the storage means of the process cartridge is mounted in the sixth embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 23A is a perspective view of the electrical connection means of the sixth embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, and Figure 23B is a perspective view of the electrical connection means shown by broken lines cut along dashed lines 23b-23b in Figure 23A.

Figure 24 is a schematic perspective view for explaining the connection operation of the contact portion of the electrical connection means and the storage means of the sixth embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 25 is a schematic diagram for explaining the connection operation of the contact portion of the electrical connection means and the storage means of the sixth embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 26 is a schematic diagram for explaining the connection operation of the contact portion of the electrical connection means and the storage means of the sixth embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 27 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a connecting means is shunted before loading a process cartridge on the apparatus main body in the seventh embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 28 is a partial cross sectional view showing the coupling relationship between the contact holder and the holder arm of the connecting means in the eighth embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

A: image forming apparatus B: process cartridge

12: cartridge frame 20: storage means

31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 131: electrical connection means

32, 42, 52: rotating arm 33, 43, 62, 72: contact holder

45, 58: spring 101: optical system

102: recording medium 104: transfer roller

107: photosensitive drum 108: charging roller

110: developer 120: storage means

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Example 1)

A process cartridge constructed in accordance with the present invention, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus detachable from the process cartridge, and then the storage means as a main board of the process cartridge and the electrical connection means on the apparatus main body side will be described with reference to Figs. Let's do it. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, an electrophotographic laser beam printer will be described with an example.

The image forming apparatus A as shown in Fig. 1 is applied to a photoconductor drum by irradiating a laser beam image based on image information on a cylindrical electrophotographic photosensitive member 7 (hereinafter simply a photoconductor drum) from an optical system (scanner). A latent image is formed on the image, and the latent image is developed into a developer image by using a developer.

Simultaneously with the formation of the developer image, the recording medium 2 such as a recording paper, an OHP sheet, a fabric, or the like is conveyed from the recording medium cassette 3a by a pickup roller 3b, a pair of conveying rollers 3c, and the like. In the image forming portion constituting the cartridge as the process cartridge B, a voltage is applied to the developer image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 on the transfer roller 4 so that the image is transferred onto the recording medium 2. . The recording medium 2 to which the developer image has been transferred is guided by the guide plate 3d and conveyed to the fixing means 5. The fixing means 5 comprises a fixing roller 5c in which the driving roller 5a and the heater 5c are incorporated, and fixes the developer image by applying heat and pressure onto the recording medium 2 passing therethrough. . The recording medium 2 on which the developer image is fixed is conveyed through the reverse conveyance path and discharged to the discharge tray 6 outside of the apparatus through the pair of discharge rollers 3e.

The process cartridge B comprises a photosensitive drum 7 and at least one process means. Here, as process means, for example, charging means 8 for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member, developing means 10, 10a, 10b ... for developing a latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, electrophotographic photosensitive member, or the like Cleaning means (11, 11a, 11b) for washing the developer remaining on the surface are available (see Fig. 3).

The process cartridge B of this embodiment is constructed as shown in FIG. The photosensitive drum 7 in which the photosensitive layer is formed on the outer circumferential surface is rotated, and its surface is uniformly charged by the charging roller 8 as the charging means. As a result, the image information light from the optical system 1 is exposed on the photosensitive drum 7 through the exposure opening 9 provided on the process cartridge B to form a latent image. The latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 is developed by using a developer by the developing means 10, 10a, 10b.

The developing means (10, 10a, 10b) conveys the developer in the developer storage portion (10a) by the developer carrying portion (10b), so that a fixed magnet is attached onto the built-in developing roller (10). do. A developer layer provided with the triboelectric charge by the developing blade 10c is formed on the surface of the developing roller 10. The developer is transferred onto the photosensitive drum 7 according to the latent image so that a developer image is formed and visualized.

A voltage having a polarity opposite to the developer image is applied on the transfer roller 4 provided on the apparatus main body, and the developer image is transferred onto the recording medium 2. Then, the developer remaining on the photosensitive drum 7 is peeled off by the washing blade 11, and the peeled developer is collected in the removed developer collector 11a.

Note that the above-described photosensitive drum 7 and the process means 8, 10, 11 ... are stored and retained in the cartridge frame 12. The cartridge frame 12 includes a developer storage frame 12a for forming a developer storage portion 10a for storing the developer, and a developing device frame 12b for holding the developing roller 10 and the like. And a cleaning frame body 12c for holding the photosensitive drum 7 and the cleaning means and for forming the developer collector 11a. In addition, the developer storage frame 12a and the developing device frame 12b are joined by welding or the like, which is swingably coupled to the cleaning frame 12c, thereby forming the process cartridge B. As shown in FIG.

The process cartridge B is detachably attached on the cartridge attaching means provided on the apparatus main body A (see Figs. 1, 5 and 6). The cartridge attaching means is provided on the accessible area by opening the cartridge cover (openable and openable) 14 which can be opened and closed about the shaft 14a with respect to the casing of the apparatus A (see Figs. 1 and 2). In Fig. 5 showing the cartridge loading area in a perspective view with the cartridge cover 14 open, the cartridge loading guide member 15 is provided with both left and right wall surfaces 15d, 15e (other wall surfaces 15e) of the cartridge loading area. (Not shown) so that it is mounted (Fig. 5 shows only one side). The left and right stacking guide members 15 are continuously formed on the guides 15a and 15c for guiding when the process cartridge B is inserted and on the guides 15a, respectively, for positioning the process cartridge B. A stereotactic part 15b is included. The guide portion 15c is disposed by bending downward near the cartridge abutment portion 15b.

The guide 15a guides the boss 12c1 (see Fig. 4) which is formed on the cleaning frame 12c of the cartridge frame 12 of the process cartridge and protrudes to both outer sides in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the guide portion 15c projects a slender-shaped longitudinal guide portion 12c2 (see FIG. 4) which is similarly provided by projecting outward above the boss 12c1 of the cartridge frame body 12. To guide. The cartridge positioning portion 15b, which is continuous to the guide portion 15a, meshes with the boss 12c1 of the cartridge frame 12, and positions the device body of the process cartridge B. As shown in FIG.

When the process cartridge B is attached on the cartridge attachment means formed as described above, the cartridge cover 14 is opened and the longitudinal guides 12c2 of the boss 12c1 and the cartridge frame body 12 are guides, respectively. It is inserted along the 15a and the guide part 15c. The cartridge frame 12 is guided by the guides 15a and 15c, and the boss 12c1 of the cartridge frame 12 is fitted to the cartridge positioning portion 15b so as to be positioned. Note that, at this time, the longitudinal guide portion 12c2 of the cartridge frame body 12 is located in a state separated from the guide portion 15c. In this way, the process cartridge B is located on the apparatus main body A (see Fig. 6). By closing the cartridge cover 14, the process cartridge B is loaded onto the apparatus main body A. FIG.

When the process cartridge B is attached on the cartridge stacking means in this manner as shown in Fig. 6, the spiral gear G2 provided on the end of the photosensitive drum 7 held by the cartridge gear B Meshes with a spiral gear G1 provided on the apparatus main body A; Then, when the spiral gear G1 rotates (clockwise in FIG. 6), the photosensitive drum 7 rotates through the spiral gear G2. In this way, the driving force of the apparatus main body A is transmitted to the process cartridge B. FIG.

At this time, while the bosses 12c1 provided on both sides on the same axis as the photosensitive drum 7 are centered, a force for rotating the process cartridge B in a clockwise direction similar to the rotational direction of the photosensitive drum 7 Act on the process cartridge (B). The contact recess 12c6 (see FIGS. 4 and 6) provided on the upper surface of the cleaning frame body 12c is a rigidly fixed portion 100 (see FIG. 6) provided on the apparatus body A. A). In this way, the position of the cleaning frame body 12c of the process cartridge B of the apparatus main body A is set.

Further, in the longitudinal direction (direction orthogonal to Fig. 6) of the process cartridge B, the spiral gear G1 provided with thrust on the apparatus main body A and the spiral gear G2 at the end of the photosensitive drum 7 are provided. Act in between. Thus, a force acting to move the process cartridge B in the pushing direction (the pushing direction of the photosensitive drum 7) acts. That is, in Fig. 5, the force acts in the direction of advancing toward one wall surface 15d of the process cartridge B. As shown in Figs. In this way, when there is a slight gap between the side of the cartridge frame body 12 of the process cartridge B and the apparatus main body A, if the driving force acts on the process cartridge B, As a result, the process cartridge B moves slightly in the thrust direction until the boss 12c1 abuts against the wall surface 15d. In addition, on the contrary, when the state in which the driving force is applied on the cartridge B changes to the state in which the driving force is not applied, the force applied on each of the abutting portions does not work, and the process cartridge B is removed from the abutting portion. Move in the direction of separation. In this way, the position and posture of the process cartridge B depend on the operating time and the stopping time of the apparatus main body A, and each time the apparatus main body A performs the driving and stopping operation, the process cartridge B ) Will move.

The above-described boss 12c1 is provided by projecting outward from both sides (of the washing frame body 12c) of the cartridge frame body 12 on the same axis as the axis of the photosensitive drum 7. Such a protruding member may be a member in which a drum shaft portion for supporting the photosensitive drum 7 on the cartridge frame 12 (washing frame 12c) is projected outward or the cartridge frame 12 (or the cleaning frame) ( A part of 12c)) may be an outwardly protruding member.

In the above description of the drive, the driving force transmission means to the process cartridge has been described as a spiral gear, but the same action is performed when the driving force is transmitted from the apparatus main body to the process cartridge by using the engaging mechanism.

Next, the storage means loaded on the process cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

The storage means (memory means) 20 is provided on the outer surface of the cartridge frame 12 of the process cartridge B. As shown in FIG. In particular, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the storage means is mounted on the upper surface of the cartridge frame body 12 (washing frame body 12c). This storage means 20 has a memory chip 20a such as RAM, ROM, and the like, and contact portions 21a and 21b on both sides of the substrate 22, specifically, as clearly shown in FIG. In addition, information required in advance (for example, the use state such as the number of lots of the process cartridge, the initial value and the process state, the characteristics of the image forming apparatus, the characteristics of the process means, etc.) is input to the memory chip 20a. When the process cartridge B has been loaded on the apparatus main body A, the information is exchanged with the apparatus main body side, so that a condition such as the use condition of the process cartridge is notified to the control board of the apparatus main body A, which is an image forming operation. It is useful for displaying the status of a process cartridge to an operator. In addition, since the memory chip 20a can be written even while in use, writing can be performed at any time if necessary.

The contacts 21a and 21b are provided for the purpose of connecting with the electrical contacts on the side of the apparatus main body to perform writing on the memory chip 20a, and a gold plated bronze plate is mounted on the substrate 22.

In addition, a guide pin 23 adjacent to the storage means 20 is provided on the upper surface of the cartridge frame 12 of the process cartridge B (see Fig. 4). When the process cartridge B is attached on the apparatus main body A, the guide pin 23 is connected to the electrical connection means to determine the position of the thrust direction of the electrical connection means 30 to be described later on the apparatus main body side. It is arranged in a position to engage with the guide rib 36 of (31).

Next, the structure of the electrical connection means provided in the apparatus main body side is demonstrated with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electrical connection means 31 is disposed at a position opposite to the storage means 20 when the process cartridge B is attached on the apparatus main body A. As shown in FIG. As shown in Figs. 7A and 7B, the electrical connecting means 31 is constituted by the rotary arm 32, which is the first movable member, formed in a substantially L shape, and the contact holder 33, which is the second movable member. The rotating arm 32 is formed almost in an L shape by the main body portion 32a which holds the contact holder 33 and the downwardly protruding downward projection 32b so as to be movable in parallel, and the process cartridge B has been attached. At the time of contact with the upper end portion 12c3, which is the pressing member of the cartridge frame body 12, is in contact with the connecting means. Moreover, the lateral side of the main-body part 32a of the rotating arm 32 is integrally provided with the guide part 32c in which the pair of guide ribs 36 were formed on the lower side. This pair of guide ribs 36 is for guiding and positioning guide pins (engagements) provided on the process cartridge B. The direction in which the guide pin 23 travels is open so that the guide pin 23 can be reliably guided. The rotating arm 32 is axially (thrust direction) by the shaft member 18a supported axially by the bearing member 18 provided on the frame portion 17 of the apparatus main body A at the L-shaped bent portion. Is rotatably supported, and is slidably movable.

In addition, the contact holder 33 held on the main body portion 32a of the rotating arm 32 is pressed by a gold plated boss (not shown) on the leaf spring member made of phosphor bronze, as shown in Fig. 7B. As a result, they are embedded in the electrical contact portions 34a, 34b. In addition, the outer side portions of the electrical contact portions 34a and 34b are formed by the convex portions 33a and 33b. The electrical contact portions 34a and 34b are connected to the control board 30 through lead wires (not shown). When the contact holder 33 is in contact with the storage means 20, the electrical contact portions 34a and 34b are brought into contact with the storage means contact portions 21a and 21b. The protrusions 33a and 33b are configured to abut against the upper surface portion of the cleaning frame body 12c. The bosses 33c and 33d (see FIG. 7A) formed on the upper surface of the contact holder 33 are slidably fitted into the holes provided on the main body portion 32a of the rotating arm 32. Thus, the contact holder 33 is mounted so as to be movable in parallel to the direction indicated by the arrow a with respect to the main body portion 32a. A spring 35 is disposed between the contact holder 33 and the body portion 32a, which tensions the contact holder 33 in the protruding direction indicated by arrow a.

As described above, in the curved portion of the L-shaped rotating arm 32, the electrical connecting means 31 is an axial member supported axially by a bearing member provided on the frame portion 17 of the apparatus main body A. As shown in FIG. It is supported by 18 to be slidably rotatable in the axial direction (thrust direction). In this way, the electrical connection means 31 can rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow b, and can also rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow c. In addition, the rotary arm 32 is tensioned in the counterclockwise direction about the shaft portion 18a by the spring 38 (see Figs. 1 and 2).

Next, the connection structure between the storage means 20 at the time of loading a process cartridge and the electrical connection means 31 of the apparatus main body is demonstrated.

If the process cartridge B is not mounted on the apparatus main body A, as shown in Fig. 2, the rotary arm 32 of the electrical connecting means 31 has a spring 38 about the shaft member 18a. It is biased in the counterclockwise direction by the tension of and is stopped. In this way, the contact holder 33 and the electrical contact portions 34a, 34b held by the main body portion 32a of the rotating arm 32 are held in an empty state on the upper portion of the frame portion 17.

When the process cartridge B is attached on the cartridge attachment area of the apparatus main body A and the process cartridge B is inserted, the upper end 12c3 of the cartridge frame 12 (the washing frame body 12c) is rotated by the arm. Abutting against the lower protrusion part 32b of (32). The downward projection 32b is pressed clockwise upon further insertion of the process cartridge B, so that the rotary arm 32 of the electrical connecting means 31 rotates clockwise while opposing the tension of the spring 38. When the process cartridge B is loaded on the predetermined cartridge loading area, the rotary arm 32 of the electrical connecting means 31 stops at the position shown in FIG.

At the time of rotation of the rotary arm 32 of the electrical connection means 31, the contact holder 33 held by the main body portion 32a of the rotary arm 32 simultaneously moves in the clockwise direction. The electrical contact portions 34a, 34b constituting the spring member of the contact with the storage means contact portions 21a, 21b of the process cartridge (B). Convex portions 33a and 33b formed on the contact holder 33 abut the upper surface portion of the cleaning frame body 12c. In this way, the contact holder 33 is stopped at the position shown in FIG. Here, the elastic force of the spring 35 to apply tension in the direction in which the contact holder 33 protrudes downward in the drawing is largely set by the sum of the elastic forces of the electrical contact portions 34a and 34b. Thus, the convex portions 33a and 33b of the contact holder 33 abut against the cleaning frame body 12c by the elastic force of the spring 35. In this way, since the convex portions 33a and 33b of the contact holder 33 directly contact the washing frame body 12c, there is almost no positional shift due to the normal component difference, and the electrical contact portions 34a, Precise positional accuracy of 34b) and storage means contacts 21a and 21b can be obtained. When the electrical contact portions 34a and 34b come into contact with the storage means contact portions 21a and 21b, the process cartridge B is attached on the apparatus main body A or the process cartridge B is attached to the apparatus main body (A). After being attached on A).

In addition, at the time of loading the process cartridge B, the guide pin 23 provided adjacent to the storage means 20 of the process cartridge B is disposed of the guide rib 36 of the guide portion 32c so as to be finally positioned. Guided by a pair. At this time, since the contact holder 33 is movable in the longitudinal direction (direction indicated by the arrow c) together with the rotary arm 32, the contact holder 33 moves along the process cartridge B. As shown in FIG. For this reason, also in the longitudinal direction (the direction indicated by the arrow c), the electrical contact portions 34a and 34b and the storage means contact portions 23a and 23b can be precisely positioned.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in a state where the process cartridge B is not attached on the apparatus main body A, similarly to when the cartridge cover 14 is opened and the process cartridge B is removed, The electrical contact portions 34a, 34b of the electrical connection means 31 on the apparatus main body side are in a state of being deviated from the upper portion of the frame portion 17 of the apparatus main body A, and thus cannot be touched by the user. For this reason, the operability when the user needs to approach the inside of the apparatus main body A due to a jam process or the like can be improved, and at the same time, problems with the electrical contact portions 34a and 34b due to static electricity accompanying the user are caused. There is nothing to cause. In addition, the electrical contact portions 34a and 34b can be prevented from being deformed due to the jam process or the like.

Further, when the process cartridge B is attached on the apparatus main body A and a driving force is applied to the apparatus main body so that the process cartridge B (cartridge frame body 12) moves, the contact holder 33 is the cartridge frame body. It moves along both the rotation direction of the 12 direction, and a longitudinal direction. Thus, stable contact pressure and positional accuracy can always be obtained regardless of whether or not a driving force is applied to the apparatus main body. In addition, since the contact holder 33 and the cartridge frame 12 directly contact each other, accurate positional accuracy of the electrical contact portions 34a and 34b and the storage means contact portions 21a and 21b can be obtained. .

By configuring the electrical connection means of the apparatus main body A as described above, the electrical connection between the storage means 20 of the process cartridge B and the apparatus main body A can be stabilized.

(2nd Example)

Next, a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the electrical connection means on the side of the apparatus main body in electrical connection with the storage means. Here, only different points from the first embodiment will be described, and other points will be omitted. The same members as in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference symbols.

As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the electrical connecting means 41 in this embodiment has a rotary arm 42, which is a first movable member formed in a substantially L-shape, and a contact holder 43, which is a second movable member. It is configured by The electrical connection means 41 is disposed at a position opposite to the storage means 20 when the process cartridge B is loaded on the apparatus main body A (see Fig. 9).

The rotary arm 42 is formed almost in an L shape by the main body portion 42a holding the contact holder 43 in a swinging manner and the downward protrusion portion 42b protruding downward, and at the time of loading the process cartridge B It is arranged to abut against the upper end of the cartridge frame 12. In addition, the lateral side surface of the main body portion 42a of the rotary arm 42 is provided integrally with the guide portion similarly to the first embodiment, although not shown, and guide pins 23 are guided on the bottom side surface thereof. And a pair of guide ribs for fitting. The rotary arm 42 is axially (thrust direction) by the shaft member 18a supported axially by the bearing member 18 provided on the frame part of the apparatus main body A at its L-shaped bent portion. It is rotatably supported and slidably.

Further, the contact holder 43 is rotatably supported in the direction indicated by the arrow d while the rotating shaft 43p is substantially the center of the L-shaped rotating arm 42, and the rotating arm 42 and the contact holder ( It is biased in the clockwise direction in FIG. 8 by a spring 45 disposed between 43. On the lower surface of the contact holder 43, electrical contact portions 44a and 44b are embedded and formed by an interference fit, which is treated with gold plating on a leaf spring member made of phosphor bronze, and by a lead wire (not shown). It is connected to the control board 30. Further, convex portions (not shown) are formed on the outer side portions of the electrical contact portions 44a and 44b similarly to the first embodiment. Therefore, when the contact holder 43 is in contact with the storage means 20, the electrical contact portions 44a, 44b are in contact with the storage means contact portions 21a, 21b, and the convex portions (not shown) are cartridge frame bodies. It is comprised so that it may abut against the upper surface of 12 (washing frame body 12c).

As described above, at the bent portion of the substantially L-shaped rotating arm 42, the electrical connecting means 41 is an axial member 18a supported axially by the bearing member 18 of the frame portion 17 of the apparatus main body. It is arranged so as to be rotatable in the axial direction (thrust direction) by a). In addition, the rotary arm 42 is biased counterclockwise about the shaft member by a spring 40 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) disposed between the apparatus body and the rotary arm 42.

Next, the connection structure between the electrical connection means 41 and the storage means 20 on the apparatus main body side A will be described.

If the process cartridge B is not attached to the apparatus main body A as shown in Fig. 8, the rotating arm 42 of the electrical connecting means 41 is tensioned in the counterclockwise direction about the shaft member 18a. It stops at the authorized position. In this way, the electrical contact portions 44a and 44b held by the contact holder 43 and the main body portion 42a of the rotary arm 42 are held in an empty state on the upper portion of the frame portion 17.

When the process cartridge B is attached, the upper end portion 12c3 serving as the cartridge pressurization portion of the cleaning frame body 12c of the process cartridge B abuts against the lower protrusion 42b of the rotary arm 42. The downward protrusion 42b is pressed clockwise in accordance with the further insertion of the process cartridge B, so that the rotary arm 42 of the electrical connecting means 41 rotates clockwise against the biasing force of the spring 48. . When the process cartridge B is loaded on the predetermined loading area, the rotary arm 42 of the electrical connecting means 41 stops at the position shown in FIG. At the time of rotation of the rotary arm 42 of the electrical connecting means 41, the contact holder 43 held by the main body portion 42a of the rotary arm 42 rotates clockwise at the same time. The electrical contact portions 44a and 44b constituting the spring member of the contact holder 43 come into contact with the storage means contact portions 21a and 21b of the process cartridge B, and the convex portions formed on the contact holder 43 are provided. (Not shown) abuts against the upper surface portion of the cleaning frame body 12c similarly to the embodiment described above. Here, the elastic force of the spring 45 for tensioning the contact holder 43 in the protruding direction in the direction of the arrow d is set largely by the sum of the elastic forces of the electrical contact portions 44a and 44b. Thus, the convex portion of the contact holder 33 abuts against the cleaning frame body 12c by the elastic force of the spring 45. In this way, since the convex portion of the contact holder 33 directly contacts the cleaning frame body 12c, there is almost no positional shift due to the normal component difference, and the electrical contact portions 44a and 44b and the storage means contact are made. Precise positional accuracy of (21a, 21b) can be obtained. When the electrical contact portions 44a and 44b come into contact with the storage means contact portions 21a and 21b, the process cartridge B is attached on the apparatus body A or the process cartridge B is the apparatus body A. After being loaded onto the bed.

Further, with respect to the longitudinal position of the electrical connecting means at the time of loading the process cartridge B, like the first embodiment, the electrical connecting means can be precisely positioned while moving along the process cartridge B. As shown in FIG.

As described above, in the present embodiment, also in a state where the process cartridge B is not attached on the apparatus body A, similarly to when the cartridge cover 14 is opened and the process cartridge B is removed. The electrical contact portions 34a and 34b on the apparatus main body side are in a state of being deviated from the upper part of the frame portion 17 of the apparatus main body A, and thus cannot be touched by the user. For this reason, the operability can be improved when the user needs to approach the inside of the apparatus main body A due to a jam process or the like, and at the same time, there is a problem with the electrical contact portions 44a and 44b due to the static electricity accompanying the user. Will not cause

In addition, when the process cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body A and a driving force is applied to the apparatus main body A, and the process cartridge B (cartridge frame body 12) moves, the contact holder 43 moves to the cartridge frame body. It moves along both the rotation direction of the 12 direction, and a longitudinal direction. Thus, stable contact pressure and positional accuracy can always be obtained regardless of whether or not a driving force is applied to the apparatus main body. Further, since the contact holder 43 and the cartridge frame body 12c directly contact each other, accurate positional accuracy of the electrical contact portions 44a and 44b and the storage means contacts 21a and 21b can be obtained.

By configuring the electrical connection means of the process cartridge and the apparatus body as described above, the electrical connection between the storage means 20 and the apparatus body can be stabilized.

(Third Embodiment)

Next, a third embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. This embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in the configuration of the electrical connection means of the apparatus main body in electrical connection with the storage means. Here, only points that are different from the first and second embodiments will be described, and other points will be omitted.

The same members as in the first and second embodiments will be described with the same reference symbols.

The electrical connecting means 51 of this embodiment is disposed at a position opposite to the storage means 20 when the process cartridge B is attached on the apparatus main body A as shown in Figs. The electrical connecting means 51 has a substantially L-shaped rotating arm 52, which is formed by the main body portion 52a, in which the electrical treatment is performed with gold plating on the phosphor bronze spring material. The contact portions 54a and 54b are built in, and the downwardly projecting portion 52b protruding downwardly abuts against the upper end portion 12c3 which becomes the cartridge pressing member of the cartridge frame body 12 when the process cartridge B is loaded. Is placed. Moreover, the convex part 52c which contacts the upper surface of the washing frame 12c is formed in the lower surface of the main-body part 52a of the rotating arm 52. As shown in FIG. Also, on the lateral side of the main body portion 52a of the rotating arm 52, although not shown, similarly to the first embodiment, a pair for guiding and fitting the guide pin 25 to the lower surface thereof. The guide portion formed with the guide ribs is integrally provided.

The rotary arm 52 has an elongated hole 52d formed in the L-shaped bent portion, and is formed on the shaft member 18a axially supported by the bearing member 18 provided on the frame portion 17 of the apparatus main body. It is supported by, and slidably movable in the direction indicated by the arrow h, and rotatable in the direction indicated by the arrow g. In addition, the rotation arm 52 is biased counterclockwise about the shaft member 18a by a spring 58 disposed between the apparatus main body A and the rotation arm 52. Therefore, if the process cartridge is not attached on the apparatus main body A as shown in Fig. 10, the rotating arm 52 is counterclockwise in a state where the upper end of the long hole 52d is in contact with the shaft member 18a. Convenience, and stops at the position shown in FIG. In this way, the electrical contact portions 54a, 54b are located at positions out of the top of the frame portion 17 of the apparatus body.

Here, when the process cartridge B is attached, the upper end of the washing frame body 12c of the process cartridge B abuts against the lower protrusion 52b of the rotating arm 52. The downward protrusion 52b is pressed clockwise in accordance with the further insertion of the process cartridge B, so that the rotary arm 52 of the electrical connecting means 51 rotates clockwise against the tension of the spring 58. For this reason, when the process cartridge B is attached on the predetermined cartridge loading area, the rotary arm 52 stops at the position as shown in FIG. Moreover, the convex part 52c formed on the upper surface of the rotating arm 52 abuts on the upper surface part of the washing frame body 12c, and the rotating arm 52 is shown in FIG. 11 with respect to the position in the rotational direction. It is located in the position shown and stops. In this way, similarly to the first and second embodiments, the positioning between the electrical contact portions 54a and 54b and the storage means contacts 21a and 21b can be performed precisely.

Here, the elastic force of the spring 58 is set large by the sum of the elastic forces of the electrical contact portions 54a and 54b. Thus, the convex portion 52c of the rotary arm 52 abuts against the cleaning frame body 12c by the elastic force of the spring 58. Here, since the rotary arm 52 and the washing frame body 12c directly contact each other, there is almost no positional shift due to a normal component difference, and the electrical contact portions 54a and 54b and the storage means contact portions 21a, The exact position accuracy of 21b) can be obtained. The timing at which the electrical contact portions 54a and 54b contact the storage means contact portions 21a and 21b is such that the process cartridge B is attached to the apparatus body A or the process cartridge B is placed on the apparatus body A. After it is attached.

In addition, also with respect to the longitudinal position of the electrical connecting means at the time of loading the process cartridge B, like the first and second embodiments, the electrical connecting means can be precisely positioned while moving along the process cartridge B. FIG. .

As described above, also in this embodiment, also in a state where the process cartridge B is not attached on the apparatus main body A, similarly to when the cartridge cover 14 is opened and the process cartridge B is removed, The electrical contact portions 54a and 54b on the apparatus main body side are in a state of being deviated from the upper part of the frame portion 17 of the apparatus main body A, and thus cannot be touched by the user. For this reason, the operability can be improved when the user needs to approach the inside of the apparatus body A due to the jam process, etc., and at the same time, the electrical contact parts 54a and 54b are problematic due to the static electricity accompanying the user. Will not cause

In addition, when the process cartridge B is mounted on the apparatus main body A and a driving force is applied to the apparatus main body A to move the process cartridge B (cartridge frame body 12), the rotation arm 52 moves in the direction of rotation. Move along the longitudinal direction. Thus, stable contact pressure and positional accuracy can always be obtained regardless of whether or not a driving force is applied to the apparatus main body. In addition, since the rotary arm 52 and the washing frame body 12c directly contact each other, precise positional accuracy of the electrical contact portions 54a and 54b and the cartridge electrical contacts 21a and 21b can be obtained.

In addition, in this embodiment, since the electrical connecting means 51 is constituted only by the rotating arm, the number of parts is small, and the cost is advantageous.

By configuring the electrical connection means of the process cartridge and the apparatus body as described above, the electrical connection between the storage means 20 of the process cartridge B and the apparatus body A can be stabilized.

(Example 4)

Next, a fourth embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. This embodiment differs from the above-described embodiments in the configuration of the electrical connection means of the apparatus main body in electrical connection with the storage means. Here, only points that are different from the above-described embodiments will be described, and other points will be omitted. The same members as in the first to third embodiments will be described with the same reference symbols.

The process cartridge B of this embodiment has a storage means 20 mounted on the outer surface of the cartridge frame 12, in particular the upper surface of the cleaning frame 12c, as shown in FIG. Similar to the embodiments described above, the storage means 20 has a storage chip 20a and contact portions 21a and 21b on both sides on the substrate 22. The guide pin 23 is provided adjacent to the storage means 20. This guide pin 23 is a guide rib of the electrical connecting means 61 for positioning in the thrust direction of the electrical connecting means 61 on the apparatus main body side when the process cartridge B is attached to the main body A. 66) is positioned in engagement with.

Next, the structure of the electrical connection means provided on the apparatus main body side will be described with reference to FIGS.

The electrical connecting means 61 for reading information into the storage means 20 arranged on the process cartridge B, when the process cartridge B is attached on the apparatus main body A, as shown in FIG. It is arranged at a position opposite to the storage means 20. The electrical connecting means 61 is made of a spring material for carrying out information communication by contacting the storage means contact portions 21a and 21b as shown in Fig. 14 and the process cartridge B. Electrical contact portions 63a, 63b composed of a contact holder 62 having a pair of guide ribs on its lower surface for guiding and positioning the guide pins 23 provided thereon. At one end outer circumference of the contact holder 62 and one end outer circumference of the guide rib 66, a taper portion 62a for precisely loading the process cartridge B is formed.

In addition, the contact holder 62 is also provided with an axial member which is axially supported rotatably in the direction indicated by the arrow j by a bearing member 18 provided on the frame portion 17 of the apparatus main body A. 62b). This shaft member 62b is removable in the thrust direction in the direction indicated by the arrow k with respect to the bearing member 18, and backlash in the thrust direction when the process cartridge B is loaded on the apparatus main body. Have a longer length. The shaft member 62b is not removed from the bearing member 18 by the movement in the thrust direction.

A compression spring 68 is disposed between the contact holder 63 and the frame portion 17, and the contact holder 62 is separated from the frame portion 17 (clockwise about the shaft member 62b). It is convenient. At this time, the rotation stop portion (not shown) and the frame portion of the contact holder 62 abut each other, so that the contact holder cannot rotate beyond a specific position.

The following describes the connection configuration between the storage means 20 at the time of loading the process cartridge and the electrical connection means 62 of the apparatus main body.

The contact holder 62 of the electrical connecting means 61 is in a state as shown in Fig. 12 when the process cartridge B is not loaded. When the process cartridge B is loaded in this state, the upper end portion of the cartridge frame 12 of the process cartridge B abuts against the taper portion 62a of the contact holder 62, so that the contact holder 62 is closed. It rotates counterclockwise against the elastic force of the compression spring 68 about the axial member 62b. Then, as shown in FIG. 13, the electrical contact portions 63a, 63b constituting the spring material of the contact holder 62 are positioned to abut against the storage means contact portions 21a, 21b at an appropriate contact pressure. . At this time, the guide pin 23 of the cartridge frame 12 is located in the groove of the pair of guide ribs 66 as shown in FIG.

When the driving force is applied and the process cartridge B moves in the thrust direction in this state, the guide pin 23 and the pair of guide ribs 66 of the cartridge frame 12 move in the thrust direction. They will fit together. Thus, with the movement of the cartridge frame body, the shaft member 62b of the contact holder 62 moves in the thrust direction, and the storage means contact portions 21a, 21b and the electrical contact portions 63a, 63b are thrust. Move in one direction. In this manner, the storage means contact portions 21a and 21b and the electrical contact portions 63a and 63b do not touch in the thrust direction.

In addition, when the driving force is applied to the apparatus main body A, the process cartridge B is moved in a thrust in a direction opposite to the above-described direction. However, also in this case, similarly to the above, the storage means contact portions 21a and 21b and the electrical contact portions 63a and 63b move together integrally.

As described above, when the process cartridge B having the storage means 20 and the guide pins 23 is loaded in the apparatus main body A, the pair of guide ribs 66 is the thrust direction of the process cartridge B. The contact holder 62 positioned as is mounted on the apparatus main body A. As shown in FIG. Thus, at the same time as the movement of the process cartridge B in the thrust direction, the contact holder 62 also moves integrally, and the electrical connection is interrupted or the storage means 20 and the electrical contact portions 63a and 63b are moved. It can be stabilized without causing deformation.

(Example 5)

Next, a fifth embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. This embodiment differs from the above-described embodiments in the configuration of the electrical connection means of the apparatus main body in electrical connection with the storage means. Here, only differences from the above-described embodiments will be described, and other points will be omitted. The same members as in the first to fourth embodiments will be described with the same reference symbols.

The process cartridge B of this embodiment has a storage means 20 mounted on the outer surface of the cartridge frame 12, in particular the upper surface of the cleaning frame 12c, as shown in FIG. Similar to the embodiments described above, the storage means 20 has a storage chip 20a and contact portions 21a and 21b on both sides on the substrate 22. Metal plates 24a, 24b for mounting magnets in symmetrical positions are provided adjacent to the storage means 20. These metal plates 24a and 24b can be kept uncovered with metal surfaces, but the plates can be covered by other members to the extent that the magnets can be mounted. In addition, when the process cartridge B is placed on the apparatus main body, two pieces of pressurized ribs for pushing the magnets are formed by contacting the electrical connecting means.

Next, the structure of the electrical connection means provided on the apparatus main body will be described with reference to FIGS.

The electrical connection means 71 of this embodiment is constituted by contact holders 72 adjacent to the storage means contact portions 21a and 21b as shown in Figs. 18A and 18B and contacts with spring material for performing information communication. Electrical contact portions 73a and 73b are formed including a holder holding member 80 that abuts against the holder 72 and detachably holds it.

The center holder 74 is formed in the contact holder 72, which is a tapered surface inclined upwardly toward the side on which the surface 74a parallel to the lower surface and the process cartridge B are loaded. 74b). Electrical contact portions 73a and 73b including a pair of springs are disposed on the tapered surface 74b. The lower surfaces located on both sides of the central recess 74 are flat contact surfaces 75 formed to abut against the upper surfaces of the cartridge frames 12 and 12c of the process cartridge B. As shown in FIG. On the contact surface 75, built-in magnets 76a and 76b are disposed on the upper surface of the cartridge frame bodies 12 and 12c at positions corresponding to the metal plates 24a and 24b. In addition, the surface of the side surface on which the process cartridge B is loaded in the surface orthogonal to the assembly surface 75 is taken as the holder pressing surface 77, and the holder pressing surface 77 absorbs the holder holding member 80. There are built-in magnets 78a and 78b. From the contact holder 72, a lead wire 79 (FIGS. 16 and 17) for performing electrical communication with a control unit (not shown) of the apparatus main body is connected.

On the other hand, the holder holding member 80 for individually holding the contact holder 72 is opposed by the holder pressing surface 77 of the contact holder 72 by the magnets 78a and 78b of the holder pressing surface. It is comprised by the contact surface 81 and the U-shaped support part inserted into the center recess 74 of the contact holder 72 so that it may be absorbed, and is formed to support the contact holder 72. As shown in FIG. The width direction length of the contact surface 81 is narrower than the width of the contact holder 72. The holder holding member 80 may be composed entirely of metal, or may be configured by incorporating the metal only in a portion contacted with the magnets 78a and 78b.

The electrical connecting means 71 configured as described above is mounted on the frame portion 17 above the cartridge loading area for loading the process cartridge B as shown in Figs. The holder holding member 80 of the electrical connecting means 71 is mounted in a region slightly biased to the side from which the process cartridge B is loaded in the cartridge loading area. With the process cartridge B unattached, as shown in Figs. 16 and 18B, the contact holder 17 has a U-shaped support of the holder holding member 80 inserted into the central recess 74. . The magnets 78a and 78b abut against the abutting surface 81 and are absorbed and held by the holder holding member 80.

When the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus main body, the electrical connecting means 71 is in a state as shown in Figs. 16 and 18A, and the pressing surface 77 of the contact holder 72 is the holder holding member 80. It will be in the uncovered state which protrudes from the contact surface 81 from. When the process cartridge B is attached in this state, the pressing ribs 25a and 25b of the process cartridge abut against both side ends of the holder pressing surface 77 of the contact holder 72, so that the contact holder 72 Magnets 78a and 78b are pressed to be separated from the contact surface 81. At the same time, the metal plates 24a and 24b disposed on the process cartridge B come to a position opposite the assembly surface 75 of the contact holder 72. Thus, the magnets 78a and 78b are separated from the abutting surface 81, and at the same time, the magnets 78a and 78b embedded in the assembly surface 75 are disposed on the metal plates 24a and 24b of the process cartridge B. ), And the contact holder 72 is absorbed and retained on the top surface of the process cartridge B (see Fig. 17).

At this time, the contact holder is connected to the apparatus main body only by the lead wire 79, and can be flexibly moved relative to the apparatus main body A. FIG. In this way, the contact holder 72 is integrated with the process cartridge B, and is moved integrally by the movement in the thrust direction of the process cartridge B. As shown in FIG. Thus, the electrical contact portions 73a and 73b and the storage means contact portions 21a and 21b do not touch each other, and the interruption and deformation of the electrical contact portions 73a and 73b and the storage means contact portions 21a and 21b are prevented. I can prevent it from happening.

In addition, when the process cartridge B is pulled out of the apparatus main body A and removed, the central recess 74 of the contact holder 72 and the U-shaped support 82 of the holder holding member 80 are formed of a process cartridge ( It is positioned linearly with respect to the detachable direction of B). Thus, accompanied by the operation of pulling out the process cartridge B, the U-shaped support 82 of the holder holding member 80 contacts the surface 74a from the tapered surface 74b of the central recess 74. The contact holder 72 is forced in a direction that is peeled off from the process cartridge (B). At the same time, since the contact holder 72 moves toward the contact surface 81, the magnets 78a and 78b and the contact surface 81 are guided closer to each other. When the process cartridge B is further pulled in this state, as shown in Figs. 16 and 18, the contact surfaces 81 are brought into contact with the magnets 78a and 78b, and the contact holder 72 is in the process. It is separated from the cartridge B and held by the holder holding member 80.

In the above-described embodiment, although the method of joining the contact holder 72 and the holder holding member 80 and the contact holder 72 and the process cartridge B is constituted by a magnet and a metal, a flexible member is used. Or by using means such as a snap mechanism or the like.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the electrical contact portion of the electrical connecting means on the apparatus main body side can be integrally coupled with the process cartridge at the time of loading the process cartridge. Further, even when the attitude of the process cartridge is changed or moved in the thrust direction due to the presence of the driving force, the electrical connection of the storage means of the process cartridge and the electrical connection means of the apparatus main body can be performed reliably and satisfactorily.

(Example 6)

A process cartridge constructed based on the sixth embodiment of the present invention and an image forming apparatus detachable from the process cartridge will be described. Next, the storage means mounted on the process cartridge and the connection means provided on the apparatus main body side will be described with reference to Figs. Also in this embodiment, an electrophotographic laser beam printer will be described with an example.

The image forming apparatus of this embodiment emits a laser beam image based on the image information from the optical system 10 as shown in Fig. 20, and the photosensitive drum embedded inside the process cartridge B through the exposure opening 109. Irradiate a laser beam on 107. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 107, and the electrostatic latent image is developed by a developer by a developing means in the process cartridge B to form a developer image.

On the other hand, the recording medium 102 loaded on the recording medium cassette 103a has a concurrency with the formation of the developer image, is separated and supplied by the pickup roller 103b, the pair of conveying rollers 103c, and the like. It is conveyed through the conveyance means which has a. The developer image developed on the photosensitive drum 107 by the transfer roller 104 is transferred to the recording medium 102. The recording medium 102 onto which the developer image has been transferred is further conveyed to the downstream side through the guide plate 103d and conveyed to the fixing means 105. The fixing means 105 fixes the developer image on the recording medium 102 by applying heat and pressure. The recording medium 102 on which the developer image is fixed is discharged to the discharge tray 106 outside of the apparatus by the discharge roller 130e.

The process cartridge B comprises a photosensitive drum 107 and at least one process means. The process cartridge B in this embodiment is configured as shown in FIG. The photosensitive drum 107 having the photosensitive member layer on the outer circumferential surface is rotated, and the surface is uniformly charged by applying a voltage to the charging roller 108 serving as the charging means. Then, the image information light from the optical system 101 is exposed on the photosensitive drum 107 through the exposure opening 109 provided on the process cartridge B to form an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image formed on this photosensitive drum 107 is developed using a developer by the developing means 110, 110a, 110b.

The developing means (110, 110a, 110b ...) transfers the developer in the developer storage unit (110a) to the developer delivery unit (110b), the developer is provided to the developing roller 110 with a fixed magnet built-in do. The developer layer provided with the triboelectric charge by the developer plate 110c is formed on the surface of the developer roller 110, and the developer is transferred onto the photosensitive drum 107 according to the latent image, thereby developing the developer image. Is formed and visualized.

After the developer image is transferred onto the recording medium 102 by applying a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the developer image on the transfer roller 104, the developer remaining on the photosensitive drum 107 is removed from the cleaning blade 111. It peels off by. The peeled developer is collected in the removed developer collector 111a.

Note that the above-described photosensitive drum 107 and the process means 108, 110, 111 are retained in the cartridge frame 112 which is the frame body. The cartridge frame 112 includes a developer storage frame forming the developer storage unit 110a for storing the developer, a developing device frame for holding the developer 110, and the photosensitive drum 107. It is constituted by a cleaning frame body 112c (see Figs. 21A and 21B) which holds the cleaning means and forms the developer collector 111a removed. The developer storage frame is coupled to the developing device frame and connected to the cleaning frame 112c, thereby constituting the process cartridge B. As shown in FIG.

Next, the configuration of the storage means (chip memory) of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Fig. 21A is a perspective view showing the form of the area for mounting the storage means in the process cartridge, and Fig. 21B is a perspective view showing the state in which the storage means is mounted on the process cartridge.

The storage means 120 of this embodiment is mounted on the outside of the cartridge frame 112 of the process cartridge B. As shown in FIG. In particular, as shown in Figs. 20, 21A and 21B, the storage means 120 is mounted on the upper surface of the cleaning frame 112c of the cartridge frame 1120. The storage means 120 has memory elements such as RAM, ROM, and the like, and memory element contacts 121a and 121b on both sides of the substrate as shown in Fig. 21B. Information necessary for this memory chip 120a (for example, the number of lots of process cartridges, use states such as initial values and process states, characteristics of the image forming apparatus and characteristics of the process means, etc.) is input. When the process cartridge B is loaded on the apparatus main body A, information is exchanged with the apparatus main body side, so that a state such as the use state of the process cartridge B, etc., is brought to the substrate 130 of the apparatus main body A (Fig. 20). This is useful for the image forming operation and is used for the purpose of displaying the status of the process cartridge to the operator.

The memory element contacts 121a and 121b are electrically connected to or integrally connected with the memory chip 120a located at the center, and the memory elements 121a and 121b are configured by gold plating the surface. In this way, even when the memory element contacts 121a and 121b are mounted on the surface of the process cartridge B and exposed to open air, the electrical contact resistance does not increase. Further, on the outer side surfaces of these memory element contacts 121a and 121b, the contact portions 122a to which the contact ribs 134a and 134b (described below) of the electrical connecting means 131 provided on the apparatus main body contact. 122b) is formed. In addition, on the substrate 122 of the storage means 120, as shown in Fig. 21B, a recess 122h is provided at the center from the side outer periphery along the longitudinal direction, so that the positioning in the longitudinal and transverse directions can be performed. And recesses 122f and 122g are provided on both ends of the side outer peripheral portion along the longitudinal direction.

Next, a mounting part for mounting the storage means 120 will be described. The storage means 120 of the process cartridge B is located on the upper surface of the cleaning part frame 112c of the cartridge frame 112 as shown in Fig. 21A. The recess 122h of the substrate 122 is fitted to the central stereotactic rib 112h so that the longitudinal positioning is performed with respect to the cartridge frame 112 of the substrate 122. Further, the positioning in the lateral direction is performed by bringing the contacting recesses 122f and 122g into contact with the positioning ribs 112f and 112g of the cartridge frame 112. That is, the center positioning rib 112h and the both positioning ribs 112f and 112g comprise the positioning member which orients the storage means 120 with respect to a frame body. The mounting surface 112e of the storage means 120 is constituted by a plurality of ribs as shown in Fig. 21A so that the precision of the surface of the mounting surface can be improved when preparing the mold portion. In this way, the positioning precision with respect to the vertical direction of the upper surface (surface with a contact portion) of the storage means 120 can be improved.

Further, like the storage means supporting member, the ribs 112m and 112n which protrude from both ends in the longitudinal direction of the mounting surface 112e are set slightly wider than the longitudinal length of the storage means 120, and the storage It is configured to be higher than the thickness of the means 130. In this manner, the finger cannot touch both ends in the longitudinal direction of the storage means 120, so that the storage means 120 is prevented from being detached from the mounting surface 112e.

21A and 21B, the contact rib 112d is formed at the front end of the cartridge in the insertion direction of the cartridge frame 112 in the region adjacent to the mounting surface 112e of the storage means 120, The main body contact portions 133a and 133b, which are contacts, are brought into contact with the electrical connection means 131, which will be described below, of the apparatus main body so as to move the storage means 120 toward the storage means 120. Further, reference numeral 121j denotes a guide rib extending forward from the central stereotactic rib 122h in the cartridge insertion direction. Among the upper end faces 122ja and 122jb, the upper end face 121ja of the front part in the insertion direction of the cartridge has a height formed high, and the 121jb following from the previous one is gradually inclined to the height of the central stereotactic rib 112h. It is formed so that the height is lowered. This guide rib 112j has a control section for controlling the position in a direction orthogonal to the loading direction of the process cartridge B of the electrical connection means 131 which is the connecting end for supporting the main body side contact portion as described below. Have Further, the guide rib 112j controls the position in the height direction of the main body contacting portion 133 of the electrical connecting means 131, and also contacts the main body contacting portions 133a and 133b with the memory element contacting portions 121a and 121b. It acts as abutment for guiding in the direction.

The mounting of the storage means 120 on the mounting surface 112e is performed by using double sided tape, adhesives, heat caulking. At this time, when the worker touches or when the process cartridge is loaded on the apparatus main body, an attachment strength that is not easily removed by contact with the electrical connecting means 131 to be described below should be provided, which is shown in Fig. 21A. In the mounting surface 112e constituted by the plurality of ribs as described above, the thickness of the ribs and the number of ribs are determined so that the surface 112e is a contact area where the required contact strength can be obtained. In addition, during the material recycling process of the used process cartridge, it is essential to remove the storage means 120 from the cartridge frame 112. At this time, if the mounting surface 112e of the storage means 120 is fixed by, for example, a double-sided tape or the like, since the adhesive force is abnormally high, the used storage means 120 can be easily peeled off from the mounting surface 112e. It becomes possible. As shown in Fig. 22, a portion of the rib is provided with a small chip portion 112p. The storage means 120 from the cartridge frame 112 of the process cartridge B by arranging ribs that can directly abut against a removal tool (not shown) in this way or on the opposite side of the storage means 120. There is an advantage that the removal operation of the can be facilitated.

Next, the configuration of the electrical connection means provided on the apparatus main body, the electrical connection work provided with the connection means and the storage means of the process cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 23 to 26.

In this embodiment, the electrical connecting means 131, which is a connecting means for supporting the main body side contact portion, is used for the process cartridge B when the process cartridge B is loaded on the apparatus main body A as shown in FIG. It is provided at a position opposite to the storage means 120. This electrical connecting means 131 is a main body disposed in the frame portion 117 for supporting the optical system 101 so as to be slidable in a direction orthogonal to the loading direction of the process cartridge (perpendicular to the paper surface in Fig. 20). It is provided on the mounting base which is a support member. The electrical connecting means 131 is a holder which is a contact receiving portion where the contact holder 132a for holding the connector 134 and the contact rib 112d provided on the process cartridge abut, as shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B. It consists of the arm 132b and the holder spring 132c which abuts. Further, the connector 134, which is the main body contact support, holds the main body contacts 133a and 133b which are spring members, and the contact ribs 134a and 134b are formed on the outside of the main body contacts 133a and 133b. The main body contacts 133a and 133b are in electrical contact with the control board 130 on the side of the apparatus main body mounted on the frame portion 117 by the wire apparatus (see Fig. 20). Further, the contact holder 132a has means for controlling the electrical connecting means 131 in the direction perpendicular to the cartridge insertion direction and the slit portion 132h as a guide for guiding the electrical connection means 131 in the direction orthogonal to the loading direction of the process cartridge. The upper wall surface portion 132j of the slit portion 132h is provided. When the process cartridge B is loaded onto the apparatus body by such electrical connecting means 131, the body contacts 132a, 132b of the connector 134 are connected to the memory element contacts 121a, 121b of the storage means 120. The storage means 120 is electrically connected to the control substrate 130, and the abutments 134a and 134b abut against the abutments 122a and 122b of the storage means 120.

The holder spring 132c of the electrical connection means 131 abuts against the contact holder 132a and the holder arm 132b as shown in FIG. 23B, which is a view on the arrow of FIG. 23A. The holder spring 132c applies tension to the contact holder 132a in a clockwise direction about the axis 132f in which the holder spring 132c is wound, and the holder arm 132b in a counterclockwise direction in the drawing. It is convenient. In addition, the holder arm 132b is configured to be able to rotate to the position shown by the dashed-dotted line in the figure.

The electrical connecting means 131 is rotatably suspended by the mounting base 118 (see Figs. 20 and 24) disposed in the frame portion 117 which is the partition member as described above. If the process cartridge B is not yet attached, the entire electrical connecting means 131 is arm spring 132e (Fig. 23) disposed outside the holder arm 132b about axis 132f in Figs. Bias in the counterclockwise direction. As a result, the main body contact portions 133a and 133b supported by the contact holder 132a are kept out of the way and stored above the frame portion 117, and are configured to not interfere with the process cartridge when the process cartridge B is inserted. do.

On the other hand, as described above, in the process cartridge B in a manner corresponding to the slit portion 132h in front of the mounting surface 112e as shown in Figs. 21A, 21B, and 24 to 26. Guide ribs 112j are provided for guiding adjacent the mounting surface 112e of the storage means 120. This guide rib 112j for guidance is configured to enter into the slit portion 132h of the contact holder 132a when the process cartridge B is inserted into the apparatus body. On the upper end surface of the guide rib 112j, as shown in Fig. 21 or Figs. 24 and 25, the upper end surface portion 112ja is formed in front of the cartridge insertion direction at a high height. In addition, the portion 112jb succeeding therefrom is formed in such a manner that it is lowered by gradually inclining to the height of the central stereotactic rib 112h.

At the time of insertion of the process cartridge, as shown in Figs. 24 and 25, the contact rib 112d formed at the end in the insertion direction (arrow (X) direction) of the cartridge frame body 112 is formed by the holder of the electrical connection means. It abuts against the connection means contact part 132k of the arm 132b. In conjunction with further inserting the process cartridge B, as shown in FIG. 25, the holder arm 132b rotates clockwise, and the entire electrical connecting means 131 is clockwise (arrow z in the figure). Direction). 25 and 26, reference numeral 115 denotes a cartridge loading member constructed in the apparatus main body A, reference numeral 115a denotes a guide portion, and reference numeral 115b denotes a cartridge positioning portion.

By rotation of the entire electrical connecting means 131 in the clockwise direction (the arrow z direction in the drawing), the guide rib 112j of the process cartridge B enters into the slit portion 132h of the contact holder 132a. do. In this way, when the position in the direction orthogonal to the loading direction of the process cartridge (orthogonal to the paper surface in the drawing) is slightly moved within the apparatus body, the guide rib 112j of the process cartridge B is the contact holder 132a. Abuts against the side surface of the slit portion 132h. By pressing the entire electrical connecting means 131 in a direction orthogonal to the loading direction of the process cartridge B, the electrical connecting means 131 and the storage means 120 of the process cartridge B are mutually moved to an appropriate position. This positioning operation in the thrust direction is performed during the insertion operation of the process cartridge (B). The physical relationship between the guide rib 112j and the slit portion 132h of the contact holder 132a indicates that the main body contacts 133a and 133b of the electrical connection means 131 are connected to the memory element contacts of the storage means 120. It is determined to end before arriving on 121a, 121b). That is, in the state where the upper wall surface portion 132j of the slit portion 132h abuts against the upper end surface of the guide rib 112j or the inclined portion 112jb subsequent thereto, the positioning operation in the thrust direction is set to end. desirable. In this way, after the main body contacts 133a, 133b of the contact holder 132a of the electrical connecting means 131 arrive on the memory element contacts 121a, 121b, the contacts 133a, 133b are stored in the storage means contacts 120b. ) Can be prevented from moving in the thrust direction from the top.

When the process cartridge B is further inserted in the direction of the arrow x, the electrical connecting means 131 rotates further clockwise, and the upper wall portion 132j of the slit portion 132h is inclined of the guide rib 112j. Move along section 112jb. Body contacts 133a and 133b of the contact holder 132a of the electrical connection means 131 arrive on the memory element contacts 121a and 121b. Further, the contact ribs 134a and 134b of the contact holder 131 rotate until they contact the contact portions 122a and 122b of the storage means 120. If the process cartridge B is further inserted after the abutment ribs 134a and 134b abut against the abutments 122a and 122b of the storage means 120, only the holder arm 132b of the electrical connection means 131 is inserted. Contrary to the biasing force of the holder spring 132c, it rotates clockwise to suppress the biasing force. The body contacts 133a and 133b slide and move on the memory element contacts 121a and 121b, and finally come to the state shown in FIG. The time when the body contacts 133a and 133b arrive on the memory element contacts 121a and 121b is during the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus body A or after the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus body A. In the former case, due to the elastic deformation of the body contacts 133a and 133b including the spring material and the movement of the process cartridge, the body contacts 133a and 133b slide on the memory element contacts 121b. In the latter case, due to the elastic deformation of the main body contacts 133a and 133b, the main body contacts 133a are moved by sliding on the memory element contacts 121a and 121b.

In this way, variations in the position of the contact ribs 112d of the process cartridge B and the mounting position of the electrical connecting means 131 at the time of production and assembly, variations in the posture at the time of insertion of the process cartridge B, or the process cartridge Even when there is a component non-uniformity such as a change in posture by accommodating power after (B) is loaded on the apparatus main body A, the holder arm 133b of the electrical connection means 131 remains in the process cartridge B. It is configured to follow posture changes. In this way, the contact ribs 134a and 134b of the electrical connection means 131 can be surely abutted against the contact portions 122a and 122b of the storage means 120.

In addition, the contact ribs 134a and 134b of the connector 134 are disposed on both sides of the main body contact portions 133a and 133b to be lower than the main body contact portions 133a and 133b. In this way, the abutment ribs 134a, 134b abut against the abutments 122a, 122b of the storage means 120, so that the stroke of the body contacts 133a, 133b made of spring material becomes constant. The contact pressure (contact pressure) of both contact portions can be stabilized.

Further, the contact holder 132a of the electrical connecting means 131 is tensioned clockwise by the holder spring 132c as shown in Fig. 12B. Thus, the contact ribs 134a, 134b of the connector 134 are always in contact with the memory element contacts 121a, 121b of the storage means 120 by the spring pressure of the holder spring 132c. Here, the spring pressure of the holder spring 132c is higher than the spring pressure of the body contacts 133a, 133b of the holder spring 132c, so that the contact ribs 134a, 134b of the electrical connecting means 131 store the storage means. It is set to always contact with 120.

As described above, at the time of loading the process cartridge B, the holder arm 132b of the electrical connecting means 131 is pressed by the contact rib 112d, so that the guide rib 121j is the contact holder 132a. Is led to the slit portion 132h. The upper wall surface portion 132j fixed by the slit portion 132h arrives on the upper end surface portion 112ja or the inclined portion 112jb subsequent to the guide rib 112j. That is, by being constructed in this manner, the main body contacts 133a and 133b of the electrical contact means 131 abut against deformations or any damages in contact with regions other than the memory element contacts 121a and 121b of the storage means 120. You will not receive.

The guide rib 112j of the process cartridge B has an inclined portion 112jb, whose height is gradually lowered from the upper end surface portion 112ja to the storage means 120 in the front of the cartridge insertion direction. The guide ribs 112j should take the form of the main body contacts 133a and 133b of the electrical contact means 131 and the memory element contacts 121a and 121b wiping each other between a certain distance in the cartridge insertion direction. That is, the upper wall surface portion of the slit portion 132h of the contact holder 132a moves along the inclined portion 112 of the guide rib 112j. In other words, the memory element contacts 121a and 121b have a slide area in which body contact portions 133a and 133b, which are body side contacts, slide and contact.

Therefore, by the wiping operation at the time of sliding, both contact portions can remove foreign substances such as developer adhering on the mutual contact portions, paper dust of recording paper which is a recording medium, and the like. In this way, the reliability of the electrical connection of both contacts can be improved. In addition, in this embodiment, when the process cartridge B is removed from the apparatus main body, the main body contact portions 133a and 133b of the electrical connecting means 131 have a jam process space inside the apparatus ( Space away). For this reason, the contact portions 133a and 133b are in a hard to touch position when the operator puts his hand inside the apparatus.

Further, in the present embodiment, the position adjustment is performed by following the process cartridge loaded on the electrical connecting means 131 on the side of the main body apparatus, and the main body contacts 133a and 133b of the electrical connecting means 131 are stored in memory. It can abut reliably against the element contact parts 121a and 121b, and can make electrical connection stable.

In addition, the positional accuracy of the contact portion between the main body contact portions 133a and 133b and the memory element contact portions 121a and 121b can be improved.

(Example 7)

Next, a seventh embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Here, only differences from the sixth embodiment will be described, and other points will be omitted. Note that the same members as in the sixth embodiment will be given the same reference signs and described.

In this embodiment, the electrical connecting means 131 is rotatably suspended by the mounting base 118 disposed in the optical system base 117 which fixes the laser scanner 101 similarly to the sixth embodiment. The optical system base 117 is provided with an opening 117a, which can pass through when the connecting means 131 rotates. If the process cartridge B is not yet loaded, the connecting means 131 is moved upwards to a position which does not interfere with the process cartridge B at the time of insertion by the arm spring 131f disposed outside the holder arm 131d. Out of the way. The connecting means contact 131a is tensioned so that it is always stored on top of the optical system base. Thus, the connecting means contact 131a is completely stored above the optical system base when the cartridge B is not yet loaded.

In this way, if the process cartridge B is not loaded, the connecting means contact portion 131a is at the top of the insertion space of the process cartridge and is inserted by the space (division) divided by the optical system base 117. It may be completely out of space. In this way, operability such as a paper jam process (jam process) or the like can be improved. In addition, the control means and the storage means can be controlled so as not to be affected by static electricity. Also, by forming the optical system base 117 (split member) from a metallic material, the effect can be higher.

(Example 8)

Next, an eighth embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Also in this embodiment, only points that differ from the sixth embodiment will be described, and other points will be omitted. The same members as in the sixth embodiment will be described with the same reference symbols.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view cut along the line 28-28 in FIG. 26, showing a connection between the contact holder 131c and the holder arm 131d in the connecting means 131. FIG.

The arm holder 131d of the connecting means 131 is rotatably supported by the frame 117 in the axial direction, and has a center shaft portion 131d-1 and a contact holder for supporting the center rib 131c-1 of the contact holder. And the shaft portion 131d-2 supporting the left and right ribs 131c-2 of 131c. On the other hand, the mounting hole 131c-1a formed on the center rib 131c-1 of the contact holder 131c has a central portion in which circular arc-shaped vertices are installed by a fastening dimension, and ribs 131c-2 in which long holes are provided. Has left and right outer mounting holes 131c-2a.

The contact holder 131c and the holder arm 131d are connected as shown in FIG. That is, the central shaft portion 131d-1 is inserted into the mounting hole 131c-1a in which the center portion has a circular arc-shaped vertex. The outer rib 131c-2 is inserted into the long hole mounting hole 131c-2a. Thus, the contact holder 131c is rotatably supported by the holder arm 131d in the axial direction, and at the same time, the circular arc-shaped vertex at the center of the mounting hole 131c-1a acts as the support, and the arrow in Fig. 28 is shown. It is configured to be in equilibrium with the holder arm 131d like (H, I).

Thus, even if the surface (J surface) of the storage means on the process cartridge B is inclined as shown by the dashed-dotted line shown in Fig. 28, the contact holder 131c can be equilibrated, and on the left and right sides of the contact holder 131c. The positioned abutment ribs 131g can stably abut against the surface (J surface) of the storage means 120.

It is accommodated at a point in the center of the contact holder 131c and the holder arm 131d of the connecting means 131, and rebounds along the long hole, thereby providing a balancing function. Even when the storage means 120 on the process cartridge is slightly inclined, the contact ribs at the two left and right sides of the connecting means 31 may always stably contact the storage means 120, and the connecting means 131 And the electrical connection between the storage means 120 can be performed stably.

As described above, according to the present invention, when the process cartridge is loaded on the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the main body electrical contact and the cartridge electrical contact provided on the apparatus main body can be stably and reliably connected.

In addition, when the process cartridge is loaded onto the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, the main body electrical contact and the cartridge electrical contact provided on the apparatus main body can be stably and reliably connected.

Claims (20)

An electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a main body electrical contact means provided in a movable manner and a main body electrical contact provided in the main body electrical contact means, and a detachable process cartridge, An electrophotographic photosensitive drum; Process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; A frame body; A memory element for storing information; A cartridge electrical contact in electrical connection with the memory element and in electrical connection with the body electrical contact when the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus body; A substrate provided on the frame and having a memory element and a cartridge electrical contact; It is provided in the frame body and causes the main body electrical contact means to move so that when the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus main body, the main body electrical contact moves in a direction in which the main body electrical contact is electrically connected with the cartridge electrical contact, and the main body electrical contact and the cartridge electrical contact are electrically And a cartridge pressurizing portion for providing a pressing force for pressing the main body electrical contact in the direction in which the main body electrical contact is electrically connected with the cartridge electrical contact after being connected. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge pressing portion is provided on the upper end portion of the frame body in the attachment direction of the process cartridge when the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus main body. The process cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the substrate is provided on the upper surface side of the frame when the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus body. The frame body according to claim 1, wherein when the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus main body, the frame body engages with the main body guide provided on the main body connecting means and performs the positioning of the main body electrical connecting means in a direction intersecting with the attaching direction of the process cartridge. And a cartridge guide portion provided on the cartridge. The process cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the cartridge guide portion is provided by protruding onto the upper surface of the frame when the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus body. An image forming apparatus having a main body electrical contact means provided in a movable manner and a main body electrical contact provided in the main body electrical contact means, and a detachable process cartridge, An electrophotographic photosensitive drum; Process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; A frame body; A memory element for storing information; A cartridge electrical contact in electrical connection with the memory element and in electrical connection with the body electrical contact when the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus body; A substrate provided on the frame body, the substrate having a memory element and a cartridge electrical contact and disposed on an upper surface side of the frame body when the process cartridge is attached to the apparatus body; It is provided in the frame body and causes the main body electrical contact means to move so that when the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus main body, the main body electrical contact moves in a direction in which the main body electrical contact is electrically connected with the cartridge electrical contact, and the main body electrical contact and the cartridge electrical contact are electrically A cartridge pressurizing portion provided on the upper end of the frame body in the attaching direction of the process cartridge when the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus main body, when the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus body, Wow; When the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus main body, it engages with the body guide provided on the main body electrical connecting means and performs the positioning of the main body electrical connecting means in a direction intersecting with the attachment direction of the process cartridge, wherein the process cartridge is placed on the apparatus main body. And a cartridge guide provided on the frame body, when attached, protruding on the upper surface side of the frame body. It is a process cartridge and the removable electrophotographic image forming apparatus, (Iii) main body electrical connection means provided to be movable; (Ii) a main body electrical contact provided on the main body electrical connecting means; (Iii) an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a frame body, a memory element for storing information, a memory cartridge electrically connected with the memory element, and a process cartridge attached to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus A cartridge electrical contact which is electrically connected to the main body electrical contact, the substrate provided on the frame and having the memory element and the cartridge electrical contact; Cartridge pressurization which causes the main body electrical contact means to move in the direction of electrical contact with the contact and provides a pressing force for urging the main body electrical contact in the direction of electrical contact with the cartridge electrical contact after the main body electrical contact and the cartridge electrical contact are electrically connected. Process cartridges Attachment means for detachably loading; (Iii) An electrophotographic image forming apparatus characterized by having a conveying means for conveying a recording medium. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the main body electrical connecting means has a movable member movably provided in the apparatus main body, and a spring member provided between the movable member and the apparatus main body, wherein the spring member has a main body electrical contact separated from the cartridge electrical contact. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus characterized by applying tension to a movable member in a direction. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the main body electrical connecting means comprises: a first movable member provided to be movable in the apparatus main body; A first spring member provided between the first movable member and the apparatus main body, the first spring member applying tension to the first movable member in a direction in which the main body electrical contact is separated from the cartridge electrical contact; A second movable member movable to the first movable member and supporting the main body electrical contact; And a second spring member provided between the first movable member and the second movable member, for biasing the second movable member in a direction in which the main body electrical contact is electrically connected with the cartridge electrical contact. . 8. The main body electrical contact means according to claim 7, wherein the main body electrical contact means is a main body guide portion engaged with a cartridge guide provided on the process cartridge when the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus main body, and the main body contact means is attached to the main body of the process cartridge. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: a main body guide portion for positioning in a direction intersecting the stacking direction. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the main body electrical contact is stored above the frame portion forming a space to which the process cartridge can be attached when the process cartridge is not attached on the main body. A process cartridge having a memory element for storing information and a cartridge electrical contact electrically connected with the memory element is a removable and electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, (Iii) a main body electrical contact for electrical connection with the cartridge electrical contact when the process cartridge is attached on the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus; (Ii) a first movable member rotatably provided in the apparatus main body; (Iii) a first spring member provided between the first movable member and the apparatus main body, the first spring member biasing the first movable member in a direction in which the main body electrical contact is separated from the cartridge electrical contact; (Iii) a second movable member rotatably provided at the first movable member and supporting the main body electrical contact; (Iii) a second spring member provided between the first movable member and the second movable member, the second spring member biasing the second movable member in a direction in which the main body electrical contact is electrically connected with the cartridge electrical contact; (Iii) A detachable detachably provided with respect to the process cartridge, wherein the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, the process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, the frame body, the memory element for storing information, and the process cartridge are electrophotographic A cartridge electrical contact electrically connected to a memory element for electrically connecting the main body electrical contact when attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus, a substrate provided on the frame and having a memory element and a cartridge electrical contact, and provided on the frame The main body electrical contact means to move the main body electrical contact in the direction of the electrical contact with the cartridge electrical contact when the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus main body, and after the main body electrical contact and the cartridge electrical contact are electrically connected Direction of electrical contact with the cartridge electrical contacts Stacking means having a cartridge pressure to provide a pressing force for pressing in and; (Iii) An electrophotographic image forming apparatus characterized by having a conveying means for conveying a recording medium. It is a process cartridge detachable to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus having a main body electrical connecting means provided to be movable, a main body electrical contact provided on the main body electrical connecting means, and a main body guide provided on the main body electrical connecting means, An electrophotographic photosensitive drum; Process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum; A frame body; A memory element for storing information; A cartridge electrical contact electrically connected to the memory element and electrically connected to the main body electrical contact when the process cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body; A substrate provided on the frame and having a memory element and a cartridge electrical contact; It is provided by protruding from the frame body and is engaged with the main body guide when the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus main body, orients the main body electrical connecting means in a direction crossing the loading direction of the process cartridge, and the main body electrical contact is electrically connected with the cartridge electrical contact. A cartridge guide portion which abuts against the main body electrical contact means such that the main body electrical contact is guided to the cartridge electrical contact in a direction; It is provided on the frame and moves the main body electrical contact means so that when the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus main body, the main body electrical contact means moves in the direction in which the main body electrical contact is electrically connected with the cartridge electrical contact. Pressing force to press the main body electrical contact means so that the main body electrical contact means is guided along the cartridge guide when it touches, and pressurizes the main body electrical contact in the direction of electrical contact with the cartridge electrical contact after the main body electrical contact and the cartridge electrical contact are electrically connected. And a cartridge pressurizing portion for providing the process cartridge. 14. The cartridge guide according to claim 13, wherein the cartridge guide is a protrusion protruding from the frame body, the side face of the protrusion meshes with the body guide and orients the body electrical connection means in a direction crossing the attachment direction of the process cartridge and the top surface of the protrusion is A process cartridge abutting against the body electrical contact means such that the contact is guided to the cartridge electrical contact. A process cartridge is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus which is detachable and forms an image on a recording medium, (Iii) a main body connecting means provided to be movable; (Ii) a main body electrical contact provided on the main body electrical connecting means; (Iii) a main body guide portion provided on the main body electrical connection means; (Iii) a process cartridge detachably provided with a process cartridge, the process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive drum, a frame, a memory element for storing information, and a process cartridge electrically connected with the memory element A cartridge electrical contact, which is electrically connected to the main body electrical contact when attached on the apparatus main body, a substrate provided on the frame body and having a memory element and a cartridge electrical contact, protruding from the frame body, wherein the process cartridge forms an electrophotographic image. When attached on the body of the device, it engages with the body guide and orients the body electrical contact means in a direction intersecting with the attachment direction of the process cartridge and the body electrical contact is in the direction in which the body electrical contact is electrically connected with the cartridge electrical contact. Before the main unit to be guided to A cartridge guide portion abutting against the connecting means, the main body electrical connecting means being provided on the frame body so that the main body electrical contact moves in a direction in which the main body electrical contact is electrically connected to the cartridge electrical contact when the process cartridge is attached on the apparatus main body. The main body electrical contact means is urged so that the main body electrical contact means is guided along the cartridge guide when the electrical contact means abuts against the cartridge guide, and the main body electrical contact is connected to the cartridge electrical contact after the main body electrical contact and the cartridge electrical contact are electrically connected. Attachment means having a pressurizing portion for providing a pressing force to pressurize in a direction in which the electrical connection is made; (Iii) An electrophotographic image forming apparatus characterized by having a conveying means for conveying a recording medium. 16. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the main body guide portion is in the form of a groove, and a portion which contacts the cartridge guide portion to guide the main body electrical contact to the cartridge electrical contact portion is a bottom portion of the groove. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the main body electrical contact is pivotally supported with respect to the main body electrical connecting means such that the main body electrical contact follows the inclination of the substrate in a direction orthogonal to the stacking direction. . The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the movable member is provided with a connecting means abutting portion that abuts the cartridge pressing portion. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the frame is a metal material. 14. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1, 6 and 13, wherein the process cartridge integrally integrates at least one of the charging means, the developing means and the cleaning means as the process means together with the electrophotographic photosensitive member into the cartridge and forms the electrophotographic image. A process cartridge characterized by being detachable from the apparatus main body.