• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    The seal member for sealing the opening of the developer accommodating container detachably mounted to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus for accommodating the developer includes a seal base for sealing the opening and a force for releasing the seal base. A force receiving portion and a contact portion detachable by the seal release operation of the seal base and electrically connected to the contact portion of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus to allow the main assembly of the image forming apparatus to detect whether the conductive portion is separated. And a conductive portion provided.
    公开号:KR19990062928A
    申请号:KR1019980053925
    申请日:1998-12-09
    公开日:1999-07-26
    发明作者:도시아끼 나가시마；데루히꼬 사사끼；가즈오 쨔다니；도루 고이즈미
    申请人:미따라이 하지메；캐논 가부시끼가이샤；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Developer container seal, developer container, developing apparatus, process cartridge and image forming apparatus
    The present invention relates to a seal for sealing an opening of a developer container used by a copying machine, a printer, or the like. It also relates to a developing container, a developing apparatus, a process cartridge, and an image forming apparatus.
    The container for storing the developer is used, for example, in an image forming apparatus, and more particularly in an electrophotographic apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer. The container of this form is provided with an opening through which the developer is discharged to the developing apparatus. The opening is covered with a seal so that the developer does not leak from the container while the container filled with the developer is transported. The seal is removed to expose the opening prior to mounting the container on the main assembly of the image forming apparatus. The developer container may form part of the developing means container integrated with the developing apparatus, or may form part of the process cartridge. In the latter case, the process cartridge includes a photosensitive member as the image bearing member, and the developing apparatus may integrally include a developing container and a developing device. Further, in the latter case, the opening through which the developer passes from the developing container to the developing means container is sealed by the seal described above, and the seal is removed before mounting the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus. That is, the developer container is released from the seal.
    If the developer container is attached to the image forming apparatus without removing the seal, image formation is impossible. Therefore, it is preferable to automatically detect whether or not the seal is removed after the developer container is attached to the image forming apparatus. In particular, in the case of the image forming apparatus in which the seal is automatically removed, that is, it is removed without assistance from the operator. Even more so. This is because the removal of the seal is unnecessary when the developer container which has been released is mounted in the image forming apparatus. Detecting whether the seal is removed is similar to detecting whether the developer container is new or not, and therefore, there is an additional advantage that the detection can accurately determine the next replacement time of the developing container. That is, when the developer constitutes a part of the process cartridge, it is possible to accurately determine when to replace the process cartridge.
    Moreover, it is desirable that such detection capability is economical.
    It is a main object of the present invention to provide a means for detecting whether a toner seal designed to be automatically removed is removed.
    It is another object of the present invention to provide a low cost means for accurately detecting whether a toner seal is removed.
    It is another object of the present invention to provide a means for detecting whether a developer container just installed in an image forming apparatus main assembly is new.
    The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
    1 shows the position and structure of an electrical contact in the image forming apparatus, and is a vertical sectional view of the image forming apparatus of the first embodiment of the present invention;
    2 is a vertical sectional view of a process cartridge according to the present invention.
    Fig. 3 shows the toner container structure and the toner seal, which is a front virtual view of the toner container.
    4 is a perspective view of a developing apparatus in a first embodiment of the present invention.
    5 is a perspective view of a developing apparatus in a first embodiment of the present invention.
    6A, 6B and 6C are circuit diagrams of toner seal detecting means in the first embodiment of the present invention.
    Fig. 7 is a plan view of the toner seal of the second embodiment of the present invention, showing the toner seal structure.
    Fig. 8 is a vertical sectional view of the toner seal in the second embodiment of the present invention, showing the toner seal structure.
    Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the conductive portion of the toner seal in the second embodiment of the present invention.
    Fig. 10 shows a state in which the toner container is partially separated, and a toner seal in the second embodiment of the present invention.
    Figure 11 shows a state of the toner seal almost completely separated from the toner container, and an enlarged view of the conductive portion of the toner seal in the second embodiment of the present invention.
    Figure 12 shows a state of the toner seal when the removal is completed, and an enlarged view of the conductive portion in the second embodiment of the toner seal of the present invention.
    Figure 13 is a plan view of a toner seal showing the structure in the third embodiment of the present invention.
    Figure 14 is an enlarged view of the conductive portion of the toner seal in the third embodiment of the present invention.
    Figure 15 is a plan view of a toner seal in a third embodiment of the present invention as heat welded to a developer container.
    Figure 16 is an enlarged view of the conductive portion of the toner seal portion upon completion of toner seal removal.
    Figure 17 is a plan view of a toner seal after completion of toner seal removal in the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
    Figure 18 is a plan view showing the structure of a toner seal in a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
    Fig. 19 is a vertical sectional view showing the layer structure of the toner seal in the second embodiment of the present invention.
    Fig. 20 is a perspective view showing the developer container, toner seal and their adjacencies in the second embodiment of the present invention, with the toner seal fixed to the developer container.
    Figure 21 is a perspective view showing a developer container, a toner seal and its adjacencies in the second embodiment of the present invention, with the toner seal removed (completely removed).
    Figure 22 is a perspective view showing the developer container, the toner seal and its adjacencies in the second embodiment of the present invention, with the end remaining in the toner chamber frame and the toner seal almost completely removed.
    Figure 23 is a perspective view showing the developer container, toner seal and their adjacencies in the third embodiment of the present invention, with the toner seal fixed to the developer container.
    Fig. 24 is a perspective view showing the developer container, toner seal and their adjacencies in the third embodiment of the present invention, with the toner seal almost completely removed.
    Fig. 25 is a flowchart in the third embodiment.
    Figure 26 is a schematic circuit diagram for detecting a toner seal in the third embodiment.
    Fig. 27 is a perspective view of the developer container in the eighth embodiment of the present invention, showing a state where the toner seal is fixed after the developer is filled in the developer container.
    <Explanation of symbols for main parts of drawing>
    2: recording medium
    4: feed roller
    5: fixing means
    7: photosensitive drum
    9: paper cassette
    10: developing means
    12: developer chamber frame
    15: paper eject roller
    17, 18: paper eject roller
    19: idler roller
    20: winding shaft
    21: Toner Seal
    21a: cover film
    21b: tear tape
    24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e, 24f: contact
    25 detection means
    26: conductive portion
    A: image forming apparatus
    B: process cartridge
    X: thermal weld
    Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
    1 and 2, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as an electrophotographic copying machine, an electrostatic recording apparatus or a laser beam printer, and also a process cartridge mounted in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, which can be applied to the present invention, will be described. Shall be. 1 shows a general structure of a main assembly of an image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge is mounted. Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view showing the main part of the process cartridge, on a plane passing perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge.
    General structure of the image forming apparatus and process cartridge
    In the image forming apparatus A shown in Fig. 1, when the cover 16 is opened so that the process cartridge is mounted to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus A, the electrodes 24e and 24f on the process cartridge side become the electrodes 24ee. , 24ff). The image forming apparatus A also includes optical means 1, manual feed tray 3, automatic paper feed roller 17, feed roller 4, fixing means 5, discharge tray 6 and paper discharge roller. And (15). The optical means 1 is positioned to be above the process cartridge B after mounting of the process cartridge B. FIG. Manual and automatic paper feed trays 3 and 7 are located on the left and right sides of the cartridge space, respectively, and the transfer roller 4 is located below the process cartridge space. The fixing means 5 is located on the left side of the conveying roller 4, and the discharge tray 6 and the paper discharge roller 15 are located above the fixing means 5.
    In the image forming apparatus A in the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, the recording medium is used by the use of a paper cassette 9 located under the main assembly of the image forming apparatus A shown in FIG. Papers can be fed.
    Next, referring to FIG. 2, the process cartridge B includes a photosensitive drum 7 as an image bearing device that is rotationally driven, a charging roller 8 disposed directly adjacent to an outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 7, A developing means 10 including a developing sleeve 10a as a developer storage device, a cleaning device 11, and the like, which are integrally assembled as one unit in the cartridge frame.
    Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus A will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
    In the image forming operation, the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 7 in the process cartridge B is uniformly charged by the charging roller 8, and the laser beam adjusted by the image forming data from the original is light means 1 Is irradiated from the uniformly charged outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 7 to form an electrostatic latent image on the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 7. The electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 7 is developed into a toner image, that is, a visible image by using a toner such as a developer that has appeared on the developing sleeve 10a of the developing apparatus 10.
    As described above, the recording medium 2, such as a transfer sheet, is fed one by one to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus from either the manual feed tray 3 or the cassette 9 by the feed rollers 17 or 18, respectively. Can be. The supplied recording medium 2 passes between the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 7 and the transfer roller 4. While the recording medium 2 passes between the photosensitive drum 7 and the transfer roller 4, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 7 is transferred onto the recording medium 2.
    After the transfer of the toner image onto the recording medium 2, the toner image is transferred to the fixing means 5 which is fixed to the recording medium 2 by the recording medium 2, heat and pressure. Thereafter, the recording medium 2 is discharged from the image forming apparatus A to the discharge tray 6 by the discharge roller 15 and accumulated therein.
    The process cartridge B is composed of a toner chamber frame 12 and a developing means frame 13, which are welded to each other along the longitudinal ends of the upper and lower portions thereof by ultrasonic welding. The toner chamber frame 12 constitutes a developing container, and the opening 12a is sealed with the toner seal 12 after the developer container is filled with toner. The developing means frame 13 supports a developing member such as a developing sleeve 10a. The longitudinal end of the process cartridge B in the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 7 is sealed by an elastic seal. One of the elastic seals presses the tear tape 21b on the toner chamber frame 12 in the slit 22 where the toner seal is pulled out of the process cartridge B and removed.
    Structure of toner seal
    Next, referring to Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6, the structure of the toner seal will be described.
    4 and 5 are perspective views of the developer chamber frame 12, the developing device 10, and their adjacencies. 3 and 6 are views of the developer chamber frame 12 shown at the opening 12a side.
    3 and 4 show the toner chamber frame 12 with the opening 12a sealed with the toner seal 21. As shown in FIG. The toner seal is a cover film 21a, i.e., a portion of the toner seal 21 that actually covers the opening 12a, and the cover film 21, i.e., the length of the longitudinal length of the cover film 21a. It consists of a part having a length two times or more of the length of 21a), and is used to cut the cover film 21. The cover film 21a is fixed to the outer circumference 12b of the opening 12a. Referring to Fig. 3, the opening tape laminated to the cover film 21a is covered by the so-called boat-shaped portions 21c and 21d at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the toner chamber frame 12. Together with the toner chamber frame 12. The tearing tape 21b is folded backward at the rear end in the direction indicated by the arrow Y direction from which the toner seal 21 is peeled off, and is allowed to project outward from the slit 22.
    Toner seal winding means
    Next, referring to Figures 4 and 5, the toner seal winding means will be described. Fig. 4 shows the structure of the toner seal winding means, and Fig. 5 shows the toner seal 21 that has been removed or wound. As the process cartridge B is mounted on the image forming apparatus A, the end of the tear tape 21b protruding from the toner seal slit 22 of the process cartridge B is rotatably driven by the toner chamber frame 12. The supported idler roller 19 is guided to the winding shaft 20 rotatably supported by the toner chamber frame 12 and fixed to the winding shaft 20 with an adhesive or the like. Next, a means for transmitting a driving force to the winding shaft 20 will be described. After the process cartridge B is mounted on the image forming apparatus A, the driving force is reduced in the process cartridge B from the process cartridge B, more specifically, an unshown power source on the image forming apparatus A side. It is transmitted to the drum gear 7a which is fixed to one of the longitudinal ends of the drum 7. The developing sleeve 10a is provided with developing sleeve gears 10b and 10c, which are respectively fixed to one of the longitudinal ends of the developing sleeve 10a and the other. The developing gear 10b is engaged with the drum gear 7a described above, and the sleeve gear 10b is engaged with an idler gear not shown. When the driving force is transmitted from the image forming apparatus A side to the drum gear 7a, the developing sleeve gear 10b which meshes with the drum gear 7a is driven to develop the developing sleeve gear (with the developing sleeve gear 10b). Drive 10c). Therefore, the developing sleeve gear 10c drives the bevel gear 20a through an idler gear not shown. As a result, the driving force is transmitted to the winding shaft 20 on the same axis as the bevel gear 20a to rotate the winding shaft 20. When the driving force rotates the take-up shaft 20, the toner seal 21 is wound around the outer circumferential surface of the take-up shaft while being guided by the guide portion 19a of the idler roller 10 described above. The winding shaft 20 is provided with a guide portion 20b to prevent the toner seal 21 from being wound around the outer circumferential surface of the winding shaft 20 at portions other than the designated portion. In conclusion, the cover film 21a is cut out of the toner chamber frame 12 from the rear end in the direction in which the toner seal 21 is cut off, exposing the opening 12a.
    4 is a perspective view of the toner chamber frame 12 of the process cartridge B in this embodiment, in which the opening 12 of the toner chamber frame 12 is sealed with the toner seal 21, and the developing means frame 13 is shown. Is not shown. As a material of the toner seal 21, use of an aluminum film and a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film has been proposed. Also in this embodiment, such a laminated sheet composed of an aluminum film and a PET film is used. To facilitate cutting of the toner seal 21, the toner seal 21 is provided with guide means (e.g., providing a shallow cutout on the surface of the toner seal 21). Further, the toner seal 21 is located in an area not wound by the winding shaft 20 and the toner even after the main portion of the toner seal 21 is wound by the winding shaft 20 to expose the opening 12a. Electrical contacts 24a and 24d remaining on the chamber frame 12 side. These contacts 24c and 24d will be described later.
    Referring to Fig. 5, as the toner seal 21 is wound, two portions (the electrical contact 24c side and the electrical contact 24d side) of the toner seal 21 are on opposite sides across the opening 12a. It remains adhered to the toner chamber frame 12. The electrical contacts 24c and 24d are respectively located in the toner seal 21 and the separating part, and after removing the main part of the toner seal 21, the toner chamber on the opposite side of the opening 12a in the width direction of the opening 12a. Remaining adhered to the frame 12, the electrical connection between the two electrical contacts 24c and 24d is broken when the cover film 21a of the toner seal 21 is cut off.
    Next, the structures of the electrical contacts 24c and 24d will be described.
    The PET film is removed to expose the aluminum film from two portions of the cover film 21a to which the above-described electrical contacts 24c and 24d are respectively attached. By means of the two electrical contacts 24c and 24d, each elastic steel plate electrode 26a and 26b is arranged to contact the electrical contacts 24c and 24d to pressurize the electrical contacts 24c and 24d downwards, resulting in a toner seal. Indirectly press (21). This arrangement makes an electrical connection between the elastic steel plate electrodes 26a and 26b via the electrical contact 24c, the aluminum film and the electrical contact 24d. The other ends of the elastic steel plate electrodes 26a and 26b constitute electrical contacts 24e and 24f that electrically connect the detection means on the image forming apparatus main assembly side toward the outside of the toner chamber frame 12. The elastic steel electrodes 26a and 26b are fixed to the toner chamber frame 12 and sealed by an unshown seal formed of, for example, a malt plane to prevent toner from leaking out of the toner chamber frame 12.
    Referring back to FIG. 1, the main assembly side of the image forming apparatus is provided with electrical contacts 24ee and 24ff so that the electrical connection between the electrical contacts 24c and 24d described above and the main assembly when the process cartridge is mounted in the main assembly. This is done.
    6A, 6B, and 6C are schematic diagrams showing electrical contacts 24c and 24d including a toner seal and their electrical connections. Fig. 6A shows the state before or at the start of winding of the toner seal 21, and Fig. 6B shows the state during winding of the toner seal 21. Figs. Fig. 6C shows the state after the winding of the toner seal 21 is completed. Referring to Fig. 6 (a), before starting the winding of the toner seal, the electrical contacts 24c and 24d are electrically connected through the conductive aluminum film of the laminated toner seal 21. Then, referring to Fig. 6 (c), after the winding of the toner seal is completed, the positions on the drawings are the upper and lower portions of the toner seal and the electrical contacts 24c which remain on the toner chamber frame 12 and 24d) are not made with electrical connections. In other words, whether or not the toner seal 21 is removed can be detected by placing the detection means 25 between the electrical contacts 24c and 24d on the electrical circuit. This will be described later.
    Referring to Fig. 6, the monitor 25b checks whether a potential difference is provided between the electrical contacts 24c and 24d using the DC power supply 25a, and the toner seal 21 of the process cartridge B is completely wound up. Is detected by measuring the amount of current flowing between the electrical contacts 24c and 24d. In other words, by detecting the presence or absence of the toner seal 21, it is possible to determine whether the process cartridge is new, i.e. unused, or used without being unsealed. A detection means 25 including a DC power supply 25a and a monitor 25b is provided on the main assembly side of the image forming apparatus and signals a detection result as to whether the toner seal 21 of the process cartridge B is completely wound up. Make up. The signal information is used to determine the remaining life of the process cartridge B as described below.
    In the case of the image forming apparatus A of the first embodiment, the cumulative data of the process cartridge B, for example, the cumulative rotational speed of the photosensitive drum 7 of the developing cartridge B, the recording penetrating the apparatus A The cumulative number of sheets and the printing rate of the medium 2 are stored in the image forming apparatus A side. In addition, the main assembly of the image forming apparatus A is provided with means (not shown) for showing the worker the remaining life and the current state of the process cartridge B. FIG. The remaining life detection means of the process cartridge B counts the accumulated number of developed photo elements, counts the accumulated amount of toner consumed based on the accumulated number of developed photographic elements, and then processes the process based on the accumulated amount of toner consumed. Determine the remaining life of the cartridge.
    If it is determined by the above toner seal detection structure that the toner seal 21 of the process cartridge B that has just been mounted on the main assembly of the image forming apparatus has been completely wound up, in other words, if the mounted process cartridge B is used, The process cartridge B usage data accumulated on the main assembly side of the image forming apparatus is treated as data about the process cartridge B just loaded into the image forming apparatus A and from the process cartridge B just mounted. The data obtained is cumulatively added to the accumulated process cartridge data. However, if it is determined that the toner seal 21 of the process cartridge B that has just been mounted is not wound, in other words, when the mounted process cartridge B is new, the storage device for storing the process cartridge usage data is It will be reset and start saving new data.
    By this arrangement, the toner determines whether the process cartridge B just installed in the image forming apparatus main assembly has been temporarily removed and remounted to prevent a paper jam, or whether the process cartridge B at the end of its life has been replaced. It is clearly determined by detecting the presence or absence of the seal 21. Therefore, the user can know exactly the remaining life of the mounted process cartridge, and thus can know exactly when to replace the process cartridge (B).
    In the above embodiment, the winding shaft 20 is connected to the image forming apparatus main assembly side through the components of the gear train and the process cartridge (in the embodiment, the developing sleeve 10a is equipped with the gear 10c). Indirectly driven by a driving power source not shown. However, the winding shaft 20 may be disposed in the process cartridge B and directly connected to the drive power supply in or outside the process cartridge B. FIG.
    Incidentally, the toner seal in the above embodiment is in the form of a tear tape. However, the toner seal may not be in the form of an open tape, that is, it may be of an easy-peel type that is completely peeled off from the toner cartridge. The present invention can also be applied to a peelable toner seal.
    (Example 2)
    In Example 1, although the sealing part electroconductive part for detecting a seal | release part is provided in the whole surface of a seal part, in this embodiment, it is provided only in a part.
    7 and 8 show the developer seal 21 as a seal member for sealing the opening of the developer accommodating container 12.
    The layer structure of the seal base in this example is from the surface layer side surface,
    12 micrometers of polyester (strength holding layer 21i in FIG. 8), 7 micrometers of aluminum foil (laser blocking layer 21j in FIG. 8), 50 micrometers of polyester (incision guide layer 21k in FIG. 8), and And a seal layer of 50 mu m (container bonding layer 21l in Fig. 8).
    The seal release cutout 21e applies a carbon dioxide gas laser on the seal layer side, so that the polyester layer (cutting guide layer) and the seal layer are partially melted by a laser cutting process to form a space portion or a cavity (Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the sealing member, which shows a gap 21h provided by laser processing). The aluminum foil layer blocks the laser to ensure sufficient sealing without damaging the outermost surface polyester layer.
    When the seal is released, the stress is concentrated in the gap formed by the laser processing, so that it can be reliably cut along the cutout 21e to release the seal.
    As shown in Fig. 7, a seal release detecting conductive portion 26 is provided at the end of the developer discharge opening of the developer container (just before the end of the seal release portion).
    In this embodiment, the conductive portion 26 consists of an adhesive material and an aluminum foil (30 μm of aluminum foil and 50 μm of adhesive material) and is attached on the surface of the seal base.
    As shown in Fig. 9, the conductive portion 26 extends in the width direction (the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 9 (enlarged view)) perpendicular to the seal release direction of the developer seal and has contact portions 26a at its ends. Has The contact portion 26a is disposed outside the cutout 21e that is removed when the developer seal is unsealed, and remains on the receiving container without being removed even after completion of the seal release. The contact portion 26a is in contact with a contact portion (not shown), such as a developer hopper, a developer hopper, or the like for accommodating a developer accommodating container, whereby electrical connection is made as shown in FIG.
    The width of the conductive portion 26 is 2 mm and the side length is approximately 50 mm.
    Fig. 20 shows the assembled state of the developer accommodating container with the developer seal of this embodiment.
    10, 11 and 12 show the seal release operation of the developer seal of this embodiment.
    10 shows a state during seal release.
    When the developer seal 21 is unsealed, the force receiving portion 21f is pulled in the back folding direction (the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 10) so that the seal portion 21g has a width substantially the same as that of the developer discharge opening. It is cut along the seal release incision 21e. Fig. 11 shows an enlarged state in which the conductive portion 26 at the end of the developer discharge port is cut out, and Fig. 12 shows an enlarged state after the seal. When the conductive portion 26 is cut out by the developer seal, conduction is broken and the main assembly of the image forming apparatus detects the seal release state of the developer seal.
    In this embodiment, the seal member may be wound or not wound, and as shown in Fig. 21, when the seal release is completed, the seal member is completely removed, or the image forming apparatus in which the developer accommodating container of this embodiment is used. Depending on the structure of the main assembly, the seal pulling operation may be stopped after the seal release detection, as shown in Fig. 22, to hold the end of the seal member. As shown in Fig. 22, when the seal pulling operation is stopped to leave the seal member end after the seal release detection, the pulling of the seal is performed at the end X1 of the seal member heat weld X with respect to the developer accommodating container. Can be stopped before is removed. In this case, since it is not necessary to remove the end of the heat weld, the required seal release force is smaller than when the seal member is completely cut open and removed.
    The conductive portion 26 of this embodiment uses an attachable aluminum foil. In this case the electrical resistance of the aluminum foil is taken into account. In the electrical resistance value of the conductive portion for conductivity detection, if the voltage applied across the conductive portion by the main assembly power supply 25a of the image forming apparatus is high, the resistance value can be large. However, since high voltage is not preferable in terms of safety and cost, the electric resistance value is preferably a resistance small enough to allow the use of low voltage, in particular, less than 100 kV, and preferably 10 kV. The conductive portion 26 of this embodiment has an electrical resistance value of 1 kPa and provides sufficient conductivity before cutting. After cutting, the electrical resistance becomes infinite, i.e., an insulator.
    Therefore, it is desirable for the electrical resistance value to be low so as to ensure sufficient conductivity before cutting, and any material such as copper, nickel or other metal foil can be used if these conditions are satisfied.
    In general, aluminum foil is sufficient to provide sufficient conductivity, but the electrical resistance value can be very large due to oxidation of the foil surface. In view of this, it is preferable that an anti-oxidation layer of carbon, nickel or the like is provided on the surface to ensure the seal release detection.
    The conductive portion 26 must be cut along the cutout 21e of the developer seal. If the incision is not securely made with a small force, the seal release force is so great that the entire foil is pulled and sticks or falls off other parts.
    Therefore, in order to reduce the cutting strength, the material, width, thickness, and the like of the conductive portion are preferably considered along with the fact that the electric resistance value increases when the width or thickness decreases.
    The aluminum foil of this embodiment has a width of 2 mm, a thickness of 30 μm and an electrical resistance of 1 kPa, the force required to cut it is sufficiently small, 0.1 to 0.2 kgf.
    The conductive portion 26 of this embodiment is attached to the surface of the developer seal before or after the developer seal is welded to the developer accommodating container, but the conductive member preferably has heat resistance when attached before welding. In the case of attachment after welding, care must be taken in the attachment position and the member including the contact portion is preferably simple. In this embodiment, it is attached after welding. Since the electroconductive member has a channel-shaped cross section, it was confirmed that there was no problem in attachment. Simpler structures can be used. In the method of fixing to the developer seal, an adhesive material is used in this embodiment, but double coated tapes and other bonding or welding methods may be used.
    A seal release confirmation test is performed on the developer accommodating container using the developer seal member so that the seal release strength of the conductive portion is as small as 0.2 to 0.3 kgf including the developer seal itself, and the seal release is detected by the seal release. It was confirmed that it was good by this guarantee.
    (Example 3)
    In this embodiment, the conductive portion on the seal base surface of the developer seal includes the seal release detecting conductive portion of Example 2 and a mounting detecting conductive portion for detecting whether the developer accommodating container is mounted at the correct position. The developer seal structure, the material of the conductive portion, the bonding on the seal base surface, and the like are the same as in Example 2.
    The developer seal of this embodiment is shown in FIG. In the conductive portion 26 of Fig. 13, the inner portion 26b is the seal release detecting conductive portion and the outer portion 26c is the mounting detecting conductive portion. 14 is an enlarged view of the conductive portion. Therefore, for the seal release direction (the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 14), the upstream is for the seal release detection 26b and the downstream is for the mount detection 26c.
    In this embodiment, the two conductive portions for the seal release detection and the mounting detection extend laterally perpendicular to the seal release direction as in the second embodiment. In the contact portion 26a, one of the two 26a1 is common and is divided into the portions 26a2 and 26a3 on the other side. The contacts 26a1 can be provided separately, and the number of contacts increases within the range of possible unit cost rise or poor assembly rate. The common contacts of 26a2 and 26a3 cannot be used because it makes no sense to use two wires.
    The state in which the developer seal of this embodiment is welded onto the developer accommodating container is shown in FIG. 15, and the assembled state is shown in FIG.
    The seal release detection conductive portion 26b is disposed at the end of the developer discharge opening, and the mounting detection conductive portion 26c is further disposed outside (downstream). Similarly to Embodiment 2, when the developer seal is opened, the seal release detection conductive portion is opened at the same time as the developer discharge opening is completely cut open, and the conduction of the seal release detection conductive portions 26a1 and 26a2 is disconnected to seal release state. Is detected and the seal release operation is stopped at this time. The seal release operation of the seal may be manual or automatic, and the seal may be wound or unwound. However, preferably automatic winding is used, the winding shaft drive is stopped immediately after the seal release detection, and the seal release operation is stopped before the mounting detection of the conductive portion. This is desirable. Fig. 24 shows a state when the winding of the developer seal is completed.
    Fig. 16 is an enlarged view of the conductive portion when the developer seal is released. Although the seal release detection conductive portion 26b has been cut, the mounting detection conductive portion 26c is kept in the same state so that the conduction of the seal release detection conductive portions 26a1 to 26a3 is maintained.
    Fig. 25 is a flowchart of the above-described operation, and Fig. 26 schematically shows a circuit of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus. After the developer accommodating container of this embodiment is mounted on the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, the detection unit 2 detects whether or not the mounting detecting conductive portion (conductive portion 2) is conductive, and if there is no conductivity, No container is displayed. If there is conductivity, the detection unit 1 detects or identifies whether the seal release detection conductive portion (electric detection unit 1) is conductive, and if not, checks the conductivity of the conductive portion 2, and if there is no conductivity, The mark is displayed on the same assembly, and when conductive, the seal release completion of the toner seal is identified. When the conductive portion 1 is conductive, winding of the toner seal is started, and the end of the seal release portion is identified as seal release when an incision of the conductive portion 10 is detected. The detection units 1 and 2 may be the same as the detection means 25 of FIG.
    As shown in Fig. 16, the end portion X1 is disposed by arranging the end side X1 of the end portion of the heat welding portion X of the seal member with respect to the developer accommodating container between the seal release detecting conductive portion and the mounting detecting conductive portion. The pulling action may be interrupted before removal. Therefore, as in the second embodiment, it is not necessary to remove the end portion of the heat weld, so that the seal release strength can be reduced.
    The mounting detection conductive portion is effective for detecting whether the main body of the developer accommodating container, the developing apparatus or the process cartridge incorporating the developer accommodating container is correctly mounted to the image forming apparatus. In particular, when the developer seal is wound, the winding shaft (not shown) and the mounting detection conductive portion disposed adjacent to the end of the seal are close to each other, so that the correct mounting position is more reliable than in the connection between the winding shaft and the drive gear. Can be guaranteed.
    In this embodiment, the seal release detection position and the mounting detection position are close to each other on the developer seal, and thus, as described above, the contact portions can be partially shared, simultaneous assembly is possible, and in terms of assembly and fabrication cost, Do.
    In this embodiment, a seal release confirmation test was performed on the developer accommodating container using the developer seal member, and the seal release strength of the conductive portion including the developer seal itself was 0.2 to 0.3 kgf, and the seal release detection was small. It was confirmed that it is stable.
    The mounting detection function is satisfactory, and when the developer accommodating container is mounted inclined or inclined, there is no conduction in the mounting detection unit so that the operation of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus including the drive unit of the winding shaft is stopped, so that the winding shaft and the gear Damage to the back can be prevented.
    (Example 4)
    This embodiment is similar to Example 2, but a conductive portion for seal release detection is formed on the seal base by aluminum deposition. The shape patterns of the developer seal, the developer accommodating container, and the conductive portion 26 used were the same as those in the second embodiment. Metal aluminum is deposited on the polyester layer (surface layer) to a thickness of 600 kPa to provide the conductive portion 26. The electrical resistance value of the conductive portion is approximately 10 kPa, and seal release detection is performed accurately.
    In the case of deposition, although the manufacturing apparatus including the masking for forming the deposition pattern is expensive, the film thickness can be thin, the material cost is low, the opening force is small, and the positional accuracy of the assembly can be easily improved.
    In this embodiment, aluminum deposition is performed, and it is confirmed that the use of copper, nickel, and the like satisfies the electrical resistance and the opening force.
    Using this embodiment, a seal release confirmation test of the developer accommodating container using the developer seal member was performed, and the seal release strength of the conductive portion was slightly low (0.1 to 0.2 kgf), and thus satisfactory. It was also confirmed that the seal release detection was accurate.
    This embodiment may be incorporated in Example 3. The result is satisfactory even when the conductive portion for the seal release detection and the mounting detection of Example 3 is formed using aluminum deposition.
    (Example 5)
    This example is similar to Example 2, but the conductive portion for detecting the seal release is made of a carbon coating. The shape patterns of the developer seal, the developer accommodating container, and the conductive portion 26 used are the same as those in the second embodiment. In particular, the film is coated with a material consisting of carbon black (ketchen black EC) and thermoplastic elastomer (binder) (especially styrene and ethylene butylene block copolymer resin materials) dispersed and mixed in toluene (solvent), the material Is applied on the film and dried.
    In this embodiment, film formation and control of the coating film thickness (including tear strength) and electrical resistance values are important. In particular, in order to firmly form the coating film, it is preferable to increase the amount of the binder, but if the amount of carbon is reduced accordingly, the electric resistance value becomes large. The coating film thickness is preferably small enough to reduce the opening force, but the reduction reduces the carbon content and increases the electrical resistance value. In order to prevent this, increasing the carbon content makes it difficult to form a coating film (poor circulation), so that an appropriate material selection and coating thickness are required.
    In this embodiment, the thermoplastic elastomer portion 100 and the carbon black portion 50 are mixed and dispersed in the toluene solvent. The material is applied at a film thickness of 30 μm. The electrical resistance value is approximately 100 mA and can be used. The amount of carbon black added was doubled to reduce the electrical resistance, but a good film was not formed.
    In this embodiment, a seal release confirmation test for the developer accommodating container using the developer seal member was performed, and it was confirmed that the seal release strength of the conductive portion was higher than 0.5 kgf, and also possible in terms of seal release detection. However, the detection performance is relatively poor. Similar to Embodiment 4, this example may be applied to Embodiment 3. In particular, the practical effect is provided even when the conductive portions for the seal release detection and the mounting detection of Example 3 are formed of a carbon coating.
    (Example 6)
    This embodiment is similar to Example 2, but the conductive portion covers the entire surface of the developer seal. In particular, an aluminum foil is bonded to the entire surface of the polyester layer (surface layer) shown by Fig. 8 (21i). The seal structure, the developer accommodating container, and the like are the same as in Example 2 except for the polyester layer. In this embodiment, the aluminum foil is adhered or adhered on the entire surface, and the electrical resistance value is stabilized to a lower and lower level than in Example 2, so that seal release detection is ensured. Further, in contact with a contact point such as a field device or a developer hopper, which is a receiving portion of the developer accommodating container, the alignment width is expanded. (The contact portion may be provided at any point of 21m and 21n in Fig. 17.) In addition, since the foil is attached to all surfaces and is easy to assemble when the seal is manufactured, the manufacturing cost is low.
    On the other hand, when the seal member of this embodiment is used, the film must be opened and removed when the seal is released. If interrupted before opening, conduction is provided by the remainder. Thus, seal release detection does not work. As shown in Fig. 17, when the film is pulled out completely, the conduction is disconnected between 21 m and 21 n.
    In the seal release operation, in contrast to Example 2, since the aluminum foil was attached to the entire surface of the film, the seal release strength (force required for seal release) is large.
    A seal release confirmation test was performed on the developer accommodating container using the developer seal member according to this example, and the seal release strength of the conductive portion was found to be approximately 0.5 kgf, slightly higher than that of Example 2. In the seal release detection, the electrical resistance value of the conductive portion was very low, less than 1 kPa, and it was confirmed that there was no problem.
    The method of forming the conductive portion in this embodiment may be the method of Example 4 or carbon coating (Example 5). Fabrication in this embodiment is easier in that it is masked or partially coated during deposition. The production cost is also low.
    (Example 7)
    Example 7 is similar to Example 2 but includes a cover film for developer discharge opening seals used in Example 1 and a tear tape that is pasted on a cover film that allows opening of the cover film to form an opening. The structure of the developer accommodating container and the conductive portion for detecting the seal release, the fixing method on the sealing member, and the like are the same as in Example 2.
    The seal member of this embodiment is shown in Figures 18 and 19.
    The layer structure of the cover film and the tear tape used in Example 1 is preferably
    A cover film 21a for a developer discharge opening seal composed of an expanded polypropylene foam 140 µm (21a1), an EVA sealant 20 µm (21a2),
    Preferably, the opening tape for forming openings having a layer structure of 16 µm polyester (21b1), expanded nylon 25 µm (21b2), low density polyethylene 30 µm (21b3), and EVA sealant 40 µm (21b4) 21b).
    The cover film and the tear tape are integrally welded to form the seal members 21a2 and 21b1, and are thermally welded to the corners of the opening of the developer accommodating container as in the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 18, an aluminum foil is attached onto the seal surface with the conductive portion 26 as in the second embodiment.
    By pulling the tear tape in the back folding direction as in Example 1, the cover film is cut along the tear tape. Similar to Example 2, the seal release operation proceeds until the conductive portion provided at the end of the developer discharge opening is cut with the cover film so that the conductive portion is cut off to prevent conduction, thus allowing the seal release detection. .
    An open confirmation inspection was carried out for the developer accommodating container using the developer sealing member of this example, so that the seal release strength of the conductive portion was approximately 0.2 to 0.3 kgf, which was substantially the same as that of Example 2, and the structure was the same as that of Example 2. Therefore, the seal release detection was confirmed to be the same.
    The seal member of this embodiment can be used with Examples 2 to 6 and there is no problem in use.
    (Example 8)
    Figure 27 shows an assembled state of the developer accommodating container of this embodiment.
    In this embodiment, a 30 탆 aluminum foil was used as the conductive member for detecting the seal release of the developer seal, but as shown in Fig. 27, the conductive member and the seal were separated from each other without being attached onto the developer seal. . Other structures, such as developer seal, are the same as Example 2.
    The width of the foil is 1 mm (ribbon type).
    In this embodiment, the conductive member extends arc-shaped on the developer seal. When the seal is released, the developer seal is pulled so that the conductive member provided adjacent to the end of the developer discharge opening is cut during winding, thus enabling detection of seal release.
    According to this embodiment, since there is no need to fix the conductive member to the developer seal, the conditions required for seal manufacture are free. Thus, any member can be used, and thus the design width is extended, but the material is selected in consideration of the low electrical resistance value and the ease of cutting as in Example 2.
    A seal release confirmation test was performed on the developer accommodating container of this example, and it was confirmed that the incision strength of the conductive portion was actually sufficiently low 0.5 kgf and the seal release detection was a good level.
    As another alternative of this embodiment, the conductive member may be made of copper having the same effect.
    However, both the electrical resistance value and the condition for easy cutting should be satisfied, and for this reason, it has a diameter of 0.1 mm.
    A seal release confirmation test was performed on the developer accommodating container according to this example, and it was confirmed that the incision strength of the conductive portion was available at a slightly higher 2 kgf and the seal release detection was a good level. Even in this embodiment, a metal or other material other than copper may be used if the above conditions are satisfied.
    The developer accommodating container of this embodiment is usable with Example 3, and the seal release detecting portion and the mounting detecting portion may be formed of a conductive portion spaced apart from the developer seal.
    The developer seal of this embodiment may be in a form in which an opening tape is added to a cover film (Example 7) or an easy peeling type (Example 1) (the easy peeling type is peeled off without cutting the sealing agent).
    In Embodiments 1 to 8, the process cartridge detachably mountable to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus is provided with a developer accommodating container, but a developing device with a developer accommodating container is detachably mounted or a developer accommodating container. May be detachably mounted independently to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.
    While the invention has been described in terms of the structures disclosed herein, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details disclosed and includes modifications or variations for the purposes of the appended claims or improvements.
    According to the present invention, there is provided a means for detecting whether a toner seal designed to be automatically removed, a low-cost means for accurately detecting whether a toner seal is removed, and whether a developer container just installed in the image forming apparatus main assembly is new. Means for detecting are provided.
    权利要求:
    Claims (68)
    [1" claim-type="Currently amended] A sealing member for sealing a developer for sealing an opening of a developer accommodating container detachably mounted to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus,
    With seal base to seal opening,
    A force receiving portion for receiving force for releasing the seal base,
    Conductive, which can be separated by a seal release operation of the seal base, and has a contact portion electrically connectable to the contact portion of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus to allow the main assembly of the image forming apparatus to detect whether the conductive portion is separated. A seal member comprising a portion.
    [2" claim-type="Currently amended] The sealing member according to claim 1, wherein a conductive portion is provided at the seal base.
    [3" claim-type="Currently amended] The seal member according to claim 1, wherein the seal member has a second conductive portion for detecting whether the developer accommodating container is mounted at a predetermined position of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, wherein the second conductive portion is used for the seal release operation of the seal base. And the first conductive portion is separated while not separated by the seal member.
    [4" claim-type="Currently amended] 4. The seal member according to claim 3, wherein the second conductive portion is disposed downstream of the first conductive portion with respect to the seal release direction of the seal base.
    [5" claim-type="Currently amended] The seal member according to claim 1, wherein the first conductive portion is longer than the opening in a direction crossing the seal release direction of the seal base.
    [6" claim-type="Currently amended] The sealing member according to claim 2, wherein the first conductive portion is made of a metal foil.
    [7" claim-type="Currently amended] The seal member according to claim 2, wherein the first conductive portion is made of metal deposited on the seal base.
    [8" claim-type="Currently amended] The sealing member according to claim 1, wherein the conductive portion is made of carbon, silver, copper, nickel or aluminum.
    [9" claim-type="Currently amended] The seal member according to claim 1, wherein the seal member is laser processed along the cut portion thereof.
    [10" claim-type="Currently amended] The seal member according to claim 1, wherein the seal member is provided on the rear side of the seal base, and has a tear tape for opening the seal base.
    [11" claim-type="Currently amended] The sealing member according to claim 1, wherein the conductive portion covers the entire surface of the opening.
    [12" claim-type="Currently amended] A developer accommodating container detachably mounted to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus by accommodating a developer,
    Openings,
    Sealing the opening, the sealing member having a seal base for sealing the opening and a force receiving portion for receiving a force for releasing the seal base;
    Conductive, which can be separated by a seal release operation of the seal base, and has a contact portion electrically connectable to the contact portion of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus to allow the main assembly of the image forming apparatus to detect whether the conductive portion is separated. A container comprising a portion.
    [13" claim-type="Currently amended] 13. A container according to claim 12, wherein the seal member has a detachable conductive portion.
    [14" claim-type="Currently amended] 13. The container of claim 12, wherein the conductive portion is provided at the seal base.
    [15" claim-type="Currently amended] 13. The seal member according to claim 12, wherein the seal member has a second conductive portion for detecting whether the developer accommodating container is mounted at a predetermined position of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, wherein the second conductive portion is used for the seal release operation of the seal base. And the first conductive portion is separated while not separated by the container.
    [16" claim-type="Currently amended] 16. The container of claim 15, wherein the second conductive portion is disposed downstream of the first conductive portion relative to the seal release direction of the seal base.
    [17" claim-type="Currently amended] 13. The container of claim 12, wherein the first conductive portion is longer than the opening in the direction crossing the seal release direction of the seal base.
    [18" claim-type="Currently amended] 15. The container of claim 14, wherein the first conductive portion is made of metal foil.
    [19" claim-type="Currently amended] 15. The container of claim 14, wherein the first conductive portion is made of metal deposited on the seal base.
    [20" claim-type="Currently amended] 13. A container according to claim 12, wherein the conductive portion is made of carbon, silver, copper, nickel or aluminum.
    [21" claim-type="Currently amended] The container according to claim 12, wherein the seal member is laser processed along the cut portion thereof.
    [22" claim-type="Currently amended] The container according to claim 12, wherein the seal member is provided on the rear side of the seal base and has an opening tape for opening the seal base.
    [23" claim-type="Currently amended] 15. The container of claim 13, wherein the conductive portion is provided to cover the entire surface of the opening.
    [24" claim-type="Currently amended] 13. The container of claim 12, further comprising a transmission means for transmitting a force to the force receiving portion.
    [25" claim-type="Currently amended] 25. The container of claim 24, wherein the delivery means has a winding portion for rolling up the seal base.
    [26" claim-type="Currently amended] 13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein information about the life of the developer accommodating container is displayed by the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, wherein the information is not separated when the developer accommodating container is mounted to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus. A container characterized in that it is reset when something is not detected.
    [27" claim-type="Currently amended] 27. The container of claim 26, wherein the information remains unchanged when it is detected that the conductive portion is separated when the developer container is mounted to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.
    [28" claim-type="Currently amended] A developing apparatus for developing an electrostatic image formed on an image bearing member with a developer, wherein the developing apparatus is detachably mounted to a main assembly of the image forming apparatus.
    A developing container having a developer conveying member for conveying a developer to a developing position for developing an electrostatic image;
    A developer accommodating container for accommodating the developer, the developer accommodating container having an opening between the developer accommodating container and the developing container to permit discharge of the developer from the developer accommodating container to the developing container;
    A seal member having a seal base for sealing the opening by sealing the opening and a force receiving portion for receiving a force for releasing the seal base;
    Conductive, which can be separated by a seal release operation of the seal base, and has a contact portion electrically connectable to the contact portion of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus to allow the main assembly of the image forming apparatus to detect whether the conductive portion is separated. A developing apparatus comprising a portion.
    [29" claim-type="Currently amended] The developing apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the sealing member has a detachable conductive portion.
    [30" claim-type="Currently amended] The developing apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the conductive portion is provided at the seal base.
    [31" claim-type="Currently amended] 29. The seal member according to claim 28, wherein the seal member has a second conductive portion for detecting whether the developer accommodating container is mounted at a predetermined position of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, wherein the second conductive portion is used for the seal release operation of the seal base. And the first conductive portion is separated while not being separated by each other.
    [32" claim-type="Currently amended] 32. A developing apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the second conductive portion is disposed downstream of the first conductive portion with respect to the seal release direction of the seal base.
    [33" claim-type="Currently amended] A developing apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the first conductive portion is longer than the opening in a direction crossing the seal release direction of the seal base.
    [34" claim-type="Currently amended] 31. A developing apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the first conductive portion is made of a metal foil.
    [35" claim-type="Currently amended] 31. A developing apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the first conductive portion is made of metal deposited on the seal base.
    [36" claim-type="Currently amended] A developing apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the conductive portion is made of carbon, silver, copper, nickel or aluminum.
    [37" claim-type="Currently amended] The developing apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the sealing member is laser processed along the cut portion thereof.
    [38" claim-type="Currently amended] The seal member according to claim 28, wherein the seal member is provided on the rear side of the seal base, and has a tear tape for opening the seal base.
    [39" claim-type="Currently amended] A developing apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the conductive portion is provided so as to cover the entire surface of the opening.
    [40" claim-type="Currently amended] A developing apparatus according to claim 28, further comprising a transmission means for transmitting a force to the force receiving portion.
    [41" claim-type="Currently amended] 41. The developing apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the delivery means has a winding portion for rolling up the seal base.
    [42" claim-type="Currently amended] 41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein information about the life of the developer accommodating container is displayed by the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, wherein the information is not separated when the developer accommodating container is mounted to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus. The developing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the developing apparatus is reset when it is not detected.
    [43" claim-type="Currently amended] 43. The developing apparatus according to claim 42, wherein the information is kept unchanged when it is detected that the conductive portion is separated when the developer container is attached to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.
    [44" claim-type="Currently amended] A process cartridge detachably mounted to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, the process cartridge comprising:
    An image bearing member,
    A developer for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an image bearing member with a developer, comprising a developer container having a developer conveying member for conveying the developer to a predetermined position for developing an electrostatic image, and a developer accommodating container for accommodating the developer. And a developing device having an opening between the developer accommodating container and the developing container to permit discharge of the developer from the developer accommodating container to the developing container;
    Sealing the opening, the sealing member having a seal base for sealing the opening and a force receiving portion for receiving a force for releasing the seal base;
    Conductive, which can be separated by a seal release operation of the seal base, and has a contact portion electrically connectable to the contact portion of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus to allow the main assembly of the image forming apparatus to detect whether the conductive portion is separated. A process cartridge comprising a portion.
    [45" claim-type="Currently amended] 45. The process cartridge of claim 44, wherein the seal member has a detachable conductive portion.
    [46" claim-type="Currently amended] 45. The process cartridge of claim 44, wherein the conductive portion is provided at the seal base.
    [47" claim-type="Currently amended] 45. The seal member according to claim 44, wherein the seal member has a second conductive portion for detecting whether the developer accommodating container is mounted at a predetermined position of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, wherein the second conductive portion is used for the seal release operation of the seal base. Wherein the first conductive portion is separated while not being separated by.
    [48" claim-type="Currently amended] 48. The process cartridge of claim 47, wherein the second conductive portion is disposed downstream of the first conductive portion relative to the seal release direction of the seal base.
    [49" claim-type="Currently amended] 45. The process cartridge of claim 44, wherein the first conductive portion is longer than the opening in the direction crossing the seal release direction of the seal base.
    [50" claim-type="Currently amended] 47. The process cartridge of claim 46, wherein the first conductive portion is made of metal foil.
    [51" claim-type="Currently amended] 47. The process cartridge of claim 46, wherein the first conductive portion is made of metal deposited on the seal base.
    [52" claim-type="Currently amended] 45. The process cartridge of claim 44, wherein the conductive portion is made of carbon, silver, copper, nickel or aluminum.
    [53" claim-type="Currently amended] 45. A process cartridge according to Claim 44, wherein the seal member is laser processed along the cut portion thereof.
    [54" claim-type="Currently amended] 45. A process cartridge according to Claim 44, wherein a seal member is provided on the rear side of the seal base and has a tear tape for opening the seal base.
    [55" claim-type="Currently amended] 46. The process cartridge of claim 45, wherein the conductive portion is provided to cover the entire surface of the opening.
    [56" claim-type="Currently amended] 45. The process cartridge of claim 44, further comprising a transmission means for transmitting a force to the force receiving portion.
    [57" claim-type="Currently amended] 57. The process cartridge of claim 56, wherein the delivery means has a winding portion for rolling up the seal base.
    [58" claim-type="Currently amended] 45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein information about the life of the developer accommodating container is displayed by the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, wherein the information is not separated when the developer accommodating container is mounted to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus. A process cartridge, wherein the process cartridge is reset when it is not detected.
    [59" claim-type="Currently amended] 59. A process cartridge according to Claim 58, wherein said information remains unchanged when it is detected that the conductive portion is separated when the developer accommodating container is mounted to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.
    [60" claim-type="Currently amended] 45. The process cartridge according to claim 44, wherein the image bearing member is an electrophotographic photosensitive member.
    [61" claim-type="Currently amended] A seal member having an opening, a seal base for sealing the opening, and a force receiving portion for receiving a force for releasing the seal base, a conductive portion separable by the seal release operation of the seal base; An image forming apparatus having a main assembly in which a provided developer container is detachably mounted,
    A second conductive portion electrically connected to the first contact portion of the conductive portion,
    And detection means electrically connected to the second contact portion for detecting whether or not the conductive portion is separated.
    [62" claim-type="Currently amended] 62. The seal member according to claim 61, wherein the seal member has a second conductive portion for detecting whether the developer accommodating container is mounted at a predetermined position of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, wherein the second conductive portion is used for the seal release operation of the seal base. The first conductive portion is separated while the image forming apparatus detects whether the developer accommodating container is mounted at a predetermined position of the main assembly of the image forming apparatus based on the electrical connection with the second conductive portion. An image forming apparatus, further comprising: detecting means for performing the processing.
    [63" claim-type="Currently amended] 62. An image forming apparatus according to claim 61, further comprising driving means for applying a force for releasing the seal base to the force receiving portion.
    [64" claim-type="Currently amended] 62. The apparatus of claim 61, wherein information about the life of the developer accommodating container is displayed by the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, wherein the information is not separated when the developer accommodating container is mounted to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus. And resetting when nothing is detected.
    [65" claim-type="Currently amended] 65. The image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 64, wherein the information is kept unchanged when it is detected that the conductive portion is separated when the developer container is mounted to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus.
    [66" claim-type="Currently amended] 64. The image forming apparatus according to claim 61, wherein a developing apparatus for developing an electrostatic image on the image bearing member is detachably mounted with respect to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus, and has a developer accommodating container.
    [67" claim-type="Currently amended] 62. The process cartridge according to claim 61, wherein the process cartridge detachably mounted to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member and a developing apparatus for developing an electrostatic image on the image bearing member, wherein the developing apparatus includes a developer accommodating container. And an image forming apparatus.
    [68" claim-type="Currently amended] 64. An image forming apparatus according to claim 61, wherein the image bearing member is an electrophotographic photosensitive drum.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    AU9698098A|1999-07-01|
    EP0923004B1|2005-04-13|
    CN1235285A|1999-11-17|
    JPH11231757A|1999-08-27|
    DE69829731T2|2005-09-29|
    EP0923004A2|1999-06-16|
    AU729832B2|2001-02-08|
    JP3083091B2|2000-09-04|
    CN1118724C|2003-08-20|
    EP0923004A3|2000-07-12|
    US6178302B1|2001-01-23|
    DE69829731D1|2005-05-19|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    法律状态:
    1997-12-09|Priority to JP35628697
    1997-12-09|Priority to JP97-356286
    1998-11-30|Priority to JP98-339505
    1998-11-30|Priority to JP10339505A
    1998-12-09|Application filed by 미따라이 하지메, 캐논 가부시끼가이샤
    1999-07-26|Publication of KR19990062928A
    2002-05-09|Application granted
    2002-05-09|Publication of KR100322353B1
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    JP35628697|1997-12-09|
    JP97-356286|1997-12-09|
    JP98-339505|1998-11-30|
    JP10339505A|JP3083091B2|1997-12-09|1998-11-30|Seal member for developer storage container, developer storage container, developing device, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus|
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