JP2001215846A - Electrophotographic image forming apparatus and process cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus which enables a stable reading of information recorded on a process cartridge. SOLUTION: An information recording part 100 is disposed in the non-image forming area 7a2 of an electrophotographic photoreceptor 7 of a process cartridge B. A read means 110 for reading an information recording part 100 is disposed on a supporting member 4a which contacts with the electrophotographic photoreceptor 7 and supports rotatably a transfer means 4.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a process cartridge.

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

A process cartridge is a cartridge in which a charging unit, a developing unit or a cleaning unit and an electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed as a cartridge, and this cartridge is made detachable from an image forming apparatus main body. In addition, at least one of the charging means, the developing means, and the cleaning means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge so that the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body. Furthermore,
This means that at least the developing means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge so as to be detachable from the image forming apparatus main body.

[0004]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic image forming process, a cartridge is integrally formed with an electrophotographic photosensitive member and process means acting on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the cartridge is used for image forming. A process cartridge system that can be attached to and detached from the forming apparatus main body is employed. According to this process cartridge system, the maintenance of the apparatus can be performed by the user himself without relying on a serviceman, so that the operability can be remarkably improved. Therefore, this process cartridge system is widely used in image forming apparatuses.

In such an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, an image is formed by mounting a process cartridge on the apparatus main body. For this reason, while there is an advantage that the user can appropriately replace the consumables such as the toner and the photosensitive drum as the electrophotographic photosensitive member as a cartridge, it is necessary to clearly indicate the replacement time to the user.

In order to manage the life of the photosensitive drum, which is a consumable, two pieces of information, that is, identification of the individual photosensitive drum and integration of the number of rotations of the drum, are taken into consideration in consideration of the fact that the process cartridge is replaced during the life. is necessary.

As a method for identifying the individual photosensitive drums,
A method in which a bar code for identifying a photosensitive drum is provided in a process cartridge and the bar code is read by a sensor on the apparatus main body side during the mounting operation (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-171)
No. 329), or a method in which a memory chip storing data for individual identification of a photosensitive drum is mounted on a process cartridge and the data is read out in a wired or wireless manner. As a method of counting the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum, a method of counting the number of rotations of a drum drive shaft for driving the photosensitive drum on the apparatus main body by a drum rotation number counting means is generally used. Some cartridges have a mechanical integrator.

[0008]

The conventional method of detecting the life of a photosensitive drum using the individual identification and the drum rotation number counting means has the following tendency. 1. Since the identification mark such as a bar code is read when the process cartridge is mounted, the relative position between the sensor and the identification mark on the apparatus main body side is unstable, and stable reading cannot be performed. Further, a sensor for performing stable reading regardless of the relative position to the identification mark is expensive. 2. Since sensors are used for individual identification of the photosensitive drum and counting of the number of rotations of the drum, a space for installing the sensor, wiring, and cost are required.

The present invention is a further development of the above-mentioned prior art, and its main object is to use a supporting member for rotatably supporting a transfer means of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. An object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of stably reading information recorded in an image.

Another main object is to provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus capable of stably reading information recorded in a process cartridge by utilizing a support member rotatably supporting a charging means of the process cartridge. Is to provide.

Another main object is to enable stable reading of information recorded in a process cartridge by utilizing a support member rotatably supporting a developer carrier of a developing means of the process cartridge. An object of the present invention is to provide an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

Another main object is to provide a process cartridge capable of stably reading information recorded in a process cartridge by using a support member rotatably supporting a transfer means of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. Is to provide.

Another main object is to provide a process cartridge capable of stably reading information recorded in the process cartridge by utilizing a support member rotatably supporting a charging means of the process cartridge. It is in.

Another main object is to enable stable reading of information recorded in a process cartridge by utilizing a support member rotatably supporting a developer carrier of a developing means of the process cartridge. It is to provide a process cartridge.

[0015]

Means for Solving the Problems [1] A typical configuration of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present invention for achieving the above object is that a process cartridge is detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, comprising: (a) an electrophotographic photosensitive member; and developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member with a developer. A process cartridge having an information recording section for recording predetermined information arranged in a non-image forming area excluding an image forming area of an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photoreceptor; And (b) an electrostatic latent image of the electrophotographic photosensitive member which has been brought into contact with the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the process cartridge and has been developed by a developer by the developing means. Rotatable transfer means for transferring a developer image onto the recording medium; (c) a support member for rotatably supporting the transfer means; and (d) the process cartridge disposed on the support member. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: reading means for reading predetermined information recorded in the information recording section provided on the electrophotographic photosensitive member.

[2] A typical configuration of a process cartridge according to the present invention for achieving the above object is that a process cartridge can be attached to and detached from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body and an image is formed on a recording medium. (A) an electrophotographic photosensitive member, rotatable charging means for contacting the electrophotographic photosensitive member and charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member Developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member with a developer, and predetermined information arranged in a non-image forming area excluding an image forming area of the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. And an information recording unit that records the information, a support member for rotatably supporting the charging unit, and is disposed on the support member and recorded on the information recording unit disposed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Place An electrophotographic apparatus comprising: a mounting means for removably mounting a process cartridge having a reading means for reading the information of the recording medium; and (b) a conveying means for conveying the recording medium. An image forming apparatus.

[3] A typical configuration of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to the present invention for achieving the above object is that a process cartridge can be attached to and detached from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and an image is recorded on a recording medium. (A) an electrophotographic photosensitive member, developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member with a developer, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member. An information recording unit which is arranged in a non-image forming area except for an image forming area of an electrostatic latent image formed on a body and records predetermined information, and a developer carrier of the developing unit, A rotatable developer having a certain distance from the electrophotographic photosensitive member and carrying a developer used for developing an electrostatic latent image on the electrophotographic photosensitive member and supplying the developer to the electrophotographic photosensitive member Rotating the carrier and the developer carrier A process member comprising: a support member for supporting the current position; and reading means disposed on the support member for reading predetermined information recorded in the information recording section disposed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: mounting means for removably mounting a recording medium; and (b) transport means for transporting the recording medium.

[4] A typical configuration of the process cartridge according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a process cartridge detachable from the main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; Developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor with a developer, and predetermined information arranged in a non-image forming area excluding an image forming area of the electrostatic latent image in the electrophotographic photoreceptor; The predetermined information is recorded, the predetermined information is included in the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, is in contact with the electrophotographic photoconductor, and is developed by the developing means with a developer of the electrostatic latent image of the electrophotographic photoconductor An information recording section that is read by reading means disposed on a support member rotatably supporting a transfer means for transferring the developer image onto a recording medium. It is Seth cartridge.

[5] A typical configuration of the process cartridge according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a process cartridge detachable from the main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; A rotatable charging unit for contacting the photoconductor and charging the electrophotographic photoconductor, a developing unit for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photoconductor with a developer, and A support member for rotatably supporting the charging unit, and an information recording unit that records predetermined information disposed in a non-image forming area except an image forming area of the electrostatic latent image in the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Reading means provided on the support member for reading predetermined information recorded in the information recording section provided on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. It is a cartridges.

[6] A typical configuration of a process cartridge according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a process cartridge detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; Developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor with a developer; and a predetermined information disposed in a non-image forming area except an image forming area of the electrostatic latent image in the electrophotographic photoreceptor. An information recording unit that is recording, and a developer carrying member included in the developing unit, wherein the developing unit has a constant interval between the electrophotographic photosensitive member and develops an electrostatic latent image of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. A rotatable developer carrier that carries the developer provided to the electrophotographic photosensitive member and supplies the electrophotographic photoconductor, a support member for rotatably supporting the developer carrier, and a support member. ,
A process unit for reading predetermined information recorded in the information recording unit provided on the electrophotographic photosensitive member.

(Operation) In the electrophotographic image forming apparatus of the above [1], the reading means arranged on the supporting member for rotatably supporting the transfer means records on the information recording section of the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the process cartridge. And read predetermined information. Since the transfer means is in contact with the electrophotographic photosensitive member, the distance between the supporting member supporting the transfer means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member is substantially constant. For this reason, the reading output of the information recording unit by the reading means is stabilized, and the information of the process cartridge can be stably read.

In the electrophotographic image forming apparatus of the above [2], reading means provided on a support member for rotatably supporting the charging means of the process cartridge is recorded on the information recording section of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. And read predetermined information. Since the charging means is in contact with the electrophotographic photosensitive member, the distance between the supporting member supporting the charging means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member is substantially constant. For this reason, the reading output of the information recording unit by the reading means is stabilized, and the information of the process cartridge can be stably read.

In the electrophotographic image forming apparatus of the above [3], the reading means provided on the supporting member for rotatably supporting the developer carrier of the developing means of the process cartridge comprises an information recording section of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Read predetermined information recorded in the. Since the developer carrier has a certain distance from the electrophotographic photosensitive member, the distance between the supporting member supporting the developer carrier and the electrophotographic photosensitive member is substantially constant. For this reason, the reading output of the information recording unit by the reading means is stabilized, and the information of the process cartridge can be stably read.

In the above process cartridge [4], predetermined information recorded in the information recording section of the electrophotographic photosensitive member is read by reading means provided on a support member which rotatably supports the transfer means. Since the transfer means is in contact with the electrophotographic photosensitive member, the distance between the supporting member supporting the transfer means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member is substantially constant. Therefore, the reading output of the information recording unit by the reading unit is stabilized. This makes it possible to read information stably.

In the process cartridge [5], reading means disposed on a support member rotatably supporting the charging means reads predetermined information recorded in an information recording section of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Since the charging means is in contact with the electrophotographic photosensitive member, the distance between the supporting member supporting the charging means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member is substantially constant.
For this reason, the reading output of the information recording unit by the reading means is stabilized, and thus the information can be stably read.

In the process cartridge of [6], the reading means provided on the supporting member for rotatably supporting the developer carrier of the developing means has a predetermined structure recorded on the information recording section of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Read information. Since the developer carrier has a certain distance from the electrophotographic photosensitive member, the distance between the supporting member supporting the developer carrier and the electrophotographic photosensitive member is substantially constant. For this reason, the reading output of the information recording unit by the reading means is stabilized, and the information of the process cartridge can be stably read.

[0027]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

[Embodiment 1] A process cartridge and an electrophotographic image forming apparatus to which the process cartridge can be mounted will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus (laser beam printer) of the embodiment, FIG. 5 is an external perspective view of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 4, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of a process cartridge.

Here, as the order of the description, the overall configuration of the process cartridge and the electrophotographic image forming apparatus used therein will be described, and then the configuration of the process cartridge will be described.

In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the process cartridge is the direction (substantially perpendicular) to the direction in which the process cartridge is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body, parallel to the surface of the recording medium, and This is a direction intersecting (substantially perpendicular to) the medium transport direction. Further, the left and right of the process cartridge are right or left when the recording medium is viewed from above according to the transport direction of the recording medium.

(Overall Configuration) As shown in FIG. 4, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (laser beam printer) A according to the present embodiment uses a recording medium (for example, recording paper, OHP sheet, 2) to form an image. In forming an image on the recording medium 2, a toner image is formed on a drum-shaped electrophotographic photosensitive member (hereinafter, referred to as "photosensitive drum") 7. More specifically, the photosensitive drum 7 is charged by the charging means 8, and then the photosensitive drum 7 is irradiated with laser light corresponding to image information from the optical system 1 as an optical means.
To form an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image information. Then, the electrostatic latent image is developed by developing means 9 to form a toner (developer).
Form an image. And, in synchronization with the formation of the toner image,
The recording medium 2 set in the cassette 3a is reversely conveyed by the pickup roller 3b, the conveying roller pairs 3c and 3d, and the registration roller pair 3e. Next, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 of the process cartridge B is transferred to the recording medium 2 by applying a voltage (transfer bias) to a transfer roller 4 as a transfer unit. Here, the transfer roller 4 is provided in contact with the photosensitive drum 7 and is rotatably provided.
It is always in sliding contact with the photosensitive drum 7. Thereafter, the recording medium 2 to which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 5 by the conveyance guide 3f. The fixing means 5 includes a driving roller 5c.
And a fixing roller b having a built-in heater 5a. Then, heat and pressure are applied to the passing recording medium 2 to fix the transferred toner image. Then, the recording medium 2 is conveyed by a pair of discharge rollers 3g, 3h, and 3i, and is discharged to a discharge tray 6 through a reversing path 3j. This discharge tray 6 is provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 14. It is also possible to operate the swingable flapper 3k and discharge the recording medium 2 by the discharge roller pair 3m without passing through the reversing path 3j. In the present embodiment, the pickup roller 3b, the transport roller pair 3c, 3d, the registration roller pair 3e, the transport guide 3f, and the discharge roller pairs 3g, 3h, 3
The conveying means 3 is constituted by i and the discharge roller pair 3m.

(Configuration of Process Cartridge) On the other hand, the process cartridge B includes an electrophotographic photosensitive member and at least one process means. Here, as the process means, for example, a charging means for charging an electrophotographic photosensitive member, a developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, a cleaning means for cleaning toner remaining on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member Etc. As shown in FIG. 6, the process cartridge B of the present embodiment rotates the photosensitive drum 7 and uniformly charges its surface by applying a voltage (charging bias) to the charging roller 8 serving as a charging unit. . Next, a laser beam corresponding to image information from the optical system 1 is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 7 through the exposure opening 1e to form an electrostatic latent image. Then, the electrostatic latent image is developed by developing means 9 using toner as a developer. That is, the charging roller 8 is provided in contact with the photosensitive drum 7 and charges the photosensitive drum 7. The charging roller 8 is driven and rotated by the photosensitive drum 7. The developing unit 9 supplies toner to a developing area of the photosensitive drum 7 to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 7. The optical system 1 has a laser diode 1a, a polygon mirror 1b, a lens 1c, and a reflection mirror 1d.

The developing means 9 sends out the toner in the toner container 11A to a developing roller 9c as a developer carrier by rotation of a toner sending member 9b. Then, the developing roller 9c having a fixed magnet therein is rotated, and a toner layer provided with a triboelectric charge by the developing blade 9d is formed on the surface of the developing roller 9c, and a voltage (development bias application) is applied to the developing roller 9c. The toner is supplied to a developing area of the photosensitive drum 7. By transferring the toner on the surface of the developing roller 9c to the photosensitive drum 7 in accordance with the electrostatic latent image in this manner, a toner image (developer image) is formed and is visualized. Here, the developing blade 9d
Defines the amount of toner on the peripheral surface of the developing roller 9c and imparts a triboelectric charge. The developing roller 9
“c” carries the toner used for developing the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 7 and applies the voltage to the photosensitive drum 7.
Is to be supplied. In the vicinity of the developing roller 9c, a toner stirring member 9e for circulating the toner in the developing chamber is provided.
Is rotatably mounted.

Then, a voltage having a polarity opposite to that of the toner image is applied to the transfer roller 4 to transfer the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 7 to the recording medium 2.
By 0, the residual toner on the photosensitive drum 7 is removed.
Here, the cleaning means 10 scrapes off the toner remaining on the photoconductor drum 7 by an elastic cleaning blade 10a provided in contact with the photoconductor drum 7 and collects it in the removed toner reservoir 10b.

(Frame Structure of Process Cartridge) In the process cartridge B according to the present embodiment, the toner frame 11 having the toner container 11A for storing the toner and the developing frame 12 having the developing means 9 are formed by the flange 701a. ,
A developing unit D joined by welding (ultrasonic welding) at a portion 701b and a cleaning frame 13 having a removed toner reservoir 10b and holding the photosensitive drum 7, the elastic cleaning blade 10a, the charging roller 8, and the like are shown on a paper surface. Are rotatably connected about a shaft 22 perpendicular to the shaft. A coil spring 22a as an urging means is interposed between the developing frame 12 and the cleaning frame 13 at a connection portion between the developing unit D and the cleaning frame 13. The coil spring 22a is biased to a compressed state when the developing unit D and the cleaning frame 13 are assembled. As a result, assuming that the cleaning frame 13 is fixed, the developing unit D receives a rotational force in the clockwise direction, and
A force acts on c so as to be pressed against the photosensitive drum 7. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 2, by attaching spacer rollers 9i having a diameter larger than that of the developing roller 9c to both ends in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the developing roller 9c, the spacer rollers 9i are pressed against the photosensitive drum 7, and The drum 7 and the developing roller 9c face each other at a constant interval (about 300 μm) c. That is, the photoconductor drum 7 is opposed to the photoconductor drum 7 with the predetermined interval c between the photoconductor drum 7.

As described above, the process cartridge B shown in this embodiment includes the toner frame 11 and the developing frame 12
To the developing frame 12 and the cleaning frame 13
And a photosensitive drum 7,
Charging roller 8, developing means 9, and cleaning means 1
0 and the like are stored in a cartridge. The process cartridge B is detachably mounted on a cartridge mounting guide (not shown) as mounting means provided on the apparatus main body 14. Specifically, the cartridge mounting guide is provided on the cover 35 shown in FIGS.
Are opened on the opening / closing shaft 35a in the direction of the arrow to open the left and right sides of the cartridge mounting space S of the apparatus body 14. The left and right mounting guides are provided with groove-shaped guide portions inclined in the direction of arrow X shown in FIG. 4, and the convex guides 13a, 13a provided at the left and right end portions of the process cartridge B as shown in FIG.
Guide 3b. The process cartridge B is inserted in the direction of the arrow X shown in FIG.
By closing 5, the mounting of the process cartridge B on the apparatus main body 14 is completed.

(Configuration for Reading Information from Process Cartridge) Next, the configuration for reading information from the process cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a view showing an arrangement of a reflection type photoelectric sensor arranged on a photosensitive drum and a bearing of a transfer roller, FIG. 3A is a view showing the reflection type photoelectric sensor of FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the reflection-type photoelectric sensor shown in FIG.

The photosensitive drum 7 of the process cartridge B is charged in the electrophotographic image forming process.
It is a part that controls the main processes of latent image formation, development, and transfer, and plays an important role in determining image quality.

On the other hand, the photosensitive drum 7 has a functional life due to an electrical action such as charging repeatedly received in an image forming operation and a mechanical action such as rubbing with the elastic cleaning blade 10a.

Therefore, it is necessary to detect the endurance life of the photosensitive drum 7 and inform the user of the replacement time. In order to manage the life of the photosensitive drum 7, two pieces of information, ie, the individual identification of the photosensitive drum 7 and the integration of the number of rotations of the drum, are necessary in consideration of the fact that the process cartridge B is replaced during the life.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a bar code (information holding mark) as an information recording portion is formed on a non-image forming area 7a2 on the drum cylinder 7a of the photosensitive drum 7 by a laser marker. ) 100 is printed. During the image forming operation of the bar code 100, a reflection type photoelectric sensor (detection sensor) serving as a reading unit built in a bearing 4a (see FIG. 3) serving as a support member for supporting the transfer roller 4 of the apparatus main body 14. 110
The reading configuration was adopted.

The bar code 100 is, as shown in FIG.
It is recorded on a part of the outer circumference (on the circumference) of the non-image forming area 7a2 excluding the image forming area 7a3 where the electrostatic latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum 7. Here, the non-image forming area 7
a2 is a region provided at the end of the photosensitive drum 7 in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) and in which an electrostatic latent image is not formed. The bar code 100 is used for the process cartridge B.
Identification data section 10 recording unique individual identification information of
0a and a bit portion 100 for detecting rotation of the photosensitive drum 7
b. Information such as the product symbol of the process cartridge B, the serial number, and the drum serial number of the photosensitive drum 7 is recorded in the individual identification data portion 100a. The bit section 100b has a start bit 100b1 for detecting the front end of the barcode 100 and a stop bit 100b2 for detecting the rear end. The start bit 100b1 is provided in the individual identification data section 10 in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 7.
0a is recorded at the front end. Stop bit 100b
2 is recorded at the rear end of the individual identification data portion 100a in the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 7.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the reflection type photoelectric sensor 110 is a light emitting element constituting a light emitting section.
ED element 110a, C as a light receiving element constituting a light receiving section
The photoelectric sensor unit using the ds cell 110b is integrally formed with the bearing 4a of the transfer roller 4. The reflective photoelectric sensor 110 faces the barcode 100 in the radial direction (diameter direction) of the photosensitive drum 7. Then, the LED element 110a emits light to the barcode 100 of the photosensitive drum 7, and the reflected light reflected by the barcode 100 is received by the Cds cell 110b.

Further, the reflection type photoelectric sensor 110 includes:
It has a three-terminal configuration of GND, Vcc, and Vout. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 3A, the conductive bearing 4 held by the bearing holding member 112 on the device body 14 side.
Guide portions 4a1 and 4a2 on the left and right of a are used as contacts between GND and Vcc, respectively. Further, a conductive pressure spring 111 disposed between the bearing 4a and the bearing holding member 112 on the opposite side of the photosensitive drum 7 is used as a Vout output contact. The pressure spring 111 presses the bearing 4a toward the photosensitive drum 7 side. As described above, in the present embodiment, the left and right guide portions 4a1 and 4a2 of the conductive bearing 4a and the conductive pressure spring 11
1 is GND, Vcc, Vo of the reflection type photoelectric sensor 110
The wiring of the reflective photoelectric sensor 110 having the above-described three-terminal configuration was omitted by using it as a contact of the out.

Next, reading of the bar code 100 on the photosensitive drum 7 by the reflection type photoelectric sensor 110 will be described.

Reading of the bar code 100 on the photosensitive drum 7 by the reflection type photoelectric sensor 110 is performed during the image forming operation of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus A. During the image forming operation, the bar code 10 printed on the non-image forming area 7a2 of the photosensitive drum 7 by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 7
Zero also rotates. Further, the transfer roller 4 rotates while contacting and sliding with the photosensitive drum 7. During the rotation of the photosensitive drum 7, the LED element 110 of the reflective photoelectric sensor 110 is turned on.
a emits light to the bar code 100 of the photosensitive drum 7, and the reflected light reflected by the bar code 100 is C
The ds cell 110b receives light. At this time, the Cds cell 110
b is the start bit 100b in the bar code 100
1, individual identification data section 100a, stop bit 100
The reflected light reflected in the order of b2 is received in that order, and all information recorded in the barcode 100 is detected. Since the transfer roller 4 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 7, the distance between the bearing 4a supporting the transfer roller 4 and the photosensitive drum 7 is substantially constant. Therefore, the (detection output (read output)) of the barcode 100 by the reflective photoelectric sensor 110 is stabilized. As a result, the information (data) of the individual identification data portion 100 a unique to the cartridge is detected by the reflection type photoelectric sensor 110 every time the photosensitive drum 7 rotates.

The CPU (not shown) of the apparatus main body 14
Of the unique identification data unit 100a
And the number of rotations detected at the address of the same memory associated with the data are accumulated and held. Thus the CPU
Cartridge B and photosensitive drum 7 on the memory
And the accumulated number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 7, thereby managing the accumulated number of drum rotations for each cartridge.

According to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus shown in this embodiment, the process is performed by the reflection type photoelectric sensor 110 built in the bearing 4a for rotatably supporting the transfer roller 4 of the apparatus main body 14 during the image forming operation. The bar code 100 on the photosensitive drum 7 of the cartridge B is read. At this time, since the transfer roller 4 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 7, the distance between the bearing 4a supporting the transfer roller 4 and the photosensitive drum 7 is substantially constant. Therefore, the reading output (detection output) of the barcode 100 by the reflection type photoelectric sensor 110 is stabilized. As a result, the information of the process cartridge B, that is, the information recorded in the barcode 100 can be stably read.

As described above, the bar code 100 is read by the reflection type photoelectric sensor 110 built in the bearing 4a of the transfer roller 4 during the rotation of the photosensitive drum 7 at the time of the image forming operation, thereby identifying the process cartridge B individually. In addition, the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 7 can be easily integrated.

The non-image forming area 7 of the photosensitive drum 7
Since the barcode 100 is recorded in a2, the device configuration for managing the life of the photosensitive drum 7 can be simplified.

The reflection type photoelectric sensor 110 has an LED element 110a as a light emitting element and a Cd as a light receiving element.
Since the s cell 110b is unitized with the bearing 4a, there is no need to adjust the optical axes of the LED element 110a and the Cds cell 110b, and a stable and stable detection output is obtained.

Further, according to the process cartridge B shown in this embodiment, the bar code 100 of the photosensitive drum 7 is
Is read by the reflective photoelectric sensor 110 incorporated in the bearing 4a of the transfer roller 4 on the apparatus body 14 side during the image forming operation of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus A. On this occasion,
Since the transfer roller 4 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 7, the distance between the bearing 4a supporting the transfer roller 4 and the photosensitive drum 7 is substantially constant. Therefore, the reading output (detection output) of the barcode 100 by the reflection type photoelectric sensor 110 is stabilized. Thereby, the information of the process cartridge B, that is, the information recorded in the barcode 100 can be read stably.

Second Embodiment Next, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a process cartridge according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the process cartridge according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an arrangement of a reflection type photoelectric sensor disposed on a photosensitive drum and a bearing of a charging roller. In this embodiment, the same members as those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the electrophotographic image forming apparatus A according to this embodiment, the process cartridge B can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 14, as in the first embodiment. And, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG.
A reflection type photoelectric sensor 210 is disposed on a bearing 8a of the charging roller 8, and the bar code 100 printed on the non-image forming area 7a2 of the photosensitive drum 7 is read using the reflection type photoelectric sensor 210. I have. The process cartridge B includes a bearing 8 a of the charging roller 8.
Example 1 except that a reflective photoelectric sensor 210 is disposed
Has the same configuration as the process cartridge B. The printing method and recorded contents of the barcode 100 are the same as those in the first embodiment. The apparatus main body 14 has the same configuration as that of the apparatus main body 14 of the first embodiment except that a bearing having no reflective photoelectric sensor is used as the bearing 4a of the transfer roller 4.

Further, the information reading configuration of the process cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, the reflection type photoelectric sensor 210 is an LED as a light emitting element constituting a light emitting section.
Element 210a, Cds as a light receiving element constituting a light receiving section
The photoelectric sensor unit using the cell 210b is integrally formed with the bearing 8a of the charging roller 8. The reflection type photoelectric sensor 210 faces the bar code 100 in the radial direction (diameter direction) of the photosensitive drum 7. Then, the LED element 210a is connected to the bar code 1 of the photosensitive drum 7.
Light is emitted from the CDS cell 00b, and the reflected light reflected by the barcode 100 is received by the Cds cell 210b.

Further, the reflection type photoelectric sensor 210 includes:
It has a three-terminal configuration of GND, Vcc, and Vout. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the conductive bearing 8 a held by the bearing holding member 211 of the cleaning frame 13.
Are made contact points (not shown) between GND and Vcc, respectively. In addition, a conductive pressure spring 212 disposed between the bearing 8a and the bearing holding member 211 on the opposite side of the photosensitive drum 7 is used as a Vout output contact (not shown) (FIG. 3 of the first embodiment). reference). The pressure spring 212 presses the bearing 8a against the photosensitive drum 7 side. Thus, in this embodiment,
By using the left and right guides of the conductive bearing 8a and the conductive pressure spring 212 as the GND, Vcc, and Vout contacts of the reflective photoelectric sensor 110,
The wiring of the reflection type photoelectric sensor 210 having the three-terminal configuration is omitted. In addition, three of these GND, Vcc, and Vout
The signal line is connected to the apparatus main body 14 via a connector (not shown) between the process cartridge B and the apparatus main body 14.

Next, reading of the bar code 100 on the photosensitive drum 7 by the reflection type photoelectric sensor 210 will be described.

The reading of the bar code 100 on the photosensitive drum 7 by the reflection type photoelectric sensor 210 is performed during the image forming operation of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus A. During the image forming operation, the bar code 10 printed on the non-image forming area 7a2 of the photosensitive drum 7 by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 7
Zero also rotates. Further, the charging roller 8 rotates while contacting and sliding with the photosensitive drum 7. During the rotation operation of the photosensitive drum 7, the LED element 210 of the reflection type photoelectric sensor 210 is used.
a emits light to the bar code 100 of the photosensitive drum 7, and the reflected light reflected by the bar code 100 is C
The ds cell 210b receives light. At this time, the Cds cell 210
b is the start bit 100b in the bar code 100
1, individual identification data section 100a, stop bit 100
The reflected light reflected in the order of b2 is received in that order, and all information recorded in the barcode 100 is detected. Since the charging roller 8 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 7, the distance between the bearing 8a supporting the charging roller 8 and the photosensitive drum 7 is substantially constant. Therefore, the (detection output (read output)) of the barcode 100 by the reflective photoelectric sensor 210 is stabilized. As a result, the information (data) of the individual identification data unit 100 a unique to the cartridge is detected by the reflection type photoelectric sensor 210 every time the photosensitive drum 7 rotates.

The CPU (not shown) of the apparatus main body 14
Of the unique identification data unit 100a
And the number of rotations detected at the address of the same memory associated with the data are accumulated and held. Thus the CPU
Cartridge B and photosensitive drum 7 on the memory
And the accumulated number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 7, thereby managing the accumulated number of drum rotations for each cartridge.

According to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus A shown in the present embodiment, during the image forming operation, the reflection type photoelectric sensor 210 built in the bearing 8a that rotatably supports the charging roller 8 of the process cartridge B is used. Photoconductor drum 7
Is read. At this time, since the charging roller 8 of the process cartridge B is in contact with the photosensitive drum 7, the distance between the bearing 8a supporting the charging roller 8 and the photosensitive drum 7 is substantially constant. Therefore, the bar code 100 by the reflection type photoelectric sensor 210 is used.
Read output (detection output) becomes stable. As a result, the information of the process cartridge B, that is, the information recorded in the barcode 100 can be stably read.

As described above, the bar code 100 is applied to the bearing 8 of the charging roller 8 during the rotation of the photosensitive drum 7 during the image forming operation.
By reading with the reflection type photoelectric sensor 210 incorporated in a, the individual identification of the process cartridge B and the integration of the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 7 can be easily performed.

The non-image forming area 7 of the photosensitive drum 7
Since the barcode 100 is recorded in a2, the device configuration for managing the life of the photosensitive drum 7 can be simplified.

The reflection type photoelectric sensor 210 has an LED element 210a as a light emitting element and a Cd as a light receiving element.
Since the s cell 210b is unitized with the bearing 8a, there is no need to adjust the optical axis of the LED element 210a and the Cds cell 210b, and a stable and stable detection output is obtained.

Further, according to the process cartridge B shown in this embodiment, the reflection type photoelectric sensor 210 built in the bearing 8a of the charging roller 8 is used for the photosensitive member during the image forming operation of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus A. The bar code 100 on the drum 7 is read. At this time, since the charging roller 8 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 7, the distance between the bearing 8a supporting the charging roller 8 and the photosensitive drum 7 is substantially constant. Therefore, the reading output (detection output) of the barcode 100 by the reflection type photoelectric sensor 210 is stabilized. As a result, the information of the process cartridge B, that is, the information recorded in the barcode 100 can be stably read.

Third Embodiment Next, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and a process cartridge according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an arrangement of the reflection type photoelectric sensors arranged on the bearings of the photosensitive drum and the developing roller. In this embodiment, the same members as those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the electrophotographic image forming apparatus A according to this embodiment, the process cartridge B can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 14, as in the first embodiment. The process cartridge B is, as shown in FIGS.
The reflection type photoelectric sensor 31 is mounted on the bearing 9c1 of the developing roller 9c.
0, and the barcode 100 printed on the non-image forming area 7a2 of the photosensitive drum 7 is read using the reflection type photoelectric sensor 310. The process cartridge B has the same configuration as the process cartridge B of the first embodiment except that the reflection type photoelectric sensor 310 is disposed on the bearing 9c1 of the developing roller 9c. The printing method and recorded contents of the barcode 100 are the same as those in the first embodiment. Further, the device main body 14 includes:
The apparatus main body 1 according to the first embodiment except that a bearing having no reflective photoelectric sensor is used as the bearing 4a of the transfer roller 4.
4 has the same configuration.

Further, the information reading configuration of the process cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 9, the reflection type photoelectric sensor 310 is a photoelectric sensor using an LED element (not shown) 310a as a light emitting element constituting a light emitting section and a Cds cell 310b as a light receiving element constituting a light receiving section. The unit is formed integrally with the bearing 9c1 of the developing roller 9c. The reflection type photoelectric sensor 310 is provided on the photosensitive drum 7.
In the radial direction (diameter direction). The LED element 310a is connected to the photosensitive drum 7
Is emitted to the bar code 100 of the
The reflected light reflected by 00 is received by the Cds cell 310b.

Further, the reflection type photoelectric sensor 310 includes:
It has a three-terminal configuration of GND, Vcc, and Vout. For this reason, as shown in FIG.
The left and right guide portions of the conductive bearing 9c1 held by 11 are used as contacts (not shown) between GND and Vcc, respectively. A bearing 9 is provided on the opposite side of the photosensitive drum 7.
The guide portion 9c11 on one surface of c1 is used as an output contact for Vout. As described above, in the present embodiment, by using the left, right, and one-side guide portions of the conductive bearing 9c1 as the GND, Vcc, and Vout contacts of the reflective photoelectric sensor 310, the three-terminal reflective photoelectric sensor is used. 3
Ten wirings were omitted. In addition, these GND, Vc
The three signal lines c and Vout are connected to the apparatus main body 14 via a connector (not shown) between the process cartridge B and the apparatus main body 14.

Next, reading of the bar code 100 on the photosensitive drum 7 by the reflection type photoelectric sensor 310 will be described.

The reading of the bar code 100 on the photosensitive drum 7 by the reflection type photoelectric sensor 310 is performed during the image forming operation of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus A. During the image forming operation, the bar code 10 printed on the non-image forming area 7a2 of the photosensitive drum 7 by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 7
Zero also rotates. The developing roller 9c rotates at a fixed interval c between the developing roller 9c and the photosensitive drum 7. During the rotation operation of the photosensitive drum 7, the LE of the reflection type photoelectric sensor 310 is
The D element 310a is the bar code 100 of the photosensitive drum 7.
, And the Cds cell 310b receives the reflected light reflected by the barcode 100. At this time Cd
The s cell 310b receives the reflected light reflected in the order of the start bit 100b1, the individual identification data part 100a, and the stop bit 100b2 in the bar code 100 in that order, and detects all information recorded in the bar code 100. . Further, since the developing roller 9c has a certain interval c between itself and the photosensitive drum 7, the developing roller 9c
The distance between the bearing 9c1 that supports c and the photosensitive drum 7 is substantially constant. Therefore, the reflection type photoelectric sensor 3
The (detection output (reading output)) of the barcode 100 according to 10 is stabilized. As a result, the information (data) of the individual identification data unit 100 a unique to the cartridge is detected by the reflection type photoelectric sensor 310 every time the photosensitive drum 7 rotates.

The CPU (not shown) of the apparatus main body 14
Of the unique identification data unit 100a
And the number of rotations detected at the address of the same memory associated with the data are accumulated and held. Thus the CPU
Cartridge B and photosensitive drum 7 on the memory
And the accumulated number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 7, thereby managing the accumulated number of drum rotations for each cartridge.

According to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus A shown in this embodiment, during the image forming operation, the reflection type photoelectric sensor 310 incorporated in the bearing 9c1 rotatably supporting the developing roller 9c of the process cartridge B. The bar code 100 on the photosensitive drum 7 is read. At this time, since the developing roller 9c has a certain interval c between the developing roller 9c and the photosensitive drum 7, a bearing 9c supporting the developing roller 9c is provided.
The distance between the photosensitive drum 1 and the photosensitive drum 7 is substantially constant. Therefore, the bar code 1 by the reflective photoelectric sensor 310 is used.
The reading output (detection output) of 00 is stabilized. As a result, the information of the process cartridge B, that is, the information recorded in the barcode 100 can be stably read.

As described above, during the rotation of the photosensitive drum 7 in the image forming operation, the bar code 100 is reflected by the reflective photoelectric sensor 310 built in the bearing 9c1 of the developing roller 9c.
By reading, the individual identification of the process cartridge B and the integration of the number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 7 can be easily performed.

The non-image forming area 7 of the photosensitive drum 7
Since the barcode 100 is recorded in a2, the device configuration for managing the life of the photosensitive drum 7 can be simplified.

The reflection type photoelectric sensor 310 has an LED element 310a as a light emitting element and a Cd as a light receiving element.
Since the s cell 310b is unitized integrally with the bearing 9c1, the LED element 310a and the Cds cell 310b
Does not need to be adjusted, and a stable and stable detection output can be obtained.

Further, according to the process cartridge B shown in this embodiment, during the image forming operation of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus A, the reflection type photoelectric sensor 310 built in the bearing 9c1 of the developing roller 9c is connected to the bar. Read the code 100. At this time, since the developing roller 9c has a certain interval c between itself and the photosensitive drum 7, the developing roller 9c
The distance between the bearing 9c1 that supports c and the photosensitive drum 7 is substantially constant. Therefore, the reflection type photoelectric sensor 31
Reading output of barcode 100 by 0 (detection output)
Becomes stable. As a result, the information of the process cartridge B, that is, the information recorded in the barcode 100 can be stably read.

[Other Embodiments] Although the case where the process cartridge shown in the above-described embodiment forms a single-color image has been exemplified, the process cartridge according to the present invention is provided with a plurality of developing means, and a plurality of color images ( For example, a two-color image, 3
The present invention can also be suitably applied to a cartridge for forming a color image or full color.

The electrophotographic photosensitive member is not limited to the above-mentioned photosensitive drum, and includes, for example, the following. First, a photoconductor is used as a photoconductor. Examples of the photoconductor include amorphous silicon, amorphous selenium, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, and an organic photoconductor (OP).
C) and the like. For example, a drum-shaped or belt-shaped one is used as the shape on which the photoconductor is mounted. For example, in the case of a drum-type photoconductor, a photoconductor is deposited or coated on a cylinder of aluminum alloy or the like. It was done.

As a method for cleaning the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum, the cleaning means may be constituted by using a blade, a fur brush, a magnetic brush or the like.

The process cartridge described above is
For example, an electrophotographic photosensitive member and at least one of the process means
It has one. Therefore, as an aspect of the process cartridge, in addition to the above-described embodiment, for example, an electrophotographic photosensitive member and a charging unit are integrally formed into a cartridge and can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body. The electrophotographic photosensitive member and the developing means are integrally formed into a cartridge,
A device that can be attached to and detached from the device body. An electrophotographic photosensitive member and a cleaning means are integrally formed into a cartridge so that the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body. Further, there is a type in which an electrophotographic photoreceptor and two or more of the above-mentioned process means are combined into a cartridge to be integrally detachable from the apparatus main body.

That is, the above-mentioned process cartridge is one in which the charging means, the developing means or the cleaning means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrated into a cartridge, and this cartridge is detachably mountable to the main body of the image forming apparatus. . In addition, at least one of the charging unit, the developing unit, and the cleaning unit and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge so that the cartridge can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body. Further, it refers to a device in which at least the developing means and the electrophotographic photosensitive member are integrally formed into a cartridge so as to be detachably mountable to the image forming apparatus main body. The process cartridge can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body by the user himself. Therefore, the maintenance of the apparatus main body can be performed by the user himself.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a laser beam printer is exemplified as an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an electrophotographic copying machine, a facsimile machine, a word processor, etc. Of course, it is also possible to use it for the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

[0085]

As described above, according to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus of the present invention, the information recording section is arranged in the non-image forming area of the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the process cartridge, and the information recording section is provided. By arranging reading means for reading in contact with the electrophotographic photosensitive member and on a support member rotatably supporting the transfer means, it is possible to stably read information recorded in the information recording section. Become.

Further, an information recording section is arranged in a non-image forming area of the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the process cartridge, and reading means for reading the information recording section is brought into contact with the electrophotographic photosensitive member and charging means. The information recorded in the information recording section can be stably read by arranging on a supporting member that rotatably supports.

Further, an information recording section is arranged in a non-image forming area of the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the process cartridge, and reading means for reading the information recording section has a predetermined distance from the electrophotographic photosensitive member. The information recorded in the information recording section can be stably read by arranging the developer carrying member of the developing means on a supporting member that rotatably supports the developer.

According to the process cartridge of the present invention, the information recording section is disposed in the non-image forming area of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the information recording section comes into contact with the electrophotographic photosensitive member,
In addition, since the reading is performed by the reading unit disposed on the supporting member that rotatably supports the transfer unit, the information recorded in the information recording unit can be stably read.

Further, according to the process cartridge of the present invention, an information recording section is arranged in a non-image forming area of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and reading means for reading the information recording section is provided with the electrophotographic photosensitive member. By arranging the charging means on a supporting member that rotatably supports the charging unit, information recorded in the information recording unit can be stably read.

Further, according to the process cartridge of the present invention, an information recording section is arranged in a non-image forming area of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and reading means for reading the information recording section is provided with the electrophotographic photosensitive member. The information recorded in the information recording section can be stably read by arranging the developer carrying member of the developing means having a certain interval on a rotatable supporting member.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of a photosensitive drum of a process cartridge according to a first embodiment and a reflection type photoelectric sensor disposed on a bearing of a transfer roller.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of a process cartridge according to a second embodiment.

3A is a diagram showing the reflective photoelectric sensor of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the reflective photoelectric sensor shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

5 is an external perspective view of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view of the process cartridge.

FIG. 7 is an external view of a process cartridge.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an arrangement of a reflection type photoelectric sensor arranged on a photosensitive drum and a bearing of a charging roller of the process cartridge according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an arrangement of a reflection type photoelectric sensor disposed on a photosensitive drum of a process cartridge and a bearing of a developing roller according to a third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List A electrophotographic image forming apparatus B process cartridge 4 transfer roller 7 electrophotographic photosensitive member 7a2 non-image forming area 8 charging roller (charging means) 9 developing means 9c developing roller 4a, 8a, 9c1 bearing 10 cleaning means 14 electrophotographic image forming apparatus Main body 100 Barcode 110, 210, 310 Reflective photoelectric sensor 110a, 210a, 310a LED element 110b, 210b, 310b Cds cell

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G03G 15/08 507 G03G 15/00 556 2H077 15/16 103 15/08 507K F-term (Reference) 2H003 AA11 BB11 CC05 2H027 DA41 DE02 DE10 ED03 ED08 ED24 EF02 HB02 HB14 2H032 BA08 BA16 BA23 2H035 CB03 CD14 CE08 2H071 BA13 BA33 DA06 DA08 DA09 DA15 DA32 2H077 AD06 DA01 DA43 DA47 DA63 GA04

Claims (50)

[Claims] 1. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge is detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body and forms an image on a recording medium, comprising: (a) an electrophotographic photosensitive member; Developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the body with a developer, a developing means arranged in a non-image forming area except an image forming area of the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and An information recording section for recording information; mounting means for removably mounting a process cartridge having: (b) developing means for making contact with the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the process cartridge and developing by the developing means; Rotatable transfer means for transferring a developer image of the electrostatic latent image of the electrophotographic photosensitive member developed by the developer onto the recording medium; and (c) rotatably supporting the transfer means. And (d) reading means for reading predetermined information recorded on the information recording section provided on the support member and disposed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the process cartridge. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: 2. The reading means is integrally formed with the support member, emits light to the information recording section during rotation of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and reflects light reflected by the information recording section. 2. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a detection sensor for receiving predetermined information and detecting predetermined information recorded in the information recording unit. 3. A light emitting element for irradiating the information recording section with light during a rotation operation of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a light receiving element for receiving light reflected by the information recording section. 3. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is a reflection type photoelectric sensor using a photo sensor. 4. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the light emitting element of the reflection type photoelectric sensor is an LED element, and the light receiving element is a Cds cell. 5. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information recording section is an information holding mark arranged on an outer periphery of a non-image forming area of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. 6. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the information holding mark is a bar code printed on a circumference of a non-image forming area of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. 7. The barcode according to claim 1, wherein the barcode has an individual identification data section in which individual identification information unique to the process cartridge is recorded, and a bit section for detecting a rotation speed of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Item 7. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to Item 6. 8. The transfer means is a transfer roller to which a developing bias for transferring a developer image to the recording medium is applied while slidingly contacting an electrophotographic photosensitive member of the process cartridge. 2. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the member is a bearing for rotatably supporting a shaft of the transfer roller. 9. The process cartridge includes a charging unit for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member in addition to the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the developing unit, and a charging unit for removing a developer remaining on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of a cleaning unit. 10. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, wherein a process cartridge is detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body, wherein (a) an electrophotographic photosensitive member; Rotatable charging means for contacting a body and charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member; developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member with a developer; An information recording unit which is disposed in a non-image forming area excluding an image forming area of an electrostatic latent image formed on a photographic photosensitive member and records predetermined information; and a support for rotatably supporting the charging unit. A process cartridge having a member, and reading means for reading predetermined information recorded on the information recording portion provided on the electrophotographic photosensitive member and disposed on the electrophotographic photoreceptor. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: mounting means for mounting the print medium; and (b) transport means for transporting the recording medium. 11. The reading means of the process cartridge is formed integrally with the support member, and emits light to the information recording section during the rotation of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the information recording section controls the information recording section. 11. A detection sensor for receiving predetermined reflected light and detecting predetermined information recorded in the information recording section.
2. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to 1. 12. A light-emitting element for irradiating the information recording unit with light during rotation of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a light-receiving element for receiving light reflected by the information recording unit. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is a reflection-type photoelectric sensor using an image sensor. 13. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the light emitting element of the reflection type photoelectric sensor is an LED element and the light receiving element is a Cds cell. 14. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein the information recording section of the process cartridge is an information holding mark disposed on an outer periphery of a non-image forming area of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Photographic image forming device. 15. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the information holding mark is a barcode printed on a circumference of a non-image forming area of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. 16. The barcode according to claim 1, wherein the barcode has an individual identification data section in which individual identification information unique to the process cartridge is recorded, and a bit section for detecting a rotation speed of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Item 16. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to Item 15. 17. The charging means of the process cartridge is a charging roller to which a charging bias for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member is applied, and the support member is rotatable about a shaft of the charging roller. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is a bearing for supporting the image forming apparatus. 18. The process cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a cleaning unit for removing a developer remaining on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, in addition to the electrophotographic photosensitive member, the charging unit, and the developing unit. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 10. 19. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge is detachable from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body and forms an image on a recording medium, comprising: (a) an electrophotographic photosensitive member; Developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the body with a developer, a developing means arranged in a non-image forming area except an image forming area of the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and An information recording unit that records information, and a developer carrier of the developing unit, wherein the developer carrier has a fixed interval between the electrophotographic photosensitive member and an electrostatic latent image of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. A rotatable developer carrier that carries a developer to be used for development and supplies the developer to the electrophotographic photoreceptor; a support member for rotatably supporting the developer carrier; Disposed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member Reading means for reading predetermined information recorded in the information recording section; mounting means for removably mounting a process cartridge comprising: (b) transport means for transporting the recording medium An electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: 20. The reading means of the process cartridge is formed integrally with the support member, and emits light to the information recording section during rotation of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and the information recording section controls the information recording section. 20. A detection sensor for receiving predetermined reflected light and detecting predetermined information recorded in the information recording unit.
2. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to 1. 21. A light-emitting element for irradiating the information recording section with light during a rotation operation of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a light-receiving element for receiving light reflected by the information recording section. 21. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the electrophotographic image forming apparatus is a reflection-type photoelectric sensor using an image sensor. 22. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the light emitting element of the reflection type photoelectric sensor is an LED element, and the light receiving element is a Cds cell. 23. The electronic device according to claim 19, wherein the information recording section of the process cartridge is an information holding mark arranged on an outer periphery of a non-image forming area of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Photographic image forming device. 24. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the information holding mark is a barcode printed on a circumference of a non-image forming area of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. 25. The barcode according to claim 25, wherein the barcode has an individual identification data section in which individual identification information unique to the process cartridge is recorded, and a bit section for detecting a rotation speed of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Item 25. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to Item 24. 26. The developer carrying member of the developing means of the process cartridge is a developing roller to which a developing bias for supplying a developer to the electrophotographic photoreceptor is applied. 20. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the bearing is a bearing that rotatably supports a shaft of the developing roller. 27. A charging device for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member, in addition to the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the developing device, and a process cartridge for removing a developer remaining on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. 20. The electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to claim 19, comprising at least one of a cleaning unit. 28. A process cartridge detachable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; a developing unit for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member with a developer; Predetermined information is recorded in the non-image forming area except the image forming area of the electrostatic latent image in the electrophotographic photoreceptor,
A developer image of the electrostatic latent image of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, wherein the predetermined information is in contact with the electrophotographic photosensitive member of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus main body and is developed by a developer by the developing unit; An information recording section which is read by reading means provided on a support member rotatably supporting a transfer means for transferring the image onto a recording medium. 29. The process cartridge according to claim 28, wherein the information recording section is an information holding mark arranged on an outer periphery of a non-image forming area of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. 30. The process cartridge according to claim 29, wherein the information holding mark is a bar code printed on a circumference of a non-image forming area of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. 31. The barcode has an individual identification data section in which individual identification information unique to the process cartridge is recorded, and a bit section for detecting a rotation speed of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Item 31. The process cartridge according to Item 30, 32. A charging device for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member, in addition to the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the developing device, and a process cartridge for removing a developer remaining on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. The process cartridge according to claim 28, further comprising at least one of cleaning means. 33. A process cartridge detachable from the main body of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; and a rotatable charging means for contacting the electrophotographic photosensitive member and charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Developing means for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member with a developer; a support member for rotatably supporting the charging means; and an electrostatic member in the electrophotographic photosensitive member. An information recording section arranged in a non-image forming area except an image forming area of a latent image and recording predetermined information; and an information recording section arranged on the support member and arranged on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. A reading means for reading predetermined information recorded thereon, a process cartridge comprising: 34. The reading means is formed integrally with the support member, emits light to the information recording section during the rotation of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and reflects light reflected by the information recording section. 34. The process cartridge according to claim 33, wherein the process cartridge is a detection sensor configured to detect the predetermined information recorded in the information recording unit by receiving light. 35. A light-emitting element for irradiating the information recording section with light during a rotation operation of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a light-receiving element for receiving light reflected by the information recording section. 35. The process cartridge according to claim 34, wherein the process cartridge is a reflection-type photoelectric sensor using a. 36. The process cartridge according to claim 35, wherein the light emitting element of the reflection type photoelectric sensor is an LED element and the light receiving element is a Cds cell. 37. The process cartridge according to claim 33, wherein the information recording section is an information holding mark arranged on an outer periphery of a non-image forming area of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. 38. The process cartridge according to claim 37, wherein the information holding mark is a barcode printed on a circumference of a non-image forming area of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. 39. The barcode has an individual identification data section in which individual identification information unique to the process cartridge is recorded, and a bit section for detecting a rotation speed of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Item 39. The process cartridge according to Item 38. 40. The charging unit is a charging roller to which a charging bias for charging the electrophotographic photoreceptor is applied, and the support member rotatably supports a shaft of the charging roller. 34. The process cartridge according to claim 33, wherein the process cartridge is a bearing. 41. The process cartridge has a cleaning unit for removing a developer remaining on the electrophotographic photosensitive member, in addition to the electrophotographic photosensitive member, the charging unit, and the developing unit. The process cartridge according to claim 33. 42. A process cartridge detachable from the main body of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, comprising: an electrophotographic photoreceptor; a developing unit for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photoreceptor with a developer; An information recording unit which is arranged in a non-image forming area except an image forming area of an electrostatic latent image in the electrophotographic photoreceptor and records predetermined information; and a developer carrier of the developing unit, A rotatable developing device having a certain distance between the electrophotographic photosensitive member and a developer for carrying an electrostatic latent image of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, the developer being supplied to the electrophotographic photosensitive member. An agent carrier; a support member for rotatably supporting the developer carrier; and predetermined information recorded on the information recording unit disposed on the support member and disposed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Reading means for reading And a process cartridge comprising: 43. The reading means is formed integrally with the support member, emits light to the information recording section during rotation of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and reflects light reflected by the information recording section. 43. The process cartridge according to claim 42, wherein the process cartridge is a detection sensor configured to detect the predetermined information recorded in the information recording unit by receiving light. 44. A light-emitting element for irradiating the information recording section with light during a rotation operation of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a light-receiving element for receiving light reflected by the information recording section. 44. The process cartridge according to claim 43, wherein the process cartridge is a reflection-type photoelectric sensor using a. 45. The process cartridge according to claim 44, wherein the light emitting element of the reflection type photoelectric sensor is an LED element and the light receiving element is a Cds cell. 46. The process cartridge according to claim 42, wherein said information recording section is an information holding mark arranged on an outer periphery of a non-image forming area of said electrophotographic photosensitive member. 47. The process cartridge according to claim 46, wherein the information holding mark is a barcode printed on a circumference of a non-image forming area of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. 48. The bar code according to claim 48, wherein the bar code has an individual identification data section in which individual identification information unique to the process cartridge is recorded, and a bit section for detecting a rotation speed of the electrophotographic photosensitive member. Item 48. The process cartridge according to Item 47. 49. The developer carrying member of the developing means is a developing roller to which a developing bias for supplying a developer to the electrophotographic photoreceptor is applied, and the supporting member is configured such that the developing roller is 43. The process cartridge according to claim 42, wherein the process cartridge is a bearing that rotatably supports a shaft having the same. 50. A charging device for charging the electrophotographic photosensitive member in addition to the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the developing device, and a process cartridge for removing a developer remaining on the electrophotographic photosensitive member. The process cartridge according to claim 42, further comprising at least one of a cleaning unit.