CN113614651A

CN113614651A - Developing box

Info

Publication number: CN113614651A
Application number: CN202080023200.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 板桥奈绪
Original assignee: Brother Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Brother Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2019-03-26
Filing date: 2020-03-19
Publication date: 2021-11-05
Also published as: EP3735615A4; EP3735615B1; EP3735615A1; WO2020196256A1

Abstract

A developing cartridge includes a member (60) movable with a casing (10), the member (60) having a first hole (67) extending in a second direction between a first end portion (61) of the member (60) and a second end portion (62) of the member (60), and a first lever (110) movable relative to the casing (10) between a first position and a second position, the first lever (110) including one end portion (111) serving as an acting point, another end portion (112) serving as an acting point, a cam surface (113) located between the one end portion (111) and the other end portion (112) and serving as a pivot point, the other end portion (112) inserted into the first hole (67) pressing an inner surface (670) of the first hole (67).

Description

Developing box

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a developing cartridge.

Background

Electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, such as laser printers and LED printers, have been developed. The developing cartridge is used in an image forming apparatus. The developing cartridge includes a developing roller for supplying a developer material. For example, a conventional image forming apparatus is described in PTL 1.

The developing cartridge described in PTL 1 is mounted on a drum cartridge. The drum cartridge includes a photosensitive drum. When the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge, the photosensitive drum is brought into contact with the developing roller. Thereafter, the drum cartridge mounted with the developing cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus.

Reference list

Patent document

PTL 1: japanese unexamined patent application publication No. 2013-54058

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

The developing cartridge includes a member for positioning the developing roller with respect to the photosensitive drum. The developing cartridge further includes a developing electrode for supplying a bias voltage to the shaft of the developing roller. Further, the developing cartridge includes a member that receives a pressing force when the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum. However, if a member for positioning the developing roller, a developing electrode for supplying a bias voltage to the shaft of the developing roller, and a member for receiving a pressing force at the time of separation are separately provided, the number of components in the developing cartridge increases.

Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a structure capable of reducing the number of components in a developing cartridge.

Solution to the problem

A first disclosure of the present application is characterized by a developing cartridge comprising: a developing roller including a developing roller shaft extending in a first direction; a housing capable of accommodating a developer material, the developing roller being located at one end of the housing in a second direction that intersects the first direction; a member having a first end and a second end, the second end being farther from the developing roller shaft than the first end, the member being movable with the housing and the developing roller, the second end being farther from the one end of the housing in the second direction than the first end, the member having a first hole extending in the second direction between the first end and the second end; and a first lever movable between a first position and a second position with respect to the housing, the first lever including one end serving as an action point, the other end serving as an action point, and a cam surface located between the one end and the other end and serving as a pivot point, the other end inserted into the first hole pressing an inner surface of the first hole when the first lever moves from the first position to the second position about the cam surface serving as a center point in response to receiving a driving force applied to the one end.

A second disclosure of the present application is characterized in that, in the developing cartridge according to the first disclosure, the member functions as a developing electrode, and the first end portion is electrically connected to the developing roller shaft.

A third disclosure of the present application is characterized in that, in the developing cartridge according to the first or second disclosure, wherein the member functions as a first bearing, and the first end portion includes a first insertion hole into which the developing roller shaft is inserted.

A fourth disclosure of the present application is characterized in that, in the developing cartridge according to any one of the first to third publications, wherein when the first lever moves from the first position to the second position around the cam surface serving as a center point in response to receiving the driving force applied to the one end portion, the other end portion of the first lever presses the inner surface of the first hole in a direction away from the developing roller.

A fifth disclosure of the present application is characterized in that, in the developing cartridge according to any one of the first to fourth publications, the other end portion of the first lever is engaged with the inner surface of the first hole.

A sixth disclosure of the present application is characterized in that, in the developing cartridge according to the fifth disclosure, the other end portion of the first lever is movable together with the developing electrode.

A seventh disclosure of the present application is characterized in that, in the developing cartridge according to any one of the first to sixth disclosures, when the first lever is located at the first position, the other end portion of the first lever does not press the inner surface of the first hole, and when the first lever is located at the second position, the other end portion of the first lever presses the inner surface of the first hole.

An eighth disclosure of the present application is characterized in that, in the developing cartridge according to any one of the first to seventh disclosures, the member is made of a conductive resin.

A ninth disclosure of the present application is characterized in that, in the developing cartridge according to any one of the first to eighth publications, the first hole passes completely through the member.

A tenth disclosure of the present application is characterized in that the developing cartridge according to any one of the first to ninth disclosures further includes a holder configured to hold the first lever in a movable manner with respect to the casing.

An eleventh disclosure of the present application is featured by, in the developing cartridge according to any one of the first to tenth disclosures, that the member is pivotable about the developing roller shaft together with the developing roller shaft.

A twelfth disclosure of the present application is characterized in that, in the developing cartridge according to the eleventh disclosure, in combination with a drum cartridge including a photosensitive drum, and when moving from the first position to the second position, the first lever moves around the cam surface serving as a center point with the cam surface being in contact with a part of the drum cartridge.

A thirteenth disclosure of the present application is characterized in that, according to the developing cartridge of the twelfth disclosure, the developing cartridge is mountable on the drum cartridge, when the first lever is located at the first position with the developing cartridge mounted on the drum cartridge, a surface of the developing roller is in contact with a surface of the photosensitive drum, and when the first lever is located at the second position with the developing cartridge mounted on the drum cartridge, and when the other end portion presses the inner surface of the first hole, the member is moved relative to the drum cartridge together with the developing roller and the casing so that the surface of the developing roller is separated from the surface of the photosensitive drum.

A fourteenth disclosure of the present application is characterized in that, according to the developing cartridge of the twelfth or thirteenth disclosure, the drum cartridge further includes a pressing member configured to press the member toward the photosensitive drum with the developing cartridge mounted on the drum cartridge, and the other end portion of the first lever presses the inner surface of the member against a pressing force of the pressing member.

A fifteenth disclosure of the present application is featured by, in the developing cartridge according to any one of the twelfth to fourteenth publications, that when the other end portion of the first lever presses the inner surface of the member with the developing cartridge mounted on the drum cartridge, the member moves along a guide surface of the drum cartridge.

A sixteenth publication of the present application is featured by, in the developing cartridge according to any one of the twelfth to fifteenth publications, that when the first lever is located at the first position with the developing cartridge mounted on the drum cartridge, the first end of the member is in contact with a part of the drum cartridge.

A seventeenth publication of the present application is characterized in that, in the developing cartridge according to the sixteenth publication, when the first lever is located at the first position with the developing cartridge mounted on the drum cartridge, the second end of the member is in contact with another portion of the drum cartridge.

An eighteenth disclosure of the present application is characterized in that, in the developing cartridge according to any one of the first to seventeenth disclosures, wherein the casing has a first outer surface which is located at one end of the casing in the first direction, and the member is located at the first outer surface, and the member extends along the first outer surface between the first end portion and the second end portion.

A nineteenth publication of the present application is characterized in that, in the developing cartridge according to any one of the first to eighteenth publications, the one end portion of the first lever includes a convex portion that protrudes in the first direction.

A twentieth disclosure of the present application is characterized in that, in the developing cartridge according to any one of the first to nineteenth disclosures, the developing cartridge further includes a second bearing and a second lever, the second bearing is mounted on the other end portion of the developing roller shaft, the second lever is movable between a third position and a fourth position with respect to the casing, the second bearing has a third end portion and a fourth end portion, the third end portion has an insertion hole into which the other end portion of the developing roller shaft is inserted, the fourth end portion is farther from the developing roller shaft than the third end portion, the second bearing is movable together with the casing and the developing roller, and the second bearing has a third hole extending in the second direction between the third end portion and the fourth end portion, the second lever includes one end portion serving as an acting point, And a cam surface located between the one end portion and the other end portion and serving as a pivot point, and when the second lever moves from the third position to the fourth position about the cam surface serving as a center point of the second lever in response to receiving a driving force applied to the one end portion of the second lever, the other end portion of the second lever inserted into the third hole presses an inner surface of the third hole.

A twenty-first publication of the present application is characterized in that, in the developing cartridge according to the twentieth publication, wherein the one end portion of the second lever includes a convex portion protruding in the first direction.

A twenty-second publication of the present application is featured by, in the developing cartridge according to any one of the first to twenty-first publications, that the member functions as a developing electrode, and the first end portion is electrically connected to the developing roller shaft, the developing cartridge further comprising: a holder configured to hold the first lever with respect to the housing, the developing electrode being pivotable in a third direction about the developing roller shaft, and in a case where the developing electrode is pivoted from one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction, the first lever stops pivotable movement of the developing electrode from one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction, and the holder prevents the first lever from coming off the holder from the one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction.

A twenty-third publication of the present application is characterized in that, in the developing cartridge according to the twenty-second publication, the holder stops movement of the first lever from the one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction.

A twenty-fourth disclosure of the present application is characterized in that, in the developing cartridge according to the twenty-third disclosure, wherein the one end portion of the first lever is distant from the other end portion of the first lever in the third direction, the one end portion of the first lever includes a first convex portion protruding in the first direction, and the holder stops movement of the first lever from the one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction by bringing the holder into contact with the first convex portion.

A twenty-fifth disclosure of the present application is characterized in that, in the developing cartridge according to the twenty-fourth disclosure, wherein the first hole is in the first end portion and the second end portion extends in the third direction, the other end portion of the first lever is inserted into the first hole, and by making the other end portion of the first lever contact the developing electrode, the other end portion of the first lever stops the developing electrode from the one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction.

A twenty-sixth publication of the present application is characterized in that, in the developing cartridge according to the twenty-fifth publication, wherein the developing electrode includes: a rod receiving portion in the first bore, the first rod comprising: a second projection portion that projects in the first direction from the other end portion of the first lever, and that stops pivotable movement of the developing electrode from the one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction.

A twenty-seventh publication of the present application is characterized in that, in the developing cartridge according to any one of the twenty-second to twenty-sixth publications, the casing includes a casing protrusion, the casing protrusion protrudes in the first direction, the casing protrusion stops the pivotable movement of the developing electrode from the other side of the third direction to the one side of the third direction.

A twenty-eighth publication of the present application is characterized in that, in the developing cartridge according to the twenty-seventh publication, wherein the developing electrode includes an electrode protrusion which protrudes in the first direction, by making the housing protrusion contact with the electrode protrusion, the electrode protrusion stops the developing electrode from the other side of the third direction to the pivotable movement of the one side of the third direction.

A twenty-ninth publication of the present application is featured by, in the developing cartridge according to any one of the twenty-second to twenty-eighth publications, that the developing roller shaft includes: an engagement groove having a circular shape, the engagement groove being located on an outer circumferential surface of the developing roller shaft, wherein the developing electrode includes: a first insertion hole into which the developing roller shaft is inserted, and a wall portion that protrudes from a part of a circumferential portion of the first insertion hole, and that is inserted into the engagement groove with the first lever engaged with the developing electrode held by the holder.

A thirty-first publication of the present application is characterized in that, in the developing cartridge according to any one of the twenty-second to twenty-ninth publications, the developing electrode is attached to an end portion of the developing roller shaft in the first direction, the developing cartridge further comprises: a second bearing attached to the other end portion of the developing roller shaft in the first direction, the second bearing being movable together with the housing and the developing roller, the second bearing including: a third end portion having a second insertion hole into which the other end portion of the developing roller shaft is inserted, and a fourth end portion that is farther from the developing roller shaft than the third end portion is from the developing roller shaft.

A thirty-first publication of the present application is featured by, in the developing cartridge according to the thirty-first publication, in that the second bearing includes: a second bore extending in the first direction between the third and fourth ends, and a pawl receiving portion in the second bore, the housing comprising: a claw portion that extends in the first direction, a head end of the claw portion protrudes in a direction intersecting the first direction, and the claw portion is engaged with the claw receiving portion.

A thirty-second publication of the present application is characterized in that, in the developing cartridge according to the thirty-first publication, the second bearing is pivotable about the developing roller shaft, and

wherein the claw portion stops the pivotable movement of the second bearing by bringing the claw portion into contact with the second bearing.

A thirty-third publication of the present application is featured by, in the developing cartridge according to any one of the thirty-third to thirty-second publications, that the developing cartridge is connected with a drum cartridge including a photosensitive drum, the drum cartridge further comprising: a release lever rotatable about an axis extending in the first direction, the second bearing comprising: a pressing protrusion protruding toward a direction away from the housing, the pressing protrusion being contactable with the release lever.

A thirty-fourth publication of the present application is characterized in that, in the developing cartridge according to any one of the twenty-second to thirty-third publications, in a case where the developing electrode is pivoted from the one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction, after the first lever allows the developing electrode to be pivoted from the one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction by a predetermined number of degrees, the first lever stops the pivotable movement of the developing electrode from the one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction.

A thirty-fifth disclosure of the present application features a developing cartridge including: a developing roller including a developing roller shaft extending in a first direction; a casing capable of accommodating a developer therein, the developing roller being located at one end of the casing in a second direction that intersects the first direction; a developing electrode movable together with the housing and the developing roller, the developing electrode being pivotable in a third direction about the developing roller shaft, the developing electrode including a first end portion configured to be electrically connected to the developing roller shaft and a second end portion farther from the developing roller shaft than the first end portion, the second end portion being farther from the one end of the housing in the second direction than the first end portion; a first lever movable relative to the housing; and a holder configured to hold the first lever with respect to the housing, the first lever stopping pivotable movement of the developing electrode from one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction after the first lever allows the developing electrode to pivot from the one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction by a predetermined number of degrees in a case where the developing electrode pivots from the one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction, and the holder preventing the first lever from coming off the holder from the one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction.

A thirty-sixth publication of the present application is characterized in that, in the developing cartridge according to the thirty-fifth publication, the holder stops the movement of the first lever from the one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction.

A thirty-seventh publication of the present application is characterized in that, in the developing cartridge according to the thirty-sixth publication, the first lever includes: an end portion; and another end portion that is distant from the one end portion in the third direction, the one end portion of the first lever includes a first convex portion that protrudes in the first direction, and the retainer stops movement of the first lever from the one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction by bringing the retainer into contact with the first convex portion.

A thirty-eighth publication of the present application is characterized in that, in the developing cartridge according to the thirty-seventh publication, the developing electrode includes: a first hole extending in the third direction between the first end portion and the second end portion, the other end portion of the first rod being inserted into the first hole, and the other end portion of the first rod stopping pivotable movement of the developing electrode from the one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction by bringing the other end portion of the first rod into contact with the developing electrode.

A thirty-ninth publication of the present application is characterized in that, in the developing cartridge according to the thirty-eighth publication, wherein the developing electrode includes: a rod receiving portion in the first bore, the first rod comprising: a second projection portion that projects in the first direction from the other end portion of the first lever, and that stops pivotable movement of the developing electrode from the one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction.

A forty-first disclosure of the present application is characterized in that, in the developing cartridge according to any one of the thirty-fifth to thirty-ninth publications, the casing includes: a housing protrusion protruding in the first direction, the housing protrusion stopping pivotable movement of the developing electrode from the other side of the third direction to the one side of the third direction.

A forty-first publication of the present application is characterized in that, in the developing cartridge according to the forty-first publication, the developing electrode includes: an electrode protrusion protruding in the first direction, the electrode protrusion stopping pivotable movement of the developing electrode from the other side of the third direction to the one side of the third direction by bringing the housing protrusion into contact with the electrode protrusion.

A forty-second publication of the present application is characterized by the developing cartridge of any one of the thirty-fifth to forty-first publications, wherein the developing roller shaft includes: an engagement groove having a circular shape, the engagement groove being located on an outer circumferential surface of the developing roller shaft, the developing electrode including: a first insertion hole into which the developing roller shaft is inserted, and a wall portion that protrudes from a part of a circumferential portion of the first insertion hole, and that is inserted into the engagement groove with the first lever engaged with the developing electrode held by the holder.

A forty-third publication of the present application is featured by, in the developing cartridge according to any one of the thirty-fifth to forty-second publications, that the developing electrode is attached to an end portion of the developing roller shaft in the first direction, the developing cartridge further comprising: a bearing attached to the other end portion of the developing roller shaft in the first direction, the bearing being movable together with the housing and the developing roller, the bearing including: a third end portion having a second insertion hole into which the other end portion of the developing roller shaft is inserted, and a fourth end portion that is farther from the developing roller shaft than the third end portion is from the developing roller shaft.

A forty-fourth disclosure of the present application, in the developing cartridge according to the forty-third disclosure, the bearing includes: a second bore extending in the first direction between the third and fourth ends, and a pawl receiving portion in the second bore, the housing comprising: a claw portion that extends in the first direction, a head end of the claw portion protrudes in a direction intersecting the first direction, and the claw portion is engaged with the claw receiving portion.

A forty-fifth publication according to the present application is featured by the developing cartridge according to the forty-fourth publication, in which the bearing is pivotable about the developing roller shaft, and in which the claw portion stops the pivotable movement of the bearing by bringing the claw portion into contact with the second bearing.

A forty-sixth disclosure of the present application is characterized by the developing cartridge according to any of the forty-third to forty-fifth disclosures, wherein the developing cartridge is connected to a drum cartridge including a photosensitive drum, the drum cartridge further comprising: a release lever rotatable about an axis extending in the first direction, the bearing comprising: a pressing protrusion protruding toward a direction away from the housing, the pressing protrusion being contactable with the release lever.

A seventeenth publication of the present application is characterized in that, in the developing cartridge according to any one of the thirty-fifth to forty-sixth publications, in a case where the developing electrode is pivoted from one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction, after the first lever allows the developing electrode to be pivoted from the one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction by a predetermined degree, the first lever stops pivotable movement of the developing electrode from the one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction.

Advantageous effects of the invention

According to the first to forty-seventh disclosures of the present application, the other end of the first lever presses the inner surface of the first hole of the member in accordance with the force received by the one end of the first lever. A force may be applied to move the cartridge. Further, the number of components in the developing cartridge can be reduced as compared with the case where another member other than the member is pressed.

Further, according to an eleventh disclosure of the present application, the developing electrode is rotatable about the developing roller shaft. Therefore, the developing electrode can be pressed in an optimum direction.

Further, according to the nineteenth disclosure of the present application, the pressing force received by the one end portion of the first lever is stable.

Further, according to the twenty-first disclosure of the present application, the pressing force received by the one end portion of the second lever is stable.

Further, according to the twenty-second to forty-seventh publications, the first lever stopping member or the developing electrode is pivotally movable from one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction, and the holder prevents the first lever from coming off the holder from one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction. Therefore, another member for the pivotal movement of the stopping member or the developing electrode from one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction is not required in addition to the first lever and the holder. Therefore, the number of components in the developing cartridge can be reduced as compared with the case where another member is provided in the developing cartridge.

Further, according to the twenty-ninth and forty-second publications, in a case where the first lever engaged with the developing electrode is held by the holder, the wall portion may be inserted into the engaging groove. Therefore, when the developing cartridge is used, the twenty-ninth and forty-first publications prevent the member or the developing electrode from falling off from the developing roller shaft.

Further, according to the thirty-first and forty-fourth publications, the claw portion extending in the first direction may hold the bearing. Therefore, the bearing can be held without providing the engagement groove to the developing roller shaft.

Further, according to the thirty-second publication and the forty-fifth publication, another member for stopping the pivotable movement of the bearing other than the claw portion is not required.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge in the first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge in the first embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge in the first embodiment.

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the developing cartridge in the vicinity of the first outer surface of the casing in the first embodiment.

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the developing cartridge in the vicinity of the second outer surface of the casing in the first embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a view of the developing cartridge mounted on the drum cartridge as viewed from one side in the first direction in the first embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a view of the developing cartridge mounted on the drum cartridge as viewed from one side in the first direction in the first embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a view of the developing cartridge mounted on the drum cartridge as viewed from one side in the first direction in the first embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge and the drum cartridge after the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge in the first embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge and the drum cartridge when the developing cartridge is in the separation operation in the first embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge and the drum cartridge when the developing cartridge is removed from the drum cartridge in the first embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge and the drum cartridge in the second embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge and the drum cartridge in the second embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge and the drum cartridge in the second embodiment.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of the developing cartridge in the vicinity of the first outer surface of the casing in the second embodiment.

Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the developing cartridge in the vicinity of the first outer surface of the casing in the second embodiment.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a portion of the developing cartridge in the vicinity of the second outer surface of the casing in the second embodiment.

Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the developing cartridge in the vicinity of the second outer surface of the casing in the second embodiment.

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the first bearing and a side view of the first rod in the second embodiment.

Fig. 20 is a view of the first bearing, the first lever, and the holder attached to the developing cartridge in the second embodiment.

Fig. 21 is a view of the first bearing, the first lever, and the holder attached to the developing cartridge in the second embodiment.

Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a part of the developing cartridge in the vicinity of the second bearing in the second embodiment.

Fig. 23 is a view of the developing cartridge mounted on the drum cartridge as viewed from one side in the first direction in the second embodiment.

Fig. 24 is a view of the developing cartridge mounted on the drum cartridge as viewed from one side in the first direction in the second embodiment.

Fig. 25 is a view of the drum cartridge in a state where the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge as viewed from one side in the first direction in the second embodiment.

Fig. 26 is a view of the developing cartridge and the drum cartridge when the developing cartridge is in the separating operation as viewed from one side in the first direction in the second embodiment.

Fig. 27 is a view of the drum cartridge in a state where the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge as viewed from the other side in the first direction in the second embodiment.

Fig. 28 is a view of the developing cartridge and the drum cartridge when the developing cartridge is in the separating operation as viewed from the other side of the first direction in the second embodiment.

Detailed Description

(1. first embodiment)

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings.

Hereinafter, the direction in which the developing roller 30 of the developing cartridge 1 extends is referred to as "first direction". Further, the arrangement direction of the agitator 20 and the developing roller 30 of the developing cartridge 1 is referred to as "second direction". The first direction and the second direction cross each other (preferably orthogonally cross).

<1-1. overview of developing Cartridge and Drum Cartridge >

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge 1 and the drum cartridge 2. In fig. 1, a developing cartridge 1 is mounted on a drum cartridge 2. The developing cartridge 1 and the drum cartridge 2 are used for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Examples of the image forming apparatus are a laser printer or an LED printer.

As shown in fig. 1, the developing cartridge 1 is used with a drum cartridge 2. The developing cartridge 1 may be mounted on the drum cartridge 2. The developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2, and then, is mounted in the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus allows, for example, four developing cartridges 1 to be mounted therein. The four developing cartridges 1 contain developer materials (e.g., toners) of different colors (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). The image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording surface of a printing paper by using a developer material supplied from the developing cartridge 1. Note that the number of the developing cartridges 1 mountable in the image forming apparatus may be one or more, and thus, may be one to three, or five or more in addition to four.

<1-2. information on developing Cartridge >

Fig. 2 and 3 are perspective views of the developing cartridge 1. Fig. 4 is a view of the developing cartridge 1, particularly an exploded perspective view near the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. Fig. 5 is a view of the developing cartridge 1, particularly an exploded perspective view in the vicinity of the second outer surface 12 of the casing 10. As shown in fig. 1 to 5, the developing cartridge 1 includes a casing 10, an agitator 20, a developing roller 30, a supply roller 40, a gear unit 50, a first bearing (otherwise described as a "developing electrode", or "member") 60, a first lever 110, a holder 120, a second bearing 70, and a second lever 130.

The casing 10 is a casing capable of containing a developer material. The housing 10 has a first outer surface 11 and a second outer surface 12. The first outer surface 11 is located at one end of the housing 10 in the first direction. The second outer surface 12 is located at the other end of the housing 10 in the first direction. The first outer surface 11 and the second outer surface 12 are spaced apart from each other in a first direction. The housing 10 extends in a first direction between a first outer surface 11 and a second outer surface 12. Further, the housing 10 extends in the second direction.

The housing 10 is provided with an accommodating chamber 13 therein. The developer material is stored in the accommodating chamber 13. In addition, the housing 10 has an opening 14. The opening 14 is located at one end 10a of the housing 10 in the second direction. The outside of the housing 10, in other words, the external space, and the accommodation chamber 13 of the housing 10 communicate with each other through the opening 14. Note that the housing 10 may have a handle on an outer surface of the other end 10b in the second direction.

The agitator 20 includes an agitator shaft 21 and a blade 22. The agitator shaft 21 extends in a first direction. The blades 22 extend or expand from the agitator shaft 21 toward the inner surface of the housing 10. The blades 22 and a portion of the agitator shaft 21 are placed in the receiving chamber 13 of the housing 10. An agitator gear (not shown) included in the gear unit 50 is attached to one end of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction. The agitator shaft 21 is fixed to the agitator gear so as not to rotate relative to the agitator gear. When the agitator gear rotates, the agitator shaft 21 and the blades 22 rotate about a rotation axis extending in the first direction. Therefore, the developer material is agitated in the accommodating chamber 13 by the rotating blade 22.

The developing roller 30 is a roller that is rotatable about a rotation axis a1 extending in the first direction. The developing roller 30 is located in the opening 14 of the casing 10. That is, the developing roller 30 is located at one end of the casing 10 in the second direction. The developing roller 30 includes a developing roller main body 31 and a developing roller shaft 32. The developing roller main body 31 is a cylindrical member extending in the first direction. As a material for the developing roller main body 31, for example, rubber having elasticity is used. The developing roller shaft 32 is a cylindrical member extending in the first direction and completely penetrating through the developing roller main body 31. The developing roller shaft 32 is conductive. As a material of the developing roller shaft 32, a metal or a resin having conductivity is used.

The developing roller main body 31 is fixed on the developing roller shaft 32 so as not to rotate relative to the developing roller shaft 32. Further, a developing roller gear 51 included in the gear unit 50 is attached to an end portion of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction. The developing roller shaft 32 is fixed to the developing roller gear 51 so as not to rotate relative to the developing roller gear 51. Therefore, when the developing roller gear 51 rotates, the developing roller shaft 32 rotates, and the developing roller main body 31 also rotates together with the developing roller shaft 32.

Note that the developing roller shaft 32 need not pass completely through the developing roller main body 31 in the first direction. For example, the developing roller shaft 32 may include two corresponding portions extending in the first direction from both ends of the developing roller main body 31 in the first direction.

The supply roller 40 is a roller rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the first direction. The supply roller 40 is located between the agitator 20 and the developing roller 30. The supply roller 40 includes a supply roller main body 41 and a supply roller shaft 42. The supply roller main body 41 is a cylindrical member extending in the first direction. As a material for the supply roller main body 41, for example, rubber having elasticity is used. The supply roller shaft 42 is a columnar member extending in the first direction so as to pass completely through the supply roller main body 41.

The supply roller main body 41 is fixed on the supply roller shaft 42 so as not to rotate relative to the supply roller shaft 42. Further, a supply roller gear (not shown) included in the gear unit 50 is attached to one end of the supply roller shaft 42 in the first direction. The supply roller shaft 42 is fixed to the supply roller gear so as not to rotate relative to the supply roller gear. Therefore, when the supply roller gear rotates, the supply roller shaft 42 also rotates, and therefore, the supply roller main body 41 also rotates together with the supply roller shaft 42.

Note that the supply roller shaft 42 need not pass completely through the supply roller main body 41 in the first direction. For example, the supply roller shaft 42 may include two corresponding portions extending in the first direction from both ends of the supply roller body 41 in the first direction.

When the developing cartridge 1 receives the driving force, the developer material is supplied from the accommodating chamber 13 in the casing 10 to the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller 30 via the supply roller 40. At this time, the developer material is triboelectrically charged between the supply roller 40 and the developing roller 30. Further, a bias voltage is applied to the developing roller shaft 32 of the developing roller 30. For this reason, the developer material is attracted to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller main body 31 by the electrostatic force between the developing roller shaft 32 and the developer material.

Further, the developing cartridge 1 includes a layer thickness regulating blade (not shown). The layer thickness regulating blade forms the developer material supplied onto the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller main body 31 into a predetermined thickness. Thereafter, the developer material on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller main body 31 is supplied to a photosensitive drum 92 (described below) of the drum cartridge 2. At this time, the developer material moves from the developing roller main body 31 onto the photosensitive drum 92 in accordance with the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92. In this way, the electrostatic latent image is visualized on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92.

The gear unit 50 is located on the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10. As shown in fig. 5, the gear unit 50 includes the above-described agitator gear, developing roller gear 51, supply roller gear, a plurality of idler gears, coupling 52, and gear cover 53. The gear cover 53 and the casing 10 together constitute an integral casing of the developing cartridge 1. The gear cover 53 is fixed to the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10 by, for example, screws. At least some of the plurality of gears are located between the second outer surface 12 and the gear cover 53.

The gear cover 53 includes a cylindrical collar 531 protruding in the first direction. The coupler 52 is received in the collar 531. The coupler 52 has an engaging portion 521 recessed in the first direction. The engaging portion 521 is exposed from the gear cover 53. When the developing cartridge 1 mounted on the drum cartridge 2 is mounted in the image forming apparatus having the driving shaft, the driving shaft of the image forming apparatus is connected to the engaging portion 521 of the coupling 52. Thus, the rotation of the drive shaft of the image forming apparatus is transmitted to the agitator gear, the plurality of idler gears, the developing roller gear 51, and the supply roller gear via the coupling 52.

The plurality of gears included in the gear unit 50 may transmit the rotational force through the engagement of the teeth, or may transmit the rotational force through friction.

The first bearing 60 is located at the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. The first bearing 60 rotatably supports one end portion of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction. As shown in fig. 4, the first bearing 60 has a first end 61 and a second end 62. The second end portion 62 is farther from the developing roller shaft 32 than the first end portion 61. Further, the second end portion 62 is located farther from the one end 10a of the housing 10 in the second direction than the first end portion 61 is located from the one end 10a of the housing in the second direction. The first bearing 60 extends along the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10 between a first end 61 and a second end 62.

The first bearing 60 includes a first arm 63 and a second arm 64. The second arm 64 is farther from the developing roller shaft 32 than the first arm 63. Further, the second arm 64 is farther from the one end 10a in the second direction of the housing 10 than the first arm 63 is from the one end 10a in the second direction. The first arm 63 has the first end portion 61 described above. The second arm 64 has the second end 62 described above. The first arm 63 extends, for example, linearly, along the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. The second arm 64 extends, for example, linearly, along the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. Note that the first arm 63 is at an angle to the second arm 64. The angle formed by the first arm 63 and the second arm 64 is an obtuse angle.

According to the present embodiment, the first arm 63 and the second arm 64 are integrally formed. However, the first arm 63 and the second arm 64 may be separate members. In this case, the first arm 63 and the second arm 64 may be fixed to each other.

The first bearing 60 has a first insertion hole 65. The first insertion hole 65 extends in the first direction in the first end portion 61 of the first bearing 60. The first insertion hole 65 may be a through hole passing through the first end portion 61 in the first direction. Alternatively, the first insertion hole 65 may be a hole that does not pass through the first end portion 61. The first insertion hole 65 has a cylindrical inner peripheral surface. One end portion of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction is inserted into the first insertion hole 65. In this way, the first bearing 60 is attached to one end portion of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction. Therefore, one end portion of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction is supported so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis a1 extending in the first direction. Further, the first bearing 60 is rotatable relative to the casing 10 about the developing roller shaft 32. More specifically, the second end 62 is pivotable relative to the first end 61 about an axis of rotation a 1.

The first bearing 60 functions as a conductive member because it provides an electrical connection with the developing roller shaft 32, described herein as a developing electrode. The first bearing 60 is made of, for example, conductive resin. However, the first bearing 60 may be made of metal. The first end portion 61 of the first bearing 60 is in contact with one end portion of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction. Therefore, the first end portion 61 of the first bearing 60 is electrically connected to the developing roller shaft 32.

Furthermore, the first bearing 60 has a first bore 67. The first hole 67 is located between the first end 61 and the second end 62 in the second direction. Further, the first hole 67 passes completely through the first bearing 60 in the pivot direction about the rotation axis a 1. However, the first hole 67 need not pass completely through the first bearing 60. The other end 112 (described below) of the first rod 110 is inserted into the first hole 67.

The first lever 110 is located at the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. As shown in fig. 4, the first lever 110 has an end 111, another end 112, and a portion 113, the portion 113 having a pivot surface and being configured to act as a pivot point 113, the portion 113 having the form/shape of a cam and being referred to herein as a cam surface 113. An end portion 111 is located at an end 110a of the first lever 110 in a third direction, which intersects the first direction and the second direction. The other end 112 is located at the other end 110b of the first lever 110 in the third direction. The cam surface 113 is located between the one end portion 111 and the other end portion 112 in the third direction. Furthermore, the one end 111 of the first lever 110 comprises a first protrusion 114, herein referred to as first protrusion 114. The first protrusion 114 protrudes from the one end 111 of the first lever 110 in the first direction. The other end 112 of the first lever 110 includes a second protrusion 115, referred to herein as a second protrusion 115. The second protrusion 115 protrudes from the other end 112 of the first lever 110 in the first direction.

The first lever 110 is movable relative to the housing 10. When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2, the cam surface 113 is in contact with a drum frame 91 (shown below) of the drum cartridge 2. The first lever 110 is pivotable about the cam surface 113 between a first position and a second position.

The other end 112 of the first rod 110 is inserted into the first hole 67 of the first bearing 60. Further, the other end portion 112 of the first rod 110 is engaged with the inner surface of the first hole 67 of the first bearing 60. More specifically, the first bearing 60 has an engagement surface 69 (see fig. 11) on the inner surface of the first bore 67. The engagement surface 69 and the second projection 115 of the first lever 110 face each other in the third direction. That is, the second protrusion 115 of the first lever 110 engages with the engagement surface 69 of the first bearing 60. Therefore, the first lever 110 is prevented from falling off from the first bearing 60 to one side in the third direction. Further, the pivot range of the first bearing 60 about the rotation axis a1 is limited.

The holder 120 is located at the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. The holder 120 is fixed to the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10 by, for example, screws. A portion of the first rod 110 is located between the first outer surface 11 and the retainer 120. The first projection 114 of the first lever 110 is closer to the side 3a in the third direction than the holder 120 is to the side 3a in the third direction. The second protrusion 115 of the first lever 110 is closer to the other side 3b of the holder 120 in the third direction than the holder 120 is to the other side 38 of the holder 120 in the third direction. The first convex portion 114 and the holder 120 face each other in the third direction. Therefore, the first rod 110 is prevented from falling off from the holder 120 to the other side 3B in the third direction. That is, the holder 120 holds the first lever 110 such that the first lever 110 is movable relative to the housing 10.

The second bearing 70 is located on the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10. More specifically, the second bearing 70 is located on an outer surface of the gear cover 53. The first bearing 60 and the second bearing 70 are positioned to overlap each other as viewed in the first direction. The second bearing 70 rotatably supports the other end portion of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction. As shown in fig. 5, the second bearing 70 has a third end 71 and a fourth end 72. The fourth end portion 72 is farther from the developing roller shaft 32 than the third end portion 71. Further, the fourth end portion 72 is located farther from the one end 10a of the housing 10 in the second direction than the third end portion 71 is located from the one end 10a of the housing 10 in the second direction. The second bearing 70 extends along the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10 between a third end 71 and a fourth end 72.

The second bearing 70 includes a third arm 73 and a fourth arm 74. The fourth arm 74 is farther from the developing roller shaft 32 than the third arm 73. Further, the fourth arm 74 is farther from the one end 10a of the housing 10 in the second direction than the third arm 73 is from the one end 10a of the housing 10 in the second direction. The third arm 73 has the third end 71. The fourth arm 74 has the fourth end 72. The third arm 73 extends, for example, linearly, along the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10. The fourth arm 74 extends, e.g., linearly, along the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10. However, the third arm 73 is at an angle to the fourth arm 74. The angle formed by the third arm 73 and the fourth arm 74 is an obtuse angle.

According to the present embodiment, the third arm 73 and the fourth arm 74 are integrally formed. However, the third arm 73 and the fourth arm 74 may be separate members. In this case, it is only necessary to fix the third arm 73 and the fourth arm 74 to each other.

The second bearing 70 has a second insertion hole 75. The second insertion hole 75 extends in the first direction in the third end portion 71 of the second bearing 70. The second insertion hole 75 may be a through hole passing through the third end portion 71 in the first direction. Alternatively, the second insertion hole 75 may be a hole that does not pass through the third end portion 71. The second insertion hole 75 has a cylindrical inner peripheral surface. The other end portion of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction is inserted into the second insertion hole 75. In this way, the second bearing 70 is attached to the other end portion of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction. Therefore, the other end portion of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction is supported so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis a1 extending in the first direction. Further, the second bearing 70 is also rotatable relative to the casing 10 about the developing roller shaft 32. More specifically, the fourth end portion 72 is rotatable relative to the third end portion 71 about an axis of rotation a 1.

In addition, the second bearing 70 has a third bore 77. The third hole 77 extends between the third end portion 71 and the fourth end portion 72 in the second direction. Furthermore, the third hole 77 passes completely through the second bearing 70 in the pivot direction about the rotation axis a 1. However, the third bore 77 need not pass completely through the second bearing 70. The other end 132 (described below) of the second rod 130 is inserted into the third hole 77. The first hole 67 of the first bearing 60 and the third hole 77 of the second bearing 70 are positioned to overlap each other as viewed in the first direction.

The second lever 130 is located at the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10. More specifically, the second bearing 70 is located on an outer surface of the gear cover 53. As shown in fig. 5, the second lever 130 has one end 131, another end 132, a portion 133, the portion 133 having a pivot surface and being configured to act as a pivot point 133, the portion 133 having the form/shape of a cam, referred to herein as a cam surface 133. One end 131 is located at one end 130a of the second lever 130a in the third direction. The other end 132 is located at the other end 130b of the second lever 130 in the third direction. The cam surface 133 is located between the one end portion 131 and the other end portion 132 in the third direction. Further, the other end 132 of the second lever 130 includes a third protrusion 135, referred to herein as a third protrusion 135. The third protrusion 135 protrudes from the other end 132 of the second lever 130 in the first direction.

The one end portion 111 of the first lever 110 and the one end portion 131 of the second lever 130 are positioned to overlap each other as viewed in the first direction. The other end 112 of the first lever 110 and the other end 132 of the second lever 130 are positioned to overlap each other when viewed in the first direction.

The second lever 130 is movable relative to the housing 10. When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2, the cam surface 133 can be in contact with a drum frame 91 (shown below) of the drum cartridge 2. The second lever 130 is pivotable relative to the cam surface 133 between a third position and a fourth position.

The other end 132 of the second rod 130 is inserted into the third hole 77 of the second bearing 70. Further, the other end portion 132 of the second lever 130 is engaged with the inner surface of the third hole 77 of the second bearing 70. More specifically, the second bearing 70 has an engagement surface (not shown) on an inner surface of the third bore 77. The engagement surface and the third protrusion 135 of the second lever 130 face each other in the third direction. That is, the third protrusion 135 of the second lever 130 is engaged with the engagement surface of the second bearing 70. Therefore, the second lever 130 is prevented from falling off from the second bearing 70 toward the one side 3a in the third direction. Further, the range of rotation of the second bearing 70 about the rotation axis a1 is limited.

As shown in fig. 5, the gear cover 53 has a projection 532, and the projection 532 projects in the first direction and has a convex shape/shape, and is referred to herein as a gear cover convex portion 532 projecting in the first direction. The second lever 130 is located between the collar 531 and the gear cover convex portion 532 of the gear cover 53 in the second direction. Thus, the movement of the second lever 130 in the second direction is restricted. Further, the second lever 130 extends in an arc shape along the outer circumferential surface of the collar 531 of the gear cover 531. A part of the collar 531 is located between one end 131 and the other end 132 of the second lever 130 in the third direction. Thus, the movement of the second lever 130 in the third direction is restricted.

<1-3. construction of Drum Cartridge >

As shown in fig. 1, the drum cartridge 2 includes a drum frame 91 and a photosensitive drum 92. The developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum frame 91. The photosensitive drum 92 is a cylindrical drum that is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the first direction. The peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92 is coated with a photosensitive material. The photosensitive drum 92 is located at one end of the drum frame 91 in the second direction. When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum frame 91, the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92.

Fig. 6 to 8 are views of the developing cartridge 1 mounted on the drum cartridge 2 as viewed from one side in the first direction. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge 1 and the drum cartridge 2 after the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2. Note that fig. 9 is a cross section orthogonal to the first direction and passing completely through the first bearing 60 and the first rod 110.

As shown in fig. 9, the drum cartridge 2 has a first guide surface 93 and a second guide surface 94. The first guide surface 93 and the second guide surface 94 are located at one end of the drum frame 91 in the first direction. Further, the first guide surface 93 and the second guide surface 94 are separated in the rotational direction around the rotational axis of the photosensitive drum 92. Note that the drum cartridge 2 further has a third guide surface (not shown) and a fourth guide surface (not shown) which are located at the other end of the drum frame 91 in the first direction, similarly to the first guide surface 93 and the second guide surface 94, respectively.

Further, as shown in fig. 9, the drum cartridge 2 includes a first pressing member 95 and a first coil spring 96. The first pressing member 95 and the first coil spring 96 are electrically conductive. For example, the first pressing member 95 is made of conductive resin. For example, the first coil spring 96 is made of metal. The first pressing member 95 and the first coil spring 96 are located at one end of the drum frame 91 in the first direction. The first coil spring 96 is an elastic member that can expand and contract in the second direction. One end of the first coil spring 96 in the second direction is connected to the first pressing member 95. The other end of the first coil spring 96 in the second direction is connected to the drum frame 91. When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2, the first pressing member 95 presses the second end portion 62 of the first bearing 60 toward the photosensitive drum 92 by the elastic force of the first coil spring 96.

Further, the drum cartridge 2 includes a second pressing member (not shown) and a second coil spring (not shown). The second pressing member and the second coil spring are located at the other end 91B of the drum frame 91 in the first direction. When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2, the second pressing member presses the fourth end portion 72 of the second bearing 70 toward the photosensitive drum 92 by the elastic force of the second coil spring.

Note that, instead of using the first coil spring 96 and the second coil spring, other types of elastic members may be used for the drum cartridge 2. For example, the drum cartridge 2 may be provided with a spring (e.g., a torsion spring or a leaf spring), rubber, or the like other than a coil spring as the elastic member.

Further, as shown in fig. 6 to 9, the drum cartridge 2 includes a first release lever 97. The first release lever 97 is located at one end 91A of the drum frame 91 in the first direction. First release lever 97 is pivotable about an axis extending in a first direction. The drum cartridge 2 further includes a second release lever (not shown). The second release lever is located at the other end 91B in the first direction of the drum frame 91. The second release lever is pivotable about a rotational axis extending in a first direction.

<1-4. information on the operation of mounting the developing cartridge >

As shown in fig. 6 to 9, when the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2, the developing cartridge 1 is moved relative to the drum cartridge 2 so that the developing roller 30 is moved close to the photosensitive drum 92. At this time, as shown in fig. 6 to 9, the second end portion 62 of the first bearing 60 contacts the first release lever 97 and moves along the first release lever 97. Thus, the first bearing 60 pivots about the rotational axis a 1. Likewise, the third end 71 of the second bearing 70 is in contact with and moves along the second release lever. Thus, the second bearing 70 pivots about the rotational axis a 1.

As described above, when the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2, the first bearing 60 and the second bearing 70 pivot about the rotational axis a1 of the developing roller 30. Therefore, the first bearing 60 can be placed between the photosensitive drum 92 and the first pressing member 95 without rotating the casing 10 relative to the drum frame 91. Further, the second bearing 70 may be placed between the photosensitive drum 92 and the second pressing member. Therefore, without an operation of rotating the casing 10, the user of the image forming apparatus can move the developing roller 30 close to the photosensitive drum 92.

When the first bearing 60 is placed between the photosensitive drum 92 and the first pressing member 95, the first pressing member 95 is in contact with the second end portion 62 of the first bearing 60. At this time, the first pressing member 95 presses the second end portion 62 of the first bearing 60 toward the photosensitive drum 92 by the elastic force of the first coil spring 96. Then, as shown in fig. 9, the first end portion 61 of the first bearing 60 is in contact with the first guide surface 93, and another portion of the first bearing 60 is in contact with the second guide surface 94. Thus, the position of the first bearing 60 relative to the drum frame 91 is fixed.

Also, the second pressing member presses the fourth end portion 72 of the second bearing 70 toward the photosensitive drum 92. At this time, the third end 71 of the second bearing 70 is in contact with the third guide surface, and another portion of the second bearing 70 is in contact with the fourth guide surface. Thus, the position of the second bearing 70 relative to the drum frame 91 is fixed.

Further, the first pressing member 95 presses the first bearing 60 with the positions of the first bearing 60 and the second bearing 70 relative to the drum frame 91 fixed. Further, the second pressing member presses the second bearing 70. Therefore, the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92. Thus, the developing roller 30 is pushed against the photosensitive drum 92.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the first bearing 60 has the first end portion 61 and the second end portion 62, and the second end portion 62 is pivotable with respect to the first end portion 61. Further, the second bearing 70 has a third end 71 and a fourth end 72, and the fourth end 72 is pivotable with respect to the third end 71. Therefore, by using the first and

second end portions

61 and 62 of the first bearing 60 and the third and

fourth end portions

71 and 72 of the second bearing 70, the positioning of the developing roller 30 with respect to the photosensitive drum 92 can be achieved.

Further, according to the present embodiment, when the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2, the first bearing 60 and the second bearing 70 pivot about the rotation axis a 1. Further, when the developing cartridge 1 is removed from the drum cartridge 2, the first bearing 60 and the second bearing 70 pivot about the rotation axis a1 in the same manner. Therefore, by pivoting the first bearing 60 and the second bearing 70 without rotating the casing 10, the developing cartridge 1 can be smoothly mounted to or removed from the drum cartridge 2.

<1-5. information on voltage supply >

The first pressing member 95 and the first coil spring 96 are electrically conductive. For example, the first pressing member 95 is made of conductive resin. For example, the first coil spring 96 is made of metal. Further, the drum cartridge 2 further includes an electrode terminal 98, and the electrode terminal 98 is in electrical contact with the first coil spring 96. As shown in fig. 6 to 8, the electrode terminals 98 are exposed on the outer surface of the drum frame 91. Further, as described above, the developing roller shaft 32 and the first bearing 60 are electrically conductive. Therefore, when the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2, and thus the first pressing member 95 is in contact with the first bearing 60, the electrode terminal 98, the first coil spring 96, the first pressing member 95, the first bearing 60, and the developing roller 32 are electrically connected to each other.

When the developing cartridge 1 mounted on the drum cartridge 2 is mounted in the image forming apparatus, the electrode terminal of the image forming apparatus is in contact with the electrode terminal 98 of the drum cartridge 2. Therefore, a bias voltage is supplied from the image forming apparatus to the developing roller shaft 32 via the electrode terminal 98, the first coil spring 96, the first pressing member 95, and the first bearing 60. Therefore, the developer material is attracted to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller main body 31 by the electrostatic force generated by the bias voltage.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the bias voltage is supplied to the first bearing 60 of the developing cartridge 1 via the first pressing member 95 of the drum cartridge 2. In this way, the number of parts of the drum cartridge 2 can be reduced as compared with the case where the conductive member that supplies the voltage to the first bearing 60 is provided separately from the first pressing member 95. Therefore, the drum cartridge 2 can be reduced in size.

Further, the first bearing 60 according to the present embodiment has (1) the ability to serve as a bearing that rotatably supports the developing roller shaft 32, and (2) the ability to serve as a positioning member that determines the position of the developing roller 30 relative to the photosensitive drum 92 when the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2, and (3) the ability to serve as a developing electrode that supplies a bias voltage to the developing roller shaft 32. Therefore, the number of components in the developing cartridge 1 can be reduced as compared with the case where these capabilities are provided by using different members. Further, the size of the developing cartridge 1 can be reduced.

<1-6. information on the separation operation >

After the developing cartridge 1 mounted on the drum cartridge 2 is mounted in the image forming apparatus, the developing cartridge 1 can be separated by a driving force supplied from the image forming apparatus. As used herein, the term "separating operation" refers to an operation of temporarily separating the developing roller 30 from the photosensitive drum 92. For example, when monochrome printing is performed in the image forming apparatus, the developing cartridges 1 of colors other than black are subjected to the separation operation. Note that the developing cartridge 1 of black may be subjected to a separation operation.

As shown in fig. 9, as the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2, the developing cartridge 1 is placed at a contact position where the developing roller 30 contacts the photosensitive drum 92. At this time, the position of the first lever 110 is the first position. In the first position, the other end 112 of the first rod 110 is spaced from the inner surface 670 of the first bore 67 of the first bearing 60. Therefore, the other end 112 of the first lever 110 does not press the inner surface 670 of the first hole 67. Further, the cam surface 113 of the first lever 110 is in contact with the drum frame 91. Further, the position of the second lever 130 at this time is the third position. In the third position, the other end 132 of the second lever 130 is spaced apart from the inner surface of the third hole 77 of the second bearing 70. Therefore, the other end 132 of the second lever 130 does not press the inner surface of the third hole 77 of the second bearing 70. Further, the cam surface 133 of the second lever 130 is in contact with the drum frame 91.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge 1 and the drum cartridge 2 at the time of the separation operation. Note that fig. 10 is a cross section orthogonal to the first direction and passing completely through the first bearing 60 and the first rod 110.

At the time of the separation operation, the image forming apparatus applies a driving force to the one end portion 111 of the first lever 110. More specifically, the image forming apparatus operates a drive lever (not shown). Then, the driving lever presses the one end portion 111 of the first lever 110 as indicated by the broken line arrow in fig. 10. Thus, the first lever 110 pivots about the cam surface 133 from the first position to the second position. At this time, the other end portion 112 of the first lever 110 moves in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 92, and presses the inner surface 670 of the first hole 67 of the first bearing 60. More specifically, the other end 112 of the first lever 110 presses the second end 62 of the first bearing 60 in a direction away from the developing roller 30 against the pressing force of the first pressing member 95. Therefore, the first bearing 60 moves in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 92 together with the other end portion 112 of the first lever 110.

Further, the image forming apparatus applies a driving force to the one end portion 131 of the second lever 130 at the time of the separation operation. More specifically, the image forming apparatus operates another drive lever (not shown). Then, the driving lever presses the one end 131 of the second lever 130. Thus, the second lever 130 pivots about the cam surface 133 from the third position to the fourth position. At this time, the other end portion 132 of the second lever 130 moves in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 92, and presses the inner surface of the third hole 77 of the second bearing 70. More specifically, the other end portion 132 of the second lever 130 presses the fourth end portion 72 of the second bearing 70 in a direction away from the developing roller 30 against the pressing force of the second pressing member. Therefore, the second bearing 70 moves in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 92 together with the other end portion 132 of the second lever 130.

Therefore, the casing 10 and the developing roller 30 move together with the first bearing 60 and the second bearing 70 in the direction away from the photosensitive drum 92. As a result, the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92. That is, the developing cartridge 1 is moved from the above-described contact position to the spaced position with respect to the drum cartridge 2.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the other end portion 112 of the first lever 110 presses the inner surface 670 of the first hole 67 of the first bearing 60 in accordance with the force that the one end portion 111 of the first lever 110 receives from the drive lever of the image forming apparatus. In this way, a force can be applied to move the developing cartridge 1 from the contact position to the spaced position. That is, the driving force applied by the image forming apparatus may be transmitted to the first bearing 60 through the first lever 110, the first lever 110 having one end 111 serving as an acting point, the other end 112 serving as an acting point, and the cam surface 113 serving as a pivot point.

Further, the other end portion 132 of the second lever 130 presses the inner surface of the third hole 77 of the second bearing 70 according to the force that the one end portion 131 of the second lever 130 receives from the drive lever of the image forming apparatus. In this way, a force can be applied to move the developing cartridge 1 from the contact position to the spaced position. That is, the driving force applied by the image forming apparatus may be transmitted to the second bearing 70 through the second lever 130, the second lever 130 having one end 131 serving as an acting point, the other end 132 serving as an acting point, and a cam surface 133 serving as a pivot point.

That is, the driving force provided by the image forming apparatus is transmitted to the first bearing 60 and the second bearing 70 of the developing cartridge 1 without passing through the drum cartridge 2. In this way, the need to provide a member for relaying the driving force in the drum cartridge 2 is eliminated. Therefore, the number of components of the drum cartridge 2 can be reduced. Therefore, the drum cartridge 2 can be reduced in size.

Further, in the developing cartridge 1, the one end portion 111 of the first lever 110 includes a first convex portion 114 that protrudes in the first direction. Therefore, the surface area of the one end portion 111 of the first lever 110 is wider than the case where the first projection 114 is not provided. Therefore, the drive lever of the image forming apparatus can stably press the one end portion 111 of the first lever 110 at the time of the detaching operation. Thus, the separation operation performed in the image forming apparatus is stabilized. Note that, as with the first lever 110, the one end 131 of the second lever 130 may have a convex portion protruding in the first direction.

Further, in the developing cartridge 1, the first bearing 60 and the second bearing 70 that support the developing roller shaft 32 receive the pressing force at the time of the separation operation. Therefore, the number of components in the developing cartridge 1 can be reduced as compared with a case where the member that receives the pressing force at the time of the separation operation is provided separately from the first bearing 60 and the second bearing 70. Therefore, the size of the developing cartridge 1 can be reduced.

Further, the first bearing 60 is pivotable about the rotation axis a 1. Accordingly, the first lever 110 may press the inner surface 670 of the first hole 67 of the first bearing 60 in an optimal direction. Likewise, the second bearing 70 may pivot about an axis of rotation a 1. Accordingly, the second lever 130 may press the inner surface of the third hole 77 of the second bearing 70 in an optimal direction.

Further, when the developing cartridge 1 is moved from the contact position to the spaced position, the first bearing 60 is moved along the second guide surface 94. Further, the second bearing 70 moves along the fourth guide surface. In this way, the first lever 110 can press the first bearing 60 while maintaining the position of the first bearing 60 with respect to the rotation axis a1 as a center point. Further, the second lever 130 may press the second bearing 70 while maintaining the position of the second bearing 70 with respect to the rotation axis a1 as a center point.

<1-7. operation of removing developing cartridge >

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge 1 and the drum cartridge 2 when the developing cartridge 1 is to be removed from the drum cartridge 2. Fig. 11 is a cross-section orthogonal to the first direction and passing completely through the first bearing 60 and the first rod 110.

When removing the developing cartridge 1 from the drum cartridge 2, the user presses the first release lever 97 and the second release lever. Thus, the primary release lever 97 and the secondary release lever pivot about an axis extending in the first direction. Then, the first release lever 97 presses the first lever 110 to the side 3a in the third direction. Further, the second release lever presses the second lever 130 to the side 3a in the third direction. Further, the other end portion 112 of the first lever 110 contacts the engagement surface 69 of the first bearing 60, and presses the engagement surface 69 to the one side 3a in the third direction. Further, the other end portion 132 of the second lever 130 contacts the engagement surface 79 of the second bearing 70, and presses the engagement surface 79 to the one side 3a in the third direction.

Therefore, the first bearing 60 falls off from between the photosensitive drum 92 and the first pressing member 95 to the one side 3a in the third direction. Further, the second bearing 70 is disengaged from between the photosensitive drum 92 and the second pressing member toward the one side 3a in the third direction. Thus, the developing cartridge 1 can be removed from the drum cartridge 2.

(2. second embodiment)

<2-1. overview of developing Cartridge and Drum Cartridge >

Fig. 12, 13 and 14 are perspective views of the developing cartridge 1B and the drum cartridge 2B. In fig. 12, the developing cartridge 1B is mounted on the drum cartridge 2B. In fig. 13 and 14, the developing cartridge 1B is not mounted on the drum cartridge 2B. The developing cartridge 1B and the drum cartridge 2B are used for an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Examples of the image forming apparatus are a laser printer or an LED printer.

As shown in fig. 12, 13 and 14, the developing cartridge 1B is used together with the drum cartridge 2B. The developing cartridge 1B may be mounted on the drum cartridge 2B. The developing cartridge 1B is mounted on the drum cartridge 2B, and then mounted in the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus allows, for example, four developing cartridges 1B to be mounted therein. The four developing cartridges 1B contain developer materials (e.g., toners) of different colors (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). The image forming apparatus forms an image on a recording surface of a printing paper by using a developer material supplied from the developing cartridge 1B. Note that the number of the developing cartridges 1B mountable in the image forming apparatus may be one or more, and thus, may be one to three, or five or more in addition to four.

<2-2. information on developing Cartridge >

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge 1B, particularly, a perspective view in the vicinity of the first outer surface 11B of the casing 10B. Fig. 16 is a view of the developing cartridge 1B, particularly an exploded perspective view in the vicinity of the first outer surface 11B of the casing 10B. Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge 1B, particularly, a perspective view in the vicinity of the first outer surface 12B of the casing 10B. Fig. 18 is a view of the developing cartridge 1B, particularly an exploded perspective view in the vicinity of the first outer surface 12B of the casing 10B.

As shown in fig. 12 to 18, the developing cartridge 1B includes a casing 10B, an agitator 20B, a developing roller 30B, a gear unit 50B, a first bearing 60B, a first lever 110B, a holder 120B, and a second bearing 70B.

The casing 10B is a casing capable of containing a developer material. The housing 10B has a first outer surface 11B and a second outer surface 12B. The first outer surface 11B is located at one end of the housing 10B in the first direction. The second outer surface 12B is located at the other end of the housing 10B in the first direction. The first outer surface 11B and the second outer surface 12B are spaced apart from each other in the first direction. The housing 10B extends in the first direction between the first outer surface 11B and the second outer surface 12B. Further, the housing 10B extends in the second direction.

The housing 10B has a housing chamber 13B provided therein. The developer material is stored in the accommodating chamber 13B. Further, the housing 10B has an opening 14B. The opening 14B is located at one end 10a of the housing 10B in the second direction. The outside of the housing 10B, in other words, the external space, and the accommodation chamber 13B of the housing 10B communicate with each other through the opening 14B. Note that the housing 10B may have a handle on an outer surface of the other end 10B in the second direction.

The agitator 20B includes an agitator shaft 21B and blades 22B. The agitator shaft 21B extends in the first direction. The blades 22B extend or expand from the agitator shaft 21B toward the inner surface of the housing 10B. The blades 22B and portions of the agitator shaft 21B are disposed in the receiving chamber 13B of the housing 10B. An agitator gear (not shown) included in the gear unit 50B is attached to one end of the agitator shaft 21B in the first direction. The agitator shaft 21B is fixed to the agitator gear so as not to rotate relative to the agitator gear. When the agitator gear rotates, the agitator shaft 21B and the blades 22B rotate about a rotation axis extending in the first direction. Therefore, the developer material is agitated in the housing chamber 13B by the rotating blade 22B.

The developing roller 30B is a roller that is rotatable about a rotation axis a1 extending in the first direction. The developing roller 30B is located in the opening 14B of the casing 10B. That is, the developing roller 30B is located at one end of the casing 10B in the second direction. The developing roller 30B includes a developing roller main body 31B and a developing roller shaft 32B. The developing roller main body 31B is a cylindrical member extending in the first direction. For example, rubber having elasticity is used as a material for the developing roller main body 31B. The developing roller shaft 32B is a cylindrical member that extends in the first direction and completely passes through the developing roller main body 31B. The developing roller shaft 32B is conductive. As a material of the developing roller shaft 32B, a metal or a resin having conductivity is used.

The developing roller main body 31B is fixed to the developing roller shaft 32B so as not to rotate relative to the developing roller shaft 32. Further, a developing roller gear 51B included in the gear unit 50B is attached to an end portion of the developing roller shaft 32B in the first direction. The developing roller shaft 32B is fixed to the developing roller gear 51B so as not to rotate relative to the developing roller gear 51B. Therefore, when the developing roller gear 51B rotates, the developing roller shaft 32B rotates, and the developing roller main body 31B also rotates together with the developing roller shaft 32B.

Note that the developing roller shaft 32B need not pass completely through the developing roller main body 31B in the first direction. For example, the developing roller shaft 32B may be composed of two corresponding portions extending in the first direction from both ends of the developing roller main body 31B in the first direction.

The developing cartridge 1B includes a supply roller, which is not illustrated from fig. 12 to 18. The supply roller is a roller rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a first direction. The supply roller is located between the agitator 20B and the developing roller 30B. The supply roller includes a supply roller body and a supply roller shaft. The supply roller body is a cylindrical member extending in a first direction. For example, rubber having elasticity is used as a material for the supply roller main body. The supply roller shaft is a cylindrical member extending in a first direction to completely pass through the supply roller body.

The supply roller main body is fixed on the supply roller shaft so as not to rotate relative to the supply roller shaft. Further, a supply roller gear (not shown) included in the gear unit 50B is attached to an end portion of the supply roller shaft in the first direction. The supply roller shaft is fixed to the supply roller gear so as not to rotate relative to the supply roller gear. Therefore, when the supply roller gear rotates, the supply roller shaft also rotates, and therefore, the supply roller main body also rotates together with the supply roller shaft.

Note that the supply roller shaft need not pass completely through the supply roller main body in the first direction. For example, the supply roller shaft may include two respective portions extending in the first direction from both ends of the supply roller body in the first direction.

When the developing cartridge 1B receives the driving force, the developer material is supplied from the accommodating chamber 13B in the casing 10B to the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller 30B via the supply roller. At this time, the developer material is triboelectrically charged between the supply roller and the developing roller 30B. Further, a bias voltage is applied to the developing roller shaft 32B of the developing roller 30B. Therefore, the developer material is attracted to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller main body 31B by the electrostatic force between the developing roller shaft 32B and the developer material.

Further, the developing cartridge 1B includes a layer thickness regulating blade (not shown). The layer thickness regulating blade forms the developer material supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller main body 31B into a predetermined thickness. Thereafter, the developer material on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller main body 31B is supplied to a photosensitive drum 92B (shown below) of the drum cartridge 2B. At this time, the developer material moves from the developing roller main body 31B onto the photosensitive drum 92B in accordance with the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92B. In this way, the electrostatic latent image is visualized on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92B.

The gear unit 50B is located on the second outer surface 12B of the housing 10B. As shown in fig. 5, the gear unit 50B includes the above-described agitator gear, the developing roller gear 51B, the supply roller gear, a plurality of idler gears, a coupling 52B, and a gear cover 53B. The gear cover 53B and the casing 10B together constitute an integral casing of the developing cartridge 1B. The gear cover 53B is fixed to the second outer surface 12B of the housing 10B by, for example, screws. At least some of the plurality of gears are located between the second outer surface 12B and the gear cover 53B.

The gear cover 53B includes a cylindrical collar 531B that projects in the first direction. The coupler 52B is received within the collar 531B. The coupler 52B has an engaging portion 521B recessed in the first direction. The engaging portion 521B is exposed from the gear cover 53B. When the developing cartridge 1B mounted on the drum cartridge 2B is mounted in the image forming apparatus having the drive shaft, the drive shaft of the image forming apparatus is connected to the engaging portion 521B of the coupling 52B. Thus, the rotation of the drive shaft of the image forming apparatus is transmitted to the agitator gear, the plurality of idler gears, the developing roller gear 51B, and the supply roller gear through the coupling 52B.

The plurality of gears included in the gear unit 50B may transmit the rotational force by meshing of the teeth, or may transmit the rotational force by friction.

The first bearing 60B is located at the first outer surface 11B of the housing 10B. The first bearing 60B rotatably supports one end portion of the developing roller shaft 32B in the first direction. As shown in fig. 4, the first bearing 60B has a first end 61B and a second end 62B. The second end portion 62B is farther from the developing roller shaft 32B than the first end portion 61B. Further, the second end portion 62B is farther from the one end 10a of the housing 10B in the second direction than the first end portion 61B is from the one end 10a of the housing in the second direction. The first bearing 60B extends along the first outer surface 11B of the housing 10B between the first end 61B and the second end 62B.

The first bearing 60B includes a first arm 63B and a second arm 64B. The second arm 64B is farther from the developing roller shaft 32B than the first arm 63B. Further, the second arm 64B is farther from the one end 10a in the second direction of the housing 10B than the first arm 63B is from the one end 10a in the second direction. The first arm 63B has the first end portion 61B. The second arm 64B has the second end 62B described above. The first arm 63B extends, for example, linearly extends, along the first outer surface 11B of the housing 10B. The second arm 64B extends, for example, linearly extends, along the first outer surface 11B of the housing 10B. Note that the first arm 63B is at an angle to the second arm 64B. The angle formed by the first arm 63B and the second arm 64B is an obtuse angle.

According to the present embodiment, the first arm 63B and the second arm 64B are integrally formed. However, the first arm 63B and the second arm 64B may be separate members. In this case, the first arm 63B and the second arm 64B may be fixed to each other.

The first bearing 60B has a first insertion hole 65B. The first insertion hole 65B extends in the first direction in the first end portion 61B of the first bearing 60B. The first insertion hole 65B may be a through hole passing through the first end portion 61B in the first direction. Alternatively, the first insertion hole 65B may be a hole that does not pass through the first end portion 61B. The first insertion hole 65B has a cylindrical inner peripheral surface. One end portion of the developing roller shaft 32B in the first direction is inserted into the first insertion hole 65B. In this way, the first bearing 60B is attached to one end portion of the developing roller shaft 32B in the first direction. Therefore, one end portion of the developing roller shaft 32B in the first direction is supported so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis a1 extending in the first direction. Further, the first bearing 60B is rotatable relative to the casing 10 about the developing roller shaft 32B. More specifically, the second end 62B is pivotable relative to the first end 61B about an axis of rotation a 1.

The first bearing 60B functions as a conductive member because it provides an electrical connection with the developing roller shaft 32B, which is described herein as a developing electrode. For example, the first bearing 60B is made of conductive resin. However, the first bearing 60B may be made of metal. The first end portion 61B of the first bearing 60B is in contact with one end portion of the developing roller shaft 32B in the first direction. Therefore, the first end portion 61B of the first bearing 60B is electrically connected to the developing roller shaft 32B.

Further, the first bearing 60B has a first hole 67B. The first hole 67B is located between the first end portion 61B and the second end portion 62B in the second direction. Further, the first hole 67B passes completely through the first bearing 60B in the pivot direction about the rotation axis a 1. That is, the first hole 67B extends in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction. However, the first hole 67B need not pass completely through the first bearing 60B. The other end 112B (described below) of the first rod 110B is inserted into the first hole 67B.

The first lever 110B is located at the first outer surface 11B of the housing 10B. As shown in fig. 16, the first lever 110B has one end 111B, another end 112B, and a portion 113B, the portion 113B having a pivot surface and being configured to act as a pivot point 113B, the portion 113B having the form/shape of a cam, referred to herein as a cam surface 113B. One end portion 111B is located at one end 110a of the first lever 110B in the third direction. The other end 112B is located at the other end 110B of the first lever 110B in the third direction. That is, the other end 112B faces the other side 3B in the third direction and is away from the one end 111B in the third direction. The cam surface 113B is located between the one end portion 111B and the other end portion 112B in the third direction. Further, the one end 111B of the first lever 110B includes a first protrusion 114B, referred to herein as a first protrusion 114B. The first projection 114B projects from the one end 111B of the first lever 110B in the first direction. The other end 112B of the first lever 110B includes a second protrusion 115B, referred to herein as a second projection 115B. The second convex portion 115B protrudes from the other end 112B of the first lever 110B in the first direction.

The first lever 110B is movable relative to the housing 10B. When the developing cartridge 1B is mounted on the drum cartridge 2B, the cam surface 113B may be in contact with a drum frame 91B (described below) of the drum cartridge 2B. The first lever 110B is pivotable about the cam surface 113B between a first position and a second position.

The holder 120B is located at the first outer surface 11B of the housing 10B. The holder 120B is fixed to the first outer surface 11B of the housing 10B by, for example, screws. A portion of the first rod 110B is positioned between the first outer surface 11B and the retainer 120B. The first projection 114B of the first lever 110B is closer to the side 3a in the third direction than the holder 120B is to the side 3a in the third direction. The second convex portion 115B of the first lever 110B is closer to the other side 3B of the holder 120B in the third direction than the holder 120B is to the other side 3B of the holder 120 in the third direction. The first convex portion 114B and the holder 120B face each other in the third direction. Therefore, the first rod 110B is prevented from falling off from the holder 120B toward the other side 3B in the third direction. That is, the holder 120B holds the first lever 110B so that the first lever 110B is movable relative to the housing 10B.

Fig. 19 shows a cross-sectional view of the first bearing 60B and a side view of the first rod 110B. As shown by the broken line arrow in fig. 19, the other end portion 112B of the first rod 110B is inserted into the first hole 67B of the first bearing 60B. Further, the first bearing 60B includes a rod receiving portion 68B. The lever receiving portion 68B is located in the first hole 67B. The lever receiving portion 68B has a U shape that can be opened toward the other side 3B in the third direction. The second projection 115B of the first lever 110B is inserted into the lever receiving portion 68B. Thus, the other end 112B of the first lever 110B is engaged with the first bearing 60B. Therefore, the first rod 110B is prevented from falling off from the first bearing 60B to the third direction side.

As shown in fig. 19, the first bearing 60B includes a wall portion 651B having an arc shape, the wall portion 651B being located at a circumferential portion of the first insertion hole 65B. The wall portion 651B protrudes from a portion of the circumferential portion of the first insertion hole 65B on the other side in the second direction toward one side of the circumferential portion of the first insertion hole 65B in the second direction. As shown in fig. 16, the developing roller shaft 32B includes an engagement groove 321B having a circular shape, and the engagement groove 321B is located on the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller shaft 321B. The engaging groove 321B is closer to one side of the first direction than the first outer surface 11B of the housing 10B. The wall portion 651B projects toward the engagement groove 321B.

Fig. 20 and 21 are views of the first bearing 60B, the first lever 110B, and the holder 120B attached to the developing cartridge 1B.

First, when the first bearing 60B, the first lever 110B, and the holder 120B are attached to the developing cartridge 1B, the second convex portion 115B of the first lever 110B is inserted into the lever receiving portion 68B of the first bearing 60B. Thus, the other end 112B of the first lever 110B may be engaged with the first bearing 60B. Next, as shown in fig. 20, the developing roller 32B is inserted into the first insertion hole 65B of the first bearing 60B. Further, the first bearing 60B and the first lever 110B pivot about the rotation axis a1 toward the one side 3a in the third direction. Subsequently, as shown in fig. 21, the holder 120B is fixed on the first outer surface 11B of the housing 10B. As a result, the first lever 110B is held by the holder 120B.

As described above, the wall portion 651B of the first bearing 60B is inserted into the engagement groove 321B of the developing roller shaft 32B with the first lever 110B engaged with the first bearing 60B held by the holder 120B. Therefore, the first bearing 60B is prevented from falling off from the developing roller shaft 32B to one side in the first direction.

The first bearing 60B pivots about the rotation axis a1 from one side 3a of the third direction to the other side 3B of the third direction, and the first lever 110B moves together with the lever receiving portion 68B of the first bearing 60B from the one side 3a of the third direction to the other side 3B of the third direction. Note that, by bringing the first convex portion 114B of the first lever 110B into contact with the holder 120B, the movement of the first lever 110B from the one side 3a in the third direction to the other side 3B in the third direction is stopped. Further, when the movement of the first lever 110B is stopped, the pivotable movement of the first bearing 60B from the one side 3a in the third direction to the other side 3B in the third direction is also stopped by bringing the lever receiving portion 68B of the first bearing 60B into contact with the second convex portion 115B located at the other end 112B of the first lever 110B. As a result, the pivoting range of the first bearing 60B toward the other side 3B in the third direction is restricted. In the case where the first bearing 60B pivots from the one side 3a of the third direction to the other side 3B of the third direction, after the first lever 110B allows the first bearing 60B to pivot from the one side 3a of the third direction to the other side 3B of the third direction by a predetermined number of degrees, the first lever 110B may stop the pivotable movement of the first bearing 60B from the one side 3a of the third direction to the other side 3B of the third direction.

As described above, in the second embodiment of the developing cartridge 1B, the holder 120B prevents the first lever 110B from falling off from the one side 3a in the third direction to the other side 3B in the third direction. Also, the first lever 110B stops the pivotable movement of the first bearing 60B from the one side 3a in the third direction to the other side 3B in the third direction. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide one or more members different from the first lever 110B and the holder 120B for stopping the pivotable movement of the first bearing 60B from the one side 3a in the third direction to the other side 3B in the third direction in the developing cartridge 1B. Therefore, the number of components in the developing cartridge 1B can be reduced.

Further, as shown in fig. 16 and 20, the housing 10B includes a housing protrusion 15B. The housing protrusion 15B extends from the first outer surface 11B of the housing 11B to one side of the first direction. On the other hand, as shown by broken line arrows in fig. 20 and 21, the first bearing 60B includes an electrode protrusion 601B. The electrode protrusion 601B extends from the first bearing 60B toward the first outer surface 11B of the housing 10B in the first direction.

When the first bearing 60B pivots about the rotation axis a1 from the other side 3B of the third direction to one side 3a of the third direction, the electrode protrusion 601B comes into contact with the housing protrusion 15B. As a result, the pivotable movement of the first bearing 60B from the other side 3B to the one side 3a in the third direction is stopped. Therefore, in the developing cartridge 1B of the second embodiment, the housing projection 15B of the housing 10B stops the pivotable movement of the first bearing 60B from the other side 3B in the third direction to the one side 3a in the third direction. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide one or more members different from the casing 10B for stopping the pivotable movement of the first bearing 60B from the other side 3B in the third direction to the one side 3a in the third direction in the developing cartridge 1B. Therefore, the number of components in the developing cartridge 1B can be reduced.

The second bearing 70B is located at the second outer surface 12B of the housing 10B. More specifically, the second bearing 70B is located at an outer surface of the gear cover 53B. The first bearing 60B and the second bearing 70B are positioned to overlap each other when viewed in the first direction. The second bearing 70B rotatably supports the other end portion of the developing roller shaft 32B in the first direction. As shown in fig. 17 and 18, the second bearing 70B has a third end 71B and a fourth end 72B. The fourth end portion 72B is farther from the developing roller shaft 32B than the third end portion 71B. In addition, the fourth end portion 72B is farther from the one end 10a of the housing 10 in the second direction than the third end portion 71B is from the one end 10a of the housing 10 in the second direction. The second bearing 70B extends along the second outer surface 12B of the housing 10B between a third end 71B and a fourth end 72B.

The second bearing 70B includes a third arm 73B and a fourth arm 74B. The fourth arm 74B is farther from the developing roller shaft 32B than the third arm 73B. Further, the fourth arm 74B is farther from the one end 10a of the housing 10B in the second direction than the third arm 73B is from the one end 10a of the housing 10B in the second direction. The third arm 73B has the third end 71B. The fourth arm 74B has the fourth end portion 72B. The third arm 73B extends, for example, linearly extends, along the second outer surface 12B of the housing 10B. The fourth arm 74B extends, e.g., linearly, along the second outer surface 12B of the housing 10B. However, the third arm 73B is at an angle to the fourth arm 74B. The angle formed by the third arm 73B and the fourth arm 74B is an obtuse angle.

According to the second embodiment, the third arm 73B and the fourth arm 74B are integrally formed. However, the third arm 73B and the fourth arm 74B may be separate members. In this case, it is only necessary to fix the third arm 73B and the fourth arm 74B to each other.

Fig. 22 shows a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge 1B in the vicinity of the second bearing 70B. As shown in fig. 17, 18 and 22, the second bearing 70B has a second insertion hole 75B. The second insertion hole 75B extends in the first direction in the third end portion 71B of the second bearing 70B. The second insertion hole 75B may be a through hole passing through the third end portion 71B in the first direction. Alternatively, the second insertion hole 75B may be a hole that does not pass through the third end portion 71B. The second insertion hole 75B has a cylindrical inner circumferential surface. The other end portion of the developing roller shaft 32B in the first direction is inserted into the second insertion hole 75B. In this way, the second bearing 70B is attached to the other end portion of the developing roller shaft 32B in the first direction. Therefore, the other end portion of the developing roller shaft 32B in the first direction is supported so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis a1 extending in the first direction. Further, the second bearing 70B is also pivotable relative to the casing 10B about the developing roller shaft 32B. More specifically, the fourth end 72B is pivotable relative to the third end 71B about an axis of rotation a 1.

In addition, the second bearing 70B has a second bore 78B. The second hole 78B extends in the first direction between the third end 71B and the fourth end 72B. Further, the second bore 78B passes completely through the second bearing 70B in the first direction. However, the second bore 78B need not pass completely through the second bearing 70B.

As shown in fig. 22, the second bearing 70B includes a pawl receiving portion 781B. The pawl receiving portion 781B is located in the second hole 78B. The housing 10B includes two claw portions 16B. Each claw portion 16B extends from the second outer surface 12B of the housing 10B to the other side of the first direction. In the second embodiment, two claw portions 16B extend from the outer surface of the gear cover 53B configured as a part of the housing 10B.

The head end portion 161B of the claw portion 16B is located in the second hole 78B. The head end portion 161B of the claw portion 16B protrudes toward a direction intersecting the first direction, and the head end portion 161B of the claw portion 16B engages with a surface of the claw receiving portion 781B. A surface of the pawl receiving portion 781B is located on the other side of the pawl receiving portion 781B in the first direction. Therefore, the second bearing 70B is held with respect to the gear cover 53B. Further, the second bearing 70B is prevented from falling off to one side in the first direction. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an engagement groove in a part of the developing roller shaft 32B to prevent the second bearing 70B from coming off. A portion of the developing roller shaft 32B is inserted into the second insertion hole 75B.

In a case where the second bearing 70B pivots about the rotation axis a1 from one side 3a of the third direction to the other side 3B of the third direction, a part of the second bearing 70B contacts the pawl portion 16B. The portion of the second bearing 70B is closer to the side of the second bearing 70B in the third direction than the second hole 78B is to the side of the second bearing 70B in the third direction. Therefore, the pivotable movement of the second bearing 70B from the one side 3a in the third direction to the other side 3B in the third direction is stopped.

Further, in a case where the second bearing 70B is pivoted from the other side 3B in the third direction to the one side 3a in the third direction about the rotation axis a1, a part of the second bearing 70B is in contact with the claw portion 16B. The portion of the second bearing 70B is closer to the other side of the second bearing 70B in the third direction than the second hole 78B is to the other side of the second bearing 70B in the third direction. Therefore, the pivotable movement of the second bearing 70B from the other side 3B in the third direction to the one side 3a in the third direction is stopped.

Therefore, in the developing cartridge 1B of the second embodiment, the pawl portion 16B stops the pivotable movement of the second bearing 70B, and therefore, it is not necessary to provide one or more members different from the pawl portion 16B for stopping the pivotable movement of the second bearing 70B in the developing cartridge 1B. Therefore, the number of components in the developing cartridge 1B can be reduced.

Further, as shown in fig. 17 and 18, the second bearing 70B includes a pressing projection 701B. The pressing projection 701B projects from the surface on the other side of the second bearing 70B in the first direction toward the other side of the first direction. In other words, the pressing projection 701B projects in a direction away from the housing 10B. In the case where the below-described separation operation is performed, the pressing projection 701B may be in contact with the below-described release lever 97B of the drum cartridge 2B.

<2-3. construction of Drum Cartridge >

As shown in fig. 12, 13, and 14, the drum cartridge 2B includes a drum frame 91B and a photosensitive drum 92B. The developing cartridge 1B is mounted on the drum frame 91B. The photosensitive drum 92B is a cylindrical drum rotatable about a rotational axis extending in the first direction. The peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92B is coated with a photosensitive material. The photosensitive drum 92B is located at one end of the drum frame 91B in the second direction. When the developing cartridge 1B is mounted on the drum frame 91B, the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30B is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92B.

Fig. 23 and 24 are views of the developing cartridge 1B mounted on the drum cartridge 2B as viewed from one side in the first direction. Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge 1B and the drum cartridge 2B after the developing cartridge 1B is mounted on the drum cartridge 2B. Fig. 26 is a view of the developing cartridge 1B and the drum cartridge 2B when viewed from one side in the first direction when the separation operation is performed. Fig. 27 is a view of the developing cartridge 1B and the drum cartridge 2B when viewed from the other side in the first direction in a state where the developing cartridge 1B is mounted on the drum cartridge 2B. Fig. 28 is a view of the developing cartridge 1B and the drum cartridge 2B when viewed from the other side in the first direction when the below-described separation operation is performed.

As shown in fig. 23, 24, and 25, the drum cartridge 2B has a first guide surface 93B and a second guide surface 94B. The first guide surface 93B and the second guide surface 94B are located at one end of the drum frame 91B in the first direction. Further, the first guide surface 93B and the second guide surface 94B are separated in the rotational direction around the rotational axis of the photosensitive drum 92B.

Further, as shown in fig. 23, 24, 25, and 26, the drum cartridge 2B includes a first pressing member 95B and a first coil spring 96B. The first pressing member 95B and the first coil spring 96B are electrically conductive. For example, the first pressing member 95B is made of conductive resin. For example, the first coil spring 96B is made of metal. The first pressing member 95B and the first coil spring 96B are located at one end of the drum frame 91B in the first direction. The first coil spring 96B is an elastic member that can expand and contract in the second direction. One end of the first coil spring 96B in the second direction is connected to the first pressing member 95B. The other end of the first coil spring 96B in the second direction is connected to the drum frame 91B. When the developing cartridge 1B is mounted on the drum cartridge 2B, the first pressing member 95B presses the second end portion 62B of the first bearing 60B toward the photosensitive drum 92B by the elastic force of the first coil spring 96B.

As shown in fig. 27 and 28, the drum cartridge 2B further has a third guide surface 931B and a fourth guide surface 941B. The third guide surface 931B and the fourth guide surface 941B are located at the other end of the drum frame 91B in the first direction. The third guide surface 931B and the fourth guide surface 941B are spaced apart from each other in the rotational direction of the photosensitive drum 92B, and the photosensitive drum 92B is rotatable about the rotational axis.

Further, as shown in fig. 27 and 28, the drum cartridge 2B includes a second pressing member 951B and a second coil spring 961B. The second pressing member 951B and the second coil spring 961B are located at the other end 91B of the drum frame 91B in the first direction. The second coil spring 961B is an elastic member that can expand and contract in the second direction. One end of the second coil spring 961B in the second direction is connected to the second pressing member 951B. The other end of the second coil spring 961B in the second direction is connected to the drum frame 91B. When the developing cartridge 1B is mounted on the drum cartridge 2B, the second pressing member 951B presses the fourth end portion 72B of the second bearing 70B toward the photosensitive drum 92B by the elastic force of the second coil spring 961B.

Note that, instead of the first and second coil springs 96B and 961B, other types of elastic members may be used for the drum cartridge 2B. For example, the drum cartridge 2B may be provided with a spring (e.g., a torsion spring or a leaf spring), rubber, or the like other than a coil spring as the elastic member.

Further, as shown in fig. 27 and 28, the drum cartridge 2B includes a release lever 97B. The release lever 97B is located at one end 91A of the drum frame 91B in the first direction. The release lever 97B is pivotable about a rotational axis extending in the first direction. Further, the release lever 97B has a first lever arm 971B and a second lever arm 972B. When the developing cartridge 1B is mounted on the drum cartridge 2B, the second lever arm 972B faces the pressing projection 701B of the second bearing 70 in the second direction.

<2-4. information on the operation of mounting the developing cartridge >

As shown in fig. 23 to 25, when the developing cartridge 1B is mounted on the drum cartridge 2B, the developing cartridge 1B is moved relative to the drum cartridge 2B, moving the developing roller 30B close to the photosensitive drum 92B. At this time, the first bearing 60B pivots about the rotation axis a1 in accordance with the shape of the drum frame 91B. Also, the second bearing 70B pivots about the rotation axis a1 in accordance with the shape of the drum frame 91B.

As described above, when the developing cartridge 1B is mounted on the drum cartridge 2B, the first bearing 60B and the second bearing 70B pivot about the rotational axis a1 of the developing roller 30. Therefore, the first bearing 60B can be placed between the photosensitive drum 92B and the first pressing member 95B without rotating the casing 10B largely with respect to the drum frame 91B. Further, the second bearing 70B may be placed between the photosensitive drum 92B and the second pressing member 951B. Therefore, without largely performing the operation of rotating the casing 10, the user of the image forming apparatus can move the developing roller 30B close to the photosensitive drum 92B.

When the first bearing 60B is placed between the photosensitive drum 92B and the first pressing member 95B, the first pressing member 95B is in contact with the second end portion 62B of the first bearing 60B. At this time, the first pressing member 95B presses the second end portion 62B of the first bearing 60B toward the photosensitive drum 92B by the elastic force of the first coil spring 96B. Then, as shown in fig. 25, the first end portion 61B of the first bearing 60B is in contact with the first guide surface 93B, and another portion of the first bearing 60B is in contact with the second guide surface 94B. Thus, the position of the first bearing 60B with respect to the drum frame 91B is fixed.

Likewise, the second pressing member 951B presses the fourth end portion 72B of the second bearing 70B toward the photosensitive drum 92B. At this time, as shown in fig. 27, the third end 71B of the second bearing 70B is in contact with the third guide surface 931B, and another portion of the second bearing 70B is in contact with the fourth guide surface 941B. Thus, the position of the second bearing 70B with respect to the drum frame 91B is fixed.

Further, the first pressing member 95B presses the first bearing 60B with the positions of the first bearing 60B and the second bearing 70B relative to the drum frame 91B fixed. Further, the second pressing member 951B presses the second bearing 70B. Thus, the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30B is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92B. Thus, the developing roller 30B is pushed against the photosensitive drum 92B.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the first bearing 60B has the first end portion 61B and the second end portion 62B, and the second end portion 62B is pivotable with respect to the first end portion 61B. Further, the second bearing 70B has a third end 71B and a fourth end 72B, the fourth end 72B being pivotable relative to the third end 71B. Therefore, by using the first and

second end portions

61B and 62B of the first bearing 60B and the third and

fourth end portions

71B and 72B of the second bearing 70B, the positioning of the developing roller 30B with respect to the photosensitive drum 92B can be achieved.

Further, according to the second embodiment, when the developing cartridge 1B is mounted on the drum cartridge 2B, the first bearing 60B and the second shaft 70B pivot about the rotation axis a 1. Further, when the developing cartridge 1B is removed from the drum cartridge 2B, the first bearing 60B and the second bearing 70B pivot about the rotation axis a1 in the same manner. Therefore, without rotating the casing 10B, by pivoting the first bearing 60B and the second bearing 70B, the developing cartridge 1B can be smoothly attached to or removed from the drum cartridge 2B.

<2-5. information on voltage supply >

The first pressing member 95B and the first coil spring 96B are electrically conductive. For example, the first pressing member 95B is made of conductive resin. For example, the first coil spring 96B is made of metal. Further, the drum cartridge 2B includes an electrode terminal 98B, and the electrode terminal 98B is in electrical contact with the first coil spring 96B. As shown in fig. 12 and 13, the electrode terminal 98B is exposed on the outer surface of the drum frame 91B. Further, as described above, the developing roller shaft 32B and the first bearing 60B are electrically conductive. Therefore, when the developing cartridge 1B is mounted on the drum cartridge 2B, and thus the first pressing member 95B is in contact with the first bearing 60B, the electrode terminal 98B, the first coil spring 96B, the first pressing member 95B, the first bearing 60B, and the developing roller shaft 32B are electrically connected to each other.

When the developing cartridge 1B mounted on the drum cartridge 2B is mounted in the image forming apparatus, the electrode terminal of the image forming apparatus is in contact with the electrode terminal 98B of the drum cartridge 2B. Therefore, a bias voltage is supplied from the image forming apparatus to the developing roller shaft 32B through the electrode terminal 98B, the first coil spring 96B, the first pressing member 95B, and the first bearing 60B. Therefore, the developer material is attracted to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller main body 31B by the electrostatic force generated by the bias voltage.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the bias voltage is supplied to the first bearing 60B of the developing cartridge 1B by the first pressing member 95B of the drum cartridge 2B. In this way, the number of parts of the drum cartridge 2B can be reduced as compared with the case where the conductive member that supplies the voltage to the first bearing 60B is provided separately from the first pressing member 95B. Therefore, the drum cartridge 2B can be reduced in size.

Further, the first bearing 60B according to the second embodiment has (1) the ability to be a bearing that rotatably supports the developing roller shaft 32B, (2) the ability to be a positioning member that determines the position of the developing roller 30B with respect to the photosensitive drum 92B when the developing cartridge 1B is mounted on the drum cartridge 2B, and (3) the ability to be a developing electrode that supplies a bias voltage to the developing roller shaft 32B. Therefore, the number of components in the developing cartridge 1B can be reduced as compared with the case where these capabilities are provided by using different members. Further, the developing cartridge 1B can be reduced in size.

<6. information on the separation operation >

After the developing cartridge 1B mounted on the drum cartridge 2B is mounted in the image forming apparatus, the developing cartridge 1B can be separated by a driving force supplied from the image forming apparatus. As used herein, the term "separating operation" refers to an operation of temporarily separating the developing roller 30B from the photosensitive drum 92B. For example, when monochrome printing is performed in the image forming apparatus, the developing cartridges 1B of colors other than black perform a separation operation. Note that the developing cartridge 1B of black may be subjected to a separation operation.

As shown in fig. 25 to 27, when the developing cartridge 1B is mounted on the drum cartridge 2B, the developing cartridge 1B is placed at a contact position where the developing roller 30B contacts the photosensitive drum 92B. At this time, the position of the first lever 110B is the first position. In the first position, the second protrusion 115B of the first lever 110B is spaced from the inner surface of the lever receiving portion 68B. Therefore, the second convex portion 115B of the first lever 110B does not press the inner surface of the lever receiving portion 68B. Further, the cam surface 113B of the first lever 110B is in contact with the drum frame 91B. Further, the position of the release lever 97B at this time is the third position. In the third position, the second lever arm 972B of the release lever 97B is separated from the pressing projection 701B of the second bearing 70B. Therefore, the second lever arm 972B of the release lever 97B does not press the pressing projection 701B of the second bearing 70B.

When the separation operation is performed, the image forming apparatus applies a driving force to the one end portion 111B of the first lever 110B. More specifically, the image forming apparatus operates a drive lever (not shown). Then, the drive lever presses the one end portion 111B of the first lever 110B as indicated by the broken-line arrow in fig. 28. Thus, the first lever 110B pivots about the cam surface 133B from the first position to the second position. At this time, the other end 112B of the first lever 110B moves in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 92B, and presses the inner surface of the lever receiving portion 68B. More specifically, the other end portion 112B of the first lever 110B presses the second end portion 62B of the first bearing 60B in a direction away from the developing roller 30B against the pressing force of the first pressing member 95B. Therefore, the first bearing 60B moves in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 92B together with the other end portion 112B of the first lever 110B.

Further, at the time of the separation operation, the image forming apparatus applies a driving force to the first lever arm 971B of the release lever 97B. More specifically, the image forming apparatus operates another drive lever (not shown). The drive lever then presses the first lever arm 971B, as indicated by the broken line arrow in fig. 28. Thus, the release lever 97B pivots from the third position to the fourth position about the rotational axis extending in the first direction. At this time, the second lever arm 972B of the release lever 97B moves in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 92B, and presses the pressing projection 701B of the second bearing 70B. More specifically, the second lever arm 972B presses the fourth end portion 72B of the second bearing 70B in a direction away from the developing roller 30B against the pressing force of the second pressing member 951B. Therefore, the second bearing 70B moves in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 92B together with the second lever arm 972B.

Therefore, the casing 10B and the developing roller 30B move together with the first bearing 60B and the second bearing 70B in the direction away from the photosensitive drum 92B. Thus, the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30B is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92B. That is, the developing cartridge 1B is moved from the above-described contact position to the spaced position with respect to the drum cartridge 2B.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the other end portion 112B of the first lever 110B presses the inner surface of the lever receiving portion 68B in accordance with the force that the one end portion 111B of the first lever 110B receives from the drive lever of the image forming apparatus. In this way, a force can be applied to move the developing cartridge 1B from the contact position to the spaced position. That is, the driving force applied by the image forming apparatus can be transmitted to the first bearing 60B through the first lever 110B, the first lever 110B having one end 111B serving as an acting point, the other end 112B serving as an acting point, and the cam surface 113B serving as a pivot point.

That is, the driving force provided by the image forming apparatus is transmitted to the first bearing 60B of the developing cartridge 1B without passing through the drum cartridge 2B. In this way, the need to provide a member that relays the driving force in the drum cartridge 2B is eliminated. Therefore, the number of components of the drum cartridge 2B can be reduced. Therefore, the drum cartridge 2B can be reduced in size.

Further, in the developing cartridge 1B, the one end portion 111B of the first lever 110B includes a first convex portion 114B that protrudes in the first direction. Therefore, the surface area of the one end portion 111B of the first lever 110B is wider than the case where the first convex portion 114B is not provided. Therefore, at the time of the detaching operation, the drive lever of the image forming apparatus can stably press the one end portion 111B of the first lever 110B. Thus, the separation operation performed in the image forming apparatus is stabilized.

Further, in the developing cartridge 1B, the first bearing 60B and the second bearing 70B that support the developing roller shaft 32B receive a pressing force at the time of the separation operation. Therefore, the number of components in the developing cartridge 1B can be reduced as compared with the case where the member that receives the pressing force at the time of the separation operation is provided separately from the first bearing 60B and the second bearing 70B. Therefore, the developing cartridge 1B can be reduced in size.

Further, the first bearing 60B is pivotable about the rotation axis a 1. Accordingly, the first lever 110B can press the inner surface of the lever receiving portion 68B of the first bearing 60B in an optimal direction.

Further, when the developing cartridge 1B is moved from the contact position to the spaced position, the first bearing 60B is moved along the second guide surface 94B. In this way, the first lever 110B can press the first bearing 60B while maintaining the position of the first bearing 60B with respect to the rotation axis a1 as a center point. Further, when the developing cartridge 1B is moved from the contact position to the spaced position, the second bearing 70B is moved along the fourth guide surface 941B. In this way, the release lever 97B can press the second bearing 70B while maintaining the position of the second bearing 70B with respect to the rotation axis a1 as the center point.

<3. variation >

While the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications are described below, with emphasis on the differences between the modifications and the above-described embodiments.

According to the above embodiment, the developing cartridge 1 includes the first bearing and the second bearing. The first and second bearings have the same shape and both bearings are pivotable relative to the housing 10. However, a second bearing may be provided, which is shaped differently from the first bearing. Furthermore, a second bearing may also be provided which is not pivotable relative to the housing 10. Further, the developing cartridge 1 does not necessarily include the second bearing. In this case, the first bearing may be placed at one of both ends of the housing 10 in the first direction.

According to the above embodiment, the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2 including only one photosensitive drum 92. However, the developing cartridge 1 may be mounted on a drum cartridge including a plurality of photosensitive drums 92.

Further, the detailed shape of the developing cartridge 1 may be different from the shape illustrated in any one of the drawings of the present application. Further, the elements appearing in the above embodiments and variations may be combined in any manner as long as no conflict arises.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1. 1B developing box

2. 2B Drum Box

10. 10B casing

11. 11B first outer surface

12. 12B second outer surface

13. 13B accommodation chamber

14. 14B opening

20. 20B stirrer

30. 30B developing roller

31. 31B developing roller body

32. 32B developing roller shaft

40 supply roll

41 supply roller body

42 supply roll shaft

50 gear unit

51, 51B developing roller gear

52, 52B coupling

53, 53, 53B gear cover

60, 60B first bearing

61, 661B first end portion

62, 62B second end

63, 63B first arm

64, 64B second arm

65, 65B first insertion hole

67, 67B first hole

69 engaging surface

70, 70B second bearing

71, 71B third end

72, 72B fourth end

73, 73B third arm

74, 74B fourth arm

75, 75B second insertion hole

77 third hole

91, 91B drum frame

92, 92B photosensitive drum

93, 93B first guide surface

94, 94B second guide surface

95, 95B first pressing member

96, 96B first coil spring

97, 97B first release lever

98, 98B electrode terminal

110, 110B first bar

111, 111B end

112, 112B another end

113, 113B cam surface

114, 114B first convex part

115, 115B second projection

120, 120B holder

130 second bar

One end part of 131

132 another end portion

133, 133B cam surface

135 third convex part

Axis of rotation A1

Claims

1. A developing cartridge, characterized by comprising:

a developing roller including a developing roller shaft extending in a first direction;

a housing capable of accommodating a developer material, the developing roller being located at one end of the housing in a second direction that intersects the first direction;

a member having a first end and a second end, the second end being farther from the developing roller shaft than the first end, the member being movable with the housing and the developing roller, the second end being farther from the one end of the housing in the second direction than the first end, the member having a first hole extending in the second direction between the first end and the second end; and

a first lever movable between a first position and a second position relative to the housing, the first lever including one end serving as a point of attack, another end serving as a point of action, and a cam surface located between the one end and the another end and serving as a pivot point,

wherein the other end portion inserted into the first hole presses an inner surface of the first hole when the first lever moves from the first position to the second position around the cam surface serving as a center point in response to receiving a driving force applied to the one end portion.

2. A developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said member functions as a developing electrode, and said first end portion is electrically connected to said developing roller shaft.

3. A developing cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said member serves as a first bearing, and said first end portion includes a first insertion hole into which said developing roller shaft is inserted.

4. A developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when said first lever moves from said first position to said second position about said cam surface serving as a center point in response to receiving a driving force applied to said one end portion, said other end portion of said first lever presses said inner surface of said first hole in a direction away from said developing roller.

5. A developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said other end portion of said first lever is engaged with said inner surface of said first hole.

6. A developing cartridge according to claim 5, wherein said other end portion of said first lever is movable together with said developing electrode.

7. A developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein when said first lever is located at said first position, said other end portion of said first lever does not press said inner surface of said first hole, and

wherein the other end portion of the first lever presses the inner surface of the first hole when the first lever is located at the second position.

8. A developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said member is made of conductive resin.

9. A developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said first hole passes completely through said member.

10. A developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising:

a retainer configured to retain the first rod in a movable manner relative to the housing.

11. A developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said member is pivotable about and with said developing roller shaft.

12. A developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 11, being combined with a drum cartridge including a photosensitive drum, and

wherein, when moving from the first position to the second position, the first lever moves around the cam surface serving as a center point with the cam surface in contact with a portion of the drum cartridge.

13. A developing cartridge according to claim 12, wherein said developing cartridge is mountable on said drum cartridge,

wherein when the first lever is located at the first position with the developing cartridge mounted on the drum cartridge, the surface of the developing roller is in contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum, and

wherein when the first lever is located at the second position with the developing cartridge mounted on the drum cartridge and when the other end portion presses the inner surface of the first hole, the member is moved together with the developing roller and the casing relative to the drum cartridge so that the surface of the developing roller is separated from the surface of the photosensitive drum.

14. A developing cartridge according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said drum cartridge further comprises a pressing member configured to press said member toward said photosensitive drum in a state where said developing cartridge is mounted on said drum cartridge, and

wherein the other end portion of the first lever presses the inner surface of the member against a pressing force of the pressing member.

15. A developing cartridge according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein when said other end portion of said first lever presses said inner surface of said member with said developing cartridge mounted on said drum cartridge, said member moves along a guide surface of said drum cartridge.

16. A developing cartridge according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein when said first lever is located at said first position with said developing cartridge mounted on said drum cartridge, said first end of said member is in contact with a portion of said drum cartridge.

17. A developing cartridge according to claim 16, wherein when said first lever is located at said first position with said developing cartridge mounted on said drum cartridge, said second end portion of said member is in contact with another portion of said drum cartridge.

18. A developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein said casing has a first outer surface located at one end of said casing in said first direction, and

wherein the member is located at the first outer surface and the member extends along the first outer surface between the first end and the second end.

19. A developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein said one end portion of said first lever includes a convex portion protruding in said first direction.

20. A developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising a second bearing mounted on the other end portion of the developing roller shaft, and a second lever movable between a third position and a fourth position with respect to the casing,

wherein the second bearing has a third end portion having an insertion hole into which the other end portion of the developing roller shaft is inserted, and a fourth end portion that is farther from the developing roller shaft than the third end portion is from the developing roller shaft, the second bearing is movable together with the housing and the developing roller, and the second bearing has a third hole that extends in the second direction between the third end portion and the fourth end portion,

wherein the second lever includes one end serving as an acting point, the other end serving as an acting point, and a cam surface located between the one end and the other end and serving as a pivot point, and

wherein the other end portion of the second lever inserted into the third hole presses an inner surface of the third hole when the second lever moves from the third position to the fourth position around the cam surface serving as a center point of the second lever in response to receiving a driving force applied to the one end portion of the second lever.

21. A developing cartridge according to claim 20, wherein said one end portion of said second lever includes a convex portion protruding in said first direction.

22. A developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein said member serves as a developing electrode, and said first end portion is electrically connected to said developing roller shaft,

wherein the developing cartridge further comprises:

a retainer configured to retain the first rod relative to the housing,

wherein the developing electrode is pivotable in a third direction around the developing roller shaft, and

wherein, in a case where the developing electrode pivots from one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction, the first lever stops the pivotable movement of the developing electrode from one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction, and the holder prevents the first lever from coming off the holder from the one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction.

23. A developing cartridge according to claim 22,

wherein the holder stops movement of the first lever from the one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction.

24. A developing cartridge according to claim 23,

wherein the one end of the first rod is distant from the other end (112) of the first rod in the third direction,

wherein the one end portion of the first lever includes a first convex portion protruding in the first direction, and

wherein the retainer stops the movement of the first lever from the one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction by bringing the retainer into contact with the first projection.

25. A developing cartridge according to claim 24,

wherein the first aperture extends in the third direction between the first end and the second end,

wherein the other end portion of the first rod is inserted into the first hole, and

wherein the other end portion of the first lever stops pivotable movement of the developing electrode from the one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction by bringing the other end portion of the first lever into contact with the developing electrode.

26. A developing cartridge according to claim 25,

wherein the developing electrode includes:

a rod receiving portion located in the first bore,

wherein the first lever includes:

a second convex portion that protrudes in the first direction from the other end portion of the first lever, and

wherein the second projection portion stops pivotable movement of the developing electrode from the one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction.

27. Developing cartridge according to any one of claims 22 to 26,

wherein the housing includes:

a housing protrusion protruding in the first direction,

wherein the case protrusion stops pivotable movement of the developing electrode from the other side of the third direction to the one side of the third direction.

28. A developing cartridge according to claim 27,

wherein the developing electrode includes:

an electrode protrusion protruding in the first direction,

wherein the electrode protrusion stops the pivotable movement of the developing electrode from the other side of the third direction to the one side of the third direction by bringing the case protrusion into contact with the electrode protrusion.

29. A developing cartridge according to any one of claims 22-28,

wherein, the developing roller axle includes:

an engagement groove having a circular shape, the engagement groove being located on an outer circumferential surface of the developing roller shaft,

wherein the developing electrode includes:

a first insertion hole into which the developing roller shaft is inserted, an

A wall portion that protrudes from a part of a circumferential portion of the first insertion hole, and

wherein the wall portion is inserted into the engagement groove with the first lever engaged with the developing electrode held by the holder.

30. A developing cartridge according to any one of claims 22 to 29,

wherein the developing electrode is attached to an end portion of the developing roller shaft in the first direction,

wherein the developing cartridge further comprises:

a second bearing attached to the other end portion of the developing roller shaft in the first direction, the second bearing being movable together with the housing and the developing roller, the second bearing including:

a third end portion having a second insertion hole into which the other end portion of the developing roller shaft is inserted, an

A fourth end portion that is farther from the developing roller shaft than the third end portion.

31. A developing cartridge according to claim 30,

wherein the second bearing comprises:

a second bore extending in the first direction between the third end and the fourth end, an

A pawl receiving portion in the second bore,

wherein the housing includes:

a claw portion that extends in the first direction, a head end of the claw portion protrudes in a direction intersecting the first direction, and the claw portion is engaged with the claw receiving portion.

32. A developing cartridge according to claim 31,

wherein the second bearing is pivotable about the developing roller shaft, and

33. Developing cartridge according to any one of claims 30 to 32,

wherein the developing cartridge is connected to a drum cartridge including a photosensitive drum,

wherein the drum cartridge further comprises:

a release lever rotatable about an axis extending in the first direction,

wherein the second bearing comprises:

a pressing protrusion protruding toward a direction away from the housing, the pressing protrusion being contactable with the release lever.

34. A developing cartridge according to any one of claims 22 to 33,

in a case where the developing electrode is pivoted from the one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction, the first lever stops pivotable movement of the developing electrode from the one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction after the first lever allows the developing electrode to pivot from the one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction by a predetermined degree.

35. A developing cartridge, characterized by comprising:

a housing capable of accommodating a developer therein, wherein the developing roller is located at one end of the housing in a second direction that intersects the first direction;

a developing electrode movable together with the housing and the developing roller, the developing electrode being pivotable in a third direction about the developing roller shaft, the developing electrode including a first end portion configured to be electrically connected to the developing roller shaft and a second end portion farther from the developing roller shaft than the first end portion, the second end portion being farther from the one end of the housing in the second direction than the first end portion;

a first lever movable relative to the housing; and

a retainer configured to retain the first rod relative to the housing,

36. A developing cartridge according to claim 35,

wherein the retainer stops the movement of the first lever from the one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction.

37. A developing cartridge according to claim 36,

wherein the first lever includes:

an end portion; and

another end portion that is distant from the one end portion in the third direction,

38. A developing cartridge according to claim 37,

wherein the developing electrode includes:

a first hole extending in the third direction between the first end and the second end, the other end of the first rod being inserted into the first hole, and

39. A developing cartridge according to claim 38,

wherein the developing electrode includes:

a rod receiving portion located in the first bore,

wherein the first lever includes:

40. A developing cartridge according to any one of claims 35 to 39,

wherein the housing includes:

a housing protrusion protruding in the first direction,

41. A developing cartridge according to claim 40,

wherein the developing electrode includes:

an electrode protrusion protruding in the first direction,

42. A developing cartridge according to any one of claims 35 to 41,

wherein, the developing roller axle includes:

wherein the developing electrode includes:

a first insertion hole into which the developing roller shaft is inserted, an

43. A developing cartridge according to any one of claims 35 to 42,

wherein the developing cartridge further comprises:

a bearing attached to the other end portion of the developing roller shaft in the first direction, the bearing being movable together with the housing and the developing roller, the bearing including:

44. A developing cartridge according to claim 43,

wherein the bearing comprises:

A pawl receiving portion in the second bore,

wherein the housing includes:

45. A developing cartridge according to claim 44,

wherein the bearing is pivotable about the developing roller shaft, and

wherein the claw portion stops the pivotable movement of the bearing by bringing the claw portion into contact with the second bearing.

46. A developing cartridge according to any one of claims 43 to 45,

wherein the drum cartridge further comprises:

a release lever rotatable about an axis extending in the first direction,

wherein the bearing comprises:

47. A developing cartridge according to any one of claims 35 to 46,

in a case where the developing electrode is pivoted from one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction, the first lever stops the pivotable movement of the developing electrode from the one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction after the first lever allows the developing electrode to pivot from the one side of the third direction to the other side of the third direction by a predetermined degree.