EP3287854B1 - Entwicklungskartusche und bilderzeugungsvorrichtung damit - Google Patents

Entwicklungskartusche und bilderzeugungsvorrichtung damit Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3287854B1
EP3287854B1 EP17171455.3A EP17171455A EP3287854B1 EP 3287854 B1 EP3287854 B1 EP 3287854B1 EP 17171455 A EP17171455 A EP 17171455A EP 3287854 B1 EP3287854 B1 EP 3287854B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
holder
developing cartridge
state
end portion
casing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP17171455.3A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3287854A1 (de
Inventor
Nao Itabashi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Brother Industries Ltd
Original Assignee
Brother Industries Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority to EP17171455.3A priority Critical patent/EP3287854B1/de
Application filed by Brother Industries Ltd filed Critical Brother Industries Ltd
Priority to ES17171455T priority patent/ES2714205T3/es
Priority to PL19151006T priority patent/PL3486728T3/pl
Priority to EP20166446.3A priority patent/EP3693809B1/de
Priority to PL20166446T priority patent/PL3693809T3/pl
Priority to PL17171455T priority patent/PL3287854T3/pl
Priority to EP20166351.5A priority patent/EP3693808A1/de
Priority to EP19151006.4A priority patent/EP3486728B1/de
Publication of EP3287854A1 publication Critical patent/EP3287854A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3287854B1 publication Critical patent/EP3287854B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G03G21/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
    • G03G21/1642—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements for connecting the different parts of the apparatus
    • G03G21/1652—Electrical connection means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G03G21/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
    • G03G21/1661—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements means for handling parts of the apparatus in the apparatus
    • G03G21/1676—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements means for handling parts of the apparatus in the apparatus for the developer unit
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G03G21/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
    • G03G21/18—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements using a processing cartridge, whereby the process cartridge comprises at least two image processing means in a single unit
    • G03G21/1839—Means for handling the process cartridge in the apparatus body
    • G03G21/1867—Means for handling the process cartridge in the apparatus body for electrically connecting the process cartridge to the apparatus, electrical connectors, power supply
    • G03G21/1871—Means for handling the process cartridge in the apparatus body for electrically connecting the process cartridge to the apparatus, electrical connectors, power supply associated with a positioning function
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G21/00—Arrangements not provided for by groups G03G13/00 - G03G19/00, e.g. cleaning, elimination of residual charge
    • G03G21/16—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements
    • G03G21/18—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements using a processing cartridge, whereby the process cartridge comprises at least two image processing means in a single unit
    • G03G21/1875—Mechanical means for facilitating the maintenance of the apparatus, e.g. modular arrangements using a processing cartridge, whereby the process cartridge comprises at least two image processing means in a single unit provided with identifying means or means for storing process- or use parameters, e.g. lifetime of the cartridge
    • G03G21/1878—Electronically readable memory
    • G03G21/1882—Electronically readable memory details of the communication with memory, e.g. wireless communication, protocols
    • G03G21/1885—Electronically readable memory details of the communication with memory, e.g. wireless communication, protocols position of the memory; memory housings; electrodes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a developing cartridge.
  • a cartridge that is attached to or detached from a main body of an image forming apparatus, including: a memory unit that includes a contact portion via which the cartridge is connected to the main body and that is connected to the main body to transmit information of the cartridge to the main body; and a moving member on which the contact portion is mounted, wherein the moving unit is moved to a second position where the contact portion is protruded out of the cartridge in order to be connected to a connection portion provided in the main body and a first position that is hidden inside the cartridge.
  • An electro-photographic type image forming apparatus such as a laser printer and an LED printer is known.
  • a developing cartridge is used in the image forming apparatus.
  • the developing cartridge includes a developing roller for supplying toner.
  • Patent publication 1 discloses a developing cartridge which is capable of being attached to a drawer unit.
  • the drawer unit is positioned in an interior of the image forming apparatus and can be pulled out from the inside of the image forming apparatus to the outside of the image forming apparatus.
  • the drawer unit includes a photosensitive drum. The photosensitive drum faces the developing roller when the developing cartridge is attached to the drawer unit.
  • the developing cartridge is temporarily moved away from the photosensitive drum to have a separate state after the developing cartridge is attached to the drawer unit and the drawer unit is positioned in the interior of the image forming apparatus.
  • each developing roller of a cyan toner developing cartridge, a magenta toner cartridge and a yellow toner cartridge other than a black toner cartridge is moved away from the corresponding photosensitive drum when the image forming apparatus executes a monochromatic printing.
  • a position of a casing of each of the cyan toner developing cartridge, the magenta toner developing cartridge and the yellow toner developing cartridge may be changed relative to the drawer unit.
  • Patent publication 2 discloses a developing cartridge capable of being attached to a drum cartridge.
  • the drum cartridge includes a photosensitive drum.
  • the photosensitive drum faces the developing roller when the developing cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge.
  • the photosensitive drum faces a developing roller of the developing cartridge.
  • the developing cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus in a state where the developing cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge.
  • the developing cartridge is temporarily moved away from the photosensitive drum to have a separate state after the developing cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus.
  • each developing roller of a cyan toner developing cartridge, a magenta toner cartridge and a yellow toner cartridge other than a black toner cartridge are moved away from the each corresponding photosensitive drum when the image forming apparatus executes a monochromatic printing.
  • a position of a casing of each of the cyan toner developing cartridge, the magenta toner developing cartridge and the yellow toner developing cartridge may be changed relative to the drum cartridges.
  • a developing cartridge including a storage medium is also known.
  • An IC (Integrated Circuit) chip is an example of the storage medium.
  • the storage medium has an electric contact surface. The electric contact surface is in contact with an electric connector of the image forming apparatus or the drawer unit in a state where the developing cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus or drawer unit.
  • a position of the electric contact surface relative to the electric connector of the image forming apparatus may be changed in accordance with the movement of the casing relative to the drum cartridge or the drawer unit for changing the separate state. Accordingly, friction may occur between the electric contact surface and the electric connector whenever the developing cartridge is changed to the separate state.
  • a developing cartridge comprises: a casing for accommodating developer therein; a developing roller rotatable about an axis extending in a first direction and positioned at one side of the casing in a second direction; a storage medium having an electric contact surface; and a holder movable relative to the casing in the second direction between a first position and a second position, the holder having an outer surface at which the electric contact surface is positioned.
  • friction at the electric contact surface can be reduced, because the holder is movable with the electric contact surface relative to the casing in the second direction.
  • the outer surface is positioned at a side of the holder in a third direction crossing the electric contact surface, and the outer surface is movable relative to the casing in the third direction.
  • friction at the electric contact surface can be reduced, because the holder is movable with the electric contact surface relative to the casing in the second direction, and the outer surface is movable in the third direction.
  • the holder includes a first end portion in the third direction including the outer surface, and a second end portion separated from the first end portion in the third direction, the first end portion being movable relative to the second end portion in the third direction.
  • friction at the electric contact surface can further be reduced, because the first end portion including the outer surface is movable relative to the second end portion in the third direction.
  • the holder includes an elastic member positioned between the first end portion and the second end portion, the elastic member being configured to be stretched or compressed in the third direction between a first state and a second state, wherein a length in the third direction of the elastic member in the first state is greater than a length in the third direction of the elastic member in the second state.
  • a length in the third direction between the first end portion and the second end portion is changeable.
  • friction at the electric contact surface can further be reduced.
  • the holder is movable relative to the casing in the second direction between the first position and the second position in a state where the elastic member is in the second state.
  • the holder is movable with the electric contact surface relative to the casing in the second direction even at the second state of the elastic member. Therefore, friction at the electric contact surface can be reduced.
  • the elastic member is configured to be changed from the first state to the second state when the developing cartridge is attached to an image forming apparatus, and the electric contact surface is configured to be in contact with an electric connector of the image forming apparatus in a state where the elastic member is in the second state.
  • the elastic member is changed from the first state to the second state when the developing cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, and the electric contact surface is in contact with the electric connector of the image forming apparatus in a state where the elastic member is in the second state. Therefore, friction at the electric contact surface can be further reduced.
  • a length in the third direction of the elastic member in the second state is smaller than a natural length in the third direction of the elastic member.
  • the electric contact surface can receive a repulsion force from the elastic member when the elastic member is in the second state.
  • the elastic member may be a spring.
  • the spring is a coil spring.
  • the holder has a remote state in which between the first end portion and the second end portion in the third direction is a first distance and a proximity state in which between the first end portion and the second end portion in the third direction is a second distance which is smaller than the first distance.
  • the holder is urged in a direction such that the first end portion and the second end portion is moved away from each other in a state where the holder is in the proximity position.
  • the holder is urged in the direction such that the first end portion and the second end portion is moved away from each other in a state where the holder is in the proximity position. Therefore, friction at the electric contact surface can be reduced, and the first end portion can be urged in the direction away from the second end portion.
  • the holder is changed from the remote state to the proximity state when the developing cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, and the electric contact surface is in contact with the electric connector of the image forming apparatus when the holder is in the proximity state. Further, the holder is movable relative to the casing between the first position and the second position in the second direction even when the holder is in the proximity state. Therefore, friction at the electric contact surface can be reduced.
  • the holder is an elastic member being configured to be stretched or compressed in the third direction.
  • the holder is positioned at a side of the casing in the first direction.
  • the developing cartridge further comprises a holder cover positioned at the side of the casing in the first direction, and covering at least a portion of the holder, the holder cover has one of a first recessed portion and a first through-hole, and the holder includes a first boss extending in the first direction and inserted through the one of the first recessed portion and the first through-hole, the first boss being movable in the second direction relative to the one of the first recessed portion and the first through-hole when the holder moves relative to the casing in the second direction between the first position and the second position.
  • the holder is movable with the electric contact surface in the second direction relative to the casing.
  • the one of the first recessed portion and the first through-hole has a dimension in the second direction greater than a dimension of the first boss in the second direction.
  • the casing has one of a second recessed portion and a second through-hole at the side of the casing in the first direction.
  • the holder includes a second boss extending in the first direction and positioned opposite to the first boss relative to the holder, the second boss being inserted through the one of the second recessed portion and the second through-hole, the second boss being movable in the second direction relative to the one of the second recessed portion and the second through-hole when the holder moves relative to the casing in the second direction between the first position and the second position.
  • the one of the second recessed portion and the second through-hole has a dimension in the second direction greater than a dimension of the second boss in the second direction.
  • the holder is movable relative to the casing in the third direction between a third position and a fourth position
  • the first boss is movable in the third direction relative to the one of the first recessed portion and the first through-hole when the holder moves relative to the casing in the third direction between the third position and the fourth position.
  • the holder is movable relative to the casing in the third direction between the third position and the fourth position
  • the first boss is movable in the third direction relative to the one of the first recessed portion and the first through-hole when the holder moves relative to the casing in the third direction between the third position and the fourth position
  • the second boss is movable in the third direction relative to the one of the second recessed portion and the second through-hole when the holder moves relative to the casing in the third direction between the third position and the fourth position.
  • the one of the second recessed portion and the second through-hole has a dimension in the third direction greater than a dimension of the second boss in the third direction.
  • the one of the first recessed portion and the first through-hole has a dimension in the third direction greater than a dimension of the first boss in the third direction.
  • the casing further includes a holder cover positioned at the side of the casing in the first direction and covering at least a portion of the holder, and a boss extending in the first direction and positioned between the side of the casing and the holder cover, and the holder has one of a recessed portion and a through-hole through which the boss is inserted, the boss being movable in the second direction relative to the one of the recessed portion and the through-hole when the holder moves relative to the casing in the second direction between the first position and the second position.
  • one of the recessed portion and the through-hole has a length in the second direction greater than a length of the boss in the second direction.
  • the holder is movable relative to the casing in the third direction between a third position and a fourth position
  • the boss is movable in the third direction relative to the one of the recessed portion and the through-hole when the holder moves in the third direction between the third position and the fourth position.
  • the one of the recessed portion and the through-hole has a dimension in the third direction greater than a dimension of the boss in the third direction.
  • the holder cover includes the boss.
  • the side of the casing includes the boss.
  • the developing cartridge further comprise an elastic member extending in the third direction between the casing and the holder, the elastic member including a first end portion in the third direction and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion in the third direction, the first end portion being connected to the holder, and the second end portion in the third direction being connected to the casing, the first end portion of the elastic member being movable relative to the second end portion of the elastic member in the second direction.
  • the developing cartridge further comprises an arm extending in the third direction between the casing and the holder, the arm including a first end portion in the third direction and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion in the third direction, the first end portion being rotatably connected to the casing, and the second end portion in the third direction being rotatably connected to the holder, the second end portion of the arm being movable relative to the first end portion of the arm in the second direction.
  • the holder is movable with the electric contact surface in the second direction relative to the casing.
  • the developing cartridge further comprises a lever movable relative to the casing, the holder being movable in the third direction in accordance with movement of the lever.
  • the holder is movable with the electric contact surface in the third direction relative to the casing.
  • the holder may be movable with the storage medium.
  • first element is described to be movable with a second element, then this means that there is a fixed relative position and a fixed orientation between the first and second element.
  • the outer surface of the holder may hold the electric contact surface.
  • the storage medium may be positioned at the outer surface of the holder.
  • the outer surface of the holder may hold the storage medium.
  • the outer surface may be positioned at a side of the holder in the third direction crossing the electric contact surface.
  • the developing roller may be positioned at one side of the casing relative to a center of the casing in the second direction.
  • the second direction may cross the first direction.
  • the electric contact surface is further movable in a third direction crossing the electric contact surface.
  • the second direction may be perpendicular to the first direction.
  • any developing cartridge according to the above discussed preferred embodiments may be used as long as the developing cartridge has all features of the fourth preferred embodiment.
  • first direction an extending direction of a rotation axis of a developing roller
  • second direction a moving direction of a casing in a separating operation
  • the second direction crosses the first direction.
  • the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.
  • Figs. 1 to 5 are perspective views of a developing cartridge 1.
  • the developing cartridge 1 is used for an electro-photographic type image forming apparatus (for example, a laser printer or a LED printer), and is a unit for supplying developer (toner, for example) to a photosensitive drum.
  • the developing cartridge 1 is attached to a drawer unit 90 of the image forming apparatus.
  • the drawer unit 90 is drawn out from a front surface of the image forming apparatus.
  • the drawer unit 90 includes four cartridge holding portions 91, and the developing cartridge 1 is attached to four cartridge holding portions 91, respectively.
  • Each of four cartridge holding portions 91 includes a photosensitive drum.
  • each of the four developing cartridges 1 is configured to accommodate developer therein, and the color of the developer is different colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, for example) among the four developing cartridges respectively.
  • the number of the developing cartridges 1 that can be attached to the drawer unit 90 may be 1 to 3 or be greater than or equal to 5.
  • each developing cartridge 1 includes a casing 10, an agitator 20, a developing roller 30, a first gear portion 40, a second gear portion 50, and an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip assembly 60.
  • the developing roller 30 is a roller rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the first direction.
  • the developing roller 30 according to the present embodiment includes a roller body 31 and a roller shaft 32.
  • the roller body 31 is a cylinder-shaped member extending in the first direction.
  • the roller body 31 is made of an elastic rubber, for example.
  • the roller shaft 32 is a cylindrical member penetrating through the roller body 31 in the first direction.
  • the roller shaft 32 is made of metal or conductive resin.
  • the roller shaft 32 may not penetrate through the roller body 31 in the first direction.
  • each of a pair of roller shafts 32 may extend from each end of the roller body 31 in the first direction.
  • the agitator 20 includes an agitator shaft 21 and an agitation blade 22.
  • the agitator shaft 21 extends along the rotation axis extending in the first direction.
  • the agitation blade 22 expands outward from the agitator shaft 21 in a radial direction.
  • the agitation blade 22 is positioned inside a developing chamber 13 of the casing 10.
  • a first agitator gear 44 and a second agitator gear 51 described later are mounted to both end portions in the first direction of the agitator shaft 21, respectively. Accordingly, the agitator shaft 21 and the agitation blade 22 are rotatable with the first agitator gear 44 and the second agitator gear 51.
  • the developer which is accommodated in the developing chamber 13 is agitated by rotation of the agitation blade 22.
  • the agitator may include an agitation film.
  • the casing 10 is a case configured to accommodate therein developer (toner, for example) for an electro-photographic printing.
  • the casing 10 includes a first outer surface 11 and a second outer surface 12.
  • the first outer surface 11 and the second outer surface 12 are separated from each other in the first direction.
  • the first gear portion 40 and the IC chip assembly 60 are positioned at the first outer surface 11.
  • the second gear portion 50 is positioned at the second outer surface 12.
  • the casing 10 extends in the first direction from the first outer surface 11 to the second outer surface 12.
  • the developing chamber 13 for accommodating the developer is provided in the casing 10.
  • the casing 10 has an opening 14.
  • the opening 14 communicates between the developing chamber 13 and an exterior of the developing chamber 13.
  • the opening 14 is positioned at one end portion in the second direction of the casing 10.
  • the developing roller 30 is positioned at the opening 14. That is, the developing roller 30 is positioned closer to one side of the casing 10 than to the center of the casing 10 in the second direction.
  • the roller body 31 is fixed to the roller shaft 32 so as to be incapable of rotating relative to the roller shaft 32.
  • One end portion of the roller shaft 32 in the first direction is mounted to a developing gear 42 described later so as to be incapable of rotating relative to the developing gear 42.
  • the developer When the developing cartridge 1 receives a driving force, the developer is supplied from the developing chamber 13 in the casing 10 onto an outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 via a supply roller (omitted in the figure). At this time, the developer is tribocharged between the supply roller and the developing roller 30. On the other hand, bias voltage is applied to the roller shaft 32 of the developing roller 30. Accordingly, static electricity between the roller shaft 32 and the developer moves the developer toward the outer peripheral surface of the roller body 31.
  • the developing cartridge 1 further includes a layer thickness regulation blade which is omitted in the figure.
  • the layer thickness regulation blade regulates a thin layer of the developer supplied onto the outer peripheral surface of the roller body 31 so that the thickness of the developer becomes constant. Then, the developer on the outer peripheral surface of the roller body 31 is supplied to the photosensitive drum of the drawer unit 90. At this time, the developer moves from the roller body 31 to the photosensitive drum on the basis of an electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum. Accordingly, the electrostatic latent image is visualized on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum.
  • the first gear portion 40 is positioned at one end portion in the first direction of the casing 10. That is, the first gear portion 40 is positioned at the first outer surface 11.
  • Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge 1 in a state in which the first gear portion 40 is disassembled. As shown in Fig. 4 , the first gear portion 40 includes a coupling 41, a developing gear 42, an idle gear 43, a first agitator gear 44, and a first cover 45. A plurality of gear teeth of each gear are not illustrated in Fig. 4 .
  • the coupling 41 is a gear for initially receiving the driving force applied from the image forming apparatus.
  • the coupling 41 is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the first direction.
  • the coupling 41 includes a coupling portion 411 and a coupling gear 412.
  • the coupling portion 411 and the coupling gear 412 are integral with each other and made of a resin, for example.
  • the coupling portion 411 has a coupling hole 413 recessed in the first direction.
  • the coupling gear 412 includes a plurality of gear teeth. The plurality of gear teeth are provided on an entire of an outer peripheral surface of the coupling gear 412 at equal intervals.
  • the developing gear 42 is a gear for rotating the developing roller 30.
  • the developing gear 42 is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the first direction.
  • the developing gear 42 includes a plurality of gear teeth.
  • the plurality of gear teeth are provided on an entire of an outer peripheral surface of the developing gear 42 at equal intervals.
  • At least a portion of the plurality of gear teeth of the coupling gear 412 meshes with at least a portion of the plurality of gear teeth of the developing gear 42.
  • the developing gear 42 is mounted to the end portion of the roller shaft 32 in the first direction so as to be incapable of rotating relative to the roller shaft 32. With this construction, when the coupling gear 412 rotates, the developing gear 42 rotates with the coupling gear 412 and the developing roller 30 also rotates with the developing gear 42.
  • the idle gear 43 is a gear for transmitting rotational driving force of the coupling gear 412 to the first agitator gear 44.
  • the idle gear 43 is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the first direction.
  • the idle gear 43 includes a large diameter gear portion 431 and a small diameter gear portion 432.
  • the large diameter gear portion 431 and the small diameter gear portion 432 are arranged in the first direction.
  • the small diameter gear portion 432 is positioned between the large diameter gear portion 431 and the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. In other words, the large diameter gear portion 431 is farther away from the first outer surface 11 than the small diameter gear portion 432 is.
  • a diameter of the small diameter gear portion 432 is smaller than a diameter of the large diameter gear portion 431.
  • a diameter of an addendum circle of the small diameter gear portion 432 is smaller than a diameter of an addendum circle of the large diameter gear portion 431.
  • the large diameter gear portion 431 and the small diameter gear portion 432 are integral with each other and are made of a resin.
  • the large diameter gear portion 431 includes a plurality of gear teeth, and the plurality of gear teeth are provided on an entire of an outer peripheral surface of the large diameter gear portion 431 at equal intervals.
  • the small diameter gear portion 432 includes a plurality of gear teeth, and the plurality of gear teeth are provided on an entire of an outer peripheral surface of the small diameter gear portion 432 at equal intervals.
  • the number of gear teeth of the small diameter gear portion 432 is less than the number of gear teeth of the large diameter gear portion 431.
  • At least a portion of the plurality of gear teeth of the coupling gear 412 meshes with at least a portion of the plurality of gear teeth of the large diameter gear portion 431.
  • the plurality of gear teeth of the small diameter gear portion 432 meshes with at least a portion of the plurality of gear teeth of the first agitator gear 44.
  • the coupling gear 412 rotates
  • the large diameter gear portion 431 rotates together with the coupling gear 412
  • the small diameter gear portion 432 rotates together with the large diameter gear portion 431.
  • the first agitator gear 44 rotates with the rotation of the small diameter gear portion 432.
  • the first agitator gear 44 is a gear for rotating the agitator 20 in the developing chamber 13.
  • the first agitator gear 44 is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the first direction.
  • the first agitator gear 44 includes a plurality of gear teeth, and the plurality of gear teeth are provided on an entire of an outer peripheral surface of the first agitator gear 44 at equal intervals.
  • at least a portion of the plurality of gear teeth of the small diameter gear portion 432 meshes with the at least a portion of the plurality of gear teeth of the first agitator gear 44.
  • the first agitator gear 44 is mounted to one end portion of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction so as to be incapable of rotating relative to the agitator shaft 21.
  • the first cover 45 is fixed to the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10 by screws, for example.
  • the coupling gear 412, the developing gear 42, the idle gear 43, and the first agitator gear 44 are accommodated in a space between the first outer surface 11 and the first cover 45.
  • the coupling hole 413 of the coupling portion 411 is exposed to an outside of the first cover 45.
  • the first cover 45 according to the present embodiment also serves as a holder cover for holding the holder 62 of the IC chip assembly 60 described later. A structure of the first cover 45 as the holder cover will be described later in detail.
  • the second gear portion 50 is positioned at the other end portion of the casing 10 in the first direction. In other words, the second gear portion 50 is positioned at the second outer surface 12.
  • Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge 1 in which the second gear portion 50 is exploded. As illustrated in Fig. 5 , the second gear portion 50 includes a second agitator gear 51, a detection gear 52, an electrically conductive member 53, and a second cover 54. Note that, in Fig. 5 , gear teeth are not illustrated in the second agitator gear 51 and the detection gear 52.
  • the second agitator gear 51 is a gear for transmitting rotational driving force of the agitator shaft 21 to the detection gear 52.
  • the second agitator gear 51 is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the first direction.
  • the second agitator gear 51 includes a plurality of gear teeth, and the plurality of gear teeth are provided on an entire of an outer peripheral surface of the second agitator gear 51 at equal intervals. At least a portion of the plurality of gear teeth of the second agitator gear 51 meshes with at least a portion of a plurality of gear teeth of the detection gear 52.
  • the second agitator gear 51 is mounted to the another end portion of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction so as to be incapable of rotating relative to the agitator shaft 21. With this configuration, the second agitator gear 51 rotates with rotation of the agitator shaft 21.
  • the detection gear 52 is a gear for providing information on the developing cartridge 1 for the image forming apparatus.
  • the information on the developing cartridge 1 includes, for example, information as to whether the developing cartridge 1 is a new (unused) cartridge or a used cartridge.
  • the information on the developing cartridge 1 also includes, for example, a product specification of the developing cartridge 1.
  • the product specification of the developing cartridge 1 includes, for example, the number of sheets that can be printed with the developer accommodated in the developing cartridge 1 (i.e. sheet-yield number).
  • the detection gear 52 is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the first direction.
  • the detection gear 52 includes a plurality of gear teeth, and the plurality of gear teeth are provide on a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the detection gear 52.
  • the detection gear 52 does not mesh with the second agitator gear 51. Thus, the detection gear 52 cannot rotate.
  • a gear may be provided between the second agitator gear 51 and the detection gear 52.
  • the second gear portion 50 may further include a second idle gear meshing with both the second agitator gear 51 and the detection gear 52. In this case, rotational driving force of the second agitator gear 51 may be transmitted to the detection gear 52 via the second idle gear.
  • the detection gear 52 includes a detecting protrusion 521.
  • the detecting protrusion 521 protrudes in the first direction.
  • the detecting protrusion 521 has a circular arc shape extending along a portion of an addendum circle of the detection gear about the rotation axis of the detection gear 52.
  • the electrically conductive member 53 is electrically conductive.
  • the electrically conductive member 53 is formed of a material such as electrically conductive metal or electrically conductive resin.
  • the electrically conductive member 53 is positioned at the second outer surface 12 of the casing 10.
  • the electrically conductive member 53 includes a gear shaft 531 protruding in the first direction.
  • the detection gear 52 rotates about the gear shaft 531 in a state where the detection gear 52 is supported by the gear shaft 531.
  • the electrically conductive member 53 further includes a bearing portion 532.
  • the bearing portion 532 is in contact with the roller shaft 32 of the developing roller 30.
  • the drawer unit 90 includes an electrically conductive lever (not illustrated) that is in contact with the gear shaft 531 in a state where the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit 90.
  • the image forming apparatus may include the electrically conductive lever.
  • the lever contacts the gear shaft 531 electrical connection between the lever and the electrically conductive member 53 is established and electrical connection between the electrically conductive member 53 and the roller shaft 32 is also established.
  • electric power is supplied to the roller shaft 32 through the lever, and the roller shaft 32 can keep a prescribed bias voltage.
  • the detecting protrusion 521 covers a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the gear shaft 531.
  • the contact state between the lever and the gear shaft 531 changes according to the shape of the detection gear 52. More specifically, the contact state between the lever and the gear shaft 531 changes according to the shape of the detecting protrusion 521 because the detecting protrusion 521 pass through between the lever and the gear shaft according to the rotation of the detection gear 52. Alternatively, the contact state between the lever and the gear shaft 531 changes according to the number of the detecting protrusions 521 which are provided with the detection gear 52 because one or more of detecting protrusions 521 pass through between the lever and the gear shaft according to the rotation of the detection gear 52.
  • the image forming apparatus recognizes the change in the contact state between the lever and the gear shaft 531 to identify whether the attached developing cartridge 1 is new or used and/or the product specification of the mounted developing cartridge 1.
  • the method for detecting the information on the developing cartridge 1 using the detection gear 52 is not limited to detection of electrical conduction.
  • movement of the lever may be optically detected.
  • the detecting protrusion 521 may be formed to have different circumferential position and length from those in the present embodiment.
  • the detection gear 52 may have a plurality of detecting protrusions 521.
  • the shape of the detection gear 52 may vary according to the product specification of the developing cartridge 1 such as the number of printable sheets. More specifically, the number of the detecting protrusions 521 may be differentiated among a plural type of the developing cartridges, and the product specification regarding each of the developing cartridges may be identified based on the number of the detecting protrusions 21.
  • circumferential intervals between the plurality of detecting protrusions 521 may be differentiated among the plural type of the developing cartridges.
  • a circumferential length of each detecting protrusion 521 and/or a radial length of each detecting protrusion 521 may be differentiated based on the product specification regarding each of the developing cartridges. In this way, variations in the number of the detecting protrusions 521 and/or circumferential positions of the each of the detecting protrusions 521 enables the image forming apparatus to identify the product specification regarding each of the developing cartridges.
  • the detection gear 52 may be configured of a plurality of components.
  • the detecting protrusion 521 and the detection gear 52 may be different components.
  • the detection gear 52 may include a detection gear body and a supplemental member that shifts its position relative to the detection gear body in accordance with rotation of the detection gear body.
  • the supplemental member changes between a first position in which the supplemental member is in contact with the lever and a second position in which the supplemental member is not in contact with the lever in accordance with shifting the position of the supplemental member relative to the detection gear body.
  • the supplemental member may change the position of the lever.
  • the detection gear 52 may be configured of a movable gear that can move in the first direction.
  • the movable gear may not be limited to a partially toothless gear.
  • the movable gear includes a plurality of gear teeth, and the plurality of gear teeth are provided on an outer peripheral surface of the movable gear along the circumference of the movable gear.
  • the movable gear moves in the first direction in accordance with rotation of the movable gear, thereby the movable gear is disengaged from the second agitator gear 51.
  • the movable gear may be moved in the first direction away from the second outer surface 12 or toward the second outer surface 12.
  • the detection gear 52 may include a cam, and the cam may contact the detecting protrusion 521.
  • the cam rotates together with rotation of the detection gear 52, and the rotating cam contacts the detecting protrusion 521. This causes the detecting protrusion 521 to move relative to the detection gear 52.
  • the detecting protrusion 521 may be rotatably attached to a shaft provided at the second outer surface 12 or the second cover 54.
  • the detecting protrusion 521 may have a shaft, and the shaft of the detecting protrusion 521 may be inserted into a hole formed in the second outer surface 12 or the second cover 54 so that the detecting protrusion 521 is rotatably supported by the second outer surface 12 or the second cover 54.
  • the gear shaft 531 extends in the first direction from the second outer surface 12.
  • the gear shaft 531 does not need to be in direct contact with the second outer surface 12.
  • the casing 10 may have a through-hole penetrating the second outer surface 12 and a cap fitted with the through-hole, and a gear shift may extend from the cap in the first direction.
  • the cap includes the gear shift protruding in the first direction toward the detection gear 52, and the detection gear 52 rotates about the gear shaft 531 in a state where the detection gear is supported by the gear shaft 531.
  • the second cover 54 is fixed to the second outer surface 12 of the casing 10 by a screw, for example.
  • the second agitator gear 51, the detection gear 52, and the electrically conductive member 53 are accommodated in a space between the second outer surface 12 and the second cover 54.
  • the second cover 54 has an opening 541. A portion of the detection gear 52 and a portion of the gear shaft 531 are exposed to an outside through the opening 541.
  • the electrically conductive lever of the drawer unit 90 contacts the detection gear 52 and the gear shaft 531 through the opening 541.
  • the IC chip assembly 60 is positioned at the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10.
  • Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the IC chip assembly 60.
  • Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the IC chip assembly 60 taken along a plane perpendicular to the first direction.
  • the IC chip assembly 60 includes an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip 61 as a storage medium and a holder 62 for holding the IC chip 61.
  • the holder 62 is held to the first cover 45 at one end of the casing 10 in the first direction.
  • the IC chip 61 stores various information on the developing cartridge 1.
  • the IC chip 61 includes an electric contact surface 611.
  • the electric contact surface 611 is made of electrically conductive metal.
  • a direction crossing the electric contact surface 611 (in the present embodiment, a direction perpendicular to the electric contact surface 611) is referred to as a "third direction.”
  • the IC chip 61 is fixed to an outer surface of the holder 62 in the third direction.
  • the drawer unit 90 includes an electric connector.
  • the electric connector is made of metal, for example.
  • the electric connector of the drawer unit 90 contacts the electric contact surface 611 when the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit 90.
  • the image forming apparatus can perform at least one of reading information from the IC chip 61 and writing information in the IC chip 61.
  • the holder 62 includes a boss 621a, a boss 621b, and a boss 621c. Each of the boss 621a and boss 621b extends in the first direction toward the first cover 45 from a surface of the holder 62 opposite to a surface thereof facing the casing 10. The boss 621a and boss 621b are aligned in the second direction.
  • the first cover 45 has a through-hole 451a and a through-hole 451b.
  • the through-hole 451a and through-hole 451b penetrate the first cover 45 in the first direction, respectively.
  • the through-hole 451a and through-hole 451b are aligned in the second direction.
  • the boss 621a is inserted into the through-hole 451a.
  • the boss 621b is inserted into the through-hole 451b.
  • the boss 621c extends in the first direction toward the casing 10 from the surface of the holder 62 facing the casing 10.
  • the casing 10 includes a recessed portion 15.
  • the recessed portion 15 is recessed in the first direction on the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10.
  • the boss 621c is inserted into the recessed portion 15.
  • the bosses 621a, 621b and 621c may have a circular columnar shape or a rectangular columnar shape, respectively.
  • the through-hole 451a has a dimension (inner dimension) in the second direction larger than a dimension (outside dimension) of the boss 621a in the second direction.
  • the through-hole 451b has a dimension (inner dimension) in the second direction larger than a dimension (outside dimension) of the boss 621b in the second direction.
  • the recessed portion 15 has a dimension (inner dimension) in the second direction larger than a dimension (outer dimension) of the boss 621c in the second direction.
  • the through-hole 451a has a dimension (inner dimension) in the third direction larger than a dimension (outer dimension) of the boss 621a in the third direction.
  • the through-hole 451b has a dimension (inner dimension) in the third direction larger than a dimension (outer dimension) of the boss 621b in the third direction.
  • the recessed portion 15 has a dimension (inner dimension) in the third direction larger than a dimension (outer dimension) of the boss 621c in the third direction.
  • the IC chip 61 having the electric contact surface 611 also moves in the third direction together with the holder 62.
  • the holder 62 may be movable in the first direction between the first cover 45 and the first outer surface 11.
  • the holder 62 may include a single boss, or equal to or more than three bosses.
  • the first cover 45 may have a single through-hole, or equal to or more than three through-holes.
  • the first cover 45 may include one or more of recesses to have the bosses 621a and/or 621b inserted thereinto.
  • the holder 62 includes a first end portion 710 and a second end portion 720.
  • the first end portion 710 is one end portion of the holder 62 in the third direction.
  • the second end portion 720 is another end portion of the holder 62 in the third direction.
  • the first end portion 710 is movable relative to the second end portion 720 in the third direction.
  • the holder 62 of the present embodiment includes a first holder member 71, a second holder member 72, and a coil spring 73 positioned between the first holder member 71 and the second holder member 72.
  • the first holder member 71 is made of resin, for example.
  • the second holder member 72 is made of resin, for example.
  • the first holder member 71 includes the first end portion 710.
  • An outer surface of the first holder member 71 includes a holding surface 620.
  • the IC chip 61 is fixed to the holding surface 620.
  • the second holder member 72 includes the second end portion 720. After assembling the first holder member 71, the second holder member 72 and the coil spring 73 as the holder 62, the first end portion 710 and the second end portion 720 are separated from each other in the third direction.
  • the coil spring 73 is an elastic member extending in the third direction.
  • the coil spring 73 is positioned between the first end portion 710 and the second end portion 720 in the third direction.
  • the coil spring 73 can be stretched or compressed in the third direction at least between a first state and a second state more compressed than the first state.
  • the coil spring 73 in the first state has a length in the third direction longer than a length of the coil spring 73 in the second state in the third direction. Therefore, a distance between the first end portion 710 and the second end portion 720 in the third direction in the first state is longer than a distance between the first end portion 710 and the second end portion 720 in the third direction in the second state.
  • the coil spring 73 in the second state has a length in the third direction shorter than a natural length of the coil spring 73.
  • the first holder member 71 includes a pawl 714a and a pawl 714b.
  • the pawl 714a and the pawl 714b respectively protrude from the first holder member 71 in a direction crossing the third direction.
  • the second holder member 72 has an opening 721a and an opening 721b.
  • the pawl 714a is inserted into the opening 721a.
  • the pawl 714b is inserted into the opening 721b.
  • the pawl 714a is in contact with the second holder member 72 at a periphery of the opening 721a on a side of the first end portion 710 in the third direction.
  • the pawl 714b is in contact with the second holder member 72 at a periphery of the opening 721b on a side of the first end portion 710 in the third direction.
  • the length of the coil spring 73 in the third direction is prevented from getting further longer than the length of the coil spring 73 in the first state. Further, the first holder member 71 cannot be detached from the second holder member 72 easily.
  • the pawl 714a is separated from the periphery of the opening 721 a on the side of the first end portion 710 in the third direction
  • pawl 714b is separated from the periphery of the opening 721b on the side of the first end portion 710 in the third direction.
  • first holder member 71 may have one or more of openings or one or more of recesses or one or more of steps, whereas the second holder member 72 may include one or more of pawls.
  • the holding surface 620 of the holder 62 can move in the third direction relative to the casing 10.
  • the position of the holding surface 620 in the third direction relative to the casing 10 will be referred to as an "initial position".
  • the position of the holding surface 620 in the third direction relative to the casing 10 at a moment when the coil spring 73 is most compressed during attaching the developing cartridge 1 to the drawer unit 90 will be referred to as an "intermediate position.” Further, the position of the holding surface 620 in the third direction relative to the casing 10 when the electric contact surface 611 make contact with an electric connector 913 described later will be referred to as a "contact position.” And the position of the holding surface 620 in the third direction relative to the casing 10 after attaching the developing cartridge 1 to the drawer unit 90 has been completed will be referred to as a "final position.”
  • the outer surface of the first end portion 710 further includes a first surface 711, a second surface 712, and third surfaces 713a and 713b, in addition to the holding surface 620 described above.
  • the first surface 711 is positioned at one side of the holding surface 620 in the second direction which is closer to the developing roller 30 than another side of the holding surface 620 in the second direction.
  • the first surface 711 is inclined relative to the electric contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 held by the holding surface 620. Specifically, the first surface 711 is inclined at an acute angle relative to the relative to the electric contact surface 611.
  • first outer end position 711a third position
  • first inner end position 711b fourth position
  • the first surface 711 extends from the first outer end position 711a to the first inner end position 711b toward the electric contact surface 611.
  • the first outer end position 711a is farther away from the electric contact surface 611 than the first inner end position 711b both in the second direction and the third direction.
  • the distance d1 between the first outer end position 711a and first inner end position 711b in the third direction is greater than the distance d2 between the electric contact surface 611 and first inner end position711b in the third direction.
  • the second surface 712 is positioned at one side of the holding surface 620 in the second direction which is farther from the developing roller 30 than another side of the holding surface 620 in the second direction.
  • the second surface 712 is inclined relative to the electric contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 held by the holding surface 620. Specifically, the second surface 712 is inclined at an acute angle relative to the electric contact surface 611.
  • another end of the first end portion 710 in the second direction will be defined as a second outer end position 712a (fifth position).
  • Another end of the holding surface 620 in the second direction is defined as a second inner end position 712b (sixth position).
  • the second surface 712 extends from the second outer end position 712a to the second inner end position 712b toward the electric contact surface 611.
  • the second outer end position 712a is farther away from the electric contact surface 611 than the second inner end position 712b both in the second direction and the third direction.
  • the distance d3 between the second outer end position 712a and second inner end position 712b in the third direction is greater than the distance d4 between the electric contact surface 611 and second inner end position 712b in the third direction.
  • the third surface 713a is positioned at one side of the electric contact surface 611 in the first direction.
  • the third surface 713 b is positioned at another side of the electric contact surface 611 in the first direction.
  • the third surfaces 713a, 713b extend in the second direction respectively.
  • Each of the third surfaces 713a, 713b is farther away from the coil spring 73 than the electric contact surface 611 in the third direction. Therefore, the electric contact surface 611 is positioned at a recessed area which is recessed toward the coil spring 73 side relative to the third surfaces 713a, 713b.
  • Each of the first surface 711, second surface 712, and third surfaces 713a, 713b may be planar or curved. However, it is preferable that each of the first surface 711, second surface 712, and third surfaces 713a, 713b is smooth surface without one or more of steps so that each of the first surface 711, second surface 712, and third surfaces 713a, 713b does not hook a portion of the drawer unit 90 when the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit 90.
  • FIGs. 8 through 14 respectively illustrate how the developing cartridge 1 is attached to one of the cartridge holding portions 91 of the drawer unit 90.
  • the developing roller 30 of the developing cartridge 1 first faces an insertion opening 910 of the cartridge holding portion 91.
  • the first end portion 710 of the holder 720 and second end portion 720 of the holder 62 are not in contact with the drawer unit 90.
  • the coil spring 73 is in the first state described above.
  • the position of the holding surface 620 with respect to the casing 10 in the third direction is the initial position described above.
  • the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the cartridge holding portion 91 in the second direction, as shown by a dashed arrow illustrated in Fig. 8 .
  • the cartridge holding portion 91 includes a first guide plate 911 and a second guide plate 912.
  • the first guide plate 911 is spaced apart from the second guide plate 912 in the third direction and the first guide plate 91 and the second guide plate 912 face each other.
  • Each of the first guide plate 911 and second guide plate 912 extends along both the first direction and the second direction.
  • the first guide plate 911 includes an electric connector 913 made of metal.
  • the electric connector 913 is contactable with the electric contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61.
  • the electric connector 913 protrudes from the surface of the first guide plate 911 toward the second guide plate 912 in the third direction.
  • the first surface 711 of the holder 62 contacts the end of the first guide plate 911 in the second direction, as illustrated in Fig. 9 . Then, the first guide plate 911 presses the first surface 711, thereby the holder 62 moves in the third direction. At this time, the movement of the holder 62 is relative movement with respect to the casing 10. As a result, the holder 62 is positioned between the first guide plate 911 and the second guide plate 912 in the third direction, as illustrated in Fig. 10 .
  • the first end portion 710 of the first holder member 71 then contacts the first guide plate 911.
  • the second end portion 720 of the second holder member 72 also contacts the second guide plate 912.
  • the coil spring 73 is more compressed in the third direction than the first state.
  • the first guide plate 911 includes a guide protrusion 914 protruding toward the second guide plate 912.
  • the guide protrusion 914 is positioned closer to the insertion opening 910 than the electric connector 913.
  • the guide protrusion 914 includes a first inclined surface 915.
  • the second guide plate 912 also includes a second inclined surface 916. The distance between the first inclined surface 915 and second inclined surface 916 in the third direction becomes gradually smaller toward the inserting direction of the developing cartridge 1.
  • the first holder member 71 contacts the first inclined surface 915 and the second holder member 72 contacts the second inclined surface 916.
  • the first holder member 71 and second holder member 72 become closer to each other in the third direction and the length of the coil spring 73 in the third direction becomes shorter gradually.
  • the length of the coil spring 73 in the third direction becomes shortest.
  • a length of the coil spring 73 in the third direction becomes a shortest state, and a length of the coil spring 73 in the shortest state is shorter than a length of the coil spring 73 in the second state described above.
  • the position of the holding surface 620 relative to the casing 10 in the third direction is the intermediate position described above.
  • the IC chip assembly 60 can change the position of the holding surface 620 in the third direction when the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the drawer unit 90.
  • the developing cartridge 1 can be inserted into the drawer unit 90 by changing the position of the holding surface 620 in the third direction along the guide protrusion 914. Therefore, the developing cartridge 1 can be inserted into the drawer unit 90 with suppressing friction of the electric contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61.
  • the electric contact surface 611 directly contacts the electric connector 913 after the first surface 711 moves over the guide protrusion 914. As a result, friction of the electric connector 913 can be reduced.
  • the electric contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 is positioned at a recessed area which is recessed relative to the third surfaces 713a, 713b.
  • the top portion of the guide protrusion 914 contacts only the third surfaces 713a, 713b but does not contact the electric contact surface 611 in the state illustrated in Fig. 11 . Therefore, friction of the guide protrusion 914 against the electric contact surface 611 can be prevented.
  • the third surfaces 713a, 713b pass the guide protrusion 914.
  • the second surface 712 then contacts the guide protrusion 914 as illustrated in Fig. 12 .
  • the coil spring 73 stretches again from the shortest state to the second state described above.
  • the electric contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 contacts the electric connector 913 as illustrated in Fig. 13 .
  • the length in the third direction of the coil spring 73 in the second state is shorter than the length of the coil spring 73 in the first state and the length in the third direction of the coil spring 73 in the second state is longer than the length of the coil spring 73 in the shortest state.
  • the length in the third direction of the coil spring 73 in the second state is shorter than the natural length of the coil spring 73.
  • the relative position of the holding surface 620 with respect to the casing 10 in the third direction corresponds to the contact position described above.
  • the IC chip assembly 60 is fixed in a state where the IC chip assembly 60 is nipped between the electric connector 913 and second guide plate 912.
  • the casing 10 is then inclined in the third direction as shown by a dashed arrow illustrated in Fig. 14 .
  • the developing roller 30 contacts the photosensitive drum 92 in the drawer unit 90.
  • the position of the holding surface 620 relative to the casing 10 in the third direction changes from the contact position to the final position described above.
  • the boss 621a moves inside of the through-hole 451a in the third direction and the boss 621b moves inside of the through-hole 451b in the third direction.
  • the boss 621a is not in contact with the edge of the through-hole 451a of the first cover 45, and the boss 621b is not in contact with the edge of the through-hole 451b of the first cover 45.
  • the IC chip assembly 60 and first cover 45 are not in contact with each other. Accordingly, oscillation of the drive unit such as the first gear portion 40 and the like is difficult to be transmitted to the IC chip assembly 60 when the image forming apparatus executes the print process. Therefore, the contact state of the electric contact surface 611 and electric connector 913 can be sufficiently maintained.
  • the drawer unit 90 can perform a "separating operation" in which the developing roller 30 is temporarily separated from the photosensitive drum 92.
  • the first cover 45 of the developing cartridge 1 includes a first columnar protrusion 46 extending in the first direction.
  • the second cover 54 of the developing cartridge 1 includes a second columnar protrusion 55 extending in the first direction.
  • the drawer unit 90 includes a pressure member 93.
  • the pressure member 93 is positioned at one side portion of the cartridge holding portion 91 in the first direction
  • another pressure member (not shown in the Fig.1 ) is positioned at another side portion of the cartridge holding portion 91 in the first direction.
  • the another pressure member has same structures of the pressure member 93 and same functions of the pressure member 93.
  • Each of four cartridge holding portions 91 includes the pressure member 93 and the another pressure member.
  • the pressure member 93 presses the first columnar protrusion 46 and the another pressure member 93 presses the second columnar protrusion 55 in the same manner as the pressure member 93 presses the first columnar protrusion 46 as shown in Fig. 14 , and the casing 10 is thus inclined in the third direction. Accordingly, the position of the holding surface 620 in the third direction relative to the casing 10 is changed from the contact position to the final position, described above.
  • Fig.15 illustrates the developing cartridge 1 in the separating operation.
  • the driving force from the image forming apparatus changes the positions of the first columnar protrusion 46 and the second columnar protrusion 55.
  • the lever of the drawer unit 90 presses each of the first columnar protrusion 46 and the second columnar protrusion 55, and each of the first columnar protrusion 46 and the second columnar protrusion 55 thus moves against the pressing force of the pressure member 93. Consequently, as shown by a dashed arrow illustrated in Fig. 15 , the casing 10 and the developing roller 30 of the developing cartridge 1 move in the second direction so as to separate away from the photosensitive drum 92.
  • the IC chip assembly 60 is fixed in a state where the IC chip assembly 60 is nipped between the electric connector 913 and the second guide plate 912. Accordingly, the position of the IC chip assembly 60 is not changed relative to the drawer unit 90, when the casing 10 and the developing roller 30 move in the second direction so that the developing roller 30 is separated from the photosensitive drum 92. Further, the state of the coil spring 73 does not change from the second state. As a result, the position of the holder 62 relative to the casing 10 in the second direction changes from a standard position (first position) to a separation position (second position). The boss 621a then moves inside of the through-hole 451a in the second direction and the boss 621b then moves inside of the through-hole 451b in the second direction.
  • the developing cartridge 1 can change the position of the casing 10 relative to the drawer unit 90 in the second direction, without changing the position of the electric contact surface 611 in the second direction relative to the drawer unit 90. Accordingly, the developing cartridge 1 can maintain the contacting state between the electric contact surface 611 and the electric connector 913 during the separating operation. The contacting state between the electric contact surface 611 and the electric connector 913 can also be maintained during the shipment of the image forming apparatus in which the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit 90. Accordingly, abrasion or wear of the electric contact surface 611 can be suppressed.
  • Fig. 16 is a partial exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge 1A according to a first modification.
  • the first cover 45A includes a boss 451aA and a boss 451bA.
  • the boss 451aA and the boss 451bA are arrayed in the second direction.
  • Each of the boss 451aA and the boss 451bA extends from the first cover 45A toward the casing 10A in the first direction.
  • the holder 62A has a through-hole 621A that penetrates the holder 62A in the first direction. Both of the boss 451aA and the boss 451bA are inserted in the through-hole 621A.
  • the boss 451aA includes one edge of the boss 451aA and another edge of the boss 451aA in the second direction
  • the boss 451bA includes one edge of the boss 451bA facing the another edge of the boss 451aA in the second direction and another edge of the boss 451bA in the second direction.
  • the through-hole 621A has a dimension in the second direction greater than the distance between the one edge of the boss 451aA and the another edge of the boss 451bA in the second direction.
  • the distance between the one edge of the boss 451aA and the another edge of the boss 451bA in the second direction is the longest distance of the boss 451aA and the boss 451bA in the second direction, and the dimension of the through-hole 621A in the second direction is greater than the longest distance.
  • the holder 62A can move together with the through-hole 621A in the second direction relative to both the casing 10A and the first cover 45A.
  • the IC chip 61A having the electric contact surface 611A moves in the second direction together with the holder 62A.
  • the dimension of the through-hole 621A in the third direction is greater than each dimension of the boss 451aA and the boss 451bA in the third direction. Accordingly, the holder 62A, can move together with the through-hole 621A in the third direction relative to both the casing 10A and the first cover 45A.
  • the holder 62A moves in the third direction
  • the IC chip 61A having the electric contact surface 611A moves in the third direction together with the holder 62A.
  • the holder 62A may be movable in the first direction between the first cover 45A and the first outer surface 11A.
  • the first cover 45A may include the boss 451aA and boss 451bA, and the holder 62A may have the through-hole 621A, so that the electric contact surface 611 can move relative to the casing 10A in the second and third directions.
  • the boss 451aA and the boss 451bA can be moved in the third direction inside of the through-hole 621A when the casing 10A is inclined in the third direction during the attachment of the developing cartridge 1A to the drawer unit 90.
  • the boss 451aA and the boss 451bA can move in the second direction inside of the through-hole 621A.
  • the position of the casing 10A can be changed in a state where the contact state of the electric contact surface 611A and the electric connecter is satisfactorily maintained.
  • the number of the bosses may be one or more than or equal to three.
  • the number of the through-holes 621A formed on the holder 62A may be more than or equal to two.
  • the holder 62A may have a recessed portion in which the boss 451aA and the boss 451bA can be inserted.
  • the first outer surface of the casing may have a boss and the holder has the through-hole or the recessed portion through which the boss of the casing is inserted.
  • Each of the boss 451aA and the boss 451bA may have either a cylindrical shape or a prism shape.
  • Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the IC chip assembly 60A indicated in Fig. 16 taken along a plane orthogonal to the first direction.
  • the holder 62A of the IC chip assembly 60A includes a holder member 74A made of resin and a leaf spring 75A fixed to the holder member 74A.
  • the holder member 74A includes a first end portion 740A that is positioned at one end portion of the holder 62A in the third direction.
  • the IC chip 61A is fixed to the holding surface 620A that is portion of the outer surface of the first end portion 740A.
  • the leaf spring 75A includes a second end portion 750A that is positioned at the another end portion of the holder 62A in the third direction.
  • the first end portion 740A and the second end portion 750A are separated from each other in the third direction in the assembled holder 62A.
  • the leaf spring 75A is made of a bent elastic metal plate, for example.
  • the leaf spring 75A can be stretched or compressed in the third direction between a first state, and a second state in which the leaf spring 75A is bent more than in the first state.
  • the length in the third direction of the leaf spring 75A in the first state is larger than the length in the third direction of the leaf spring 75A in the second state. That is, the distance in the third direction between the first end portion 740A and the second end portion 750A in the first state is longer than the distance in the third direction between the first end portion 740A and the second end portion 750A in the second state.
  • the length in the third direction of the leaf spring 75A in the second state is smaller than the natural length of the leaf spring 75A.
  • the leaf spring 75A may be used so that the IC chip assembly 60A can be stretched or compressed in the third direction. Further, as described above, the dimensional difference between the boss 451aA and the through-hole 621A, the dimensional difference between the boss 451bA and the through-hole 621A and stretch or compression of the leaf spring 75A enable the electric contact surface 611A to move in the third direction relative to the casing 10A, when the developing cartridge 1A is being attached to the drawer unit 90.
  • Fig. 18 is a partial perspective view illustrating a developing cartridge 1B according to a second modification.
  • the electric contact surface 611B of an IC chip 61B is oriented to face in the first direction.
  • the third direction orthogonal to the electric contact surface 611B is the same direction as the first direction.
  • a columnar elastic body 63B is positioned between a casing 10B and an IC chip assembly 60B.
  • a coil spring extending in the third direction may be used as the columnar elastic body 63B.
  • the columnar elastic body 63B includes one end portion in the first direction, and the one end portion is fixed to a holder 62B of the IC chip assembly 60B.
  • the columnar elastic body 63B includes another end portion in the first direction, and the another end portion is fixed to a first outer surface of the casing 10B. That is, the casing 10B and the IC chip assembly 60B are connected to each other by the columnar elastic body 63B.
  • Figs. 19 and 20 are explanatory diagrams illustrating movement of the IC chip assembly 60B in accordance with deformation of the columnar elastic body 63B.
  • the columnar elastic body 63B is capable of being stretched or compressed in the third direction.
  • the position of the electric contact surface 611B relative to the casing 10B in the third direction also changes.
  • the columnar elastic body 63B can deform in a direction diagonal to the third direction.
  • the position of the one end of the columnar elastic body 63B also changes relative to another end of the columnar elastic body 63B in a direction perpendicular to the third direction.
  • Figs. 21 and 22 are explanatory diagrams illustrating how the developing cartridge 1B according to the second modification is attached to a drawer unit 90B.
  • a first cover 45B includes a first frame portion 456B and a second frame portion 457B, and the first frame portion 456B and the second frame portion 457B are arranged with a gap between the first frame portion 456B and the second frame portion 457B in the second direction.
  • the IC chip assembly 60B and the columnar elastic body 63B are accommodated in an accommodating portion 452B which defines a space between the first frame portion 456B and the second frame portion 457B.
  • the first cover 45B further includes a pawl 453B protruding from the first frame portion 456B toward the accommodating portion 452B. As illustrated in Fig. 21 , before the developing cartridge 1B is attached to the drawer unit 90B, a portion of the IC chip assembly 60 is in contact with the pawl 453B. Hence, the columnar elastic body 63B is maintained in a more compressed state than the natural length of the columnar elastic body 63B in the third direction.
  • Fig. 23 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state where the separating operation is performed after the developing cartridge 1B is attached to the drawer unit 90B.
  • the columnar elastic body 63B is deformed diagonally with respect to the third direction.
  • the IC chip assembly 60B connected to the one end of the columnar elastic body 63B moves in the second direction relative to the casing 10B connected to the another end of the columnar elastic body 63B.
  • the position of the casing 10B in the second direction can be changed without changing the position of the electric contact surface 611B in the second direction relative to the drawer unit 90B. That is, the separating operation can be performed in a state where the contact state between the electric contact surface 611B and the electric connector 913B is maintained.
  • Fig. 24 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge 1C according to a third modification.
  • an IC chip assembly 60C includes an IC chip 61C, a holder 62C, a shaft portion 66C, and a lever 67C.
  • the shaft portion 66C extends in the second direction within a first cover 45C.
  • the shaft portion 66C includes one end portion in the second direction, and the one end portion of the shaft portion 66C is mounted to the holder 62C so as to be incapable of rotating relative to the holder 62C.
  • the shaft portion 66C includes another end portion in the second direction, and the another end portion is mounted to the lever 67C positioned outside the first cover 45C so as to be incapable of rotating relative to the lever 67C. Accordingly, as the lever 67C pivots about the shaft portion 66C as indicated by a dashed line arrow depicted in Fig. 24 , the shaft portion 66C and the holder 62C also pivots about the shaft portion 66C.
  • the third direction orthogonal to the electric contact surface 611C of the IC chip 61C is the same direction as the first direction. Accordingly, a position of the holder 62C in the third direction is changed.
  • Figs. 25 through 27 are views of the developing cartridge 1C according to the third modification as viewed in the first direction.
  • the IC chip 61C and the holder 62C are accommodated inside the first cover 45C.
  • the lever 67C pivots about the shaft portion 66C.
  • a portion of the holder 62C and the IC chip 61C protrude from the first cover 45C.
  • the electric contact surface 611C of the IC chip 61C are in contact with an electric connector 913C of the drawer unit.
  • the lever 67C may be manually operated by a user after the developing cartridge 1C is attached to the drawer unit.
  • the lever 67C may pivot by a guide surface provided at a main body of the image forming apparatus when the drawer unit is attached into the main body of the image forming apparatus.
  • the first cover 45C includes a support surface 454C that can contact the lever 67C before the lever 67C pivots.
  • one surface of the lever 67C in the second direction is in contact with the support surface 454C. Accordingly, the lever 67C, the shaft portion 66C, the holder 62C and the IC chip 61C as a whole are supported by the first cover 45C in the second direction.
  • the lever 67C moves outside the support surface 454C. Accordingly, the one surface of the lever 67C in the second direction and the support surface 454C are not in contact with each other.
  • the holder 62C is held at a position depicted in Fig. 26 , by a positioning member of the drawer unit. As a result, a state in which the electric contact surface 611C of the IC chip 61C and the electric connector 913C are in contact with each other is maintained.
  • the one surface of the holder 62C in the second direction is not in contact with the first cover 45C. Accordingly, the lever 67C, the shaft portion 66C, the holder 62C and the IC chip 61C as a whole can move relative to the first cover 45C in the second direction. Consequently, as illustrated in Fig. 27 , when the separating operation is performed, the casing 10C and the first cover 45C can move in the second direction in a state where the contact state between the electric contact surface 611C of the IC chip 61C and the electric connector 913C is maintained.
  • Fig. 28 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a first cover 45D and an IC chip assembly 60D of the developing cartridge according to a fourth modification.
  • Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the first cover 45D and the IC chip assembly 60D.
  • the electric contact surface 611D of the IC chip 61D are oriented to face in the first direction. Accordingly, the third direction orthogonal to the electric contact surfaces 611D is the same direction as the first direction.
  • the IC chip assembly 60D includes the IC chip 61D, the holder 62D holding the IC chip 61D, and a joint member 63D.
  • the holder 62D includes a plurality of pawls 622D, and each of the plurality of pawls 622D extends away from the electric contact surfaces 611D in the third direction.
  • the holder 62D includes four pawls 622D.
  • the joint member 63D includes a fixing portion 631D fixed to the first cover 45D, and an arm 632D extending from the fixing portion 631D toward the holder 62D in the third direction.
  • the arm 632D includes a distal end in the third direction, and a spherical portion 633D whose diameter is larger than a thickness of the arm 632D.
  • the spherical portion 633D is positioned at the distal end of the arm 632D.
  • the spherical portion 633D is held at a position inside of the holder 62D by the plurality of pawls 622D.
  • the arm 632D and the holder 62D are connected to each other so as to be rotatable relative to each other. That is, the IC chip 61D and the holder 62D are rotatable relative to each other about the spherical portion 633D.
  • the position of the electric contact surfaces 611D of the IC chip 61D relative to the fixing portion 631D can be moved in the second direction. Therefore, when the separating operation of the developing cartridge is performed, the casing and the first cover 45D can move in the second direction in a state where the contact state between the electric contact surfaces 611D of the IC chip 61D and the electric connector is maintained.
  • the plurality of pawls 622D of the holder 62D and the arm 632D of the joint member 63D are movable relative to each other in the third direction.
  • the IC chip 61D and the holder 62D can move relative to the fixing portion 631D in the third direction. Accordingly, the developing cartridge can be inserted, while the electric contact surfaces 611D of the IC chip 61D can be suppressed from being rubbed.
  • an elastic member such as a coil spring 66D1 being stretched or compressed in the third direction may be positioned between the fixing portion 631D of the joint member 63D and the plurality pawls 622D.
  • the coil spring 66D1 being stretched or compressed in the third direction may be positioned between the first cover 45D and the plurality pawls 622D.
  • the coil spring 66D1 shown in Fig. 36 extends through the circular opening in the first cover 45D, through which the arm 632D is extending. Accordingly, a repulsion force by the coil spring 66D1 allows the electric contact surface 611D to reliably contact to the electric connector.
  • Fig. 36 an elastic member such as a coil spring 66D1 being stretched or compressed in the third direction may be positioned between the fixing portion 631D of the joint member 63D and the plurality pawls 622D.
  • the coil spring 66D1 being stretched or compressed in the third direction may be positioned between the first cover 45D and the plurality pawl
  • an elastic member such as a coil spring 66D2 being stretched or compressed in the third direction may not be positioned between the first cover 45D and the plurality pawls 622D.
  • One end of the coil spring 66D2 contacts the fixing portion 631D, on the other hand, another end of the coil spring 662D contacts the first outer surface 11.
  • the arm 632D may be rotatably connected to the fixing portion 631D or the first cover 45D.
  • the arm 632D includes one spherical portion at one end of the arm 632D and another spherical portion at another end of the arm 632D. Either the one spherical portion or the another spherical portion may be rotatably held by a plurality of pawls of the first cover 45D. In this manner, when both ends of the arm 632D are rotatably connected, the position of the electric contact surface 611D in the second direction may be changed more flexibly.
  • Fig. 31 is a partial perspective view of a developing cartridge 1E of the fifth modification.
  • the holder 62E holding the IC chip 61E has a plate shape which has been deformed in a circular manner and whose ends are connected to each other.
  • the holder 62E is made of a flexible resin, for example. Accordingly, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 31 , the holder 62E itself is an elastic member which is stretched or compressed in the third direction. With this structure, a distance between both ends of the holder 62E in the third direction is changeable. Accordingly, when the developing cartridge 1E is inserted into the drawer unit, abrasion or wear of the electric contact surface 611E of the IC chip 61E can be suppressed.
  • the holder 62E is not necessary to be configured by a plurality of members due to stretch or compression of the holder 62E in the third direction.
  • the holder 62E is not necessary to be comprised by an elastic member which is different from the member for holding the IC chip 61E.
  • Fig. 32 is an exploded perspective view showing a first cover 45E and an IC chip assembly 60E of the fifth modification.
  • the first cover 45E includes a boss 451aE extending in the first direction and a boss 451bE extending in the first direction.
  • the boss 451aE and the boss 451bE are aligned in the second direction.
  • the first cover 45E includes a connecting portion 455E which connects a top of the boss 451aE and a top of the boss 451bE to each other.
  • the holder 62E extends in a ring shape surrounding the boss 451aE and the boss 451bE. And one pawl 623E positioned at one end of the holder 62E and another pawl 623E positioned at another end of the holder 62E are engaged with each other. Accordingly, a through-hole 621E is positioned at the inside of the holder 62E and the through-hole 621E penetrates through the holder 62E in the first direction. The boss 451aE and the boss 451bE are positioned inside of the through-hole 621E.
  • the holder 62E further includes a plate portion 624E protruding from an inner surface of the holder 62E toward the through-hole 621E. The plate portion 624E is inserted between the boss 451aE and the boss 451bE.
  • the distance between the boss 451aE and the boss 451bE in the second direction is greater than the thickness of the plate portion 624E in the second direction. Therefore, the holder 62E is able to relatively move together with the plate portion 624E with respect to the casing 10E and the first cover 45E in the second direction.
  • the IC chip 61E having the electric contact surface 611E moves together with the holder 62E in the second direction.
  • the size of the through-hole 621E in the third direction is greater than the sizes of each of the boss 451aE and the boss 451bE in the third direction. Therefore, the holder 62E is movable with respect to the casing 10E and the first cover 45E in the third direction. When the holder 62E moves in the third direction, the IC chip 61E having the electric contact surface 611E moves together with the holder 62E in the third direction.
  • the holder 62E When the developing cartridge 1E is attached to the drawer unit, the holder 62E is nipped by the guide plates of the drawer unit and the holder 62E is compressed in the third direction. Specifically, by approaching both of the one pawl 623E and the another pawl 623E to each other, an urging force exerting in the direction to separate the both of the one pawl 623E and the another pawl 623E from each other is generated.
  • the electric contact surface 611E of the IC chip 61E is in contact with the electric connector in a state where the holder 62E is elastically deformed.
  • the electric contact surface 611E is fixed to the electric connector due to the urging force in a state where the electric contact surface 611E is in contact with the electric connector.
  • the casing 10E moves in the second direction in a state where the contact between the electric contact surface 611E and the electric connector is maintained.
  • the boss 451aE and the boss 451bE are able to move in the third direction inside the through-hole 621E.
  • the boss 451aE and the boss 451bE are able to move in the second direction inside the through-hole 621E.
  • the position of the casing 10E can be changed in a state where the contact condition between the electric contact surface 611E and the electric connector is maintained in a good manner.
  • the number of the bosses provided at the first cover 45E may be one, two, three or more than three.
  • Fig. 33 is a perspective view showing a developing cartridge 1F and a drum cartridge 80F of the sixth modification.
  • the developing cartridge 1F shown in Fig. 33 includes a casing 10F, a developing roller 30F, an IC chip assembly 60F, and a first cover 45F.
  • the developing cartridge 1F is attached to the drum cartridge 80F instead of the drawer unit.
  • the drum cartridge 80F includes one developing cartridge holding portion 81F holding the developing cartridge 1F.
  • the developing cartridge holding portion 81F includes a photosensitive drum 82F.
  • Fig. 34 is a view showing how to attach the drum cartridge 80F to an image forming apparatus 100F in a state where the developing cartridge 1F is attached to the drum cartridge 80F.
  • the drum cartridge 80F is attached to a drum cartridge holding portion 101F provided in the image forming apparatus 100F in a state where the developing cartridge 1F is attached to the drum cartridge 80F.
  • Fig. 35 is an exploded perspective view showing a detail of the IC chip assembly 60F of the developing cartridge 1F.
  • the IC chip assembly 60F of the developing cartridge 1F includes an IC chip 61F as a storage medium and a holder 62F holding the IC chip 61F.
  • the first cover holds the holder 62F at a side of the casing 10F in the first direction.
  • the holder 62F includes a first holder member 71F, a second holder member 72F, and a coil spring 73F.
  • the coil spring 73F is an elastic member that can be stretched or compressed in the third direction.
  • the first holder member 71F includes a boss 621aF, a boss 621bF, and a boss 621cF.
  • the boss 621aF extends in the first direction toward the first cover 45F from a certain surface of the first holder member 71F, and the certain surface faces the first cover 45F.
  • the first cover 45F has a through-hole 451F.
  • the through-hole 451F penetrates through the first cover 45F in the first direction.
  • the boss 621aF is inserted through the through-hole 451F.
  • each of the boss 621bF and the boss 621cF extends in the first direction toward the casing 10F from a certain surface of the first holder member 71F, and the certain surface faces casing 10F.
  • the casing 10F includes a recessed portion 15aF and a recessed portion 15bF.
  • Each of the recessed portion 15aF and the recessed portion 15bF is recessed from the first outer surface 11F of the casing 10F in the first direction.
  • the boss 621bF is inserted through the recessed portion 15aF.
  • the boss 621cF is inserted through the recessed portion 15bF.
  • the through-hole 451F has a size (inner dimension) in the second direction greater than a size (outer dimension) of the boss 621aF in the second direction.
  • the recessed portion 15aF has a size (inner dimension) in the second direction greater than a size (outer dimension) of the boss 621bF in the second direction.
  • the recessed portion 15bF has a size (inner dimension) in the second direction greater than a size (outer dimension) of the boss 621cF in the second direction.
  • the holder 62F can move in the second direction relative to the casing 10F and the first cover 45F, together with the bosses 621aF, 621bF, and 621cF.
  • the IC chip 61F including the electric contact surface 611F also moves in the second direction, together with the holder 62F.
  • the through-hole 451F has a size (inner dimension) in the third direction greater than a size (outer dimension) of the boss 621aF in the third direction.
  • the recessed portion 15aF has a size (inner dimension) in the third direction greater than a size (outer dimension) of the boss 621bF in the third direction.
  • the recessed portion 15bF has a size (inner dimension) in the third direction greater than a size (outer dimension) of the boss 621cF in the third direction.
  • the holder 62F can move in the third direction relative to the casing 10F and the first cover 45F, together with the boss 621aF, boss 621bF, and boss 621cF.
  • the IC chip 61F including the electric contact surface 611F also moves in the third direction, together with the holder 62F.
  • the second holder member 72F includes a recess portion 625F.
  • the drum cartridge 80F includes a convex portion 83F.
  • the recess portion 625F and the convex portion 83F face each other in the third direction.
  • the size of the recess portion 625F gradually enlarges while progressing away from the IC chip 61F in the third direction.
  • the size of the convex portion 83F gradually diminishes while progressing toward a top of the convex portion 83F in the third direction.
  • the image forming apparatus 100F includes an electric connector 102F.
  • the first holder member 71F is brought into contact with a component of the image forming apparatus 100F.
  • the convex portion 83F of the drum cartridge 80F is fitted in the recess portion 625F of the second holder member 72F. Therefore, the position of the second holder member 72F relative to the drum cartridge 80f is fixed.
  • the holder 62F is nipped between the component of the image forming apparatus 100F and the drum cartridge 80F, whereby the coil spring 73F is compressed in the third direction.
  • the electric contact surfaces 611F of the IC chip 61F are brought into contact with the one or more of electric connectors 102F.
  • the IC chip 61F is brought into contact with the electric connector 102F, while receiving a repulsion force from the coil spring 73F.
  • the holder 62F is nipped between the electric connector 102F and the convex portion 83F. In this way, the holder 62F is positioned relative to the image forming apparatus 100F and the drum cartridge 80F.
  • the second holder member 72F includes a pawl 714F.
  • the pawl 714F protrudes from the second holder member 72F in a direction that crosses the third direction.
  • the pawl 714F protrudes in the first direction from the second holder member 72F.
  • the first holder member 71F has an opening 721F. The pawl 714F is inserted through the opening 721F. This prevents the first holder member 71F from being detached from the second holder member 72F.
  • the casing 10F of the developing cartridge 1F includes a first rib 46F and a second rib 55F.
  • the first rib 46F protrudes from the first outer surface 11F in the first direction.
  • the second rib 55F protrudes from the second outer surface 12F in the first direction.
  • the drum cartridge 80F includes a first lever 84F and a second lever 85F.
  • the first lever 84F and second lever 85F are operated by a driving force supplied from the image forming apparatus, whereupon the first rib 46F is pushed by the first lever 84F and the second rib 55F is pushed by the second lever 85F.
  • This operation changes the positions of the first rib 46F and second rib 55F.
  • the casing 10F of the developing cartridge 1F and the developing roller 30F move in the second direction and move away from the photosensitive drum 92.
  • the position of the holder 62F can be changed in the second direction relative to the casing 10F. Accordingly, the position of the casing 10F in the second direction can be changed, while the positions of the electric contact surface 611F relative to the electric connector 102F in the second direction being maintained, that is, the positions of the electric contact surface 611F relative to the electric connector 102F in the second direction being unchanged. Therefore, it is possible to perform the separating operation, while maintaining the electric contact surface 611F and electric connector 102F in contact with each other. Accordingly, abrasion or wear of the electric contact surface 611F can be suppressed.
  • the electric contact surfaces 611F are movable relative to the casing 10F in the third direction. Accordingly, when the drum cartridge 80F is attached to the image forming apparatus 100F, abrasion or wear of the electric contact surface 611F can be suppressed.
  • the IC chip including the electric contact surfaces is fixed to the outer surface of the holder.
  • the electric contact surfaces of the IC chip that serve to contact the electric connectors may be fixed to the outer surface of the holder, but portions of the IC chip other than the electric contact surfaces may be positioned at other portions of the developing cartridge.
  • the plural gears provided within each of the first gear portion and the second gear portion are engaged with one another through meshing engagement of the gear teeth.
  • the plural gears provided within each of the first gear portion and the second gear portion may be engaged with one another through a frictional force.
  • frictional members such as rubber members, may be provided to the outer circumferences of two gears that engage with each other.
  • Shapes of the details in the developing cartridge may differ from those shown in the drawings attached to this application.
  • the respective components employed in the above-described embodiment and modifications can be selectively combined together within an appropriate range so that no inconsistency will arise.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
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Claims (14)

  1. Entwicklungskartusche, aufweisend:
    ein Gehäuse (10; 10A; 10B; 10C; 10E; 10F) zur Aufnahme eines Entwicklers;
    eine Entwicklungswalze (30; 30F), die um eine Achse drehbar ist, die sich in einer ersten Richtung erstreckt, und in einer zweiten Richtung auf einer Seite des Gehäuses (10; 10A; 10B; 10C; 10E; 10F) angeordnet ist;
    ein Speichermedium (61; 61A; 61B; 61C; 61D; 61E; 61F) mit einer elektrischen Kontaktfläche (611; 611A; 611B; 611C; 611D; 611E; 611F); und
    eine Halterung (62; 62A; 62B; 62C; 62D; 62E; 62F), die in Bezug auf das Gehäuse (10; 10A; 10B; 10C; 10E; 10F) in der zweiten Richtung zwischen einer ersten Position und einer zweiten Position drehbar ist, wobei die Halterung (62; 62A; 62B; 62C; 62D; 62E; 62F) eine Außenfläche (620; 620A) aufweist, an der die elektrische Kontaktfläche (611; 611A; 611B; 611C; 611D; 611E; 611F) positioniert ist,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
    die Außenfläche (620; 620A) in einer dritten Richtung, welche die elektrische Kontaktfläche (611; 611A; 611B; 611C; 611D; 611E; 611F) schneidet, auf einer Seite der Halterung (62; 62A; 62B; 62C; 62D; 62E; 62F) angeordnet ist, und die Außenfläche (620; 620A) in der dritten Richtung relativ zum Gehäuse (10; 10A; 10B; 10C; 10E; 10F) lateral bewegbar ist.
  2. Entwicklungskartusche nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Halterung (62; 62A; 62E; 62F) aufweist:
    einen ersten Endabschnitt (710; 740A; 71F) in der dritten Richtung, der die Außenfläche (620; 620A) aufweist, und
    einen zweiten Endabschnitt (720; 750A; 72F) in der dritten Richtung, der vom ersten Endabschnitt (710; 740A; 71F) getrennt ist, wobei der erste Endabschnitt (710; 740A; 71F) relativ zum zweiten Endabschnitt (720; 750A; 72F) in der dritten Richtung bewegbar ist.
  3. Entwicklungskartusche nach Anspruch 2, wobei die Halterung (62; 62A; 62F) aufweist:
    ein elastisches Element (73; 75A; 73F), das zwischen dem ersten Endabschnitt (710; 740A; 71F) und dem zweiten Endabschnitt (720; 750A; 72F) positioniert ist, wobei das elastische Element (73; 75A; 73F) dafür ausgelegt ist, zwischen einem ersten Zustand und einem zweiten Zustand in der dritten Richtung gestreckt oder komprimiert zu werden, wobei eine Länge des elastischen Elements (73; 75A; 73F) in der dritten Richtung im ersten Zustand größer ist als einen Länge des elastischen Elements (73; 75A; 73F) in der dritten Richtung im zweiten Zustand.
  4. Entwicklungskartusche nach Anspruch 3, wobei die Halterung (62; 62A; 62F) in einem Zustand, wo das elastische Element (73; 75A; 73F) im zweiten Zustand ist, relativ zum Gehäuse (10; 10A; 10F) in der zweiten Richtung zwischen der ersten Position und der zweiten Position bewegbar ist.
  5. Entwicklungskartusche nach Anspruch 4, wobei das elastische Element (73; 75A; 73F) dafür ausgelegt ist, vom ersten Zustand in den zweiten Zustand geändert zu werden, wenn die Entwicklungskartusche (1; 1A; 1F) an einer Bilderzeugungsvorrichtung angebracht ist,
    wobei die elektrische Kontaktfläche (611; 61 1A; 611F) dafür ausgelegt ist, in einem Zustand, wo das elastische Element (73; 75A; 73F) im zweiten Zustand ist, mit einem elektrischen Verbinder (913; 102F) der Bildverarbeitungsvorrichtung in Kontakt zu stehen.
  6. Entwicklungskartusche nach einem der Ansprüche 3 bis 5, wobei eine Länge des elastischen Elements (73; 75A; 73F) in der dritten Richtung im zweiten Zustand kleiner ist als eine natürliche Länge des elastischen Elements (73; 75A; 73F) in der dritten Richtung.
  7. Entwicklungskartusche nach einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 6, wobei die Halterung (62; 62F) aufweist: einen Fernzustand, in dem zwischen dem ersten Endabschnitt (710; 740A; 71F) und dem zweiten Endabschnitt (720; 750A; 72F) in der dritten Richtung ein erster Abstand vorhanden ist,
    und einen Nahzustand, in dem zwischen dem ersten Endabschnitt (710; 740A; 71F) und dem zweiten Endabschnitt (720; 750A; 72F) in der dritten Richtung ein zweiter Abstand vorhanden ist, der kleiner ist als der erste Abstand, wobei die Halterung (62; 62A; 62F) in einem Zustand, wo die Halterung (62; 62A; 62F) die Nahposition einnimmt, in einer solchen Richtung gedrängt wird, dass der erste Endabschnitt (710; 740A; 71F) und der zweite Endabschnitt (720; 750A; 72F) voneinander wegbewegt werden.
  8. Entwicklungskartusche nach Anspruch 7, wobei die Halterung (62; 62A; 62F) vom Fernzustand in den Nahzustand geändert wird, wenn die Entwicklungskartusche (1; 1A; 1F) an einer Bilderzeugungsvorrichtung angebracht wird,
    wobei die elektrische Kontaktfläche (611; 611A; 611F) mit einem elektrischen Verbinder (913; 102F) der Bildverarbeitungsvorrichtung in Kontakt steht, wenn die Halterung (62; 62A; 62F) im Nahzustand ist, und
    wobei die Halterung (62; 62A; 62F) in einem Zustand, wo die Halterung (62; 62A; 62F) im Nahzustand ist, relativ zum Gehäuse (10; 10A; 10F) in der zweiten Richtung zwischen der ersten Position und der zweiten Position bewegbar ist.
  9. Entwicklungskartusche nach Anspruch 2, wobei die Halterung (62E) ein elastisches Element ist, das dafür ausgelegt ist, in der dritten Richtung gestreckt oder komprimiert zu werden.
  10. Entwicklungskartusche nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9, wobei die Halterung (62; 62A; 62B; 62C; 62D; 62E; 62F) in der ersten Richtung auf einer Seite des Gehäuses (10; 10A; 10B; 10C; 10E; 10F) positioniert ist.
  11. Entwicklungskartusche nach Anspruch 10, ferner aufweisend:
    eine Halterungsabdeckung (45; 45F), die in der ersten Richtung auf der Seite des Gehäuses (10; 10F) angeordnet ist und zumindest einen Abschnitt der Halterung (62; 62F) bedeckt,
    wobei die Halterungsabdeckung (45; 45F) einen ersten eingetieften Abschnitt oder eine erste Durchgangsbohrung (451a, 451b; 451F) aufweist, und
    wobei die Halterung (62; 62F) eine erste Erhebung (621a, 621b; 621aF) aufweist, die sich in der ersten Richtung erstreckt und die in den ersten eingetieften Abschnitt oder die erste Durchgangsbohrung (451a, 451b; 451F) eingeführt wird, wobei die erste Erhebung (621a, 621b; 621aF) in der zweiten Richtung relativ zum ersten eingetieften Abschnitt oder zur ersten Durchgangsbohrung (451a, 451b; 451F) bewegbar ist, wenn sich die Halterung (62; 62F) relativ zum Gehäuse (10; 10F) in der zweiten Richtung zwischen der ersten Position und der zweiten Position bewegt.
  12. Entwicklungskartusche nach Anspruch 11, wobei der erste eingetiefte Abschnitt (451a, 451b; 451F) oder die erste Durchgangsbohrung (451a, 451b; 451F) eine Abmessung in der zweiten Richtung aufweist, die größer ist als eine Abmessung der ersten Erhebung (621a, 621b; 621aF) in der zweiten Richtung.
  13. Bilderzeugungsvorrichtung, aufweisend:
    einen elektrischen Verbinder;
    einen Entwicklungskartuschenhalteabschnitt (91; 81F) und
    eine Entwicklungskartusche nach Anspruch 4, wobei:
    die Entwicklungskartusche dafür ausgelegt ist, lösbar am Kartuschenhalteabschnitt (91; 81F) angebracht zu werden,
    wobei das elastische Element (73; 75A; 73F) dafür ausgelegt ist, vom ersten Zustand in den zweiten Zustand geändert zu werden, wenn die Entwicklungskartusche (1; 1A; 1F) am Entwicklungskartuschenhalteabschnitt (91; 81F) angebracht wird, und
    die elektrische Kontaktfläche (611; 611A; 611F) dafür ausgelegt ist, in einem Zustand, in dem die Entwicklungskartusche (1; 1A, 1F) am Kartuschenhalteabschnitt (91; 81F) angebracht ist, mit dem elektrischen Verbinder (913; 102F) in Kontakt zu stehen.
  14. Bilderzeugungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 13, wobei:
    die Halterung (62; 62F) aufweist: einen Fernzustand, in dem in der dritten Richtung zwischen dem ersten Endabschnitt (710; 740A; 71F) und dem zweiten Endabschnitt (720; 750A; 72F) ein erster Abstand vorhanden ist, und einen Nahzustand, in dem zwischen dem ersten Endabschnitt (710; 740A; 71F) und dem zweiten Endabschnitt (720; 750A; 72F) in der dritten Richtung ein zweiter Abstand vorhanden ist, der kleiner ist als der erste Abstand, wobei die Halterung (62; 62A; 62F) in einem Zustand, wo die Halterung (62; 62A; 62F) die Nahposition einnimmt, in einer solchen Richtung gedrängt wird, dass der erste Endabschnitt (710; 740A; 71F) und der zweite Endabschnitt (720; 750A; 72F) voneinander wegbewegt werden,
    die Entwicklungskartusche dafür ausgelegt ist, vom Fernzustand in den Nahzustand geändert zu werden, wenn die Entwicklungskartusche (1; 1A; 1F) am Kartuschenhalteabschnitt (91; 81F) angebracht ist,
    wobei die elektrische Kontaktfläche (611; 611A; 611F) dafür ausgelegt ist, mit dem elektrischen Verbinder (913; 102F) der Bildverarbeitungsvorrichtung in Kontakt zu stehen, wenn die Halterung (62; 62A; 62F) im Nahzustand ist, und
    wobei die Halterung (62; 62A; 62F) in einem Zustand, wo die Halterung (62; 62A; 62F) im Nahzustand ist, relativ zum Gehäuse (10; 10A; 10F) in der zweiten Richtung zwischen der ersten Position und der zweiten Position bewegbar ist.
EP17171455.3A 2016-08-22 2016-08-22 Entwicklungskartusche und bilderzeugungsvorrichtung damit Active EP3287854B1 (de)

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ES17171455T ES2714205T3 (es) 2016-08-22 2016-08-22 Cartucho de revelado y aparato de formación de imágenes que incluye el mismo
PL19151006T PL3486728T3 (pl) 2016-08-22 2016-08-22 Kaseta wywołująca i zawierająca je urządzenie wytwarzające obraz
EP20166446.3A EP3693809B1 (de) 2016-08-22 2016-08-22 Entwicklungskartusche und bilderzeugungsvorrichtung damit
PL20166446T PL3693809T3 (pl) 2016-08-22 2016-08-22 Kaseta wywołująca i zawierające ją urządzenie wytwarzające obraz
EP17171455.3A EP3287854B1 (de) 2016-08-22 2016-08-22 Entwicklungskartusche und bilderzeugungsvorrichtung damit
EP20166351.5A EP3693808A1 (de) 2016-08-22 2016-08-22 Entwicklungskartusche und bilderzeugungsvorrichtung damit
PL17171455T PL3287854T3 (pl) 2016-08-22 2016-08-22 Kaseta wywołująca i zawierające ją urządzenie wytwarzające obraz
EP19151006.4A EP3486728B1 (de) 2016-08-22 2016-08-22 Entwicklungskartusche und bilderzeugungsvorrichtung damit

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JP6673251B2 (ja) * 2016-03-11 2020-03-25 京セラドキュメントソリューションズ株式会社 画像形成装置
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US10649399B1 (en) 2019-04-12 2020-05-12 Lexmark Internatioanl, Inc. Replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device having a magnetic sensor
US10761476B1 (en) * 2019-04-12 2020-09-01 Lexmark International, Inc. Replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device having a movable electrical connector
CN109856941B (zh) * 2019-04-16 2024-05-14 珠海天威飞马打印耗材有限公司 处理盒
CN109856940B (zh) * 2019-04-16 2024-02-06 珠海天威飞马打印耗材有限公司 感光鼓框架及处理盒
JP7306073B2 (ja) * 2019-06-06 2023-07-11 ブラザー工業株式会社 転写ベルトユニットおよび画像形成装置
JP7484344B2 (ja) * 2020-04-01 2024-05-16 ブラザー工業株式会社 画像形成装置
JP2023003446A (ja) * 2021-06-24 2023-01-17 ブラザー工業株式会社 プロセスカートリッジ

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JP5884343B2 (ja) 2011-08-31 2016-03-15 ブラザー工業株式会社 プロセスカートリッジおよび現像カートリッジ
KR20150106729A (ko) * 2014-03-12 2015-09-22 삼성전자주식회사 카트리지 및 이를 채용한 전자사진방식 화상형성장치

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ES2714205T3 (es) 2019-05-27
ES2822998T3 (es) 2021-05-05
ES2880723T3 (es) 2021-11-25
EP3287851A1 (de) 2018-02-28
EP3693809B1 (de) 2021-06-02
PL3287854T3 (pl) 2019-06-28
PL3287851T3 (pl) 2019-03-29
EP3693809A1 (de) 2020-08-12
ES2704276T3 (es) 2019-03-15
EP3693808A1 (de) 2020-08-12
PL3486728T3 (pl) 2020-11-16
EP3486728B1 (de) 2020-07-22
EP3287851B1 (de) 2018-10-17
EP3486728A1 (de) 2019-05-22

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