ES2704276T3 - Development cartridge and image forming device including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

Developer cartridge, comprising: a housing (10; 10A; 10B; 10C; 10E; 10F) for accommodating developer therein; a developer roller (30; 30F) rotatable about an axis extending in a first direction and located on one side of the housing (10; 10A; 10B; 10C; 10E; 10F) in a second direction; a storage medium (61; 61A; 61B; 61C; 61D; 61E; 61F) having an electrical contact surface (611; 611A; 611B; 611C; 611D; 611E; 611F); and a support (62; 62A; 62B; 62C; 62D; 62E; 62F) located on one side of the housing (10; 10A; 10B; 10C; 10E; 10F) in the first direction and which can move relative to the housing (10; 10A; 10B; 10C; 10E; 10F) in the second direction between a first position and a second position, the support (62; 62A; 15 62B; 62C; 62D; 62E; 62F) having a surface (620 ; 620A) external in which the electrical contact surface (611; 611A; 611B; 611C; 611D; 611E; 611F) is located and in which the external surface (620; 620A) is located on one side of the support (62 ; 62A; 62B; 62C; 62D; 62E; 62F) in a third direction crossing the surface (611; 611A; 611B; 611C; 611D; 611E; 611F) of electrical contact, and the outer surface (620; 620A) can move relative to the housing (10; 10A; 10B; 10C; 10E; 10F) in the third direction, and a support cover (45; 45F) located on the side of the housing (10; 10F) in the first direction , and that covers at least a part of the support (62; 6 2F), in which the cover (45; 45F) of the support has one of a first recessed part and a first through hole (451a, 451b; 451F), and in which the support (62; 62F) includes a first projection (621a, 621b; 621aF) that extends in the first direction and is inserted into one of the first recessed part and the first through hole (451a, 451b; 451F), the first shoulder (621a, 621b; 621aF) being able to move in the second direction relative to one of the first part recessed and the first through hole (451a, 451b; 451F) when the support (62; 62F) moves relative to the housing (10; 10F) in the second direction between the first position and the second position, characterized in that said one of the first recessed part and the first through hole (451a, 451b; 451F) has a dimension in the second direction greater than a dimension of the first shoulder (621a, 621b; 621aF) in the second direction and the first hole (451a, 451b) ; 451F) through-hole has a dimension in the third direction greater than one dimension of the first shoulder (621a, 621b; 621aF) in the third direction.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Development cartridge and image forming device including the same

[Field of the invention]

The present invention relates to a development cartridge.

[Description of the related art]

US 2015/0261177 A1 discloses a cartridge that is attached to or separated from a main body of an image forming apparatus, which includes: a memory unit that includes a contact portion through which the cartridge is connected to the main body and that is connected to the main body to transmit information from the cartridge to the main body; and a movable element on which the contact portion is mounted, in which the mobile unit is moved to a second position in which the contact portion protrudes outside the cartridge to connect to a connection portion provided in the main body and a first position that is hidden inside the cartridge.

An electrophotographic type image forming apparatus such as a laser printer and an IED printer is known. A developing cartridge is used in the image forming apparatus. The developing cartridge includes a developing roller to supply toner. Patent publication 1 discloses a development cartridge that can be attached to a drawer unit. The drawer unit is located inside the image forming apparatus and can be drawn from the interior of the image forming apparatus to the exterior of the image forming apparatus. The drawer unit includes a photosensitive drum. The photosensitive drum is facing the developing roller when the developing cartridge is attached to the drawer unit.

The development cartridge temporarily moves 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 placed inside the image forming apparatus. For example, in a color printer, each development roller of a cyan toner development cartridge, a magenta toner cartridge and a yellow toner cartridge other than a black toner cartridge moves away from the corresponding photosensitive drum when the Imaging runs a monochromatic print. In this case, for example, you can change the position of a housing of each of the cyan toner developer cartridge, the magenta toner developer cartridge, and the yellow toner developer cartridge relative to the drawer unit.

In addition, the patent publication 2 discloses a development cartridge that can be attached to a drum cartridge. The drum cartridge includes a photosensitive drum. The photosensitive drum is facing the developing roller when the development cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge. When the development cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge, the photosensitive drum faces a development roller of the development cartridge. The developing cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus in a state in which the developing cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge.

The development cartridge temporarily moves away from the photosensitive drum to have a separate state after the developing cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus. For example, in a color printer, each development roller of a cyan toner developer cartridge, a magenta toner cartridge and a yellow toner cartridge other than a black toner cartridge move away from each corresponding photosensitive drum when the apparatus of image formation runs a monochromatic print. In this case, for example, you can change the position of a casing of each of the cyan toner developer cartridge, the magenta toner developer cartridge, and the yellow toner developer cartridge relative to the drum cartridges.

[Prior art document]

[Patent publication]

[Patent Publication 1] Publication of Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-59510

[Patent Publication 2] Publication of Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-54058

[Summary of the invention]

In addition, a development cartridge including a storage medium is also known. An IC chip (integrated circuit) is an example of the storage medium. The storage medium has an electrical contact surface. The electrical contact surface is in contact with an electrical connector of the image forming apparatus or the drawer unit in a state in which the developing cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus or the drawer unit.

However, it can change the position of the electrical contact surface relative to the electrical connector of the image forming apparatus according to the movement of the housing relative to the drum cartridge or the drawer unit to change the independent state. Accordingly, friction may occur between the electrical contact surface and the electrical connector whenever the developing cartridge is changed to the independent state.

It is an object of the present invention to reduce the friction between the electrical contact surface of the developing cartridge and the electrical connector of the image forming apparatus.

The object is achieved by a developing cartridge according to claim 1 and its independent claims.

[Brief description of the drawings]

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a development cartridge;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the development cartridge;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the development cartridge;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the development cartridge;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the development cartridge;

Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of an IC chip assembly (integrated circuit); Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the IC chip assembly;

Figure 8 is a view for the description of a joint of the development cartridge;

Figure 9 is a view for the description of the union of the development cartridge;

Fig. 10 is a view for describing the union of the developing cartridge;

Fig. 11 is a view for describing the union of the developing cartridge;

Figure 12 is a view for describing the union of the development cartridge;

Figure 13 is a view for the description of the binding of the development cartridge;

Figure 14 is a view for the description of the binding of the developing cartridge;

Figure 15 is a view for the description of a separation operation;

Figure 16 is an exploded partial perspective view of a development cartridge according to a first modification;

Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of an IC chip assembly (integrated circuit) according to the first modification;

Fig. 18 is a partial perspective view of a development cartridge according to a second modification;

Figure 19 is a view for describing the operation of a columnar elastic member and an IC chip assembly according to the second modification;

Figure 20 is a view for describing the operation of the columnar elastic member and the IC chip assembly according to the second modification;

Figure 21 is a view for the description of an assembly of a development cartridge according to the second modification;

Figure 22 is a view for the description of the development cartridge assembly according to the second modification;

Figure 23 is a view for the description of a separation operation in the development cartridge according to the second modification;

Fig. 24 is a perspective view of a development cartridge according to a third modification;

Fig. 25 is a view of the developing cartridge according to the third modification as seen from one side thereof in a first direction;

Figure 26 is a view of the developing cartridge according to the third modification as seen from the first side thereof in the first direction;

Fig. 27 is a view of the developing cartridge according to the third modification as seen from the first side thereof in the first direction;

Figure 28 is an exploded perspective view of a first cover and an IC chip assembly (integrated circuit) according to a fourth modification;

Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the first cover and the IC chip assembly according to the fourth modification;

Figure 30 is a perspective view of the IC chip assembly according to the fourth modification;

Figure 31 is a partial perspective view of a development cartridge according to a fifth modification;

Figure 32 is an exploded perspective view of the first cover and the IC chip assembly according to the fifth modification;

Figure 33 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge according to a sixth modification;

Fig. 34 is a view for describing the joining of the drum cartridge to an image forming apparatus according to the sixth modification; Y

Figure 35 is an exploded perspective view of the IC chip assembly and components of the environment thereof according to the sixth modification.

Figure 36 is a cross-sectional view of the first cover, the IC chip assembly and an elastic member according to the fourth modification.

Figure 37 is a cross-sectional view of the first cover, the IC chip assembly and an elastic member according to the fourth modification.

[Realization]

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In the following embodiment, an extension direction of a rotation axis of a developing roller will be referred to as a "first direction", and a movement direction of a housing in a separation operation will be referred to as a "second direction". The second direction crosses the first direction. Preferably, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

1. Global structure of the development cartridge

Figures 1 to 5 are perspective views of a development cartridge 1. The development cartridge 1 is used for an electrophotographic type imaging apparatus (for example, a laser printer or an LED printer), and is a unit for supplying developer (toner, for example) to a photosensitive drum. As shown in Figure 1, the developing cartridge 1 is attached to a drawer unit 90 of the image forming apparatus. When the development cartridge 1 is replaced, the drawer unit 90 is removed from a front surface of the image forming apparatus. The drawer unit 90 includes four cartridge support portions 91, and the development cartridge 1 is attached to four cartridge support portions 91, respectively. Each of the four cartridge support parts 91 includes a photosensitive drum.

In the present embodiment, four development cartridges 1 are attached to a drawer unit 90. Each of the four development cartridges 1 is configured to house developer therein, and the color of the developer are different colors (cyan, magenta, yellow and black, for example) between the four development cartridges, respectively. However, 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.

As shown in Figures 2 to 5, each development cartridge 1 according to the present embodiment includes a housing 10, a stirrer 20, a development roller 30, a first gear part 40, a second part 50 of gear and an IC chip set 60 (integrated circuit).

The developing roller 30 is a roller that can rotate about an axis of rotation 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 element that extends in the first direction. The roller body 31 is composed of an elastic rubber, for example. The roller shaft 32 is a cylindrical element that penetrates through the roller body 31 in the first direction. The roller shaft 32 is composed of conductive metal or resin.

The roller shaft 32 may not penetrate through the roller body 31 in the first direction. For example, 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 a stirrer shaft 21 and a stirring blade 22. The agitator shaft 21 extends along the axis of rotation extending in the first direction. The agitation blade 22 expands outwardly from the agitator shaft 21 in a radial direction. The stirring paddle 22 is located inside a developing chamber 13 of the casing 10. A first agitator gear 44 and a second agitator gear 51 described later are mounted on both end portions in the first direction of the shaft 21 of agitator, respectively. Accordingly, the agitator shaft 21 and the agitation vane 22 can rotate with the first agitator gear 44 and the second agitator gear 51. The developer that is housed in the developing chamber 13 is agitated by rotation of the stirring paddle 22. Instead of the agitation paddle 22, the agitator can include a stir film.

The housing 10 is a box configured to accommodate in the same developer (toner, for example) for an electrophotographic printing. The housing 10 includes a first external surface 11 and a second external surface 12. The first external surface 11 and the second external surface 12 are separated from each other in the first direction. The first gear part 40 and the IC chip assembly 60 are located on the first external surface 11. The second gear part 50 is located on the second external surface 12. The housing 10 extends in the first direction from the first external surface 11 to the second external surface 12. The developing chamber 13 for housing the developer is provided in the housing 10.

The housing 10 has an opening 14. The opening 14 communicates between the development chamber 13 and the exterior of the development chamber 13. The opening 14 is located in an end part in the second direction of the housing 10. The developing roller 30 is located in the opening 14. That is, the developing roller 30 is located closer to one side of the housing 10. than from the center of the casing 10 in the second direction. The roller body 31 is fixed to the roller shaft 32 so that it can not rotate relative to the roller shaft 32. An end part of the roller shaft 32 in the first direction is mounted on a developing gear 42 described below so that it can not rotate relative to the development gear 42. When the developing gear 42 rotates, it rotates the roller shaft 32 with the development gear 42 and then rotates the roller body 31 together with the roller shaft 32.

When the developing cartridge 1 receives a driving force, the developer is supplied from the developing chamber 13 in the housing 10 on an outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 by a supply roller (omitted in the figure). At this time, a triboelectric charge is applied to the developer between the supply roll and the development roll 30. On the other hand, a polarization tension is applied to the roller shaft 32 of the developing roller 30. Accordingly, the static electricity between the roller shaft 32 and the developer moves the developer towards the outer peripheral surface of the roller body 31.

The development cartridge 1 further includes a layer thickness adjustment blade that is omitted in the figure. The layer thickness adjustment blade regulates a thin layer of the developer supplied on 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 based on a latent electrostatic image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum. Accordingly, the latent electrostatic image is displayed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum.

The first gear part 40 is located at an end part in the first direction of the housing 10. That is to say, the first gear part 40 is located on the first external surface 11. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the development cartridge 1 in a state in which the first gear part 40 is disassembled. As shown in Fig. 4, the first gear part 40 includes a coupling 41, a development gear 42, an intermediate gear 43, a first stirrer gear 44 and a first cover 45. A plurality of gear teeth of Each gear is not illustrated in Figure 4.

The coupling 41 is a gear for initially receiving the driving force applied from the image forming apparatus. The coupling 41 can rotate about an axis of rotation extending in the first direction. The coupling 41 includes a coupling part 411 and a coupling gear 412.

The coupling part 411 and the coupling gear 412 are integral with each other and are composed of a resin, for example. The coupling part 411 has a coupling hole 413 lowered in the first direction. The coupling gear 412 includes a plurality of gear teeth. The plurality of gear teeth are provided on the entirety of an outer peripheral surface of the coupling gear 412 at equal intervals.

When the drawer unit 90 to which the developing cartridge 1 is attached is housed in the image forming apparatus, a drive shaft of the image forming apparatus is inserted into the coupling hole 413 of the coupling part 411 . With this configuration, the drive shaft and the coupling part 411 are connected so that they can not rotate one relative to the other. Accordingly, the coupling part 411 rotates when the drive shaft rotates, and rotates the coupling gear 412 together with the coupling part 411.

The development gear 42 is a gear for rotating the development roller 30. The development gear 42 can rotate about an axis of rotation extending in the first direction. The development gear 42 includes a plurality of gear teeth. The plurality of gear teeth are provided in the entirety of an outer peripheral surface of the developing gear 42 at equal intervals. At least a part 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 development gear 42. In addition, the developing gear 42 is mounted on the end portion of the roller shaft 32 in the first direction so that it can not rotate relative to the roller shaft 32. With this construction, when the coupling gear 412 rotates, it rotates the development gear 42 with the engagement gear 412 and also rotates the development roll 30 with the development gear 42.

The intermediate gear 43 is a gear for transmitting rotational driving force of the coupling gear 412 to the first agitator gear 44. The intermediate gear 43 can rotate about an axis of rotation extending in the first direction. The intermediate 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 disposed in the first direction. The small diameter gear part 432 is located between the large diameter gear part 431 and the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. In other words, the large diameter gear part 431 is farthest from the first surface 11 external to which the small diameter gear part 432 is. The diameter of the small diameter gear part 432 is smaller than the diameter of the large diameter gear part 431. In other words, the diameter of a head circle of the small diameter gear part 432 is smaller than the diameter of a head circle of the large diameter gear part 431. The large diameter gear part 431 and the small diameter gear part 432 are integral with each other and are composed of a resin.

The large diameter gear portion 431 includes a plurality of gear teeth, and the plurality of gear teeth are provided in the entirety 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 in the entirety 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 part 432 is smaller than the number of gear teeth of the large diameter gear part 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. In addition, at least a portion of 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. When the coupling gear 412 rotates, it rotates the large diameter gear portion 431 together with the coupling gear 412 and rotates the small diameter gear portion 432 together with the large diameter gear portion 431. In addition, it rotates the first agitator gear 44 with the rotation of the small diameter gear part 432.

The first agitator gear 44 is a gear for rotating the agitator 20 in the development chamber 13. The first agitator gear 44 can rotate about an axis of rotation 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 outer peripheral surface of the first agitator gear 44 at equal intervals. As described above, 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. In addition, the first agitator gear 44 is mounted on an end part of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction so that it can not rotate relative to the agitator shaft 21. With the configuration, when the rotational driving force is transmitted from the coupling 41 to the first agitator gear 44 by the intermediate gear 43, the first agitator gear 44 rotates and rotates the agitator 20 together with the first agitator gear 44.

The first cover 45 is fixed to the first external surface 11 of the housing 10 by screws, for example. The coupling gear 412, the development gear 42, the intermediate gear 43 and the first stirrer gear 44 are housed in a space between the first external surface 11 and the first cover 45. The coupling hole 413 of the coupling part 411 it is exposed to the exterior of the first cover 45. The first cover 45 according to the present embodiment also serves as a support cover for supporting the support 62 of the IC chip assembly 60 described below. The structure of the first cover 45 will be described later in detail as the support cover.

The second gear part 50 is located in the other end part of the housing 10 in the first direction. In other words, the second gear part 50 is located on the second external surface 12. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the development cartridge 1 in which the second gear portion 50 is exploded in an orderly fashion. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the second gear portion 50 includes a second agitator gear 51, a detection gear 52, an electrically conductive element 53 and a second cover 54. Note that, in FIG. illustrate gear teeth 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 can rotate about an axis of rotation extending in the first direction. The second agitator gear 51 includes a plurality of gear teeth, and the plurality of gear teeth are provided in the entirety 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 sensing gear 52. The second agitator gear 51 is mounted on the other end part of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction so that it can not rotate 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 development cartridge 1 for the image forming apparatus. The information on the development cartridge 1 includes, for example, information as to whether the development cartridge 1 is a new (unused) cartridge or a used cartridge. The information on the development cartridge 1 also includes, for example, a product specification of the development cartridge 1. The product specification of the development cartridge 1 includes, for example, the number of sheets that can be printed with the developer housed in the development cartridge 1 (ie, the sheet yield number). The detection gear 52 can rotate about an axis of rotation extending in the first direction. The sensing gear 52 includes a plurality of gear teeth, and the plurality of gear teeth are provided on a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the detection gear 52. When the drawer unit 90, to which an unused development cartridge 1 is attached, is attached in the image forming apparatus, the detection gear 52 can rotate by engaging the second agitator gear 51. When the detection gear 52 is disengaged from the second agitator gear 51, the rotation of the detection gear 52 is stopped.

When the drawer unit 90, to which a used development cartridge 1 is attached, is attached, in the image forming apparatus, the detection gear 52 does not engage with the second agitator gear 51. Therefore, it can not rotate the detection gear 52.

A gear can be provided between the second agitator gear 51 and the detection gear 52. For example, the second gear portion 50 may further include a second intermediate gear that engages both the second agitator gear 51 and the detection gear 52. In this case, the rotational driving force of the second agitator gear 51 can be transmitted to the detection gear 52 by the second intermediate gear.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the detection gear 52 includes a detection projection 521. The detection projection 521 protrudes in the first direction. The detection projection 521 has a circular arc shape that extends along a portion of a head circle of the detection gear about the axis of rotation of the detection gear 52.

The electrically conductive element 53 is electrically conductive. The electrically conductive element 53 is formed of a material such as electrically conductive metal or electrically conductive resin. The electrically conductive element 53 is located on the second external surface 12 of the housing 10. The electrically conductive element 53 includes a gear shaft 531 projecting in the first direction. The sensing gear 52 rotates about the gear shaft 531 in a state in which the sensing gear 52 rests on the gear shaft 531. The electrically conductive element 53 further includes a bearing portion 532. The bearing part 532 is in contact with the roller shaft 32 of the developing roller 30.

The drawer unit 90 includes an electrically conductive lever (not shown) which is in contact with the gear shaft 531 in a state in which the development cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit 90. Instead of the drawer unit 90, the image forming apparatus may include the electrically conductive lever.

When the lever comes into contact with the gear shaft 531, the electrical connection between the lever and the electrically conductive element 53 is established and also the electrical connection between the electrically conductive element 53 and the roller shaft 32 is established. When the image forming apparatus is in operation, electrical power is supplied to the roller shaft 32 through the lever, and the roller shaft 32 can maintain a prescribed bias voltage. Note that the detection projection 521 covers a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the gear shaft 531. Thus, when the detection gear 52 rotates after a new development cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit 90, the state of contact between the lever and the gear shaft 531 changes according to the shape of the detection gear 52. More specifically, the state of contact between the lever and the gear shaft 531 changes according to the shape of the detection projection 521 because the detection projection 521 traverses between the lever and the gear shaft according to the rotation of the detection gear 52. Alternatively, the state of contact between the lever and the gear shaft 531 changes according to the number of the detection projections 521 provided with the detection gear 52 because one or more detection projections 521 traverse between the lever and the shaft. gear according to the rotation of the detection gear 52. The image forming apparatus recognizes the change in the state of contact between the lever and the gear shaft 531 to identify whether the attached development cartridge 1 is new or used and / or the product specification of the mounted development cartridge 1.

However, the method for detecting the information on the development cartridge 1 using the detection gear 52 is not limited to the detection of electrical conduction. For example, the movement of the lever can be detected optically. In addition, the detection projection 521 can be formed to have different circumferential length and position with respect to those of the present embodiment. In addition, the detection gear 52 may have a plurality of detection projections 521. The shape of the detection gear 52 may vary according to the product specification of the development cartridge 1 such as the number of printable sheets. More specifically, the number of the detection projections 521 can be differentiated between a varied type of the development cartridges, and the product specification with respect to each of the development cartridges can be identified based on the number of the detection projections 21 . When each of the varied type of the developing cartridges includes the number of the detection projections 521, circumferential intervals can be differentiated between the plurality of detection projections 521 between the varied type of the developing cartridges. In the case described above, the circumferential length of each detection projection 521 and / or the radial length of each detection projection 521 can be differentiated based on the product specification with respect to each of the development cartridges. In this way, variations in the number of the detection projections 521 and / or circumferential positions of each of the detection projections 521 allows the image forming apparatus to identify the product specification with respect to each of the cartridges. revealed.

The detection gear 52 can be configured with a plurality of components. For example, the detection projection 521 and the detection gear 52 can be different components. In addition, the sensing gear 52 may include a sensing gear body and a complementary element that displaces its position relative to the sensing gear body according to the rotation of the sensing gear body. In this case, the complementary element changes between a first position in which the complementary element is in contact with the lever and a second position in which the complementary element is not in contact with the lever according to the displacement of the position of the complementary element in relation to the detection gear body. As a result, the complementary element can change the position of the lever.

In addition, the sensing gear 52 can be configured with a movable gear that can be moved in the first direction. The movable gear may not be limited to a gear partially without teeth. In other words, 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. In this case, the movable gear moves in the first direction according to the rotation of the movable gear, thereby the movable gear is disengaged from the second agitator gear 51. The movable gear can move in the first direction away from the second external surface 12 or towards the second external surface 12.

In addition, the sensing gear 52 may include a cam, and the cam may come into contact with the detection projection 521. In this case, the cam rotates together with rotation of the detection gear 52, and the rotating cam comes into contact with the detection projection 521. This causes the detection projection 521 to move relative to the detection gear 52. The detection projection 521 can be rotatably attached to a shaft provided on the second external surface 12 or the second cover 54. Alternatively, the detection projection 521 can have a shaft, and the tree of the detection projection 521 can be inserted. in a hole formed in the second external surface 12 or the second cover 54 so that the detection projection 521 is rotatably supported by the second external surface 12 or the second cover 54.

Further, in the present embodiment, the gear shaft 531 extends in the first direction from the second external surface 12. However, it is not necessary that the gear shaft 531 be in direct contact with the second external surface 12. For example, the housing 10 may have a through hole penetrating the second external surface 12 and a cover provided with the through hole, and a shift lever may extend from the cover in the first direction. In this case, the cap includes the shift lever that protrudes into the first direction towards the detection gear 52, and rotates the detection gear 52 around the gear shaft 531 in a state in which the detection gear rests on the gear shaft 531.

The second cover 54 is fixed to the second external surface 12 of the housing 10 by means of a screw, for example. The second agitator gear 51, the sensing gear 52 and the electrically conductive element 53 are housed in a space between the second external surface 12 and the second cover 54. The second cover 54 has an opening 541. A part of the gear 52 of detection and a portion of the gear shaft 531 are exposed to the exterior through the opening 541. The electrically conductive lever of the drawer unit 90 comes into contact with the detection gear 52 and the gear shaft 531 through the opening 541

2. IC chip set

The IC chip assembly 60 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the IC chip assembly 60. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the IC chip assembly 60 taken along a plane perpendicular to the first direction. As shown in Figures 2 to 7, the IC chip assembly 60 includes an IC chip 61 (integrated circuit) as a storage medium and a support 62 for supporting the IC chip 61. The support 62 is supported on the first cover 45 at one end of the housing 10 in the first direction. The IC chip 61 stores various information about the development cartridge 1. The IC chip 61 includes an electrical contact surface 611. The electrical contact surface 611 is composed of electrically conductive metal. Hereinafter, an address crossing the electrical contact surface 611 (in the present embodiment, a direction perpendicular to the electrical contact surface 611) is referred to as a "third direction". The IC chip 61 is fixed to an external surface of the support 62 in the third direction.

The drawer unit 90 includes an electrical connector. The electrical connector is composed of metal, for example. The electrical connector of the drawer unit 90 comes into contact with the electrical contact surface 611 when the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit 90. At this time, the image forming apparatus can perform at least one of reading information from the IC chip 61 and writing information on the IC chip 61.

At least a part of the support 62 is covered by the first cover 45. The support 62 includes a projection 621a, a projection 621b and a projection 621c. Each of the projection 621a and the projection 621b extends in the first direction towards the first cover 45 from a surface of the support 62 opposite a surface thereof facing the housing 10. The projection 621a and the projection 621b are aligned in the second address. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the first cover 45 has a through hole 451a and a through hole 451b. The through hole 451a and the through hole 451b penetrate the first cover 45 in the first direction, respectively. The through hole 451a and the through hole 451b are aligned in the second direction. The projection 621a is inserted in the through hole 451a. The shoulder 621b is inserted in the through hole 451b.

The shoulder 621c extends in the first direction towards the housing 10 from the surface of the support 62 facing the housing 10. On the other hand, the housing 10 includes a recessed part 15. The recessed part 15 is recessed in the first direction in the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. The projection 621c is inserted in the recessed part 15. The projections 621a, 621b and 621c may have a circular column shape or a rectangular column shape, respectively.

The through hole 451a has a dimension (internal dimension) in the second direction greater than one dimension (outer dimension) of the shoulder 621a in the second direction. The through hole 451b has a dimension (internal dimension) in the second direction greater than one dimension (outer dimension) of the projection 621b in the second direction. In addition, the recessed part 15 has a dimension (internal dimension) in the second direction greater than one dimension (external dimension) of the projection 621c in the second direction. Thus, the support 62 can move with the projections 621a, 621b and 621c in the second direction relative to the housing 10 and the first cover 45. As the support 62 moves in the second direction, the IC chip 61 that has the electrical contact surface 611 also moves in the second direction together with the support 62.

The through hole 451a has a dimension (internal dimension) in the third direction greater than one dimension (external dimension) of the shoulder 621a in the third direction. The through hole 451b has a dimension (internal dimension) in the third direction greater than one dimension (external dimension) of the projection 621b in the third direction. In addition, the recessed part 15 has one dimension (internal dimension) in the third direction greater than one dimension (external dimension) of the projection 621c in the third direction. Thus, the support 62 can move with the projections 621a, 621b and 621c in the third direction relative to the housing 10 and the first cover 45. As the support 62 moves in the third direction, the IC chip 61 that has the electrical contact surface 611 also moves in the third direction together with the support 62. The support 62 can move in the first direction between the first cover 45 and the first external surface 11.

Alternatively, the support 62 may include a single projection, or equal to or more than three projections. Also, the first cover 45 may have a single through hole, or equal to or more than three through holes. Or, instead of the through holes 451a and 451b, the first cover 45 may include one or more recesses to have the projections 621a and / or 621b inserted therein.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the support 62 includes a first end portion 710 and a second end portion 720. The first end portion 710 is an end portion of the support 62 in the third direction. The second end portion 720 is another end portion of the support 62 in the third direction. The first end portion 710 can be moved relative to the second end portion 720 in the third direction. More specifically, the support 62 of the present embodiment includes a first support element 71, a second support element 72 and a helical spring 73 located between the first support element 71 and the second support element 72. The first support element 71 is composed of resin, for example. The second support element 72 is composed of resin, for example. The first support element 71 includes the first end portion 710. An external surface of the first support element 71 includes a support surface 620. The IC chip 61 is fixed to the support surface 620. The second support element 72 includes the second end portion 720. After the first supporting element 71 is mounted, the second supporting element 72 and the helical spring 73 as the support 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 element that extends in the third direction. The coil spring 73 is located between the first end portion 710 and the second end portion 720 in the third direction. The helical 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 the length of the coil spring 73 in the second state in the third direction. Therefore, the distance between the first end portion 710 and the second end portion 720 in the third direction in the first state is longer than the distance between the first end portion 710 and the second end portion 720 in the third. address in the second state. At least, the helical spring 73 in the second state has a length in the third direction that is shorter than the natural length of the helical spring 73.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the first support member 71 includes a pawl 714a and a pawl 714b. The ratchet 714a and the ratchet 714b project respectively from the first support element 71 in a direction crossing the third direction. The second support element 72 has an opening 721a and an opening 721b. The ratchet 714a is inserted in the opening 721a. The ratchet 714b is inserted in the opening 721b. In the first state, the pawl 714a is in contact with the second support member 72 at the periphery of the opening 721a on one side of the first end portion 710 in the third direction. Further, in the first state, the pawl 714b is in contact with the second support member 72 at the periphery of the opening 721b on one side of the first end portion 710 in the third direction. With this structure, the length of the helical spring 73 in the third direction is prevented from becoming additionally longer than the length of the helical spring 73 in the first state. In addition, the first support element 71 can not easily be separated from the second support element 72. On the other hand, in the second state, the pawl 714a is separated from the periphery of the opening 721a on the side of the first end portion 710 in the third direction, and the pawl 714b is separated from the periphery of the opening 721b on the side of the first end part 710 in the third direction.

Instead of the opening 721a and the opening 721b, one or more recesses or one or more steps may be provided which may come into contact with the pawl 714a and the pawl 714b, respectively. Alternatively, the first support member 71 may have one or more openings or one or more recesses or one or more steps, while the second support member 72 may include one or more ratchets.

Due to the difference in dimension between the through hole 451a and the shoulder 621a, the difference in dimension between the through hole 451b and the shoulder 621b, and the stretching or compression of the helical spring 73 described above, the support surface 620 of the support 62 can be moved in the third direction relative to the housing 10. Hereinafter, the position of the support surface 620 in the third direction relative to the housing 10 will be referred to as an "initial position". Before attaching the development cartridge 1 to the drawer unit 90, the support surface 620 is in the initial position. Further, the position of the support surface 620 in the third direction relative to the housing 10 at a time when the helical spring 73 is more compressed during the attachment of the developing cartridge 1 to the drawer unit 90 will be referred to as a "Intermediate position". In addition, the position of the support surface 620 in the third direction relative to the housing 10 when the electrical contact surface 611 contacts an electrical connector 913 described below will be referred to as a "contact position". And the position of the support surface 620 in the third direction relative to the housing 10 after the joining of the developing cartridge 1 to the drawer unit 90 is called 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 support surface 620 described above. The first surface 711 is located on one side of the support surface 620 in the second direction which is closer to the developing roller 30 than the other side of the support surface 620 in the second direction. The first surface 711 is inclined relative to the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 supported by the support surface 620. Specifically, the first surface 711 is inclined at an acute angle with relationship to electrical contact surface 611.

In this case, one end of the first end part 710 in the second direction will be defined as a first external end position 711a (third position). One end of the support surface 620 in the second direction is defined as a first internal end position 711b (fourth position). As illustrated in FIG. 7, the first surface 711 extends from the first external end position 711a to the first internal end position 711b to the electrical contact surface 611. The first external end position 711a is further away from the electrical contact surface 611 than the first internal end position 711b in both the second and third directions. Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the distance d1 between the first external end position 711a and the first internal end position 711b in the third direction is greater than the distance d2 between the electrical contact surface 611 and the first position 711b of internal end in the third direction.

The second surface 712 is located on one side of the support surface 620 in the second direction that is furthest from the developing roll 30 than the other side of the support surface 620 in the second direction. The second surface 712 is inclined relative to the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 supported by the support surface 620. Specifically, the second surface 712 is inclined at an acute angle relative to the electrical contact surface 611.

In this case, another end of the first end part 710 in the second direction will be defined as a second external end position 712a (fifth position). Another end of the support surface 620 in the second direction is defined as a second internal end position 712b (sixth position). As illustrated in FIG. 7, the second surface 712 extends from the second external end position 712a to the second internal end position 712b to the electrical contact surface 611. The second external end position 712a is further away from the electrical contact surface 611 than the second internal end position 712b in both the second and third directions. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the distance d3 between the second external end position 712a and the second internal end position 712b in the third direction is greater than the distance d4 between the electrical contact surface 611 and the second position 712b of internal end in the third direction.

The third surface 713a is located on one side of the electrical contact surface 611 in the first direction. The third surface 713 b is located on the other side of the electrical 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 from the coil spring 73 than the electrical contact surface 611 in the third direction. Therefore, the electrical contact surface 611 is located in a recessed area that is recessed toward the side of the helical spring 73 relative to the third surfaces 713a, 713b.

Each of the first surface 711, the second surface 712 and the third surfaces 713a, 713b can be flat or curved. However, it is preferred that each of the first surface 711, the second surface 712 and the third surfaces 713a, 713b be a smooth surface without one or more steps so that each of the first surface 711, the second surface 712 and the third surfaces 713a, 713b do not engage a portion of the drawer unit 90 when the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit 90.

3. Union operation

Subsequently, the operation in which each development cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit 90 will be described. Figures 8 to 14 illustrate respectively how the developing cartridge 1 is attached to one of the cartridge support portions 91 of the drawer unit 90.

When the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the cartridge support part 91, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the developing roller 30 of the developing cartridge 1 is first confronted with an insertion opening 910 of the part. 91 cartridge support. At this time, the first end portion 710 of the support 720 and the second end portion 720 of the support 62 are not in contact with the drawer unit 90. Therefore, the coil spring 73 is in the first state described above. The position of the support surface 620 with respect to the housing 10 in the third direction is the initial position described above. The development cartridge 1 is inserted into the cartridge support portion 91 in the second direction, as shown by a dashed arrow illustrated in Figure 8.

The cartridge support portion 91 includes a first guide plate 911 and a second guide plate 912. The first guide plate 911 is separated from the second guide plate 912 in the third direction and the first guide plate 91 and the second guide plate 912 are facing each other. Each of the first guide plate 911 and the second guide plate 912 extend along both the first direction and the second direction. The first guide plate 911 includes an electrical connector 913 composed of metal. The electrical connector 913 can come into contact with the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61. The electrical connector 913 protrudes from the surface of the first guide plate 911 towards the second guide plate 912 in the third direction.

When the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the cartridge holder portion 91, the first surface 711 of the holder 62 comes into contact with 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 support 62 moves in the third direction. At this time, the movement of the support 62 is the relative movement with respect to the housing 10. As a result, the support 62 is located between the first guide plate 911 and the second guide plate 912 in the third direction, as illustrated in FIG. Figure 10

The first end part 710 of the first support element 71 then comes into contact with the first guide plate 911. The second end portion 720 of the second support member 72 also comes into contact with the second guide plate 912. The coil spring 73 is more compressed in the third direction than the first state. As illustrated in Figure 11, the first guide plate 911 includes a guide projection 914 projecting toward the second guide plate 912. The guide projection 914 is located closer to the insertion opening 910 than the electrical connector 913. The guide projection 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 the second surface 916 inclined in the third direction gradually becomes smaller towards the direction of insertion of the development cartridge 1.

When the development cartridge 1 is further inserted in the second direction, the first support member 71 comes into contact with the first inclined surface 915 and the second support member 72 comes into contact with the second inclined surface 916. As a result, the first support member 71 and the second support member 72 approach each other in the third direction and the length of the coil spring 73 in the third direction gradually becomes shorter. When each of the third surfaces 713a, 713b of the first support element 71 comes into contact with the upper part of the guide projection 914, the length of the helical spring 73 in the third direction becomes the shortest. That is, the length of the helical spring 73 in the third direction becomes the shorter state, and the length of the helical spring 73 in the shorter state is shorter than the length of the helical spring 73 in the second condition described above. The position of the support surface 620 relative to the housing 10 in the third direction is the intermediate position described above.

As described above, the IC chip assembly 60 can change the position of the support surface 620 in the third direction when the development cartridge 1 is inserted in the drawer unit 90. As a result, the development cartridge 1 can be inserted into the drawer unit 90 by changing the position of the support surface 620 in the third direction along the guide projection 914. Thus, the developing cartridge 1 can be inserted into the drawer unit 90 by suppressing the friction of the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61. Further, as illustrated in Figures 10, 11 and 12, the electrical contact surface 611 comes into direct contact with the electrical connector 913 after the first surface 711 is moved over the guide projection 914. As a result, the friction of the electrical connector 913 can be reduced.

In particular, in the developing cartridge 1 according to the present embodiment, the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 is located in a recessed area that is recessed relative to the third surfaces 713a, 713b. As a result, the upper portion of the guide projection 914 comes into contact only with the third surfaces 713a, 713b but does not come into contact with the electrical contact surface 611 in the state illustrated in FIG. 11. Therefore, the friction of the projection 914 guide against electrical contact surface 611.

When the developing cartridge 1 is further inserted in the second direction, the third surfaces 713a, 713b pass through the guide protrusion 914. The second surface 712 then comes into contact with the guide protrusion 914 as illustrated in FIG. 12. With such contact, the helical spring 73 is stretched again from the shorter state to the second condition described above. As a result, the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 comes into contact with the electrical connector 913 as illustrated in Figure 13. The length in the third direction of the helical spring 73 in the second state is shorter than the length of the helical spring 73 in the first state and the length in the third direction of the helical spring 73 in the second state is longer than the length of the helical spring 73 in the shortest state. In addition, the length in the third direction of the helical spring 73 in the second state is shorter than the natural length of the helical spring 73. The relative position of the support surface 620 with respect to the housing 10 in the third direction corresponds to the contact position described above.

Accordingly, the IC chip assembly 60 is set in a state in which the IC chip assembly 60 is clamped between the electrical connector 913 and the second guide plate 912. In the present embodiment, the carcass 10 is then tilted in the third direction as shown by a dashed arrow illustrated in Figure 14. As a result, the developing roller 30 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 92 in the unit 90 of drawer. At this time, the position of the support surface 620 relative to the housing 10 in the third direction changes from the contact position to the final position described above. The projection 621a moves inside the through hole 451a in the third direction and the projection 621b moves inside the through hole 451b in the third direction. As a result, the projection 621a is not in contact with the edge of the through hole 451a of the first cover 45, and the projection 621b is not in contact with the edge of the through hole 451b of the first cover 45. Thus, the assembly 60 of the IC chip and the first cover 45 are not in contact with each other.

Accordingly, the oscillation of the drive unit such as the first gear part 40 and the like is difficult to transmit to the IC chip assembly 60 when the imaging apparatus executes the printing process. Therefore, the contact state of the electrical contact surface 611 and the electrical connector 913 can be sufficiently maintained.

4. Separation operation

After the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit 90, the drawer unit 90 can perform a "separating operation" in which the developing roller 30 is temporarily separated from the photosensitive drum 92. As illustrated in Figure 2, the first cover 45 of the developing cartridge 1 includes a first columnar projection 46 extending in the first direction. As illustrated in Figure 3, the second cover 54 of the development cartridge 1 includes a second columnar projection 55 extending in the first direction. As illustrated in Figure 1, the drawer unit 90 includes a pressure element 93. The pressure member 93 is located on a side portion of the cartridge support portion 91 in the first direction, and another pressure member (not shown in FIG. 1) is located in another lateral portion of the support portion 91 cartridge in the first direction. The other pressure element has the same structures of the pressure element 93 and the same functions of the pressure element 93. Each of the four cartridge support parts 91 includes the pressure element 93 and the other pressure element.

In the movement indicated by the dashed arrow in Figure 14, the pressure member 93 presses the first columnar projection 46 and the other pressing member 93 presses the second columnar projection 55 in the same way that the pressure element 93 presses the first columnar projection 46 as shown in Figure 14, and the casing 10 is thus tilted in the third direction. Accordingly, the position of the support surface 620 in the third direction relative to the housing 10 is changed from the contact position to the final position, described above.

Figure 15 illustrates the development cartridge 1 in the separation operation. During the separation operation, the driving force from the image forming apparatus changes the positions of the first columnar projection 46 and the second columnar projection 55. Specifically, the lever of the drawer unit 90 (not shown) presses each of the first columnar projection 46 and the second columnar projection 55, and each of the first columnar projection 46 and the second columnar projection 55, therefore moves against it. of the pressing force of the pressure element 93. Accordingly, as shown by a dashed arrow illustrated in Figure 15, the housing 10 and the developing roller 30 of the developing cartridge 1 move in the second direction so that they separate away from the photosensitive drum 92.

Meanwhile, the IC chip assembly 60 is set to a state in which the IC chip assembly 60 is clamped between the electrical connector 913 and the second guide plate 912. Accordingly, the position of the IC chip assembly 60 is not changed in relation to the drawer unit 90, when the housing 10 and the developing roller 30 move in the second direction so that the developing roller 30 is separated of the photosensitive drum 92. In addition, the state of the helical spring 73 does not change from the second state. As a result, the position of the support 62 relative to the housing 10 in the second direction changes from a conventional position (first position) to a separation position (second position). The projection 621a then moves inside the through hole 451a in the second direction and the projection 621b then moves inside the through hole 451b in the second direction.

As described above, the development cartridge 1 can change the position of the housing 10 relative to the drawer unit 90 in the second direction, without changing the position of the electrical contact surface 611 in the second direction relative to the drawer unit 90. Accordingly, the developing cartridge 1 can maintain the state of contact between the electrical contact surface 611 and the electrical connector 913 during the separation operation. The state of contact between the electrical contact surface 611 and the electrical connector 913 can also be maintained during the sending of the image forming apparatus in which the development cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit 90. Accordingly, abrasion or wear of the electrical contact surface 611 can be suppressed.

5. Modifications

Although the description has been made in detail with reference to a specific embodiment thereof, changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the embodiment described above, as defined in the appended claims. In the following description, the differences between the previous embodiment and the modifications are mainly explained.

5-1. First modification

In the following, a first modification of the main embodiment is analyzed. Due to the many similarities between the first modification and the main implementation, only the differences between the main realization and the first modification will be analyzed. With regard to all other characteristics, it refers to the analysis of the main previously.

Figure 16 is a partial exploded perspective view of the development cartridge 1A according to a first modification. In the first modification, at least a portion of the support 62A supporting the IC chip 61A is covered by the first cover 45A, as illustrated in Figure 16. As illustrated in Figure 16, the first cover 45A includes a projection 451aA and a projection 451bA. The projection 451aA and the projection 451bA are arranged in the second direction. Each of the shoulder 451aA and the shoulder 451bA extends from the first cover 45A to the housing 10A in the first direction. The support 62A has a through hole 621A which penetrates the support 62A in the first direction. Both the shoulder 451aA and the shoulder 451bA are inserted in the through hole 621A. The shoulder 451aA includes one edge of the shoulder 451aA and another edge of the shoulder 451aA in the second direction, and the shoulder 451bA includes one edge of the shoulder 451bA facing the other edge of the shoulder 451aA in the second direction and another edge of the shoulder 451bA in the second. address. The through hole 621A has a dimension in the second direction greater than the distance between the first edge of the projection 451aA and the other edge of the projection 451bA in the second direction. Specifically, the distance between the first edge of the shoulder 451aA and the other edge of the shoulder 451bA in the second direction is the longest distance of the shoulder 451aA and the shoulder 451bA in the second direction, and the dimension of the through hole 621A in the second direction is greater than the longest distance. The support 62A can be moved together with the through hole 621A in the second direction with respect to both the housing 10A and the first cover 45A. When the support 62A moves in the second direction, the IC chip 61A having the electrical contact surface 611A moves in the second direction together with the support 62A. The dimension of the through hole 621A in the third direction is greater than each dimension of the shoulder 451aA and the shoulder 451bA in the third direction. Accordingly, the support 62A can move together with the through hole 621A in the third direction with respect to both the housing 10A and the first cover 45A. When the support 62A moves in the third direction, the IC chip 61A having the electrical contact surface 611A moves in the third direction together with the support 62A. The support 62A can be movable in the first direction between the first cover 45A and the first external surface 11A.

As described above, the first cover 45A may include 451aA projection and the projection 451bA, and the support 62A may have the hole 621 through, so that the surface 611 of electrical contact is movable relative to the 10A housing the second and third directions. Depending on the configuration, the shoulder 451aA and the shoulder 451bA can move in the third interior direction of the through hole 621A when the housing 10A tilts in the third direction during the union of the developing cartridge 1A to the drawer unit 90. When the separation operation is performed after the developing cartridge 1A is attached to the drawer unit 90, the projection 451aA and the projection 451bA can move in the second direction inside the through hole 621A. As a result, the position of the housing 10A can be changed in a state in which the contact state of the electrical contact surface 611A and the electrical connector is maintained satisfactorily.

Instead of the projection 451aA and the projection 451bA, the number of the projections may be one or more than or equal to three. The number of the through holes 621A formed in the support 62A can be more than or equal to two. Instead of the through hole 621A, the support 62A can have a recessed part into which the projection 451aA and the projection 451bA can be inserted. In addition, the first outer surface of the housing may have a shoulder and the support has the through hole or the recessed part through which the shoulder of the housing is inserted. Each of the projection 451aA and the projection 451bA can have either a cylindrical shape or a prismatic shape.

Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the IC chip assembly 60A indicated in Figure 16 taken along a plane orthogonal to the first direction. As illustrated in Figure 17, the support assembly 62A 60A IC chip 74A includes a support element composed of resin and a spring 75 attached to ^a sheet supporting member 74A. The support member 74A includes a first end portion 740A which is located at an end portion of the support 62A in the third direction. The IC chip 61A is fixed to the support surface 620A that forms part of the outer surface of the first end portion 740A. The leaf spring 75A includes a second end portion 750A which is located in the other end portion of the support 62A in the third direction. The first end portion 740A and the end second portion 750A are separated from each other in the third direction in the mounted support 62A.

The leaf spring 75A is composed of a bent elastic sheet metal, 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 greater 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. extreme in the second state. The length in the third direction of the leaf spring 75A in the second state is less than the natural length of the leaf spring 75A.

As described above, instead of the coil spring, the leaf spring 75A can be used that the IC chip assembly 60A can be stretched or compressed in the third direction. Furthermore, as described above, the dimensional difference between the shoulder 451aA and the through hole 621A, the dimensional difference between the shoulder 451bA and the through hole 621A and the stretching or compression of the leaf spring 75A allow the surface to move 611A electrical contact in the third direction relative to the housing 10A, when the developing cartridge 1A is attached to the drawer unit 90.

5-2. Second modification

In the following, a second modification of the main embodiment is analyzed. Due to the many similarities between the second modification and the main embodiment, only the differences between the main realization and the second modification will be analyzed. With regard to all other characteristics, it is referred to the analysis of the main embodiment above.

Figure 18 is a partial perspective view illustrating a developing cartridge 1B according to a second modification. In the second modification shown in FIG. 18, the electrical contact surface 611B of a chip IC 61B is oriented to face in the first direction. Accordingly, in the second modification, the third direction orthogonal to the electrical contact surface 611B is the same direction as the first direction. In the second modification shown in FIG. 18, a columnar elastic body 63B is positioned between a housing 10B and an IC chip assembly 60B. As the columnar elastic body 63B, for example, a helical spring extending in the third direction can be used. The columnar elastic body 63B includes an end portion in the first direction, and the first end portion is fixed to a support 62B of the IC chip assembly 60B. The columnar elastic body 63B includes another end portion in the first direction, and the other end portion is fixed to a first external surface of the housing 10B. That is, the housing 10B and the IC chip assembly 60B are connected together by the columnar elastic body 63B.

Figures 19 and 20 are explanatory diagrams illustrating the movement of the IC chip assembly 60B according to the deformation of the columnar elastic body 63B. As illustrated in Figure 19, the columnar elastic body 63B can be stretched or compressed in the third direction. As the columnar elastic body 63B is stretched or compressed, the position of the electrical contact surface 611B relative to the housing 10B in the third direction also changes. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the columnar elastic body 63B may deform in a diagonal direction to the third direction. As the columnar elastic body 63B is deformed diagonally, the position of the first 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.

Figures 21 and 22 are explanatory diagrams illustrating how the developing cartridge 1B is attached according to the second modification to a drawer unit 90B. As illustrated in Figures 21 and 22, a first cover 45B includes a first frame part 456B and a second frame part 457B, and the first frame part 456B and the second frame part 457B are arranged with a gap between the first frame part 456B and the second frame part 457B in the second direction. The IC chip assembly 60B and the columnar elastic body 63B are housed in a housing portion 452B defining a space between the first frame portion 456B and the second frame portion 457B. The first cover 45B further includes a pawl 453B projecting from the first frame portion 456B to the housing portion 452B. As illustrated in Figure 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. Thus, 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.

When the developing cartridge 1B has been attached to the drawer unit 90B, as illustrated in Figure 22, the electrical contact surface 611B of the IC chip 61B comes into contact with an electrical connector 913B. In this state, the length of the columnar elastic body 63B in the third direction is shorter than the length in the third direction of the columnar elastic body 63B in the compressed state illustrated in FIG. 21. Therefore, due to a repulsive force of the Columnar elastic body 63B, a contact state between the electrical contact surface 611B and the electrical connector 913B is maintained.

Figure 23 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the separation operation is performed after the developing cartridge 1b is attached to the drawer unit 90B. When the separation operation is performed, as illustrated in Figure 23, the columnar elastic body 63B deforms diagonally with respect to the third direction. Therefore, the IC chip assembly 60B connected to the first end of the columnar elastic body 63B moves in the second direction relative to the housing 10B connected to the other end of the columnar elastic body 63B. Therefore, the position of the housing 10B in the second direction can be changed without changing the position of the electrical contact surface 611B in the second direction relative to the drawer unit 90B. That is, the separation operation can be performed in a state in which the contact state between the electrical contact surface 611B and the electrical connector 913B is maintained.

5-3. Third modification

In the following, a third modification of the main embodiment is analyzed. Due to the many similarities between the third modification and the main realization only the differences between the main realization and the third modification will be analyzed. With regard to all other characteristics, it is referred to the analysis of the main embodiment above.

Figure 24 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge 1C according to a third modification. In the third modification shown in FIG. 24, an IC chip assembly 60C includes an IC chip 61C, a support 62C, a shaft portion 66C and a lever 67C. Tree part 66C extends in the second direction within a first cover 45C. The shaft portion 66C includes an end portion in the second direction, and the first end portion of the shaft portion 66C is mounted on the support 62C so that it can not rotate relative to the support 62C. The tree part 66C includes another end part in the second direction, and the other end part is mounted on the lever 67C located on the outside of the first cover 45C so that it can not rotate relative to the lever 67C. Accordingly, as the lever 67C pivots about the shaft portion 66C as indicated by a broken line arrow shown in Fig. 24, the shaft portion 66C and the support 62C also pivot about the 66C part 66C. tree. In the third modification, the third direction orthogonal to the electrical contact surface 611C of the IC chip 61C is the same direction as the first direction. Accordingly, the position of the support 62C in the third direction is changed.

Figures 25 to 27 are views of the developing cartridge 1C according to the third modification as seen in the first direction. Before the developing cartridge 1C is attached to the drawer unit, as illustrated in Figures 24 and 25, the IC chip 61C and the holder 62C are housed inside the first cover 45C. When the developing cartridge 1C is attached to the drawer unit and then the drawer unit is accommodated in the image forming apparatus, the lever 67C pivots about the shaft part 66C. As a result, a portion of the support 62C and the chip 61C of Ci protrude from the first cover 45C. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 27, the electrical contact surface 611C of the IC chip 61C is in contact with an electrical connector 913C of the drawer unit. The lever 67C can be manually operated by a user after the development cartridge 1C is attached to the drawer unit. Alternatively, the lever 67C can be pivoted by a guide surface provided in a main body of the image forming apparatus when the drawer unit is attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus.

The first cover 45C includes a bearing surface 454C that can come into contact with the lever 67C before pivoting the lever 67C. In a state shown in FIG. 25, a surface of the lever 67C in the second direction is in contact with the bearing surface 454C. Accordingly, the lever 67C, the shaft part 66C, the support 62C and the IC chip 61C as a whole rest on the first cover 45C in the second direction. However, as illustrated in Figure 26, as the lever 67C pivots, the lever 67C moves on the outside of the support surface 454C. Accordingly, the first surface of the lever 67C in the second direction and the bearing surface 454C are not in contact with each other. In addition, the support 62C is held in a position shown in Figure 26, by means of a positioning element of the drawer unit. As a result, a state is maintained in which the electrical contact surface 611C of the IC chip 61C and the electrical connector 913C are in contact with each other.

Furthermore, in the state shown in FIG. 26, the first surface of the support 62C in the second direction is not in contact with the first cover 45C. Accordingly, the lever 67C, the shaft part 66C, the support 62C and the IC chip 61C as a whole can move relative to the first cover 45C in the second direction. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 27, when the separation operation is performed, the housing 10C and the first cover 45C can move in the second direction in a state where the contact state between the surface 611C is maintained. of electrical contact of the chip 61C of CI and the electrical connector 913C.

5-4. Fourth amendment

In the following, a fourth modification of the main embodiment is analyzed. Due to the many similarities between the fourth modification and the main embodiment, only the differences between the main realization and the fourth modification will be analyzed. With regard to all other characteristics, it is referred to the analysis of the main embodiment above.

Figure 28 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a first cover 45D and an IC chip assembly 60D of the development cartridge according to a fourth modification. Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the first cover 45D and the IC chip assembly 60D. In the fourth modification shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the electrical contact surface 611D of the IC chip 61D is oriented to face in the first direction. Accordingly, the third direction orthogonal to the electrical contact surfaces 611D is the same direction as the first direction.

As illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29, the IC chip assembly 60D according to the fourth modification includes the IC chip 61D, the support 62D supporting the chip IC 61D and a seal element 63D. The support 62D includes a plurality of pawls 622d, and each of the plurality of pawls 622D extends away from the electrical contact surfaces 611D in the third direction. In the fourth modification represented in figure 28, the support 62D includes four pawls 622D. The joint element 63D includes a fastening portion 631D attached to the first cover 45D, and an arm 632D extending from the fastening portion 631D to the support 62D in the third direction.

The arm 632D includes a distal end in the third direction, and a spherical portion 633D whose diameter is greater than the thickness of the arm 632D. The spherical portion 633D is located at the distal end of the arm 632D. The spherical portion 633D is held in a position inside the support 62D by the plurality of ratchets 622D. With this configuration, as illustrated in Figure 30, the arm 632D and the support 62D are connected to each other so that they can rotate relative to one another. That is, the IC chip 61D and the support 62D can rotate relative to one another around the spherical portion 633D. Accordingly, the position of the electrical contact surfaces 611D of the IC chip 61D relative to the fixing portion 631D can be moved in the second direction. Therefore, when the development cartridge separation operation is performed, the housing and the first cover 45D can move in the second direction in a state in which the contact state between the electrical contact surfaces 611D of the 61D chip is maintained. of IC and the electrical connector.

Furthermore, with the configuration shown in Figures 28 to 30, the plurality of ratchets 622D of the support 62D and the arm 632D of the joint element 63D can move relative to one another in the third direction. Therefore, when the development cartridge is inserted in the drawer unit, the IC chip 61D and the support 62D can be moved relative to the fixing portion 631D in the third direction. Accordingly, the development cartridge can be inserted, while rubbing of the electrical contact surfaces 611D of the IC chip 61D can be suppressed.

As shown in Figure 36, an elastic member such as a helical spring 66D1 that is stretched or compressed in the third direction can be positioned between the fastening portion 631D of the seal member 63D and the plurality of ratchets 622D. Specifically, the helical spring 66D1 that is stretched or compressed in the third direction may be located between the first cover 45D and the plurality of ratchets 622D. The helical spring 66D1 shown in FIG. 36 extends through the circular opening in the first cover 45D, through which the arm 632D extends. Accordingly, a repulsive force by the helical spring 66D1 allows the electrical contact surface 611D to reliably contact the electrical connector. As shown in Figure 37, an elastic member such as a helical spring 66D2 that is stretched or compressed in the third direction can not be located between the first cover 45D and the plurality of ratchets 622D. One end of the helical spring 66D2 comes into contact with the fastening part 631D, on the other hand, another end of the helical spring 662D comes into contact with the first external surface 11.

In addition, the arm 632D can be rotatably connected to the fastening part 631D or the first cover 45D. For example, arm 632D includes a spherical part at one end of arm 632D and another spherical part at another end of arm 632D. Either the first spherical part or the other spherical part can be supported so that it can rotate by a plurality of ratchets of the first cover 45D. In this way, when both ends of the arm 632D are rotatably connected, the position of the electrical contact surface 611D in the second direction can be changed more flexibly.

5-5. Fifth amendment

In the following, a fifth modification of the main embodiment is analyzed. Due to the many similarities between the fifth modification and the main realization, only the differences between the main realization and the fifth modification will be analyzed. With regard to all other characteristics, it is referred to the analysis of the main embodiment above.

Figure 31 is a partial perspective view of a development cartridge 1E of the fifth modification. In the embodiment shown in Figure 31, the support 62E supporting the IC chip 61E has a plate shape that has been deformed in a circular manner and whose ends are connected to each other. The support 62E is composed of a flexible resin, for example. Accordingly, in the embodiment shown in Figure 31, the support itself 62E is an elastic element that is stretched or compressed in the third direction. With this structure, the distance between both ends of the support 62E in the third direction can be changed. Accordingly, when the developing cartridge 1E is inserted into the drawer unit, abrasion or wear of the electrical contact surface 611E of the IC chip 61E can be suppressed.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 31, it is not necessary to configure the support 62E by a plurality of elements due to the stretching or compression of the support 62E in the third direction. It is not necessary that the support 62E be compressed by an elastic member that is different from the element for supporting the chip 61E of CI.

Figure 32 is an exploded perspective view showing a first cover 45E and an IC chip assembly 60E of the fifth modification. As shown in Figure 32, the first cover 45E includes a shoulder 451aE extending in the first direction and a shoulder 451bE extending in the first direction. The projection 451aE and the projection 451bE are aligned in the second direction. And, the first cover 45e includes a part 455E connection connecting the upper part of the projection 451aE and the upper part of the projection 451bE. The support 62E extends in an annular shape surrounding the projection 451aE and the projection 451bE. And a ratchet 623E located at one end of the support 62E and another ratchet 623E located at another end of the support 62E are coupled together. Accordingly, a through hole 621E is located within the support 62E and the through hole 621E penetrates through the support 62E in the first direction. The shoulder 451aE and the shoulder 451bE are located inside the through hole 621E. The support 62E further includes a plate portion 624E projecting from an inner surface of the support 62E to the through hole 621E. The plate part 624E is inserted between the shoulder 451aE and the shoulder 451bE.

The distance between the shoulder 451aE and the shoulder 451bE in the second direction is greater than the thickness of the plate portion 624E in the second direction. Therefore, the support 62E can also move relatively together with the plate portion 624E with respect to the housing 10E and the first cover 45E in the second direction. When the support 62E moves in the second direction, the IC chip 61E having the electrical contact surface 611E moves together with the support 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 projection 451aE and the projection 451bE in the third direction. Thus, the support 62e can move with respect to the housing 10E and the first cover 45E in the third direction. When the support 62e moves in the third direction, the IC chip 61E having the electrical contact surface 611E moves together with the support 62E in the third direction. When the developing cartridge 1E is attached to the drawer unit, the support 62E is held by the guide plates of the drawer unit and the support 62E is compressed in the third direction. Specifically, by bringing together both the first ratchet 623E and the other ratchet 623E, a driving force is exerted in the direction to separate the first ratchet 623E and the other ratchet 623E from each other. The electrical contact surface 611E of the IC chip 61E is in contact with the electrical connector in a state in which the support 62E is elastically deformed. The electrical contact surface 611E is fixed to the electrical connector due to the driving force in a state in which the electrical contact surface 611E is in contact with the electrical connector. And, in the separation operation, the housing 10E moves in the second direction in a state in which the contact between the electrical contact surface 611E and the electrical connector is maintained.

With the above configuration, when the developing cartridge 1E is attached to the drawer unit and the housing 10E is tilted in the third direction, the ledge 451aE and the ledge 451bE can move in the third direction inside the through hole 621E. After the developing cartridge 1E is attached to the drawer unit and the separation operation is performed, the shoulder 451aE and the shoulder 451bE can move in the second direction inside the through hole 621E. As a result, the position of the housing 10E can be changed in a state in which the contact condition between the electrical contact surface 611E and the electrical connector is maintained in a good manner.

The number of the projections provided in the first cover 45E can be one, two, three or more than three. 5-6. Sixth amendment

In what follows, a sixth modification of the main embodiment is analyzed. Due to the many similarities between the sixth modification and the main realization, only the differences between the main realization and the sixth modification will be analyzed. With regard to all other characteristics, it is referred to the analysis of the main embodiment above.

Figure 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 Figure 33 includes a housing 10F, a developing roller 30F, an IC chip assembly 60F and a first cover 45F. In the embodiment shown in Figure 33, the developing cartridge 1F is attached to the drum cartridge 80F instead of the drawer unit. The drum cartridge 80F includes a developing cartridge holder part 81F that supports the developing cartridge 1F. The developing cartridge holder part 81F includes a photosensitive drum 82F. When the developing cartridge 1F is attached to the drum cartridge 80F, the developing roller 30F of the developing cartridge 1F is in contact with the 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 in which the developing cartridge 1F is attached to the drum cartridge 80F. As shown in Figure 34, the drum cartridge 80F is attached to a drum cartridge holder part 101F provided in the imaging apparatus 100F in a state where the developing cartridge 1F is attached to the cartridge 80F drum.

In the above manner, a structure similar to that of the IC chip assemblies according to the above embodiment or the first to fifth modifications, respectively, can be applied to the developing cartridge 1F to be attached to the drum cartridge 80F. Figure 35 is an exploded perspective view showing a detail of the 60F IC chip set of the development cartridge 1F. As shown in Figure 35, the IC chip assembly 60F of the development cartridge 1F includes a chip IC 61F as a storage medium and a support 62F that supports the chip 61F of CI. The first cover supports the support 62F on one side of the housing 10F in the first direction.

The support 62F includes a first support element 71F, a second support member 72F and a helical spring 73F. The helical spring 73F is an elastic element that can be stretched or compressed in the third direction.

The first support element 71F includes a projection 621aF, a projection 621bF and a projection 621cF. The shoulder 621aF extends in the first direction towards the first cover 45F from a certain surface of the first support element 71F, and the determined surface faces the first cover 45F. On the other hand, the first cover 45F has a through hole 451F. The through hole 451F penetrates through the first cover 45F in the first direction. The shoulder 621aF is inserted through the through hole 451F.

Each of the projection 621bF and the projection 621cF extends in the first direction towards the casing 10F from a certain surface of the first support element 71F, and the determined surface is facing the casing 10F. On the other hand, the housing 10F includes a recessed part 15aF and a recessed part 15bF. Each of the lowered portion 15aF and the recessed portion 15bF is recessed with respect to the first outer surface 11F of the casing 10F in the first direction. The shoulder 621bF is inserted through the recessed portion 15aF. The shoulder 621cF is inserted through the recessed portion 15bF.

The through hole 451F has a size (internal dimension) in the second direction greater than the size (external dimension) of the shoulder 621aF in the second direction. The recessed portion 15aF has a size (internal dimension) in the second direction greater than the size (external dimension) of the projection 621bF in the second direction. In addition, the recessed portion 15bF has a size (internal dimension) in the second direction greater than the size (external dimension) of the projection 621cF in the second direction. Thus, the support 62F can move in the second direction relative to the housing 10F and the first cover 45F, together with the projections 621aF, 621bF and 621cF. As the support 62F moves in the second direction, the IC chip 61F including the electrical contact surface 611F also moves in the second direction, along with the support 62F.

The through hole 451F has a size (internal dimension) in the third direction greater than the size (external dimension) of the shoulder 621aF in the third direction. The recessed portion 15aF has a size (internal dimension) in the third direction greater than the size (external dimension) of the projection 621bF in the third direction. In addition, the recessed portion 15bF has a size (internal dimension) in the third direction greater than the size (external dimension) of the projection 621cF in the third direction. Thus, the support 62F can move in the third direction relative to the housing 10F and the first cover 45F, together with the projection 621aF, the projection 621bF and the projection 621cF. As the support 62F moves in the third direction, the IC chip 61F including the electrical contact surface 611F also moves in the third direction, together with the support 62F.

As shown in Figure 34, the second support member 72F includes a recess portion 625F. On the other hand, the drum cartridge 80F includes a convex part 83F. The recess portion 625 ^f and the convex portion 83F are facing each other in the third direction. The size of the recess portion 625F is gradually enlarged as they move away from the CI chip 61F in the third direction. The size of the convex part 83F gradually decreases as they progress towards the upper part of the convex part 83F in the third direction.

As shown in Figure 34, the imaging apparatus 100F includes an electrical connector 102F. When the drum cartridge 80F is inserted into the imaging apparatus 100F in a state in which the developing cartridge 1F is attached to the drum cartridge 80F, the first support member 71F is contacted with a component of the apparatus. 100F image formation. The convex part 83F of the drum cartridge 80F fits into the recess portion 625F of the second support member 72F. Therefore, the position of the second supporting element 72F relative to the drum cartridge 80F is fixed. As a result, the support 62F is clamped between the component of the imaging apparatus 100F and the drum cartridge 80F, whereby the helical spring 73F is compressed in the third direction. When the drum cartridge 80F is further inserted into the imaging apparatus 100F, the electrical contact surfaces 611F of the IC chip 61F are brought into contact with the one or more electrical connectors 102F.

The IC chip 61F is contacted with the electrical connector 102F, while receiving a repulsive force from the helical spring 73F. The support 62F is clamped between the electrical connector 102F and the convex part 83F. In this way, the support 62F is positioned relative to the imaging apparatus 100F and the drum cartridge 80F.

As shown in Figure 35, the second support member 72F includes a ratchet 714F. The pawl 714F protrudes from the second support member 72F in a direction crossing the third direction. In the example of Figure 35, the ratchet 714F protrudes in the first direction of the second support member 72F. The first Support element 71F has an opening 721F. The ratchet 714F is inserted through the opening 721F. This prevents the first support member 71F from separating from the second support member 72F.

The housing 10F of the developing cartridge 1F includes a first rib 46F and a second rib 55F. The first rib 46F protrudes from the first external surface 11F in the first direction. The second rib 55F protrudes from the second external surface 12F in the first direction. The drum cartridge 80F includes a first lever 84F and a second lever 85F. During the separation operation, the first lever 84F and the second lever 85F are driven by a driving force supplied from the image forming apparatus, whereby the first rib 46F is pushed by the first lever 84F and the second rib 55F it is pushed by the second lever 85F. This operation changes the positions of the first rib 46F and the second rib 55F. As a result, the housing 10F of the developing cartridge 1F and the developing roller 30F move in the second direction and move away from the photosensitive drum 92.

As described above, also in the development cartridge 1F, the position of the support 62F in the second direction relative to the case 10F can be changed. Accordingly, the position of the housing 10F in the second direction can be changed, while maintaining the positions of the electrical contact surface 611F relative to the electrical connector 102F in the second direction, ie, the positions of the surface 611F remain unchanged. of electrical contact in relation to the electrical 102F connector in the second direction. Therefore, it is possible to perform the separation operation, while maintaining the electrical contact surface 611F and the electrical connector 102F in contact with each other. Accordingly, abrasion or wear of the electrical contact surface 611F can be suppressed.

Also in the developing cartridge 1F, the electrical contact surfaces 611F can be moved relative to the housing 10F in the third direction. Accordingly, when the drum cartridge 80F is attached to the imaging apparatus 100F, the abrasion or wear of the electrical contact surface 611F can be suppressed. 5-7. Other modifications

In the embodiments described above, the IC chip including the electrical contact surfaces is fixed to the external surface of the support. However, only the electrical contact surfaces of the IC chip serving to contact the electrical connectors to the external surface of the support can be fixed, but parts of the IC chip other than the electrical contact surfaces can be located in other parts of the IC. development cartridge.

According to the embodiments described above, the varied gears provided within each of the first gear part and the second gear part are coupled together via gear engagement of the gear teeth. However, the varied gears provided within each of the first gear part and the second gear part may be coupled together by a frictional force. For example, instead of the various gear teeth, friction elements, such as rubber elements, may be provided to the outer circumferences of two meshing gears.

The forms of the details in the development cartridge may differ from those shown in the drawings attached to this application. The respective components employed in the embodiment and modifications described above can be selectively combined with each other within an appropriate range so that no inconsistency arises.

Claims (11)

1. Development cartridge, comprising: a housing (10; 10A; 10B; 10C; 10E; 10F) for housing developer therein; a developing roller (30; 30F) that can rotate about an axis extending in a first direction and located on one side of the housing (10; 10A; 10B; 10C; 10E; 10F) in a second direction; a storage medium (61; 61A; 61B; 61C; 61D; 61E; 61F) having a surface (611; 611A; 611B; 611C; 611D; 611E; 611F) electrical contact; Y a support (62; 62A; 62B; 62C; 62D; 62E; 62F) located on one side of the housing (10; 10A; 10B; 10C; 10E; 10F) in the first direction and movable relative to the housing (10; 10A; 10B; 10C; 10E; 10F) in the second direction between a first position and a second position, the support (62; 62A; 62B; 62C; 62D; 62E; 62F) having a surface (620; 620A) ) in which the surface (611; 611A; 611B; 611C; 611D; 611E; 611F) of electrical contact is located and in which the external surface (620; 620a) is located on one side of the support (62; 62A) 62B; 62C; 62D; 62E; 62F) in a third direction crossing the surface (611; 611A; 611B; 611C; 611D; 611E; 611F) electrical contact, and the external surface (620; 620A) can move with relation to the housing (10; 10A; 10B; 10C; 10E; 10F) in the third direction, and a support cover (45; 45F) located on the side of the housing (10; 10F) in the first direction, and covering at least part of the support (62; 62F), wherein the support cover (45; 45F) has one of a recessed first part and a first through hole (451a, 451b; 451F), and wherein the support (62; 62F) includes a first projection (621a, 621b; 621aF) that extends in the first direction and inserts into one of the first recessed part and the first through hole (451a, 451b; 451F) , the first projection (621a, 621b; 621aF) being able to move in the second direction with respect to one of the first recessed part and the first through hole (451a, 451b; 451F) when the support (62; 62F) moves with respect to the housing (10; 10F) in the second direction between the first position and the second position, characterized in that said one of the first recessed part and the first through hole (451a, 451b; 451F) has a dimension in the second greater direction that a dimension of the first projection (621a, 621b; 621aF) in the second direction and the first through hole (451a, 451b; 451F) has a dimension in the third direction greater than a dimension of the first projection (621a, 621b; 621aF) in the third direction. 2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the support (62; 62A; 62E; 62F) includes: a first part (710; 740A; 71F) of end in the third direction that includes the external surface (620; 620A), and a second part (720; 750A; 72F) of end separated from the first end portion (710; 740A; 71F) in the third direction, the first end portion (710; 740A; 71F) being able to move relative to the second part (720; 750A; 72F) end in the third direction. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the support (62; 62A; 62F) includes: an elastic element (73; 75A; 73F) located between the first end portion (710; 740A; 71F) and the second end portion (720; 750A; 72F), the elastic element (73; 75A; 73F) being configured to stretch or compress in the third direction between a first state and a second state, the length being in the third direction of the elastic element (73; 75A; 73F) in the first state greater than the length in the third direction of the elastic element (73; 75A; 73F) in the second state. The developing cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the support (62; 62A; 62F) can move relative to the housing (10; 10A; 10F) in the second direction between the first position and the second position in a state in which the elastic element (73; 75A; 73F) is in the second state. The developing cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the elastic element (73; 75A; 73F) is configured to change from the first state to the second state when the developing cartridge (1; 1A; 1F) is attached to an apparatus. of image formation, wherein the electrical contact surface (611; 611A; 611F) is configured to be in contact with an electrical connector (913; 102F) of the image forming apparatus in a state in which the elastic element (73; 75A; 73F) is in the second state. The development cartridge according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein a length in the third direction of the elastic element (73; 75A; 73F) in the second state is less than a natural length in the third direction of the element (73; 75A; 73F) elastic. 7. Development cartridge according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the support (62; 62F) has a remote state in which between the first end part (710; 740A; 71F) and the second part ( 720; 750A; 72F) of end in the third direction there is a first distance and a state of proximity in which between the first end portion (710; 740A; 71F) and the second end portion (720; 750A; 72F); in the third direction there is a second distance which is less than the first distance, the support (62; 62A; 62F) being urged in such a direction that the first end part (710; 740A; 71F) and the second part (720; 750A; 72F) move away from one another in a state in which the support (62; 62A; 62F) is in the proximity position. The developing cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the support (62; 62A; 62F) is changed from the remote state to the proximity state when the developing cartridge (1; 1A; 1F) is attached to a forming apparatus. of pictures, wherein the electrical contact surface (611; 611A; 611F) is in contact with an electrical connector (913; 102F) of the image forming apparatus when the support (62; 62A; 62F) is in the proximity state, Y wherein the support (62; 62A; 62F) can move relative to the housing (10; 10A; 10F) between the first position and the second position in the second direction in a state in which the support (62; 62A) ; 62F) is in the proximity state. 9. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the support (62E) is an elastic element that is configured to stretch or compress in the third direction. 10. Imaging device, which includes: an electrical connector; a part (91; 81F) of developing cartridge holder and a development cartridge according to claim 5, wherein: the development cartridge is configured to removably attach to the cartridge support part (91; 81F), the elastic element (73; 75A; 73F) is configured to change from the first state to the second state when the developing cartridge (1; 1A; 1F) is attached to the cartridge support part (91; 81F), and the electrical contact surface (611; 611A; 611F) is configured to be in contact with the electrical connector (913; 102F) in a state in which the developing cartridge (1; 1A; 1F) is attached to the part ( 91; 81F) of cartridge support. 11. Imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein: the support (62; 62F) has a remote state in which between the first end portion (710; 740A; 71F) and the second end portion (720; 750A; 72F) in the third direction there is a first distance and a proximity state in which between the first end portion (710; 740A; 71F) and the second end portion (720; 750A; 72F) in the third direction there is a second distance that is less than the first distance, the support (62; 62A; 62F) in a direction such that the first end portion (710; 740A; 71F) and the second end portion (720; 750A; 72F) move away from each other in a state in which the Support (62; 62A; 62F) is in the proximity position the development cartridge is configured to change from the remote state to the proximity state when the developing cartridge (1; 1A; 1F) is attached to the cartridge support part (91; 81F), wherein the electrical contact surface (611; 611A; 611F) is configured to be in contact with the electrical connector (913; 102F) of the image forming apparatus when the support (62; 62A; 62F) is in the state of proximity, and wherein the support (62; 62A; 62F) can move relative to the housing (10; 10A; 10F) between the first position and the second position in the second direction in a state in which the support (62; 62A) ; 62F) is in the proximity state.