ES2822998T3 - Developing cartridge and imaging apparatus including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

Developing cartridge, comprising: a housing (10; 10A; 10B; 10C; 10E; 10F) for housing developer therein; a developing 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 means (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) that can be moved 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 an external surface (620; 620A) on which the surface (611; 611A; 611B; 611C; 611D; 611E; 611F) is located of electrical contact 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 that crosses the surface (611; 611A; 611B; 611C; 611D; 611E; 611F) of electrical contact, and the external surface (620; 620A) can move relative to the housing (10; 10A; 10B; 10C; 10E; 10F) in the third direction, characterized in that the movement of the outer surface (620; 620A) in the second direction is independent of the movement of the outer surface (620; 620A) in the third direction.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Developing cartridge and imaging apparatus including the same

[Field of the invention]

The present invention relates to a developing cartridge.

[Description of Related Art]

Document US20150261177 A1 discloses a cartridge that is attached to or detached from a main body of an image forming apparatus, including: a memory unit including a contact part by which the cartridge is connected to the main body and connecting to the main body to transmit information from the cartridge to the main body; and a movable element on which the contact part is mounted, in which the mobile unit is moved to a second position in which the contact part protrudes out of the cartridge to connect to a connection part provided on the main body and a first position that is hidden inside the cartridge.

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

The developing cartridge is temporarily moved away from the photosensitive drum to have an independent state after the developing cartridge is attached to the drawer unit and the drawer unit is located inside the image forming apparatus. For example, in a color printer, each development roller of a cyan toner developing 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 printer Imaging executes a monochrome print. In this case, for example, you can change the position of a housing of each of the cyan toner developing cartridge, the magenta toner developing cartridge, and the yellow toner developing cartridge relative to the drawer unit.

Furthermore, Patent Publication 2 discloses a developing cartridge that can be attached to a drum cartridge. The drum cartridge includes a photosensitive drum. The photosensitive drum faces the development 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 that the developing cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge.

The developing cartridge is temporarily moved away from the photosensitive drum to have an independent 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 developing cartridge, a magenta toner cartridge, and a yellow toner cartridge other than a black toner cartridge is moved away from each corresponding photosensitive drum when the machine Imaging machine runs a monochrome print. In this case, for example, you can change the position of one housing each of the cyan toner developing cartridge, the magenta developing toner cartridge, and the yellow developing toner cartridge relative to the drum cartridges.

[Prior art document]

[Patent publication]

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

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

[Summary of the invention]

Furthermore, a developing 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, you 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 casing 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 switched 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 invention is defined by the appended claims.

[Brief description of the drawings]

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the developing 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;

Fig. 8 is a view for the description of a joint of the developing cartridge;

Fig. 9 is a view for describing the attachment of the developing cartridge;

Figure 10 is a view for describing the attachment of the developing cartridge;

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

Fig. 12 is a view for describing the attachment of the developing cartridge;

Fig. 13 is a view for describing the attachment of the developing cartridge;

Fig. 14 is a view for describing the attachment of the developing cartridge;

Fig. 15 is a view for the description of a separating operation;

Figure 16 is a partially exploded perspective view of a developing 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;

Figure 18 is a partial perspective view of a developing cartridge according to a second modification; Fig. 19 is a view for the description of the operation of a columnar-type elastic element and an IC chip assembly according to the second modification;

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

Figure 21 is a view for the description of an assembly of a developing cartridge according to the second modification; Figure 22 is a view for the description of the developing cartridge assembly according to the second modification;

Fig. 23 is a view for the description of a separating operation in the developing cartridge according to the second modification;

Figure 24 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge according to a third modification;

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

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

Figure 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 IC chip assembly (integrated circuit) according to a fourth modification;

Figure 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 developing cartridge according to a fifth modification;

Figure 32 is an exploded perspective view of the first cover and 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 attachment 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 element according to the fourth modification.

Fig. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the first cover, the IC chip assembly and an elastic element 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, a direction of extension of an axis of rotation of a developing roller will be called "first direction", and a direction of movement of a carcass in a peeling operation will be called "second direction". The second direction crosses the first direction. Preferably, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

1. Overall structure of the development cartridge

Figures 1 to 5 are perspective views of a developing cartridge 1. The developing 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 FIG. 1, the developing cartridge 1 is attached to a drawer unit 90 of the image forming apparatus. When the developing cartridge 1 is replaced, the drawer unit 90 is pulled out from a front surface of the image forming apparatus. The drawer unit 90 includes four cartridge holder parts 91, and the developing cartridge 1 is attached to four cartridge holder parts 91, respectively. Each of the four cartridge holder parts 91 includes a photosensitive drum.

In the present embodiment, four developing cartridges 1 are attached to a drawer unit 90. Each of the four developer cartridges 1 is configured to house developer therein, and the color of the developer are different colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, for example) among the four developer 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 greater than or equal to 5.

As shown in Figures 2 to 5, each developing cartridge 1 according to the present embodiment includes a housing 10, an agitator 20, a developing roller 30, a first gear part 40, a second gear part 50 and a IC chip assembly 60.

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 member 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. Roller shaft 32 is comprised 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 roller body 31 in the first direction.

Agitator 20 includes agitator shaft 21 and agitation paddle 22. The agitator shaft 21 extends along the axis of rotation extending in the first direction. Stirring blade 22 expands outwardly from stirrer shaft 21 in a radial direction. The stirring paddle 22 is located within a developing chamber 13 of the housing 10. A first stirrer gear 44 and a second stirrer gear 51 described below are mounted on both end portions in the first shaft direction. 21 shaker, respectively. Accordingly, the agitator shaft 21 and the agitation paddle 22 can rotate with the first agitator gear 44 and the second agitator gear 51. The developer housed in the developing chamber 13 is stirred by rotating the stirring paddle 22. Instead of stirring paddle 22, the stirrer may include a stirring film.

Housing 10 is a box configured to house the same developer (toner, for example) for electrophotographic printing. The housing 10 includes a first outer surface 11 and a second outer surface 12. The first outer surface 11 and the second outer surface 12 are spaced from each other in the first direction. The first gear part 40 and the IC chip assembly 60 are located on the first outer surface 11. The second gear part 50 is located on the second outer surface 12. The housing 10 extends in the first direction from the first outer surface 11 to the second outer 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 developing chamber 13 and the exterior of the developing chamber 13. The opening 14 is located at an end portion 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 housing 10 in the second direction. The roller body 31 is fixed to the roller shaft 32 so that it cannot rotate relative to the roller shaft 32. An end portion of the roller shaft 32 in the first direction is mounted on a developing gear 42 described below so that it cannot rotate relative to the developing gear 42. When the developing gear 42 rotates, the roller shaft 32 rotates with the developing gear 42, and then the roller body 31 rotates together with the roller shaft 32.

When the developing cartridge 1 receives a driving force, the developer is supplied from the developing chamber 13 into 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 bias voltage is applied to the roller shaft 32 of the developing roller 30. Consequently, static electricity between the roller shaft 32 and the developer moves the developer towards the outer peripheral surface of the roller body 31.

The developing cartridge 1 further includes a layer thickness adjustment paddle which is omitted in the figure. The layer thickness regulating paddle 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, the first gear part 40 is located on the first outer surface 11. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge 1 in a state in which the first gear part 40 is disassembled. As shown in Figure 4, the first gear portion 40 includes a coupling 41, a developing gear 42, an intermediate gear 43, a first agitator gear 44, and a first cover 45. A plurality of gear teeth of Each gear is not illustrated in figure 4.

Coupling 41 is a gear for initially receiving the driving force applied from the image forming apparatus. Coupling 41 can rotate about an axis of rotation extending in the first direction. Coupling 41 includes a coupling portion 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 portion 411 has a coupling hole 413 recessed in the first direction. The Coupling gear 412 includes a plurality of gear teeth. The plurality of gear teeth are provided on 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 coupling portion 411 are connected so that they cannot rotate relative to each other. Accordingly, the coupling part 411 rotates when the drive shaft rotates, and the coupling gear 412 rotates together with the coupling part 411.

The developing gear 42 is a gear for rotating the developing roller 30. The developing gear 42 can rotate about an axis of rotation extending in the first direction. The developing gear 42 includes a plurality of gear teeth. The plurality of gear teeth are provided on 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 part of the plurality of gear teeth of the developing gear 42. Furthermore, the developing gear 42 is mounted on the end portion of the roller shaft 32 in the first direction so that it cannot rotate relative to the roller shaft 32. With this construction, when the coupling gear 412 rotates, the developing gear 42 rotates with the coupling gear 412 and also the developing roller 30 rotates with the developing gear 42.

The intermediate gear 43 is a gear for transmitting rotational driving force from 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 arranged in the first direction. The small diameter gear portion 432 is positioned between the large diameter gear portion 431 and the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. In other words, the large diameter gear portion 431 is farthest from the first surface. 11 external of which is the small diameter gear portion 432. The diameter of the small diameter gear portion 432 is smaller than the diameter of the large diameter gear portion 431. In other words, the diameter of a head circle of the small diameter gear portion 432 is smaller than the diameter of a head circle of the large diameter gear portion 431. The large diameter gear portion 431 and the small diameter gear portion 432 are integral with each other and are composed of a resin.

The large diameter gear portion 431 includes a plurality of gear teeth, and the plurality of gear teeth are provided on an entire outer peripheral surface of the large diameter gear portion 431 at equal intervals. The small diameter gear portion 432 includes a plurality of gear teeth, and the plurality of gear teeth are provided on an entire 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 less than the number of gear teeth of the large diameter gear part 431. At least a part of the plurality of gear teeth of the coupling gear 412 meshes with at least a part of the plurality of gear teeth of the large diameter gear part 431. Furthermore, 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 along with the coupling gear 412 and rotates the small diameter gear portion 432 along with the large diameter gear portion 431. Furthermore, the first agitator gear 44 rotates with the rotation of the small diameter gear portion 432.

The first agitator gear 44 is a gear for rotating the agitator 20 in the developing chamber 13. The first agitator gear 44 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. Furthermore, the first agitator gear 44 is mounted on an end portion of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction so that it cannot 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 the agitator 20 rotates together with the first agitator gear 44.

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

The second gear part 50 is located at the other end part of the housing 10 in the first direction. In other words, the second gear portion 50 is located on the second outer surface 12. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge 1 in which the second gear part 50 is exploded. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the second gear portion 50 includes a second agitator gear 51, a sensing gear 52, an electrically conductive element 53, and a second cover 54. Note that, in FIG. 5, it is not shown. illustrate gear teeth on 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 on the entirety of an outer peripheral surface of the second agitator gear 51 at equal intervals. At least a part of the plurality of gear teeth of the second agitator gear 51 meshes with at least a part of a plurality of gear teeth of the detection gear 52. The second agitator gear 51 is mounted on the other end portion of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction so that it cannot 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 about the developing cartridge 1 for the image forming apparatus. Information about the developing cartridge 1 includes, for example, information as to whether the developing cartridge 1 is a new (unused) cartridge or a used cartridge. The information about the developing cartridge 1 also includes, for example, a product specification of the developing cartridge 1. The product specification of the developing cartridge 1 includes, for example, the number of sheets that can be printed with the developer housed in the developing cartridge 1 (ie, the number of yields of sheets).

Detection gear 52 can rotate about an axis of rotation extending in the first direction. The detection gear 52 includes a plurality of gear teeth, and the plurality of gear teeth are provided on a part of an outer peripheral surface of the detection gear 52. When the drawer unit 90, to which an unused developing cartridge 1 is attached, is attached in the image forming apparatus, the detection gear 52 can rotate meshing with the second agitator gear 51. When the detection gear 52 disengages from the second agitator gear 51, the rotation of the detection gear 52 stops.

When the drawer unit 90, to which a used developing 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, the detection gear 52 cannot rotate.

A gear may 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 meshes with 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 boss 521. Detection boss 521 protrudes in the first direction. Detection boss 521 has a circular arc shape extending 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 outer surface 12 of the housing 10. The electrically conductive element 53 includes a gear shaft 531 that protrudes in the first direction. The detection gear 52 rotates around the gear shaft 531 in a state that the detection gear 52 abuts the gear shaft 531. The electrically conductive element 53 further includes a bearing portion 532. The bearing portion 532 is in contact with the roller shaft 32 of the developing roller 30.

The drawer unit 90 includes an electrically conductive lever (not shown) which is in contact with the gear shaft 531 in a state in which the developing 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 the electrical connection between the electrically conductive element 53 and the roller shaft 32 is also 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 sensing projection 521 covers a portion of an outer peripheral surface gear shaft 531. Thus, when the detection gear 52 rotates after a new developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit 90, the contact state 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 passes 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 in accordance with the number of the detection projections 521 that are 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 contact state 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 assembled development cartridge 1.

However, the method for detecting the information on the developing cartridge 1 using the detecting gear 52 is not limited to detecting electrical conduction. For example, the movement of the lever can be detected optically. Furthermore, the sensing boss 521 can be formed to have a different length and circumferential position relative 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 depending on the product specification of the developing cartridge 1 such as the number of printable sheets. More specifically, the number of the detection projections 521 can be differentiated among a varied type of the developing 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 between the plurality of detection projections 521 can be differentiated among the varied type of the development 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 developing cartridges. Thus, variations in the number of detection projections 521 and / or circumferential positions of each of the detection projections 521 allow the imaging apparatus to identify the product specification with respect to each of the cartridges. revealed.

Detection gear 52 may be configured with a plurality of components. For example, the detection projection 521 and the detection gear 52 may be different components. Furthermore, the detection gear 52 may include a detection gear body and a mating member that shifts its position relative to the detection gear body in accordance with the rotation of the detection gear body. In this case, the complementary element switches 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 relative to the detection gear body. As a result, the complementary element can change the position of the lever.

Furthermore, the detection gear 52 can be configured with a movable gear that can move in the first direction. The moving gear may not be limited to a partially toothless gear. 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 outer surface 12 or towards the second outer surface 12.

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

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the gear shaft 531 extends in the first direction from the second outer surface 12. However, the gear shaft 531 need not be in direct contact with the second outer surface 12. For example, the housing 10 may have a through hole penetrating the second outer surface 12 and a cap provided with the through hole, and a shift lever may extend from the cap in the first direction. In this case, the cover includes the shift lever protruding in the first direction toward the detection gear 52, and rotates the detection gear 52 around the gear shaft 531 in a state that the detection gear abuts against 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 detection gear 52 and the electrically conductive element 53 are housed in a space between the second outer surface 12 and the second cover 54. The second cover 54 has an opening 541. A portion of the gear 52 of detection and a part of the gear shaft 531 are exposed to the exterior through aperture 541. The electrically conductive lever of drawer unit 90 contacts detection gear 52 and gear shaft 531 through aperture 541.

2. IC chip set

The IC chip assembly 60 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the IC chip assembly 60. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of IC chip assembly 60 taken along a plane perpendicular to the first direction. As shown in Figures 2-7, the IC chip assembly 60 includes an IC chip 61 (integrated circuit) as a storage medium and a holder 62 to support the IC chip 61. Bracket 62 is supported on first cover 45 at one end of housing 10 in the first direction. The IC chip 61 stores various information about the developing cartridge 1. IC chip 61 includes an electrical contact surface 611. Electrical contact surface 611 is comprised of electrically conductive metal. Hereinafter, a direction that crosses 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". IC chip 61 is attached to an outer surface of holder 62 in the third direction.

The drawer unit 90 includes an electrical connector. The electrical connector is made 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 IC chip 61 and writing information on IC chip 61.

At least a portion of the bracket 62 is covered by the first cover 45. The bracket 62 includes a boss 621a, a boss 621b, and a boss 621c. Each of the shoulder 621a and the shoulder 621b extends in the first direction toward the first cover 45 from a surface of the bracket 62 opposite a surface thereof facing the housing 10. The shoulder 621a and the shoulder 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. Through hole 451a and through hole 451b penetrate first cover 45 in the first direction, respectively. Through hole 451a and through hole 451b are aligned in the second direction. The shoulder 621a inserts into the through hole 451a. Boss 621b inserts into 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 portion 15. The recessed portion 15 is recessed in the first direction at the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. The shoulder 621c is inserted into the recessed portion 15. The projections 621a, 621b, and 621c may have a circular column shape or a rectangular column shape, respectively.

Through hole 451a has a dimension (inner dimension) in the second direction greater than a dimension (outer dimension) of shoulder 621a in the second direction. Through hole 451b has a dimension (inner dimension) in the second direction greater than a dimension (outer dimension) of shoulder 621b in the second direction. Furthermore, the recessed portion 15 has a dimension (internal dimension) in the second direction greater than a dimension (external dimension) of the shoulder 621c in the second direction. Thus, the bracket 62 can move with the bosses 621a, 621b and 621c in the second direction relative to the housing 10 and the first cover 45. As the bracket 62 moves in the second direction, the IC chip 61 that It has the electrical contact surface 611 also moving in the second direction along with the bracket 62.

Through hole 451a has a dimension (inner dimension) in the third direction greater than a dimension (outer dimension) of shoulder 621a in the third direction. Through hole 451b has a dimension (inner dimension) in the third direction greater than a dimension (outer dimension) of shoulder 621b in the third direction. Furthermore, the recessed portion 15 has a dimension (internal dimension) in the third direction greater than a dimension (external dimension) of the shoulder 621c in the third direction. Thus, the bracket 62 can move with the shoulders 621a, 621b and 621c in the third direction relative to the housing 10 and the first cover 45. As the bracket 62 moves in the third direction, the IC chip 61 that has the electrical contact surface 611 also moves in the third direction along with the bracket 62. The bracket 62 can move in the first direction between the first cover 45 and the first outer surface 11.

Alternatively, support 62 may include a single rib, or equal to or more than three ribs. 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 shoulders 621a and / or 621b inserted therein.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, bracket 62 includes a first end portion 710 and a second end portion 720. The first end part 710 is an end part of the bracket 62 in the third direction. The second end portion 720 is another end portion of the bracket 62 in the third direction. The first end portion 710 is movable relative to the second end portion 720 in the third direction. More specifically, the support 62 of the present embodiment includes a first support member 71, a second support member 72 and a helical spring 73 located between the first support member 71 and the second support member 72. The first support element 71 is made of resin, for example. The second support element 72 is made of resin, for example. The first support member 71 includes the first end portion 710. An outer surface of the first support member 71 includes a support surface 620. IC chip 61 is attached to support surface 620. The second support member 72 includes the second end portion 720. After the first support member 71 is mounted, the second support member 72 and the helical spring 73 as the support 62, the first end part 710 and the second end part 720 are spaced apart from each other in the third direction.

The helical 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 coil spring 73 can be stretched or compressed in the third direction at least between a first state and a second state more compressed than the first state. The helical spring 73 in the first state has a length in the third direction longer than the length of the helical spring 73 in the second state in the third direction. Therefore, the distance between the first end part 710 and the second end part 720 in the third direction in the first state is longer than the distance between the first end part 710 and the second end part 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 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 pawl 714a and the pawl 714b project respectively from the first support member 71 in a direction that crosses the third direction. The second support member 72 has an opening 721a and an opening 721b. The pawl 714a is inserted into the opening 721a. The pawl 714b is inserted into the opening 721b. 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. Furthermore, 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 further longer than the length of the helical spring 73 in the first state. Furthermore, the first support member 71 cannot be easily detached from the second support member 72. On the other hand, in the second state, the pawl 714a is spaced from the periphery of the aperture 721a on the side of the first end portion 710 in the third direction, and the pawl 714b is spaced from the periphery of the aperture 721b. on the side of the first end part 710 in the third direction.

Instead of aperture 721a and aperture 721b, one or more recesses or one or more steps may be provided which can contact pawl 714a and 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 pawls.

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 bracket support surface 620 62 is movable in the third direction relative to housing 10. Hereinafter, the position of support surface 620 in the third direction relative to housing 10 will be referred to as a "home position". Before attaching the developing cartridge 1 to the drawer unit 90, the support surface 620 is in the initial position. Furthermore, the position of the support surface 620 in the third direction relative to the casing 10 at a time when the helical spring 73 is most compressed during attachment of the developing cartridge 1 to the drawer unit 90 will be referred to as a "Intermediate position". Furthermore, the position of the support surface 620 in the third direction relative to the housing 10 when the electrical contact surface 611 makes contact with 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 attachment of the developing cartridge 1 to the drawer unit 90 has been completed will be referred to as a "final position".

The outer surface of the first end portion 710 further includes a first surface 711, a second surface 712, and third surfaces 713a and 713b, in addition to the support surface 620 described above.

The first surface 711 is located on one side of the support surface 620 in the second direction that 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 relative to the electrical contact surface 611.

In this case, one end of the first end portion 710 in the second direction will be defined as a first outer end position 711a (third position). One end of the supporting surface 620 in the second direction is defined as a first inner end position 711b (fourth position). As illustrated in FIG. 7, the first surface 711 extends from the first outer end position 711a to the first inner end position 711b toward the electrical contact surface 611. The first outer end position 711a is further from the electrical contact surface 611 than the first inner end position 711b both in the second direction and in the third direction. Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 7, the distance di between the first outer end position 711a and the first inner end position 711b in the third direction is greater than the distance d2 between the electrical contact surface 611 and the first inner end position 711b in the third direction.

The second surface 712 is located on one side of the support surface 620 in the second direction that is further away from the developing roller 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 portion 710 in the second direction will be defined as a second outer end position 712a (fifth position). Another end of the supporting surface 620 in the second direction is defined as a second inner end position 712b (sixth position). As illustrated in FIG. 7, the second surface 712 extends from the second outer end position 712a to the second inner end position 712b toward the electrical contact surface 611. The second outer end position 712a is further from the electrical contact surface 611 than the second inner end position 712b in both the second and third directions. Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 7, the distance d3 between the second outer end position 712a and the second inner end position 712b in the third direction is greater than the distance d4 between the electrical contact surface 611 and the second inner end position 712b 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 further away from the coil spring 73 than the electrical contact surface 611 in the third direction. Thus, the electrical contact surface 611 is located in a recessed area that is recessed towards the side of the coil 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 part of the drawer unit 90 when the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit 90.

3. Join operation

Later, the operation in which each developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit 90 will be described. Figures 8 to 14 respectively illustrate 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 portion 91, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the developing roller 30 of the developing cartridge 1 is first facing an insertion opening 910 of the portion. 91 cartridge holder. At this time, the first end portion 710 of the bracket 720 and the second end portion 720 of the bracket 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 developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the cartridge holder portion 91 in the second direction, as shown by a broken arrow illustrated in Fig. 8.

The cartridge support portion 91 includes a first guide plate 911 and a second guide plate 912. The first guide plate 911 is spaced 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 a metal composite electrical connector 913. 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 on the first surface 711, thereby the bracket 62 moves in the third direction. At this time, the movement of the bracket 62 is the relative movement with respect to the housing 10. As a result, the bracket 62 is positioned between the first guide plate 911 and the second guide plate 912 in the third direction, as illustrated in figure 10.

The first end portion 710 of the first support member 71 then comes into contact with the first plate 911 guide. The second end portion 720 of the second support member 72 also contacts the second guide plate 912. The helical spring 73 is more compressed in the third direction than the first state.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the first guide plate 911 includes a guide boss 914 that projects toward the second guide plate 912. Guide boss 914 is located closer to insertion opening 910 than electrical connector 913. Guide projection 914 includes a first inclined surface 915. The second guide plate 912 also includes a second sloped surface 916. The distance between the first inclined surface 915 and the second inclined surface 916 in the third direction gradually becomes smaller towards the insertion direction of the developing cartridge 1.

When the developing cartridge 1 is further inserted in the second direction, the first support member 71 contacts the first inclined surface 915 and the second support member 72 contacts 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 helical spring 73 in the third direction gradually becomes shorter. When each of the third surfaces 713a, 713b of the first support member 71 comes into contact with the top of the guide boss 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 shortest state, and the length of the helical spring 73 in the shortest state is shorter than the length of the helical spring 73 in the second state 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 developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the drawer unit 90. As a result, the developing 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 boss 914. Therefore, the developing cartridge 1 can be inserted into the drawer unit 90 by removing friction from the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61. Furthermore, as illustrated in Figures 10, 11, and 12, electrical contact surface 611 directly contacts electrical connector 913 after first surface 711 moves over guide boss 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 part of the guide projection 914 contacts only the third surfaces 713a, 713b but does not contact the electrical contact surface 611 in the state illustrated in FIG. 11. Therefore, friction of the projection 914 guides 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 boss 914. The second surface 712 then comes into contact with the guide projection 914 as illustrated in FIG. 12. With such contact, the coil spring 73 is stretched again from the shorter state to the second state 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 FIG. 13. The length in the third direction of the helical spring 73 in the second state is shorter than the length in the third direction. 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. Furthermore, 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 fixed 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 housing 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 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 shoulder 621a moves within the through hole 451a in the third direction and the shoulder 621b moves within the through hole 451b in the third direction. As a result, the shoulder 621a is not in contact with the edge of the through hole 451a of the first cover 45, and the shoulder 621b is not in contact with the edge of the through hole 451b of the first cover 45. Thus, the assembly 60 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 image forming apparatus executes the printing process. Therefore, the contact state of the electrical contact surface 611 and the electrical connector 913 can be maintained sufficiently.

4. Separation operation

After the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit 90, the drawer unit 90 can perform a "Stripping operation" in which the developing roller 30 is temporarily detached from the photosensitive drum 92. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first cover 45 of the developing cartridge 1 includes a first columnar boss 46 extending into the first direction. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the second cover 54 of the developing cartridge 1 includes a second columnar boss 55 extending in the first direction. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the drawer unit 90 includes a pressure element 93. The pressure element 93 is located on a side part of the cartridge support part 91 in the first direction, and another pressure element (not shown in Figure 1) is located on another side part of the cartridge support part 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 element 93 presses the first columnar boss 46 and the other pressure element 93 presses the second columnar boss 55 in the same way that the pressure element 93 presses. the first columnar boss 46 as shown in FIG. 14, and the housing 10 is therefore inclined 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 end position, described above.

Figure 15 illustrates the developing cartridge 1 in the separation operation. During the separating operation, the driving force from the image forming apparatus changes the positions of the first columnar boss 46 and the second columnar boss 55. Specifically, the lever of the drawer unit 90 (not illustrated) presses each of the first columnar protrusion 46 and the second columnar protrusion 55, and each of the first columnar protrusion 46 and the second columnar protrusion 55, thus moving against of the pressing force of the pressing element 93. Accordingly, as shown by a broken arrow illustrated in FIG. 15, the housing 10 and the developing roller 30 of the developing cartridge 1 move in the second direction so that they are separated away from the photosensitive drum 92.

Meanwhile, the IC chip assembly 60 is fixed in a state that the IC chip assembly 60 is clamped between the electrical connector 913 and the second guide board 912. Accordingly, the position of the IC chip assembly 60 is not changed relative to the drawer unit 90, when the housing 10 and the developing roller 30 are moved in the second direction so that the developing roller 30 moves away. of the photosensitive drum 92. Furthermore, the state of the helical spring 73 does not change from the second state. As a result, the position of the bracket 62 relative to the housing 10 in the second direction changes from a conventional position (first position) to a detached position (second position). The boss 621a then moves into the through hole 451a in the second direction and the boss 621b then moves into the through hole 451b in the second direction.

As described above, the developing 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 contacting state between the electrical contact surface 611 and the electrical connector 913 during the separating operation. The contacting state between the electrical contact surface 611 and the electrical connector 913 can also be maintained during shipping of the image forming apparatus in which the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit 90. Accordingly, abrasion or wear of the electrical contact surface 611 can be suppressed.

5. Modifications

5-1. First modification

In the following, a first modification of the main embodiment is discussed. Due to the many similarities between the first modification and the main embodiment, only the differences between the main embodiment and the first modification will be discussed. Regarding all other characteristics, reference is made to the analysis of the main embodiment above.

Figure 16 is a partially exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge 1A according to a first modification. In the first modification, at least a portion of the holder 62A that supports 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 shoulder 451aA and a shoulder 451bA. The shoulder 451aA and the shoulder 451bA are disposed in the second direction. Each of the shoulder 451aA and the shoulder 451bA extend from the first cover 45A toward the housing 10A in the first direction. Bracket 62A has a through hole 621A that penetrates bracket 62A in the first direction. Both shoulder 451aA and shoulder 451bA insert into 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 direction. direction. The through hole 621A has a dimension in the second direction greater than the distance between the first edge of the shoulder 451aA and the other edge of the shoulder 451bA in the second direction. Specifically, the distance between the first edge of the boss 451aA and the other edge of the boss 451bA in the second direction is the longest distance of the boss 451aA and the boss 451bA in the second direction, and the dimension of the through hole 621A in the second direction. is greater than the longest distance. Bracket 62A can move together with through hole 621A in the second direction relative to both housing 10A and first cover 45A. When the holder 62A moves in the second direction, the IC chip 61A having the electrical contact surface 611A moves in the second direction together with the holder 62A.

The dimension of the through hole 621A in the third direction is greater than each dimension of the shoulder 451aA and the shoulder 451bA in the third direction. Accordingly, the bracket 62A can move together with the through hole 621A in the third direction relative to both the housing 10a and the first cover 45A. When the holder 62A moves in the third direction, the IC chip 61A having the electrical contact surface 611A moves in the third direction together with the holder 62A. The support 62A may be movable in the first direction between the first cover 45A and the first outer surface 11A.

As described above, first cover 45A may include shoulder 451aA and shoulder 451bA, and bracket 62A may have through hole 621A, so that electrical contact surface 611 can move relative to housing 10A at the same time. second and third directions. Depending on the configuration, the shoulder 451aA and the shoulder 451bA can move in the third inner direction of the through hole 621A when the housing 10A is tilted in the third direction during attachment of the developing cartridge 1A to the drawer unit 90. When the detaching operation is performed after the developing cartridge 1A is attached to the drawer unit 90, the shoulder 451aA and the shoulder 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 satisfactorily maintained.

Instead of the boss 451aA and the boss 451bA, the number of the bosses can be one or more than or equal to three. The number of through holes 621A formed in bracket 62A can be more than or equal to two. Instead of through hole 621A, bracket 62A may have a recessed portion into which shoulder 451aA and shoulder 451bA can be inserted. Furthermore, the first outer surface of the housing may have a shoulder and the bracket has the through hole or the recessed portion through which the housing shoulder is inserted. Each of the boss 451aA and the boss 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 FIG. 17, support 62A of IC chip assembly 60A includes a resin composite support element 74A and leaf spring 75A attached to support element 74A. Support member 74A includes a first end portion 740A that is positioned at an end portion of support 62A in the third direction. The IC chip 61A is attached to the support surface 620A that is part of the outer surface of the first end portion 740A. Leaf spring 75a includes a second end portion 750A that is positioned at the other end portion of bracket 62A in the third direction. The first end portion 740A and the second end portion 750A are spaced apart from each other in the third direction on the mounted bracket 62A.

Leaf spring 75A is comprised of a bent elastic metal sheet, 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 bends 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 part 740A and the second end part 750A in the first state is longer than the distance in the third direction between the first end part 740A and the second end part 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 so that the IC chip assembly 60A can be stretched or compressed in the third direction. Also, as described above, the dimensional difference between shoulder 451aA and through hole 621A, the dimensional difference between shoulder 451bA and through hole 621A, and the stretching or compression of leaf spring 75A allows the surface to move. 611A of 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 discussed. Due to the many similarities between the second modification and the main embodiment, only the differences between the main embodiment and the second modification will be discussed. Regarding all other characteristics, reference is made to the analysis of the main embodiment above.

Fig. 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 IC chip 61B is oriented to face in the first direction. Therefore, 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 attached to a holder 62B of the IC chip assembly 60B. The columnar elastic body 63B includes another end portion in the first direction, and the other end portion is attached to a first outer surface of the housing 10B. That is, the housing 10B and the IC chip assembly 60B are connected to each other 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 FIG. 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 also changes in the third direction. Furthermore, as illustrated in Fig. 20, the columnar elastic body 63B can be deformed in a direction diagonal to the third direction. As the columnar elastic body 63B is diagonally deformed, 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 according to the second modification is attached 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 disposed 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 columnar elastic body 63B are housed in a housing portion 452B that defines a space between the first frame portion 456B and the second frame portion 457B. The first cover 45B further includes a pawl 453B protruding from the first frame portion 456B toward the housing portion 452B. As illustrated in FIG. 21, prior to attaching the developing cartridge 1B 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 kept 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 FIG. 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 is maintained between the electrical contact surface 611B and the electrical connector 913B.

Fig. 23 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the separating operation is performed after the developing cartridge 1B is attached to the drawer unit 90B. When the separation operation is performed, as illustrated in Fig. 23, the columnar elastic body 63B is deformed 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 discussed. Due to the many similarities between the third modification and the main embodiment, only the differences between the main embodiment and the third modification will be discussed. Regarding all other characteristics, reference is made 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 holder 62C, a shaft portion 66C, and a lever 67C. The shaft portion 66C extends in the second direction into 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 bracket 62C so that it cannot rotate relative to the bracket 62C. The shaft portion 66C includes another end portion in the second direction, and the other end portion is mounted on the lever 67C located on the outside of the first cover 45C so that it cannot rotate relative to the lever 67C. Accordingly, as lever 67C pivots about shaft portion 66C as indicated by a dashed arrow shown in FIG. 24, shaft portion 66C and bracket 62C also pivot about shaft portion 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. For Consequently, the position of the bracket 62C is changed in the third direction.

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 within the first cover 45C. When the developing cartridge 1C is attached to the drawer unit and then the drawer unit is housed in the image forming apparatus, the lever 67C pivots around the shaft portion 66C. As a result, a part of the holder 62C and the IC chip 61C protrude from the first cover 45C. Furthermore, 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 developing cartridge 1C is attached to the drawer unit. Alternatively, the lever 67C may be pivoted by a guide surface provided on 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 prior to 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 portion 66C, the holder 62C, and the IC chip 61C as a whole rest on the first cover 45C in the second direction. However, as illustrated in FIG. 26, as lever 67C pivots, lever 67C moves outside of bearing surface 454C. Consequently, the first surface of the lever 67C in the second direction and the bearing surface 454C are not in contact with each other. Furthermore, the bracket 62C is held in a position shown in FIG. 26, by 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 portion 66C, the holder 62C, and the IC chip 61C as a whole can move relative to the first cover 45C in the second direction. 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 in which the contact state between the surface 611C is maintained. electrical contact of IC chip 61C and electrical connector 913C.

5-4. Fourth modification

In the following, a fourth modification of the main embodiment is discussed. Due to the many similarities between the fourth modification and the main embodiment, only the differences between the main embodiment and the fourth modification will be discussed. Regarding all other characteristics, reference is made to the analysis of the main embodiment above.

FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a first cover 45D and an IC chip assembly 60D of the developing cartridge according to a fourth modification. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the first cover 45D and the IC chip assembly 60D. In the fourth modification depicted in Figures 28 and 29, the electrical contact surface 611D of the IC chip 61D is oriented to face in the first direction. Consequently, 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 holder 62D supporting the IC chip 61D, and a gasket element 63D. Bracket 62D includes a plurality of pawls 622D, and each of the plurality of pawls 622D extends away from electrical contact surfaces 611D in the third direction. In the fourth modification shown in FIG. 28, bracket 62D includes four pawls 622D. The joint member 63D includes a fixing portion 631D attached to the first cover 45D, and an arm 632D extending from the attachment portion 631D toward the bracket 62D in the third direction.

Arm 632D includes a distal end in the third direction, and a spherical portion 633D whose diameter is greater than the thickness of arm 632D. The spherical portion 633D is located at the distal end of the arm 632D. The spherical portion 633D is held in position within the bracket 62D by the plurality of pawls 622D. With this configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 30, arm 632D and bracket 62D are connected to each other so that they can rotate relative to each other. That is, the IC chip 61D and the holder 62D can rotate relative to each other around the spherical part 633D. Accordingly, the position of the electrical contact surfaces 611D of the IC chip 61D relative to the fixing portion 631D can move in the second direction. Therefore, when the separating operation of the developing cartridge 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. IC and electrical connector.

In addition, with the configuration depicted in Figures 28-30, the plurality of pawls 622D of bracket 62D and the arm 632D of the joint element 63D can move relative to each other in the third direction. Therefore, when the developing cartridge is inserted into the drawer unit, the IC chip 61D and the holder 62D can move relative to the fixing part 631D in the third direction. Accordingly, the developing cartridge can be inserted, while rubbing of the electrical contact surfaces 611D of the IC chip 61D can be suppressed.

As shown in Fig. 36, an elastic element such as a helical spring 66D1 that is stretched or compressed in the third direction can be positioned between the fixing portion 631D of the joint element 63D and the plurality of pawls 622D. Specifically, the helical spring 66D1 that is stretched or compressed in the third direction can be positioned between the first cover 45D and the plurality of pawls 622D. The helical spring 66D1 shown in Figure 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 FIG. 37, an elastic element such as a helical spring 66D2 that is stretched or compressed in the third direction cannot be positioned between the first cover 45D and the plurality of pawls 622D. One end of the helical spring 66D2 comes into contact with the fixing part 631D, on the other hand, another end of the helical spring 662D comes into contact with the first outer surface 11.

Furthermore, the arm 632D can be rotatably connected to the fixing part 631D or the first cover 45D. For example, arm 632D includes a spherical portion at one end of arm 632D and another spherical portion at another end of arm 632D. Either the first spherical portion or the other spherical portion may be rotatably supported by a plurality of pawls 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 modification

In the following, a fifth modification of the main embodiment is discussed. Due to the many similarities between the fifth modification and the main embodiment, only the differences between the main embodiment and the fifth modification will be discussed. Regarding all other characteristics, reference is made to the analysis of the main embodiment above.

Figure 31 is a partial perspective view of a developing cartridge 1E of the fifth modification. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 31, the holder 62E supporting the IC chip 61E has a plate shape which has been deformed in a circular manner and the ends of which are connected to each other. Support 62E is made of a flexible resin, for example. Accordingly, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 31, the support 62E itself is an elastic element that is stretched or compressed in the third direction. With this structure, the distance between both ends of the bracket 62E can be changed in the third direction. 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 FIG. 31, the bracket 62E need not be configured by a plurality of elements due to stretching or compression of the bracket 62E in the third direction. The bracket 62E need not be compressed by an elastic member that is different from the member for supporting the IC chip 61E.

FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view showing a first cover 45E and an IC chip assembly 60E of the fifth modification. As shown in FIG. 32, the first cover 45E includes a shoulder 451aE that extends in the first direction and a shoulder 451bE that extends in the first direction. The shoulder 451aE and the shoulder 451bE align in the second direction. And, the first cover 45E includes a connecting portion 455E that connects the top of the shoulder 451aE and the top of the shoulder 451bE together.

Bracket 62E extends in an annular shape surrounding shoulder 451aE and shoulder 451bE. And a pawl 623E located at one end of the bracket 62E and another pawl 623E located at another end of the bracket 62E are coupled together. Accordingly, a through hole 621E is located within the bracket 62E and the through hole 621E penetrates through the bracket 62E in the first direction. The shoulder 451aE and the shoulder 451bE are located within the through hole 621E. Bracket 62E further includes a plate portion 624E that protrudes from an internal surface of bracket 62E toward through hole 621E. Plate portion 624E is inserted between shoulder 451aE and 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 bracket 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 bracket 62E moves in the second direction, the IC chip 61E having the electrical contact surface 611E moves together with the bracket 62E in the second direction.

The size of the through hole 621E in the third direction is larger than the sizes of each of the shoulder 451aE and the shoulder 451bE in the third direction. Thus, bracket 62e can move relative to housing 10E and the first deck 45E in the third direction. When the bracket 62E moves in the third direction, the IC chip 61E having the electrical contact surface 611E moves together with the bracket 62E in the third direction.

When the developing cartridge 1E is attached to the drawer unit, the bracket 62E is held by the guide plates of the drawer unit and the bracket 62E is compressed in the third direction. Specifically, by bringing both the first pawl 623E and the other pawl 623E closer together, a driving force is generated which is exerted in the direction to separate both the first pawl 623E and the other pawl 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 holder 62E is elastically deformed. The electrical contact surface 611E is fixed to the electrical connector due to the driving force in a state that 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 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 shoulder 451aE and the shoulder 451bE can move in the third direction into the through hole 621E. After the developing cartridge 1E is attached to the drawer unit and the detaching operation is performed, the shoulder 451aE and the shoulder 451bE can be moved in the second direction into 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 way.

The number of the projections provided on the first cover 45E can be one, two, three, or more than three.

5-6. Sixth modification

In the following, a sixth modification of the main embodiment is discussed. Due to the many similarities between the sixth modification and the main embodiment, only the differences between the main embodiment and the sixth modification will be discussed. Regarding all other characteristics, reference is made to the analysis of the main embodiment above.

Fig. 33 is a perspective view showing a developing cartridge 1F and a drum cartridge 80F of the sixth modification. The development cartridge 1F shown in Figure 33 includes a housing 10F, a development roller 30F, an IC chip assembly 60F, and a first cover 45F. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 33, the developer cartridge 1F is attached to the drum cartridge 80F instead of the drawer unit. The drum cartridge 80F includes a developing cartridge holder portion 81F that supports the developing cartridge 1F. The developing cartridge holder portion 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 Fig. 34, the drum cartridge 80F is attached to a drum cartridge holder portion 101F provided in the imaging apparatus 100F in a state in which 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. Fig. 35 is an exploded perspective view showing a detail of the IC chip assembly 60F of the developing cartridge 1F. As shown in FIG. 35, the C i chip assembly 60F of the developing cartridge 1F includes an IC chip 61F as a storage medium and a holder 62F that supports the IC chip 61F. The first cover supports the bracket 62F on one side of the housing 10F in the first direction.

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

The first support member 71F includes a shoulder 621aF, a shoulder 621bF, and a shoulder 621cF. The shoulder 621aF extends in the first direction towards the first cover 45F from a certain surface of the first support member 71F, and the certain 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. Boss 621aF is inserted through through hole 451f.

Each of the shoulder 621bF and the shoulder 621cF extends in the first direction towards the housing 10F from a certain surface of the first support member 71F, and the certain surface faces the housing 10F. On the other hand, the housing 10F includes a lowered portion 15aF and a lowered portion 15bF. Each of the recessed portion 15aF and the recessed portion 15bF is recessed with respect to the first outer surface 11F of the housing 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.

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

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

As shown in FIG. 34, the second support member 72F includes a recess portion 625F. On the other hand, the drum cartridge 80F includes a convex portion 83F. The recess part 625F and the convex part 83F are facing each other in the third direction. The size of the recess portion 625F is gradually enlarged as they advance away from the IC chip 61F in the third direction. The size of the convex portion 83F gradually decreases as they advance toward the top of the convex portion 83F in the third direction.

As shown in FIG. 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 brought into contact with a component of the apparatus. 100F imaging. The convex portion 83F of the drum cartridge 80F fits into the recess portion 625F of the second support member 72F. Therefore, the position of the second support member 72F relative to the drum cartridge 80F is fixed. As a result, the holder 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 contact the one or more electrical connectors 102F.

IC chip 61F contacts electrical connector 102F while receiving a repulsive force from coil spring 73F. Bracket 62F is clamped between electrical connector 102f and convex portion 83F. Thus, support 62F is positioned relative to image forming apparatus 100F and drum cartridge 80F.

As shown in FIG. 35, the second support member 72F includes a pawl 714F. The pawl 714F protrudes from the second support member 72F in a direction that crosses the third direction. In the example of FIG. 35, the pawl 714F protrudes in the first direction from the second support member 72F. The first support member 71F has an opening 721F. Ratchet 714F is inserted through 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 outer surface 11F in the first direction. The second rib 55F protrudes from the second outer surface 12F in the first direction. The drum cartridge 80F includes a first lever 84F and a second lever 85F. During the separation operation, the first lever 84F and the second lever 85F are actuated by an actuation 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 developing cartridge 1F, the position of the holder 62F in the second direction relative to the housing 10F can be changed. Consequently, 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, that is, the positions of the surface 611F remain unchanged. of electrical contact relative to electrical connector 102F in the second direction. Therefore, it is possible to perform the separation operation, while keeping 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 move relative to the 10F casing in the third direction. Accordingly, when the drum cartridge 80F is attached to the imaging apparatus 100F, 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 attached to the outer surface of the holder. However, only the electrical contact surfaces of the IC chip that serve to make contact with the electrical connectors can be attached to the outer surface of the holder, but parts of the IC chip other than the electrical contact surfaces can be located in other parts of the development cartridge.

According to the embodiments described above, the various gears provided within each of the first gear part and the second gear part are coupled to each other through gear engagement of the gear teeth. However, the various gears provided within each of the first gear part and the second gear part can be engaged with each other through 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 gears that engage each other.

The shapes of the details on the developing cartridge may differ from those shown in the drawings attached to this application. The respective components employed in the embodiments and modifications described above can be selectively combined with each other within an appropriate range so that no inconsistencies arise.

Claims (14)

1. Development cartridge, comprising: a housing (10; 10A; 10B; 10C; 10E; 10F) for housing developer therein; a developing 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 means (61; 61A; 61B; 61C; 61D; 61E; 61F) having an electrical contact surface (611; 611A; 611B; 611C; 611D; 611E; 611F); Y a bracket (62; 62A; 62B; 62C; 62D; 62E; 62F) movable relative to the casing (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 an external surface (620; 620A) on which the surface (611; 611A; 611B; 611C; 611D; 611E; 611F) of electrical contact 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 that crosses the surface (611; 611A; 611B ; 611C; 611D; 611E; 611F) of electrical contact, and the external surface (620; 620A) can move relative to the housing (10; 10A; 10B; 10C; 10E; 10F) in the third direction, characterized in that the Movement of the outer surface (620; 620A) in the second direction is independent of the movement of the outer surface (620; 620A) in the third direction. A developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the carrier (62; 62A; 62E; 62F) includes: a first end portion (710; 740A; 71F) in the third direction including the outer surface (620; 620A), and a second end part (720; 750A; 72F) spaced from the first end part (710; 740A; 71F) in the third direction, the first end part (710; 740A; 71F) being movable relative to the second end part (720; 750A; 72F) in the third direction. A developing cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the holder (62; 62A; 62F) includes: an elastic element (73; 75A; 73F) located between the first end part (710; 740A; 71F) and the second end part (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 in the third direction of the element (73; 75A; 73F) being elastic in the first state greater than the length in the third direction of the element (73 ; 75A; 73F) elastic in the second state. Developing cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the holder (62; 62A; 62F) is movable 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. A developing cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the elastic member (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. imaging, and 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 element (73; 75A; 73F ) elastic is in the second state. A developing cartridge according to any one of claims 3 to 5, in which the length in the third direction of the elastic element (73; 75A; 73F) in the second state is less than the natural length in the third direction of the element (73; 75A; 73F) elastic. A developing cartridge according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the holder (62; 62F) has a remote state in which between the first end part (710; 740A; 71F) and the second end part (720; 750A ; 72F) end in the third direction there is a first distance and proximity state in which between the first end part (710; 740A; 71F) and the second end part (720; 750A; 72F) in the third direction there is a second distance that is less than the first distance, the bracket (62; 62A; 62F) being propelled in a direction such that the first end part (710; 740A; 71F) and the second part (720; 750A; 72F ) end are moved away from each other in a state in which the support (62; 62A; 62F) is in the proximity position. A developing cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the holder (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 bracket (62; 62A; 62F) is movable relative to the casing (10; 10A; 10F) between the first position and the second position in the second direction in a state in which the bracket (62; 62A ; 62f) is in the proximity state. Developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the support (62; 62A; 62B; 62C; 62D; 62E; 62F) is located on one side of the housing (10; 10A; 10B; 10C; 10E; 10F) in the first direction. A developing cartridge according to claim 9, wherein the housing (10A) further includes: a support cover (45A) located on the side of the housing (10A) in the first direction and covering at least a part of the support (62A); Y a shoulder (451aA, 451bA) extending in the first direction and located between the side of the housing (10A) and the support cover (45A), and wherein the bracket (62A) has one of a recessed portion and a through hole (621A) through which the shoulder (451aA, 451bA) is inserted, and wherein the shoulder (451aA, 451bA) can move in the second direction relative to one of the recessed portion and the through hole (621A) when the bracket (62A) moves relative to the housing (10A) in the second direction between the first position and the second position. A developing cartridge according to claim 10, wherein one of the recessed portion and the through hole (621A) has a length in the second direction greater than the length of the shoulder (451aA, 451bA) in the second direction. A developing cartridge according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the holder (62A) is movable relative to the housing (10A) in the third direction between a third position and a fourth position, and wherein the shoulder (451aA, 451bA) can move in the third direction relative to the one of the recessed portion and the through hole (621A) when the bracket (62A) moves in the third direction between the third and fourth positions position. A developing cartridge according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the support cover (45A) includes the shoulder (451aA, 451bA). A developing cartridge according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the side of the support housing (10A) includes the shoulder.