ES2824682T3 - Developer cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

Developing cartridge (1; 1A) for supplying developer to a photosensitive drum, the photosensitive drum being included either in a drawer unit (90) of an image forming apparatus or in a drum cartridge (70A) of a image forming apparatus, the developing cartridge (1; 1A) comprising: a housing (10; 10A) configured to house developer therein, the housing (10; 10A) extending in a first direction; a coupling (41; 41A) rotatable about a first axis (83) extending in the first direction, the coupling (41; 41A) locating on one side of the housing (10; 10A) in the first direction; and a detection gear (52; 52A) rotatable about a second axis (85) extending in the first direction, the detection gear (52; 52A) being located on another side of the housing (10; 10A) in the first direction; characterized in that the developing cartridge further comprises: a storage means (61; 61A) including an electrical contact surface (611; 611A), the electrical contact surface (611; 611A) being located on the one side of the housing ( 10; 10A) in the first direction.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Developer cartridge

[Field of the invention]

The present invention relates to a developing cartridge.

[Description of Related Art]

Conventionally, a developing cartridge is known which can be attached to an imaging apparatus such as a laser printer. The conventional developing cartridge, for example, is disclosed in Patent Publication 1. The developing cartridge houses developer therein. The developing cartridge includes an electrode for receiving electrical energy from the imaging apparatus. The electrode can supply a developing roller with electrical energy received from the image forming apparatus. The development cartridge also includes a coupling. The coupling is configured to receive a driving force from the image forming apparatus. The developing cartridge disclosed in Patent Publication 1 further includes a detection gear. The detection gear is a gear for transmitting, to the imaging apparatus, information representing one or more specifications of the developing cartridge or information representing whether or not the developing cartridge is a new developing cartridge. After the developing cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, the coupling receives the driving force from the image forming apparatus, and then the detection gear can rotate.

A developing cartridge disclosed in Patent Publication 2 includes a storage medium (eg, an IC chip). The storage medium can store information representing, for example, several print pages. The developing cartridge disclosed in Patent Publication 2 includes a cartridge-side electrical contact part provided in a contact part of the detection gear. Furthermore, JP 2014 063080 A discloses an imaging system including a body shell, a replacement mode developing cartridge and a starter mode developing cartridge, and which can image while Any one selected from the replacement mode developing cartridge and the starter mode developing cartridge is attached to the body shell. A cartridge frame of the replacement mode development cartridge is configured to be attached to a new cartridge detection gear, and a cartridge frame of the starter mode development cartridge is configured to regulate the attachment or the function of the new cartridge detection gear.

Document US 2013/0511814 A1 discloses a cartridge mountable in an image forming apparatus comprising a receiving element that is configured to receive a driving force from outside, mounted on a first side wall in a opposite side to a developer housing part and can rotate about a first axis line parallel to the longitudinal direction, a rotating element that is rotatably provided between the first and second side walls and is configured to be rotated by force drive received by the receiving element, a sensing body that is mounted on the second side wall on a side opposite to the developer housing part and includes a sensed portion that is sensed by a sensing unit, wherein the sensing body advances outward in the longitudinal direction relative to the second side wall and retracts inwardly in the direction of the second side wall. longitudinal connection with respect to the second side wall by the actuation force received by the receiving element. US 6,289,189 B1 discloses a process cartridge that can be removably mounted in a main assembly of an image forming apparatus. The cartridge includes a charging unit, an electrophotographic photosensitive drum, and a developing unit that cannot be detached separately. The disclosed process cartridge integrally combines all of the aforementioned functional units and can only be interchanged as a whole. No measure is disclosed on how to detach the developing unit separately. Furthermore, alignment of a drum axis with respect to the imaging apparatus presents problems.

[Prior art document]

[Patent publication]

[Patent Publication 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-54056

[Patent Publication 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-242085

[Summary of the invention]

In the developing cartridge disclosed in Patent Publication 2, the coupling, the detection gear, and the IC chip are located on a first side surface of a housing of the developing cartridge, and the first side surface is located on one side of the housing. In this case, the first side surface becomes larger because many of the components (eg, the coupling, the detection gear, and the IC chip) have to be located on the first side surface. This makes the development cartridge large. Alternatively, the imaging apparatus also includes a drive unit configured to transmit the drive force to the coupling, an actuator configured to detect the detection gear, and an electrical contact portion configured to read information from the IC chip in a inner surface of the imaging apparatus and the inner surface is facing the first side surface of the developing cartridge. Therefore, the configurations of the inner surface facing the first side surface can be complex structures and that can make the imaging apparatus larger in size.

An object of the present invention is to arrange the coupling, the detection gear, and an electrical contact surface of the storage medium (eg, an IC chip) appropriately on the developing cartridge so that the size of the imaging apparatus becomes smaller.

The object of the invention is achieved by a developing cartridge according to claim 1. According to the invention, a developing cartridge comprises: a housing configured to house developer therein, the housing extending in the first direction; a coupling rotatable about a first axis extending in the first direction, the coupling being located on one side of the housing in the first direction; a detection gear rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction, the detection gear locating on another side of the housing in the first direction; a storage means including an electrical contact surface, the electrical contact surface being located on the one side of the housing in the first direction.

According to the invention, the coupling, the detection gear and the electrical contact surface of the storage medium can be efficiently arranged in the developing cartridge because the coupling and the electrical contact surface are located on the one side of the housing in the first direction and the detection gear is located on the other side of the housing in the first direction.

Further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

In a first preferred embodiment as defined in claim 2, the storage medium is located on the one side of the housing in the first direction.

According to the first preferred embodiment, the coupling, the detection gear, the electrical contact surface of the storage medium and the storage medium are efficiently arranged in the developing cartridge because the storage medium is located on the one side of the casing in the first direction.

In a second preferred embodiment as defined in claim 3, the detection gear can rotate according to the rotation of the coupling. Throughout the description, if it is described that a first element can rotate according to the rotation of a second element, then this means that the rotation of the second element results in the rotation of the first element.

In a third preferred embodiment as defined in claim 4, the developing cartridge further comprises a first shaft extending in the first direction, the first shaft being able to rotate according to the rotation of the coupling, and the detection gear being able to rotate according to the rotation of the first tree.

In a fourth preferred embodiment as defined in claim 5, the developing cartridge further comprises an agitator including the first shaft, the agitator being able to rotate with the first shaft according to the rotation of the coupling, and the detection gear being able to rotate according to the rotation of the agitator.

In a fifth preferred embodiment as defined in claim 6, the detection gear is located on one side of the first shaft in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and the coupling is located on the one side of the first shaft in the second. direction.

In a sixth preferred embodiment as defined in claim 7, the coupling further includes a coupling gear that can rotate with the coupling, the agitator further includes a first agitator gear mounted on the first shaft, the first agitator gear being capable of rotating agitator with the first shaft, and the first agitator gear positioned on the one side of the housing in the first direction, and the coupling gear meshes with the first agitator gear.

In a seventh preferred embodiment as defined in claim 8, the developing cartridge comprises furthermore a first intermediate gear located on the one side of the housing in the first direction, the coupling further includes a coupling gear that can rotate with the coupling, and the coupling gear meshing with the first intermediate gear, and the agitator further includes a first agitator gear mounted on the first shaft, the first agitator gear being able to rotate with the first shaft, the first agitator gear locating on the one side of the housing in the first direction, and the first agitator gear meshing with the first intermediate gear.

In an eighth preferred embodiment as defined in claim 9, the agitator further includes a second agitator gear mounted on the first shaft, the second agitator gear being able to rotate with the first shaft, and the second agitator gear locating on the other side of the housing in the first direction, and the second agitator gear meshes with the detection gear.

In a ninth preferred embodiment as defined in claim 10, the developing cartridge further comprises a second intermediate gear located on the other side of the housing in the first direction and the second intermediate gear meshing with the detection gear, and the The agitator further includes a second agitator gear mounted on the first shaft, the second agitator gear being able to rotate with the first shaft, the second agitator gear locating on the other side of the housing in the first direction, and the second agitator gear engaging agitator with the second intermediate gear.

In a tenth preferred embodiment as defined in claim 11, the developing cartridge further comprises a developing roller that can rotate about an axis of rotation extending in the first direction, the developing roller including a roller shaft. extending in the first direction and an electrode which is electrically connected to the roller shaft, and the electrode being located on the other side of the housing in the first direction.

In an eleventh preferred embodiment as defined in claim 12, the electrode further includes a second shaft extending in the first direction, the detection gear can rotate around the second shaft, and the detection gear covers a portion of a outer peripheral surface of the second tree.

In a twelfth preferred embodiment as defined in claim 13, the developing cartridge further comprises a gear cover that covers a part of the detection gear, the gear cover being located on the other side of the housing in the first direction.

In a thirteenth preferred embodiment based on the developing cartridge as defined in claim 1 or in any one of the first to fifth preferred embodiments, the housing includes a first outer surface located on the one side of the housing in the first direction. and a second external surface located on the other side of the housing in the first direction, the electrical contact surface located on the first external surface.

In a fourteenth preferred embodiment based on the thirteenth preferred embodiment, the storage medium is located on the first outer surface.

In a fifteenth preferred embodiment based on the thirteenth or fourteenth preferred embodiment, the detection gear is located on the second outer surface.

In a sixteenth preferred embodiment based on the fifteenth preferred embodiment, the developing cartridge further comprises a second shaft located on the second outer surface, the second shaft extending in the first direction along the second axis, the detection gear can rotate about of the second tree. In a seventeenth preferred embodiment based on the sixteenth preferred embodiment, the second shaft extends from the second outer surface of the housing.

In an eighteenth preferred embodiment based on the sixteenth preferred embodiment, the housing further includes a through hole penetrating the second outer surface and a cap attached to the through hole, the second shaft extending from the cap.

In a nineteenth preferred embodiment based on any one of the sixteenth to eighteenth preferred embodiments, the developing cartridge further comprises a developing roller that can rotate about an axis of rotation extending in the first direction, the developing roller including a developing roller shaft extending in the first direction and an electrode electrically connected to the developing roller shaft, and the electrode being located on the other side of the housing in the first direction.

According to the nineteenth preferred embodiment, the coupling, the detection gear, the electrical contact surface of the storage medium and the electrode can be efficiently arranged in the developing cartridge because the electrode is located on the other side of the housing in the first direction. Furthermore, an electrical interference between the electrode and the electrical contact surface is reduced because the electrical contact surface it is located on the one side of the housing in the first direction and the electrode is located on the other side of the housing in the first direction.

In a twentieth preferred embodiment based on the nineteenth preferred embodiment, the electrode includes the second shaft, the detection gear can rotate around the second shaft, and the detection gear covers a part of an outer peripheral surface of the second shaft.

In the twentieth preferred embodiment, the detection gear can rotate around the second shaft that the electrode includes. The detection gear and the electrode are efficiently arranged on the other side of the housing in the first direction because a part of the electrode is used for the second shaft and the detection gear can rotate around the second shaft.

In a twenty-first preferred embodiment based on any one of the fifteenth to twentieth preferred embodiments, the developing cartridge further comprises a gear cover that covers a portion of the detection gear, the gear cover being located on the second outer surface.

In a twenty-second preferred embodiment based on any one of the thirteenth to twenty-first preferred embodiments, the coupling is located on the first outer surface.

In a twenty-third preferred embodiment based on the twenty-second preferred embodiment, the coupling further includes a coupling gear that can rotate with the coupling, the agitator further includes a first agitator gear mounted on the first shaft, the first agitator gear being able to rotate with the first shaft, and the first agitator gear being located on the first outer surface, and the coupling gear meshes with the first agitator gear.

In a twenty-fourth preferred embodiment based on the twenty-second preferred embodiment, the developing cartridge further comprises a first intermediate gear located on the first outer surface, the coupling further includes a coupling gear that can rotate with the coupling, and the coupling gear engaging With the first intermediate gear, the stirrer further includes a first stirrer gear mounted on the first shaft, the first stirrer gear being able to rotate with the first shaft, the first stirrer gear locating on the first outer surface, and the first gear engaging of agitator with the first intermediate gear.

In a twenty-fifth preferred embodiment based on any one of the twenty-second to twenty-fourth preferred embodiments, the agitator further includes a second agitator gear mounted on the first shaft, the second agitator gear being able to rotate with the first shaft, with the second agitator gear locating on the second outer surface, and the second agitator gear meshing with the detection gear.

In a twenty-sixth preferred embodiment based on any one of the twenty-second to twenty-fourth preferred embodiments, the developing cartridge further comprises a second intermediate gear located on the second outer surface, and the second intermediate gear meshing with the detection gear, the agitator further includes a second agitator gear mounted on the first shaft, the second agitator gear being able to rotate with the first shaft, the second agitator gear locating on the second outer surface, and the second agitator gear meshing with the second intermediate gear.

In a twenty-seventh preferred embodiment based on the twenty-third or twenty-fourth preferred embodiment, the first shaft includes a first end portion in the first direction and a second end portion spaced from the first end portion in the first direction, the first shaft portion. end penetrates through the first outer surface, and the first agitator gear is mounted on the first end part. In a twenty-eighth preferred embodiment based on the twenty-fifth or twenty-sixth preferred embodiment, the first shaft includes a first end part in the first direction, and a second end part spaced from the first end part in the first direction, the second part The end part penetrates through the second outer surface, and the second agitator gear is mounted on the second end part.

In a twenty-ninth preferred embodiment based on a developing cartridge as defined in claim 1 or in any one of the first to twenty-eighth preferred embodiments, the coupling includes a recessed portion or concave portion configured to receive an actuation force.

In a 30th preferred embodiment based on a developing cartridge as defined in claim 1 or any one of the first to 29th preferred embodiments, the detection gear has a shape that represents information regarding a specification of the developing cartridge.

In a thirty-first preferred embodiment based on the thirty-fifth preferred embodiment, the specification represents the number of printable pages by the developing cartridge.

In a thirty-second preferred embodiment based on the thirty-first preferred embodiment, the detection gear can rotate between a first position representing that the developing cartridge is in an unused state and a second position representing that the developing cartridge is in an unused state. a used state.

In a thirty-third preferred embodiment based on a developing cartridge as defined in claim 1 or in any one of the first to thirty-second preferred embodiments, the detection gear includes a plurality of gear teeth, the plurality of gear teeth Gears are provided on a part of an outer peripheral surface of the detection gear.

In a thirty-fourth preferred embodiment based on a developing cartridge as defined in claim 1 or in any one of the first to thirty-third preferred embodiments, the detection gear includes a protrusion extending in the first direction.

In a thirty-fifth preferred embodiment based on a thirty-fourth preferred embodiment, the detection gear includes a plurality of the projections.

In a thirty-sixth preferred embodiment based on a developing cartridge as defined in claim 1 or in any one of the first to thirty-fifth preferred embodiments, the storage means stores information regarding the developing cartridge.

Herein, if it is disclosed that a preferred embodiment is based on another preferred embodiment then the preferred embodiment includes all the features of this other preferred embodiment.

In a thirty-seventh preferred embodiment based on a developing cartridge as defined in claim 1 or in any one of the first to thirty-sixth preferred embodiments, the storage means is located on the one side of the housing in the first direction , and the storage medium includes the electrical surface.

According to the thirty-seventh aspect, the storage medium and the electrical contact surface are efficiently arranged on the one side of the housing in the first direction because the storage means includes the electrical contact surface.

[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 an exploded perspective view of an IC chip assembly (integrated circuit); Figure 5 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge according to a modification; Fig. 8 is a view for describing the attachment of the drum cartridge to an image forming apparatus in a state in which the developing cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge according to the 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 a "first direction". A direction perpendicular to the first direction will be called the "second direction". Specifically, the second direction is defined by a virtual line connecting an agitator shaft 21 of an agitator and a roller shaft 32 of a developing roller 30.

1. Overall structure of the development cartridge

Figures 1 to 5 are perspective views of a developing cartridge 1. Figure 6 is a perspective view of positions of a plurality of gears in relation to the 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. Such 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 housing 10 is a box configured to house in the same developer (toner, for example) for an electrophotographic printing. The housing 10 includes a first outer surface 11 and a second outer surface 12. The first outer surface 11 is an outer surface that is located on one side of the housing 10 in the first direction. The second outer surface 12 is an outer surface that is located on another side of the housing 10 in the first direction. 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 between the first outer surface 11 and the second outer surface 12. The developing chamber 13 for housing the developer is provided in the housing 10. The first direction can be an extension direction of the housing 10. The first direction can be an extension direction of the developing roller 30.

The stirrer 20 is one of a stirring device, the stirrer extends in the first direction. Agitator 20 includes agitator shaft 21 and agitation paddle 22. The agitator shaft 21 extends along an axis 81 that extends in the first direction. The agitator shaft 21 has a column shape extending in the first direction. Stirrer shaft 21 is an example of a first shaft. 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.

As shown in Figure 4, the agitator shaft 21 includes a first end part 211 and a second end part (not shown in the figures). The first end part 211 is located at an end part of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction. The first end part 211 penetrates through the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. A first agitator gear 44 described below is mounted on the first end part 211. More specifically, the first agitator gear 44 is mounted on the first end portion 211 so that it cannot rotate relative to the first end portion 211. The first agitator 44 is located on the first outer surface 11.

The second end part is located at another end part of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction. The second end part penetrates through the second outer surface 12 of the housing 10. A second agitator gear 51 described below is mounted on the second end part. More specifically, the second agitator gear 51 is mounted on the second end part so that it cannot rotate relative to the second end part. The second agitator 51 is located on the second outer surface 12. 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 agitated by the rotation of the agitation paddle 22. Instead of stirring paddle 22, the stirrer may include a stirring film.

The developing roller 30 is a roller that can rotate about an axis of rotation 82 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 body 31 is fixed to the roller shaft 32 so that it cannot rotate relative to the roller shaft 32. When the roller shaft 32 rotates, the roller body 31 rotates along with the roller shaft 32.

The roller shaft 32 may not penetrate through the roller body 31 in the first direction. For example, each one of a pair of roller shafts 32 may extend from each end of roller body 31 in the first direction.

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. Accordingly, the roller shaft 32 rotates with the rotation of the developing gear 42, and the roller body 31 also rotates with the roller shaft 32, when the developing gear 42 rotates.

The second direction can be defined by a direction parallel to a virtual line connecting the agitator shaft 21 and the roller shaft 32 in the same position in the first direction. The roller shaft 32 is located on one side of the agitator shaft 21 in the second direction. The agitator shaft 21 is located on the other side of the roller shaft 32 in the second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

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 in an end portion of the housing in the second direction. 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 to the center of the housing 10 in the second direction.

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 supplied developer 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. As shown in the figure 4, the coupling 41, the developing gear 42, the intermediate gear 43 and the first agitator gear 44 are located on the first outer surface 11. A plurality of gear teeth of each gear are 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 83 extending in the first direction. The axis of rotation 83, which is a center of rotation of the coupling 41, is an example of a first axis. 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 hole 413 is an example of a recessed portion that is configured to receive a driving force from the image forming apparatus. Instead of the coupling hole 413, the coupling portion 411 may have a concave portion that is configured to receive a driving force from the image forming apparatus. The coupling gear 412 includes a plurality of gear teeth. The plurality of gear teeth are provided on the entirety of an outer peripheral surface of the coupling gear 412 at equal intervals.

When the drawer unit 90 to which the developing cartridge 1 is attached is housed in the image forming apparatus, a drive shaft of the image forming apparatus is inserted into the coupling hole 413 of the coupling part 411. . With this configuration, the drive shaft and the coupling 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 development gear 42 it can rotate around an axis of rotation that extends 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 the developing roller 30 also 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 is an example of a first intermediate gear. The intermediate gear 43 can rotate about an axis 84 of rotation that extends in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 6, 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 located on the other side of the large diameter gear portion 431 in the first direction. That is, the small diameter gear portion 432 is located 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 outer surface 11 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, the large diameter gear part 431 rotates together with the coupling gear 412 and the small diameter gear part 432 rotates together with the large diameter gear part 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 the axis of rotation 81 which extends 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, the at least one part of the plurality of gear teeth of the small diameter gear part 432 meshes with the at least one part 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 drive 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 . That is, the agitator 20 including the agitator shaft 21 rotates along with the coupling 41.

In the developing cartridge 1 of this embodiment, the intermediate gear 43 is located between the coupling gear 412 and the first agitator gear 44, however, the intermediate gear 43 can be omitted. That is, the engagement gear 412 can be directly meshed with the first agitator gear 44.

The first cover 45 is located on one side of the housing in the first direction. More specifically, the first cover is located on the first external surface. 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 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 on the other side 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 the 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 for transmitting a rotational driving force from the agitator shaft 21 to the detection gear 52. The second agitator gear 51 can rotate about an axis 81 that extends 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 second 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 the 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 85 of rotation extending in the first direction. The axis of rotation 85, which is a center of rotation of the detection gear 52, is an example of a second axis. The detection gear 52 includes a plurality of gear teeth 521, and the plurality of gear teeth 521 are provided on a part of an outer peripheral surface of the detection gear 52. That is, the detection gear 52 is a toothless gear, that is, the plurality of gear teeth 521 are provided on one part of an outer peripheral surface of the detection gear 52, the other part of the outer peripheral surface of the gear. 52 detection does not include a gear tooth.

When the developing cartridge 1 is in the unused state, at least a part of the plurality of gear teeth of the detection gear 52 can be meshed with at least a part of the plurality of gear teeth of the second agitator gear 51. In this case, the detection gear 52 rotates together with the agitator 20 including the agitator shaft 21. For this reason, the detection gear 52 rotates based on the drive force transmitted by the coupling 41 receives drive force, the coupling 41, the intermediate gear 43, the first agitator gear 44, the agitator 20 and the second gear 51 of agitator. That is, the detection gear 52 can rotate with the coupling 41.

When the image forming apparatus starts to operate, the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit 90 and the drawer unit is inserted into the interior of the image forming apparatus and housed inside the forming apparatus. of pictures. When the drawer unit 90 to which an unused developing cartridge 1 is attached is attached to the image forming apparatus, the coupling 41 receives driving force, and then the detection gear 52 can rotate meshing with the second gear. 51 shaker. When the detection gear 52 rotates at a predetermined angle, the detection gear 52 disengages from the second agitator gear 51, the rotation of the detection gear 52 is stopped.

When the developing cartridge 1 is in the unused state, the detection gear is in a first position representing that the developing cartridge 1 is in the unused state. When the detection gear 52 is in the first position, at least a part of the plurality of gear teeth of the detection gear 52 may mesh with at least a part of the plurality of gear teeth of the second agitator gear 51. When the developing cartridge 1 starts to operate in the image forming apparatus, the detection gear 52 rotates from the first position to a second position. Therefore, the detection gear 52 is in the second position, which represents that the developing cartridge 1 is in the used state, after the developing cartridge 1 starts to operate. When the detection gear 52 is in the second position, the detection gear 52 does not mesh with the second agitator gear 51. Therefore, the detection gear 52 can switch between the unused state and the used state, and then the detection gear 52 cannot rotate.

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 moving gear along the circumference of the moving gear. In this case, the movable gear moves in the first direction according to the rotation of the movable gear, thereby the movable gear disengages 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.

When the drawer unit 90 to which a used developing cartridge 1 is attached in the image forming apparatus, the detection gear 52 cannot rotate because the detection gear 52 disengages from the second agitator gear 51.

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. The second intermediate gear is located on the second outer surface 12. In this case, rotational driving force of the second agitator gear 51 can be transmitted to the detection gear 52 by the second intermediate gear.

The electrically conductive element 53 is electrically conductive. Electrically conductive element 53 is an example of an electrode. 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 gear shaft 531 is located on the second outer surface 12. The gear shaft 531 extends in the first direction from the second outer surface 12 along the axis 85 of rotation. The axis of rotation 85 is an example of a second axis. Gear shaft 531 is an example of a second shaft. 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. A part of the electrically conductive element 53 may be in contact with the roller shaft 32. Alternatively, the roller shaft 32 may be in contact with the electrically conductive element 53 in a state in which the roller shaft 32 is inserted into the electrically conductive element 53.

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, an electrical connection is established between the lever and the electrically conductive element 53 and an electrical connection is also established between the electrically conductive element 53 and the roller shaft 32. 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. That is, the electrically conductive element 53 including the gear shaft 531 has a function of the electrode supplying the roller shaft 32 with the bias voltage (electrical energy).

The second cover 54 is located on the other side of the housing 10 in the first direction. More specifically, the second cover 54 is located on the second outer surface 12. The second cover 54 is fixed to the second external surface 12 of the housing 10 by means of a screw, for example. At least a part of one or more of the second agitator gear 51 and 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. Thus, the second cover 54 covers at least a part of the detection gear 52. The second cover 54 has an opening 541. A part of the detection gear 52 and a part of the gear shaft 531 are exposed to the outside through the opening 541. The electrically conductive lever of the drawer unit 90 comes into contact with the detection gear 52 and gear shaft 531 through aperture 541.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the detection gear 52 includes a detection boss 522. Detection gear 52 covers a portion of an outer peripheral surface of gear shaft 531. The projection 522 is located on another side of the plurality of gear teeth 521 in the first direction. Detection boss 522 protrudes in the first direction. The detection boss 522 has a circular arc shape that extends along a portion of a head circle of the detection gear about the axis of rotation of the detection gear 52. Note that the detection projection 522 covers a portion of an outer peripheral surface of the gear shaft 531. Detection boss 522 can rotate with detection gear 52.

When the developing cartridge in the unused state is attached to the image forming apparatus, a part of the gear shaft 531 is exposed to the outside through the aperture 541. That is, the lever of the drawer unit 90 is at contact with gear shaft 531. When the image forming apparatus is in operation and the coupling 41 receives driving force, the detection gear 52 rotates. Then, the detection projection 522 passes between the lever and the gear shaft 531 according to the rotation of the gear 52 of detection. The lever is not in contact with the gear shaft 531 when the detection projection 522 is positioned between the lever and the gear shaft 531. After the detection gear 52 rotates further, the detection projection 522 passes between the lever and the gear shaft 531 and the lever are in contact with the gear shaft 531. When the detection gear 52 rotates at a predetermined angle, the detection gear 52 disengages from the second agitator gear 51, the rotation of the detection gear 52 is stopped. Therefore, the contact state between the lever and the gear shaft 531 is maintained.

Therefore, 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 contact state between the lever and the gear shaft 531 changes according to the shape of the detection projection 522 because the detection projection 522 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 according to the number of the detection projections 522 that are provided with the detection gear 52 because one or more of the detection projections 522 pass between the lever and the gear shaft 531 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 . That is, the detection gear 52 has a shape that represents information regarding a specification of the developing cartridge. For example, the specification of the development cartridge may represent a color of the developer housed in the development cartridge. The detection gear 52 may have a shape representing other information representing a color of the developer housed in the developing 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. In addition, the sensing boss 522 can be formed to have a different length and circumferential position relative to that of the present embodiment. In addition, the detection gear 52 may have a plurality of detection projections 522. 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 522 can be differentiated between a varied type of the developing cartridges, and the product specification regarding each of the development cartridges can be identified based on the number of the detection projections 522. When each of the varied type of the developing cartridges includes the number of the detection projections 522, circumferential intervals between the plurality of detection projections 522 can be differentiated among the varied type of the development cartridges. In the case described above, the circumferential length of each detection protrusion 522 and / or the radial length of each detection protrusion 522 can be differentiated based on the product specification relating to each of the developing cartridges. In this manner, variations in the number of detection projections 522 and / or circumferential positions of each of detection projections 522 allow the imaging apparatus to identify the product specification relating to each of the developing cartridges. .

Detection gear 52 can be configured with a plurality of components. For example, the detection boss 522 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.

In addition, the detection gear 52 may include a cam, and the cam may contact the detection boss 522. In this case, the cam rotates along with the rotation of the detection gear 52, and the rotating cam comes into contact with the detection projection 522. This causes detection projection 522 to move relative to detection gear 52. Detection projection 522 may be rotatably attached to a shaft provided on the second outer surface 12 or second cover 54. Alternatively, detection projection 522 may have a shaft, and the shaft of detection projection 522 may be inserted into a shaft. hole formed in the second outer surface 12 or the second cover 54 so that the sensing projection 522 rotatably abuts 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 attached to or provided with the through hole, and a gear shaft may extend from the cap in the first direction. In this case, the cap includes the gear shaft protruding in the first direction towards the detection gear 52, and the detection gear 52 rotates around the gear shaft 531 in a state in which the detection gear abuts against gear shaft 531.

2. IC chip set

The IC chip assembly 60 is located on the one side of the housing in the first direction. 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 to 6, the assembly 60 includes an IC chip 61 chip IC (integrated circuit) as the storage medium and the support 62 for supporting the chip 61 of C ^i. 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.

As shown in Figure 5, IC chip 61 includes an electrical contact surface 611. Electrical contact surface 611 is comprised of electrically conductive metal. The electrical contact surface 611 is located on one side of the housing 10 in the first direction. The electrical contact surface 611 is located on the first outer surface.

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. In this developing cartridge 1, both the IC chip 61 and the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 are located on the one side of the housing 10 in the first direction.

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 align in the second direction. The shoulder 621c extends in the first direction toward the housing 10 from the surface of the bracket 62 facing the housing 10. 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. On the other hand, the casing 10 includes a recessed portion 15. The recessed portion 15 is recessed in the first direction at the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10.

The shoulder 621a inserts into the through hole 451a. Boss 621b inserts into through hole 451b. The shoulder 621c is inserted into the recessed portion 15. Through hole 451a has a dimension (inner dimension) greater than a dimension (outer dimension) of shoulder 621a. Through hole 451b has a dimension (inner dimension) greater than a dimension (outer dimension) of shoulder 621b. Furthermore, the recessed portion 15 has a dimension (internal dimension) greater than a dimension (external dimension) of the shoulder 621c. Thus, the bracket 62 can move with the shoulders 621a, 621b and 621c in a direction perpendicular to the first direction relative to the housing 10 and the first cover 45. The bracket 62 moves between the first cover 45 and the first surface. 11 external.

Alternatively, support 62 may include a single rib, or equal to or more than three ribs. Similarly, the first cover 45 may have a single through hole, or equal to or more than three through holes. The projections 621a, 621b, and 621c may have a circular column shape or a rectangular column shape, respectively.

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.

A projecting area of the developing cartridge 1 in the first direction must be smaller in order to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus. That is, the first outer surface 11 must be smaller in order to reduce the size of the image forming apparatus. That is, the second outer surface 12 must also be smaller in order to reduce the size of the imaging apparatus. On the other hand, it is difficult to arrange the coupling 41, the electrical contact surface 611 and the detecting gear 52 on one side of the housing 10 in the first direction in a state in which at least a part of the coupling 41, the surface Electrical contact 611 and sensing gear 52 overlap in the first direction, because coupling 41, each of electrical contact surface 611, and sensing gear are components for interacting with the image forming apparatus.

As shown in Figure 6, in the developing cartridge 1, the detection gear 52 is located on the other side of the housing 10 in the first direction, and the coupling 41 and the electrical contact surface 611 of the chip 61 ICs are also located on the one side of the housing 10 in the first direction. Therefore, the first outer surface 11 and the second outer surface 12 become smaller because the coupling 41 and the electrical contact surface 611 are located on the first outer surface 11 and the detection gear 52 is located on the second outer surface 12 which is different from the first outer surface 11.

In this embodiment, the coupling 41 is located on one side of the agitator shaft 21 in the second direction, and the coupling 41 is located on the one side of the housing in the first direction. The detection gear 52 is located on the one side of the agitator shaft 21 in the second direction and the detection gear 52 is located on the other side of the housing 10 in the first direction. Therefore, the coupling 41 and the detection gear 52 are located on the same side of the agitator shaft 21 in the second direction. For this reason, the length of the developing cartridge 1 in the second direction can be shortened. Accordingly, the developing cartridge 1 can reduce its size in the second direction. The image forming apparatus can also reduce its size in the second direction.

Specifically, in this embodiment, the sensing gear 52 and the electrically conductive element 53 must be on the same outer surface (either the first outer surface 11 or the second outer surface 12) of the housing 10, because the gear 52 of detection rests on the electrically conductive element 53. On the other hand, the electrically conductive element 53 (an example of the electrode) receives a high electrical voltage (electrical energy). For this reason, the IC chip 61 is affected, for example, by high frequency noise, if the distance between the electrically conductive element 53 and the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 is too short or the distance between electrically conductive element 53 and IC chip 61 is too short.

In this embodiment, in the developing cartridge 1, the detection gear 52 and the electrically conductive element 53 are located on the second external surface 12, which is located opposite the first external surface 11 in the first direction, and one or more of the electrical surface 611 and IC chip 61 are located on the first outer surface 11. Accordingly, an electrical interference between the electrically conductive element 53 and the electrical contact surface 611 can be reduced. Alternatively, an electrical interference between the electrically conductive element 53 and the IC chip 61 can be reduced. For example, the high frequency noise in the IC chip 61 can be reduced based on charging the high electrical voltage (electrical energy) on the electrically conductive element 53.

In this embodiment, the entire IC chip 61 including the electrical contact surface 611 is located on the first outer surface 11 which is the opposite side from the second outer surface 12 in the first direction, the detection gear 52 and the electrically conductive element 53 are located on the second outer surface 12.

At least the electrical contact surface 6111 can be located on the first external surface 11 and the IC chip 61 is located at a different position from the first external surface (eg, another surface of the housing 10).

An electrical interference between the electrically conductive element 53 and the electrical contact surface 611 can be reduced if at least the electrical contact surface 611 can be located on the first outer surface 11 and the IC chip 61 is located at a different position from the first external surface (eg another surface of the housing 10). Alternatively, an electrical interference between the electrically conductive element 53 and the IC chip 61 can be reduced. For example, the high frequency noise in the IC chip 61 can be reduced based on charging the high electrical voltage (electrical energy) on the electrically conductive element 53.

3. Modifications

Although the description has been made in detail with reference to a specific embodiment thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein. In the following description, differences between the above embodiment and the modifications are mainly explained. Modifications of the main embodiment are discussed below. Due to the many similarities between the modifications and the main embodiment, only differences between the main embodiment and the modifications will be discussed. With regard to all other features, reference is made to the comments of the main embodiment above.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a developing cartridge 1A and a drum cartridge 70A of a modification. The developing cartridge 1A shown in FIG. 7 includes a housing 10A, a developing roller 30A, a coupling 41A, a detection gear 52A, and an IC chip 61A. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the developing cartridge 1A is attached to the drum cartridge 70A rather than to the drawer unit. The drum cartridge 70A includes a developing cartridge holder portion 71A that supports the developing cartridge 1A. The developing cartridge holder portion 71A includes a photosensitive drum 72A. When the developing cartridge 1A is attached to the drum cartridge 70A, the developing roller 30A of the developing cartridge 1A is in contact with the photosensitive drum 72A.

Fig. 8 is a view showing how to attach the drum cartridge 70A to an image forming apparatus 100A in a state that the developing cartridge 1A is attached to the drum cartridge 70A. As shown in Fig. 8, the drum cartridge 70A is attached to a drum cartridge holder portion 101A provided in the image forming apparatus 100A in a state that the developing cartridge 1A is attached to the cartridge. 70A drum.

In the above manner, the structure similar to that of the developing cartridge 1 according to the above embodiment can be applied to the developing cartridge 1A to be attached to the drum cartridge 70A. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 7, in the developing cartridge 1A, the coupling 41A and an electrical contact surface 611A of the IC chip 61A are located on the one side of the housing 10A in the first direction, and the Detection gear 52A is also located on the other side of housing 10A in the first direction. Therefore, the size of the one outer surface in the second direction and the size of the other outer surface in the second direction become smaller because the coupling 41A and the ^{electrical contact surface 611 a} are located on the one outer surface and the detection gear 52A is located on the other outer surface that is different from the one outer surface. Accordingly, the developing cartridge 1A can be reduced in size. The image forming apparatus 100A can also be reduced in size.

In this embodiment, the gear shaft 531 (an example of the second shaft) extends in the first direction from the second outer surface 12. The gear shaft 531 may not directly contact the second outer surface 12. For example, the housing 10 may have a through hole that penetrates the second outer surface 12 and a cap that is attached to the through hole. The gear shaft can extend from the cap in the first direction. In this case the cap may include the gear shaft which protrudes in the first direction towards the detection gear 52. The detection gear 52 can rotate around the gear shaft in a state that the detection gear 53 abuts the gear shaft.

According to the embodiments described above, the plurality of gears provided within each of the first gear part and the second gear part are engaged with each other through a meshing engagement of the gear teeth. However, the plurality of gears provided within each of the first gear part and the second gear part can engage each other through frictional force. For example, instead of the plurality of gear teeth, friction elements, such as rubber elements, may be provided on the outer circumferences of two gears that engage each other.

The developing cartridge 1 In this embodiment, the developing cartridge is attached to the drawer unit of the image forming apparatus. The developing cartridge can be attached to other imaging apparatus that does not include the drawer unit.

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 embodiment and the modifications described above can be selectively combined with each other within an appropriate range so that no inconsistencies arise.

Claims (14)

i. Developing cartridge (1; 1A) for supplying developer to a photosensitive drum, the photosensitive drum being included either in a drawer unit (90) of an image forming apparatus or in a drum cartridge (70A) of a imaging apparatus, the developing cartridge (1; 1A) comprising: a housing (10; 10A) configured to house developer therein, the housing (10; 10A) extending in a first direction; a coupling (41; 41A) rotatable about a first axis (83) extending in the first direction, the coupling (41; 41A) locating on one side of the housing (10; 10A) in the first direction; Y a detection gear (52; 52A) rotatable about a second axis (85) extending in the first direction, the detection gear (52; 52A) being located on another side of the housing (10; 10A) at the first address; characterized in that the developing cartridge further comprises: a storage means (61; 61A) including an electrical contact surface (611; 611A), the electrical contact surface (611; 611A) being located on the one side of the housing (10; 10A) in the first direction. 2. Developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the storage means (61; 61A) is located on the one side of the housing (10; 10A) in the first direction. 3. Developing cartridge according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the detection gear (52; 52A) can rotate according to the rotation of the coupling (41; 41A). A developing cartridge according to claim 3, further comprising: a first shaft (21) extending in the first direction, the first shaft (21) being able to rotate according to the rotation of the coupling (41; 41A), wherein the detection gear (52; 52A) can rotate according to the rotation of the first shaft (21). A developing cartridge according to claim 4, further comprising: a stirrer (20) including the first shaft (21), the stirrer (20) being able to rotate with the first shaft (21) according to the rotation of the coupling (41; 41A), wherein the detection gear (52; 52A) can rotate according to the rotation of the stirrer (20). 6. Developing cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the detection gear (52; 52A) is located on one side of the first shaft (21) in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and wherein the coupling (41; 41A) is located on the one side of the first shaft (21) in the second direction. Development cartridge according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the coupling (41; 41A) further includes: a coupling gear (412) rotatable with the coupling (41; 41A); wherein the agitator (20) further includes: a first stirrer gear (44) mounted on the first shaft (21), the first stirrer gear (44) being able to rotate with the first shaft (21), and the first stirrer gear (44) being located on the one side of the housing (10) in the first direction; wherein the engagement gear (412) is configured to mesh with the first agitator gear (44). A developing cartridge according to claim 5 or claim 6, further comprising: a first intermediate gear (43) located on the one side of the housing (10; 10A) in the first direction; wherein the coupling (41; 41A) further includes: a coupling gear (412) rotatable with the coupling (41; 41A), and the coupling gear (412) meshing with the first intermediate gear (43); wherein the agitator (20) further includes: a first stirrer gear (44) mounted on the first shaft (21), the first stirrer gear (44) being able to rotate with the first shaft (21), the first stirrer gear (44) being located on the one side of the housing (10; 10A) in the first direction, and the first agitator gear (44) meshing with the first intermediate gear (43). Developing cartridge according to any one of claim 5 to claim 8, wherein the agitator (20) further includes: a second agitator gear (51) mounted on the first shaft (21), the second agitator gear (51) being able to rotate with the first shaft (21), and the second agitator gear (51) being located on the other side of the housing (10; 10A) in the first direction, wherein the second agitator gear (51) is configured to mesh with the detection gear (52; 52A). A developing cartridge according to any one of claim 5 to claim 8, further comprising: a second intermediate gear located on the other side of the housing (10) in the first direction, and the second intermediate gear meshing with the detection gear (52; 52A), wherein the agitator (20) further includes: a second agitator gear (51) mounted on the first shaft (21), the second agitator gear (51) being able to rotate with the first shaft (21), the second agitator gear (51) being located on the other side of the casing (10) in the first direction, and the second agitator gear (51) meshing with the second intermediate gear. A developing cartridge according to any one of claim 1 to claim 10, further comprising: a developing roller (30) rotatable about an axis (82) of rotation extending in the first direction, the developing roller (30) including a roller shaft (32) extending in the first direction; Y an electrode (53) which is electrically connected to the roller shaft (32), and the electrode (53) being located on the other side of the housing (10; 10A) in the first direction. 12. Developing cartridge according to claim 11, wherein the electrode (53) further includes: a second shaft (531) extending in the first direction, wherein the detection gear (52; 52A) can rotate around the second shaft (531), and wherein the detection gear (52; 52A) is configured to cover a part of an outer peripheral surface of the second shaft ( 531). A developing cartridge according to any one of claim 1 to claim 12, further comprising: a gear cover (54) covering a part of the detection gear (52; 52A), the gear cover (54) being located on the other side of the housing (10; 10A) in the first direction. Developing cartridge according to any one of claim 1 to claim 13, wherein the storage means (61; 61A) is configured to store information regarding the developing cartridge (1; 1A).