JP2020073961A - Development cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a structure capable of suppressing the rubbing of an electric contact surface when a development cartridge is mounted.SOLUTION: A development cartridge 1 includes a housing 10 for accommodating a developer therein; a storage medium 61 having an electric contact surface 611; a holder 62 for holding the electric contact surface 611; and an elastic member 73. The elastic member 73 can be extended and contracted in a first direction between a first state and a second state more contracted than the first state. The outer surface which holds the electric contact surface 611 of the holder 62 is arranged at a first position when the elastic member 73 is in the first state, and is arranged at a second position when the elastic member 73 is in the second state. In this manner, the position of the outer surface of the holder 62 by which the electric contact surface 611 is held is changed in a first direction. As a result, when the development cartridge 1 is mounted, the rubbing of the electric contact surface 611 can be suppressed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

  The present invention relates to a developing cartridge.

  Conventionally, an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a laser printer or an LED printer is known. A developing cartridge is used in the image forming apparatus. The developing cartridge has a developing roller for supplying toner. The developing cartridge described in Patent Document 1 is attached to the drawer unit. The drawer unit is housed inside the image forming apparatus and pulled out from the image forming apparatus. The drawer unit has a photosensitive drum. When the developing cartridge is attached to the drawer unit, the photosensitive drum and the developing roller face each other.

  Further, the developing cartridge described in Patent Document 2 is attached to the drum cartridge. The drum cartridge has a photosensitive drum. When the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge, the photosensitive drum and the developing roller face each other. Then, the developing cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus in a state where the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge.

JP, 2011-59510, A JP, 2013-54058, A

  Further, conventionally, a developing cartridge having a storage medium is also known. The storage medium is, for example, an IC chip. The storage medium has an electrical contact surface. The electrical contact surface contacts an electrical connector provided on the image forming apparatus or the drawer unit. However, when the developing cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus or the drawer unit, the electrical contact surface rubs against the protrusion of the image forming apparatus or the drawer unit.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a structure capable of suppressing rubbing of an electrical contact surface when a developing cartridge is mounted.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a first invention of the present application is a developing cartridge, wherein a housing for accommodating a developer therein, a storage medium having an electric contact surface, and a storage medium intersecting with the electric contact surface are provided. An elastic member extending in one direction, the elastic member being capable of expanding and contracting in the first direction between a first state and a second state, and a holder in which the electrical contact surface is located on an outer surface in the first direction. And a holder in which the position of the outer surface with respect to the housing is movable in the first direction between a first position and a second position, and the elastic member of the elastic member is in the first state. The length in the first direction is longer than the length in the first direction of the elastic member in the second state, and when the elastic member is in the first state, the holder is located at the first position, When the elastic member is in the second state, the holder is in the second state. Located in the location.

  A second invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to the first invention, wherein the holder includes a first end including the outer surface, and a second end separated from the first end in the first direction. And the elastic member is located between the first end and the second end in the first direction.

  A third invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to the second invention, wherein a distance in the first direction between the first end portion and the second end portion in the first state is in the second state. It is longer than the distance in the first direction between the first end and the second end.

  A fourth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the first invention to the third invention, wherein the position of the outer surface with respect to the casing is the first position, the second position, and the third position. Is movable between the positions in the first direction, the elastic member is expandable and contractable in the first direction between the first state, the second state, and the third state, and is in the first state. Of the elastic member in the first direction is longer than the length of the elastic member in the second state in the first direction, and the length of the elastic member in the third state in the first direction is The holder is located at the third position when the elastic member is longer than the length of the elastic member in the first direction in the second state and the elastic member is in the third state.

  A fifth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the second invention, wherein the position of the outer surface with respect to the housing is in the first direction between the first position, the second position, and the third position. Is movable, the elastic member is expandable / contractible in the first direction between the first state, the second state, and the third state, and the elastic member in the first state is in the first direction. Is longer than the length of the elastic member in the first direction in the second state, and is in the first direction between the first end and the second end in the first state. Is longer than the distance in the first direction between the first end and the second end in the second state, and the length in the first direction of the elastic member in the third state. Is longer than the length of the elastic member in the first direction in the second state. And, the distance in the first direction between the first end and the second end in the third state is between the first end and the second end in the second state. The holder is located at the third position when the elastic member is longer than the distance in the first direction and the elastic member is in the third state.

  A sixth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the first invention to the fifth invention, wherein the position of the outer surface with respect to the housing is determined according to the mounting of the developing cartridge to the image forming apparatus. Is movable from the first position to the second position, and in the first position, a part of the holder and the electrical contact surface are in a non-contact state in which they do not contact a part of the image forming apparatus; In the second position, a part of the holder or the electric contact surface is in contact with the part of the image forming apparatus.

  A seventh invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to the fourth invention or the fifth invention, wherein the position of the outer surface with respect to the housing is changed from the first position in accordance with attachment of the developing cartridge to the image forming apparatus. Is movable to the third position via the second position, and in the first position, a part of the holder and the electrical contact surface are in a non-contact state in which they do not contact a part of the image forming apparatus, In the second position, a part of the holder or the electric contact surface is in contact with a part of the image forming apparatus, and in the third position, the electric contact surface is in the image forming state. The connector is in contact with the electrical connector of the device.

  An eighth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to the fourth invention, the fifth invention, or the seventh invention, wherein the length of the elastic member in the third state in the first direction is larger than the natural length of the elastic member. Is also short.

  A ninth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the first invention to the eighth invention, wherein the first direction is a direction perpendicular to the electrical contact surface.

  A tenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the first invention to the ninth invention, wherein the holder is movable together with the storage medium.

  An eleventh invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the first to tenth inventions, wherein the holder holds the electrical contact surface on the outer surface.

  A twelfth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the first invention to the eleventh invention, wherein the storage medium is located on an outer surface of the holder.

  A thirteenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to the twelfth invention, wherein the holder holds the storage medium on the outer surface.

  A fourteenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the first to thirteenth inventions, further comprising a developing roller rotatable about an axis extending in a direction different from the first direction.

  A fifteenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the first invention to the fourteenth invention, wherein the holder is located on a side portion of the housing.

  A sixteenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the first to fifteenth inventions, wherein the outer surface is one of the electrical contact surfaces in a second direction different from the first direction. A first surface located on the side, the first surface being inclined with respect to the electrical contact surface.

  A seventeenth invention of the present application is a developing cartridge according to the sixteenth invention, which is a developing roller rotatable about an axis extending in a third direction different from the first direction, wherein one of the housings in the second direction is rotatable. Further provided is a developing roller located on the side.

  An eighteenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to the sixteenth invention or the seventeenth invention, wherein the first surface extends from the third position to the fourth position toward the electrical contact surface, and in the first direction. , The third position is farther from the electrical contact surface than the fourth position.

  A nineteenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to the eighteenth invention, wherein the distance between the third position and the fourth position in the first direction is the distance between the electrical contact surface and the fourth position. Is larger than the distance in the first direction.

  A twentieth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the sixteenth invention to the nineteenth invention, wherein the first surface of the developing cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus when the developing cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus. It is a 1st guide surface which can contact a part.

  A twenty-first invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the sixteenth invention to the twentieth invention, wherein the outer surface is located on the other side of the electrical contact surface in the second direction. A second surface that is inclined with respect to the electrical contact surface.

  A twenty-second invention of the present application is a developing cartridge according to the twenty-first invention, wherein the developing roller is rotatable about an axis extending in a third direction different from the first direction, and one of the housing in the second direction. Further provided is a developing roller located on the side.

  A twenty-third invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to the twenty-first invention or the twenty-second invention, wherein the second surface extends from the fifth position to the sixth position toward the electrical contact surface, and in the first direction. , The fifth position is farther from the electrical contact surface than the sixth position.

  A twenty-fourth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to the twenty-third invention, wherein the distance in the first direction between the fifth position and the sixth position is the distance between the electrical contact surface and the sixth position. Is larger than the distance in the first direction.

  A twenty-fifth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the twenty-first to twenty-fourth inventions, wherein the second surface has the image forming apparatus when the developing cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus. Is a second guide surface capable of contacting a part of the.

  A twenty-sixth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the first to twenty-fifth inventions, wherein the outer surface is on both sides of the electrical contact surface in a third direction different from the first direction. In the first direction, the third surface is farther from the elastic member than the electrical contact surface.

  A twenty-seventh invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to the twenty-sixth invention, wherein the third surface is a third guide surface capable of contacting a part of the image forming apparatus when the developing cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus. Is.

  A twenty-eighth invention of the present application is a developing cartridge according to the twenty-sixth invention or the twenty-seventh invention, which is a developing roller rotatable about an axis extending in the third direction, the developing roller being provided on one side of the housing in the second direction. Further provided is a developing roller located.

  A twenty-ninth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the first to twenty-eighth inventions, wherein the elastic member is a spring.

  A thirtieth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to the twenty-ninth invention, wherein the spring is a coil spring.

  A thirty-first invention of the present application is the developing cartridge according to the twelfth invention or the thirteenth invention, wherein the storage medium has the electrical contact surface.

  According to the first to thirty-first inventions of the present application, it is possible to suppress rubbing of the electrical contact surface when mounting the developing cartridge.

  According to the second invention of the present application, the elastic member is provided between the first end portion and the second end portion of the holder, so that the first end portion including the outer surface with respect to the second end portion. Can be moved in the first direction. As a result, it is possible to suppress rubbing of the electrical contact surface when the developing cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus.

  According to the third invention of the present application, the distance in the first direction between the first end and the second end in the first state is the same as the distance between the first end and the second end in the second state. Is longer than the distance in the first direction. Therefore, the distance of the first end including the outer surface can be changed with respect to the second end. As a result, it is possible to suppress rubbing of the electrical contact surface when the developing cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus.

  Further, according to the fourth invention of the present application, the position of the outer surface of the holder on which the electrical contact surface is held can be further moved from the second position to the third position in the first direction. As a result, it is possible to suppress rubbing of the electrical contact surface when the developing cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus.

  According to the fifth invention of the present application, the elastic member is provided between the first end portion and the second end portion of the holder, so that the first end portion including the outer surface with respect to the second end portion. However, in addition to being movable in the first direction, the position of the outer surface of the holder on which the electrical contact surface is held can be further changed in the first direction from the second position to the third position. .. As a result, it is possible to suppress rubbing of the electrical contact surface when the developing cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus.

  Further, according to the sixth invention of the present application, even when the holder is capable of contacting a part of the image forming apparatus, the holder can be moved from the first position to the second position. Rubbing of the electrical contact surface can be suppressed when the cartridge is mounted.

  According to the seventh invention of the present application, the position of the outer surface of the holder on which the electrical contact surface is held can be further moved from the second position to the third position in the first direction. In the third position, the electrical contact surface can contact the electrical connector of the image forming apparatus. With this, when the developing cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus, rubbing of the electrical contact surface is suppressed, and the electrical contact can be brought into contact with the electrical connector of the image forming apparatus.

  Further, according to the eighth invention of the present application, since the length of the elastic member in the third state in the first direction is shorter than the natural length of the elastic member, the electrical contact surface at the third position is Can receive repulsive force.

  Further, according to the tenth invention of the present application, the storage medium can also move together with the holder.

  According to the eleventh invention of the present application, the holder can hold the electrical contact surface on the outer surface.

  According to the twelfth invention of the present application, the storage medium can be located on the outer surface.

  Further, according to the thirteenth invention of the present application, the holder can hold the storage medium on the outer surface.

  Further, according to the sixteenth invention of the present application, by having the first surface inclined with respect to the electrical contact surface, the holder can be held by the first surface when the developing cartridge is attached to or detached from the image forming apparatus. Can be guided.

  Further, according to the eighteenth invention of the present application, by having the first surface inclined with respect to the electrical contact surface, the holder can be held by the first surface when the developing cartridge is attached to or detached from the image forming apparatus. Can be guided.

  According to the nineteenth invention of the present application, by having the first surface inclined with respect to the electrical contact surface, the holder can be held by the first surface when the developing cartridge is attached to or detached from the image forming apparatus. Can be guided.

  According to the twentieth invention of the present application, by having the first guide surface inclined with respect to the electrical contact surface, when the developing cartridge is attached to or detached from the image forming apparatus, the first guide surface allows The holder can be guided.

  Further, according to the twenty-first invention of the present application, by having the second surface inclined with respect to the electrical contact surface, the holder can be held by the second surface when the developing cartridge is attached to or detached from the image forming apparatus. Can be guided.

  Further, according to the twenty-third aspect of the present invention, by having the second surface inclined with respect to the electrical contact surface, the holder can be held by the second surface when the developing cartridge is attached to or detached from the image forming apparatus. Can be guided.

  According to the twenty-fourth invention of the present application, by having the second surface inclined with respect to the electrical contact surface, the holder can be held by the second surface when the developing cartridge is attached to or detached from the image forming apparatus. Can be guided.

  Further, according to the twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, by having the second guide surface inclined with respect to the electrical contact surface, when the developing cartridge is attached to or detached from the image forming apparatus, the second guide surface allows The holder can be guided.

  According to the twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, by having the third surface inclined with respect to the electrical contact surface, when the developing cartridge is attached to or detached from the image forming apparatus, the third surface allows image formation. Rubbing of the electrical contact surface can be suppressed when the developing cartridge is mounted on the apparatus.

  Further, according to the twenty-seventh invention of the present application, by having the third guide surface inclined with respect to the electrical contact surface, when the developing cartridge is mounted on or detached from the image forming apparatus, the third guide surface allows Rubbing of the electrical contact surface can be suppressed when the developing cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus.

  According to the twenty-eighth invention of the present application, when the developing cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus, the protrusion of the image forming apparatus does not come into contact with the electrical contact surface. Thereby, damage to the electrical contact surface can be further suppressed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge. It is an exploded perspective view of an IC chip assembly. It is sectional drawing of an IC chip assembly. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state when a developing cartridge is mounted. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state when a developing cartridge is mounted. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state when a developing cartridge is mounted. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state when a developing cartridge is mounted. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state when a developing cartridge is mounted. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state when a developing cartridge is mounted. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state when a developing cartridge is mounted. It is a figure showing a situation when a separating operation is executed. FIG. 9 is a partially exploded perspective view of a developing cartridge of a first modified example. It is sectional drawing of the IC chip assembly of the 1st modification. FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of a developing cartridge of a second modified example. It is a figure showing movement of a columnar elastic body and an IC chip assembly of a 2nd modification. It is a figure showing movement of a columnar elastic body and an IC chip assembly of a 2nd modification. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the developing cartridge of the second modified example is mounted. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state in which the developing cartridge of the second modified example is mounted. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a state when a separating operation of the developing cartridge of the second modified example is executed. It is a perspective view of a developing cartridge of a third modified example. FIG. 13 is a diagram of a developing cartridge according to a third modified example as viewed from one side in a third direction. FIG. 13 is a diagram of a developing cartridge according to a third modified example as viewed from one side in a third direction. FIG. 13 is a diagram of a developing cartridge according to a third modified example as viewed from one side in a third direction. It is an exploded perspective view of the 1st cover and IC chip assembly of the 4th modification. It is sectional drawing of the 1st cover and IC chip assembly of a 4th modification. It is a perspective view of an IC chip assembly of the 4th modification. FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of a developing cartridge of a fifth modified example. It is an exploded perspective view of the 1st cover and IC chip assembly of the 5th modification. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge of a sixth modified example. It is a figure showing signs that the drum cartridge of the 6th modification is attached to an image forming device. It is an exploded perspective view near the IC chip assembly of the 6th modification.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  Note that, hereinafter, the direction intersecting with the electrical contact surface (in the present embodiment, the direction “perpendicular” to the electrical contact surface) is referred to as the “first direction”. Further, the direction in which the casing 10 moves during the separating operation described below is referred to as the "second direction". The direction in which the rotation axis of the developing roller extends is referred to as the "third direction".

<1. Overall structure of developing cartridge>
1 to 5 are perspective views of the developing cartridge 1 as an example of the present invention. The developing cartridge 1 is a unit that is used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (for example, a laser printer or an LED printer) and supplies a developer (for example, toner) to a photosensitive drum. As shown in FIG. 1, the developing cartridge 1 of the present embodiment is attached to a drawer unit 90 included in the image forming apparatus. When replacing the developing cartridge 1, the drawer unit 90 is pulled out from the front surface of the image forming apparatus. Then, the developing cartridges 1 are mounted in the four cartridge holding portions 91 provided in the drawer unit 90, respectively. A photosensitive drum is provided in each of the four cartridge holding portions 91.

  In this embodiment, four developing cartridges 1 are mounted on one drawer unit 90. The four developing cartridges 1 contain developers of different colors (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). However, the number of the developing cartridges 1 mounted on the drawer unit 90 may be 1 to 3, or 5 or more.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the developing cartridge 1 of this embodiment has a casing 10, an agitator 20, a developing roller 30, a first gear portion 40, a second gear portion 50, and an IC chip assembly 60.

  The developing roller 30 is a roller rotatable about a rotation shaft extending in the third direction. The developing roller 30 of this embodiment includes a roller body 31 and a roller shaft 32. The roller body 31 is a cylindrical member extending in the third direction. For the material of the roller body 31, for example, rubber having elasticity is used. The roller shaft 32 is a cylindrical member that penetrates the roller body 31 in the third direction. The roller shaft 32 is made of metal or resin having conductivity.

  The roller shaft 32 does not have to penetrate the roller body 31 in the third direction. For example, the pair of roller shafts 32 may extend in the third direction from both ends of the roller body 31 in the third direction.

  The agitator 20 has an agitator shaft 21 and a stirring blade 22. The agitator shaft 21 extends along a rotation axis that extends in the third direction. The stirring blade 22 expands radially outward from the agitator shaft 21. The stirring blade 22 is arranged in the developer chamber 13 of the casing 10. A first agitator gear 44 and a second agitator gear 51, which will be described later, are connected to both ends of the agitator shaft 21 in the third direction. Therefore, the agitator shaft 21 and the stirring blade 22 rotate together with the first agitator gear 44 and the second agitator gear 51. When the stirring blade 22 rotates, the developer in the developer chamber 13 is stirred.

  The casing 10 is a housing capable of containing a developer (for example, toner) for electrophotographic printing. The casing 10 has a first outer surface 11 and a second outer surface 12. The first outer surface 11 and the second outer surface 12 are separated from each other in the third direction. The first gear unit 40 and the IC chip assembly 60 are located on the first outer surface 11. The second gear portion 50 is located on the second outer surface 12. The casing 10 extends in the third direction between the first outer surface 11 and the second outer surface 12. Inside the casing 10, a developer chamber 13 containing a developer is provided.

  The casing 10 has an opening 14. The opening 14 communicates the developer chamber 13 with the outside. The opening 14 is located at one end of the casing 10 in the second direction. The developing roller 30 is located in the opening 14. That is, the developing roller 30 is located on one side of the center of the casing 10 in the second direction. The roller body 31 is fixed to the roller shaft 32 so as not to rotate relative to the roller shaft 32. Further, one end of the roller shaft 32 in the third direction is fixed so as not to be rotatable relative to a developing gear 42 described later. Therefore, when the developing gear 42 rotates, the roller shaft 32 also rotates, and the roller body 31 rotates together with the roller shaft 32.

  When the developing cartridge 1 receives the driving force, the developer is supplied from the developer chamber 13 in the casing 10 to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 via a supply roller (not shown). At that time, the developer is frictionally charged between the supply roller and the developing roller 30. On the other hand, a bias voltage is applied to the roller shaft 32 of the developing roller 30. Therefore, the developer is attracted to the outer peripheral surface of the roller body 31 by the electrostatic force between the roller shaft 32 and the developer.

  Further, the developing cartridge 1 has a layer thickness regulating blade (not shown). The layer thickness regulation blade makes the developer supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the roller body 31 have a constant thickness. After that, the developer on the outer peripheral surface of the roller body 31 is supplied to the photosensitive drum provided in the drawer unit 90. At this time, the developer moves from the roller body 31 to the photosensitive drum in accordance with the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum. As a result, the electrostatic latent image is visualized on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum.

  The first gear portion 40 is located on one side portion of the casing 10 in the third direction. That is, the first gear portion 40 is located on the first outer surface 11. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge 1 with the first gear portion 40 disassembled. As shown in FIG. 4, the first gear unit 40 has a coupling 41, a developing gear 42, an idle gear 43, a first agitator gear 44, and a first cover 45. Note that, in FIG. 4, a plurality of gear teeth of each gear are not shown.

  The coupling 41 is a gear that first receives the driving force supplied from the image forming apparatus. The coupling 41 can rotate around a rotation axis extending in the third direction. The coupling 41 has a coupling portion 411 and a coupling gear 412. The coupling portion 411 and the coupling gear 412 are formed of, for example, an integral resin. The coupling portion 411 is provided with a fastening hole 413 recessed in the third direction. Further, a plurality of gear teeth are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the coupling gear 412 at equal intervals over the entire circumference.

  When the drawer unit 90 with the developing cartridge 1 mounted therein is housed in the image forming apparatus, the drive shaft of the image forming apparatus is inserted into the fastening hole 413 of the coupling portion 411. As a result, the drive shaft and the coupling portion 411 are connected so that they cannot rotate relative to each other. Therefore, when the drive shaft rotates, the coupling portion 411 rotates, and the coupling gear 412 rotates together with the coupling portion 411.

  The developing gear 42 is a gear for rotating the developing roller 30. The developing gear 42 can rotate around a rotation axis extending in the third direction. On the outer peripheral portion of the developing gear 42, a plurality of gear teeth are provided at equal intervals over the entire circumference. At least some gear teeth of the plurality of gear teeth of the coupling gear 412 and at least some gear teeth of the plurality of gear teeth of the developing gear 42 mesh with each other. Further, the developing gear 42 is fixed to the end portion of the roller shaft 32 of the developing roller 30 in the third direction so as not to be relatively rotatable. Therefore, when the coupling gear 412 rotates, the developing gear 42 rotates, and the developing roller 30 rotates together with the developing gear 42.

  The idle gear 43 is a gear for transmitting the rotation of the coupling gear 412 to the first agitator gear 44. The idle gear 43 can rotate around a rotation axis extending in the third direction. The idle gear 43 has a large diameter gear portion 431 and a small diameter gear portion 432 arranged in the third direction. The small diameter gear portion 432 is located between the large diameter gear portion 431 and the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. In other words, the large diameter gear portion 431 is farther from the first outer surface 11 than 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 the addendum circle of the small diameter gear portion 432 is smaller than the diameter of the addendum circle of the large diameter gear portion 431. The large diameter gear portion 431 and the small diameter gear portion 432 are formed of, for example, an integral resin.

  A plurality of gear teeth are provided on the outer peripheral portions of the large diameter gear portion 431 and the small diameter gear portion 432 at equal intervals over the entire circumference. The number of gear teeth of the small diameter gear portion 432 is smaller than the number of gear teeth of the large diameter gear portion 431. At least some gear teeth of the plurality of gear teeth of the coupling gear 412 and at least some gear teeth of the plurality of gear teeth of the large-diameter gear portion 431 mesh with each other. Further, at least some of the plurality of gear teeth of the small-diameter gear portion 432 and at least some of the plurality of gear teeth of the first agitator gear 44 mesh with each other. When the coupling gear 412 rotates, the large diameter gear portion 431 rotates, and the small diameter gear portion 432 rotates together with the large diameter gear portion 431. Then, with the rotation of the small-diameter gear portion 432, the first agitator gear 44 also rotates.

  The first agitator gear 44 is a gear for rotating the agitator 20 in the developer chamber 13. The first agitator gear 44 can rotate around a rotation axis extending in the third direction. A plurality of gear teeth are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the first agitator gear 44 at equal intervals over the entire circumference. As described above, at least some of the plurality of gear teeth of the small diameter gear portion 432 and at least some of the plurality of gear teeth of the first agitator gear 44 mesh with each other. .. Further, the first agitator gear 44 is fixed to one end of the agitator shaft 21 in the third direction so as not to be relatively rotatable. Therefore, when power is transmitted from the coupling 41 to the first agitator gear 44 via the idle 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 outer surface 11 of the casing 10 by screwing, for example. The coupling gear 412, the developing gear 42, the idle gear 43, and the first agitator gear 44 are housed between the first outer surface 11 and the first cover 45. The fastening hole 413 of the coupling portion 411 is exposed to the outside of the first cover 45. The first cover 45 of the present embodiment also serves as a holder cover that holds a holder 62 of an IC chip assembly 60 described later. The structure of the first cover 45 as a holder cover will be described later.

  The second gear portion 50 is located on the other side portion of the casing 10 in the third direction. That is, the second gear portion 50 is located on the second outer surface 12. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge 1 with the second gear portion 50 disassembled. As shown in FIG. 5, the second gear unit 50 has a second agitator gear 51, a detection gear 52, a conductive member 53, and a second cover 54. In FIG. 5, the gear teeth of the second agitator gear 51 and the detection gear 52 are not shown.

  The second agitator gear 51 is a gear for transmitting the rotation of the agitator shaft 21 to the detection gear 52. The second agitator gear 51 can rotate around a rotation axis extending in the third direction. The outer peripheral portion of the second agitator gear 51 is provided with a plurality of gear teeth at equal intervals over the entire circumference. At least some of the plurality of gear teeth of the second agitator gear 51 and at least some of the plurality of gear teeth of the detection gear 52 mesh with each other. The second agitator gear 51 is fixed to the other end of the agitator shaft 21 in the third direction so as not to be relatively rotatable. Therefore, when the agitator shaft 21 rotates, the second agitator gear 51 also rotates.

  The detection gear 52 is a gear for transmitting information on the developing cartridge 1 to the image forming apparatus. The information on the developing cartridge 1 includes, for example, information on whether the developing cartridge 1 is a new (unused) developing cartridge or a used developing cartridge. The information on the developing cartridge 1 includes, for example, the specifications of the developing cartridge 1. The specifications of the developing cartridge 1 include, for example, the number of prints (the number of yields) that can be printed by the developer housed in the developing cartridge 1.

  The detection gear 52 can rotate around a rotation axis extending in the third direction. The detection gear 52 has a plurality of gear teeth on a part of the outer peripheral portion. When the unused developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit 90 and the drawer unit 90 is housed in the image forming apparatus, the detection gear 52 rotates by meshing with the second agitator gear 51. When the second agitator gear 51 and the detection gear 52 disengage from each other, the detection gear 52 stops rotating.

  On the other hand, when the used developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit 90 and the drawer unit 90 is stored in the image forming apparatus, the detection gear 52 and the second agitator gear 51 are disengaged from each other. The detection gear 52 does not rotate.

  Other gears may be arranged between the second agitator gear 51 and the detection gear 52. For example, the second gear unit 50 may include a second idle gear that meshes with both the second agitator gear 51 and the detection gear 52. Then, the rotation of the second agitator gear 51 may be transmitted to the detection gear 52 via the second idle gear.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the detection gear 52 has a detection protrusion 521. The detection protrusion 521 projects in the third direction. In addition, the detection protrusion 521 extends in an arc shape around the rotation axis.

  The conductive member 53 is a conductive member. As a material of the conductive member 53, a metal that is a conductor or a conductive resin is used. The conductive member 53 is located on the second outer surface 12 of the casing 10. The conductive member 53 has a gear shaft 531 protruding in the third direction. The detection gear 52 rotates around the gear shaft 531 while being supported by the gear shaft 531. The conductive member 53 also has a bearing portion 532. The bearing portion 532 contacts the roller shaft 32 of the developing roller 30.

  The drawer unit 90 has a conductive lever (not shown) that contacts the gear shaft 531. When the lever contacts the gear shaft 531, the conductive member 53 and the roller shaft 32 are electrically connected to the lever. When the image forming apparatus is driven, the roller shaft 32 is maintained at a predetermined bias voltage by the electric power supplied from the lever. However, the detection protrusion 521 partially covers the outer peripheral surface of the gear shaft 531. Therefore, when the detection gear 52 is rotating after the new developing cartridge 1 is inserted into 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. By recognizing the change in the contact state, the image forming apparatus identifies whether or not the mounted developing cartridge 1 is new and the specification of the developing cartridge 1.

  However, the method of detecting information from the detection gear 52 does not necessarily have to use the presence or absence of electrical conduction. For example, the movement of the lever may be detected optically. Further, the position and length of the detection protrusion 521 in the circumferential direction may be different from those in the present embodiment. Further, the detection gear 52 may have a plurality of detection protrusions 521. The shape of the detection gear 52 can be changed according to specifications such as the number of printable sheets of the developing cartridge 1. Specifically, the number of the detection protrusions 521, the intervals between the plurality of detection protrusions 521 in the circumferential direction, the length of each detection protrusion 521 in the circumferential direction, the radial length of each detection protrusion 521, and the like are specified for each specification. Can be different. As described above, by providing variations in the number of detection protrusions 521 and the positions in the circumferential direction, various specifications of the developing cartridge 1 can be shown to the image forming apparatus.

  Further, the detection gear may be composed of a plurality of members. For example, the detection gear 52 and the detection protrusion 521 may be separate bodies. Further, the detection gear may include a detection gear main body and an auxiliary member whose position changes according to the rotation of the detection gear main body. Then, the auxiliary member may change the position of the lever.

  Further, the detection gear 52 may be a movable gear that is movable in the third direction. The movable gear does not have to be a toothless gear. That is, the movable gear may have a plurality of gear teeth circumferentially on the outer peripheral surface thereof. In this case, when the movable gear rotates, the movable gear moves in the third direction, so that the mesh between the movable gear and the second agitator gear 51 is disengaged. The movable gear may move in a direction away from the second outer surface 12 in the third direction. Further, the movable gear may move in a direction approaching the third direction from the second outer surface 12.

  Further, the detection gear 52 may include a cam, and the cam may contact the detection protrusion 521. In this case, the cam rotates along with the rotation of the detection gear 52, and the rotation of the cam makes contact with the detection protrusion 521 and moves the detection protrusion 521. The detection protrusion 521 may be rotatably attached to the shaft provided on the second outer surface 12 or the second gear cover 54. Further, the shaft of the detection protrusion 521 may be inserted into the hole of the second outer surface 12 or the second gear cover 54 to rotatably hold the detection protrusion 521.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the gear shaft 531 extends from the second outer surface 12 in the third direction. However, the gear shaft 531 may not be in direct contact with the second outer surface 12. For example, the casing 10 may further include a through hole penetrating the second outer surface 12 and a cap attached to the through hole, and the gear shaft may extend from the cap in the third direction. In this case, for example, the cap has a gear shaft that projects in the third direction toward the detection gear 53. The detection gear 53 rotates about the gear shaft 531 while being supported by the gear shaft.

  The second cover 54 is fixed to the second outer surface 12 of the casing 10 by screwing, for example. The second agitator gear 51, the detection gear 52, and the conductive member 53 are housed between the second outer surface 12 and the second cover 54. Further, 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 through the opening 541. The lever described above contacts the detection gear 52 or the gear shaft 531 through the opening 541.

<2. About IC chip assembly>
The IC chip assembly 60 is disposed on the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the IC chip assembly 60. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the IC chip assembly 60 taken along a plane orthogonal to the third direction. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 7, the IC chip assembly 60 has an IC chip 61 which is a storage medium, and a holder 62 which holds the IC chip 61. The holder 62 is held by the first cover 45 on the side portion of the casing 10 in the third direction. Various information regarding the developing cartridge 1 is recorded on the IC chip 61. The IC chip 61 has an electrical contact surface 611. The electrical contact surface 611 is made of a conductor metal. The IC chip 61 is fixed to the outer surface of the holder 62 in the first direction.

  The drawer unit 90 has an electric connector. The electrical connector is made of metal, for example. When the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit 90, the electrical connector of the drawer unit 90 contacts the electrical contact surface 611. Thereby, the image forming apparatus can perform at least one of reading information from the IC chip 61 and writing information to the IC chip 61.

  At least a part of the holder 62 is covered with the first cover 45. The holder 62 has a boss 621a, a boss 621b, and a boss 621c. The boss 621a and the boss 621b extend in the third direction from the surface of the holder 62 opposite to the surface facing the casing 10 toward the first cover 45. Further, the boss 621a and the boss 621b are arranged in the second direction. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the first cover 45 has a through hole 451a and a through hole 451b. The through hole 451a and the through hole 451b respectively penetrate the first cover 45 in the third direction. Further, the through hole 451a and the through hole 451b are arranged in the second direction. The boss 621a is inserted into the through hole 451a. The boss 621b is inserted into the through hole 451b.

  The boss 621c extends in the third direction from the surface of the holder 62 facing the casing 10 toward the casing 10. On the other hand, the casing 10 has a recess 15. The recess 15 is recessed in the third direction on the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. The boss 621c is inserted into the recess 15. Each of the boss 621a, the boss 621b, and the boss 621c may have a cylindrical shape or a prismatic shape.

  The size (inner size) of the through hole 451a in the second direction is larger than the size (outer size) of the boss 621a in the second direction. The size (inner size) of the through hole 451b in the second direction is larger than the size (outer size) of the boss 621b in the second direction. The size (inner size) of the recess 15 in the second direction is larger than the size (outer size) of the boss 621c in the second direction. Therefore, the holder 62 can relatively move in the second direction with respect to the casing 10 and the first cover 45 together with the boss 621a, the boss 621b, and the boss 621c. When the holder 62 moves in the second direction, the IC chip 61 having the electrical contact surface 611 also moves in the second direction together with the holder 62.

  Further, the size (inner size) of the through hole 451a in the first direction is larger than the size (outer size) of the boss 621a in the first direction. The size (inner size) of the through hole 451b in the first direction is larger than the size (outer size) of the boss 621b in the first direction. Further, the size (inner dimension) of the recess 15 in the first direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the boss 621c in the first direction. Therefore, the holder 62 can move in the first direction relative to the casing 10 and the first cover 45 together with the boss 621a, the boss 621b, and the boss 621c. When the holder 62 moves in the first direction, the IC chip 61 having the electrical contact surface 611 also moves in the first direction together with the holder 62. Further, the holder 62 may be movable between the first cover 45 and the first outer surface 11 in the third direction.

  The number of bosses provided on the holder 62 may be one, or may be three or more. Further, the number of through holes provided in the first cover 45 may be one, or may be three or more. Further, the first cover 45 may have a recess into which the boss 621a and the boss 621b are inserted, instead of the through hole 451a and the through hole 451b.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the holder 62 has a first end 710 and a second end 720. The first end portion 710 is one end portion of the holder 62 in the first direction. The second end 720 is the other end of the holder 62 in the first direction. The first end 710 is movable in the first direction with respect to the second end 720. More specifically, the holder 62 of the present embodiment has a first holder member 71, a second holder member 72, and a coil spring 73 located between them. The first holder member 71 is made of resin, for example. The second holder member 72 is made of resin, for example. The first holder member 71 has a first end 710. The IC chip 61 is fixed to the holding surface 620 included in the outer surface of the first end 710. The second holder member 72 has a second end 720. In the holder 62 after assembly, the first end 710 and the second end 720 are separated in the first direction.

  The coil spring 73 is an elastic member extending in the first direction. The coil spring 73 is arranged between the first end 710 and the second end 720 in the first direction. The coil spring 73 expands and contracts in the first direction at least between the first state and the second state which is contracted from the first state. The length of the coil spring 73 in the first state in the first direction is longer than the length of the coil spring 73 in the second state in the first direction. Therefore, the distance in the first direction between the first end 710 and the second end 720 in the first state is the first direction between the first end 710 and the second end 720 in the second state. Longer than the distance. The length of the coil spring 73 in the first direction at least in the second state is shorter than the natural length of the coil spring 73.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first holder member 71 has a claw portion 714a and a claw portion 714b. The claw portion 714a and the claw portion 714b respectively project from the first holder member 71 in a direction intersecting the first direction. On the other hand, the second holder member 72 has an opening 721a and an opening 721b. The claw portion 714a is inserted into the opening 721a. The claw portion 714b is inserted into the opening 721b. In the first state, the claw portion 714a contacts the second holder member 72 at the edge of the opening 721a on the first end portion 710 side. In the first state, the claw portion 714b contacts the second holder member 72 at the edge of the opening 721b on the first end portion 710 side. This prevents the length of the coil spring 73 in the first direction from becoming longer than that in the first state. Further, the first holder member 71 is prevented from being removed from the second holder member 72. On the other hand, in the second state, the claw portions 714a and 714b are separated from the second holder member 72.

  It should be noted that instead of the opening, a concave portion or a step that can contact the claw portion may be provided. Further, the first holder member 71 may be provided with an opening, a concave portion, or a step, and the second holder member 72 may be provided with a claw portion.

  The holding surface 620 of the holder 62 can move in the first direction with respect to the casing 10 due to the dimensional difference between the through hole 451 and the boss 621 and the expansion and contraction of the coil spring 73. Hereinafter, the position of the holding surface 620 in the first direction with respect to the casing 10 before the developing cartridge 1 is mounted in the drawer unit 90 is referred to as an “initial position” (first position). Further, the position of the holding surface 620 in the first direction with respect to the casing 10 at the moment when the coil spring 73 contracts most when the developing cartridge 1 is mounted in the drawer unit 90 is referred to as an “intermediate position” (second position). .. Further, a position of the holding surface 620 in the first direction with respect to the casing 10 when the electrical contact surface 611 comes into contact with an electric connector 913 described later is referred to as a “contact position” (third position). Then, the position of the holding surface 620 in the first direction with respect to the casing 10 after the mounting of the developing cartridge 1 to the drawer unit 90 is completed is referred to as an “end position” (fourth position).

  In addition to the holding surface 620 described above, the outer surface of the first end portion 710 has a first guide surface 711 (first surface), a second guide surface 712 (second surface), and a third guide surface 713a. It further has 713b (3rd surface).

  The first guide surface 711 is provided on one of the two sides of the holding surface 620 in the second direction, which is closer to the developing roller 30. The first guide surface 711 is inclined with respect to the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 held by the holding surface 620. Specifically, the first guide surface 711 is inclined at an acute angle with respect to the electrical contact surface 611.

  Here, one end of the first end 710 in the second direction is defined as a first outer end position (third position) 711a. Further, one end of the holding surface 620 in the second direction is defined as a first inner end position (fourth position) 711b. As shown in FIG. 7, the first guide surface 711 extends from the first outer end position 711a toward the electrical contact surface 611 to the first inner end position 711b. In both the second direction and the first direction, the first outer end position 711a is farther from the electrical contact surface 611 than the first inner end position 711b. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the distance d1 between the first outer end position 711a and the first inner end position 711b in the first direction is between the electrical contact surface 611 and the first inner end position 711b. It is larger than the distance d2 in the first direction.

  The second guide surface 712 is provided on a side portion of the holding surface 620 in the second direction, which is far from the developing roller 30. The second guide surface 712 is inclined with respect to the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 held by the holding surface 620. In detail, the second guide surface 712 is inclined at an acute angle with respect to the electrical contact surface 611.

  Here, the other end of the first end 710 in the second direction is defined as a second outer end position (fifth position) 712a. The other end of the holding surface 620 in the second direction is the second inner end position (sixth position) 712b. As shown in FIG. 7, the second guide surface 712 extends from the second outer end position 712a toward the electrical contact surface 611 to the second inner end position 712b. In both the second direction and the first direction, the second outer end position 712a is farther from the electrical contact surface 611 than the second inner end position 712b. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the distance d3 between the second outer end position 712a and the second inner end position 712b in the first direction is between the electrical contact surface 611 and the second inner end position 712b. It is larger than the distance d4 in the first direction.

  The third guide surface 713a is provided on one of both sides of the electrical contact surface 611 in the third direction. The third guide surface 713b is provided on the other of both sides of the electrical contact surface 611 in the third direction. The third guide surface 713a and the third guide surface 713b each extend in the second direction. Further, in the first direction, the third guide surfaces 713a and 713b are farther from the coil spring 73 than the electrical contact surface 611. Therefore, the electrical contact surface 611 is arranged at a position recessed toward the coil spring 73 side with respect to the third guide surface 713a and the third guide surface 713b.

  The first guide surface 711, the second guide surface 712, and the third guide surfaces 713a and 713b may each have a planar shape or may be curved. However, the first guide surface 711, the second guide surface 712, and the third guide surfaces 713a and 713b are each a smooth surface without a step so as not to be caught when the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit 90. Is preferred.

<3. About operation when wearing>
Next, the operation when the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit 90 will be described. 8 to 14 are views showing a state in which the developing cartridge 1 is attached to one cartridge holding portion 91 of the drawer unit 90.

  When the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the cartridge holding portion 91, first, as shown in FIG. 8, the developing roller 30 of the developing cartridge 1 is opposed to the insertion port 910 of the cartridge holding portion 91. At this time, the first end 710 and the second end 720 of the holder 62 have not yet contacted the drawer unit 90. Therefore, the coil spring 73 is in the above-mentioned first state. Further, the position of the holding surface 620 in the first direction with respect to the casing 10 is the initial position described above. The developing cartridge 1 is inserted in the second direction with respect to the cartridge holding portion 91 as indicated by the broken line arrow in FIG.

  The cartridge holder 91 has a first guide plate 911 and a second guide plate 912. The first guide plate 911 and the second guide plate 912 are arranged facing each other with a space in the first direction. The first guide plate 911 and the second guide plate 912 extend along the third direction and the second direction, respectively. In addition, the first guide plate 911 has a metal electric connector 913 that can contact the electric contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61. The electric connector 913 projects from the surface of the first guide plate 911 toward the second guide plate 912 in the first direction.

  When the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the cartridge holding portion 91, as shown in FIG. 9, the first guide surface 711 of the holder 62 comes into contact with the end portion of the first guide plate 911 in the second direction. Then, the first guide surface 711 is pushed by the first guide plate 911, whereby the holder 62 moves in the first direction. The movement of the holder 62 at this time is relative to the casing 10. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the holder 62 is positioned in the first direction between the first guide plate 911 and the second guide plate 912.

  After that, the first end portion 710 of the first holder member 71 contacts the first guide plate 911. In addition, the second end portion 720 of the second holder member 72 contacts the second guide plate 912. The coil spring 73 contracts in the first direction more than in the first state.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the first guide plate 911 has a guide protrusion 914 protruding toward the second guide plate 912. The guide protrusion 914 is located closer to the insertion port 910 than the electric connector 913. The guide protrusion 914 has a first inclined surface 915. Further, the second guide plate 912 has a second inclined surface 916. The distance between the first inclined surface 915 and the second inclined surface 916 in the first direction gradually becomes shorter as the developing cartridge 1 is inserted.

  When the developing cartridge 1 is further inserted in the second direction, the first holder member 71 contacts the first inclined surface 915 and the second holder member 72 contacts the second inclined surface 916. As a result, the first holder member 71 and the second holder member 72 approach each other in the first direction, and the length of the coil spring 73 in the first direction gradually decreases. When the third guide surfaces 713a and 713b of the first holder member 71 eventually contact the tops of the guide protrusions 914, the length of the coil spring 73 in the first direction becomes the shortest. That is, the coil spring 73 is in the second state described above. Further, the position of the holding surface 620 with respect to the casing 10 in the first direction is the intermediate position described above.

  In this way, the IC chip assembly 60 can change the position of the holding surface 620 that holds the IC chip 61 in the first direction when the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the drawer unit 90. Therefore, the developing cartridge 1 can be inserted while changing the position of the holding surface 620 in the first direction along the guide protrusion 914. Further, the pressure in the first direction applied from the guide protrusion 914 to the first holder member 71 is reduced as compared with the case where the guide protrusion 914 is passed with the holding surface 620 fixed in the first direction. Therefore, the developing cartridge 1 can be inserted into the drawer unit 90 while suppressing the rubbing of the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61. Further, as shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12, after the first surface 711 has passed over the guide protrusion 914, the electrical contact surface 611 directly contacts the electrical connector 913. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce rubbing of the electric connector 913.

  Particularly, in the developing cartridge 1 of this embodiment, the electric contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 is arranged at a position recessed from the third guide surfaces 713a and 713b. Therefore, in the state of FIG. 11, the top of the guide protrusion 914 contacts only the third guide surfaces 713a and 713b, and does not contact the electrical contact surface 11. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the guide protrusion 914 from rubbing against the electrical contact surface 611.

  Then, when the developing cartridge 1 is further inserted in the second direction, the third guide surfaces 713a and 713b pass through the guide protrusion 914. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the second guide surface 712 contacts the guide protrusion 914. Along with this, the coil spring 73 extends again from the second state to the above-described third state. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13, the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 contacts the electrical connector 913. The length of the coil spring 73 in the third state in the first direction is shorter than the length of the coil spring 73 in the first state in the first direction, and is longer than the length of the coil spring 73 in the second state in the first direction. long. The length of the coil spring 73 in the first direction in the third state is shorter than the natural length of the coil spring 73. The relative position of the holding surface 620 with respect to the casing 10 in the first direction is the contact position described above.

  As a result, the IC chip assembly 60 is fixed while being sandwiched between the electric connector 913 and the second guide plate 912. Then, in the present embodiment, the casing 10 is tilted in the first direction as indicated by the broken line arrow in FIG. As a result, the developing roller 30 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 92 of the drawer unit 90. At this time, the position of the holding surface 620 in the first direction with respect to the casing 10 changes from the contact position described above to the final position. Further, the boss 621 moves in the first direction within the through hole 451. As a result, the boss 621 does not come into contact with the edge portion of the through hole 451 of the first cover 45. As a result, the IC chip assembly 60 and the first cover 45 are not in contact with each other. Therefore, it becomes difficult for vibration to be transmitted from the driving unit such as the first gear unit 40 to the IC chip assembly 60 during the printing process in the image forming apparatus. Thereby, the contact state between the electrical contact surface 611 and the electrical connector 913 can be better maintained.

<4. Separation operation>
After mounting the developing cartridge 1, the drawer unit 90 can perform a so-called “separation operation” in which the developing roller 30 is temporarily separated from the photosensitive drum 92. As shown in FIG. 2, the first cover 45 of the developing cartridge 1 has a first columnar protrusion 46 extending in the third direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the second cover 54 of the developing cartridge 1 has a second columnar protrusion 55 extending in the third direction. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, the drawer unit 9 has a plurality of pressing members 93. The pressing members 93 are provided on both sides of each cartridge holding portion 91 in the third direction.

  In the operation indicated by the broken line arrow in FIG. 14 described above, each of the first columnar protrusion 46 and the second columnar protrusion 55 is pressed by the pressing member 93. As a result, the casing 10 is tilted in the first direction. As a result, the position of the holding surface 620 with respect to the casing 10 in the first direction changes from the contact position described above to the final position.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a state when the separating operation is executed. During the separating operation, the driving force from the image forming apparatus changes the positions of the first columnar protrusions 46 and the second columnar protrusions 55. Specifically, each of the first columnar protrusion 46 and the second columnar protrusion 55 is pushed by a lever (not shown) included in the drawer unit 90. As a result, each of the first columnar protrusion 46 and the second columnar protrusion 55 moves against the pressing force of the pressing member 93. As a result, the casing 10 and the developing roller 30 of the developing cartridge 1 move in the second direction and move away from the photosensitive drum 92, as indicated by the broken line arrow in FIG.

  At this time, the IC chip assembly 60 is fixed while being sandwiched between the electric connector 913 and the second guide plate 912. Therefore, the position of the IC chip assembly 60 with respect to the drawer unit 90 does not change while the casing 10 and the developing roller 30 move in the second direction. Also, the state of the coil spring 73 remains unchanged in the third state. Therefore, the position of the holder 62 in the second direction with respect to the casing 10 changes from the standard position (first position) to the separated position (second position). Further, the boss 621 moves in the second direction inside the through hole 451.

  As described above, in the developing cartridge 1, the position of the casing 10 in the second direction can be changed without changing the position of the electrical contact surface 611 with respect to the drawer unit 90 in the second direction. Therefore, the contact state between the electrical contact surface 611 and the electrical connector 913 can be maintained when the separating operation is performed. Further, even when the image forming apparatus is transported with the developing cartridge 1 mounted in the drawer unit 90, the electrical contact surface 611 and the electrical connector 913 can be kept in contact with each other, so that electrical contact can be maintained. Rubbing of the contact surface 611 can be reduced.

<5. Modification>
Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Below, various modifications will be described focusing on the differences from the above-described embodiment.

<5-1. First Modification>
FIG. 16 is a partially exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge 1A of the first modified example. In the example of FIG. 16, at least a part of the holder 62A holding the IC chip 61A is covered with the first cover 45A, as in the above embodiment. However, in the example of FIG. 16, the first cover 45A has the bosses 451aA and 451bA. The boss 451aA and the boss 451bA are arranged in the second direction. In addition, the bosses 451aA and 451bA respectively extend in the third direction from the first cover 45A toward the casing 10A. On the other hand, the holder 62A has one through hole 621A penetrating in the third direction. Both the bosses 451aA and 451bA are inserted into the through hole 621A.

  The size of the through hole 621A in the second direction is larger than the length between one end of the boss 451aA in the second direction and the other end of the boss 451bA in the second direction. That is, the size of the through hole 621A in the second direction is larger than the distance in the second direction between the parts of the bosses 451aA and 451bA that are most distant from each other in the second direction. Therefore, the holder 62A can move in the second direction with respect to the casing 10A and the first cover 45A together with the through hole 621A. When the holder 62A moves in the second direction, the holder 62A and the IC chip 61A having the electrical contact surface 611A also move in the second direction.

  The size of the through hole 621A in the first direction is larger than the size of each of the bosses 451aA and 451bA in the first direction. Therefore, the holder 62A can move in the first direction with respect to the casing 10A and the first cover 45A together with the through hole 621A. When the holder 62A moves in the first direction, the IC chip 61A having the electrical contact surface 611A also moves in the first direction together with the holder 62A. The holder 62A may also be movable in the third direction between the first cover 45A and the first outer surface 11A.

  As described above, by providing the boss 451A on the first cover 45A and providing the through hole 621A on the holder 62A, movement of the electrical contact surface 611A with respect to the casing 10A in the first direction and the second direction may be realized. Even with such a structure, when the casing 10A is tilted in the first direction when the developing cartridge 1A is mounted in the drawer unit, the boss 451A can be moved in the first direction inside the through hole 621A. Further, when the separating operation is executed after the developing cartridge 1A is mounted, the boss 451A can be moved in the second direction inside the through hole 621A. As a result, the position of the casing 10A can be changed while maintaining a good contact state between the electrical contact surface 611A and the electrical connector.

  The number of bosses 451A provided on the first cover 45A may be one, or may be three or more. Further, the number of through holes 621A provided in the holder 62A may be two or more. Further, the holder 62A may have a recess into which the boss 451A is inserted, instead of the through hole 621A. Further, a boss may be provided on the first outer surface of the casing, and the boss of the casing may be inserted into the through hole or the concave portion of the holder. The boss 451A may be a column or a prism.

  FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the IC chip assembly 60A of FIG. 16 taken along a plane perpendicular to the third direction. As shown in FIG. 17, a holder 62A of this IC chip assembly 60A has a resin holder member 74A and a leaf spring 75A fixed to the holder member 74A. The holder member 74A has a first end 740A that is one end of the holder 62A in the first direction. The IC chip 61A is fixed to the holding surface 620A included in the outer surface of the first end portion 740A. The leaf spring 75A has a second end 750A that is the other end of the holder 62A in the first direction. In the holder 62A after assembly, the first end portion 740A and the second end portion 750A are separated from each other in the first direction.

  For the leaf spring 75A, for example, a flexible and bent metal plate is used. The leaf spring 75A expands and contracts in the first direction at least between the first state and the second state in which the leaf spring is bent more than the first state. The length of the leaf spring 75A in the first state in the first direction is longer than the length of the leaf spring 75A in the second state in the first direction. Therefore, the distance in the first direction between the first end portion 740A and the second end portion 750A in the first state is the first direction between the first end portion 740A and the second end portion 750A in the second state. Longer than the distance. Further, at least the length of the leaf spring 75A in the first direction in the second state is shorter than the natural length of the leaf spring 75A.

  Thus, the IC chip assembly 60A may be expanded and contracted in the first direction by using the leaf spring 75A instead of the coil spring. When the developing cartridge 1A is attached to the drawer unit, the electrical contact surface 611A of the IC chip 61A is moved to the casing 10A by the dimensional difference between the boss 451A and the through hole 621A and the expansion and contraction of the leaf spring 75A. It can be moved in one direction.

<5-2. Second Modification>
FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view of the developing cartridge 1B of the second modified example. In the example of FIG. 18, the electrical contact surface 611B of the IC chip 61B is oriented in the third direction. Therefore, the first direction and the third direction orthogonal to the electrical contact surface 611B are the same direction. Further, in the example of FIG. 18, the columnar elastic body 63B is provided between the casing 10B and the IC chip assembly 60B. For the columnar elastic body 63B, for example, a coil spring extending in the first direction is used. One end of the columnar elastic body 63B in the third direction is fixed to the holder 62B of the IC chip assembly 60B. The other end of the columnar elastic body 63B in the third direction is fixed to the first outer surface of the casing 10B. That is, the casing 10B and the IC chip assembly 60B are connected by the columnar elastic body 63B.

  19 and 20 are diagrams showing the movement of the IC chip assembly 60B due to the deformation of the columnar elastic body 63B. As shown in FIG. 19, the columnar elastic body 63B can expand and contract in the first direction. When the columnar elastic body 63B expands and contracts, the position of the electrical contact surface 611B with respect to the casing 10B also changes in the first direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 20, the columnar elastic body 63B can be deformed obliquely with respect to the first direction. When the columnar elastic body 63B is deformed obliquely, the relative position between one end and the other end of the columnar elastic body 63B changes in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

  21 and 22 are views showing a state in which the developing cartridge 1B of the second modified example is attached to the drawer unit 90B. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the first cover 45B has a first frame portion 456B and a second frame portion 457B that are lined up at intervals in the second direction. The IC chip assembly 60B and the columnar elastic body 63B are housed in a housing part 452B which is a space between the first frame part 456B and the second frame part 457B. Further, the first cover 45B has a claw portion 453B protruding from the first frame portion 456B toward the housing portion 452B. Before mounting the developing cartridge 1B in the drawer unit 90B, as shown in FIG. 21, a part of the IC chip assembly 60 contacts the claw portion 453B. As a result, the columnar elastic body 63B is maintained in a state of being compressed in the first direction rather than the natural length.

  When the developing cartridge 1B is attached to the drawer unit 90B, the electrical contact surface 611B of the IC chip 61B contacts the electrical connector 913B as shown in FIG. At this time, the length of the columnar elastic body 63B in the first direction is shorter than that in the state of FIG. Therefore, the repulsive force of the columnar elastic body 63B maintains the contact state between the electrical contact surface 611B and the electrical connector 913B.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a state when the separating operation is executed after mounting the developing cartridge 1B. At the time of the separating operation, as shown in FIG. 23, the columnar elastic body 63B is deformed obliquely with respect to the first direction. As a result, the IC chip assembly 60B connected to one end of the columnar elastic body 63B and the casing 10B connected to the other end of the columnar elastic body 63B relatively move in the second direction. Therefore, the position of the casing 10B in the second direction can be changed without changing the position of the electrical contact surface 611B with respect to the drawer unit 90B in the second direction. That is, the separating operation can be performed while maintaining the contact state between the electrical contact surface 611B and the electrical connector 913B.

<5-3. Third Modification>
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge 1C of the third modified example. In the example of FIG. 24, the IC chip assembly 60C has an IC chip 61C, a holder 62C, a shaft portion 66C, and a lever 67C. The shaft portion 66C extends in the second direction inside the first cover 45C. One end of the shaft portion 66C in the second direction is connected to the holder 62C such that it cannot rotate relative to the holder 62C. The other end of the shaft portion 66C in the second direction is connected to a lever 67C arranged outside the first cover 45C so as not to be relatively rotatable. Therefore, when the lever 67C is rotated about the shaft portion 66C as indicated by the broken line arrow in FIG. 24, the shaft portion 66C and the holder 62C are also rotated about the shaft portion 66C. As a result, the position of the holder 62C in the first direction changes.

  25 to 27 are views of the developing cartridge 1C of the third modified example as viewed from one side in the third direction. Before mounting the developing cartridge 1C on the drawer unit, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the IC chip 61C and the holder 62C are housed inside the first cover 45C. When the developing cartridge 1C is attached to the drawer unit and the drawer unit is housed in the image forming apparatus, the lever 67C rotates about the shaft portion 66C. As a result, a part of the holder 62C and the IC chip 61C project from the first cover 45C. Then, as shown in FIG. 27, the electrical contact surface 611C of the IC chip 61C comes into contact with the electrical connector 913C provided in the drawer unit.

  The lever 67C may be manually operated by the user after the developing cartridge 1C is attached to the drawer unit. Further, when the drawer unit is stored in the main body of the image forming apparatus, the lever 67C may be rotated by the guide surface provided on the main body of the image forming apparatus.

  The first cover 45C has a support surface 454C that contacts the lever 67C before rotation. In the state of FIG. 25, one surface of the lever 67C in the second direction contacts the support surface 454C. As a result, the entire lever 67C, shaft portion 66C, holder 62C, and IC chip 61C are supported in the second direction by the first cover 45C. However, as shown in FIG. 26, when the lever 67C is rotated, the lever 67C moves to the outside of the support surface 454C. Therefore, the one surface of the lever 67C in the second direction and the supporting surface 454C are not in contact with each other. Further, the holder 62C is fixed at the position shown in FIG. 26 by the positioning member included in the drawer unit. As a result, the electrical contact surface 611C of the IC chip 61C and the electrical connector 913C are maintained in contact with each other.

  Further, in the state of FIG. 26, one surface of the holder 62C in the second direction is also not in contact with the first cover 45C. Therefore, the lever 67C, the shaft portion 66C, the holder 62C, and the IC chip 61C as a whole can be moved relative to the first cover 45C in the second direction. Therefore, when the developing cartridge 1C is separated, as shown in FIG. 27, the casing 10C and the first cover 45C are moved in the second direction while maintaining the contact state between the electrical contact surface 611C of the IC chip 61C and the electrical connector 913C. Can be moved.

<5-4. Fourth Modification>
FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of the first cover 45D and the IC chip assembly 60D of the developing cartridge of the fourth modified example. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the first cover 45D and the IC chip assembly 60D. In the example of FIGS. 28 and 29, the electrical contact surface 611D of the IC chip 61D is oriented in the third direction. Therefore, the first direction and the third direction orthogonal to the electrical contact surface 611D are the same direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, an IC chip assembly 60D of the fourth modified example has an IC chip 61D, a holder 62D holding the IC chip 61D, and a joint member 63D. The holder 62D has a plurality of claw portions 622D that extend along the first direction to the side opposite to the electrical contact surface 611D. In the example of FIG. 28, the holder 62D has four claw portions 622D. The joint member 63D has a fixed portion 631D fixed to the first cover 45D, and an arm 632D extending from the fixed portion 631D toward the holder 62D in the first direction.

  A spherical portion 633D having a diameter larger than the thickness of the arm 632D is provided at the tip of the arm 632D in the first direction. The spherical portion 633D is held at a position inside the holder 62D by the plurality of claw portions 622D. As a result, as shown in FIG. 30, the arm 632D and the holder 62D are connected so as to be rotatable relative to each other. That is, the IC chip 61D and the holder 62D can be relatively rotated about the spherical portion 633D. As a result, the position of the electrical contact surface 611D of the IC chip 61D with respect to the fixed portion 631D can be moved in the second direction. Therefore, when the developing cartridge is separated, the casing and the first cover 45D can be moved in the second direction while maintaining the contact state between the electrical contact surface 611D of the IC chip 61D and the electrical connector.

  28 to 30, the claw portion 622D of the holder 62D and the arm 632D of the joint member 63D are relatively movable in the first direction. Therefore, when the developing cartridge is inserted into the drawer unit, the IC chip 61D and the holder 62D can be moved in the first direction with respect to the fixed portion 631D. As a result, the developing cartridge can be inserted while suppressing the electric contact surface 611D of the IC chip 61D from rubbing.

  An elastic member such as a coil spring that expands and contracts in the first direction may be interposed between the fixed portion 631D of the joint member 63D and the claw portion 622D. In addition, an elastic member such as a coil spring that expands and contracts in the first direction may be interposed between the first cover 45D and the claw portion 622D. Then, the electrical contact surface 611D can be brought into better contact with the electrical connector by the repulsive force of the elastic member.

  Further, the arm 632D may be rotatably connected to the fixed portion 631D or the first cover 45D. For example, a spherical portion may be provided at both ends of the arm 632D, and one spherical portion may be rotatably held by a plurality of claw portions provided on the first cover 45D. Thus, by rotatably connecting both ends of the arm 632D, the position of the electrical contact surface 611D in the second direction can be changed more flexibly.

<5-5. Fifth Modification>
FIG. 31 is a partial perspective view of the developing cartridge 1E of the fifth modified example. In the example of FIG. 31, the holder 62E that holds the IC chip 61E is formed of a plate-shaped member that extends annularly and has its ends connected to each other. For example, a flexible resin is used as the material of the holder 62E. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 31, the holder 62E itself is an elastic body that can expand and contract in the first direction. With this configuration, the distance between both ends of the holder 62E in the first direction can be changed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the electric contact surface 611E of the IC chip 61E from rubbing when the developing cartridge 1E is inserted into the drawer unit.

  In the example of FIG. 31, the holder 62E does not need to be composed of a plurality of members in order to expand and contract in the first direction. Further, it is not necessary to use an elastic member for the holder 62E separately from the member for holding the IC chip 61E.

  FIG. 32 is an exploded perspective view of the first cover 45E and the IC chip assembly 60E of the fifth modified example. As shown in FIG. 32, the first cover 45E has a boss 451aE extending in the first direction and a boss 451bE extending in the first direction. The bosses 451aE and 451bE are arranged in the second direction. Further, the first cover 45E further includes a connecting portion 455E that connects the respective tips of the bosses 451aE and 451bE.

  The holder 62E extends annularly around the bosses 451aE and 451bE. Then, the claw portions 623E provided at both ends of the holder 62E mesh with each other. Thereby, a through hole 621E penetrating in the first direction is formed inside the holder 62E. The bosses 451aE and 451bE are located inside the through holes 621E. The holder 62E further includes a plate-shaped portion 624E protruding from the inner peripheral surface thereof toward the through hole 621E. The plate-shaped portion 624E is inserted between the boss 451aE and the boss 451bE.

  The distance between the boss 451aE and the boss 451bE in the second direction is larger than the thickness of the plate-shaped portion 624E in the second direction. For this reason, the holder 62E can move in the second direction relative to the casing 10E and the first cover 45E together with the plate-shaped portion 624E. When the holder 62E moves in the second direction, the IC chip 61E having the electrical contact surface 611E moves in the second direction together with the holder 62E.

  The size of the through hole 621E in the first direction is larger than the size of each of the bosses 451aE and 451bE in the first direction. Therefore, the holder 62E can move in the first direction with respect to the casing 10E and the first cover 45E. When the holder 62E moves in the first direction, the IC chip 61E having the electrical contact surface 611E also moves in the first direction together with the holder 62E.

  When the developing cartridge 1E is attached to the drawer unit, the holder 62E contracts in the first direction by being sandwiched between the guide plates of the drawer unit. Specifically, the claw portions 623E provided at both ends of the holder 62E come close to each other, and thus a biasing force in a direction in which the claw portions 623E separate from each other is generated. Then, with the holder 62E elastically deformed, the electrical contact surface 611E of the IC chip 61E contacts the electrical connector. The biasing force fixes the electrical contact surface 611E and the electrical connector in contact with each other. Further, during the separating operation, the casing 10E moves in the second direction while the electrical contact surface 611E and the electrical connector are kept in contact with each other.

  Even with such a structure, when the developing cartridge 1E is mounted in the drawer unit, when the casing 10E is tilted in the first direction, the bosses 451aE and 451bE can be moved in the first direction inside the through hole 621E. .. Further, when the separating operation is executed after the developing cartridge 1E is mounted, the bosses 451aE and 451bE can be moved in the second direction within the through hole 621E. As a result, the position of the casing 10E can be changed while maintaining a good contact state between the electrical contact surface 611E and the electrical connector.

  The number of bosses provided on the first cover 45E may be one, or may be three or more.

<5-6. Sixth Modification>
FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge 1F and the drum cartridge 80F of the sixth modified example. The developing cartridge 1F of FIG. 33 includes a casing 10F, a developing roller 30F, an IC chip assembly 60F, and a first cover 45F. In the example of FIG. 33, the developing cartridge 1F is attached to the drum cartridge 80F instead of the drawer unit. The drum cartridge 80F has one developing cartridge holding portion 81F that holds one developing cartridge 1F. A photosensitive drum 82F is provided in the developing cartridge holding portion 81F. When the developing cartridge 1F is mounted on the drum cartridge 80F, the developing roller 30F of the developing cartridge 1F contacts the photosensitive drum 82F.

  FIG. 34 is a diagram showing how the drum cartridge 80F, to which the developing cartridge 1F is attached, is attached to the image forming apparatus 100F. As shown in FIG. 34, the drum cartridge 80F to which the developing cartridge 1F is attached is attached to the drum cartridge holding portion 101F provided in the image forming apparatus 100F.

  As described above, the developing cartridge 1F of the type mounted on the drum cartridge 80F can also have the same structure as that of the IC chip assembly of the above-described embodiment or the first modification to the fifth modification. FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view around the IC chip assembly 60F of the developing cartridge 1F. As shown in FIG. 35, the IC chip assembly 60F of the developing cartridge 1F has an IC chip 61F which is a storage medium, and a holder 62F which holds the IC chip 61F. The holder 62F is held by the first cover 45F at the side portion of the casing 10F in the third direction.

  The holder 62F has a first holder member 71F, a second holder member 72F, and a coil spring 73F. The coil spring 73F is an elastic member that expands and contracts in the first direction.

  The first holder member 71F has a boss 621aF, a boss 621bF, and a boss 621cF. The boss 621aF extends in the third direction from the surface of the first holder member 71F that faces the first cover 45F toward the first cover 45F. On the other hand, the first cover 45F has a through hole 451F. The through hole 451F penetrates the first cover 45F in the third direction. The boss 621aF is inserted into the through hole 451aF.

  The boss 621bF and the boss 621cF respectively extend in the third direction from the surface of the first holder member 71 facing the casing 10F toward the casing 10F. On the other hand, the casing 10F has a recess 15aF and a recess 15bF. The recess 15aF and the recess 15bF are recessed in the third direction on the first outer surface 11F of the casing 10F. The boss 621bF is inserted into the recess 15aF. The boss 621cF is inserted into the recess 15bF.

  The size (inner size) of the through hole 451F in the second direction is larger than the size (outer size) of the boss 621aF in the second direction. The size (inner dimension) of the recess 15aF in the second direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the boss 621bF in the second direction. Further, the size (inner size) of the recess 15bF in the second direction is larger than the size (outer size) of the boss 621cF in the second direction. Therefore, the holder 62F can move relative to the casing 10F and the first cover 45F in the second direction together with the boss 621aF, the boss 621bF, and the boss 621cF. When the holder 62F moves in the second direction, the IC chip 61F having the electrical contact surface 611F moves in the second direction together with the holder 62F.

  The size (inner size) of the through hole 451F in the first direction is larger than the size (outer size) of the boss 621aF in the first direction. The size (inner size) of the recess 15aF in the first direction is larger than the size (outer size) of the boss 621bF in the first direction. Further, the size (inner size) of the recess 15bF in the first direction is larger than the size (outer size) of the boss 621cF in the first direction. Therefore, the holder 62F can move relative to the casing 10F and the first cover 45F in the first direction together with the boss 621aF, the boss 621bF, and the boss 621cF. When the holder 62F moves in the first direction, the IC chip 61F having the electrical contact surface 611F also moves in the first direction together with the holder 62F.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 34, the second holder member 72 has a recess 625F. On the other hand, the drum cartridge 80F has a convex portion 83F. The depression 625F and the convex portion 83F face each other in the first direction. The size of the recess 625F gradually increases as it moves away from the IC chip 61F in the first direction. The size of the protrusion 83F gradually converges toward the tip in the first direction.

  As shown in FIG. 34, the image forming apparatus 100F has an electric connector 102F. When the drum cartridge 80F with the developing cartridge 1F mounted therein is inserted into the image forming apparatus 100F, the first holder member 71F comes into contact with the member of the image forming apparatus 100F. Further, the convex portion 83F of the drum cartridge 80F fits into the recess 625F of the second holder member 72F. As a result, the position of the second holder member 72F with respect to the drum cartridge 80F is fixed. As a result, the holder 62F is sandwiched between the member of the image forming apparatus 100F and the drum cartridge 80, so that the coil spring 73F contracts in the first direction. Further, when the drum cartridge F is further inserted into the image forming apparatus 100F, the electrical contact surface 611F of the IC chip 61F contacts the electrical connector 102F.

  The IC chip 61F contacts the electrical connector 102F while receiving the repulsive force of the coil spring 73F. The holder 62F is sandwiched between the electric connector 102F and the convex portion 83F. As a result, the holder 62F is positioned with respect to the image forming apparatus 100F and the drum cartridge 80F.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 35, the second holder member 72F has a claw portion 714F. The claw portion 714F projects from the second holder member 72F in a direction intersecting with the first direction. In the example of FIG. 35, the claw portion 714F projects from the second holder member 72F in the third direction. On the other hand, the first holder member 71F has an opening 721F. The claw portion 714F is inserted into the opening 721F. This prevents the first holder member 71F from being removed from the second holder 72F.

  The casing 10F of the developing cartridge 1F has a first rib 46F and a second rib 55F. The first rib 46F projects from the first outer surface 11F in the third direction. The second rib 55F projects in the third direction from the second outer surface 12F. On the other hand, the drum cartridge 80F has a first lever 84F and a second lever 85F. During the separating operation, the driving force from the image forming apparatus operates the first lever 84F and the second lever 85F. Then, the first rib 46F is pushed by the first lever 84F. Further, the second rib 55F is pushed by the second lever 85F. As a result, the positions of the first rib 46F and the second rib 55F change. As a result, the casing 10 and the developing roller 30 of the developing cartridge 1 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 with respect to the casing 10F can be changed. Therefore, the position of the casing 10F in the second direction can be changed without changing the position of the electrical contact surface 611F with respect to the electrical connector 102F in the second direction. Therefore, the separating operation can be performed while maintaining the contact state between the electrical contact surface 611F and the electrical connector 102F. As a result, rubbing of the electrical contact surface 611F can be reduced.

  Also in the developing cartridge 1F, the electrical contact surface 611F can move in the first direction with respect to the casing 10F. Therefore, when the drum cartridge 80F is mounted on the image forming apparatus 100F, it is possible to suppress rubbing of the electrical contact surface 611F.

<5-7. Other modifications>
In the above embodiment, the IC chip having the electrical contact surface is fixed to the outer surface of the holder. However, only the electrical contact surface that contacts the electrical connector may be fixed to the outer surface of the holder, and the portion other than the electrical contact surface of the IC chip may be arranged at another portion of the developing cartridge.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the plurality of gears in the first gear portion and the second gear portion are engaged with each other by the meshing of gear teeth. However, the plurality of gears in the first gear portion and the second gear portion may be engaged with each other by a frictional force. For example, a friction member (for example, rubber) may be provided on the outer peripheral portions of the two gears that are engaged with each other instead of the plurality of gear teeth.

  Further, the developing cartridge 1 of the above-described embodiment is attached to the drawer unit included in the image forming apparatus. However, the developing cartridge of the present invention may be attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus having no drawer unit.

  Further, the detailed shape of the developing cartridge may be different from the shape shown in each drawing of the present application. Further, the respective elements appearing in the above-described embodiments and modifications may be appropriately combined within a range where no contradiction occurs.

1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1E, 1F Developing cartridge 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10E, 10F Casing 11 First outer surface 12 Second outer surface 13 Developer chamber 14 Opening 20 Agitator 21 Agitator shaft 22 Stirring blade 30, 30F Developing roller 31 Roller body 32 Roller shaft 40 First gear portion 41 Coupling 42 Developing gear 43 Idle gear 44 First agitator gear 45, 45A, 45B, 45C, 45D, 45E, 45F First cover 50 Second gear Part 51 Second agitator gear 52 Detection gear 53 Conductive member 54 Second cover 60, 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D, 60E, 60F IC chip assembly 61, 61A, 61B, 61C, 61D, 61E, 61F IC chip 62, 62A , 62B, 62C 62D, 62E, 62F Holder 63B Columnar elastic body 63D Joint member 66C Shaft part 67C Lever 71, 71F First holder member 72, 72F Second holder member 73, 73F Coil spring 74A Holder member 75A Leaf spring 80F Drum cartridge 81F Development cartridge holding Part 82F Photosensitive drum 90, 90B Drawer unit 91 Cartridge holding part 92 Photosensitive drum 100F Image forming device 101F Drum cartridge holding part 102F Electrical connector 451, 451F Through hole 451aA, 451bA, 451aE, 451bE Boss 611, 611A, 611B, 611C, 611D , 611E, 611F Electrical contact surface 620, 620A Holding surface 621, 621F Boss 621A, 621E Through hole 631D Fixing part 63 D arm 633D spherical portion 710, 740A first end portion 711 first guide surface 712 second guide surface 713a, 713b third guide surface 720, 750A second end portion 910 insertion opening 911 first guide plate 912 second guide plate 913 , 913B, 913C Electrical connector 914 Guide protrusion

Claims (31)

A housing for accommodating the developer inside,
A storage medium having an electrical contact surface;
An elastic member extending in a first direction intersecting with the electrical contact surface, the elastic member being capable of expanding and contracting in the first direction between a first state and a second state;
A holder in which the electrical contact surface is located on the outer surface in the first direction, and the position of the outer surface with respect to the housing is movable in the first direction between a first position and a second position. A holder,
Equipped with
The length in the first direction of the elastic member in the first state is longer than the length in the first direction of the elastic member in the second state,
When the elastic member is in the first state, the holder is located at the first position,
The developing cartridge, wherein the holder is located at the second position when the elastic member is in the second state. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein
The holder includes a first end including the outer surface, and a second end separated from the first end in the first direction,
The developing cartridge, wherein the elastic member is located between the first end portion and the second end portion in the first direction. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, wherein
The distance in the first direction between the first end portion and the second end portion in the first state is the first distance between the first end portion and the second end portion in the second state. A developing cartridge characterized by being longer than the distance in one direction. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:
A position of the outer surface with respect to the housing is movable in the first direction between the first position, the second position, and a third position;
The elastic member is expandable and contractable in the first direction between the first state, the second state, and the third state,
The length in the first direction of the elastic member in the first state is longer than the length in the first direction of the elastic member in the second state,
The length in the first direction of the elastic member in the third state is longer than the length in the first direction of the elastic member in the second state,
The developing cartridge, wherein the holder is located at the third position when the elastic member is in the third state. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, wherein
A position of the outer surface with respect to the housing is movable in the first direction between the first position, the second position, and a third position;
The elastic member is expandable and contractable in the first direction between the first state, the second state, and the third state,
The length of the elastic member in the first state in the first direction is longer than the length of the elastic member in the second state in the first direction, and is the same as the first end portion in the first state. The distance in the first direction with the second end is longer than the distance in the first direction between the first end and the second end in the second state,
The length in the first direction of the elastic member in the third state is longer than the length in the first direction of the elastic member in the second state, and the first end portion in the third state. The distance in the first direction with the second end is longer than the distance in the first direction between the first end and the second end in the second state,
The developing cartridge, wherein the holder is located at the third position when the elastic member is in the third state. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein:
The position of the outer surface with respect to the housing is movable from the first position to the second position in accordance with attachment of the developing cartridge to the image forming apparatus,
In the first position, a part of the holder and the electrical contact surface are in a non-contact state where they do not contact a part of the image forming apparatus,
In the second position, a developing cartridge, wherein a part of the holder or the electrical contact surface is in a contact state of contacting the part of the image forming apparatus. The developing cartridge according to claim 4 or 5, wherein:
The position of the outer surface with respect to the housing is movable from the first position to the second position to the third position according to the mounting of the developing cartridge to the image forming apparatus.
In the first position, a part of the holder and the electrical contact surface are in a non-contact state where they do not contact a part of the image forming apparatus,
In the second position, a part of the holder or the electric contact surface is in a contact state of contacting a part of the image forming apparatus,
In the third position, the developing cartridge is characterized in that the electrical contact surface is in a connector contact state of contacting the electrical connector of the image forming apparatus. The developing cartridge according to claim 4, claim 5, or claim 7,
The developing cartridge, wherein the length of the elastic member in the first direction in the third state is shorter than the natural length of the elastic member. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein:
The developing cartridge, wherein the first direction is a direction perpendicular to the electrical contact surface. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein:
The developing cartridge, wherein the holder is movable together with the storage medium. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein:
The developing cartridge, wherein the holder holds the electrical contact surface on the outer surface. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein:
The developing cartridge, wherein the storage medium is located on an outer surface of the holder. The developing cartridge according to claim 12,
The developing cartridge, wherein the holder holds the storage medium on the outer surface. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 13,
A developing cartridge, further comprising a developing roller rotatable about an axis extending in a direction different from the first direction. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein:
The developing cartridge, wherein the holder is located on a side portion of the housing. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein
The outer surface is
A first surface positioned on one side of the electrical contact surface in a second direction different from the first direction, the first surface being inclined with respect to the electrical contact surface. Development cartridge. The developing cartridge according to claim 16, wherein
A developing cartridge which is a developing roller rotatable about an axis extending in a third direction different from the first direction, the developing cartridge further comprising a developing roller located on one side of the housing in the second direction. The developing cartridge according to claim 16 or claim 17,
The first surface extends from a third position toward the electrical contact surface to a fourth position,
The developing cartridge, wherein the third position is farther from the electrical contact surface than the fourth position in the first direction. The developing cartridge according to claim 18,
A developing cartridge, wherein a distance in the first direction between the third position and the fourth position is larger than a distance in the first direction between the electrical contact surface and the fourth position. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein:
The developing cartridge, wherein the first surface is a first guide surface that can come into contact with a part of the image forming apparatus when the developing cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein:
The outer surface is
A developing cartridge comprising a second surface located on the other side of the electrical contact surface in the second direction, the second surface being inclined with respect to the electrical contact surface. The developing cartridge according to claim 21,
A developing cartridge which is a developing roller rotatable about an axis extending in a third direction different from the first direction, the developing cartridge further comprising a developing roller located on one side of the housing in the second direction. The developing cartridge according to claim 21 or 22, wherein:
The second surface extends from a fifth position toward the electrical contact surface to a sixth position,
The developing cartridge, wherein the fifth position is farther from the electrical contact surface than the sixth position in the first direction. The developing cartridge according to claim 23,
The distance in the first direction between the fifth position and the sixth position is greater than the distance in the first direction between the electrical contact surface and the sixth position. cartridge. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 21 to 24,
The developing cartridge, wherein the second surface is a second guide surface capable of contacting a part of the image forming apparatus when the developing cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 25,
The outer surface is
In a third direction different from the first direction, having third surfaces respectively located on both sides of the electrical contact surface,
The developing cartridge, wherein the third surface is farther from the elastic member than the electrical contact surface in the first direction. The developing cartridge according to claim 26,
The developing cartridge, wherein the third surface is a third guide surface that can come into contact with a part of the image forming apparatus when the developing cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus. The developing cartridge according to claim 26 or claim 27,
A developing cartridge which is a developing roller rotatable about an axis extending in the third direction and further includes a developing roller located on one side of the housing in the second direction. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 28,
The developing cartridge, wherein the elastic member is a spring. The developing cartridge according to claim 29,
The developing cartridge, wherein the spring is a coil spring. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 12 and 13, wherein:
The developing cartridge, wherein the storage medium has the electrical contact surface.

Images