JP2023015320A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus using a developing cartridge having an electrical contact surface, and reduce rubbing on the electrical contact surface.

SOLUTION: The present image forming apparatus comprises: a photoconductor drum 92 that can rotate about a first shaft extending in a first direction; a developing cartridge 1; and a frame to which the developing cartridge 1 can be attached. The developing cartridge 1 includes a housing that can store a developer, a developing roller 30, a storage medium that has an electrical contact surface 611, and a holder 62 that holds the electrical contact surface 611. The frame includes an electrical contact that is in contact with the electrical contact surface 611 of the developing cartridge 1. The image forming apparatus can move the housing with respect to the holder 62 while maintaining a contact state of the electrical contact surface 611 with the electrical contact. Thus, rubbing on the electrical contact surface 611 can be reduced.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

COPYRIGHT: (C)2023,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses such as laser printers and LED printers are known. A developing cartridge is used in the image forming apparatus. The developer cartridge has a developer roller for supplying toner. Conventional image forming apparatuses are described, for example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication Nos. 2002-200000 and 2002-100002. The image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1 has a drawer unit. The drawer unit has a photosensitive drum. The developer cartridge is attached to the drawer unit. When the developing cartridge is attached to the drawer unit, the photosensitive drum and the developing roller come into contact with each other.

Further, the developing cartridge disclosed in Patent Document 2 is attached to the drum cartridge. The drum cartridge has a photosensitive drum. When the developing cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge, the photosensitive drum and the developing roller come into contact with each other. Then, the drum cartridge to which the developing cartridge is attached is attached to the image forming apparatus.

The image forming apparatus performs a separating operation as necessary. During the separating operation, the developing roller is temporarily separated from the photosensitive drum. For example, in a color printer, when performing monochrome printing, the developing rollers of the developing cartridges for colors other than black are pulled away from the photosensitive drum. At this time, the position of the housing of the developing cartridge with respect to the drawer unit or the drum cartridge changes.

JP 2011-59510 A JP 2013-54058 A

Further, conventionally, a developer cartridge having a storage medium is known. The storage medium is, for example, an IC chip. The storage medium has an electrical contact surface. An electrical contact surface of the storage medium contacts a terminal provided on the image forming apparatus or the drawer unit. Further, conventionally, a developer cartridge provided with electrodes is also known. The electrodes receive power from the image forming device. The electrodes also have electrical contact surfaces. The electrical contact surfaces of the electrodes come into contact with terminals provided on the image forming apparatus or the drawer unit.

However, when the image forming apparatus separates the developing cartridge having the electrical contact surface, the relative positional relationship between the electrical contact surface and the terminal portion changes along with the change in the position of the housing. . Therefore, the electrical contact surface and the terminal portion rub each time the separation operation is performed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to reduce rubbing of electrical contact surfaces in an image forming apparatus using a developer cartridge having electrical contact surfaces.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a first invention of the present application is an image forming apparatus comprising a photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction, a developing cartridge, and a housing capable of accommodating developer. a developing roller rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction; a storage medium having an electrical contact surface; a developer cartridge extending in a second intersecting direction and holding the electrical contact surface on a first outer surface located in one of the second directions; and a frame to which the developer cartridge can be mounted, wherein and a frame having an electrical contact that contacts the electrical contact surface of the developing cartridge mounted on the frame, and the electrical contact surface and the electrical contact are in contact with each other, and the holder is attached to the holder. The casing is movable in a separating direction in which the developing roller separates from the photosensitive drum.

A second invention of the present application is the image forming apparatus according to the first invention, wherein the holder is positioned in the other of the second directions and is movable in the second direction with respect to the first outer surface. and an elastic member positioned between the first outer surface and the second outer surface and capable of expanding and contracting in the second direction, wherein the elastic force of the elastic member causes the electrical contact. A surface contacts the electrical contact.

A third invention of the present application is the image forming apparatus according to the second invention, wherein the frame has a first guide plate having the electrical contact and a second guide plate contacting the second outer surface. , the length in the second direction between the electrical contact and the second guide plate is the length in the second direction between the electrical contact surface and the second outer surface of the developing cartridge before mounting. It is characterized by being shorter than it is long.

A fourth invention of the present application is the image forming apparatus according to the third invention, wherein when the developer cartridge is inserted into the frame, the second outer surface moves along the second guide plate, whereby the second outer surface moves along the second guide plate. The length of the elastic member in the second direction is shortened as the second outer surface approaches the first outer surface.

A fifth invention of the present application is the image forming apparatus according to the third invention or the fourth invention, wherein the second outer surface is in contact with the second guide plate, and the electrical contact surface is in contact with the electrical contact. The case is movable in the separation direction with respect to the holder.

A sixth aspect of the present application is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect, further comprising a pressing member that presses the housing in the separating direction.

A seventh invention of the present application is the image forming apparatus according to the sixth invention, wherein the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are changed from a contact state in which they are in contact with each other to a state in which they are separated from each other by pressing of the pressing member. The electrical contact surface and the electrical contact are in contact with each other in both the contact state and the separated state.

An eighth invention of the present application is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first invention to the seventh invention, wherein the developing cartridge is a holder cover that holds the holder between itself and the housing, Further comprising a holder cover fixed to the housing, wherein the housing and the holder cover are movable in the separation direction with respect to the holder while the electrical contact surface and the electrical contact are in contact with each other. It is characterized by

A ninth invention of the present application is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth inventions, wherein the storage medium is an IC chip having the electrical contact surface.

A tenth invention of the present application is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth inventions, wherein the frame includes the photosensitive drum.

An eleventh invention of the present application is the image forming apparatus according to the tenth invention, characterized in that the frame has a plurality of slots into which the developing cartridges can be mounted, and the photosensitive drum is provided for each of the slots. .

A twelfth invention of the present application is an image forming apparatus comprising: a housing capable of containing developer; a developing roller rotatable about an axis extending in a first direction; a storage medium having an electrical contact surface; a holder located on one side of the housing in one direction, extending in a second direction intersecting with the electrical contact surface, and holding the electrical contact surface on a first outer surface located in one of the second directions; and a frame into which the developer cartridge can be inserted in an insertion direction, the frame having an electrical contact that contacts the electrical contact surface of the developer cartridge mounted on the frame, The housing is movable in the insertion direction with respect to the holder while the electrical contact surface and the electrical contact are in contact with each other.

A thirteenth aspect of the invention of the present application is an image forming apparatus, comprising: a developing cartridge including a housing capable of accommodating developer, a developing roller, an electrical contact surface, and a holder holding the electrical contact surface; and a frame to which the developing cartridge can be mounted, the frame having an electrical contact that contacts the electrical contact surface of the developing cartridge mounted on the frame, the electrical contact surface and the electrical contact. The housing is movable with respect to the holder in a direction intersecting a direction in which the electrical contact surface and the electrical contact are opposed to each other.

According to the first to thirteenth inventions of the present application, the housing can be moved with respect to the holder while maintaining contact between the electrical contact surfaces and the electrical contacts. This can reduce friction on the electrical contact surfaces.

Moreover, according to the second invention of the present application, the contact between the electrical contact surface and the electrical contact can be maintained by using the elastic member.

Further, according to the third invention of the present application, the elastic member can be compressed in the second direction from its natural length to generate a repulsive force in the elastic member. Thereby, the contact between the electrical contact surface and the electrical contact can be maintained.

Further, according to the fifth invention of the present application, the housing can be smoothly moved in the separating direction from the holder while fixing the holder between the first guide plate and the second guide plate.

Moreover, according to the eighth invention of the present application, the housing and the holder cover can be smoothly moved with respect to the holder.

1 is a conceptual diagram of an image forming apparatus; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the drawer unit and developer cartridge; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a developer cartridge; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a developer cartridge; FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an IC chip assembly; FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an IC chip assembly; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the drawer unit; FIG. It is a sectional view of a 1st guide plate and a 2nd guide plate. It is the figure which showed the mode when mounting|wearing developing cartridge. It is the figure which showed the mode when mounting|wearing developing cartridge. It is the figure which showed the mode when mounting|wearing developing cartridge. It is the figure which showed the mode when mounting|wearing developing cartridge. It is the figure which showed the mode when mounting|wearing developing cartridge. It is the figure which showed the mode when mounting|wearing developing cartridge. It is the figure which showed the mode when mounting|wearing developing cartridge. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state when a separation motion is executed;

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<1. Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus>
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. This image forming apparatus 100 is an electrophotographic printer. Examples of the image forming apparatus 100 include a laser printer and an LED printer. The image forming apparatus 100 has four developer cartridges 1 and a drawer unit 90 . The drawer unit 90 is a frame to which four developer cartridges 1 can be attached. The image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on the recording surface of printing paper using developer (for example, toner) supplied from four developer cartridges 1 .

2 is a perspective view of the drawer unit 90 and the developer cartridge 1. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the four developer cartridges 1 are individually replaceable with respect to the drawer unit 90 . When replacing the developing cartridge 1 , the drawer unit 90 is pulled out from the front surface of the image forming apparatus 100 . In the four slots 91 provided in the drawer unit 90, the developer cartridges 1 are removed and installed. The drawer unit 90 has four photosensitive drums 92 . A photosensitive drum 92 is positioned near the bottom of each of the four slots 91 . The photosensitive drum 92 is rotatable about a horizontally extending rotating shaft (first shaft). Hereinafter, the direction in which the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 92 extends is referred to as a "first direction".

In this embodiment, four developer cartridges 1 are attached to one drawer unit 90 . The four developer cartridges 1 contain developers of different colors (eg, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). However, the number of developer cartridges 1 attached to the drawer unit 90 may be one to three, or may be five or more.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the four developer cartridges 1 has an IC chip 61 . The IC chip 61 is a storage medium from which information can be read and written. The image forming apparatus 100 also includes a control section 80 . When the four developer cartridges 1 are attached to the drawer unit 90, the IC chip 61 of each developer cartridge 1 and the controller 80 are electrically connected. The control unit 80 is configured by, for example, a circuit board. The control unit 80 has a processor such as a CPU and various memories. Control unit 80 executes various processes in image forming apparatus 100 by the processor operating according to a program.

<2. Overall Configuration of Development Cartridge>
3 and 4 are perspective views of the developer cartridge 1. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, 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. FIG.

The casing 10 is a housing that can accommodate developer. The casing 10 extends in the first direction between the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 . The first gear portion 40 and the IC chip assembly 60 are located on the first end surface 11 . The second gear portion 50 is located on the second end surface 12 . A housing chamber 13 is provided inside the casing 10 . The developer is contained in the containing chamber 13 . Casing 10 has an opening 14 . The opening 14 is positioned at the end of the casing 10 in the insertion direction of the developer cartridge 1 into the drawer unit 90 . The housing chamber 13 communicates with the outside through the opening 14 .

The agitator 20 has an agitator shaft 21 and stirring blades 22 . The agitator shaft 21 extends along the first direction. The stirring blades 22 extend radially outward from the agitator shaft 21 . At least part of the agitator shaft 21 and the stirring blades 22 are arranged inside the housing chamber 13 . 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 first direction, respectively. Therefore, the agitator shaft 21 and the stirring blades 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 storage chamber 13 is stirred.

The developing roller 30 is a roller rotatable about a rotating shaft (second shaft) extending in the first direction. A developing roller 30 is arranged in the opening 14 of the casing 10 . The developing roller 30 of this embodiment has a developing roller body 31 and a developing roller shaft 32 . The developing roller body 31 is a cylindrical member extending in the first direction. Rubber having elasticity, for example, is used as the material of the developing roller main body 31 . The developing roller shaft 32 is a cylindrical member penetrating the developing roller main body 31 in the first direction. Metal or conductive resin is used as the material of the developing roller shaft 32 . The developing roller main body 31 is fixed to the developing roller shaft 32 so as not to rotate relative to the developing roller shaft 32 .

One end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction is fixed to a developing roller gear 42 (to be described later) so as to be relatively unrotatable. Therefore, when the developing roller gear 42 rotates, the developing roller shaft 32 also rotates, and the developing roller main body 31 rotates together with the developing roller shaft 32 .

Note that the developing roller shaft 32 does not have to pass through the developing roller main body 31 in the first direction. For example, a pair of developing roller shafts 32 may extend in the first direction from both ends of the developing roller main body 31 in the first direction.

The developer cartridge 1 also has a supply roller (not shown). The supply roller is positioned between the developing roller 30 and the accommodation chamber 13 . Also, the supply roller is rotatable about a rotation shaft extending in the first direction. When the developer cartridge 1 receives a driving force, the developer is supplied from the storage chamber 13 in the casing 10 to the outer peripheral surface of the developer roller 30 via the supply roller. At that time, the developer is triboelectrically charged between the supply roller and the developing roller 30 . On the other hand, a bias voltage is applied to the developing roller shaft 32 of the developing roller 30 . Therefore, the developer is attracted to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller main body 31 by the electrostatic force between the developing roller shaft 32 and the developer.

The developer cartridge 1 also has a layer thickness regulating blade (not shown). The layer thickness regulating blade shapes the developer supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller main body 31 to have a constant thickness. After that, the developer on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller main body 31 is supplied to the photosensitive drum 92 provided in the drawer unit 90 . At this time, the developer moves from the developing roller main body 31 to the photosensitive drum 92 according to the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92 . As a result, the electrostatic latent image is visualized on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 92 .

The first gear portion 40 is located on the first end surface 11 of the casing 10 . FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge 1 with the first gear portion 40 disassembled. As shown in FIG. 3 , the first gear portion 40 has a coupling 41 , a developing roller gear 42 , an idle gear 43 , a first agitator gear 44 and a first cover 45 . In addition, in FIG. 3, illustration of a plurality of gear teeth of each gear is omitted.

Coupling 41 is a gear that first receives the driving force supplied from image forming apparatus 100 . Coupling 41 can rotate about a rotation axis extending in the first direction. The coupling 41 has a coupling portion 411 and a coupling gear 412 . The coupling portion 411 and the coupling gear 412 are integrally formed of resin, for example. The coupling portion 411 is provided with a fastening hole 413 recessed in the first direction. In addition, a plurality of gear teeth are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the coupling gear 412 at regular intervals over the entire circumference.

When the drawer unit 90 with the developer cartridge 1 attached thereto is housed in the image forming apparatus 100 , the drive shaft of the image forming apparatus 100 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 as not to 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 roller gear 42 is a gear for rotating the developing roller 30 . The developing roller gear 42 can rotate about a rotation shaft extending in the first direction. A plurality of gear teeth are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the developing roller gear 42 at equal intervals over the entire circumference. Some of the multiple gear teeth of the coupling gear 412 and some of the multiple gear teeth of the developing roller gear 42 mesh with each other. In addition, the developing roller gear 42 is fixed to the end portion of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction so as not to be relatively rotatable. Therefore, when the coupling gear 412 rotates, the developing roller gear 42 rotates, and the developing roller 30 rotates together with the developing roller 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 about a rotating shaft extending in the first direction. The idle gear 43 has a large-diameter gear portion 431 and a small-diameter gear portion 432 arranged in the first direction. The small diameter gear portion 432 is positioned between the large diameter gear portion 431 and the first end face 11 of the casing 10 . In other words, the large-diameter gear portion 431 is further away from the first end face 11 than the small-diameter gear portion 432 is. 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 integrally formed of resin, for example.

A plurality of gear teeth are provided at regular intervals over the entire circumference of each of the outer peripheral portions of the large-diameter gear portion 431 and the small-diameter gear portion 432 . 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 . A portion of the multiple gear teeth of the coupling gear 412 and a portion of the multiple gear teeth of the large-diameter gear portion 431 mesh with each other. Also, some of the plurality of gear teeth of the small-diameter gear portion 432 and 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 . As the small-diameter gear portion 432 rotates, the first agitator gear 44 also rotates.

The first agitator gear 44 is a gear for rotating the agitator 20 inside the housing chamber 13 . The first agitator gear 44 can rotate about a rotation axis extending in the first direction. A plurality of gear teeth are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the first agitator gear 44 at regular intervals over the entire circumference. As described above, some of the multiple gear teeth of the small-diameter gear portion 432 and some of the multiple gear teeth of the first agitator gear 44 mesh with each other. The first agitator gear 44 is fixed to one end of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction so as not to rotate relative to it. 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 end surface 11 of the casing 10 by screwing, for example. Coupling gear 412 , developing roller gear 42 , idle gear 43 , and first agitator gear 44 are accommodated between first end surface 11 and first cover 45 . A fastening hole 413 of the coupling part 411 is exposed to the outside of the first cover 45 . The first cover 45 also has a first columnar projection 46 extending in the first direction. The first cover 45 of this embodiment also serves as a holder cover that holds a holder 62 of an IC chip assembly 60, which will be 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 second end surface 12 of the casing 10 . FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the developer cartridge 1 with the second gear portion 50 disassembled. As shown in FIG. 4 , the second gear section 50 has a second agitator gear 51 , a detection gear 52 , a conductive member 53 and a second cover 54 . 4, illustration of a plurality of gear teeth of the second agitator gear 51 is omitted.

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 about a rotating shaft extending in the first direction. A plurality of gear teeth are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the second agitator gear 51 at regular intervals over the entire circumference. When the developing cartridge 1 is new (unused), some of the plurality of gear teeth of the second agitator gear 51 can mesh with some of the plurality of gear teeth of the detection gear 52 . The second agitator gear 51 is fixed to the other end of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction so as not to rotate relative to it. Therefore, when the agitator shaft 21 rotates, the second agitator gear 51 also rotates.

The detection gear 52 is a gear for transmitting information about the developing cartridge 1 to the image forming apparatus 100 . The information on the development cartridge 1 includes information on whether the development cartridge 1 is a new (unused) development cartridge or a used development cartridge. Further, the information on the developing cartridge 1 includes specifications of the developing cartridge 1 . The specifications of the developing cartridge 1 include, for example, the amount of developer in the developing cartridge 1 or yield information indicating the number of pages that can be printed with the developer.

The detection gear 52 can rotate about a rotation shaft extending in the first direction. The sensing gear 52 has a plurality of gear teeth on a portion of its outer circumference. When a new developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit 90 and the drawer unit 90 is accommodated in the image forming apparatus 100 , the coupling 41 receives driving force from the image forming apparatus 100 . The driving force transmitted from the coupling 41 via the idle gear 43, the first agitator gear 44, and the agitator 20 causes the second agitator gear 51 to rotate. The detection gear 52 rotates by meshing with the second agitator gear 51 . However, the detection gear 52 has gear teeth only on a portion of the outer peripheral surface. Therefore, when the detection gear 52 rotates by a predetermined angle, the second agitator gear 51 and the detection gear 52 are disengaged, and the detection gear 52 stops rotating.

As described above, in the developing cartridge 1 once used in the image forming apparatus 100, the second agitator gear 51 and the detection gear 52 are disengaged. Therefore, when the developer cartridge 1 that has been used once is removed from the image forming apparatus 100 and then attached to the image forming apparatus 100 again, the rotation of the second agitator gear 51 is not transmitted to the detection gear 52 . Therefore, the detection gear 52 does not rotate.

Another gear may be arranged between the second agitator gear 51 and the detection gear 52 . For example, the second gear portion 50 may have 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. 4, the detection gear 52 has detection protrusions 521 . The detection protrusion 521 protrudes in the first direction. Further, the detection protrusion 521 extends in an arc shape around the rotating shaft of the detection gear 52 . When the detection gear 52 rotates, the detection protrusion 521 also rotates. That is, the position of the detection protrusion 521 changes as the detection gear 52 rotates.

The conductive member 53 is a conductive member. As a material of the conductive member 53, a conductive metal or a conductive resin is used. The conductive member 53 is located on the second end surface 12 of the casing 10 . The conductive member 53 has a cylindrical gear shaft 531 protruding in the first direction. The detection gear 52 rotates around the gear shaft 531 while being supported by the gear shaft 531 . The detection protrusion 521 partially covers the circumference of the gear shaft 531 . Also, the conductive member 53 has a bearing portion 532 . The bearing portion 532 contacts the developing roller shaft 32 of the developing roller 30 .

The drawer unit 90 has a conductive lever (not shown) that contacts the gear shaft 531 and an optical sensor (not shown). When the lever contacts the gear shaft 531, the conductive member 53 and the developing roller shaft 32 are electrically connected to the lever. When the image forming apparatus 100 is driven, the electric power supplied from the lever maintains the developing roller shaft 32 at a predetermined bias voltage.

The detection protrusion 521 partially covers the outer peripheral surface of the gear shaft 531 . Therefore, the contact state between the lever and the gear shaft 531 changes according to the shape of the detection gear 52 when the detection gear 52 is rotating after the new developer cartridge 1 is inserted into the drawer unit 90 . That is, the lever is temporarily separated from gear shaft 531 . Image forming apparatus 100 detects the displacement of the lever with an optical sensor. Then, the control unit 80 of the image forming apparatus 100 identifies whether or not the installed developer cartridge 1 is new and the specifications of the developer cartridge 1 based on the detection signal obtained from the optical sensor.

Thus, in this embodiment, the optical sensor detects movement of the detection protrusion 521 via the lever. However, the optical sensor may directly detect the movement of the first projection. Also, a magnetic sensor or a contact sensor may be used instead of the optical sensor. Further, the movement of the detection projection 521 may be detected based on the presence or absence of electrical continuity between the lever and the gear shaft 531 .

Further, in this embodiment, the gear shaft 531 is part of the conductive member 53 . However, a gear shaft may be provided separately from the power supply path to the conductive member 53 . For example, casing 10 may further include a through hole extending through second end face 12 and a cap attached to the through hole, from which the gear shaft extends in the first direction.

Moreover, the circumferential position and length of the detection protrusion 521 may be different from those in the example of FIG. 4 . Also, the detection gear 52 may have a plurality of detection protrusions 521 . The number of detection protrusions 521, the position of each detection protrusion 521 in the circumferential direction, the length of each detection protrusion 521 in the circumferential direction, and the length of each detection protrusion 521 in the radial direction may differ depending on the specifications of the developing cartridge 1. good. Thus, by providing variations in the number and shape of the detection protrusions 521 , various specifications of the developing cartridge 1 can be indicated to the image forming apparatus 100 .

Further, the detection gear 52 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 have a detection gear main body and an auxiliary member whose position changes according to rotation of the detection gear main body. The auxiliary member may then change the position of the lever. Further, the detection gear may have a detection gear body, a cam that rotates according to the rotation of the detection gear body, and a detection protrusion that is displaced by the rotation of the cam.

Alternatively, the detection gear 52 may be a movable gear that moves in the first direction as it rotates. The meshing between the second agitator gear 51 and the detection gear 52 may be disengaged by the movement of the detection gear 52 in the first direction. In that case, a plurality of gear teeth may be provided on the outer peripheral portion of the detection protrusion 521 over the entire circumference. The detection gear 52 may move away from the second end surface 12 or may move toward the second end surface 12 .

The second cover 54 is fixed to the second end face 12 of the casing 10 by screwing, for example. The second agitator gear 51 , detection gear 52 and conductive member 53 are housed between the second end surface 12 and the second cover 54 . Also, the second cover 54 has an opening 541 . A portion of sensing protrusion 521 and a portion of gear shaft 531 are exposed through opening 541 . The lever mentioned above contacts the sensing gear 52 or the gear shaft 531 through the opening 541 .

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 4 , the casing 10 has a second columnar projection 55 . The second columnar projection 55 protrudes from the second end surface 12 of the casing 10 in the first direction. The second columnar projection 55 is exposed from the second cover 54 .

<3. About IC chip assembly>
The IC chip assembly 60 is arranged outside the first end surface 11 of the casing 10 . FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the IC chip assembly 60. FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the IC chip assembly 60 taken along a plane perpendicular to the first direction. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the IC chip assembly 60 has an IC chip 61 that is a storage medium and a holder 62 that holds the IC chip 61 . IC chip 61 is fixed to the outer surface of holder 62 . Holder 62 is held between casing 10 and first cover 45 . IC chip 61 has an electrical contact surface 611 . The electrical contact surface 611 is made of metal, which is a conductor. Also, the IC chip 61 can store various information about the developing cartridge 1 .

Hereinafter, the direction intersecting with the electrical contact surface 611 (in this embodiment, the direction perpendicular to the electrical contact surface 611) is referred to as the "second direction". Also, the direction in which the developer cartridge 1 is inserted into the slot 91 of the drawer unit 90 is referred to as the "third direction".

A portion of the holder 62 is covered with the first cover 45 . The holder 62 has a first boss 621a, a second boss 621b and a third boss 621c. The first boss 621a and the second boss 621b each extend in the first direction from the surface of the holder 62 opposite to the surface facing the casing 10 toward the first cover 45 . Also, the first boss 621a and the second boss 621b are arranged in the third direction. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the first cover 45 has a first through hole 451a and a second through hole 451b. The first through hole 451a and the second through hole 451b respectively penetrate the first cover 45 in the first direction. Also, the first through holes 451a and the second through holes 451b are arranged in the third direction. The first boss 621a is inserted into the first through hole 451a. The second boss 621b is inserted into the second through hole 451b.

The third boss 621c extends in the first direction from the surface of holder 62 facing casing 10 toward casing 10 . On the other hand, casing 10 has recess 15 . The recess 15 is recessed in the first direction in the first end surface 11 of the casing 10 . The third boss 621 c is inserted into the recess 15 . The shape of each of the first boss 621a, the second boss 621b, and the third boss 621c may be a cylinder, or may be another shape such as a prism.

The size (inner dimension) of the first through hole 451a in the second direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the first boss 621a in the second direction. The size (inner dimension) of the second through hole 451b in the second direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the second boss 621b in the second direction. The size (inner dimension) of the recess 15 in the second direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the third 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 first boss 621a, the second boss 621b, and the third 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 .

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

Note that the holder 62 may be movable in the first direction between the first end surface 11 of the casing 10 and the first cover 45 . Further, the number of bosses provided in the holder 62, the number of through holes provided in the first cover 45, and the number of recesses provided in the casing 10 are not limited to the example of this embodiment. Also, the first cover 45 may have a recess into which the boss is inserted instead of the through hole.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, holder 62 has a first outer surface 710 and a second outer surface 720 . The first outer surface 710 is located at one end of the holder 62 in the second direction. The second outer surface 720 is located at the other end of the holder 62 in the second direction. Second outer surface 720 is movable in a second direction relative to first outer surface 710 .

More specifically, the holder 62 of this embodiment has a first holder member 71, a second holder member 72, and a coil spring 73 positioned therebetween. 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 outer surface 710 . IC chip 61 is fixed to holding surface 620 included in first outer surface 710 . The second holder member 72 has a second outer surface 720 . In the assembled holder 62, the first outer surface 710 and the second outer surface 720 are separated in the second direction.

The coil spring 73 is an elastic member extending in the second direction. Coil spring 73 is disposed between first outer surface 710 and second outer surface 720 in the second direction. The coil spring 73 expands and contracts in the second direction at least between a first state and a second state that is more contracted than the first state. The length of the coil spring 73 in the second direction in the first state is longer than the length in the second direction of the coil spring 73 in the second state. Therefore, the distance in the second direction between the first outer surface 710 and the second outer surface 720 in the first state is equal to the distance in the second direction between the first outer surface 710 and the second outer surface 720 in the second state. longer than the distance of Moreover, the length of the coil spring 73 in the second direction at least in the second state is shorter than the natural length of the coil spring 73 .

5 and 6, the first holder member 71 has a first claw portion 715a and a second claw portion 715b. The first claw portion 715a and the second claw portion 715b each protrude from the first holder member 71 in a direction intersecting the second direction. On the other hand, the second holder member 72 has a first opening 721a and a second opening 721b. The first claw portion 715a is inserted into the first opening 721a. The second claw portion 715b is inserted into the second opening 721b. In the first state, the first claw portion 715a contacts the second holder member 72 at the edge of the first opening 721a on the first outer surface 710 side. In the first state, the second claw portion 715b contacts the second holder member 72 at the edge of the second opening 721b on the first outer surface 710 side. This prevents the length of the coil spring 73 in the second direction from becoming longer than in the first state. Also, 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 first claw portion 715 a and the second claw portion 715 b are separated from the second holder member 72 .

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

The dimensional difference between the first through hole 451a and the first boss 621a, the dimensional difference between the second through hole 451b and the second boss 621b, the dimensional difference between the concave portion 15 and the third boss 621c, and the expansion and contraction of the coil spring 73. , the holding surface 620 of the holder 62 can move in the second direction with respect to the casing 10 .

Hereinafter, the position of the holding surface 620 in the second direction with respect to the casing 10 before the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit 90 is referred to as "initial position". Further, the position of the holding surface 620 in the second direction with respect to the casing 10 at the moment when the coil spring 73 contracts most when the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit 90 is referred to as an "intermediate position". Further, the position of the holding surface 620 in the second direction with respect to the casing 10 when the electrical contact surface 611 contacts the terminal portion 913, which will be described later, is referred to as the "contact position". The position of the holding surface 620 in the second direction with respect to the casing 10 after the developer cartridge 1 is completely attached to the drawer unit 90 is called the "final position".

The first outer surface 710 further has a first surface 711, a second surface 712, a third surface 713, and a fourth surface 714 in addition to the retaining surface 620 described above.

The first surface 711 is provided on the side near the developing roller 30 among both sides of the holding surface 620 in the third direction. The first surface 711 is inclined with respect to the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 held by the holding surface 620 .

Here, one end of the first outer surface 710 in the third direction is defined as a first outer end position 711a. One end of the holding surface 620 in the third direction is defined as a first inner end position 711b. As in FIG. 6, the first surface 711 extends from a first outer end position 711a toward the electrical contact surface 611 to a first inner end position 711b. In both the second direction and the third direction, the first outer end position 711a is farther from the electrical contact surface 611 than the first inner end position 711b. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the distance d1 in the second direction between the first outer end position 711a and the first inner end position 711b is the distance between the electrical contact surface 611 and the first inner end position 711b. greater than the distance d2 in the second direction.

The second surface 712 is provided on the side far from the developing roller 30 among both sides of the holding surface 620 in the third direction. The second surface 712 is inclined with respect to the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 held by the holding surface 620 .

Here, the other end of the first outer surface 710 in the third direction is defined as a second outer end position 712a. Also, the other end of the holding surface 620 in the third direction is defined as a second inner end position 712b. As in FIG. 6, the second surface 712 extends from a second outer end position 712a toward the electrical contact surface 611 to a second inner end position 712b. In both the second direction and the third direction, the second outer end position 712a is farther from the electrical contact surface 611 than the second inner end position 712b. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the distance d3 in the second direction between the second outer end position 712a and the second inner end position 712b is the distance between the electrical contact surface 611 and the second inner end position 712b. greater than the distance d4 in the second direction.

A third surface 713 is provided on one of both sides of the electrical contact surface 611 in the first direction. A fourth surface 714 is provided on the other of both sides of the electrical contact surface 611 in the first direction. The third surface 713 and the fourth surface 714 each extend in the third direction. Also, the electrical contact surface 611 is arranged at a position recessed toward the coil spring 73 from the third surface 713 and the fourth surface 714 . That is, the third surface 713 and the fourth surface 714 are farther from the coil spring 73 than the electrical contact surface 611 with respect to the second direction.

The first surface 711, the second surface 712, the third surface 713, and the fourth surface 714 may each be planar or curved. However, the first surface 711, the second surface 712, the third surface 713, and the fourth surface 714 are smooth surfaces without steps so that the developing cartridge 1 is not caught when it is inserted into the drawer unit 90. is preferably

<4. About the drawer unit>
7 is a perspective view of the drawer unit 90. FIG. As described above, the drawer unit 90 has four slots 91 into which the developer cartridges 1 can be attached. Each slot 91 has an insertion opening 910 . The insertion opening 910 is positioned at the end opposite to the photosensitive drum 92 among both ends of the slot 91 in the third direction. Each slot 91 also has a first guide plate 911 and a second guide plate 912 . The first guide plate 911 and the second guide plate 912 are positioned at one end of each slot 91 in the first direction.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the first guide plate 911 and the second guide plate 912 perpendicular to the first direction. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first guide plate 911 and the second guide plate 912 are arranged facing each other with a gap in the second direction. The first guide plate 911 and the second guide plate 912 extend along the first direction and the third direction, respectively.

The first guide plate 911 has a terminal portion 913 . The terminal portion 913 is an electrical contact capable of contacting the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 . The terminal portion 913 protrudes in the second direction from the surface of the first guide plate 911 toward the second guide plate 912 . Terminal portion 913 is electrically connected to control portion 80 in image forming apparatus 100 . For example, metal, which is a conductor, is used as the material of the terminal portion 913 .

As shown in the enlarged view in FIG. 7 and in FIG. 8, the first guide plate 911 has guide projections 914 . The guide protrusion 914 is located closer to the insertion opening 910 than the terminal portion 913 is. Also, the guide protrusion 914 protrudes from the first guide plate 911 toward the second guide plate 912 . Also, the first guide plate 911 has a first guide surface 915 . In the example of FIG. 8 , the inclined surface of the guide projection 914 on the side of the insertion port serves as the first guide surface 915 . On the other hand, the second guide plate 912 has a second guide surface 916 . The distance between the first guide surface 915 and the second guide surface 916 in the second direction gradually decreases as the photosensitive drum 92 is approached along the third direction.

When the developer cartridge 1 is inserted into the drawer unit 90 , the first outer surface 710 of the holder 62 contacts the first guide surface 915 and the second outer surface 720 of the holder 62 contacts the second guide surface 916 . This changes the distance in the second direction between the first outer surface 710 and the second outer surface 720 .

Also, the first guide plate 911 has a third guide surface 917 and a fourth guide surface 918 . The third guide surface 917 and the fourth guide surface 918 position the holder 62 in the first direction when the developer cartridge 1 is inserted into the drawer unit 90 . The third guide surface 917 and the fourth guide surface 918 are located closer to the insertion opening 910 than the first guide surface 915 is. The third guide surface 917 and the fourth guide surface 918 are spaced apart in the first direction. Also, the distance in the first direction between the third guide surface 917 and the fourth guide surface 918 gradually decreases as the first guide surface 915 is approached.

Also, as shown in FIG. 8, the second guide plate 912 has a stopper surface 919 . The stopper surface 919 is a surface for restricting movement of the holder 62 toward the photosensitive drum 92 after the developer cartridge 1 is inserted into the drawer unit 90 . The stopper surface 919 is located closer to the photosensitive drum 92 than the second guide surface 916 is. Also, the stopper surface 919 extends from the surface of the second guide plate 912 on the first guide plate 911 side toward the first guide plate 911 . In the example of FIG. 8, the stopper surface 919 extends obliquely in the second direction and the third direction.

Note that the stopper surface may be provided on at least one of the first guide plate 911 and the second guide plate 912 . That is, the first guide plate 911 may have a stopper surface. In that case, the stopper surface is located closer to the photosensitive drum 92 than the terminal portion 913 is. Also, the stopper surface extends from the surface of the first guide plate 911 facing the second guide plate 912 toward the second guide plate 912 .

Also, the first guide plate 911 has a fifth guide surface 920 . The fifth guide surface 920 is a surface for restricting movement of the holder 62 toward the insertion opening 910 after the developer cartridge 1 is inserted into the drawer unit 90 . The fifth guide surface 920 is positioned between the terminal portion 913 and the first guide surface 915 in the third direction. In the example of FIG. 8 , the inclined surface of the guide protrusion 914 on the terminal portion 913 side serves as the fifth guide surface 920 . However, the fifth guide surface 920 may be provided on at least one of the first guide plate 911 and the second guide plate 912 .

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the drawer unit 90 has a plurality of separating levers 93. As shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the drawer unit 90 has a plurality of pressing members 94 and a plurality of pressing members 95 . The pressing members 94 are provided on both sides of each slot 91 in the first direction. Pressing members 95 are also provided on both sides of each slot 91 in the first direction. When the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit 90 , the first columnar projection 46 is arranged between the pressing member 94 and the pressing member 95 on one side of the slot 91 in the first direction. Also, the second columnar projection 55 is arranged between the pressing member 94 and the pressing member 95 on the other side of the slot 91 in the first direction. The pressing member 94 presses the first columnar projection 46 and the second columnar projection 55 toward the photosensitive drum 92 in the third direction.

The pressing member 95 interlocks with the separating lever 93 . During the separation operation, which will be described later, the separation lever 93 is pushed by the driving force from the image forming apparatus 100 . Then, the pressing member 95 moves in the third direction toward the pressing member 94 . As a result, each of the first columnar projection 46 and the second columnar projection 55 is pushed by the pressing member 95 . Then, each of the first columnar projection 46 and the second columnar projection 55 moves against the pressure of the pressure member 94 . As a result, the casing 10 of the developing cartridge 1 and the developing roller 30 move in the third direction.

<5. About the operation when wearing>
Next, the operation when the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit 90 will be described. 9 to 15 are diagrams showing how the developer cartridge 1 is installed in one slot 91 of the drawer unit 90. FIG.

When the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the slot 91, first, the developing cartridge 1 is arranged at a position facing the insertion opening 910 of the slot 91 as shown in FIG. At this time, the first outer surface 710 and the second outer surface 720 of the holder 62 are not yet in contact with the drawer unit 90 . Therefore, the coil spring 73 is in the above-described first state. Also, the position of the holding surface 620 in the second direction with respect to the casing 10 is the initial position described above. The developer cartridge 1 is inserted into the slot 91 in the third direction as indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG.

When the developer cartridge 1 is inserted into the slot 91, the first surface 711 of the holder 62 contacts the end of the first guide plate 911 in the third direction, as shown in FIG. As the first surface 711 is pushed by the first guide plate 911, the holder 62 moves in the second direction. Movement of the holder 62 at this time is relative movement with respect to the casing 10 . Thereby, the holder 62 is positioned in the second direction between the first guide plate 911 and the second guide plate 912 .

Also, the holder 62 is inserted in the third direction while contacting the third guide surface 917 and the fourth guide surface 918 . Thereby, the holder 62 is positioned in the first direction. Thus, in this embodiment, the holder 62 is positioned in the first direction in advance before the electrical contact surface 611 contacts the terminal portion 913 . Therefore, after the electrical contact surface 611 contacts the terminal portion 913, the position of the electrical contact surface 611 with respect to the terminal portion 913 is suppressed from being shifted in the first direction. This suppresses rubbing of the electrical contact surface 611 .

As shown in FIG. 11, the first outer surface 710 of the first holder member 71 contacts the first guide plate 911 . The first outer surface 710 moves along the surface of the first guide plate 911 in the third direction. Also, the second outer surface 720 of the second holder member 72 contacts the second guide plate 912 . The second outer surface 720 moves along the surface of the second guide plate 912 in the third direction. The coil spring 73 contracts more in the second direction than in the first state.

When the developer cartridge 1 is further inserted in the third direction, the first holder member 71 contacts the first guide surface 915 and the second holder member 72 contacts the second guide surface 916 . As a result, the first holder member 71 and the second holder member 72 approach each other in the second direction. That is, the first outer surface 710 and the second outer surface 720 approach in the second direction. Therefore, the length of the coil spring 73 in the second direction is gradually shortened. 12, when the third surface 713 and the fourth surface 714 of the first holder member 71 come into contact with the tops of the guide protrusions 914, the length of the coil spring 73 in the second direction becomes the shortest. That is, the coil spring 73 is in the shortest state, which is shorter than in the second state described above. Moreover, the position of the holding surface 620 with respect to the casing 10 in the second direction is the intermediate position described above.

Thus, the IC chip assembly 60 can change the position of the holding surface 620 holding the IC chip 61 in the second direction when the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the drawer unit 90 . Therefore, the developer cartridge 1 can be inserted while changing the position of the holding surface 620 in the second direction along the guide protrusion 914 . Therefore, the developer cartridge 1 can be inserted into the drawer unit 90 while suppressing the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 from rubbing.

In particular, in the developer cartridge 1 of this embodiment, the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 is arranged at a position recessed from the third surface 713 and the fourth surface 714 . Therefore, in the state of FIG. 12, the top of the guide protrusion 914 contacts only the third surface 713 and the fourth surface 714 and does not contact the electrical contact surface 611. As shown in FIG. Therefore, it is possible to avoid rubbing of the guide protrusion 914 against the electrical contact surface 611 .

After that, when the developer cartridge 1 is further inserted in the third direction, the third surface 713 and the fourth surface 714 pass through the guide projections 914 . Then, as shown in FIG. 13, the second surface 712 contacts the guide protrusion 914 . Along with this, the coil spring 73 expands again from the shortest state and enters the above-described second state. As a result, the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 comes into contact with the terminal portion 913 as shown in FIG. As a result, the control unit 80 of the image forming apparatus 100 can perform at least one of reading information from the IC chip 61 and writing information to the IC chip 61 .

The length of the coil spring 73 in the second direction in the second state is shorter than the length of the coil spring 73 in the first state in the second direction and longer than the length in the second direction of the coil spring 73 in the shortest state. . Moreover, the relative position of the holding surface 620 in the second direction with respect to the casing 10 is the contact position described above.

Thus, the electrical contact surface 611 directly contacts the terminal portion 913 after the first outer surface 710 has passed over the guide protrusion 914 . Therefore, after contact, the contact position of the terminal portion 913 with respect to the electrical contact surface 611 is less likely to change. This further reduces the rubbing of the electrical contact surface 611 .

The length in the second direction between the terminal portion 913 and the second guide plate 912 is greater than the length in the second direction between the electrical contact surface 611 and the second outer surface 720 of the developing cartridge 1 before mounting. too short. Therefore, in the state of FIG. 14 , the length of coil spring 73 in the second direction is shorter than the natural length of coil spring 73 . Therefore, the electrical contact surface 611 is pressed against the terminal portion 913 by the elastic force (repulsive force) of the coil spring 73 . Accordingly, good contact between the electrical contact surface 611 and the terminal portion 913 can be maintained.

The IC chip assembly 60 is fixed while being sandwiched between the terminal portion 913 and the second guide plate 912 . After that, in the present embodiment, the casing 10 is tilted in the second direction as indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 15 . 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 with respect to the casing 10 in the second direction changes from the above-described contact position to the final position. Also, the first boss 621a moves in the second direction within the first through hole 451a. The second boss 621b moves in the second direction inside the second through hole 451b. The third boss 621c moves in the second direction within the recess 15 . As a result, the holder 62 is out of contact with the casing 10 and the first cover 45 . Therefore, vibration is less likely to be transmitted from the driving section such as the first gear section 40 to the IC chip assembly 60 during execution of print processing in the image forming apparatus 100 . Thereby, the contact state between the electrical contact surface 611 and the terminal portion 913 can be better maintained.

<6. Separation operation>
After mounting the developing cartridge 1 , the image forming apparatus 100 can perform a so-called “separation operation” to temporarily separate the developing roller 30 from the photosensitive drum 92 .

15 is completed, each of the first columnar projection 46 and the second columnar projection 55 contacts the pressure member 94. As shown in FIG. The pressing member 94 presses the first columnar projection 46 and the second columnar projection 55 in a direction toward the photosensitive drum 92 . As a result, the developing roller 30 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 92 . That is, the developing roller 30 and the photosensitive drum 92 are kept in contact with each other.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a state when the separation motion is executed. During the separating operation, the separating lever 93 is pushed by the driving force from the image forming apparatus 100 . Then, the pressing member 95 moves in the third direction toward the pressing member 94 . As a result, the pressing member 95 positioned on one side in the first direction comes into contact with the first columnar projection 46 and presses the first columnar projection 46 toward the insertion opening 910 against the pressure of the pressing member 94 . The pressing member 95 positioned on the other side in the first direction contacts the second columnar projection 55 and presses the first columnar projection 46 toward the insertion opening 910 against the pressure of the pressing member 94 . As a result, the casing 10 of the developing cartridge 1 and the developing roller 30 move in the third direction, as indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. As a result, the developing roller 30 and the photosensitive drum 92 are separated from each other.

In both the contact state and the separated state, the IC chip assembly 60 is sandwiched and fixed between the terminal portion 913 and the second guide plate 912 . The electrical contact surface 611 is in contact with the terminal portion 913 . The holder 62 is out of contact with the casing 10 and the first cover 45 . Moreover, the first guide plate 911 and the second guide plate 912 are also out of contact with the casing 10 and the first cover 45 . Therefore, during the separating operation, the casing 10 can be moved with respect to the holder 62 while the holder 62 is fixed between the first guide plate 911 and the second guide plate 912 .

That is, during the separating operation, casing 10 and developing roller 30 move in the third direction, but the position of IC chip assembly 60 with respect to drawer unit 90 does not change. Also, the state of the coil spring 73 remains unchanged in the second state. That is, the position of the casing 10 in the third direction changes while the position of the electrical contact surface 611 with respect to the drawer unit 90 remains fixed. Therefore, the electrical contact surface 611 and the terminal portion 913 are maintained in contact. In addition, rubbing of the electrical contact surface 611 during the separating operation is reduced.

Further, even when the image forming apparatus 100 is transported with the developer cartridge 1 attached to the drawer unit 90, the contact state between the electrical contact surface 611 and the terminal portion 913 is maintained. This further reduces the rubbing of the electrical contact surface 611 .

In the above embodiment, the direction in which the developing roller 30 separates from the photosensitive drum 92 (separating direction) during the separating operation is the third direction. However, the separating direction may be a direction other than the third direction. The separation direction may be any direction that intersects the direction in which the electrical contact surface 611 and the terminal portion 913 face each other.

<7. Variation>
Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Various modifications will be described below, focusing on differences from the above-described embodiment.

In the above embodiments, both the first guide surface and the second guide surface are inclined with respect to the third direction. However, one of the first guide surface and the second guide surface may extend parallel to the third direction, and only the other surface may be inclined with respect to the third direction. Also, in the above embodiment, both the first guide surface and the second guide surface are flat surfaces. However, one or both of the first guide surface and the second guide surface may be curved.

In the above embodiment, the boss provided on the holder is inserted into the through hole provided on the first cover. However, the first cover may be provided with a boss, and the holder 62 may be provided with a through hole or recess into which the boss is inserted. Further, in the above embodiments, the boss provided on the holder is inserted into the recess provided on the casing. However, the casing may be provided with a boss, and the holder 62 may be provided with a through hole or recess into which the boss is inserted.

Moreover, in the above embodiment, the coil spring 73 is used as the elastic member. However, instead of the coil spring 73, other types of springs such as leaf springs and torsion springs may be used. Also, the IC chip assembly does not have to have an elastic member. That is, the IC chip assembly does not have to expand and contract in the second direction. In that case, the image forming apparatus may have a mechanism for applying an external force to the IC chip assembly to press the electrical contact surface against the terminal portion.

Further, in the above embodiment, the developer cartridge is attached to the drawer unit. However, the developer cartridge may be mounted in a drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum instead of the drawer unit. A drum cartridge to which a developing cartridge is attached may be attached to the image forming apparatus. Further, the developing cartridge may be directly attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus without interposing the drawer unit or the drum cartridge. The photosensitive drum may be provided inside the main body of the image forming apparatus.

Moreover, in the above embodiments, an IC chip having an 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 portions other than the electrical contact surface of the IC chip may be arranged at other locations in the developer cartridge. Also, the electrical contact surface may be an electrode separate from a storage medium such as an IC chip. Another electrode is, for example, an electrode for supplying power to the developing roller 30 . In this case, the electrical contact surface is electrically connected to the developing roller 30 via a harness.

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 meshing gear teeth. However, the gears in the first gear section and the second gear section may engage each other by frictional force. For example, instead of a plurality of gear teeth, a friction member (eg, rubber) may be provided on the outer periphery of two gears that engage with each other.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the separation operation is performed, the casing is moved in the third direction with respect to the holder while the electrical contact surface and the terminal portion are kept in contact with each other. However, for a purpose other than the separating operation, the housing may be moved in the third direction with respect to the holder while the electrical contact surfaces and the terminal portions are kept in contact.

Further, the detailed shape of each component constituting the image forming apparatus may be different from the shape shown in each drawing of the present application. Also, the elements appearing in the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately combined as long as there is no contradiction.

Reference Signs List 1 developer cartridge 10 casing 11 first end face 12 second end face 13 storage chamber 20 agitator 30 development roller 40 first gear portion 41 coupling 42 development roller gear 43 idle gear 44 first agitator gear 45 first cover 46 first columnar projection 50 Second gear portion 51 Second agitator gear 52 Detection gear 53 Conductive member 54 Second cover 55 Second columnar projection 60 IC chip assembly 61 IC chip 62 Holder 71 First holder member 72 Second holder member 73 Coil spring 90 Drawer unit 91 Slot 92 Photosensitive drum 93 Separating lever 94 Pressing member 95 Pressing member 100 Image forming apparatus 521 Detection protrusion 611 Electrical contact surface 710 First outer surface 720 Second outer surface 911 First guide plate 912 Second guide plate 913 Terminal portion 914 Guide protrusion 915 First guide surface 916 Second guide surface 917 Third guide surface 918 Fourth guide surface 919 Stopper surface 920 Fifth guide surface

Claims (6)

An image forming apparatus,
a photosensitive drum;
a developer cartridge comprising: a housing that can accommodate a developer and is movable with respect to the photosensitive drum; and an electrical contact surface that moves relative to the housing;
a frame on which the developing cartridge can be mounted, the frame comprising an electrical contact that contacts the electrical contact surface of the developing cartridge mounted on the frame;
with
An image forming apparatus, wherein the housing is movable with respect to the electrical contact surface while the electrical contact surface and the electrical contact are in contact with each other. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1,
The developing cartridge has a developing roller,
The housing has an opening,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the developing roller is positioned in the opening of the housing. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the housing is movable in a direction in which the developing roller separates from the photosensitive drum while the electrical contact surface and the electrical contact are in contact with each other. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
a storage medium having the electrical contact surface;
a holder for holding the storage medium,
An image forming apparatus, wherein the housing is movable with respect to the holder while the electrical contact surface and the electrical contact are in contact with each other. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the storage medium is an IC chip having the electrical contact surface. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the frame has a plurality of slots into which the developing cartridges can be mounted, and the photosensitive drum is provided in each of the slots.

Images