JP6891503B2 - Development cartridge - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a developing cartridge.

Conventionally, electrophotographic image forming devices such as laser printers and LED printers are known. A developing cartridge is used as the image forming apparatus. The developing cartridge has a developing roller for supplying toner. The developing cartridge described in Patent Document 1 is inserted into the drawer unit. The drawer unit has a photosensitive drum. When the developing cartridge is inserted into the drawer unit, the photosensitive drum and the developing roller face each other. Then, the drawer unit equipped with the developing cartridge is housed inside the image forming apparatus.

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

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-59510 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-54058

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 the electrical connector provided on the image forming apparatus or drawer unit. However, when the developing cartridge is inserted into the image forming apparatus or drawer unit, the electrical connector and the electrical contact surface rub against each other.

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

In order to solve the above problems, the first invention of the present application is a developing cartridge that can be mounted on an image forming apparatus, and houses a developing roller that is rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction and a developing agent inside. In the case, when the developing roller is located at one end of the housing in the second direction and the developing cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the housing is attached to the image forming apparatus. On the other hand, when the developing roller is a storage medium having a housing that can rotate between the first position and the second position and an electrical contact surface, and the housing is in the first position, the case is described. The electrical contact surface does not contact the electrical connector of the image forming apparatus, and when the housing is in the second position, the electrical contact surface is an electrical contact surface that contacts the electrical connector of the image forming apparatus. It is characterized by comprising a storage medium having the above.

The second invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the first invention, and when the housing is in the first position, the surface of the developing roller is not pressed against the surface of the photoconductor drum of the image forming apparatus. When the housing is in the second position, the surface of the developing roller is pressed against the surface of the photoconductor drum of the image forming apparatus.

The third invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the first invention, and when the housing is in the second position, the surface of the developing roller is the photoconductor of the image forming apparatus. It is characterized in that the surface of the drum is provided with a protrusion that receives a pressing force for pressing.

The fourth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the third invention, wherein the protrusion is located on the outer surface of the housing.

The fifth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the fourth invention, wherein the protrusion extends from the outer surface.

The sixth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of any one of the first to fifth inventions, and the developing cartridge is further attached to the second axis extending in the first direction together with the electrical contact surface. A swingable lever including a lever that swings between a third position and a fourth position, and when the housing is in the first position, the lever is located in the third position. When the housing is in the second position, the lever is located in the fourth position.

The seventh invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the sixth invention, wherein the developing cartridge further includes a cover covering at least a part of the lever, and the electrical contact surface at the second position is the first. It is characterized in that it is farther from the cover than the electrical contact surface at one position.

The eighth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the sixth invention, in which the lever is located on an outer surface located on one side of the housing in the first direction, and the developing cartridge is further formed on the outer surface. When the housing is attached to a surface and has a cover that covers at least a part of the lever, and the housing is in the second position, the housing and the cover are with respect to the lever and the electrical contact surface. It is characterized in that it can be moved in the second direction.

A ninth aspect of the present application is the developing cartridge of the eighth aspect, wherein the lever includes a boss extending in the first direction, and the cover includes a guide surface for guiding the boss in the second direction. When the housing and the cover move in the second direction with respect to the lever and the electrical contact surface, the boss moves in the second direction along the guide surface. It is a feature.

The tenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the ninth invention, characterized in that the boss is located at one end of the lever and the electrical contact surface is located at the other end of the lever. To do.

The eleventh invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the ninth invention or the tenth invention, and in a state where the developing cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, the housing and the cover are attached to the image forming apparatus. On the other hand, when the developing roller is rotated from the first position to the second position, the guide surface pushes the boss and the lever swings from the third position to the fourth position. To do.

The twelfth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the eighth invention, wherein the cover includes a boss extending in the first direction, and the lever includes a guide surface for guiding the boss in the second direction. When the housing and the cover move in the second direction with respect to the lever and the electrical contact surface, the boss moves in the second direction along the guide surface. It is a feature.

The thirteenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the twelfth invention, characterized in that the guide surface is located at one end of the lever and the electrical contact surface is located at the other end of the lever. And.

The fourteenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the twelfth invention or the thirteenth invention, and in a state where the developing cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, the housing and the cover are attached to the image forming apparatus. On the other hand, when the developing roller rotates from the first position to the second position, the boss pushes the guide surface and the lever swings from the third position to the fourth position. To do.

The fifteenth invention of the present application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the eighth to fourteenth inventions, in which the developing cartridge further swingably supports the lever with respect to the second axis, and the outside A support member located on the surface, comprising a support member whose at least a part is covered by the cover, the housing and the cover are said to have the support member, the lever, and the electrical contact surface. It is characterized in that it can be moved in the second direction.

The 16th invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the 15th invention, characterized in that the support member is positioned with respect to the image forming apparatus when the developing cartridge is inserted into the image forming apparatus. And.

The 17th invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the 15th or 16th invention, wherein the support member is located between one end and the other end of the lever.

The eighteenth invention of the present application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the sixth to seventeenth inventions, wherein the lever is located on an outer surface located on one side of the housing in the first direction. The developing cartridge further swingably supports the lever with respect to the second axis and includes a support member located on the outer surface, the support member together with the lever and the electrical contact surface. It is characterized in that it can be moved in the second direction with respect to the housing.

The nineteenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the eighteenth invention, characterized in that the support member is positioned with respect to the image forming apparatus when the developing cartridge is inserted into the image forming apparatus. And.

The twentieth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the nineteenth invention, wherein the support member is located between one end and the other end of the lever.

The 21st invention of the present application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the 7th to 20th inventions, and the lever is the housing and the housing in a state where the developing cartridge is inserted into the image forming apparatus. When the cover rotates with respect to the developing roller with respect to the image forming apparatus, the cover includes a pressed portion pressed by the housing or a member fixed to the housing, and the electrical contact from the second axis. The length to the surface is longer than the length from the second axis to the pressed portion.

The 22nd invention of the present application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the 7th to 20th inventions, and the lever is the housing and the housing in a state where the developing cartridge is inserted into the image forming apparatus. The cover includes a pressed portion that is pressed by the housing or a member fixed to the housing when the developing roller rotates with respect to the image forming apparatus, and the pressed portion is pressed from the second axis. The length up to is longer than the length from the second axis to the electrical contact surface.

The 23rd invention of the present application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the 15th to 20th inventions, and the support member extends in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction. When the lever is in the third position, the electrical contact surface is located between one end of the support member in the third direction and the other end of the support member in the third direction. When the lever is in the fourth position, the electrical contact surface is located in the third direction from the other end of the support member and away from one end of the support member. ..

The 24th invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the 16th invention or the 19th invention, in which the support member extends in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and the support member is Further, the present invention is characterized in that a pressing member that presses the support member from one end of the support member in the third direction toward the other end of the support member in the third direction is provided.

The 25th invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the 16th invention or the 19th invention, in which the support member extends in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and the support member is Further, the end portion of the support member in the third direction is provided with a first engaging portion that engages with a part of the image forming apparatus.

The 26th invention of the present application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the 18th to 20th inventions, wherein the support member includes a second engaging portion, and the lever has an electrical contact surface. When the lever is in the third position, it does not engage with the second engaging portion, and when the lever is in the fourth position, it includes a portion that engages with the second engaging portion. A portion of the lever that engages with the second engaging portion is located at one end of the lever, and the electrical contact surface is located at the other end of the lever.

The 27th invention of the present application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the 6th to 25th inventions, wherein the lever is inserted into the electrical contact surface and the developing cartridge into the image forming apparatus. A third engaging portion that engages with a part of the image forming apparatus, the third engaging portion is located at one end of the lever, and the electrical contact surface is the other end of the lever. It is characterized by being located in.

The 28th invention of the present application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the first to 27th inventions, wherein the storage medium can swing together with the electrical contact surface.

The 29th invention of the present application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the 6th to 28th inventions, wherein the lever holds the electrical contact surface.

According to the first to 29th inventions of the present application, the electric contact surface of the image forming apparatus is brought into contact with the electric connector of the image forming apparatus by rotating the housing while the developing cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus. Can be done. This makes it possible to reduce the rubbing of the electrical contact surface.

It is a perspective view of a developing cartridge. It is a partial decomposition perspective view of a developing cartridge. It is sectional drawing in the vicinity of the IC chip assembly of a developing cartridge. It is a figure which showed the state of the insertion operation. It is a figure which showed the state of the insertion operation. It is a figure which showed the state of the rotation operation. It is a figure which showed the state of the rotation operation. It is a figure which showed the state of the separation operation. It is a figure which showed the state of the separation operation. It is a partial decomposition perspective view of the development cartridge of the 1st modification. It is sectional drawing in the vicinity of the IC chip assembly of the development cartridge of the 1st modification. It is a partial decomposition perspective view of the development cartridge of the 2nd modification. FIG. 12 is a partial front view showing a state in which the disassembled parts are combined in FIG. It is a partial front view of the development cartridge of the 2nd modification. It is a figure which showed the state at the time of the rotating operation of the development cartridge of the 3rd modification. It is a partial decomposition perspective view of the development cartridge 1 of the 4th modification. In the fourth modification, it is a partially disassembled perspective view of a developing cartridge with a cover fixed. It is a figure which showed the state of the rotation operation of the 4th modification. It is a figure which showed the state when the separation operation of the 4th modification is executed. It is a figure which showed the state at the time of the rotating operation of the development cartridge of the 5th modification. It is a figure which showed the state at the time of the rotating operation of the development cartridge of the 6th modification. It is a figure which showed the state at the time of inserting the development cartridge of the 7th modification. It is a figure which showed the state at the time of the rotating operation of the development cartridge of the 7th modification. It is a figure which showed the state at the time of inserting the development cartridge of the 8th modification. It is a figure which showed the state at the time of the rotating operation of the development cartridge of the 8th modification.

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

In the following, the direction in which the rotation axis of the developing roller extends is referred to as the "first direction". Further, the direction in which the casing moves during the separation operation is referred to as a "second direction". Further, the direction in which the electrical contact surface intersects is referred to as a "third direction". The first direction and the second direction intersect with each other, preferably orthogonal to each other. The second direction and the third direction intersect with each other, preferably orthogonal to each other. The third direction and the first direction intersect with each other, preferably orthogonal to each other.

<1. Overall configuration of developing cartridge>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge 1 which is an example of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partially decomposed perspective view of the developing cartridge 1. The developing cartridge 1 is a unit used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (for example, a laser printer or an LED printer) and supplies a developing agent (for example, toner) to a photosensitive drum. The developing cartridge 1 is attached to, for example, a drawer unit included in the image forming apparatus. When the developing cartridge 1 is replaced, the drawer unit is pulled out from the front surface of the image forming apparatus. Then, the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into each of the plurality of slots of the drawer unit. Photosensitive drums are provided in each of the plurality of slots.

However, the developing cartridge 1 may be mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus. In that case, the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the plurality of slots of the image forming apparatus. Photosensitive drums are provided in each of the plurality of slots. Further, the developing cartridge 1 may be attached to a drum unit that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus. In that case, the drum unit has a photosensitive drum. Then, the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the slot of the image forming apparatus in a state of being mounted on the drum unit.

As shown in FIG. 1, the developing cartridge 1 of the present embodiment includes a casing 10, an agitator 20, a developing roller 30, a gear portion 40, a cover 50, and an IC chip assembly 60.

The casing 10 is a casing capable of accommodating the developer. The casing 10 extends in the first direction between the first outer surface 11 and the second outer surface 12. The gear portion 40, the cover 50, and the IC chip assembly 60 are located on the first outer surface 11. A storage chamber 13 is provided inside the casing 10. The developer is housed in the storage chamber 13. Further, the casing 10 has an opening 14. The opening 14 is located at one end of the casing 10 in the second direction. The containment chamber 13 and the outside communicate with each other through the opening 14.

With the developing cartridge 1 mounted on the drawer unit, the casing 10 is rotatable with respect to the drawer unit between the first and second positions of the developing roller 30. The details of the rotation operation will be described later.

The agitator 20 has an agitator shaft 21 and a stirring blade 22. The agitator shaft 21 is rotatable about a rotation shaft extending in the first direction. The stirring blade 22 extends radially outward from the agitator shaft 21. At least a part of the agitator shaft 21 and the stirring blade 22 are located in the accommodating chamber 13. One end of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction is fixed to the agitator gear 44, which will be described later, so as not to rotate relative to the agitator gear 44. Therefore, the agitator shaft 21 and the stirring blade 22 rotate together with the agitator gear 44. When the stirring blade 22 rotates, the developer in the storage chamber 13 is stirred.

The developing roller 30 is a roller that can rotate about a rotation axis (first axis) extending in the first direction. The developing roller 30 is located in the opening 14 of the casing 10. That is, the developing roller 30 is located at one end of the casing 10 in the second direction. The developing roller 30 of the present embodiment has a developing roller main body 31 and a developing roller shaft 32. The developing roller body 31 is a cylindrical member extending in the first direction. As the material of the developing roller main body 31, for example, elastic rubber is used. The developing roller shaft 32 is a columnar member that penetrates the developing roller main body 31 in the first direction. As the material of the developing roller shaft 32, a metal or a resin having conductivity is used. The developing roller body 31 is fixed to the developing roller shaft 32 so as not to rotate relative to the developing roller shaft 32.

A developing roller gear 42 is mounted on one end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction. More specifically, one end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction is fixed to the developing roller gear 42, which will be described later, so as not to rotate relative to the developing roller gear 42. Therefore, when the developing roller gear 42 rotates, the developing roller shaft 32 also rotates, and the developing roller main body 31 also rotates together with the developing roller shaft 32.

The developing roller shaft 32 does not have to penetrate the developing roller main body 31 in the first direction. For example, the 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.

Further, the developing cartridge 1 has a supply roller (not shown). The supply roller is located between the developing roller 30 and the storage chamber 13. Further, the supply roller is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the first direction. When the developing cartridge 1 receives the driving force, the developing agent is supplied from the accommodation chamber 13 in the casing 10 to the outer peripheral surface of the developing 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 developing agent.

Further, the developing cartridge 1 has a layer thickness regulating blade 33. The layer thickness regulating blade 33 forms the developer supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller main body 31 to 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 provided in the drawer unit. At this time, the developer moves from the developing roller main body 31 to the photosensitive drum according to 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 gear portion 40 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the gear portion 40 includes a coupling 41, a developing roller gear 42, an idle gear 43, and an agitator gear 44. In FIG. 2, the illustration of the plurality of gear teeth of each gear is omitted.

The coupling 41 is a gear that first receives the driving force supplied from the image forming apparatus. The 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, for example, resin. The coupling portion 411 is provided with a fastening hole 413 that is recessed in the first 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 on which the developing cartridge 1 is mounted 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 as not to rotate relative to each other. Therefore, when the drive shaft rotates, the coupling portion 411 rotates, and the coupling gear 412 also 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 axis 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. A part of the plurality of gear teeth of the coupling gear 412 and a part of the plurality of gear teeth of the developing roller gear 42 mesh with each other. Further, the developing roller gear 42 is fixed to the end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction so as not to rotate relative to each other. Therefore, when the coupling gear 412 rotates, the developing roller gear 42 rotates, and the developing roller 30 also 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 agitator gear 44. The idle gear 43 can rotate about a rotation axis 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 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 tooth tip circle of the small diameter gear portion 432 is smaller than the diameter of the tooth tip 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, for example, 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, respectively, 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. A part of the plurality of gear teeth of the coupling gear 412 and a part of the plurality of gear teeth of the large diameter gear portion 431 are in mesh with each other. Further, a part of the plurality of gear teeth of the small diameter gear portion 432 and a part of the plurality of gear teeth of the agitator gear 44 are meshed 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, as the small diameter gear portion 432 rotates, the agitator gear 44 also rotates.

The agitator gear 44 is a gear for rotating the agitator 20 in the accommodation chamber 13. The 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 agitator gear 44 at equal intervals over the entire circumference. As described above, a part of the plurality of gear teeth of the small diameter gear portion 432 and a part of the plurality of gear teeth of the agitator gear 44 are in mesh with each other. Further, the agitator gear 44 is fixed to one end of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction so as not to rotate relative to each other. Therefore, when power is transmitted from the coupling 41 to the agitator gear 44 via the idle gear 43, the agitator gear 44 rotates, and the agitator 20 also rotates together with the agitator gear 44.

The cover 50 is fixed to the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10, for example, by screwing. At least a portion of the coupling gear 412, the developing roller gear 42, the idle gear 43, and the agitator gear 44 and at least a portion of the IC chip assembly 60 are located between the first outer surface 11 and the cover 50. The cover 50 has a first opening 51 and a second opening 52. The fastening hole 413 of the coupling portion 411 is exposed to the outside of the cover 50 via the first opening 51. The electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 and the first inclined surface 643 of the support member 64, which will be described later, are exposed to the outside of the cover 50 via the second opening 52.

<2. About IC chip assembly>
The IC chip assembly 60 is a unit including an IC chip 61, which is an example of a storage medium. The IC chip assembly 60 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge 1 cut along a plane orthogonal to the first direction in the vicinity of the IC chip assembly 60. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the IC chip assembly 60 includes an IC chip 61, a holder 62, a lever 63, and a support member 64.

The IC chip 61 is fixed to the end face of the holder 62 in the third direction. Various information about the developing cartridge 1 is recorded on the IC chip 61. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the IC chip 61 has an electrical contact surface 611. The electrical contact surface 611 is made of a metal that is a conductor. On the other hand, the drawer unit has an electric connector. When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drawer unit, the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 comes into contact with the electrical connector. As a result, the electrical contact surface 611 and the electrical connector are electrically conductive. As a result, the image forming apparatus can at least one of reading information from the IC chip 61 and writing information to the IC chip 61.

The holder 62 and the lever 63 are integrally formed of, for example, resin. However, the holder 62 and the lever 63 may be separate parts. At least a part of the holder 62 and the lever 63 is covered with the cover 50. The lever 63 has a boss 631. The boss 631 extends in the first direction from one end of the lever 63 toward the cover 50. The shape of the boss 631 may be a cylinder or another shape such as a prism. The holder 62 is located at the other end of the lever 63. The lever 63 holds the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 via the holder 62.

The lever 63 can swing between the third position and the fourth position with respect to the rotation axis (second axis) extending in the first direction. In FIG. 3, the lever 63 at the third position is shown by a solid line, and the lever 63 at the fourth position is shown by a chain double-dashed line. When the lever 63 swings, the holder 62 and the IC chip 61 swing in the third direction together with the other end of the lever 63. Specifically, when one end of the lever 63 swings about the rotation shaft (second shaft), the holder 62 and the IC chip 61 swing in the third direction together with the other end of the lever 63. Along with this, the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 also swings in the third direction. At this time, the electrical contact surface 611 and the swing direction of the lever 63 intersect with each other. Hereinafter, the position of the electrical contact surface 611 when the lever 63 is in the third position is referred to as a “retracted position”. Further, the position of the electrical contact surface 611 when the lever 63 is in the fourth position is referred to as an "advanced position".

At least a part of the electrical contact surface 611 in the retracted position is located inside the cover 50 with the electrical contact surface 611 exposed from the second opening 52 of the cover 50. When the electrical contact surface 611 is in the retracted position, the position of the electrical contact surface 611 in the third direction is between one end of the support member 64 in the third direction and the other end of the support member 64 in the third direction. To position. On the other hand, the electrical contact surface 611 at the advanced position is located on the outside of the cover 50 in a state of being exposed to the outside of the cover 50 through the second opening 52 of the cover 50. In other words, the electrical contact surface 611 at the advanced position projects to the outside of the cover 50 through the second opening 52 of the cover 50. That is, the electrical contact surface 611 in the advanced position is farther from the cover 50 than the electrical contact surface 611 in the retracted position. When the electrical contact surface 611 is in the advanced position, the electrical contact surface 611 is one end of the support member 64 from the other end of the support member 64 (the end including the second inclined surface 644 described later) in the third direction. It may be located farther than (the end including the first inclined surface 643 described later).

The cover 50 has a through hole 53. The through hole 53 penetrates the cover 50 in the first direction. The boss 631 of the lever 63 is inserted into the through hole 53. The size (inner dimension) of the through hole 53 in the second direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the boss 631 in the second direction. Therefore, the lever 63 and the holder 62, together with the boss 631, can move relative to the casing 10 and the cover 50 in the second direction. When the lever 63 and the holder 62 move 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 dimension) of the through hole 53 in the third direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the boss 631 in the third direction. Therefore, one end of the lever 63, together with the boss 631, can move relative to the casing 10 and the cover 50 in the third direction. When one end of the lever 63 moves in the third direction, the lever 63 swings about the second axis.

The lever 63 may have a plurality of bosses 631. In that case, the cover 50 may have one or more through holes 53 into which the plurality of bosses 631 are inserted. Further, the through hole 53 does not have to penetrate. The boss 631 of the lever 63 may be a hole into which the lever 63 can be inserted. That is, the cover 50 may have a recess into which the boss 631 is inserted instead of the through hole 53. Further, the lever 63 may have a boss that projects toward the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. In that case, the casing 10 may have a recess or a through hole into which the boss is inserted.

The support member 64 is a member that swingably supports the lever 63 with respect to the second shaft. At least a part of the support member 64 is covered with the cover 50. The support member 64 is located between one end and the other end of the lever 63. That is, the boss 631 and the holder 62 are located on opposite sides of the support member 64. As shown in FIG. 3, the support member 64 has an insertion hole 641. The insertion hole 641 penetrates the support member 64 in the second direction. The lever 63 is inserted into the insertion hole 641.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lever 63 has a support shaft 632. The support shaft 632 projects from the lever 63 in the first direction along the second axis. On the other hand, the support member 64 has a support hole 642. The support shaft 632 is inserted into the support hole 642. As a result, the lever 63 can swing with respect to the support member 64 with respect to the second axis. The lever 63 may have a support hole, and the support member 64 may have a support shaft to be inserted into the support hole.

The support member 64 extends in the third direction. Of both end faces of the support member 64 in the third direction, the end faces close to the electrical contact surface 611 include the first inclined surface 643. The first inclined surface 643 is inclined with respect to the second direction and the third direction. Of both end faces of the support member 64 in the third direction, the end faces far from the electrical contact surface 611 include the second inclined surface 644. The second inclined surface 644 is inclined with respect to the second direction and the third direction. The distance in the third direction between the first inclined surface 643 and the second inclined surface 644 gradually decreases as it approaches the developing roller 30.

<3. Insertion operation>
Subsequently, the operation of inserting the developing cartridge 1 into the drawer unit will be described. 4 and 5 are views showing a state when the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into one slot 90 of the drawer unit 9. In FIG. 5, the cover 50 is not shown in order to clearly show the IC chip assembly 60.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the drawer unit 9 has a first guide plate 91 and a second guide plate 92 for each slot 90. The first guide plate 91 and the second guide plate 92 extend along the first direction and the second direction, respectively. The first guide plate 91 has an electrical connector 910. The electric connector 910 is an electric contact capable of contacting the electric contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61. As the material of the electric connector 910, for example, a metal as a conductor is used.

Further, the first guide plate 91 has a first holding surface 911. The first holding surface 911 is inclined so as to gradually approach the second guide plate 92 toward the photosensitive drum 93. Further, the second guide plate 92 has a second holding surface 921. The second holding surface 921 is inclined so as to gradually approach the first guide plate 91 toward the photosensitive drum 93. The first holding surface 911 and the second holding surface 921 face each other in the third direction.

When the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the slot 90, the first inclined surface 643 of the support member 64 comes into contact with the first holding surface 911 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Then, the second inclined surface 644 of the support member 64 comes into contact with the second holding surface 921. As a result, the support member 64 is positioned in the second direction and the third direction with respect to the drawer unit 9. Further, when the casing 10 of the developing cartridge 1 is further pushed deep into the slot 90, the boss 631 of the lever 63 comes into contact with the edge of the through hole 53 of the cover 50. As a result, the casing 10 is positioned in the second direction with respect to the drawer unit.

When the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the slot 90, the lever 63 is in the third position due to the weight of the holder 62 and the IC chip 61, as shown in FIG. Therefore, the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 is in the retracted position. Therefore, when the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the slot 90, the electrical contact surface 611 does not rub against the electrical connector 910. In the following, the position of the casing 10 with respect to the drawer unit after the development cartridge 1 is inserted into the slot 90 and before the rotation operation is performed is set as the first position. When the casing 10 is in the first position, the electric connector 910 and the electric contact surface 611 do not come into contact with each other.

<4. About rotation operation>
Subsequently, the rotational operation of the casing 10 and the cover 50 after the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the slot 90 will be described. 6 and 7 are views showing the state of the rotation operation. In FIG. 7, the cover 50 is not shown in order to clearly show the IC chip assembly 60.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the casing 10 has columnar protrusions 15. The columnar protrusion 15 extends in the first direction from the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. Further, the columnar protrusion 15 is exposed to the outside without being covered by the cover 50.

After inserting the developing cartridge 1 into the slot 90, the casing 10 and the cover 50 rotate about the developing roller 30. Specifically, the position of the casing 10 with respect to the drawer unit changes from the first position shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 to the second position shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. That is, the casing 10 is tilted in the third direction as shown by the broken line arrows in FIGS. 6 and 7. At this time, the columnar protrusion 15 of the casing 10 comes into contact with the pressurizing member 94 of the drawer unit 9. The pressurizing member 94 pressurizes the columnar protrusion 15 toward the photosensitive drum 93. In this way, when the columnar protrusion 15 receives the pressing force, the surface of the developing roller 30 is pressed against the surface of the photosensitive drum 93. That is, the surface of the developing roller 30 and the surface of the photosensitive drum 93 are maintained in a contact state in which they are in contact with each other.

Further, when the casing 10 and the cover 50 rotate with respect to the developing roller 30, the edge portion 531 of the through hole 53 of the cover 50 presses the boss 631 of the lever 63. As a result, the boss 631 moves in the third direction. That is, in the present embodiment, the boss 631 is a pressed portion that receives a pressing force during the rotation operation. When the boss 631 moves in the third direction, the lever 63 swings from the third position to the fourth position about the second axis. Along with this, the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 swings from the retracted position to the advanced position. As a result, the electrical contact surface 611 comes into contact with the electrical connector 910. That is, when the position of the casing 10 with respect to the drawer unit is the second position, the electrical contact surface 611 comes into contact with the electrical connector 910. As a result, the control unit of the image forming apparatus can read at least one of the information from the IC chip 61 and the information written to the IC chip 61.

If the electric contact surface 611 comes into contact with the electric connector 910 while the developing cartridge 1 is being inserted into the slot 90, the electric contact surface 611 moves in the second direction while being in contact with the electric connector 910. To do. In this case, rubbing is likely to occur between the electrical contact surface 611 and the electrical connector 910. However, in the structure of the present embodiment, the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the slot 90, the support member 64 is positioned, and then the lever 63 is swung to bring the electric contact surface 611 into contact with the electric connector 910. Therefore, after the contact, the contact position of the electrical contact surface 611 with respect to the electrical connector 910 is unlikely to change. Therefore, rubbing of the electrical contact surface 611 with respect to the electrical connector 910 can be suppressed.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the length from the second shaft to the electrical contact surface 611 is longer than the length from the second shaft to the boss 631 which is the pressed portion. Therefore, the distance that the electrical contact surface 611 moves due to the rotation operation is longer than the distance that the boss 631 moves due to the rotation operation. By increasing the moving distance of the electrical contact surface 611 in this way, the electrical contact surface 611 can be more reliably brought into contact with the electric connector 910.

<5. Separation operation>
After the above-mentioned insertion operation and rotation operation are completed, the image forming apparatus can perform a so-called "separation operation" in which the developing roller 30 is temporarily separated from the photosensitive drum 93. Hereinafter, this separation operation will be described. 8 and 9 are views showing a state when the separation operation is executed. In FIG. 9, the cover 50 is not shown in order to clearly show the IC chip assembly 60.

During the separation operation, the lever (not shown) of the drawer unit 9 is pushed by the driving force from the image forming apparatus. Then, the separating member 95 of the drawer unit 9 moves toward the pressurizing member 94 in the second direction. As a result, the separating member 95 comes into contact with the columnar protrusion 15 and presses the columnar protrusion 15 in the direction away from the photosensitive drum 93 against the pressure of the pressurizing member 94. As a result, the casing 10, the developing roller 30, and the cover 50 of the developing cartridge 1 move in the second direction as shown by the broken line arrows in FIGS. 8 and 9. As a result, the developing roller 30 and the photosensitive drum 93 are separated from each other.

At this time, the boss 631 of the lever 63 moves relatively in the second direction along the edge portion 531 of the through hole 53. That is, in the present embodiment, a part of the surface forming the edge portion 531 of the through hole 53 is a guide surface for guiding the boss 631 in the second direction.

Support member 64 and lever 63 for the drawer unit 9 in both the contact state before the separation operation (states in FIGS. 6 and 7) and the separation state after the separation operation (states in FIGS. 8 and 9). , The position of the holder 62, and the IC chip 61 does not change. That is, the lever 63 is maintained in the fourth position, and the electrical contact surface 611 is maintained in the advanced position. Then, the casing 10, the developing roller 30, and the cover 50 move in the second direction with respect to the drawer unit 9, the support member 64, the lever 63, the holder 62, and the IC chip 61.

As described above, during the separation operation, the casing 10, the developing roller 30, and the cover 50 move in the second direction, but the position of the electrical contact surface 611 with respect to the drawer unit 9 does not change. Therefore, the electrical contact surface 611 is maintained in contact with the electrical connector 910. In addition, the rubbing of the electrical contact surface 611 during the separation operation is reduced.

In the present embodiment, the direction in which the developing roller 30 separates from the photosensitive drum 93 (separation direction) during the separation operation is the second direction. However, the separation direction may be a direction other than the second direction. The separation direction may be a direction that intersects with the first direction.

<6. Modification example>
Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Hereinafter, various modifications will be described focusing on the differences from the above-described embodiments.

<6-1. First modification>
FIG. 10 is a partially decomposed perspective view of the developing cartridge 1 of the first modification. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge 1 of the first modification cut in the vicinity of the IC chip assembly 60 by a plane orthogonal to the first direction.

In this first modification, the structure of the lever 63 and the structure of the cover 50 that supports the lever 63 are different from those of the above embodiment. In this example, the lever 63 has a through hole 633 instead of the boss 631. On the other hand, the cover 50 has a boss 54 to be inserted into the through hole 633 of the lever 63 instead of the through hole 53 into which the boss 631 is inserted.

In the examples of FIGS. 10 and 11, the cover 50 has a boss 54. The boss 54 extends in the first direction. On the other hand, the lever 63 has a through hole 633. The through hole 633 penetrates one end of the lever 63 in the first direction. The through hole 633 and the holder 62 are located on opposite sides of the support member 64.

The boss 54 of the cover 50 is inserted into the through hole 633 of the lever 63. The size (inner dimension) of the through hole 633 in the second direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the boss 54 in the second direction. Therefore, the lever 63 and the holder 62, together with the through hole 633, can move relative to the casing 10 and the cover 50 in the second direction. When the lever 63 and the holder 62 move 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 dimension) of the through hole 633 in the third direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the boss 54 in the third direction. Therefore, one end of the lever 63, together with the through hole 633, can move relative to the casing 10 and the cover 50 in the third direction. When one end of the lever 63 moves in the third direction, the lever 63 swings about the second axis.

During the rotation operation, the position of the casing 10 with respect to the drawer unit changes from the first position to the second position. At this time, the boss 54 of the cover 50 presses the edge portion 634 of the through hole 633 of the lever 63. As a result, one end of the lever 63 moves in the third direction. That is, in the present embodiment, the edge portion 634 of the through hole 633 is the pressed portion that receives the pressing force during the rotation operation. When one end of the lever 63 moves in the third direction, the lever 63 swings from the third position to the fourth position about the second axis. Along with this, the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 swings from the retracted position to the advanced position. As a result, the electrical contact surface 611 comes into contact with the electrical connector 910.

Further, during the separation operation, the boss 54 of the cover 50 moves in the second direction along the edge portion 634 of the through hole 633. That is, in this first modification, a part of the surface forming the edge portion 634 of the through hole 633 becomes a guide surface for guiding the boss 54 in the second direction.

The cover 50 may have a plurality of bosses 54. In that case, the lever 63 may have one or more through holes 633 into which the plurality of bosses 54 are inserted. Further, the lever 63 may have a recess into which the boss 54 is inserted instead of the through hole 633. Further, the casing 10 may have a boss projecting from the first outer surface 11 in the first direction. In that case, the lever 63 may have a recess or a through hole into which the boss of the casing 10 is inserted.

<6-2. Second modification>
FIG. 12 is a partially decomposed perspective view of the developing cartridge 1 of the second modification. FIG. 13 is a partial front view showing a state in which the disassembled parts in FIG. 12 are combined.

In this second modification, the structure of the lever 63 and the structure of the support member 64 that supports the lever 63 are different from the above-described embodiment. In this example, the lever 63 has a through hole 633 instead of the boss 631. On the other hand, the cover 50 has a boss 54 to be inserted into the through hole 633 of the lever 63 instead of the through hole 53 into which the boss 631 is inserted. The casing 10 is provided on the first outer surface 11 and further has an insertion hole 112 into which the boss of the cover 50 is inserted. Further, the support member 64 has a first support member 64A and a second support member 64B that are combined with each other. Although the IC chip 61 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 has four electrical contact surfaces 611, the number of electrical contact surfaces 611 may be three as in the above embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 12, the support member 64 includes a first support member 64A and a second support member 64B. The first support member 64A and the second support member 64B are provided side by side in the third direction. Then, the support member 64 is formed by combining the first support member 64A and the second support member 64B. The first support member 64A has a groove 64A1 along a third direction. On the other hand, the second support member 64B has a protrusion 64B1 extending along the third direction. When the first support member 64A and the second support member 64B are combined, the protrusion 64B1 is inserted into the groove 64A1 as shown by the broken line in FIG. Similarly, the second support member 64B has a protrusion 64B2 extending along a third direction. The first support member 64A has a groove (not shown) along the third direction, and the protrusion 64B2 is inserted into the groove. Further, the second support member 64B has a protrusion 64B3 extending along the third direction. The first support member 64A has a groove (not shown) along the third direction, and the protrusion 64B3 is inserted into the groove. The second support member 64B has a protrusion 64B4 extending along a third direction. Further, the first support member 64A has a groove (not shown) along the third direction, and the protrusion 64B4 is inserted into the groove.

Further, the first support member 64A has a support groove 642A along the third direction. When the first support member 64A and the second support member 64B are combined, a support hole 642B is formed between the support groove 642A and the second support member 54B. The support shaft 632 of the lever 63 is inserted into the support hole 642B. Then, the support shaft 632 of the lever 63 is supported by the support hole 642B.

The lever 63 has a through hole 633 as in the first modification. The cover 50 has a boss 54. The boss 54 projects in the first direction toward the casing 10. On the other hand, the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10 has a protrusion 111 protruding in the first direction toward the cover 50. The protrusion 111 has an insertion hole 112. When the cover 50 is fixed to the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10, the boss 54 of the cover 50 is inserted into the insertion hole 112.

The boss 54 of the cover 50 is inserted into the through hole 633 of the lever 63 and the insertion hole 112 of the protrusion 111. Therefore, the lever 63 and the holder 62, together with the through hole 633, can move in the second direction with respect to the casing 10 and the cover 50. When the lever 63 and the holder 62 move 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 cover 50 has a third opening 52A facing the second opening 52 in the third direction. The second opening 52 and the third opening 52A have substantially the same size, and have a size that allows the first support member 64A and the second support member 64B to pass through. When the lever 63 is supported by the first support member 64A and the second support member 64B, the boss 54 of the cover 50 is inserted into the through hole 633 of the lever 63, and the cover 50 is inserted into the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. After fixing to, the first support member 64A is inserted through the second opening 52. Further, the second support member 64B is inserted through the third opening 52A. As a result, the lever 63 is supported by the support member 64 in which the first support member 64A and the second support member 64B are combined.

When the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the slot 90, the first inclined surface 643 of the support member 64 comes into contact with the first holding surface 911 (see FIG. 5). Then, the second inclined surface 644 of the support member 64 comes into contact with the second holding surface 921 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). As a result, the support member 64 is positioned in the second direction and the third direction with respect to the drawer unit 9. Further, when the casing 10 of the developing cartridge 1 is further pushed deep into the slot 90, the boss 54 of the cover 50 comes into contact with the edge of the through hole 633 of the lever 63. As a result, the casing 10 is positioned in the second direction with respect to the drawer unit.

<6-3. Third variant>
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state of the developing cartridge 1 of the third modification during the rotating operation.

This third modification is different from the above embodiment in that the entire support member 64 is not a rigid body and the support member 64 can be expanded and contracted. In this example, the support member 64 has a first support member 71 having a first contact surface 711 and a second having a second contact surface 721 in place of the first inclined surface 643 and the second inclined surface 644 for positioning. A support member 72 and a pressing member 73 are provided.

The support member 64 includes a first support member 71, a second support member 72, and a pressing member 73. The first support member 71 and the second support member 72 are provided side by side in the third direction. Further, the pressing member 73 is located between the first support member 71 and the second support member 72 in the third direction.

The second support member 72 has a support hole 642. The support shaft 632 of the lever 63 is inserted into the support hole 642. As a result, the lever 63 can swing with respect to the support member 64 with respect to the second axis. The lever 63 may have a support hole, and the second support member 72 may have a support shaft to be inserted into the support hole.

The first support member 71 and the second support member 72 are connected at the hinge portion 70. The first support member 71 and the second support member 72 can rotate with respect to a shaft extending in the first direction along the hinge portion 70. The first support member 71 has a first contact surface 711. The first contact surface 711 is located at one end of the support member 64 in the third direction. The second support member 72 has a second contact surface 721. The second contact surface 721 is located at the other end of the support member 64 in the third direction.

The pressing member 73 expands and contracts in the third direction. One end of the pressing member 73 in the third direction is connected to the first support member 71. The other end of the pressing member 73 in the third direction is connected to the second support member 72. For the pressing member 73, for example, a coil spring which is an elastic member is used. However, instead of the coil spring, another elastic member such as a torsion spring may be used.

When the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the slot 90, the first contact surface 711 of the first support member 71 comes into contact with the first guide plate 91, as shown in FIG. Further, the second contact surface 721 of the second support member 72 comes into contact with the second guide plate 92. As a result, the first support member 71 and the second support member 72 approach each other in the third direction. Then, the length of the pressing member 73 in the third direction becomes shorter than the natural length. Then, a repulsive force in the third direction is generated in the pressing member 73. As a result, the first support member 71 is pressed against the first guide plate 91. Further, the second support member 72 is pressed against the second guide plate 92. As a result, the first support member 71 and the second support member 72 are positioned in the second direction and the third direction between the first guide plate 91 and the second guide plate 92. That is, the support member 64 is positioned in the second and third directions with respect to the slot 90.

<6-4. Fourth modification>
FIG. 15 is a partially decomposed perspective view of the developing cartridge 1 of the fourth modified example. FIG. 16 is a partially exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge 1 to which the cover 50 is fixed in the fourth modification.

This fourth modification is different from the above embodiment in that it has a pressing member that swings the lever 63. In this example, the lever 63 has a substantially flat boss 631 provided with protrusions 631A instead of the substantially columnar boss 631. The casing 10 is provided on the first outer surface 11 and further has an insertion hole 114 into which the boss 631 of the lever 63 is inserted. Further, the support member 64 has a first support member 64A and a second support member 64B that are combined with each other. Although the IC chip 61 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 has four electrical contact surfaces 611, the number of electrical contact surfaces 611 may be three as in the above embodiment.

In the examples of FIGS. 15 and 16, the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10 has a protrusion 113 protruding in the first direction. The protrusion 113 has an insertion hole 114 extending in the first direction. The insertion hole 114 faces the through hole 53 of the cover 50 in the first direction. The size and shape of the insertion hole 114 when viewed in the first direction are substantially the same as those of the through hole 53. The size (inner dimension) of the through hole 53 and the insertion hole 114 in the second direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the boss 631 in the second direction. The size (inner dimension) of the through hole 633 and the insertion hole 114 in the third direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the boss 631 in the third direction. Then, one end of the boss 631 of the lever 63 in the first direction is inserted into the through hole 53. The other end of the boss 631 of the lever 63 in the first direction is inserted into the insertion hole 114.

Therefore, the lever 63 and the holder 62, together with the boss 631, can move in the second direction with respect to the casing 10 and the cover 50. When the lever 63 and the holder 62 move 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, one end of the lever 63, together with the boss 631, can move in the third direction with respect to the casing 10 and the cover 50. When one end of the lever 63 moves in the third direction, the lever 63 swings about the second axis.

In the fourth modification, the boss 631 of the lever 63 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the first direction. A protrusion 631A is provided on one surface of the rectangular parallelepiped shape that intersects the third direction. The protrusion 631A is a columnar shape extending in the third direction, and has a cross shape in a plan view viewed from the third direction.

The IC chip assembly 60 has a pressing member 74 for swinging the lever 63 around the second axis. The pressing member 74 is supported by the protrusion 631A. For the pressing member 74, for example, a coil spring which is an elastic member is used. However, instead of the coil spring, another elastic member such as a torsion spring may be used. The pressing member 74 expands and contracts in the third direction. One end of the pressing member 74 in the third direction is supported by the boss 631. The other end of the pressing member 74 in the third direction is supported by the inner wall surface of the cover 50. The pressing member 74 is supported by the boss 631 and the inner wall surface of the cover 50 in a state of being shrunk from the natural length.

The support member 64 includes a first support member 64A and a second support member 64B, as in the second modification. The lever 63 is supported by a support member 64 formed by combining the first support member 64A and the second support member 64B. As an assembly procedure of the support member 64, as in the second modification, the cover 50 is fixed to the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10, and then the first support member 64A is inserted through the second opening 52 of the cover 50. To do. Further, the second support member 64B is inserted through the third opening 52A.

When the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the slot 90, the first inclined surface 643 of the support member 64 comes into contact with the first holding surface 911 (see FIG. 5). Then, the second inclined surface 644 of the support member 64 comes into contact with the second holding surface 921 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). As a result, the support member 64 is positioned in the second direction and the third direction with respect to the drawer unit 9. Further, when the casing 10 of the developing cartridge 1 is further pushed deep into the slot 90, the boss 631 of the lever 63 comes into contact with the edge of the through hole 53 of the cover 50 or the edge of the insertion hole 114 of the casing 10. As a result, the casing 10 is positioned in the second direction with respect to the drawer unit 9.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a state of rotational operation in the developing cartridge 1 of the fourth modified example.

After inserting the developing cartridge 1 into the slot 90, the casing 10 and the cover 50 rotate about the developing roller 30. The casing 10 is tilted with respect to the slot 90 in the third direction as shown by the broken line arrow in FIG. 17 from the posture when the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the slot 90. At this time, the columnar protrusion 15 of the casing 10 comes into contact with the pressurizing member (not shown) of the drawer unit 9. The pressurizing member pressurizes the columnar protrusion 15 toward the photosensitive drum 93. As a result, the developing roller 30 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 93. That is, the developing roller 30 and the photosensitive drum 93 are maintained in a contact state in which they are in contact with each other.

Further, when the casing 10 and the cover 50 are rotated with respect to the developing roller 30, the length of the pressing member 74 in the third direction becomes shorter than the natural length. Then, a repulsive force in the third direction is generated in the pressing member 74. As a result, when the boss 631 moves in the third direction, the lever 63 swings from the third position to the fourth position about the second axis. Along with this, the electrical contact surface of the IC chip 61 swings from the retracted position to the advanced position. As a result, the electrical contact surface comes into contact with the electrical connector of the first guide plate 91.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a state when the separation operation is executed in the developing cartridge 1 of the fourth modification.

During the separation operation, the casing 10, the developing roller 30, and the cover 50 of the developing cartridge 1 move in the second direction, as described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. As a result, the developing roller 30 and the photosensitive drum 93 are separated from each other. Also at this time, the length of the pressing member 74 in the third direction is shorter than the natural length. Then, the electric contact surface 611 is kept in contact with the electric connector of the first guide plate 91 by the repulsive force in the third direction to the pressing member 74.

That is, the support member 64, the lever 63, and the holder 62 for the drawer unit 9 are in both the contact state before the separation operation (state in FIG. 17) and the separation state after the separation operation (state in FIG. 18). And the position of the IC chip 61 does not change. That is, the lever 63 is maintained in the fourth position, and the electrical contact surface 611 is maintained in the advanced position. Then, the casing 10, the developing roller 30, and the cover 50 move in the second direction with respect to the drawer unit 9, the support member 64, the lever 63, the holder 62, and the IC chip.

<6-5. Fifth variant>
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a state of the developing cartridge 1 of the fifth modification during the rotating operation.

In the above embodiment, the first inclined surface 643 of the support member 64 is brought into contact with the first holding surface 911 and the second inclined surface 644 is brought into contact with the second holding surface 921 to bring the support member 64 to the drawer unit 9. It has a structure for positioning. In this fifth modification, the structure for positioning the support member 64 is different from the above-described embodiment. In this example, the support member 64 has a first engaging portion 645 instead of the first inclined surface 643 and the second inclined surface 644.

The support member 64 has a first engaging portion 645 for being positioned with respect to the drawer unit 9. The first engaging portion 645 is located at the end of the support member 64 in the third direction. The first engaging portion 645 may have a recess 646 on the lower surface of the support member 64. For example, the first engaging portion 645 is a hook.

When the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the slot 90, the tip portion 922 of the second guide plate 92 in the second direction is inserted into the recess 646 as shown in FIG. Then, the tip portion 922 of the second guide plate 92 in the second direction and the first engaging portion 645 engage with each other. As a result, the support member 64 is positioned in the second direction and the third direction with respect to the drawer unit 9. For example, when the first engaging portion 645 is a hook, the hook hooks to the tip portion 922 of the second guide plate 92 in the second direction.

The support member 64 may have an engaging portion that engages with the tip end portion of the first guide plate 91 in the second direction. The engaging portion may have the same shape as the first engaging portion 645 described above. Further, the support member 64 may have an engaging portion that engages with a portion other than the first guide plate 91 and the second guide plate 92 of the drawer unit 9. The engaging portion may have the same shape as the first engaging portion 645 described above. As described above, the support member 64 may be positioned in the second direction and the third direction by the first engaging portion that engages with a part of the image forming apparatus.

<6-6. 6th variant>
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a state of the developing cartridge 1 of the sixth modified example during the rotating operation.

In this sixth modification, the length from the second axis to the boss 631 is different from the above embodiment. In this example, the IC chip assembly 60 has a lever 63 that is longer than the embodiment described above.

In the example of FIG. 20, in the lever 63, the length from the second shaft to the boss 631 which is the pressed portion is longer than the length from the second shaft to the electrical contact surface 611. Therefore, the electric contact surface 611 can be brought into contact with the electric connector 910 at a pressure stronger than the pressure received from the cover 50 by the boss 631 by the rotating operation. Therefore, the continuity between the electrical contact surface 611 and the electrical connector 910 can be made more stable.

<6-7. 7th variant>
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a state when the developing cartridge 1 of the seventh modification is inserted. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a state of the developing cartridge 1 of the seventh modification during the rotating operation.

In this seventh modification, the lever 63 is fixed at the fourth position to further prevent the electrical contact surface 611 from separating from the electric connector 910 after the rotational operation of the developing cartridge 1. It differs from the above embodiment. In this example, the support member 64 further includes a second engaging portion 647 in addition to the above embodiments.

In the examples of FIGS. 21 and 22, the support member 64 has a second engaging portion 647. The second engaging portion 647 is located at both ends of the support member 64 in the third direction, which are close to the boss 631. The second engaging portion 647 has a first engaging claw 647a and a second engaging claw 647b. The first engaging claw 647a and the second engaging claw 647b have flexibility. Further, the distance between the first engaging claw 647a and the second engaging claw 647b is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the boss 631.

During the rotation operation, as shown in FIG. 22, the lever 63 swings from the third position to the fourth position about the second axis. Along with this, the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 swings from the retracted position to the advanced position. As a result, the electrical contact surface 611 comes into contact with the electrical connector 910. At this time, the boss 631 is engaged with the second engaging portion 647 by moving in the third direction. That is, when the electrical contact surface 611 comes into contact with the electrical connector 910, the boss 631 is held by the second engaging portion 647 by moving in the third direction. Specifically, the boss 631 is sandwiched between the first engaging claw 647a and the second engaging claw 647b. As a result, the lever 63 is fixed at the fourth position.

In this way, it is possible to further prevent the electrical contact surface 611 from being separated from the electrical connector 910 after the rotation operation.

<6-8. Eighth variant>
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a state when the developing cartridge 1 of the eighth modification is inserted. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a state of the developing cartridge 1 of the eighth modification during the rotating operation.

In this eighth modification, the lever 63 is fixed at the fourth position to further prevent the electrical contact surface 611 from separating from the electric connector 910 after the rotational operation of the developing cartridge 1. It differs from the above embodiment. In this example, the lever 63 further comprises a third engaging portion 635 in addition to the above embodiments.

In the examples of FIGS. 23 and 24, the lever 63 has a third engaging portion 635. The third engaging portion 635 is located at one end of the lever 63 in the second direction. The third engaging portion 635 has an engaging claw 635a extending from one end of the lever 63 in the rotational direction about the second axis. The engaging claw 635a has flexibility. As shown in FIG. 23, when the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the slot 90 of the drawer unit 9, the distance from the second shaft to the engaging claw 635a is from the second shaft to the tip of the second guide plate 92. Slightly smaller than the distance.

During the rotation operation, as shown in FIG. 24, the lever 63 swings from the third position to the fourth position about the second axis. Along with this, the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 swings from the retracted position to the advanced position. As a result, the electrical contact surface 611 comes into contact with the electrical connector 910. At this time, the engaging claw 635a engages with the tip of the second guide plate 92. That is, the engaging claw 635a is caught by the tip of the second guide plate 92. Specifically, the engaging claw 635a comes into contact with the surface of the second guide plate 92 opposite to the surface facing the first guide plate 91 in a slightly bent state. As a result, the lever 63 is fixed at the fourth position. The third engaging portion 635 may have a hook instead of the engaging claw 635a. In that case, the hook hooks to the tip of the second guide plate 92.

In this way, if the third engaging portion 635 that engages with a part of the image forming apparatus is provided at one end of the lever 63, the electrical contact surface 611 is separated from the electric connector 910 after the rotation operation. Can be further suppressed.

<6-9. Other variants>
In the above embodiment, the entire lever was a rigid body. However, part or all of the lever may be elastic. Specifically, a part or all of the lever may be formed of rubber or a resin having elasticity. If a part or all of the lever is made of an elastic body, the lever itself is elastically deformed. Therefore, the contact between the electric connector 910 and the electric contact surface 611 can be made more stable. In addition, contact with other members reduces the possibility of damage to the lever. Further, if resin is used as the material of the lever, a complicated shape can be easily formed.

Further, in the above embodiment, an IC chip having an electrical contact surface is fixed to the outer surface of the holder. However, only the electrical contact surface that comes into contact with the electric 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 place of the developing cartridge.

Further, in the above embodiment, the insertion direction of the developing cartridge into the drawer unit and the second direction coincide with each other. However, these directions may be different from each other.

Further, the first direction and the second direction do not have to be orthogonal to each other. Further, the second direction and the third direction do not have to be orthogonal to each other. Further, the first direction and the third direction do not have to be orthogonal to each other.

Further, in the above embodiment, a plurality of gears in the gear portion are engaged with each other by meshing of gear teeth. However, the plurality of gears in the 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 portion of two gears that engage with each other instead of the plurality of gear teeth.

Further, the detailed shape of the developing cartridge may be different from the shape shown in each figure of the present application. Further, the elements appearing in the above-described embodiments and modifications may be appropriately combined as long as there is no contradiction.

1 Development cartridge 9 Drawer unit 10 Casing 20 Agitator 30 Development roller 40 Gear part 50 Cover 53 Through hole 54 Boss 60 IC chip assembly 61 IC chip 62 Holder 63 Lever 64 Support member 71 1st support member 72 2nd support member 73 Pressing member 90 Slot 91 1st guide plate 92 2nd guide plate 93 Photosensitive drum 611 Electrical contact surface 631 Boss 632 Support shaft 633 Through hole 635 3rd engagement part 645 1st engagement part 647 2nd engagement part 910 Electrical connector

Claims (28)

A developing cartridge that can be attached to an image forming device.
A developing roller that is rotatable about the first axis extending in the first direction,
A housing that houses a developing agent, in a state where the developing roller is located at one end of the housing in the second direction and the developing cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus. However, with respect to the image forming apparatus, a housing that can rotate between the first position and the second position of the developing roller,
When the storage medium has an electrical contact surface and the housing is in the first position, the electrical contact surface is the image in a state where the developing roller is in contact with the photosensitive drum of the image forming apparatus. When the housing is in the second position without contacting the electric connector of the forming device, the electric contact surface is in contact with the photosensitive drum of the image forming device, and the image forming device is in contact with the developing roller. A storage medium having an electrical contact surface that contacts the electrical connector of
A lever that can swing with the electrical contact surface with respect to the second axis extending in the first direction, and swings in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction between the third position and the fourth position. Lever to do
A cover that covers at least a part of the lever
With
When the housing is in the first position, the lever is located in the third position.
When the housing is in the second position, the lever is located in the fourth position.
The electrical contact surface at the second position is farther from the cover than the electrical contact surface at the first position.
A developing cartridge characterized in that the electrical contact surface intersects the third direction. The developing cartridge according to claim 1.
When the housing is in the first position, the surface of the developing roller is not pressed against the surface of the photoconductor drum of the image forming apparatus.
When the housing is in the second position, the surface of the developing roller is pressed against the surface of the photoconductor drum of the image forming apparatus. The developing cartridge according to claim 1.
The housing further
When the housing is in the second position, the developing cartridge is provided with a protrusion that receives a pressing force for pressing the surface of the developing roller against the surface of the photoconductor drum of the image forming apparatus. The developing cartridge according to claim 3.
The developing cartridge is characterized in that the protrusion is located on the outer surface of the housing. The developing cartridge according to claim 4.
A developing cartridge in which the protrusions extend from the outer surface. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
The lever is located on an outer surface located on one side of the housing in the first direction.
The cover is attached to the outer surface and
When the housing is in the second position, the housing and the cover are movable in the second direction with respect to the lever and the electrical contact surface. The developing cartridge according to claim 6.
The lever comprises a boss extending in the first direction.
The cover includes a guide surface that guides the boss in the second direction.
When the housing and the cover move in the second direction with respect to the lever and the electrical contact surface, the boss moves in the second direction along the guide surface. A characteristic development cartridge. The developing cartridge according to claim 7.
The boss is located at one end of the lever and
A developing cartridge characterized in that the electrical contact surface is located at the other end of the lever. The developing cartridge according to claim 7 or 8.
When the housing and the cover rotate from the first position to the second position of the developing roller with respect to the image forming apparatus in a state where the developing cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus. A developing cartridge characterized in that the guide surface pushes the boss and the lever swings from the third position to the fourth position. The developing cartridge according to claim 6.
The cover comprises a boss extending in the first direction.
The lever includes a guide surface that guides the boss in the second direction.
When the housing and the cover move in the second direction with respect to the lever and the electrical contact surface, the boss moves in the second direction along the guide surface. A characteristic development cartridge. The developing cartridge according to claim 10.
The guide surface is located at one end of the lever.
A developing cartridge characterized in that the electrical contact surface is located at the other end of the lever. The developing cartridge according to claim 10 or 11.
When the housing and the cover rotate from the first position to the second position of the developing roller with respect to the image forming apparatus in a state where the developing cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus. A developing cartridge characterized in that the boss pushes the guide surface and the lever swings from the third position to the fourth position. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 6 to 12.
The developing cartridge further
A support member that swingably supports the lever with respect to the second axis and is located on the outer surface and is at least partially covered by the cover.
The developing cartridge is characterized in that the housing and the cover are movable in the second direction with respect to the support member, the lever, and the electrical contact surface. The developing cartridge according to claim 13.
A developing cartridge characterized in that when the developing cartridge is inserted into the image forming apparatus, the supporting member is positioned with respect to the image forming apparatus. The developing cartridge according to claim 13 or 14.
The developing cartridge is characterized in that the support member is located between one end and the other end of the lever. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 15.
The lever is located on an outer surface located on one side of the housing in the first direction.
The developing cartridge further
The lever is swingably supported with respect to the second axis, and a support member located on the outer surface is provided.
A developing cartridge characterized in that the support member, together with the lever and the electrical contact surface, is movable in the second direction with respect to the housing. The developing cartridge according to claim 16.
A developing cartridge characterized in that when the developing cartridge is inserted into the image forming apparatus, the supporting member is positioned with respect to the image forming apparatus. The developing cartridge according to claim 17.
The developing cartridge is characterized in that the support member is located between one end and the other end of the lever. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 18.
The lever
When the developing cartridge is inserted into the image forming apparatus and the housing and the cover rotate with respect to the developing roller with respect to the image forming apparatus, they are fixed to the housing or the housing. Equipped with a pressed part that is pushed by the member
A developing cartridge characterized in that the length from the second shaft to the electrical contact surface is longer than the length from the second shaft to the pressed portion. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 18.
The lever
When the developing cartridge is inserted into the image forming apparatus and the housing and the cover rotate with respect to the developing roller with respect to the image forming apparatus, they are fixed to the housing or the housing. Equipped with a pressed part that is pushed by the member
A developing cartridge characterized in that the length from the second shaft to the pressed portion is longer than the length from the second shaft to the electrical contact surface. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 13 to 18.
Said support member extends in the third direction,
When the lever is in the third position, the electrical contact surface is located between one end of the support member in the third direction and the other end of the support member in the third direction.
When the lever is in the fourth position, the electrical contact surface is located in the third direction from the other end of the support member and away from one end of the support member .
A developing cartridge characterized in that the third direction intersects with the second direction. The developing cartridge according to claim 14 or 17.
Said support member extends in the third direction,
The support member further includes a pressing member that presses the support member from one end of the support member in the third direction toward the other end of the support member in the third direction .
A developing cartridge characterized in that the third direction intersects with the second direction. The developing cartridge according to claim 14 or 17.
Said support member extends in the third direction,
The support member further includes a first engaging portion that engages with a part of the image forming apparatus at an end portion of the support member in the third direction.
A developing cartridge characterized in that the third direction intersects with the second direction. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 16 to 18.
The support member includes a second engaging portion and has a second engaging portion.
The lever
With the electrical contact surface
When the lever is in the third position, it does not engage with the second engaging portion, and when the lever is in the fourth position, it engages with the second engaging portion.
With
A portion of the lever that engages with the second engaging portion is located at one end of the lever.
A developing cartridge characterized in that the electrical contact surface is located at the other end of the lever. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 23.
The lever
With the electrical contact surface
When the developing cartridge is inserted into the image forming apparatus, a third engaging portion that engages with a part of the image forming apparatus and a third engaging portion.
With
The third engaging portion is located at one end of the lever.
A developing cartridge characterized in that the electrical contact surface is located at the other end of the lever. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 25.
A developing cartridge characterized in that the storage medium can swing together with the electrical contact surface. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 26.
The lever is a developing cartridge that holds the electrical contact surface. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 27.
A developing cartridge characterized in that the second axis is parallel to the electrical contact surface.

Images