JP6897732B2 - 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 attached to the drawer unit. The drawer unit is housed inside the image forming apparatus and is pulled out from the image forming apparatus. The drawer unit has a photosensitive drum. When the developing cartridge is mounted on the drawer unit, the photosensitive drum and the developing roller face each other.

The developing cartridge is mounted on the drawer unit, and after the drawer unit is housed inside the image forming apparatus, the developing cartridge is in a separated state in which it is temporarily separated from the photosensitive drum. For example, in a color printer, when monochrome printing is performed, the developing roller of a developing cartridge other than black is pulled away from the photosensitive drum. At this time, the position of the housing of the developing cartridge changes with respect to the drawer unit.

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

After being mounted on the image forming apparatus, the developing cartridge is in a separated state in which it is temporarily separated from the photosensitive drum. For example, in a color printer, when monochrome printing is performed, the developing roller of a developing cartridge other than black is pulled away from the photosensitive drum. At this time, the position of the housing of the developing cartridge changes with respect to the drum cartridge.

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, in a developing cartridge having a storage medium, the relative positional relationship between the electrical contact surface of the storage medium and the electrical connector also changes as the position of the housing for the developing cartridge to be separated changes. Therefore, each time the developing cartridge is separated, the electrical contact surface and the electrical connector rub against each other.

An object of the present invention is to reduce rubbing of an electrical contact surface in a developing cartridge having an electrical contact surface.

In order to solve the above problems, the first invention of the present application is a housing for accommodating a developer inside and a developing roller that is rotatable about an axis extending in the first direction, and one of the housings in the second direction. A developing roller located on the side, a storage medium having an electrical contact surface, and the housing can be moved between the first position and the second position in the second direction together with the electrical contact surface. The holder is provided with a holder in which the electrical contact surface is located on the outer surface of the holder.

The second invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the first invention, in which the electrical contact surface is movable in a third direction intersecting the electrical contact surface.

The third invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the first invention or the second invention, in which the outer surface is located in a third direction intersecting the electrical contact surface, and the outer surface is in the third direction. It is possible to move to.

The fourth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the third invention, in which the holder is the first end portion in the third direction, the first end portion having the outer surface, and the first end portion. A second end portion separated from the third end portion is provided, and the first end portion can move in the third direction with respect to the second end portion.

The fifth invention of the present application is the development cartridge of the fourth invention, in which the holder is an elastic member located between the first end portion and the second end portion, and is in the first state and the second state. An elastic member that can expand and contract in the third direction with respect to the state is provided, and the length of the elastic member in the first state in the third direction is the length of the elastic member in the second state in the third direction. Longer than the length.

The sixth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the fifth invention, and when the elastic member is in the second state, the holder is in the first position and the second position with respect to the housing. It is movable in the second direction between them.

The seventh invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the sixth invention, and when the developing cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, the elastic member changes from the first state to the second state, and the elastic member changes to the elastic member. In the second state, the electrical contact surface comes into contact with the electrical connector of the image forming apparatus, and the holder is in the first position with respect to the housing when the elastic member is in the second state. And the second position can be moved in the second direction.

The eighth invention of the present application is the development cartridge of the third invention, which is an elastic member that can expand and contract in the third direction between the first state and the second state, and has elasticity that can move together with the outer surface. The member is further provided, and the length of the elastic member in the first state in the third direction is longer than the length of the elastic member in the third direction in the second state.

The ninth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the eighth invention, and when the elastic member is in the second state, the holder is in the first position and the second position with respect to the housing. It is movable in the second direction between them.

The tenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the ninth invention, and when the developing cartridge is attached to an image forming apparatus, the elastic member changes from the first state to the second state, and the elastic member changes to the elastic member. In the second state, the electrical contact surface comes into contact with the electrical connector of the image forming apparatus, and the holder is the first with respect to the housing when the elastic member is in the second state. It is movable in the second direction between the position and the second position.

The eleventh invention of the present application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the fifth to tenth inventions, and the length of the elastic member in the third direction in the second state is the natural length of the elastic member. Shorter than.

The twelfth invention of the present application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the fifth to eleventh inventions, and the elastic member is a spring.

The thirteenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the twelfth invention, and the spring is a coil spring.

The fourteenth invention of the present application is the development cartridge of the fourth invention, and the holder is in a separated state in which the distance between the first end portion and the second end portion in the third direction is the first distance. And a proximity state in which the distance between the first end portion and the second end portion in the third direction is a second distance shorter than the first distance, and the holder is in the proximity state. At this time, the holder is urged in a direction in which the first end portion and the second end portion are separated from each other.

The fifteenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the fourteenth invention, and when the elastic member is in the second state, the holder is in the first position and the second position with respect to the housing. It is movable in the second direction between them.

The 16th invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the 15th invention, in which the holder changes from the separated state to the close state and the holder is in the close state when the developing cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus. When the electrical contact surface is in contact with the electrical connector of the image forming apparatus and the holder is in the close state, the holder is in the first position and the second position with respect to the housing. It is possible to move in the second direction between them.

The seventeenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the fourth invention, and the holder is an elastic body that can be expanded and contracted in the third direction.

The eighteenth invention of the present application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the first to seventeenth inventions, and the holder is arranged on the side portion of the housing in the first direction.

The nineteenth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the eighteenth invention, which is a holder cover located on the side portion of the housing in the first direction, further comprising a holder cover covering at least a part of the holder. The holder cover has a first recess or a first through hole, and the holder extends in the first direction and has a first boss inserted into the first recess or the first through hole. Further provided, when the holder moves in the second direction between the first position and the second position with respect to the housing, the first boss is subjected to the first recess or the first penetration. It is movable in the second direction inside the hole.

The twentieth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the nineteenth invention, in which the size of the first recess or the first through hole in the second direction is larger than the size of the first boss in the second direction. large.

The 21st invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the 19th invention or the 20th invention, in which the side portion of the housing in the first direction has a second recess or a second through hole, and the holder is a holder. A second boss that extends in the first direction and is located on the opposite side of the holder from the first boss and is inserted into the second recess or the second through hole. When the holder moves in the second direction between the first position and the second position with respect to the housing, the second boss is the second recess or the second. It is movable in the second direction inside the through hole.

The 22nd invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the 21st invention, and the size of the second recess or the second through hole in the second direction is larger than the size of the second boss in the second direction. large.

The 23rd invention of the present application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the 19th to 22nd inventions, and the holder is further placed between a third position and a fourth position with respect to the housing. It is movable in the third direction, and when the holder moves in the third direction between the third position and the fourth position, the first boss is in the first recess or in the first recess. It is movable in the third direction in one through hole.

The 24th invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the 23rd invention, and the size of the first recess or the first through hole in the third direction is larger than the size of the first boss in the third direction. large.

The 25th invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the 23rd invention or the 24th invention, in which the side portion of the housing in the first direction has a second recess or a second through hole, and the holder is a holder. A second boss that extends in the first direction and is located on the opposite side of the holder from the first boss and is inserted into the second recess or the second through hole. The holder is further movable in the third direction between the third position and the fourth position with respect to the housing, and the holder is the first with respect to the housing. When moving in the second direction between the position and the second position, the second boss can move in the second direction inside the second recess or the second through hole. When the holder moves in the third direction between the third position and the fourth position, the second boss moves in the third direction in the second recess or in the second through hole. It is possible.

The 26th invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the 25th invention, and the size of the first recess or the first through hole in the third direction is larger than the size of the first boss in the third direction. Larger, the size of the second recess or the second through hole in the third direction is larger than the size of the second boss in the third direction.

The 27th invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the 18th invention, wherein the housing is a holder cover located on the side portion of the housing in the first direction, and at least a part of the holder is covered. A holder cover for covering and a boss extending in the first direction and located between the side portion and the holder cover are further provided, and the holder is a recess or a through hole into which the boss is inserted. Further, when the holder moves in the second direction between the first position and the second position, the boss moves in the second direction inside the recess or the through hole. It is possible.

The 28th invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the 27th invention, in which the length of the recess or the through hole in the second direction is longer than the length of the boss in the second direction.

The 29th invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the 27th invention or the 28th invention, and the holder further moves in the third direction between the third position and the fourth position with respect to the housing. It is movable, and when the holder moves in the third direction between the third position and the fourth position, the boss moves in the third direction in the recess or in the through hole. It is possible.

The thirtieth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the 29th invention, in which the size of the recess or the through hole in the third direction is larger than the size of the boss in the third direction.

The 31st invention of the present application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the 27th to 30th inventions, and the holder cover includes the boss.

The 32nd invention of the present application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the 27th to 30th inventions, and the side portion includes the boss.

The 33rd invention of the present application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the first to third inventions, further comprising an elastic body extending in the third direction between the housing and the holder. One end of the elastic body in the third direction is connected to the holder, the other end of the elastic body in the third direction is connected to the housing, and the one end of the elastic body is connected to the other end. Therefore, it can move in the second direction.

The 34th invention of the present application is a development cartridge according to any one of the first to third inventions, further comprising an arm extending in the third direction between the housing and the holder. One end of the third direction is rotatably connected to the housing, the other end of the arm in the third direction is rotatably connected to the holder, and the other end of the arm. Is movable in the second direction with respect to one end of the arm.

The 35th invention of the present application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the first to third inventions, further comprising a lever, and the holder can be moved in the third direction according to the operation of the lever. Is.

The 36th invention of the present application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the first to 35th inventions, and the holder can be moved together with the storage medium.

The 37th invention of the present application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the first to 36th inventions, and the holder holds the electrical contact surface on the outer surface.

The 38th invention of the present application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the first to 37th inventions, and the storage medium is located on the outer surface of the holder.

The 39th invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the 38th invention, in which the holder holds the storage medium on the outer surface.

The 40th invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of any one of the 1st to 39th inventions, and the outer surface is located in a third direction intersecting the electrical contact surface.

The 41st invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of any one of the 1st to 40th inventions, and the developing roller is located on one side in the second direction from the center of the housing.

The 42nd invention of the present application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the first to 41st inventions, and the second direction intersects the first direction.

The 43rd invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the 42nd invention, in which the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction.

The 44th invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the 38th invention or the 39th invention, and the storage medium has the electrical contact surface.

According to the first to 44th inventions of the present application, since the holder can move in the second direction with respect to the housing together with the electrical contact surface, the rubbing of the electrical contact surface can be reduced.

Further, according to the second invention of the present application, the holder can move together with the electric contact surface in the second direction with respect to the housing, and also moves the electric contact surface in the third direction intersecting the electric contact surface. Therefore, the rubbing of the electrical contact surface can be reduced.

Further, according to the third invention of the present application, the holder can move in the second direction with respect to the housing together with the electrical contact surface, and also moves the outer surface in the third direction intersecting the electrical contact surface. Therefore, the rubbing of the electrical contact surface can be reduced.

Further, according to the fourth invention of the present application, the first end portion including the outer surface can be moved in the third direction with respect to the second end portion. As a result, rubbing of the electrical contact surface can be further suppressed.

Further, according to the fifth invention of the present application, the elastic member is located between the first end portion and the second end portion of the holder, and the length of the elastic member in the third direction in the first state is the second state. Is longer than the length of the elastic member in the third direction. Therefore, the length of the first end including the outer surface can be changed with respect to the second end. As a result, rubbing of the electrical contact surface can be further suppressed.

Further, according to the sixth invention of the present application, even when the elastic member is in the second state, the holder can move in the second direction with respect to the housing together with the electrical contact surface, so that the electrical contact surface can be moved. Rubbing can be reduced.

Further, according to the seventh invention of the present application, when the developing cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the first end portion including the outer surface can be moved in the third direction with respect to the second end portion, and When the elastic member is in the second state, the electrical contact surface becomes contactable with the electrical connector of the image forming apparatus. Further, even when the elastic member is in the second state, the holder can move in the second direction with respect to the housing together with the electrical contact surface, so that the friction of the electrical contact surface can be reduced.

Further, according to the eighth invention of the present application, the length of the elastic member in the first state in the third direction is longer than the length of the elastic member in the third direction in the second state, so that the elastic member intersects the electrical contact surface. The outer surface can be moved in the third direction, and the rubbing of the electrical contact surface can be reduced.

Further, according to the ninth invention of the present application, even when the elastic member is in the second state, the holder can move in the second direction with respect to the housing together with the electrical contact surface, so that the electrical contact surface can be moved. Rubbing can be reduced.

Further, according to the tenth invention of the present application, when the developing cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the elastic member changes from the first state to the second state, and the elastic member is electrically in the second state. The contact surface becomes contactable with the electrical connector of the image forming apparatus. Further, even when the elastic member is in the second state, the holder can move in the second direction with respect to the housing together with the electrical contact surface, so that the friction of the electrical contact surface can be reduced.

Further, according to the eleventh invention of the present application, the length of the elastic member in the third direction in the second state is shorter than the natural length of the elastic member. Therefore, when the elastic member is in the second state, the electrical contact surface. Can receive the repulsive force of the elastic member.

Further, according to the fourteenth invention of the present application, when the first end portion including the outer surface is movable in the third direction with respect to the second end portion and the holder is in a close state, the holder is the first. The first end and the second end are urged away from each other. Therefore, rubbing of the electrical contact surface can be suppressed, and the first end portion can be urged in a direction away from the second end portion.

Further, according to the fifteenth invention of the present application, even when the elastic member is in the second state, the holder can move between the first position and the second position in the second direction, so that the holder can be electrically moved. The rubbing of the contact surface can be reduced.

Further, according to the 16th invention of the present application, when the developing cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the holder changes from the separated state to the close state, and when the holder is in the close state, the electrical contact surface and the image are formed. Contact with the electrical connector of the device. Further, when the holder is in the close state, the holder can move in the second direction between the first position and the second position with respect to the housing even when the holder is in the close state. The rubbing of the electrical contact surface can be reduced.

Further, according to the nineteenth invention of the present application, the holder can move in the second direction with respect to the housing together with the electrical contact surface.

Further, according to the 34th invention of the present application, the holder can move in the second direction with respect to the housing together with the electrical contact surface.

Further, according to the 35th invention of the present application, the holder can move in the third direction with respect to the housing together with the electrical contact surface.

It is a perspective view of a developing cartridge. It is a perspective view of a developing cartridge. It is a perspective view of a developing cartridge. It is a perspective view of a developing cartridge. It is a perspective view of a developing cartridge. It is an exploded perspective view of the IC chip assembly. It is sectional drawing of the IC chip assembly. It is a figure which showed the state at the time of mounting a development cartridge. It is a figure which showed the state at the time of mounting a development cartridge. It is a figure which showed the state at the time of mounting a development cartridge. It is a figure which showed the state at the time of mounting a development cartridge. It is a figure which showed the state at the time of mounting a development cartridge. It is a figure which showed the state at the time of mounting a development cartridge. It is a figure which showed the state at the time of mounting a development cartridge. It is a figure which showed the state when the separation operation was executed. It is a partial decomposition perspective view of the development cartridge of the 1st modification. It is sectional drawing of the IC chip assembly of the 1st modification. It is a partial perspective view of the development cartridge of the 2nd modification. It is a figure which showed the movement of the columnar elastic body and IC chip assembly of the 2nd modification. It is a figure which showed the movement of the columnar elastic body and IC chip assembly of the 2nd modification. It is a figure which showed the state at the time of mounting the development cartridge of the 2nd modification. It is a figure which showed the state at the time of mounting the development cartridge of the 2nd modification. It is a figure which showed the state when the separation operation of the development cartridge of the 2nd modification was executed. It is a perspective view of the development cartridge of the 3rd modification. It is a figure which looked at the development cartridge of the 3rd modification example from one side of 1st direction. It is a figure which looked at the development cartridge of the 3rd modification example from one side of the 1st direction. It is a figure which looked at the development cartridge of the 3rd modification example from one side of the 1st direction. It is an exploded perspective view of the 1st cover and the IC chip assembly of the 4th modification. It is sectional drawing of the 1st cover and IC chip assembly of 4th modification. It is a perspective view of the IC chip assembly of the 4th modification. It is a partial perspective view of the development cartridge of the 5th modification. It is an exploded perspective view of the 1st cover and the IC chip assembly of the 5th modification. It is a perspective view of the development cartridge and the drum cartridge of the 6th modification. It is a figure which showed the state which the drum cartridge of the 6th modification is attached to the image forming apparatus. It is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of the IC chip assembly of the sixth modification.

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

In the following embodiments, 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 10 moves during the separation operation described later is referred to as a "second direction".

<1. Overall configuration of developing cartridge>
1 to 5 are perspective views of a developing cartridge 1 which is an example of the present invention. 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. As shown in FIG. 1, the developing cartridge 1 of the present embodiment is attached to the drawer unit 90 included in the image forming apparatus. When the developing cartridge 1 is replaced, the drawer unit 90 is pulled out from the front surface of the image forming apparatus. Then, the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on each of the four cartridge holding portions 91 provided in the drawer unit 90. A photosensitive drum is provided on each of the four cartridge holding portions 91.

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

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

The developing roller 30 is a roller that can rotate about a rotation axis extending in the first direction. The developing roller 30 of the present embodiment has a roller main body 31 and a roller shaft 32. The roller body 31 is a cylindrical member extending in the first direction. As the material of the roller body 31, for example, elastic rubber is used. The roller shaft 32 is a columnar member that penetrates the roller body 31 in the first direction. As the material of the roller shaft 32, a metal or a resin having conductivity is used.

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

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

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

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

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

Further, the developing cartridge 1 has a layer thickness regulating blade (not shown). The layer thickness regulating blade makes the developer supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the roller main body 31 have a constant thickness. After that, the developer on the outer peripheral surface of the roller body 31 is supplied to the photosensitive drum provided in the drawer unit 90. At this time, the developer moves from the roller body 31 to the photosensitive drum 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 first gear portion 40 is located on one side of the casing 10 in the first direction. That is, the first gear portion 40 is located on the first outer surface 11. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge 1 in a state where the first gear portion 40 is disassembled. As shown in FIG. 4, the first gear portion 40 has a coupling 41, a developing gear 42, an idle gear 43, a first agitator gear 44, and a first cover 45. In FIG. 4, 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 formed of, for example, an integral 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 90 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 gear 42 is a gear for rotating the developing roller 30. The developing 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 gear 42 at equal intervals over the entire circumference. At least some of the gear teeth of the coupling gear 412 and at least some of the gear teeth of the developing gear 42 mesh with each other. Further, the developing gear 42 is fixed to the end of the roller shaft 32 of the developing roller 30 in the first direction so as not to rotate relative to each other. Therefore, when the coupling gear 412 rotates, the developing gear 42 rotates, and the developing roller 30 also rotates together with the developing gear 42.

The idle gear 43 is a gear for transmitting the rotation of the coupling gear 412 to the first agitator gear 44. The idle gear 43 can rotate 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 small diameter gear portion 432 is smaller than the diameter of the large diameter gear portion 431. In other words, the diameter of the tip circle of the small diameter gear portion 432 is smaller than the diameter of the tip circle of the large diameter gear portion 431. The large-diameter gear portion 431 and the small-diameter gear portion 432 are formed of, for example, an integral resin.

A plurality of gear teeth are provided on the outer peripheral portions of the large-diameter gear portion 431 and the small-diameter gear portion 432, 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. At least a part of the gear teeth of the coupling gear 412 and at least a part of the gear teeth of the large diameter gear portion 431 are meshing with each other. Further, at least a part of the gear teeth of the plurality of gear teeth of the small diameter gear portion 432 and at least a part of the gear teeth of the plurality of gear teeth of the first agitator gear 44 are in mesh with each other. When the coupling gear 412 rotates, the large-diameter gear portion 431 rotates, and the small-diameter gear portion 432 rotates together with the large-diameter gear portion 431. Then, as the small diameter gear portion 432 rotates, the first agitator gear 44 also rotates.

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

The first cover 45 is fixed to the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10, for example, by screwing. The coupling gear 412, the developing gear 42, the idle gear 43, and the first agitator gear 44 are housed between the first outer surface 11 and the first cover 45. The fastening hole 413 of the coupling portion 411 is exposed to the outside of the first cover 45. The first cover 45 of the present embodiment also serves as a holder cover for holding the holder 62 of the IC chip assembly 60 described later. The structure of the first cover 45 as a holder cover will be described later.

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

The second agitator gear 51 is a gear for transmitting the rotation of the agitator shaft 21 to the detection gear 52. The second agitator gear 51 can rotate about a rotation axis extending in the first direction. A plurality of gear teeth are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the second agitator gear 51 at equal intervals over the entire circumference. At least a part of the gear teeth of the second agitator gear 51 and at least a part of the gear teeth of the detection gear 52 are in mesh with each other. Further, the second agitator gear 51 is fixed to the other end of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction so as not to rotate relative to each other. Therefore, when the agitator shaft 21 rotates, the second agitator gear 51 also rotates.

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

The detection gear 52 can rotate around a rotation axis extending in the first direction. The detection gear 52 has a plurality of gear teeth on a part of the outer peripheral portion. When the unused developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drawer unit 90 and the drawer unit 90 is housed in the image forming apparatus, the detection gear 52 rotates by engaging with the second agitator gear 51. Then, when the mesh between the second agitator gear 51 and the detection gear 52 is disengaged, the detection gear 52 stops rotating.

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

In addition, another gear may be arranged between the second agitator gear 51 and the detection gear 52. For example, the second gear portion 50 may have a second idle gear that meshes with both the second agitator gear 51 and the detection gear 52. Then, the rotation of the second agitator gear 51 may be transmitted to the detection gear 52 via the second idle gear.

As shown in FIG. 5, the detection gear 52 has a detection protrusion 521. The detection projection 521 projects in the first direction. Further, the detection protrusion 521 extends in an arc shape about the rotation axis.

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

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

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

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

Further, the detection gear 52 may be a movable gear that can move in the first direction. The movable gear does not have to be a missing tooth gear. That is, the movable gear may have a plurality of gear teeth in a circumferential shape on the outer peripheral surface thereof. In this case, when the movable gear rotates, the movable gear moves in the first direction, so that the movable gear and the second agitator gear 51 are disengaged from each other. The movable gear may move in a direction away from the second outer surface 12 in the first direction. Further, the movable gear may move in a direction approaching the first direction from the second outer surface 12.

Further, the detection gear 52 may have a cam, and the cam may come into contact with the detection projection 521. In this case, the cam rotates with the rotation of the detection gear 52, and when the cam rotates, it comes into contact with the detection protrusion 521 and the detection protrusion 521 moves. The detection protrusion 521 may be rotatably attached to a shaft provided on the second outer surface 12 or the second gear cover 54. Further, the shaft of the detection protrusion 521 may be inserted into the hole of the second outer surface 12 or the second gear cover 54, and the detection protrusion 521 may be rotatably held.

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

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

<2. About IC chip assembly>
The IC chip assembly 60 is arranged on the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the IC chip assembly 60. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the IC chip assembly 60 cut along a plane orthogonal to the first direction. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 7, the IC chip assembly 60 has an IC chip 61 as a storage medium and a holder 62 for holding the IC chip 61. The holder 62 is held by the first cover 45 on the side portion of the casing 10 in the first direction. Various information about the developing cartridge 1 is recorded on the IC chip 61. The IC chip 61 has an electrical contact surface 611. The electrical contact surface 611 is made of a metal that is a conductor. Hereinafter, the direction intersecting the electrical contact surface 611 (in the present embodiment, the direction perpendicular to the electrical contact surface 611) is referred to as a "third direction". The IC chip 61 is fixed to the outer surface of the holder 62 in the third direction.

The drawer unit 90 has an electrical connector. The electrical connector is, for example, made of metal. When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drawer unit 90, the electric connector of the drawer unit 90 comes into contact with the electrical contact surface 611. As a result, the image forming apparatus can perform at least one of reading information from the IC chip 61 and writing information to the IC chip 61.

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

The boss 621c extends in the first direction from the surface of the holder 62 facing the casing 10 toward the casing 10. On the other hand, the casing 10 has a recess 15. The recess 15 is recessed in the first direction on the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. The boss 621c is inserted into the recess 15. The shapes of the boss 621a, the boss 621b, and the boss 621c may be a cylinder or a prism.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In addition, instead of the opening, a recess or a step that can come into contact with the claw portion may be provided. Further, the first holder member 71 may be provided with an opening, a recess, or a step, and the second holder member 72 may be provided with a claw portion.

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

Further, the outer surface of the first end portion 710 further has a first surface 711, a second surface 712, and a third surface 713a, 713b in addition to the holding surface 620 described above.

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

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

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

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

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

The first surface 711, the second surface 712, and the third surfaces 713a and 713b may be flat or curved, respectively. However, the first surface 711, the second surface 712, and the third surfaces 713a and 713b are smooth surfaces without steps so that the developing cartridge 1 is not caught when the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drawer unit 90. Is preferable.

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

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

The cartridge holding portion 91 has a first guide plate 911 and a second guide plate 912. The first guide plate 911 and the second guide plate 912 are arranged so as to face each other at a distance in the third direction. The first guide plate 911 and the second guide plate 912 extend along the first direction and the second direction, respectively. Further, the first guide plate 911 has a metal electric connector 913 that can come into contact with the electric contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61. The electric connector 913 projects in the third direction from the surface of the first guide plate 911 toward the second guide plate 912.

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

After that, the first end portion 710 of the first holder member 71 comes into contact with the first guide plate 911. Further, the second end portion 720 of the second holder member 72 comes into contact with the second guide plate 912. The coil spring 73 contracts in a third direction from the first state.

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

When the developing cartridge 1 is further inserted in the second direction, the first holder member 71 comes into contact with the first inclined surface 915, and the second holder member 72 comes into contact with the second inclined surface 916. As a result, the first holder member 71 and the second holder member 72 approach each other in the third direction, and the length of the coil spring 73 in the third direction is gradually shortened. Eventually, when the third surfaces 713a and 713b of the first holder member 71 come into contact with the top of the guide protrusion 914, the length of the coil spring 73 in the third direction becomes the shortest. That is, the coil spring 73 is in the shortest state shorter than the above-mentioned second state. Further, the position of the holding surface 620 with respect to the casing 10 in the third direction is the above-mentioned intermediate position.

In this way, the IC chip assembly 60 can change the position of the holding surface 620 that holds the IC chip 61 in the third direction when the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the drawer unit 90. Therefore, the developing cartridge 1 can be inserted while changing the position of the holding surface 620 in the third direction along the guide protrusion 914. Therefore, the developing cartridge 1 can be inserted into the drawer unit 90 while suppressing the rubbing of the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61. Further, as shown in FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, after the first surface 711 gets over the guide protrusion 914, the electrical contact surface 611 comes into direct contact with the electrical connector 913. Thereby, the rubbing of the electric connector 913 can also be reduced.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this way, the developing cartridge 1 can change the position of the casing 10 in the second direction without changing the position of the electrical contact surface 611 with respect to the drawer unit 90 in the second direction. Therefore, when the separation operation is executed, the contact state between the electric contact surface 611 and the electric connector 913 can be maintained. Further, even when the image forming apparatus is transported with the developing cartridge 1 mounted on the drawer unit 90, the contact state between the electrical contact surface 611 and the electrical connector 913 can be maintained, so that the electrical contact surface 611 can be maintained electrically. The rubbing of the contact surface 611 can be reduced.

<5. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this way, the IC chip assembly 60A may be expanded and contracted in the third direction by using the leaf spring 75A instead of the coil spring. When the developing cartridge 1A is mounted on the drawer unit, the electrical contact surface 611A of the IC chip 61A is brought into contact with the casing 10A by the dimensional difference between the boss 451A and the through hole 621A described above and the expansion and contraction of the leaf spring 75A. It can be moved in three directions.

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

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

21 and 22 are views showing a state when the developing cartridge 1B of the second modification is mounted on the drawer unit 90B. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the first cover 45B has a first frame portion 456B and a second frame portion 457B that are spaced apart in the second direction. The IC chip assembly 60B and the columnar elastic body 63B are housed in a housing portion 452B, which is a space between the first frame portion 456B and the second frame portion 457B. Further, the first cover 45B has a claw portion 453B that protrudes from the first frame portion 456B toward the accommodating portion 452B. Before mounting the developing cartridge 1B on the drawer unit 90B, as shown in FIG. 21, a part of the IC chip assembly 60 comes into contact with the claw portion 453B. As a result, the columnar elastic body 63B is maintained in a state of being compressed in the third direction with respect to the natural length.

When the developing cartridge 1B is mounted on the drawer unit 90B, the electrical contact surface 611B of the IC chip 61B comes into contact with the electrical connector 913B, as shown in FIG. At this time, the length of the columnar elastic body 63B in the third direction is shorter than that in the state of FIG. 21. Therefore, the repulsive force of the columnar elastic body 63B maintains the contact state between the electrical contact surface 611B and the electrical connector 913B.

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

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

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

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

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

Further, in the state of FIG. 26, one surface of the holder 62C in the second direction is also non-contact with the first cover 45C. Therefore, the lever 67C, the shaft portion 66C, the holder 62C, and the IC chip 61C can be moved relative to the first cover 45C in the second direction. Therefore, when the developing cartridge 1C is separated, the casing 10C and the first cover 45C are moved in the second direction while maintaining the contact state between the electrical contact surface 611C of the IC chip 61C and the electrical connector 913C as shown in FIG. Can be moved.

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

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

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

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

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

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

<5-5. Fifth variant>
FIG. 31 is a partial perspective view of the developing cartridge 1E of the fifth modification. In the example of FIG. 31, the holder 62E for holding the IC chip 61E is formed of a plate-shaped member extending in an annular shape and having its ends connected to each other. As the material of the holder 62E, for example, a flexible resin is used. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 31, the holder 62E itself is an elastic body that can expand and contract in the third direction. In this way, the distance between both ends of the holder 62E in the third direction can be changed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the electrical contact surface 611E of the IC chip 61E from rubbing when the developing cartridge 1E is inserted into the drawer unit.

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

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

The holder 62E extends in an annular shape around the boss 451aE and the boss 451bE. Then, the claw portions 623E provided at both ends of the holder 62E are in mesh with each other. As a result, a through hole 621E penetrating in the third direction is formed inside the holder 62E. Then, the boss 451aE and the boss 451bE are located inside the through hole 621E. Further, the holder 62E further has a plate-shaped portion 624E protruding from the inner peripheral surface thereof toward the through hole 621E. The plate-shaped portion 624E is inserted between the boss 451aE and the boss 451bE.

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

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

When the developing cartridge 1E is mounted on the drawer unit, the holder 62E contracts in the third direction by being sandwiched between the guide plates of the drawer unit. Specifically, when the claw portions 623E provided at both ends of the holder 62E approach each other, an urging force is generated in the direction in which the claw portions 623E are separated from each other. Then, in a state where the holder 62E is elastically deformed, the electrical contact surface 611E of the IC chip 61E comes into contact with the electrical connector. The urging force fixes the electrical contact surface 611E and the electrical connector in contact with each other. Further, during the separation operation, the casing 10E moves in the second direction while the electrical contact surface 611E and the electrical connector are kept in contact with each other.

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

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

<5-6. 6th variant>
FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge 1F and the drum cartridge 80F of the sixth modification. The developing cartridge 1F of FIG. 33 includes a casing 10F, a developing roller 30F, an IC chip assembly 60F, and a first cover 45F. In the example of FIG. 33, the developing cartridge 1F is mounted on the drum cartridge 80F instead of the drawer unit. The drum cartridge 80F has one developing cartridge holding unit 81F that holds one developing cartridge 1F. The developing cartridge holding portion 81F is provided with a photosensitive drum 82F. When the developing cartridge 1F is mounted on the drum cartridge 80F, the developing roller 30F of the developing cartridge 1F comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 82F.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Further, the casing 10F of the developing cartridge 1F has a first rib 46F and a second rib 55F. The first rib 46F projects in the first direction from the first outer surface 11F. The second rib 55F projects in the first direction from the second outer surface 12F. On the other hand, the drum cartridge 80F has a first lever 84F and a second lever 85F. During the separation operation, the first lever 84F and the second lever 85F are operated by the driving force from the image forming apparatus. Then, the first rib 46F is pushed by the first lever 84F. Further, the second rib 55F is pushed by the second lever 85F. As a result, the positions of the first rib 46F and the second rib 55F change. As a result, the casing 10 of the developing cartridge 1 and the developing roller 30 move in the second direction and move away from the photosensitive drum 92.

As described above, the developing cartridge 1F can also change the position of the holder 62F in the second direction with respect to the casing 10F. Therefore, the position of the casing 10F in the second direction can be changed without changing the position of the electrical contact surface 611F with respect to the electric connector 102F in the second direction. Therefore, the separation operation can be performed while maintaining the contact state between the electrical contact surface 611F and the electrical connector 102F. As a result, the rubbing of the electrical contact surface 611F can be reduced.

Further, also in this developing cartridge 1F, the electrical contact surface 611F can move in the third direction with respect to the casing 10F. Therefore, when the drum cartridge 80F is mounted on the image forming apparatus 100F, the rubbing of the electrical contact surface 611F can be suppressed.

<5-7. Other variants>
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 plurality of gears in the first gear portion and the second gear portion are engaged with each other by the meshing of the gear teeth. However, the first gear portion and the plurality of gears in the second gear portion may be engaged with each other by a frictional force. For example, a friction member (for example, rubber) may be provided on the outer peripheral 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.

1,1A, 1B, 1C, 1E, 1F Development cartridge 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10E, 10F Casing 11 1st outer surface 12 2nd outer surface 13 Developer chamber 14 Opening 20 Agitator 21 Agitator shaft 22 Stirring blade 30, 30F Development roller 31 Roller body 32 Roller shaft 40 1st gear 41 Coupling 42 Development gear 43 Idle gear 44 1st agitator gear 45, 45A, 45B, 45C, 45D, 45E, 45F 1st cover 50 2nd gear Part 51 2nd agitator gear 52 Detection gear 53 Conductive member 54 2nd cover 60, 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D, 60E, 60F IC chip assembly 61, 61A, 61B, 61C, 61D, 61E, 61F IC chip 62, 62A , 62B, 62C, 62D, 62E, 62F Holder 63B Columnar elastic body 63D Joint member 66C Shaft part 67C Lever 71,71F First holder member 72, 72F Second holder member 73, 73F Coil spring 74A Holder member 75A Leaf spring 80F Drum Cartridge 81F Development cartridge holding part 82F Photosensitive drum 90, 90B Drawer unit 91 Cartridge holding part 92 Photosensitive drum 100F Image forming device 101F Drum cartridge holding part 102F Electrical connector 451, 451F Through hole 451aA, 451bA, 451aE, 451bE Boss 611, 611A, 611B, 611C, 611D, 611E, 611F Electrical contact surface 620, 620A Holding surface 621, 621F Boss 621A, 621E Through hole 631D Fixing part 632D Arm 633D Spherical part 710, 740A First end 711 First surface 712 Second surface 713a, 713b 3rd surface 720, 750A 2nd end 910 Insertion port 911 1st guide plate 912 2nd guide plate 913, 913B, 913C Electrical connector 914 Guide protrusion

Claims (14)

A housing that houses the developer and
A developing roller that is rotatable about an axis extending in the first direction, is a developing roller located at one end of the housing, and is movable together with the housing.
A storage medium with an electrical contact surface and
A holder that is movable with the electrical contact surface with respect to the housing is provided.
The housing is
With respect to the holder, the position where the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are in contact, the said developing roller is separated position from the photosensitive drum, Ri movable der between,
The holder is arranged on the side portion of the housing in the first direction.
The housing is a boss extending in the first direction, further including a boss located on the side portion.
The holder further has a recess or a through hole into which the boss is inserted.
A developing cartridge characterized in that when the housing moves with respect to the holder, the boss can move inside the recess or the through hole. The developing cartridge according to claim 1.
The holder is a developing cartridge that can be moved together with the storage medium. The developing cartridge according to claim 1 or 2.
A developing cartridge characterized in that the electrical contact surface is located on the outer surface of the holder. The developing cartridge according to claim 3.
The holder is a developing cartridge characterized by holding the electrical contact surface on the outer surface. The developing cartridge according to claim 4.
The storage medium is a developing cartridge characterized in that it is located on the outer surface. The developing cartridge according to claim 5.
The holder is a developing cartridge characterized by holding the storage medium on the outer surface. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
The developing roller is a developing cartridge characterized in that it is located on one side of the housing in the second direction. The developing cartridge according to claim 7.
The developing roller is a developing cartridge characterized in that the developing roller is located on one side in the second direction with respect to the center of the housing. The developing cartridge according to claim 7 or 8.
A developing cartridge characterized in that the second direction intersects the first direction. The developing cartridge according to claim 9.
A developing cartridge characterized in that the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 7 to 10.
The holder is a developing cartridge that can be moved in the second direction with respect to the housing. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 7 to 11.
A developing cartridge characterized in that the electrical contact surface is movable in a third direction intersecting the electrical contact surface. The developing cartridge according to claim 12.
The electrical contact surface is located on the outer surface of the holder.
The outer surface is located in the third direction and
A developing cartridge whose outer surface is movable in the third direction. The developing cartridge according to claim 13.
The holder
The first end portion in the third direction, which has the outer surface, and the first end portion.
A second end portion separated from the first end portion in the third direction is provided.
The developing cartridge is characterized in that the first end portion is movable in the third direction with respect to the second end portion.

Images