JP7352531B2 - image forming device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses such as laser printers and LED printers are known. A developer cartridge is used in an image forming apparatus. The developer cartridge has a developer roller for supplying toner. Conventional image forming apparatuses are described in, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2. The image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a drawer unit. The drawer unit has a photosensitive drum. The developer cartridge is attached to the drawer unit. When the developer cartridge is installed in the drawer unit, the photosensitive drum and the developer roller come into contact with each other.

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

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

JP2011-59510A Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-54058

Further, developer cartridges having a storage medium are conventionally known. The storage medium is, for example, an IC chip. The storage medium has an electrical contact surface. The electrical contact surface of the storage medium comes into contact with a terminal portion provided on the image forming apparatus or the drawer unit. Furthermore, developer cartridges including electrodes have also been known. The electrode receives power from the image forming device. The electrodes also have electrical contact surfaces. The electrical contact surface of the electrode comes into contact with a terminal portion provided on the image forming apparatus or the drawer unit.

However, when the image forming apparatus performs a separating operation with respect to a developer cartridge having an electrical contact surface, the relative positional relationship between the electrical contact surface and the terminal section also changes as the position of the housing changes. . Therefore, each time the separation operation is performed, the electrical contact surface and the terminal portion rub against each other.

An object of the present invention is to reduce friction of an electrical contact surface in an image forming apparatus using a developer cartridge having an electrical contact surface.

In order to solve the above problems, a first invention of the present application provides an image forming apparatus, which includes a photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction, and a developer cartridge, which includes a housing capable of accommodating a developer. a developing roller rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction; a storage medium having an electrical contact surface; A developer cartridge including a holder extending in an intersecting second direction and holding the electrical contact surface on a first outer surface located on one side of the second direction, and a frame onto which the developer cartridge can be attached. , a frame including an electrical contact that contacts the electrical contact surface of the developer cartridge mounted on the frame, and in a state where the electrical contact surface and the electrical contact are in contact with each other, The housing is characterized in that it is movable in a direction in which the developing roller separates from the photosensitive drum.

A second invention of the present application is the image forming apparatus of the first invention, wherein the holder is a second holder located on the other side of the second direction and movable in the second direction with respect to the first outer surface. further comprising: an outer surface; and an elastic member located between the first outer surface and the second outer surface and capable of expanding and contracting in the second direction, the electrical contact being made by the elastic force of the elastic member. A surface contacts the electrical contact.

A third invention of the present application is the image forming apparatus according to the second invention, wherein the frame includes a first guide plate having the electrical contact and a second guide plate that contacts the second outer surface. , the length in the second direction between the electrical contact and the second guide plate is the length in the second direction between the electrical contact surface and the second outer surface of the developer cartridge before installation. It is characterized by its shortness rather than its length.

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

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

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

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

An eighth invention of the present application is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh inventions, wherein the developer cartridge is a holder cover that holds the holder between it and the housing, The device further includes a holder cover fixed to the casing, and the casing and the holder cover are movable in the separating direction with respect to the holder while the electrical contact surface and the electrical contact are in contact with each other. It is characterized by

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

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

An eleventh invention of the present application is the image forming apparatus according to the tenth invention, wherein the frame has a plurality of slots into which the developer cartridge can be installed, and each slot is provided with the photosensitive drum. .

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

A thirteenth invention of the present application is an image forming apparatus, and the development cartridge includes a housing capable of containing a developer, a developing roller, an electrical contact surface, and a holder that holds the electrical contact surface. , a frame into which the developer cartridge can be attached, the frame includes an electrical contact that contacts the electrical contact surface of the developer cartridge attached to the frame, and the electrical contact surface and the electrical contact The housing is characterized in that the housing is movable with respect to the holder in a direction intersecting a direction in which the electrical contact surface and the electrical contact face each other while the electrical contacts are in contact with each other.

According to the first to thirteenth inventions of the present application, the casing can be moved relative to the holder while maintaining contact between the electrical contact surface and the electrical contact. This can reduce friction on the electrical contact surfaces.

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

Further, according to the third aspect of the present application, the elastic member can be compressed in the second direction relative to its natural length, and a repulsive force can be generated in the elastic member. This makes it possible to maintain contact between the electrical contact surface and the electrical contacts.

Further, according to the fifth aspect of the present application, the holder can be fixed between the first guide plate and the second guide plate, and the housing can be smoothly moved in the direction of separation with respect to the holder.

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

1 is a conceptual diagram of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a drawer unit and a developer cartridge. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the developer cartridge. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the developer cartridge. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the IC chip assembly. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the IC chip assembly. It is a perspective view of a drawer unit. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a first guide plate and a second guide plate. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing how a developing cartridge is installed. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing how a developing cartridge is installed. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing how a developing cartridge is installed. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing how a developing cartridge is installed. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing how a developing cartridge is installed. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing how a developing cartridge is installed. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing how a developing cartridge is installed. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a situation when a separation operation is executed.

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

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

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the drawer unit 90 and the developer cartridge 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the four developer cartridges 1 can be individually replaced with respect to the drawer unit 90. When replacing the developer cartridge 1, the drawer unit 90 is pulled out from the front of the image forming apparatus 100. Then, the developer cartridge 1 is removed and installed in each of the four slots 91 provided in the drawer unit 90. The drawer unit 90 includes four photosensitive drums 92. The photosensitive drum 92 is located near the bottom of each of the four slots 91. The photosensitive drum 92 is rotatable about a horizontally extending rotation axis (first axis). Hereinafter, the direction in which the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 92 extends will be referred to as a "first direction."

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

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

<2. Overall configuration of developer cartridge>
3 and 4 are perspective views of the developer cartridge 1. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the developer cartridge 1 of this embodiment includes a casing 10, an agitator 20, a developer roller 30, a first gear section 40, a second gear section 50, and an IC chip assembly 60.

The casing 10 is a housing that can contain developer. The casing 10 extends in the first direction between a first end surface 11 and a second end surface 12. The first gear section 40 and the IC chip assembly 60 are located on the first end surface 11. The second gear section 50 is located on the second end surface 12. A storage chamber 13 is provided inside the casing 10 . The developer is contained in the storage chamber 13 . Casing 10 has an opening 14 . The opening 14 is located at the end of the casing 10 in the insertion direction of the developer cartridge 1 into the drawer unit 90. The storage chamber 13 and the outside communicate with each other via the opening 14 .

Agitator 20 has an agitator shaft 21 and stirring blades 22. Agitator shaft 21 extends along the first direction. The stirring blades 22 extend radially outward from the agitator shaft 21 . At least a portion of the agitator shaft 21 and the stirring blade 22 are arranged inside the storage chamber 13. A first agitator gear 44 and a second agitator gear 51, which will be described later, are connected to both ends of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction, respectively. Therefore, the agitator shaft 21 and the stirring blade 22 rotate together with the first agitator gear 44 and the second agitator gear 51. When the stirring blade 22 rotates, the developer in the storage chamber 13 is stirred.

The developing roller 30 is a roller that is rotatable about a rotating shaft (second shaft) extending in the first direction. The developing roller 30 is arranged in the opening 14 of the casing 10 . The developing roller 30 of this embodiment includes a developing roller main body 31 and a developing roller shaft 32. The developing roller main body 31 is a cylindrical member extending in the first direction. The developing roller body 31 is made of, for example, elastic rubber. The developing roller shaft 32 is a cylindrical member that passes through the developing roller main body 31 in the first direction. The developing roller shaft 32 is made of metal or conductive resin. The developing roller main body 31 is fixed to the developing roller shaft 32 so as not to be relatively rotatable.

One end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction is fixed to a developing roller gear 42, which will be described later, so that it cannot rotate relative to it. Therefore, when the developing roller gear 42 rotates, the developing roller shaft 32 also rotates, and the developing roller main body 31 also rotates together with the developing roller shaft 32.

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

Further, the developer cartridge 1 includes a supply roller (not shown). The supply roller is located between the developing roller 30 and the storage chamber 13. Furthermore, the supply roller is rotatable about a rotating shaft extending in the first direction. When the developing cartridge 1 receives a driving force, developer is supplied from the storage chamber 13 in the casing 10 to the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller 30 via the supply roller. At this time, the developer is frictionally charged between the supply roller and the developing roller 30. On the other hand, a bias voltage is applied to the developing roller shaft 32 of the developing roller 30. Therefore, the developer is attracted to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller body 31 due to the electrostatic force between the developing roller shaft 32 and the developer.

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

The first gear portion 40 is located on the first end surface 11 of the casing 10. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the developer cartridge 1 with the first gear section 40 disassembled. As shown in FIG. 3, the first gear section 40 includes a coupling 41, a developing roller gear 42, an idle gear 43, a first agitator gear 44, and a first cover 45. Note that in FIG. 3, illustration of a 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 100. The coupling 41 can rotate about a rotation axis extending in the first direction. The coupling 41 includes a coupling portion 411 and a coupling gear 412. The coupling portion 411 and the coupling gear 412 are integrally formed of resin, for example. The coupling portion 411 is provided with a fastening hole 413 recessed in the first direction. Furthermore, a plurality of gear teeth are provided on the outer circumferential portion of the coupling gear 412 at equal intervals over the entire circumference.

When the drawer unit 90 with the developer cartridge 1 attached thereto is housed in the image forming apparatus 100, the drive shaft of the image forming apparatus 100 is inserted into the fastening hole 413 of the coupling part 411. As a result, the drive shaft and the coupling portion 411 are coupled so as to be unable to rotate relative to each other. Therefore, when the drive shaft rotates, the coupling part 411 rotates, and the coupling gear 412 also rotates together with the coupling part 411.

The developing roller gear 42 is a gear for rotating the developing roller 30. The developing roller gear 42 can rotate about a rotating shaft extending in the first direction. A plurality of gear teeth are provided on the outer circumference of the developing roller gear 42 at equal intervals over the entire circumference. Some of the gear teeth of the coupling gear 412 and some of the gear teeth of the developing roller gear 42 mesh with each other. Further, the developing roller gear 42 is fixed to the end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction so as to be relatively unrotatable. Therefore, when the coupling gear 412 rotates, the developing roller gear 42 rotates, and the developing roller 30 also rotates together with the developing roller gear 42.

The idle gear 43 is a gear for transmitting the rotation of the coupling gear 412 to the first agitator gear 44. The idle gear 43 can rotate about a rotating shaft extending in the first direction. The idle gear 43 has a large diameter gear portion 431 and a small diameter gear portion 432 arranged in the first direction. The small diameter gear portion 432 is located between the large diameter gear portion 431 and the first end surface 11 of the casing 10 . In other words, the large diameter gear portion 431 is further away from the first end surface 11 than the small diameter gear portion 432 is. 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 integrally formed of resin, for example.

A plurality of gear teeth are provided on the outer peripheries 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 section 432 is smaller than the number of gear teeth of the large diameter gear section 431. A portion of the plurality of gear teeth of the coupling gear 412 and a portion of the plurality of gear teeth of the large-diameter gear portion 431 mesh with each other. Further, a portion of the plurality of gear teeth of the small diameter gear portion 432 and a portion of the plurality of gear teeth of the first agitator gear 44 mesh with each other. When the coupling gear 412 rotates, the large diameter gear section 431 rotates, and the small diameter gear section 432 also rotates together with the large diameter gear section 431. As the small diameter gear portion 432 rotates, the first agitator gear 44 also rotates.

The first agitator gear 44 is a gear for rotating the agitator 20 within the storage chamber 13. The first agitator gear 44 can rotate about a rotating shaft extending in the first direction. A plurality of gear teeth are provided on the outer circumference of the first agitator gear 44 at equal intervals over the entire circumference. As described above, some of the gear teeth of the small diameter gear portion 432 and some of the gear teeth of the first agitator gear 44 mesh with each other. Further, the first agitator gear 44 is fixed to one end of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction so as to be relatively unrotatable. 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 end surface 11 of the casing 10, for example, by screwing. The coupling gear 412 , the developing roller gear 42 , the idle gear 43 , and the first agitator gear 44 are housed between the first end surface 11 and the first cover 45 . The fastening hole 413 of the coupling part 411 is exposed to the outside of the first cover 45 . Further, the first cover 45 has a first columnar projection 46 extending in the first direction. The first cover 45 of this embodiment also serves as a holder cover that holds a holder 62 of an IC chip assembly 60, which will be described later. The structure of the first cover 45 as a holder cover will be described later.

The second gear portion 50 is located on the second end surface 12 of the casing 10. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the developer cartridge 1 with the second gear portion 50 disassembled. As shown in FIG. 4, the second gear section 50 includes a second agitator gear 51, a detection gear 52, a conductive member 53, and a second cover 54. Note that in FIG. 4, illustration of a plurality of gear teeth of the second agitator gear 51 is omitted.

The second agitator gear 51 is a gear for transmitting the rotation of the agitator shaft 21 to the detection gear 52. The second agitator gear 51 can rotate about a rotating shaft extending in the first direction. A plurality of gear teeth are provided on the outer circumference of the second agitator gear 51 at equal intervals over the entire circumference. When the developer cartridge 1 is new (unused), some of the gear teeth of the second agitator gear 51 can mesh with some of the gear teeth of the detection gear 52. Further, the second agitator gear 51 is fixed to the other end of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction so as to be relatively unrotatable. Therefore, when the agitator shaft 21 rotates, the second agitator gear 51 also rotates.

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

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

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

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

As shown in FIG. 4, the detection gear 52 has a detection protrusion 521. The detection protrusion 521 protrudes in the first direction. Further, the detection protrusion 521 extends in an arc shape with the rotation axis of the detection gear 52 as the center. When the detection gear 52 rotates, the detection protrusion 521 also rotates. That is, the position of the detection protrusion 521 changes as the detection gear 52 rotates.

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

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

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

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

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

Furthermore, the circumferential position and length of the detection protrusion 521 may be different from the example shown in FIG. 4 . Further, the detection gear 52 may have a plurality of detection protrusions 521. The number of detection protrusions 521, the circumferential position of each detection protrusion 521, the circumferential length of each detection protrusion 521, and the radial length of each detection protrusion 521 may vary depending on the specifications of the developer cartridge 1. good. In this way, by providing variations in the number and shape of the detection protrusions 521, various specifications of the developer cartridge 1 can be indicated to the image forming apparatus 100.

Further, the detection gear 52 may be composed of a plurality of members. For example, the detection gear 52 and the detection protrusion 521 may be separate bodies. Further, the detection gear may include a detection gear main body and an auxiliary member whose position changes according to rotation of the detection gear main body. The auxiliary member may also change the position of the lever. Further, the detection gear may include a detection gear main body, a cam that rotates according to the rotation of the detection gear main body, and a detection protrusion that is displaced by the rotation of the cam.

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

The second cover 54 is fixed to the second end 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 end surface 12 and the second cover 54. Further, the second cover 54 has an opening 541. A portion of the sensing protrusion 521 and a portion of the gear shaft 531 are exposed through the opening 541. The aforementioned lever contacts the sensing gear 52 or the gear shaft 531 via the opening 541.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More specifically, the holder 62 of this embodiment includes a first holder member 71, a second holder member 72, and a coil spring 73 located between them. The first holder member 71 is made of resin, for example. The second holder member 72 is made of resin, for example. First holder member 71 has a first outer surface 710 . IC chip 61 is fixed to a holding surface 620 included in first outer surface 710 . Second holder member 72 has a second outer surface 720. In the assembled holder 62, the first outer surface 710 and the second outer surface 720 are separated in the second direction.

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

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

Note that, instead of the opening, the second holder member 72 may have a recess or a step capable of contacting the claw portion. Further, the first holder member 71 may have an opening, a recess, or a step, and the second holder member 72 may have a claw.

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

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

In addition to the holding surface 620 described above, the first outer surface 710 further includes a first surface 711, a second surface 712, a third surface 713, and a fourth surface 714.

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

Here, one end of the first outer surface 710 in the third direction is defined as a first outer end position 711a. Further, one end of the holding surface 620 in the third direction is a first inner end position 711b. As shown in FIG. 6, the first surface 711 extends from a first outer end position 711a towards the electrical contact surface 611 to a 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. 6, the distance d1 in the second direction between the first outer end position 711a and the first inner end position 711b is the distance d1 between the electrical contact surface 611 and the first inner end position 711b. It is larger than the distance d2 in the second direction.

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

Here, the other end of the first outer surface 710 in the third direction is defined as a second outer end position 712a. Further, the other end of the holding surface 620 in the third direction is a second inner end position 712b. As shown in FIG. 6, 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. 6, the distance d3 in the second direction between the second outer end position 712a and the second inner end position 712b is the distance d3 between the electrical contact surface 611 and the second inner end position 712b. It is larger than the distance d4 in the second direction.

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

Note that the first surface 711, the second surface 712, the third surface 713, and the fourth surface 714 may each be planar or curved. However, in order to prevent the developer cartridge 1 from getting caught when inserted into the drawer unit 90, the first surface 711, the second surface 712, the third surface 713, and the fourth surface 714 are each made of smooth surfaces with no steps. It is preferable that

<4. About the drawer unit＞
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the drawer unit 90. As described above, the drawer unit 90 has four slots 91 into which the developer cartridges 1 can be installed. Each slot 91 has an insertion opening 910. The insertion port 910 is located at the end opposite to the photosensitive drum 92 of both ends of the slot 91 in the third direction. Further, each slot 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 located at one end of each slot 91 in the first direction.

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

The first guide plate 911 has a terminal portion 913. The terminal portion 913 is an electrical contact that can come into contact with the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 . The terminal portion 913 protrudes from the surface of the first guide plate 911 toward the second guide plate 912 in the second direction. The terminal section 913 is electrically connected to the control section 80 within the image forming apparatus 100. The terminal portion 913 is made of, for example, a metal that is a conductor.

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

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

Further, the first guide plate 911 has a third guide surface 917 and a fourth guide surface 918. The third guide surface 917 and the fourth guide surface 918 position the holder 62 in the first direction when the developer cartridge 1 is inserted into the drawer unit 90. The third guide surface 917 and the fourth guide surface 918 are located closer to the insertion port 910 than the first guide surface 915 is. The third guide surface 917 and the fourth guide surface 918 are spaced apart from each other in the first direction. Further, the distance between the third guide surface 917 and the fourth guide surface 918 in the first direction gradually becomes shorter as the distance between the third guide surface 917 and the fourth guide surface 918 approaches the first guide surface 915.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moreover, the holder 62 is inserted in the third direction while contacting the third guide surface 917 and the fourth guide surface 918. Thereby, the holder 62 is positioned in the first direction. In this manner, in this embodiment, before the electrical contact surface 611 comes into contact with the terminal portion 913, the holder 62 is positioned in the first direction in advance. Therefore, after the electrical contact surface 611 contacts the terminal portion 913, the position of the electrical contact surface 611 relative to the terminal portion 913 is prevented from shifting in the first direction. This suppresses rubbing of the electrical contact surface 611.

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

When the developer cartridge 1 is further inserted in the third direction, the first holder member 71 contacts the first guide surface 915 and the second holder member 72 contacts the second guide surface 916. Thereby, the first holder member 71 and the second holder member 72 approach each other in the second direction. That is, the first outer surface 710 and the second outer surface 720 approach each other in the second direction. Therefore, the length of the coil spring 73 in the second direction becomes gradually shorter. Eventually, as shown in FIG. 12, when the third surface 713 and the fourth surface 714 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 second direction becomes the shortest. That is, the coil spring 73 is in the shortest state, which is shorter than the second state described above. Further, the position of the holding surface 620 in the second direction with respect to the casing 10 is the intermediate position described above.

In this way, this IC chip assembly 60 can change the position of the holding surface 620 that holds the IC chip 61 in the second direction when the developer cartridge 1 is inserted into the drawer unit 90. Therefore, the developer cartridge 1 can be inserted while changing the position of the holding surface 620 in the second direction along the guide protrusion 914. Therefore, the developer cartridge 1 can be inserted into the drawer unit 90 while preventing the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 from being rubbed.

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

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

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

In this way, the electrical contact surface 611 directly contacts the terminal portion 913 after the first outer surface 710 rides over the guide protrusion 914 . Therefore, after contact, the contact position of the terminal portion 913 with respect to the electrical contact surface 611 is difficult to change. This further reduces friction on the electrical contact surface 611.

The length in the second direction between the terminal portion 913 and the second guide plate 912 is longer than the length in the second direction between the electrical contact surface 611 and the second outer surface 720 in the developer cartridge 1 before installation. It's also short. Therefore, in the state of FIG. 14, the length of the coil spring 73 in the second direction is shorter than the natural length of the coil spring 73. Therefore, the electrical contact surface 611 is pressed against the terminal portion 913 by the elastic force (repulsive force) of the coil spring 73. Thereby, good contact between the electrical contact surface 611 and the terminal portion 913 can be maintained.

The IC chip assembly 60 is fixed between the terminal portion 913 and the second guide plate 912. Thereafter, in this embodiment, the casing 10 is tilted in the second direction as indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. As a result, the developing roller 30 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 92 of the drawer unit 90. At this time, the position of the holding surface 620 in the second direction with respect to the casing 10 changes from the above-mentioned contact position to the final position. Further, the first boss 621a moves in the second direction within the first through hole 451a. The second boss 621b moves in the second direction within the second through hole 451b. The third boss 621c moves in the second direction within the recess 15. Thereby, the holder 62 comes out of contact with the casing 10 and the first cover 45. Therefore, during execution of printing processing in the image forming apparatus 100, vibrations are less likely to be transmitted from the driving section such as the first gear section 40 to the IC chip assembly 60. Thereby, the contact state between the electrical contact surface 611 and the terminal portion 913 can be maintained better.

<6. Regarding separation operation>
After the developing cartridge 1 is installed, the image forming apparatus 100 can perform a so-called "separating operation" in which the developing roller 30 is temporarily separated from the photosensitive drum 92.

When the movement indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 15 is completed, each of the first columnar projection 46 and the second columnar projection 55 comes into contact with the pressure member 94. The pressure member 94 presses the first columnar projection 46 and the second columnar projection 55 in a direction toward the photosensitive drum 92, respectively. As a result, the developing roller 30 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 92. That is, the developing roller 30 and the photosensitive drum 92 are maintained in contact with each other.

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

In both the contact state and the separated state, the IC chip assembly 60 is fixedly sandwiched between the terminal portion 913 and the second guide plate 912. The electrical contact surface 611 is in contact with the terminal portion 913. The holder 62 is not in contact with the casing 10 and the first cover 45. Further, the first guide plate 911 and the second guide plate 912 are also not in contact with the casing 10 and the first cover 45. Therefore, during the separation operation, the casing 10 can be moved relative to the holder 62 while the holder 62 is fixed between the first guide plate 911 and the second guide plate 912.

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

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

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

<7. Modified example>
Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Below, various modifications will be explained, focusing on the differences from the above embodiment.

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

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

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

Further, in the above embodiment, the developer cartridge is attached to the drawer unit. However, the developer cartridge may be attached to a drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum instead of the drawer unit. Then, the drum cartridge in which the developer cartridge is installed may be installed in the image forming apparatus. Further, the developer cartridge may be directly attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus without using a drawer unit or drum cartridge. The photosensitive drum may be provided within the main body of the image forming apparatus.

Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, an IC chip having an electrical contact surface was fixed to the outer surface of the holder. However, only the electrical contact surface that contacts the electrical connector may be fixed to the outer surface of the holder, and the portions other than the electrical contact surface of the IC chip may be placed elsewhere in the developer cartridge. Further, the electrical contact surface may be an electrode separate from the storage medium such as an IC chip. Another electrode is, for example, an electrode for supplying power to the developing roller 30. In this case, the electrical contact surface is electrically connected to the developing roller 30 via a harness.

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

Further, in the above embodiment, when performing the separating operation, the casing is moved in the third direction with respect to the holder while maintaining the electrical contact surface and the terminal portion in contact. However, for a purpose other than the separation operation, the housing may be moved in the third direction relative to the holder while maintaining the electrical contact surface and the terminal portion in contact.

Furthermore, the detailed shape of each component constituting the image forming apparatus may be different from the shape shown in each figure of the present application. Furthermore, the elements appearing in the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate to the extent that no contradiction occurs.

1 Developer cartridge 10 Casing 11 First end surface 12 Second end surface 13 Storage chamber 20 Agitator 30 Development roller 40 First gear section 41 Coupling 42 Development roller gear 43 Idle gear 44 First agitator gear 45 First cover 46 First columnar projection 50 Second gear part 51 Second agitator gear 52 Detection gear 53 Conductive member 54 Second cover 55 Second columnar projection 60 IC chip assembly 61 IC chip 62 Holder 71 First holder member 72 Second holder member 73 Coil spring 90 Drawer unit 91 Slot 92 Photosensitive drum 93 Separation lever 94 Pressure member 95 Pressure member 100 Image forming device 521 Detection protrusion 611 Electrical contact surface 710 First outer surface 720 Second outer surface 911 First guide plate 912 Second guide plate 913 Terminal portion 914 Guide protrusion 915 First guide surface 916 Second guide surface 917 Third guide surface 918 Fourth guide surface 919 Stopper surface 920 Fifth guide surface

Claims (7)

An image forming apparatus,
photosensitive drum,
A developer cartridge,
A housing that can accommodate developer;
a developing roller movable together with the housing;
a storage medium having an electrical contact surface;
a holder having a first outer surface, the holder holding the electrical contact surface on the first outer surface;
a developer cartridge comprising;
A frame to which the developer cartridge can be attached,
a frame including an electrical contact that contacts the electrical contact surface of the developer cartridge mounted on the frame;
Equipped with
the frame is provided with the photosensitive drum;
The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the housing is movable with respect to the holder while the electrical contact surface and the electrical contact are in contact with each other. An image forming apparatus,
photosensitive drum,
A developer cartridge,
A housing that can accommodate developer;
a developing roller movable together with the housing;
a storage medium having an electrical contact surface;
a holder having a first outer surface, the holder holding the electrical contact surface on the first outer surface;
a developer cartridge comprising;
A frame to which the developer cartridge can be attached,
an electrical contact that contacts the electrical contact surface of the developer cartridge mounted on the frame;
a frame comprising;
Equipped with
Image formation, wherein the housing is movable relative to the holder in a direction in which the developing roller moves away from the photosensitive drum while the electrical contact surface and the electrical contact are in contact with each other. Device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2,
An image forming apparatus further comprising a pressing member that presses the housing in the separating direction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3,
By pressing the pressing member,
The developing roller and the photosensitive drum change from a contact state where they are in contact with each other to a spaced state where they are separated from each other,
An image forming apparatus characterized in that the electrical contact surface and the electrical contact are in contact with each other in both the contact state and the separated state. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
An image forming apparatus characterized in that the storage medium is an IC chip having the electrical contact surface. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the frame has a plurality of slots into which the developer cartridge can be installed, and each slot is provided with the photosensitive drum. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The casing has an opening,
The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the developing roller is located in the opening of the housing.

Images