JP7517547B2 - Developing 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 in the image forming device. The developing cartridge has a developing roller for supplying toner. The developing cartridge described in Patent Document 1 is inserted into a drawer unit. The drawer unit has a photosensitive drum. When the developing cartridge is inserted into the drawer unit, the photosensitive drum and the developing roller face each other. Then, the drawer unit with the developing cartridge attached is housed inside the image forming device.

The developing cartridge described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-233691 is inserted into the drum unit.
The drum unit has a photosensitive drum. When the developer cartridge is inserted into the drum unit, the photosensitive drum faces the developer roller. Then, the drum unit with the developer cartridge attached is installed in the image forming apparatus.

JP 2011-59510 A JP 2013-54058 A

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 comes into contact with an electrical connector provided in the image forming device or the drawer unit. However, when the developing cartridge is inserted into the image forming device or the drawer unit, friction occurs between the electrical connector and the electrical contact surface.

The object of the present invention is to provide a structure that can reduce friction on the electrical contact surfaces when a developer cartridge is inserted.

In order to solve the above problem, the first invention of the present application is a developing cartridge that can be attached to an image forming device, comprising: a developing roller that can rotate about a first axis extending in a first direction; a housing that contains a developer inside, the developing roller being located at one end of the housing in a second direction, the housing being rotatable between a first position and a second position with respect to the developing roller when the developing cartridge is attached to the image forming device; and a storage medium having an electrical contact surface, the electrical contact surface not contacting an electrical connector of the image forming device when the housing is in the first position, and the electrical contact surface contacting an electrical connector of the image forming device when the housing is in the second position.

The second invention of the present application is the developer cartridge of the first invention, characterized in that when the housing is in the first position, the surface of the developer roller is not pressed against the surface of the photosensitive drum of the image forming device, and when the housing is in the second position, the surface of the developer roller is pressed against the surface of the photosensitive drum of the image forming device.

The third invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the first invention, characterized in that the housing further includes a protrusion that receives a pressing force for pressing the surface of the developing roller against the surface of the photosensitive drum of the image forming device when the housing is in the second position.

The fourth invention of the present application is the developer cartridge of the third invention, characterized in that the protrusion is located on the outer surface of the housing.

The fifth aspect of the present invention is the developer cartridge of the fourth aspect, characterized in that the protrusion extends from the outer surface.

The sixth invention of the present application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, further comprising a lever that can swing together with the electrical contact surface about a second axis extending in the first direction, the lever swinging between a third position and a fourth position, and when the housing is in the first position, the lever is in the third position, and when the housing is in the second position, the lever is in the fourth position.

The seventh invention of the present application is the developer cartridge of the sixth invention, characterized in that the developer cartridge further includes a cover that covers at least a portion of the lever, and the electrical contact surface in the second position is farther from the cover than the electrical contact surface in the first position.

The eighth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the sixth invention, characterized in that the lever is located on an outer surface located on one side of the housing in the first direction, the developing cartridge further includes a cover attached to the outer surface and covering at least a portion of the lever, and when the housing is in the second position, the housing and the cover are movable in the second direction relative to the lever and the electrical contact surface.

The ninth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the eighth invention, characterized in that the lever has a boss extending in the first direction, the cover has a guide surface that guides the boss in the second direction, and when the housing and the cover move in the second direction relative to the lever and the electrical contact surface, the boss moves in the second direction along the guide surface.

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

The eleventh invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the ninth or tenth invention, characterized in that when the developing cartridge is attached to the image forming device, and the housing and the cover rotate from the first position to the second position with respect to the developing roller relative to the image forming device, the guide surface presses the boss, and the lever swings from the third position to the fourth position.

The twelfth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the eighth invention, characterized in that the cover has a boss extending in the first direction, the lever has a guide surface that guides the boss in the second direction, and when the housing and the cover move in the second direction relative to the lever and the electrical contact surface, the boss moves in the second direction along the guide surface.

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

The 14th invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the 12th or 13th invention, characterized in that when the developing cartridge is attached to the image forming device, and the housing and the cover rotate from the first position to the second position with respect to the developing roller relative to the image forming device, the boss presses the guide surface, and the lever swings from the third position to the fourth position.

The fifteenth invention of the present application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the eighth to fourteenth inventions, characterized in that the developing cartridge further includes a support member located on the outer surface, supporting the lever so that it can swing about the second axis, and at least a portion of which is covered by the cover, and the housing and the cover are movable in the second direction relative to the support member, the lever, and the electrical contact surface.

The sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the developer cartridge of the fifteenth aspect, characterized in that when the developer cartridge is inserted into the image forming device, the support member is positioned relative to the image forming device.

The seventeenth aspect of the present invention is the developer cartridge of the fifteenth or sixteenth invention, characterized in that the support member is located between one end and the other end of the lever.

The 18th invention of the present application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the 6th to 17th inventions, characterized in that the lever is located on an outer surface located on one side of the housing in the first direction, the developing cartridge further includes a support member located on the outer surface that supports the lever so that it can swing about the second axis, and the support member is movable in the second direction relative to the housing together with the lever and the electrical contact surface.

The 19th invention of the present application is the developer cartridge of the 18th invention, characterized in that when the developer cartridge is inserted into the image forming device, the support member is positioned relative to the image forming device.

The 20th invention of the present application is the developer cartridge of the 19th invention, characterized in that the support member is located between one end and the other end of the lever.

The twenty-first invention of the present application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the seventh to twentieth inventions, characterized in that the lever has a pressed portion that is pressed by the housing or a member fixed to the housing when the housing and the cover rotate about the developing roller relative to the image forming device when the developing cartridge is inserted into the image forming device, and the length from the second shaft to the electrical contact surface is longer than the length from the second shaft to the pressed portion.

The twenty-second invention of the present application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the seventh to twentieth inventions, characterized in that the lever has a pressed portion that is pressed by the housing or a member fixed to the housing when the housing and the cover rotate about the developing roller relative to the image forming device when the developing cartridge is inserted into the image forming device, and the length from the second shaft to the pressed portion is longer than the length from the second shaft to the electrical contact surface.

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

The twenty-fourth invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the sixteenth or nineteenth invention, characterized in that the support member extends in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and the support member further includes a pressing member that presses the support member from one end of the support member in the third direction toward the other end of the support member in the third direction.

The 25th invention of the present application is the developing cartridge of the 16th or 19th invention, characterized in that the support member extends in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and the support member further includes a first engagement portion at an end of the support member in the third direction that engages with a part of the image forming device.

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

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

The twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention is a developing cartridge according to any one of the first to twenty-seventh aspects, characterized in that the storage medium is capable of swinging together with the electrical contact surface.

The twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention is a developing cartridge according to any one of the sixth to twenty-eighth aspects, characterized in that the lever holds the electrical contact surface.

According to the first to twenty-ninth aspects of the present application, when the developing cartridge is attached to the image forming device, the housing can be rotated to bring the electrical contact surface into contact with the electrical connector of the image forming device. This reduces friction on the electrical contact surface.

FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge in the vicinity of an IC chip assembly. 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating an inserting operation. 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating an inserting operation. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state of a rotation operation. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state of a rotation operation. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a separating operation. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating a separating operation. FIG. 13 is a partially exploded perspective view of a developing cartridge according to a first modified example. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of an IC chip assembly of a developing cartridge according to a first modified example. FIG. FIG. 11 is a partially exploded perspective view of a developing cartridge according to a second modified example. Fig. 13 is a partial front view of a state in which the disassembled parts in Fig. 12 are assembled together; Fig. 14 is a partial front view of a developing cartridge of a second modified example; 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a state in which a developing cartridge according to a third modified example is rotated. FIG. 13 is a partially exploded perspective view of a developing cartridge 1 according to a fourth modified example. FIG. 13 is a partially exploded perspective view of a developing cartridge with a cover fixed thereto in a fourth modified example. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a rotational operation of the fourth modified example. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a state in which a separating operation according to a fourth modified example is performed. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a state in which a developing cartridge according to a fifth modified example is rotated. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a state in which a developing cartridge according to a sixth modified example is rotated. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a developing cartridge according to a seventh modified example is inserted. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a state in which a developing cartridge according to a seventh modified example is rotated. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a state in which a developing cartridge according to an eighth modified example is inserted. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a state in which a developing cartridge according to an eighth modified example is rotated.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

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

<1. Overall configuration of the developing cartridge>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a developer cartridge 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the developer cartridge 1. The developer cartridge 1 is used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (e.g., a laser printer or an LED printer) and is a unit that supplies a developer (e.g., toner) to a photosensitive drum. The developer cartridge 1 is attached to, for example, a drawer unit of the image forming apparatus. When the developer cartridge 1 is replaced, the drawer unit is pulled out from the front of the image forming apparatus. Then, the developer cartridges 1 are inserted into each of a plurality of slots of the drawer unit. A photosensitive drum is provided in each of the plurality of slots.

However, the developing cartridge 1 may also be attached to the main body of the image forming device. In that case, the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into a number of slots in the image forming device. A photosensitive drum is provided in each of the multiple slots. The developing cartridge 1 may also be attached to a drum unit that is detachable from the image forming device. In that case, the drum unit has a photosensitive drum. The developing cartridge 1 is then inserted into a slot in the image forming device while attached to the drum unit.

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

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

When the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit, the casing 10 can rotate with respect to the drawer unit, with respect to the developing roller 30, between a first position and a second position. Details of the rotational movement will be described later.

The agitator 20 has an agitator shaft 21 and an agitator blade 22. The agitator shaft 21 is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a first direction. The agitator blade 22 extends radially outward from the agitator shaft 21. At least a portion of the agitator shaft 21 and the agitator blade 22 are located in the storage chamber 13. One end of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction is fixed to the agitator gear 44 described below so that it cannot rotate relative to the agitator gear 44. Therefore, the agitator shaft 21 and the agitator blade 22 rotate together with the agitator gear 44. When the agitator blade 22 rotates, the developer in the storage chamber 13 is agitated.

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

The developing roller gear 42 is attached to one end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction. More specifically, one end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction is fixed to the developing roller gear 42 (described later) so that it cannot rotate relative to the developing roller gear 42. Therefore, when the developing roller gear 42 rotates, the developing roller shaft 32 also rotates, and the developing roller main body 31 rotates together with the developing roller shaft 32.

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

The developing cartridge 1 also has a supply roller (not shown). The supply roller is located between the developing roller 30 and the storage chamber 13. The supply roller is rotatable about a rotation axis 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 that time, the developer is triboelectrically charged between the supply roller and the developing roller 30.
On the other hand, a bias voltage is applied to the developing roller shaft 32 of the developing roller 30 .
Therefore, the developer is attracted to the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller main body 31 by the electrostatic force between the developing roller shaft 32 and the developer.

The developing cartridge 1 also has a layer thickness regulating blade 33. The layer thickness regulating blade 33 shapes the developer supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller body 31 to a constant thickness. The developer on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller body 31 is then supplied to a photosensitive drum provided in the drawer unit. At this time, the developer moves from the developing roller body 31 to the photosensitive drum in accordance with the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum. This makes the electrostatic latent image visible on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum.

The gear portion 40 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the gear portion 40 has a coupling 41, a developing roller gear 42, an idle gear 43, and an agitator gear 44. Note that in FIG. 2, the multiple gear teeth of each gear are not shown.

The coupling 41 is a gear that first receives the driving force supplied from the image forming device. The coupling 41 is capable of rotating about a rotation axis that extends in a first direction. The coupling 41 has a coupling portion 411 and a coupling gear 412. The coupling portion 411 and the coupling gear 412 are integrally formed from, for example, resin. The coupling portion 411 is provided with a fastening hole 413 that is recessed in the first direction. In addition, the outer periphery of the coupling gear 412 is provided with a plurality of gear teeth at equal intervals around the entire circumference.

When the drawer unit with the developer cartridge 1 attached is stored in the image forming device, the drive shaft of the image forming device is inserted into the fastening hole 413 of the coupling part 411. This connects the drive shaft and the coupling part 411 so that they cannot rotate relative to each other. Therefore, when the drive shaft rotates, the coupling part 411 rotates, and the coupling gear 412 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 rotation axis extending in the first direction. The outer periphery of the developing roller gear 42 has a plurality of gear teeth at equal intervals around 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. The developing roller gear 42 is fixed to the end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction so that it cannot rotate relative to the developing roller gear 42. Therefore, when the coupling gear 412 rotates, the developing roller gear 42 rotates, and the developing roller 30 rotates together with the developing roller gear 42.

The idle gear 43 is a gear for transmitting the rotation of the coupling gear 412 to the agitator gear 44. The idle gear 43 is capable of rotating 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 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, for example, from resin.

The outer periphery of the large diameter gear portion 431 and the small diameter gear portion 432 each have a plurality of gear teeth at equal intervals around the entire circumference. The number of gear teeth of the small diameter gear portion 432 is less than the number of gear teeth of the large diameter gear portion 431. Some of the gear teeth of the coupling gear 412 and some of the gear teeth of the large diameter gear portion 431 mesh with each other. Some of the gear teeth of the small diameter gear portion 432 and some of the gear teeth of the agitator gear 44 mesh with each other. When the coupling gear 412 rotates, the large diameter gear portion 431 rotates, and the small diameter gear portion 432 rotates together with the large diameter gear portion 431. Then, as the small diameter gear portion 432 rotates, the agitator gear 44 also rotates.

The agitator gear 44 is a gear for rotating the agitator 20 in the accommodation chamber 13. The agitator gear 44 is capable of rotating about a rotation axis extending in the first direction.
A plurality of gear teeth are provided at equal intervals around the outer periphery of the agitator gear 44. As described above, 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 agitator gear 44 mesh with each other. The agitator gear 44 is fixed to one end of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction so as not to rotate relative to the agitator gear 44. Therefore, when power is transmitted from the coupling 41 to the agitator gear 44 via the idle gear 43, the agitator gear 44 rotates, and the agitator 20 rotates together with the agitator gear 44.

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

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

The IC chip 61 is fixed to the end face of the holder 62 in the third direction. Various information related to the developing cartridge 1 is recorded on the IC chip 61. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the IC chip 61 has an electrical contact surface 611. The electrical contact surface 611 is made of metal, which is a conductor. On the other hand, the drawer unit has an electrical connector. When the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit, the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 comes into contact with the electrical connector. This allows electrical conduction between the electrical contact surface 611 and the electrical connector. As a result, the image forming device can at least one of read information from the IC chip 61 and write information to the IC chip 61.

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

The lever 63 can be swung between a third position and a fourth position about a rotation axis (second axis) extending in the first direction. In FIG. 3, the lever 63 in the third position is shown by a solid line, and the lever 63 in the fourth position is shown by a two-dot chain line. When the lever 63 sways, the holder 62 and the IC chip 61 sway in the third direction together with the other end of the lever 63. Specifically, when one end of the lever 63 sways about the rotation axis (second axis), the holder 62 and the IC chip 61 sway in the third direction together with the other end of the lever 63. Accordingly, the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 also sway in the third direction. At this time, the electrical contact surface 611 and the swing direction of the lever 63 intersect with each other. Hereinafter, the position of the electrical contact surface 611 when the lever 63 is in the third position is referred to as the "retracted position". Additionally, the position of the electrical contact surface 611 when the lever 63 is in the fourth position is referred to as the "advanced position."

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

The cover 50 has a through hole 53. The through hole 53 penetrates the cover 50 in the first direction. The boss 631 of the lever 63 is inserted into the through hole 53. The size (inner dimension) of the through hole 53 in the second direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the boss 631 in the second direction. Therefore, the lever 63 and the holder 62, together with the boss 631, can move relative to the casing 10 and the cover 50 in the second direction. When the lever 63 and the holder 62 move in the second direction, the IC chip 61 having the electrical contact surface 611 also moves in the second direction together with the holder 62.

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

The lever 63 may have multiple bosses 631. In that case, the cover 50 may have one or multiple through holes 53 into which the multiple bosses 631 are inserted. The through holes 53 may not be completely through. The boss 631 of the lever 63 may be an insertable hole. In other words, the cover 50 may have a recess into which the boss 631 is inserted, instead of the through hole 53. The lever 63 may have a boss that protrudes toward the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. In that case, the casing 10 may have a recess or through hole into which the boss is inserted.

The support member 64 is a member that supports the lever 63 so that it can swing about the second axis. At least a portion of the support member 64 is covered by the cover 50. The support member 64 is located between one end and the other end of the lever 63. In other words, the boss 631 and the holder 62 are located on opposite sides of the support member 64. As shown in FIG. 3, the support member 64 has an insertion hole 641. The insertion hole 641 penetrates the support member 64 in the second direction. The lever 63 is inserted into the insertion hole 641.

As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the lever 63 has a support shaft 632. The support shaft 632 protrudes from the lever 63 in the first direction along the second axis. Meanwhile, the support member 64 has a support hole 642. The support shaft 632 is inserted into the support hole 642. This allows the lever 63 to swing about the second axis relative to the support member 64. Note that the lever 63 may have a support hole, and the support member 64 may have a support shaft that is inserted into the support hole.

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

<3. Insertion Operation>
Next, the operation of inserting the developing cartridge 1 into the drawer unit will be described.
4 and 5 are diagrams showing a state in which the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into one of the slots 90 of the drawer unit 9. In Fig. 5, in order to clearly show the IC chip assembly 60, the cover 50 is omitted.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the drawer unit 9 has a first guide plate 91 and a second guide plate 92 for each slot 90. The first guide plate 91 and the second guide plate 92 extend along the first direction and the second direction, respectively. The first guide plate 91 has an electrical connector 910. The electrical connector 910 is an electrical contact that can come into contact with the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61. The electrical connector 910 is made of a material that is, for example, a conductor metal.

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

When the developer cartridge 1 is inserted into the slot 90, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first inclined surface 643 of the support member 64 comes into contact with the first holding surface 911. Then, the second inclined surface 644 of the support member 64 comes into contact with the second holding surface 921. This positions the support member 64 in the second and third directions relative to the drawer unit 9. Furthermore, when the casing 10 of the developer cartridge 1 is pushed further into the slot 90, the boss 631 of the lever 63 comes into contact with the edge of the through hole 53 of the cover 50. This positions the casing 10 in the second direction relative to the drawer unit.

When the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the slot 90, as shown in FIG. 5, the weight of the holder 62 and the IC chip 61 places the lever 63 in the third position. Therefore, the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 is in the retracted position. Therefore, when the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the slot 90, the electrical contact surface 611 does not rub against the electrical connector 910. In the following, the position of the casing 10 relative to the drawer unit after the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the slot 90 and before the rotation operation is performed is referred to as the first position. When the casing 10 is in the first position, there is no contact between the electrical connector 910 and the electrical contact surface 611.

<4. Rotational movement>
Next, the pivoting operation of the casing 10 and the cover 50 after the developer cartridge 1 is inserted into the slot 90 will be described. Figures 6 and 7 are diagrams showing the pivoting operation. In Figure 7, the cover 50 is omitted in order to clearly show the IC chip assembly 60.

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

After the developer cartridge 1 is inserted into the slot 90, the casing 10 and the cover 50 rotate about the developer roller 30. Specifically, the position of the casing 10 relative to the drawer unit changes from the first position shown in Figures 4 and 5 to the second position shown in Figures 6 and 7. That is, as indicated by the dashed arrows in Figures 6 and 7, the casing 10 is tilted in the third direction. At this time, the columnar projection 15 of the casing 10 comes into contact with the pressure member 94 of the drawer unit 9. The pressure member 94 presses the columnar projection 15 toward the photosensitive drum 93.
In this way, the columnar projections 15 receive a pressing force, and the surface of the developing roller 30 is pressed against the surface of the photosensitive drum 93. That is, the surface of the developing roller 30 and the surface of the photosensitive drum 93 are maintained in contact with each other.

When the casing 10 and the cover 50 rotate about the developing roller 30, the edge 531 of the through hole 53 of the cover 50 presses the boss 631 of the lever 63. This causes the boss 631 to move in the third direction. That is, in this embodiment, the boss 631 is the pressed part that receives the pressing force during the rotation. When the boss 631 moves in the third direction, the lever 63 swings from the third position to the fourth position around the second axis. Accordingly, the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 swings from the retracted position to the advanced position. As a result, the electrical contact surface 611 comes into contact with the electrical connector 910. That is, when the position of the casing 10 relative to the drawer unit is in the second position, the electrical contact surface 611 comes into contact with the electrical connector 910. This allows the control unit of the image forming apparatus to perform at least one of reading information from the IC chip 61 and writing information to the IC chip 61.

If the electrical contact surface 611 comes into contact with the electrical connector 910 during insertion of the developing cartridge 1 into the slot 90, the electrical contact surface 611 moves in the second direction while in contact with the electrical connector 910. In this case, friction is likely to occur between the electrical contact surface 611 and the electrical connector 910. However, in the structure of this embodiment, after inserting the developing cartridge 1 into the slot 90 and positioning the support member 64, the lever 63 is swung to bring the electrical contact surface 611 into contact with the electrical connector 910. Therefore, after contact, the contact position of the electrical contact surface 611 with respect to the electrical connector 910 is unlikely to change.
Therefore, rubbing of the electrical contact surface 611 against the electrical connector 910 can be suppressed.

In particular, in this embodiment, the length from the second axis to the electrical contact surface 611 is longer than the length from the second axis to the boss 631, which is the pressed portion. Therefore, the distance that the electrical contact surface 611 moves due to the rotational movement is longer than the distance that the boss 631 moves due to the rotational movement. In this way, by increasing the movement distance of the electrical contact surface 611, the electrical contact surface 611 can be more reliably brought into contact with the electrical connector 910.

<5. Separation Operation>
After the above-mentioned insertion operation and rotation operation are completed, the image forming apparatus can perform a so-called "separating operation" in which the developing roller 30 is temporarily separated from the photosensitive drum 93. This separating operation will be described below. Figures 8 and 9 are diagrams showing the state when the separating operation is performed. In Figure 9, the cover 50 is omitted in order to clearly show the IC chip assembly 60.

During the separation operation, a lever (not shown) of the drawer unit 9 is pushed by the driving force from the image forming apparatus. This causes the separation member 95 of the drawer unit 9 to move in the second direction toward the pressure member 94. As a result, the separation member 95 comes into contact with the columnar projection 15 and presses the columnar projection 15 in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 93 against the pressure of the pressure member 94. As a result, the casing 10, development roller 30, and cover 50 of the development cartridge 1 move in the second direction as indicated by the dashed arrows in Figures 8 and 9. This causes the development roller 30 and the photosensitive drum 93 to enter a separated state in which they are separated from each other.

At this time, the boss 631 of the lever 63 moves relatively in the second direction along the edge 531 of the through hole 53. That is, in this embodiment, a part of the surface constituting the edge 531 of the through hole 53 serves as a guide surface that guides the boss 631 in the second direction.

In either the contact state before the separation operation (the state in FIGS. 6 and 7) or the separated state after the separation operation (the state in FIGS. 8 and 9), the positions of the support member 64, lever 63, holder 62, and IC chip 61 relative to the drawer unit 9 do not change. That is, the lever 63 is maintained in the fourth position, and the electrical contact surface 611 is maintained in the advanced position. Then, the casing 10, the developing roller 30, and the cover 50 move in the second direction relative to the drawer unit 9, support member 64, lever 63, holder 62, and IC chip 61.

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

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

6. Modifications
Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Various modified examples will be described below, focusing on the differences from the above embodiment.

<6-1. First modified example>
Fig. 10 is a partially exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge 1 of the first modified example. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge 1 of the first modified example taken along a plane perpendicular to the first direction in the vicinity of the IC chip assembly 60.

This first modified example differs from the above embodiment in the structure of the lever 63 and the structure of the cover 50 that supports the lever 63. In this example, the lever 63 has a through hole 633 instead of a boss 631. Meanwhile, the cover 50 has a boss 54 that is inserted into the through hole 633 of the lever 63, instead of the through hole 53 into which the boss 631 is inserted.

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

The boss 54 of the cover 50 is inserted into the through hole 633 of the lever 63. The size (inner dimension) of the through hole 633 in the second direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the boss 54 in the second direction. Therefore, the lever 63 and the holder 62, together with the through hole 633, can move in the second direction relative to the casing 10 and the cover 50. When the lever 63 and the holder 62 move in the second direction, the IC chip 61 having the electrical contact surface 611 also moves in the second direction together with the holder 62.

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

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

During the separation operation, the boss 54 of the cover 50 moves in the second direction along the edge 634 of the through hole 633. That is, in this first modified example, a part of the surface constituting the edge 634 of the through hole 633 becomes a guide surface that guides the boss 54 in the second direction.

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

<6-2. Second Modified Example>
Fig. 12 is a partially exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge 1 of the second modified example, and Fig. 13 is a partial front view showing a state in which the parts disassembled in Fig. 12 are assembled together.

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

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

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

The lever 63 has a through hole 633, as in the first modification. The cover 50 has a boss 54. The boss 54 protrudes in a first direction toward the casing 10. Meanwhile, the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10 has a protrusion 111 that protrudes in the first direction toward the cover 50. The protrusion 111 has an insertion hole 112. The boss 54 of the cover 50 is inserted into this insertion hole 112 when the cover 50 is fixed to the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10.

The boss 54 of the cover 50 is inserted into the through hole 633 of the lever 63 and the insertion hole 112 of the protrusion 111. Therefore, the lever 63 and the holder 62 can move in the second direction together with the through hole 633 relative to the casing 10 and the cover 50. When the lever 63 and the holder 62 move in the second direction, the IC chip 61 having the electrical contact surface 611 also moves in the second direction together with the holder 62.

The cover 50 has a third opening 52A facing the second opening 52 in the third direction. The second opening 52 and the third opening 52A are approximately the same size, and have a size that allows the first support member 64A and the second support member 64B to pass through. When the lever 63 is supported by the first support member 64A and the second support member 64B, the boss 54 of the cover 50 is inserted into the through hole 633 of the lever 63, and the cover 50 is fixed to the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10, and then the first support member 64A is inserted from the second opening 52. Also, the second support member 64B is inserted from the third opening 52A. As a result, the lever 63 is supported by the support member 64, which is a combination of the first support member 64A and the second support member 64B.

When the developer cartridge 1 is inserted into the slot 90, the first inclined surface 643 of the support member 64 contacts the first holding surface 911 (see FIG. 5). Then, the second inclined surface 644 of the support member 64 contacts the second holding surface 921 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). This positions the support member 64 in the second and third directions relative to the drawer unit 9. Furthermore, when the casing 10 of the developer cartridge 1 is pushed further into the slot 90, the boss 54 of the cover 50 contacts the edge of the through hole 633 of the lever 63. This positions the casing 10 in the second direction relative to the drawer unit.

<6-3. Third modified example>
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the state of the developing cartridge 1 of the third modified example during a rotational movement.

This third modified example differs from the above embodiment in that the entire support member 64 is not rigid, but is extendable. In this example, instead of the first inclined surface 643 and the second inclined surface 644 for positioning, the support member 64 includes a first support member 71 having a first contact surface 711, a second support member 72 having a second contact surface 721, and a pressing member 73.

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

The second support member 72 has a support hole 642. The support shaft 632 of the lever 63 is inserted into the support hole 642. This allows the lever 63 to swing about the second axis relative to the support member 64. Note that the lever 63 may have a support hole, and the second support member 72 may have a support shaft that is inserted into the support hole.

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

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

When the developer cartridge 1 is inserted into the slot 90, as shown in FIG. 14 , the first contact surface 711 of the first support member 71 comes into contact with the first guide plate 91. Also, the second contact surface 721 of the second support member 72 comes into contact with the second guide plate 92. As a result, the first support member 71 and the second support member 72 approach each other in the third direction. Then, the length of the pressing member 73 in the third direction becomes shorter than its natural length. Then, a repulsive force in the third direction is generated in the pressing member 73. As a result, the first support member 71 is pressed against the first guide plate 91.
Furthermore, the second support member 72 is pressed against the second guide plate 92. As a result, the first support member 71 and the second support member 72 are positioned in the second and third directions between the first guide plate 91 and the second guide plate 92. In other words, the support member 64 is positioned with respect to the slot 90 in the second and third directions.

<6-4. Fourth Modified Example>
Fig. 15 is a partially exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge 1 of the fourth modified example. Fig. 16 is a partially exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge 1 with the cover 50 fixed in the fourth modified example.

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

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

Therefore, the lever 63 and the holder 62 can move in the second direction together with the boss 631 relative to the casing 10 and the cover 50. When the lever 63 and the holder 62 move in the second direction, the IC chip 61 having the electrical contact surface 611 also moves in the second direction together with the holder 62. In addition, one end of the lever 63 can move in the third direction together with the boss 631 relative to the casing 10 and the cover 50. When one end of the lever 63 moves in the third direction, the lever 63 swings about the second axis.

In the fourth modified example, the boss 631 of the lever 63 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the first direction.
A protrusion 631A is provided on one face of the rectangular parallelepiped shape that intersects with the third direction. The protrusion 631A is columnar and extends in the third direction, and has a cross shape in a plan view seen from the third direction.

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

The support member 64 includes a first support member 64A and a second support member 64B, as in the second modified example. The lever 63 is supported by the support member 64, which is formed by combining the first support member 64A and the second support member 64B. As for the procedure for assembling the support member 64, as in the second modified example, after the cover 50 is fixed to the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10, the first support member 64A is inserted from the second opening 52 of the cover 50. The second support member 64B is inserted from the third opening 52A.

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

Figure 17 shows the rotational movement of the development cartridge 1 of the fourth modified example.

After the developer cartridge 1 is inserted into the slot 90, the casing 10 and cover 50 rotate about the developer roller 30. The casing 10 is tilted in the third direction with respect to the slot 90 from the position when the developer cartridge 1 is inserted into the slot 90, as indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 17. At this time, the columnar projection 15 of the casing 10 comes into contact with a pressure member (not shown) of the drawer unit 9. The pressure member presses the columnar projection 15 toward the photosensitive drum 93. This presses the developer roller 30 against the photosensitive drum 93. That is, the developer roller 30 and the photosensitive drum 93 are maintained in a contact state in which they are in contact with each other.

When the casing 10 and cover 50 rotate about the developing roller 30, the length of the pressing member 74 in the third direction becomes shorter than its natural length. This causes a repulsive force in the third direction to be generated in the pressing member 74. As a result, when the boss 631 moves in the third direction, the lever 63 swings from the third position to the fourth position around the second axis. Accordingly, the electrical contact surface of the IC chip 61 swings from the retracted position to the advanced position. As a result, the electrical contact surface comes into contact with the electrical connector of the first guide plate 91.

Figure 18 shows the state when the separation operation is performed on the developer cartridge 1 of the fourth modified example.

During the separation operation, the casing 10, developing roller 30, and cover 50 of the developing cartridge 1 move in the second direction, as described in Figures 8 and 9. This causes the developing roller 30 and the photosensitive drum 93 to be separated from each other. Even at this time, the length of the pressing member 74 in the third direction is shorter than its natural length. And, due to the repulsive force of this pressing member 74 in the third direction, the electrical contact surface 611 maintains contact with the electrical connector of the first guide plate 91.

In other words, in either the contact state before the separation operation (the state in FIG. 17) or the separated state after the separation operation (the state in FIG. 18), the positions of the support member 64, lever 63, holder 62, and IC chip 61 relative to the drawer unit 9 do not change. That is, the lever 63 is maintained in the fourth position, and the electrical contact surface 611 is maintained in the advanced position. Then, the casing 10, the developing roller 30, and the cover 50 move in the second direction relative to the drawer unit 9, support member 64, lever 63, holder 62, and IC chip.

<6-5. Fifth Modified Example>
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the state of the developing cartridge 1 of the fifth modified example during a rotational movement.

In the above embodiment, the first inclined surface 643 of the support member 64 contacts the first holding surface 911 and the second inclined surface 644 contacts the second holding surface 921, thereby positioning the support member 64 relative to the drawer unit 9. In this fifth modified example, the structure for positioning the support member 64 differs from the above embodiment. In this example, the support member 64 has a first engagement portion 645 instead of the first inclined surface 643 and the second inclined surface 644.

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

19 , when the developer cartridge 1 is inserted into the slot 90, the tip 922 of the second guide plate 92 in the second direction is inserted into the recess 646. Then, the tip 922 of the second guide plate 92 in the second direction engages with the first engagement portion 645. As a result, the support member 64 is positioned relative to the drawer unit 9 in the second and third directions.
For example, if the first engagement portion 645 is a hook, the hook hooks onto the tip portion 922 of the second guide plate 92 in the second direction.

The support member 64 may have an engagement portion that engages with the tip of the first guide plate 91 in the second direction. The engagement portion may have the same shape as the first engagement portion 645 described above. The support member 64 may also have an engagement portion that engages with a location other than the first guide plate 91 and the second guide plate 92 of the drawer unit 9. The engagement portion may have the same shape as the first engagement portion 645 described above. In this way, the support member 64 may be positioned in the second and third directions by the first engagement portion that engages with a part of the image forming device.

<6-6. Sixth Modified Example>
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the state of the developing cartridge 1 of the sixth modified example during a rotational movement.

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

In the example of FIG. 20, in the lever 63, the length from the second axis to the boss 631, which is the pressed portion, is longer than the length from the second axis to the electrical contact surface 611. Therefore, the rotational movement can bring the electrical contact surface 611 into contact with the electrical connector 910 with a pressure stronger than the pressure that the boss 631 receives from the cover 50. Therefore, the conduction between the electrical contact surface 611 and the electrical connector 910 can be made more stable.

<6-7. Seventh Modified Example>
Figure 21 is a diagram showing a state in which the developer cartridge 1 of the seventh modified example is inserted, and Figure 22 is a diagram showing a state in which the developer cartridge 1 of the seventh modified example is rotated.

This seventh modified example differs from the above embodiment in that the lever 63 is fixed in the fourth position, and the structure is such that the electrical contact surface 611 is more effectively prevented from separating from the electrical connector 910 after the developer cartridge 1 is rotated. In this example, the support member 64 further includes a second engagement portion 647 in addition to the above embodiment.

21 and 22, the support member 64 has a second engagement portion 647. The second engagement portion 647 is located at the end of the support member 64 in the third direction that is closer to the boss 631. The second engagement portion 647 has a first engagement claw 647a and a second engagement claw 647b. The first engagement claw 647a and the second engagement claw 647b are flexible. In addition, the distance between the first engagement claw 647a and the second engagement claw 647b is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the boss 631.

During the rotational movement, as shown in FIG. 22, the lever 63 swings from the third position to the fourth position around the second axis. Accordingly, the electrical contact surface 611 of the IC chip 61 swings from the retracted position to the advanced position. As a result, the electrical contact surface 611 comes into contact with the electrical connector 910. At this time, the boss 631 moves in the third direction to be engaged with the second engagement portion 647. In other words, when the electrical contact surface 611 comes into contact with the electrical connector 910, the boss 631 moves in the third direction to be held by the second engagement portion 647. Specifically, the boss 631 is sandwiched between the first engagement claw 647a and the second engagement claw 647b. As a result, the lever 63 is fixed in the fourth position.

This can better prevent the electrical contact surface 611 from separating from the electrical connector 910 after the rotational movement.

<6-8. Eighth Modification>
Figure 23 is a diagram showing a state in which the developer cartridge 1 of the eighth modified example is inserted, and Figure 24 is a diagram showing a state in which the developer cartridge 1 of the eighth modified example is rotated.

This eighth modified example differs from the above embodiment in that the lever 63 is fixed in the fourth position, and is structured to further prevent the electrical contact surface 611 from separating from the electrical connector 910 after the development cartridge 1 is rotated. In this example, in addition to the above embodiment, the lever 63 further has a third engagement portion 635.

23 and 24, the lever 63 has a third engagement portion 635. The third engagement portion 635 is located at one end of the lever 63 in the second direction. The third engagement portion 635 has an engagement claw 635a that extends from one end of the lever 63 in the rotational direction centered on the second axis. The engagement claw 635a is flexible. As shown in FIG. 23, when the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the slot 90 of the drawer unit 9, the distance from the second axis to the engagement claw 635a is slightly smaller than the distance from the second axis to the tip of the second guide plate 92.

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

In this way, by providing a third engagement portion 635 at one end of the lever 63 that engages with a part of the image forming device, it is possible to further prevent the electrical contact surface 611 from separating from the electrical connector 910 after the rotational movement.

<6-9. Other Modifications>
In the above embodiment, the entire lever is a rigid body. However, a part or the whole of the lever may be an elastic body. Specifically, a part or the whole of the lever may be made of rubber or a resin having elasticity. If a part or the whole of the lever is made of an elastic body, the lever itself is elastically deformed. This makes it possible to make the contact between the electrical connector 910 and the electrical contact surface 611 more stable. In addition, the possibility of the lever being damaged by contact with other members is reduced. In addition, if resin is used as the material of the lever, a complex shape can be easily formed.

In addition, 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 contacts the electrical connector may be fixed to the outer surface of the holder, and the portion of the IC chip other than the electrical contact surface may be located elsewhere in the developer cartridge.

In the above embodiment, the insertion direction of the developer cartridge into the drawer unit and the second direction are the same. However, these directions may be different from each other.

The first direction and the second direction do not have to be perpendicular to each other. The second direction and the third direction do not have to be perpendicular to each other. The first direction and the third direction do not have to be perpendicular to each other.

In the above embodiment, the multiple gears in the gear section are engaged with each other by meshing of gear teeth. However, the multiple gears in the gear section may be engaged with each other by frictional force. For example, a friction member (e.g., rubber) may be provided on the outer periphery of the two gears that engage with each other, instead of multiple gear teeth.

The detailed shape of the developing cartridge may differ from the shapes shown in the drawings of this application. The elements appearing in the above embodiments and variations may be combined as appropriate to the extent that no contradictions arise.

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

Claims (9)

A developing cartridge that can be mounted in an image forming apparatus,
a developing roller rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction;
a housing that accommodates a developer therein, the housing having a first outer surface located at one end in the first direction and a second outer surface opposite to the one end in the first direction, the housing extending in the first direction between the first outer surface and the second outer surface, the developing roller being located at one end of the housing in the second direction;
a storage medium having an electrical contact surface;
a lever located at one end of the housing in the first direction and capable of swinging relative to the housing about a second axis extending in the first direction;
an end portion located farther from the developing roller than the second shaft in the second direction;
a second end portion located closer to the developing roller than the second shaft in the second direction;
a lever having a first outer surface and a second outer surface, the lever being positioned on an opposite side to the second outer surface with respect to the first outer surface in the first direction;
a holder for holding the electrical contact surface, the holder being located at the other end of the lever and swinging in accordance with the swinging of the lever;
Equipped with
The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the electrical contact surface is capable of swinging together with the holder relative to the housing in response to swinging of the lever . 2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1,
The developing cartridge further comprises a coil spring for swinging the lever. 3. The developing cartridge according to claim 2,
The lever has a protrusion for supporting the coil spring. 4. The developing cartridge according to claim 1,
a support shaft extending in the first direction along the second axis;
The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the lever is pivotable about the support shaft. 5. The developing cartridge according to claim 1,
When the developing cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, the housing has a front
While maintaining the electrical contact surface in contact with the electrical connector of the image forming apparatus,
A developing cartridge which is movable relative to the lever. 6. The developing cartridge according to claim 1,
a developing cart, the storage medium being capable of swinging together with the electrical contact surface;
ridge. 7. The developing cartridge according to claim 1,
The developing cartridge, wherein the second axis is parallel to the electrical contact surface. 8. The developing cartridge according to claim 1,
The lever is
an engaging portion that engages with a part of the image forming apparatus when the developing cartridge is inserted into the image forming apparatus;
Equipped with
The engagement portion is located at one end of the lever,
A developing cartridge, wherein the electrical contact surface is located at the other end of the lever. 9. The developing cartridge according to claim 1,
the lever has a through hole penetrating in the first direction,
the housing has a boss that protrudes from the first outer surface in the first direction and is inserted into the through hole, the housing comprising: a developing cartridge;

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