Developing cartridge

Abstract

A developer cartridge includes a housing, a developer roll rotatable about an axis extending in a first direction, a first agitator rotatable about the axis extending in the first direction, an agitator gear rotatable with the agitator, a first protrusion, a developer reservoir, a first electrical contact surface electrically connected to the developer reservoir, and a first retainer holding the first electrical contact surface. The developer roll is positioned at one end of the housing in a second direction that intersects the first direction. The agitator gear and the first retainer are positioned at one end of the housing in the first direction. The agitator gear includes a large diameter gear and a small diameter gear positioned between the large diameter gear and the housing in the first direction. The first protrusion projects outward in the first direction and is positioned between the housing and the large diameter gear in the first direction. The first retainer is positioned farther from the first protrusion than the large diameter gear in the first direction. The first retainer and the first electrical contact surface are movable relative to the housing.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a developing cartridge. BACKGROUND

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-174624 discloses a developing cartridge attachable to a drum cartridge. The developing cartridge includes a housing configured to accommodate a developer therein, a developing roller extending in a first direction, a stirrer configured to stir the developer, a stirrer gear, a protrusion, and a developing memory. The stirrer gear includes a large-diameter gear and a small-diameter gear. The large-diameter gear is positioned farther from one end of the housing than the small-diameter gear in the first direction. The protrusion is positioned between the one end of the housing and the large-diameter gear in the first direction to make the developing cartridge compact in the first direction. The developing memory is electrically connected to an electrical contact surface movable together with the housing.

[0003] It is conceivable that, in the developing cartridge attached to the image forming apparatus, in order to suppress the friction of the electrical contact surface against the electrical contact of the image forming apparatus, a holder holding the electrical contact surface and slidable with respect to the housing can be further provided in the above-described developing cartridge. However, in the above-described developing cartridge, how to arrange the holder is not considered. In view of the arrangement of the holder in the developing cartridge, it is necessary to position the holder not to be in contact with the stirrer gear in a state where the holder is moved with respect to the housing. SUMMARY

[0004] In view of the foregoing, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a developing cartridge having a compact size in a first direction and including a holder positioned not to be in contact with a stirrer gear in a state where the holder is moved with respect to a housing.

[0005] (1) To achieve the above and other objects, according to one aspect, the present disclosure provides a developing cartridge including a housing, a developing roller, an agitator, an agitator gear, a first protrusion, a developing reservoir, a first electrical contact surface, and a first retainer. The housing is configured to house a developer therein. The developing roller is rotatable about a developing roller axis extending in a first direction. The developing roller is positioned at one end of the housing in a second direction, the second direction intersecting the first direction. The agitator is rotatable about an agitator axis extending in the first direction. The agitator gear is positioned at one end of the housing in the first direction and is rotatable with the agitator about the agitator axis. The agitator gear includes a large-diameter gear and a small-diameter gear, the small-diameter gear having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the large-diameter gear. The small-diameter gear is positioned between the large-diameter gear and the housing in the first direction. The first protrusion protrudes outward in the first direction from the one end of the housing in the first direction. The first protrusion is positioned between the housing and the large-diameter gear in the first direction. The first protrusion is positioned away from the small-diameter gear in the second direction. The first protrusion is movable with the housing. The first electrical contact surface is electrically connected to the developing reservoir. The first retainer retains the first electrical contact surface and is positioned at the one end of the housing in the first direction. The first retainer is positioned farther from the first protrusion in the first direction than the large-diameter gear is from the first protrusion. The first retainer and the first electrical contact surface are movable relative to the housing.

[0006] (2) In the developing cartridge according to aspect (1), preferably, the first protrusion is configured to receive a pressing force directed in a direction from the other end of the housing in the second direction to the one end.

[0007] (3) Preferably, the developing cartridge according to aspect (1) or (2) can further include a gear cover covering at least a portion of the agitator gear, the gear cover being fixed to the one end of the housing in the first direction. In this developing cartridge, preferably, the first retainer is positioned farther from the large-diameter gear in the first direction than the gear cover is from the large-diameter gear.

[0008] (4) In the developing cartridge according to aspect (3), preferably, the first retainer is movable relative to the gear cover.

[0009] (5) Preferably, the developing cartridge according to aspect (4) can further include a first retainer cover retaining the first retainer and being fixed to an outer surface of the gear cover in the first direction. In this developing cartridge, preferably, the first retainer is movable relative to the gear cover and the first retainer cover.

[0010] (6) In the developing cartridge according to aspect (5), preferably, the first retainer cover has one of a first through-hole and a first recess; the first retainer has a first protrusion that protrudes outward in the first direction and is inserted into an inside of the one of the first through-hole and the first recess; and, according to movement of the first retainer in the third direction relative to the first retainer cover, the first protrusion moves in the third direction in the inside of the one of the first through-hole and the first recess, the third direction intersecting the first electrical contact surface.

[0011] (7) In the developing cartridge according to aspect (6), preferably, a size of the one of the first through-hole and the first recess in the third direction is greater than a size of the first protrusion in the third direction.

[0012] (8) In the developing cartridge according to aspect (6), preferably, the first retainer cover has one of a second through-hole and a second recess; the first retainer has a second protrusion that extends in the first direction and is inserted into an inside of the one of the second through-hole and the second recess; and, according to movement of the first retainer in the third direction relative to the first retainer cover, the second protrusion moves in the third direction in the inside of the one of the second through-hole and the second recess.

[0013] (9) In the developing cartridge according to aspect (8), preferably, a size of the one of the second through-hole and the second recess in the third direction is greater than a size of the second protrusion in the third direction.

[0014] (10) In the developing cartridge according to any one of aspects (5) to (9), preferably, the first retainer cover is fixed to the gear cover by a screw inserted from an inner surface of the gear cover.

[0015] (11) In the developing cartridge according to any one of aspects (1) to (10), preferably, the first retainer is movable in the first direction relative to the housing.

[0016] (12) In the developing cartridge according to any one of aspects (1) to (11), preferably, the first retainer is movable in the second direction relative to the housing.

[0017] (13) In the developing cartridge according to any one of aspects (1) to (12), preferably, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0018] (14) In the developing cartridge according to any one of aspects (1) to (13), preferably, the first retainer has a first outer surface positioned at one end portion of the first retainer in the third direction intersecting the first electrical contact surface, the first outer surface retaining the first electrical contact surface.

[0019] (15) In the developing cartridge according to aspect (14), preferably, the first holder has a first holder slot positioned at one end portion of the first holder in the third direction.

[0020] (16) In the developing cartridge according to aspect (15), preferably, the first holder slot is positioned between the first protrusion and the first outer surface in the first direction.

[0021] (17) In the developing cartridge according to aspect (15) or (16), preferably, the first holder has a holder protrusion positioned away from the first outer surface in the first direction; and the first holder slot is positioned between the first outer surface and the holder protrusion in the first direction.

[0022] (18) In the developing cartridge according to any one of aspects (14) to (17), preferably, the first holder is movable relative to the housing in the third direction.

[0023] (19) In the developing cartridge according to any one of aspects (14) to (18), preferably, the third direction intersects the first direction and the second direction.

[0024] (20) In the developing cartridge according to any one of aspects (14) to (19), preferably, the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0025] (21) In the developing cartridge according to any one of aspects (14) to (17), preferably, the first holder has a second outer surface at another end portion of the first holder in the third direction; and the first holder includes an elastic member positioned between the first outer surface and the second outer surface and configured to stretch and contract in the third direction between a first state and a second state.

[0026] (22) In the developing cartridge according to aspect (21), preferably, the elastic member is a spring.

[0027] (23) In the developing cartridge according to aspect (21) or (22), preferably, the second outer surface has a first curved surface having a convex shape.

[0028] (24) In the developing cartridge according to aspect (23), preferably, the second outer surface further has a second curved surface having a convex shape, the second curved surface being positioned away from the first curved surface in the first direction.

[0029] (25) In the developing cartridge according to aspect (24), preferably, the second outer surface has a second holder slot positioned between the first curved surface and the second curved surface in the first direction.

[0030] (26) In the developing cartridge according to any one of aspects (14) to (17), preferably, the developing memory is held at the first outer surface of the first holder.

[0031] (27) In the developing cartridge according to aspect (1) or (2), preferably, at least a portion of the first holder is positioned within a region obtained by light projection on the large-diameter gear in the first direction.

[0032] (28) Preferably, the developing cartridge according to any one of aspects (1) to (27) can further include a first handle positioned at the other end of the housing in the second direction. In this developing cartridge, preferably, the first holder is positioned between the developing roller and the first handle in the second direction.

[0033] (29) In the developing cartridge according to any one of aspects (1) to (28), preferably, the housing has a first outer surface positioned at one end of the housing in a third direction intersecting the first electrical contact surface, and a second outer surface positioned at the other end of the housing in the third direction; and the first holder is positioned between the first outer surface of the housing and the second outer surface of the housing in the third direction.

[0034] (30) In the developing cartridge according to any one of aspects (1) to (29), preferably, the first protrusion is positioned between the large-diameter gear and the housing in the first direction, the first protrusion being positioned farther from the stirrer axis than the small-diameter gear is from the stirrer axis.

[0035] With the configuration according to aspect (1), the first electrical contact surface held by the first holder is movable with respect to the housing. Thus, when the developing cartridge is attached to the main body, frictional contact of the first electrical contact surface with the electrical contact of the main body of the image forming apparatus can be suppressed. The stirrer gear includes a large-diameter gear and a small-diameter gear. The small-diameter gear is positioned between the housing and the large-diameter gear in the first direction. The first protrusion is positioned between the housing and the large-diameter gear in the first direction. The first holder is positioned farther from the first protrusion than the large-diameter gear is from the first protrusion in the first direction. That is, the first holder is positioned away from the stirrer gear in the first direction. Thus, in a state where the first holder is moved with respect to the housing, contact of the first holder with the stirrer gear can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] Specific features and advantages of the embodiments, as well as other objects, will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an image forming apparatus incorporating a developing cartridge according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge according to an embodiment;

[0039] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a central portion of a developing cartridge according to an embodiment;

[0040] Figure 4 is a bottom view showing one end portion of a developing cartridge in a first direction according to an embodiment;

[0041] Figure 5 is a side view of a developing cartridge in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0042] Figure 6 is a side view of a developing cartridge according to an embodiment, in which a gear cover is removed;

[0043] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a first holder of a developing cartridge according to an embodiment;

[0044] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the first holder taken along line VIII-VIII in Figure 7

[0045] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a drum cartridge to which a developing cartridge according to an embodiment is attachable;

[0046] Figure 10 is a side view of the drum cartridge of Figure 9

[0047] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a drum cartridge to which a developing cartridge according to an embodiment is attached;

[0048] Figure 12 is a side view of a drum cartridge to which a developing cartridge according to an embodiment is attached;

[0049] Figure 13 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus incorporating the drum cartridge to which a developing cartridge according to an embodiment is attached;

[0050] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a first guide frame of an image forming apparatus;

[0051] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a second guide frame of an image forming apparatus;

[0052] Figures 16A to 16C is a view showing an attachment process of a processing unit (a drum cartridge to which a developing cartridge according to an embodiment is attached) to a main frame of an image forming apparatus; and

[0053] Figures 17A to 17C ​​is a view showing a detached processing of a processing unit from a main housing of an image forming apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the configuration and components described in the embodiment are merely examples, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment. The size and number of components in the drawings can be modified as necessary for convenience of understanding.

[0055] <IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS 100>

[0056] Figure 1 is a view showing an overview of an image forming apparatus 100 incorporating a developing cartridge 20 according to the embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 is configured to form an image on a print medium 9 such as a print sheet. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a main body 10, the developing cartridge 20, and a drum cartridge 50. The developing cartridge 20 is attachable to the drum cartridge 50. In the following description, a unit composed of the drum cartridge 50 and the developing cartridge 20 attached thereto will be referred to as a processing unit U1. The processing unit U1 is attachable to the main body 10. The main body 10 includes a main frame 11 and a main body substrate 13.

[0057] In the following description, the direction of the rotation axis of the developing roller 22 (developing roller axis A22) in the developing cartridge 20 will be referred to as a "first direction", the direction in which the developing roller 22 and the first agitator 24 (see Figure 3 ) are arranged will be referred to as a "second direction", and the direction intersecting the first electrical contact surface 33 of the developing cartridge 20 will be referred to as a "third direction". The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction intersect each other, and preferably, are orthogonal to each other.

[0058] <MAIN FRAME 11>

[0059] As shown in Figure 1 , the main frame 11 has a cartridge-like shape and has an opening 110. The opening 110 is positioned at the other end of the main frame 11 in the second direction. The main frame 11 includes a cover 113. The cover 113 is positioned at the other end portion of the main frame 11 in the second direction. The main frame 11 further includes a hinge 115 at one end of the cover 113 at the other end of the cover 113 in the third direction. The cover 113 is movable around the hinge 115 between a closed position in which the cover 113 closes the opening 110 and an open position in which the cover 113 opens the opening 110. In a state in which the opening 110 is open, i.e., in a state in which the cover 113 is in the open position, the processing unit U1 is attachable to the main frame 11.

[0060] <MAIN BODY SUBSTRATE 13>

[0061] As shown in Figure 1As shown, the main body substrate 13 is provided in the main frame 11. The main body substrate 13 includes a processor configured to perform a printing process, a main body memory in which various information is stored, and the like.

[0062] The main frame 11 further includes a guide frame 70. The guide frame 70 includes the main body electrical contact 15 and the main body electrical contact 17. The guide frame 70 will be described later in more detail.

[0063] <Main body electrical contact 15 and main body electrical contact 17>

[0064] The main body electrical contact 17 is positioned closer to the opening 110 in the second direction than the main body electrical contact 15 is to the opening 110. In other words, the main body electrical contact 15 is positioned farther from the opening 110 in the second direction than the main body electrical contact 17 is from the opening 110. The main body substrate 13 is electrically connected to both the main body electrical contact 15 and the main body electrical contact 17.

[0065] In a state where the processing unit U1 is attached to the main frame 11, the main body electrical contact 15 is in contact with a first electrical contact surface 33 (described later) of the developing cartridge 20, and the main body electrical contact 17 is in contact with a second electrical contact surface 553 (described later) of the drum cartridge 50. In a case where the main body electrical contact 15 is electrically connected to the first electrical contact surface 33, the main body electrical contact 17 is capable of being electrically connected to the second electrical contact surface 553.

[0066] In a state where the processing unit U1 is attached to the main body 10, a developing substrate 32 (described later) of the developing cartridge 20 is electrically connected to the main body substrate 13 through the main body electrical contact 15; and a drum substrate 552 (described later) of the drum cartridge 50 is electrically connected to the main body substrate 13 through the main body electrical contact 17.

[0067] <Developing cartridge 20>

[0068] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge 20. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a central portion of the developing cartridge 20. Figure 4 is a bottom view showing one end portion of the developing cartridge 20 in the first direction. Figure 5 is a side view of the developing cartridge 20. Figure 6 is a side view of the developing cartridge 20, in which the gear cover 28 is removed. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the first holder 34 in the developing cartridge 20. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the first holder 34 taken along Figure 7

[0069] Figure 2 and Figure 3 ​​As shown, the developing cartridge 20 includes a housing 21, a developing roller 22, a supply roller 23, a first agitator 24, and a second agitator 25.

[0070] <The housing 21>

[0071] The housing 21 is configured to house a developer such as toner therein. The housing 21 extends in a first direction, and has a first outer surface 215 (see Figure 2 ) and a second outer surface 216 (see Figure 1 and 4 ). The first outer surface 215 is positioned at one end of the housing 21 in a third direction, and the second outer surface 216 is positioned at the other end of the housing 21 in the third direction. The developing cartridge 20 further includes a first handle 213, which is positioned at the other end of the housing 21 in a second direction.

[0072] <The developing roller 22>

[0073] In a state where the developing cartridge 20 is attached to the main frame 11 (see Figure 1 ), the developing roller 22 is rotatable about a developing roller axis A22 (see Figure 5 and Figure 6 ) extending in the first direction. The developing roller 22 is positioned at one end of the housing 21 in the second direction. In a state where the developing cartridge 20 is attached to the main frame 11 (see Figure 1 ) of the image forming apparatus 100, the developing roller 22 supplies the developer in the housing 21 to a surface of the photosensitive drum 51 (described later) of the drum cartridge 50.

[0074] As shown in Figure 3 , the developing roller 22 includes a developing roller body 221 and a developing roller shaft 222. The developing roller body 221 has a hollow cylindrical shape extending in the first direction. The developing roller body 221 is made of an electrically conductive rubber.

[0075] The developing roller shaft 222 has a solid cylindrical shape extending along the developing roller axis A22. The developing roller shaft 222 is made of a metal. The developing roller shaft 222 is positioned at a radially inner side of the developing roller body 221, i.e., inside the developing roller body 221. The developing roller shaft 222 penetrates the developing roller body 221 in the first direction. Note that the developing roller shaft 222 does not have to penetrate the developing roller body 221 in the first direction. Instead, one of two developing roller shafts 222 can be provided at each end of the developing roller body 221 in the first direction. The developing roller 22 is rotatable about the developing roller axis A22 of the developing roller shaft 222.

[0076] <The supply roller 23>

[0077] The supply roller 23 is positioned inside the housing 21. The supply roller 23 is in contact with the developing roller 22 and is configured to supply the developer in the housing 21 to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 22. The supply roller 23 is rotatable about a supply roller axis extending in the first direction.

[0078] As shown in Figure 3 , the supply roller 23 includes a supply roller body 231 and a supply roller shaft 232. The supply roller body 231 has a hollow cylindrical shape extending in the first direction. The supply roller body 231 is made of an electrically conductive sponge. The supply roller body 231 is in contact with the developing roller body 221.

[0079] <First agitator 24>

[0080] The first agitator 24 is configured to agitate the developer in the housing 21. As shown in Figure 3 , the first agitator 24 is arranged inside the housing 21. The first agitator 24 is rotatable about an agitator axis A24 extending in the first direction.

[0081] As shown in Figure 3 , the first agitator 24 includes an agitator shaft 241 and a blade 243. The agitator shaft 241 extends along the agitator axis A24. The blade 243 is coupled to the agitator shaft 241. The agitator shaft 241 and the blade 243 are rotatable about the agitator axis A24. Rotation of the blade 243 causes agitation of the developer in the housing 21. The blade 243 is made of resin, for example, or is in the form of a film.

[0082] <Second agitator 25>

[0083] The second agitator 25 is configured to agitate the developer in the housing 21. As shown in Figure 3 , the second agitator 25 is positioned in the housing 21. The second agitator 25 is positioned on the other side of the first agitator 24 in the second direction. The second agitator 25 is rotatable about an agitator axis A25 extending in the first direction. The second agitator 25 includes an agitator shaft 251 and a blade 253. The agitator shaft 251 extends along the agitator axis A25. The blade 253 is coupled to the agitator shaft 251. The agitator shaft 251 and the blade 253 are rotatable about the agitator axis A25. Rotation of the blade 253 causes agitation of the developer in the housing 21. The blade 253 is made of resin, for example, or is in the form of a film.

[0084] As shown in Figures 4 to 6 , the developing cartridge 20 further includes a developing coupler 26, a developing roller gear 223, a supply roller gear 233, a first idler gear 271, a second idler gear 272, a third idler gear 273, a first agitator gear 245, a second agitator gear 255, a gear cover 28, and a developing memory unit 30.

[0085] As Figure 6 shown, the developing coupler 26 is positioned at one end of the housing 21 in the first direction. The developing coupler 26 is positioned between the developing roller 22 and the first agitator 24 in the second direction. The developing coupler 26 is rotatable about a coupler axis A26 extending in the first direction. The developing coupler 26 includes a coupler portion 261 and a coupler gear 262. The coupler portion 261 and the coupler gear 262 can be integrally formed with each other, or can be separately formed from each other. The coupler portion 261 has a coupler hole recessed inward in the first direction.

[0086] In a state where the developing cartridge 20 is attached to the main frame 11 (see Figure 1 ), the coupler portion 261 is configured to receive a driving force from the image forming apparatus 100. The coupler portion 261 is engageable with a body coupler (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 100 to rotate about the coupler axis A26 together with the body coupler. The coupler portion 261 has a cylindrical shape extending in the first direction. As Figure 6 shown, the coupler gear 262 is positioned at one end of the housing 21 in the first direction. The coupler gear 262 is rotatable together with the coupler portion 261.

[0087] <Developing roller gear 223>

[0088] As Figure 6 shown, the developing roller gear 223 is positioned at one end of the housing 21 in the first direction. The developing roller gear 223 is coupled to the developing roller shaft 222 and is rotatable together with the developing roller shaft 222. The developing roller gear 223 is in mesh with the coupler gear 262.

[0089] <Supply roller gear 233>

[0090] As Figure 6 shown, the supply roller gear 233 is positioned at one end of the housing 21 in the first direction. The supply roller gear 233 is coupled to the supply roller shaft 232 and is rotatable together with the supply roller shaft 232. The supply roller gear 233 is in mesh with the coupler gear 262.

[0091] <First idler gear 271>

[0092] As Figure 6 shown, the first idler gear 271 is positioned at one end of the housing 21 in the first direction. The first idler gear 271 is positioned between the second idler gear 272 and the housing 21 in the first direction. The first idler gear 271 is rotatable about an idler axis A27 extending in the first direction. The first idler gear 271 is in mesh with the coupler gear 262.

[0093] <Second idler gear 272>

[0094] As Figure 6 shown, the second idler gear 272 is positioned at one end of the housing 21 in the first direction. The second idler gear 272 is positioned farther from the housing 21 in the first direction than the first idler gear 271 is from the housing 21. The second idler gear 272 is positioned opposite the one end of the housing 21 relative to the first idler gear 271 in the first direction. The diameter of the second idler gear 272 is smaller than the diameter of the first idler gear 271. The second idler gear 272 is rotatable with the first idler gear 271 about the idler axis A27. The first idler gear 271 and the second idler gear 272 are rotatable integrally with each other. Incidentally, the first idler gear 271 and the second idler gear 272 can be integrally formed with each other, or can be separately formed from each other.

[0095] <Third idler gear 273>

[0096] As Figure 6 shown, the third idler gear 273 is positioned at one end of the housing 21 in the first direction. The third idler gear 273 is positioned between the small-diameter gear 249 (described later) of the first whisker gear 245 and the second whisker gear 255 in the second direction. The third idler gear 273 is rotatable about an idler axis A273. The third idler gear 273 is in mesh with the small-diameter gear 249 of the first whisker gear 245.

[0097] <First whisker gear 245>

[0098] As Figure 4 shown, the first whisker gear 245 is positioned at one end of the housing 21 in the first direction. The first whisker gear 245 is coupled to the whisker shaft 241 of the first whisker 24. The whisker gear 245 is rotatable with the first whisker 24 about a whisker axis A24.

[0099] The first whisker gear 245 includes a large-diameter gear 247 and a small-diameter gear 249 (see Figure 4 ). The diameter of the small-diameter gear 249 is smaller than the diameter of the large-diameter gear 247. As Figure 6 shown, the small-diameter gear 249 is interposed between the large-diameter gear 247 and the housing 21 in the first direction. In other words, the large-diameter gear 247 is positioned opposite the housing 21 relative to the small-diameter gear 249 in the first direction.

[0100] <Second whisker gear 255>

[0101] As Figure 4As shown, the second agitator gear 255 is positioned at one end of the housing 21 in the first direction. The second agitator gear 255 is connected to the agitator shaft 251 of the second agitator 25. The agitator gear 255 is rotatable together with the second agitator 25 about the agitator axis A25. The second agitator gear 255 is engaged with the third idler gear 273.

[0102] <Sudden Rise 211>

[0103] The housing 21 also includes a protrusion 211. For example... Figure 6 and Figure 4 As shown, protrusion 211 is positioned at one end of housing 21 in a first direction. Protrusion 211 protrudes outward from one end of housing 21 in the first direction. Protrusion 211 is positioned between housing 21 and large-diameter gear 247 in the first direction. Protrusion 211 is separate from small-diameter gear 249 of first stirrer gear 245. Protrusion 211 is positioned away from small-diameter gear 249 in a second direction. Protrusion 211 is movable with housing 21. Protrusion 211 can be integrally formed with housing 21 or can be formed separately from housing 21. Protrusion 211 is positioned larger than small-diameter gear 249 (see...). Figure 9 The protrusion 211 is positioned further away from the agitator axis A24 than the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter gear 249. Specifically, the protrusion 211 is located radially outside the small-diameter gear 249. The protrusion 211 is separate from the first agitator gear 245.

[0104] The protrusion 211 is configured to receive a pushing force in a second direction from one end of the housing 21 to the other. Therefore, when the developing cartridge 20 is mounted on the drum housing 50, the protrusion 211 is pushed in a second direction through the drum housing 50 toward the photosensitive drum 51 (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0105] <Sudden Rise 212>

[0106] The housing 21 also includes a protrusion 212. For example... Figure 6 and Figure 4 As shown, protrusion 212 protrudes outward from one end of housing 21 in a first direction. Protrusion 212 is positioned between housing 21 and large-diameter gear 247 in the first direction. Protrusion 212 is spaced apart from small-diameter gear 249 in a second direction. Protrusion 212 is movable with housing 21. Protrusion 212 can be integral with housing 21 or can be a separate component from housing 21. Protrusion 212 is positioned at a distance from the stirrer axis A24 greater than that of small-diameter gear 249 (see...). Figure 2 It is further away from the axis A24 of the stirrer.

[0107] The protrusion 212 is provided to prevent the development cartridge 20 from being erroneously attached to a drum cartridge that is not compatible with the development cartridge 20. That is, in a case where the development cartridge 20 is attached to the drum cartridge 50 that is compatible with the development cartridge 20, the protrusion 212 fits with a recess (not shown) of the drum cartridge 50. On the other hand, in a case where the development cartridge 20 is to be attached to an incompatible drum cartridge, the protrusion 212 abuts a portion of the drum cartridge, thereby preventing the development cartridge 20 from being attached to the incompatible drum cartridge.

[0108] <GEAR COVER 28>

[0109] As shown in Figure 5 and Figure 4 , the gear cover 28 covers the coupler gear 262, the supply roller gear 233, the first idler gear 271, the second idler gear 272, the third idler gear 273, the first agitator gear 245, and the second agitator gear 255. Incidentally, the gear cover 28 does not need to cover the entirety of each gear, but can cover a portion of each gear. The gear cover 28 is fixed to an end of the housing 21 in the first direction.

[0110] <DEVELOPMENT MEMORY UNIT 30>

[0111] The development memory unit 30 includes a development memory 31, a development substrate 32, a first electrical contact surface 33, a first retainer 34, and a first retainer cover 35. As shown in Figure 1 , the development memory unit 30 is positioned at an end of the gear cover 28 in the first direction.

[0112] <DEVELOPMENT MEMORY 31>

[0113] The development memory 31 stores various information about the development cartridge 20 therein, such as ID information and life information. The ID information is information for identifying individual development cartridges 20, and specifically, is a serial number. The life information includes, for example, a cumulative number of revolutions of the development roller 22, a cumulative number of print sheets using the development roller 22, and a cumulative number of dots.

[0114] The development memory 31 is positioned at the other end of the development substrate 32 in the third direction. The development substrate 32 is positioned at an end of the first retainer 34 in the third direction. The development substrate 32 is a plate-like member.

[0115] <FIRST ELECTRICAL CONTACT SURFACE 33>

[0116] The first electrical contact surface 33 is positioned at an end of the development substrate 32 in the third direction. The first electrical contact surface 33 includes three thin plate-like electrodes. The first electrical contact surface 33 is electrically connected with the development memory 31. As shown in Figure 4As shown, with the developing cartridge 20 attached to the main frame 11, the first electrical contact surface 33 is parallel to the second direction, and the second direction intersects with the third direction. The first electrical contact surface 33 is movable upward relative to the housing 21 in the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction.

[0117] <First Holder 34>

[0118] like Figure 2 As shown, the first retainer 34 is positioned at one end of the housing 21 in a first direction. The first retainer 34 is positioned further away from protrusions 211 and 222 in the first direction than the large-diameter gear 247 is. The first retainer 34 is positioned further away from the large-diameter gear 247 in the first direction than the gear cover 28 is. The first retainer 34 is positioned further away from the housing 21 in the first direction than the first agitator gear 245 is.

[0119] like Figure 6 As shown, the first holder 34 is positioned in the second direction between the developing roller 22 and the first handle 213. Figure 5 As shown, at least a portion of the first retainer 34 is arranged within the area obtained by light projection onto the large-diameter gear 247 in a first direction. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the first retainer 34 is positioned in the third direction between the first outer surface 215 and the second outer surface 216 of the housing 21.

[0120] The first holder 34 holds the developing substrate 32 to hold the first electrical contact surface 33. Specifically, as shown... Figure 4 As shown, the first holder 34 has a first outer surface 413, which forms one end of the first holder 34 in a third-direction orientation. The first outer surface 413 has a recessed shape to allow the developing substrate 32 to be placed therein. The developing substrate 32 is fixed to the first outer surface 413, for example, by an adhesive. In this way, the first outer surface 413 can hold the developing substrate 32. That is, the first outer surface 413 can hold the developing memory 31 and the first electrical contact surface 33 by holding the developing substrate 32.

[0121] <First retainer cover 35>

[0122] The first retainer cover 35 is positioned at one end of the gear cover 28 in the first direction. The first retainer cover 35 is positioned further from one end of the housing in the first direction than the first stirrer gear 245 is positioned further from one end of the housing in the first direction. Figure 4As shown. The first retainer cover 35 has a generally hollow rectangular columnar shape and cooperates with the gear cover 28 to surround the first retainer 34. Specifically, the first retainer cover 35 is a generally U-shaped member to cover one end portion of the first retainer 34 in a first direction, one end portion of the first retainer 34 in a second direction, and the other end portion of the first retainer 34 in the second direction. The first retainer cover 35 holds the first retainer 34. The first retainer 34 is movable upward relative to the first retainer cover 35 in the first direction, the second direction, and a third direction.

[0123] like Figure 4 As shown, the first retainer cover 35 includes a first plate portion 351. The first plate portion 351 is positioned spaced apart from the gear cover 28 on one side facing a first direction. The first retainer 34 is positioned in the first direction between the first plate portion 351 and the gear cover 28.

[0124] like Figure 4 As shown, the first retainer cover 35 is secured to the gear cover 28 by two screws 353, which are inserted through the inner surface of the gear cover 285. The two screws 353 are positioned away from each other in a second direction to secure the first retainer cover 35 to the gear cover 28. Incidentally, the number of screws 353 is arbitrary; that is, a single screw 353 or no fewer than three screws 353 may be used to secure the first retainer cover 35 to the gear cover 28.

[0125] like Figure 5 and Figure 4 As shown, the first retainer cover 35 has a through hole 354 formed in the first plate portion 351. The through hole 354 penetrates the first plate portion 351 in a first direction, and extends obliquely to the third direction as it extends toward one side toward the second direction. Figure 4 As shown, the gear cover 28 has through holes 355 and 356. Each of the through holes 355 and 356 may have the same or different shape as through hole 354.

[0126] The first retainer 34 is movable relative to the housing 21. The first electrical contact surface 33 held by the first retainer 34 is also movable relative to the housing 21. The first retainer 34 is also movable relative to the gear cover 28.

[0127] like Figure 7 and Figure 7 As shown, the first retainer 34 includes a first boss 411, a second boss 412, and a third boss 417 extending in a first direction. Figure 5As shown, the first boss 411 is positioned at one end of the first holder 34 in the first direction. The second boss 412 and the third boss 417 are each positioned at the other end of the first holder 34 in the first direction. The third boss 417 is positioned apart from the second boss 412 toward one side in the third direction. The first boss 411 is positioned between the second boss 412 and the third boss 417 in the third direction.

[0128] The first boss 411 is loosely inserted through the through-hole 354, the second boss 412 is loosely inserted through the through-hole 355, and the third boss 417 is loosely inserted through the through-hole 356. As shown, the through-hole 354 has a dimension D1 in the third direction that is larger than a dimension D2 of the first boss 411. When the first holder 34 moves in the third direction relative to the first holder cover 35, the first boss 411 moves inside the through-hole 354 in the third direction. Further, the through-hole 355 has a dimension in the third direction that is larger than a dimension of the second boss 412. When the first holder 34 moves in the third direction relative to the first holder cover 35, the second boss 412 moves inside the through-hole 355 in the third direction. Figure 5

[0129] As shown, the through-hole 354 also extends in the second direction. The through-hole 354 has a dimension D3 in the second direction that is larger than a dimension D4 of the first boss 411. When the first holder 34 moves in the second direction relative to the first holder cover 35, the first boss 411 moves inside the through-hole 354 in the second direction. Thus, the first holder 34 is able to move in the second direction relative to the housing 21. Figure 7

[0130] Note that, instead of the through-hole 354, a recess can be employed to receive an end portion of the first boss 411 therein. In the same manner, a recess for receiving an end portion of the second boss 412 can be employed instead of the through-hole 355; and a recess for receiving an end portion of the third boss 417 can be employed instead of the through-hole 356.

[0131] Further, the first holder cover 35 can include a second plate portion arranged between the first holder 34 and the gear cover 28 in the first direction, and the second boss 412 and the third boss 417 can be inserted into two through-holes formed in the second plate-like portion, respectively. In this case, the two through-holes in the second plate portion can overlap the through-hole 355 and the through-hole 356 of the gear cover 28 in the first direction, respectively. Since the first holder cover 35 of the present embodiment does not include the second plate portion, the first holder cover 35 can be made more compact than otherwise.

[0132] <Holder slot 414>

[0133] As shown, the through-hole 354 also extends in the second direction. The through-hole 354 has a dimension D3 in the second direction that is larger than a dimension D4 of the first boss 411. When the first holder 34 moves in the second direction relative to the first holder cover 35, the first boss 411 moves inside the through-hole 354 in the second direction. Thus, the first holder 34 is able to move in the second direction relative to the housing 21. Figure 7 ​​As shown, the first retainer 34 further has a retainer groove 414. The retainer groove 414 is formed at one end of the first retainer 34 in a third direction. The retainer groove 414 is positioned in a first direction between the protrusion 211 and the first outer surface 413, and is also positioned in a first direction between the protrusion 212 and the first outer surface 413.

[0134] like Figure 7 As shown, the first retainer 34 also includes a retainer protrusion 415, which is positioned away from the first outer surface 413 in a first direction. A retainer groove 414 is positioned in the first direction between the first outer surface 413 and the retainer protrusion 415.

[0135] Specifically, such as Figure 8 and Figure 7 As shown, the first retainer 34 includes a first member 41 and a second member 43. The second member 43 is positioned on the opposite side of the first member 41 in the third direction. A first outer surface 413 forms one end of the first member 41 in the third direction. The first member 41 also has a sleeve portion 416 at the other end portion in the third direction. The sleeve portion 416 has a hollow prism shape extending in the third direction.

[0136] like Figure 8 and Figure 8 As shown, the second component 43 includes a main body portion 431, a claw portion 432, a protruding portion 433, and a protruding portion 434. (As...) Figure 7 As shown, the main body portion 431 has a hollow prism shape extending in a third direction, and has a closed bottom end at the other end portion in the third direction. The main body portion 431 is inserted into the sleeve portion 416. The second member 43 is movable relative to the first member 41 in the third direction. Figure 7 As shown, the claw portion 432 has a pointed portion that inserts into a through hole in the sleeve portion 416 of the first member 41. The engagement of the claw portion 432 with the through hole serves to prevent the second member 43 from falling off the first member 41.

[0137] Each of the protrusions 433 and 434 protrudes from the other end of the main body portion 431 in a third-direction direction toward the other side in a third-direction direction. Protrusion 434 is positioned away from protrusion 433 toward the other side in a first direction. In other words, protrusion 434 is positioned in the first direction closer to one end of the housing 21 in the first direction than protrusion 433 to one end of the housing 21 in the first direction. Protrusion 434 is positioned in the first direction closer to gear cover 28 than protrusion 433 to gear cover 28.

[0138] The protruding portion 433 has a curved surface 436, and the protruding portion 434 has a curved surface 437. The curved surface 437 is positioned away from the curved surface 436 toward the other side in the first direction. In other words, the curved surface 437 is positioned closer to the end of the housing 21 than the curved surface 436 in the first direction. The curved surface 437 is positioned closer to the gear cover 28 than the curved surface 436 in the first direction.

[0139] The curved surface 436 and the curved surface 437 constitute a second outer surface 435, which is positioned at the other end of the first retainer 34 in the third direction. That is, the second outer surface 435 constitutes the other end of the second member 43 in the third direction. The second outer surface 435 has a retainer groove 438. The retainer groove 438 is provided between the curved surface 436 and the curved surface 437 in the first direction.

[0140] <elastic member 45>

[0141] As shown in Figure 8 and Figure 8 , the first retainer 34 further includes an elastic member 45. The elastic member 45 is a coil spring positioned between the first outer surface 413 and the second outer surface 435 in the third direction. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1 , the elastic member 45 is positioned inside the sleeve portion 416 of the first member 41 and inside the main body portion 431 of the second member 43. The elastic member 45 has one end in contact with the first member 41 in the third direction, and the other end in contact with the second member 43 in the third direction. With this structure, the elastic member 45 is able to stretch and contract in the third direction between a first state and a second state.

[0142] When the first retainer 34 is compressed in the third direction, the elastic member 45 is compressed in the third direction to generate an elastic force (restoring force). The elastic member 45 urges the second member 43 to move in the third direction away from the first member 41 (toward the other side) due to the elastic force. Thus, the first retainer 34 is able to stretch and contract in the third direction by the elastic force of the elastic member 45.

[0143] As shown in Figure 9 , in a state where the processing unit U1 is attached to the main frame 11, the first retainer 34 can ensure contact of the first electrical contact surface 33 with the main body electrical contact 15 of the main body 10 by the elastic force of the elastic member 45.

[0144] As described above, the protrusion 211 is movable together with the case 21. Thus, the case 21 and the developing roller 22 can be properly fixed in place due to the protrusion 211 receiving the pressure. Further, the first holder 34 and the first electric contact surface 33 are movable with respect to the case 21. Thus, the first electric contact surface 33 can be reliably arranged in contact with the main body electric contact 15 regardless of the position of the case 21 and the developing roller 22.

[0145] Since the first holder 34 is movable with respect to the case 21, the first electric contact surface 33 held by the first holder 34 is also movable with respect to the case 21. This configuration can inhibit the first electric contact surface 33 from rubbing against the main body electric contact 15 during the attachment process of the developing cartridge 20 to the main body 10.

[0146] The first stirrer gear 245 includes a large-diameter gear 247 and a small-diameter gear 249. The small-diameter gear 249 is positioned in the first direction between the case 21 and the large-diameter gear 247. The protrusion 211 is positioned in the first direction between the case 21 and the large-diameter gear 247. The first holder 34 is positioned farther from the protrusion 211 than the large-diameter gear 247 is from the protrusion 211. That is, the first holder 34 is positioned away from the first stirrer gear 245 in the first direction. Thus, when the first holder 34 moves with respect to the case 21, unintended contact of the first holder 34 with the first stirrer gear 245 can be inhibited.

[0147] <Drum cartridge 50>

[0148] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the drum cartridge 50. Figure 11 is a side view of the drum cartridge 50. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the drum cartridge 50 to which the developing cartridge 20 is attached. Figure 1 is a side view of the drum cartridge 50 to which the developing cartridge 20 is attached.

[0149] The drum cartridge 50 is attachable to the main frame 11 (see Figure 12 ). Specifically, the drum cartridge 50 is attachable to the main frame 11 in a state where the developing cartridge 20 is attached to the drum cartridge 50. The drum cartridge 50 includes a photosensitive drum 51, a drum frame 53, and a drum memory unit 55.

[0150] As Figure 9As shown, with the developing cartridge 20 attached to the drum cartridge 50, the photosensitive drum 51 is in contact with the developing roller 22. The photosensitive drum 51 is rotatable about a drum axis A51 extending in a first direction. The photosensitive drum 51 includes a drum body 511 and a drum shaft 513. The drum body 511 has a hollow cylindrical shape extending in the first direction. The drum shaft 513 has a solid cylindrical shape extending along the drum axis A51. The drum shaft 513 is made of metal. The drum shaft 513 is positioned radially inside the drum body 511, i.e., inside the drum body 511, to penetrate the drum body 511 in the first direction. Incidentally, the drum shaft 513 may not penetrate the drum body 511 in the first direction. For example, two drum shafts 513 may be attached to corresponding ends of the drum body 511 in the first direction. The photosensitive drum 51 is rotatable about the axis of the drum shaft 513 (drum axis A51).

[0151] The drum frame 53 rotatably supports the photosensitive drum 51. The photosensitive drum 51 is positioned at one end of the drum frame 53 in the second direction closer to it than at the other end of the drum frame 53 in the second direction. Figure 11 As shown, the drum frame 53 includes a first side plate 531 and a second side plate 532. The first side plate 531 forms one end of the drum frame 53 in a first direction, and the second side plate 532 forms the other end of the drum frame 53 in the first direction. The photosensitive drum 51 is held in position between the first side plate 531 and the second side plate 532 by the drum frame 53. Each of the first side plate 531 and the second side plate 532 extends in a second direction.

[0152] like Figure 1 As shown, with the developing cartridge 20 attached to the drum cartridge 50, the first side plate 531 is positioned outside the gear cover 28 in a first direction. In other words, with the developing cartridge 20 attached to the drum cartridge 50, the first side plate 531 is positioned further away from one end of the housing 21 in the first direction than the gear cover 28 is from one end of the housing 21. The first side plate 531 covers at least a portion of the gear cover 28.

[0153] <Drum Memory Unit 55>

[0154] The drum memory unit 55 is positioned at one end of the drum frame 53 in a first direction. The drum memory unit 55 includes a drum memory 551, a drum base plate 552, a second electrical contact surface 553, a second retainer 554, and a second retainer cover 555.

[0155] The drum memory unit 55 is positioned outside the drum frame 53. Specifically, the drum memory unit 55 is positioned outside the first side plate 531 of the drum frame 53 in a first direction. That is, the drum base plate 552, the drum memory 551, the second electrical contact surface 553, the second retainer 554, and the second retainer cover 555 are positioned outside the drum frame 53 in the first direction.

[0156] <drum memory 551>

[0157] The drum memory 551 stores therein various information about the drum cartridge 50. For example, the drum memory 551 stores therein ID information and life information. The ID information is identification information for identifying the respective drum cartridges 50, and specifically, is a serial number. The life information includes, for example, a cumulative number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 51, and a cumulative number of print sheets on which the photosensitive drum 51 is used.

[0158] The drum memory 551 is positioned at the other end of the drum substrate 552 in the third direction. The drum substrate 552 is positioned at one end of the second holder 554 in the third direction. The drum substrate 552 is a plate-like member.

[0159] <second electrical contact surface 553>

[0160] The second electrical contact surface 553 is positioned at one end of the drum substrate 552 in the third direction. The second electrical contact surface 553 includes four thin plate-like electrodes. The second electrical contact surface 553 is electrically connected to the drum memory 551. As Figure 9 shown, in a state where the drum cartridge 50 is attached to the main frame 11, the second electrical contact surface 553 extends in parallel to the second direction, which intersects the third direction. The second electrical contact surface 553 is movable with respect to the drum frame 53 in the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction.

[0161] <second holder 554>

[0162] As Figure 10 shown, the second holder 554 is positioned away from one end of the drum frame 53 in the first direction. The second holder 554 is movable with respect to the drum frame 53 in the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction. In a state where the developing cartridge 20 is attached to the drum cartridge 50, the second holder 554 is movable with respect to the housing 21 of the developing cartridge 20 in the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction.

[0163] The second holder 554 is telescopic in the third direction. The second holder 554 has the same telescopic configuration as that of the first holder 34. Specifically, as Figure 9 shown, the second holder 554 includes the first member 61 and the second member 63. The second member 63 is positioned at the other side of the first member 61 in the third direction. Specifically, the first member 61 includes a sleeve portion 611, which constitutes one end of the first member 61 in the third direction. The sleeve portion 611 has a hollow prismatic shape extending in the third direction. The second member 63 has one end portion inserted into the sleeve portion 611 in the third direction.

[0164] The second member 63 is movable relative to the first member 61 in a third-order upward direction. The second member 63 includes a claw portion (not shown). Because the claw portion engages with the first member 61, unintentional detachment of the second member 63 from the first member 61 is prevented. Furthermore, the second retainer 554 includes a resilient member (not shown). The resilient member is positioned between the first member 61 and the second member 63. The resilient member pushes the first member 61 and the second member 63 to separate them from each other in a third-order upward direction. Therefore, the second retainer 554 is telescopic in a third-order upward direction.

[0165] The second holder 554 holds the drum substrate 552 to hold the second electrical contact surface 553. The construction of the second holder 554 for holding the drum substrate 552 is the same as the construction of the first holder 34 for holding the developing substrate 32. Specifically, as Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the second retainer 554 has a first outer surface 613, which forms one end of the second retainer 554 in a third-order direction. That is, the first outer surface 613 forms one end of the first member 61 in a third-order direction. The first outer surface 613 has a recessed shape for receiving the drum substrate 552 therein. The first outer surface 613 can retain the drum memory 551 and the second electrical contact surface 553 by retaining the drum substrate 552.

[0166] The second retainer 554 includes a protrusion 633, which constitutes the other end of the second retainer 554 in a third-order direction. In other words, the protrusion 633 constitutes the other end of the second member 63 in a third-order direction. Specifically, the protrusion 633 has an outer surface 635. The outer surface 635 constitutes the other end of the second member 63 in a third-order direction. The outer surface 635 has a curved surface.

[0167] <Second retainer cover 555>

[0168] The second retainer cover 555 is fixed to one end of the first side plate 531 in a first direction. Similar to the first retainer cover 35, the second retainer cover 555 has a hollow prism shape to cooperate with the first side plate 531 to surround the second retainer 554. The second retainer cover 555 holds the second retainer 554.

[0169] The second retainer cover 555 has the same configuration for retaining the second retainer 554 as the configuration of the first retainer cover 35 for retaining the first retainer 34. That is, the second retainer 554 has a first boss 615 that is inserted through the through-hole 65 of the second retainer cover 555 with a space therebetween. The through-hole 65 penetrates the second retainer cover 555 in the first direction, and extends obliquely toward the third direction when extending toward the one side in the second direction. The second retainer 554 is movable in the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction with respect to the second retainer cover 555.

[0170] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, in the processing unit U1, the drum memory unit 55 is positioned in the second direction between the photosensitive drum 51 and the first handle 213 of the developing cartridge 20. In the processing unit U1, the drum memory 551, the drum substrate 552, the second electrical contact surface 553, and the second retainer 554 are positioned in the second direction between the photosensitive drum 51 and the first handle 213. In the processing unit U1, the second electrical contact surface 553 and the drum memory unit 55 are positioned between the photosensitive drum 51 and the other end of the housing 21 in the second direction. Figure 12 Figure 11 As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, in the processing unit U1, the drum memory unit 55 is positioned in the second direction between the photosensitive drum 51 and the first handle 213 of the developing cartridge 20. In the processing unit U1, the drum memory 551, the drum substrate 552, the second electrical contact surface 553, and the second retainer 554 are positioned in the second direction between the photosensitive drum 51 and the first handle 213. In the processing unit U1, the second electrical contact surface 553 and the drum memory unit 55 are positioned between the photosensitive drum 51 and the other end of the housing 21 in the second direction.

[0171] In the processing unit U1 (i.e., in the state where the developing cartridge 20 is attached to the drum frame 53), the first retainer 34 is movable in the third direction with respect to the drum frame 53.

[0172] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, in the processing unit U1, the drum memory unit 55 is positioned in the second direction between the photosensitive drum 51 and the first handle 213 of the developing cartridge 20. In the processing unit U1, the drum memory 551, the drum substrate 552, the second electrical contact surface 553, and the second retainer 554 are positioned in the second direction between the photosensitive drum 51 and the first handle 213. In the processing unit U1, the second electrical contact surface 553 and the drum memory unit 55 are positioned between the photosensitive drum 51 and the other end of the housing 21 in the second direction. Figure 1 As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, in the processing unit U1, the drum memory unit 55 is positioned in the second direction between the photosensitive drum 51 and the first handle 213 of the developing cartridge 20. In the processing unit U1, the drum memory 551, the drum substrate 552, the second electrical contact surface 553, and the second retainer 554 are positioned in the second direction between the photosensitive drum 51 and the first handle 213. In the processing unit U1, the second electrical contact surface 553 and the drum memory unit 55 are positioned between the photosensitive drum 51 and the other end of the housing 21 in the second direction.

[0173] In the processing unit U1, the first electrical contact surface 33 is positioned in the first direction farther from the one end of the housing 21 in the first direction than from the one end of the drum frame 53 in the first direction. In the processing unit U1, the first electrical contact surface 33 is positioned outside the drum frame 53 in the first direction.

[0174] In the processing unit U1, the first electrical contact surface 33 is positioned in the first direction farther from the one end of the housing 21 in the first direction than from the one end of the drum frame 53 in the first direction. In the processing unit U1, the first electrical contact surface 33 is positioned outside the drum frame 53 in the first direction.

[0175] ​In the process unit U1, the developing reservoir unit 30 is positioned between the developing roller 22 and the drum reservoir unit 55 in the second direction. That is, the first electrical contact surface 33 is positioned between the developing roller 22 and the second electrical contact surface 553 in the second direction. With this configuration, the first electrical contact surface 33 is less likely to obstruct the attachment of the developing cartridge 20 to the drum cartridge 50.

[0176] In the process unit U1, the first electrical contact surface 33 and the second electrical contact surface 553 respectively face a side in the third direction. In the process unit U1, the first electrical contact surface 33 and the second electrical contact surface 553 are parallel to the second direction that intersects the third direction. In the process unit U1, the first electrical contact surface 33 is positioned between the developing coupler 26 and the second electrical contact surface 553 in the second direction.

[0177] In the process unit U1, the housing 21 of the developing cartridge 20 is positioned inside the drum frame 53, and the first electrical contact surface 33 of the developing reservoir 31 is positioned outside the drum frame 53. With this configuration, compared to a configuration in which the first electrical contact surface 33 is positioned inside the drum frame 53, it is possible to reduce the size of the process unit U1 in the third direction. Further, the first electrical contact surface 33 and the drum frame 53 are positioned at the same side in the first direction (at one side of the process unit U1). With this configuration, it is possible to make the size of the process unit U1 in the first direction compact.

[0178] Further, the first electrical contact surface 33 is positioned between the developing roller 22 and the second electrical contact surface 553 in the second direction. Therefore, the developing roller 22 and the first electrical contact surface 33 can be positioned closer to each other in the second direction than in other directions, thereby achieving the compactness of the developing cartridge 20 in the second direction.

[0179] In the process unit U1, the first electrical contact surface 33 is positioned between the developing roller 22 and the second electrical contact surface 553 in the third direction. Therefore, during the attachment process of the process unit U1 to the main frame 11, it is allowed for the first retainer 34 to move without causing unintended contact of it (and the first electrical contact surface 33 held thereby) with the main body electrical contact 17, as Figure 12 indicated.

[0180] As Figure 1 indicated, in the process unit U1, the length H1 of the first retainer 34 in the third direction is shorter than the length H2 of the second retainer 554.

[0181] As Figure 13As shown, in the processing unit U1, the first distance LE1 between the first holder 34 and the second holder 554 in the second direction is smaller than the second distance LE2 between the developing roller 22 and the first holder 34 in the second direction. That is, in the processing unit U1, the first electric contact surface 33 is positioned closer to the second electric contact surface 553 in the second direction than to the developing roller 22.

[0182] Therefore, in the main body 10, the main body electric contact 15 for contacting the first electric contact surface 33 is positioned closer to the main body electric contact 17 for contacting the second electric contact surface 553 in the second direction than to the developing roller 22.

[0183] <Guide frame 70>

[0184] Figure 13 is a partial sectional view of the image forming apparatus 100. As Figure 13 shown, the main frame 11 includes a guide frame 70. The guide frame 70 is configured to guide the drum cartridge 50 during attachment of the processing unit U1 to the main frame 11 through the opening 110. The guide frame 70 is configured to guide one end portion of the drum cartridge 50 in the first direction. The guide frame 70 is configured to guide one end portion of the drum shaft 513 in the first direction.

[0185] <First guide frame 71 and second guide frame 73>

[0186] As Figure 14 shown, the guide frame 70 includes a first guide frame 71 and a second guide frame 73. The first guide frame 71 and the second guide frame 73 face each other in the third direction. Therefore, the third direction can also be defined as a direction in which the first guide frame 71 and the second guide frame 73 face each other (facing direction). The main body electric contact 15 and the main body electric contact 17 are positioned at the first guide frame 71.

[0187] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the first guide frame 71. Figure 15 shows an inner portion of one end portion of the main frame 11 in the first direction when viewed from the other side in the third direction. Figure 14 is a perspective view of the second guide frame 73. Figure 13 shows an inner portion of one end portion of the main frame 11 in the first direction when viewed from the side in the third direction.

[0188] As Figures 13 to 15 and 15As shown, the first guide frame 71 and the second guide frame 73 are plate-like shapes that stand upright inward from the inner surface 117 of the main frame 11 in a first direction, the inner surface 117 intersecting the first direction. In other words, the first guide frame 71 and the second guide frame 73 are plate-like members extending from the inner surface 117 in the first direction. Each of the first guide frame 71 and the second guide frame 73 extends obliquely to the other side in a third direction while extending to one side in a second direction, and is appropriately bent at a predetermined position.

[0189] like Figures 13 to 15 As shown, when the first guide frame 71 and the second guide frame 73 extend from the opening 110 toward the main electrical contact 15 in the second direction, the distance between the first guide frame 71 and the second guide frame 73 in the facing direction (third direction) gradually decreases.

[0190] In the guide frame 70, the distance between the first guide frame 71 and the second guide frame 73 in the facing direction (third direction) is larger near the proximal side (near the opening 110) and smaller far from the attachment direction (second direction) from the processing unit U1 to the body 10 (near the body electrical contact 15). This configuration of the guide frame 70 provides gradual positioning of the processing unit U1 during the attachment process from the processing unit U1 to the body 10. Furthermore, this gradual decrease in the distance between the first guide frame 71 and the second guide frame 73 in the third direction towards the body electrical contact 15 in the second direction can prevent unintentional contact between the first electrical contact surface 33 (at the front side of the processing unit U1) and the body electrical contact 17 (closer to the opening 110) during the attachment process from the processing unit U1 to the main frame 11.

[0191] Furthermore, the first retainer 34 is movable upward relative to the housing 21, and the second retainer 554 is movable upward relative to the drum frame 53. This structure can reduce frictional contact between the first electrical contact surface 33 held by the first retainer 34 and the second electrical contact surface 553 held by the second retainer 554 and a portion of the main frame 11 during the attachment process from the processing unit U1 to the main frame 11.

[0192] <Slot 731>

[0193] like Figure 13 As shown, the second guide frame 73 has a slot 731 for receiving the protrusions 433 and 434 of the first retainer 34 of the attached processing unit U1. That is, the slot 731 is configured to guide the first retainer 34 at the other end in a third-direction orientation when the processing unit U1 is attached to the main frame 11.

[0194] <Slot 733>

[0195] As Figure 13 illustrated, the second guide frame 73 has a groove 733 configured to receive the protruding portion 633 of the second holder 554 of the attached processing unit U1. That is, the groove 733 is configured to guide the other end of the second holder 554 in the third direction in the attached state of the processing unit U1 to the main frame 11.

[0196] The main body electrical contacts 15 intersect the third direction. Specifically, the main body electrical contacts 15 include four contacts each configured to contact a respective one of the four electrodes of the first electrical contact surface 33. The four contacts are positioned on a single plane extending parallel to a second direction intersecting the third direction. Similar to the main body electrical contacts 15, the main body electrical contacts 17 intersect the third direction.

[0197] During the attachment process of the processing unit U1 to the main frame 11, the first holder 34 and the second holder 554 are inserted into the guide frame 70 between the first guide frame 71 and the second guide frame 73 toward the side in the second direction.

[0198] As Figure 14 illustrated, in the state that the processing unit U1 is attached to the main frame 11, the main frame 11 holds the first holder 34 at a position between the main body electrical contacts 15 and the second guide frame 73 in the third direction. Further, as Figure 15 illustrated, in the state that the processing unit U1 is attached to the main frame 11, the main frame 11 holds the second holder 554 at a position between the main body electrical contacts 17 and the second guide frame 73 in the third direction. In other words, in the attached state of the processing unit U1 to the main frame 11, the second holder 554 is held between the main body electrical contacts 17 and the second guide frame 73.

[0199] As Figure 14 and Figure 7 illustrated, the first guide frame 71 includes protruding portions 711 and 713. Each of the protruding portions 711 and 713 has a plate-like shape extending in the second direction and protruding toward the other side in the third direction. As Figures 13 to 15 illustrated, the protruding portion 711 is positioned on the inner side (the other side) of the main body electrical contacts 15 in the first direction, and the protruding portion 713 is positioned on the inner side (the other side) of the main body electrical contacts 17 in the first direction.

[0200] When the processing unit U1 is inserted into the main frame 11 in the second direction, the protruding portion 711 is fitted to the holder groove 414 of the first holder 34 (see Figure 13). Thus, the first holder 34 moves in the second direction while being guided by the protrusion 711. The second holder 554 also has a similar holder slot at one end thereof in its third direction. Thus, according to the insertion of the processing unit U1 into the main frame 11 in the second direction, the protrusion 713 is fitted with the holder slot of the second holder 554. Thus, the second holder 554 moves in the second direction while being guided by the protrusion 713.

[0201] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the first guide frame 71 has inclined surfaces 715 and 717. The inclined surface 715 is positioned between the body electrical contact 15 and the body electrical contact 17 in the second direction. The inclined surface 717 is positioned at the other side of the body electrical contact 17 (the side closer to the opening 110) in the second direction. The inclined surfaces 715 and 717 are inclined toward the second guide frame 73 as they extend toward the side in the second direction. In other words, the inclined surfaces 715 and 717 are inclined as they extend away from the opening 110 in the second direction to approach the second guide frame 73. Figure 15 As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the second guide frame 73 has inclined surfaces 735 and 737. The inclined surface 735 is positioned at the other side of the slot 731 (the side closer to the opening 110) in the second direction. The inclined surface 735 is connected to the slot 731. The inclined surface 737 is positioned at the other side of the slot 733 (the side closer to the opening 110) in the second direction. The inclined surface 737 is connected to the slot 733. The inclined surfaces 735 and 737 are inclined toward the first guide frame 71 as they extend toward the side in the second direction. In other words, the inclined surfaces 735 and 737 are inclined as they extend away from the opening 110 in the second direction to approach the first guide frame 71.

[0202] Figure 13 As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the second guide frame 73 has inclined surfaces 735 and 737. The inclined surface 735 is positioned at the other side of the slot 731 (the side closer to the opening 110) in the second direction. The inclined surface 735 is connected to the slot 731. The inclined surface 737 is positioned at the other side of the slot 733 (the side closer to the opening 110) in the second direction. The inclined surface 737 is connected to the slot 733. The inclined surfaces 735 and 737 are inclined toward the first guide frame 71 as they extend toward the side in the second direction. In other words, the inclined surfaces 735 and 737 are inclined as they extend away from the opening 110 in the second direction to approach the first guide frame 71. Figure 13 As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the second guide frame 73 has inclined surfaces 735 and 737. The inclined surface 735 is positioned at the other side of the slot 731 (the side closer to the opening 110) in the second direction. The inclined surface 735 is connected to the slot 731. The inclined surface 737 is positioned at the other side of the slot 733 (the side closer to the opening 110) in the second direction. The inclined surface 737 is connected to the slot 733. The inclined surfaces 735 and 737 are inclined toward the first guide frame 71 as they extend toward the side in the second direction. In other words, the inclined surfaces 735 and 737 are inclined as they extend away from the opening 110 in the second direction to approach the first guide frame 71.

[0203] Figure 12 ​​As shown, with respect to the range from the body electrical contact 15 towards the other side in the second direction, the distance between the first guide frame 71 and the second guide frame 73 in the third direction decreases towards the one side in the second direction to a third distance LE3. In particular, the third distance LE3 is the interval in the third direction between the one end of the inclined surface 715 in the second direction and the one end of the inclined surface 735 in the second direction. The groove 731 facing the body electrical contact 15 in the third direction is recessed towards the other side in the third direction. Thus, the interval in the third direction between the body electrical contact 15 and the second guide frame 73 (at the groove 731) is larger than the third distance LE3. Thus, during insertion of the processing unit U1 into the main frame 11, the first holder 34 is temporarily compressed in the third direction to a length equal to the third distance LE3 and then finally stretched in the third direction such that the first electrical contact surface 33 comes into contact with the body electrical contact 15. Thus, the first holder 34 adapted to the groove 731 is less likely to be removed therefrom and is stably held in the guide frame 70. Furthermore, a frictional contact of the first electrical contact surface 33 with the body electrical contact 15 can be suppressed.

[0204] As shown, with respect to the range from the body electrical contact 15 towards the other side in the second direction, the distance between the first guide frame 71 and the second guide frame 73 in the third direction decreases towards the one side in the second direction to a third distance LE3. In particular, the third distance LE3 is the interval in the third direction between the one end of the inclined surface 715 in the second direction and the one end of the inclined surface 735 in the second direction. The groove 731 facing the body electrical contact 15 in the third direction is recessed towards the other side in the third direction. Thus, the interval in the third direction between the body electrical contact 15 and the second guide frame 73 (at the groove 731) is larger than the third distance LE3. Thus, during insertion of the processing unit U1 into the main frame 11, the first holder 34 is temporarily compressed in the third direction to a length equal to the third distance LE3 and then finally stretched in the third direction such that the first electrical contact surface 33 comes into contact with the body electrical contact 15. Thus, the first holder 34 adapted to the groove 731 is less likely to be removed therefrom and is stably held in the guide frame 70. Furthermore, a frictional contact of the first electrical contact surface 33 with the body electrical contact 15 can be suppressed. Figures 16A to 16C

[0205] The third distance LE3 is shorter than the fourth distance LE4. Thus, during attachment of the processing unit U1 to the main frame 11, the first holder 34 is allowed to move through the gap in the third direction between the body electrical contact 17 and the second guide frame 73.

[0206] ​Before the processing unit U1 is attached to the main frame 11, the length H1 of the first holder 34 in the third direction is smaller than the length H2 of the second holder 554, as shown in Figure 16A Thus, during the attachment of the processing unit U1 to the main frame 11, the first holder 34 is allowed to move in the second direction without interfering with the body electrical contact 17.

[0207] Because the first holder 34 and the second holder 554 are positioned on the same side in the first direction, the first electrical contact surface 33 and the second electrical contact surface 553 are positioned on the same side in the first direction. Thus, in the main body 10 of the image forming apparatus 100, the body electrical contact 15 (with which the first electrical contact surface 33 will come into contact) and the body electrical contact 17 (with which the second electrical contact surface 553 will come into contact) are positioned on the same side in the first direction. Thus, the thus resulting main body 10 can be made compact. Furthermore, the electric wires for connecting the body electrical contact 15 and the body electrical contact 17 to the body substrate 13 can also be arranged on the same side (one side) in the first direction. The main body 10 can be further made compact.

[0208] In the processing unit U1, the first holder 34 is positioned between the developing roller 22 and the second holder 554 in the second direction. With this structure, the developing cartridge 20 can be made compact in the second direction. Furthermore, the processing unit U1 can also be made compact compared to a configuration in which the first holder 34 is positioned farther from the developing roller 22 than the second holder 554 in the second direction.

[0209] <Attachment of the processing unit U1>

[0210] Figure 16B is a side view showing a stage during the attachment of the processing unit U1 to the main frame 11. Figure 16C and Figure 16A shows the processing unit U1 before being attached to the main frame 11. Figure 16A shows the processing unit U1 attached to the main frame 11.

[0211] As shown in Figure 16A When the processing unit U1 is inserted into the main frame 11, the other end of the first holder 34 in the third direction and the other end of the second holder 554 in the third direction respectively contact the second guide frame 73 of the guide frame 70. In the stage shown in Figure 16B , each of the first holder 34 and the second holder 554 is in its maximum stretched state in the third direction. When the processing unit U1 is further inserted in the second direction, one end of the first holder 34 in the third direction and one end of the second holder 554 in the third direction come into contact with the first guide frame 71.

[0212] When viewed fromFigure 16B As the stage shown is further inserted toward the one side in the second direction with the processing unit U1, the first holder 34 comes into contact with the inclined surface 715 of the first guide frame 71 and the inclined surface 735 of the second guide frame 73; and the second holder 554 comes into contact with the inclined surface 717 of the first guide frame 71 and the inclined surface 737 of the second guide frame 73. In this way, the first holder 34 and the second holder 554 are moved toward the one side in the second direction while being compressed in the third direction. Then, as shown in FIG. 7B, the protruding portion 433 of the first holder 34 reaches the other end of the groove 731 in the second direction, and at the same time, the protruding portion 633 of the second holder 554 reaches the other end of the groove 733 in the second direction. At this time, each of the first holder 34 and the second holder 554 is in its maximum compressed state in the third direction. Figure 16C As the stage shown is further inserted toward the one side in the second direction with the processing unit U1, the first holder 34 comes into contact with the inclined surface 715 of the first guide frame 71 and the inclined surface 735 of the second guide frame 73; and the second holder 554 comes into contact with the inclined surface 717 of the first guide frame 71 and the inclined surface 737 of the second guide frame 73. In this way, the first holder 34 and the second holder 554 are moved toward the one side in the second direction while being compressed in the third direction. Then, as shown in FIG. 7B, the protruding portion 433 of the first holder 34 reaches the other end of the groove 731 in the second direction, and at the same time, the protruding portion 633 of the second holder 554 reaches the other end of the groove 733 in the second direction. At this time, each of the first holder 34 and the second holder 554 is in its maximum compressed state in the third direction.

[0213] As the stage shown is further inserted toward the one side in the second direction with the processing unit U1, the first holder 34 comes into contact with the inclined surface 715 of the first guide frame 71 and the inclined surface 735 of the second guide frame 73; and the second holder 554 comes into contact with the inclined surface 717 of the first guide frame 71 and the inclined surface 737 of the second guide frame 73. In this way, the first holder 34 and the second holder 554 are moved toward the one side in the second direction while being compressed in the third direction. Then, as shown in FIG. 7B, the protruding portion 433 of the first holder 34 reaches the other end of the groove 731 in the second direction, and at the same time, the protruding portion 633 of the second holder 554 reaches the other end of the groove 733 in the second direction. At this time, each of the first holder 34 and the second holder 554 is in its maximum compressed state in the third direction. Figure 16B As the stage shown is further inserted toward the one side in the second direction with the processing unit U1, the first holder 34 comes into contact with the inclined surface 715 of the first guide frame 71 and the inclined surface 735 of the second guide frame 73; and the second holder 554 comes into contact with the inclined surface 717 of the first guide frame 71 and the inclined surface 737 of the second guide frame 73. In this way, the first holder 34 and the second holder 554 are moved toward the one side in the second direction while being compressed in the third direction. Then, as shown in FIG. 7B, the protruding portion 433 of the first holder 34 reaches the other end of the groove 731 in the second direction, and at the same time, the protruding portion 633 of the second holder 554 reaches the other end of the groove 733 in the second direction. At this time, each of the first holder 34 and the second holder 554 is in its maximum compressed state in the third direction. Figure 1 As the stage shown is further inserted toward the one side in the second direction with the processing unit U1, the first holder 34 comes into contact with the inclined surface 715 of the first guide frame 71 and the inclined surface 735 of the second guide frame 73; and the second holder 554 comes into contact with the inclined surface 717 of the first guide frame 71 and the inclined surface 737 of the second guide frame 73. In this way, the first holder 34 and the second holder 554 are moved toward the one side in the second direction while being compressed in the third direction. Then, as shown in FIG. 7B, the protruding portion 433 of the first holder 34 reaches the other end of the groove 731 in the second direction, and at the same time, the protruding portion 633 of the second holder 554 reaches the other end of the groove 733 in the second direction. At this time, each of the first holder 34 and the second holder 554 is in its maximum compressed state in the third direction. Figures 17A to 17C As the stage shown is further inserted toward the one side in the second direction with the processing unit U1, the first holder 34 comes into contact with the inclined surface 715 of the first guide frame 71 and the inclined surface 735 of the second guide frame 73; and the second holder 554 comes into contact with the inclined surface 717 of the first guide frame 71 and the inclined surface 737 of the second guide frame 73. In this way, the first holder 34 and the second holder 554 are moved toward the one side in the second direction while being compressed in the third direction. Then, as shown in FIG. 7B, the protruding portion 433 of the first holder 34 reaches the other end of the groove 731 in the second direction, and at the same time, the protruding portion 633 of the second holder 554 reaches the other end of the groove 733 in the second direction. At this time, each of the first holder 34 and the second holder 554 is in its maximum compressed state in the third direction.

[0214] As described above, when the processing unit U1 is attached to the main frame 11, the image forming apparatus 100 is configured to form an image on the print medium 9 using the attached processing unit U1 (including the developing cartridge 20 and the drum cartridge 50) as follows.

[0215] Upon receiving a print command, in the developing cartridge 20, the developing cartridge 20 receives a driving force from the main body 10 to rotate the first agitator 24 and the second agitator 25, thereby agitating the developer accommodated in the casing 21 by the first agitator 24 and the second agitator 25. Then, the agitated developer is supplied to the developing roller 22 via the supply roller 23.

[0216] Meanwhile, in the drum cartridge 50, the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 51 is exposed to a laser beam based on print data contained in the print command after the outer peripheral surface is uniformly charged. Accordingly, an electrostatic latent image according to the print data is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 51.

[0217] In the process unit U1, since the developing roller 22 and the photosensitive drum 51 are in contact with each other, the developer on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 22 is supplied to the latent electrostatic image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 51. Thus, the latent electrostatic image on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 51 is developed into a visible image (toner image) on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 51.

[0218] Reference Figure 17A The toner image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 51 is then transferred to the surface of the print medium 9 conveyed from the lower end portion of the main body 10, and is then heat-fixed to the print medium 9, and is finally discharged from the main frame 11.

[0219] <Disassembly of the process unit U1>

[0220] Figure 17B is a side view showing a stage during disassembly of the process unit U1 from the main frame 11. Figure 17C The process unit U1 attached to the main frame 11 is shown. Figure 17A and Figure 17B The process unit U1 disassembled from the main frame 11 is shown.

[0221] When the process unit U1 is moved from the stage shown in Figure 17B toward the other side in the second direction, the protruding portion 433 of the first holder 34 and the protruding portion 633 of the second holder 554 move past the slots 731 and 733 of the second guide frame 73, respectively, and move onto the inclined surfaces 735 and 737, respectively, as shown in Figure 17C Thus, the first holder 34 and the second holder 554 are not fixed from the guide frame 70. In addition, the first electrical contact surface 33 and the second electrical contact surface 553 are electrically disconnected from the main body electrical contacts 15 and 17, respectively.

[0222] When the process unit U1 is further moved from the stage shown in ​ toward the other side in the second direction, the first holder 34 and the second holder 554 are separated from the first guide frame 71, respectively, as shown in ​ Thus, the first holder 34 and the second holder 554 are in their maximum stretched state in the third direction, respectively.

[0223] <Changes and modifications>

[0224] Incidentally, the developing roller 22 is not an essential component in the developing cartridge 20. For example, the developing roller 22 can be provided in the drum cartridge 50, instead of being provided in the developing cartridge 20.

[0225] In the processing unit U1 of the embodiment, the first electric contact surface 33 is positioned between the developing roller 22 and the second electric contact surface 553 in the second direction. Alternatively, in the processing unit U1, the first electric contact surface 33 can be positioned on the other side of the second electric contact surface 553 in the second direction. In other words, the second electric contact surface 553 can be positioned between the developing roller 22 and the first electric contact surface 33 in the second direction. In the latter case, in the attached state of the processing unit U1 to the main frame 11, the main body electric contact 15 can be configured to be electrically connected to the second electric contact surface 553, and the main body electric contact 17 can be configured to be electrically connected to the first electric contact surface 33.

[0226] Although the above-described embodiment has been described in detail with reference to the embodiment, the above-described embodiment is merely an example, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Various modifications not described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The components in the embodiment and the modified example can be appropriately combined or omitted, as long as the combination or omission does not cause a contradictory problem.

[0227] [Note]

[0228] The developing cartridge 20 is an example of a developing cartridge. The housing 21 is an example of a housing. The developing roller 22 is an example of a developing roller. The first agitator 24 is an example of a first agitator. The first agitator gear 245 is an example of an agitator gear. The large-diameter gear 247 and the small-diameter gear 249 are examples of a large-diameter gear and a small-diameter gear, respectively. The protrusion 211 is an example of a first protrusion. The developing storage 31 is an example of a developing storage. The first electric contact surface 33 is an example of a first electric contact surface. The first retainer 34 is an example of a first retainer. The first retainer cover 35 is an example of a first retainer cover. The gear cover 28 is an example of a gear cover. The through-hole 354 is an example of a first through-hole. The first boss 411 is an example of a first boss. The first outer surface 215 is an example of a first outer surface of the housing in the third direction. The second outer surface 216 is an example of a second outer surface of the housing in the third direction. The through-hole 355 is an example of a second through-hole. The second boss 412 is an example of a second boss. The first outer surface 413 is an example of a first outer surface of the first retainer in the third direction. The second outer surface 435 is an example of a second outer surface of the first retainer in the third direction. The retainer groove 414 is an example of a first retainer groove. The retainer protrusion 415 is an example of a retainer protrusion. The elastic member 45 is an example of an elastic member. The curved surfaces 436 and 437 are examples of a first curved surface and a second curved surface, respectively. The first handle 213 is an example of a first handle.

Claims

1. A developing cartridge, characterized in that, include: A housing configured to contain a developer; A developing roller, which is rotatable about a developing roller axis extending in a first direction, is positioned at one end of the housing in a second direction, which intersects the first direction; A stirrer, the stirrer being rotatable about a stirrer axis extending in the first direction; A stirrer gear, positioned at one end of the housing in the first direction and rotatable together with the stirrer about the stirrer axis, the stirrer gear comprising: Large diameter gears; and A small-diameter gear, the diameter of which is smaller than that of the large-diameter gear, is positioned in the first direction between the large-diameter gear and the housing; A first protrusion, the first protrusion protruding outward from one end of the housing in the first direction in the first direction, the first protrusion being positioned between the housing and the large-diameter gear in the first direction, the first protrusion being positioned away from the small-diameter gear in the second direction, the first protrusion being movable together with the housing; Developing storage device; A first electrical contact surface, the first electrical contact surface being electrically connected to the developing memory; and A first retainer holds the first electrical contact surface and is positioned at one end of the housing in the first direction. The first retainer is positioned further away from the first protrusion in the first direction than the large-diameter gear is away from the first protrusion. The first retainer and the first electrical contact surface are movable relative to the housing.

2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, in, The first protrusion is configured to receive pressing force in a direction pointing from the other end of the housing in the second direction to the first end.

3. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device further includes a gear cover that covers at least a portion of the agitator gear, the gear cover being secured to one end of the housing in the first direction. The first retainer is positioned further away from the large-diameter gear in the first direction than the gear cover is.

4. The developing cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that, in, The first retainer is movable relative to the gear cover.

5. The developing cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that, It further includes a first retainer cover, which holds the first retainer and is fixed to the outer surface of the gear cover in the first direction. The first retainer is movable relative to the gear cover and the first retainer cover.

6. The developing cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that, in, The first retainer cover has one of a first through hole and a first recess. The first retainer has a first boss that protrudes outward in the first direction and inserts into the interior of one of the first through hole and the first recess. Wherein, according to the movement of the first retainer relative to the first retainer cover in a third direction, the first boss moves in the third direction within the interior of one of the first through hole and the first recess, the third direction intersecting with the first electrical contact surface.

7. The developing cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that, in, The dimension of one of the first through hole and the first recess in the third direction is greater than the dimension of the first boss in the third direction.

8. The developing cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that, in, The first retainer cover has one of a second through hole and a second recess. The first retainer has a second boss that extends in the first direction and inserts into the interior of one of the second through hole and the second recess. Wherein, according to the movement of the first retainer relative to the first retainer cover in the third direction, the second boss moves in the third direction within the interior of one of the second through hole and the second recess.

9. The developing cartridge according to claim 8, characterized in that, in, The dimension of one of the second through hole and the second recess in the third direction is greater than the dimension of the second boss in the third direction.

10. The developing cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that, in, The first retainer cover is secured to the gear cover by screws inserted from the inner surface of the gear cover.

11. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, in, The first retainer is movable relative to the housing in the first direction.

12. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, in, The first retainer is movable relative to the housing in the second direction.

13. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, in, The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

14. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, in, The first retainer has a first outer surface positioned at a third-direction end portion of the first retainer that intersects with the first electrical contact surface, the first outer surface retaining the first electrical contact surface.

15. The developing cartridge according to claim 14, characterized in that, in, The first retainer has a first retainer slot, which is positioned at one end portion of the first retainer in the third direction.

16. The developing cartridge according to claim 15, characterized in that, in, The first retainer groove is positioned in the first direction between the first protrusion and the first outer surface.

17. The developing cartridge according to claim 15, characterized in that, in, The first retainer has a retainer protrusion, which is positioned away from the first outer surface in the first direction; The first retainer groove is positioned in the first direction between the first outer surface and the retainer protrusion.

18. The developing cartridge according to claim 14, characterized in that, in, The first retainer is capable of moving upward relative to the housing on the third party.

19. The developing cartridge according to claim 14, characterized in that, in, The third direction intersects with the first direction and the second direction.

20. The developing cartridge according to claim 14, characterized in that, in, The third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

21. The developing cartridge according to claim 14, characterized in that, in, The first retainer has a second outer surface at the other end portion of the first retainer in the third-direction orientation, and The first retainer includes an elastic member positioned between the first outer surface and the second outer surface, and configured to extend and retract upwards in the third surface between a first state and a second state.

22. The developing cartridge according to claim 21, characterized in that, in, The elastic component is a spring.

23. The developing cartridge according to claim 21, characterized in that, in, The second outer surface has a first curved surface, which is convex.

24. The developing cartridge according to claim 23, characterized in that, in, The second outer surface further has a second curved surface, the second curved surface being convex, and the second curved surface being positioned away from the first curved surface in the first direction.

25. The developing cartridge according to claim 24, characterized in that, in, The second outer surface has a second retainer groove, which is positioned in the first direction between the first curved surface and the second curved surface.

26. The developing cartridge according to claim 14, characterized in that, in, The developing memory is held at the first outer surface of the first holder.

27. The developing cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in, At least a portion of the first retainer is positioned within the area obtained by projecting light onto the large-diameter gear in the first direction.

28. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, It further includes a first handle, which is positioned at the other end of the housing in the second direction. The first retainer is positioned in the second direction between the developing roller and the first handle.

29. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, in, The housing has a first outer surface and a second outer surface, the first outer surface being positioned at one end of the housing in a third direction intersecting with the first electrical contact surface, and the second outer surface being positioned at the other end of the housing in the third direction. The first retainer is positioned in the third direction between the first outer surface of the housing and the second outer surface of the housing.

30. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, in, The first protrusion is positioned in the first direction between the large-diameter gear and the housing, and the first protrusion is positioned further from the agitator axis than the small-diameter gear is from the agitator axis.

Images