Developing cartridge
By designing the electrical contact surface in the developing chamber to be far away from the developing roller, and arranging the developing electrode and the supply electrode at one end of the housing, the problem of toner contamination on the electrical contact surface is solved, achieving clean and stable operation of the developing chamber.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BROTHER KOGYO KK
- Filing Date
- 2022-02-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-10
AI Technical Summary
In the prior art, the electrical contact surface is located near the developing roller and is easily contaminated by toner.
In the developing cartridge design, the electrical contact surface is located on the side opposite to the developing electrode in the second direction relative to a portion of the supply electrode. The developing electrode and the supply electrode are located at one end of the housing in the first direction, and the coupling is located at the other end of the housing in the first direction. The electrical contact surface is located away from the developing roller in the first direction of the housing.
It effectively suppresses the contamination of the electrical contact surface by pigment, reduces the vibration transmission of the coupling, and prevents users from touching the electrical contact surface with their fingers during operation.
Smart Images
Figure CN116848474B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a developing cartridge having a developing roller. Background Technology
[0002] Conventionally, a known technology for a developing cartridge includes a housing, a developing roller, a supply roller, a developing electrode, a supply electrode, and an IC chip (see Patent Document 1). The developing roller is rotatable about a developing axis extending in a first direction. The developing roller is located at one end of the housing in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The supply roller is rotatable about a supply axis extending in the first direction. The supply roller supplies toner to the developing roller. The developing electrode is a component for supplying power to the developing roller. The supply electrode is a component for supplying power to the supply roller. The IC chip has an electrical contact surface.
[0003] In this technology, the electrical contact surface is located at one end of the housing in a first direction. The developing electrode and the supply electrode are located at the other end of the housing in the first direction. Additionally, in a second direction, the electrical contact surface is located at approximately the same position as the developing electrode.
[0004] Existing technical documents
[0005] Patent documents
[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-066973
[0007] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve
[0008] However, in the prior art, since the electrical contact surface is located in the same position as the developing electrode in the second direction, the electrical contact surface becomes located near the developing roller, raising concerns that the electrical contact surface may be contaminated by toner flying off from the developing roller. Summary of the Invention
[0009] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to suppress the contamination of electrical contact surfaces by pigments.
[0010] Technical means for solving technical problems
[0011] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the developing cartridge of the present invention comprises: a housing capable of containing toner; a developing roller rotatable about a developing axis extending in a first direction and located at one end of the housing in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a developing electrode electrically connected to the developing roller and located at one end of the housing in the first direction; a supply roller rotatable about a supply axis extending in the first direction and supplying toner to the developing roller; a supply electrode electrically connected to the supply roller and located at the said end of the housing in the first direction; and an IC chip having an electrical contact surface located at the said end of the housing in the first direction.
[0012] The electrical contact surface is located on the opposite side of the developing electrode in the second direction relative to a portion of the supply electrode.
[0013] According to this structure, the electrical contact surface is located on the opposite side of the developing electrode in the second direction relative to a portion of the supply electrode. Therefore, the electrical contact surface can be moved away from the developing roller, and the contamination of the electrical contact surface by toner can be suppressed.
[0014] Alternatively, the second direction can be orthogonal to the first direction.
[0015] Alternatively, the developing cartridge may have a handle located at the other end of the housing in the second direction.
[0016] Alternatively, the supply roller may be positioned between the developing roller and the handle in the second direction.
[0017] Alternatively, the developing electrode may be made of conductive resin.
[0018] Alternatively, the supply electrode may be made of conductive resin.
[0019] Alternatively, the developing roller may have a developing roller shaft extending along the first direction, the developing electrode may have a developing bearing and a developing electrode surface, the developing bearing may have a developing hole for the developing roller shaft to be inserted, the developing electrode surface may be electrically connected to the developing bearing, and the developing electrode surface may be located at one end of the housing in the first direction.
[0020] Alternatively, the developing electrode surface may be a surface orthogonal to the first direction.
[0021] Alternatively, the supply roller may have a supply roller shaft extending along the first direction, the supply electrode may have a supply bearing and a supply electrode surface, the supply bearing may have a supply hole for the supply roller shaft to be inserted, the supply electrode surface may be electrically connected to the supply bearing, and the supply electrode surface may be located at one end of the housing in the first direction.
[0022] Alternatively, the supply electrode surface may be a surface orthogonal to the first direction.
[0023] Alternatively, the electrical contact surface may be located on the opposite side of the developing electrode surface in the second direction relative to the supply electrode surface.
[0024] Alternatively, the developing cartridge may have an insulating member located between the developing electrode and the supply electrode.
[0025] Alternatively, the developing cartridge may also include a coupling for transmitting driving force to the developing roller and the supply roller, and located at the other end of the housing in the first direction.
[0026] According to this structure, the developing electrode, the supply electrode, and the electrical contact surface are located at one end of the housing in the first direction, and the coupling is located at the other end of the housing in the first direction. Therefore, the vibration of the coupling is difficult to be transmitted to the developing electrode, the supply electrode, and the electrical contact surface.
[0027] Alternatively, the electrical contact surface may be located on the opposite side of the developing electrode surface relative to the supply electrode surface in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions.
[0028] Alternatively, the third direction may be orthogonal to both the first and second directions.
[0029] Alternatively, the electrical contact surface may be movable relative to the housing.
[0030] Alternatively, the developing cartridge can be detached from the drum frame of the drum housing, the drum housing having a photosensitive drum and a locking lever, the photosensitive drum being rotatable about a drum shaft extending in the first direction when the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum frame, the locking lever being used to lock the developing cartridge to the drum frame, and the electrical contact surface being located on the opposite side of the housing in the first direction relative to the locking lever when the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum frame.
[0031] According to this structure, it is possible to prevent the user's fingers from contacting the electrical contact surface when the user operates the locking lever, thus preventing the electrical contact surface from being contaminated.
[0032] Alternatively, the drum housing may also include a pushing member for pushing the developing roller toward the photosensitive drum. With the developing cartridge mounted on the drum frame, the electrical contact surface is located on the side opposite to the locking lever in the first direction relative to the pushing member.
[0033] Alternatively, the housing may have a first outer surface and a second outer surface, the second outer surface being located away from the first outer surface in the first direction, and the developing electrode and the supply electrode being located on the first outer surface.
[0034] Alternatively, the distance between the first outer surface of the housing in the first direction and the electrical contact surface may be longer than the distance between the first outer surface of the housing in the first direction and the developing electrode.
[0035] Alternatively, the distance between the first outer surface of the housing in the first direction and the electrical contact surface may be longer than the distance between the first outer surface of the housing in the first direction and the supply electrode.
[0036] Alternatively, the developing electrode may have a developing protrusion extending along the first direction and located at one end of the housing in the first direction, the supply electrode may have a supply protrusion extending along the first direction and located at one end of the housing in the first direction, and the electrical contact surface may be located on the opposite side of the developing protrusion in the second direction relative to the supply protrusion.
[0037] Alternatively, the developing protrusion may have a developing electrode surface, the supply protrusion may have a supply electrode surface, and the electrical contact surface may be located on the opposite side of the developing electrode surface in the second direction relative to the supply electrode surface.
[0038] The effects of the invention
[0039] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the contamination of electrical contact surfaces by pigments. Attached Figure Description
[0040] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of the processing box.
[0041] Figure 2 This is a perspective view used to illustrate the structure of one end of the developing cartridge in the first direction.
[0042] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the developing electrode, supply electrode, and insulating components disassembled.
[0043] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional diagram representing the chip's retainer components disassembled.
[0044] Figure 5 This is a side view of the processing box, showing the state in which the side wall of one end of the drum frame in the first direction has been removed, indicating the state before the processing box was installed in the main housing.
[0045] Figure 6 This is a side view of the processing box showing the state where the side wall of one end of the drum frame in the first direction has been removed, and showing the state where the processing box is installed in the main body housing.
[0046] Figure 7 This is a perspective view used to illustrate the structure of the other end of the developing cartridge in the first direction.
[0047] Figure 8 This is a perspective view used to illustrate the structure of the other end of the processing box in the first direction.
[0048] Figure 9 This is a perspective view used to illustrate the structure of one end of the processing box in the first direction.
[0049] Figure 10 This is a side view of the processing box showing the state where the side wall of the other end of the drum frame in the first direction has been removed. Figure (a) shows the state where the locking lever is in the locked position, and Figure (b) shows the state where the locking lever is in the released position.
[0050] Figure 11 This is a top view of the processing box. Detailed Implementation
[0051] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a main housing 10 and a processing box 20. Additionally, in Figure 1 For convenience, the size of the main body shell 10 is shown to be relatively small in the diagram.
[0053] The processing cartridge 20 is detachable from the main housing 10. The processing cartridge 20 includes a developing cartridge 30 and a drum cartridge 40. The developing cartridge 30 is detachable from the drum frame 41 of the drum cartridge 40 (described later).
[0054] The developing cartridge 30 includes a housing 31, a developing roller 32, a supply roller 33, a layer thickness limiting scraper 34, a stirrer 35, and a handle HD. The housing 31 is capable of holding toner. The housing 31 has a first outer surface F1 described later and a second outer surface F2 described later (see reference). Figure 2 The second outer surface F2 is located away from the first outer surface F1 in the first direction.
[0055] The developing roller 32 is a roller that supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 42, which will be described later. The developing roller 32 is rotatable about a developing axis X1 that extends in a first direction. The developing roller 32 is located at one end of the housing 31 in a second direction that intersects the first direction. Preferably, the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. In this embodiment, the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. In addition, in this embodiment, the second direction is along the direction of the electrical contact surface C11, which will be described later.
[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction is designated as the third direction. Additionally, in this embodiment, the third direction is the direction orthogonal to the electrical contact surface C11, which will be described later. Furthermore, the third direction can be any direction that intersects the first direction and the second direction.
[0057] The developing roller 32 has a cylindrical developing roller shaft 32A and a cylindrical roller portion 32B. The developing roller shaft 32A is made of, for example, metal. The developing roller shaft 32A extends along a first direction. The roller portion 32B is made of, for example, rubber. The roller portion 32B covers a portion of the developing roller shaft 32A.
[0058] The handle HD is the part that the user can grip. The handle HD is U-shaped (see reference). Figure 2 The handle HD is located at the other end of the housing 31 in a second direction.
[0059] The supply roller 33 is a roller that supplies toner to the developing roller 32. The supply roller 33 is rotatable about a supply shaft X2 extending in a first direction. The supply roller 33 is located between the developing roller 32 and the handle HD in a second direction. Specifically, the supply shaft X2 is located between the developing shaft X1 and the handle HD in a second direction.
[0060] The supply roller 33 has a cylindrical supply roller shaft 33A and a cylindrical roller portion 33B. The supply roller shaft 33A is made of, for example, metal. The supply roller shaft 33A extends in a first direction. The roller portion 33B is made of, for example, rubber. The roller portion 33B covers a portion of the supply roller shaft 33A. The roller portion 33B is in contact with the roller portion 32B of the developing roller 32.
[0061] The layer thickness limiting scraper 34 is a component used to specify the thickness of the toner layer on the developing roller 32. The layer thickness limiting scraper 34 is in contact with the roller portion 32B of the developing roller 32.
[0062] The agitator 35 agitates the color powder inside the housing 31. Additionally, the agitator 35 supplies color powder to the supply roller 33. The agitator 35 is rotatable about an agitator shaft X3 extending in a first direction.
[0063] The drum housing 40 includes a drum frame 41, a photosensitive drum 42, an electrical belt 43, a transfer roller 44, a cleaning roller 45, a conveyor roller 46, and a locking lever L. The photosensitive drum 42 is rotatable about a drum shaft X4 extending in a first direction.
[0064] The charge 43 is a component that charges the photosensitive drum 42. The charge 43 is a grid-controlled corona charger that is separate from the photosensitive drum 42.
[0065] The transfer roller 44 is used to transfer toner from the photosensitive drum 42 to a sheet (not shown). The transfer roller 44 is rotatable about a transfer axis X5 extending in a first direction. The transfer roller 44 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 42. The photosensitive drum 42 is located between the belt capacitor 43 and the transfer roller 44 in a third direction.
[0066] The cleaning roller 45 is used to clean the toner on the photosensitive drum 42. The cleaning roller 45 is rotatable about a cleaning axis X6 extending in a first direction. The cleaning roller 45 is in contact with the photosensitive drum 42.
[0067] The conveyor roller 46 is a roller that conveys the sheet towards the photosensitive drum 42. The conveyor roller 46 is rotatable about the conveyor shaft X7 extending in the first direction.
[0068] like Figure 2 As shown, the developing cartridge 30 also includes an IC chip C1, a developing electrode 37, a supply electrode 38, an insulating member 39, and a chip holder 50. The IC chip C1, the developing electrode 37, the supply electrode 38, and the chip holder 50 are located at one end 31A in a first direction of the housing 31. In other words, the IC chip C1, the developing electrode 37, the supply electrode 38, and the chip holder 50 are located on the first outer surface F1 of the housing 31.
[0069] IC chip C1 stores development information related to the developing cartridge 30. This development information may include, for example, the residual amount of toner in the developing cartridge 30 and the lifespan of the developing roller 32. IC chip C1 has an electrical contact surface C11 and a substrate C12, the substrate having a memory that stores the development information. The electrical contact surface C11 is electrically connected to the memory. The electrical contact surface C11 is located at one end 31A in a first direction of the housing 31. When the processing cartridge 20 is mounted on the main housing 10, the electrical contact surface C11 is connected to the main body contact 13 (see reference 13) described later. Figure 6 )touch.
[0070] The developing electrode 37 is a component electrically connected to the developing roller 32. The developing electrode 37 is made of conductive resin. The developing electrode 37 has a developing protrusion 37D and a developing bearing 37B. The developing protrusion 37D has a developing electrode surface 37A. The developing protrusion 37D extends along a first direction. The developing electrode surface 37A is located at the top end of the developing protrusion 37D in the first direction. The developing electrode surface 37A is the surface that contacts the developing main electrode (not shown) of the main housing 10. The developing electrode surface 37A is orthogonal to the first direction. The developing electrode surface 37A is electrically connected to the developing bearing 37B. The developing protrusion 37D is located at one end 31A of the housing 31 in the first direction. In other words, the developing protrusion 37D is located on the first outer surface F1 of the housing 31. The developing electrode surface 37A is located at one end 31A of the housing 31 in the first direction. In other words, the developing electrode surface 37A is located on the first outer surface F1 of the housing 31. The developing bearing 37B has a developing hole 37C (see reference) for insertion of the developing roller shaft 32A. Figure 3 ).
[0071] The supply electrode 38 is connected to the supply roller 33 (see reference). Figure 1 ) Electrically connected components. The supply electrode 38 is made of conductive resin. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the supply electrode 38 has a supply protrusion 38D and a supply bearing 38B. The supply protrusion 38D has a supply electrode surface 38A. The supply protrusion 38D extends along a first direction. The supply electrode surface 38A is located at the top end of the supply protrusion 38D in the first direction. The supply electrode surface 38A is the surface that contacts the supply main electrode (not shown) of the main housing 10. The supply electrode surface 38A is orthogonal to the first direction. The supply electrode surface 38A is electrically connected to the supply bearing 38B. The supply protrusion 38D is located at one end 31A of the housing 31 in the first direction. In other words, the supply protrusion 38D is located on the first outer surface F1 of the housing 31. The supply electrode surface 38A is located at one end 31A of the housing 31 in the first direction. In other words, the supply electrode surface 38A is located on the first outer surface F1 of the housing 31. The supply bearing 38B has a supply roller body 33A (see reference). Figure 1 ) Inserted into the supply hole 38C.
[0072] The insulating member 39 is made of insulating resin or the like. The insulating member 39 is located between the developing electrode 37 and the supply electrode 38. Specifically, the insulating member 39 has a plate-like portion 39A, a first wall 39B, and a second wall 39C. The plate-like portion 39A is located between the developing electrode 37 and the supply electrode 38 in a first direction. The first wall 39B and the second wall 39C extend from the plate-like portion 39A toward a side opposite to the housing 31. Figure 5As shown, the first wall 39B is located on the developing axis X1 side in the second direction of the supply electrode surface 38A. The second wall 39C is located on the developing axis X1 side in the third direction of the supply electrode surface 38A. A portion of the first wall 39B and a portion of the second wall 39C are located between the developing electrode surface 37A and the supply electrode surface 38A in a direction orthogonal to the first direction.
[0073] The electrical contact surface C11 is located in the second direction on the side opposite to the developing electrode surface 37A relative to the supply electrode surface 38A. In other words, the electrical contact surface C11 is located in the second direction on the side opposite to the developing electrode 37A relative to the supply electrode surface 38A, which is part of the supply electrode 38. Furthermore, the electrical contact surface C11 is located in the second direction on the side opposite to the developing protrusion 37D relative to the supply protrusion 38D.
[0074] Furthermore, the electrical contact surface C11 is located on the side opposite to the developing electrode surface 37A relative to the supply electrode surface 38A in the third direction. In other words, the electrical contact surface C11 is located on the side opposite to the developing electrode 37A relative to the supply electrode surface 38A, which is part of the supply electrode 38, in the third direction. In yet another way, the electrical contact surface C11 is located on the side opposite to the developing protrusion 37D relative to the supply protrusion 38D in the third direction. The electrical contact surface C11 is orthogonal to the third direction.
[0075] like Figure 11 As shown, the distance between the first outer surface F1 of the housing 31 in the first direction and the electrical contact surface C11 is longer than the distance between the first outer surface F1 of the housing 31 in the first direction and the developing electrode 37. In other words, the distance between the first outer surface F1 of the housing 31 in the first direction and the electrical contact surface C11 is longer than the distance between the first outer surface F1 of the housing 31 in the first direction and the developing electrode surface 37A.
[0076] The distance between the first outer surface F1 of the housing 31 in the first direction and the electrical contact surface C11 is longer than the distance between the first outer surface F1 of the housing 31 in the first direction and the supply electrode 38. In other words, the distance between the first outer surface F1 of the housing 31 in the first direction and the electrical contact surface C11 is longer than the distance between the first outer surface F1 of the housing 31 in the first direction and the supply electrode surface 38A.
[0077] The distance between the first outer surface F1 of the housing 31 in the first direction and the electrical contact surface C11 is longer than the distance between the first outer surface F1 of the housing 31 in the first direction and the insulating member 39.
[0078] The chip holder 50 is a holder that holds the IC chip C1 in a manner that allows the electrical contact surface C11 to move relative to the housing 31. For example... Figure 4As shown, the chip holder 50 includes a holder 51, a retraction member 52, a spring 53, a first cover 54, and a second cover 55. The holder 51 is a member that holds the IC chip C1. In addition, the holder 51 holds the retraction member 52 so that it can move upward in a third direction.
[0079] The retainer 51 has a base portion 51A, a cylindrical portion 51B, a first boss B1, a second boss B2, and a third boss B3. The base portion 51A is the portion that holds the IC chip C1. The base portion 51A protrudes from the cylindrical portion 51B toward the second cover 55 in a first direction.
[0080] The cylindrical portion 51B has a rectangular cylindrical shape. The cylindrical portion 51B extends from the base portion 51A in the direction opposite to that of the IC chip C1. The first boss B1 and the second boss B2 protrude from the cylindrical portion 51B toward the first cover 54 in a first direction. The third boss B3 protrudes from the cylindrical portion 51B toward the second cover 55 in a first direction.
[0081] Spring 53 is located between retainer 51 and advance / retractor 52. Spring 53 is a helical spring. Spring 53 exerts a force on advance / retractor 52 in a direction away from IC chip C1.
[0082] The first cover 54 is located on the first outer surface F1 of the housing 31. The first cover 54 has a first elongated hole H1 and a second elongated hole H2. A first boss B1 enters the first elongated hole H1. A second boss B2 enters the second elongated hole H2.
[0083] The second cover 55 is mounted on the first cover 54. With the second cover 55 mounted on the first cover 54, the cylindrical portion 51B of the retainer 51 is located between the first cover 54 and the second cover 55 in a first direction. The second cover 55 has a third elongated hole H3. A third boss B3 enters the third elongated hole H3. Additionally, the second cover 55 has a retaining surface 55A capable of retaining the pedestal portion 51A.
[0084] The first elongated hole H1, the second elongated hole H2, and the third elongated hole H3 are elongated holes that are longer in the third direction. The first elongated hole H1 has one end H11 and another end H12 that is farther away from the first end H11 in the third direction. The length of the first end H11 in the second direction is less than the length of the other end H12 in the second direction. With the processing box 20 installed in the main body housing 10, the first end H11 is located below the other end H12. The first end H11 restricts the movement of the first boss B1 in the second direction. The other end H12 allows the first boss B1 to move in the second direction.
[0085] The second elongated hole H2 has one end H21 and another end H22 extending upwards away from the first end H21. The length of the first end H21 in the second direction is less than the length of the other end H22 in the second direction. With the processing box 20 installed in the main housing 10, the first end H21 is located below the other end H22. The first end H21 restricts the movement of the second boss B2 in the second direction. The other end H22 allows the second boss B2 to move in the second direction.
[0086] The third elongated hole H3 has one end H31 and another end H32 extending upwards away from the first end H31. The length of the first end H31 in the second direction is less than the length of the other end H32 in the second direction. With the processing box 20 installed in the main housing 10, the first end H31 is located below the other end H32. The first end H31 restricts the movement of the third boss B3 in the second direction. The other end H32 allows the third boss B3 to move in the second direction.
[0087] By constructing the chip holder 50 as described above, the electrical contact surface C11 can be Figure 5 The first position shown is Figure 6 Move between the second positions shown. For example... Figure 5 As shown, before the processing box 20 is installed on the main housing 10, the electrical contact surface C11 is in the first position. With the electrical contact surface C11 in the first position, the retainer 51 is held by the first cover 54 and the second cover 55.
[0088] Specifically, with the electrical contact surface C11 in the first position, the base portion 51A of the retainer 51 contacts the retaining surface 55A of the second cover 55. Additionally, with the electrical contact surface C11 in the first position, the third boss B3 contacts one end H31 of the third elongated hole H3. Although not shown in the figure, with the electrical contact surface C11 in the first position, the first boss B1 contacts one end H11 of the first elongated hole H1. Furthermore, with the electrical contact surface C11 in the first position, the second boss B2 contacts one end H21 of the second elongated hole H2.
[0089] like Figure 6As shown, the electrical contact surface C11 in the second position is located further away from the developing axis X1 in the third direction than the electrical contact surface C11 in the first position. Furthermore, the electrical contact surface C11 in the second position is located closer to the developing axis X1 in the second direction than the electrical contact surface C11 in the first position. With the processing cartridge 20 installed in the main housing 10, the electrical contact surface C11 is in the second position. The main housing 10 has a first guide 11, a second guide 12, and a main contact 13. The first guide 11 is a guide that contacts and guides the lower end of the retractable member 52. The second guide 12 is a guide that contacts and guides the upper end of the retaining member 51. The main contact 13 is a contact that contacts the electrical contact surface C11 of the IC chip C1. The main contact 13 electrically connects a control unit (not shown) to the IC chip C1. For convenience, the IC chip C1 and the main contact 13 are shown separately in the figures.
[0090] With the electrical contact surface C11 in the second position, the retainer 51 is held by the first guide 11 of the main body housing 10 via the advance / retract member 52 and the spring 53. With the electrical contact surface C11 in the second position, the base portion 51A of the retainer 51 moves upward away from the retaining surface 55A of the second cover 55. Additionally, with the electrical contact surface C11 in the second position, the third boss B3 moves away from the inner surface of the third elongated hole H3. Although not shown in the figure, with the electrical contact surface C11 in the second position, the first boss B1 moves away from the inner surface of the first elongated hole H1. Additionally, with the electrical contact surface C11 in the second position, the second boss B2 moves away from the inner surface of the second elongated hole H2. With the electrical contact surface C11 in the second position, the IC chip C1 is forced against the main body contact 13 by the force of the spring 53. With the electrical contact surface C11 in the second position, the electrical contact surface C11 is in contact with the main body contact 13.
[0091] With the processing cartridge 20 installed in the main housing 10, the third direction is parallel to the vertical direction. With the processing cartridge 20 installed in the main housing 10, the electrical contact surface C11 is located above the developing axis X1.
[0092] like Figure 7 As shown, the developing cartridge 30 also includes a coupling 36. The coupling 36 is located at the other end 31B of the housing 31 in the first direction. In other words, the coupling 36 is located on the second outer surface F2 of the housing 31.
[0093] Coupling 36 is a component for transmitting driving force to developing roller 32, supply roller 33, and agitator 35. Coupling 36 is rotatable about a coupling shaft X8 extending in a first direction. Coupling 36 receives driving force from a drive source (not shown) in the main housing 10. The driving force transmitted from the drive source to coupling 36 is transmitted to developing roller 32, supply roller 33, and agitator 35 via gears (not shown).
[0094] like Figure 8 As shown, the locking lever L is a component used to lock the developing cartridge 30 to the drum frame 41. The drum frame 41 has one end 41A in a first direction and another end 41B in the first direction. The locking lever L is located at the other end 41B of the drum frame 41 in the first direction. When the developing cartridge 30 is installed in the drum frame 41, the electrical contact surface C11 is located on the side opposite to the locking lever L in the first direction relative to the housing 31.
[0095] like Figure 9 As shown, the developing cartridge 30 also has a gear cover GC. The gear cover GC is a cover that covers the gears used to drive the developing roller 32, etc. The gear cover GC is located at the other end 31B of the housing 31 in the first direction. The locking lever L contacts the gear cover GC. Figure 10 As shown in (a) and (b), the drum frame 41 has a bottom wall 41C. With the processing cartridge 20 installed in the main housing 10, the bottom wall 41C is located below the developing cartridge 30. The locking lever L can push a portion of the developing cartridge 30 upwards along the direction away from the bottom wall 41C of the drum frame 41.
[0096] The locking lever L is rotatable about the locking axis X9 extending in the first direction. The locking lever L is capable of... Figure 10 The locking position shown in (a) and Figure 10 The device rotates between the release positions shown in (b). The locking position is the position where the locking lever L locks the developing cartridge 30 to the drum frame 41. The release position is the position where the developing cartridge 30 is released from the drum frame 41.
[0097] The locking lever L has an operating part L1 operated by the user and a pushing part L2 capable of pushing the developing cartridge 30 upward. The operating part L1 has a top end L11, which is the end furthest from the locking shaft X9. The pushing part L2 has a top end L21, which is the end furthest from the locking shaft X9.
[0098] The bottom wall 41C has a hole 41D. When the locking lever L is in the locked position, the pushing part L2 of the locking lever L enters the hole 41D. When the locking lever L is in the locked position, the pushing part L2 of the locking lever L protrudes to the outside of the drum frame 41. When the locking lever L is in the released position, the pushing part L2 of the locking lever L moves away from the hole 41D.
[0099] With the locking lever L in the locked position, the top end L21 of the pushing part L2 is located between the developing cartridge 30 and the bottom wall 41C. With the processing cartridge 20 installed in the main housing 10, the top end L21 of the pushing part L2 is located below the locking shaft X9. With the processing cartridge 20 installed in the main housing 10, the top end L11 of the operating part L1 is located above the locking shaft X9.
[0100] When the locking lever L is in the released position, the top end L21 of the pushing part L2 is located further away from the bottom wall 41C compared to the top end L21 of the pushing part L2 when the locking lever L is in the locked position. In the released position, the top end L21 of the pushing part L2 is located further away from the bottom wall 41C compared to the locking shaft X9.
[0101] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the drum frame 41 has a first recess 41E1 and a second recess 41E2. With the developing cartridge 30 mounted on the drum frame 41, one end of the developing roller shaft 32A of the developing roller 32 in a first direction enters the first recess 41E1. With the developing cartridge 30 mounted on the drum frame 41, the other end of the developing roller shaft 32A of the developing roller 32 in the first direction enters the second recess 41E2. The first recess 41E1 is located at one end 41A of the drum frame 41. The second recess 41E2 is located at the other end 41B of the drum frame 41. The first recess 41E1 and the second recess 41E2 restrict the movement of the developing roller shaft 32A in a third direction. Thus, as... Figure 10 As shown in (a) and (b), the developing cartridge 30 is capable of rotating in a third direction about the developing axis X1.
[0102] When the locking lever L is in the locked position, the developing cartridge 30 is in the contact position, in contact with the bottom wall 41C. When the locking lever L is in the released position, the developing cartridge 30 is in the separated position, away from the bottom wall 41C.
[0103] like Figure 11 As shown, the drum housing 40 also includes a pressing member P for pressing the developing roller 32 toward the photosensitive drum 42. The pressing member P has a first pressing member P1 and a second pressing member P2. The first pressing member P1 is located at one end 41A in a first direction of the drum frame 41. The second pressing member P2 is located at the other end 41B in the first direction of the drum frame 41.
[0104] With the developing cartridge 30 mounted on the drum frame 41, the electrical contact surface C11 is located on the side opposite to the locking lever L in a first direction relative to the first pressing member P1 and the second pressing member P2. The developing cartridge 30 has a first pressing portion 31C and a second pressing portion 31D. The first pressing member P1 contacts the first pressing portion 31C. The second pressing member P2 contacts the second pressing portion 31D.
[0105] Based on the above, the following effects can be obtained in this embodiment.
[0106] like Figure 5 As shown, the electrical contact surface C11 is located on the opposite side of the developing electrode 37 in the second direction relative to the supply electrode surface 38A, which is part of the supply electrode 38. Therefore, the electrical contact surface C11 can be moved away from the developing roller 32, and the contamination of the electrical contact surface C11 by toner can be suppressed.
[0107] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the developing electrode 37, the supply electrode 38, and the electrical contact surface C11 are located at one end 31A of the housing 31 in the first direction, and the coupling 36 is located at the other end 31B of the housing 31 in the first direction. Therefore, the vibration of the coupling 36 is difficult to be transmitted to the developing electrode 37, the supply electrode 38, and the electrical contact surface C11.
[0108] With the developing cartridge 30 mounted on the drum frame 41, the electrical contact surface C11 is located on the opposite side of the locking lever L relative to the housing 31 in the first direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user's finger from contacting the electrical contact surface C11 when the user operates the locking lever L, thus preventing the electrical contact surface C11 from becoming contaminated.
[0109] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be used in the manner illustrated below.
[0110] In the above embodiment, a substrate C12 is integrally formed with an electrical contact surface C11 and a memory, but the electrical contact surface and the memory can also be separate components. Furthermore, in this case, the electrical contact surface only needs to be electrically connected to the memory via a wiring harness.
[0111] The elements described in the above-described embodiments and variations can be combined in any way.
[0112] Symbol Explanation
[0113] 30 developing boxes
[0114] 31 shell
[0115] 31A one end
[0116] 32 developing rollers
[0117] 33 feed rollers
[0118] 37 developing electrode
[0119] 38 supply electrodes
[0120] 38A supply electrode surface
[0121] C1 IC chip
[0122] C11 electrical contact surface
[0123] X1 developing axis
[0124] X2 supply shaft
Claims
1. A developing cartridge, characterized in that, have: A housing capable of containing the color powder; A developing roller, which is rotatable about a developing axis extending in a first direction, and located at one end of the housing in a second direction intersecting the first direction; A developing electrode, which is electrically connected to the developing roller and is located at one end of the housing in the first direction; A supply roller, which is rotatable about a supply axis extending along the first direction, and supplies toner to the developing roller; A supply electrode, which is electrically connected to the supply roller and located at one end of the housing in the first direction; as well as An IC chip having an electrical contact surface located at one end of the housing in the first direction. The electrical contact surface is located on the opposite side of the developing electrode in the second direction relative to a portion of the supply electrode.
2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second direction is orthogonal to the first direction.
3. The developing cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The developing cartridge has a handle located at the other end of the housing in the second direction.
4. The developing cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that, The supply roller is located between the developing roller and the handle in the second direction.
5. The developing cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The developing electrode is made of conductive resin.
6. The developing cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The supply electrode is made of conductive resin.
7. The developing cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The developing roller has a developing roller shaft extending along the first direction. The developing electrode has a developing bearing and a developing electrode surface. The developing bearing has a developing hole for the developing roller shaft to be inserted into, and the developing electrode surface is electrically connected to the developing bearing. The developing electrode surface is located at one end of the housing in the first direction.
8. The developing cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that, The developing electrode surface is a surface orthogonal to the first direction.
9. The developing cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that, The supply roller has a supply roller shaft extending along the first direction. The supply electrode has a supply bearing and a supply electrode surface. The supply bearing has a supply hole for the supply roller shaft to be inserted into, and the supply electrode surface is electrically connected to the supply bearing. The supply electrode surface is located at one end of the housing in the first direction.
10. The developing cartridge according to claim 9, characterized in that, The supply electrode surface is a surface orthogonal to the first direction.
11. The developing cartridge according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The electrical contact surface is located on the opposite side of the developing electrode surface relative to the supply electrode surface in the second direction.
12. The developing cartridge according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The developing chamber includes an insulating member located between the developing electrode and the supply electrode.
13. The developing cartridge according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The electrical contact surface is located on the opposite side of the developing electrode surface relative to the supply electrode surface in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions.
14. The developing cartridge according to claim 13, characterized in that, The third direction is orthogonal to both the first direction and the second direction.
15. The developing cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also includes a coupling for transmitting driving force to the developing roller and the supply roller, and is located at the other end of the housing in the first direction.
16. The developing cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The electrical contact surface is movable relative to the housing.
17. The developing cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The developing cartridge can be mounted and dismounted relative to the drum frame of the drum cartridge. The drum housing includes a photosensitive drum and a locking lever. The photosensitive drum is rotatable about a drum shaft, which extends along the first direction when the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum frame. The locking lever is used to lock the developing cartridge to the drum frame. With the developing cartridge mounted on the drum frame, the electrical contact surface is located on the side opposite to the locking lever in the first direction relative to the housing.
18. The developing cartridge according to claim 17, characterized in that, The drum box also includes a pushing member for pushing the developing roller toward the photosensitive drum. With the developing cartridge mounted on the drum frame, the electrical contact surface is located on the opposite side of the locking lever relative to the pushing member in the first direction.
19. The developing cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The housing has a first outer surface and a second outer surface, the second outer surface being located away from the first outer surface in the first direction. The developing electrode and the supply electrode are located on the first outer surface.
20. The developing cartridge according to claim 19, characterized in that, The distance between the first outer surface of the housing in the first direction and the electrical contact surface is longer than the distance between the first outer surface of the housing in the first direction and the developing electrode.
21. The developing cartridge according to claim 20, characterized in that, The distance between the first outer surface of the housing in the first direction and the electrical contact surface is longer than the distance between the first outer surface of the housing in the first direction and the supply electrode.
22. The developing cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The developing electrode has a developing protrusion that extends along the first direction and is located at one end of the housing in the first direction. The supply electrode has a supply protrusion that extends along the first direction and is located at one end of the housing in the first direction. The electrical contact surface is located on the opposite side of the developing protrusion in the second direction relative to the supply protrusion.
23. The developing cartridge according to claim 22, characterized in that, The developing protrusion has a developing electrode surface. The supply protrusion has a supply electrode surface. The electrical contact surface is located on the opposite side of the developing electrode surface relative to the supply electrode surface in the second direction.