Process cartridge

Abstract

Provided is a technology that mounts a memory in a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge, and reduces the number of parts of the developing cartridge. A drum cartridge (2) has a first memory (71) having a first electrical contact surface, and an elastic member (300) that is able to expand and contract in a second direction. A developing cartridge (1) has a second memory (81) having a second electrical contact surface, and a developing holder (82) that holds the second electrical contact surface so as to be movable with respect to a housing (10). In a state in which the developing cartridge (1) is mounted to a drum frame (40), the developing holder (82) is connected to the elastic member (300) and is able to move in the second direction. Thus, friction of the second electrical contact surface is suppressed. In addition, since the elastic member does not need to be provided in the developing holder (82), the number of parts of the developing cartridge (1) can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a processing box. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, image forming apparatuses using electrophotographic methods, such as laser printers and LED printers, were known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a conventional image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1 includes a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge. The developing cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge. Then, the drum cartridge with the developing cartridge mounted is mounted on the image forming apparatus. In addition, the developing cartridge of Patent Document 1 has an IC chip. The IC chip stores various information related to the developing cartridge.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-189740

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In recent years, IC chips have been required not only in the developing cartridge but also in the drum cartridge. However, when mounting the drum cartridge with the developing cartridge onto the image forming apparatus, the electrical contact surfaces of the IC chip need to be movable relative to the drum cartridge frame to prevent friction. Furthermore, if IC chips are mounted on both the developing cartridge and the drum cartridge, structures are required on both sides to allow the electrical contact surfaces to move. This increases the number of parts. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a technology that integrates memory in the developing cartridge and drum cartridge, thereby reducing the number of parts in the developing cartridge.

[0009] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0010] The first invention of this application relates to a processing cartridge, characterized by comprising: a drum cartridge and a developing cartridge, the drum cartridge having: a drum frame; a photosensitive drum rotatable relative to a first axis extending in a first direction; and a first memory having a first electrical contact surface and storing information related to the drum cartridge, the developing cartridge being mountable to the drum frame and comprising: a housing; a developing roller rotatable relative to a second axis extending in the first direction; a second memory having a second electrical contact surface and storing information related to the developing cartridge; and a developing holder holding the second electrical contact surface movable relative to the housing, the drum cartridge further comprising: an elastic member rotatable in a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein, with the developing cartridge mounted on the drum frame, the developing holder is connected to the elastic member and is movable in the second direction.

[0011] The second invention of this application relates to the processing cartridge of the first invention, characterized in that, in the state where the developing cartridge is installed on the drum frame, one end of the elastic member in the second direction is connected to the developing holder, and the other end of the elastic member in the second direction is connected to the drum frame.

[0012] The third invention of this application relates to a processing box of the first or second invention, characterized in that the drum box has: a grid-controlled corona charger that charges the photosensitive drum and is opposite to the photosensitive drum in the second direction.

[0013] The fourth invention of this application relates to a processing box of any of the first to third inventions, characterized in that the elastic member is a spring.

[0014] The fifth invention of this application relates to a processing box of any of the first to fourth inventions, characterized in that the drum box has a drum retainer that holds the first electrical contact surface so that it can move relative to the drum frame in the second direction.

[0015] The sixth invention of this application relates to a processing box of the fifth invention, characterized in that the drum retainer has: a first retainer member that retains the first electrical contact surface; a second retainer member that is movable relative to the first retainer member in a second direction; and a first elastic member that is extendable and retractable in the second direction, one end of the first elastic member in the second direction being connected to the first retainer member, and the other end of the first elastic member in the second direction being connected to the second retainer member.

[0016] The seventh invention of this application relates to the processing box of the sixth invention, characterized in that the first elastic member is a spring.

[0017] The eighth invention of this application relates to a processing box of any of the first to seventh inventions, characterized in that the first electrical contact surface is located at one end of the drum frame in the first direction, the second electrical contact surface and the developing holder are located at one end of the housing in the first direction, and the elastic member is located at the one end of the drum frame in the first direction.

[0018] The ninth invention of this application relates to a processing cartridge of any of the first to eighth inventions, characterized in that the processing cartridge is detachable relative to the image forming apparatus, and when the processing cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus, the developing holder moves relative to the drum frame in the second direction.

[0019] The tenth invention of this application relates to a processing box of any of the first to ninth inventions, characterized in that the drum holder holds the first memory.

[0020] The eleventh invention of this application relates to a processing cartridge of any one of the first to tenth inventions, characterized in that the developing holder holds the second memory.

[0021] The twelfth invention of this application relates to a processing cartridge of any one of the first to eleventh inventions, characterized in that the drum cartridge further comprises: a locking lever rotatable between a locked position and a released position relative to a rotation axis extending along a first direction, the locked position being a position in which the developing cartridge is locked relative to the drum frame, and the released position being a position in which the developing cartridge is released from the lock relative to the drum frame, the locking lever being located at the other end of the drum frame in the first direction.

[0022] The thirteenth invention of this application relates to a processing box of any one of the first to twelfth inventions, characterized in that the photosensitive drum is located at one end of the drum frame in a third direction intersecting the first direction, and the first electrical contact surface and the second electrical contact surface are arranged along the third direction when the developing box is mounted on the drum frame.

[0023] The fourteenth invention of this application relates to a processing cartridge of the thirteenth invention, characterized in that, with the developing cartridge mounted on the drum frame, the second electrical contact surface is located near the photosensitive drum in the third direction, compared to the first electrical contact surface.

[0024] The fifteenth invention of this application relates to a processing cartridge of the thirteenth or fourteenth invention, characterized in that, with the developing cartridge mounted on the drum frame, the photosensitive drum is opposite the developing roller in the third direction.

[0025] The effects of the invention

[0026] According to the first to fifteenth inventions of this application, the drum frame has an elastic member that can be connected to the developer holder. Furthermore, by extending and retracting the elastic member, the developer holder moves relative to the drum frame in a second direction. This suppresses friction on the second electrical contact surface. Additionally, since it is not necessary to provide an elastic member in the developer holder, the number of parts in the developer cartridge can be reduced.

[0027] Furthermore, according to the fifth invention of this application, friction of the first electrical contact surface can be suppressed by enabling the first electrical contact surface to move relative to the drum frame in a second direction.

[0028] Furthermore, according to the sixth invention of this application, friction on the first electrical contact surface can be suppressed by the extension and retraction of the first elastic member.

[0029] Furthermore, according to the ninth invention of this application, when the processing cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus, the developing holder can be moved relative to the drum frame in a second direction. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the processing box and the image forming apparatus.

[0031] Figure 2 It is a 3D diagram of the drum box.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a partial 3D view of the drum box.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the first memory component.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a 3D view of the developing chamber.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a partial 3D view of the developing chamber.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the processing box. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Furthermore, the direction in which the photosensitive drum extends is referred to as the "first direction". Additionally, the direction intersecting with the first electrical contact surface is referred to as the "second direction". Furthermore, the direction in which the photosensitive drum is located at one end of the drum frame and the other end of the drum frame are arranged is referred to as the "third direction". The first direction and the second direction intersect each other (preferably orthogonal). The first direction and the third direction intersect each other (preferably orthogonal). The second direction and the third direction intersect each other.

[0039] <1. Overview of Image Forming Apparatus>

[0040] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the processing box 3 and the image forming apparatus 100.

[0041] The image forming apparatus 100 is an electrophotographic printer. The image forming apparatus 100 is, for example, a laser printer or an LED printer. The processing cartridge 3 can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus 100. Figure 1 As shown, the processing cartridge 3 includes a developing cartridge 1 and a drum cartridge 2. The developing cartridge 1 can be loaded and unloaded relative to the drum cartridge 2. The image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on printing paper using toner supplied from the developing cartridge 1.

[0042] <2. About the drum box>

[0043] Figure 2 This is a 3D view of drum box 2. (Example) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the drum box 2 includes a drum frame 40, a photosensitive drum 50, a grid-controlled corona charger 60, a first memory assembly 70, and a locking lever 90.

[0044] The drum frame 40 is a frame that supports the photosensitive drum 50. The drum frame 40 has a first side frame 41, a second side frame 42, and a connecting frame 43. The first side frame 41 is located at one end of the drum frame 40 in a first direction. The second side frame 42 is located at the other end of the drum frame 40 in the first direction. The first side frame 41 and the second side frame 42 are separate from each other in the first direction.

[0045] The first side frame 41 extends in a direction intersecting the first direction. That is, the first side frame 41 extends upward in the second direction and a third direction. The second side frame 42 extends in a direction intersecting the first direction. That is, the second side frame 42 extends upward in the second direction and a third direction. The connecting frame 43 connects the first side frame 41 and the second side frame 42 along the first direction.

[0046] The developing cartridge 1 can be attached to and detached from the drum frame 40. When the developing cartridge 1 is installed on the drum frame 40, the developing cartridge 1 is located between the first side frame 41 and the second side frame 42 in the first direction.

[0047] The photosensitive drum 50 is a drum capable of rotating relative to a rotation axis (first axis) extending in a first direction. The photosensitive drum 50 is located between the first side frame 41 and the second side frame 42 in the first direction. Furthermore, the photosensitive drum 50 is located at one end of the drum frame 40 in a third direction. The photosensitive drum 50 has a cylindrical outer peripheral surface. The outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 50 is covered with a photosensitive material. When the processing cartridge 3 is mounted in the image forming apparatus 100, the photosensitive drum 50 rotates by a driving force supplied from the image forming apparatus 100.

[0048] In addition, the drum box 2 has a handle 46 at the other end of the drum frame 40 facing upwards.

[0049] The grid-controlled corona charger 60 is a device that charges the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 50. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the gate-controlled corona charger 60 is opposite to the photosensitive drum 50 in a second direction. More specifically, the gate-controlled corona charger 60 has a charged wire 61 and a charged gate 62. The charged wire 61 is opposite to the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 50 in the second direction. The charged wire 61 extends along the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 50 in a first direction. The charged gate 62 is located between the photosensitive drum 50 and the charged wire 61 in the second direction.

[0050] With the processing cartridge 3 installed in the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming apparatus 100 supplies voltage between the charged wire 61 and the charged gate 62. As a result, the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 50 becomes charged.

[0051] Figure 3 This is a partial perspective view of the drum 2 near the first memory component 70. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the first memory component 70. Figure 4 This represents a cross-section orthogonal to the first direction. The first memory assembly 70 is located at one end of the drum frame 40 in the first direction. Furthermore, the first memory assembly 70 is located on the outer surface of the drum frame 40. More specifically, the first memory assembly 70 is located on the outer surface of the first side frame 41. With the developing cartridge 1 mounted on the drum frame 40, the first memory assembly 70 is located on the opposite side of the developing cartridge 1 relative to the first side frame 41 in the first direction.

[0052] The first memory assembly 70 has a first memory 71 as a storage medium and a drum holder 72 for holding the first memory 71. The first memory 71 is, for example, an IC chip. The first memory 71 is located on the outer surface of the drum holder 72. The first memory 71 stores information related to the drum housing 2. Specifically, the first memory 71 stores at least one of identification information and lifespan information for the drum housing 2. The identification information is information used to identify the drum housing 2. The identification information is, for example, the manufacturing number of the drum housing 2. The lifespan information is information indicating the lifespan of the drum housing 2. The lifespan information is, for example, the cumulative revolutions of the photosensitive drum 50.

[0053] The first memory 71 has a first electrical contact surface 711. The first electrical contact surface 711 is a metal surface that is a conductor. The first electrical contact surface 711 is mounted to the outer surface of the first side frame 41 via a drum retainer 72. Thus, the first electrical contact surface 711 is disposed on the outer surface of the first side frame 41.

[0054] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the drum frame 40 has a drum retainer cover 44. The drum retainer cover 44 is located on the outer surface of the first side frame 41. Specifically, the drum retainer cover 44 is fixed to the outer surface of the first side frame 41 by screws. Alternatively, the drum retainer cover 44 can also be fixed to the outer surface of the first side frame 41 by bolts. The drum retainer 72 is located between the first side frame 41 and the drum retainer cover 44 in a first direction.

[0055] The drum retainer 72 has a first protrusion 721 and a second protrusion (not shown). The first protrusion 721 extends from the surface of the drum retainer 72 opposite to the drum retainer cover 44 toward the drum retainer cover 44 in a first direction. The shape of the first protrusion 721 can be cylindrical or prism-shaped, etc. On the other hand, the drum retainer cover 44 has a first hole 441. The first hole 441 is a through hole that penetrates the drum retainer cover 44 in the first direction. The first protrusion 721 is inserted into the first hole 441. However, the drum retainer cover 44 may also have a recess for the first protrusion 721 to be inserted instead of the first hole 441.

[0056] The second protrusion extends from the surface of the drum retainer 72 opposite to the first side frame 41 toward the first side frame 41 along a first direction. The shape of the second protrusion can be cylindrical or prism-shaped, etc. On the other hand, the first side frame 41 has a second hole (not shown). The second hole is a through hole that penetrates the first side frame 41 along the first direction. The second protrusion is inserted into the second hole. However, the first side frame 41 may also have a recess for inserting the second protrusion instead of a second hole.

[0057] The size (inner dimension) of the first hole 441 in the second direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the first protrusion 721 in the second direction. Therefore, the first protrusion 721 can move in the second direction within the first hole 441. Similarly, the size (inner dimension) of the second hole in the second direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the second protrusion in the second direction. Therefore, the second protrusion can move in the second direction within the second hole. Thus, the drum holder 72 can move in the second direction relative to the drum frame 40 and the drum holder cover 44, together with the first protrusion 721 and the second protrusion. When the drum holder 72 moves in the second direction relative to the drum frame 40, the first electrical contact surface 711 of the first memory 71 also moves in the second direction relative to the drum frame 40, together with the drum holder 72.

[0058] The drum retainer 72 has a first outer surface 730 and a second outer surface 740. The first outer surface 730 is located at one end of the drum retainer 72 in a second direction. The second outer surface 740 is located at the other end of the drum retainer 72 in the second direction. The second outer surface 740 is movable relative to the first outer surface 730 in the second direction.

[0059] More specifically, the drum retainer 72 of this embodiment has a first retainer component 73, a second retainer component 74, and a first helical spring 75 located therebetween. The first retainer component 73 is made of resin, for example. The second retainer component 74 is made of resin, for example. The first retainer component 73 has a first outer surface 730. A first memory 71 is fixed to the first outer surface 730. Therefore, a first electrical contact surface 711 is located at one end of the drum retainer 72 in the second direction. The second retainer component 74 has a second outer surface 740. The first outer surface 730 and the second outer surface 740 are separated in the second direction.

[0060] The first helical spring 75 is an elastic member (first elastic member) extending in the second direction. The first helical spring 75 is disposed between the first outer surface 730 and the second outer surface 740 in the second direction. One end of the first helical spring 75 in the second direction is connected to the first retainer member 73. The other end of the first helical spring 75 in the second direction is connected to the second retainer member 74.

[0061] The first helical spring 75 extends and contracts in a second direction at least between a first state and a second state that is more contracted than the first state. The length of the first helical spring 75 in the second direction in the first state is longer than the length of the first helical spring 75 in the second state. Therefore, the distance in the second direction between the first outer surface 730 and the second outer surface 740 in the first state is longer than the distance in the second direction between the first outer surface 730 and the second outer surface 740 in the second state. Furthermore, the length of the first helical spring 75 in the second direction in at least the second state is shorter than the natural length of the first helical spring 75.

[0062] The locking lever 90 is located at the other end of the drum frame 40 in the first direction. Specifically, the locking lever 90 is located on the second side frame 42. The locking lever 90 is rotatable relative to the drum frame 40 between a locked position and a released position relative to a rotation axis extending in the first direction. When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum frame 40, the locking lever 90 is positioned in the locked position. Thus, the developing cartridge 1 is locked relative to the drum frame 40. Furthermore, when the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum frame 40, the locking of the developing cartridge 1 relative to the drum frame 40 is released when the locking lever 90 rotates from the locked position to the released position.

[0063] <3. About the developing cartridge>

[0064] Figure 5 This is a 3D view of developer cartridge 1. (See image below.) Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the developing cartridge 1 includes a housing 10, a developing roller 20, a gear section 30, and a second memory assembly 80.

[0065] The housing 10 has a first outer surface 11 and a second outer surface 12. The first outer surface 11 is located at one end of the housing 10 in a first direction. The second outer surface 12 is located at the other end of the housing 10 in the first direction. The first outer surface 11 and the second outer surface 12 are separated from each other in the first direction.

[0066] With the developing cartridge 1 installed on the drum frame 40, the first outer surface 11 of the developing cartridge 1 is opposite to the first side frame 41 of the drum frame 2 in a first direction. Furthermore, with the developing cartridge 1 installed on the drum frame 40, the second outer surface 12 of the developing cartridge 1 is opposite to the second side frame 42 of the drum frame 2 in a first direction.

[0067] Developer is contained inside the housing 10. The developer is, for example, toner. The developing roller 20 is a roller capable of rotating relative to a rotating shaft (second shaft) extending in a first direction. The developing roller 20 is located at one end of the housing 10 in the third direction. With the developing cartridge 1 mounted on the drum frame 40, the developing roller 20 and the photosensitive drum 50 are opposite each other in the third direction. More specifically, with the developing cartridge 1 mounted on the drum frame 40, the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 20 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 50.

[0068] The developer inside the housing 10 is supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 20 via a supply roller (not shown). Thus, the developer is carried on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 20. Subsequently, the developer on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 20 is supplied to the photosensitive drum 50 of the drum cartridge 2. At this time, the developer moves from the developing roller 20 to the photosensitive drum 50 according to the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 50. Thus, an image is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 50 by the developer.

[0069] In addition, the developing cartridge 1 has a handle 13 at the other end of the housing 10 facing the third direction.

[0070] The gear section 30 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. The gear section 30 has a plurality of gears. When the processing cartridge 3 is installed in the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming apparatus 100 supplies driving force to the developing roller 20 via the plurality of gears of the gear section 30. As a result, the developing roller 20 rotates.

[0071] Figure 6 This is a partial perspective view of the developing cartridge 1 near the second memory 80. The second memory assembly 80 is located at one end of the housing 10 in the first direction. More specifically, the second memory assembly 80 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. Figure 6 As shown, the second memory assembly 80 has a second memory 81 as a storage medium and a developer holder 82 for holding the second memory 81. The second memory 81 is, for example, an IC chip. The second memory 81 is located on the outer surface of the developer holder 82.

[0072] The second memory 81 stores information related to the developing cartridge 1. Specifically, the second memory 81 stores at least one of identification information and lifespan information for the developing cartridge 1. The identification information is used to identify the developing cartridge 1. The identification information is, for example, the manufacturing number of the developing cartridge 1. The lifespan information is information indicating the lifespan of the developing cartridge 1. The lifespan information is, for example, the cumulative number of revolutions of the developing roller 20.

[0073] The second memory 81 has a second electrical contact surface 811. The second electrical contact surface 811 is the surface of a metal that acts as a conductor.

[0074] like Figure 6 As shown, the housing 10 has a developer holder cover 14. The developer holder cover 14 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. Specifically, the developer holder cover 14 is fixed to the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10 by screws. Alternatively, the developer holder cover 14 can also be fixed to the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10 by bolts. The developer holder 82 is located in a first direction between the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10 and the developer holder cover 14.

[0075] The developer holder 82 has a third protrusion 821 and a fourth protrusion (not shown). The third protrusion 821 extends from the surface of the developer holder 82 opposite to the developer holder cover 14 toward the developer holder cover 14 along a first direction. The shape of the third protrusion 821 can be cylindrical or prismatic, etc. On the other hand, the developer holder cover 14 has a third hole 141. The third hole 141 is a through hole that penetrates the developer holder cover 14 along the first direction. The third protrusion 821 is inserted into the third hole 141.

[0076] A fourth protrusion extends from the surface of the developing holder 82 opposite to the first outer surface 11 toward the first outer surface 11 along a first direction. The shape of the fourth protrusion can be cylindrical, prism, or other shapes. On the other hand, the first outer surface 11 has a fourth hole (not shown). The fourth hole is a recess provided in the first outer surface 11. The fourth protrusion is inserted into the fourth hole.

[0077] The size (inner dimension) of the third hole 141 in the second direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the third protrusion 821 in the second direction. Therefore, the third protrusion 821 can move within the third hole 141 in the second direction. Furthermore, the size (inner dimension) of the fourth hole in the second direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the fourth protrusion in the second direction. Therefore, the fourth protrusion can move within the fourth hole in the second direction. Thus, the developer holder 82 can move along the second direction relative to the housing 10 and the developer holder cover 14, together with the third protrusion 821 and the fourth protrusion. When the developer holder 82 moves relative to the housing 10 in the second direction, the second electrical contact surface 811 of the second memory 81 also moves along the second direction relative to the housing 10, together with the developer holder 82.

[0078] The developer holder 82 is formed from a single component. The developer holder 82 is, for example, made of resin. The distance between one end of the developer holder 82 in the second direction and the other end of the developer holder 82 in the second direction is constant. The second memory 81 is fixed to one end of the developer holder 82 in the second direction. Therefore, the second electrical contact surface 811 is located at one end of the developer holder 82 in the second direction.

[0079] With the developing cartridge 1 mounted on the drum frame 40, the second memory assembly 80 protrudes from the drum frame 40. Furthermore, with the developing cartridge 1 mounted on the drum frame 40, the first memory assembly 70 and the second memory assembly 80 are located at one end of the processing cartridge 3 in the first direction. The first memory assembly 70 and the second memory assembly 80 are arranged along a third direction. The first memory assembly 70 and the second memory assembly 80 are located separately from each other in the third direction. Compared to the first memory assembly 70, the second memory assembly 80 is located near the photosensitive drum 50 in the third direction.

[0080] <4. Regarding elastic components>

[0081] The drum box 2 also features a flexible component 300. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the elastic member 300 is located at one end of the drum frame 40 in the first direction. The elastic member 300 is capable of extending and retracting in the second direction between a first length and a second length shorter than the first length. The elastic member 300 is, for example, a coil spring. However, the elastic member 300 can also be other types of springs such as leaf springs or torsion springs. In addition, the elastic member 300 can also be made of rubber or sponge.

[0082] The elastic member 300 has one end in a second direction and another end in a second direction. The other end of the elastic member 300 in the second direction is connected to the drum frame 40. More specifically, the other end of the elastic member 300 in the second direction is connected to the first side frame 41.

[0083] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of processing box 3. Figure 7 This represents a cross-section orthogonal to the first direction and passing through the drum holder 72 and the developing holder 82. For example... Figure 7 Thus, with the developing cartridge 1 mounted on the drum frame 40, one end of the elastic member 300 in the second direction is connected to the developing holder 82. More specifically, the elastic member 300 has a pressing member 301 at one end in the second direction. With the developing cartridge 1 mounted on the drum frame 40, the pressing member 301 contacts the developing holder 82.

[0084] With the developing cartridge 1 mounted on the drum frame 40 and one end of the elastic member 300 in the second direction connected to the developing holder 82, the developing holder 82 can move relative to the drum frame 40 along the second direction between a first position and a second position. When the developing holder 82 is in the first position, the length of the elastic member 300 in the second direction is a first length. When the developing holder 82 is in the second position, the length of the elastic member 300 in the second direction is a second length.

[0085] <5. Installation of the processing box>

[0086] The image forming apparatus 100 has an opening 101 for mounting a processing cartridge 3 and a main cover 102. The main cover 102 rotates between a closed position covering the opening 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 and an open position opening the opening 101 of the image forming apparatus 100. When mounting the processing cartridge 3 into the image forming apparatus 100, the main cover 102 is positioned in the open position. Then, the processing cartridge 3 is mounted into the interior of the image forming apparatus 100 through the opening 101. At this time, the processing cartridge 3 moves along a third direction.

[0087] like Figure 1As shown, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a first guide frame 103, a second guide frame 104, a first electrical connector 105, and a second electrical connector 106. The first guide frame 103 and the second guide frame 104 extend in a third direction. The first guide frame 103 and the second guide frame 104 are opposite each other in a second direction. Furthermore, the distance between the first guide frame 103 and the second guide frame 104 in the second direction decreases as they move away from the opening 101 in the third direction.

[0088] The first electrical connector 105 and the second electrical connector 106 are located on the first guide frame 103. The first electrical connector 105 and the second electrical connector 106 are arranged spaced apart in a third-direction upward direction. The first electrical connector 105 is a terminal capable of contacting a first electrical contact surface 711 of the first memory 71. The second electrical connector 106 is a terminal capable of contacting a second electrical contact surface 811 of the second memory 81. The first electrical connector 105 and the second electrical connector 106 are respectively electrically connected to the control unit 107 of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0089] When the processing cartridge 3 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 100, the first outer surface 730 of the drum holder 72 contacts the first guide frame 103, and the second outer surface 740 contacts the second guide frame 104. Then, the drum holder 72 moves along a third direction while being guided by the first guide frame 103 and the second guide frame 104, thereby moving relative to the drum frame 40 along a second direction. Furthermore, as the distance between the first guide frame 103 and the second guide frame 104 in the second direction gradually decreases, the distance between the first outer surface 730 and the second outer surface 740 in the second direction also gradually decreases.

[0090] Then, when the processing cartridge 3 is installed relative to the image forming apparatus 100, the first electrical contact surface 711 of the first memory 71 contacts the first electrical connector 105. As a result, the control unit 107 of the image forming apparatus 100 is able to read information from the first memory 71 and write information to the first memory 71.

[0091] Furthermore, when the processing cartridge 3 is installed in the image forming apparatus 100, one end of the developing holder 82 in the second direction contacts the first guide frame 103. Then, the developing holder 82 moves along the third direction while being guided by the first guide frame 103, thereby moving relative to the drum frame 40 in the second direction. At this time, since the distance in the second direction between the first guide frame 103 and the drum frame 40 gradually decreases, the developing holder 82 moves relative to the drum frame 40 from a first position toward a second position along the second direction. Additionally, at this time, the elastic member 300 contracts from a first length toward a second length along the second direction.

[0092] Then, when the processing cartridge 3 is installed relative to the image forming apparatus 100, the second electrical contact surface 811 of the second memory 81 contacts the second electrical connector 106. As a result, the control unit 107 of the image forming apparatus 100 is able to read information from the second memory 81 and write information to the second memory 81.

[0093] As described above, the processing cartridge 3 of this embodiment includes an elastic member 300 that supports the developing holder 82 in a state where it can move relative to the drum frame 40 in the second direction. Therefore, when the processing cartridge 3 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 100, the developing holder 82 can be moved relative to the drum frame 40 in the second direction. As a result, friction on the second electrical contact surface 811 can be suppressed.

[0094] Thus, it is unnecessary to include a component in the developer holder 82 that bears direct pressure from the second guide frame 104. Specifically, it is unnecessary to include a component like the second holder component 74 of the drum holder 72 in the developer holder 82. Furthermore, the elastic member 300 is mounted on the drum cassette 2, not the developer cartridge 1. Therefore, the developer holder 82 does not have the elastic member 300. This reduces the number of parts in the developer holder 82. Consequently, it reduces the number of parts in the developer cartridge 1.

[0095] <6. Variations>

[0096] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the drum retainer 72 holds the first memory 71. However, the drum retainer 72 may also hold only the first electrical contact surface 711 in the first memory 71. In this case, the portion of the first memory 71 other than the first electrical contact surface 711 may also be held in other parts of the drum housing 2.

[0098] Additionally, in the above embodiment, the developer holder 82 holds the second memory 81. However, the developer holder 82 may also hold only the second electrical contact surface 811 in the second memory 81. In this case, the portion of the second memory 81 other than the second electrical contact surface 811 may also be held in other parts of the developer cartridge 1.

[0099] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, one processing box 3 is installed for one image forming apparatus 100. However, multiple processing boxes 3 may also be installed for one image forming apparatus 100.

[0100] Furthermore, the shape of the processing box may differ from the shapes shown in the figures of this application. Additionally, the elements appearing in the above-described embodiments and variations may be appropriately combined without creating contradictions.

[0101] Symbol Explanation

[0102] 1 developing box

[0103] 2 drum boxes

[0104] 3 processing boxes

[0105] 10 housing

[0106] 20 developing rollers

[0107] 30 Gear Section

[0108] 40 drum frame

[0109] 50 photosensitive drums

[0110] 60-grid controlled corona charger

[0111] 70 First Memory Component

[0112] 71 First Memory

[0113] 72 drum cage

[0114] 73 first cage parts

[0115] 74 Second Cage Components

[0116] 75 First Helical Spring

[0117] 80 Second Memory Component

[0118] 81 Second Memory

[0119] 82 Developing Holder

[0120] 90 locking lever

[0121] 100 Image forming apparatus

[0122] 300 elastic components

[0123] 301 Pressing component

[0124] 711 First electrical contact surface

[0125] 811 Second electrical contact surface

Claims

1. A processing box, characterized in that, have: Drum box and developing box, The drum box has the following features: Drum frame; A photosensitive drum, rotatable relative to a first axis extending in a first direction; and A first memory having a first electrical contact surface and storing information related to the drum case. The developing cartridge can be mounted on the drum frame and has the following features: case; A developing roller that is rotatable relative to a second axis extending along the first direction; A second memory having a second electrical contact surface and storing information related to the developing cartridge; as well as A developer holder that holds the second electrical contact surface movable relative to the housing. The drum box also has: An elastic member capable of extending and retracting along a second direction intersecting the first direction. With the developing cartridge mounted on the drum frame, the developing holder is connected to the elastic member and is movable along the second direction.

2. The processing box according to claim 1, characterized in that, With the developing cassette installed in the drum frame, One end of the elastic member in the second direction is connected to the developing holder. The other end of the elastic member in the second direction is connected to the drum frame.

3. The processing box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The drum box has the following features: A grid-controlled corona charger that charges the photosensitive drum and is positioned opposite the photosensitive drum in the second direction.

4. The processing box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The elastic component is a spring.

5. The processing box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The drum box has the following features: A drum retainer that holds the first electrical contact surface so that it can move relative to the drum frame in the second direction.

6. The processing box according to claim 5, characterized in that, The drum retainer has: A first retainer component holds the first electrical contact surface; A second retainer component, which is movable relative to the first retainer component in the second direction; as well as A first elastic member, which is capable of extending and retracting along the second direction. One end of the first elastic member in the second direction is connected to the first retainer member. The other end of the first elastic member in the second direction is connected to the second retainer member.

7. The processing box according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first elastic component is a spring.

8. The processing box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first electrical contact surface is located at one end of the drum frame in the first direction. The second electrical contact surface and the developing holder are located at one end of the housing in the first direction. The elastic member is located at one end of the drum frame in the first direction.

9. The processing box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The processing box can be attached to or detached from the image forming apparatus. When the processing cartridge is installed into the image forming apparatus, the developing holder moves relative to the drum frame in the second direction.

10. The processing box according to claim 5, characterized in that, The drum holder holds the first memory.

11. The processing box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The developing holder holds the second memory.

12. The processing box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The drum box also has: A locking lever is rotatable relative to a rotation axis extending along the first direction between a locked position, which locks the developing cartridge relative to the drum frame, and a released position, which releases the locking of the developing cartridge relative to the drum frame. The locking lever is located at the other end of the drum frame in the first direction.

13. The processing box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The photosensitive drum is located at one end of the drum frame, which is perpendicular to the first direction and faces upwards. With the developing cartridge mounted on the drum frame, the first electrical contact surface and the second electrical contact surface are arranged along the third direction.

14. The processing box according to claim 13, characterized in that, With the developing cartridge mounted on the drum frame, the second electrical contact surface is located near the photosensitive drum in the third direction, compared to the first electrical contact surface.

15. The processing box according to claim 13, characterized in that, With the developing cartridge mounted on the drum frame, the photosensitive drum is opposite the developing roller in the third direction.

Images