Process cartridge

Abstract

Provided is a technology that mounts a memory in a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge, and reduces the operational burden on a user when mounting the drum cartridge with the developing cartridge mounted therein in an image forming apparatus. The drum cartridge has a first memory (71) having a first electrical contact surface (711), and a first holder (72) that holds the first electrical contact surface (711) so as to be movable with respect to a drum frame. The developing cartridge has a second memory (81) having a second electrical contact surface (811), and a second holder (82) that holds the second electrical contact surface (811) so as to be movable with respect to a housing. A plate (200) connects the first holder (72) and the second holder (82) in a state in which the developing cartridge is mounted in the drum frame. The second holder (82) moves together with the plate (200) in conjunction with movement of the first holder (72). Thus, since no elastic member is required for the second holder (82), the operational burden on the user can be reduced.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a process cartridge. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, an image forming apparatus of an electrophotographic system such as a laser printer or an LED printer is known. For example, Patent Literature 1 describes a conventional image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus of Patent Literature 1 has a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge. The developing cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge. Then, the drum cartridge to which the developing cartridge is attached is attached to the image forming apparatus. In addition, the developing cartridge of Patent Literature 1 has an IC chip. The IC chip stores various information related to the developing cartridge.

[0003] In attaching the drum cartridge to which the developing cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, in order to prevent the electric contact surface of the IC chip of the developing cartridge from being rubbed, the electric contact surface of the IC chip of the developing cartridge is movable with respect to the housing of the developing cartridge. Specifically, the developing cartridge has a holder that holds the electric contact surface and is movable with respect to the housing of the developing cartridge, and an elastic member that is stretchable and contractible in the direction of movement of the holder.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-189740

[0007] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] In recent years, it is required to mount an IC chip not only in the developing cartridge but also in the drum cartridge. In this case, in attaching the drum cartridge to which the developing cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, in order to prevent the electric contact surface of the IC chip of the drum cartridge from being rubbed, it is conceivable to move the electric contact surface of the IC chip of the drum cartridge with respect to the drum frame of the drum cartridge. Specifically, it is conceivable that the drum cartridge has a holder that holds the electric contact surface and is movable with respect to the drum frame of the drum cartridge, and an elastic member that is stretchable and contractible in the direction of movement of the holder.

[0009] That is, the elastic member that is stretchable and contractible in the direction of movement of the holder is provided in both the developing cartridge and the drum cartridge. However, since the elastic member is provided in both the developing cartridge and the drum cartridge, the user's operation load in attaching the drum cartridge to which the developing cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus will increase. SUMMARY

[0010] An object of the present application is to provide a technology that mounts a memory in both a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge and can reduce the user's operation load in attaching the drum cartridge to which the developing cartridge is attached to an image forming apparatus.

[0011] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0012] The first application of the present application relates to a process cartridge characterized by comprising: a drum cartridge having a drum frame, a photosensitive drum rotatable with respect to a first shaft extending in a first direction, a first memory having a first electrical contact surface and storing information related to the drum cartridge, and a first holder holding the first electrical contact surface so as to be movable with respect to the drum frame in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a developing cartridge mountable to the drum frame and having a housing, a developing roller rotatable with respect to a second shaft extending in the first direction, a second memory having a second electrical contact surface and storing information related to the developing cartridge, and a second holder holding the second electrical contact surface so as to be movable with respect to the housing; and a plate connecting the first holder and the second holder in a state where the developing cartridge is mounted to the drum frame, wherein the second holder moves together with the plate in the second direction in conjunction with movement of the first holder in the second direction in a state where the plate connects the first holder and the second holder.

[0013] The second application of the present application relates to the process cartridge of the first application, characterized in that the first holder has: a first holder member holding the first electrical contact surface; a second holder member movable with respect to the first holder member in the second direction; and a first elastic member stretchable and contractable in the second direction, one end of the first elastic member in the second direction being connected to the first holder member, and the other end of the first elastic member in the second direction being connected to the second holder member.

[0014] The third application of the present application relates to the process cartridge of the second application, characterized in that the first elastic member is a spring.

[0015] The fourth application of the present application relates to the process cartridge of the second application or the third application, characterized in that the plate is a plate connecting the first holder member and the second holder, and the second holder moves together with the plate in the second direction in conjunction with movement of the first holder member in the second direction in a state where the plate connects the first holder member and the second holder.

[0016] The fifth application of the present application relates to the process cartridge of any one of the first to fourth applications, characterized in that the process cartridge is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus, and when the process cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, the second holder moves in the second direction together with the plate in conjunction with the movement of the first holder member in the second direction.

[0017] The fifth application of the present application relates to the process cartridge of any one of the first to fourth applications, characterized in that the process cartridge is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus, and when the process cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, the second holder moves in the second direction together with the plate in conjunction with the movement of the first holder member in the second direction.

[0018] The seventh application of the present application relates to the process cartridge of any one of the first to sixth applications, characterized in that the first electric contact surface and the first holder are located at one end portion of the drum frame in the first direction, the second electric contact surface and the second holder are located at one end portion of the housing in the first direction, and the plate is located at the one end portion of the drum frame in the first direction.

[0019] The eighth application of the present application relates to the process cartridge of any one of the first to seventh applications, characterized in that the process cartridge is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus, and when the process cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, the first holder moves in the second direction relative to the drum frame, and in conjunction with the movement of the first holder in the second direction, the second holder moves in the second direction together with the plate.

[0020] The ninth application of the present application relates to the process cartridge of any one of the first to eighth applications, characterized in that the first holder holds the first memory.

[0021] The tenth application of the present application relates to the process cartridge of any one of the first to ninth applications, characterized in that the second holder holds the second memory.

[0022] The eleventh application of the present application relates to the process cartridge of any one of the first to tenth applications, characterized in that the drum cartridge further has a lock lever that is rotatable relative to a rotation axis extending in the first direction between a lock position that locks the developing cartridge relative to the drum frame and a release position that releases the lock of the developing cartridge relative to the drum frame, the lock lever being located at the other end portion of the drum frame in the first direction.

[0023] The twelfth application of the present application relates to the process cartridge of any one of the first to eleventh applications, characterized in that the photosensitive drum is located at an end portion of the drum frame in a third direction intersecting the first direction, and in a state where the developing cartridge is mounted to the drum frame, the first and second electric contact surfaces are arranged in the third direction.

[0024] The thirteenth application of the present application relates to the process cartridge of the twelfth application, characterized in that, in a state where the developing cartridge is mounted to the drum frame, the second electric contact surface is located in the vicinity of the photosensitive drum in the third direction as compared with the first electric contact surface.

[0025] The fourteenth application of the present application relates to the process cartridge of the twelfth or thirteenth application, characterized in that, in a state where the developing cartridge is mounted to the drum frame, the photosensitive drum is opposed to the developing roller in the third direction.

[0026] Effects of the Invention

[0027] According to the first to fourteenth applications of the present application, the second holder can be moved in the second direction together with the first holder. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the elastic member to the second holder. Thus, it is possible to reduce the operation load of the user when mounting the process cartridge to the image forming apparatus.

[0028] Further, according to the second application of the present application, by the expansion and contraction of the first elastic member, it is possible to suppress the friction of the first electric contact surface.

[0029] Further, according to the fourth application of the present application, the second holder can be moved in the second direction together with the first holder member.

[0030] Further, according to the fifth application of the present application, the second holder can be moved in the second direction together with the first holder member when mounting the process cartridge to the image forming apparatus. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 is a view showing a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus.

[0032] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a process cartridge.

[0033] Figure 3 is a side view of a process cartridge.

[0034] Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of a process cartridge in the vicinity of a first memory assembly and a second memory assembly.

[0035] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge.

[0036] Figure 6 is a side view of the developing cartridge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0038] Further, the direction in which the photosensitive drum extends is hereinafter referred to as a "first direction". In addition, the direction intersecting the first electrical contact surface is referred to as a "second direction". In addition, the direction in which one end of the photosensitive drum of the drum frame and the other end of the drum frame are arranged is referred to as a "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 is a view showing the process cartridge 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 process cartridge 3 is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in Figure 1 , the process cartridge 3 includes a developing cartridge 1 and a drum cartridge 2. The developing cartridge 1 is detachably attached to the drum cartridge 2. The image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on a print paper by supplying toner from the developing cartridge 1.

[0042] <2. Regarding drum cartridge>

[0043] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the process cartridge 3. Figure 3 is a side view of the process cartridge 3. As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the drum cartridge 2 includes a drum frame 40, a photosensitive drum 50, a grid-controlled corona charger 60, and a first memory assembly 70.

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

[0046] The developing cartridge 1 is attachable to and detachable from the drum frame 40. In a state where the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 40, the developing cartridge 1 is positioned between the first side frame 41 and the second side frame 42 in the first direction.

[0047] The photosensitive drum 50 is a drum rotatable with respect to a rotation axis (first axis) extending in the first direction. The photosensitive drum 50 is positioned between the first side frame 41 and the second side frame 42 in the first direction. In addition, the photosensitive drum 50 is positioned at one end portion of the drum frame 40 in the third direction. The photosensitive drum 50 has a cylindrical outer circumferential surface. The outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 50 is covered with a photosensitive material. In a state where the process cartridge 3 is attached to the image forming apparatus 100, the photosensitive drum 50 is rotated by a driving force supplied from the image forming apparatus 100.

[0048] Further, the drum cartridge 2 can also have a handle at the other end of the drum frame 40 in the third direction.

[0049] The grid-controlled corona charger 60 is a device that charges the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 50. As shown in FIG. 1, the grid-controlled corona charger 60 opposes the photosensitive drum 50 in the second direction. More specifically, the grid-controlled corona charger 60 has a charging wire 61 and a charging grid 62. The charging wire 61 opposes the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 50 in the second direction. The charging wire 61 extends in the first direction along the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 50. The charging grid 62 is positioned between the photosensitive drum 50 and the charging wire 61 in the second direction. Figure 3 In a state where the process cartridge 3 is attached to the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming apparatus 100 supplies a voltage between the charging wire 61 and the charging grid 62. Thereby, the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 50 is charged.

[0050]

[0051] Figure 4 is a partial plan view of the process cartridge 3 in the vicinity of the first memory assembly 70 and a second memory assembly 80 described later. As shown in FIG. 1, the first memory assembly 70 is positioned at one end portion of the drum frame 40 in the first direction. In addition, the first memory assembly 70 is positioned on the outer surface of the drum frame 40. More specifically, the first memory assembly 70 is positioned on the outer surface of the first side frame 41. In a state where the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 40, the first memory assembly 70 is positioned on the opposite side of the developing cartridge 1 with respect to the first side frame 41 in the first direction. Figures 2-4

[0052] ​​The first memory assembly 70 has a first memory 71 as a storage medium and a first 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 first 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 first retainer 72. Thus, the first electrical contact surface 711 is disposed on the outer surface of the first side frame 41.

[0054] like Figures 2-4 As shown, the drum frame 40 has a first retainer cover 44. The first retainer cover 44 is located on the outer surface of the first side frame 41. Specifically, the first retainer cover 44 is fixed to the outer surface of the first side frame 41 by screws. Alternatively, the first retainer cover 44 can also be fixed to the outer surface of the first side frame 41 by bolts. The first retainer 72 is located between the first side frame 41 and the first retainer cover 44 in a first direction.

[0055] The first retainer 72 has a first protrusion 721 and a second protrusion (not shown). The first protrusion 721 extends from the surface of the first retainer 72 opposite to the first retainer cover 44 toward the first retainer cover 44 along a first direction. The shape of the first protrusion 721 can be cylindrical or prismatic. On the other hand, the first retainer cover 44 has a first hole 441. The first hole 441 is a through hole that penetrates the first retainer cover 44 along the first direction. The first protrusion 721 is inserted into the first hole 441. However, the first 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 first 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 prismatic. 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 second direction of the first hole 441 is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the second direction of the first protrusion 721. Therefore, the first protrusion 721 is movable in the second direction within the first hole 441. Also, the size (inner dimension) of the second direction of the second hole is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the second direction of the second protrusion. Therefore, the second protrusion is movable in the second direction within the second hole. Thus, the first holder 72 is movable in the second direction with the first protrusion 721 and the second protrusion with respect to the drum frame 40 and the first holder cover 44. When the first holder 72 is moved in the second direction with respect to the drum frame 40, the first electrical contact surface 711 of the first memory 71 is also moved in the second direction with respect to the drum frame 40 with the first holder 72.

[0058] The first holder 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 first holder 72 in the second direction. The second outer surface 740 is located at the other end of the first holder 72 in the second direction. The second outer surface 740 is movable in the second direction with respect to the first outer surface 730.

[0059] More specifically, the first holder 72 of the present embodiment has a first holder member 73, a second holder member 74, and a first coil spring 75 located therebetween. The first holder member 73 is, for example, resin-made. The second holder member 74 is, for example, resin-made. The first holder member 73 has the first outer surface 730. The first memory 71 is fixed to the first outer surface 730. Thus, the first electrical contact surface 711 is located at one end of the first holder 72 in the second direction. The second holder member 74 has the second outer surface 740. The first outer surface 730 and the second outer surface 740 are separated in the second direction.

[0060] The first coil spring 75 is an elastic member extending in the second direction. The first coil 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 coil spring 75 in the second direction is connected to the first holder member 73. The other end of the first coil spring 75 in the second direction is connected to the second holder member 74.

[0061] The first coil spring 75 is at least expandable and contractible in the second direction between a first state and a second state which is contracted more than the first state. The length of the first coil spring 75 in the second direction in the first state is longer than the length of the first coil spring 75 in the second direction in the second state. Thus, the distance between the first outer surface 730 and the second outer surface 740 in the second direction in the first state is longer than the distance between the first outer surface 730 and the second outer surface 740 in the second direction in the second state. Also, the length of the first coil spring 75 in the second direction in at least the second state is shorter than the natural length of the first coil spring 75.

[0062] Further, the drum cartridge 2 can have a lock lever at the other end of the drum frame 40 in the first direction. The lock lever is rotatable with respect to the rotation axis extending in the first direction between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted to the drum frame 40, the lock lever is disposed at the locked position. Thereby, the developing cartridge 1 is fixed with respect to the drum frame 40. Further, when the lock lever is rotated from the locked position to the unlocked position in the state where the developing cartridge 1 is mounted to the drum frame 40, the fixing of the developing cartridge 1 with respect to the drum frame 40 is released.

[0063] <3. About the developing cartridge>

[0064] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge 1. Figure 6 is a side view of the developing cartridge 1. As Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, the developing cartridge 1 includes a housing 10, a developing roller 20, a gear portion 30, and a second memory module 80. The housing 10 has a first outer surface 11 and a second outer surface 12. The first outer surface 11 is at one end of the housing 10 in the first direction. The second outer surface 12 is 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.

[0065] The first outer surface 11 of the developing cartridge 1 opposes the first side frame 41 of the drum cartridge 2 in the first direction in the state where the developing cartridge 1 is mounted to the drum frame 40. Further, the second outer surface 12 of the developing cartridge 1 opposes the second side frame 42 of the drum cartridge 2 in the first direction in the state where the developing cartridge 1 is mounted to the drum frame 40.

[0066] The inside of the housing 10 houses a developer. The developer is, for example, toner. The developing roller 20 is a roller rotatable with respect to a rotation axis (second axis) extending in the first direction. The developing roller 20 is at one end of the housing 10 in the third direction. The developing roller 20 opposes the photosensitive drum 50 in the third direction in the state where the developing cartridge 1 is mounted to the drum frame 40. More specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 20 and the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 50 contact each other in the state where the developing cartridge 1 is mounted to the drum frame 40.

[0067] The developer in the housing 10 is supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 20 via a supply roller, which is omitted from illustration. Thereby, the developer is carried on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 20. Subsequently, the developer of 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 in accordance with an electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 50. Thereby, an image is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 50 by the developer.

[0068] Further, the developing cartridge 1 has a handle 13 at the other end of the case 10 in the third direction.

[0069] The gear portion 30 is located at the first outer surface 11 of the case 10. The gear portion 30 has a plurality of gears. In a state where the process cartridge 3 is installed in the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming apparatus 100 supplies a driving force to the developing roller 20 via the plurality of gears of the gear portion 30. Thereby, the developing roller 20 is rotated.

[0070] The second memory assembly 80 is located at one end of the case 10 in the first direction. More specifically, the second memory assembly 80 is located at the first outer surface 11 of the case 10. As shown in Figure 4 the second memory assembly 80 has a second memory 81 as a storage medium and a second retainer 82 that holds the second memory 81. The second memory 81 is, for example, an IC chip. The second memory 81 is located at an outer surface of the second retainer 82.

[0071] 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 life information of the developing cartridge 1. The identification information is information for identifying the developing cartridge 1. The identification information is, for example, a manufacturing number of the developing cartridge 1. The life information is information indicating a life of the developing cartridge 1. The life information is, for example, a cumulative number of revolutions of the developing roller 20.

[0072] The second memory 81 has a second electrical contact surface 811. The second electrical contact surface 811 is a surface of a metal as a conductor.

[0073] As shown in Figure 4 the case 10 has a second retainer cover 14. The second retainer cover 14 is located at the first outer surface 11 of the case 10. Specifically, the second retainer cover 14 is fixed to the first outer surface 11 of the case 10 by a screw. Further, the second retainer cover 14 can be fixed to the first outer surface 11 of the case 10 by a bolt. The second retainer 82 is located between the first outer surface 11 of the case 10 and the second retainer cover 14 in the first direction.

[0074] The second holder 82 has a third protrusion 821 and a fourth protrusion 822. The third protrusion 821 and the fourth protrusion 822 protrude from the second holder 82 in the first direction toward a direction away from the housing 10. The second holder cover 14 is positioned between the third protrusion 821 and the fourth protrusion 822 in the second direction. In addition, the third protrusion 821 and the fourth protrusion 822 are spaced apart in the second direction more than the size of the second holder cover 14 in the second direction. Therefore, the third protrusion 821 and the fourth protrusion 822 are movable in the second direction with respect to the second holder cover 14. Therefore, the second holder 82 is movable in the second direction with respect to the housing 10 and the second holder cover 14 together with the third protrusion 821 and the fourth protrusion 822. When the second holder 82 is moved in the second direction with respect to the housing 10, the second electrical contact surface 811 of the second memory 81 is also moved in the second direction with respect to the housing 10 together with the second holder 82.

[0075] The second holder 82 is formed of a single component. The second holder 82 is made of resin, for example. The distance between one end of the second holder 82 in the second direction and the other end of the second holder 82 in the second direction is constant. The second memory 81 is fixed to one end of the second holder 82 in the second direction. Therefore, the second electrical contact surface 811 is located at one end of the second holder 82 in the second direction.

[0076] In a state where the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the drum frame 40, the second memory assembly 80 is exposed from the drum frame 40. In addition, in a state where the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the drum frame 40, the first memory assembly 70 and the second memory assembly 80 are positioned at one end of the process cartridge 3 in the first direction. The first memory assembly 70 and the second memory assembly 80 are arranged in the third direction. The first memory assembly 70 and the second memory assembly 80 are positioned at separate positions from each other in the third direction. The second memory assembly 80 is positioned in the vicinity of the photosensitive drum 50 in the third direction compared to the first memory assembly 70.

[0077] <4. About the Plate>

[0078] The process cartridge 3 further has a plate 200. The plate 200 is a component for connecting the first holder 72 and the second holder 82 in a state where the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the drum frame 40. The plate 200 extends in the third direction. In a state where the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the drum frame 40, the plate 200 is installed with respect to the first holder 72 and the second holder 82. The plate 200 is disposed at an end portion of the drum frame 40 in the first direction.

[0079] One end of the plate 200 in the third direction is connected to the second holder 82. Specifically, the plate 200 has a through-hole 201. The through-hole 201 penetrates one end of the plate 200 in the third direction in the first direction. The third protrusion 821 of the second holder 82 is inserted into the through-hole 201. Thus, one end of the plate 200 in the third direction is connected to the second holder 82. However, the plate 200 can have a recess for the insertion of the third protrusion 821 instead of the through-hole 201.

[0080] Further, a protrusion can be provided at one end of the plate 200 in the third direction, and a through-hole or a recess can be provided at the second holder 82. Then, one end of the plate 200 in the third direction can be connected to the second holder 82 by inserting the protrusion of the plate 200 into the through-hole or the recess of the second holder 82. Alternatively, one end of the plate 200 in the third direction can be fixed to the second holder 82 by an adhesive or a double-sided tape.

[0081] The other end of the plate 200 in the third direction is connected to the first holder 72. Specifically, the other end of the plate 200 in the third direction is connected to the first holder member 73. More specifically, the other end of the plate 200 in the third direction is fixed to the first holder member 73 by, for example, an adhesive or a double-sided tape. Thus, the first holder member 73 and the second holder 82 are connected via the plate 200.

[0082] Further, a protrusion for fixation can be provided at the first holder 72, and a through-hole or a recess can be provided at the other end of the plate 200 in the third direction. Then, the other end of the plate 200 in the third direction can be connected to the first holder 72 by inserting the protrusion of the first holder 72 into the through-hole or the recess of the plate 200.

[0083] Alternatively, a protrusion can be provided at the other end of the plate 200 in the third direction, and a through-hole or a recess can be provided at the first holder 72. Then, the other end of the plate 200 in the third direction can be connected to the first holder 72 by inserting the protrusion of the plate 200 into the through-hole or the recess of the first holder 72.

[0084] When the first holder 72 is moved in the second direction in a state where the developing cartridge 1 is mounted to the drum frame 40 and the plate 200 connects the first holder 72 and the second holder 82, the plate 200 is also moved in the second direction, and the second holder 82 is also moved in the second direction together with the plate 200. More specifically, when the first holder member 73 is moved in the second direction, the plate 200 is also moved in the second direction, and the second holder 82 is also moved in the second direction together with the plate 200.

[0085] In other words, when the first holder member 73 moves in the second direction, the other end of the plate 200 in the third direction also moves in the second direction. When the other end of the plate 200 moves in the second direction, the one end of the plate 200 in the third direction also moves in the second direction. Also, when the one end of the plate 200 in the third direction moves in the second direction, the second holder 82 also moves in the second direction.

[0086] <5. Mounting operation of the process cartridge>

[0087] The image forming apparatus 100 has an opening 101 through which the process cartridge 3 can pass and a main cover 102. The main cover 102 rotates between a closed position that covers the opening 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 and an open position that opens the opening 101 of the image forming apparatus 100. When the process cartridge 3 is mounted to the image forming apparatus 100, the main cover 102 is disposed at the open position. Then, the process cartridge 3 is mounted to the inside of the image forming apparatus 100 through the opening 101. At this time, the process cartridge 3 moves in the third direction.

[0088] As shown in Figure 1 The image forming apparatus 100 has 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 the third direction, respectively. The first guide frame 103 and the second guide frame 104 are opposed in the second direction. In addition, the interval of the first guide frame 103 and the second guide frame 104 in the second direction decreases as it moves away from the opening 101 in the third direction.

[0089] The first electrical connector 105 and the second electrical connector 106 are located in the first guide frame 103. The first electrical connector 105 and the second electrical connector 106 are arranged at intervals in the third direction. The first electrical connector 105 is a terminal that can contact the first electrical contact surface 711 of the first memory 71. The second electrical connector 106 is a terminal that can contact the second electrical contact surface 811 of the second memory 81. The first electrical connector 105 and the second electrical connector 106 are electrically connected to a control section 107 of the image forming apparatus 100, respectively.

[0090] When the process cartridge 3 is mounted to the image forming apparatus 100, the first outer surface 730 of the first holder 72 contacts the first guide frame 103, and the second outer surface 740 contacts the second guide frame 104. Then, the first holder 72 is guided by the first guide frame 103 and the second guide frame 104 while moving in the third direction, thereby moving in the second direction with respect to the drum frame 40. In addition, since the interval of the first guide frame 103 and the second guide frame 104 in the second direction gradually decreases, the distance of the first outer surface 730 and the second outer surface 740 in the second direction also gradually decreases.

[0091] At this time, the second retainer 82 moves in the second direction together with the plate 200 in conjunction with the movement of the first retainer member 73 in the second direction. That is, the second retainer 82 moves in the second direction without being directly pressed by the first guide frame 103 and the second guide frame 104.

[0092] Then, when the mounting of the process cartridge 3 with respect to the image forming apparatus 100 is completed, the first electric contact surface 711 of the first memory 71 comes into contact with the first electric connector 105. Thereby, the control section 107 of the image forming apparatus 100 is able to perform the reading of information from the first memory 71 and the writing of information to the first memory 71. In addition, when the mounting of the process cartridge 3 with respect to the image forming apparatus 100 is completed, the second electric contact surface 811 of the second memory 81 comes into contact with the second electric connector 106. Thereby, the control section 107 of the image forming apparatus 100 is able to perform the reading of information from the second memory 81 and the writing of information to the second memory 81.

[0093] As described above, the process cartridge 3 of the present embodiment is provided with the plate 200 that connects the first retainer 72 and the second retainer 82. Therefore, when the process cartridge 3 is mounted to the image forming apparatus 100, the second retainer 82 is able to move in the second direction together with the first retainer 72. In this way, it is not necessary to provide the second retainer 82 with a part that receives the direct pressing force from the second guide frame 104. Specifically, it is not necessary to provide the second retainer 82 with a part such as the second retainer member 74 of the first retainer 72. In addition, it is not necessary to provide an elastic member that makes the second retainer 82 stretch and contract in the second direction. Specifically, it is not necessary to provide the second retainer 82 with a part such as the first coil spring 75 of the first retainer 72. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of parts of the second retainer 82. As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of parts of the process cartridge 1.

[0094] In addition, compared to the case where the elastic members are provided to both the first retainer 72 and the second retainer 82, the number of elastic members that are compressed when the process cartridge 3 is mounted to the image forming apparatus is reduced. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the operation load of the user when the process cartridge 3 is mounted to the image forming apparatus.

[0095] <6. Modification>

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

[0097] In the above-described embodiment, the first holder 72 holds the first memory 71. However, the first holder 72 can hold only the first electrical contact surface 711 in the first memory 71. In this case, the first memory 71 except for the first electrical contact surface 711 can be held to other portions of the drum cartridge 2.

[0098] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the second holder 82 holds the second memory 81. However, the second holder 82 can hold only the second electrical contact surface 811 in the second memory 81. In this case, the second memory 81 except for the second electrical contact surface 811 can be held to other portions of the developing cartridge 1.

[0099] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, one process cartridge 3 is attached to one image forming apparatus 100. However, a plurality of process cartridges 3 can be attached to one image forming apparatus 100.

[0100] In addition, the detailed shape of the process cartridge can be different from the shape shown in each drawing of the present application. In addition, each element appearing in the above-described embodiment and modified example can be appropriately combined within a range not causing contradiction.

[0101] Symbol Explanation

[0102] 1 developing cartridge

[0103] 2 drum cartridge

[0104] 3 process cartridge

[0105] 10 housing

[0106] 20 developing roller

[0107] 30 gear portion

[0108] 40 drum frame

[0109] 50 photosensitive drum

[0110] 60 grid-controlled corona charger

[0111] 70 first memory assembly

[0112] 71 first memory

[0113] 72 first holder

[0114] 73 first holder member

[0115] 74 second holder member

[0116] 75 first coil spring

[0117] 80 second memory assembly

[0118] 81 second memory

[0119] 82 second holder

[0120] 100 image forming apparatus

[0121] 711 first electrical contact surface

[0122] 811 second electrical contact surface

Claims

1. A process cartridge, characterized by, Possessing: a drum cartridge, a developing cartridge, and a plate, the drum cartridge has: a drum frame; a photosensitive drum that is rotatable with respect to a first shaft extending in a first direction; a first memory that has a first electrical contact surface and stores information related to the drum cartridge; and a first holder that holds the first electrical contact surface so as to be movable with respect to the drum frame in a second direction that intersects the first direction, the developing cartridge is mountable to the drum frame and has: a casing; a developing roller that is rotatable with respect to a second shaft extending in the first direction; a second memory that has a second electrical contact surface and stores information related to the developing cartridge; and a second holder that holds the second electrical contact surface so as to be movable with respect to the casing, the plate connects the first holder and the second holder in a state in which the developing cartridge is mounted to the drum frame, in the state in which the plate connects the first holder and the second holder, the second holder moves along with the plate in the second direction in conjunction with movement of the first holder in the second direction.

2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first holder has: a first holder member that holds the first electrical contact surface; a second holder member that is movable with respect to the first holder member in the second direction; and a first elastic member that is stretchable and contractible in the second direction, one end of the first elastic member in the second direction is connected to the first holder member, the other end of the first elastic member in the second direction is connected to the second holder member.

3. The process cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the first elastic member is a spring.

4. The process cartridge according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the plate is a plate that connects the first holder member and the second holder, in the state in which the plate connects the first holder member and the second holder, the second holder moves along with the plate in the second direction in conjunction with movement of the first holder member in the second direction.

5. The process cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the process cartridge is detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus, when the process cartridge is mounted to the image forming apparatus, the second holder is movable along with the plate in the second direction in conjunction with movement of the first holder member in the second direction.

6. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein one end of the plate is connected to the second holder, the other end of the plate is connected to the first holder.

7. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first electrical contact surface and the first holder are located at one end portion of the drum frame in the first direction, ​ ​ ​ the second electric contact surface and the second holder are located at one end portion of the drum frame in the first direction, the plate is located at the one end portion of the drum frame in the first direction.

8. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the process cartridge is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus, when the process cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, the first holder moves in the second direction with respect to the drum frame, the second holder moves in the second direction with the plate, in conjunction with the movement of the first holder in the second direction.

9. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first holder holds the first memory.

10. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second holder holds the second memory.

11. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the drum cartridge further has: a lock lever rotatable with respect to a rotation axis extending in the first direction between a locked position, in which the development cartridge is locked with respect to the drum frame, and an unlocked position, in which the development cartridge is unlocked with respect to the drum frame, the lock lever is located at the other end portion of the drum frame in the first direction.

12. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the photosensitive drum is located at one end portion of the drum frame in a third direction intersecting the first direction, in a state in which the development cartridge is attached to the drum frame, the first electric contact surface and the second electric contact surface are arranged in the third direction.

13. The process cartridge according to claim 12, wherein in the state in which the development cartridge is attached to the drum frame, the second electric contact surface is located in the vicinity of the photosensitive drum in the third direction, as compared with the first electric contact surface.

14. The process cartridge according to claim 12 or 13, wherein in the state in which the development cartridge is attached to the drum frame, the photosensitive drum opposes the developing roller in the third direction.

Images