Drum and process cartridge

Abstract

A technology is provided in which a drum cartridge is equipped with a first memory (71) and a second memory (81). A developing cartridge (1) is mountable to a drum frame (40). The first memory (71) stores information related to the drum cartridge. The first memory (71) has a first electrical contact surface (711). The second memory (81) stores information related to the developing cartridge. The second memory (81) has a second electrical contact surface (811) that is different from the first electrical contact surface (711). The first electrical contact surface (711) and the second electrical contact surface (811) are located on an outer surface of the drum frame (40).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0002] In the past, 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 installed to the drum cartridge. Then, the drum cartridge to which the developing cartridge is installed is installed to the image forming apparatus. In addition, the developing cartridge of Patent Literature 1 has a memory. The memory stores various information related to the developing cartridge.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

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

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] In recent years, it is required to mount a memory storing various information related to a drum cartridge not only in a developing cartridge but also in the drum cartridge. In this case, the memory is generally mounted in the developing cartridge and the drum cartridge respectively.

[0008] On the other hand, as another method, it is also considered to mount a memory storing various information related to a developing cartridge in a drum cartridge and a memory storing various information related to the drum cartridge. SUMMARY

[0009] An object of the present application is to provide a technology in which a memory storing various information related to a developing cartridge is not mounted in the developing cartridge, and a memory storing various information related to the developing cartridge and a memory storing various information related to a drum cartridge are mounted in the drum cartridge.

[0010] MEANS OF SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0011] A first application of the present application relates to a drum cartridge characterized by comprising: a drum frame to which a developing cartridge having a developing roller is installable; a photosensitive drum rotatable with respect to a first shaft extending in a first direction, and contactable with the developing roller in a state where the developing cartridge is installed to the drum frame; a first memory having a first electrical contact surface and storing information related to the drum cartridge; and a second memory having a second electrical contact surface different from the first electrical contact surface and storing information related to the developing cartridge, the first electrical contact surface and the second electrical contact surface being located on an outer surface of the drum frame.

[0012] The second application of the present application relates to the drum cartridge of the first application, characterized in that the first electric contact surface and the second electric contact surface are located at one end portion of the drum frame in the first direction.

[0013] The third application of the present application relates to the drum cartridge of the second application, characterized in that a lock lever that releases fixation of the developing cartridge with respect to the drum frame is further provided, and is located at the other end portion of the drum frame in the first direction.

[0014] The fourth application of the present application relates to the drum cartridge of the second application or the third application, characterized in that the drum frame has a first side frame located at one end portion of the drum frame in the first direction, and a second side frame located at the other end portion of the drum frame in the first direction, and the photosensitive drum is located between the first side frame and the second side frame in the first direction, and in a state in which the developing cartridge is mounted to the drum frame, the first electric contact surface and the second electric contact surface are located on opposite sides of the developing cartridge with respect to the first side frame in the first direction.

[0015] The fifth application of the present application relates to the drum cartridge of any one of the first application to the fourth application, characterized in that a first holder that holds the first electric contact surface so as to be movable with respect to the drum frame is further provided, and the first electric contact surface is mounted to an outer surface of the drum frame via the first holder.

[0016] The sixth application of the present application relates to the drum cartridge of the fifth application, characterized in that the first electric contact surface is located at one end of the first holder in a second direction that intersects the first direction, and the first holder holds the first electric contact surface so as to be movable with respect to the drum frame in the second direction.

[0017] The seventh application of the present application relates to the drum cartridge of the sixth application, characterized in that a grid-controlled corona charger that charges a surface of the photosensitive drum and is located opposite the photosensitive drum in the second direction is further provided.

[0018] The eighth application of the present application relates to the drum cartridge of any one of the fifth application to the seventh application, characterized in that the first holder holds the first memory.

[0019] The ninth application of the present application relates to the drum cartridge of any one of the first application to the eighth application, characterized in that a second holder that holds the second electric contact surface so as to be movable with respect to the drum frame is further provided, and the second electric contact surface is mounted to an outer surface of the drum frame via the second holder.

[0020] The tenth application of the present application relates to the drum cartridge of the ninth application, characterized in that the second electric contact surface is located at one end of the second holder in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the second holder holds the second electric contact surface so as to be movable in the second direction with respect to the drum frame.

[0021] The eleventh application of the present application relates to the drum cartridge of the tenth application, characterized in further comprising a grid-controlled corona charger that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum and is located opposite the photosensitive drum in the second direction.

[0022] The twelfth application of the present application relates to the drum cartridge of any one of the ninth application to the eleventh application, characterized in that the second holder holds the second memory.

[0023] The thirteenth application of the present application relates to the drum cartridge of any one of the ninth application to the twelfth application, characterized in that the drum frame has a first side frame located at one end portion of the drum frame in the first direction, and a second side frame located at the other end portion of the drum frame in the first direction, the photosensitive drum being located between the first side frame and the second side frame in the first direction, the first electric contact surface and the second electric contact surface being located on the opposite side of the developing cartridge with respect to the first side frame in the first direction in a state where the developing cartridge is mounted to the drum frame.

[0024] The fourteenth application of the present application relates to the drum cartridge of the thirteenth application, characterized in that the second holder has a protrusion extending in the first direction, and the first side frame has a hole or a recess into which the protrusion is fitted, the protrusion being movable within the hole or the recess.

[0025] The fifteenth application of the present application relates to the drum cartridge of any one of the first application to the fourteenth application, 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 electric contact surface and the second electric contact surface are arranged in the third direction.

[0026] The sixteenth application of the present application relates to the drum cartridge of the fifteenth application, characterized in that the photosensitive drum is located opposite the developing roller in the third direction in a state where the developing cartridge is mounted to the drum frame.

[0027] The seventeenth application of the present application relates to the drum cartridge of the fifteenth application or the sixteenth application, characterized in that the first electric contact surface is located at a position separate from the second electric contact surface in the third direction.

[0028] The eighteenth invention of this application relates to a drum housing of any one of the fifteenth to seventeenth inventions, characterized in that the second electrical contact surface is located near the photosensitive drum in the third direction, compared to the first electrical contact surface.

[0029] The nineteenth invention of this application relates to a processing cartridge that can be installed in an image forming apparatus, characterized in that it comprises: a drum cartridge of any one of the first to eighteenth inventions; and the developing cartridge.

[0030] The effects of the invention

[0031] According to the first to nineteenth embodiments of the present invention, a memory storing information related to the developing cartridge and a memory storing information related to the drum cartridge are mounted on the drum cartridge. Therefore, information related to the developing cartridge can be managed without mounting a memory on the developing cartridge. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This diagram shows the developing cassette, drum cassette, and image forming apparatus.

[0033] Figure 2 It is a 3D diagram of the drum box.

[0034] Figure 3 It is a 3D view of the drum unit with the developing chamber installed.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a partial side view of the drum near the first and second memory components.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a partial perspective view of the drum near the first and second memory components. 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 developing cartridges and drum cartridges>

[0040] Figure 1 This diagram shows the developing cartridge 1, the drum cartridge 2, and the image forming apparatus 100. Figure 2 This is a 3D view of Drum Box 2. Figure 3is a perspective view of the drum cartridge 2 to which the developing cartridge 1 is attached.

[0041] The image forming apparatus 100 is a printer of an electrophotographic system. The image forming apparatus 100 is, for example, a laser printer or an LED printer. The developing cartridge 1 is attachable to and detachable from the drum cartridge 2. A process cartridge 3 is formed by the drum cartridge 2 and the developing cartridge 1 attached to the drum cartridge 2. The process cartridge 3 is attachable to and detachable from the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on a print paper by toner supplied from the developing cartridge 1.

[0042] <2. About the developing cartridge>

[0043] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 3 , the developing cartridge 1 includes a housing 10, a developing roller 20, and a gear portion 30. 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.

[0044] A developer is accommodated in the inside of the housing 10. The developer is, for example, toner. The developing roller 20 is a roller that is rotatable with respect to a rotation shaft extending in the first direction. The developing roller 20 is located at one end of the housing 10 in a third direction. The developer in the housing 10 is supplied to an outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 20 via a supply roller, which is omitted from illustration. Thus, the developer is carried on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 20. Further, the other end of the housing 10 in the third direction has a handle 13.

[0045] The gear portion 30 is located at the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. The gear portion 30 has a plurality of gears. In a state in which the process cartridge 3 is attached to 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. Thus, the developing roller 20 is rotated.

[0046] <3. About the drum cartridge>

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 , the drum cartridge 2 includes a drum frame 40, a photosensitive drum 50, a gate-type corona charger 60, a first memory assembly 70, a second memory assembly 80, and a lock lever 90.

[0048] 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 connection 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 separated from each other in the first direction.

[0049] 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.

[0050] The developing cartridge 1 is detachable with respect to 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. In a state where the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 40, 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 addition, in a state where the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 40, 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.

[0051] The photosensitive drum 50 is a drum that is 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 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. Further, the other end of the drum frame 40 in the third direction has a handle 46.

[0052] In a state where the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 40, the developing roller 20 opposes the photosensitive drum 50 in the third direction. More specifically, in a state where the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 40, the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller 20 and the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 50 are in contact with each other. 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.

[0053] The developer of the outer circumferential 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 newly formed on the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 50. Thereby, an image is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 50 by the developer.

[0054] 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 1 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.

[0055] In a state where the process cartridge 3 is installed in 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 peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 50 is charged.

[0056] Figure 4 is a partial side view of the drum cartridge 2 in the vicinity of the first memory assembly 70 and the second memory assembly 80. Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of the drum cartridge 2 in the vicinity of the first memory assembly 70 and the second memory assembly 80.

[0057] As shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the first memory assembly 70 and the second memory assembly 80 are located at one end portion of the drum frame 40 in the first direction. In addition, the first memory assembly 70 and the second memory assembly 80 are located on the outer surface of the drum frame 40. More specifically, the first memory assembly 70 and the second memory assembly 80 are located on the outer surface of the first side frame 41. 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 located on the opposite side of the developing cartridge 1 with respect to the first side frame 41 in the first direction.

[0058] On the outer surface of the first side frame 41, 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 located at positions separated from each other in the third direction. The second memory assembly 80 is located in the vicinity of the photosensitive drum 50 in the third direction compared with the first memory assembly 70.

[0059] The first memory assembly 70 has a first memory 71 as a storage medium and a first holder 72 that holds 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. In the first memory 71, information related to the drum cartridge 2 is stored. Specifically, the first memory 71 stores at least one of identification information and life information of the drum cartridge 2. The identification information is information for identifying the drum cartridge 2. The identification information is, for example, a manufacturing number of the drum cartridge 2. The life information is information indicating the life of the drum cartridge 2. The life information is, for example, the cumulative number of revolutions of the photosensitive drum 50.

[0060] The first memory 71 has a first electrical contact surface 711. The first electrical contact surface 711 is a surface of a metal as a conductor. The first electrical contact surface 711 is mounted to the outer surface of the first side frame 41 via the first holder 72. Thereby, the first electrical contact surface 711 is arranged on the outer surface of the first side frame 41.

[0061] As shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the drum frame 40 has a first holder cover 44. The first holder cover 44 is located on the outer surface of the first side frame 41. Specifically, the first holder cover 44 is fixed to the outer surface of the first side frame 41 by a screw. In addition, the first holder cover 44 can also be fixed to the outer surface of the first side frame 41 by a bolt. The first holder 72 is located between the first side frame 41 and the first holder cover 44 in the first direction.

[0062] The first holder 72 has a first protrusion 721 and a second protrusion (omitted from the drawing). The first protrusion 721 extends from the face of the first holder 72 opposite the first holder cover 44 toward the first holder cover 44 in the first direction. The shape of the first protrusion 721 can be cylindrical or prismatic. On the other hand, the first holder cover 44 has a first hole 441. The first hole 441 is a through hole that penetrates the first holder cover 44 in the first direction. The first protrusion 721 is inserted into the first hole 441. However, the first holder cover 44 can have a recess for the first protrusion 721 to be inserted instead of the first hole 441.

[0063] The second protrusion extends from the face of the first holder 72 opposite the first side frame 41 toward the first side frame 41 in the 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 (omitted from the drawing). The second hole is a through hole that penetrates the first side frame 41 in the first direction. The second protrusion is inserted into the second hole. However, the first side frame 41 can have a recess for the second protrusion to be inserted instead of the second hole.

[0064] 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 can move in the second direction within the first hole 441. In addition, 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 can move in the second direction within the second hole. Thus, the first holder 72 can move in the second direction with respect to the drum frame 40 and the first holder cover 44 together with the first protrusion 721 and the second protrusion. When the first holder 72 moves in the second direction with respect to the drum frame 40, the first electrical contact surface 711 of the first memory 71 also moves in the second direction with respect to the drum frame 40 together with the first holder 72.

[0065] 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 can move in the second direction with respect to the first outer surface 730.

[0066] 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 between them. 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 a 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 a second outer surface 740. The first outer surface 730 and the second outer surface 740 are separated in the second direction.

[0067] 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. The first coil spring 75 is at least stretchable 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. Further, 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.

[0068] The second memory assembly 80 has a second memory 81 as a storage medium and a second holder 82 which holds the second memory 81. The second memory 81 is, for example, an IC chip. The second memory 81 is located on an outer surface of the second holder 82. 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 the life of the developing cartridge 1. The life information is, for example, the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller 20.

[0069] The second memory 81 has a second electrical contact surface 811 different from the first electrical contact surface 711. The second electrical contact surface 811 is a surface of a metal as a conductor. The second electrical contact surface 811 is mounted to the outer surface of the first side frame 41 via the second holder 82. Thus, the second electrical contact surface 811 is disposed on the outer surface of the first side frame 41.

[0070] As Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the drum frame 40 has a second holder cover 45. The second holder cover 45 is located on the outer surface of the first side frame 41. Specifically, the second holder cover 45 is fixed to the outer surface of the first side frame 41 by a screw. Alternatively, the second holder cover 45 can be fixed to the outer surface of the first side frame 41 by a bolt. The second holder 82 is located between the first side frame 41 and the second holder cover 45 in the first direction.

[0071] The second holder 82 has a third protrusion 821 and a fourth protrusion (not shown). The third protrusion 821 extends from the surface of the second holder 82 opposite to the second holder cover 45 toward the second holder cover 45 in the first direction. The shape of the third protrusion 821 can be cylindrical, prismatic, or other shapes. On the other hand, the second holder cover 45 has a third hole 451. The third hole 451 is a through hole that penetrates the second holder cover 45 in the first direction. The third protrusion 821 is inserted into the third hole 451. Alternatively, the second holder cover 45 can have a recess for the third protrusion 821 to be inserted instead of the third hole 451.

[0072] The fourth protrusion extends from the surface of the second holder 82 opposite to the first side frame 41 toward the first side frame 41 in the first direction. The shape of the fourth protrusion can be cylindrical, prismatic, or other shapes. On the other hand, the first side frame 41 has a fourth hole 411. The fourth hole 411 is a through hole that penetrates the first side frame 41 in the first direction. The fourth protrusion is inserted into the fourth hole 411. Alternatively, the first side frame 41 can have a recess for the fourth protrusion to be inserted instead of the fourth hole 411.

[0073] The size (inner dimension) of the second direction of the third hole 451 is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the second direction of the third protrusion 821. Therefore, the third protrusion 821 can move in the second direction within the third hole 451. In addition, the size (inner dimension) of the second direction of the fourth hole 411 is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the second direction of the fourth protrusion. Therefore, the fourth protrusion can move in the second direction within the fourth hole 411. Thus, the second holder 82 can move in the second direction with the third protrusion 821 and the fourth protrusion relative to the drum frame 40 and the second holder cover 45. When the second holder 82 moves in the second direction relative to the drum frame 40, the second electrical contact surface 811 of the second memory 81 also moves in the second direction with the second holder 82 relative to the drum frame 40.

[0074] The second holder 82 has a third outer surface 830 and a fourth outer surface 840. The third outer surface 830 is located at one end of the second holder 82 in the second direction. The fourth outer surface 840 is located at the other end of the second holder 82 in the second direction. The fourth outer surface 840 can move in the second direction relative to the third outer surface 830.

[0075] More specifically, the second holder 82 of the present embodiment has a third holder member 83, a fourth holder member 84, and a second coil spring 85 between them. The third holder member 83 is, for example, resin-made. The fourth holder member 84 is, for example, resin-made. The third holder member 83 has a third outer surface 830. The second memory 81 is fixed to the third outer surface 830. Thus, the second electrical contact surface 811 is located at one end of the second holder 82 in the second direction. The fourth holder member 84 has a fourth outer surface 840. The third outer surface 830 and the fourth outer surface 840 are separated in the second direction.

[0076] The second coil spring 85 is an elastic member extending in the second direction. The second coil spring 85 is disposed between the third outer surface 830 and the fourth outer surface 840 in the second direction. The second coil spring 85 is at least stretchable and contractible in the second direction between a third state and a fourth state that is contracted more than the third state. The length of the second coil spring 85 in the second direction in the third state is longer than the length of the second coil spring 85 in the second direction in the fourth state. Thus, the distance between the third outer surface 830 and the fourth outer surface 840 in the second direction in the third state is longer than the distance between the third outer surface 830 and the fourth outer surface 840 in the second direction in the fourth state. In addition, the length of the second coil spring 85 in the second direction in at least the fourth state is shorter than the natural length of the second coil spring 85.

[0077] The lock lever 90 is located at the other end of the drum frame 40 in the first direction. Specifically, the lock lever 90 is located at the second side frame 42. The lock lever 90 is rotatable with respect to a 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 90 is disposed at the locked position. Thereby, the developing cartridge 1 is fixed with respect to the drum frame 40. In addition, when the lock lever 90 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 fixation of the developing cartridge 1 with respect to the drum frame 40 is released.

[0078] <4. Mounting operation of the process cartridge>

[0079] The image forming apparatus 100 has an opening 101 through which the process cartridge 3 can pass and a main body cover 102. The main body cover 102 is rotatable 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 body 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 is moved along the third direction.

[0080] As Figure 1As shown, the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with a first guide frame 103, a second guide frame 104, a first electric connector 105, and a second electric connector 106. The first guide frame 103 and the second guide frame 104 each extend in the third direction. The first guide frame 103 and the second guide frame 104 oppose each other 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.

[0081] The first electric connector 105 and the second electric connector 106 are located in the first guide frame 103. The first electric connector 105 and the second electric connector 106 are arranged at intervals in the third direction. The first electric connector 105 is a terminal capable of contacting the first electric contact surface 711 of the first memory 71. The second electric connector 106 is a terminal capable of contacting the second electric contact surface 811 of the second memory 81. The first electric connector 105 and the second electric connector 106 are each electrically connected to a control section 107 of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0082] When the process cartridge 3 is mounted to the image forming apparatus 100, the third outer surface 830 of the second holder 82 contacts the first guide frame 103, and the fourth outer surface 840 contacts the second guide frame 104. Then, the second holder 82 is guided by the first guide frame 103 and the second guide frame 104 while moving in the third direction, and thereby moves 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 third outer surface 830 and the fourth outer surface 840 in the second direction also gradually decreases.

[0083] Then, 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 contacts the second electric connector 106. Thereby, the control section 107 of the image forming apparatus 100 is capable of reading information from the second memory 81 and writing information to the second memory 81.

[0084] 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, and thereby also moves in the second direction. 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] As above, the drum cartridge 2 of the present embodiment is provided with the first memory 71 and the second memory 81. The first memory 71 stores information related to the drum cartridge 2. The second memory 81 stores information related to the developing cartridge 1. In this way, if the two memories 71, 81 are mounted on the drum cartridge 2, it is not necessary to mount a memory on the developing cartridge 1, and it is possible to manage information related to the developing cartridge 1. That is, in a state where the image forming apparatus 100 is mounted with the process cartridge 3, the control section 107 of the image forming apparatus 100 is able to read information related to the developing cartridge 1 from the second memory 81, and perform a printing process using the information.

[0087] In addition, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the second electric contact surface 811 of the second memory 81 that stores information related to the developing cartridge 1 is not mounted to the housing 10 of the developing cartridge 1, but is mounted to the drum frame 40. Therefore, it is possible to position the second electric contact surface 811 with respect to the image forming apparatus 100 regardless of the mounting tolerance of the developing cartridge 1 with respect to the drum frame 40. Therefore, it is possible to position the second electric contact surface 811 with high precision with respect to the second electric connector 106 of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0088] In addition, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the first electric contact surface 711 and the second electric contact surface 811 are both located at one end of the drum frame 40 in the first direction. Therefore, compared to a case where the first electric contact surface 711 and the second electric contact surface 811 are separately arranged at both ends of the drum frame 40 in the first direction, it is possible to reduce the size of the drum cartridge 2 in the first direction.

[0089] <5. Modification>

[0090] The present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0091] In the above-described embodiments, the first holding frame 72 holds the first memory 71. However, the first holding frame 72 can hold only the first electric contact surface 711 in the first memory 71, and hold the other part of the first memory 71 to another part of the drum cartridge 2.

[0092] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, the first electric contact surface 711 is mounted to the drum frame 40 via the first holding frame 72. However, the first electric contact surface 711 can be directly mounted to the drum frame 40 without passing through another member.

[0093] 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 of the second memory 81, and hold the other part of the second memory 81 to another part of the drum cartridge 2.

[0094] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the second electrical contact surface 811 is mounted on the drum frame 40 via the second holder 82. However, the second electrical contact surface 811 can be directly mounted on the drum frame 40 without passing through another component.

[0095] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, one process cartridge 3 is mounted to one image forming apparatus 100. However, a plurality of process cartridges 3 can be mounted to one image forming apparatus 100.

[0096] In addition, the drum cartridge 2 of the above-described embodiment mounts only one developing cartridge 1. However, the drum cartridge can mount a plurality of developing cartridges 1.

[0097] In addition, the shape of the details of the drum cartridge can be different from the shape shown in the drawings 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.

[0098] Symbol Explanation

[0099] 1 developing cartridge

[0100] 2 drum cartridge

[0101] 3 process cartridge

[0102] 10 casing

[0103] 20 developing roller

[0104] 40 drum frame

[0105] 41 first side frame

[0106] 42 second side frame

[0107] 50 photosensitive drum

[0108] 60 grid-controlled corona charger

[0109] 70 first memory assembly

[0110] 71 first memory

[0111] 72 first holder

[0112] 80 second memory assembly

[0113] 81 second memory

[0114] 82 second retainer

[0115] 90 locking lever

[0116] 100 image forming apparatus

[0117] 711 first electrical contact surface

[0118] 811 second electrical contact surface

Claims

1. A drum box, characterized in that, have: Drum frame, which allows for mounting of a developing cassette with developing rollers; A photosensitive drum that is rotatable relative to a first axis extending in a first direction, and in which the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum frame, the photosensitive drum is in contact with the developing roller; A first memory having a first electrical contact surface and storing information related to the drum case; as well as A second memory, having a second electrical contact surface different from the first electrical contact surface, stores information related to the developing cartridge. The first electrical contact surface and the second electrical contact surface are located on the outer surface of the drum frame.

2. The drum box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first electrical contact surface and the second electrical contact surface are located at one end of the drum frame in the first direction.

3. The drum box according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a locking lever that releases the developing cartridge from the drum frame and is located at the other end of the drum frame in the first direction.

4. The drum box according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The drum frame has: A first side frame, located at one end of the drum frame in the first direction; and A second side frame, located at the other end of the drum frame in the first direction. The photosensitive drum is located between the first side frame and the second side frame in the first direction. With the developing cartridge mounted on the drum frame, the first electrical contact surface and the second electrical contact surface are located on opposite sides of the developing cartridge relative to the first side frame in the first direction.

5. The drum box according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, It also includes a first retainer that holds the first electrical contact surface movable relative to the drum frame. The first electrical contact surface is mounted on the outer surface of the drum frame via the first retainer.

6. The drum box according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first electrical contact surface is located at one end of the first cage in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first retainer holds the first electrical contact surface so that it can move relative to the drum frame in the second direction.

7. The drum box according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a grid-controlled corona charger that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum and is opposite to the photosensitive drum in the second direction.

8. The drum box according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first cage holds the first memory.

9. The drum box according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a second retainer that holds the second electrical contact surface movable relative to the drum frame. The second electrical contact surface is mounted on the outer surface of the drum frame via the second retainer.

10. The drum box according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second electrical contact surface is located at one end of the second cage in a second direction that intersects the first direction. The second retainer holds the second electrical contact surface so that it can move relative to the drum frame in the second direction.

11. The drum box according to claim 10, characterized in that, It also includes a grid-controlled corona charger that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum and is opposite to the photosensitive drum in the second direction.

12. The drum box according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The second cage holds the second memory.

13. The drum box according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The second retainer has a protrusion extending along the first direction. The first side frame has a hole or recess for the protrusion to be inserted. The protrusion is movable within the hole or the recess.

14. The drum box according to claim 2 or 3, 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. The first electrical contact surface and the second electrical contact surface are arranged along the third direction.

15. The drum box according to claim 14, characterized in that, With the developing cartridge mounted on the drum frame, the photosensitive drum is opposite the developing roller in the third direction.

16. The drum box according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first electrical contact surface is located in a position separate from the second electrical contact surface in the third direction.

17. The drum box according to claim 14, characterized in that, Compared to the first electrical contact surface, the second electrical contact surface is located near the photosensitive drum in the third direction.

18. A processing box, capable of being mounted on an image forming apparatus, characterized in that, have: The drum box according to any one of claims 1 to 17; and The developing cartridge.

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