Developing cartridge

Abstract

Provided is a developing cartridge capable of reducing a load applied to a separation member during a separation operation. A developing cartridge (1) includes a housing (10), a developing roller (30), a shaft (63), and a first cam. The shaft (63) and the first cam are movable in a first direction with respect to the housing (10) and the developing roller (30). The developing roller (30) is located at one end of the housing (10) in the third direction. The shaft (63) and the first cam are located at the other end of the housing (10) in the third direction. That is, the shaft (63) and the first cam are located on the opposite side of the developing roller (30) in the third direction. As a result, the shaft (63) can be positioned near a position aligned with the center of gravity (G) of the developing cartridge (1) in the second direction. Therefore, the load applied to the shaft (63) in order to move the developing cartridge (1) in the second direction during the separation operation can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a developing box. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there are known electronic photocopying image forming apparatuses such as laser printers and LED printers. A conventional image forming apparatus is described in Patent Document 1, for example.

[0003] The image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1 includes a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge. The developing cartridge includes a developing roller. The drum cartridge includes a photosensitive drum. When the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge, the developing roller comes into contact with the photosensitive drum.

[0004] In addition, the developer box of Patent Document 1 has a separation member. The separation member can move relative to the housing of the developer box. When the separation member is moved while the developer box is mounted on the drum box, the separation member contacts the frame of the drum box. As a result, the developer box moves relative to the drum box. As a result, the developing roller can be separated from the photosensitive drum.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-179128

[0008] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0009] However, in the developer cartridge of Patent Document 1, the separation member is disposed on the surface of the outer surface of the housing of the developer cartridge that is on the same side as the developing roller (the outer surface of the cover 10B in Patent Document 1). In such a structure, it is difficult to dispose the separation member at a position aligned with the center of gravity of the developer cartridge in the separation direction. Therefore, the load applied to the separation member in order to move the developer cartridge in the separation direction becomes large. Summary of the invention

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a developing cartridge capable of reducing a load applied to a separating member during a separating operation.

[0011] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0012] In order to solve the above technical problems, the first method of the present application is a developing box, comprising: a shell, which can accommodate a developer; a developing roller, which can rotate around a first axis extending in a first direction, one side of the circumference of the developing roller in a second direction is exposed to the outside of the shell, and the other side of the circumference of the developing roller in the second direction is located on the inner side of the shell, and in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, the developing roller is located at one end of the shell; an axis, which is along the second axis extending in the first direction and can move relative to the shell and the developing roller in the first direction; and a first cam, which is located at one end of the axis in the first direction and can move together with the axis in the first direction, the first cam having a first inclined surface, which approaches the developing roller in the second direction as it moves from the other end of the axis in the first direction toward the one end, wherein the axis and the first cam are located at the other end of the shell in the third direction.

[0013] The second mode of the present application is a developing box of the first mode, wherein the developing box also has an agitator capable of rotating around a third axis extending along the first direction, and has an agitator shaft extending along the first direction, and the shaft and the first cam are located on the opposite side of the developing roller relative to the agitator shaft in the third direction.

[0014] A third aspect of the present application is the developer box of the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the axis and the center of gravity of the developer box are arranged along the second direction.

[0015] The fourth mode of the present application is a developing box of any one of the first to third modes, wherein the shell has: a first outer surface, which is located on the same side as the developing roller in the third direction; and a second outer surface, which is located on the same side as the shaft and the first cam in the third direction.

[0016] A fifth aspect of the present application is the developing box of the fourth aspect, wherein the first cam is located between the first outer surface and the second outer surface in the third direction.

[0017] A sixth aspect of the present application is the developing box of the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, wherein the shaft is located on the second outer surface.

[0018] A seventh aspect of the present application is the developing box of the sixth aspect, wherein the second outer surface has a groove extending along the first direction, and the shaft is located in the groove.

[0019] An eighth aspect of the present application is the developing box of the sixth aspect or the seventh aspect, wherein the shell has a rib extending from the second outer surface, and the shaft is located between the second outer surface and the rib in the second direction.

[0020] A ninth aspect of the present application is a developing box according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, further comprising an elastic member that is extendable and retractable along the first direction, and in the first direction, the elastic member is located between the housing and the first cam.

[0021] A tenth aspect of the present application is a developing box according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, further comprising a gear cover located at one end of the housing in the first direction, wherein the first cam is held by the gear cover.

[0022] The eleventh aspect of the present application is the developing box of the tenth aspect, wherein the gear cover has a first through hole that penetrates the gear cover along the first direction, and the first cam is inserted into the first through hole.

[0023] The twelfth embodiment of the present application is a developing box of any one of the first to eleventh embodiments, wherein a second cam is further provided, the second cam being located at the other end of the axis in the first direction and being movable along the first direction together with the axis, the second cam having a second inclined surface which approaches the developing roller in the second direction as it moves from the other end of the axis in the first direction toward the one end, and the second cam being located at the other end of the shell in the third direction.

[0024] A thirteenth aspect of the present application is the developing box of the twelfth aspect, further comprising a retainer cover located at the other end portion of the housing in the first direction, wherein the second cam is retained by the retainer cover.

[0025] The fourteenth aspect of the present application is the developing box of the thirteenth aspect, wherein the retainer cover has a second through hole that penetrates the retainer cover along the first direction, and the second cam is inserted into the second through hole.

[0026] The fifteenth embodiment of the present application is a developing box of the thirteenth embodiment or the fourteenth embodiment, which further comprises: a storage medium having an electrical contact surface; and a retainer that retains the electrical contact surface, wherein in the first direction, the retainer is located between the shell and the retainer cover, and the shaft and the first cam are located on the opposite side of the developing roller relative to the retainer in the third direction.

[0027] The sixteenth mode of the present application is a developing box of any one of the first to fifteenth modes, wherein the shell has a toner filling port, and the shaft and the first cam are located on the opposite side of the developing roller relative to the toner filling port in the third direction.

[0028] A seventeenth aspect of the present application is the developer box of any one of the first to sixteenth aspects, wherein the shaft and the first cam are integrally molded by resin.

[0029] An eighteenth aspect of the present application is the developer box of any one of the first to seventeenth aspects, further comprising a storage medium having an electrical contact surface, wherein the third direction is a direction intersecting the electrical contact surface.

[0030] Effects of the Invention

[0031] According to the first to eighteenth embodiments of the present application, the shaft and the first cam are located on the opposite side of the developing roller in the third direction. As a result, the shaft can be arranged near a position aligned with the center of gravity of the developing box in the second direction. Therefore, during the separation action, the load applied to the shaft in order to move the developing box in the second direction can be reduced.

[0032] Moreover, according to the third aspect of the present application, during the separation operation, the load applied to the shaft in order to move the developing cartridge in the second direction can be further reduced.

[0033] Furthermore, according to the seventh aspect of the present application, by arranging the shaft in the groove, it is possible to suppress positional deviation of the shaft.

[0034] Furthermore, according to the eighth aspect of the present application, during the separation operation, the shaft presses the rib in the second direction, so that the housing can be moved in the second direction relative to the drum cartridge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus.

[0036] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a developing box.

[0037] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a developing box.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a diagram of the developing box viewed along the first direction.

[0039] Figure 5 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the developing box cut by a plane perpendicular to the first direction.

[0040] Figure 6 It is an exploded perspective view of the developer cartridge.

[0041] Figure 7 It is a partial stereoscopic view of the developing box.

[0042] Figure 8 It is a partial top view of the drum box.

[0043] Fig. 9 It is a cross-sectional view of the developer cartridge and the drum cartridge when the separation action is not performed.

[0044] Fig.10 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the developing cartridge and the drum cartridge when the separation action is not performed.

[0045] Fig.11 It is a cross-sectional view of the developer cartridge and the drum cartridge when performing a separation action.

[0046] Fig.12 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the developer cartridge and the drum cartridge when performing a separation action. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0048] In addition, hereinafter, the direction in which the first axis of the developing roller 30 extends is referred to as the "first direction". In addition, the direction in which the portion of the peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 exposed from the housing 10 and the portion located inside the housing 10 are arranged is referred to as the "second direction". In addition, the direction in which the first direction and the second direction intersect is referred to as the "third direction".

[0049] The first direction intersects with the second direction (preferably orthogonal to each other). The second direction intersects with the third direction. The third direction intersects with the first direction (preferably orthogonal to each other).

[0050] <1. Structure of Image Forming Apparatus>

[0051] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 is an electronic photo printer. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 100 is a laser printer or an LED printer. Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a main body frame 101 , a drum cartridge 2 , and four developing cartridges 1 .

[0052] The four developing cartridges 1 are attachable to and detachable from the drum cartridge 2. The drum cartridge 2 to which the four developing cartridges 1 are mounted is attachable to and detachable from the main body frame 101.

[0053] The four developing cartridges 1 contain developers of different colors (for example, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black). The developer is, for example, toner. The image forming apparatus 100 prints an image on a surface of printing paper using the developer supplied from the developing cartridges 1 .

[0054] <2. Structure of the developer cartridge>

[0055] Next, the structure of the developing cartridge 1 will be described. In addition, the four developing cartridges 1 have the same structure. Therefore, only one of the four developing cartridges 1 will be described below. Figure 2 and Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the developing cartridge 1. Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing the developing cartridge 1 as viewed from the first direction. Figure 5 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the developing cartridge 1 cut along a plane perpendicular to the first direction. Figure 6 It is an exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge 1.

[0056] like Figure 2 to Figure 6 As shown, the developing cartridge 1 includes a housing 10 , an agitator 20 , a developing roller 30 , a gear portion 40 , a memory assembly 50 , and a separating member 60 .

[0057] The housing 10 is a container capable of containing developer. The housing 10 has a first end surface 11 and a second end surface 12. The first end surface 11 is located at one end of the housing 10 in the first direction. The second end surface 12 is located at the other end of the housing 10 in the first direction. The first end surface 11 and the second end surface 12 are away from each other in the first direction.

[0058] In addition, the housing 10 has a first outer surface 13 and a second outer surface 14. The first outer surface 13 is located at one end of the housing 10 in the third direction. The second outer surface 14 is located at the other end of the housing 10 in the third direction. The first outer surface 13 and the second outer surface 14 are away from each other in the third direction. The distance between the first outer surface 13 and the second outer surface 14 in the third direction is shorter than the distance between the first end surface 11 and the second end surface 12 in the first direction. The first outer surface 13 is located on the same side as the developing roller 30 described later in the third direction. The second outer surface 14 is located on the same side as the separating component 60 described later in the third direction.

[0059] like Figure 5 As shown, a storage chamber 15 is provided inside the housing 10. The developer is stored in the storage chamber 15. In addition, the housing 10 has an opening 16. The opening 16 is located at one end of the housing 10 in the second direction. The external space of the housing 10 and the storage chamber 15 are connected through the opening 16.

[0060] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown, the housing 10 has a toner filling port 17 and a cover 18. The toner filling port 17 is located at the first end surface 11 of the housing 10. The cover 18 is mounted on the toner filling port 17 and closes the toner filling port 17. When the developer is filled into the housing 10, the cover 18 is removed from the first end surface 11. Then, the developer is filled into the storage chamber 15 through the toner filling port 17.

[0061] The agitator 20 has an agitator shaft 21 and a soft film 22. The agitator shaft 21 extends in a first direction. The soft film 22 extends from the agitator shaft 21 toward the inner surface of the housing 10. That is, the soft film 22 extends from the agitator shaft 21 toward the radial outside. A portion of the agitator shaft 21 and the soft film 22 are located in the receiving chamber 15 of the housing 10.

[0062] The agitator gear included in the gear portion 40 is mounted on one end of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction. More specifically, the agitator gear included in the gear portion 40 is fixed to one end of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction. When the agitator gear rotates, the agitator shaft 21 and the film 22 rotate around an axis (third axis) extending in the first direction. Then, the developer in the storage chamber 15 is agitated by the rotation of the film 22.

[0063] The developing roller 30 is a roller that can rotate around an axis (first axis) extending in the first direction. The developing roller 30 is located in the opening 16 of the housing 10. That is, the developing roller 30 is located at one end of the housing 10 in the second direction. One side of the circumference of the developing roller 30 in the second direction is located outside the housing 10. The other side of the circumference of the developing roller 30 in the second direction is located inside the housing 10.

[0064] In addition, the developing roller 30 is located on the same side as the first outer surface 13 in the third direction. That is, the developing roller 30 is located at one end of the housing 10 in the third direction.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown, the developing roller 30 includes a developing roller body 31 and a developing roller shaft 32. The developing roller body 31 is a cylindrical member extending in a first direction. The developing roller body 31 is made of, for example, elastic rubber. The developing roller shaft 32 is a cylindrical member that penetrates the developing roller body 31 and extends in the first direction. The developing roller body 31 is fixed to the developing roller shaft 32. The developing roller shaft 32 is made of metal or conductive resin.

[0066] The developing roller gear included in the gear portion 40 is mounted on one end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction. More specifically, the developing roller gear included in the gear portion 40 is fixed to one end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction. When the developing roller gear rotates, the developing roller shaft 32 and the developing roller body 31 rotate around an axis (first axis) extending in the first direction. The developer in the housing 10 adheres to the outer surface of the developing roller body 31.

[0067] The gear portion 40 is located at the first end surface 11 of the housing 10. The gear portion 40 includes a gear cover 41, a coupling 42, and a plurality of gears. The gear cover 41 is located at one end of the housing 10 in the first direction. More specifically, the gear cover 41 is fixed to the first end surface 11 of the housing 10. The plurality of gears include the agitator gear and the developing roller gear described above. At least a portion of the plurality of gears is located between the first end surface 11 and the gear cover 41 in the first direction.

[0068] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the coupling 42 is exposed from the gear cover 41. When the drum cartridge 2 with the developer cartridge 1 mounted thereon is mounted to the image forming apparatus 100, the drive shaft of the image forming apparatus 100 is connected to the coupling 42. Then, the rotation of the drive shaft is transmitted to the agitator 20 via the coupling 42 and the agitator gear. In addition, the rotation of the drive shaft is transmitted to the developing roller 30 via the coupling 42 and the developing roller gear.

[0069] The memory assembly 50 is located at the second end surface 12 of the housing 10. The memory assembly 50 has a memory 51 as a storage medium and a holder 52 for holding the memory 51. The memory 51 is, for example, an IC chip. The memory 51 has an electrical contact surface 511. The electrical contact surface 511 is made of metal as a conductor. At least the electrical contact surface 511 in the memory 51 is held on the outer surface of the holder 52. The electrical contact surface 511 intersects with respect to the third direction.

[0070] The memory 51 can store various information about the developing cartridge 1. Specifically, the memory 51 stores at least one of the cumulative number of printed sheets using the developing roller 30, the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller 30, and the cumulative consumption of the developer. This information is information indicating the life of the developing cartridge 1. In addition, the memory 51 can also store information such as the manufacturing number of the developing cartridge 1 and the applicable model.

[0071] like Figure 3 to Figure 5 As shown, the developing cartridge 1 has a retainer cover 53. The retainer cover 53 is located at the other end of the housing 10 in the first direction. Specifically, the retainer cover 53 is mounted on the second end surface 12 of the housing 10. More specifically, the retainer cover 53 is fixed to the second end surface 12 of the housing 10. The retainer 52 is retained by the retainer cover 53. The retainer 52 is located between the housing 10 and the retainer cover 53 in the first direction.

[0072] When the drum cartridge 2 with the developer cartridge 1 is mounted on the main frame 101 of the image forming apparatus 100, the electrical contact surface 511 of the memory 51 contacts the electrical contact point in the main frame 101. Thus, the control unit of the image forming apparatus 100 can read and write information from and to the memory 51.

[0073] In a state where the drum cartridge 2 with the developer cartridge 1 mounted thereon is mounted on the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming apparatus 100 can perform a separation operation with respect to the developer cartridge 1. The separation operation is an operation of moving the developing roller 30 from a contact position with respect to the photosensitive drum 80 to a separation position separated from the photosensitive drum 80. The image forming apparatus 100 performs a separation operation on the developing cartridge 1 when the developer cartridge 1 is not used. Thus, the developing roller 30 of the unused developer cartridge 1 is set to a state separated from the photosensitive drum 80.

[0074] The separation member 60 is a member for switching the developing roller 30 between the contact position and the separation position described above. The separation member 60 is located at the other end of the housing 10 in the third direction. Specifically, the separation member 60 is located at the second outer surface 14 of the housing 10. That is, the separation member 60 is located on the opposite side of the developing roller 30 relative to the agitator shaft 21 in the third direction. In addition, the separation member 60 is located on the opposite side of the developing roller 30 relative to the retainer 52 in the third direction. In addition, the separation member 60 is located on the opposite side of the developing roller 30 relative to the toner filling port 17 in the third direction.

[0075] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the release member 60 includes a first cam 61, a second cam 62, and a shaft 63. The first cam 61, the second cam 62, and the shaft 63 are integrally molded by resin.

[0076] The shaft 63 extends in a straight line along an axis (second axis) extending in the first direction. The shaft 63 is located on the second outer surface 14 of the housing 10. Specifically, Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the second outer surface 14 of the housing 10 has a groove 65 extending in the first direction. The shaft 63 is located in the groove 65. Thus, the shaft 63 is maintained in a state where it can move in the first direction relative to the housing 10. By the shaft 63 being located in the groove 65, it is possible to suppress the position deviation of the shaft 63 in the direction intersecting with the first direction.

[0077] like Figure 5 As shown, the outer surface of the shaft 63 has a flat contact surface 631. The contact surface 631 extends in a direction intersecting the rotation direction centered on the second axis. The contact surface 631 contacts the surface of the groove 65. Thus, the shaft 63 is prevented from rotating about the second axis relative to the housing 10.

[0078] In addition, if Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the housing 10 has a rib 66. The rib 66 extends from the second outer surface 14 of the housing 10. The rib 66 covers a portion of the groove 65. The shaft 63 is located between the groove 65 and the rib 66 in the second direction. In this way, by locating the shaft 63 between the second outer surface 14 and the rib 66, the position deviation of the shaft 63 in the direction intersecting with the first direction can be further suppressed.

[0079] The first cam 61 is located at one end of the shaft 63 in the first direction. The first cam 61 is located at the first end surface 11 of the housing 10. The first cam 61 has a first inclined surface 611. The first inclined surface 611 is located at a portion of the circumference of the first cam 61 centered on the shaft 63. The first inclined surface 611 is inclined relative to the first direction. More specifically, the first inclined surface 611 moves away from the shaft 63 in the radial direction relative to the shaft 63 as it moves from the other end of the shaft 63 toward the one end in the first direction. In addition, the first inclined surface 611 approaches the developing roller 30 in the second direction as it moves from the other end of the shaft 63 toward the one end in the first direction.

[0080] The first cam 61 is held by the gear cover 41. Specifically, the gear cover 41 has a first through hole 411. The first through hole 411 penetrates the gear cover 41 in the first direction. A portion of the first cam 61 is inserted into the first through hole 411. Thus, the first cam 61 is held in a state where it can move in the first direction relative to the gear cover 41. In addition, the first cam 61 is restrained from rotating around the second axis relative to the gear cover 41. However, the first inclined surface 611 is not inserted into the first through hole 411 and is exposed from the gear cover 41.

[0081] like Figure 4 As shown, the first cam 61 is located between the first outer surface 13 and the second outer surface 14 in the third direction. That is, the first cam 61 does not protrude toward the other end of the housing 10 in the third direction compared to the second outer surface 14. Thus, the outer dimensions of the developing cartridge 1 can be reduced.

[0082] The second cam 62 is located at the other end of the shaft 63 in the first direction. The second cam 62 is located at the second end surface 12 of the housing 10. The second cam 62 has a second inclined surface 621. The second inclined surface 621 is located at a portion of the circumference of the second cam 62 centered on the shaft 63. The second inclined surface 621 is inclined relative to the first direction. More specifically, the second inclined surface 621 is away from the shaft 63 in the radial direction relative to the shaft 63 as it moves from the other end of the shaft 63 toward one end in the first direction. In addition, the second inclined surface 621 approaches the developing roller 30 in the second direction as it moves from the other end of the shaft 63 toward one end in the first direction.

[0083] The second cam 62 is held by the retainer cover 53. Specifically, the retainer cover 53 has a second through hole 531. The second through hole 531 penetrates the retainer cover 53 in the first direction. A portion of the second cam 62 is inserted into the second through hole 531. Thus, the second cam 62 is held in a state where it can move in the first direction relative to the retainer cover 53. In addition, the second cam 62 is restrained from rotating around the second axis relative to the retainer cover 53. However, the second inclined surface 621 is not inserted into the second through hole 531 and is exposed from the retainer cover 53.

[0084] Like the first cam 61, the second cam 62 is also located between the first outer surface 13 and the second outer surface 14 in the third direction. That is, the second cam 62 does not protrude toward the other end of the housing 10 in the third direction compared to the second outer surface 14. Thus, the outer dimensions of the developing cartridge 1 can be reduced.

[0085] In the first direction, the separating member 60 is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the housing 10 and the developing roller 30. The movement from the first position to the second position is a movement in a direction from the first cam 61 toward the second cam 62.

[0086] Figure 7 FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the developing box 1 with the gear cover 41 removed. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the developing box 1 has an elastic member 67. The elastic member 67 is a spring that can be stretched and retracted in a first direction. The elastic member 67 is located on the first end surface 11 of the housing 10. The elastic member 67 is located between the housing 10 and the first cam 61 in the first direction. One end of the elastic member 67 in the first direction contacts the first cam 61. The other end of the elastic member 67 in the first direction contacts the first end surface 11 of the housing 10.

[0087] The elastic member 67 is compressed in the first direction compared to its natural length. Therefore, the elastic member 67 applies force to the separation member 60 in the first direction from the second position toward the first position relative to the housing 10. Therefore, the separation member 60 is located at the first position without being pressed by the pressing shaft 102 described later.

[0088] In addition, the details of the separation operation using the separation member 60 will be described later.

[0089] <3. Structure of drum cartridge>

[0090] like Figure 1 As shown, the drum cartridge 2 includes four photosensitive drums 80 and a drum frame 90 .

[0091] Four photosensitive drums 80 are supported on a drum frame 90. The four photosensitive drums 80 are located at one end of the drum frame 90 in the second direction. The four photosensitive drums 80 are arranged at intervals along the third direction. Each photosensitive drum 80 can rotate around a drum axis extending along the first direction. Each photosensitive drum 80 has a cylindrical outer surface centered on the drum axis. The outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 80 is covered with a photosensitive material. When the developer box 1 is installed in the drum box 2, the outer surface of the developing roller 30 contacts the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 80.

[0092] The drum frame 90 is a frame that supports the four developing cartridges 1. The four developing cartridges 1 are attachable to and detachable from the drum frame 90.

[0093] Figure 8 2 is a partial top view of the drum box 2. Figure 8 As shown, the drum frame 90 has a first side frame 91 and a second side frame 92. The first side frame 91 is located at one end of the drum frame 90 in the first direction. The second side frame 92 is located at the other end of the drum frame 90 in the first direction. The first side frame 91 and the second side frame 92 are away from each other in the first direction.

[0094] The photosensitive drum 80 is located between the first side frame 91 and the second side frame 92 in the first direction. In addition, when the developer cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2, the housing 10 of the developer cartridge 1 is located between the first side frame 91 and the second side frame 92 in the first direction.

[0095] The first side frame 91 has a first receiving portion 93. The first receiving portion 93 is located at one end of the drum frame 90 in the first direction. The first receiving portion 93 is a portion that the first cam 61 of the developing cartridge 1 contacts when the separation action is performed. The first receiving portion 93 of the present embodiment is formed at a corner of the first side frame 91. However, the first receiving portion 93 may also be a roller that rotates while contacting the first cam 61.

[0096] The second side frame 92 has a second receiving portion 94. The second receiving portion 94 is located at the other end of the drum frame 90 in the first direction. The second receiving portion 94 is a portion that the second cam 62 of the developing cartridge 1 contacts when the separation action is performed. The second receiving portion 94 of the present embodiment is formed at a corner of the second side frame 92. However, the second receiving portion 94 may also be a roller that rotates while contacting the second cam 62.

[0097] <4. About separation action>

[0098] Next, the separation operation of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. Fig. 9 It is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge 1 and the drum cartridge 2 when the separation operation is not performed. Fig.10 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the developing cartridge 1 and the drum cartridge 2 when the separation operation is not performed. Fig.11It is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge 1 and the drum cartridge 2 when performing a separation operation. Fig.12 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the developing cartridge 1 and the drum cartridge 2 when performing the separation operation.

[0099] like Fig.10 and Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , the drum cartridge 2 has a pressurizing mechanism 95. When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2, the developing roller 30 is pressed toward the photosensitive drum 80 by the pressurizing mechanism 95. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 In this way, the outer surface of the developing roller 30 contacts the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 80. That is, the position of the developing roller 30 becomes the above-mentioned contact position.

[0100] In addition, if Fig. 9 and Fig.11 As shown, the image forming apparatus 100 has a pressing shaft 102. In a state where the drum cartridge 2 having four developing cartridges 1 mounted thereon is mounted to the main frame 101, the pressing shaft 102 faces the first cam 61 of the developing cartridge 1 in a first direction.

[0101] The pressing shaft 102 can be in the retreat position ( Fig. 9 ) and a protruding position closer to the developing box 1 than the retreat position ( Fig.11 The image forming device 100 moves the pressing shaft 102 from the retracted position to the protruding position when performing a separation action. As a result, the pressing shaft 102 contacts the first cam 61. Then, the pressing shaft 102 presses the separation component 60 in the first direction from the first cam 61 toward the second cam 62. In this way, the separation component 60 moves from the first position to the second position relative to the housing 10 along the first direction by contracting the elastic component 67. That is, the separation component 60 moves from the first position to the second position along the first direction relative to the drum frame 90.

[0102] When the separation member 60 moves from the first position to the second position, the first inclined surface 611 of the first cam 61 moves in the first direction while contacting the first receiving portion 93 of the drum cartridge 2. At this time, the first cam 61 moves in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 80 relative to the drum frame 90 due to the resistance received from the first receiving portion 93.

[0103] Similarly, when the separation member 60 moves from the first position to the second position, the second inclined surface 621 of the second cam 62 moves in the first direction while contacting the second receiving portion 94 of the drum cartridge 2. At this time, the second cam 62 moves in the direction away from the photosensitive drum 80 relative to the drum frame 90 due to the resistance received from the second receiving portion 94.

[0104] In addition, when the first cam 61 and the second cam 62 move in the direction away from the photosensitive drum 80, the shaft 63 presses the rib 66 of the housing 10 in the second direction away from the photosensitive drum 80. As a result, the housing 10 and the developing roller 30 move in the second direction away from the photosensitive drum 80 together with the separating member 60 relative to the drum frame 90. As a result, the developing roller 30 moves from the contact position with the photosensitive drum 80 to the separated position away from the photosensitive drum 80.

[0105] In particular, in the present embodiment, the separation member 60 is not located on the first outer surface 13 of the housing 10 but on the second outer surface 14. That is, the first cam 61, the second cam 62, and the shaft 63 are located on the opposite side of the developing roller 30 in the third direction. In this way, compared with the case where the separation member 60 is located on the first outer surface 13 of the housing 10, the position of the shaft 63 can be arranged near the position aligned with the center of gravity G of the developing cartridge 1 in the second direction. As a result, the load applied to the shaft 63 in order to move the developing cartridge 1 in the second direction can be reduced. Therefore, when performing the separation action, the force of the pressing shaft 102 pressing the first cam 61 in the first direction can be reduced.

[0106] exist Fig.10 and Fig.12 In the example of , the center of gravity G of the developing cartridge 1 is aligned with the shaft 63 in the second direction. In this case, the load applied to the shaft 63 in order to move the developing cartridge 1 in the second direction can be minimized. Therefore, the force of the pressing shaft 102 pressing the first cam 61 in the first direction during the separation operation can be further reduced.

[0107] In addition, the position of the center of gravity G of the developing cartridge 1 changes according to the amount of developer used. Specifically, as the developer in the housing 10 decreases, the position of the center of gravity G of the developing cartridge 1 moves toward the direction close to the developing roller 30. Therefore, in all states from the unused state to the used state, the center of gravity G of the developing cartridge 1 and the shaft 63 may not be arranged along the second direction. For example, in any state from the unused state to the used state, the center of gravity G of the developing cartridge 1 and the shaft 63 may be arranged along the second direction.

[0108] The holder 52 is movable in the second direction relative to the housing 10 and the holder cover 53. Therefore, the electrical contact surface 511 is maintained in contact with the electrical contact point in the main frame 101 in both the non-separation operation and the separation operation.

[0109] <5. Modifications>

[0110] As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention is described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment.

[0111] In the above-described embodiment, the first cam 61 of the separation member 60 is held by the gear cover 41 . However, one end portion of the shaft 63 in the first direction may be held by the gear cover 41 .

[0112] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the second cam 62 of the separation member 60 is held by the holder cover 53 . However, the other end portion of the shaft 63 in the first direction may be held by the holder cover 53 .

[0113] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the separation member 60 has the first cam 61 and the second cam 62. However, the separation member 60 may not have the second cam 62. In the above-mentioned embodiment, the drum frame 90 has the first receiving portion 93 and the second receiving portion 94. However, the drum frame 90 may not have the second receiving portion 94.

[0114] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the first cam 61, the second cam 62 and the shaft 63 are integrally formed of resin. However, the first cam 61, the second cam 62 and the shaft 63 may be separate parts. In addition, the shaft 63 may be formed of metal such as iron.

[0115] In the above-described embodiment, four developing cartridges 1 can be mounted on one drum cartridge 2. However, the number of developing cartridges 1 mounted on the drum cartridge 2 may be 1 to 3, or may be 5 or more.

[0116] Furthermore, the elements described in the above-described embodiment and modified examples may be combined as appropriate within a range where no contradiction occurs.

[0117] Explanation of symbols

[0118] 1Developer box

[0119] 2 drum box

[0120] 10 Shell

[0121] 13 first outer surface

[0122] 14 Second outer surface

[0123] 20. Agitator

[0124] 30Developing roller

[0125] 40 Gear Department

[0126] 50 memory components

[0127] 60 Separation parts

[0128] 61 First Cam

[0129] 62 Second Cam

[0130] 63 axis

[0131] 65 slots

[0132] 66 ribs

[0133] 67 Elastic components

[0134] 80 Photosensitive drum

[0135] 90 Drum Frame

[0136] 93 first receiving unit

[0137] 94 Second receiving unit

[0138] 100 Image forming device

[0139] G center of gravity.

Claims

1. A developing box, comprising: a housing capable of containing a developer; a developing roller, the developing roller being rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction, one side of a circumference of the developing roller in a second direction being exposed to the outside of the housing, the other side of the circumference of the developing roller in the second direction being located inside the housing, and the developing roller being located at one end of the housing in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction; a shaft along a second axis extending in the first direction and movable in the first direction relative to the housing and the developing roller; as well as a first cam located at one end of the shaft in the first direction and movable along the first direction together with the shaft, the first cam having a first inclined surface approaching the developing roller in the second direction as it moves from the other end of the shaft in the first direction toward the one end, It is characterized in that The shaft and the first cam are located at the other end of the housing in the third direction.

2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: further comprising an agitator rotatable about a third axis extending along the first direction and having an agitator shaft extending along the first direction, The shaft and the first cam are located on an opposite side of the developing roller with respect to the agitator shaft in the third direction.

3. The developing cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The shaft and the center of gravity of the developing box are arranged along the second direction.

4. The developing cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The housing has: a first outer surface located on the same side as the developing roller in the third direction; and A second outer surface is located on the same side as the shaft and the first cam in the third direction.

5. The developing cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first cam is located between the first outer surface and the second outer surface in the third direction.

6. The developing cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that: The shaft is located on the second outer surface.

7. The developing cartridge according to claim 6, wherein: The second outer surface has a groove extending along the first direction, The shaft is located in the groove.

8. The developing cartridge according to claim 6, wherein: the housing having a rib extending from the second outer surface, The shaft is located between the second outer surface and the rib in the second direction.

9. The developing cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: An elastic member is further provided. The elastic member is expandable and contractible in the first direction. In the first direction, the elastic member is located between the housing and the first cam.

10. The developer cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A gear cover is also provided, the gear cover is located at one end of the housing in the first direction, The first cam is held by the gear cover.

11. The developing cartridge according to claim 10, characterized in that: The gear cover has a first through hole that penetrates the gear cover along the first direction. The first cam is inserted into the first through hole.

12. The developer cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A second cam is further provided, the second cam being located at the other end of the shaft in the first direction and being movable along the first direction together with the shaft, the second cam having a second inclined surface that approaches the developing roller in the second direction as it moves from the other end of the shaft in the first direction toward the one end. The second cam is located at the other end of the housing in the third direction.

13. The developing cartridge according to claim 12, characterized in that: A retainer cover is also provided, the retainer cover is located at the other end of the housing in the first direction, The second cam is held by the holder cover.

14. The developing cartridge according to claim 13, wherein: The holder cover has a second through hole penetrating the holder cover along the first direction, The second cam is inserted into the second through hole.

15. The developing cartridge according to claim 13, characterized in that: Also available: a storage medium having an electrical contact surface; and a retainer that holds the electrical contact surface, the retainer being located between the housing and the retainer cover in the first direction, The shaft and the first cam are located on an opposite side of the developing roller with respect to the holder in the third direction.

16. The developing cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The housing has a toner filling port, The shaft and the first cam are located on an opposite side of the developing roller with respect to the toner filling port in the third direction.

17. The developing cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The shaft and the first cam are integrally molded from resin.

18. The developing cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Also provided is a storage medium having an electrical contact surface, The third direction is a direction intersecting the electrical contact surface.

Images