Drum box

Abstract

A technique capable of reducing the number of parts of a developing cartridge is provided. The drum case (50) is provided with a drum electrical contact surface (56), a holder (55), and a relay electrode (54). When the developing cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge (50), the memory of the developing cartridge is electrically connected to the drum electrical contact surface (56) via the relay electrode (54). In addition, the holder (55) is movable relative to the drum frame (51). Thus, there is no need to provide an electrical contact surface held by the holder in the developing cartridge. Therefore, the number of parts of the developing cartridge can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drum cartridge. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses such as laser printers and LED printers have been known. An existing image forming apparatus is described in, for example, Patent Document 1. The image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1 includes a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge. The developing cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge. Further, the drum cartridge to which the developing cartridge is attached is attached to the main body frame of the image forming apparatus.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-162751

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The developing cartridge of Patent Document 1 has a memory. The memory is held by a holder that is movable relative to the frame of the developing cartridge. When the drum cartridge to which the developing cartridge is attached is attached to the image forming apparatus, the electrical contact surface of the memory held by the holder contacts the electrode of the image forming apparatus. Thereby, the control unit of the image forming apparatus can communicate with the memory.

[0008] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to provide a holder in the developing cartridge. As a result, the number of parts of the developing cartridge increases. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of reducing the number of parts of a developing cartridge.

[0010] Means for Solving the Technical Problem

[0011] A first invention of the present application is a drum cartridge, characterized by comprising: a drum frame to which a developing cartridge can be attached, the developing cartridge having a developing roller that can rotate relative to a developing axis extending in a first direction and a memory that stores information related to the developing cartridge; a photosensitive drum that can rotate relative to a drum axis extending in the first direction; a drum electrical contact surface located at one end of the drum frame in the first direction; a holder located at the one end of the drum frame in the first direction, holding the drum electrical contact surface and being movable relative to the drum frame; and a relay electrode that is electrically connected to the memory in a state where the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame, the holder having a holder terminal that is electrically connected to the drum electrical contact surface and can be electrically connected to the relay electrode.

[0012] The second invention of the present application is characterized in that, in the drum cartridge of the first invention, during the movement of the cage relative to the drum frame, the cage terminal is electrically connected to the relay electrode.

[0013] The third invention of the present application is characterized in that, in the drum cartridge of the first invention or the second invention, the relay electrode is located at one end of the drum frame in the first direction.

[0014] The fourth invention of the present application is characterized in that, in the drum cartridge of any one of the first to third inventions, the developing cartridge has a developing electrical contact surface electrically connected to the memory, and in a state where the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum frame, the relay electrode is electrically connected to the developing electrical contact surface.

[0015] The fifth invention of the present application is characterized in that, in the drum cartridge of the fourth invention, the relay electrode has: a first relay terminal that is electrically connected to the developing electrical contact surface in a state where the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge; a second relay terminal that is electrically connected to the cage terminal; and a wire that electrically connects the first relay terminal and the second relay terminal.

[0016] The sixth invention of the present application is characterized in that, in the drum cartridge of the fifth invention, the first relay terminal is movable relative to the drum frame in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0017] The seventh invention of the present application is characterized in that, in the drum cartridge of the sixth invention, in a state where the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum frame, the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are arranged in the second direction.

[0018] The eighth invention of the present application is characterized in that, in the drum cartridge of any one of the first to seventh inventions, the drum electrical contact surface is located at one end of the cage in a third direction intersecting the drum electrical contact surface.

[0019] The ninth invention of the present application is characterized in that, in the drum cartridge of the eighth invention, the cage is movable relative to the drum frame in the third direction.

[0020] The tenth invention of the present application is characterized in that, in the drum cartridge of the fifth invention, the first relay terminal is movable relative to the drum frame in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the cage is movable relative to the drum frame in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and the movable distance of the cage relative to the drum frame in the third direction is longer than the movable distance of the first relay terminal relative to the drum frame in the second direction.

[0021] The feature of the eleventh invention of the present application is that in the drum cartridge of any one of the first to tenth inventions, the drum cartridge can be installed on the main body frame of an image forming apparatus having a main body electrode, and in a state where the drum cartridge is installed on the main body frame, the drum electrical contact surface contacts the main body electrode.

[0022] Effects of the Invention

[0023] According to the first to eleventh inventions of the present application, the drum cartridge includes a drum electrical contact surface, a holder, and a relay electrode. When the developing cartridge is installed in the drum cartridge, the memory of the developing cartridge is electrically connected to the drum electrical contact surface via the relay electrode. In addition, the holder can move relative to the drum frame. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an electrical contact surface held by the holder in the developing cartridge. As a result, the number of parts of the developing cartridge can be reduced.

[0024] In addition, according to the seventh invention of the present application, when separating the developing roller from the photosensitive drum, the first relay terminal can be moved together with the memory. Description of the Drawings

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0026] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge and the drum cartridge.

[0027] Figure 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge.

[0028] Figure 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of the drum cartridge.

[0029] Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of the drum cartridge.

[0030] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the holder cover and the relay electrode.

[0031] Figure 7 is a top view of the first relay terminal and the board.

[0032] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the holder and the drum electrical contact surface.

[0033] Symbol Description

[0034] 1: Image forming apparatus

[0035] 10: Main body frame

[0036] 20: Control unit

[0037] 30: Main body electrode

[0038] 40: Developing cartridge

[0039] 44: Memory

[0040] 45: Developing electrical contact surface

[0041] 50: Drum cartridge

[0042] 51: Drum frame

[0043] 52: Photosensitive drum

[0044] 53: Cage cover

[0045] 54: Relay electrode

[0046] 55: Cage

[0047] 56: Drum electrical contact surface

[0048] 57: Cage terminal

[0049] 61: First relay terminal

[0050] 62: Second relay terminal

[0051] 63: Conducting wire

[0052] 64: Plate. Detailed implementation manners

[0053] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0054] In addition, hereinafter, the direction in which the drum shaft A2 of the photosensitive drum 52 extends will be referred to as the "first direction". Further, the direction in which the first relay terminal 61 moves relative to the drum frame 51 will be referred to as the "second direction". Further, the direction intersecting the drum electrical contact surface 56 will be referred to as the "third direction".

[0055] The first direction and the second direction intersect with each other. Preferably, the first direction and the second direction are orthogonal to each other. The first direction and the third direction intersect with each other. Preferably, the first direction and the third direction are orthogonal to each other. The second direction and the third direction intersect with each other.

[0056] <1. Outline of the image forming apparatus>

[0057] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 is an electrophotographic printer. The image forming apparatus 1 is, for example, a laser printer or an LED printer. As Figure 1 shown, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body frame 10, a control unit 20, a main body electrode 30, a developing cartridge 40, and a drum cartridge 50.

[0058] The developing cartridge 40 can be mounted on the drum cartridge 50. In addition, the drum cartridge 50 on which the developing cartridge 40 is mounted can be mounted on the main body frame 10.

[0059] As Figure 1 shown, the main body frame 10 has an insertion port 13. The drum cartridge 50 equipped with the developing cartridge 40 is inserted into the main body frame 10 through the insertion port 13 in the second direction. Thus, the drum cartridge 50 equipped with the developing cartridge 40 is installed on the main body frame 10. The image forming apparatus 1 forms an image on the printing paper with the toner supplied from the developing cartridge 40.

[0060] The main body frame 10 has a first guide frame 11 and a second guide frame 12. The first guide frame 11 and the second guide frame 12 are frames for guiding a later-described cage 55 during the installation of the drum cartridge 50 equipped with the developing cartridge 40 onto the main body frame 10.

[0061] The first guide frame 11 and the second guide frame 12 extend in the second direction respectively. In addition, the first guide frame 11 and the second guide frame 12 are separated in the third direction. The interval between the first guide frame 11 and the second guide frame 12 in the third direction gradually becomes smaller as it moves away from the insertion port 13 in the second direction.

[0062] The main body electrode 30 is provided on the first guide frame 11. The main body electrode 30 is an electrode that contacts a later-described drum electrical contact surface 56 when the drum cartridge 50 equipped with the developing cartridge 40 is installed on the main body frame 10. The main body electrode 30 is electrically connected to the control unit 20. The control unit 20 is a circuit board for controlling the operations of the respective parts of the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 20 has a processor and a memory.

[0063] In addition, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a plurality of feet 14. The main body frame 10 is supported by the plurality of feet 14. The second direction is a direction inclined with respect to the direction in which the plurality of feet 14 are arranged.

[0064] <2. Regarding the developing cartridge>

[0065] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge 40 and the drum cartridge 50. As Figure 2 shown, the developing cartridge 40 has a developing frame 41, a developing roller 42, and a gear portion 43.

[0066] The developing frame 41 is a housing for accommodating toner as a developer. The developing frame 41 has a first outer surface 411 and a second outer surface 412. The first outer surface 411 is located at one end of the developing frame 41 in the first direction. The second outer surface 412 is located at the other end of the developing frame 41 in the first direction. The first outer surface 411 and the second outer surface 412 are separated from each other in the first direction.

[0067] The developing roller 42 is a roller that can rotate relative to a developing axis A1 extending in a first direction. The developing roller 42 is supported by a developing frame 41. The developing roller 42 is located at an end of the developing frame 41 in a second direction. Toner inside the developing frame 41 is supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 42 via a supply roller (not shown). Thereby, toner is adsorbed on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 42.

[0068] A gear portion 43 is located on a first outer surface 411 of the developing frame 41. The gear portion 43 has a plurality of gears and a gear cover 431. The gear cover 431 is fixed to the first outer surface 411 of the developing frame 41. At least a part of the plurality of gears is located between the first outer surface 411 and the gear cover 431 in the first direction. In a state where the drum cartridge 50 having the developing cartridge 40 installed therein is mounted on the main body frame 10, the image forming apparatus 1 supplies a driving force to the developing roller 42 via the plurality of gears of the gear portion 43. Thereby, the developing roller 42 rotates relative to the developing axis A1.

[0069] Figure 3 is a partial exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge 40. As Figure 3 shown, the developing cartridge 40 further has a memory 44.

[0070] The memory 44 is a medium that stores information about the developing cartridge 40. The memory 44 is located on the first outer surface 411 of the developing frame 41. Specifically, the memory 44 is located on the outer surface of the gear cover 431. More specifically, in a state where the developing cartridge 40 is installed in the drum cartridge 50, the memory 44 is located on the outer surface of the gear cover 431 that faces a drum frame 51 (to be described later) in a third direction.

[0071] The memory 44 is, for example, an IC chip. The memory 44 stores at least one of identification information and life information of the developing cartridge 40. The identification information is information for identifying the developing cartridge 40. The identification information is, for example, a manufacturing number of the developing cartridge 40. The life information is information indicating the life of the developing cartridge 40. The life information is, for example, the cumulative rotation speed of the developing roller 42.

[0072] The developing electrical contact surface 45 is a surface of metal that serves as a conductor. The developing electrical contact surface 45 is electrically connected to the memory 44. The developing electrical contact surface 45 is a surface that intersects the third direction. In a state where the developing cartridge 40 is installed in the drum cartridge 50, the developing electrical contact surface 45 faces the drum frame 51 in the third direction.

[0073] In the present embodiment, the developing electrical contact surface 45 is provided on the surface of the memory 44. However, the memory 44 may also be disposed at a position different from the developing electrical contact surface 45. For example, the memory 44 may be installed on the outer surface of the developing frame 41. In this case, the memory 44 and the developing electrical contact surface 45 may be electrically connected by a wire.

[0074] <3. Regarding the drum cartridge>

[0075] Next, the structure of the drum cartridge 50 will be described. As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the drum cartridge 50 includes a drum frame 51. Additionally, as Figure 1 shown, the drum cartridge 50 includes a photosensitive drum 52.

[0076] The drum frame 51 has a first side frame 511, a second side frame 512, and a connecting frame 513. The first side frame 511 is located at one end of the drum frame 51 in the first direction. The second side frame 512 is located at the other end of the drum frame 51 in the first direction. The first side frame 511 and the second side frame 512 are separated from each other in the first direction.

[0077] The first side frame 511 extends along a plane intersecting the first direction. That is, the first side frame 511 extends in the second and third directions. The second side frame 512 extends along a plane intersecting the first direction. That is, the second side frame 512 extends in the second and third directions. The connecting frame 513 connects the first side frame 511 and the second side frame 512 along the first direction.

[0078] The developing cartridge 40 can be installed on the drum frame 51. In a state where the developing cartridge 40 is installed on the drum frame 51, the developing cartridge 40 is located between the first side frame 511 and the second side frame 512 in the first direction.

[0079] The photosensitive drum 52 is a drum that can rotate relative to a drum shaft A2 extending in the first direction. The photosensitive drum 52 is supported by the drum frame 51. The photosensitive drum 52 is located between the first side frame 511 and the second side frame 512 in the first direction. Additionally, the photosensitive drum 52 is located at the end of the drum frame 51 in the second direction.

[0080] The photosensitive drum 52 has a cylindrical outer peripheral surface. The outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 52 is covered with a photosensitive material. In a state where the drum cartridge 50 is installed on the main body frame 10 of the image forming apparatus 1, the photosensitive drum 52 receives a driving force from the image forming apparatus 1. Thereby, the photosensitive drum 52 rotates relative to the drum shaft A2.

[0081] In a state where the developing cartridge 40 is installed on the drum frame 51, the developing roller 42 and the photosensitive drum 52 are arranged along the second direction. More specifically, in a state where the developing cartridge 40 is installed on the drum frame 51, the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 42 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 52.

[0082] Toner is supplied from the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 42 to the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 52. At this time, the toner moves from the developing roller 42 to the photosensitive drum 52 according to the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 52. Thereby, an image of toner is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 52.

[0083] Figure 4 is a partial exploded perspective view of the drum cartridge 50. Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of the drum cartridge 50. As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the drum cartridge 50 includes a cage cover 53, a relay electrode 54, a cage 55, and a drum electrical contact surface 56.

[0084] The cage cover 53, the relay electrode 54, the cage 55, and the drum electrical contact surface 56 are a group of components for electrically connecting the memory 44 of the developing cartridge 40 and the main body electrode 30 of the image forming apparatus 1 in a state where the drum cartridge 50 on which the developing cartridge 40 is mounted is mounted on the main body frame 10. The cage cover 53, the relay electrode 54, the cage 55, and the drum electrical contact surface 56 are located at one end portion in the first direction of the drum frame 51.

[0085] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the cage cover 53 and the relay electrode 54. The cage cover 53 is a part that supports the relay electrode 54 and covers the cage 55. The cage cover 53 is formed of a resin as an insulating material. The cage cover 53 has a first end portion 531 and a second end portion 532. The first end portion 531 is located at one end in the second direction of the cage cover 53. The second end portion 532 is located at the other end in the second direction of the cage cover 53. The first end portion 531 and the second end portion 532 are fixed to the outer surface of the first side frame 511.

[0086] In addition, the cage cover 53 has a cover portion 533. The cover portion 533 connects the first end portion 531 and the second end portion 532 in the second direction. In addition, the cover portion 533 is located outside at an interval from the first side frame 511 in the first direction.

[0087] The relay electrode 54 is formed of a metal as a conductor. As Figure 6 shown, the relay electrode 54 has a first relay terminal 61, a second relay terminal 62, and a wire 63.

[0088] The first relay terminal 61 is located on the surface of the drum frame 51. The first relay terminal 61 is located inside the first side frame 511 in the first direction. That is, the first relay terminal 61 is located on the opposite side of the cage cover 53 with respect to the first side frame 511 in the first direction.

[0089] The drum cartridge 50 has a plate 64 that holds the first relay terminal 61. The plate 64 is mounted on the drum frame 51. The plate 64 extends in a direction intersecting the third direction. The first relay terminal 61 projects from the plate 64 in the third direction.

[0090] In a state where the developing cartridge 40 is installed in the drum frame 51, the first relay terminal 61 contacts the developing electrical contact surface 45. As a result, the first relay terminal 61 is electrically connected to the developing electrical contact surface 45. Consequently, the relay electrode 54 is electrically connected to the memory 44.

[0091] Figure 7 is a top view of the first relay terminal 61 and the plate 64. As Figure 7 shown, the drum frame 51 has a guide groove 514 extending in the second direction. The plate 64 is located within the guide groove 514. The plate 64 can move relative to the drum frame 51 along the guide groove 514 in the second direction. Thus, the first relay terminal 61 can also move relative to the drum frame 51 in the second direction together with the plate 64.

[0092] The second relay terminal 62 is installed on the cage cover 53. Specifically, the second relay terminal 62 is installed on the first end portion 531 of the cage cover 53. The second relay terminal 62 projects in the second direction from the surface of the first end portion 531 of the cage cover 53 that faces the second end portion 532 toward the second end portion 532.

[0093] The wire 63 is an electric wire connecting the first relay terminal 61 and the second relay terminal 62. The first relay terminal 61 and the second relay terminal 62 are electrically connected via the wire 63. In the present embodiment, the number of the first relay terminals 61 is three, and the number of the second relay terminals 62 is three. Therefore, the number of the wires 63 is three. One wire 63 electrically connects one first relay terminal 61 and one second relay terminal 62. The three wires 63 are bundled by an insulating tube to form a wire harness.

[0094] The cage 55 is a component that holds the drum electrical contact surface 56. The cage 55 is located on the outer surface of the first side frame 511. More specifically, the cage 55 is located between the first side frame 511 and the cover portion 533 in the first direction.

[0095] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the cage 55 and the drum electrical contact surface 56. As Figure 8 shown, the cage 55 has a first cage member 551 and a second cage member 552. The first cage member 551 can move relative to the second cage member 552 in the third direction. The first cage member 551 and the second cage member 552 are formed of a resin as an insulating material. In addition, the cage 55 has a spring (not shown). The spring is located between the first cage member 551 and the second cage member 552. The spring can expand and contract in the third direction. Therefore, the cage 55 can expand and contract in the third direction together with the spring.

[0096] In addition, the cage 55 has a first bump B1, a second bump B2, and a third bump B3. The first bump B1 protrudes from the first cage member 551 toward the cover portion 533 in a first direction. The second bump B2 and the third bump B3 protrude from the first cage member 551 toward the first side frame 511 in the first direction.

[0097] On the other hand, as Figure 4 and Figure 6 shown, the cage cover 53 has a first hole H1. The first hole H1 penetrates the cover portion 533 in the first direction. The first bump B1 of the cage 55 is inserted into the first hole H1. In addition, as Figure 4 shown, the first side frame 511 has a second hole H2 and a third hole H3. The second hole H2 and the third hole H3 penetrate the first side frame 511 in the first direction. The second bump B2 of the cage 55 is inserted into the second hole H2. The third bump B3 of the cage 55 is inserted into the third hole H3.

[0098] The length of the first hole H1 in a third direction is longer than the length of the first bump B1 in the third direction. Therefore, the first bump B1 can move in the third direction within the first hole H1. The length of the second hole H2 in the third direction is longer than the length of the second bump B2 in the third direction. Therefore, the second bump B2 can move in the third direction within the second hole H2. The length of the third hole H3 in the third direction is longer than the length of the third bump B3 in the third direction. Therefore, the third bump B3 can move in the third direction within the third hole H3.

[0099] Therefore, the cage 55 can move relative to the drum frame 51 and the cage cover 53 in the third direction. The movable distance of the cage 55 relative to the drum frame 51 in the third direction is longer than the movable distance of the first relay terminal 61 relative to the drum frame 51 in a second direction.

[0100] As Figure 8 shown, the cage 55 has a cage terminal 57. The cage terminal 57 is formed of a metal that is a conductor. The cage terminal 57 is located on a surface of the first cage member 551 that faces the first end portion 531 of the cage cover 53 in the second direction. The cage terminal 57 contacts the second relay terminal 62. Thereby, the cage terminal 57 and the second relay terminal 62 are electrically connected.

[0101] In addition, the cage terminal 57 and the second relay terminal 62 may not always be in contact. For example, it may also be that during the movement of the cage 55 relative to the drum frame 51, the cage terminal 57 is electrically connected to the second relay terminal 62. That is, the cage 55 may also move in the second direction relative to the cage cover 53. And it may also be that when the drum frame 51 is installed on the main body frame 10, the cage 55 approaches the second relay terminal 62, and the cage terminal 57 contacts the second relay terminal 62.

[0102] The drum electrical contact surface 56 is located at one end of the cage 55 in the third direction. Specifically, the drum electrical contact surface 56 is located at one end of the first cage member 551 in the third direction. The drum electrical contact surface 56 is a surface intersecting the third direction. The drum electrical contact surface 56 is formed of a metal as a conductor. The drum electrical contact surface 56 and the cage terminal 57 are electrically connected. The drum electrical contact surface 56 and the cage terminal 57 are fixed to the first cage member 551. Therefore, when the cage 55 moves relative to the drum frame 51 in the third direction, the drum electrical contact surface 56 and the cage terminal 57 also move relative to the drum frame 51 in the third direction.

[0103] During the installation of the drum cartridge 50 with the developing cartridge 40 onto the main body frame 10, the cage 55 moves together with the drum frame 51 in the second direction. At this time, the cage 55 is guided by the first guide frame 11 and the second guide frame 12. Specifically, the first cage member 551 is guided by the first guide frame 11, and the second cage member 552 is guided by the second guide frame 12. Thereby, the cage 55 is positioned in the third direction.

[0104] Then, when the installation of the drum cartridge 50 with the developing cartridge 40 onto the main body frame 10 is completed, the drum electrical contact surface 56 contacts the main body electrode 30. In this state, the spring between the first cage member 551 and the second cage member 552 is compressed in the third direction compared to its natural length. Therefore, by the rebounding force of the spring, the drum electrical contact surface 56 is pressed against the main body electrode 30. As a result, the contact between the drum electrical contact surface 56 and the main body electrode 30 is stable.

[0105] The memory 44 of the developing cartridge 40 is electrically connected to the control unit 20 via the developing electrical contact surface 45, the first relay terminal 61, the wire 63, the second relay terminal 62, the cage terminal 57, the drum electrical contact surface 56, and the main body electrode 30. Thereby, the control unit 20 can perform electrical communication with the memory 44. That is, the control unit 20 can perform at least one of reading information from the memory 44 and writing information to the memory 44.

[0106] As described above, the drum cartridge 50 includes a relay electrode 54, a holder 55, and a drum electrical contact surface 56. When the developing cartridge 40 is installed in the drum cartridge 50, the memory 44 of the developing cartridge 40 is electrically connected to the drum electrical contact surface 56 via the relay electrode 54. In addition, the holder 55 is movable relative to the drum frame 51. When the drum cartridge 50 with the developing cartridge 40 installed is installed in the main body frame 10, the drum electrical contact surface 56 held by the holder 55 is connected to the main body electrode 30. In this way, there is no need to provide an electrical contact surface held by the holder in the developing cartridge 40. Therefore, the number of parts of the developing cartridge 40 can be reduced.

[0107] In addition, when the drum cartridge 50 with the developing cartridge 40 installed is installed in the main body frame 10, the image forming apparatus 1 can perform a separation operation. The separation operation is an operation of temporarily separating the developing roller 42 from the photosensitive drum 52. When performing the separation operation, the image forming apparatus 1 moves the developing frame 41 relative to the drum frame 51 in a second direction away from the photosensitive drum 52. At this time, the developing electrical contact surface 45 also moves relative to the drum frame 51 in the second direction away from the photosensitive drum 52.

[0108] However, as described above, the first relay terminal 61 can move relative to the drum frame 51 in the second direction together with the plate 64. Therefore, during the separation operation, if the developing electrical contact surface 45 moves relative to the drum frame 51 in the second direction, the first relay terminal 61 also moves relative to the drum frame 51 in the second direction. That is, the developing electrical contact surface 45 and the first relay terminal 61 move in the second direction while remaining in contact. Thereby, friction between the developing electrical contact surface 45 and the first relay terminal 61 can be suppressed.

[0109] <4. Modification Example>

[0110] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0111] The relay electrode 54 does not necessarily have to include all of the first relay terminal 61, the second relay terminal 62, and the wire 63. For example, the relay electrode 54 can directly connect the first relay terminal 61 and the holder terminal 57 through the wire 63.

[0112] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, only one drum cartridge 50 with the developing cartridge 40 installed is installed in one main body frame 10. However, it is also possible to install a plurality of drum cartridges 50 with the developing cartridge 40 installed in one main body frame 10.

[0113] In addition, regarding the detailed shape of the image forming apparatus 1, it can also be different from the shape shown in the respective drawings of the present application. In addition, the respective elements appearing in the above-described embodiments and modification examples can be appropriately combined within a range that does not cause contradictions.

Claims

1. A drum box, characterized in that, Comprising: A drum frame on which a developing cartridge can be mounted, the developing cartridge having a developing roller rotatable relative to a developing axis extending in a first direction and a memory storing information related to the developing cartridge; A photosensitive drum rotatable relative to a drum axis extending in the first direction; A drum electrical contact surface located at one end of the drum frame in the first direction; A holder located at the one end of the drum frame in the first direction, holding the drum electrical contact surface and movable relative to the drum frame; And A relay electrode which is electrically connected to the memory when the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum frame, The holder has a holder terminal which is electrically connected to the drum electrical contact surface and can be electrically connected to the relay electrode.

2. The drum cartridge according to claim 1, wherein During the movement of the holder relative to the drum frame, the holder terminal is electrically connected to the relay electrode.

3. The drum cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The relay electrode is located at the one end of the drum frame in the first direction.

4. The drum cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The developing cartridge has a developing electrical contact surface electrically connected to the memory, When the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum frame, the relay electrode is electrically connected to the developing electrical contact surface.

5. The drum cartridge according to claim 4, wherein The relay electrode has: A first relay terminal which is electrically connected to the developing electrical contact surface when the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge; A second relay terminal which is electrically connected to the holder terminal; And A wire which electrically connects the first relay terminal and the second relay terminal.

6. The drum cartridge according to claim 5, wherein The first relay terminal is movable relative to the drum frame in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

7. The drum cartridge according to claim 6, wherein When the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum frame, the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are arranged in the second direction.

8. The drum cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The drum electrical contact surface is located at one end of the holder in a third direction intersecting the drum electrical contact surface.

9. The drum cartridge according to claim 8, wherein The holder is movable relative to the drum frame in the third direction.

10. The drum cartridge according to claim 5, wherein The first relay terminal is movable relative to the drum frame in a second direction intersecting the first direction, The holder is movable relative to the drum frame in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, The movable distance of the holder relative to the drum frame in the third direction is longer than the movable distance of the first relay terminal relative to the drum frame in the second direction.

11. The drum cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the drum cartridge can be installed in a main body frame of an image forming apparatus having a main body electrode, in a state where the drum cartridge is installed in the main body frame, the drum electrical contact surface contacts the main body electrode.

Images