Developing cartridge

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of developing box, provide a kind of in the developing box with memory, can inhibit the structure of the size of developing box in first direction.Developing box (1) has shell (10), coupler (52), gear (57), cover (51) and memory (90).Coupler (52), gear (57) and cover (51) are located in the first outer surface (11) of shell (10).Coupler (52) has one end (521) from cover (51) exposed.Memory (90) has electrical contact surface (91).Gear (57) and electrical contact surface (91) are located between one end (521) of coupler (52) and the first outer surface (11) in first direction.Cover (51) has opening (510).Opening (510) is located between electrical contact surface (91) and coupler (52) in second direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a developing cartridge. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, image forming apparatuses using electrophotographic methods, such as laser printers and LED printers, were known. Existing image forming apparatuses are described, for example, in Patent Document 1. The image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1 includes a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge. The developing cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge. Furthermore, the drum cartridge, on which the developing cartridge is mounted, is mounted on the main frame of the image forming apparatus.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-179140.

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

[0007] The developing cartridge in Patent Document 1 has a memory. When a drum housing the developing cartridge is mounted on an image forming apparatus, the electrical contact surface of the memory contacts the electrodes of the image forming apparatus. This allows the control unit of the image forming apparatus to communicate with the memory. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to develop the aforementioned prior art.

[0009] [Methods used to solve problems]

[0010] The first embodiment relates to a developing cartridge comprising: a developing roller rotatable about a developing axis extending in a first direction; a housing containing toner; a connector located on a first outer surface at one end of the housing in the first direction; a gear located on the first outer surface; a cover located on the first outer surface and covering the gear; and a memory having an electrical contact surface supported by the cover; the connector having an end exposed from the cover; the gear and the electrical contact surface located between the end of the connector and the first outer surface in the first direction; the gear located between the developing roller and the electrical contact surface in a second direction intersecting the electrical contact surface; the gear and the electrical contact surface being spaced apart; and the cover having an opening located between the end of the connector and the first outer surface in the first direction and between the electrical contact surface and the connector in the second direction.

[0011] In the second embodiment, according to the developing cartridge of the first embodiment, the gear protrudes from between the cover and the first outer surface in the first direction toward the outside of the cover in the second direction.

[0012] In the third embodiment, according to the developing cartridge of the first embodiment, the cover has: an end wall opposite to the first outer surface in the first direction; and a peripheral wall extending from the outer periphery of the end wall toward the first outer surface in the first direction, the opening being located between the electrical contact surface and the developing roller in the second direction and disposed on a portion of the peripheral wall.

[0013] In the fourth embodiment, according to the developing cartridge of the second embodiment, the cover has: an end wall opposite to the first outer surface in the first direction; and a peripheral wall extending from the outer periphery of the end wall toward the first outer surface in the first direction, wherein the gear protrudes from between the end wall and the first outer surface in the first direction through the opening toward the outside of the cover in the second direction.

[0014] In the fifth embodiment, according to the developing cartridge of the fourth embodiment, a portion of the electrical contact surface is located at the same position as the end wall in the first direction, and at least a portion of the electrical contact surface other than the aforementioned portion is located at the same position as the opening in the first direction.

[0015] In the sixth embodiment, according to the developing cartridge of the fourth embodiment, the cover has a retainer integrally formed with the end wall and the peripheral wall, and the electrical contact surface is located on the outer surface of the retainer.

[0016] In the seventh embodiment, according to the developing cartridge of the sixth embodiment, the cover has a rib extending from the end wall along the first direction, and the retainer is connected to the end wall and the rib.

[0017] In the eighth embodiment, according to the developing cartridge of the fourth embodiment, the cover has: an arm extending in a direction intersecting the second direction; and a retainer located at the free end of the arm, the electrical contact surface being located on the outer surface of the retainer.

[0018] In the ninth embodiment, according to the eighth embodiment of the developing cartridge, the arm extends from the peripheral wall toward the opening.

[0019] In the tenth embodiment, according to the developing cartridge of the fourth embodiment, there is a retainer, which is a component different from the cover and fixed to the cover, and the electrical contact surface is located on the outer surface of the retainer.

[0020] In the eleventh embodiment, according to the developing cartridge of the tenth embodiment, the retainer has a protrusion that overlaps with the electrical contact surface in the second direction and contacts the cover in the second direction.

[0021] In the twelfth embodiment, according to the developing cartridge of the tenth embodiment, the retainer extends in a direction intersecting the second direction, and a gap in the second direction exists between the retainer and the cover.

[0022] In the thirteenth embodiment, the developing cartridge according to any one of the first to twelfth embodiments further comprises: a stirrer rotatable about a stirrer axis extending along the first direction; a coupling gear located on the first outer surface and rotating together with the coupling; a freewheeling gear located on the first outer surface and meshing with the coupling gear; and a stirrer gear located on the first outer surface and connected to the stirrer, the stirrer gear meshing with the freewheeling gear, the freewheeling gear protruding from between the cover and the first outer surface in the first direction toward the outside of the cover in the second direction.

[0023] In the fourteenth embodiment, the developing cartridge according to any one of the sixth to twelfth embodiments, wherein, when the developing cartridge is viewed from the second outer surface side along the first direction, at least a portion of the retainer is located outside the housing, the second outer surface is located at the other end of the housing in the first direction, and is separated from the first outer surface in the first direction.

[0024] In the fifteenth embodiment, a developing cartridge according to any one of the fourth to twelfth embodiments is provided, wherein the developing cartridge is mountable to a drum housing, and a portion of the drum housing is inserted into the opening while the developing cartridge is mounted to the drum housing.

[0025] In the sixteenth embodiment, according to the developing cartridge of the fifteenth embodiment, the housing has a pressing surface, which is pressed by a pressing member of the drum cartridge when the developing cartridge is installed in the drum cartridge, and the pressing surface is exposed to the outside of the cover through the opening between the end wall and the first outer surface in the first direction.

[0026] Invention Effects

[0027] According to the first to the sixteenth methods, the aforementioned prior art can be further developed.

[0028] According to the first method, in the second direction, the opening is located between the electrical contact surface and the connector. This prevents interference when installed in a drum unit or image forming apparatus.

[0029] According to the sixth method, by integrally molding the end wall and peripheral wall of the cover with the retainer, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0030] According to the seventh method, the retainer is supported by the end wall and ribs. This allows for the suppression of positional displacement of the retainer relative to the peripheral wall.

[0031] According to the eighth method, the electrical contact surface can be moved along the second direction by bending the arm.

[0032] According to the eleventh method, it is possible to suppress the movement of the retainer in the second direction.

[0033] According to the twelfth method, by flexing the retaining element, the electrical contact surface can be moved in the second direction.

[0034] According to the fifteenth method, when the developing cartridge is installed in the drum cartridge, it is possible to prevent a part of the drum cartridge from contacting the cover. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 It is a 3D view of the developing chamber and drum unit.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a 3D view of the developing chamber.

[0037] Figure 3 From and Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the developing chamber from different angles.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a partial 3D view of the area near the gear section of the developing cartridge.

[0039] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the developing chamber viewed from the outside of the gear section along the first direction.

[0040] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the developing chamber.

[0041] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the developer cartridge and the drum cartridge with the developer cartridge installed in the drum cartridge.

[0042] Figure 8 This is a view of the area near the gear section of the developing cartridge, viewed along the second direction.

[0043] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the area near the gear section of the developing chamber viewed along a third direction.

[0044] Figure 10 This is a partial perspective view of the area near the gear section of the developing cartridge in the second embodiment.

[0045] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the developing chamber of the second embodiment viewed from the outside of the gear section along the first direction.

[0046] Figure 12 This is a partial perspective view of the area near the gear section of the developing cartridge in the third embodiment.

[0047] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the developing chamber of the third embodiment viewed from the outside of the gear section along the first direction.

[0048] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge according to the third embodiment.

[0049] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge of a modified embodiment of the third embodiment.

[0050] Symbol Explanation

[0051] 1: Developing cartridge; 2: Drum cartridge; 10: Housing; 11: First outer surface; 12: Second outer surface; 15: Pressing surface; 20: Stirrer; 30: Developing roller; 50: Gear section; 51: Cover; 52: Connector; 53: Connector gear; 54: Developing roller gear; 56: Idle gear; 57: Stirrer gear; 60: Drum frame; 70: Photosensitive drum; 80: Pressing component; 90: Memory; 91: Electrical contact surface; 92: Retainer; 510: Opening; 513: End wall; 514: Peripheral wall; 515: Rib; 516: Arm; 517: Screw; 521: One end of the connector. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Furthermore, the direction in which the rotation axis of the developing roller 30, i.e., the developing axis L2, extends is referred to as the "first direction". Additionally, the direction intersecting with the electrical contact surface 91 of the memory 90 is referred to as the "second direction". Furthermore, the direction in which the protrusion 65 of the drum frame 60 extends is referred to as the "third direction".

[0054] The first and second directions intersect each other. For example, the first and second directions are orthogonal to each other. The first direction and a third direction intersect each other. For example, the first direction and the third direction are orthogonal to each other. The second direction and a third direction intersect each other. For example, the second direction and the third direction are orthogonal to each other.

[0055] <1. First Implementation Method>

[0056] <1-1. Overview of Developing Cartridge and Drum Cartridge>

[0057] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the developing cartridge 1 and drum cartridge 2 according to the first embodiment. The developing cartridge 1 and drum cartridge 2 are used in an image forming apparatus of an electrophotographic method. The image forming apparatus is, for example, a laser printer or an LED printer.

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, the developing cartridge 1 can be mounted on the drum cartridge 2. Furthermore, the drum cartridge 2, on which the developing cartridge 1 is mounted, can be mounted on the main frame of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus uses toner supplied from the developing cartridge 1 to form an image on printing paper.

[0059] <1-2. About the developing chamber>

[0060] Figure 2 This is a 3D view of developer cartridge 1. Figure 3 From and Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of developing chamber 1 viewed from different angles. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the developing cartridge 1 includes a housing 10, a stirrer 20, a developing roller 30, a gear unit 50, and a memory 90.

[0061] The housing 10 is a container capable of holding toner as a developer. 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. Additionally, the housing 10 has a toner handle 14. The toner handle 14 is located at one end of the housing 10 in a second direction.

[0062] The stirrer 20 is located inside the housing 10. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the stirrer 20 has blades 21. The stirrer 20 is capable of rotating around a stirrer axis L1 extending along a first direction (see reference). Figure 6 ) Rotation. When the stirrer 20 rotates around the stirrer axis L1, the color powder inside the housing 10 is stirred by the blades 21.

[0063] The developing roller 30 is capable of rotating around a developing axis L2 extending along a first direction (see reference). Figure 6 A rotating roller. The developing roller 30 is supported on the housing 10. The developing roller 30 is located at the other end of the housing 10 in a second direction. The developing roller 30 has a cylindrical outer peripheral surface extending in a first direction. A portion of the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 protrudes to the outside of the housing 10. Toner inside the housing 10 is supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 via a supply roller (not shown). Thus, toner is carried on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30.

[0064] The gear part 50 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. Figure 4 This is a partial perspective view of the area near the gear section 50 of the developing cartridge 1. Figure 5 This is a view of the developing cartridge 1 viewed from the outside of the gear section 50 along the first direction. (See diagram below.) Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the gear section 50 has a cover 51, a connector 52, and multiple gears.

[0065] The cover 51 is mounted on the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. Specifically, the cover 51 is fixed to the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10 by screws. A plurality of gears are located between the first outer surface 11 and the cover 51 in a first direction. That is, the plurality of gears are covered by the cover 51.

[0066] The connector 52 is a component capable of rotating about a connector axis L4 extending in a first direction. One end 521 of the connector 52 in the first direction protrudes from the cover 51. When the drum cassette 2, on which the developing cartridge 1 is mounted, is installed on the main frame of the image forming apparatus, the drive shaft of the image forming apparatus is inserted into the connector 52. Thus, the connector 52 can rotate together with the drive shaft about the connector axis L4. The image forming apparatus transmits driving force to multiple gears via the connector 52.

[0067] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of developer cartridge 1. Figure 6 A cross-section passing through the gear section 50 and perpendicular to the first direction is shown. (See figure) Figure 6 As shown, the gear section 50 includes a coupling gear 53, a developing roller gear 54, an idler gear 56, and a stirrer gear 57.

[0068] The coupling gear 53 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. The coupling gear 53 is housed inside the cover 51. The coupling 52 and the coupling gear 53 are integrally formed parts. Therefore, the coupling gear 53 rotates together with the coupling 52 about the coupling axis L4. The coupling gear 53 has multiple teeth around its entire circumference. However, in... Figure 6 The teeth of the connector gear 53 are omitted from the diagram.

[0069] The developing roller gear 54 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. The developing roller gear 54 is housed inside the cover 51. The developing roller gear 54 is connected to one end of the developing roller 30 in a first direction. The developing roller gear 54 has multiple teeth along its entire circumference. However, in… Figure 6 The teeth of the developing roller gear 54 are omitted from the illustration.

[0070] The developing roller gear 54 meshes with the coupling gear 53. The developing roller gear 54 rotates as the coupling gear 53 rotates. Furthermore, when the developing roller gear 54 rotates, the developing roller 30 also rotates together with the developing roller gear 54 about the developing axis L2.

[0071] The idler gear 56 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. The idler gear 56 is housed inside the cover 51. The idler gear 56 is positioned in the third direction between the stirrer gear 57 and the pressing surface 15 (described later). The idler gear 56 is rotatable about an idler axis L5 extending in the first direction. The idler gear 56 meshes with the coupling gear 53. The idler gear 56 rotates as the coupling gear 53 rotates.

[0072] A stirrer gear 57 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. The stirrer gear 57 is housed inside the cover 51. The stirrer gear 57 is connected to one end of the stirrer 20 in a first direction. The stirrer gear 57 has a plurality of teeth along its entire circumference. However, the teeth of the stirrer gear 57 are omitted from the illustrations in the figures of this invention.

[0073] The agitator gear 57 meshes with the idler gear 56. The agitator gear 57 rotates along with the idler gear 56. Furthermore, when the agitator gear 57 rotates, the agitator 20 also rotates together with the agitator gear 57 around the agitator axis L1.

[0074] The memory 90 is a storage medium storing information related to the developing cartridge 1. The memory 90 is located at one end of the housing 10 in a first direction. The memory 90 is, for example, an IC chip. The memory 90 stores at least one of identification information and lifespan information for the developing cartridge 1. The identification information is information used to identify the developing cartridge 1. The identification information is, for example, the manufacturing number of the developing cartridge 1. The lifespan information is information indicating the lifespan of the developing cartridge 1. The lifespan information is, for example, the cumulative revolutions of the developing roller 30.

[0075] like Figure 4 As shown, the memory 90 has an electrical contact surface 91. The electrical contact surface 91 is a metallic surface that acts as a conductor. The electrical contact surface 91 is electrically connected to the storage element of the memory 90. The electrical contact surface 91 is a surface that intersects a second direction. For example, the electrical contact surface 91 is a surface that is orthogonal to the second direction. When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2, the electrical contact surface 91 protrudes from the drum frame 60. When the drum cartridge 2, on which the developing cartridge 1 is mounted, is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the electrical contact surface 91 contacts the electrodes of the image forming apparatus. As a result, the control unit of the image forming apparatus can communicate with the memory 90.

[0076] <1-3. About the Drum Box>

[0077] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge 1 and the drum cartridge 2 with the developing cartridge 1 installed in the drum cartridge 2. Figure 7 A cross-section passing through the gear section 50 and perpendicular to the first direction is shown. (See figure) Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, the drum box 2 includes a drum frame 60, a photosensitive drum 70, and a pressing component 80.

[0078] The drum frame 60 has a first side frame 61, a second side frame 62, a connecting frame 63, and a drum handle 64. The first side frame 61 is located at one end of the drum frame 60 in a first direction. The second side frame 62 is located at the other end of the drum frame 60 in the first direction. The first side frame 61 and the second side frame 62 are separate from each other in the first direction. The connecting frame 63 connects the first side frame 61 and the second side frame 62 in the first direction. The drum handle 64 is located at one end of the drum frame 60 in a second direction.

[0079] The developing cartridge 1 can be installed on the drum frame 60. With the developing cartridge 1 installed on the drum frame 60, the developing cartridge 1 is located between the first side frame 61 and the second side frame 62 in a first direction.

[0080] The photosensitive drum 70 is a drum capable of rotating about a drum axis L7 extending in a first direction. The photosensitive drum 70 is supported on a drum frame 60. The photosensitive drum 70 is located between a first side frame 61 and a second side frame 62 in the first direction. In addition, the photosensitive drum 70 is located at the other end of the drum frame 60 in a second direction.

[0081] The photosensitive drum 70 has a cylindrical outer peripheral surface. The outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 70 is covered with a photosensitive material. With the drum housing 2 mounted on the main frame of the image forming apparatus, the photosensitive drum 70 receives driving force from the image forming apparatus. More specifically, the photosensitive drum 70 has a drum gear at one end near one end in a first direction close to the drum frame 60. With the drum housing 2 mounted on the main frame of the image forming apparatus, the drum gear meshes with the gear of the image forming apparatus and receives driving force. Thus, the photosensitive drum 70 rotates about the drum axis L7.

[0082] like Figure 1 As shown, the photosensitive drum 70 has a drum shaft 71. The drum shaft 71 protrudes from one end and the other end of the drum frame 60 in a first direction. When mounted to the image forming apparatus, the drum shaft 71 is guided along a groove in the main frame. When mounted in the image forming apparatus, the drum shaft 71 contacts the grounding terminal of the image forming apparatus.

[0083] like Figure 7 As shown, with the developing cartridge 1 mounted on the drum frame 60, the developing roller 30 and the photosensitive drum 70 are arranged along the second direction. More specifically, with the developing cartridge 1 mounted on the drum frame 60, the outer peripheral surfaces of the developing roller 30 and the photosensitive drum 70 are in contact with each other.

[0084] Toner is supplied from the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 to the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 70. At this time, the toner moves from the developing roller 30 to the photosensitive drum 70 based on the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 70. Thus, an image of the toner is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 70. Then, the image of the toner is transferred from the photosensitive drum 70 to the printing paper.

[0085] The pressing component 80 is a component that presses the developing cartridge 1 against the photosensitive drum 70 when the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the drum cassette 2. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the pressing component 80 is mounted on the first side frame 61. Additionally, the drum housing 2 has a pressing spring 81. The pressing spring 81 is located between the pressing component 80 and the first side frame 61.

[0086] On the other hand, such as Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the housing 10 of the developing cartridge 1 has a pressing surface 15. The pressing surface 15 extends from the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10 toward the outside of the housing 10 in a first direction. Furthermore, the pressing surface 15 protrudes in a second direction away from the developing roller 30. When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cassette 2, the pressing member 80 contacts the pressing surface 15. And, by the force of the pressing spring 81, the pressing member 80 presses the pressing surface 15 toward the photosensitive drum 70. Thus, the developing roller 30 and the photosensitive drum 70 come into contact with each other.

[0087] <1-4. Support Structure for Electrical Contact Surfaces>

[0088] Next, the support structure of the memory 90 in the developing cartridge 1 will be described. Figure 8 This is a view of the area near the gear section 50 of the developing cartridge 1 viewed along the second direction. Figure 9 This is a view of the area near the gear section 50 of the developing cartridge 1 viewed along a third direction.

[0089] like Figure 4 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the memory 90 is supported by the cover 51. Therefore, the electrical contact surface 91 is supported by the cover 51. In this embodiment, the entire memory 90, including the electrical contact surface 91, is supported by the cover 51. However, it is also possible that only the electrical contact surface 91 is supported by the cover 51, and the storage element of the memory 90 is supported by the portion of the developing cartridge 1 other than the cover 51. In this case, the storage element of the memory 90 and the electrical contact surface 91 can be electrically connected by a wire.

[0090] The gears of the gear section 50 and the electrical contact surface 91 are located in the first direction between an end 521 of the connector 52 in the first direction and the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. For example, the stirrer gear 57 and the electrical contact surface 91 are located in the first direction between an end 521 of the connector 52 in the first direction and the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. As a result, the size of the developing cartridge 1 in the first direction can be reduced.

[0091] The positions of the plurality of gears of the gear section 50 and the electrical contact surface 91 in the first direction at least partially overlap. In this embodiment, the stirrer gear 57 and the electrical contact surface 91 are arranged at the same position in the first direction. In this way, compared with the case where the stirrer gear 57 and the electrical contact surface 91 are arranged at different positions in the first direction, the size of the developing cartridge 1 in the first direction can be reduced.

[0092] Furthermore, at least a portion of the gears in the gear section 50 are located between the developing roller 30 and the electrical contact surface 91 in the second direction. For example, the stirrer gear 57 is located between the developing roller 30 and the electrical contact surface 91 in the second direction. Additionally, the gears in the gear section 50 and the electrical contact surface 91 are arranged at intervals. For example, the stirrer gear 57 and the electrical contact surface 91 are arranged at intervals.

[0093] like Figure 4 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the cover 51 has an end wall 513, a peripheral wall 514, and a retainer 92. The end wall 513 extends in a direction intersecting a first direction. The end wall 513 is opposite to the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10 in the first direction. The peripheral wall 514 extends from the outer periphery of the end wall 513 toward the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10 in the first direction. The retainer 92 is connected to one end of the end wall 513 in a second direction. A memory 90 having an electrical contact surface 91 is located on the outer surface of the retainer 92.

[0094] In this embodiment, the retainer 92 of the support memory 90 is integrally formed with the end wall 513 and the peripheral wall 514. Therefore, compared with the case where the retainer 92, the end wall 513 and the peripheral wall 514 are separate molded parts, the number of parts in the developing cartridge 1 can be reduced.

[0095] like Figure 9 As shown, the cover 51 has a rib 515. The rib 515 extends from one end of the end wall 513 in a second direction toward the housing 10 in a first direction. The retainer 92 is connected to the end wall 513 and the rib 515. Therefore, the retainer 92 is supported by the end wall 513 and the rib 515. This suppresses the deflection and positional displacement of the retainer 92 relative to the end wall 513.

[0096] The retainer 92 protrudes from the outer surface of the cover 51 along a second direction. When the developing cartridge 1 is viewed from the second outer surface 12 side along a first direction, at least a portion of the retainer 92 is located outside the housing 10. That is, when the developing cartridge 1 is viewed from the second outer surface 12 side along the first direction, at least a portion of the retainer 92 protrudes outwards compared to the outer shape of the housing 10. Thus, when the developing cartridge 1 is viewed from the second outer surface 12 side along the first direction, compared to the case where the retainer 92 is entirely disposed inside the outer shape of the housing 10, the retainer 92 and the plurality of gears of the gear section 50 can be arranged over a wider range.

[0097] like Figure 4 As shown, the cover 51 has an opening 510. The opening 510 is a hole that penetrates a portion of the cover 51 along a second direction. Specifically, the opening 510 penetrates a portion of the peripheral wall 514 along the second direction. That is, the portion of the outer periphery of the cover 51 without the peripheral wall 514 is the opening 510. The edge of the opening 510 may not be entirely surrounded by the cover 51. That is, the cover 51 has an opening 510, and the opening 510 is also defined by a portion of the cover 51 and the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. The cover 51 is disposed in the second direction between the electrical contact surface 91 and the developing roller 30.

[0098] The opening 510 is located in the first direction between one end 521 of the connector 52 and the first outer surface 11. In addition, the opening 510 is located in the second direction between the electrical contact surface 91 and the connector 52.

[0099] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, a portion of the electrical contact surface 91 is located at the same position as the end wall 513 in the first direction. Additionally, at least a portion of the electrical contact surface 91 is located at the same position as the opening 510 in the first direction.

[0100] At least a portion of the gears in the gear section 50 protrude into the exterior of the cover 51 in the second direction through an opening 510 between the end wall 513 and the first outer surface 11 in the first direction. In this embodiment, the stirrer gear 57 protrudes into the exterior of the cover 51 in the second direction through an opening 510 between the end wall 513 and the first outer surface 11 in the first direction.

[0101] With the developing cartridge 1 installed in the drum cartridge 2, a portion of the drum cartridge 2 is inserted into the opening 510. This prevents a portion of the drum cartridge 2 from contacting the cover 51.

[0102] Specifically, such as Figure 7As shown, the drum frame 60 has a protrusion 65. The protrusion 65 extends from the first side frame 61 in a third direction. The protrusion 65 protrudes in the third direction away from the pressing member 80. When the developing cartridge 1 is installed into the drum cartridge 2, the protrusion 65 is inserted into the interior of the cover 51 via the opening 510. That is, the protrusion 65 is inserted between the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10 and the end wall 513 of the cover 51. This prevents the cover 51 from contacting the protrusion 65. In other words, it prevents the cover 51 from interfering with the protrusion 65.

[0103] With the developing cartridge 1 installed in the drum cartridge 2, the protrusion 65 is located in the second direction between the electrical contact surface 91 of the memory 90 and the plurality of gears of the gear section 50. More specifically, with the developing cartridge 1 installed in the drum cartridge 2, the protrusion 65 is located in the second direction between the electrical contact surface 91 of the memory 90 and the agitator gear 57.

[0104] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, the pressing surface 15 protrudes to the outside of the cover 51 through the opening 510 between the end wall 513 and the first outer surface 11 in the first direction. Therefore, when the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the drum cartridge 2, the pressing member 80 of the drum cartridge 2 can contact the pressing surface 15.

[0105] <2. Second Implementation Method>

[0106] Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Hereinafter, descriptions of structures identical to those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0107] Figure 10 This is a partial perspective view of the vicinity of the gear section 50 of the developing cartridge 1 in the second embodiment. Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the developing cartridge 1 of the second embodiment viewed from the outside of the gear section 50 along the first direction.

[0108] In the above embodiment, a retaining member 92 is connected to the end of the end wall 513 of the cover 51 in the second direction. In contrast, in Figure 10 and Figure 11 In this example, the cover 51 has an arm 516 that supports the retainer 92. The arm 516 extends from a portion of the peripheral wall 514 of the cover 51 toward the opening 510. Furthermore, the tip of the arm 516 is connected to the retainer 92. Figure 11 As shown, there is a gap 93 between the end wall 513 and the retainer 92 in the second direction.

[0109] Arm 516 is plate-shaped and intersects the second direction. Furthermore, arm 516 extends along a third direction intersecting the second direction. Therefore, arm 516 is capable of flexing in the second direction. Additionally, a retainer 92 is located at the free end of arm 516. Therefore, by flexing arm 516, the electrical contact surface 91 supported by retainer 92 can move along the second direction. Thus, when the electrical contact surface 91 contacts the electrodes of the image forming apparatus, friction on the electrical contact surface 91 can be suppressed.

[0110] In this embodiment, arm 516 extends along a third direction. However, arm 516 may also extend along other directions that intersect the second direction. For example, arm 516 may also extend along the first direction.

[0111] <3. Third Implementation Method>

[0112] Next, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Hereinafter, descriptions of structures identical to those in the first and second embodiments will be omitted.

[0113] Figure 12 This is a partial perspective view of the vicinity of the gear section 50 of the developing cartridge 1 in the third embodiment. Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the developing cartridge 1 of the third embodiment viewed from the outside of the gear section 50 along the first direction. Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge 1 according to the third embodiment. Figure 14 A cross-section passing through the gear section 50 and perpendicular to the first direction is shown.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the retainer 92 is integrally formed with the end wall 513 and peripheral wall 514 of the cover 51. In contrast, in... Figures 12-14 In this example, the retainer 92 is a different component from the end wall 513 and peripheral wall 514 of the cover 51. The retainer 92 is fixed to the peripheral wall 514 of the cover 51 by screws 517. In this way, by making the end wall 513 and peripheral wall 514 and the retainer 92 different components, the forming of each component becomes easier.

[0115] exist Figure 14 In this example, the retainer 92 has a protrusion 921. The protrusion 921 protrudes from the surface of the retainer 92 opposite to the peripheral wall 514 toward the peripheral wall 514. The tip of the protrusion 921 contacts the outer surface of the peripheral wall 514 in the second direction. Thus, it is possible to suppress the retainer 92 from deflecting or moving in the second direction.

[0116] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge 1, a modified example of the third embodiment. Figure 15 A cross-section passing through the gear section 50 and perpendicular to the first direction is shown. Figure 15 In the example, retainer 92 does not have Figure 14Such a protrusion 921. The retainer 92 extends along a third direction intersecting the second direction. In addition, there is a gap 93 in the second direction between the peripheral wall 514 and the retainer 92. Therefore, by flexing the retainer 92, the electrical contact surface 91 supported by the retainer 92 can be moved along the second direction. As a result, when the electrical contact surface 91 contacts the electrode of the image forming apparatus, friction of the electrical contact surface 91 can be suppressed.

[0117] <4. Variations>

[0118] The first to third embodiments have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0119] In the first to third embodiments described above, the pressing surface 15 protrudes in the second direction away from the developing roller 30. However, the pressing surface 15 may not necessarily protrude in the second direction away from the developing roller 30. For example, the pressing surface 15 may be a flat surface. Alternatively, the pressing surface 15 may be recessed in the second direction toward the developing roller 30.

[0120] The gear section 50 does not necessarily have to be the structure described in the first to third embodiments. The number of gears, the position of the gears, the type of gears, the shape of the gears, etc., included in the gear section 50 can be appropriately changed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0121] Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments described above, the cover 51 has an opening 510. However, the cover 51 may also not have an opening 510.

[0122] Alternatively, the elements appearing in the above-described embodiments or variations can be appropriately combined within the scope of not causing contradictions, or some elements can be omitted.

Claims

1. A developing cartridge, comprising: A developing roller that is rotatable about a developing axis extending in a first direction; A housing that contains the color powder; A connector located on a first outer surface, which is located at one end of the housing in the first direction; A gear located on the first outer surface; A cover, located on the first outer surface, covering the gear; and The memory has an electrical contact surface. Its features are, The electrical contact surface is supported by the cover. The connector has one end protruding from the cover. The gear and the electrical contact surface are located in the first direction between one end of the connector and the first outer surface. The gear is located between the developing roller and the electrical contact surface in a second direction that intersects with the electrical contact surface. The gear and the electrical contact surface are arranged at intervals. The cover has an opening located between one end of the connector and the first outer surface in the first direction, and between the electrical contact surface and the connector in the second direction.

2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gear protrudes from between the cover and the first outer surface in the first direction to the outside of the cover in the second direction.

3. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover has: An end wall, which is opposite to the first outer surface in the first direction; as well as A peripheral wall, which extends from the outer periphery of the end wall toward the first outer surface in the first direction. The opening is located between the electrical contact surface and the developing roller in the second direction, and is disposed on a portion of the peripheral wall.

4. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cover has: An end wall, which is opposite to the first outer surface in the first direction; as well as A peripheral wall, which extends from the outer periphery of the end wall toward the first outer surface in the first direction. The gear protrudes into the exterior of the cover in the second direction from between the end wall and the first outer surface in the first direction via the opening.

5. The developing cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that... , A portion of the electrical contact surface is located at the same position as the end wall in the first direction. At least a portion of the electrical contact surface, excluding the aforementioned portion, is located in the same position as the opening in the first direction.

6. The developing cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cover has a retainer integrally formed with the end wall and the peripheral wall. The electrical contact surface is located on the outer surface of the retainer.

7. The developing cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cover has ribs that extend from the end wall along the first direction. The retainer is connected to the end wall and the rib.

8. The developing cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cover has: An arm that extends in a direction intersecting the second direction; and A retainer located at the free end of the arm. The electrical contact surface is located on the outer surface of the retainer.

9. The developing cartridge according to claim 8, characterized in that, The arm extends from the peripheral wall toward the opening.

10. The developing cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that... , It has a retaining member, which is a component different from the cover and is fixed to the cover. The electrical contact surface is located on the outer surface of the retainer.

11. The developing cartridge according to claim 10, characterized in that, The retainer has a protrusion that contacts the cover in the second direction.

12. The developing cartridge according to claim 10, characterized in that, The retainer extends in a direction intersecting the second direction. There is a gap in the second direction between the retainer and the cover.

13. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, It also has: A stirrer capable of rotating about a stirrer axis extending along the first direction; A coupling gear located on the first outer surface and rotating together with the coupling; A free-spinning gear, which is located on the first outer surface and meshes with the coupling gear; as well as A stirrer gear, located on the first outer surface and connected to the stirrer, meshes with the idler gear. The idling gear protrudes from between the cover and the first outer surface in the first direction toward the outside of the cover in the second direction.

14. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that, When the developing cartridge is viewed from the second outer surface side along the first direction, at least a portion of the retainer is located outside the housing, and the second outer surface is located at the other end of the housing in the first direction and is separated from the first outer surface in the first direction.

15. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 4 to 12, characterized in that, The developing cartridge can be installed in the drum cartridge. With the developing cartridge installed in the drum housing, a portion of the drum housing is inserted into the opening.

16. The developing cartridge according to claim 15, characterized in that... The housing has a pressing surface, which is pressed by a pressing component of the drum cartridge when the developing cartridge is installed in the drum cartridge. The pressing surface protrudes to the outside of the cover through the opening between the end wall and the first outer surface in the first direction.

Images