Drum unit

Abstract

To provide a drum unit including a structure where a harness can be held while miniaturizing the drum unit.SOLUTION: A harness 86 is held between a side frame 61 and a guide frame 63. The guide frame 63 has a guide groove 631 that guides a developing cartridge. The harness 86 is positioned between the side frame 61 and the guide groove 631 of the guide frame 63 in a first direction. Therefore, the guide groove 631 is not in line with the harness 86 in a direction for attaching the developing cartridge to a drum unit. Thus, the drum unit can be miniaturized, and the harness 86 is held.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a drum unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses such as laser printers and LED printers are known. A conventional image forming apparatus is described in, for example, Patent Document 1. The image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1 includes a developing cartridge having a developing roller and a drum unit having a photosensitive drum. The developing cartridge is attached to the drum unit. Furthermore, the drum unit with the developing cartridge attached is attached to the image forming apparatus. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-052339 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The drum unit of Patent Document 1 has a harness. The harness electrically connects the connector of the drum unit to the board of the drum unit inside the drum unit. In the structure of Patent Document 1, the frame of the drum unit is provided with a separator plate that holds the harness (see FIG. 8 of Patent Document 1).

[0005] In addition, this type of drum unit has a guide groove that guides the developer cartridge when the developer cartridge is installed. This guide groove may be aligned with the harness in the direction in which the developer cartridge is installed in the drum unit. However, if the guide groove is aligned with the harness in the direction in which the developer cartridge is installed in the drum unit, the drum unit will become larger.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a drum unit having a structure capable of holding a harness while reducing the size of the drum unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first disclosure includes a drum unit that can be attached to an image forming device, the drum unit including a photosensitive drum that can rotate about a drum axis extending in a first direction, a drum frame into which a developing cartridge can be attached, the drum frame having a side frame located at one end of the drum frame in the first direction, and a guide frame located on an inner surface of the side frame, the guide frame having a guide groove that guides the developing cartridge when the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame, a first connector that is electrically connected to the image forming device when the drum unit is attached to the image forming device, a second connector that is electrically connected to a developing memory of the developing cartridge when the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame, and a harness that electrically connects the first connector and the second connector, the harness being located between the side frame and the guide groove of the guide frame in the first direction, and the guide frame holding the harness between the side frame and the guide frame.

[0008] The second disclosure is the drum unit of the first disclosure, characterized in that the side frame has a harness groove recessed from the inner surface to the outer surface, the harness is housed in the harness groove, and the guide frame covers at least a portion of the harness groove.

[0009] A third disclosure is the drum unit of the second disclosure, characterized in that it has a plurality of the photosensitive drums arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the harness groove extends in the second direction.

[0010] A fourth disclosure is a drum unit according to the second or third disclosure, characterized in that the side frame further has a claw covering a portion of the harness groove, and a portion of the harness is positioned between the harness groove and the claw.

[0011] A fifth disclosure is a drum unit according to any one of the second to fourth disclosures, characterized in that the side frame has a guide surface that is guided by a main body frame of the image forming device when the drum unit is attached to the image forming device, and the harness groove is positioned inward of the guide surface in the first direction.

[0012] A sixth disclosure is a drum unit according to any one of the first to fifth disclosures, further comprising a charger for charging the photosensitive drum and an electrode electrically connected to the charger, wherein the photosensitive drum is located at one end of the drum frame in a third direction, and the electrode is located closer to one end of the drum frame in the third direction than a portion of the harness that is closest to one end of the drum frame.

[0013] A seventh disclosure is a drum unit according to any one of the first to third disclosures, characterized in that the drum frame further has a metal plate located at one end of the drum frame in the first direction, the side frame being fixed to the outer surface of the metal plate, and the guide frame being fixed to the inner surface of the metal plate.

[0014] An eighth disclosure is a drum unit according to any one of the first to third disclosures, further comprising a relay board that electrically relays the first connector and the second connector, and the harness has a first harness that electrically connects the first connector and the relay board and a second harness that electrically connects the relay board and the second connector, and is characterized in that the second harness is positioned between the side frame and the guide frame in the first direction. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the first to eighth disclosures, the guide groove is not aligned with the harness in the mounting direction of the developer cartridge to the drum unit, which makes it possible to hold the harness while keeping the drum unit compact.

[0016] Furthermore, according to the fourth disclosure, the harness can be held in the harness groove without the guide frame being attached during the manufacture of the drum unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge taken along a plane perpendicular to a first direction. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the drum frame in the vicinity of the first side frame and the first guide frame. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the drum unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the drum unit. [Figure 9] 1 is a perspective view of a first connector, four second connectors, a relay board, a drum memory, a first harness, and a second harness. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the drum unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] In the following description, the direction in which the drum shaft of the photosensitive drum extends is referred to as the "first direction," the direction in which the multiple photosensitive drums are lined up is referred to as the "second direction," and the direction in which one end of the drum frame where the photosensitive drum is located is lined up with the other end of the drum frame is referred to as the "third direction."

[0020] The first direction and the second direction intersect with each other. For example, the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other. The second direction and the third direction intersect with each other. For example, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other. The third direction and the first direction intersect with each other. For example, the third direction and the first direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0021] <1. Configuration of image forming device> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 is an electrophotographic printer. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 100 is a laser printer or an LED printer. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a main body frame 101, a control unit 102, a drum unit 2, and four developing cartridges 1.

[0022] The four developing cartridges 1 can be attached to the drum unit 2. Furthermore, the drum unit 2 to which the four developing cartridges 1 are attached can be attached to the main body frame 101. The drum unit 2 is attached to the main body frame 101 by moving in the second direction relative to the main body frame 101.

[0023] As an example, the four developer cartridges 1 are arranged in the second direction in the following order: developer cartridge 1 containing yellow toner, developer cartridge 1 containing magenta toner, developer cartridge 1 containing cyan toner, and developer cartridge 1 containing black toner. The image forming device 100 prints an image on the surface of a printing paper using toner supplied from the developer cartridges 1.

[0024] The control unit 102 is located inside the main body frame 101. The control unit 102 has a processor and a memory. The control unit 102 controls the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 100 according to a program stored in the memory.

[0025] <2. Structure of the developing cartridge> Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge 1 cut along a plane perpendicular to the first direction. As shown in Fig. 2, the developing cartridge 1 includes a housing 10, a gear portion 30, and a memory assembly 40. Also, as shown in Fig. 3, the developing cartridge 1 includes a developing roller 20.

[0026] <2-1. Cabinet> The housing 10 is a container capable of storing toner. 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 separated from each other in the first direction.

[0027] A storage chamber 13 is provided inside the housing 10. The toner is stored in the storage chamber 13. As shown in Fig. 3, the housing 10 has an opening 14. The opening 14 is located at one end of the housing 10 in the third direction. The external space of the housing 10 and the storage chamber 13 communicate with each other via the opening 14.

[0028] <2-2. Developing roller> The developing roller 20 is a roller that can rotate about a developing shaft extending in the first direction. The developing roller 20 is located in the opening 14 of the housing 10. That is, the developing roller 20 is located at one end of the housing 10 in the third direction. The developing roller 20 has a developing roller main body 21 and a developing shaft 22. The developing roller main body 21 is a cylindrical member that extends in the first direction. The developing roller main body 21 is made of, for example, elastic rubber. The developing shaft 22 is a cylindrical member that penetrates the developing roller main body 21 and extends in the first direction. The developing roller main body 21 is fixed to the developing shaft 22. The developing shaft 22 is made of metal or conductive resin.

[0029] One end of the developing shaft 22 in the first direction is supported by a first end surface 11 of the housing 10 via a bearing. The other end of the developing shaft 22 in the first direction is attached to a developing roller gear included in a gear unit 30. When the developing roller gear rotates, the developing shaft 22 and the developing roller main body 21 rotate about the developing axis. The toner in the housing 10 is carried on the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller main body 21.

[0030] 2, the developer cartridge 1 has a collar 23. The collar 23 is attached to one end of the developer shaft 22 in the first direction. The collar 23 has a cylindrical outer circumferential surface centered on the development shaft. The collar 23 may be rotatable about the development shaft 22.

[0031] <2-3. Gear section> The gear unit 30 is located on the second end surface 12 of the housing 10. The gear unit 30 has a gear cover 31, a coupling, and a plurality of gears. The gear cover 31 is attached to the second end surface 12 of the housing 10. Specifically, the gear cover 31 is fixed to the second end surface 12 of the housing 10 by screws.

[0032] The multiple gears include the developing roller gear described above. The coupling and the multiple gears are each rotatable about an axis extending in the first direction. At least some of the multiple gears are located between the second end surface 12 of the housing 10 and the gear cover 31 in the first direction. That is, at least some of the multiple gears are covered by the gear cover 31.

[0033] The coupling is exposed from the gear cover 31. When the drum unit 2 with the developing cartridge 1 mounted therein is mounted to the image forming apparatus 100, the drive shaft of the image forming apparatus 100 is connected to the coupling. Then, the rotation of the drive shaft is transmitted to multiple gears via the coupling.

[0034] <2-4.Memory Assembly> The memory assembly 40 is located on the first end surface 11 of the housing 10. As shown in FIG.

[0035] The developing memory 41 is a storage medium that stores information about the developing cartridge 1. The developing memory 41 is, for example, an IC chip. For example, information about the specifications or lifespan of the developing cartridge 1 is stored in the developing memory 41. The developing memory 41 has an electrical contact surface 411. The electrical contact surface 411 is electrically connected to the memory element of the developing memory 41. The electrical contact surface 411 is located at one end of the holder 42 in the second direction. In this embodiment, the developing memory 41 having the electrical contact surface 411 is held at one end of the holder 42 in the second direction. However, of the developing memory 41, only the electrical contact surface 411 may be held by the holder 42, and the memory element of the developing memory 41 may be held in another part of the developing cartridge 1.

[0036] The holder cover 43 is attached to the first end surface 11 of the housing 10. At least a portion of the holder 42 is covered by the holder cover 43. The holder 42 is located between the first end surface 11 of the housing 10 and the holder cover 43. The holder 42 is movable in a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction relative to the housing 10 and the holder cover 43. Therefore, the electrical contact surface 411 of the developing memory 41 is also movable in the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction relative to the housing 10 and the holder cover 43.

[0037] <3. Drum unit configuration> 4 and 5 are perspective views of the drum unit 2. The drum unit 2 has four photosensitive drums 50, a drum frame 60, a first connector 81, four second connectors 82, a relay board 83, and a drum memory 84. As shown in FIG. 7, which will be described later, the drum unit 2 also has a charger 70. As shown in FIG. 9, which will be described later, the drum unit 2 also has a first harness 85 and a second harness 86.

[0038] <3-1. Photoconductor drum> The photosensitive drum 50 is a drum that is rotatable about a drum axis A that extends in the first direction. The photosensitive drum 50 is located at one end of a drum frame 60 in the third direction. The photosensitive drum 50 has a cylindrical outer circumferential surface centered on the drum axis A. The outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 50 is covered with a photosensitive material.

[0039] The four photoconductor drums 50 are aligned in the second direction. As an example, the four photoconductor drums 50 are arranged in the second direction in the following order: photoconductor drum 50 corresponding to yellow toner, photoconductor drum 50 corresponding to magenta toner, photoconductor drum 50 corresponding to cyan toner, and photoconductor drum 50 corresponding to black toner.

[0040] The photoconductor drum 50 corresponding to the yellow toner and the photoconductor drum 50 corresponding to the magenta toner are arranged at an interval in the second direction. The photoconductor drum 50 corresponding to the magenta toner and the photoconductor drum 50 corresponding to the cyan toner are arranged at an interval in the second direction. The photoconductor drum 50 corresponding to the cyan toner and the photoconductor drum 50 corresponding to the black toner are arranged at an interval in the second direction.

[0041] <3-2. Drum frame> The drum frame 60 supports the four photosensitive drums 50 rotatably about a drum axis A. The drum frame 60 has a first side frame 61, a first guide frame 63, a second side frame 64, a second guide frame 66, a first end frame 67, a second end frame 68, and four connection frames 69.

[0042] The first side frame 61 and the first guide frame 63 are located at one end of the drum frame 60 in the first direction. The first guide frame 63 is located on the inner surface of the first side frame 61. The first side frame 61 is an example of a "side frame". The first guide frame 63 is an example of a "guide frame". The first side frame 61 and the first guide frame 63 are formed of resin.

[0043] Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the drum frame 60 in the vicinity of the first side frame 61 and the first guide frame 63. As shown in Fig. 6, the drum frame 60 has a first metal plate 62. The first metal plate 62 is located at one end of the drum frame 60 in the first direction. The first metal plate 62 is also located between the first side frame 61 and the first guide frame 63 in the first direction.

[0044] The first metal plate 62 is an example of a "metal plate." The first metal plate 62 is formed of a metal having higher rigidity than the resin constituting the first side frame 61 and the first guide frame 63. The first metal plate 62 extends in the second direction and the third direction. The first side frame 61 is located on the outer surface of the first metal plate 62 in the first direction. More specifically, the first side frame 61 is fixed to the outer surface of the first metal plate 62 in the first direction. The first guide frame 63 is located on the inner surface of the first metal plate 62 in the first direction. More specifically, the first guide frame 63 is fixed to the inner surface of the first metal plate 62 in the first direction.

[0045] The second side frame 64 and the second guide frame 66 are located at the other end of the drum frame 60 in the first direction. The second guide frame 66 is located on the inner surface of the second side frame 64. The second side frame 64 and the second guide frame 66 are made of resin.

[0046] The drum frame 60 also has a second metal plate (not shown). The second metal plate is located at the other end of the drum frame 60 in the first direction. The second metal plate is also located between the second side frame 64 and the second guide frame 66 in the first direction.

[0047] The second metal plate is formed of a metal having higher rigidity than the resin constituting the second side frame 64 and the second guide frame 66. The second metal plate extends in the second direction and the third direction. The second side frame 64 is located on the outer surface of the second metal plate in the first direction. More specifically, the second side frame 64 is fixed to the outer surface of the second metal plate in the first direction. The second guide frame 66 is located on the inner surface of the second metal plate in the first direction. More specifically, the second guide frame 66 is fixed to the inner surface of the second metal plate in the first direction.

[0048] The first end frame 67 is located at one end of the drum frame 60 in the second direction. The first end frame 67 is made of resin. The first end frame 67 extends in the first direction. One end of the first end frame 67 in the first direction is connected to one end of the first side frame 61 in the second direction. The other end of the first end frame 67 in the first direction is connected to one end of the second side frame 64 in the second direction. When the drum frame 60 is inserted into the main frame 101, the first end frame 67 is located at the front of the drum frame 60 in the insertion direction.

[0049] The second end frame 68 is located at the other end of the drum frame 60 in the second direction. The second end frame 68 is formed of resin. The second end frame 68 extends in the first direction. One end of the second end frame 68 in the first direction is connected to the other end of the first side frame 61 in the second direction. The other end of the second end frame 68 in the first direction is connected to the other end of the second side frame 64 in the second direction.

[0050] The four connection frames 69 are located between the first end frame 67 and the second end frame 68 in the second direction. The four connection frames 69 are formed of resin. The four connection frames 69 are lined up in the second direction. Each connection frame 69 extends in the first direction between the first guide frame 63 and the second guide frame 66. One end of the connection frame 69 in the first direction is connected to the first guide frame 63. The other end of the connection frame 69 in the first direction is connected to the second guide frame 66.

[0051] The four developer cartridges 1 are attached to the drum frame 60. When the developer cartridges 1 are attached to the drum frame 60, the developer cartridges 1 are located between the first side frame 61 and the second side frame 64 in the first direction. When the developer cartridges 1 are attached to the drum frame 60, the developer cartridges 1 are located between the first end frame 67 and the second end frame 68 in the second direction.

[0052] Furthermore, when the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 60, the developing roller 20 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 50. More specifically, the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller 20 comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 50. This allows the toner carried on the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller 20 to be supplied to the photosensitive drum 50.

[0053] 5 and 6, the first guide frame 63 has a guide groove 631. The guide groove 631 is recessed toward the photosensitive drum 50 in the direction in which the photosensitive drum 50 and the developing roller 20 contact each other. When the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 60, a portion of the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the guide groove 631. Specifically, the collar 23 of the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the guide groove 631. This allows the developing cartridge 1 to be guided relative to the drum frame 60.

[0054] <3-3.Charger> FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the drum unit 2. FIG. 7 shows a cross section perpendicular to the first direction. As shown in FIG. 7, the drum unit 2 has a charger 70. The charger 70 is a device that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 50. The four chargers 70 are lined up in the second direction. The chargers 70 are supported by a connection frame 69. The chargers 70 are of a scorotron type. The chargers 70 have a wire 71 and a grid 72. The wire 71 and the grid 72 are located near the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 50.

[0055] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the drum unit 2. FIG. 8 shows a cross section perpendicular to the first direction. As shown in FIG. 8, the charger 70 has an electrode 73. The electrode 73 is electrically connected to the wire 71 or the grid 72. When the drum unit 2 is attached to the main body frame 101, the electrode 73 is electrically connected to the control unit 102 of the image forming apparatus 100. When the image forming apparatus 100 performs printing, the control unit 102 applies a voltage to the electrode 73. This generates a potential difference between the wire 71 and the grid 72. This generates a corona discharge between the wire 71 and the grid 72. This charges the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 50.

[0056] <3-4. First connector> As shown in Fig. 4, the first connector 81 is located at one end of the drum frame 60 in the second direction. Specifically, the first connector 81 is located on the outer surface of the first end frame 67. The first connector 81 is made of a metal that is a conductor. When the drum unit 2 is attached to the main body frame 101, the first connector 81 comes into contact with an electric terminal provided in the image forming apparatus 100. This electrically connects the first connector 81 to the control unit 102 of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0057] <3-5. Second connector> The four second connectors 82 are located at one end of the drum frame 60 in the first direction. Specifically, the four second connectors 82 are located on the first side frame 61. As shown in Figs. 4, 6, and 8, the four second connectors 82 are lined up in the second direction. The second connectors 82 are made of metal, which is a conductor. When the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 60, the electrical contact surface 411 of the developer memory 41 comes into contact with the second connector 82. This electrically connects the developer memory 41 and the second connector 82.

[0058] <3-6. Relay board> The relay board 83 is a board that electrically relays the first connector 81 and the second connector 82. As shown in FIG. 4, the relay board 83 is located at one end of the drum frame 60 in the second direction. Specifically, the relay board 83 is fixed to the first end frame 67. The relay board 83 is located closer to one end of the drum frame 60 in the first direction than the first connector 81. More specifically, the drum frame 60 has a frame cover 671 attached to the first end frame 67. The relay board 83 is covered by the frame cover 671.

[0059] <3-7. Drum memory> The drum memory 84 is a storage medium that stores information about the drum unit 2. The drum memory 84 is, for example, an IC chip. For example, information about the specifications or lifespan of the drum unit 2 is stored in the drum memory 84. The drum memory 84 is disposed on the relay board 83. However, the drum memory 84 may be disposed in a location other than the relay board 83.

[0060] <3-8. First Harness> FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the first connector 81, the four second connectors 82, the relay board 83, the drum memory 84, the first harness 85, and the second harness 86.

[0061] The first harness 85 is a wire harness that electrically connects the first connector 81 and the relay board 83. The first harness 85 includes a plurality of conductors. The first harness 85 extends in a first direction along the first end frame 67 between the first connector 81 and the relay board 83. One end of the conductor included in the first harness 85 in the first direction is electrically connected to the first connector 81. The other end of the conductor included in the first harness 85 in the first direction is electrically connected to the relay board 83.

[0062] <3-9. Second Harness> The second harness 86 is a wire harness that electrically connects the relay board 83 and the second connector 82. The second harness 86 includes a plurality of conductors. The second harness 86 extends in the second direction along the first side frame 61 between the second connector 82 and the relay board 83. One end of the conductor included in the second harness 86 in the second direction is electrically connected to the relay board 83. The other end of the conductor included in the second harness 86 in the second direction is electrically connected to one of the four second connectors 82.

[0063] <3-10. Structure for holding the second harness> Next, a description will be given of a structure for holding the second harness 86 of the drum frame 60. Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the drum unit 2. Figure 10 shows a cross section perpendicular to the second direction.

[0064] As shown in Figures 6, 8, and 10, the first side frame 61 has a harness groove 611. The harness groove 611 is located on the inner surface of the first side frame 61. The harness groove 611 is recessed in the first direction from the inner surface of the first side frame 61 toward the outer surface of the first side frame 61. In other words, the harness groove 611 is a groove that opens in the first direction toward the first guide frame 63. The harness groove 611 extends in the second direction.

[0065] The second harness 86 is housed in the harness groove 611. The first guide frame 63 covers at least a portion of the harness groove 611. By being housed in the harness groove 611, the second harness 86 is disposed between the first side frame 61 and the first guide frame 63 in the first direction.

[0066] As described above, in this drum unit 2, the second harness 86 is held between the first side frame 61 and the first guide frame 63. The second harness 86 is located between the first side frame 61 and the guide groove 631 of the first guide frame 63 in the first direction. Therefore, the guide groove 631 is not aligned with the second harness 86 in the third direction, which is the mounting direction of the developer cartridge 1 to the drum unit 2. This makes it possible to hold the second harness 86 while reducing the size of the drum unit 2.

[0067] Furthermore, the first guide frame 63 has both a function of holding the second harness 86 between itself and the first side frame 61, and a function of guiding the developing cartridge 1 by the guide groove 631. In this way, the number of parts of the drum unit 2 can be reduced compared to the case where a part for holding the second harness 86 between itself and the first side frame 61 and a part for guiding the developing cartridge 1 are provided separately.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 10, the first side frame 61 has a guide surface 612. The guide surface 612 is located on the outer surface of the first side frame 61. The guide surface 612 is a surface that intersects with the third direction. The guide surface 612 extends in the second direction. When the drum unit 2 is attached to the image forming apparatus 100, the guide surface 612 is guided in the second direction while being supported by the main body frame 101. This allows the drum unit 2 to move in the second direction relative to the main body frame 101.

[0069] The harness groove 611 is located on the inner side in the first direction from the guide surface 612. That is, the harness groove 611 is located between the guide surface 612 and the first guide frame 63 in the first direction.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 8, the first side frame 61 has a plurality of claws 613. The plurality of claws 613 are aligned in the second direction. Each claw 613 protrudes in the third direction from one edge of the harness groove 611 in the third direction toward the other edge of the harness groove 611 in the third direction. The claws 613 cover a portion of the harness groove 611. A portion of the second harness 86 is positioned between the harness groove 611 and the claws 613. In this way, the second harness 86 can be held in the harness groove 611 even when the first guide frame 63 is not attached during the manufacture of the drum unit 2. Therefore, the drum frame 60 can be easily assembled.

[0071] 8, the electrode 73 of the charger 70 is located closer to one end of the drum frame 60 in the third direction than the portion of the second harness 86 that is closest to one end of the drum frame 60. In this way, it is easy to ensure an insulation distance between the second harness 86 and the electrode 73. It is also easy to arrange the second harness 86 while avoiding the electrode 73. Therefore, the second harness 86 can be arranged linearly along the second direction.

[0072] <4. Modifications> Although one embodiment has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0073] In the above embodiment, of the first side frame 61 and the first guide frame 63, the first side frame 61 has the harness groove 611. However, the first guide frame 63 may have the harness groove 611. In addition, both the first side frame 61 and the first guide frame 63 may have the harness groove 611.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the first connector 81 and the second connector 82 are electrically connected via the first harness 85, the relay board 83, and the second harness 86. However, the first connector 81 and the second connector 82 may be connected by a harness without via the relay board 83. Then, the harness may be disposed between the first side frame 61 and the first guide frame 63.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the number of developer cartridges 1 that can be attached to the drum unit 2 is four. However, the number of developer cartridges 1 that can be attached to the drum unit 2 may be one to three, or may be five or more.

[0076] Furthermore, the elements appearing in the above-described embodiment and modified examples may be combined as appropriate or some may be deleted to the extent that no contradictions arise. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1 Developer cartridge 2 Drum Unit 50 Photoconductor drum 60 Drum Frame 61 First side frame 62 First Metal Plate 63 First guide frame 67 1st End Frame 70 Charger 73 Electrode 81 First Connector 82 Second Connector 83 Relay board 84 Drum Memory 85 First Harness 86 No. 2 Harness 100 Image forming device 611 Harness groove 612 Guide surface 613 Nails 631 Guide groove

Claims

1. A drum unit that can be installed in an image forming apparatus, a photosensitive drum rotatable about a drum axis extending in a first direction; A drum frame into which a developing cartridge can be mounted, a side frame located at one end of the drum frame in the first direction; a guide frame located on an inner surface of the side frame, the guide frame having a guide groove for guiding the developer cartridge when the developer cartridge is attached to the drum frame; A drum frame having a a first connector that is electrically connected to the image forming apparatus when the drum unit is attached to the image forming apparatus; a second connector electrically connected to a developing memory of the developing cartridge when the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame; a harness that electrically connects the first connector and the second connector; Equipped with the harness is located between the side frame and the guide groove of the guide frame in the first direction, The drum unit is characterized in that the guide frame holds the harness between itself and the side frames.

2. 2. The drum unit according to claim 1, The side frame is A harness groove recessed from the inner surface toward the outer surface having The harness is accommodated in the harness groove, The drum unit is characterized in that the guide frame covers at least a portion of the harness groove.

3. 3. The drum unit according to claim 2, a plurality of the photoconductor drums arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; The drum unit, wherein the harness groove extends in the second direction.

4. 4. The drum unit according to claim 2, The side frame is A pawl that covers a part of the harness groove and A drum unit, wherein a portion of the harness is positioned between the harness groove and the claw.

5. 4. The drum unit according to claim 2, The side frame is A guide surface that is guided by a main body frame of the image forming apparatus when the drum unit is attached to the image forming apparatus. having The drum unit is characterized in that the harness groove is located inside the guide surface in the first direction.

6. 4. The drum unit according to claim 1, A charger that charges the photosensitive drum; an electrode electrically connected to the charger; Further equipped with the photosensitive drum is located at one end of the drum frame in a third direction, The drum unit is characterized in that the electrode is located closer to one end of the drum frame in the third direction than a portion of the harness that is closest to one end of the drum frame.

7. 4. The drum unit according to claim 1, The drum frame is a metal plate located at one end of the drum frame in the first direction, the side frame being fixed to an outer surface of the metal plate, and the guide frame being fixed to an inner surface of the metal plate; The drum unit further comprises:

8. 4. The drum unit according to claim 1, A relay board electrically relaying the first connector and the second connector Further equipped with The harness includes: a first harness electrically connecting the first connector and the relay board; a second harness that electrically connects the relay board and the second connector; having The drum unit according to claim 1, wherein the second harness is located between the side frame and the guide frame in the first direction.

Images