Drum unit

Abstract

To provide a structure which can hold an electrical contact surface by a holder having an elastic member and suppress the inclination of the electrical contact surface.SOLUTION: A holder 70 includes a first holder 71, a second holder 72, a first elastic member 73, and a second elastic member 74. The first holder 71 holds an electrical contact surface 811. The first holder 71 has a first end 711 and a second end 712. The second holder 72 has a third end 721 and a fourth end 722. The first elastic member 73 is located between the first end 711 of the first holder 71 and the third end 721 of the second holder 72. The second elastic member 74 is located between the second end 712 of the first holder 71 and the fourth end 722 of the second holder 72. Thus, the first elastic member 73 and the second elastic member 74 are arranged between the first holder 71 and the second holder 72. This can suppress the inclination of the electrical contact surface 811 to the second holder 72.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

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. Conventional image forming apparatuses include a developing cartridge having a developing roller and a drum unit having a photosensitive drum. The developing cartridge is attached to the drum unit. The drum unit with the developing cartridge attached is attached to the image forming apparatus. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-039173 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The drum unit may be equipped with a memory. The memory has an electrical contact surface. The electrical contact surface is held by a holder. When the drum unit is attached to the image forming device, the electrical contact surface comes into contact with an electrical contact in the image forming device. This electrically connects the memory and the electrical contact.

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes a structure in which an electrical contact surface is held by a holder having a coil spring, which is an elastic member. The coil spring presses the electrical contact surface against an electrical terminal of the image forming device. In addition, the coil spring contracts to suppress friction between the electrical contact surface and the electrical contacts.

[0006] However, in the structure of Patent Document 1, the number of coil springs provided in the holder is one. In such a structure, if the length of the coil spring is long, the coil spring may bend when the electrical contact surface comes into contact with the electrical contact, which may cause the electrical contact surface to tilt.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a structure in which an electrical contact surface is held by a holder having an elastic member and tilting of the electrical contact surface can be suppressed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The first disclosure includes a drum frame, a photoconductor drum rotatable about a drum axis extending in a first direction, a storage medium having an electrical contact surface, and a holder, the holder including a first holder for holding the electrical contact surface, the first holder having a first end and a second end located away from the first end in the first direction, a second holder attached to the drum frame, the second holder having a third end and a fourth end located away from the third end in the first direction, and a fourth holder extending in a second direction intersecting the electrical contact surface. the first elastic member extending in the second direction, the first elastic member being expandable and contractible in the second direction, and located between the first end of the first holder and the third end of the second holder in the second direction; and a second elastic member extending in the second direction, the second elastic member being expandable and contractible in the second direction, the second elastic member being located away from the first elastic member in the first direction, and the second elastic member being located between the second end of the first holder and the fourth end of the second holder in the second direction.

[0009] A second disclosure is the drum unit of the first disclosure, characterized in that the drum frame is capable of mounting a developing cartridge.

[0010] A third disclosure is the drum unit according to the first or second disclosure, characterized in that the photosensitive drum is movable together with the drum frame.

[0011] A fourth disclosure is a drum unit according to any one of the first to third disclosures, characterized in that one of the first holder and the second holder has a first guide sleeve extending in the second direction and a second guide sleeve extending in the second direction and positioned away from the first guide sleeve in the first direction, and the other of the first holder and the second holder has a first guide shaft extending in the second direction and inserted into the first guide sleeve, and a second guide shaft extending in the second direction and inserted into the second guide sleeve.

[0012] A fifth disclosure is a drum unit of the fourth disclosure, characterized in that the first holder has the first guide sleeve and the second guide sleeve, and the second holder has the first guide shaft and the second guide shaft.

[0013] A sixth disclosure is the drum unit of the fifth disclosure, characterized in that the first elastic member is positioned around the first guide shaft, and the second elastic member is positioned around the second guide shaft.

[0014] A seventh disclosure is a drum unit according to any one of the fourth to sixth disclosures, characterized in that an outer peripheral surface of the first guide shaft is circular when viewed in the second direction, an inner peripheral surface of the first guide sleeve is circular when viewed in the second direction, an outer peripheral surface of the second guide shaft is circular when viewed in the second direction, and an inner peripheral surface of the second guide sleeve is elliptical when viewed in the second direction.

[0015] The eighth disclosure is a drum unit of the seventh disclosure, characterized in that the length of the inner surface of the second guide sleeve in the first direction is longer than the length of the inner surface of the second guide sleeve in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0016] A ninth disclosure is a drum unit according to any one of the fourth to eighth disclosures, characterized in that the first guide shaft is not insertable into the second guide sleeve, and the second guide shaft is not insertable into the first guide sleeve.

[0017] A tenth disclosure is a drum unit according to any one of the first to ninth disclosures, characterized in that the first elastic member and the second elastic member are extendable and contractible in the second direction between a first length and a second length longer than the first length, one of the first holder and the second holder has a claw protruding in a direction intersecting the second direction, and the other of the first holder and the second holder has a stopper surface facing the claw in the second direction, with which the claw comes into contact when the first elastic member and the second elastic member are at the second length.

[0018] An eleventh disclosure is the drum unit of the tenth disclosure, characterized in that the first holder has the claws, and the second holder has the stopper surface.

[0019] A twelfth disclosure is the drum unit according to any one of the first to eleventh disclosures, characterized in that the drum unit is detachable from an image forming apparatus.

[0020] A thirteenth disclosure is a drum unit according to the twelfth disclosure, characterized in that the drum unit is mountable to the image forming device in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, the drum frame has one end which becomes the front when mounted to the image forming device in the third direction, and the holder is located at the one end of the drum frame.

[0021] A fourteenth disclosure is the drum unit of any one of the first to thirteenth disclosures, characterized in that the electrical contact surface faces the opposite side to the photosensitive drum in the second direction.

[0022] A 15th disclosure is a drum unit according to any one of the first to fourteenth disclosures, characterized in that it comprises a first connector having the electrical contact surface, the first connector being held in the first holder, a relay board holding a memory element of the storage medium, and a harness connecting the first connector and the relay board.

[0023] The 16th disclosure is the drum unit of the 15th disclosure, characterized in that the drum frame is an end frame that holds the relay board, is an end frame that extends in the first direction, and has a recess that is recessed in a direction intersecting the first direction, and is a subframe attached to the recess, to which the second holder is attached.

[0024] A seventeenth disclosure is the drum unit according to any one of the first to sixteenth disclosures, characterized in that the second holder is movable in the second direction relative to the drum frame.

[0025] An eighteenth disclosure is the drum unit according to any one of the first to seventeenth disclosures, characterized in that the first elastic member and the second elastic member are coil springs. Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to the first to eighteenth disclosures, the first elastic member and the second elastic member are disposed between the first holder and the second holder, which makes it possible to prevent the electrical contact surface from being tilted relative to the second holder.

[0027] According to the fourth disclosure, the first guide shaft is guided in the second direction relative to the first guide sleeve. Also, the second guide shaft is guided in the second direction relative to the second guide sleeve. This makes it possible to further suppress tilting of the electrical contact surface relative to the second holder.

[0028] Moreover, according to the eighth disclosure, by forming the second guide sleeve as an elongated hole extending in the first direction, it is possible to absorb the thermal expansion, thermal contraction, or dimensional tolerance of the first holder and the second holder.

[0029] Moreover, according to the ninth disclosure, the first holder can be prevented from being assembled in an inverted state relative to the second holder.

[0030] Moreover, according to the tenth disclosure, it is possible to prevent the first holder from coming off the second holder.

[0031] According to the sixteenth disclosure, the sub-frame is disposed in the recess of the end frame, which makes it possible to prevent the airflow from stagnating in the recess. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [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. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the drum unit. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a perspective view of a subframe, a holder, a first connector, four second connectors, a relay board, a first harness, and a second harness. FIG. [Figure 12]1 is a perspective view of a subframe, a holder, a first connector, a relay board, a drum memory, and a first harness. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0034] In the following, the direction in which the drum axis A of the photoconductor drum 50 extends is referred to as the "first direction." The direction intersecting with the electrical contact surface 811 is referred to as the "second direction." The direction in which the drum unit 2 is attached to the image forming apparatus 100 is referred to as the "third direction."

[0035] 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 first direction and the third direction intersect with each other. For example, the first direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other. The second direction and the third direction intersect with each other.

[0036] <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.

[0037] The four developing cartridges 1 are detachable from the drum unit 2. Furthermore, the drum unit 2 to which the four developing cartridges 1 are attached is detachable from the main body frame 101. The drum unit 2 is attached to the main body frame 101 by moving in the third direction relative to the main body frame 101.

[0038] As an example, the four developer cartridges 1 are arranged in the third 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] <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.

[0041] <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.

[0042] 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 second direction. The external space of the housing 10 and the storage chamber 13 communicate with each other via the opening 14.

[0043] <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 second 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 columnar 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] <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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] <2-4.Memory Assembly> The memory assembly 40 is located on the first end surface 11 of the housing 10. As shown in FIG.

[0049] 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 a memory element of the developing memory 41. The electrical contact surface 411 is located at one end of the memory holder 42 in the third direction. In this embodiment, the developing memory 41 having the electrical contact surface 411 is held at one end of the memory holder 42 in the third direction. However, of the developing memory 41, only the electrical contact surface 411 may be held by the memory holder 42, and the memory element of the developing memory 41 may be held in another part of the developing cartridge 1.

[0050] The holder cover 43 is attached to the first end surface 11 of the housing 10. At least a portion of the memory holder 42 is covered by the holder cover 43. The memory holder 42 is located between the first end surface 11 of the housing 10 and the holder cover 43. The memory 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 a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction relative to the housing 10 and the holder cover 43.

[0051] <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 holder 70, a first connector 81, four second connectors 82, a relay board 83, and a drum memory 84. In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, which will be described later, the drum unit 2 has a first harness 85 and a second harness 86.

[0052] <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 second 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.

[0053] The four photoconductor drums 50 are aligned in the third direction. As an example, the four photoconductor drums 50 are arranged in the third direction in the following order: the photoconductor drum 50 corresponding to the yellow toner, the photoconductor drum 50 corresponding to the magenta toner, the photoconductor drum 50 corresponding to the cyan toner, and the photoconductor drum 50 corresponding to the black toner.

[0054] 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 third 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 third 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 third direction.

[0055] <3-2. Drum frame> The drum frame 60 supports the four photosensitive drums 50 rotatably about a drum axis A. The four photosensitive drums 50 are movable together with the drum frame 60. 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.

[0056] 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 and the first guide frame 63 are made of resin.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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. 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. Specifically, the first guide frame 63 is fixed to the inner surface of the first metal plate 62 in the first direction.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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. 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. Specifically, the second guide frame 66 is fixed to the inner surface of the second metal plate in the first direction.

[0062] The first end frame 67 is located at one end of the drum frame 60 in the third direction. More specifically, the first end frame 67 is located at one end that becomes the leading end in the insertion direction of the drum frame 60 when the drum frame 60 is attached to the main frame 101 in the third direction. The first end frame 67 is an example of an "end frame."

[0063] The first end frame 67 is made of resin. The first end frame 67 extends in a 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 third 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 third direction.

[0064] 4, the first end frame 67 has a recess 671. The recess 671 is located on the outer surface of the first end frame 67. The recess 671 is recessed in the third direction from the outer surface of the first end frame 67 toward the inner surface of the first end frame 67. In addition, the first end frame 67 has a sub-frame 672. The sub-frame 672 is attached to the recess 671.

[0065] The sub-frame 672 fills a part of the space formed by the recess 671. This makes it possible to prevent the airflow from stagnating in the recess 671. The image forming apparatus 100 has a fan (not shown) inside the main body frame 101. The fan generates an airflow in a first direction near the first end frame 67. The sub-frame 672 prevents this airflow from stagnating in the recess 671.

[0066] The second end frame 68 is located at the other end of the drum frame 60 in the third direction. The second end frame 68 is made 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 third 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 third direction.

[0067] The four connection frames 69 are located between the first end frame 67 and the second end frame 68 in the third direction. The four connection frames 69 are formed of resin. The four connection frames 69 are lined up in the third 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.

[0068] Four developer cartridges 1 can be attached to the drum frame 60. When the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 60, the developer cartridge 1 is located between the first side frame 61 and the second side frame 64 in the first direction. Also, when the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 60, the developer cartridge 1 is located between the first end frame 67 and the second end frame 68 in the third direction.

[0069] 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.

[0070] <3-3.Holder> The holder 70 is located at one end of the drum frame 60 in the third direction. Specifically, the holder 70 is located at one end of the drum frame 60 that becomes the front end in the third direction when the drum frame 60 is attached to the image forming apparatus 100. More specifically, the holder 70 is located in the first end frame 67. More specifically, the holder 70 is located in a recess 671 of the first end frame 67. Even more specifically, the holder 70 is located on the outer surface of the sub-frame 672.

[0071] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the holder 70. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the holder 70. Fig. 8 shows a cross-section of the holder 70 in a plane along the first direction and the second direction. As shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the holder 70 has a first holder 71, a second holder 72, a first elastic member 73, and a second elastic member 74.

[0072] The first holder 71 is a single component molded from resin. The second holder 72 is a single component molded from resin. The first holder 71 and the second holder 72 are aligned in the second direction. The second holder 72 is attached to the drum frame 60. Specifically, the second holder 72 is attached to the sub-frame 672.

[0073] FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the drum unit 2. FIG. 9 shows a cross section including the subframe 672 and perpendicular to the first direction. As shown in FIG. 9, the subframe 672 has a first hole 673 and a second hole 674. The first hole 673 and the second hole 674 penetrate a part of the subframe 672 in the first direction. However, the first hole 673 and the second hole 674 may be recesses recessed in the first direction. On the other hand, the second holder 72 has a first boss 761 and a second boss 762. The first boss 761 and the second boss 762 are protrusions extending in the first direction.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 9, the first boss 761 is inserted into the first hole 673. The second boss 762 is inserted into the second hole 674. The size of the first hole 673 in the second direction is larger than the size of the first boss 761 in the second direction. The size of the first hole 673 in the third direction is larger than the size of the first boss 761 in the third direction. The size of the second hole 674 in the second direction is larger than the size of the second boss 762 in the second direction. The size of the second hole 674 in the third direction is larger than the size of the second boss 762 in the third direction.

[0075] Therefore, with the first boss 761 inserted into the first hole 673, the first boss 761 is movable in the second direction and the third direction relative to the first hole 673. Also, with the second boss 762 inserted into the second hole 674, the second boss 762 is movable in the second direction and the third direction relative to the second hole 674. Therefore, the second holder 72 is movable in the second direction and the third direction relative to the drum frame 60.

[0076] The first holder 71 holds a first connector 81, which will be described later. The first holder 71 is movable relative to the second holder 72 in a second direction.

[0077] 8, the first holder 71 has a first end 711 and a second end 712. The first end 711 is located at one end of the first holder 71 in the first direction. The second end 712 is located at the other end of the first holder 71 in the first direction. The first end 711 and the second end 712 are spaced apart in the first direction.

[0078] The first holder 71 has a first guide sleeve 713 and a second guide sleeve 714. The first guide sleeve 713 protrudes in the second direction from a first end 711 of the first holder 71 toward the second holder 72. The first guide sleeve 713 is cylindrical and extends in the second direction. The second guide sleeve 714 is located away from the first guide sleeve 713 in the first direction. The second guide sleeve 714 protrudes in the second direction from a second end 712 of the first holder 71 toward the second holder 72. The second guide sleeve 714 is cylindrical and extends in the second direction.

[0079] The second holder 72 has a third end 721 and a fourth end 722. The third end 721 is located at one end of the second holder 72 in the first direction. The fourth end 722 is located at the other end of the second holder 72 in the first direction. The third end 721 and the fourth end 722 are spaced apart in the first direction.

[0080] The second holder 72 has a first guide shaft 723 and a second guide shaft 724. The first guide shaft 723 protrudes in the second direction from a third end 721 of the second holder 72 toward the first holder 71. The first guide shaft 723 is columnar and extends in the second direction. The second guide shaft 724 protrudes in the second direction from a fourth end 722 of the second holder 72 toward the first holder 71. The second guide shaft 724 is columnar and extends in the second direction.

[0081] The first guide shaft 723 is inserted into the first guide sleeve 713. As a result, the first guide shaft 723 is guided in the second direction relative to the first guide sleeve 713. The second guide shaft 724 is inserted into the second guide sleeve 714. As a result, the second guide shaft 724 is guided in the second direction relative to the second guide sleeve 714. As a result, the first holder 71 is guided in the second direction relative to the second holder 72. In addition, the first holder 71 is prevented from tilting relative to the second holder 72. As a result, the electrical contact surface 811, which will be described later, is prevented from tilting in the second direction.

[0082] The first elastic member 73 is a member that can expand and contract in the second direction. The first elastic member 73 is located between the first end 711 of the first holder 71 and the third end 721 of the second holder 72 in the second direction. The first elastic member 73 is, for example, a coil spring that extends in the second direction. The first guide shaft 723 is inserted into the first elastic member 73. That is, the first elastic member 73 is located around the first guide shaft 723.

[0083] One end of the first elastic member 73 in the second direction contacts the second holder 72. Specifically, one end of the first elastic member 73 in the second direction contacts the third end 721 of the second holder 72. The other end of the first elastic member 73 in the second direction contacts the first holder 71. Specifically, the other end of the first elastic member 73 in the second direction contacts the first guide sleeve 713.

[0084] The first elastic member 73 is expandable in the second direction between a first length and a second length longer than the first length. The first length and the second length are shorter than the natural length of the first elastic member 73. Therefore, the first elastic member 73 always tries to expand from the first length to the second length. Therefore, the first elastic member 73 always presses the first end 711 of the first holder 71 in a direction away from the third end 721 of the second holder 72 in the second direction.

[0085] The first elastic member 73 may be a spring other than a coil spring, such as a torsion spring, a leaf spring, etc. The first elastic member 73 may be a cushioning material such as a sponge.

[0086] The second elastic member 74 is a member that can expand and contract in the second direction. The second elastic member 74 is located away from the first elastic member 73 in the first direction. The second elastic member 74 is located between the second end 712 of the first holder 71 and the fourth end 722 of the second holder 72 in the second direction. The second elastic member 74 is, for example, a coil spring that extends in the second direction. The second guide shaft 724 is inserted into the second elastic member 74. That is, the second elastic member 74 is located around the second guide shaft 724.

[0087] One end of the second elastic member 74 in the second direction contacts the second holder 72. Specifically, one end of the second elastic member 74 in the second direction contacts the fourth end 722 of the second holder 72. The other end of the second elastic member 74 in the second direction contacts the first holder 71. Specifically, the other end of the second elastic member 74 in the second direction contacts the second guide sleeve 714.

[0088] The second elastic member 74 is expandable in the second direction between a first length and a second length longer than the first length. The first length and the second length are shorter than the natural length of the second elastic member 74. Therefore, the second elastic member 74 always tries to expand from the first length to the second length. Therefore, the second elastic member 74 always presses the second end 712 of the first holder 71 in a direction away from the fourth end 722 of the second holder 72 in the second direction.

[0089] The second elastic member 74 may be a spring other than a coil spring, such as a torsion spring, a leaf spring, etc. The second elastic member 74 may be a cushioning material such as a sponge.

[0090] 8, the first holder 71 has a first arm 715, a first claw 716, a second arm 717, and a second claw 718. The first arm 715, the first claw 716, the second arm 717, and the second claw 718 are located between the first guide sleeve 713 and the second guide sleeve 714 in the first direction.

[0091] The first arm 715 protrudes in a first direction from the first guide sleeve 713 toward the second guide sleeve 714, and extends in a second direction toward the second holder 72. The first claw 716 protrudes from the tip of the first arm 715 in a direction intersecting the second direction. Specifically, the first claw 716 protrudes from the tip of the first arm 715 in the first direction.

[0092] The second arm 717 protrudes in a first direction from the second guide sleeve 714 toward the first guide sleeve 713, and extends in a second direction toward the second holder 72. The second claw 718 protrudes from the tip of the second arm 717 in a direction intersecting the second direction. Specifically, the second claw 718 protrudes in the first direction from the tip of the second arm 717.

[0093] On the other hand, second holder 72 has a central block 725, a first stopper projection 726, and a second stopper projection 727. Central block 725, first stopper projection 726, and second stopper projection 727 are located between first guide shaft 723 and second guide shaft 724 in the first direction.

[0094] The first stopper protrusion 726 protrudes in the first direction from the central block 725 toward the first guide shaft 723. The first stopper protrusion 726 has a first stopper surface 728. The first stopper surface 728 is located at one end of the first stopper protrusion 726 in the second direction. The first stopper surface 728 is a surface that intersects with the second direction.

[0095] The second stopper protrusion 727 protrudes in the first direction from the central block 725 toward the second guide shaft 724. The second stopper protrusion 727 has a second stopper surface 729. The second stopper surface 729 is located at one end of the second stopper protrusion 727 in the second direction. The second stopper surface 729 is a surface that intersects with the second direction.

[0096] The first stopper surface 728 faces the first claw 716 in the second direction. When the first elastic member 73 has the second length, the first claw 716 comes into contact with the first stopper surface 728. The second stopper surface 729 faces the second claw 718 in the second direction. When the second elastic member 74 has the second length, the second claw 718 comes into contact with the second stopper surface 729. This prevents the first holder 71 from coming off the second holder 72.

[0097] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the holder 70. FIG. 10 shows a cross section perpendicular to the second direction. As shown in FIG. 10, the outer peripheral surface of the first guide shaft 723 is circular when viewed in the second direction. The inner peripheral surface of the first guide sleeve 713 is also circular when viewed in the second direction. The outer peripheral surface of the second guide shaft 724 is also circular when viewed in the second direction. However, the inner peripheral surface of the second guide sleeve 714 is elliptical when viewed in the second direction.

[0098] Specifically, the length of the inner circumferential surface of second guide sleeve 714 in the first direction is longer than the length of the inner circumferential surface of second guide sleeve 714 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. In this manner, by forming second guide sleeve 714 as an elongated hole extending in the first direction, thermal expansion, thermal contraction, or dimensional tolerance of first holder 71 and second holder 72 can be absorbed.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 10, the first holder 71 has a first rib 751 and a second rib 752. The first rib 751 protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the first guide sleeve 713 toward the outside in the radial direction of the first guide sleeve 713. The second rib 752 protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the second guide sleeve 714 toward the outside in the radial direction of the second guide sleeve 714. The second holder 72 has a third rib 753 and a fourth rib 754. The third rib 753 protrudes from the inner surface of the second holder 72 toward the first guide shaft 723. The fourth rib 754 protrudes from the inner surface of the second holder 72 toward the second guide shaft 724.

[0100] 10, when viewed in the second direction, the first rib 751 and the third rib 753 are positioned on opposite sides to each other across the first guide shaft 723. The second rib 752 and the fourth rib 754 are positioned on opposite sides to each other across the second guide shaft 724.

[0101] In the manufacturing process of the holder 70, if the first holder 71 is inverted in the first direction and then attached to the second holder 72, the first rib 751 and the fourth rib 754 come into contact with each other, and the second rib 752 and the third rib 753 come into contact with each other. Therefore, the insertion of the second guide shaft 724 into the first guide sleeve 713 and the insertion of the first guide shaft 723 into the second guide sleeve 714 cannot be completed. This prevents the first holder 71 from being assembled in an inverted state to the second holder 72. This prevents the holder 70 from being manufactured with the orientation of the first connector 81 inverted.

[0102] In this way, in order to prevent the first holder 71 from being assembled in an inverted state relative to the second holder 72, it is desirable to satisfy at least one of the following: the first guide shaft 723 cannot be inserted into the second guide sleeve 714, and the second guide shaft 724 cannot be inserted into the first guide sleeve 713.

[0103] <3-4. First connector> The first connector 81 is located on the outer surface of the first holder 71. The first connector 81 has an electrical contact surface 811. Specifically, the first connector 81 is a substrate. The electrical contact surface 811 is a metal surface formed on the surface of the substrate.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 7, the first connector 81 is held at an end of the first holder 71 in the second direction. Specifically, the first connector 81 is fixed to a surface of the first holder 71 facing away from the photoconductor drum 50. An electrical contact surface 811 is located on an outer surface of the first connector 81. The electrical contact surface 811 faces away from the photoconductor drum 50 in the second direction. In the example of FIG. 7, the first connector 71 has a plurality of electrical contact surfaces 811. The plurality of electrical contact surfaces 811 are aligned in the first direction.

[0105] 1, the image forming apparatus 100 has an electrical contact 103. The electrical contact 103 is located inside the main body frame 101. The electrical contact 103 is electrically connected to the control unit 102. When the drum unit 2 is attached to the main body frame 101, the electrical contact surface 811 comes into contact with the electrical contact 103. This electrically connects the electrical contact surface 811 and the control unit 102.

[0106] As described above, the holder 70 has the first elastic member 73 and the second elastic member 74 between the first holder 71 and the second holder 72. Therefore, the electrical contact surface 811 is pressed against the electrical contact 103 by the elastic force of the first elastic member 73 and the second elastic member 74. This allows good electrical continuity between the electrical contact 103 and the electrical contact surface 811.

[0107] Moreover, the first elastic member 73 and the second elastic member 74 are contractible in the second direction. This makes it possible to prevent an excessive pressing force from being generated between the electrical contact 103 and the electrical contact surface 811. Also, it is possible to prevent the electrical contact 103 from rubbing against the electrical contact surface 811.

[0108] Moreover, the first elastic member 73 and the second elastic member 74 are spaced apart in the first direction. Therefore, when the electrical contact surface 811 contacts the electrical contact 103, the first holder 71 can be prevented from tilting in the first direction relative to the second holder 72. As a result, the electrical contact surface 811 and the electrical contact 103 can be brought into better contact with each other.

[0109] <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 FIG. 4, the four second connectors 82 are lined up in the third direction. The second connectors 82 are made of metal, which is a conductor. When the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 60, the electrical contact surface 411 of the developing memory 41 comes into contact with the second connector 82. This electrically connects the developing memory 41 and the second connector 82.

[0110] <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 third direction. Specifically, the relay board 83 is held by 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 675 attached to the first end frame 67. The relay board 83 is covered by the frame cover 675.

[0111] <3-7. Drum memory> The drum memory 84 is a storage element that stores information about the drum unit 2. The drum memory 84 is, for example, an IC chip. The drum memory 84 stores, for example, information about the specifications or lifespan of the drum unit 2. The drum memory 84 is held in the relay board 83.

[0112] The above-mentioned electrical contact surface 811 functions as an electrical contact surface for inputting and outputting signals to and from drum memory 84. That is, in this embodiment, a storage medium is composed of drum memory 84, which is a storage element, and electrical contact surface 811, which is disposed at a position different from drum memory 84. Control unit 102 performs at least one of writing information to drum memory 84 and reading information from drum memory 84 via electrical contact surface 811.

[0113] However, the drum memory 84 may be disposed in a location other than the relay board 83. For example, the drum memory 84 may be disposed on the board of the first connector 81.

[0114] <3-8. First Harness> Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the subframe 672, the holder 70, the first connector 81, the four second connectors 82, the relay board 83, the first harness 85, and the second harness 86. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the subframe 672, the holder 70, the first connector 81, the relay board 83, the drum memory 84, and the first harness 85.

[0115] The first harness 85 is a wire harness that electrically connects the first connector 81 and the relay board 83. The first harness 85 is an example of a "harness". For example, an FFC (Flexible Flat Cable) is used for the first harness 85. 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 electrical contact surface 811 of 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.

[0116] <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 third 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 third direction is electrically connected to the relay board 83. The other end of the conductor included in the second harness 86 in the third direction is electrically connected to any one of the four second connectors 82.

[0117] <4. Modifications> Although one embodiment has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0118] In the above embodiment, the first holder 71 has the first guide sleeve 713 and the second guide sleeve 714, and the second holder 72 has the first guide shaft 723 and the second guide shaft 724. However, the first holder 71 may have the first guide shaft 723 and the second guide shaft 724, and the second holder 72 may have the first guide sleeve 713 and the second guide sleeve 714.

[0119] That is, either the first holder 71 or the second holder 72 may have a first guide sleeve 713 and a second guide sleeve 714, and the other of the first holder 71 and the second holder 72 may have a first guide shaft 723 and a second guide shaft 724.

[0120] Moreover, the holder 70 does not necessarily have to have the first guide sleeve 713, the second guide sleeve 714, the first guide shaft 723, and the second guide shaft 724.

[0121] In the above embodiment, the first holder 71 has the first claw 716 and the second claw 718, and the second holder 72 has the first stopper surface 728 and the second stopper surface 729. However, the first holder 71 may have the first stopper surface 728 and the second stopper surface 729, and the second holder 72 may have the first claw 716 and the second claw 718.

[0122] That is, it is sufficient that either the first holder 71 or the second holder 72 has a claw, and the other of the first holder 71 and the second holder 72 has a stopper surface. The number of claws may be one or more. The number of stopper surfaces may be one or more.

[0123] 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 the relay board 83.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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]

[0126] 1 Developer cartridge 2 Drum unit 50 Photoconductor drum 60 Drum Frame 67 1st End Frame 70 Holder 71 First Holder 72 Second Holder 73 First elastic member 74 Second elastic member 81 First Connector 82 Second Connector 83 Relay board 84 Drum Memory 85 First Harness 86 No. 2 Harness 100 Image forming device 671 Recess 672 Subframe 713 First guide sleeve 714 2nd guide sleeve 716 First Claw 718 Second Claw 723 First guide shaft 724 Second guide shaft 728 First stopper surface 729 Second stopper surface 811 Electrical Contact Surface

Claims

1. Drum frame and a photosensitive drum rotatable about a drum axis extending in a first direction; a storage medium having an electrical contact surface; A holder and Equipped with The holder includes: a first holder for holding the electrical contact surface, the first holder having a first end and a second end positioned away from the first end in the first direction; a second holder attached to the drum frame, the second holder having a third end and a fourth end spaced apart from the third end in the first direction; a first elastic member extending in a second direction intersecting the electrical contact surface, the first elastic member being expandable and contractible in the second direction, the first elastic member being positioned between the first end of the first holder and the third end of the second holder in the second direction; a second elastic member extending in the second direction, the second elastic member being expandable and contractible in the second direction, the second elastic member being positioned away from the first elastic member in the first direction, and the second elastic member being positioned between the second end of the first holder and the fourth end of the second holder in the second direction; A drum unit comprising:

2. 2. The drum unit according to claim 1, A drum unit, wherein the drum frame is capable of mounting a developing cartridge.

3. 2. The drum unit according to claim 1, The drum unit is characterized in that the photosensitive drum is movable together with the drum frame.

4. 2. The drum unit according to claim 1, One of the first holder and the second holder is A first guide sleeve extending in the second direction; a second guide sleeve extending in the second direction and spaced apart from the first guide sleeve in the first direction; having The other of the first holder and the second holder is a first guide shaft extending in the second direction and inserted into the first guide sleeve; a second guide shaft extending in the second direction and inserted into the second guide sleeve; A drum unit comprising:

5. 5. The drum unit according to claim 4, the first holder has the first guide sleeve and the second guide sleeve, The drum unit, wherein the second holder has the first guide shaft and the second guide shaft.

6. 6. The drum unit according to claim 5, the first elastic member is located around the first guide shaft, The drum unit according to claim 1, wherein the second elastic member is positioned around the second guide shaft.

7. 7. The drum unit according to claim 4, an outer circumferential surface of the first guide shaft is circular when viewed in the second direction, an inner circumferential surface of the first guide sleeve is circular when viewed in the second direction, an outer circumferential surface of the second guide shaft is circular when viewed in the second direction, The drum unit according to claim 1, wherein an inner peripheral surface of the second guide sleeve is elliptical when viewed in the second direction.

8. 8. The drum unit according to claim 7, A drum unit, characterized in that a length of an inner circumferential surface of the second guide sleeve in the first direction is longer than a length of the inner circumferential surface of the second guide sleeve in a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

9. 7. The drum unit according to claim 4, The first guide shaft cannot be inserted into the second guide sleeve; and The second guide shaft cannot be inserted into the first guide sleeve; The drum unit is characterized by satisfying at least one of the above requirements.

10. 7. The drum unit according to claim 1, the first elastic member and the second elastic member are stretchable in the second direction between a first length and a second length longer than the first length, One of the first holder and the second holder is A claw protruding in a direction intersecting the second direction having The other of the first holder and the second holder is a stopper surface facing the claw in the second direction, the stopper surface being in contact with the claw when the first elastic member and the second elastic member are at the second length; A drum unit comprising:

11. 11. The drum unit according to claim 10, The first holder has the claw, The drum unit, wherein the second holder has the stopper surface.

12. 7. The drum unit according to claim 1, The drum unit is detachably attached to an image forming apparatus.

13. 13. The drum unit according to claim 12, the drum unit is mountable to the image forming apparatus in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, the drum frame has one end portion which becomes a front end when the drum frame is attached to the image forming apparatus in the third direction, A drum unit, wherein the holder is located at the one end of the drum frame.

14. 7. The drum unit according to claim 1, The drum unit, wherein the electrical contact surface faces a side opposite to the photosensitive drum in the second direction.

15. 7. The drum unit according to claim 1, a first connector having the electrical contact surface, the first connector being held by the first holder; an intermediate substrate for holding a memory element of the storage medium; a harness connecting the first connector and the relay board; A drum unit comprising:

16. 16. The drum unit according to claim 15, The drum frame is an end frame for holding the relay board, the end frame extending in the first direction and having a recess that is recessed in a direction intersecting the first direction; a subframe attached to the recess, the subframe having the second holder attached thereto; A drum unit comprising:

17. 7. The drum unit according to claim 1, The drum unit, wherein the second holder is movable in the second direction relative to the drum frame.

18. 7. The drum unit according to claim 1, The drum unit according to claim 1, wherein the first elastic member and the second elastic member are coil springs.

Images