Drum unit

Abstract

To provide a drum unit that can protect an electrical contact surface of a connector.SOLUTION: A drum unit 50 is removably mounted on an apparatus body of an image forming apparatus. The drum unit 50 comprises a first photoconductor drum 51Y, a second photoconductor drum 51M, a drum memory 54 that stores information on the drum unit 50, a first connector C1, and a cover 300. The first connector C1 is electrically connected to the drum memory 54, and has an electrical contact surface 55 that is electrically connected to the body electrode of the apparatus body when the drum unit 50 is mounted on the apparatus body. The cover 300 is a cover that covers the electrical contact surface 55 and is attached to the first connector C1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] A drawer equipped with multiple photosensitive drums and a connector is known as a drum unit that is detachable from the main body of an image forming apparatus (Patent Document 1). In this technology, the connector of the drum unit is electrically connected to the connector of the main body of the apparatus when the drum unit is attached to the main body of the apparatus. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-201318 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, the drum unit may be transported without being attached to the main body of the apparatus, and therefore there is a possibility that the electrical contact surface of the connector may become dirty or damaged. It is therefore desirable to be able to protect the electrical contact surfaces of the connector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In the first disclosure of the present application, the drum unit is detachably attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus. The drum unit includes a first photosensitive drum, a second photosensitive drum, a storage medium, a connector having an electrical contact surface, and a cover. The first photosensitive drum is rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction. The second photosensitive drum is rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction. The storage medium stores information about the drum unit. The electrical contact surface is electrically connected to the storage medium, and is in electrical contact with a main body electrode of the apparatus main body when the drum unit is attached to the apparatus main body. The cover covers the electrical contact surface and is attached to the connector.

[0006] According to the first disclosure, the drum unit includes a cover that covers the electrical contact surface and is attached to the connector, so that the electrical contact surface of the connector can be protected by the cover.

[0007] In a second disclosure of the present application, in the drum unit of the first disclosure, the connector may include a first holder, a second holder, and a spring, and one of the first holder and the second holder may have a claw. The first holder holds the electrical contact surface. The second holder holds the first holder movably in a second direction intersecting the electrical contact surface. The spring is located between the first holder and the second holder and biases the first holder in a second direction away from the second holder. The pawl engages the other of the first holder and the second holder, the pawl restricting movement of the first holder away from the second holder in the second direction. The cover holds the spring in an elastically deformed state and the claw in a state disengaged from the other of the first holder and the second holder.

[0008] According to the second disclosure, the cover holds the spring in an elastically deformed state and the claw in a state separated from the other of the first holder and the second holder, thereby preventing force from the spring from being applied to the claw.

[0009] In a third disclosure of the present application, in the drum unit of the second disclosure, the cover may have a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall. The first wall is located on one side of the connector in the second direction. The first wall contacts the first holder. The second wall is located on the other side of the connector in the second direction and faces the first wall in the second direction. The second wall is in contact with the second holder. The third wall connects the first wall and the second wall.

[0010] In a fourth disclosure of the present application, in the drum unit of the third disclosure, the cover may have a rib. A rib protrudes from the third wall. The rib extends in the second direction.

[0011] According to the fourth disclosure, the cover has a rib that protrudes from the third wall and extends in the second direction, thereby reinforcing the third wall, thereby making it possible to suppress deformation of the cover due to the force from the spring.

[0012] In a fifth disclosure of the present application, in the drum unit of the first disclosure, the cover may have a cover wall, and the cover wall may have a recess. The cover wall covers the electrical contact surfaces. The recess is recessed away from the electrical contact surface.

[0013] According to the fifth disclosure, the cover wall covering the electrical contact surface has a recess that is recessed away from the electrical contact surface, thereby making it possible to prevent the cover wall from coming into contact with the electrical contact surface.

[0014] In a sixth disclosure of the present application, in the drum unit of the fifth disclosure, the recess may extend to one end of the cover wall in a direction parallel to the electrical contact surface.

[0015] According to the sixth disclosure, the recess extends to one end of the cover wall in a direction parallel to the electrical contact surface, thereby preventing the portion of the cover wall surrounding the recess from coming into contact with the electrical contact surface when the cover is removed from the connector.

[0016] In a seventh disclosure of the present application, in the drum unit of the first disclosure, the drum unit may further include a cable, and the cover may have a cutout. The cable electrically connects the storage medium and the electrical contact surface. The cable passes through the notch.

[0017] According to the seventh disclosure, the cover has a notch through which the cable passes, so that interference between the cover and the cable can be suppressed.

[0018] In an eighth disclosure of the present application, in the drum unit of the first disclosure, the drum unit may further include a frame, and the cover may have a first hook and a second hook. The frame holds the connector. The first hook is located at one end of the connector in the first direction and engages with the frame. The second hook is located on the other side of the connector in the first direction and engages with the frame.

[0019] According to the eighth disclosure, the cover has a first hook located on one side of the connector in the first direction and engages with the frame, and a second hook located on the other side of the connector in the first direction and engages with the frame, thereby preventing the cover from falling off.

[0020] In a ninth disclosure of the present application, in the drum unit of the first disclosure, the cover may have a cover wall and a protruding piece. The cover wall covers the electrical contact surfaces. The protruding piece protrudes from a surface of the cover wall opposite to a surface facing the electrical contact surface. The protruding piece is in the shape of a plate.

[0021] According to the ninth disclosure, the cover has a plate-shaped protruding piece protruding from the side of the cover wall opposite the side facing the electrical contact surface, so that the cover can be removed by pinching and pulling the protruding piece.

[0022] In a tenth disclosure of the present application, in the drum unit of the ninth disclosure, the drum unit may further include a frame. The frame holds the first photosensitive drum, the second photosensitive drum, the storage medium, and a connector. The protruding piece protrudes beyond the end of the frame.

[0023] According to the 10th disclosure, since the protruding piece protrudes beyond the end of the frame, there is a possibility that the protruding piece may interfere with the device body when attempting to attach the drum unit to the device body. The protruding piece interfering with the device body can make the user realize that they have forgotten to remove the cover. Effect of the Invention

[0024] The electrical contact surface of the connector can be protected. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the drum unit. [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a relay board having a drum memory, a first connector having an electrical contact surface, and a flat cable. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the first connector and the main body connector are electrically connected. FIG. [Figure 6] 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views showing the first connector. [Figure 7] 4 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of a first connector of the drum unit and a cover, as viewed from one side in a first direction. FIG. [Figure 8] 13 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the first connector of the drum unit and the cover, as viewed from the other side in the first direction. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the drum unit with the cover attached. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the first connector and the cover. [Figure 11] 1A and 1B are perspective views showing a cover. [Figure 12] 11A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 10, and FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a recess in a first wall of the cover. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a cutout in the cover and a flat cable. [Figure 15] 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along CC in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Next, an embodiment will be described. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 is a color printer capable of forming a color image on a sheet S such as paper. The image forming apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 10, a main body cover 11, a sheet supply unit 20, and an image forming unit 30.

[0027] In addition, in the drawings referred to, the first direction (see FIG. 2), second direction (see FIG. 5), third direction, fourth direction, and fifth direction (see FIG. 11) are indicated by the side with an arrow and the other side without an arrow.

[0028] The device body 10 has an opening 10A. The body cover 11 opens and closes the opening 10A. The body cover 11 is movable relative to the device body 10 between a closed position shown by a solid line and an open position shown by a virtual line. Specifically, the body cover 11 is rotatable relative to the device body 10 between the closed position and the open position. The closed position is a position where the opening 10A is closed. The open position is a position where the opening 10A is opened. The device main body 10 is equipped with a main body connector 100 .

[0029] The sheet supply unit 20 includes a sheet tray 21 and a sheet supply mechanism 22. The sheet tray 21 stores the sheets S. The sheet supply mechanism 22 includes a pickup roller 23, a separation roller 24, a separation pad 25, a transport roller 26, and a registration roller 27.

[0030] The pickup roller 23 delivers the sheet S from the sheet tray 21 . The separation roller 24 and the separation pad 25 separate the sheets S sent out by the pickup roller 23 into one sheet. The conveying roller 26 and the registration roller 27 convey the sheet S to the image forming unit 30 .

[0031] The image forming section 30 includes an exposure unit 40, a drum unit 50, four developing cartridges 60, a transfer unit 70, and a fixing unit 80. The exposure unit 40 includes a light source, a deflector, a lens, a mirror, etc. The exposure unit 40 emits a light beam as indicated by a dashed line to expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 51.

[0032] The drum unit 50 includes four photosensitive drums 51, four chargers 52, a first connector C1 as a connector, and four second connectors C2. A toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 .

[0033] The photosensitive drums 51 include a first photosensitive drum 51Y, a second photosensitive drum 51M, a third photosensitive drum 51C, and a fourth photosensitive drum 51K. The first photosensitive drum 51Y is rotatable about a first axis X1 extending in a first direction. The second photosensitive drum 51M is rotatable about a second axis X2 extending in the first direction. The third photosensitive drum 51C is rotatable about a third axis X3 extending in the first direction. The fourth photosensitive drum 51K is rotatable about a fourth axis X4 extending in the first direction.

[0034] The second photosensitive drum 51M is aligned with the first photosensitive drum 51Y in the third direction. The third photosensitive drum 51C is aligned with the first photosensitive drum 51Y and the second photosensitive drum 51M in the third direction. The fourth photosensitive drum 51K is aligned with the first photosensitive drum 51Y, the second photosensitive drum 51M, and the third photosensitive drum 51C in the third direction.

[0035] Specifically, the four photosensitive drums 51 are arranged in the order of the first photosensitive drum 51Y, the second photosensitive drum 51M, the third photosensitive drum 51C, and the fourth photosensitive drum 51K from one side to the other in the third direction. More specifically, the four photosensitive drums 51 are arranged in the order of the first photosensitive drum 51Y, the second photosensitive drum 51M, the third photosensitive drum 51C, and the fourth photosensitive drum 51K from upstream to downstream in the transport direction of the sheet S.

[0036] The charger 52 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 . The first connector C1 is electrically connected to the main body connector 100 when the drum unit 50 is attached to the apparatus main body 10. The second connector C2 is electrically connected to the first connector C1.

[0037] The third direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction (see FIG. 2). The fourth direction is a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The fourth direction is a direction intersecting the third direction. In this embodiment, the fourth direction is a direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the third direction. The fourth direction corresponds to the up-down direction of the image forming apparatus 1. One side of the fourth direction corresponds to the upper side of the image forming apparatus 1, and the other side of the fourth direction corresponds to the lower side of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0038] Drum unit 50 is detachable from device body 10 of image forming apparatus 1. Specifically, drum unit 50 is detachable from device body 10 through opening 10A when body cover 11 is in the open position shown by the imaginary line.

[0039] The developing cartridge 60 contains toner and includes a developing roller 61, a developing connector 62, and a developing memory 63. The developing roller 61 supplies the toner to the photosensitive drum 51 . The developing connector 62 is electrically connected to the second connector C2 when the developing cartridge 60 is attached to the drum unit 50.

[0040] The developing memory 63 is electrically connected to the developing connector 62. The developing memory 63 is, for example, an IC chip. The developing memory 63 stores information about the developing cartridge 60. The information about the developing cartridge 60 is, for example, information about the developing roller 61, information about the life of the developing cartridge 60, etc. The information about the developing roller 61 is, for example, the manufacturing date, manufacturing location, and maximum number of rotations of the developing roller 61 that can be used. The information about the life of the developing cartridge 60 is, for example, the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller 61, the cumulative number of prints using the developing cartridge 60, etc. The device main body 10 can communicate with the developing memory 63 in a state in which the developing connector 62 and the second connector C2 are electrically connected and the first connector C1 and the main body connector 100 are electrically connected.

[0041] The developing cartridges 60 are detachable from the drum unit 50. The developing cartridges 60 include a first developing cartridge 60Y, a second developing cartridge 60M, a third developing cartridge 60C, and a fourth developing cartridge 60K.

[0042] The first developing cartridge 60Y contains yellow toner. The first developing cartridge 60Y includes a first developing roller 61Y. The first developing roller 61Y supplies yellow toner to the first photosensitive drum 51Y. The second developing cartridge 60M contains magenta toner. The second developing cartridge 60M has a second developing roller 61M. The second developing roller 61M supplies magenta toner to the second photosensitive drum 51M.

[0043] The third developing cartridge 60C contains cyan toner. The third developing cartridge 60C includes a third developing roller 61C. The third developing roller 61C supplies cyan toner to the third photosensitive drum 51C. The fourth developing cartridge 60K contains black toner. The fourth developing cartridge 60K has a fourth developing roller 61K. The fourth developing roller 61K supplies black toner to the fourth photosensitive drum 51K.

[0044] The transfer unit 70 includes a drive roller 71, a driven roller 72, an endless transfer belt 73, and four transfer rollers 74. The transfer belt 73 is stretched over a driving roller 71 and a driven roller 72. The outer surface of the transfer belt 73 contacts the photosensitive drum 51. The transfer roller 74 is disposed on the inner side of the transfer belt 73. The transfer roller 74 and the photosensitive drum 51 sandwich the transfer belt 73 therebetween.

[0045] The fixing unit 80 includes a heating roller 81 and a pressure roller 82 . The heating roller 81 heats the sheet S. The pressure roller 82 sandwiches the sheet S between itself and the heating roller 81 .

[0046] The charger 52 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 51. Next, the exposure unit 40 emits a light beam onto the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 51. As a result, an electrostatic latent image based on image data is formed on the photosensitive drum 51. Next, the development roller 61 supplies toner to the exposed surface of the photosensitive drum 51. As a result, a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 51.

[0047] Thereafter, the photosensitive drum 51 and the transfer roller 74 transport the sheet S supplied from the registration roller 27. As a result, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 51 is transferred to the sheet S. Thereafter, the heating roller 81 and the pressure roller 82 transport the sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred. As a result, the toner image transferred to the sheet S is fixed onto the sheet S. The intermediate discharge rollers 15 and the discharge rollers 16 discharge the sheet S onto which the toner image has been fixed onto the discharge tray 13.

[0048] 2, the drum unit 50 further includes a drum frame 53 as a frame, and a drum memory 54 as a storage medium. The first connector C1 has an electrical contact surface 55.

[0049] The drum frame 53 holds the four photosensitive drums 51 (a first photosensitive drum 51Y, a second photosensitive drum 51M, a third photosensitive drum 51C, and a fourth photosensitive drum 51K), four chargers 52, a drum memory 54, a first connector C1, and four second connectors C2. The drum frame 53 has a first frame 53A, a second frame 53B, a third frame 53C, and a fourth frame 53D.

[0050] The first frame 53A is located at one end in the first direction of the drum frame 53. The first frame 53A extends in the third direction. The second frame 53B is located at the other end in the first direction of the drum frame 53. The second frame 53B extends in the third direction. The first frame 53A and the second frame 53B face each other in the first direction.

[0051] The third frame 53C is located at one end in the third direction of the drum frame 53. The third frame 53C extends in the first direction. The third frame 53C connects one end in the third direction of the first frame 53A and one end in the third direction of the second frame 53B.

[0052] The fourth frame 53D is located at the other end of the drum frame 53 in the third direction. The fourth frame 53D extends in the first direction. The fourth frame 53D connects the other end of the first frame 53A in the third direction to the other end of the second frame 53B in the third direction. The third frame 53C and the fourth frame 53D face each other in the third direction.

[0053] The drum memory 54 stores information about the drum unit 50. The information about the drum unit 50 is, for example, information about the photosensitive drum 51, information about the life of the drum unit 50, etc. The information about the photosensitive drum 51 is, for example, the manufacturing date and manufacturing place of the photosensitive drum 51, the maximum number of rotations that can be used, etc. The information about the life of the drum unit 50 is, for example, the cumulative number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 51, the cumulative number of printed sheets using the photosensitive drum 51, etc.

[0054] The apparatus main body 10 is capable of communicating with the drum memory 54 when the drum unit 50 is attached to the apparatus main body 10 and the first connector C1 and the main body connector 100 are electrically connected (see FIG. 1).

[0055] The electrical contact surface 55 is in electrical contact with a main body electrode 110 (see FIG. 4) of the apparatus main body 10 when the drum unit 50 is attached to the apparatus main body 10. The electrical contact surface 55 is electrically connected to the drum memory 54. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the drum unit 50 further includes a flat cable 56 as a cable, and a relay board 57. The first connector C1 includes a connector board 210 and a holder 220.

[0056] The connector substrate 210 has a plurality of electrodes 211. The plurality of electrodes 211 are arranged in a first direction. The electrodes 211 have a flat plate shape. In this embodiment, the electrical contact surface 55 is a surface of the electrodes 211 that contacts the main body electrode 110 (see FIG. 4). In other words, the connector substrate 210 has an electrical contact surface 55.

[0057] The holder 220 holds the electrical contact surface 55. Specifically, the holder 220 holds the connector board 210.

[0058] As an example, the flat cable 56 is a flexible flat cable (FFC). The flat cable 56 electrically connects the drum memory 54 and the electrical contact surface 55. Specifically, the drum memory 54 is located on a relay board 57. The flat cable 56 electrically connects the relay board 57 and a connector board 210 having the electrical contact surface 55. The drum memory 54 and the electrical contact surface 55 are electrically connected by wiring on the relay board 57, the flat cable 56, and wiring on the connector board 210.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 4, the main body connector 100 of the device main body 10 has a plurality of main body electrodes 110, a first connector frame 120, and a second connector frame . The multiple body electrodes 110 are aligned in a first direction. As an example, the body electrodes 110 are pogo pins.

[0060] The first connector frame 120 holds the body electrode 110 . 5, the second connector frame 130 has a contact surface 131. The contact surface 131 faces the body electrode 110 in the second direction.

[0061] The second direction is a direction intersecting with the electrical contact surface 55. In this embodiment, the second direction is a direction perpendicular to the electrical contact surface 55. More specifically, the second direction is a direction perpendicular to the electrical contact surface 55 in a state in which the drum unit 50 is attached to the apparatus main body 10 and the electrical contact surface 55 is in contact with the main body electrode 110.

[0062] The first connector C1 of the drum unit 50 is located between the main body electrode 110 and the contact surface 131 when the drum unit 50 is attached to the apparatus main body 10.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), the holder 220 of the first connector C1 includes a first holder 230, a second holder 240, and two springs 250. The first holder 230 holds the electrical contact surface 55. Specifically, the first holder 230 holds the connector board 210.

[0064] The second holder 240 holds the first holder 230. More specifically, the second holder 240 holds the first holder 230 so as to be movable in the second direction. The second holder 240 holds the first holder 230 so as to be linearly movable in the second direction. The second holder 240 has a bottom wall 243 and two bosses 244. The first holder 230 has two tube portions 234.

[0065] The boss 244 extends in one direction in the second direction from the bottom wall 243. One of the two bosses 244 is located at one end of the second holder 240 in the first direction, and the other is located at the other end of the second holder 240 in the first direction. The two bosses 244 have a symmetrical structure in the first direction.

[0066] The tube portion 234 extends in the second direction. One of the two tube portions 234 is located at one end of the first holder 230 in the first direction, and the other is located at the other end of the first holder 230 in the first direction. The two tube portions 234 have a symmetrical structure in the first direction. One of the tube portions 234 is fitted into one of the bosses 244 so as to be movable in the second direction. The other tube portion 234 is fitted into the other boss 244 so as to be movable in the second direction. This allows the first holder 230 to move in the second direction relative to the second holder 240.

[0067] The spring 250 biases the first holder 230 in a direction away from the second holder 240 in the second direction. Specifically, the spring 250 biases the first holder 230 toward one side of the second direction relative to the second holder 240. The spring 250 is, for example, a compression coil spring. The spring 250 is located between the first holder 230 and the second holder 240. Specifically, one spring 250 is located between one tube portion 234 of the first holder 230 and the bottom wall 243 of the second holder 240. The other spring 250 is located between the other tube portion 234 of the first holder 230 and the bottom wall 243 of the second holder 240.

[0068] The first holder 230 further has two claws 235. The claws 235 protrude inward in the first direction from the inner surface of the tube portion 234 in the first direction, and are bent and extend toward the other side in the second direction. The tips of the two claws 235 protrude toward each other in the first direction, and are bent toward one side in the second direction. The two claws 235 have a symmetrical structure in the first direction.

[0069] The claw 235 can engage with the second holder 240. Specifically, the claw 235 can engage with the groove 245 of the second holder 240 from the other side of the second direction. As shown in FIG. 6(a), the claw 235 engages with the groove 245 of the second holder 240 to restrict the first holder 230 from moving in the second direction away from the second holder 240. Specifically, the claw 235 engages with the groove 245 to restrict the first holder 230 from moving in one direction in the second direction relative to the second holder 240.

[0070] 7 and 8, the first connector C1 is movably held by the drum frame 53. Specifically, the second holder 240 has a one-side first boss 260A, a one-side second boss 270A, an other-side first boss 260B, and an other-side second boss 270B. The drum frame 53 has a one-side first hole 531A, a one-side second hole 532A, an other-side first hole 531B, and an other-side second hole 532B.

[0071] The one-side first boss 260A and the one-side second boss 270A protrude in one direction in the first direction from one side surface of the second holder 240 in the first direction. The other-side first boss 260B and the other-side second boss 270B protrude in the other direction in the first direction from the other side surface of the second holder 240 in the first direction. The one-side first boss 260A and the other-side first boss 260B have a symmetrical structure in the first direction. The one-side second boss 270A and the other-side second boss 270B have a symmetrical structure in the first direction.

[0072] The fourth frame 53D of the drum frame 53 has a first retaining wall 533 and a second retaining wall 534. The first retaining wall 533 and the second retaining wall 534 face each other in the first direction. The first retaining wall 533 and the second retaining wall 534 retain the second holder 240. The first retaining wall 533 is located on one side of the second holder 240 in the first direction. The second retaining wall 534 is located on the other side of the second holder 240 in the first direction. The second holder 240 is located between the first retaining wall 533 and the second retaining wall 534 in the first direction.

[0073] The one-side first hole 531A and the one-side second hole 532A are located in the first retaining wall 533. The other-side first hole 531B and the other-side second hole 532B are located in the second retaining wall 534. The one-side first hole 531A and the other-side first hole 531B have a symmetrical structure in the first direction. The one-side second hole 532A and the other-side second hole 532B have a symmetrical structure in the first direction.

[0074] The one-side first hole 531A receives the one-side first boss 260A, and the one-side second hole 532A receives the one-side second boss 270A. The other-side first hole 531B receives the other-side first boss 260B, and the other-side second hole 532B receives the other-side second boss 270B. The one-side first hole 531A is larger than the one-side first boss 260A, and the one-side second hole 532A is larger than the one-side second boss 270A. The other-side first hole 531B is larger than the other-side first boss 260B, and the other-side second hole 532B is larger than the other-side second boss 270B. This allows the first connector C1 to move relative to the drum frame 53.

[0075] 8, the drum frame 53 further has a third hole 537. The third hole 537 is located in the second retaining wall 534. The third hole 537 is located between the other-side first hole 531B and the other-side second hole 532B.

[0076] The drum unit 50 further includes a cover 300. As shown in FIG. 9, the cover 300 is attached to the first connector C1. In this embodiment, the cover 300 is detachable from the first connector C1. The cover 300 is attached when the drum unit 50 is transported without being attached to the apparatus main body 10. The cover 300 is removed when the drum unit 50 is used.

[0077] 10, the cover 300 covers the electrical contact surface 55 of the first connector C1. As shown in Fig. 11(a) and (b), the cover 300 has a first wall 310, a second wall 320, a third wall 330, a fourth wall 340, a rib 350, a first hook 361, a second hook 362, and a protruding piece 370 as cover walls.

[0078] 12(a) and 12(b), the first wall 310 covers the electrical contact surface 55. The first wall 310 is located on one side of the first connector C1 in the second direction. The first wall 310 has a first cover contact surface 311 that contacts the first holder 230.

[0079] The second wall 320 is located on the other side of the first connector C1 in the second direction. The second wall 320 faces the first wall 310 in the second direction. The second wall 320 has a second cover contact surface 321 that contacts the second holder 240. The second cover contact surface 321 faces the first cover contact surface 311 in the second direction.

[0080] The third wall 330 connects the first wall 310 and the second wall 320. Specifically, the third wall 330 connects one end of the first wall 310 in the fifth direction and one end of the second wall 320 in the fifth direction.

[0081] The fifth direction is a direction parallel to the electrical contact surface 55. In this embodiment, the fifth direction is a direction perpendicular to the second direction. The fifth direction is also perpendicular to the first direction. The cover 300 is attached to the first connector C1 from one side to the other side in the fifth direction. The cover 300 is removed from the first connector C1 from the other side to one side in the fifth direction.

[0082] The rib 350 includes a first rib 351 and a second rib 352 . The first rib 351 protrudes from the third wall 330. Specifically, the first rib 351 protrudes from a surface of the third wall 330 opposite to a surface facing the first connector C1. The first rib 351 extends in the second direction. A plurality of first ribs 351 are provided lined up in the first direction (see FIG. 11(a)).

[0083] The second rib 352 protrudes from the second wall 320. Specifically, the second rib 352 protrudes from the surface of the second wall 320 opposite to the surface facing the first connector C1. The second rib 352 extends along the fifth direction. A plurality of second ribs 352 are provided side by side in the first direction (see FIG. 14). The first rib 351 and the second rib 352 located at the same position in the first direction are connected to each other. The first rib 351 and the second rib 352 located at the same position in the first direction extend continuously.

[0084] The protruding piece 370 is plate-shaped. The protruding piece 370 protrudes from the surface of the first wall 310 opposite to the surface facing the electrical contact surface 55. In this embodiment, the protruding piece 370 protrudes from the first wall 310 in one direction in the second direction. The protruding piece 370 is located at the other end of the first wall 310 in the fifth direction. The protruding piece 370 is located at the other end of the first wall 310 in the first direction (see FIG. 11).

[0085] The protruding piece 370 protrudes further than an end 53E of the drum frame 53. In this embodiment, the protruding piece 370 protrudes further toward one side in the fourth direction than one end 53E of the drum frame 53 in the fourth direction.

[0086] 10, the cover 300 holds the spring 250 in a state where it is elastically deformed and the claw 235 of the first holder 230 in a state where it is disengaged from the groove 245 of the second holder 240. To explain in detail, in the first connector C1, when the cover 300 is not attached to the first connector C1 and the drum unit 50 is not attached to the apparatus main body 10, the claw 235 of the first holder 230 engages with the groove 245 of the second holder 240 (see FIG. 6(a)).

[0087] The first holder 230 has a first connector contact surface 236 capable of contacting the first cover contact surface 311 of the first wall 310. The second holder 240 has a second connector contact surface 246 capable of contacting the second cover contact surface 321 of the second wall 320. A distance D1 in the second direction from the first cover contact surface 311 to the second cover contact surface 321 of the cover 300 is smaller than a dimension D2 in the second direction from the first connector contact surface 236 to the second connector contact surface 246 of the first connector C1 in an unattached state (see FIG. 6(a)).

[0088] When the cover 300 is attached to the first connector C1, the first holder 230 and the second holder 240 approach each other in the second direction, and the spring 250 is compressed from the unattached state. At this time, the claw 235 of the first holder 230 is released from the groove 245 of the second holder 240. In this way, when the cover 300 is attached to the first connector C1, the cover 300 holds the spring 250 in a compressed state and the claw 235 in a state where it is released from the groove 245. The dimension in the second direction from the first connector contact surface 236 to the second connector contact surface 246 in the attached state of the cover 300 is equal to the distance D1.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the first wall 310 has a recess 312. The recess 312 is located on a surface of the first wall 310 facing the electrical contact surface 55. The recess 312 has a shape recessed in the second direction so as to move away from the electrical contact surface 55. Specifically, the recess 312 has a shape recessed toward one side in the second direction. The recess 312 also extends to one end of the first wall 310 in a direction parallel to the electrical contact surface 55. Specifically, the recess 312 extends to the other end of the first wall 310 in the fifth direction. In other words, the recess 312 opens toward the other side in the fifth direction.

[0090] 14, the cover 300 has a notch 322 in the second wall 320. The notch 322 has a shape recessed from the other side toward one side in the fifth direction. In other words, the notch 322 opens toward the other side in the fifth direction. The flat cable 56 extending from the first connector C1 passes through the notch 322.

[0091] 15, the first hook 361 is located on one side in the first direction of the first connector C1. In this embodiment, the first hook 361 extends from one end of the third wall 330 in the first direction toward the other side in the fifth direction. The first hook 361 has a protrusion 361A at its tip that protrudes toward the other side in the first direction.

[0092] The second hook 362 is located on the other side in the first direction of the first connector C1. As shown in Fig. 11(b), the fourth wall 340 extends from the other end of the first wall 310 in the first direction toward the other side in the second direction. One end of the fourth wall 340 in the fifth direction is connected to the other end of the third wall 330 in the first direction.

[0093] The second hook 362 extends from one end of the fourth wall 340 in the fifth direction toward the other end in the second direction, and then bends and extends toward the other end in the fifth direction. As shown in Fig. 15, the second hook 362 has a protrusion 362A at its tip that protrudes toward one end in the first direction.

[0094] The first hook 361 and the second hook 362 are engaged with the drum frame 53. Specifically, the protrusion 361A of the first hook 361 is engaged with a second hole 532A on one side of the first retaining wall 533 of the drum frame 53. The protrusion 362A of the second hook 362 is engaged with a third hole 537 of the second retaining wall 534 of the drum frame 53. With the first hook 361 and the second hook 362 engaged with the drum frame 53, the cover 300 is also attached to the drum frame 53.

[0095] Next, the effects of the embodiment will be described. The drum unit 50 includes a cover 300 that covers the electrical contact surface 55 and is attached to the first connector C1, so that the electrical contact surface 55 of the first connector C1 can be protected by the cover 300.

[0096] By keeping the cover 300 in a state where the spring 250 is elastically deformed and the claw 235 of the first holder 230 is disengaged from the groove 245 of the second holder 240, it is possible to prevent the force of the spring 250 from being applied to the claw 235. This makes it possible to suppress creep deformation of the claw 235 due to the force from the spring 250.

[0097] The cover 300 has the first rib 351 protruding from the third wall 330 and extending in the second direction, thereby reinforcing the third wall 330. Moreover, the cover 300 has the second rib 352 protruding from the second wall 320 and extending along the fifth direction, thereby reinforcing the second wall 320. This makes it possible to suppress the cover 300 from being deformed by the force from the spring 250.

[0098] The first wall 310 covering the electrical contact surface 55 has a recess 312 recessed away from the electrical contact surface 55 , so that the first wall 310 can be prevented from coming into contact with the electrical contact surface 55 .

[0099] Since the recess 312 extends to the other end of the first wall 310 in the fifth direction, when the cover 300 is removed from the first connector C1 from the other side toward one side in the fifth direction, the portion of the first wall 310 surrounding the recess 312 can be prevented from contacting the electrical contact surface 55. Also, when the cover 300 is attached to the first connector C1 from one side toward the other in the fifth direction, the portion of the first wall 310 surrounding the recess 312 can be prevented from contacting the electrical contact surface 55.

[0100] Cover 300 has cutout 322 through which flat cable 56 passes, thereby making it possible to prevent interference between cover 300 and flat cable 56. In addition, when cover 300 is removed and attached, interference between cover 300 and flat cable 56 can also be prevented.

[0101] The cover 300 has a first hook 361 located on one side in the first direction of the first connector C1 and engages with the drum frame 53, and a second hook 362 located on the other side in the first direction of the first connector C1 and engages with the drum frame 53, thereby preventing the cover 300 from falling off.

[0102] Furthermore, the cover 300 attached to the first connector C1 has the first hook 361 and the second hook 362 that engage with the drum frame 53, so that the first connector C1 can be fixed to the drum frame 53 by the cover 300. This makes it possible to prevent the first connector C1, which is movably held on the drum frame 53, from moving relative to the drum frame 53.

[0103] Since the cover 300 has a plate-shaped protruding piece 370 protruding from the surface of the first wall 310 opposite the surface facing the electrical contact surface 55, the cover 300 can be removed by pinching and pulling the protruding piece 370.

[0104] Since the protruding piece 370 protrudes beyond the end 53E of the drum frame 53, there is a possibility that the protruding piece 370 may interfere with the device body 10 when attempting to attach the drum unit 50 to the device body 10. The protruding piece 370 interfering with the device body 10 can make the user realize that he or she has forgotten to remove the cover 300.

[0105] Although the embodiment has been described above, the drum unit can be modified as appropriate as exemplified below.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the protruding piece 370 protrudes beyond the end 53E of the drum frame 53, but for example, the protruding piece does not have to protrude beyond the end of the frame. Also, the cover may have a configuration without a protruding piece.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the cover 300 has the first hook 361 and the second hook 362, but for example, the cover may not have the first hook and the second hook. In other words, in the above embodiment, the cover 300 is attached to both the first connector C1 and the drum frame 53, but for example, the cover may be attached to only the connector.

[0108] In the above embodiment, drum memory 54 as a storage medium and electrical contact surface 55 are electrically connected by flat cable 56, but for example, the storage medium and electrical contact surface may be located on the same board and electrically connected by wiring on the board. The drum unit may be configured without a cable electrically connecting the storage medium and electrical contact surface. The cover may be configured without a cutout through which a cable passes.

[0109] In the above-described embodiment, the recess 312 of the first wall 310 (cover wall) opens in a direction parallel to the electrical contact surface 55. However, for example, the recess of the cover wall may be configured not to open in a direction parallel to the electrical contact surface.

[0110] In the above-described embodiment, the cover 300 has the ribs 350. However, for example, the cover may have no ribs.

[0111] In the above embodiment, the first holder 230 has the claw 235 that engages with the second holder 240, but for example, the second holder may have a claw that can engage with the first holder. The cover may be configured to hold the claw of the second holder in a state where the spring is elastically deformed and is separated from the first holder.

[0112] In the above embodiment, the first connector C1 includes the first holder 230, the second holder 240, and the two springs 250, but the connector may include only one spring. The connector may include a holder that movably holds a holder that holds an electrical contact surface, and may not include a spring.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is a printer, but for example, the image forming apparatus may be a copier or a multifunction peripheral.

[0114] The elements described in the above embodiment and modified examples may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 1. Image forming device 10. Device body 50 Drum Unit 51Y First photosensitive drum 51M Second photosensitive drum 54 Drum memory (storage medium) 55 Electrical Contact Surface 110 Body electrode 300 Cover C1 1st connector (connector) X1 1st axis X2 2nd axis

Claims

1. A drum unit that is detachable from a main body of an image forming apparatus, a first photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction; a second photosensitive drum rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction; A storage medium that stores information about the drum unit; a connector having an electrical contact surface electrically connected to the storage medium, the electrical contact surface being in electrical contact with a main body electrode of the apparatus main body when the drum unit is attached to the apparatus main body; A drum unit comprising: a cover for covering the electrical contact surface, the cover being attached to the connector.

2. The connector comprises: A first holder for holding the electrical contact surface; a second holder that holds the first holder movably in a second direction intersecting the electrical contact surface; a spring located between the first holder and the second holder, the spring biasing the first holder in a direction away from the second holder in the second direction; one of the first holder and the second holder has a claw that engages with the other of the first holder and the second holder and limits movement of the first holder in a direction away from the second holder in the second direction; 2. The drum unit according to claim 1, wherein the cover holds the spring in an elastically deformed state and the claw in a state disengaged from the other of the first holder and the second holder.

3. The cover is a first wall located on one side of the connector in the second direction and in contact with the first holder; a second wall located on the other side of the connector in the second direction, facing the first wall in the second direction, and in contact with the second holder; 3. The drum unit according to claim 2, further comprising a third wall connecting the first wall and the second wall.

4. 4. The drum unit according to claim 3, wherein the cover has a rib that protrudes from the third wall and extends in the second direction.

5. the cover has a cover wall covering the electrical contact surface; 2. The drum unit according to claim 1, wherein the cover wall has a recess that is recessed away from the electrical contact surface.

6. 6. The drum unit according to claim 5, wherein the recess extends to one end of the cover wall in a direction parallel to the electrical contact surface.

7. a cable electrically connecting the storage medium and the electrical contact surface; 2. The drum unit according to claim 1, wherein the cover has a notch through which the cable passes.

8. a frame for holding the connector; The cover is a first hook located on one side of the connector in the first direction and adapted to engage with the frame; 2. The drum unit according to claim 1, further comprising: a second hook located on the other side of the connector in the first direction, the second hook engaging with the frame.

9. The cover is a cover wall covering the electrical contact surface; 2. The drum unit according to claim 1, further comprising a plate-shaped protruding piece protruding from a surface of said cover wall opposite to a surface facing said electrical contact surface.

10. a frame for holding the first photosensitive drum, the second photosensitive drum, the storage medium, and the connector; 10. The drum unit according to claim 9, wherein the protruding piece protrudes beyond an end of the frame.

Images