Cartridge and memory holder

Abstract

To provide a cartridge and a memory holder that can prevent a first holder and a second holder from being assembled in a wrong posture.SOLUTION: A cartridge removably mounted on an apparatus body of an image forming apparatus comprises a memory and a memory holder 200. The memory holder 200 comprises: a first holder 210 that holds the memory; a second holder 220 that is engageable with the first holder 210 from the other side in a first direction and is movable in the first direction relative to the first holder 210; and a spring 230 that is located between the first holder 210 and the second holder 220, and urges the first holder 210 in a direction away from the second holder 220 in the first direction. The second holder 220 has a rib 240 that projects from one side face in a second direction, and the first holder 210 has a groove 250 that receives the rib 240 on one side face in the second direction. When the second holder 220 moves in the first direction relative to the first holder 210, the rib 240 moves in the first direction along the groove 250.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cartridge and a memory holder.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a cartridge, there is known one including a memory having an electrical contact surface, a first holder for holding the memory, a second holder movably attached to the first holder, and a spring positioned between the first holder and the second holder (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, if the first holder and the second holder are assembled in the wrong posture, for example, there is a possibility that the original function cannot be exhibited. Therefore, it is desired to be able to suppress the first holder and the second holder from being assembled in the wrong posture.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In the first disclosure of the present application, the cartridge is detachable from the apparatus main body of an image forming apparatus. The cartridge includes a memory, a first holder, a second holder, and a spring. The memory has an electrical contact surface. The first holder holds the memory. The first holder has an electrical contact surface positioned on one end surface in the first direction. The second holder is engageable with the first holder from the other side in the first direction. The second holder is movable in the first direction with respect to the first holder. The spring is positioned between the first holder and the second holder. The spring biases the first holder away from the second holder in the first direction. The second holder has a rib protruding from one side surface in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first holder has a groove into which the rib on one side surface in the second direction fits. When the second holder moves in the first direction with respect to the first holder, the rib moves in the first direction along the groove.

[0006] According to the first disclosure, since the second holder has a rib and the first holder has a groove, when the first holder and the second holder are correctly assembled, the rib of the second holder fits into the groove of the first holder. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the first holder and the second holder from being assembled in a wrong posture.

[0007] In the second disclosure of the present application, in the cartridge of the first disclosure, the rib and the groove extend in the first direction.

[0008] According to the second disclosure, since the rib and the groove extend in the first direction, the dimensions of the first holder and the second holder in the direction intersecting the first direction can be reduced.

[0009] In the third disclosure of the present application, in the cartridge of the second disclosure, the rib is located at the center of one side surface of the second holder in a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction. The groove is located at the center of one side surface of the first holder in the third direction.

[0010] According to the third disclosure, in the third direction, since the rib is located at the center of the second holder and the groove is located at the center of the first holder, when the first holder moves in the first direction with respect to the second holder, the movement can be stabilized.

[0011] In the fourth disclosure of the present application, in the cartridge of the first disclosure, the first direction is a direction intersecting the electrical contact surface.

[0012] According to the fourth disclosure, since the first direction intersects the electrical contact surface, the electrical contact surface can be moved in the first direction with respect to the second holder.

[0013] In the fifth disclosure of the present application, in the cartridge of the first disclosure, the first holder has a cylindrical shape having an opening at the other end in the first direction. One end of the second holder in the first direction is inserted into the first holder from the opening.

[0014] According to the fifth disclosure, since the second holder is inserted into the first holder from the opening of the cylindrical first holder, the first holder and the second holder can be easily assembled.

[0015] In the sixth disclosure of the present application, in the cartridge of the fifth disclosure, the first holder has a hole in the wall intersecting the first direction. The second holder has a hook that can be hooked in the hole.

[0016] According to the sixth disclosure, since the first holder has a hole and the second holder has a hook, it is possible to prevent the second holder from coming off the first holder.

[0017] In the seventh disclosure of the present application, in the cartridge of the first disclosure, the cartridge includes a developing roller.

[0018] In the eighth disclosure of the present application, in the cartridge of the first disclosure, the cartridge includes a housing and a cover. The housing can accommodate toner. The cover covers at least a part of one end of the housing in the orthogonal direction orthogonal to the first direction. The first holder has a first boss and a second boss. The first boss projects in one direction of the orthogonal direction. The second boss projects in the other direction of the orthogonal direction. The cover has a first hole. The first boss fits into the first hole. When viewed in the orthogonal direction, at least one of the dimensions in the first direction and the second direction of the first hole is larger than the diameter of the first boss. The housing has a second hole. The second boss fits into the second hole. When viewed in the orthogonal direction, at least one of the dimensions in the first direction and the second direction of the second hole is larger than the diameter of the second boss.

[0019] According to the eighth disclosure, the first hole of the cover is larger than the first boss of the first holder, and the second hole of the housing is larger than the second boss of the first holder, so that the first holder can be movable relative to the housing.

[0020] In the ninth disclosure of the present application, the memory holder includes a first holder, a second holder, and a spring. The first holder holds a memory having an electrical contact surface. The electrical contact surface of the first holder is located on one end surface in the first direction. The second holder can be engaged with the first holder from the other side in the first direction. The second holder is movable relative to the first holder in the first direction. The spring is located between the first holder and the second holder. The spring biases the first holder in a direction away from the second holder in the first direction. The second holder has a rib protruding from one side surface in the second direction intersecting the first direction. The first holder has a groove into which the rib fits on one side surface in the second direction. When the second holder moves in the first direction relative to the first holder, the rib moves in the first direction along the groove.

[0021] According to the ninth disclosure, since the second holder has a rib and the first holder has a groove, when the first holder and the second holder are correctly assembled, the rib of the second holder fits into the groove of the first holder. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the first holder and the second holder from being assembled in a wrong posture.

[0022] In the tenth disclosure of the present application, in the memory holder of the ninth disclosure, the rib and the groove extend in the first direction.

[0023] According to the 10th disclosure, since the ribs and grooves extend in the first direction, the dimensions of the first holder and the second holder in the direction intersecting the first direction can be reduced.

[0024] In the 11th disclosure of the present application, in the memory holder of the 10th disclosure, the rib is located at the center of one side surface of the second holder in a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction. The groove is located at the center of one side surface of the first holder in the third direction.

[0025] According to the 11th disclosure, in the third direction, since the rib is located at the center of the second holder and the groove is located at the center of the first holder, the movement when the first holder moves in the first direction with respect to the second holder can be stabilized.

[0026] In the 12th disclosure of the present application, in the memory holder of the 9th disclosure, the first direction is a direction intersecting the electrical contact surface.

[0027] According to the 12th disclosure, since the first direction is a direction intersecting the electrical contact surface, the electrical contact surface can be moved in the first direction with respect to the second holder.

[0028] In the 13th disclosure of the present application, in the memory holder of the 9th disclosure, the first holder has a cylindrical shape with an opening at the other end in the first direction. One end of the second holder in the first direction is inserted into the first holder from the opening.

[0029] According to the 13th disclosure, since the second holder is inserted into the first holder from the opening of the cylindrical first holder, the first holder and the second holder can be easily assembled.

[0030] In the 14th disclosure of the present application, in the memory holder of the 13th disclosure, the first holder has a hole in the wall intersecting the first direction. The second holder has a hook that can be hooked on the hole.

[0031] According to the 14th disclosure, since the first holder has a hole and the second holder has a hook, it is possible to prevent the second holder from coming off the first holder.

Effect of the Invention

[0032] It is possible to prevent the first holder and the second holder from being assembled in the wrong posture.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0034] Next, embodiments will be described. As shown in FIG. 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.

[0035] In the drawings to be referred to, in each of the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction (see FIG. 2), one is indicated by the side with an arrow, and the other is indicated by the side without an arrow.

[0036] The second direction intersects the first direction. In this embodiment, the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. The third direction intersects both the first direction and the second direction. In this embodiment, the third direction is orthogonal to both the first direction and the second direction.

[0037] The apparatus main body 10 has an opening 10A. The main body cover 11 opens and closes the opening 10A. The main body cover 11 is movable relative to the apparatus main body 10 between a closed position shown by a solid line and an open position shown by a virtual line. Specifically, the main body cover 11 is rotatable relative to the apparatus main 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 open. The apparatus main body 10 includes a main body connector C0.

[0038] The sheet feeding unit 20 includes a sheet tray 21 and a sheet feeding mechanism 22. The sheet tray 21 accommodates a sheet S. The sheet feeding mechanism 22 includes a pickup roller 23, a separation roller 24, a separation pad 25, a conveyance roller 26, and a registration roller 27.

[0039] The pickup roller 23 feeds out the sheet S from the sheet tray 21. The separation roller 24 and the separation pad 25 separate the sheet S fed out by the pickup roller 23 into single sheets. The conveyance roller 26 and the registration roller 27 convey the sheet S to the image forming unit 30.

[0040] The image forming unit 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 shown by a dashed line to expose the surface of the photosensitive drum 51.

[0041] The drum unit 50 includes four photosensitive drums 51, four chargers 52, a first connector C1, and four second connectors C2.

[0042] A toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 51. The photosensitive drum 51 is rotatable about a drum axis 51X extending in the third direction. The four photosensitive drums 51 are arranged side by side in the first direction. In other words, the four photosensitive drums 51 are arranged side by side in the conveyance direction of the sheet S. The charger 52 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 51.

[0043] The drum unit 50 is detachable from the apparatus main body 10. Specifically, the drum unit 50 is detachable through the opening 10A with respect to the apparatus main body 10 in a state where the main body cover 11 is located at the open position indicated by the virtual line.

[0044] The first connector C1 is electrically connected to the main body connector C0 in a state where the drum unit 50 is attached to the apparatus main body 10. The second connector C2 is electrically connected to the first connector C1.

[0045] The developing cartridge 60 is an example of a cartridge. The developing cartridge 60 stores toner. The developing cartridge 60 includes a developing roller 61 and a developing connector 62. The developing roller 61 supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 51.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, the developing cartridge 60 is detachable from the drum unit 50. The developing cartridge 60 is detachable from the apparatus main body 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 together with the drum unit 50 in a state where the developing cartridge 60 is attached to the drum unit 50.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 1, the developing connector 62 is electrically connected to the second connector C2 of the drum unit 50 in a state where the developing cartridge 60 is attached to the drum unit 50.

[0048] The transfer unit 70 includes a driving roller 71, a driven roller 72, an endless transfer belt 73, and four transfer rollers 74. The transfer belt 73 is stretched between the driving roller 71 and the driven roller 72. The outer surface of the transfer belt 73 contacts the photosensitive drum 51. The transfer rollers 74 are arranged inside the transfer belt 73. The transfer rollers 74 sandwich the transfer belt 73 between them and the photosensitive drum 51.

[0049] 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 it and the heating roller 81.

[0050] The charger 52 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 51. The exposure unit 40 emits a light beam onto the surface of the charged photosensitive drum 51. Thereby, an electrostatic latent image based on the image data is formed on the photosensitive drum 51. The developing roller 61 supplies toner to the surface of the exposed photosensitive drum 51. Thereby, a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 51.

[0051] The photosensitive drum 51 and the transfer rollers 74 convey the sheet S supplied from the registration roller 27. Thereby, the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 51 is transferred to the sheet S. The heating roller 81 and the pressure roller 82 convey the sheet S onto which the toner image has been transferred. Thereby, the toner image transferred to the sheet S is fixed to the sheet S. The intermediate discharge roller 15 and the discharge roller 16 discharge the sheet S onto which the toner image has been fixed to the discharge tray 13.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 3, the developing cartridge 60 includes a housing 63 and a cover 64. The housing 63 can accommodate toner. The housing 63 rotatably supports the developing roller 61. The housing 63 has a first side wall 63A. The first side wall 63A is one of the walls of the housing 63 in the third direction.

[0053] The cover 64 covers a part of one end of the housing 63 in the third direction. Specifically, the cover 64 covers a part of the first side wall 63A of the housing 63 from one side in the third direction. The cover 64 is fixed to the housing 63. In the present embodiment, the third direction corresponds to the "orthogonal direction orthogonal to the first direction".

[0054] The cover 64 has a cover body 64A and a housing portion 64B. The cover 64 is fixed to the housing 63 by fixing the cover body 64A to the first side wall 63A of the housing 63 with screws 65.

[0055] The housing portion 64B houses the developing connector 62. The housing portion 64B protrudes from the cover body 64A in one direction of the third direction. The housing portion 64B has an opening 64C in one direction of the first direction. A part of the developing connector 62 is exposed to the outside through the opening 64C.

[0056] The housing portion 64B has a second side wall 64D and a peripheral wall 64E. The second side wall 64D is a wall that covers the developing connector 62 from one side in the third direction. The peripheral wall 64E is a wall that covers the developing connector 62 from one side in the second direction, the other side in the first direction, and the other side in the second direction. The housing portion 64B has a shape that is recessed from the cover body 64A in one direction of the third direction by the second side wall 64D and the peripheral wall 64E.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), the developing connector 62 includes a memory 100 and a memory holder 200.

[0058] The memory 100 is, for example, an IC chip. The memory 100 stores information regarding the developing cartridge 60. The information regarding the developing cartridge 60 is, for example, information regarding the developing roller 61, information regarding the life of the developing cartridge 60, and the like. The information regarding the developing roller 61 is, for example, the manufacturing date of the developing roller 61, the manufacturing location, the upper limit of the number of rotations that can be used, and the like. The information regarding the life of the developing cartridge 60 is, for example, the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller 61, the cumulative number of printed sheets using the developing cartridge 60, and the like.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 1, in the apparatus main body 10 of the image forming apparatus 1, the developing connector 62 and the second connector C2 of the drum unit 50 are electrically connected, and the memory 100 can communicate with the first connector C1 of the drum unit 50 and the main body connector C0 being electrically connected.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 4(a) and (b), the memory 100 has an electrical contact surface 110. The electrical contact surface 110 is in electrical contact with the electrodes of the second connector C2 in a state where the developing cartridge 60 is attached to the drum unit 50. The memory 100 has a plurality of memory electrodes 111. The plurality of memory electrodes 111 are arranged in the third direction. The memory electrode 111 has a flat plate shape. The electrical contact surface 110 is the surface of the memory electrode 111 that contacts the electrodes of the second connector C2.

[0061] The first direction is a direction that intersects the electrical contact surface 110. In the present embodiment, the first direction is perpendicular to the electrical contact surface 110.

[0062] The memory holder 200 is a holder that holds the memory 100. The memory holder 200 includes a first holder 210, a second holder 220, and a spring 230.

[0063] The first holder 210 holds the memory 100. The first holder 210 has a cylindrical shape. The first holder 210 has an opening 210A (see FIG. 6) at the other end in the first direction. The first holder 210 has a first end portion 211, a first wall 212 (also see FIG. 5), a second wall 213, a third wall 214, and a fourth wall 215.

[0064] The first end portion 211 is one end portion of the first holder 210 in the first direction. The first end portion 211 has a recess 211A into which the memory 100 fits. The recess 211A has a shape that is recessed from one side to the other in the first direction. The memory 100 is placed in the recess 211A with the electrical contact surface 110 facing one side in the first direction. The electrical contact surface 110 of the memory 100 is located on one end surface of the first holder 210 in the first direction.

[0065] The first wall 212 extends from one end portion of the first end portion 211 in the second direction toward the other in the first direction. The second wall 213 extends from the other end portion of the first end portion 211 in the second direction toward the other in the first direction. The first wall 212 and the second wall 213 face each other in the second direction.

[0066] The third wall 214 extends from one end portion of the first end portion 211 in the third direction toward the other in the first direction. The third wall 214 connects one end portion of the first wall 212 in the third direction and one end portion of the second wall 213 in the third direction.

[0067] The fourth wall 215 extends from the other end portion of the first end portion 211 in the third direction toward the other in the first direction. The fourth wall 215 connects the other end portion of the first wall 212 in the third direction and the other end portion of the second wall 213 in the third direction. The third wall 214 and the fourth wall 215 face each other in the third direction.

[0068] The first holder 210 has a hole 214A in the third wall 214 and a hole 215A in the fourth wall 215. The third wall 214 and the fourth wall 215 correspond to the "walls intersecting the first direction". The holes 214A and 215A are rectangular holes that are long in the first direction and penetrate in the third direction.

[0069] The hole 214A is located at one end of the third wall 214 in the first direction. The hole 214A is located at the center of the third wall 214 in the second direction. The hole 215A is located at one end of the fourth wall 215 in the first direction. The hole 215A is located at the center of the fourth wall 215 in the second direction.

[0070] The first holder 210 further has a first boss 214B and two second bosses 215B and 215C. In this embodiment, the first boss 214B and the second bosses 215B and 215C have a cylindrical shape.

[0071] The first boss 214B projects from the third wall 214 toward one side in the third direction. The first boss 214B is located at the other end of the third wall 214 in the first direction. The position of the first boss 214B in the second direction is closer to the second wall 213 than to the first wall 212.

[0072] The second bosses 215B and 215C project from the fourth wall 215 toward the other side in the third direction. The second boss 215B is located at the other end of the fourth wall 215 in the second direction. The second boss 215B is located at the center of the fourth wall 215 in the first direction.

[0073] The second boss 215C is located at one end of the fourth wall 215 in the second direction. The position of the second boss 215C in the first direction is farther from the first end 211 than the second boss 215B. The hole 215A is located between the two second bosses 215B and 215C in the second direction.

[0074] The second holder 220 can be engaged with the first holder 210 from the other side in the first direction. Specifically, one end of the second holder 220 is inserted into the first holder 210 through the opening 210A (see FIG. 6) of the first holder 210. The second holder 220 is movable in the first direction with respect to the first holder 210.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 5, the second holder 220 has a second end portion 221, a fifth wall 222, a sixth wall 223, a seventh wall 224, and an eighth wall 225 (see FIG. 6(b)). The second end portion 221 is the other end portion of the second holder 220 in the first direction.

[0076] The fifth wall 222 extends from one end portion of the second end portion 221 in the second direction toward one side in the first direction. The sixth wall 223 extends from the other end portion of the second end portion 221 in the second direction toward one side in the first direction. The fifth wall 222 and the sixth wall 223 face each other in the second direction.

[0077] The seventh wall 224 extends from one end portion of the second end portion 221 in the third direction toward one side in the first direction. The seventh wall 224 connects one end portion of the fifth wall 222 in the third direction and one end portion of the sixth wall 223 in the third direction.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 6(b), the eighth wall 225 extends from the other end portion of the second end portion 221 in the third direction toward one side in the first direction. The eighth wall 225 connects the other end portion of the fifth wall 222 in the third direction and the other end portion of the sixth wall 223 in the third direction. The seventh wall 224 and the eighth wall 225 face each other in the third direction.

[0079] The dimension of the fifth wall 222 in the first direction and the dimension of the sixth wall 223 in the first direction are the same. The dimension of the seventh wall 224 in the first direction and the dimension of the eighth wall 225 in the first direction are the same. The dimension of the seventh wall 224 in the first direction is smaller than the dimension of the fifth wall 222 and the sixth wall 223 in the first direction. The dimension of the eighth wall 225 in the first direction is smaller than the dimension of the fifth wall 222 and the sixth wall 223 in the first direction.

[0080] The second holder 220 has two hooks 226, 227. The hook 226 can be hooked on the hole 214A of the first holder 210. The hook 227 can be hooked on the hole 215A of the first holder 210.

[0081] Specifically, the hook 226 has an arm 226A and a claw 226B. The arm 226A extends from the seventh wall 224 in one direction of the first direction. The claw 226B protrudes from one end of the arm 226A in one side of the third direction. The claw 226B is hooked on the hole 214A of the first holder 210 by assembling the second holder 220 to the first holder 210.

[0082] The hook 227 has an arm 227A and a claw 227B. The arm 227A extends from the eighth wall 225 in one direction of the first direction. The claw 227B protrudes from one end of the arm 227A in the other side of the third direction. The claw 227B is hooked on the hole 215A of the first holder 210 by assembling the second holder 220 to the first holder 210.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 5, the second holder 220 has a rib 240 protruding from one side surface in the second direction. The rib 240 is located at the central portion of one side surface of the second holder 220 in the third direction. Specifically, the rib 240 protrudes from the fifth wall 222 of the second holder 220 in one direction of the second direction. The rib 240 is located at the central portion of the fifth wall 222 in the third direction.

[0084] The rib 240 extends in the first direction. The dimension of the rib 240 in the first direction is smaller than the dimension of the fifth wall 222 in the first direction. The position of the rib 240 in the first direction is closer to the second end portion 221 than one end of the fifth wall 222 in the first direction. The other end of the rib 240 in the first direction is connected to the second end portion 221.

[0085] The first holder 210 has a groove 250 on one side surface in the second direction. The groove 250 is located at the central portion of one side surface of the first holder 210 in the third direction. Specifically, the first holder 210 has the groove 250 on the first wall 212. The groove 250 is located at the central portion of the first wall 212 in the third direction.

[0086] The groove 250 extends in the first direction. The dimension of the groove 250 in the first direction is substantially the same as the dimension of the rib 240 in the first direction. The groove 250 penetrates in the second direction. The other end of the groove 250 in the first direction opens toward the other side in the first direction.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 7, by assembling the second holder 220 to the first holder 210, the rib 240 enters the groove 250. The rib 240 moves in the first direction along the groove 250 when the second holder 220 moves in the first direction with respect to the first holder 210.

[0088] As shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), the spring 230 biases the first holder 210 in a direction away from the second holder 220 in the first direction. The spring 230 is, for example, a compression coil spring. The spring 230 is located between the first holder 210 and the second holder 220. Specifically, the spring 230 is located between the first end portion 211 of the first holder 210 and the second end portion 221 of the second holder 220.

[0089] The first holder 210 has a first protrusion 218 that protrudes from the first end portion 211 toward the other side in the first direction. The periphery of the first protrusion 218 is surrounded by a first wall 212, a second wall 213, a third wall 214, and a fourth wall 215.

[0090] The second holder 220 has a second protrusion 228 that protrudes from the second end portion 221 toward one side in the first direction. The first protrusion 218 and the second protrusion 228 face each other in the first direction. The periphery of the second protrusion 228 is surrounded by a fifth wall 222, a sixth wall 223, a seventh wall 224, and an eighth wall 225.

[0091] One end of the spring 230 in the first direction enters the first protrusion 218, and the other end of the spring 230 in the first direction enters the second protrusion 228. Thereby, the movement of the spring 230 inside the first holder 210 and the second holder 220 is restricted.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 8, the cover 64 of the developing cartridge 60 has a first hole 64F. The first hole 64F penetrates in the third direction. The first hole 64F is located on the second side wall 64D of the housing portion 64B.

[0093] When viewed from the third direction, the first hole 64F is larger than the first boss 214B of the first holder 210. Specifically, the dimension of the first hole 64F in the first direction is larger than the dimension of the first boss 214B in the first direction. Specifically, the dimension of the first hole 64F in the first direction is larger than the diameter of the first boss 214B. Also, the dimension of the first hole 64F in the second direction is larger than the dimension of the first boss 214B in the second direction. Specifically, the dimension of the first hole 64F in the second direction is larger than the diameter of the first boss 214B.

[0094] The housing 63 has two second holes 63B, 63C. The second holes 63B, 63C have a shape that is recessed from one side to the other in the third direction. The second holes 63B, 63C are located on the first side wall 63A of the housing 63. The second holes 63B, 63C are arranged in the second direction. The second hole 63C is located on one side in the second direction with respect to the second hole 63B.

[0095] When viewed from the third direction, the second hole 63B is larger than the second boss 215B. Specifically, the dimension of the second hole 63B in the first direction is larger than the dimension of the second boss 215B in the first direction. Specifically, the dimension of the second hole 63B in the first direction is larger than the diameter of the second boss 215B. Also, the dimension of the second hole 63B in the second direction is larger than the dimension of the second boss 215B in the second direction. Specifically, the dimension of the second hole 63B in the second direction is larger than the diameter of the second boss 215B.

[0096] When viewed from the third direction, the second hole 63C is larger than the second boss 215C. Specifically, the dimension of the second hole 63C in the first direction is larger than the dimension of the second boss 215C in the first direction. Specifically, the dimension of the second hole 63C in the first direction is larger than the diameter of the second boss 215C. Also, the dimension of the second hole 63C in the second direction is larger than the dimension of the second boss 215C in the second direction. Specifically, the dimension of the second hole 63C in the second direction is larger than the diameter of the second boss 215C.

[0097] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 3, in a state where the developing connector 62, the housing 63, and the cover 64 are assembled, the first boss 214B enters the first hole 64F. Also, in a state where the developing connector 62, the housing 63, and the cover 64 are assembled, the second boss 215B enters the second hole 63B, and the second boss 215C enters the second hole 63C. The developing connector 62 is movable with respect to the housing 63 in a first direction and a second direction.

[0098] Next, the effects of the embodiment will be described. Since the second holder 220 has the rib 240 and the first holder 210 has the groove 250, when the first holder 210 and the second holder 220 are correctly assembled, the rib 240 of the second holder 220 enters the groove 250 of the first holder 210. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the first holder 210 and the second holder 220 from being assembled in an incorrect posture.

[0099] For example, it is possible to suppress the first holder 210 and the second holder 220 from being incorrectly assembled when the direction of one of the first holder 210 and the second holder 220 in the second direction is opposite to the normal direction.

[0100] Also, for example, it is possible to suppress the incorrect assembly of a third holder having a shape similar to the first holder 210 and not having the groove 250 and the second holder 220 having the rib 240. The third holder is, for example, a component of a memory holder for an image forming apparatus whose model is different from that of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0101] Since the rib 240 and the groove 250 extend in the first direction, for example, the dimensions of the first holder 210 and the second holder 220 in the third direction can be made smaller as compared with the case where the rib and the groove extend in the third direction. Thereby, the dimensions of the memory holder 200, the developing connector 62, and the developing cartridge 60 in the third direction can be made smaller.

[0102] In the third direction, the rib 240 is located at the center of the second holder 220, and the groove 250 is located at the center of the first holder 210, so that the movement of the first holder 210 in the first direction with respect to the second holder 220 can be stabilized.

[0103] Since the first direction is perpendicular to the electrical contact surface 110, the electrical contact surface 110 can be moved in the first direction with respect to the second holder 220.

[0104] Since the second holder 220 is inserted into the first holder 210 from the opening 210A of the cylindrical first holder 210, the first holder 210 and the second holder 220 can be easily assembled.

[0105] Since the first holder 210 has holes 214A, 215A and the second holder 220 has hooks 226, 227, the second holder 220 can be prevented from coming off the first holder 210.

[0106] Since the first hole 64F of the cover 64 of the developing cartridge 60 is larger than the first boss 214B of the first holder 210, and the second holes 63B, 63C of the housing 63 are larger than the second bosses 215B, 215C of the first holder 210, the first holder 210 can be moved with respect to the housing 63. Furthermore, the developing connector 62 can be moved in the first direction and the second direction with respect to the housing 63.

[0107] As described above, the embodiments have been described, but the cartridge and the memory holder can be appropriately modified and implemented as exemplified below.

[0108] In the above-described embodiment, the first hole 64F had dimensions in both the first direction and the second direction that were larger than the diameter of the first boss 214B. However, for example, the first hole may have a dimension only in the first direction that is larger than the diameter of the first boss. Also, the first hole may have a dimension only in the second direction that is larger than the diameter of the first boss. The same applies to the relationship between the second hole and the second boss.

[0109] In the above-described embodiment, the cover 64 is configured to cover a part of one end of the housing 63 in the third direction. However, for example, the cover may be configured to cover the entire one end of the housing in the third direction.

[0110] In the above-described embodiment, the memory holder 200 has only one set of ribs 240 and grooves 250. However, for example, the memory holder may have a plurality of sets of ribs and grooves. For example, the second holder may have a plurality of ribs protruding from one side surface, and the first holder may have a plurality of grooves corresponding to the plurality of ribs on one side surface.

[0111] Further, the second holder may have a first rib protruding from one side surface and a second rib protruding from another side surface, and the first holder may have a first groove into which the first rib fits on one side surface and a second groove into which the second rib fits on another side surface.

[0112] Further, the second holder may have ribs on three or more side surfaces, and the first holder may have grooves corresponding to the ribs on three or more side surfaces. The number of ribs (grooves) on each side surface may be one or a plurality. Also, the number of ribs (grooves) on each side surface may be the same for at least two side surfaces or may be different from each other.

[0113] In the above-described embodiment, the developer cartridge 60 that houses toner and includes the developing roller 61 is exemplified as the cartridge. However, for example, the cartridge may be a toner cartridge that houses toner and does not include a developing roller. Also, the cartridge may be a drum cartridge or a drum unit that includes a photosensitive drum. Further, the cartridge may be a cartridge that includes a developing roller and is a cartridge to which a toner cartridge that houses toner is detachable.

[0114] In the above-described embodiment, the developing cartridge 60 as a cartridge was detachable from the apparatus main body 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 while being attached to the drum unit 50. However, for example, the cartridge may be directly detachable from the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus.

[0115] In the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 was a color printer capable of forming a color image. However, for example, the image forming apparatus may be a monochrome printer capable of forming only monochrome images. Also, the image forming apparatus may be a copier or a multifunction peripheral.

[0116] Each element described in the above-described embodiment and modification example may be implemented in any combination.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0117] 1 Image forming apparatus 10 Apparatus main body 60 Developing cartridge 100 Memory 110 Electrical contact surface 200 Memory holder 210 First holder 220 Second holder 230 Spring 240 Rib 250 Groove

Claims

1. A cartridge detachable from the main body of an image forming apparatus, comprising: a memory having an electrical contact surface; a first holder for holding the memory, the electrical contact surface being located on one end surface in a first direction; a second holder engageable with the first holder from the other side in the first direction, the second holder being movable in the first direction with respect to the first holder; a spring positioned between the first holder and the second holder, the spring biasing the first holder away from the second holder in the first direction; the second holder having a rib protruding from one side surface in a second direction intersecting the first direction; the first holder having a groove into which the rib fits on one side surface in the second direction; the rib being movable in the first direction along the groove when the second holder moves in the first direction with respect to the first holder. The cartridge is characterized by this.

2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the rib and the groove extend in the first direction.

3. The rib is located at the center of the one side surface of the second holder in a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction, and the groove is located at the center of the one side surface of the first holder in the third direction. The cartridge according to claim 2 is characterized by this.

4. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first direction intersects the electrical contact surface.

5. The first holder has a cylindrical shape with an opening at the other end in the first direction, and the cartridge according to claim 1, wherein one end of the second holder in the first direction is inserted into the first holder through the opening.

6. The first holder has a hole in a wall intersecting the first direction, and the cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the second holder has a hook that can be caught in the hole.

7. The cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a developing roller.

8. a housing capable of accommodating toner; a cover covering at least a part of one end of the housing in a direction orthogonal to the first direction; the first holder having a first boss protruding in one direction of the orthogonal direction; and a second boss protruding in the other direction of the orthogonal direction. The cover has a first hole into which the first boss fits, and when viewed from the orthogonal direction, the first hole has a dimension in at least one of the first direction and the second direction that is larger than the diameter of the first boss. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the housing has a second hole into which the second boss fits, and when viewed from the orthogonal direction, the second hole has a dimension in at least one of the first direction and the second direction that is larger than the diameter of the second boss.

9. A first holder for holding a memory having an electrical contact surface, the first holder having the electrical contact surface located on one end surface in the first direction. A second holder engageable with the first holder from the other side in the first direction, the second holder being movable relative to the first holder in the first direction. A spring positioned between the first holder and the second holder, the spring biasing the first holder away from the second holder in the first direction. The second holder has a rib protruding from one side surface in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first holder has a groove into which the rib fits on one side surface in the second direction. The rib is characterized in that it moves in the first direction along the groove when the second holder moves in the first direction relative to the first holder. A memory holder.

10. The memory holder according to claim 9, wherein the rib and the groove extend in the first direction.

11. The rib is located at the central portion of the one side surface of the second holder in a third direction intersecting both the first direction and the second direction. The memory holder according to claim 10, wherein the groove is located at the central portion of the one side surface of the first holder in the third direction.

12. The memory holder according to claim 9, wherein the first direction intersects the electrical contact surface.

13. The first holder has a cylindrical shape with an opening at the other end in the first direction. The memory holder according to claim 9, wherein one end of the second holder in the first direction is inserted into the first holder through the opening.

14. The first holder has a hole in a wall intersecting the first direction. The memory holder according to claim 13, wherein the second holder has a hook that can be hooked in the hole.

Images