Drum cartridge

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of reducing the number of components of a developing cartridge.SOLUTION: A drum cartridge 50 comprises a drum electrical contact surface 56, a holder 55, and a relay electrode 54. When a developing cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge 50, the memory of the developing cartridge is electrically connected to the drum electrical contact surface 56 via the relay electrode 54. The holder 55 can be moved relative to a drum frame 51. In this manner, it is not necessary to provide an electrical contact surface held at the holder in the developing cartridge. Accordingly, the number of components of the developing cartridge can be reduced.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Electrophotographic image forming apparatuses such as laser printers and LED printers have been known in the past. A conventional image forming apparatus is described, for example, in Patent Document 1. The image forming apparatus in Patent Document 1 has a developer cartridge and a drum cartridge. The developer cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge. Furthermore, the drum cartridge with the developer cartridge attached is attached to a main body frame of the image forming apparatus. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-162751 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The developer cartridge in Patent Document 1 has a memory. The memory is held in a holder that is movable relative to the housing of the developer cartridge. When a drum cartridge with the developer cartridge installed is installed in an image forming device, the electrical contact surface of the memory held in the holder comes into contact with an electrode of the image forming device. This allows the control unit of the image forming device to communicate with the memory.

[0005] However, the structure of Patent Document 1 requires the developer cartridge to be provided with a holder, which increases the number of parts in the developer cartridge.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that can reduce the number of parts in a developer cartridge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first disclosure of the present application is a developer cartridge comprising: a drum frame into which a developer cartridge can be attached, the developer cartridge having a developer roller rotatable about a developer axis extending in a first direction and a memory storing information about the developer cartridge; a photosensitive drum rotatable about a drum axis extending in the first direction; a drum electrical contact surface located at one end of the drum frame in the first direction; a holder located at the one end of the drum frame in the first direction, the holder holding the drum electrical contact surface and movable relative to the drum frame; and a relay electrode electrically connected to the memory when the developer cartridge is attached to the drum frame, the holder having a holder terminal electrically connected to the drum electrical contact surface and electrically connectable to the relay electrode.

[0008] A second disclosure of the present application is the drum cartridge of the first disclosure, characterized in that the holder terminal is electrically connected to the relay electrode while the holder is moving relative to the drum frame.

[0009] A third disclosure of the present application is the drum cartridge according to the first or second disclosure, wherein the relay electrode is located at the one end of the drum frame in the first direction.

[0010] The fourth disclosure of the present application is a drum cartridge according to any one of the first to third disclosures, characterized in that the developer cartridge has a developer electrical contact surface electrically connected to the memory, and when the developer cartridge is attached to the drum frame, the relay electrode is electrically connected to the developer electrical contact surface.

[0011] The fifth disclosure of the present application is the drum cartridge of the fourth disclosure, characterized in that the relay electrode has a first relay terminal electrically connected to the developer electrical contact surface when the developer cartridge is attached to the drum frame, a second relay terminal electrically connected to the holder terminal, and a conductor electrically connecting the first relay terminal and the second relay terminal.

[0012] A sixth disclosure of the present application is the drum cartridge of the fifth disclosure, characterized in that the first relay terminal is movable relative to the drum frame in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0013] The seventh disclosure of the present application is a drum cartridge according to the sixth disclosure, characterized in that when the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame, the developing roller and the photosensitive drum are aligned in the second direction.

[0014] The eighth disclosure of the present application is a drum cartridge according to any one of the first to seventh disclosures, characterized in that the drum electrical contact surface is located at one end of the holder in a third direction intersecting the drum electrical contact surface.

[0015] A ninth disclosure of the present application is the drum cartridge of the eighth disclosure, characterized in that the holder is movable in the third direction relative to the drum frame.

[0016] The tenth disclosure of the present application is the drum cartridge of the fifth disclosure, characterized in that the first relay terminal is movable relative to the drum frame in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the holder is movable relative to the drum frame in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, and the movable distance of the holder relative to the drum frame in the third direction is longer than the movable distance of the first relay terminal relative to the drum frame in the second direction.

[0017] The 11th disclosure of the present application is a drum cartridge described in any one of the 1st to 10th disclosures, characterized in that the drum cartridge is mountable to a main body frame of an image forming device having a main body electrode, and when the drum cartridge is mounted to the main body frame, the drum electrical contact surface comes into contact with the main body electrode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the first to eleventh disclosures of the present application, a drum cartridge includes a drum electrical contact surface, a holder, and a relay electrode. When a developer cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge, the memory of the developer cartridge is electrically connected to the drum electrical contact surface via the relay electrode. The holder is also movable relative to the drum frame. In this way, there is no need to provide the developer cartridge with an electrical contact surface held by the holder. Therefore, the number of parts in the developer cartridge can be reduced.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the seventh disclosure of the present application, when the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum, the first relay terminal can be moved together with the memory. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus 1. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the drum cartridge. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the drum cartridge. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a holder cover and a relay electrode. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a first relay terminal and a plate. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the holder and drum electrical contact surfaces. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] In the following description, the direction in which the drum axis A2 of the photosensitive drum 52 extends is referred to as the "first direction." The direction in which the first relay terminal 61 moves relative to the drum frame 51 is referred to as the "second direction." The direction intersecting the drum electrical contact surface 56 is referred to as the "third direction."

[0023] The first direction and the second direction intersect with each other. Preferably, the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other. The first direction and the third direction intersect with each other. Preferably, the first direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other. The second direction and the third direction intersect with each other.

[0024] <1. Overview of image forming device> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 is an electrophotographic printer. The image forming apparatus 1 is, for example, a laser printer or an LED printer. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body frame 10, a control unit 20, a main body electrode 30, a developing cartridge 40, and a drum cartridge 50.

[0025] The developing cartridge 40 can be attached to the drum cartridge 50. Furthermore, the drum cartridge 50 with the developing cartridge 40 attached thereto can be attached to the main body frame 10.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 1, the main body frame 10 has an insertion opening 13. The drum cartridge 50 with the developer cartridge 40 attached thereto is inserted into the main body frame 10 in the second direction through the insertion opening 13. This causes the drum cartridge 50 with the developer cartridge 40 attached to be attached to the main body frame 10. The image forming device 1 forms an image on printing paper using toner supplied from the developer cartridge 40.

[0027] The main body frame 10 has a first guide frame 11 and a second guide frame 12. The first guide frame 11 and the second guide frame 12 are frames for guiding a holder 55 (described later) when the drum cartridge 50, to which the developing cartridge 40 is attached, is being attached to the main body frame 10.

[0028] The first guide frame 11 and the second guide frame 12 each extend in the second direction. The first guide frame 11 and the second guide frame 12 are spaced apart in the third direction. The distance between the first guide frame 11 and the second guide frame 12 in the third direction gradually decreases with increasing distance from the insertion slot 13 in the second direction.

[0029] The main electrode 30 is provided on the first guide frame 11. The main electrode 30 is an electrode that comes into contact with a drum electrical contact surface 56 (described later) when the drum cartridge 50, into which the developer cartridge 40 is attached, is attached to the main frame 10. The main electrode 30 is electrically connected to the control unit 20. The control unit 20 is a circuit board for controlling the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 20 has a processor and a memory.

[0030] The image forming apparatus 1 also includes a plurality of legs 14. The main body frame 10 is supported by the plurality of legs 14. The second direction is a direction that is inclined with respect to the direction in which the plurality of legs 14 are aligned.

[0031] <2. About the developing cartridge> 2 is a perspective view of the developer cartridge 40 and the drum cartridge 50. As shown in FIG. 2, the developer cartridge 40 has a developer frame 41, a developer roller 42, and a gear portion 43.

[0032] The developing frame 41 is a housing that accommodates toner, which is a developer. The developing frame 41 has a first outer surface 411 and a second outer surface 412. The first outer surface 411 is located at one end of the developing frame 41 in the first direction. The second outer surface 412 is located at the other end of the developing frame 41 in the first direction. The first outer surface 411 and the second outer surface 412 are spaced apart from each other in the first direction.

[0033] The developing roller 42 is a roller that can rotate about a developing axis A1 that extends in the first direction. The developing roller 42 is supported by the developing frame 41. The developing roller 42 is located at an end of the developing frame 41 in the second direction. The toner in the developing frame 41 is supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 42 via a supply roller (not shown). As a result, the toner is carried on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 42.

[0034] The gear portion 43 is located on the first outer surface 411 of the developing frame 41. The gear portion 43 has multiple gears and a gear cover 431. The gear cover 431 is fixed to the first outer surface 411 of the developing frame 41. At least some of the multiple gears are located between the first outer surface 411 and the gear cover 431 in the first direction. When the drum cartridge 50 with the developing cartridge 40 installed is mounted on the main body frame 10, the image forming apparatus 1 supplies driving force to the developing roller 42 via the multiple gears of the gear portion 43. This causes the developing roller 42 to rotate about the development axis A1.

[0035] 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the developer cartridge 40. As shown in FIG.

[0036] The memory 44 is a medium that stores information about the developer cartridge 40. The memory 44 is located on the first outer surface 411 of the developer frame 41. Specifically, the memory 44 is located on the outer surface of the gear cover 431. More specifically, when the developer cartridge 40 is attached to the drum cartridge 50, the memory 44 is located on the surface of the outer surface of the gear cover 431 that faces the drum frame 51, which will be described later, in the third direction.

[0037] The memory 44 is, for example, an IC chip. The memory 44 stores at least one of identification information and lifespan information of the developer cartridge 40. The identification information is information for identifying the developer cartridge 40. The identification information is, for example, the serial number of the developer cartridge 40. The lifespan information is information that indicates the lifespan of the developer cartridge 40. The lifespan information is, for example, the cumulative number of rotations of the developer roller 42.

[0038] The developer electrical contact surface 45 is a conductive metal surface. The developer electrical contact surface 45 is electrically connected to the memory 44. The developer electrical contact surface 45 is a surface that intersects with the third direction. When the developer cartridge 40 is attached to the drum cartridge 50, the developer electrical contact surface 45 faces the drum frame 51 in the third direction.

[0039] In this embodiment, the developer electrical contact surface 45 is provided on the surface of the memory 44. However, the memory 44 may be located at a location separate from the developer electrical contact surface 45. For example, the memory 44 may be attached to the outer surface of the developer frame 41. In that case, the memory 44 and the developer electrical contact surface 45 may be electrically connected by a conductor.

[0040] <3. About the drum cartridge> Next, we will explain the structure of the drum cartridge 50. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the drum cartridge 50 includes a drum frame 51. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the drum cartridge 50 includes a photosensitive drum 52.

[0041] The drum frame 51 has a first side frame 511, a second side frame 512, and a connecting frame 513. The first side frame 511 is located at one end of the drum frame 51 in the first direction. The second side frame 512 is located at the other end of the drum frame 51 in the first direction. The first side frame 511 and the second side frame 512 are spaced apart from each other in the first direction.

[0042] The first side frame 511 extends along a plane intersecting the first direction. That is, the first side frame 511 extends in the second and third directions. The second side frame 512 extends along a plane intersecting the first direction. That is, the second side frame 512 extends in the second and third directions. The connecting frame 513 connects the first side frame 511 and the second side frame 512 in the first direction.

[0043] The developer cartridge 40 can be attached to the drum frame 51. When the developer cartridge 40 is attached to the drum frame 51, the developer cartridge 40 is located between the first side frame 511 and the second side frame 512 in the first direction.

[0044] The photosensitive drum 52 is a drum that can rotate about a drum axis A2 that extends in the first direction. The photosensitive drum 52 is supported by the drum frame 51. The photosensitive drum 52 is located between the first side frame 511 and the second side frame 512 in the first direction. The photosensitive drum 52 is also located at an end of the drum frame 51 in the second direction.

[0045] The photosensitive drum 52 has a cylindrical outer circumferential surface. The outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 52 is covered with a photosensitive material. When the drum cartridge 50 is mounted in the main body frame 10 of the image forming apparatus 1, the photosensitive drum 52 receives a driving force from the image forming apparatus 1. This causes the photosensitive drum 52 to rotate about the drum axis A2.

[0046] When the developer cartridge 40 is mounted in the drum frame 51, the developer roller 42 and the photosensitive drum 52 are aligned in the second direction. More specifically, when the developer cartridge 40 is mounted in the drum frame 51, the outer circumferential surface of the developer roller 42 and the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 52 come into contact with each other.

[0047] The toner is supplied from the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 42 to the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 52. At this time, the toner moves from the developing roller 42 to the photosensitive drum 52 in accordance with the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 52. As a result, an image made of toner is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 52.

[0048] Fig. 4 is a partial exploded perspective view of the drum cartridge 50. Fig. 5 is a partial perspective view of the drum cartridge 50. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the drum cartridge 50 includes a holder cover 53, a relay electrode 54, a holder 55, and a drum electrical contact surface 56.

[0049] The holder cover 53, the relay electrode 54, the holder 55, and the drum electrical contact surface 56 are a group of components for electrically connecting the memory 44 of the developer cartridge 40 to the main body electrode 30 of the image forming apparatus 1 when the drum cartridge 50 with the developer cartridge 40 attached thereto is attached to the main body frame 10. The holder cover 53, the relay electrode 54, the holder 55, and the drum electrical contact surface 56 are located at one end of the drum frame 51 in the first direction.

[0050] 6 is a perspective view of the holder cover 53 and the relay electrode 54. The holder cover 53 is a component that supports the relay electrode 54 and covers the holder 55. The holder cover 53 is made of resin, which is an insulating material. The holder cover 53 has a first end 531 and a second end 532. The first end 531 is located at one end of the holder cover 53 in the second direction. The second end 532 is located at the other end of the holder cover 53 in the second direction. The first end 531 and the second end 532 are fixed to the outer surface of the first side frame 511.

[0051] The holder cover 53 also has a cover portion 533. The cover portion 533 connects the first end portion 531 and the second end portion 532 in the second direction. The cover portion 533 is also located outwardly from the first side frame 511 in the first direction and spaced apart from it.

[0052] The relay electrode 54 is made of a conductive metal and includes a first relay terminal 61, a second relay terminal 62, and a conductive wire 63, as shown in FIG.

[0053] The first relay terminal 61 is located on the surface of the drum frame 51. The first relay terminal 61 is located more inward than the first side frame 511 in the first direction. In other words, the first relay terminal 61 is located on the opposite side of the holder cover 53 from the first side frame 511 in the first direction.

[0054] The drum cartridge 50 has a plate 64 that holds the first relay terminal 61. The plate 64 is attached to the drum frame 51. The plate 64 extends in a direction intersecting the third direction. The first relay terminal 61 protrudes from the plate 64 in the third direction.

[0055] When the developer cartridge 40 is attached to the drum frame 51, the first relay terminal 61 comes into contact with the developer electrical contact surface 45. This electrically connects the first relay terminal 61 to the developer electrical contact surface 45. As a result, the relay electrode 54 and the memory 44 are electrically connected.

[0056] 7 is a plan view of the first relay terminal 61 and the plate 64. As shown in FIG. 7, the drum frame 51 has a guide groove 514 extending in the second direction. The plate 64 is positioned within the guide groove 514. The plate 64 is movable in the second direction along the guide groove 514 relative to the drum frame 51. This allows the first relay terminal 61, together with the plate 64, to move in the second direction relative to the drum frame 51.

[0057] The second relay terminal 62 is attached to the holder cover 53. Specifically, the second relay terminal 62 is attached to the first end portion 531 of the holder cover 53. The second relay terminal 62 protrudes in the second direction from a surface of the outer surface of the first end portion 531 of the holder cover 53 that faces the second end portion 532 toward the second end portion 532.

[0058] The conductor 63 is a wire that connects the first relay terminal 61 and the second relay terminal 62. The first relay terminal 61 and the second relay terminal 62 are electrically connected via the conductor 63. In this embodiment, there are three first relay terminals 61 and three second relay terminals 62, and therefore there are three conductors 63. One conductor 63 electrically connects one first relay terminal 61 and one second relay terminal 62. The three conductors 63 are bound together by an insulating tube to form a wire harness.

[0059] The holder 55 is a member that holds the drum electrical contact surface 56. The holder 55 is located on the outer surface of the first side frame 511. More specifically, the holder 55 is located between the first side frame 511 and the cover portion 533 in the first direction.

[0060] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the holder 55 and the drum electrical contact surface 56. As shown in FIG. 8, the holder 55 has a first holder member 551 and a second holder member 552. The first holder member 551 is movable relative to the second holder member 552 in the third direction. The first holder member 551 and the second holder member 552 are formed of resin, which is an insulating material. The holder 55 also has a spring (not shown). The spring is located between the first holder member 551 and the second holder member 552. The spring is expandable and contractible in the third direction. Therefore, the holder 55 is expandable and contractible in the third direction together with the spring.

[0061] The holder 55 also has a first boss B1, a second boss B2, and a third boss B3. The first boss B1 protrudes in a first direction from the holder 55 toward the cover portion 533. The second boss B2 and the third boss B3 protrude in the first direction from the holder 55 toward the first side frame 511.

[0062] On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the holder cover 53 has a first hole H1. The first hole H1 penetrates the cover portion 533 in the first direction. The first boss B1 of the holder 55 is inserted into the first hole H1. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the first side frame 511 has a second hole H2 and a third hole H3. The second hole H2 and the third hole H3 penetrate the first side frame 511 in the first direction. The second boss B2 of the holder 55 is inserted into the second hole H2. The third boss B3 of the holder 55 is inserted into the third hole H3.

[0063] The length of the first hole H1 in the third direction is longer than the length of the first boss B1 in the third direction. Therefore, the first boss B1 is movable in the third direction within the first hole H1. The length of the second hole H2 in the third direction is longer than the length of the second boss B2 in the third direction. Therefore, the second boss B2 is movable in the third direction within the second hole H2. The length of the third hole H3 in the third direction is longer than the length of the third boss B3 in the third direction. Therefore, the third boss B3 is movable in the third direction within the third hole H3.

[0064] Therefore, the holder 55 is movable in the third direction relative to the drum frame 51 and the holder cover 53. The movable distance of the holder 55 in the third direction relative to the drum frame 51 is longer than the movable distance of the first relay terminal 61 in the second direction relative to the drum frame 51.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 8, the holder 55 has a holder terminal 57. The holder terminal 57 is made of a conductive metal. The holder terminal 57 is located on the outer surface of the holder 55, on a surface that faces the first end 531 of the holder cover 53 in the second direction. The holder terminal 57 comes into contact with the second relay terminal 62. This electrically connects the holder terminal 57 and the second relay terminal 62.

[0066] It should be noted that the holder terminal 57 and the second relay terminal 62 do not necessarily have to be in constant contact with each other. For example, the holder terminal 57 may be electrically connected to the second relay terminal 62 while the holder 55 is moving relative to the drum frame 51. In other words, the holder 55 may be movable in the second direction relative to the holder cover 53. When the drum frame 51 is attached to the main body frame 10, the holder 55 may approach the second relay terminal 62, and the holder terminal 57 may come into contact with the second relay terminal 62.

[0067] The drum electrical contact surface 56 is located at one end of the holder 55 in the third direction. Specifically, the drum electrical contact surface 56 is located at one end of the first holder member 551 in the third direction. The drum electrical contact surface 56 is a surface that intersects with the third direction. The drum electrical contact surface 56 is formed of a conductive metal. The drum electrical contact surface 56 and the holder terminals 57 are electrically connected. The drum electrical contact surface 56 and the holder terminals 57 are fixed to the holder 55. Therefore, when the holder 55 moves in the third direction relative to the drum frame 51, the drum electrical contact surface 56 and the holder terminals 57 also move in the third direction relative to the drum frame 51.

[0068] When the drum cartridge 50 with the developer cartridge 40 attached thereto is being attached to the main body frame 10, the holder 55 moves in the second direction together with the drum frame 51. At this time, the holder 55 is guided by the first guide frame 11 and the second guide frame 12. Specifically, the first holder member 551 is guided by the first guide frame 11, and the second holder member 552 is guided by the second guide frame 12. This positions the holder 55 in the third direction.

[0069] Then, when the drum cartridge 50, with the developer cartridge 40 attached, is completely attached to the main body frame 10, the drum electrical contact surface 56 comes into contact with the main body electrode 30. In this state, the spring between the first holder member 551 and the second holder member 552 is compressed in the third direction beyond its natural length. Therefore, the repulsive force of the spring presses the drum electrical contact surface 56 against the main body electrode 30. As a result, the contact of the drum electrical contact surface 56 with the main body electrode 30 is stabilized.

[0070] The memory 44 of the developer cartridge 40 is electrically connected to the control unit 20 via the developer electrical contact surface 45, the first relay terminal 61, the conductive wire 63, the second relay terminal 62, the holder terminal 57, the drum electrical contact surface 56, and the main body electrode 30. This allows the control unit 20 to electrically communicate with the memory 44. In other words, the control unit 20 can at least either read information from the memory 44 or write information to the memory 44.

[0071] As described above, the drum cartridge 50 includes the relay electrode 54, the holder 55, and the drum electrical contact surface 56. When the developer cartridge 40 is attached to the drum cartridge 50, the memory 44 of the developer cartridge 40 is electrically connected to the drum electrical contact surface 56 via the relay electrode 54. The holder 55 is movable relative to the drum frame 51. When the drum cartridge 50 with the developer cartridge 40 attached is attached to the main body frame 10, the drum electrical contact surface 56 held by the holder 55 is connected to the main body electrode 30. In this way, the developer cartridge 40 does not need to have an electrical contact surface held by a holder. This eliminates the need for the developer cartridge 40 to have an electrical contact surface held by a holder. This reduces the number of parts in the developer cartridge 40.

[0072] Furthermore, when the drum cartridge 50 with the developer cartridge 40 attached thereto is mounted in the main body frame 10, the image forming apparatus 1 can perform a separation operation. The separation operation is an operation for temporarily separating the developing roller 42 from the photosensitive drum 52. When performing the separation operation, the image forming apparatus 1 moves the developing frame 41 relative to the drum frame 51 in the second direction away from the photosensitive drum 52. At that time, the developing electrical contact surface 45 also moves relative to the drum frame 51 in the second direction away from the photosensitive drum 52.

[0073] However, as described above, the first relay terminal 61 can move in the second direction relative to the drum frame 51 together with the plate 64. Therefore, when the developer electrical contact surface 45 moves in the second direction relative to the drum frame 51 during the separation operation, the first relay terminal 61 also moves in the second direction relative to the drum frame 51. In other words, the developer electrical contact surface 45 and the first relay terminal 61 move in the second direction while maintaining contact with each other. This makes it possible to prevent friction between the developer electrical contact surface 45 and the first relay terminal 61.

[0074] <4. Modifications> The present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0075] The relay electrode 54 does not necessarily have to include all of the first relay terminal 61, the second relay terminal 62, and the conductor 63. For example, the relay electrode 54 may directly connect the first relay terminal 61 and the holder terminal 57 via the conductor 63.

[0076] In the above embodiment, only one drum cartridge 50, each having a developer cartridge 40 attached thereto, is attached to one main body frame 10. However, a plurality of drum cartridges 50, each having a developer cartridge 40 attached thereto, may be attached to one main body frame 10.

[0077] Furthermore, the detailed shape of the image forming apparatus 1 may differ from the shape shown in each drawing of the present application. Furthermore, the elements appearing in the above-described embodiment and modified examples may be combined as appropriate within the scope of not causing any contradiction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1: Image forming device 10: Main frame 20: Control section 30: Main electrode 40: Developing cartridge 44: Memory 45:Development electrical contact surface 50: Drum cartridge 51: Drum frame 52: Photosensitive drum 53: Holder cover 54: Relay electrode 55: Holder 56: Drum electrical contact surface 57: Holder terminal 61: First relay terminal 62: Second relay terminal 63: Conductor 64: Plate

Claims

1. a drum frame to which a developer cartridge can be attached, the developer cartridge having a developer roller rotatable about a development axis extending in a first direction and a memory in which information related to the developer cartridge is stored; a photosensitive drum rotatable about a drum axis extending in the first direction; a drum electrical contact surface located at one end of the drum frame in the first direction; a holder located at the one end of the drum frame in the first direction, the holder holding the drum electrical contact surface, and movable relative to the drum frame; a relay electrode electrically connected to the memory when the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame; Equipped with The holder is a holder terminal electrically connected to the drum electrical contact surface, the holder terminal being electrically connectable to the relay electrode; A drum cartridge comprising:

2. 2. The drum cartridge according to claim 1, The drum cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the holder terminal is electrically connected to the relay electrode while the holder is moving relative to the drum frame.

3. 3. The drum cartridge according to claim 1, The drum cartridge is characterized in that the relay electrode is located at the one end of the drum frame in the first direction.

4. 3. The drum cartridge according to claim 1, The developing cartridge is a developing electrical contact surface electrically connected to said memory; and a developer cartridge mounted on the drum frame, the relay electrode being electrically connected to the developer electrical contact surface;

5. 5. The drum cartridge according to claim 4, The relay electrode is a first relay terminal electrically connected to the developing electrical contact surface when the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame; a second relay terminal electrically connected to the holder terminal; a conductor that electrically connects the first relay terminal and the second relay terminal; A drum cartridge comprising:

6. 6. The drum cartridge according to claim 5, The drum cartridge, wherein the first relay terminal is movable relative to the drum frame in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

7. 7. The drum cartridge according to claim 6, A drum cartridge, characterized in that, when the developer cartridge is attached to the drum frame, the developer roller and the photosensitive drum are aligned in the second direction.

8. 3. The drum cartridge according to claim 1, The drum cartridge is characterized in that the drum electrical contact surface is located at one end of the holder in a third direction intersecting the drum electrical contact surface.

9. 9. The drum cartridge according to claim 8, The drum cartridge, wherein the holder is movable in the third direction relative to the drum frame.

10. 6. The drum cartridge according to claim 5, the first relay terminal is movable relative to the drum frame in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the holder is movable relative to the drum frame in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction; a movable distance of the holder relative to the drum frame in the third direction is longer than a movable distance of the first relay terminal relative to the drum frame in the second direction.

11. 3. The drum cartridge according to claim 1, The drum cartridge is mountable to a main body frame of an image forming apparatus having a main body electrode, The drum cartridge, wherein the drum electrical contact surface is in contact with the main body electrode when the drum cartridge is attached to the main body frame.

Images