Developing cartridge

Abstract

To provide a structure capable of reducing the number of components in a developing cartridge including a holder for holding a memory.SOLUTION: The developing cartridge 1 includes a casing 10, a developing roller, a memory, a holder 60, and a cover. The developing roller is rotatable about a developing axis extending in a first direction. The memory has an electrical contact surface. The holder 60 holds the electrical contact surface. The casing 10 includes a first boss 16 extending in the first direction toward the cover. A screw for attaching the cover to the housing 10 is fastened to the first boss 16. The holder 60 has a hole 64 extending in the first direction. The first boss 16 is inserted into the hole 64. As described above, the first boss 16 has a function of receiving the screw for attaching the cover to the casing 10 and a function of holding the holder 60. Accordingly, the number of components of the developing cartridge 1 can be reduced.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a developer 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. 2021-162749 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, in Patent Document 1, the cover that holds the holder is attached with screws. The holder is held relative to the cover by bosses that protrude from the holder. In other words, in Patent Document 1, the structure for attaching the cover and the structure for holding the holder relative to the cover are provided separately. For this reason, the structure of Patent Document 1 results in a developer cartridge with a large number of parts.

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

[0007] The first disclosure is a developing cartridge comprising a housing capable of containing toner, a developing roller rotatable about a developing axis extending in a first direction, a memory having an electrical contact surface located at one end of the housing in the first direction, a holder that holds the electrical contact surface and is movable relative to the housing, and a cover attached to one end of the housing in the first direction, wherein the housing has a first boss that extends in the first direction toward the cover and into which a screw for attaching the cover to the housing is fastened, the holder has a hole that extends in the first direction, and when the first boss is inserted into the hole, the holder is movable relative to the housing in a direction that intersects the first direction.

[0008] A second disclosure is the developing cartridge of the first disclosure, further comprising a gear located at one end of the housing in the first direction, and the cover covers the gear.

[0009] The third disclosure is the developer cartridge of the first disclosure, characterized in that the holder has a first holder having a first end that holds the electrical contact surface, a second holder having a second end that is away from the first end in a second direction that intersects the first direction, and a spring located between the first end and the second end, the spring being expandable and contractible in the second direction.

[0010] A fourth disclosure is the developing cartridge of the third disclosure, characterized in that, with the first boss inserted into the hole, the holder is movable in the second direction relative to the housing.

[0011] The fifth disclosure is the developing cartridge of the first disclosure, characterized in that the holder has a second boss extending in the first direction toward the housing, the housing has a recess recessed in the first direction, and when the second boss is inserted into the recess, the holder is movable relative to the housing in a direction intersecting the first direction.

[0012] A sixth disclosure is the developing cartridge of the third disclosure, characterized in that the second direction is a direction intersecting the electrical contact surface.

[0013] A seventh disclosure is the developing cartridge of the third disclosure, characterized in that the first end is farther from the developing roller than the second end.

[0014] An eighth disclosure is the developing cartridge of the third disclosure, characterized in that the second end of the holder is located between the housing and the cover in the first direction.

[0015] The ninth disclosure is a developing cartridge of the third disclosure, characterized in that, in the second direction, the second end is located inside the cover, and in the second direction, the first end is located outside the cover.

[0016] A tenth disclosure is the developing cartridge of the ninth disclosure, characterized in that the first end is positioned outside the housing in the second direction.

[0017] An eleventh disclosure is the developing cartridge of the ninth disclosure, wherein the cover has an opening edge that faces the holder in the rotation direction around the first boss.

[0018] The twelfth disclosure is a developing cartridge according to the third disclosure, which can be attached to a drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum rotatable about a drum axis extending in the first direction and a drum frame supporting the photosensitive drum, wherein the drum frame has a protrusion extending in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, and when the developing cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge, the protrusion contacts the second end.

[0019] The 13th disclosure is a developer cartridge according to the 12th disclosure, characterized in that the holder has a guide surface inclined with respect to the second direction and the third direction, and the guide surface comes into contact with the protrusion during the process of the developer cartridge being attached to the drum cartridge.

[0020] A fourteenth disclosure is the developer cartridge according to the thirteenth disclosure, wherein the first holder has a first guide surface that is inclined with respect to the second direction and the third direction.

[0021] A fifteenth disclosure is the developer cartridge according to the thirteenth disclosure, wherein the second holder has the guide surface that is inclined with respect to the second direction and the third direction.

[0022] The 16th disclosure is a developing cartridge as described in claim 12, characterized in that the drum cartridge is provided with a pressing member that presses the developing cartridge toward the photosensitive drum when the developing cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge, the housing has a pressing surface with which the pressing member contacts, and the holder and the pressing surface are aligned in a direction intersecting the first direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the first to sixteenth disclosures, the first boss has the role of receiving the screw for attaching the cover to the housing and the role of holding the holder. By giving the first boss two functions in this way, the number of parts in the developer cartridge can be reduced.

[0024] Furthermore, according to the third disclosure, the holder can be extended and contracted in the second direction.

[0025] Furthermore, according to the fifth disclosure, it is possible to prevent the holder from tilting relative to the housing.

[0026] Furthermore, according to the ninth disclosure, the size of the developing cartridge in the second direction can be reduced compared to when the entire holder is positioned outside the cover.

[0027] Furthermore, according to the eleventh disclosure, it is possible to limit the rotation of the holder around the first boss.

[0028] Furthermore, according to the twelfth disclosure, the holder can be positioned relative to the drum frame in the second direction by the protrusion of the drum frame.

[0029] Furthermore, according to the thirteenth disclosure, the holder can be guided by the guide surface during the process of mounting the developing cartridge to the drum cartridge.

[0030] Furthermore, according to the sixteenth disclosure, the size of the developing cartridge in the first direction can be reduced compared to when the holder and the pressing surface are disposed at different positions in the first direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge with the cover removed. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a view of the developing cartridge with the cover removed, viewed in a first direction. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a view of the holder as seen from a direction perpendicular to the first direction. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge and the drum cartridge in the process of mounting the developing cartridge to the drum cartridge. FIG. [Figure 11] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge and the drum cartridge in the process of mounting the developing cartridge to the drum cartridge. FIG. [Figure 12] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge and the drum cartridge in the process of mounting the developing cartridge to the drum cartridge. FIG. [Figure 13] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge and the drum cartridge in the process of mounting the developing cartridge to the drum cartridge. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0033] In the following description, the direction in which the development axis L2 of the developer cartridge 1 extends is referred to as the "first direction." The direction in which the first end 610 and the second end 620 of the holder 60 are aligned is referred to as the "second direction." The direction in which the protrusion 75 of the drum frame 70 extends is referred to as the "third direction."

[0034] The first direction and the second direction intersect with each other. For example, the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other. The first direction and the third direction intersect with each other. For example, the first direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other. The second direction and the third direction intersect with each other. For example, the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0035] <1. Overview of developing cartridges and drum cartridges> 1 to 4 are perspective views of the developer cartridge 1 and the drum cartridge 2. FIG. 1 shows the developer cartridge 1 attached to the drum cartridge 2. FIG. 2 shows the developer cartridge 1 attached to the drum cartridge 2 from a different angle than FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows the developer cartridge 1 removed from the drum cartridge 2. FIG. 4 shows the developer cartridge 1 removed from the drum cartridge 2 from a different angle than FIG. 3.

[0036] The developer cartridge 1 and drum cartridge 2 are used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus is, for example, a laser printer or an LED printer. The developer cartridge 1 can be attached to the drum cartridge 2. Furthermore, the drum cartridge 2 with the developer cartridge 1 attached can be attached to the main body frame of the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus forms an image on printing paper using toner supplied from the developer cartridge 1.

[0037] <2. About the developing cartridge> As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the developing cartridge 1 includes a housing 10, an agitator 20, a developing roller 30, a gear portion 40, a memory 50, and a holder 60. The housing 10 includes a housing 10a, an agitator 20b, a developing roller 30c, a gear portion 40d, a memory 50e, and a holder 60e.

[0038] The housing 10 is a container capable of containing toner, which is a developer. The housing 10 has a first outer surface 11 and a second outer surface 12. The first outer surface 11 is located at one end of the housing 10 in the first direction. The second outer surface 12 is located at the other end of the housing 10 in the first direction. The first outer surface 11 and the second outer surface 12 are spaced apart from each other in the first direction. The housing 10 also has a handle 13. The handle 13 is located at one end of the housing 10 in the second direction.

[0039] The agitator 20 is located inside the housing 10. The agitator 20 has a blade 21. The agitator 20 is rotatable about an agitator axis L1 (see FIG. 5) that extends in a first direction. When the agitator 20 rotates about the agitator axis L1, the toner inside the housing 10 is agitated by the blade 21.

[0040] The developing roller 30 is a roller that can rotate about a development axis L2 that extends in the first direction. The developing roller 30 is supported by the housing 10. The developing roller 30 is located at the other end of the housing 10 in the second direction. The toner inside the housing 10 is supplied to the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller 30 via a supply roller (not shown). As a result, the toner is carried on the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller 30.

[0041] The gear unit 40 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. The gear unit 40 has a plurality of gears and a cover 41. The cover 41 is attached to the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. More specifically, the cover 41 is fixed to the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10 by a first screw 18 and a second screw 19. A method for fixing the cover 41 to the housing 10 will be described later.

[0042] The multiple gears are located between the first outer surface 11 and the cover 41 in the first direction. In other words, the multiple gears are covered by the cover 41. When the drum cartridge 2 with the developer cartridge 1 installed is attached to the main body frame, the image forming apparatus supplies driving force to the agitator 20 and the developing roller 30 via the multiple gears of the gear unit 40. This causes the agitator 20 and the developing roller 30 to rotate.

[0043] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the developer cartridge 1 with the cover 41 removed. Fig. 6 is a view of the developer cartridge 1 with the cover 41 removed, viewed in a first direction. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the multiple gears of the gear unit 40 include an agitator gear 42, a coupling gear 43, an idle gear 44, a developing roller gear 45, and a supply roller gear 46.

[0044] The agitator gear 42 is attached to one end of the agitator 20 in the first direction. When the agitator gear 42 rotates, the agitator 20 rotates together with the agitator gear 42 about the agitator axis L1.

[0045] The developing roller gear 45 is attached to one end of the developing roller 30 in the first direction. When the developing roller gear 45 rotates, the developing roller 30 rotates together with the developing roller gear 45 about the development axis L2 extending in the first direction.

[0046] The supply roller gear 46 is attached to one end of the supply roller in the first direction. When the supply roller gear 46 rotates, the supply roller together with the supply roller gear 46 rotates about a rotation axis extending in the first direction.

[0047] The coupling gear 43 meshes with an idle gear 44, a developing roller gear 45, and a supply roller gear 46. The idle gear 44 meshes with an agitator gear 42. When the coupling gear 43 receives a driving force from the image forming apparatus, the developing roller gear 45, the supply roller gear 46, and the idle gear 44 rotate. When the idle gear 44 rotates, the agitator gear 42 also rotates.

[0048] The memory 50 is a storage medium that stores information about the developing cartridge 1. The memory 50 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. The memory 50 is, for example, an IC chip. The memory 50 stores at least one of identification information and lifespan information of the developing cartridge 1. The identification information is information for identifying the developing cartridge 1. The identification information is, for example, the serial number of the developing cartridge 1. The lifespan information is information that indicates the lifespan of the developing cartridge 1. The lifespan information is, for example, the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller 30.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the memory 50 has an electrical contact surface 51. The electrical contact surface 51 is a surface made of a metal that is a conductor. The electrical contact surface 51 is electrically connected to the memory element of the memory 50. The electrical contact surface 51 is a surface that intersects with the second direction. For example, the electrical contact surface 51 is a surface that is perpendicular to the second direction. When the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drum cartridge 2, the electrical contact surface 51 is exposed from the drum frame 70. When the drum cartridge 2 with the developer cartridge 1 attached is attached to the image forming device, the electrical contact surface 51 comes into contact with an electrode of the image forming device. This enables a control unit of the image forming device to communicate with the memory 50.

[0050] The holder 60 is a unit that holds the memory 50. The holder 60 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the holder 60. FIG. 8 is a view of the holder 60 as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first direction. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the holder 60. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the holder 60 has a first holder 61, a second holder 62, and a spring 63.

[0051] The first holder 61 has a first end 610. The first end 610 is one end of the holder 60 in the second direction. The second holder 62 has a second end 620. The second end 620 is the other end of the holder 60 in the second direction. The first end 610 and the second end 620 are spaced apart from each other in the second direction. The first end 610 is farther from the developing roller 30 than the second end 620.

[0052] The first holder 61 is movable in the second direction relative to the second holder 62. Therefore, the first end 610 is movable in the second direction relative to the second end 620. When the first holder 61 moves in the second direction relative to the second holder 62, the length of the holder 60 in the second direction changes. Specifically, the length of the holder 60 in the second direction changes between a first length and a second length that is shorter than the first length.

[0053] The first holder 61 in this embodiment is cup-shaped and opens in the second direction toward the second holder 62. The second holder 62 is inserted inside the first holder 61. The first holder 61 also has a through-hole 611. The through-hole 611 penetrates a portion of the first holder 61 in the first direction. The second holder 62 has a claw 621. The claw 621 protrudes in the first direction from a portion of the second holder 62. The claw 621 is inserted into the through-hole 611. This prevents the second holder 62 from coming off the first holder 61 in the second direction.

[0054] The memory 50 is located at the first end 610 of the holder 60. Therefore, the electrical contact surface 51 is located at the first end 610 of the holder 60. In this embodiment, the entire memory 50 is held at the first end 610 of the holder 60. However, it is also possible that only the electrical contact surface 51 of the memory 50 is held at the first end 610 of the holder 60, and the memory element of the memory 50 is held in a part of the developer cartridge 1 other than the holder 60. In that case, it is sufficient that the memory element of the memory 50 and the electrical contact surface 51 are electrically connected by a conductor.

[0055] The spring 63 is an elastic member that can expand and contract in the second direction. The spring 63 is, for example, a coil spring. One end of the spring 63 in the second direction contacts the first holder 61. The other end of the spring 63 in the second direction contacts the second holder 62. The spring 63 is positioned between the first end 610 and the second end 620 in a state where it is compressed in the second direction more than its natural length. Therefore, the elastic force of the spring 63 constantly urges the holder 60 from the second length toward the first length.

[0056] The holder 60 is located between the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10 and the cover 41 in the first direction. The holder 60 is attached to the housing 10 and the cover 41. The holder 60 is movable in the second and third directions relative to the housing 10 and the cover 41. The structure for attaching the holder 60 to the housing 10 and the cover 41 will be described later.

[0057] <3. About the drum cartridge> As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the drum cartridge 2 includes a drum frame 70, a photosensitive drum 80, and a pressing member 90.

[0058] The drum frame 70 has a first side frame 71, a second side frame 72, a connecting frame 73, and a handle 74. The first side frame 71 is located at one end of the drum frame 70 in the first direction. The second side frame 72 is located at the other end of the drum frame 70 in the first direction. The first side frame 71 and the second side frame 72 are spaced apart from each other in the first direction. The connecting frame 73 connects the first side frame 71 and the second side frame 72 in the first direction. The handle 74 is located at one end of the drum frame 70 in the second direction.

[0059] The developer cartridge 1 can be attached to the drum frame 70. When the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 70, the developer cartridge 1 is located between the first side frame 71 and the second side frame 72 in the first direction.

[0060] The photosensitive drum 80 is a drum that can rotate about a drum axis L3 that extends in the first direction. The photosensitive drum 80 is supported by the drum frame 70. The photosensitive drum 80 is located between the first side frame 71 and the second side frame 72 in the first direction. The photosensitive drum 80 is also located at the other end of the drum frame 70 in the second direction.

[0061] The photosensitive drum 80 has a cylindrical outer circumferential surface. The outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 80 is covered with a photosensitive material. When the drum cartridge 2 is mounted in the main body frame of the image forming apparatus, the photosensitive drum 80 receives a driving force from the image forming apparatus. This causes the photosensitive drum 80 to rotate about the drum axis L3.

[0062] When the developer cartridge 1 is mounted in the drum frame 70, the developer roller 30 and the photosensitive drum 80 are aligned in the second direction. More specifically, when the developer cartridge 1 is mounted in the drum frame 70, the outer circumferential surface of the developer roller 30 and the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 80 come into contact with each other.

[0063] Toner is supplied from the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller 30 to the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 80. At this time, the toner moves from the developing roller 30 to the photosensitive drum 80 in accordance with the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 80. As a result, a toner image is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 80. The toner image is then transferred from the photosensitive drum 80 to the printing paper.

[0064] The pressing member 90 is a member that presses the developer cartridge 1 toward the photosensitive drum 80 when the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drum cartridge 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the pressing member 90 is attached to the first side frame 71. The drum cartridge 2 also has a spring 91 (see FIGS. 10 and 13). The spring 91 is located between the pressing member 90 and the first side frame 71.

[0065] On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the housing 10 of the developer cartridge 1 has a pressing surface 14. When the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drum cartridge 2, the pressing member 90 comes into contact with the pressing surface 14. Then, due to the elastic force of the spring 91, the pressing member 90 presses the pressing surface 14 toward the photosensitive drum 80. This causes the development roller 30 and the photosensitive drum 80 to come into contact with each other.

[0066] <4. About the holder> Next, the holder 60 of the developing cartridge 1 will be described in more detail.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9 , the holder 60 has a hole 64. More specifically, the first holder 61 has the hole 64 extending in the first direction. The hole 64 penetrates the first holder 61 in the first direction. Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the housing 10 has a first boss 15. The first boss 15 extends outward from the outer surface of the housing 10 in the first direction. More specifically, the first boss 15 extends in the first direction from the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10 toward the cover 41. The first boss 15 has a cylindrical shape, for example. However, the first boss 15 may have another shape, such as a rectangular pillar shape. The first boss 15 is inserted into the hole 64 of the holder 60.

[0068] The size of the hole 64 in the second direction is larger than the size of the first boss 15 in the second direction. Therefore, with the first boss 15 inserted into the hole 64, the holder 60 is movable in the second direction relative to the first boss 15. This allows the holder 60 to move in the second direction relative to the housing 10 and the cover 41. When the holder 60 moves in the second direction relative to the housing 10 and the cover 41, the electrical contact surface 51 of the memory 50 moves together with the holder 60 in the second direction relative to the housing 10 and the cover 41.

[0069] Furthermore, the size of the hole 64 in the third direction is larger than the size of the first boss 15 in the third direction. Therefore, with the first boss 15 inserted into the hole 64, the holder 60 is movable in the third direction relative to the first boss 15. This allows the holder 60 to move in the third direction relative to the housing 10 and the cover 41. When the holder 60 moves in the third direction relative to the housing 10 and the cover 41, the electrical contact surface 51 of the memory 50 moves together with the holder 60 in the third direction relative to the housing 10 and the cover 41.

[0070] The first boss 15 has a first screw hole 16. The first screw hole 16 is a hole into which a first screw 18 for attaching the cover 41 to the housing 10 is fastened. The first screw hole 16 extends in the first direction from the tip of the first boss 15 in the first direction along the central axis of the first boss 15. The first screw 18 passes through a hole formed in the cover 41 and is fastened into the first screw hole 16. A portion of the cover 41 is sandwiched between the head of the first screw 18 and the first boss 15. In this way, the cover 41 is attached to the housing 10.

[0071] The cover 41 is fixed to the housing 10 not only by the first screw 18, but also by two screws, the first screw 18 and the second screw 19. The housing 10 has a second screw hole 17 at a position different from the first screw hole 16 on the first outer surface 11. The second screw 19 passes through a hole formed in the cover 41 and is fastened to the second screw hole 17. By fixing the cover 41 to the housing 10 with the two screws 18 and 19 in this way, the cover 41 can be fixed to the housing 10 more firmly.

[0072] The first boss 15 has two functions: to receive the first screw 18 for attaching the cover 41 to the housing 10, and to hold the holder 60. By giving the first boss 15 two functions in this way, the number of parts in the developing cartridge 1 can be reduced compared to when the two functions are realized by separate parts.

[0073] Furthermore, the first boss 15 into which the first screw 18 is inserted has high strength. Therefore, the first boss 15 into which the first screw 18 is inserted is not easily deformed. Furthermore, the hole 64 into which the first boss 15 of the holder 60 is inserted is not a recess but a through-hole. That is, the first boss 15, which has high strength, passes through the hole 64 of the holder 60. This makes it possible to prevent the holder 60 from tilting in the first direction relative to the housing 10 and the cover 41.

[0074] 8, the holder 60 has a second boss 65. The second boss 65 extends in a first direction from the outer surface of the holder 60 toward the housing 10. More specifically, the second boss 65 extends in the first direction from the outer surface of the first holder 61 toward the housing 10. Meanwhile, the housing 10 has a recess (not shown). The recess is recessed in the first direction from the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. The second boss 65 is inserted into the recess.

[0075] In this way, by inserting the second boss 65 into the recess, tilting of the holder 60 in the first direction relative to the housing 10 and the cover 41 is further suppressed. The size of the recess in the second direction is larger than the size of the second boss 65 in the second direction. Therefore, even when inserted into the recess, the second boss 65 does not prevent the holder 60 from moving in the second direction relative to the housing 10 and the cover 41. Furthermore, the size of the recess in the third direction is larger than the size of the second boss 65 in the third direction. Therefore, even when inserted into the recess, the second boss 65 does not prevent the holder 60 from moving in the third direction relative to the housing 10 and the cover 41.

[0076] 10 to 13 are cross-sectional views of the developing cartridge 1 and the drum cartridge 2 in the process of mounting the developing cartridge 1 to the drum cartridge 2. Figures 10 to 13 show cross sections passing through the holder 60 and perpendicular to the first direction.

[0077] The holder 60 is partially covered by the cover 41. Specifically, of a first end 610 and a second end 620 of the holder 60, the second end 620 is covered by the cover 41, and the first end 610 is located outside the cover 41. The second end 620 is located between the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10 and the cover 41 in the first direction. The second end 620 is located inside the cover 41 in the second direction. The first end 610 is located outside the cover 41 in the second direction. The first end 610 is located outside the housing 10 in the second direction. Furthermore, the second end 620 is located between the multiple gears of the gear unit 40 and the first end 610 in the second direction.

[0078] In this manner, in the present embodiment, a portion of the holder 60 is located inside the cover 41 in the second direction. Therefore, the dimension of the developing cartridge 1 in the second direction can be reduced compared to when the entire holder 60 is located outside the cover 41.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, the cover 41 has an opening 410. The opening 410 is a hole that penetrates a portion of the cover 41 in the second direction. The holder 60 is disposed in the opening 410. The cover 41 also has an annular opening edge 411 that is the edge of the opening 410. The opening edge 411 faces the holder 60 in the direction of rotation about the first boss 15. Therefore, when the holder 60 rotates about the first boss 15, the holder 60 abuts against the opening edge 411. This limits the rotation of the holder 60 about the first boss 15.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the holder 60 has a protruding wall 612. Specifically, the first holder 61 has the protruding wall 612. The protruding wall 612 protrudes from a first end portion 610 of the holder 60 in a direction away from the housing 10 in the first direction. The protruding wall 612 is located outside the cover 41 in the second direction. The protruding wall 612 faces the opening edge 411 of the cover 41 in the second direction. The protruding wall 612 can come into contact with the opening edge 411 of the cover 41 in the second direction. This prevents the first end portion 610 of the holder 60 from entering the inside of the cover 41.

[0081] The multiple gears of the gear unit 40 and the holder 60 at least partially overlap in position in the first direction. The second end 620 of the holder 60 is aligned with some of the gears of the gear unit 40 in the second direction. In this embodiment, the agitator gear 42 and the holder 60 are disposed at the same position in the first direction. The second end 620 of the holder 60 is aligned with the agitator gear 42 in the second direction. More specifically, the second end 620 of the holder 60 and the end surface of the teeth of the agitator gear 42 face each other in the second direction. In this way, the dimension of the developer cartridge 1 in the first direction can be reduced compared to when the agitator gear 42 and the holder 60 are disposed at different positions in the first direction.

[0082] As shown in FIGS. 10 to 13 , the drum frame 70 has a protrusion 75. The protrusion 75 extends from the first side frame 71 in the third direction. The protrusion 75 protrudes in a direction away from the pressing member 90 in the third direction. When the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drum cartridge 2, the protrusion 75 is inserted into the cover 41. That is, the protrusion 75 is inserted between the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10 and the cover 41. At this time, the protrusion 75 is inserted between the holder 60 and the agitator gear 42 in the second direction. As a result, the protrusion 75 limits the position of the holder 60 in the second direction.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 12 , in this embodiment, during the process of mounting the developer cartridge 1 to the drum cartridge 2, the protrusion 75 comes into contact with the second end 620 of the holder 60. This causes the holder 60 to move in the second direction relative to the housing 10. Then, when mounting of the developer cartridge 1 to the drum cartridge 2 is complete, the protrusion 75 comes into contact with the second end 620 of the holder 60, as shown in FIG. 13 . This positions the holder 60 in the second direction relative to the drum frame 70 and the housing 10.

[0084] When the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drum cartridge 2, the protrusion 75 is located between the holder 60 and the agitator gear 42 in the second direction. In addition, the protrusion 75 is located between the first outer surface 11 and the cover 41 in the first direction.

[0085] 13, when the protrusion 75 is in contact with the second end 620 of the holder 60, the electrical contact surface 50 is movable in the second direction. More specifically, when the spring 63 expands and contracts in the second direction, the electrical contact surface 50 moves in the second direction relative to the protrusion 75.

[0086] When no external force is applied to holder 60, spring 63 has a first length. When an external force is applied to holder 60 in a direction from first end 610 to second end 620, second end 620 is supported by protrusion 75, first end 610 moves in a direction approaching second end 620, and spring 63 is compressed. This allows electrical contact surface 50 to move relative to protrusion 75.

[0087] 7 to 9, the holder 60 has a first guide surface 66 and a second guide surface 67. Specifically, the first holder 61 has the first guide surface 66, and the second holder 62 has the second guide surface 67. The first guide surface 66 and the second guide surface 67 are guide surfaces for guiding the holder 60 relative to the drum frame 70 during the process of mounting the developer cartridge 1 to the drum cartridge 2.

[0088] The first guide surface 66 and the second guide surface 67 are inclined with respect to the second direction and the third direction. More specifically, the first guide surface 66 and the second guide surface 67 are surfaces that extend so as to approach the second end 620 in the third direction as they move away from the first end 610 in the second direction.

[0089] In the process of mounting the developer cartridge 1 to the drum cartridge 2, first, the first guide surface 66 comes into contact with the protrusion 75. Then, the first guide surface 66 moves along the protrusion 75. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 11 , the second guide surface 67 comes into contact with the protrusion 75. Then, the second guide surface 67 moves along the protrusion 75. As a result, the holder 60 moves in the second direction to the space on the opposite side of the agitator gear 42 with respect to the protrusion 75. As a result, the protrusion 75 can be inserted between the second end 620 of the holder 60 and the agitator gear 42.

[0090] Furthermore, the pressing surface 14 and the holder 60 at least partially overlap in position in the first direction. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the holder 60 and the pressing surface 14 are aligned in a direction intersecting the first direction. Therefore, the dimension of the developing cartridge 1 in the first direction can be reduced compared to when the pressing surface 14 and the holder 60 are positioned at different positions in the first direction.

[0091] <5. Variations> Although one embodiment has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0092] In the embodiment described above, the cover 41 is an integrated, one-piece component, but this is not limiting. For example, the cover 41 may be configured to include two components: a first cover that covers the multiple gears, and a second cover that covers the second end of the holder 60.

[0093] In the embodiment described above, the holder 60 includes the first holder 61, the second holder 62, and the spring 63. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the holder 60 does not necessarily have to include the spring 63.

[0094] Alternatively, the first end 610 carrying the electrical contact surface 51 and the second end 620 aligned with the gear may be formed as a single piece.

[0095] Alternatively, the holder 60 may not have the second holder 62, and the spring 63 may be in direct contact with the protrusion 75.

[0096] In the above-described embodiment, the spring 63 is a coil spring, but is not limited to this. For example, the spring 63 may be a leaf spring.

[0097] In addition, in the embodiment described above, the first holder 61 of the holder 60 has the hole 64, but this is not limited to this. For example, the second holder 62 may have a hole, and the holder 60 may be movable relative to the housing 10 in a state where the first boss 15 of the housing is inserted into the hole of the second holder 62.

[0098] In addition, in the embodiment described above, the ribs that form the holes 64 of the holder 60 are connected, but this is not limited to this. For example, a portion of the rib that forms the holes 64 may be cut as long as it is within the range that is held by the first boss 15.

[0099] Furthermore, the elements appearing in the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate within the scope of not causing any contradiction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1: Developing cartridge 2: Drum cartridge 10: Housing 14: Pressing surface 15: First boss 20: Agitator 30: Developing roller 40: Gear section 41: Cover 42: Agitator gear 50: Memory 51: Electrical contact surface 60: Holder 61: First holder 62: Second holder 63: Spring 64: Hole 65: Second Boss 66: First guide surface 67: Second guide surface 70: Drum frame 75: Protrusion 80: Photosensitive drum 90: Pressing member 610: First end 620: Second end

Claims

1. a housing capable of containing toner; a developing roller rotatable about a developing axis extending in a first direction; a memory having an electrical contact surface located at one end of the housing in the first direction; a holder for holding the electrical contact surface, the holder being movable relative to the housing; a cover attached to one end of the housing in the first direction; A developing cartridge comprising: The housing includes: a first boss extending in the first direction toward the cover, into which a screw for attaching the cover to the housing is fastened; and the holder has a hole extending in the first direction, a developing cartridge, wherein, with the first boss inserted into the hole, the holder is movable relative to the housing in a direction intersecting the first direction;

2. 2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, a gear located at one end of the housing in the first direction; Furthermore, The developing cartridge is characterized in that the cover covers the gear.

3. 2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, The holder is a first holder having a first end for holding the electrical contact surface; a second holder having a second end spaced apart from the first end in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a spring located between the first end and the second end, the spring being expandable and contractible in the second direction; A developing cartridge comprising:

4. 4. The developing cartridge according to claim 3, a developing cartridge, wherein the holder is movable in the second direction relative to the housing with the first boss inserted into the hole;

5. 2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, The holder is a second boss extending in the first direction toward the housing; and the housing has a recess recessed in the first direction, a developing cartridge, wherein, with the second boss inserted into the recess, the holder is movable relative to the housing in a direction intersecting the first direction;

6. 4. The developing cartridge according to claim 3, The developing cartridge, wherein the second direction is a direction intersecting the electrical contact surface.

7. 4. The developing cartridge according to claim 3, The developing cartridge, wherein the first end is farther from the developing roller than the second end.

8. 4. The developing cartridge according to claim 3, The developing cartridge, wherein the second end of the holder is located between the housing and the cover in the first direction.

9. 4. The developing cartridge according to claim 3, In the second direction, the second end is located inside the cover, A developing cartridge, wherein the first end is located outside the cover in the second direction.

10. 10. The developing cartridge according to claim 9, The developing cartridge, wherein the first end is located outside the housing in the second direction.

11. 10. The developing cartridge according to claim 9, The cover is an opening edge facing the holder in a rotation direction around the first boss; A developing cartridge having the above structure.

12. 4. The developing cartridge according to claim 3, The photosensitive drum is mountable in a drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum rotatable about a drum axis extending in the first direction and a drum frame supporting the photosensitive drum, The drum frame is a protrusion extending in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction; and The developing cartridge, wherein the protrusion contacts the second end when the developing cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge.

13. 13. The developing cartridge according to claim 12, The holder is a guide surface inclined with respect to the second direction and the third direction; and The developing cartridge, wherein the guide surface comes into contact with the protrusion during the process of mounting the developing cartridge to the drum cartridge.

14. 14. The developing cartridge according to claim 13, The developing cartridge, wherein the first holder has a first guide surface that is inclined with respect to the second direction and the third direction.

15. 14. The developing cartridge according to claim 13, The developing cartridge, wherein the second holder has a second guide surface that is inclined with respect to the second direction and the third direction.

16. 13. The developing cartridge according to claim 12, The drum cartridge is a pressing member that presses the developing cartridge toward the photosensitive drum when the developing cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge; Equipped with The housing includes: a pressing surface that the pressing member comes into contact with and A developing cartridge, wherein the holder and the pressing surface are aligned in a direction intersecting the first direction.

Images