Developing cartridge

Abstract

To provide a new configuration for moving a holder that holds a developing memory.SOLUTION: A developing cartridge 30 comprises: a casing 31; a developing roller 32; a developing memory 51 having an electrical contact surface 51A; an agitator; an agitator gear 60; a holder 52; and a plate 55. The holder 52 holds the electrical contact surface 51A and is movable between a retreat position where a distance between the electrical contact surface 51A and an agitator axis X3 in a third direction becomes a first distance and an advance position where the distance becomes a second distance longer than the first distance. The plate 55 is movable with respect to the casing between a first position for locating the holder 52 at the retreat position and a second position for locating the holder 52 at the advance position, the second position located closer to the developing roller 32 than the first position in a second direction. The plate 55 is located and separated from the developing roller 32 compared with the agitator gear 60 and the holder 52 in the second direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a developer cartridge in which a developer memory having an electrical contact surface is held movably relative to a casing. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a developer cartridge is known that includes a developer memory having an electrical contact surface and a holder that holds the electrical contact surface (Patent Document 1). The electrical contact surface is fixed to one end of the holder. The electrical contact surface and the holder are movable relative to the casing. The developer cartridge is detachably attached to a drawer. The drawer is detachably attached to an image forming apparatus. The drawer has a drawer electrical contact surface that contacts an electrical contact surface of the developer memory when the developer cartridge is attached to the drawer. When the developer cartridge is attached to the drawer, the holder that holds the electrical contact surface moves relative to the electrical contact surface of the drawer, thereby reducing friction between the electrical contact surface of the developer cartridge and the electrical contact surface of the drawer when the developer cartridge is attached to the drawer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-116826 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, another mechanism is required for moving the holder that holds the electrical contact surface relative to the casing.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a new configuration for moving a holder that holds an electrical contact surface relative to a casing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The developer cartridge for achieving the above object comprises a casing, a developer roller, a developer memory, an agitator, an agitator gear, a holder, and a plate. The casing is capable of containing toner. The developing roller is rotatable about a developing roller axis extending in a first direction, and is located at one end of the casing in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The development memory has an electrical contact surface facing in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions. The agitator is rotatable about an agitator shaft extending in a first direction, and is capable of agitating the toner within the casing. The agitator gear is located at one end of the agitator in the first direction and is rotatable together with the agitator about the agitator shaft. The holder holds the electrical contact surface and is movable in the third direction relative to the casing between a retracted position where the distance between the electrical contact surface and the agitator shaft in the third direction is a first distance and an advanced position where the distance between the electrical contact surface and the agitator shaft in the third direction is a second distance that is longer than the first distance. The plate is movable in the second direction. The plate is movable relative to the casing between a first position where the holder is located in a retracted position and a second position where the holder is located in an advanced position, the second position being closer to the developing roller in the second direction than the first position, and being farther from the developing roller in the second direction than the agitator gear and the holder.

[0007] According to this configuration, by moving the plate from the first position to the second position, it is possible to move the holder from the retracted position to the advanced position.

[0008] The casing may have a casing body capable of accommodating toner and a gear cover that covers at least a part of the agitator gear. The agitator gear may have a large diameter gear and a small diameter gear that is smaller in diameter than the large diameter gear and is located between the large diameter gear and the casing body in the first direction.

[0009] The holder may be located on the opposite side of the large diameter gear to the small diameter gear in the first direction.

[0010] The plate may be located at the other end of the casing in the second direction and may be configured to protrude from the casing in the second direction when in the first position.

[0011] The developer cartridge may further include a spring that biases the plate from the second position toward the first position.

[0012] The developing cartridge can be equipped with an interlocking mechanism that is connected to the plate and to the holder, and that positions the holder in a retracted position when the plate is in a first position, and positions the holder in an advanced position when the plate is in a second position.

[0013] The interlocking mechanism can include a cam that moves as the plate moves between the first and second positions, and that contacts the holder to move the holder between the retracted and advanced positions.

[0014] The cam may be a linear cam movable relative to the casing in the second direction.

[0015] The cam has an inclined surface that comes into contact with the holder and is inclined with respect to the direction of movement of the cam.

[0016] The cam may be movable integrally with the plate.

[0017] The interlocking mechanism can have a rack gear movable in the second direction together with the plate, a first pinion gear meshing with the rack gear, a worm gear meshing with the first pinion gear, the worm gear rotatable about a worm shaft extending in the third direction, and a second pinion gear meshing with the worm gear, the second pinion gear movable in the third direction together with the holder.

[0018] The first pinion gear may have a first gear that meshes with the rack gear and a second gear that meshes with the worm gear.

[0019] The casing may have a guide groove that guides the second pinion gear, the guide groove extending in the third direction and having gear teeth. In this case, the second pinion gear may have a third gear that meshes with the worm gear and a fourth gear that meshes with the gear teeth of the guide groove.

[0020] The interlocking mechanism may include a first link rotatably held about a first axis extending in a first direction relative to the casing, a first link rotatably connected to the plate, and a first link connected to the holder.

[0021] One of the plate and the first link may have a first slot extending in a direction intersecting the second direction, and the other of the plate and the first link may have a first pin that fits into the first slot.

[0022] The interlocking mechanism may further include a second link that is rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction relative to the casing, the second link being rotatably connected to the first link and also rotatably connected to the holder.

[0023] One of the second link and the holder may have a second oblong hole extending in a direction intersecting the third direction, and the other of the second link and the holder may have a second pin that fits into the second oblong hole.

[0024] The casing may further include a protrusion protruding in the first direction from one end thereof in the first direction, the protrusion being located between the casing and the large diameter gear in the first direction, and the distance from the developing roller being smaller than the distance from the developing roller to the small diameter gear.

[0025] The plate can be positioned farther from the developer roller in the second direction than the agitator gear and the holder.

[0026] The casing may have a casing body capable of accommodating toner, and a gear cover that covers at least a portion of the agitator gear.

[0027] The holder may further include a holder cover that holds the holder movably between a retracted position and an advanced position relative to the casing.

[0028] The developing cartridge may be mounted through the opening to a device body of an image forming device having a housing with an opening and a cover rotatable between a closed position that closes the opening and an open position that opens the opening. In this case, the plate may be arranged so that when the developing cartridge is mounted to the device body and the cover is moved from the open position to the closed position, the plate is pressed by the cover and moves from the first position to the second position. Effect of the Invention

[0029] According to the present disclosure, a new configuration can be provided for moving a holder that holds a development memory relative to a casing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which a process cartridge is mounted in the main body of the image forming apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge separated from each other. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge. [Figure 4]4A and 4B are side views of the developing cartridge, showing a state in which the holder is in a retracted position and a state in which the holder is in an advanced position. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge with the gear cover removed, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the agitator gear as viewed from the small diameter gear side. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the interlocking mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] In the first embodiment, (a) is a view of the interlocking mechanism seen from inside the gear cover, showing a state in which the plate is in a first position, and (b) is a view of the interlocking mechanism seen from inside the gear cover, showing a state in which the plate is in a second position. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an interlocking mechanism according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13A is a view of the interlocking mechanism as seen from inside the gear cover, showing a state in which a plate is in a first position, and FIG. 13B is a partially enlarged view of FIG. [Figure 10] 13A is a view of the interlocking mechanism as viewed from inside the gear cover, showing a state in which the plate is in a second position, and FIG. 13A is a partially enlarged view of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a partially cutaway view of a gear cover for explaining an interlocking mechanism according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is a partially cutaway view of the gear cover in a case where a first link of the third embodiment is directly connected to a holder. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] [First embodiment] As shown in FIG. 1, the developing cartridge 30 according to the first embodiment can be mounted in the main body 10 of the image forming apparatus. Specifically, the main body 10 has a housing 11 having an opening 13 and a cover 12 for opening and closing the opening 13. The cover 12 can rotate with respect to the main body 10 between a closed position shown by a virtual line in which the opening 13 is closed and an open position shown by a solid line in which the opening 13 is opened. The main body 10 can mount the process cartridge 20 through the opening 13 when the cover 12 is in the open position. The cover 12 has a protruding portion 12A that protrudes toward the inside of the housing 11 when the cover 12 is in the closed position. The protruding portion 12A has a shape that can push the plate 55 of the developing cartridge 30 when the cover 12 is in the closed position.

[0032] 2, the process cartridge 20 includes the developing cartridge 30 and a drum cartridge 40. The drum cartridge 40 includes a drum frame 41, a photosensitive drum 42, and a pressing portion . The photosensitive drum 42 is rotatable about a drum axis X4 extending in the first direction. The drum frame 41 holds the photosensitive drum 42 rotatably. The pressing portion 48 is a member that presses the developing cartridge 30 when the developing cartridge 30 is attached to the drum cartridge 40. The pressing portion 48 is located on the drum frame 41. The pressing portion 48 has a spring 48A and a pressing member 48B. The pressing member 48B is biased toward the photosensitive drum 42 by the spring 48A. The pressing portion 48 has a first pressing portion 481 and a second pressing portion 482 that is positioned away from the first pressing portion 481 in the first direction.

[0033] The developing cartridge 30 includes a casing 31 , a developing roller 32 , a developing memory 51 , a holder 52 , a holder cover 53 , and a plate 55 .

[0034] The casing 31 can accommodate toner. In this embodiment, the casing 31 has a casing main body 31A that can accommodate toner, and a gear cover 31B that covers at least a part of an agitator gear 60 described later. In this embodiment, the gear cover 31B covers the entire agitator gear 60 (see FIG. 4). The casing main body 31A has a side wall 31W and a protrusion 58. The side wall 31W has a first side wall 31W1 and a second side wall 31W2 that is located away from the first side wall 31W1 in the first direction. The protrusions 58 are provided on the side walls 31W at both ends in the first direction located on the side wall 31W (only one of them is shown in FIG. 2). More specifically, the protrusions 58 are located on each of the first side wall 31W1 and the second side wall 31W2. The protrusions 58 protrude from the side wall 31W in the first direction. When the developing cartridge 30 is attached to the drum cartridge 40, the protrusion 58 is pressed toward the photosensitive drum 42 by the pressing portion 48. As a result, the casing 31 is pressed by the pressing portion 48, and the developing roller 32 held by the casing 31 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 42.

[0035] The developing roller 32 is a roller that supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 42. The developing roller 32 is rotatable about a developing roller axis X1 that extends in a first direction. The developing roller 32 is located at one end of the casing 31 in a second direction that intersects with the first direction. In this embodiment, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0036] The developing memory 51 can store identification information and information related to the life of the developing cartridge 30. The developing memory 51 has an electrical contact surface 51A facing a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction. In this embodiment, the third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. Although not shown in detail, the electrical contact surface 51A is located on one side of the substrate. The developing memory 51 has a memory element located on the other side of the substrate. In this embodiment, the memory element is located on the substrate, but the memory element may be located away from the substrate and electrically connected to the electrical contact surface 51A and the substrate by wiring.

[0037] The holder 52 has a shape that is long in the third direction. The holder 52 holds the electrical contact surface 51A at one end in the third direction. In this embodiment, the holder 52 holds the developing memory 51 at one end in the third direction.

[0038] The holder cover 53 holds the holder 52 movably between a retracted position (see FIG. 4(a)) and an advanced position (see FIG. 4(b)) relative to the casing.

[0039] As shown in Figures 4(a) and (b), the plate 55 is a member that is moved by the cover 12 to move the holder 52 and the electrical contact surface 51A of the developing memory 51 in the third direction. The plate 55 is movable in the second direction. The plate 55 is guided by the gear cover 31B so as to be slidable in the second direction. The plate 55 may be in the shape of a thick rod or a thin plate, and the shape is not particularly limited.

[0040] The plate 55 is located at the other end of the casing 31 in the second direction. The plate 55 is located farther from the developing roller 32 than the holder 52 in the second direction. The plate 55 is located farther from the developing roller 32 than the agitator gear 60 in the second direction. Since the plate 55 is located farther from the developing roller 32 than the agitator gear 60 and the holder 52, the plate can be easily pushed and moved by the cover 12. The plate 55 is movable relative to the casing 31 between a first position where the holder 52 is located at the retracted position shown in FIG. 4(a) and a second position where the holder 52 is located at the advanced position shown in FIG. 4(b). The plate 55 located at the second position is located closer to the developing roller 32 in the second direction than the plate 55 located at the first position. When the plate 55 is located at the first position, it protrudes from the casing 31 in the second direction.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, the drum cartridge 40 includes a charger 43, a transfer roller 44, a first cleaning roller 45, a second cleaning roller 47, and a transport roller 46, in addition to the components described above.

[0042] The charger 43 is a member that charges the photosensitive drum 42. The charger 43 is a scorotron type charger that is spaced apart from the photosensitive drum 42.

[0043] The transfer roller 44 is a roller for transferring the toner on the photosensitive drum 42 to a sheet (not shown). The transfer roller 44 is rotatable about a transfer axis X5 extending in the first direction. The transfer roller 44 contacts the photosensitive drum 42. The transfer roller 44 faces the photosensitive drum 42 in the third direction.

[0044] The first cleaning roller 45 is a roller for cleaning toner and the like on the photosensitive drum 42. The first cleaning roller 45 is rotatable about a first cleaning axis X61 extending in the first direction. The first cleaning roller 45 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 42.

[0045] The second cleaning roller 47 is a roller for cleaning toner and the like on the first cleaning roller 45. The second cleaning roller 47 is rotatable about a second cleaning axis X62 extending in the first direction. The second cleaning roller 47 comes into contact with the first cleaning roller 45.

[0046] The conveying roller 46 is a roller that conveys the sheet toward the photosensitive drum 42. The conveying roller 46 is rotatable about a conveying axis X7 that extends in the first direction.

[0047] The developing cartridge 30 includes a supply roller 33, a layer thickness regulating blade 34, and an agitator 35.

[0048] The supply roller 33 is a roller that supplies toner to the developing roller 32. The supply roller 33 is rotatable about a supply axis X2 that extends in the first direction. The supply roller 33 is located inside the casing main body 31A.

[0049] The layer thickness regulating blade 34 is a member for regulating the thickness of the toner layer on the developing roller 32. The layer thickness regulating blade 34 comes into contact with the developing roller 32.

[0050] The agitator 35 is capable of agitating the toner in the casing 31. The agitator 35 also supplies the toner to the supply roller 33. The agitator 35 is capable of rotating about an agitator axis X3 extending in the first direction. The agitator 35 is located inside the casing main body 31A.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 4(a), the retracted position of the holder 52 is a position where the distance between the electrical contact surface 51A and the agitator axis X3 in the third direction is a first distance L1. As shown in Fig. 4(b), the advanced position of the holder 52 is a position where the distance between the electrical contact surface 51A and the agitator axis X3 in the third direction is a second distance L2 that is longer than the first distance L1.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 5(a), the agitator gear 60 is located at one end of the agitator 35 in the first direction. Specifically, the agitator 35 has a shaft 35S. The agitator gear 60 is located at an end of the shaft 35S in the first direction. The agitator gear 60 is fixed to the shaft 35S, and the agitator gear 60 is rotatable together with the agitator 35 about the agitator axis X3.

[0053] 5(b), the agitator gear 60 has a large diameter gear 61 and a small diameter gear 62. The small diameter gear 62 has a smaller diameter than the large diameter gear 61. The small diameter gear 62 is located between the large diameter gear 61 and the casing main body 31A in the first direction. 5(a), the protrusion 58 protrudes in the first direction from one end of the casing main body 31A in the first direction. The protrusion 58 is located between the casing main body 31A and the large diameter gear 61 in the first direction. A distance L3 from the developing roller 32 to the protrusion 58 is smaller than a distance L4 from the developing roller 32 to the small diameter gear 62.

[0054] 6, the holder 52 is located on the opposite side of the gear cover 31B from the agitator gear 60 in the first direction. The holder 52 is located on the opposite side of the large diameter gear 61 from the small diameter gear 62 in the first direction.

[0055] The developing cartridge 30 is coupled to the plate 55 and includes an interlocking mechanism 100 coupled to the holder 52. As shown in FIG. 7(a), the interlocking mechanism 100 is a mechanism that, when the plate 55 is located at a first position, positions the holder 52 at a retracted position (see also FIG. 4(a)), and, when the plate 55 is located at a second position, positions the holder 52 at an advanced position (see also FIG. 4(b)). In this embodiment, the interlocking mechanism 100 includes a cam 110 and a spring 120.

[0056] The cam 110 is a cam that moves as the plate 55 moves between the first position and the second position. The cam 110 is a linear cam that is movable relative to the casing 31 in the second direction. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the cam 110 has a connecting portion 111 and a cam portion 112.

[0057] The connecting portion 111 is a portion that is connected to the plate 55. The connecting portion 111 has a boss 111A that protrudes in the first direction. Meanwhile, the plate 55 has a hole 55A into which the boss 111A fits. The boss 111A fits into the hole 55A, allowing the cam 110 to move integrally with the plate 55. In other words, the boss 111A fits into the hole 55A, allowing the cam 110 to move together with the plate 55. The cam 110 is slidable in the second direction together with the plate 55.

[0058] The cam portion 112 is a portion that comes into contact with the holder 52 to move the holder 52 between the retracted position and the advanced position. The cam portion 112 extends from the connecting portion 111 in an elongated manner.

[0059] Here, the holder 52 has a first boss 52A and a second boss 52B protruding in the first direction. The second boss 52B is located farther away from the electrical contact surface 51A in the third direction than the first boss 52A. The length of the first boss 52A in the first direction is greater than the length of the second boss 52B in the first direction. In other words, the protruding amount of the first boss 52A is greater than the protruding amount of the second boss 52B. The gear cover 31B has a first guide hole 181 and a second guide hole 182. The first guide hole 181 and the second guide hole 182 penetrate the gear cover 31B in the first direction. The first guide hole 181 and the second guide hole 182 extend in the third direction. The first boss 52A enters the first guide hole 181. In detail, the first boss 52A penetrates the first guide hole 181A. The second boss 52B fits into the second guide hole 182. As a result, the holder 52 is guided by the gear cover 31B so as to be movable in the third direction.

[0060] The cam portion 112 extends in the second direction from the connecting portion 111. Specifically, the cam portion 112 extends from the connecting portion 111 toward one side in the second direction. More specifically, the cam portion 112 extends in the second direction from the connecting portion 111 toward the developing roller 32. The cam portion 112 has one end connected to the connecting portion 111 and the other end separated from the connecting portion 111 in the second direction. The cam portion 112 has a first holding surface 112A, an inclined surface 112B, and a second holding surface 112C. The first holding surface 112A, the inclined surface 112B, and the second holding surface 112C are aligned in order from the other end of the cam portion 112 toward one end of the cam portion 112. The first holding surface 112A is a surface facing one side in the third direction. When the plate 55 is in the first position, the first holding surface 112A is located on the other side in the third direction with respect to the first boss 52A (see FIG. 7(a)). When the plate 55 is in the first position, the first holding surface 112A comes into contact with the first boss 52A. The inclined surface 112B is inclined with respect to the second direction which is the moving direction of the cam 110. The inclined surface 112B is inclined with respect to the first holding surface 112A and the second holding surface 112C. The inclined surface 112B is inclined with respect to the second direction so as to be located on one side of the third direction as it moves from the first holding surface 112A to the second holding surface 112C. When the plate 55 moves from the first position to the second position, the inclined surface 112B comes into contact with the first boss 52A of the holder 52 to move the holder 52 from the retracted position to the advanced position. The second holding surface 112C is a surface facing one side in the third direction. When the plate 55 is in the second position, the second holding surface 112C comes into contact with the first boss 52A to hold the holder 52 in the advanced position (see FIG. 7(b)).

[0061] The spring 120 is a spring that biases the plate 55 from the second position toward the first position. The spring 120 is a compression coil spring. The spring 120 extends in the second direction. Here, the gear cover 31B has a guide portion 185 that guides the movement of the cam 110 and the spring 120 in the second direction. The guide portion 185 has a wall 185A that contacts one end of the spring 120. The other end of the spring 120 contacts the connecting portion 111 of the cam 110. An initial load is applied to the spring 120 when the plate 55 is in the first position.

[0062] The developing cartridge 30 of this embodiment configured as described above is attached to the device body 10 with the cover 12 in the open position via the opening 13, as shown in Fig. 1. When the developing cartridge 30 is attached to the device body 10 and the cover 12 is moved from the open position shown by the solid line to the closed position shown by the imaginary line, the plate 55 is pressed by the protruding portion 12A of the cover 12 and moves from the first position to the second position.

[0063] When the plate 55 is in the first position shown in Fig. 7(a), the first holding surface 112A of the cam 110 is located on the other side in the third direction of the first boss 52A of the holder 52. When the plate 55 moves from this state to the second position shown in Fig. 7(b), the inclined surface 112B of the cam 110 moves the first boss 52A to one side in the third direction. This causes the holder 52 to move from the retracted position (see Fig. 4(a)) to the advanced position (see Fig. 4(b)). At this time, the cam 110 compresses the spring 120. When the holder 52 is in the advanced position, the second holding surface 112C of the cam 110 holds the holder 52 in the advanced position.

[0064] When the cover 12 moves from the closed position to the open position, the protrusion 12A of the cover 12, which has been pressing the plate 55, moves away from the plate 55 from the state shown in Fig. 7(b). Therefore, the elastic force of the spring 120 moves the plate 55 from the second position to the first position shown in Fig. 7(a). This causes the second holding surface 112C of the cam 110 to release the holder 52 from its holding position, and the holder 52 moves down to the other side in the third direction due to gravity.

[0065] As described above, according to the developing cartridge 30 of this embodiment, by moving the plate 55 from the first position to the second position, the holder 52 can be moved from the retracted position to the advanced position.

[0066] The configuration of this embodiment can be modified as appropriate. In this embodiment, the plate 55 slides along the second direction, but the plate 55 may be held by the casing 31 so as to be rotatable. Also, although the cam 110 is connected to the plate 55 by fitting the boss 111A into the hole 55A, the cam 110 may be fixed to the plate 55. Furthermore, although the cam 110 is configured to move integrally with the plate 55, it is sufficient that the cam 110 moves in conjunction with the movement of the plate 55 between the first position and the second position. The developing cartridge 30 may be provided with another mechanism between the cam 110 and the plate 55 for linking the movement of the plate 55 with the movement of the cam 110 . Although the spring 120 contacts the plate 55 and urges the plate 55 from the second position toward the first position, the spring does not have to contact the plate 55. For example, the developer cartridge 30 may be provided with a spring that contacts the holder 52 instead of the spring 120. In this case, the spring urges the holder 52 from the advanced position to the retracted position, and urges the plate 55 from the second position toward the first position via the interlocking mechanism 100.

[0067] [Second embodiment] Next, a developing cartridge according to a second embodiment will be described. The developing cartridge according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the configuration of the interlocking mechanism, so only the interlocking mechanism will be described. The same reference numerals will be used to denote the same components, and the description will be omitted.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 8, the interlocking mechanism 200 in the second embodiment has a spring 120, a rack gear 210, a first pinion gear 220, a worm gear 230, a second pinion gear 240, a shaft 250, and a guide groove 260.

[0069] The spring 120 is a compression coil spring similar to that in the first embodiment. The gear cover 31B has a wall 185B that receives the force of the spring 120 (see FIG. 9(a)). The plate 55 also has a wall 55B that receives the force of the spring 120. One end of the spring 120 contacts the wall 185B, and the other end of the spring 120 contacts the wall 55B. An initial load is applied to the spring 120 when the plate 55 is in the first position.

[0070] The rack gear 210 is formed integrally with the plate 55. The rack gear 210 is slidable together with the plate 55 in the second direction.

[0071] The first pinion gear 220 meshes with the rack gear 210. Specifically, the first pinion gear 220 has a first gear 221, a second gear 222, and a hole 223. Here, the shaft 250 extends in a first direction from the gear cover 31B. The first pinion gear 220 can rotate about a first gear axis X8 extending in the first direction by inserting the shaft 250 into the hole 223. Both the first gear 221 and the second gear 222 are gears centered on the first gear axis X8. The outer diameter of the first gear 221 is larger than the outer diameter of the second gear 222. The first gear 221 meshes with the rack gear 210. The second gear 222 meshes with the worm gear 230. The second gear 222 may be either a spur gear or a helical gear. In order to transmit the drive from the second gear 222 to the worm gear 230, the second gear 222 is preferably a helical gear.

[0072] The worm gear 230 is rotatable about a worm axis X10 extending in the third direction. Here, the gear cover 31B has two holding holes 271, 272. The holding hole 271 is separated from the holding hole 272 in the third direction. One end of the worm gear 230 enters the holding hole 271, and the other end of the worm gear 230 enters the holding hole 272. In this manner, the worm gear 230 is rotatably held by the gear cover 31B. In this embodiment, the worm axis X10 is inclined with respect to the third direction.

[0073] The second pinion gear 240 meshes with the worm gear 230. The second pinion gear 240 has a shaft 241, a third gear 242, and a fourth gear 243. Here, the holder 52 has a holding hole 52C into which the shaft 241 fits. By the shaft 241 fitting into the holding hole 52C, the second pinion gear 240 can rotate about a second gear axis X9 extending in the first direction. Both the third gear 242 and the fourth gear 243 are gears whose center is the second gear axis X9. The outer diameter of the third gear 242 is larger than the outer diameter of the fourth gear 243. The third gear 242 meshes with the worm gear 230.

[0074] The guide groove 260 penetrates the gear cover 31B in the first direction. The guide groove 260 extends in the third direction. Specifically, the guide groove 260 extends parallel to the worm axis X10. As shown in FIG. 9(b), the guide groove 260 has gear teeth 261. The gear teeth 261 are located on the inner surface of the guide groove 260 in the second direction. The fourth gear 243 of the second pinion gear 240 enters the guide groove 260. The fourth gear 343 meshes with the gear teeth 261 of the guide groove 260.

[0075] The operation of the interlocking mechanism 200 of the second embodiment configured as above will be described. When the cover 12 is in the open position, the plate 55 is in the first position as shown in FIG. 9(a). At this time, the second pinion gear 240 is located at the end of the guide groove 260 on the other side in the third direction, and the holder 52 is located at the retracted position. When the cover 12 is closed from this state, the plate 55 is pressed against the protruding portion 12A as shown in FIG. 10(a) and (b), and the plate 55 moves from the first position to the second position. At this time, the rack gear 210 moves from the other side to one side in the second direction, and the first pinion gear 220 rotates. When the first pinion gear 220 rotates, the worm gear 230 meshing with the second gear 222 of the first pinion gear 220 rotates. Then, when worm gear 230 rotates, meshing position E1 between second pinion gear 240 and worm gear 230 moves from the other side to one side in the third direction. Therefore, fourth gear 243 of second pinion gear 240 moves from the other side to one side in the third direction along guide groove 260, rolling on gear teeth 261 of guide groove 260. In this way, second pinion gear 240 is located at one end of guide groove 260, and holder 52 is located at the advanced position.

[0076] When the cover 12 moves from the closed position to the open position, the protrusion 12A of the cover 12, which has been pressing the plate 55, moves away from the plate 55 from the state shown in Figs. 10(a) and (b). Therefore, the plate 55 moves from the second position to the first position shown in Fig. 9(a) due to the elastic force of the spring 120. As a result, the rack gear 210 moves from one side to the other side in the second direction, the first pinion gear 220 rotates about the first gear axis X8, and the worm gear 230 rotates about the worm axis X10. The worm gear 230 rotates in the opposite direction to when the cover 12 is closed, and the meshing position E1 of the worm gear 230 and the second pinion gear 240 moves from one side to the other side in the third direction. Therefore, fourth gear 243 of second pinion gear 240 moves from one side to the other side in the third direction along guide groove 260, rolling on gear teeth 261 of guide groove 260. In this way, second pinion gear 240 is located at the other end of guide groove 260, and holder 52 is located at the retracted position.

[0077] As described above, according to the developing cartridge of the second embodiment, the holder 52 can be moved from the retracted position to the advanced position by moving the plate 55 from the first position to the second position.

[0078] The configuration of this embodiment can be modified as appropriate. In this embodiment, the shaft 241 of the second pinion gear 240 is inserted into the holding hole 52C of the holder 52, but the holder 52 may have a shaft, and the second pinion gear 240 may have a hole into which the shaft is inserted. Although the spring 120 contacts the plate 55 and urges the plate 55 from the second position toward the first position, the spring does not have to contact the plate 55. For example, the developing cartridge may be provided with a spring that contacts the holder 52 instead of the spring 120. In this case, the spring urges the holder 52 from the advanced position to the retracted position, and urges the plate 55 from the second position toward the first position via the interlocking mechanism 200. The developing cartridge may also include a spiral spring that applies a rotational force to the first pinion gear 220. In this case, the spiral spring biases the plate 55 from the second position toward the first position via a part of the interlocking mechanism 200. Furthermore, guide groove 260 does not need to have gear teeth 261 as long as a sufficient friction force can be generated in the portion that comes into contact with second pinion gear 240 .

[0079] [Third embodiment] Next, a developing cartridge according to a third embodiment will be described. The developing cartridge according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the configuration of the interlocking mechanism, so only the interlocking mechanism will be described, and the same reference numerals will be used to denote the same components, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 11( a ), a linking mechanism 300 in the third embodiment has a first link 310 , a second link 320 , and a spring 330 .

[0081] The first link 310 is held rotatably about a first axis X11 extending in a first direction relative to the casing 31. The first link 310 has a first pin 311 protruding in the first direction at a position away from the first axis X11 on the other side in the second direction. The first link 310 also has a boss 312 protruding in the first direction at a position away from the first axis X11 on one side in the second direction.

[0082] The plate 155 is held by the casing 31 so as to be slidable in a first direction. The plate 155 is movable between a first position shown in FIG. 11(a) and a second position shown in FIG. 11(b). The plate 155 has a first oblong hole 155D extending in a direction intersecting the second direction. In this embodiment, the first oblong hole 155D extends in a third direction. The first pin 311 of the first link 310 enters the first oblong hole 155D. The first link 310 is connected to the plate 155 by the first pin 311 entering the first oblong hole 155D.

[0083] The second link 320 is held rotatably about a second axis X12 extending in the first direction relative to the casing 31. The second link 320 has a second oblong hole 322 extending in a direction intersecting with the third direction. The second oblong hole 322 is located at a position away from the first axis X11 to one side in the second direction. The second link 320 also has a third oblong hole 323 extending in a direction intersecting with the third direction. The third oblong hole 323 is located at a position away from the first axis X11 to the other side in the second direction.

[0084] The boss 312 of the first link 310 fits into the third oblong hole 323 of the second link 320. By fitting the boss 312 into the third oblong hole 323, the second link 320 is connected to the first link 310.

[0085] The holder 52 has a second pin 52D and a boss 52E. The second pin 52D enters into a second long hole 322 of the second link 320. The second pin 52D enters into the second long hole 322, whereby the second link 320 is connected to the holder 52.

[0086] The gear cover 31B has a boss 31E. The spring 330 is a tension coil spring. The spring 330 extends in the third direction. One end of the spring 330 in the third direction contacts the boss 52E of the holder 52. The other end of the spring 330 in the third direction contacts the boss 31E of the gear cover 31B. The spring 330 biases the holder 52 from the advanced position toward the retracted position. The spring 330 biases the plate 155 from the second position toward the first position via the interlocking mechanism 300.

[0087] The operation of the interlocking mechanism 300 of the third embodiment configured as above will be described. When the cover 12 is in the open position, the plate 155 is in the first position as shown in FIG. 11(a). At this time, the holder 52 is in the retracted position. When the cover 12 is closed from this state, the plate 155 is pressed by the protruding portion 12A, so that the plate 155 moves from the first position to the second position as shown in FIG. 11(b). At this time, the first long hole 155D of the plate 155 pushes the first pin 311, so that the first link 310 rotates counterclockwise in the figure. Then, the boss 312 of the first link 310 pushes the third long hole 323 of the second link 320, so that the second link 320 rotates clockwise in the figure. Furthermore, the second long hole 322 of the second link 320 pushes the second pin 52D of the holder 52 to one side in the third direction. This causes holder 52 to move from the other side to one side in the third direction. As a result, holder 52 moves from the retracted position to the advanced position. When holder 52 moves to the advanced position, spring 330 is stretched.

[0088] When the cover 12 moves from the closed position to the open position, the protrusion 12A of the cover 12, which has been pushing the plate 155, moves away from the plate 155 from the state shown in Fig. 11(b). Therefore, the elastic force of the spring 330 moves the holder 52 from the advanced position to the retracted position. At this time, the second link 320 rotates counterclockwise in the figure, and the first link 310 rotates clockwise in the figure, in the opposite manner to when the cover 12 is closed. As a result, the plate 155 moves from the second position to the first position.

[0089] As described above, according to the developing cartridge of the third embodiment, the holder 52 can be moved from the retracted position to the advanced position by moving the plate 155 from the first position to the second position.

[0090] The configuration of this embodiment can be modified as appropriate. For example, the plate 155 may have the first pin, and the first link may have the first long hole. Alternatively, the second link 320 may have the second pin, and the holder 52 may have the second long hole. Also, the first long hole 321 does not need to extend parallel to the third direction, and it is sufficient that the first long hole 321 intersects with the moving direction of the plate 155. Furthermore, the plate 155 is not limited to being held so as to be slidable in the second direction, and the plate 155 may be held so as to be rotatable with respect to the casing 31.

[0091] Furthermore, the developing cartridge may include other members such as other links between the first link 310 and the second link 320, or between the second link 320 and the holder 52. Also, the first link may be directly connected to the holder 52. For example, as shown in the example of FIG. 12(a), the plate 255 has a first long hole 255D. Then, the first pin 411 of the first link 410 enters the first long hole 255D. Also, the second pin 52D of the holder 52 enters the second long hole 412 of the first link 410. Even with this configuration, when the plate 255 is slid from the first position in FIG. 12(a) to the second position in FIG. 12(b), the first link 410 rotates clockwise in the figure. As a result, the holder 52 can be moved from the retracted position to the advanced position.

[0092] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the developing cartridge is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0093] The developing cartridge may be used in either a monochrome or color image forming apparatus. The plate may be pressed by the user's hand or the like, instead of being pressed by the cover of the image forming apparatus.

[0094] The elements described in the above embodiment and modified examples may be implemented in any combination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 10. Device body 11. Cabinet 12 Cover 12A protrusion 20 Process cartridge 30 Developing cartridge 31 Casing 31A Casing body 31B Gear cover 32 Developing roller 35 Agitator 51 Development memory 51A Electrical Contact Surface 52 Holder 53 Holder cover 55 Plate 58 Protrusion 60 Agitator gear 61 Large diameter gear 62 Small diameter gear 100, 200, 300 Interlocking mechanism 110 Cam 120 Spring 210 Rack Gear 220 1st pinion gear 230 Worm Gear 240 2nd pinion gear 310 First Link 320 Second Link

Claims

1. A developing cartridge, a casing capable of accommodating toner; a developing roller rotatable about a developing roller axis extending in a first direction, the developing roller being located at one end of the casing in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a developing memory having an electrical contact surface facing a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction; an agitator rotatable about an agitator shaft extending in the first direction and capable of agitating the toner in the casing; an agitator gear located at one end of the agitator in the first direction and rotatable together with the agitator about the agitator shaft; a holder that holds the electrical contact surface, the holder being movable in the third direction relative to the casing between a retracted position where a distance between the electrical contact surface and the agitator shaft in the third direction is a first distance and an advanced position where a distance between the electrical contact surface and the agitator shaft in the third direction is a second distance that is longer than the first distance; a plate movable in the second direction, the plate being movable relative to the casing between a first position for positioning the holder at the retracted position and a second position for positioning the holder at the advanced position, the second position being closer to the developing roller in the second direction than the first position, and the plate being located farther from the developing roller in the second direction than the agitator gear and the holder; The plate is located at the other end of the casing in the second direction, and when in the first position, protrudes from the casing in the second direction.

2. A developing cartridge, a casing capable of accommodating toner; a developing roller rotatable about a developing roller axis extending in a first direction, the developing roller being located at one end of the casing in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a developing memory having an electrical contact surface facing a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction; an agitator rotatable about an agitator shaft extending in the first direction and capable of agitating the toner in the casing; an agitator gear located at one end of the agitator in the first direction and rotatable together with the agitator about the agitator shaft; a holder that holds the electrical contact surface, the holder being movable in the third direction relative to the casing between a retracted position where a distance between the electrical contact surface and the agitator shaft in the third direction is a first distance and an advanced position where a distance between the electrical contact surface and the agitator shaft in the third direction is a second distance that is longer than the first distance; a plate movable in the second direction, the plate being movable relative to the casing between a first position that positions the holder at the retracted position and a second position that positions the holder at the advanced position, the second position being closer to the developing roller in the second direction than the first position, and the plate being located farther from the developing roller in the second direction than the agitator gear and the holder; a linkage mechanism coupled to the plate and to the holder, the linkage mechanism positioning the holder at the retracted position when the plate is located at the first position, and positioning the holder at the advanced position when the plate is located at the second position; The interlocking mechanism includes: a rack gear movable together with the plate in the second direction; a first pinion gear that meshes with the rack gear; a worm gear meshing with the first pinion gear and rotatable about a worm shaft extending in the third direction; a second pinion gear that meshes with the worm gear and is movable together with the holder in the third direction.

3. 3. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, wherein said first pinion gear has a first gear meshing with said rack gear, and a second gear meshing with said worm gear.

4. the casing has a guide groove that guides the second pinion gear, the guide groove extending in the third direction and having gear teeth; The second pinion gear is a third gear that meshes with the worm gear; a fourth gear that meshes with the gear teeth of the guide groove; 4. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, further comprising:

5. A developing cartridge, a casing capable of accommodating toner; a developing roller rotatable about a developing roller axis extending in a first direction, the developing roller being located at one end of the casing in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a developing memory having an electrical contact surface facing a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction; an agitator rotatable about an agitator shaft extending in the first direction and capable of agitating the toner in the casing; an agitator gear located at one end of the agitator in the first direction and rotatable together with the agitator about the agitator shaft; a holder that holds the electrical contact surface, the holder being movable in the third direction relative to the casing between a retracted position where a distance between the electrical contact surface and the agitator shaft in the third direction is a first distance and an advanced position where a distance between the electrical contact surface and the agitator shaft in the third direction is a second distance that is longer than the first distance; a plate movable in the second direction, the plate being movable relative to the casing between a first position for positioning the holder at the retracted position and a second position for positioning the holder at the advanced position, the second position being closer to the developing roller in the second direction than the first position, and the plate being located farther from the developing roller in the second direction than the agitator gear and the holder; a linkage mechanism coupled to the plate and to the holder, the linkage mechanism positioning the holder at the retracted position when the plate is located at the first position, and positioning the holder at the advanced position when the plate is located at the second position; the interlocking mechanism includes a first link that is rotatably held about a first axis extending in the first direction relative to the casing, the first link being rotatably connected to the plate, and the first link being connected to the holder; A developing cartridge characterized in that one of the plate and the first link has a first long hole extending in a direction intersecting the second direction, and the other of the plate and the first link has a first pin that fits into the first long hole.

6. The developing cartridge according to claim 5, characterized in that the interlocking mechanism is a second link that is rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction relative to the casing, and further includes a second link that is rotatably connected to the first link and is rotatably connected to the holder.

7. The developing cartridge according to claim 6, wherein one of the second link and the holder has a second elongated hole extending in a direction intersecting the third direction, and the other of the second link and the holder has a second pin that fits into the second elongated hole.

8. 8. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the plate is located at the other end of the casing in the second direction, and when the plate is in the first position, the plate protrudes from the casing in the second direction.

9. 2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising an interlocking mechanism connected to the plate and to the holder, the interlocking mechanism positioning the holder in the retracted position when the plate is located in the first position, and positioning the holder in the advanced position when the plate is located in the second position.

10. The developing cartridge according to claim 9, characterized in that the interlocking mechanism includes a cam that moves as the plate moves between the first position and the second position, and that contacts the holder to move the holder between the retracted position and the advanced position.

11. 11. The developing cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the cam is a linear cam movable relative to the casing in the second direction.

12. 12. The developing cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the cam has an inclined surface that comes into contact with the holder and is inclined with respect to a moving direction of the cam.

13. 13. The developing cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the cam is movable integrally with the plate.

14. the casing has a casing body capable of accommodating toner and a gear cover that covers at least a portion of the agitator gear, The agitator gear is A large diameter gear, 14. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising: a small diameter gear having a smaller diameter than the large diameter gear, the small diameter gear being located between the large diameter gear and the casing main body in the first direction.

15. 15. The developing cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the holder is located on an opposite side of the large diameter gear to the small diameter gear in the first direction.

16. A developing cartridge as described in claim 14 or claim 15, further comprising a protrusion protruding in the first direction from the one end of the casing in the first direction, the protrusion being located between the casing and the large diameter gear in the first direction, and the distance from the developing roller being smaller than the distance from the developing roller to the small diameter gear.

17. 17. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a spring that urges the plate from the second position toward the first position.

18. 18. The developing cartridge according to claim 17, wherein the plate is positioned farther from the developing roller than the agitator gear and the holder are in the second direction.

19. 19. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a holder cover that holds the holder movably between the retracted position and the advanced position with respect to the casing.

20. the developing cartridge is mounted through the opening into a main body of an image forming apparatus having a housing having an opening and a cover rotatable between a closed position for closing the opening and an open position for opening the opening; A developing cartridge as described in any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that when the developing cartridge is attached to the device main body and the cover is moved from the open position to the closed position, the plate is pressed by the cover and moves from the first position to the second position.

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