Process cartridge

Abstract

To suppress a developing electrical contact surface or drum electrical contact surface from being contaminated by a hand of a user when the user operates a lock lever.SOLUTION: A process cartridge 20 comprises: a developing cartridge 30; and a drum cartridge 40. The developing cartridge 30 comprises: a housing 31; a developing roller that is rotatable with respect to a developing shaft extending in a first direction; and a developing IC chip C1 that has a developing electrical contact surface C11. The drum cartridge 40 comprises: a drum frame 41; a photoreceptor drum; a drum IC chip C2 that has a drum electrical contact surface C21; and a lock lever L that is to lock the developing cartridge 30 to the drum frame 41. In a state where the developing cartridge 30 is mounted to the drum frame 41, the developing electrical contact surface C11 and drum electrical contact surface C21 are positioned on an opposite side of the lock lever L with respect to the housing 31 in the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a process cartridge including a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a process cartridge, one including a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge is known (see Patent Document 1). The developing cartridge includes a developing IC chip having a developing electrical contact surface, a developing roller rotatable about a developing axis extending in a first direction, and a housing capable of accommodating toner. The drum cartridge further includes a drum IC chip having a drum electrical contact surface, a photosensitive drum rotatable about a drum axis extending in the first direction, a drum frame, and a lock lever for locking the developing cartridge to the drum frame.

[0003] In this technology, the developing electrical contact surface is located at one end portion of the housing in the first direction. The drum electrical contact surface is located at one end portion or the other end portion of the drum frame in the first direction. Further, the lock lever is located at one end portion of the drum frame in the first direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the prior art, when the drum electrical contact surface is located at the other end portion of the drum frame, in a state where the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame, the developing electrical contact surface and the lock lever are located on the opposite side of the housing of the developing cartridge in the first direction with respect to the drum electrical contact surface. Therefore, when the user operates the lock lever, if the user's hand touches the electrical contact surface for development, the electrical contact surface for development may become dirty.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to suppress the user's hand from touching the electrical contact surface for development or the electrical contact surface for the drum when the user operates the lock lever, and to prevent the electrical contact surface for development or the electrical contact surface for the drum from becoming dirty.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] To solve the above problems, the process cartridge of the present disclosure includes a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge. The developing cartridge includes a housing capable of accommodating toner, a developing roller rotatable about a developing shaft extending in a first direction, and a developing IC chip having an electrical contact surface for development. The drum cartridge includes a drum frame to which the developing cartridge is detachably attached, a photosensitive drum rotatable about a drum shaft extending in the first direction, a drum IC chip having an electrical contact surface for the drum, and a lock lever for locking the developing cartridge to the drum frame. In a state where the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame, the electrical contact surface for development and the electrical contact surface for the drum are located on the opposite side of the lock lever with respect to the housing of the developing cartridge in the first direction.

[0008] According to this configuration, since the electrical contact surface for development and the electrical contact surface for the drum are located on the opposite side of the lock lever with respect to the housing of the developing cartridge in the first direction, it is possible to suppress the user's hand from touching the electrical contact surface for development or the electrical contact surface for the drum when the user operates the lock lever. Therefore, according to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the electrical contact surface for development or the electrical contact surface for the drum from being soiled by the user's hand.

[0009] Further, the electrical contact surface for development may be located at one end of the developing cartridge in the first direction, the electrical contact surface for the drum may be located at one end of the drum frame in the first direction, and the lock lever may be located at the other end of the drum frame in the first direction.

[0010] Further, the electrical contact surface for development may be movable with respect to the housing.

[0011] Further, the electrical contact surface for the drum may be movable with respect to the drum frame.

[0012] Further, the electrical contact surface for development may be separated from the outer surface of the housing in the first direction.

[0013] Further, the electrical contact surface for development may be attached to a gear cover located on the outer surface of the housing.

[0014] Further, the drum frame has a first side frame and a second side frame spaced apart from the first side frame in the first direction. In a state where the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame, the housing is located between the first side frame and the second side frame in the first direction. In a state where the developing cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge, the electrical contact surface for development may be located on the opposite side of the housing with respect to the first side frame in the first direction.

[0015] Further, the electrical contact surface for the drum may be attached to the first side frame.

[0016] Further, the lock lever may be attached to the second side frame.

[0017] Also, in a state where the developing cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge, the electrical contact surface for the drum may be located on the opposite side of the housing from the first side frame in the first direction.

[0018] Further, the lock lever may be able to push up a part of the developing cartridge in a direction away from the drum frame.

[0019] Also, in a state where the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame, the electrical contact surface for development may be located between the developing roller and the electrical contact surface for the drum in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0020] Also, the second direction may be orthogonal to the first direction.

[0021] Further, the drum cartridge may further include a transfer roller that contacts the photosensitive drum and faces the photosensitive drum in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

[0022] Also, the lock lever has an operation portion operated by a user, and the operation portion may be located between the electrical contact surface for the drum and the transfer roller in the third direction.

[0023] Also, at least a part of the operation portion may be located between the electrical contact surface for development and the transfer roller in the third direction.

[0024] Further, in a state where the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame, the drum cartridge further includes a pressing member that presses a part of the housing in order to press the developing roller toward the photosensitive drum, and the pressing member may be located between the electrical contact surface for the drum and the transfer roller in the third direction.

[0025] Further, the pressing member may include a first pressing member located at one end of the drum frame in the first direction and a second pressing member located at the other end of the drum frame in the first direction.

[0026] Further, the developing electrical contact surface may be located between the drum electrical contact surface and the transfer roller in the third direction.

[0027] Further, the developing cartridge includes a developing coupling that extends in the first direction and is rotatable about a coupling shaft. In a state where the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame, the developing coupling may be located on the opposite side of the lock lever with respect to the housing of the developing cartridge in the first direction.

Advantages of the Invention

[0028] According to the present disclosure, when the user operates the lock lever, it is possible to prevent the user's hand from touching the developing electrical contact surface or the drum electrical contact surface and thus prevent the developing electrical contact surface or the drum electrical contact surface from being contaminated.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] Next, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body housing 10 and a process cartridge 20. In FIG. 1, for convenience, the size of the main body housing 10 is shown smaller.

[0031] The process cartridge 20 is detachable from the main body housing 10. The process cartridge 20 includes a developing cartridge 30 and a drum cartridge 40. The developing cartridge 30 is detachable from a drum frame 41 of the drum cartridge 40 described later.

[0032] The developing cartridge 30 includes a housing 31, a developing roller 32, a supply roller 33, a layer thickness regulating blade 34, an agitator 35, a handle HD, a developing coupling CP (see FIG. 2), and a developing electrode DE (see FIG. 2). The housing 31 can accommodate toner. The housing 31 has a first outer surface F1 described later and a second outer surface F2 described later that is located away from the first outer surface F1 in a first direction (see FIG. 2).

[0033] The developing roller 32 is a roller that supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 42, which will be described later. The developing roller 32 is rotatable about a developing axis X1 extending in the first direction. The developing roller 32 is located at one end of the housing 31 in a second direction intersecting the first direction. Preferably, the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. In the present embodiment, the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. Further, in the present embodiment, the second direction is the direction along the developing electrical contact surface C11, which will be described later.

[0034] In the present embodiment, a direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction is defined as the third direction. Further, in the present embodiment, the third direction is the direction orthogonal to the developing electrical contact surface C11, which will be described later. Also, in the present embodiment, in a state where the process cartridge 20 is mounted on the main body housing 10, the third direction is parallel to the vertical direction. Note that the third direction may be any direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

[0035] The developing roller 32 includes a columnar developing roller shaft 32A and a cylindrical roller portion 32B. The developing roller shaft 32A is made of, for example, metal. The developing roller shaft 32A extends in the first direction. The roller portion 32B is made of, for example, rubber. The roller portion 32B covers a part of the developing roller shaft 32A.

[0036] The handle HD is a portion that can be gripped by the user. The handle HD has a U shape (see FIG. 2). The handle HD is located at the other end of the housing 31 in the second direction.

[0037] 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 extending in the first direction. The supply roller 33 is located between the developing roller 32 and the handle HD in the second direction. Specifically, the supply axis X2 is located between the developing axis X1 and the handle HD in the second direction.

[0038] The supply roller 33 has a columnar supply roller shaft 33A and a cylindrical roller portion 33B. The supply roller shaft 33A is made of, for example, metal. The supply roller shaft 33A extends in the first direction. The roller portion 33B is made of, for example, rubber. The roller portion 33B covers a part of the supply roller shaft 33A. The roller portion 33B contacts the roller portion 32B of the developing roller 32.

[0039] The layer thickness regulating blade 34 is a member for defining the thickness of the toner layer on the developing roller 32. The layer thickness regulating blade 34 contacts the developing roller 32.

[0040] The agitator 35 stirs the toner in the housing 31. Also, the agitator 35 supplies toner to the supply roller 33. The agitator 35 is rotatable about an agitator shaft X3 extending in the first direction.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 6, the developing coupling CP is rotatable about a coupling shaft X8 extending in the first direction. The developing coupling CP transmits a driving force to the developing roller 32, the supply roller 33, and the agitator 35. As shown in FIG. 2, the developing coupling CP is located at one end portion 30A of the developing cartridge 30 in the first direction. Specifically, the developing coupling CP is located on the first outer surface F1 of the housing 31 in the first direction. In a state where the process cartridge 20 is mounted on the main body housing 10, the developing coupling CP is connected to a main body coupling (not shown) of the main body housing 10.

[0042] The developing electrode DE is electrically connected to the developing roller 32 and the supply roller 33. The developing electrode DE is located at the other end portion 30B of the developing cartridge 30 in the first direction. Specifically, the developing electrode DE is located on the second outer surface F2 of the housing 31 in the first direction. In a state where the process cartridge 20 is mounted on the main body housing 10, the developing electrode DE contacts a main body electrode (not shown) of the main body housing 10.

[0043] The drum cartridge 40 includes a drum frame 41, a photosensitive drum 42, a charger 43, a transfer roller 44, a first cleaning roller 45, a second cleaning roller 47, and a conveyance roller 46. The photosensitive drum 42 is rotatable about a drum axis X4 extending in a first direction.

[0044] The charger 43 is a member that charges the photosensitive drum 42. The charger 43 is a scorotron type charger that is separated from the photosensitive drum 42.

[0045] 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 a third direction. The photosensitive drum 42 is positioned between the charger 43 and the transfer roller 44 in the third direction.

[0046] The first cleaning roller 45 is a roller for cleaning the toner on the photosensitive drum 42. The first cleaning roller 45 is rotatable about a first cleaning axis X6 extending in the first direction. The first cleaning roller 45 contacts the photosensitive drum 42.

[0047] The second cleaning roller 47 is a roller for cleaning the toner on the first cleaning roller 45. The second cleaning roller 47 is rotatable about a second cleaning axis X10 extending in the first direction. The second cleaning roller 47 contacts the first cleaning roller 45.

[0048] The conveyance roller 46 is a roller for conveying a sheet toward the photosensitive drum 42. The conveyance roller 46 is rotatable about a conveyance axis X7 extending in the first direction.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the developing cartridge 30 further includes a gear cover GC, a developing IC chip C1, and a developing chip holder 50. The gear cover GC is a cover that covers gears for driving the developing roller 32 and the like. The gear cover GC is located on the first outer surface F1 of the housing 31.

[0050] The developing IC chip C1 stores developing information regarding the developing cartridge 30. Examples of the developing information include the remaining amount of toner in the developing cartridge 30 and the life of the developing roller 32. The developing IC chip C1 has a developing electrical contact surface C11 and a developing substrate C12 provided with a developing memory in which the developing information is stored. The developing electrical contact surface C11 is electrically connected to the developing memory. The developing electrical contact surface C11 is located at one end 30A of the developing cartridge 30 in the first direction. In the second direction, the developing electrical contact surface C11 is located on the side opposite to the developing roller 32 with respect to the developing coupling CP. In the second direction, the developing electrical contact surface C11 is located on the side opposite to the developing roller 32 with respect to the developing electrode DE. In a state where the process cartridge 20 is mounted on the main body housing 10, the developing electrical contact surface C11 contacts a developing main body contact 13A (see FIG. 9) described later.

[0051] The developing electrical contact surface C11 is separated from the first outer surface F1 of the housing 31 in the first direction. In the first direction, the developing electrical contact surface C11 is farther from the first outer surface F1 of the housing 31 than the developing coupling CP. The developing electrical contact surface C11 is attached to the gear cover GC via the developing substrate C12 and the developing chip holder 50.

[0052] The drum cartridge 40 includes a lock lever L, a drum IC chip C2, and a drum chip holder 60. The lock lever L is a member for locking the developing cartridge 30 to the drum frame 41. The drum IC chip C2 stores drum information regarding the drum cartridge 40. Examples of the drum information include the life of the photosensitive drum 42. The drum IC chip C2 has a drum electrical contact surface C21 and a drum substrate C22 provided with a drum memory in which the drum information is stored. The drum electrical contact surface C21 is electrically connected to the drum memory. The drum electrical contact surface C21 is located at one end 41A of the drum frame 41 in the first direction. In a state where the process cartridge 20 is mounted on the main body housing 10, the drum electrical contact surface C21 contacts a drum main body contact 13B (see FIG. 9) described later.

[0053] The drum frame 41 has a first side frame SF1 and a second side frame SF2. The second side frame SF2 is positioned at a distance from the first side frame SF1 in the first direction. In a state where the developing cartridge 30 is mounted on the drum frame 41, the housing 31 is located between the first side frame SF1 and the second side frame SF2 in the first direction.

[0054] The drum electrical contact surface C21 is attached to the first side frame SF1 via the drum substrate C22 and the drum chip holder 60. In a state where the developing cartridge 30 is mounted on the drum frame 41, the developing electrical contact surface C11 and the drum electrical contact surface C21 are located on the opposite side of the housing 31 with respect to the first side frame SF1 in the first direction.

[0055] The lock lever L is a member for locking the developing cartridge 30 to the drum frame 41. The lock lever L is located at the other end 41B of the drum frame 41 in the first direction. The lock lever L is attached to the second side frame SF2. In a state where the developing cartridge 30 is mounted on the drum frame 41, the developing electrical contact surface C11 and the drum electrical contact surface C21 are located on the opposite side of the lock lever L with respect to the housing 31 in the first direction. Specifically, in a state where the developing cartridge 30 is mounted on the drum frame 41, the developing electrical contact surface C11, the developing coupling CP, and the drum electrical contact surface C21 are located on the opposite side of the lock lever L with respect to the housing 31 in the first direction.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 5, the drum frame 41 has a bottom wall 41C. The bottom wall 41C is located below the developing cartridge 30 in a state where the process cartridge 20 is mounted on the main body housing 10. The lock lever L can push up a part of the developing cartridge 30 in a direction away from the bottom wall 41C of the drum frame 41.

[0057] The lock lever L is rotatable about a lock axis X9 extending in the first direction. The lock lever L is rotatable between a lock position shown in FIG. 5(a) and a release position shown in FIG. 5(b). The lock position is a position where the lock lever L locks the developing cartridge 30 to the drum frame 41. The release position is a position where the lock of the developing cartridge 30 to the drum frame 41 is released.

[0058] The lock lever L has an operation portion L1 operated by a user, a pressing portion L2 capable of pushing up the developing cartridge 30, and a lock claw L3 for locking the developing cartridge 30. The housing 31 of the developing cartridge 30 has a first protrusion T1, a second protrusion T2, and a third protrusion T3.

[0059] In a state where the lock lever L is in the locked position, the lock claw L3 contacts the first protrusion T1. In the process of rotating the lock lever L from the released position to the locked position, the pressing portion L2 contacts the second protrusion T2.

[0060] The operation portion L1 has a tip L11 which is the end farthest from the lock shaft X9. The pressing portion L2 has a tip L21 which is the end farthest from the lock shaft X9.

[0061] In a state where the lock lever L is in the locked position, the pressing portion L2 is separated from the second protrusion T2. In a state where the process cartridge 20 is mounted on the main body housing 10, the tip L21 of the pressing portion L2 is located below the lock shaft X9. In a state where the process cartridge 20 is mounted on the main body housing 10, the tips L11 of the lock claw L3 and the operation portion L1 are located above the lock shaft X9.

[0062] In a state where the lock lever L is in the released position, the pressing portion L2 contacts the second protrusion T2. In a state where the lock lever L is in the released position, the lock claw L3 is separated from the first protrusion T1. The tip L21 of the pressing portion L2 when the lock lever L is in the released position is located at a position farther from the bottom wall 41C than the tip L21 of the pressing portion L2 when the lock lever L is in the locked position.

[0063] The drum frame 41 has a first recess 41E1 (see FIG. 7) and a second recess 41E2. In a state where the developing cartridge 30 is attached to the drum frame 41, one end of the developing roller shaft 32A of the developing roller 32 in the first direction enters the first recess 41E1. In a state where the developing cartridge 30 is attached to the drum frame 41, the other end of the developing roller shaft 32A of the developing roller 32 in the first direction enters the second recess 41E2. The first recess 41E1 is located at one end 41A of the drum frame 41. The second recess 41E2 is located at the other end 41B of the drum frame 41. The first recess 41E1 and the second recess 41E2 restrict the movement of the developing roller shaft 32A in the third direction. Thereby, as shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), the developing cartridge 30 is rotatable in the third direction about the developing axis X1.

[0064] The drum cartridge 40 further includes a pressing member P and a cleaning electrode CE. The pressing member P is a member that presses the third protrusion T3 in order to press the developing roller 32 toward the photosensitive drum 42 in a state where the developing cartridge 30 is attached to the drum frame 41. As shown in FIG. 4, the pressing member P has a first pressing member P1 and a second pressing member P2. The first pressing member P1 is located at one end 41A of the drum frame 41 in the first direction. The second pressing member P2 is located at the other end 41B of the drum frame 41 in the first direction.

[0065] In the second direction, at least a part of the electrical contact surface C11 for development is located at the same position as a part of the first pressing member P1 and a part of the second pressing member P2. In the second direction, at least a part of the electrical contact surface C21 for the drum is located at the same position as a part of the lock lever L.

[0066] The cleaning electrode CE is located at the other end 41B of the drum frame 41 in the first direction. The cleaning electrode CE is located on the second side frame SF2. The cleaning electrode CE includes a first cleaning electrode CE1 electrically connected to the first cleaning roller 45 and a second cleaning electrode CE2 electrically connected to the second cleaning roller 47. The first cleaning electrode CE1 and the second cleaning electrode CE2 are made of a conductive resin.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 6, the developing chip holder 50 is a holder that holds the developing IC chip C1 such that the electrical contact surface C11 for development is movable with respect to the housing 31. The developing chip holder 50 includes a developing holder 51, a developing advancing / retreating member 52, a developing spring 53, and a developing cover 54. The developing holder 51 is a member that holds the developing IC chip C1. Further, the developing holder 51 holds the developing advancing / retreating member 52 movably in the third direction.

[0068] The developing spring 53 is located between the developing holder 51 and the developing advancing / retreating member 52. The developing spring 53 is a coil spring. The developing spring 53 biases the developing advancing / retreating member 52 in a direction away from the developing IC chip C1.

[0069] The developing cover 54 is attached to the gear cover GC. With the developing cover 54 attached to the gear cover GC, the developing holder 51 is located between the developing cover 54 and the gear cover GC in the first direction. The developing cover 54 and the gear cover GC hold the developing holder 51 movably in the third direction and the second direction.

[0070] As described above, by configuring the developing chip holder 50 in this manner, the developing electrical contact surface C11 is movable between the first position shown in FIG. 6(a) and the second position shown in FIG. 6(b). As shown in FIG. 6(a), the developing electrical contact surface C11 is located at the first position before the process cartridge 20 is mounted on the main body housing 10. In a state where the developing electrical contact surface C11 is located at the first position, the developing holder 51 is held by the developing cover 54 and the gear cover GC.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 6(b), the developing electrical contact surface C11 located at the second position is located farther from the developing axis X1 in the third direction than the developing electrical contact surface C11 located at the first position. Also, the developing electrical contact surface C11 located at the second position is located closer to the developing axis X1 in the second direction than the developing electrical contact surface C11 located at the first position. The developing electrical contact surface C11 is located at the second position when the process cartridge 20 is mounted on the main body housing 10.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 7, the drum chip holder 60 is a holder that holds the drum IC chip C2 such that the drum electrical contact surface C21 is movable with respect to the drum frame 41. The drum chip holder 60 includes a drum holder 61, a drum advancing / retreating member 62, a drum spring 63 (see FIG. 7(b)), and a drum cover 64. The drum holder 61 is a member that holds the drum IC chip C2. Also, the drum holder 61 movably holds the drum advancing / retreating member 62 in the third direction.

[0073] The drum spring 63 is located between the drum holder 61 and the drum advancing / retreating member 62. The drum spring 63 is a coil spring. The drum spring 63 biases the drum advancing / retreating member 62 in a direction away from the drum IC chip C2.

[0074] The drum cover 64 is attached to the first side frame SF1. With the drum cover 64 attached to the first side frame SF1, the drum holder 61 is positioned between the drum cover 64 and the first side frame SF1 in the first direction. The drum cover 64 and the first side frame SF1 hold the drum holder 61 movably in the third direction and the second direction.

[0075] By configuring the drum chip holder 60 as described above, the drum electrical contact surface C21 is movable between the third position shown in FIG. 7(a) and the fourth position shown in FIG. 7(b). As shown in FIG. 7(a), the drum electrical contact surface C21 is positioned at the third position before the process cartridge 20 is attached to the main body housing 10. With the drum electrical contact surface C21 positioned at the third position, the drum holder 61 is held by the drum cover 64 and the first side frame SF1.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 7(b), the drum electrical contact surface C21 positioned at the fourth position is located farther from the drum axis X4 in the third direction than the drum electrical contact surface C21 positioned at the third position. Also, the drum electrical contact surface C21 positioned at the fourth position is located closer to the drum axis X4 in the second direction than the drum electrical contact surface C21 positioned at the third position. The drum electrical contact surface C21 is positioned at the fourth position when the process cartridge 20 is attached to the main body housing 10.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 9, the main body housing 10 has a first guide 11, a second guide 12, a main body contact 13A for development, and a main body contact 13B for the drum. The first guide 11 is a guide that contacts the lower ends of the development advancing / retreating member 52 and the drum advancing / retreating member 62 to guide the development advancing / retreating member 52 and the drum advancing / retreating member 62. The second guide 12 is a guide that contacts the upper ends of the development holder 51 and the drum holder 61 to guide the development holder 51 and the drum holder 61. The main body contact 13A for development is a contact that contacts the electrical contact surface C11 for development. The main body contact 13A for development electrically connects a control unit (not shown) and the development IC chip C1. In the figure, for the sake of convenience, the development IC chip C1 and the main body contact 13A for development are shown separated from each other.

[0078] The main body contact 13B for the drum is a contact that contacts the electrical contact surface C21 for the drum. The main body contact 13B for the drum electrically connects a control unit (not shown) and the drum IC chip C2. In the figure, for the sake of convenience, the drum IC chip C2 and the main body contact 13B for the drum are shown separated from each other.

[0079] In a state where the electrical contact surface C11 for development is located at the second position, the development holder 51 is held by the first guide 11 of the main body housing 10 via the development advancing / retreating member 52 and the development spring 53. In a state where the electrical contact surface C11 for development is located at the second position, the development IC chip C1 is urged toward the main body contact 13A for development by the urging force of the development spring 53. In a state where the electrical contact surface C11 for development is located at the second position, the electrical contact surface C11 for development contacts the main body contact 13A for development.

[0080] In a state where the electrical contact surface C21 for the drum is located at the fourth position, the drum holder 61 is held by the first guide 11 of the main body housing 10 via the drum advancing / retreating member 62 and the drum spring 63. In a state where the electrical contact surface C21 for the drum is located at the fourth position, the drum IC chip C2 is biased toward the drum main body contact 13B by the biasing force of the drum spring 63. In a state where the electrical contact surface C21 for the drum is located at the fourth position, the electrical contact surface C21 for the drum comes into contact with the drum main body contact 13B.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 8, in a state where the developing cartridge 30 is attached to the drum frame 41, the electrical contact surface C11 for development is located between the developing roller 32 and the electrical contact surface C21 for the drum in the second direction. In a state where the developing cartridge 30 is attached to the drum frame 41, the electrical contact surface C11 for development is located between the electrical contact surface C21 for the drum and the transfer roller 44 in the third direction.

[0082] The operation portion L1 of the lock lever L is located between the electrical contact surface C21 for the drum and the transfer roller 44 in the third direction. In a state where the developing cartridge 30 is attached to the drum frame 41, the electrical contact surface C11 for development is located between the developing roller 32 and the operation portion L1 in the second direction. The pressing member P is located between the electrical contact surface C21 for the drum and the transfer roller 44 in the third direction.

[0083] Here, FIG. 8 shows the state of the process cartridge 20 when the process cartridge 20 is not attached to the main body housing 10. FIG. 9 shows the state of the process cartridge 20 when the process cartridge 20 is attached to the main body housing 10. The above-described positional relationship holds regardless of whether the process cartridge 20 is attached to the main body housing 10.

[0084] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in a state where the developing cartridge 30 is attached to the drum frame 41, at least a part of the operation unit L1 is located between the developing electrical contact surface C11 and the transfer roller 44 in the third direction. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, when the process cartridge 20 is not attached to the main body housing 10, a part of the operation unit L1 is located between the developing electrical contact surface C11 and the transfer roller 44 in the third direction. As shown in FIG. 9, when the process cartridge 20 is attached to the main body housing 10, all of the operation unit L1 is located between the developing electrical contact surface C11 and the transfer roller 44 in the third direction.

[0085] According to the above, the following effects can be obtained in the present embodiment. Since the developing electrical contact surface C11 and the drum electrical contact surface C21 are located on the opposite side of the lock lever L with respect to the housing 31 of the developing cartridge 30 in the first direction, when the user operates the lock lever L, it is possible to prevent the user's hand from touching the developing electrical contact surface C11 or the drum electrical contact surface C21. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the developing electrical contact surface C11 or the drum electrical contact surface C21 from being soiled by the user's hand.

[0086] Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be used in various forms as exemplified below. In the above embodiment, one substrate has a configuration in which the electrical contact surface and the memory are integrated, but the electrical contact surface and the memory may be configured separately. In this case, the electrical contact surface may be electrically connected to the memory via a harness.

[0087] The cleaning member for cleaning the toner on the photosensitive drum is not limited to the above-described first cleaning roller 45. For example, the cleaning member may be a cleaning blade that contacts the photosensitive drum.

[0088] The charger for charging the photosensitive drum is not limited to the scorotron type charger described above. For example, the charger may be a charging roller that contacts the photosensitive drum.

[0089] Each element described in the above-described embodiments and modifications may be implemented in any combination.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0090] 20 Process Cartridge 30 Developing Cartridge 31 Housing 32 Developing Roller 40 Drum Cartridge 41 Drum Frame 42 Photosensitive Drum C1 Developing IC Chip C2 Drum IC Chip C11 Electrical Contact Surface for Development C21 Electrical Contact Surface for Drum L Lock Lever X1 Developing Axis X4 Drum Axis

Claims

1. A developing cartridge, comprising: a housing capable of accommodating toner; a developing roller rotatable about a developing shaft extending in a first direction; a developing IC chip having an electrical contact surface for development; and a developing cartridge; a drum cartridge, comprising: a drum frame to which the developing cartridge is detachably attached; a photosensitive drum rotatable about a drum shaft extending in the first direction; a drum IC chip having an electrical contact surface for the drum; a lock lever for locking the developing cartridge to the drum frame; a transfer roller in contact with the photosensitive drum, the transfer roller facing the photosensitive drum in a predetermined direction intersecting the first direction; and a drum cartridge, in a process cartridge, in a state where the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame, the electrical contact surface for development and the electrical contact surface for the drum are located on the opposite side of the housing of the developing cartridge from the lock lever in the first direction, and face the direction from the transfer roller to the photosensitive drum in the predetermined direction; The process cartridge, wherein the electrical contact surface for development is movable relative to the housing.

2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the electrical contact surface for development is located between the electrical contact surface for the drum and the photosensitive drum in the predetermined direction.

3. The electrical contact surface for development is located at one end of the developing cartridge in the first direction, The electrical contact surface for the drum is located at one end of the drum frame in the first direction, The process cartridge according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the lock lever is located at the other end of the drum frame in the first direction.

4. A developing cartridge, comprising: a housing capable of accommodating toner; a developing roller rotatable about a developing shaft extending in a first direction; a developing IC chip having an electrical contact surface for development; and a developing cartridge; a drum cartridge, comprising: a drum frame to which the developing cartridge is detachably attached; a photosensitive drum rotatable about a drum shaft extending in the first direction; a drum IC chip having an electrical contact surface for the drum; a lock lever for locking the developing cartridge to the drum frame; A process cartridge comprising: a drum cartridge including a transfer roller that contacts the photosensitive drum and faces the photosensitive drum in a predetermined direction intersecting the first direction. In a state where the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame, the developing electrical contact surface and the drum electrical contact surface are located on the opposite side of the lock lever with respect to the housing of the developing cartridge in the first direction, and face the direction from the transfer roller to the photosensitive drum in the predetermined direction. A process cartridge, wherein the drum electrical contact surface is movable with respect to the drum frame. **Claim 5** The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the developing electrical contact surface is separated from the outer surface of the housing in the first direction. **Claim 6** The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the developing electrical contact surface is attached to a gear cover located on the outer surface of the housing. **Claim 7** A developing cartridge comprising: A housing capable of accommodating toner; A developing roller rotatable about a developing shaft extending in a first direction; A developing IC chip having a developing electrical contact surface. A drum cartridge comprising: A drum frame to which the developing cartridge is detachably attached; A photosensitive drum rotatable about a drum shaft extending in the first direction; A drum IC chip having a drum electrical contact surface; A lock lever for locking the developing cartridge to the drum frame; A process cartridge comprising: a drum cartridge including a transfer roller that contacts the photosensitive drum and faces the photosensitive drum in a predetermined direction intersecting the first direction. In a state where the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame, the developing electrical contact surface and the drum electrical contact surface are located on the opposite side of the lock lever with respect to the housing of the developing cartridge in the first direction, and face the direction from the transfer roller to the photosensitive drum in the predetermined direction. The drum frame includes: A first side frame; In the first direction, there is a second side frame positioned at a distance from the first side frame. In a state where the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame, the housing is positioned between the first side frame and the second side frame in the first direction. A process cartridge, wherein in a state where the developing cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge, the electrical contact surface for development is positioned on the opposite side of the housing from the first side frame in the first direction.

8. The process cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the electrical contact surface for the drum is attached to the first side frame.

9. The process cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the lock lever is attached to the second side frame.

10. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein in a state where the developing cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge, the electrical contact surface for the drum is positioned on the opposite side of the housing from the first side frame in the first direction.

11. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the lock lever can push up a part of the developing cartridge in a direction away from the drum frame.

12. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein in a state where the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame, the electrical contact surface for development is positioned between the developing roller and the electrical contact surface for the drum in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

13. The process cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction.

14. The lock lever has an operation part operated by a user. The operation part is The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the operation part is positioned between the electrical contact surface for the drum and the transfer roller in the predetermined direction.

15. At least a part of the operation part is The process cartridge according to claim 14, characterized in that it is located between the electrical contact surface for development and the transfer roller in the predetermined direction.

16. The drum cartridge further includes a pressing member that presses a part of the housing in order to press the developing roller toward the photosensitive drum in a state where the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the pressing member is located between the electrical contact surface for the drum and the transfer roller in the predetermined direction.

17. The pressing member has a first pressing member located at one end of the drum frame in the first direction, and a second pressing member located at the other end of the drum frame in the first direction, and is characterized by the process cartridge according to claim 16.

18. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the electrical contact surface for development is located between the electrical contact surface for the drum and the transfer roller in the predetermined direction.

19. The developing cartridge includes a developing coupling rotatable about a coupling shaft extending in the first direction, and in a state where the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame, the developing coupling is located on the opposite side of the lock lever with respect to the housing of the developing cartridge in the first direction, and is characterized by the process cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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