Drum Cartridge

Abstract

To provide a structure that, when a toner cartridge is mounted on a drum frame of a drum cartridge, can prevent rubbing between an electrical contact surface of a storage medium of the toner cartridge and a drum contact of the drum cartridge.SOLUTION: A toner cartridge 2 has a storage medium 41 having an electrical contact surface 411. A drum cartridge 3 comprises a drum frame on which the toner cartridge 2 is removably mounted, and a drum contact 91. The drum contact 91 can be in contact with the electrical contact surface 411. When the drum cartridge 3 is mounted on a main body frame 4 of an image forming apparatus, the drum contact 91 moves from a separation position to a contact position. With this, when the toner cartridge is mounted on the drum frame of the drum cartridge, rubbing between the electrical contact surface 411 and the drum contact 91 can be prevented.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses such as laser printers and LED printers are known. The image forming apparatus has a toner cartridge and a drum cartridge. The toner cartridge can be attached to the drum frame of the drum cartridge. Further, the drum cartridge with the toner cartridge attached can be attached to the image forming apparatus. Conventional image forming apparatuses are described in, for example, Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In this type of image forming apparatus, the toner cartridge may include a storage medium having an electrical contact surface. Further, the drum cartridge may include a contact that can contact the electrical contact surface of the storage medium of the toner cartridge. In this case, it is necessary to bring the contact of the drum cartridge into contact with the electrical contact surface of the storage medium of the toner cartridge. However, when attaching the toner cartridge to the drum frame of the drum cartridge, it is desirable to suppress rubbing between the electrical contact surface of the storage medium of the toner cartridge and the contact of the drum cartridge.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a structure capable of suppressing rubbing between an electrical contact surface of a memory medium of a toner cartridge and a drum contact of a drum cartridge when the toner cartridge is attached to a drum frame of the drum cartridge.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A first disclosure of the present application is a drum cartridge detachable from a main body frame of an image forming apparatus, the drum cartridge including a photosensitive drum rotatable about a drum shaft extending in a first direction, and a drum frame to which a toner cartridge having a memory medium with an electrical contact surface is detachable, the drum frame including a first side frame located at one end of the photosensitive drum in the first direction, and a second side frame located at the other end of the photosensitive drum in the first direction, and a drum contact located on the second side frame, the drum contact being movable in the first direction between a separation position spaced from the electrical contact surface and a contact position in contact with the electrical contact surface when the toner cartridge is attached to the drum frame, and when the drum cartridge is attached to the main body frame, the drum contact moves from the separation position to the contact position.

[0007] A second disclosure of the present application is the drum cartridge of the first disclosure, wherein the drum contact relays information stored in the memory medium to the image forming apparatus when the toner cartridge is attached to the drum frame and the drum cartridge is attached to the main body frame.

[0008] The third disclosure of the present application is the drum cartridge of the second disclosure, wherein the drum frame further has a third frame connecting the first side frame and the second side frame, and the drum cartridge is a drum connector located on the third frame and is electrically connectable to the main body connector of the main body frame. When the drum cartridge is mounted on the main body frame, the drum connector contacts the main body connector, and a harness connecting the drum contact point and the drum connector, which is electrically connectable to the drum contact point and the drum connector.

[0009] The fourth disclosure of the present application is the drum cartridge of any one of the first to third disclosures, wherein the drum cartridge is detachable from the main body frame in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the drum cartridge is provided with a plurality of the photosensitive drums spaced apart in the second direction.

[0010] The fifth disclosure of the present application is the drum cartridge of any one of the first to fourth disclosures, wherein when the drum cartridge is removed from the main body frame, the drum contact point is located at the separated position.

[0011] The sixth disclosure of the present application is the drum cartridge of any one of the first to fifth disclosures, further comprising a developing roller rotatable about a developing axis extending in the first direction.

[0012] The seventh disclosure of the present application is the drum cartridge of the sixth disclosure, wherein the developing roller is a magnetic roller.

[0013] The eighth disclosure of the present application is the drum cartridge of any one of the first to seventh disclosures, wherein the drum cartridge further has a first elastic member for biasing the drum contact point from the contact position toward the separated position.

[0014] The ninth disclosure of the present application is a drum cartridge according to any one of the first to eighth disclosures, which is a contact holder for holding the drum contact, and further includes a contact holder movable in the first direction between the separated position and the contact position together with the drum contact. When the toner cartridge is mounted on the drum frame and the drum cartridge is mounted on the main body frame, the contact holder is characterized by moving from the separated position to the contact position.

[0015] The tenth disclosure of the present application is a drum cartridge according to the ninth disclosure, wherein when the drum cartridge is mounted on the main body frame, the contact holder contacts the inner surface of the main body frame and moves from the separated position to the contact position.

[0016] The eleventh disclosure of the present application is a drum cartridge according to the ninth or tenth disclosure, wherein the contact holder has a protrusion protruding in the first direction, the toner cartridge has a recess recessed in the first direction, and when the toner cartridge is mounted on the drum frame and the drum cartridge is mounted on the main body frame, the protrusion is inserted into the recess.

[0017] The twelfth disclosure of the present application is a drum cartridge according to any one of the first to eleventh disclosures, wherein the toner cartridge further has a housing capable of accommodating toner, and the electrical contact surface is movable in the first direction with respect to the housing.

[0018] The thirteenth disclosure of the present application is a drum cartridge according to the twelfth disclosure, wherein the toner cartridge further has a second elastic member located between the electrical contact surface and the housing, and when the toner cartridge is mounted on the drum frame and the drum cartridge is mounted on the main body frame, the second elastic member presses the electrical contact surface in the first direction toward the drum contact.

[0019] The 14th disclosure of the present application is the drum cartridge of the 13th disclosure, wherein the toner cartridge further has a chip holder that holds the electrical contact surface, and the chip holder is movable in the first direction with respect to the housing together with the electrical contact surface, and the second elastic member is located between the housing and the chip holder.

[0020] The 15th disclosure of the present application is the drum cartridge of any one of the 1st to 14th disclosures, wherein the toner cartridge has a shutter movable between a closed position for closing the toner supply port and an open position for opening the toner supply port, and a locking member for locking the movement of the shutter, and the locking member is located at one end of the toner cartridge in the first direction. The drum cartridge further has a lock release member located on the first side frame, and the lock release member is movable in the first direction between a retracted position and a protruding position. When the lock release member is in the retracted position in a state where the toner cartridge is mounted on the drum frame, the lock release member is located away from the locking member in the first direction. When the lock release member is in the protruding position, the lock release member presses the locking member in the first direction to release the locking of the movement of the shutter by the locking member.

[0021] The 16th disclosure of the present application is the drum cartridge of the 15th disclosure, wherein the lock release member in the protruding position is closer to the second side frame in the first direction than the lock release member in the retracted position.

[0022] The 17th disclosure of the present application is the drum cartridge of any one of the 1st to 16th disclosures, wherein the drum contact point in the contact position is closer to the first side frame in the first direction than the drum contact point in the separated position.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] According to the first to seventeenth disclosures of the present application, in response to the mounting operation of the drum cartridge to the main body frame, the drum contact moves from the separated position to the contact position. Thereby, when the toner cartridge is mounted on the drum frame of the drum cartridge, rubbing between the electrical contact surface and the drum contact can be suppressed.

[0024] Further, according to the eighth disclosure of the present application, when the drum cartridge is not mounted on the main body frame, the drum contact is located at the separated position. Therefore, the toner cartridge can be mounted on the drum frame without being hindered by the drum contact.

[0025] Further, according to the eleventh disclosure of the present application, the projection of the contact holder is inserted into the recess of the toner cartridge, thereby positioning the contact holder with respect to the toner cartridge. Thereby, the drum contact can be accurately brought into contact with the electrical contact surface.

[0026] Further, according to the thirteenth disclosure of the present application, the pressing force of the second elastic member can secure the contact pressure between the electrical contact surface and the drum contact.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 8

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Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

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Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Figure 22

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0029] In the following description, the direction in which the agitator 20 of the toner cartridge 2 extends is referred to as the "first direction". In the drum cartridge 3, the direction in which the plurality of photosensitive drums 70 are arranged is referred to as the "second direction". Further, the direction in which the toner cartridge 2 is inserted into the drum cartridge 3 is referred to as the "third direction". The first direction and the second direction intersect (preferably orthogonally) with each other. The second direction and the third direction intersect (preferably orthogonally) with each other. The third direction and the first direction intersect (preferably orthogonally) with each other.

[0030] <1. Configuration of the image forming apparatus> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus 1. This image forming apparatus 1 is an electrophotographic printer. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 is a laser printer or an LED printer. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes four toner cartridges 2, a drum cartridge 3, a main body frame 4, and a control unit 5.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the four toner cartridges 2 are detachable from the drum cartridge 3. Further, the drum cartridge 3 with the four toner cartridges 2 mounted thereon is a drawer that is detachable from the main body frame 4. The number of toner cartridges 2 mounted on the drum cartridge 3 in the present embodiment is four. However, the number of toner cartridges 2 mounted on the drum cartridge 3 may be one to three, or may be five or more.

[0032] The four toner cartridges 2 respectively contain toners of different colors (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). The image forming apparatus 1 forms an image on the printing paper with the toner supplied from the four toner cartridges 2.

[0033] The control unit 5 is located within the main body frame 4 of the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 5 includes a processor 501 such as a CPU and a main body memory 502. The main body memory 502 is a storage medium capable of reading and writing information. The processor 501 is capable of reading information from the main body memory 502 and writing information to the main body memory 502. The control unit 5 executes the printing process in the image forming apparatus 1 by operating the processor 501 according to the program stored in the main body memory 502.

[0034] The four toner cartridges 2 each have an IC chip 41. The IC chip 41 is a storage medium capable of reading and writing information. The drum cartridge 3 has four drum contacts 91a to 91d, a drum harness 92, and a drum connector 93. The four drum contacts 91a to 91d are electrically connected to the drum connector 93 via the drum harness 92. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 has a main body connector 403 and a main body harness 404 within the main body frame 4. The main body connector 403 is electrically connected to the control unit 5 via the main body harness 404.

[0035] When the toner cartridge 2 is attached to the drum cartridge 3, the IC chip 41 comes into contact with the drum contacts 91a to 91d. Thereby, the IC chip 41 is electrically connected to the drum contacts 91a to 91d. Also, when the drum cartridge 3 with the toner cartridge 2 attached is attached to the main body frame 4, the drum connector 93 comes into contact with the main body connector 403. Thereby, the drum connector 93 is electrically connected to the main body connector 403. As a result, the IC chip 41 is electrically connected to the control unit 5 via the drum contacts 91a to 91d, the drum harness 92, the drum connector 93, the main body connector 403, and the main body harness 404. Consequently, the control unit 5 can read information from the IC chip 41 and write information to the IC chip 41.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of four toner cartridges 2, a drum cartridge 3, and a main body frame 4. As shown in FIG. 2, the main body frame 4 has a first side plate 401 and a second side plate 402. The first side plate 401 and the second side plate 402 are each in a substantially flat plate shape that extends perpendicular to the first direction. The first side plate 401 and the second side plate 402 are positioned at an interval in the first direction. The drum cartridge 3 with four toner cartridges 2 mounted thereon is inserted between the first side plate 401 and the second side plate 402 along the second direction.

[0037] <Regarding the Toner Cartridge 2> Subsequently, the structure of the toner cartridge 2 will be described. FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views of the toner cartridge 2. FIG. 5 is a view of the toner cartridge 2 viewed in the first direction from the first end portion 11 side, which will be described later. FIG. 6 is a view of the toner cartridge 2 viewed in the first direction from the second end portion 12 side, which will be described later. FIGS. 7 and 8 are partially exploded perspective views of the toner cartridge 2. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 5 of the toner cartridge 2. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 9, the toner cartridge 2 includes a housing 10, a shutter 16, an agitator 20, two return springs 31a and 31b, a toner coupling 321, a planetary carrier 322, a first planetary gear 33a, a second planetary gear 33b, a third planetary gear 33c, a fourth planetary gear 33d, an internal gear 34, a sun gear 351, a rotating plate 352, a cover 36, two bosses 37a and 37b, two lock members 38a and 38b, and an IC chip assembly 40.

[0038] The housing 10 is a container capable of accommodating toner as a developer. The housing 10 extends in a first direction. The housing 10 has a first end portion 11, a second end portion 12, and a cylindrical peripheral surface 13. The first end portion 11 is separated from the second end portion 12 in the first direction. Two return springs 31a, 31b, a toner coupling 321, a planetary carrier 322, a first planetary gear 33a, a second planetary gear 33b, a third planetary gear 33c, a fourth planetary gear 33d, an internal gear 34, a sun gear 351, a rotating plate 352, a cover 36, two bosses 37a, 37b, and two lock members 38a, 38b are located at the first end portion 11. The IC chip assembly 40 is located at the second end portion 12. The peripheral surface 13 extends in the first direction between the first end portion 11 and the second end portion 12. The peripheral surface 13 is cylindrical about a first axis A1 extending in the first direction.

[0039] The housing 10 has an accommodation chamber 14 inside. The toner is accommodated in the accommodation chamber 14. Also, as shown in FIG. 8, the housing 10 has a toner discharge port 15. The toner discharge port 15 is located at one end portion of the peripheral surface 13 in the first direction.

[0040] The shutter 16 is located at the first end portion 11 of the housing 10. The shutter 16 has a holder 161 and a shutter plate 162. The holder 161 is substantially disc-shaped about the first axis A1. The shutter plate 162 extends from a part of the holder 161 in a direction from the first end portion 11 to the second end portion 12 of the housing 10 in the first direction. The shutter plate 162 has a shutter opening 163.

[0041] The shutter 16 is rotatable with respect to the housing 10 about the first axis A1 between a closed position that closes the toner discharge port 15 and an open position that opens the toner discharge port 15. When the shutter 16 is in the closed position, the shutter plate 162 covers the toner discharge port 15. Thereby, the shutter 16 closes the toner discharge port 15. When the shutter 16 is in the open position, the shutter opening 163 of the shutter plate 162 overlaps with the toner discharge port 15. Thereby, the shutter 16 opens the toner discharge port 15. That is, the storage chamber 14 and the external space of the housing 10 communicate with each other through the toner discharge port 15, the shutter opening 163, and a communication port 363 of a cover 36 described later. As a result, the toner stored in the storage chamber 14 can move to the drum cartridge 3.

[0042] The housing 10 has a recess 19 located on the circumferential surface of the housing 10. The shutter 16 is located within the recess 19. The recess 19 has a first surface 191, a first stopper surface 18 (first stopper), and a second stopper surface 17 (second stopper). The first surface 191 has the toner discharge port 15. The first stopper surface 18 extends outward from the first surface 191 in the radial direction of an agitator shaft 20 described later. The second stopper surface 17 extends outward from the first surface 191 in the radial direction of the agitator shaft 20 described later.

[0043] The first stopper surface 18 stops the movement of the shutter 16 in the rotational direction from the closed position to the open position. When the shutter 16 is in the open position, the shutter 16 contacts the first stopper surface 18. Also, the second stopper surface 17 stops the movement of the shutter 16 in the rotational direction from the open position to the closed position. When the shutter 16 is in the closed position, the shutter 16 contacts the second stopper surface 17. Thereby, the movement range of the shutter 16 is restricted between the closed position and the open position.

[0044] Note that the first stopper surface 18 does not necessarily completely stop the movement of the shutter 16 in the rotation direction. The shutter 16 may be slightly movable in a state of being in contact with the first stopper surface 18. Also, the second stopper surface 17 does not necessarily completely stop the movement of the shutter 16 in the rotation direction. The shutter 16 may be slightly movable in a state of being in contact with the second stopper surface 17.

[0045] In the present embodiment, the toner discharge port 15 and the first stopper surface 18 are in the same housing 10. Therefore, the shutter 16 can be accurately positioned with respect to the toner discharge port 15. Also, in the present embodiment, the toner discharge port 15 and the second stopper surface 17 are in the same housing 10. Therefore, the shutter 16 can be accurately positioned with respect to the toner discharge port 15. However, the cover 36 may have the first stopper surface 18 and the second stopper surface 17. Also, the first stopper and the second stopper may be separate components from the shutter 16 and the cover 36.

[0046] The holder 161 has a circular hole 167. The hole 167 penetrates in the first direction. The toner coupling 321, the planetary carrier 322, the internal gear 34, the sun gear 351, and the rotating plate 352, which will be described later, are positioned in the hole 167.

[0047] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 10, the holder 161 has a first recess 164a, a second recess 165a, a third recess 166a, a fourth recess 164b, a fifth recess 165b, and a sixth recess 166b. The first recess 164a, the second recess 165a, the third recess 166a, the fourth recess 164b, the fifth recess 165b, and the sixth recess 166b are recessed in the direction from the first end portion 11 to the second end portion 12 of the housing 10. The first recess 164a, the second recess 165a, the third recess 166a, the fourth recess 164b, the fifth recess 165b, and the sixth recess 166b are arranged along the circumference of the hole 167.

[0048] The agitator 20 is a conveying member for stirring and conveying toner within the housing 10. The agitator 20 is positioned inside the housing 10. As shown by the dashed line in FIG. 3, the agitator 20 has an agitator shaft 21 and agitator blades 22. The agitator shaft 21 extends in a first direction along a first axis A1. The agitator shaft 21 has one end and the other end. One end of the agitator shaft 21 is positioned at the first end 11 of the housing 10. The other end of the agitator shaft 21 is positioned at the second end 12 of the housing 10. The agitator blades 22 extend radially outward from the agitator shaft 21. That is, the agitator blades 22 extend from the agitator shaft 21 toward the inner peripheral surface of the housing 10. A toner coupling 321 is connected to one end of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction. Therefore, when the toner coupling 321 rotates about the first axis A1, the agitator shaft 21 and the agitator blades 22 also rotate about the first axis A1 together with the toner coupling 321. And when the agitator blades 22 rotate, the toner within the housing 10 is stirred.

[0049] Also, as shown in FIG. 9, the agitator 20 has a cylindrical member 23. The cylindrical member 23 is fixed to the agitator shaft 21. The cylindrical member 23 is positioned closer to one end than the other end of the agitator shaft 21. The cylindrical member 23 has a spiral groove on its outer peripheral surface.

[0050] Two return springs 31a, 31b, a toner coupling 321, a planetary carrier 322, a first planetary gear 33a, a second planetary gear 33b, a third planetary gear 33c, a fourth planetary gear 33d, an internal gear 34, a sun gear 351, a rotating plate 352, a cover 36, two bosses 37a, 37b, and two lock members 38a, 38b are mechanisms for operating the shutter 16 and the agitator 20. The two return springs 31a, 31b, the toner coupling 321, the planetary carrier 322, the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, the fourth planetary gear 33d, the internal gear 34, the sun gear 351, the rotating plate 352, the cover 36, the two bosses 37a, 37b, and the two lock members 38a, 38b are located at the first end portion 11 of the housing 10.

[0051] The two return springs 31a, 31b are elastic members (shutter elastic members) that bias the shutter 16 from the open position toward the closed position. The return spring 31a is housed in a first recess 164a provided in the holder 161. The return spring 31b is housed in a fourth recess 164b provided in the holder 161. The first recess 164a is arc-shaped centered on the first axis A1. One end of the return spring 31a in the circumferential direction centered on the first axis A1 is connected to the holder 161. The other end of the return spring 31a in the circumferential direction is connected to a spring receiving portion 366a of the cover 36 described later. One end of the return spring 31b in the circumferential direction centered on the first axis A1 is connected to the holder 161. The other end of the return spring 31b in the circumferential direction is connected to a spring receiving portion 366b of the cover 36 described later. The lengths of the return springs 31a, 31b in the rotational direction of the shutter 16 change according to the movement between the closed position and the open position of the shutter 16.

[0052] The lengths of the return springs 31a and 31b in the rotational direction of the shutter 16 change between the first state and the second state. The lengths of the return springs 31a and 31b in the rotational direction of the shutter 16 in the second state are longer than the lengths of the return springs 31a and 31b in the rotational direction of the shutter 16 in the first state. Also, the lengths of the return springs 31a and 31b in the rotational direction of the shutter 16 in the second state are longer than the natural lengths of the return springs 31a and 31b in the rotational direction of the shutter 16. When the shutter 16 is in the closed position, the return springs 31a and 31b are in the first state. When the shutter 16 is in the open position, the return springs 31a and 31b are in the second state.

[0053] The toner coupling 321 is a component that can be connected to a relay coupling 82 (described later) of the drum cartridge 3. The toner coupling 321 can receive a driving force from the relay coupling 82 when connected to the relay coupling 82 (described later). The toner coupling 321 is rotatable about the first axis A1 by receiving a driving force from the relay coupling 82. The toner coupling 321 is connected to one end of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction. Therefore, when the toner coupling 321 rotates, the agitator 20 also rotates about the first axis A1 together with the toner coupling 321.

[0054] The toner coupling 321 has one end and the other end. One end of the toner coupling 321 is located away from the other end of the toner coupling 321 in the first direction. One end of the toner coupling 321 is located farther from the first end 11 of the housing 10 than the other end of the toner coupling 321 in the first direction. The other end of the toner coupling 321 is closer to the first end 11 of the housing 10 than one end of the toner coupling 321 in the first direction.

[0055] The planetary carrier 322 extends radially outward from the other end of the toner coupling 321 in the first direction. In the present embodiment, the toner coupling 321 and the planetary carrier 322 are formed of an integral part. However, the toner coupling 321 and the planetary carrier 322 may be separate parts. The planetary carrier 322 only needs to be rotatable about the first axis A1 together with the toner coupling 321.

[0056] The planetary carrier 322 has a first planetary pin 323a, a second planetary pin 323b, a third planetary pin 323c, and a fourth planetary pin 323d. The first planetary pin 323a, the second planetary pin 323b, the third planetary pin 323c, and the fourth planetary pin 323d each extend from the planetary carrier 322 in the direction from the first end 11 to the second end 12 of the housing 10 in the first direction. The first planetary pin 323a, the second planetary pin 323b, the third planetary pin 323c, and the fourth planetary pin 323d are columnar. The first planetary pin 323a, the second planetary pin 323b, the third planetary pin 323c, and the fourth planetary pin 323d are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction centered on the first axis A1. Preferably, the first planetary pin 323a, the second planetary pin 323b, the third planetary pin 323c, and the fourth planetary pin 323d are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction centered on the first axis A1.

[0057] The first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction centered on the first axis A1. Preferably, the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction centered on the first axis A1.

[0058] The first planetary gear 33a has a first hole 331a. The first planetary pin 323a is inserted into the first hole 331a. The first planetary gear 33a is supported by the first planetary pin 323a. The first planetary gear 33a is rotatable about a first planetary axis 332a passing through the center of the first planetary pin 323a with respect to the planetary carrier 322 in a state where the first planetary pin 323a is inserted into the first hole 331a. The first planetary gear 33a has a plurality of gear teeth 333a on its outer peripheral surface.

[0059] The second planetary gear 33b has a second hole 331b. The second planetary pin 323b is inserted into the second hole 331b. The second planetary gear 33b is supported by the second planetary pin 323b. The second planetary gear 33b is rotatable about a second planetary axis 332b passing through the center of the second planetary pin 323b with respect to the planetary carrier 322 in a state where the second planetary pin 323b is inserted into the second hole 331b. The second planetary gear 33b has a plurality of gear teeth 333b on its outer peripheral surface.

[0060] The third planetary gear 33c has a third hole 331c. The third planetary pin 323c is inserted into the third hole 331c. The third planetary gear 33c is supported by the third planetary pin 323c. The third planetary gear 33c is rotatable about a third planetary axis 332c passing through the center of the third planetary pin 323c with respect to the planetary carrier 322 in a state where the third planetary pin 323c is inserted into the third hole 331c. The third planetary gear 33c has a plurality of gear teeth 333c on its outer peripheral surface.

[0061] The fourth planetary gear 33d has a fourth hole 331d. The fourth planetary pin 323d is inserted into the fourth hole 331d. The fourth planetary gear 33d is supported by the fourth planetary pin 323d. The fourth planetary gear 33d is rotatable about a fourth planetary axis 332d passing through the center of the fourth planetary pin 323d with respect to the planetary carrier 322 in a state where the fourth planetary pin 323d is inserted into the fourth hole 331d. The fourth planetary gear 33d has a plurality of gear teeth 333d on its outer peripheral surface.

[0062] In this embodiment, one planetary carrier 322 supports the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d. Thereby, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d can be accurately positioned with respect to the first planetary gear 33a.

[0063] Further, when the toner coupling 321 rotates about the first axis A1, the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d rotate about the first axis A1 together with the toner coupling 321 and the planetary carrier 322. Thus, the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d are rotatable about their respective planetary axes and can also rotate around the sun gear 351 described later.

[0064] The internal gear 34 is an annular gear that surrounds the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d. The internal gear 34 is arranged such that the position of its central axis coincides with the first axis A1. The internal gear 34 has a plurality of gear teeth 342 on its inner peripheral surface. The gear teeth 333a of the first planetary gear 33a, the gear teeth 333b of the second planetary gear 33b, the gear teeth 333c of the third planetary gear 33c, the gear teeth 333d of the fourth planetary gear 33d, and the gear teeth 342 of the internal gear 34 mesh with each other.

[0065] Further, the internal gear 34 has two arms 341a and 341b. The arms 341a and 341b extend radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the internal gear 34. That is, the arms 341a and 341b extend away from the gear teeth of the internal gear 34 with respect to the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d. The arm 341a fits into the second recess 165a provided in the holder 161. The arm 341b fits into the fifth recess 165b provided in the holder 161. Thereby, the shutter 16 can rotate together with the internal gear 34. Therefore, when the internal gear 34 rotates about the first axis A1, the shutter 16 also rotates about the first axis A1 together with the internal gear 34.

[0066] The sun gear 351 is a gear rotatable about the first axis A1. The first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d are positioned around the sun gear 351. The sun gear 351 has a plurality of gear teeth 354 on its outer peripheral surface. The gear teeth 333a of the first planetary gear 33a, the gear teeth 333b of the second planetary gear 33b, the gear teeth 333c of the third planetary gear 33c, the gear teeth 333d of the fourth planetary gear 33d, and the gear teeth 354 of the sun gear 351 mesh with each other. The sun gear 351 has a circular hole 351A centered on the first axis A1. The toner coupling 321 is inserted into the hole 351A of the sun gear 351.

[0067] The toner coupling 321, the sun gear 351, the four planetary gears 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d, and the internal gear 34 are located on the same plane orthogonal to the first axis A1. In other words, in the radial direction of the agitator shaft 21 orthogonal to the first axis A1, the sun gear 351 is located farther from the first axis A1 than the toner coupling 321. In the radial direction of the agitator shaft 21, the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d are located farther from the first axis A1 than the sun gear 351. In the radial direction of the agitator shaft 21, the internal gear 34 is located farther from the first axis A1 than the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d. More specifically, the toner coupling 321, the sun gear 351, each planetary gear 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d, and the internal gear 34 are arranged in the radial direction of the agitator shaft 21. Thereby, the dimension of the toner cartridge 2 in the first direction is reduced.

[0068] The sun gear 351 has one end portion and the other end portion. One end portion of the sun gear 351 is located away from the other end portion of the sun gear 351 in the first direction. One end portion of the sun gear 351 is located farther from the first end portion 11 of the housing 10 than the other end portion of the sun gear 351 in the first direction. The other end portion of the sun gear 351 is closer to the first end portion 11 of the housing 10 than one end portion of the sun gear 351 in the first direction.

[0069] The rotating plate 352 extends radially outward from one end of the sun gear 351. The rotating plate 352 is rotatable about the first axis A1 together with the sun gear 351. In the present embodiment, the sun gear 351 and the rotating plate 352 are formed of an integral part. However, the sun gear 351 and the rotating plate 352 may be separate parts. The rotating plate 352 only needs to be rotatable about the first axis A1 together with the sun gear 351. The rotating plate 352 has a plurality of grooves 353 on its outer peripheral surface. The plurality of grooves 353 are arranged at intervals along the outer peripheral surface of the rotating plate 352. Preferably, the plurality of grooves 353 are arranged at equal intervals along the outer peripheral surface of the rotating plate 352. Each groove 353 is recessed radially inward from the outer peripheral portion of the rotating plate 352. The shape of the groove 353 when viewed in the first direction is arc-shaped.

[0070] The cover 36 is fixed to the first end portion 11 of the housing 10. The cover 36 has a gear cover portion 361 and a shutter cover portion 362. The gear cover portion 361 is in the shape of a substantially disc centered on the first axis A1. The shutter cover portion 362 extends in the first direction from a part of the outer peripheral portion of the gear cover portion 361 toward the housing 10. The return springs 31a, 31b, the toner coupling 321, the planetary carrier 322, the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, the fourth planetary gear 33d, the internal gear 34, the sun gear 351, the rotating plate 352, and the two bosses 37a, 37b are located between the first end portion 11 of the housing 10 and the gear cover portion 361 in the first direction. The shutter cover portion 362 covers at least a part of the shutter plate 162.

[0071] The shutter cover portion 362 has a communication port 363. In both the case where the shutter 16 is in the closed position and the case where the shutter 16 is in the open position, the communication port 363 is in a position overlapping the toner discharge port 15. When the shutter 16 is in the closed position, the communication port 363 is blocked by the shutter plate 162. When the shutter 16 is in the open position, the shutter opening 163 overlaps the toner discharge port 15 and the communication port 363. Thereby, the storage chamber 14 and the external space of the housing 10 communicate with each other through the toner discharge port 15, the shutter opening 163, and the communication port 363.

[0072] FIG. 11 is a view of the cover 36 viewed in the direction from the second end portion 12 to the first end portion 11 of the housing 10 in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 11, the cover 36 has a center through hole 364, two side through holes 365a, 365b, two spring receiving portions 366a, 366b, and two guide grooves 367a, 367b.

[0073] The center through hole 364 and the two side through holes 365a, 365b penetrate the gear cover portion 361 in the first direction. The center through hole 364 is located at the center of the gear cover portion 361. The shape of the center through hole 364 when viewed in the first direction is circular. The toner coupling 321 is exposed to the outside of the cover 36 through the center through hole 364. The two side through holes 365a, 365b are located around the center through hole 364. The two side through holes 365a, 365b are located on opposite sides of each other with the center through hole 364 interposed therebetween. The shape of the side through holes 365a, 365b when viewed in the first direction is rectangular. A lock member 38a described later is exposed to the outside of the cover 36 through the side through hole 365a. A lock member 38b described later is exposed to the outside of the cover 36 through the side through hole 365b.

[0074] The two spring receivers 366a and 366b protrude in the first direction from the gear cover portion 361 toward the shutter 16. The two spring receivers 366a and 366b are located on opposite sides of each other with the center through hole 364 therebetween. The other end of the above-described return spring 31a is connected to the spring receiver 366a. The other end of the above-described return spring 31b is connected to the spring receiver 366b.

[0075] The guide groove 367a is a groove for guiding the boss 37a. The guide groove 367b is a groove for guiding the boss 37b. The two guide grooves 367a and 367b are located on the surface of the gear cover portion 361 facing the shutter 16 in the first direction. The two guide grooves 367a and 367b are located on opposite sides of each other with the center through hole 364 therebetween. Each of the guide grooves 367a and 367b extends along the rotation direction of the shutter 16. Each of the guide grooves 367a and 367b is arc-shaped. Each of the guide grooves 367a and 367b has one end portion 367A and the other end portion 367B. The one end portion 367A is located closer to the first axis A1 than the other end portion 367B.

[0076] The two bosses 37a and 37b are located around the rotating plate 352. The boss 37a is inserted into the second recess 165a provided in the holder 161. The boss 37b is inserted into the fifth recess 165b provided in the holder 161. Therefore, when the shutter 16 rotates about the first axis A1, the boss 37a moves in the circumferential direction centered on the first axis A1 together with the second recess 165a, and the boss 37b moves in the circumferential direction centered on the first axis A1 together with the fifth recess 165b.

[0077] The second recess 165a extends along the radial direction centered on the first axis A1. Therefore, the boss 37a is movable along the second recess 165a between a first position and a second position radially outside the first position. When the boss 37a is located at the first position, the radially inner end of the boss 37a is located within the groove 353 of the rotating plate 352. When the boss 37a is located at the second position, the entire boss 37a is located outside the groove 353 of the rotating plate 352. The plurality of grooves 353 are arranged on the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the rotating plate 352. Therefore, regardless of the rotational position of the rotating plate 352, the boss can be fitted into the groove 353 of the rotating plate 352.

[0078] The fifth recess 165b extends along the radial direction centered on the first axis A1. Therefore, the boss 37b is movable along the fifth recess 165b between a first position and a second position radially outside the first position. When the boss 37b is located at the first position, the radially inner end of the boss 37b is located within the groove 353 of the rotating plate 352. When the boss 37b is located at the second position, the entire boss 37b is located outside the groove 353 of the rotating plate 352.

[0079] The boss 37a has a guide protrusion 371a. The guide protrusion 371a protrudes in a first direction from the boss 37a toward the guide groove 367a. The boss 37b has a guide protrusion 371b. The guide protrusion 371b protrudes in the first direction from the boss 37b toward the guide groove 367b. FIGS. 12 and 13 are cross-sectional views taken along line A-A of FIG. 9. FIG. 12 shows the case where the shutter 16 is in the closed position. FIG. 13 shows the case where the shutter 16 is in the open position. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the tip of the guide protrusion 371a fits into the guide groove 367a of the cover 36. Also, the tip of the guide protrusion 371b fits into the guide groove 367b of the cover 36.

[0080] When the relay coupling 82 described later is not connected to the toner coupling 321, that is, when no driving force is supplied to the toner coupling 321, due to the elastic forces of the return springs 31a and 31b, the return springs 31a and 31b are in the first state. For this reason, the shutter 16 is located at the closed position. Therefore, the toner discharge port 15 is closed by the shutter plate 162. At this time, as shown in FIG. 12, the guide projection 371a of the boss 37a is located at one end 367A of the guide groove 367a, and the guide projection 371b of the boss 37b is located at one end 367A of the guide groove 367b. Also, the bosses 37a and 37b are located at the first position described above. Therefore, the radially inner ends of the bosses 37a and 37b fit into the grooves 353 of the rotating plate 352. That is, the boss 37a is in a state of fitting into both the second recess 165a of the shutter 16 and the groove 353 of the rotating plate 352. Also, the boss 37b is in a state of fitting into both the fifth recess 165b of the shutter 16 and the groove 353 of the rotating plate 352. Thereby, the shutter 16 and the internal gear 34 can rotate together with the sun gear 351, the rotating plate 352, and the bosses 37a and 37b.

[0081] In this state, the internal gear 34 cannot rotate with respect to the sun gear 351. That is, the internal gear 34 rotates together with the sun gear 351. For this reason, the first planetary gear 33a that meshes with both the internal gear 34 and the sun gear 351 also cannot rotate about the first planetary shaft 332a. Similarly, the second planetary gear 33b also cannot rotate about the second planetary shaft 332b. Similarly, the third planetary gear 33c also cannot rotate about the third planetary shaft 332c. Similarly, the fourth planetary gear 33d also cannot rotate about the fourth planetary shaft 332d.

[0082] Therefore, when a driving force is supplied to the toner coupling 321 in this state, as the toner coupling 321 rotates, the shutter 16 rotates about the first axis A1 together with the planetary carrier 322, the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, the fourth planetary gear 33d, the sun gear 351, the rotating plate 352, the two bosses 37a, 37b, and the internal gear 34. As a result, the shutter 16 moves from the closed position to the open position. Consequently, the toner discharge port 15 is opened.

[0083] When the shutter 16 rotates from the closed position to the open position, the return springs 31a, 31b extend from the first state to the second state. Then, the shutter 16 stops moving by contacting the first stopper surface 18. At this time, as shown in FIG. 13, the guide protrusion 371a of the boss 37a moves from one end 367A to the other end 367B of the guide groove 367a, and the guide protrusion 371b of the boss 37b moves from one end 367A to the other end 367B of the guide groove 367b. Then, the boss 37a moves from the first position to the second position along the second recess 165a, and the boss 37b moves from the first position to the second position along the fifth recess 165b. As a result, the bosses 37a, 37b separate from the grooves 353 of the rotating plate 352. That is, the boss 37a is in a state of fitting into the second recess 165 of the shutter 16 without fitting into the groove 353 of the rotating plate 352, and the boss 37b is in a state of fitting into the fifth recess 165b of the shutter 16 without fitting into the groove 353 of the rotating plate 352. Thereby, the sun gear 351 and the rotating plate 352 become rotatable with respect to the shutter 16 and the internal gear 34.

[0084] As described above, when the shutter 16 contacts the first stopper surface 18, the rotation of the shutter 16 and the internal gear 34 stops. However, since the bosses 37a and 37b separate from the groove 353 of the rotating plate 352, the sun gear 351 becomes rotatable with respect to the internal gear 34. Therefore, the first planetary gear 33a rotates about the first planetary shaft 332a while meshing with the internal gear 34 and the sun gear 351. Similarly, the second planetary gear 33b rotates about the second planetary shaft 332b while meshing with the internal gear 34 and the sun gear 351. Similarly, the third planetary gear 33c rotates about the third planetary shaft 332c while meshing with the internal gear 34 and the sun gear 351. Similarly, the fourth planetary gear 33d rotates about the second planetary shaft 332d while meshing with the internal gear 34 and the sun gear 351. As a result, the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d move circumferentially around the sun gear 351 while rotating about their respective planetary shafts. Also, the sun gear 351 rotates about the first shaft A1 due to meshing with the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, and the fourth planetary gear 33d. The rotational speed of the sun gear 351 at this time is faster than the rotational speed of the toner coupling 321.

[0085] In this way, in the state where the bosses 37a and 37b are located at the second position, the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, the fourth planetary gear 33d, and the sun gear 351 can rotate with respect to the internal gear 34. For this reason, as the toner coupling 321 rotates, the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, the fourth planetary gear 33d, and the sun gear 351 rotate, but the internal gear 34 remains in a non-rotating state. Therefore, after the shutter 16 moves to the open position, even if the toner coupling 321 rotates further, the shutter 16 remains stationary at the open position.

[0086] Further, the toner coupling 321 is connected to one end of the agitator shaft 21. Therefore, when the toner coupling 321 rotates about the first axis A1, the agitator 20 also rotates about the first axis A1. Accordingly, even after the shutter 16 has come to rest in the open position as described above, the agitator 20 continues to rotate as the toner coupling 321 rotates. Thereby, the toner in the housing 10 is agitated.

[0087] In this way, this toner cartridge 2 can achieve both the movement of the shutter 16 and the rotation of the agitator 20 as the toner coupling 321 rotates. Specifically, as the toner coupling 321 rotates, the agitator 20 can be rotated and the shutter 16 can be moved from the closed position to the open position. Further, when the shutter 16 moves from the closed position to the open position, the bosses 37a, 37b move from the first position to the second position. Then, the first planetary gear 33a, the second planetary gear 33b, the third planetary gear 33c, the fourth planetary gear 33d, and the sun gear 351 rotate idly, and the internal gear 34 stops rotating. Thereby, the rotation of the agitator 20 can be continued while the shutter 16 is maintained in the open position.

[0088] Thereafter, when the supply of the driving force to the toner coupling 321 is stopped, the return springs 31a, 31b contract from the second state to the first state by their elastic force. Thereby, the shutter 16 moves from the open position to the closed position again. As a result, the toner discharge port 15 is closed again by the shutter plate 162.

[0089] The two locking members 38a, 38b are members for locking the rotation of the shutter 16. The locking member 38a (first locking portion) fits into a third recess 166a provided in the holder 161. The locking member 38b (second locking portion) fits into a sixth recess 166b provided in the holder 161.

[0090] The lock member 38a has a lock projection 381a and a locking spring 382a. The lock projection 381a is movable in the first direction between a locked position and a release position that is farther from the cover 36 than the locked position in the first direction. When the lock projection 381a is in the locked position, the lock projection 381a is located outside the third recess 165a. When the lock projection 381a is in the release position, the lock projection 381a is located inside the third recess 165a.

[0091] The lock member 38b has a lock projection 381b and a locking spring 382b. The lock projection 381b is movable in the first direction between a locked position and a release position that is farther from the cover 36 than the locked position in the first direction. When the lock projection 381b is in the locked position, the lock projection 381b is located outside the sixth recess 165b. When the lock projection 381b is in the release position, the lock projection 381b is located inside the sixth recess 165b.

[0092] The locking spring 382a is located between the lock projection 381a and the holder 161. The locking spring 382a is an elastic member (locking elastic member). The length of the locking spring 382a in the first direction changes between an extended state and a contracted state. The length of the locking spring 382a in the first direction in the extended state is longer than the length of the locking spring 382a in the first direction in the contracted state. When the locking spring 382a is in the extended state, the lock projection 381a is in the locked position. When the locking spring 382a is in the contracted state, the lock projection 381a is in the release position. The lock projection 381a is always biased toward the locked position from the release position by the elastic force of the locking spring 382a.

[0093] The locking spring 382b is positioned between the locking projection 381b and the holder 161. The locking spring 382b is an elastic member (locking elastic member). The length of the locking spring 382b in the first direction changes between an extended state and a contracted state. The length of the locking spring 382b in the first direction in the extended state is longer than the length of the locking spring 382b in the first direction in the contracted state. When the locking spring 382b is in the extended state, the locking projection 381b is located at the locking position. When the locking spring 382b is in the contracted state, the locking projection 381b is located at the release position. The locking projection 381b is always biased by the elastic force of the locking spring 382b from the release position toward the locking position.

[0094] The locking projection 381a projects from the locking member 38a toward the side through-hole 365a. When the locking spring 382a is in the extended state and the locking projection 38a is located at the locking position, the locking projection 381a is inserted into the side through-hole 365a of the cover 36. The locking projection 381b projects from the locking member 38b toward the side through-hole 365b. When the locking spring 382b is in the extended state and the locking projection 38b is located at the locking position, the locking projection 381b is inserted into the side through-hole 365b of the cover 36.

[0095] In a state where the locking projection 381a is inserted into the side through-hole 365a, the locking member 38a contacts both the cover 36 and the holder 161. In a state where the locking projection 381b is inserted into the side through-hole 365b, the locking member 38b contacts both the cover 36 and the holder 161. In this state, with respect to the housing 10 and the cover 36, the shutter 16 is not rotatable about the first axis A1. Therefore, the shutter 16 cannot move from the closed position to the open position.

[0096] When the unlocking members 81 (to be described later) of the drum cartridge 3 push the lock protrusions 381a and 381b in the first direction toward the holder 161, the lock springs 382a and 382b contract from the extended state to the contracted state. As a result, the lock protrusions 381a and 381b move from the locked position to the unlocked position. Then, the lock protrusion 381a comes out of the side through-hole 365a of the cover 36, and the lock protrusion 381b comes out of the side through-hole 365b of the cover 36. As a result, the lock protrusions 381a and 381b separate from the cover 36. In this state, the lock members 38a and 38b and the shutter 16 can rotate about the first axis A1 with respect to the housing 10 and the cover 36. Therefore, the shutter 16 can move from the closed position to the open position.

[0097] In the structure of the present embodiment, the lock of the shutter 16 is not released unless the two lock protrusions 381a and 381b are pressed simultaneously. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the lock of the shutter 16 from being released due to a user's incorrect operation in a state where the toner cartridge 2 is not mounted on the drum cartridge 3.

[0098] FIGS. 14 and 15 are cross-sectional views of the connection portion between the agitator shaft 21 and the toner coupling 321 (a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 9). As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the toner coupling 321 has two clutch holes 324a and 324b. The clutch holes 324a and 324b are through-holes penetrating the toner coupling 321 in the first direction or recesses recessed in the first direction. Further, the clutch holes 324 are arc-shaped about the first axis A1. On the other hand, the agitator shaft 21 has two clutch claws 211a and 211b. The two clutch claws 211a and 211b are located at one end of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction.

[0099] The clutch pawl 211a is inserted into the clutch hole 324a. The clutch pawl 211b is inserted into the clutch hole 324b. The circumferential width of the clutch hole 324a centered on the first axis A1 is larger than the circumferential width of the clutch pawl 211a centered on the first axis A1. The circumferential width of the clutch hole 324b centered on the first axis A1 is larger than the circumferential width of the clutch pawl 211b centered on the first axis A1. Also, the circumferential angle of the clutch holes 324a and 324b centered on the first axis A1 is substantially the same as or larger than the angle by which the shutter 16 rotates about the first axis A1 between the closed position and the open position.

[0100] When the shutter 16 moves from the closed position to the open position, the toner coupling 321 rotates about the first axis A1 in the same direction as the direction in which the shutter 16 moves from the closed position to the open position (the direction of the arrow in FIG. 14). At this time, the clutch pawl 211a contacts one circumferential end of the clutch hole 324a, and the clutch pawl 211b contacts one circumferential end of the clutch hole 324b. Thereby, the rotation of the toner coupling 321 is transmitted to the agitator 20. Accordingly, together with the toner coupling 321, the agitator 20 rotates in the same direction as the direction in which the shutter 16 moves from the closed position to the open position. Also, even after the shutter 16 has moved from the closed position to the open position, similarly, the agitator 20 rotates together with the toner coupling 321.

[0101] When the shutter 16 moves from the open position to the closed position, the toner coupling 321 rotates about the first axis A1 in the rotational direction (the direction of the arrow in FIG. 15) in which the shutter 16 moves from the open position to the closed position together with the shutter 16. That is, the rotational direction of the toner coupling 321 when the shutter 16 moves from the open position to the closed position is opposite to the rotational direction of the toner coupling 321 when the shutter 16 moves from the closed position to the open position. At this time, one end in the circumferential direction of the clutch hole 324a moves away from the clutch claw 211a, and one end in the circumferential direction of the clutch hole 324b moves away from the clutch claw 211b. However, the other end in the circumferential direction of the clutch hole 324a does not contact the clutch claw 211a, and the other end in the circumferential direction of the clutch hole 324b does not contact the clutch claw 211b. For this reason, the rotation of the toner coupling 321 is not transmitted to the agitator 20. Thereby, the agitator 20 is prevented from rotating in the same direction as the direction in which the shutter 16 moves from the open position to the closed position.

[0102] As described above, in the present embodiment, the clutch holes 324a and 324b and the clutch claws 211a and 211b constitute a clutch that suppresses the agitator 20 from rotating together with the toner coupling 321 when the shutter 16 moves from the open position to the closed position.

[0103] The IC chip assembly 40 is located at the second end portion 12 of the housing 10. The IC chip assembly 40 includes an IC chip 41 that is a storage medium and a chip holder 42 that holds the IC chip 41. The IC chip 41 is fixed to the outer surface of the chip holder 42. The IC chip 41 can store various information regarding the toner cartridge 2. Specifically, the IC chip 41 stores information indicating the capacity or remaining amount of toner stored in the toner cartridge 2. Further, the IC chip 41 may store other information indicating the specifications of the toner cartridge 2. For example, the IC chip 41 may store the type of toner, the manufacturing serial number of the toner cartridge 2, an identification code indicating that it is a genuine product, compatible models, and the like.

[0104] The IC chip 41 has an electrical contact surface 411. The electrical contact surface 411 is made of a metal which is a conductor. The electrical contact surface 411 is exposed on the outer surface of the second end portion 12 of the housing 10. Note that only the electrical contact surface 411 of the IC chip 41 is located on the outer surface of the second end portion 12 of the housing 10, and the portions of the IC chip 41 other than the electrical contact surface 411 may be located at other portions of the housing 10.

[0105] The chip holder 42 is movable with respect to the housing 10 in the first direction. When the chip holder 42 moves in the first direction, the electrical contact surface 411 of the IC chip 41 also moves in the first direction with respect to the housing 10.

[0106] Also, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 4, the toner cartridge 2 has an IC chip spring 43 (second elastic member). The IC chip spring 43 is located between the second end portion 12 of the housing 10 and the chip holder 42. When the drum cartridge 3 to which the toner cartridge 2 is attached is attached to the main body frame 4, a drum contact 91 described later contacts the electrical contact surface 411 of the IC chip 41. At this time, the IC chip spring 43 presses the electrical contact surface 411 in the first direction toward the drum contact 91 by the elastic force of the IC chip spring 43. Thereby, the contact between the electrical contact surface 411 and the drum contact 91 is stabilized.

[0107] <3. Regarding the drum cartridge> Subsequently, the structure of the drum cartridge 3 will be described. FIGS. 16 and 17 are perspective views of the drum cartridge 3. The drum cartridge 3 has a drum frame 50, four developing rollers 60, four photosensitive drums 70, four unlocking members 81, four relay couplings 82, four contact members 83, a plurality of tension springs 84, and a wiring portion 90.

[0108] The drum frame 50 can accommodate four toner cartridges 2. The drum frame 50 has a first side frame 51, a second side frame 52, and a third frame 53. The first side frame 51 and the second side frame 52 are each in a substantially flat plate shape that extends perpendicular to the first direction. The first side frame 51 and the second side frame 52 are spaced apart in the first direction. The third frame 53 connects the first side frame 51 and the second side frame 52 in the first direction. The four toner cartridges 2 are inserted between the first side frame 51 and the second side frame 52.

[0109] The developing roller 60 is a roller rotatable about a rotation axis (developing axis) extending in the first direction. The developing roller 60 of the present embodiment is a magnetic roller. One end portion of the developing roller 60 in the first direction is supported by the first side frame 51. The other end portion of the developing roller 60 in the first direction is supported by the second side frame 52. The four developing rollers 60 are arranged side by side with a space therebetween in the second direction.

[0110] When the toner cartridge 2 is attached to the drum frame 50, the toner discharge port 15 of the toner cartridge 2 faces the outer surface of the developing roller 60. Further, when the drum cartridge 3 with the toner cartridge 2 attached is attached to the main body frame 4, the developing roller 60 rotates by the driving force supplied from the image forming apparatus 1. Then, when the shutter 16 moves from the closed position to the open position and the toner discharge port 15 is opened, the toner in the toner cartridge 2 is supplied to the outer surface of the developing roller 60 through the toner discharge port 15.

[0111] The photosensitive drum 70 is a drum rotatable about a rotation axis (drum axis) extending in a first direction. One end of the photosensitive drum 70 in the first direction is supported by the first side frame 51. The other end of the photosensitive drum 70 in the first direction is supported by the second side frame 52. The four photosensitive drums 70 are arranged side by side at intervals in a second direction. The outer surface of the photosensitive drum 70 is covered with a photosensitive material. The outer surface of the developing roller 60 and the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 70 are separated from each other.

[0112] When the drum cartridge 3 with the toner cartridge 2 attached is mounted on the main body frame 4, the photosensitive drum 70 rotates by the driving force supplied from the image forming apparatus 1. Also, during printing processing, light is irradiated from a light source (not shown) inside the main body frame 4 toward the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 70. Thereby, the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 70 is partially exposed. Then, the toner carried on the outer surface of the developing roller 60 is supplied to the exposed portion of the photosensitive drum 70. Thereafter, the toner is transferred from the photosensitive drum 70 to the printing paper. Thereby, an image made of toner is formed on the printing paper.

[0113] FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 1 showing a state in which the drum cartridge 3 with the toner cartridge 2 attached is being inserted into the main body frame 4. As shown in FIG. 18, the unlocking member 81, the relay coupling 82, the contact member 83, and the tension spring 84 are located on the first side frame 51.

[0114] The unlocking member 81 is a component for unlocking the shutter 16 by the locking members 38a, 38b of the toner cartridge 2. The unlocking member 81 is movable in the first direction between a retracted position and an advanced position. The unlocking member 81 located at the advanced position is closer to the second side frame 52 in the first direction than the unlocking member 81 located at the retracted position.

[0115] The unlocking member 81 has a first pressing portion 811 and a second pressing portion 812. The first pressing portion 811 and the second pressing portion 812 each project toward the second side frame 52. When the unlocking member 81 is in the advanced position in a state where the toner cartridge 2 is mounted on the drum frame 50, the first pressing portion 811 presses the locking projection 381a of the toner cartridge 2, and the second pressing portion 812 presses the locking projection 381b of the toner cartridge 2.

[0116] The relay coupling 82 is a component for supplying a driving force to the toner coupling 321 of the toner cartridge 2. The relay coupling 82 is rotatable about a rotation axis (coupling axis) extending in the first direction. Also, the relay coupling 82 is movable in the first direction between a retracted position and an advanced position together with the unlocking member 81. The relay coupling 82 in the advanced position is closer to the second side frame 52 in the first direction than the relay coupling 82 in the retracted position. When the relay coupling 82 is in the advanced position in a state where the toner cartridge 2 is mounted on the drum frame 50, the relay coupling 82 can be connected to the toner coupling 321.

[0117] The contact member 83 is a member that contacts the first side plate 401 of the main body frame 4 when the drum cartridge 3 is mounted on the main body frame 4. The contact member 83 is movable in the first direction between a retracted position and an advanced position together with the unlocking member 81 and the relay coupling 82. The contact member 83 in the advanced position is closer to the second side frame 52 in the first direction than the contact member 83 in the retracted position. The contact member 83 has an inclined surface 831. The inclined surface 831 is inclined with respect to the second direction.

[0118] The pulling spring 84 is an elastic member for biasing the unlocking member 81, the relay coupling 82, and the contact member 83 from the extended position to the retracted position. One end of the pulling spring 84 in the first direction is connected to the first side frame 51. The other end of the pulling spring 84 in the first direction is connected to the unlocking member 81. The length of the pulling spring 84 in the first direction changes between the extended state and the contracted state. The length of the pulling spring 84 in the first direction in the extended state is longer than the length of the pulling spring 84 in the first direction in the contracted state. Also, the length of the pulling spring 84 in the first direction in the extended state is longer than the natural length of the pulling spring 84. The unlocking member 81, the relay coupling 82, and the contact member 83 are always biased by the pulling spring 84 from the extended position to the retracted position.

[0119] When the drum cartridge 3 is not attached to the main body frame 4, the pulling spring 84 is in the contracted state. Accordingly, the unlocking member 81, the relay coupling 82, and the contact member 83 are located at the retracted positions. In this case, the unlocking member 81 is located at a position separated from the locking members 38a, 38b of the toner cartridge 2 in the first direction. Specifically, the first pressing portion 811 is located at a position separated from the locking member 38a of the toner cartridge 2 in the first direction, and the second pressing portion 812 is located at a position separated from the locking member 38b of the toner cartridge 2 in the first direction. Also, the relay coupling 82 is located at a position separated from the toner coupling 321. At this time, the locking members 38a, 38b of the toner cartridge 2 are located at the locked positions. Also, no power is supplied to the toner coupling 321.

[0120] When the drum cartridge 3 with the toner cartridge 2 attached is mounted on the main body frame 4, a part of the contact member 83 contacts the inner surface of the main body frame 4. Specifically, the inclined surface 831 of the contact member 83 contacts the first side plate 401. Then, the contact member 83 moves from the retracted position to the advanced position. And together with the contact member 83, the lock release member 81 also moves from the retracted position to the advanced position. As a result, the first pressing portion 811 of the lock release member 81 presses the lock projection 381a in the first direction, and the second pressing portion 812 of the lock release member 81 presses the lock projection 381b in the first direction. Consequently, the lock projections 381a, 381b move from the locked position to the released position, and the locking of the movement of the shutter 16 by the lock members 38a, 38b is released.

[0121] Also, at this time, together with the contact member 83, the relay coupling 82 also moves from the retracted position to the advanced position. Thereby, the relay coupling 82 is connected to the toner coupling 321. After that, when the relay coupling 82 rotates by the driving force from the image forming apparatus 1, the toner coupling 321 also rotates together with the relay coupling 82.

[0122] As described above, in this image forming apparatus 1, the lock release member 81 that presses the lock members 38a, 38b of the toner cartridge 2 is provided on the drum cartridge 3, not on the main body frame 4 of the image forming apparatus 1. For this reason, the lock release member 81 can be positioned more accurately with respect to the lock members 38a, 38b than when the lock release member 81 is provided on the main body frame 4. Therefore, the lock members 38a, 38b can be pressed accurately by the lock release member 81.

[0123] Also, in this image forming apparatus 1, along with the operation of mounting the drum cartridge 3 on the main body frame 4, the lock release member 81 moves from the retracted position to the advanced position. For this reason, the lock release member 81 can be moved from the retracted position to the advanced position without depending on the power obtained from the motor in the image forming apparatus 1.

[0124] Also, when the drum cartridge 3 is not attached to the main body frame 4, the unlocking member 81 is located at the retracted position. Therefore, the operation of attaching the toner cartridge 2 to the drum frame 50 is not obstructed by the unlocking member 81.

[0125] Further, in this image forming apparatus 1, an intermediate coupling 82 for supplying a driving force to the toner coupling 321 of the toner cartridge 2 is provided not on the main body frame 4 of the image forming apparatus 1 but on the drum cartridge 3. Therefore, the intermediate coupling 82 can be positioned more accurately with respect to the toner coupling 321 than when the intermediate coupling 82 is provided on the main body frame 4. Accordingly, the intermediate coupling 82 can be connected to the toner coupling 321 accurately.

[0126] The wiring portion 90 is a portion that electrically connects the IC chip 41 of the toner cartridge 2 and the main body connector 403 of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 1 showing a state in which the drum cartridge 3 with the toner cartridge 2 attached is being inserted into the main body frame 4. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 19, the wiring portion 90 includes four drum contacts 91a to 91d, a drum harness 92, a drum connector 93, four contact holders 94a to 94d (contact holders 94c to 94d are not shown), and eight contact springs 95a to 95h (contact springs 95f to 95h are not shown).

[0127] The four drum contacts 91a to 91d are electrically connected to the drum connector 93 via the drum harness 92. The drum connector 93 is located on the third frame 53. When the drum cartridge 3 with the toner cartridge 2 attached is attached to the main body frame 4, the drum connector 93 contacts the main body connector 403. Thereby, the drum connector 93 and the main body connector 403 are electrically connected.

[0128] The four drum contacts 91a - 91d are located on the second side frame 52. The four drum contacts 91a - 91d are arranged side by side at intervals in the second direction. The four contact holders 94a - 94d are located on the second side frame 52. The four contact holders 94 are arranged side by side at intervals in the second direction. The drum contact 91a is held by the contact holder 94a. The drum contact 91a is located on the surface of the contact holder 94a facing the first side frame 51. The drum contact 91b is held by the contact holder 94b. The drum contact 91b is located on the surface of the contact holder 94b facing the first side frame 51. The drum contact 91c is held by the contact holder 94c. The drum contact 91c is located on the surface of the contact holder 94c facing the first side frame 51. The drum contact 91d is held by the contact holder 94d. The drum contact 91d is located on the surface of the contact holder 94d facing the first side frame 51.

[0129] The contact holder 94a includes an inclined surface 941. The inclined surface 941 is inclined with respect to the second direction. When the drum cartridge 3 is mounted on the main body frame 4, the inclined surface 941 contacts the second side plate 402 of the main body frame 4. Also, the contact holder 94a has two protrusions 942. The two protrusions 942 protrude in the first direction from the surface of the contact holder 94a facing the first side frame 51 toward the first side frame 51. The contact holders 94b - 94d also have inclined surfaces 941 and protrusions 942 similar to those of the contact holder 94a.

[0130] The drum contacts 91a - 91d and the contact holders 94a - 94d are movable in the first direction between a separated position and a contact position. When the drum contacts 91a - 91d are in the contact position, they are closer to the first side frame 51 in the first direction than when they are in the separated position. Also, when the contact holders 94a - 94d are in the contact position, they are closer to the first side frame 51 in the first direction than when they are in the separated position.

[0131] The two contact springs 95a and 95b are elastic members (first elastic members) for biasing the drum contacts 91a and the contact holders 94a from the contact position toward the separated position. The two contact springs 95c and 95d are elastic members (first elastic members) for biasing the drum contacts 91b and the contact holders 94b from the contact position toward the separated position. The two contact springs 95e and 95f are elastic members (first elastic members) for biasing the drum contacts 91c and the contact holders 94c from the contact position toward the separated position. The two contact springs 95g and 95h are elastic members (first elastic members) for biasing the drum contacts 91d and the contact holders 94d from the contact position toward the separated position.

[0132] One end of the contact springs 95a and 95b in the first direction is connected to the contact holder 94a. One end of the contact springs 95c and 95d in the first direction is connected to the contact holder 94b. One end of the contact springs 95e and 95f in the first direction is connected to the contact holder 94c. One end of the contact springs 95g and 95h in the first direction is connected to the contact holder 94d. The other ends of the contact springs 95a to 95h in the first direction are connected to the second side frame 52.

[0133] The lengths of the contact springs 95a to 95h in the first direction change between the extended state and the contracted state. The length of the contact springs 95a to 95h in the first direction in the extended state is longer than the length of the contact springs 95a to 95h in the first direction in the contracted state. Also, the length of the contact springs 95a to 95h in the first direction in the extended state is longer than the natural length of the contact springs 95a to 95h. The drum contacts 91a and the contact holders 94a are always biased from the contact position toward the separated position by the contact springs 95a and 95b. The drum contacts 91b and the contact holders 94b are always biased from the contact position toward the separated position by the contact springs 95c and 95d. The drum contacts 91c and the contact holders 94c are always biased from the contact position toward the separated position by the contact springs 95e and 95f. The drum contacts 91d and the contact holders 94d are always biased from the contact position toward the separated position by the contact springs 95g and 95h.

[0134] When the drum cartridge 3 is not attached to the main body frame 4, the contact springs 95a to 95h are in a contracted state. Accordingly, the drum contacts 91a to 91d and the contact holders 94a to 94d are located at separated positions. In this case, the drum contacts 91a to 91d are positioned at positions separated from the electrical contact surface 411 of the IC chip 41 in the first direction.

[0135] When the drum cartridge 3 with the toner cartridge 2 attached is attached to the main body frame 4, a part of the contact holders 94a to 94d comes into contact with the inner surface of the main body frame 4. Specifically, the inclined surfaces 941 of the contact holders 94a to 94d come into contact with the second side plate 402. Then, the contact holders 94a to 94d move from the separated positions to the contact positions. Along with the contact holders 94a to 94d, the drum contacts 91a to 91d also move from the separated positions to the contact positions. As a result, the drum contacts 91a to 91d come into contact with the electrical contact surface 411 of the IC chip 41. As a result, the information stored in the IC chip 41 can be relayed to the control unit 5 via the drum contacts 91a to 91d, the drum harness 92, the drum connector 93, the main body connector 403, and the main body harness 404.

[0136] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the toner cartridge 2 has two recesses 121. The two recesses 121 are located at the second end portion 12 of the housing 10. Each recess 121 is recessed in the first direction toward the first end portion 11 of the housing 10. When the contact holders 94a to 94d move from the separated positions to the contact positions, the protrusions 942 of the contact holders 94a to 94d are inserted into the recesses 121. Thereby, the contact holder 94 is accurately positioned with respect to the toner cartridge 2. As a result, the drum contacts 91 can be accurately brought into contact with the electrical contact surface 411 of the IC chip 41.

[0137] As described above, in this image forming apparatus 1, according to the operation of mounting the drum cartridge 3 on the main body frame 4, the drum contacts 91a to 91d move in the first direction from the separated position to the contact position. Therefore, the drum contacts 91a to 91d can be moved from the separated position to the contact position without depending on the power obtained from the motor in the image forming apparatus 1. Also, when the toner cartridge 2 is mounted on the drum cartridge 3, it is possible to suppress the rubbing between the electrical contact surface 411 of the IC chip 41 and the drum contacts 91a to 91d.

[0138] Also, when the drum cartridge 3 is not mounted on the main body frame 4, the drum contacts 91a to 91d and the contact holders 94a to 94d are located at the separated positions. Therefore, the operation of mounting the toner cartridge 2 on the drum frame 50 is not obstructed by the drum contacts 91a to 91d and the contact holders 94a to 94d.

[0139] <4. Modification Example> As described above, one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Hereinafter, various modification examples will be described centering on the differences from the above-described embodiment.

[0140] <4-1. First Modification Example> FIG. 20 is a partially exploded perspective view of the toner cartridge 2 of the first modification example. The toner cartridge 2 of the first modification example is different from the above-described embodiment in that it does not have the return springs 31a and 31b and that the shutter 16 has a lever 168. The lever 168 protrudes outward from the outer peripheral portion of the holder 161. Also, the lever 168 is located on the side opposite to the shutter plate 162 with the first axis A1 interposed therebetween.

[0141] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a state in which a drum cartridge 3 with a toner cartridge 2 of the first modification mounted thereon is mounted on a main body frame 4 of an image forming apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 21, the main body frame 4 has a third plate 405. The third plate 405 is located between a first side plate 401 and a second side plate 402 in a first direction. Further, in a state where the drum cartridge 3 with the toner cartridge 2 mounted thereon is mounted on the main body frame 4, the third plate 405 faces the lever 168 of the toner cartridge 2 in a third direction.

[0142] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a state when the drum cartridge 3 with the toner cartridge 2 of the first modification mounted thereon is removed from the main body frame 4. As shown in FIG. 22, the drum cartridge 3 first moves in a third direction toward the third plate 405. At this time, when the lever 168 contacts the third plate 405, the shutter 16 moves from the open position to the closed position. As a result, the toner discharge port 15 is blocked by the shutter plate 162. Thereafter, the drum cartridge 3 is pulled out in a second direction.

[0143] In this way, without providing the return springs 31a and 31b, the shutter 16 can be moved from the open position to the closed position according to the operation of pulling out the drum cartridge 3 from the main body frame 4. Therefore, the number of parts of the toner cartridge 2 can be reduced.

[0144] <4-2. Second Modification> In the above embodiment, the return springs 31a and 31b use the force of shrinking from the second state, which is longer than the natural length, to the first state to move the shutter 16 from the open position to the closed position. However, the return springs 31a and 31b may use the force of extending from the third state, which is shorter than the natural length, to the fourth state, which is longer than the third state, to move the shutter 16 from the open position to the closed position.

[0145] <4-3. Third Modification> In the above-described embodiment, the toner cartridge 2 had four planetary gears 33a to 33d. However, the number of planetary gears included in the toner cartridge 2 may be 1 to 3, or may be 5 or more.

[0146] <4-4. Fourth Modification Example> In the above-described embodiment, four toner cartridges 2 could be mounted on one drum cartridge 3. However, the number of toner cartridges 2 that can be mounted on one drum cartridge 3 may be 1 to 3, or may be 5 or more. Similarly, the number of developing rollers 60 included in the drum cartridge 3 may be 1 to 3, or may be 5 or more. Also, the number of photosensitive drums 70 included in the drum cartridge 3 may be 1 to 3, or may be 5 or more. Further, the number of relay couplings 82 included in the drum cartridge 3 may be 1 to 3, or may be 5 or more. Also, the number of drum contacts 91a to 91d included in the drum cartridge 3 may be 1 to 3, or may be 5 or more.

[0147] <4-5. Fifth Modification Example> The toner coupling and the relay coupling may be gears.

[0148] <4-6. Sixth Modification Example> The sun gear, the planetary gear, and the internal gear may have no gear teeth and transmit power by friction such as rubber.

[0149] <4-7. Seventh Modification Example> The toner cartridge of the above-described embodiment included an agitator as a conveying member. However, the toner cartridge may include a screw-shaped auger as a conveying member.

[0150] <4-8. Others> Regarding the detailed shapes of the respective components constituting the image forming apparatus, they may be different from the shapes shown in the respective figures of the present application. Further, each element appearing in the above-described embodiments and modification examples may be appropriately selected within a range where no contradiction occurs.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0151] 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Toner cartridge 3 Drum cartridge 4 Main body frame 5 Control unit 10 Housing 15 Toner discharge port 16 Shutter 20 Agitator 31a, 31b Return spring 33a~33d Planet gears 34 Internal gear 36 Cover 37a, 37b Boss 38a, 38b Lock member 41 IC chip 50 Drum frame 60 Developing roller 70 Photosensitive drum 81 Lock release member 82 Relay coupling 83 Contact member 84 Tension spring 91a~91d Drum contacts 94a~94d Contact holders 95a~95h Springs for contacts 321 Toner coupling 322 Planet carrier 351 Sun gear 352 Rotating plate A1 First axis

Claims

1. A drum cartridge detachable from a main body frame of an image forming apparatus, comprising: a photosensitive drum rotatable about a drum shaft extending in a first direction; a drum frame to which a toner cartridge having a storage medium with an electrical contact surface is detachable, the drum frame including a first side frame located at one end of the photosensitive drum in the first direction and a second side frame located at the other end of the photosensitive drum in the first direction; a drum contact located on the second side frame, the drum contact being movable in the first direction between a separation position spaced from the electrical contact surface and a contact position in contact with the electrical contact surface when the toner cartridge is mounted on the drum frame; and when the drum cartridge is mounted on the main body frame, the drum contact moves from the separation position to the contact position; the drum contact relays information stored in the storage medium to the image forming apparatus when the toner cartridge is mounted on the drum frame and the drum cartridge is mounted on the main body frame; the drum frame further includes a third frame connecting the first side frame and the second side frame; and the drum cartridge further includes a drum connector located on the third frame, the drum connector being electrically connectable to a main body connector of the main body frame and contacting the main body connector when the drum cartridge is mounted on the main body frame; and a harness connecting the drum contact and the drum connector, the harness being electrically connectable to the drum contact and the drum connector. A drum cartridge, characterized by further comprising the above.

2. A drum cartridge detachable from a main body frame of an image forming apparatus, comprising: a photosensitive drum rotatable about a drum shaft extending in a first direction; a drum frame to which a toner cartridge having a storage medium with an electrical contact surface is detachable, the drum frame including a first side frame located at one end of the photosensitive drum in the first direction and a second side frame located at the other end of the photosensitive drum in the first direction; A drum contact located on the second side frame, which is movable in the first direction between a separation position spaced apart from the electrical contact surface and a contact position in contact with the electrical contact surface when the toner cartridge is mounted on the drum frame. Comprising: When the drum cartridge is mounted on the main body frame, the drum contact moves from the separation position to the contact position. The drum cartridge is detachable from the main body frame in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The drum cartridge is characterized by comprising a plurality of the photosensitive drums spaced apart in the second direction.

3. A drum cartridge detachable from a main body frame of an image forming apparatus, A photosensitive drum rotatable about a drum shaft extending in a first direction, A drum frame to which a toner cartridge having a storage medium with an electrical contact surface is detachable, the drum frame having a first side frame located at one end of the photosensitive drum in the first direction and a second side frame located at the other end of the photosensitive drum in the first direction. A drum contact located on the second side frame, which is movable in the first direction between a separation position spaced apart from the electrical contact surface and a contact position in contact with the electrical contact surface when the toner cartridge is mounted on the drum frame. Comprising: When the drum cartridge is mounted on the main body frame, the drum contact moves from the separation position to the contact position. A contact holder for holding the drum contact, the contact holder being movable in the first direction between the separation position and the contact position together with the drum contact. Further comprising: When the toner cartridge is mounted on the drum frame and the drum cartridge is mounted on the main body frame, the contact holder moves from the separation position to the contact position. A drum cartridge characterized by this.

4. The drum cartridge according to claim 3, When the drum cartridge is mounted on the main body frame, the contact holder contacts the inner surface of the main body frame and moves from the separation position to the contact position. A drum cartridge characterized by this.

5. The drum cartridge according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the contact holder has a protrusion protruding in the first direction, the toner cartridge has a recess recessed in the first direction, when the toner cartridge is mounted on the drum frame and the drum cartridge is mounted on the main body frame, the protrusion is inserted into the recess, characterized in that the drum cartridge.

6. A drum cartridge detachable from the main body frame of an image forming apparatus, a photosensitive drum rotatable about a drum shaft extending in a first direction, a drum frame to which a toner cartridge having a storage medium having an electrical contact surface is detachable, the first side frame located at one end of the photosensitive drum in the first direction, and the second side frame located at the other end of the photosensitive drum in the first direction, and a drum frame having a drum contact located on the second side frame, the drum contact movable in the first direction between a separation position spaced from the electrical contact surface and a contact position in contact with the electrical contact surface when the toner cartridge is mounted on the drum frame, comprising when the drum cartridge is mounted on the main body frame, the drum contact moves from the separation position to the contact position, the toner cartridge a shutter movable between a closed position closing the toner supply port and an open position opening the toner supply port, a locking member for locking the movement of the shutter, the locking member located at one end of the toner cartridge in the first direction, having the drum cartridge a lock release member located on the first side frame, the lock release member movable in the first direction between a retracted position and a protruding position further comprising in a state where the toner cartridge is mounted on the drum frame, when the lock release member is located at the retracted position, the lock release member is located away from the lock member in the first direction, when the lock release member is located at the protruding position, the lock release member presses the lock member in the first direction to release the lock of the movement of the shutter by the lock member, characterized in that the drum cartridge.

7. The drum cartridge according to claim 6, wherein The unlocking member when located at the access position is closer to the second side frame in the first direction than the unlocking member when located at the retracted position, in the drum cartridge.

8. The drum cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein when the drum cartridge is removed from the main body frame, the drum contact is located at the separated position, in the drum cartridge.

9. The drum cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a developing roller rotatable about a developing shaft extending in the first direction further comprising, in the drum cartridge.

10. The drum cartridge according to claim 9, wherein the developing roller is a magnetic roller, in the drum cartridge.

11. The drum cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the drum cartridge further has a first elastic member that biases the drum contact from the contact position toward the separated position in the drum cartridge.

12. The drum cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the toner cartridge further has a housing capable of accommodating toner, and the electrical contact surface is movable in the first direction with respect to the housing, in the drum cartridge.

13. The drum cartridge according to claim 12, wherein the toner cartridge further has a second elastic member located between the electrical contact surface and the housing, and when the drum cartridge is mounted on the main body frame with the toner cartridge mounted on the drum frame, presses the electrical contact surface in the first direction toward the drum contact in the drum cartridge.

14. The drum cartridge according to claim 13, wherein the toner cartridge further has a chip holder that holds the electrical contact surface, and the chip holder is movable in the first direction with respect to the housing together with the electrical contact surface in the drum cartridge. wherein the second elastic member is located between the housing and the chip holder, in the drum cartridge.

15. A drum cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein when the drum contact point is located at the contact position, it is closer to the first side frame in the first direction than the drum contact point when it is located at the separation position. A drum cartridge characterized by this.

Images