Process cartridge

Abstract

To provide a technique that can install memory on a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge and can reduce an operational burden on a user in mounting the drum cartridge mounted with the developing cartridge to an image forming apparatus.SOLUTION: A drum cartridge has first memory 71 that has a first electrical contact surface 711, and a first holder 72 that holds the first electrical contact surface 711 movably with respect to a drum frame. A developing cartridge has second memory 81 that has a second electrical contact surface 811, and a second holder 82 that holds the second electrical contact surface 811 movably with respect to a housing. A plate 200 connects the first holder 72 and the second holder 82 to each other with the developing cartridge mounted on the drum frame. The second holder 82 moves with the plate 200 along with the movement of the first holder 72. This eliminates the need of an elastic member for the second holder 82, which can reduce an operational burden on a user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Electrophotographic image forming apparatuses such as laser printers and LED printers have been known in the past. A conventional image forming apparatus is described, for example, in Patent Document 1. The image forming apparatus in Patent Document 1 has a developer cartridge and a drum cartridge. The developer cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge. The drum cartridge with the developer cartridge attached is then attached to the image forming apparatus. The developer cartridge in Patent Document 1 also has an IC chip. The IC chip stores various information related to the developer cartridge.

[0003] To prevent the electrical contact surface of the IC chip of the developer cartridge from rubbing when the drum cartridge with the developer cartridge attached is attached to the image forming apparatus, the electrical contact surface of the IC chip of the developer cartridge is movable with respect to the housing of the developer cartridge. Specifically, the developer cartridge includes a holder that holds the electrical contact surface and is movable with respect to the housing of the developer cartridge, and an elastic member that is expandable and contractible in the direction of movement of the holder. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-189740 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In recent years, there has been a demand for IC chips to be mounted not only on developer cartridges but also on drum cartridges. In this case, in order to prevent the electrical contact surface of the IC chip of the drum cartridge from rubbing when the drum cartridge with the developer cartridge attached is installed in an image forming device, it is considered to make the electrical contact surface of the IC chip of the drum cartridge movable relative to the drum cartridge's drum frame. Specifically, it is considered that the drum cartridge has a holder that holds the electrical contact surface and is movable relative to the drum cartridge's drum frame, and an elastic member that is stretchable in the direction of holder movement.

[0006] In other words, both the developer cartridge and the drum cartridge are provided with elastic members that can expand and contract in the direction of movement of the holder. However, providing elastic members on both the developer cartridge and the drum cartridge increases the operating load required by the user when installing the drum cartridge with the developer cartridge installed in the image forming device.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that incorporates memory in a developer cartridge and a drum cartridge, and that reduces the operational load imposed on a user when installing a drum cartridge with a developer cartridge attached to an image forming device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A first disclosure of the present application relates to a process cartridge, which is a drum cartridge including: a drum frame; a photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction; a first memory having a first electrical contact surface in which information related to the drum cartridge is stored; and a first holder that holds the first electrical contact surface movably in a second direction intersecting the first direction relative to the drum frame; and a developing cartridge that is mountable to the drum frame, which includes a housing and a developing roller rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction. a developing cartridge having a first memory having a second electrical contact surface, the second memory storing information about the developing cartridge, and a second holder that holds the second electrical contact surface movably relative to the housing; and a plate that connects the first holder and the second holder when the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame, wherein when the plate connects the first holder and the second holder, the second holder moves in the second direction together with the plate as the first holder moves in the second direction.

[0009] The second disclosure of the present application is the process cartridge of the first disclosure, wherein the first holder has a first holder member that holds the first electrical contact surface, a second holder member that is movable in the second direction relative to the first holder member, and a first elastic member that is expandable and contractible in the second direction, and one end of the first elastic member in the second direction is connected to the first holder member, and the other end of the first elastic member in the second direction is connected to the second holder member.

[0010] A third disclosure of the present application is the process cartridge of the second disclosure, characterized in that the first elastic member is a spring.

[0011] The fourth disclosure of the present application is a process cartridge according to the second or third disclosure, characterized in that the plate is a plate that connects the first holder member and the second holder, and when the plate connects the first holder member and the second holder, the second holder moves in the second direction together with the plate as the first holder member moves in the second direction.

[0012] The fifth disclosure of the present application is a process cartridge according to the fourth disclosure, characterized in that the process cartridge is detachable from an image forming device, and when the process cartridge is attached to the image forming device, the second holder is movable in the second direction together with the plate in accordance with movement of the first holder member in the second direction.

[0013] The sixth disclosure of the present application is a process cartridge according to any one of the first to fifth disclosures, characterized in that one end of the plate is connected to the second holder and the other end of the plate is connected to the first holder.

[0014] The seventh disclosure of the present application is a process cartridge according to any one of the first to sixth disclosures, characterized in that the first electrical contact surface and the first holder are located at one end of the drum frame in the first direction, the second electrical contact surface and the second holder are located at one end of the housing in the first direction, and the plate is located at the one end of the drum frame in the first direction.

[0015] The eighth disclosure of the present application is a process cartridge according to any one of the first to seventh disclosures, wherein the process cartridge is detachable from an image forming device, and when the process cartridge is attached to the image forming device, the first holder moves in the second direction relative to the drum frame, and the second holder moves in the second direction together with the plate as the first holder moves in the second direction.

[0016] A ninth disclosure of the present application is the process cartridge according to any one of the first to eighth disclosures, wherein the first holder holds the first memory.

[0017] A tenth disclosure of the present application is the process cartridge according to any one of the first to ninth disclosures, wherein the second holder holds the second memory.

[0018] The 11th disclosure of the present application is a process cartridge according to any one of the 1st to 10th disclosures, characterized in that the drum cartridge further has a lock lever that is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the first direction between a lock position that locks the developing cartridge to the drum frame and an unlock position that unlocks the developing cartridge to the drum frame, and the lock lever is located at the other end of the drum frame in the first direction.

[0019] The twelfth disclosure of the present application is a process cartridge according to any one of the first to eleventh disclosures, characterized in that the photosensitive drum is positioned at one end of the drum frame in a third direction that intersects with the first direction, and when the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame, the first electrical contact surface and the second electrical contact surface are aligned in the third direction.

[0020] The 13th disclosure of the present application is a process cartridge according to the 12th disclosure, characterized in that when the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame, the second electrical contact surface is located closer to the photosensitive drum in the third direction than the first electrical contact surface.

[0021] The 14th disclosure of the present application is a process cartridge according to the 12th or 13th disclosure, characterized in that when the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame, the photosensitive drum faces the developing roller in the third direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the first to fourteenth disclosures of the present application, the second holder can be moved in the second direction together with the first holder. Therefore, there is no need to provide an elastic member on the second holder. This reduces the operational load imposed by the user when installing the process cartridge in the image forming apparatus.

[0023] Furthermore, according to the second disclosure of the present application, the first elastic member stretches and contracts, thereby making it possible to suppress friction on the first electrical contact surface.

[0024] Furthermore, according to the fourth disclosure of the present application, the second holder can be moved together with the first holder member in the second direction.

[0025] Furthermore, according to the fifth disclosure of the present application, when the process cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus, the second holder can be moved in the second direction together with the first holder member. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the process cartridge. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the process cartridge. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the process cartridge in the vicinity of a first memory assembly and a second memory assembly. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0028] In the following, the direction in which the photosensitive drum extends will be referred to as the "first direction." The direction intersecting the first electrical contact surface will be referred to as the "second direction." The direction in which one end of the drum frame where the photosensitive drum is located is aligned with the other end of the drum frame will be referred to as the "third direction." The first and second directions intersect (preferably perpendicular to) each other. The first and third directions intersect (preferably perpendicular to) each other. The second and third directions intersect each other.

[0029] <1. Overview of image forming device> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a process cartridge 3 and an image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG.

[0030] The image forming apparatus 100 is an electrophotographic printer. The image forming apparatus 100 is, for example, a laser printer or an LED printer. The process cartridge 3 is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the process cartridge 3 includes a developer cartridge 1 and a drum cartridge 2. The developer cartridge 1 is detachably attached to the drum cartridge 2. The image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on printing paper using toner supplied from the developer cartridge 1.

[0031] <2. About the drum cartridge> Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the process cartridge 3. Fig. 3 is a side view of the process cartridge 3. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the drum cartridge 2 includes a drum frame 40, a photosensitive drum 50, a scorotron charger 60, and a first memory assembly 70.

[0032] The drum frame 40 is a frame that supports the photosensitive drum 50. The drum frame 40 has a first side frame 41, a second side frame 42, and a connecting frame 43. The first side frame 41 is located at one end of the drum frame 40 in the first direction. The second side frame 42 is located at the other end of the drum frame 40 in the first direction. The first side frame 41 and the second side frame 42 are spaced apart from each other in the first direction.

[0033] The first side frame 41 extends in a direction intersecting the first direction. That is, the first side frame 41 extends in the second and third directions. The second side frame 42 extends in a direction intersecting the first direction. That is, the second side frame 42 extends in the second and third directions. The connecting frame 43 connects the first side frame 41 and the second side frame 42 in the first direction.

[0034] The developing cartridge 1 is detachable from the drum frame 40. When the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 40, the developing cartridge 1 is located between the first side frame 41 and the second side frame 42 in the first direction.

[0035] The photosensitive drum 50 is a drum that can rotate about a rotation axis (first axis) that extends in a first direction. The photosensitive drum 50 is located between the first side frame 41 and the second side frame 42 in the first direction. The photosensitive drum 50 is also located at one end of the drum frame 40 in the third direction. The photosensitive drum 50 has a cylindrical outer peripheral surface. The outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 50 is covered with a photosensitive material. When the process cartridge 3 is installed in the image forming apparatus 100, the photosensitive drum 50 rotates by a driving force supplied from the image forming apparatus 100.

[0036] The drum cartridge 2 may have a handle at the other end of the drum frame 40 in the third direction.

[0037] The scorotron charger 60 is a device that charges the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 50. As shown in FIG. 3 , the scorotron charger 60 faces the photosensitive drum 50 in the second direction. More specifically, the scorotron charger 60 has a charging wire 61 and a charging grid 62. The charging wire 61 faces the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 50 in the second direction. The charging wire 61 extends in the first direction along the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 50. The charging grid 62 is located between the photosensitive drum 50 and the charging wire 61 in the second direction.

[0038] When the process cartridge 3 is attached to the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming apparatus 100 supplies a voltage between the charging wire 61 and the charging grid 62. As a result, the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 50 is charged.

[0039] 4 is a partial perspective view of the process cartridge 3 near the first memory assembly 70 and a second memory assembly 80 (described later). As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the first memory assembly 70 is located at one end of the drum frame 40 in the first direction. The first memory assembly 70 is also located on the outer surface of the drum frame 40. More specifically, the first memory assembly 70 is located on the outer surface of the first side frame 41. When the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 40, the first memory assembly 70 is located on the opposite side of the first side frame 41 from the developer cartridge 1 in the first direction.

[0040] The first memory assembly 70 has a first memory 71, which is a storage medium, and a first holder 72 that holds the first memory 71. The first memory 71 is, for example, an IC chip. The first memory 71 is located on the outer surface of the first holder 72. The first memory 71 stores information about the drum cartridge 2. Specifically, the first memory 71 stores at least one of identification information and lifespan information of the drum cartridge 2. The identification information is information for identifying the drum cartridge 2. The identification information is, for example, the serial number of the drum cartridge 2. The lifespan information is information that indicates the lifespan of the drum cartridge 2. The lifespan information is, for example, the cumulative number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 50.

[0041] The first memory 71 has a first electrical contact surface 711. The first electrical contact surface 711 is a surface made of a metal that is a conductor. The first electrical contact surface 711 is attached to the outer surface of the first side frame 41 via a first holder 72. This positions the first electrical contact surface 711 on the outer surface of the first side frame 41.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the drum frame 40 has a first holder cover 44. The first holder cover 44 is located on the outer surface of the first side frame 41. Specifically, the first holder cover 44 is fixed to the outer surface of the first side frame 41 with screws. The first holder cover 44 may also be fixed to the outer surface of the first side frame 41 with bolts. The first holder 72 is located between the first side frame 41 and the first holder cover 44 in the first direction.

[0043] The first holder 72 has a first boss 721 and a second boss (not shown). The first boss 721 extends in a first direction from a surface of the first holder 72 facing the first holder cover 44 toward the first holder cover 44. The shape of the first boss 721 may be cylindrical or prismatic. Meanwhile, the first holder cover 44 has a first hole 441. The first hole 441 is a through-hole that penetrates the first holder cover 44 in the first direction. The first boss 721 is inserted into the first hole 441. However, the first holder cover 44 may have a recess into which the first boss 721 is inserted, instead of the first hole 441.

[0044] The second boss extends in the first direction from the surface of the first holder 72 facing the first side frame 41 toward the first side frame 41. The shape of the second boss may be cylindrical or rectangular. Meanwhile, the first side frame 41 has a second hole (not shown). The second hole is a through-hole that penetrates the first side frame 41 in the first direction. The second boss is inserted into the second hole. However, the first side frame 41 may have a recess into which the second boss is inserted, instead of the second hole.

[0045] The size (inner dimension) of the first hole 441 in the second direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the first boss 721 in the second direction. Therefore, the first boss 721 is movable in the second direction within the first hole 441. Furthermore, the size (inner dimension) of the second hole in the second direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the second boss in the second direction. Therefore, the second boss is movable in the second direction within the second hole. Therefore, the first holder 72, together with the first boss 721 and the second boss, is movable in the second direction relative to the drum frame 40 and the first holder cover 44. When the first holder 72 moves in the second direction relative to the drum frame 40, the first electrical contact surface 711 of the first memory 71 also moves in the second direction relative to the drum frame 40 together with the first holder 72.

[0046] The first holder 72 has a first outer surface 730 and a second outer surface 740. The first outer surface 730 is located at one end of the first holder 72 in the second direction. The second outer surface 740 is located at the other end of the first holder 72 in the second direction. The second outer surface 740 is movable in the second direction relative to the first outer surface 730.

[0047] More specifically, the first holder 72 of this embodiment has a first holder member 73, a second holder member 74, and a first coil spring 75 located therebetween. The first holder member 73 is made of, for example, resin. The second holder member 74 is made of, for example, resin. The first holder member 73 has a first outer surface 730. The first memory 71 is fixed to the first outer surface 730. Therefore, the first electrical contact surface 711 is located at one end of the first holder 72 in the second direction. The second holder member 74 has a second outer surface 740. The first outer surface 730 and the second outer surface 740 are spaced apart in the second direction.

[0048] The first coil spring 75 is an elastic member that extends in the second direction. The first coil spring 75 is disposed between the first outer surface 730 and the second outer surface 740 in the second direction. One end of the first coil spring 75 in the second direction is connected to the first holder member 73. The other end of the first coil spring 75 in the second direction is connected to the second holder member 74.

[0049] First coil spring 75 expands and contracts in the second direction at least between a first state and a second state in which first coil spring 75 is more compressed than the first state. The length of first coil spring 75 in the second direction in the first state is longer than the length of first coil spring 75 in the second state. Therefore, the distance in the second direction between first outer surface 730 and second outer surface 740 in the first state is longer than the distance in the second direction between first outer surface 730 and second outer surface 740 in the second state. Furthermore, the length of first coil spring 75 in the second direction at least in the second state is shorter than the natural length of first coil spring 75.

[0050] The drum cartridge 2 may have a lock lever at the other end of the drum frame 40 in the first direction. The lock lever is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the first direction relative to the drum frame 40 between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 40, the lock lever is placed in the locked position. This locks the developer cartridge 1 relative to the drum frame 40. Furthermore, when the lock lever rotates from the locked position to the unlocked position while the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 40, the developer cartridge 1 is unlocked from the drum frame 40.

[0051] <3. About the developing cartridge> FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the developer cartridge 1. FIG. 6 is a side view of the developer cartridge 1. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the developer cartridge 1 includes a housing 10, a developing roller 20, a gear portion 30, and a second memory assembly 80. The housing 10 has a first outer surface 11 and a second outer surface 12. The first outer surface 11 is located at one end of the housing 10 in the first direction. The second outer surface 12 is located at the other end of the housing 10 in the first direction. The first outer surface 11 and the second outer surface 12 are spaced apart from each other in the first direction.

[0052] When the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 40, the first outer surface 11 of the developer cartridge 1 and the first side frame 41 of the drum cartridge 2 face each other in the first direction. Also, when the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 40, the second outer surface 12 of the developer cartridge 1 and the second side frame 42 of the drum cartridge 2 face each other in the first direction.

[0053] A developer is accommodated inside the housing 10. The developer is, for example, toner. The developing roller 20 is a roller that can rotate about a rotation axis (second axis) that extends in the first direction. The developing roller 20 is located at one end of the housing 10 in the third direction. When the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 40, the developing roller 20 and the photosensitive drum 50 face each other in the third direction. More specifically, when the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 40, the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller 20 and the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 50 come into contact with each other.

[0054] The developer in the housing 10 is supplied to the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller 20 via a supply roller (not shown). As a result, the developer is carried on the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller 20. The developer on the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller 20 is then supplied to the photosensitive drum 50 of the drum cartridge 2. At this time, the developer moves from the developing roller 20 to the photosensitive drum 50 in accordance with the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 50. As a result, an image is formed by the developer on the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 50.

[0055] The developing cartridge 1 has a handle 13 at the other end of the housing 10 in the third direction.

[0056] The gear portion 30 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. The gear portion 30 has a plurality of gears. When the process cartridge 3 is attached to the image forming apparatus 100, the image forming apparatus 100 supplies a driving force to the developing roller 20 via the plurality of gears of the gear portion 30. This causes the developing roller 20 to rotate.

[0057] The second memory assembly 80 is located at one end of the housing 10 in the first direction. More specifically, the second memory assembly 80 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. As shown in FIG. 4 , the second memory assembly 80 has a second memory 81, which is a storage medium, and a second holder 82 that holds the second memory 81. The second memory 81 is, for example, an IC chip. The second memory 81 is located on the outer surface of the second holder 82.

[0058] The second memory 81 stores information about the developing cartridge 1. Specifically, the second memory 81 stores at least one of identification information and lifespan information of the developing cartridge 1. The identification information is information for identifying the developing cartridge 1. The identification information is, for example, the serial number of the developing cartridge 1. The lifespan information is information that indicates the lifespan of the developing cartridge 1. The lifespan information is, for example, the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller 20.

[0059] The second memory 81 has a second electrical contact surface 811. The second electrical contact surface 811 is a surface made of a metal that is a conductor.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 4, the housing 10 has a second holder cover 14. The second holder cover 14 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. Specifically, the second holder cover 14 is fixed to the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10 with screws. The second holder cover 14 may also be fixed to the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10 with bolts. The second holder 82 is located between the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10 and the second holder cover 14 in the first direction.

[0061] The second holder 82 has a third boss 821 and a fourth boss 822. The third boss 821 and the fourth boss 822 protrude from the second holder 82 along the first direction, away from the housing 10. The second holder cover 14 is located between the third boss 821 and the fourth boss 822 in the second direction. The distance between the third boss 821 and the fourth boss 822 in the second direction is greater than the dimension of the second holder cover 14 in the second direction. Therefore, the third boss 821 and the fourth boss 822 are movable in the second direction relative to the second holder cover 14. Therefore, the second holder 82, together with the third boss 821 and the fourth boss 822, is movable in the second direction relative to the housing 10 and the second holder cover 14. When the second holder 82 moves in the second direction relative to the housing 10, the second electrical contact surface 811 of the second memory 81 also moves in the second direction relative to the housing 10 together with the second holder 82.

[0062] The second holder 82 is formed from a single part. The second holder 82 is made of, for example, resin. The distance between one end of the second holder 82 in the second direction and the other end of the second holder 82 in the second direction is constant. The second mark 81 is fixed to one end of the second holder 82 in the second direction. Therefore, the second electrical contact surface 811 is located at one end of the second holder 82 in the second direction.

[0063] When the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 40, the second memory assembly 80 is exposed from the drum frame 40. Furthermore, when the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 40, the first memory assembly 70 and the second memory assembly 80 are located at one end of the process cartridge 3 in the first direction. The first memory assembly 70 and the second memory assembly 80 are aligned in the third direction. The first memory assembly 70 and the second memory assembly 80 are located apart from each other in the third direction. The second memory assembly 80 is located closer to the photosensitive drum 50 in the third direction than the first memory assembly 70.

[0064] <4.About the plate> The process cartridge 3 further includes a plate 200. The plate 200 is a component for connecting the first holder 72 and the second holder 82 when the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 40. The plate 200 extends in the third direction. When the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 40, the plate 200 is attached to the first holder 72 and the second holder 82. The plate 200 is disposed at one end of the drum frame 40 in the first direction.

[0065] One end of plate 200 in the third direction is connected to second holder 82. Specifically, plate 200 has a through hole 201. Through hole 201 penetrates one end of plate 200 in the third direction in the first direction. A third boss 821 of second holder 82 is inserted into through hole 201. This connects one end of plate 200 in the third direction to second holder 82. However, plate 200 may have a recess into which third boss 821 is inserted, instead of through hole 201.

[0066] Alternatively, a boss may be provided on one end of plate 200 in the third direction, and a through-hole or a recess may be provided in second holder 82. The boss of plate 200 may be inserted into the through-hole or the recess of second holder 82, thereby connecting the one end of plate 200 in the third direction to second holder 82. Alternatively, the one end of plate 200 in the third direction may be fixed to second holder 82 with an adhesive or double-sided tape.

[0067] The other end of plate 200 in the third direction is connected to first holder 72. Specifically, the other end of plate 200 in the third direction is connected to first holder member 73. More specifically, the other end of plate 200 in the third direction is fixed to first holder member 73 with, for example, adhesive or double-sided tape. In this way, first holder member 73 and second holder 82 are connected via plate 200.

[0068] Alternatively, a fixing boss may be provided on the first holder 72, and a through-hole or a recess may be provided on the other end of the plate 200 in the third direction. Then, the boss of the first holder 72 may be inserted into the through-hole or the recess of the plate 200, thereby connecting the other end of the plate 200 in the third direction to the first holder 72.

[0069] Alternatively, a boss may be provided on the other end of plate 200 in the third direction, and a through-hole or a recess may be provided in first holder 72. Then, the boss of plate 200 may be inserted into the through-hole or the recess of first holder 72, thereby connecting the other end of plate 200 in the third direction to first holder 72.

[0070] In a state where the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 40 and the plate 200 connects the first holder 72 and the second holder 82, when the first holder 72 moves in the second direction, the plate 200 also moves in the second direction, and the second holder 82 also moves in the second direction together with the plate 200. More specifically, when the first holder member 73 moves in the second direction, the plate 200 also moves in the second direction, and the second holder 82 also moves in the second direction together with the plate 200.

[0071] In other words, when the first holder member 73 moves in the second direction, the other end of the plate 200 in the third direction also moves in the second direction. When the other end of the plate 200 moves in the second direction, the one end of the plate 200 in the third direction also moves in the second direction. Then, when the one end of the plate 200 in the third direction moves in the second direction, the second holder 82 also moves in the second direction.

[0072] <5. Mounting the Process Cartridge> The image forming apparatus 100 has an opening 101 through which the process cartridge 3 can pass, and a main body cover 102. The main body cover 102 rotates between a closed position where it covers the opening 101 of the image forming apparatus 100, and an open position where it opens the opening 101 of the image forming apparatus 100. When the process cartridge 3 is to be installed in the image forming apparatus 100, the main body cover 102 is positioned in the open position. Then, the process cartridge 3 is installed into the image forming apparatus 100 through the opening 101. At this time, the process cartridge 3 moves along a third direction.

[0073] 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a first guide frame 103, a second guide frame 104, a first electrical connector 105, and a second electrical connector 106. The first guide frame 103 and the second guide frame 104 each extend in a third direction. The first guide frame 103 and the second guide frame 104 face each other in the second direction. The distance between the first guide frame 103 and the second guide frame 104 in the second direction decreases with increasing distance from the opening 101 in the third direction.

[0074] The first electrical connector 105 and the second electrical connector 106 are located on the first guide frame 103. The first electrical connector 105 and the second electrical connector 106 are aligned at an interval in the third direction. The first electrical connector 105 is a terminal that can come into contact with a first electrical contact surface 711 of the first memory 71. The second electrical connector 106 is a terminal that can come into contact with a second electrical contact surface 811 of the second memory 81. The first electrical connector 105 and the second electrical connector 106 are each electrically connected to a control unit 107 of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0075] When the process cartridge 3 is installed in the image forming apparatus 100, the first outer surface 730 of the first holder 72 contacts the first guide frame 103, and the second outer surface 740 contacts the second guide frame 104. The first holder 72 then moves in the second direction relative to the drum frame 40 while being guided by the first guide frame 103 and the second guide frame 104 while moving in the third direction. Furthermore, since the distance between the first guide frame 103 and the second guide frame 104 in the second direction gradually decreases, the distance between the first outer surface 730 and the second outer surface 740 in the second direction also gradually decreases.

[0076] At this time, the second holder 82 moves in the second direction together with the plate 200 in accordance with the movement of the first holder member 73 in the second direction. In other words, the second holder 82 moves in the second direction without receiving direct pressing force from the first guide frame 103 and the second guide frame 104.

[0077] Then, when the installation of the process cartridge 3 into the image forming apparatus 100 is complete, the first electrical contact surface 711 of the first memory 71 comes into contact with the first electrical connector 105. This enables the control unit 107 of the image forming apparatus 100 to read information from the first memory 71 and write information to the first memory 71. Furthermore, when the installation of the process cartridge 3 into the image forming apparatus 100 is complete, the second electrical contact surface 811 of the second memory 81 comes into contact with the second electrical connector 106. This enables the control unit 107 of the image forming apparatus 100 to read information from the second memory 81 and write information to the second memory 81.

[0078] As described above, the process cartridge 3 of this embodiment includes the plate 200 that connects the first holder 72 and the second holder 82. Therefore, when the process cartridge 3 is attached to the image forming apparatus 100, the second holder 82 can be moved in the second direction together with the first holder 72. This eliminates the need to provide the second holder 82 with a component that directly receives a pressing force from the second guide frame 104. Specifically, the second holder 82 does not need to be provided with a component such as the second holder member 74 of the first holder 72. Furthermore, the second holder 82 does not need to be provided with an elastic member for expanding and contracting the second holder 82 in the second direction. Specifically, the second holder 82 does not need to be provided with a component such as the first coil spring 75 of the first holder 72. Therefore, the number of components of the second holder 82 can be reduced. As a result, the number of components of the developer cartridge 1 can be reduced.

[0079] Furthermore, compared to when elastic members are provided in both the first holder 72 and the second holder 82, the number of elastic members that are compressed when the process cartridge 3 is mounted in the image forming apparatus is reduced, thereby reducing the operational load imposed on the user when mounting the process cartridge 3 in the image forming apparatus.

[0080] <6. Variations> The present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the first holder 72 holds the first memory 71. However, the first holder 72 may hold only the first electrical contact surface 711 of the first memory 71. In this case, the portion of the first memory 71 other than the first electrical contact surface 711 may be held by another portion of the drum cartridge 2.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the second holder 82 holds the second memory 81. However, the second holder 82 may hold only the second electrical contact surface 811 of the second memory 81. In this case, the portion of the second memory 81 other than the second electrical contact surface 811 may be held by another portion of the developing cartridge 1.

[0083] In the above embodiment, one process cartridge 3 is attached to one image forming apparatus 100. However, a plurality of process cartridges 3 may be attached to one image forming apparatus 100.

[0084] Furthermore, the detailed shape of the process cartridge may differ from the shape shown in each drawing of the present application. Furthermore, the elements appearing in the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate within the scope of not causing any contradiction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1 Developer cartridge 2 drum cartridges 3 Process cartridge 10. Cabinet 20 Developing roller 30 Gear section 40 Drum Frame 50 Photosensitive drum 60 Scorotron charger 70 First Memory Assembly 71 First Memory 72 First Holder 73 First holder member 74 Second holder member 75 First coil spring 80 Second Memory Assembly 81 Second Memory 82 Second Holder 100 Image forming device 711 First electrical contact surface 811 Second electrical contact surface

Claims

1. A process cartridge, A drum cartridge, Drum frame and a photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction; a first memory having a first electrical contact surface, the first memory storing information about the drum cartridge; a first holder that holds the first electrical contact surface movably relative to the drum frame in a second direction that intersects with the first direction; a drum cartridge having A developing cartridge that can be attached to the drum frame, The housing and a developing roller rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction; a second memory having a second electrical contact surface, the second memory storing information about the developer cartridge; a second holder that holds the second electrical contact surface movably relative to the housing; a developer cartridge having the a plate that connects the first holder and the second holder when the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame; Equipped with a process cartridge characterized in that, when the plate connects the first holder and the second holder, the second holder moves in the second direction together with the plate as the first holder moves in the second direction.

2. 2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, The first holder includes: a first holder member that holds the first electrical contact surface; a second holder member movable in the second direction relative to the first holder member; a first elastic member that is stretchable in the second direction; and one end of the first elastic member in the second direction is connected to the first holder member, a second end of the first elastic member in the second direction connected to the second holder member;

3. 3. The process cartridge according to claim 2, The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first elastic member is a spring.

4. 4. The process cartridge according to claim 2, wherein: the plate connects the first holder member and the second holder, a process cartridge characterized in that, when the plate connects the first holder member and the second holder, the second holder moves in the second direction together with the plate as the first holder member moves in the second direction.

5. 5. The process cartridge according to claim 4, the process cartridge is detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus; When the process cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus, a second holder that is movable in the second direction together with the plate in accordance with movement of the first holder member in the second direction;

6. 6. The process cartridge according to claim 1, One end of the plate is connected to the second holder; the other end of the plate is connected to the first holder.

7. 7. The process cartridge according to claim 1, the first electrical contact surface and the first holder are located at one end of the drum frame in the first direction; the second electrical contact surface and the second holder are located at one end of the housing in the first direction; a process cartridge, wherein the plate is located at the one end of the drum frame in the first direction;

8. 8. The process cartridge according to claim 1, the process cartridge is detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus; When the process cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus, the first holder moves in the second direction relative to the drum frame, a second holder that moves in the second direction together with the plate in accordance with movement of the first holder in the second direction;

9. 9. The process cartridge according to claim 1, The process cartridge, wherein the first holder holds the first memory.

10. 10. The process cartridge according to claim 1, The process cartridge, wherein the second holder holds the second memory.

11. 11. The process cartridge according to claim 1, The drum cartridge is a lock lever that is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the first direction between a lock position where the developer cartridge is locked to the drum frame and an unlock position where the developer cartridge is unlocked from the drum frame; and a lock lever positioned at the other end of the drum frame in the first direction;

12. 12. The process cartridge according to claim 1, the photosensitive drum is located at one end of the drum frame in a third direction intersecting the first direction, a developing cartridge mounted on the drum frame, the first electrical contact surface and the second electrical contact surface being aligned in the third direction;

13. 13. The process cartridge according to claim 12, A process cartridge characterized in that, when the developer cartridge is attached to the drum frame, the second electrical contact surface is located closer to the photosensitive drum in the third direction than the first electrical contact surface.

14. 14. The process cartridge according to claim 12, wherein: a developing cartridge mounted on the drum frame, the photosensitive drum facing the developing roller in the third direction;

Images