Process cartridge

Abstract

To provide a technique that can install memory on a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge and reduce the number of components of the developing cartridge.SOLUTION: A drum cartridge 2 has first memory 71 that has a first electrical contact surface, and an elastic member 300 that can expand and contract in a second direction. A developing cartridge 1 has second memory 81 that has a second electrical contact surface, and a developing holder 82 that holds the second electrical contact surface movably with respect to a housing 10. The developing holder 82 is connected to the elastic member 300 with the developing cartridge 1 mounted on a drum frame 40, and is allowed to move in the second direction. This can prevent rubbing on the second electrical contact surface. The developing holder 82 does not need to be provided with an elastic member, which can reduce the number of components of the developing cartridge 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

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. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-189740 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, there has been a demand for IC chips to be mounted not only on developer cartridges but also on drum cartridges. However, to prevent the electrical contact surfaces of the IC chip from rubbing against each other when the drum cartridge with the developer cartridge installed is installed in an image forming device, the electrical contact surfaces of the IC chip must be movable relative to the drum cartridge frame. Furthermore, if IC chips are mounted on both the developer cartridge and the drum cartridge, a structure for allowing the electrical contact surfaces to be movable must be provided on both the developer cartridge and the drum cartridge. This increases the number of parts.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that can mount a memory in a developer cartridge and a drum cartridge and reduce the number of parts in the developer cartridge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first disclosure of the present application is a process cartridge comprising: a drum cartridge having a drum frame, a photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction, and a first memory having a first electrical contact surface, wherein information about the drum cartridge is stored; and a developer cartridge attachable to the drum frame, having a housing, a developer roller rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction, a second memory having a second electrical contact surface, wherein information about the developer cartridge is stored; and a developer holder that movably holds the second electrical contact surface relative to the housing, wherein the drum cartridge further has an elastic member that is expandable and contractible in a second direction that intersects the first direction, and the developer holder is connected to the elastic member and is movable in the second direction when the developer cartridge is attached to the drum frame.

[0007] The second disclosure of the present application is a process cartridge according to the first disclosure, characterized in that, when the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame, one end of the elastic member in the second direction is connected to the developing holder, and the other end of the elastic member in the second direction is connected to the drum frame.

[0008] A third disclosure of the present application is a process cartridge according to the first or second disclosure, characterized in that the drum cartridge has a scorotron charger that charges the photosensitive drum, and that faces the photosensitive drum in the second direction.

[0009] A fourth disclosure of the present application is the process cartridge according to any one of the first to third disclosures, characterized in that the elastic member is a spring.

[0010] The fifth disclosure of the present application is a process cartridge according to any one of the first to fourth disclosures, characterized in that the drum cartridge has a drum holder that holds the first electrical contact surface movably in the second direction relative to the drum frame.

[0011] The sixth disclosure of the present application is a process cartridge according to the fifth disclosure, characterized in that the drum 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.

[0012] A seventh disclosure of the present application is the process cartridge of the sixth disclosure, characterized in that the first elastic member is a spring.

[0013] The eighth disclosure of the present application is a process cartridge according to any one of the first to seventh disclosures, characterized in that the first electrical contact surface is located at one end of the drum frame in the first direction, the second electrical contact surface and the developing holder are located at one end of the housing in the first direction, and the elastic member is located at the one end of the drum frame in the first direction.

[0014] The ninth disclosure of the present application is a process cartridge according to any one of the first to eighth disclosures, 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 developing holder moves in the second direction relative to the drum frame.

[0015] A tenth disclosure of the present application is the process cartridge according to any one of the first to ninth disclosures, characterized in that the drum holder holds the first memory.

[0016] An eleventh disclosure of the present application is the process cartridge according to any one of the first to tenth disclosures, characterized in that the developing holder holds the second memory.

[0017] 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 drum cartridge has a lock lever that is rotatable about a pivot 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.

[0018] The 13th disclosure of the present application is a process cartridge according to any one of the 1st to 12th 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.

[0019] The 14th disclosure of the present application is a process cartridge according to the 13th 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.

[0020] The 15th disclosure of the present application is a process cartridge according to the 13th or 14th 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]

[0021] According to the first to fifteenth disclosures of the present application, the drum frame has an elastic member connectable to the developer holder. The elastic member expands and contracts, causing the developer holder to move in the second direction relative to the drum frame. This reduces friction on the second electrical contact surface. Furthermore, since there is no need to provide an elastic member on the developer holder, the number of parts in the developer cartridge can be reduced.

[0022] Furthermore, according to the fifth disclosure of the present application, by making the first electrical contact surface movable in the second direction relative to the drum frame, it is possible to suppress friction of the first electrical contact surface.

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

[0024] Furthermore, according to the ninth disclosure of the present application, when the process cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus, the developing holder can be moved in the second direction relative to the drum frame. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [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 drum cartridge. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the drum cartridge. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first memory assembly. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0027] 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.

[0028] <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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] <2. About the drum cartridge> 2 is a perspective view of the drum cartridge 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the drum cartridge 2 includes a drum frame 40, a photosensitive drum 50, a scorotron charger 60, a first memory assembly 70, and a lock lever 90.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] The drum cartridge 2 has a handle 46 at the other end of the drum frame 40 in the third direction.

[0036] The scorotron charger 60 is a device that charges the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 50. As shown in FIG. 1 , 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the drum cartridge 2 near the first memory assembly 70. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first memory assembly 70. FIG. 4 shows a cross section perpendicular to the first direction. 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.

[0039] The first memory assembly 70 has a first memory 71, which is a storage medium, and a drum 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 drum 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.

[0040] 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 the drum holder 72. This positions the first electrical contact surface 711 on the outer surface of the first side frame 41.

[0041] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the drum frame 40 has a drum holder cover 44. The drum holder cover 44 is located on the outer surface of the first side frame 41. Specifically, the drum holder cover 44 is fixed to the outer surface of the first side frame 41 with screws. Alternatively, the drum holder cover 44 may be fixed to the outer surface of the first side frame 41 with bolts. The drum holder 72 is located between the first side frame 41 and the drum holder cover 44 in the first direction.

[0042] The drum holder 72 has a first boss 721 and a second boss (not shown). The first boss 721 extends in a first direction from the surface of the drum holder 72 facing the drum holder cover 44 toward the drum holder cover 44. The shape of the first boss 721 may be cylindrical, rectangular, or the like. Meanwhile, the drum holder cover 44 has a first hole 441. The first hole 441 is a through-hole that penetrates the drum holder cover 44 in the first direction. The first boss 721 is inserted into the first hole 441. However, the drum holder cover 44 may have a recess into which the first boss 721 is inserted, instead of the first hole 441.

[0043] The second boss extends in a first direction from a surface of the drum holder 72 facing the first side frame 41 toward the first side frame 41. The shape of the second boss may be cylindrical, rectangular, or the like. 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.

[0044] 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 drum 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 drum holder cover 44. When the drum 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 drum holder 72.

[0045] The drum 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 drum holder 72 in the second direction. The second outer surface 740 is located at the other end of the drum holder 72 in the second direction. The second outer surface 740 is movable in the second direction relative to the first outer surface 730.

[0046] More specifically, the drum 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 drum 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.

[0047] The first coil spring 75 is an elastic member (first 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] The lock lever 90 is located at the other end of the drum frame 40 in the first direction. Specifically, the lock lever 90 is located on the second side frame 42. The lock lever 90 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 90 is positioned at the locked position. This locks the developer cartridge 1 relative to the drum frame 40. Furthermore, when the lock lever 90 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.

[0050] <3. About the developing cartridge> 5 is a perspective view of the developer cartridge 1. As shown in FIGS.

[0051] 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] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the developer cartridge 1 near the second memory assembly 80. 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. 6, the second memory assembly 80 has a second memory 81, which is a storage medium, and a developer 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 developer 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. 6 , the housing 10 has a developer holder cover 14. The developer holder cover 14 is located on a first outer surface 11 of the housing 10. Specifically, the developer holder cover 14 is fixed to the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10 with screws. The developer holder cover 14 may also be fixed to the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10 with bolts. The developer holder 82 is located between the first outer surface 11 of the housing 10 and the developer holder cover 14 in the first direction.

[0061] The developer holder 82 has a third boss 821 and a fourth boss (not shown). The third boss 821 extends in a first direction from a surface of the developer holder 82 facing the developer holder cover 14 toward the developer holder cover 14. The shape of the third boss 821 may be cylindrical, or may be a prism shape or the like. Meanwhile, the developer holder cover 14 has a third hole 141. The third hole 141 is a through-hole that penetrates the developer holder cover 14 in the first direction. The third boss 821 is inserted into the third hole 141.

[0062] The fourth boss extends in a first direction from a surface of the developer holder 82 facing the first outer surface 11 toward the first outer surface 11. The shape of the fourth boss may be cylindrical or may be another shape such as a prism. Meanwhile, the first outer surface 11 has a fourth hole (not shown). The fourth hole is a recess provided in the first outer surface 11. The fourth boss is inserted into the fourth hole.

[0063] The size (inner dimension) of the third hole 141 in the second direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the third boss 821 in the second direction. Therefore, the third boss 821 is movable in the second direction within the third hole 141. Furthermore, the size (inner dimension) of the fourth hole in the second direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the fourth boss in the second direction. Therefore, the fourth boss is movable in the second direction within the fourth hole. Therefore, the developer holder 82, together with the third boss 821 and the fourth boss, is movable in the second direction relative to the housing 10 and the developer holder cover 14. When the developer 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 developer holder 82.

[0064] The developer holder 82 is formed from a single part. The developer holder 82 is made of, for example, resin. The distance between one end of the developer holder 82 in the second direction and the other end of the developer holder 82 in the second direction is constant. The second memory 81 is fixed to one end of the developer holder 82 in the second direction. Therefore, the second electrical contact surface 811 is located at one end of the developer holder 82 in the second direction.

[0065] 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.

[0066] <4. Elastic materials> The drum cartridge 2 further includes an elastic member 300. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the elastic member 300 is located at one end of the drum frame 40 in the first direction. The elastic member 300 is expandable and contractible in the second direction between a first length and a second length that is shorter than the first length. The elastic member 300 is, for example, a coil spring. However, the elastic member 300 may be other types of springs, such as a leaf spring or a torsion spring. The elastic member 300 may also be made of rubber or sponge.

[0067] The elastic member 300 has one end in the second direction and the other end in the second direction. The other end of the elastic member 300 in the second direction is connected to the drum frame 40. More specifically, the other end of the elastic member 300 in the second direction is connected to the first side frame 41.

[0068] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 3. FIG. 7 shows a cross section perpendicular to the first direction and passing through the drum holder 72 and the developer holder 82. As shown in FIG. 7, when the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 40, one end of the elastic member 300 in the second direction is connected to the developer holder 82. More specifically, the elastic member 300 has a pressing member 301 at one end in the second direction. When the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 40, the pressing member 301 comes into contact with the developer holder 82.

[0069] When the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 40 and one end of the elastic member 300 in the second direction is connected to the developer holder 82, the developer holder 82 is movable in the second direction between a first position and a second position relative to the drum frame 40. When the developer holder 82 is located at the first position, the length of the elastic member 300 in the second direction is the first length. When the developer holder 82 is located at the second position, the length of the elastic member 300 in the second direction is the second length.

[0070] <5. Mounting the Process Cartridge> The image forming apparatus 100 has an opening 101 into which the process cartridge 3 can be installed, 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 installing the process cartridge 3 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] When the process cartridge 3 is installed in the image forming apparatus 100, the first outer surface 730 of the drum holder 72 contacts the first guide frame 103, and the second outer surface 740 contacts the second guide frame 104. The drum 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.

[0074] Then, when the installation of the process cartridge 3 into the image forming apparatus 100 is completed, 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.

[0075] Furthermore, when the process cartridge 3 is mounted in the image forming apparatus 100, one end of the developer holder 82 in the second direction comes into contact with the first guide frame 103. Then, the developer holder 82 moves in the second direction relative to the drum frame 40 while moving in the third direction, guided by the first guide frame 103. At this time, the distance in the second direction between the first guide frame 103 and the drum frame 40 gradually decreases, so the developer holder 82 moves in the second direction from the first position to the second position relative to the drum frame 40. At this time, the elastic member 300 contracts in the second direction, from the first length to the second length.

[0076] Then, when the installation of the process cartridge 3 into the image forming apparatus 100 is completed, 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.

[0077] As described above, the process cartridge 3 of this embodiment includes the elastic member 300 that supports the developer holder 82 in a state in which the developer holder 82 is movable in the second direction relative to the drum frame 40. Therefore, when the process cartridge 3 is mounted in the image forming apparatus 100, the developer holder 82 can be moved in the second direction relative to the drum frame 40. This makes it possible to suppress friction of the second electrical contact surface 811.

[0078] In this way, there is no need to provide the developer holder 82 with a component that receives a pressing force directly from the second guide frame 104. Specifically, there is no need to provide the developer holder 82 with a component such as the second holder member 74 of the drum holder 72. Also, the elastic member 300 is attached to the drum cartridge 2, not to the developer cartridge 1. Therefore, the developer holder 82 does not have the elastic member 300. This allows the number of components of the developer holder 82 to be reduced. As a result, the number of components of the developer cartridge 1 can be reduced.

[0079] <6. Variations> The present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the drum holder 72 holds the first memory 71. However, the drum 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.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the developer holder 82 holds the second memory 81. However, the developer 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 developer cartridge 1.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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]

[0084] 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 Drum holder 73 First holder member 74 Second holder member 75 First coil spring 80 Second Memory Assembly 81 Second Memory 82 Developer holder 90 Lock lever 100 Image forming device 300 Elastic member 301 Pressing member 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 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 developer holder that holds the second electrical contact surface movably relative to the housing; a developer cartridge having the Equipped with The drum cartridge is an elastic member that is stretchable in a second direction that intersects with the first direction; and a developing holder connected to the elastic member and movable in the second direction when the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum frame;

2. 2. The process cartridge according to claim 1, When the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame, one end of the elastic member in the second direction is connected to the developing holder, a second end of the elastic member in the second direction connected to the drum frame;

3. 3. The process cartridge according to claim 1, The drum cartridge is a scorotron charger that charges the photosensitive drum and faces the photosensitive drum in the second direction; A process cartridge comprising:

4. 4. The process cartridge according to claim 1, The process cartridge is characterized in that the elastic member is a spring.

5. 5. The process cartridge according to claim 1, The drum cartridge is a drum holder that holds the first electrical contact surface movably in the second direction relative to the drum frame; A process cartridge comprising:

6. 6. The process cartridge according to claim 5, The drum holder is 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;

7. 7. The process cartridge according to claim 6, The process cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first elastic member is a spring.

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

9. 9. 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 developing holder moves in the second direction relative to the drum frame.

10. 8. The process cartridge according to claim 5, The process cartridge is characterized in that the drum holder holds the first memory.

11. 11. The process cartridge according to claim 1, a developing holder for holding the second memory;

12. 12. 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;

13. 13. 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;

14. 14. The process cartridge according to claim 13, 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.

15. 15. The process cartridge according to claim 13, a developing cartridge mounted on the drum frame, the photosensitive drum facing the developing roller in the third direction;

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