Image forming device

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus comprising a developing cartridge that has a lever movable with respect to a casing, and provide a technique that can restrict the movement of the lever during transport.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus has a drum cartridge 3 that has a photoreceptor drum, a developing cartridge 2 that has a developing roller 51 and a lever 60, a cover 4, and an apparatus body. The lever 60 is movable to a first position and a second position with respect to a casing 20. When the lever 60 is located at the first position, the developing roller 51 is separated from the photoreceptor drum. When the lever 60 is located at the second position in a state in which the cover 4 is not mounted on the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge, the developing roller 51 is brought into contact with the photoreceptor drum. In a state in which the cover 4 is mounted on the drum cartridge 3 and the developing cartridge 2, separation ribs separate the developing roller 51 and the photoreceptor drum from each other, and the lever 60 is located at the second position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, electrophotographic image forming devices such as laser printers and LED printers are known. The image forming device includes a developer cartridge and a drum cartridge to which the developer cartridge is detachably attached. The developer cartridge attached to the drum cartridge is detachably attached to the image forming device. The developer cartridge has a casing that contains developer and a developer roller. The drum cartridge has a photosensitive drum. When the developer cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge, the developer roller comes into contact with the photosensitive drum. A conventional image forming device is described, for example, in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The image forming apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 performs a separation operation to separate the developing roller from the photosensitive drum. The developing cartridge has a lever that receives a driving force from the image forming apparatus during the separation operation. The lever is movable relative to the casing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-117386 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is conceivable that an image forming apparatus with a developer cartridge and a drum cartridge installed will be transported. During transportation, it is necessary to keep the developer roller and the photosensitive drum apart to prevent deformation of the developer roller and the photosensitive drum. It is also necessary to prevent the lever from moving due to vibrations during transportation.

[0006] The object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology for an image forming device equipped with a developing cartridge having a lever that can move relative to the casing, which can separate the developing roller and the photosensitive drum and suppress movement of the lever during transportation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first disclosure of the present application is an image forming apparatus including a drum cartridge, a developing cartridge detachably attached to the drum cartridge, a cover detachably attached to one end of the drum cartridge in a first direction, the cover detachably attached to one end of the developing cartridge in the first direction, and an apparatus main body into which the developing cartridge attached to the drum cartridge can be attached, the apparatus main body into which the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge with the cover attached can be detachably attached, wherein the drum cartridge has a photosensitive drum rotatable about a drum axis extending in the first direction, and the developing cartridge has a casing capable of containing a developer, a developing roller rotatable about the developing axis extending in the first direction, and a lever movable between a first position and a second position relative to the casing, the developing cartridge being detachable when moved forward in the first direction. and a lever located at one end of the casing, wherein when the developer cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge, the cover is not attached to the developer cartridge and the drum cartridge, and the lever is located at the first position, the developer roller is separated from the photosensitive drum, when the developer cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge, the cover is not attached to the developer cartridge and the drum cartridge, and the lever is located at the second position, the developer roller is in contact with the photosensitive drum, and when the developer cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge and the cover is attached to the drum cartridge and the developer cartridge, the developer roller is separated from the photosensitive drum, and the lever is located at the second position.

[0008] The second disclosure of the present application is the image forming apparatus of the first disclosure, wherein the cover has a separating rib that separates the photosensitive drum and the developing roller when the cover is attached to the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge, and a first hole into which a portion of the lever is inserted when the cover is attached to the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge, and wherein the lever is positioned at the second position when the portion of the lever is inserted into the first hole.

[0009] The third disclosure of the present application is an image forming apparatus according to the first or second disclosure, characterized in that when the lever is in the first position, the lever presses the casing in a direction in which the developing roller moves away from the photosensitive drum.

[0010] The fourth disclosure of the present application is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third disclosures, characterized in that when the lever is in the second position, the lever does not press the casing in a direction in which the developing roller moves away from the photosensitive drum.

[0011] A fifth disclosure of the present application is the image forming apparatus of any one of the first to fourth disclosures, characterized in that the spacing rib extends in the first direction.

[0012] The sixth disclosure of the present application is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth disclosures, characterized in that the drum cartridge has a drum frame to which the developing cartridge is detachably attached, and when the cover is attached to the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge, the separating rib is sandwiched between a part of the casing and a part of the drum frame.

[0013] The seventh disclosure of the present application is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth disclosures, characterized in that the lever has a shaft extending in the first direction, and when the developing cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge and the cover is not attached, the lever is rotatable about the shaft, the cover has a second hole that fits onto the shaft when attached to the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge, and when the shaft is fitted into the second hole, the lever is located in the second position.

[0014] An eighth disclosure of the present application is the image forming apparatus of the seventh disclosure, characterized in that the spacing rib has the second hole.

[0015] A ninth disclosure of the present application is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth disclosures, characterized in that the first hole is a through hole that penetrates in the first direction.

[0016] The tenth disclosure of the present application is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth disclosures, characterized in that the lever has a convex portion extending away from the casing in the first direction, and when the cover is attached to the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge, the convex portion is inserted into the first hole.

[0017] The tenth disclosure of the present application is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth disclosures, characterized in that the drum cartridge further has a cleaning roller rotatable about a cleaning axis extending in the first direction, and a cleaning electrode electrically connected to the cleaning roller, and when the cover is attached to the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge, the cover covers the cleaning electrode.

[0018] The twelfth disclosure of the present application is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to eleventh disclosures, characterized in that the developing roller further has a developing electrode electrically connected to the developing roller, the drum cartridge further has a relay electrode electrically connected to the developing electrode when the developing cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge, and the cover covers the relay electrode when the cover is attached to the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge.

[0019] The 13th disclosure of the present application is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the 1st to 12th disclosures, characterized in that the drum cartridge further has a drum earth electrically connected to the photosensitive drum, and when the cover is attached to the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge, the cover covers the drum earth.

[0020] The 14th disclosure of the present application is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the 1st to 13th disclosures, characterized in that the drum cartridge further has a charger that charges the photosensitive drum and a charging electrode electrically connected to the charger, and when the cover is attached to the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge, the cover covers the charging electrode.

[0021] The 15th disclosure of the present application is the image forming apparatus of the 14th disclosure, wherein the charger further has a charging wire extending in the first direction and a grid positioned at a distance from the charging wire, the charging electrode further has a wire electrode electrically connected to the charging wire and a grid electrode electrically connected to the grid, and when the cover is attached to the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge, the cover covers the wire electrode and the grid electrode.

[0022] The 16th disclosure of the present application is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the 1st to 15th disclosures, characterized in that the cover has a handle that allows it to be gripped by a user, and when the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge with the cover attached are attached to the apparatus main body, the handle is exposed from the apparatus main body.

[0023] A seventeenth disclosure of the present application is the image forming apparatus of the sixteenth disclosure, characterized in that the handle has an indication mark indicating the removal direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the first to seventeenth disclosures of the present application, in an image forming apparatus provided with a developing cartridge having a lever that is movable relative to the casing, movement of the lever can be restricted during transportation.

[0025] Furthermore, according to the seventh disclosure of the present application, the cover can also fix the position of the lever shaft, which further limits the movement of the lever during transport.

[0026] According to the eighth disclosure of the present application, the spacing rib separates the developer cartridge and the drum cartridge and also fixes the lever. By having the spacing rib perform multiple functions, it is possible to prevent the shape of the cover from becoming complicated.

[0027] Furthermore, according to the ninth disclosure of the present application, the lever can be fixed without the cover having a complex shape.

[0028] Furthermore, according to the eleventh disclosure of the present application, the cleaning electrode can be prevented from being electrically connected to the main body of the apparatus during transportation.

[0029] Furthermore, according to the twelfth disclosure of the present application, it is possible to prevent the relay electrode and the developing electrode from being electrically connected to the main body of the apparatus during transportation.

[0030] Furthermore, according to the thirteenth disclosure of the present application, it is possible to prevent the drum earth from being electrically connected to the device main body during transportation.

[0031] Furthermore, according to the fourteenth disclosure of the present application, it is possible to prevent the charging electrode from being electrically connected to the device main body during transportation.

[0032] Furthermore, according to the fifteenth disclosure of the present application, the cover can be easily removed from the developing cartridge and the drum cartridge.

[0033] Furthermore, according to the sixteenth disclosure of the present application, the user can easily recognize the removal direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of the image forming apparatus in use. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the process cartridge and the cover. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the process cartridge and the cover. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the process cartridge and the cover. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of a first outer surface of the developing cartridge. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus in a state where a cover is attached to the process cartridge. [Figure 8] 10 is a side view of the developing cartridge and the photosensitive drum viewed in the first direction when the first lever is in a third position and a separating operation is not being performed. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a side view of the developing cartridge and the photosensitive drum viewed in a first direction when the first lever is in a first position and a separating operation is being performed. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a side view of the process cartridge with the cover attached, viewed in a first direction. [Figure 11] 10 is a side view of the process cartridge when viewed in a first direction with the first lever at a second position. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge with a cover attached thereto is installed. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge with the cover attached. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus in which a process cartridge with a cover attached thereto is installed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0036] In the following description, the direction in which the developing roller extends is referred to as the "first direction." The direction in which one end of the casing where the developing roller is located is aligned with the other end of the casing is referred to as the "second direction." The first and second directions intersect (preferably perpendicular to) each other.

[0037] <1. Overview of image forming device> 1 is a conceptual diagram of an image forming apparatus 1. This image forming apparatus 1 is an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Examples of the image forming apparatus 1 include a laser printer and an LED printer.

[0038] The image forming apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 10, four process cartridges 100, and a cover 4, which will be described later. The state in which the developing cartridge 2 is attached to the drum cartridge 3 is referred to as the process cartridge 100. When the image forming apparatus 1 is in use, the process cartridge 100 is attached to the apparatus main body 10, as shown in FIG.

[0039] 1, the device body 10 has a bottom 11, a first side wall 12, and a second side wall 13. The first side wall 12 and the second side wall 13 extend substantially perpendicularly from the bottom 11. The first side wall 12 and the second side wall 13 are spaced apart in a first direction.

[0040] When the process cartridge 100 is attached to the apparatus main body 10, both ends of the process cartridge 100 in the first direction are held by the first side wall 12 and the second side wall 13. Specifically, the first side wall 12 holds one end of the process cartridge 100 in the first direction. The second side wall 13 holds the other end of the process cartridge 100 in the first direction.

[0041] 2 is a perspective view of the developer cartridge 2 and the drum cartridge 3. The developer cartridge 2 is used together with the drum cartridge 3 having a photosensitive drum 32 (see FIGS. 8 and 9). The developer cartridge 2 is attachable to the drum cartridge 3.

[0042] Four process cartridges 100 can be attached to this image forming apparatus 1. In other words, four developer cartridges 2 can be attached to the image forming apparatus 1. The four developer cartridges 2 contain developers of different colors (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). The developer is, for example, toner. The image forming apparatus 1 forms an image on the surface of printing paper using the developer supplied from the developer cartridges 2. However, the number of developer cartridges 2 that can be attached to the image forming apparatus may be one to three, or may be five or more.

[0043] 3 to 5 are perspective views of the process cartridge 100 and the cover 4. Figs. 3 and 4 show the process cartridge 100 in a state where the cover 4 is not attached. Fig. 5 shows the process cartridge 100 in a state where the cover 4 is attached.

[0044] The developing cartridge 2 (process cartridge 100) attached to the drum cartridge 3 can be detachably attached to the device main body 10. The developing cartridge 2 and drum cartridge 3 with the cover 4 attached can also be detachably attached to the device main body 10. In other words, the process cartridge 100 with the cover 4 attached can be detachably attached to the device main body 10.

[0045] When transporting the image forming apparatus 1, the process cartridge 100 with the cover 4 attached is attached to the apparatus main body 10. This protects each part of the process cartridge 100 and also cuts off the electrical connection between the process cartridge 100 and the apparatus main body 10.

[0046] <2. About the developing cartridge> As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the developing cartridge 2 includes a casing 20, a developing roller 51, a bearing 52, a first lever 60, and an IC chip assembly .

[0047] The casing 20 is a housing capable of containing a developer. The casing 20 has a first outer surface 21 and a second outer surface 22. The first outer surface 21 is located at one end of the casing 20 in the first direction. The second outer surface 22 is located at the other end of the casing 20 in the first direction. The first outer surface 21 and the second outer surface 22 are spaced apart from each other in the first direction. The casing 20 extends in the first direction and also in the second direction.

[0048] The casing 20 has a storage chamber (not shown). The developer is stored inside the storage chamber. The casing 20 also has an opening 23. The opening 23 is located at one end of the casing 20 in the second direction. The external space of the casing 20 and the storage chamber communicate with each other via the opening 23. The casing 20 may have a handle on the outer surface of the other end of the casing 20 in the second direction.

[0049] The developing roller 51 is a roller that can rotate about a development axis that extends in the first direction. The developing roller 51 is located in the opening 23 of the casing 20. In other words, the developing roller 51 is located at one end of the casing 20 in the second direction.

[0050] The first lever 60 is located on the first outer surface 21 of the casing 20. The first lever 60 is located away from the developing roller 51 in the second direction. The first lever 60 is movable relative to the casing 20.

[0051] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the vicinity of the first outer surface 21 of the developer cartridge 2. As shown in Figure 6, the first lever 60 has one end 61, the other end 62, a shaft 63, and a hole 64. The one end 61 is located at one end of the first lever 60 in a third direction that intersects with the first direction and the second direction. The other end 62 is located at the other end of the first lever 60 in the third direction. The one end 61 and the other end 62 are spaced apart in the third direction.

[0052] One end 61 of the first lever 60 has a first protrusion 65. The first protrusion 65 protrudes in a first direction at the one end 61 of the first lever 60. The first protrusion 65 also protrudes at the one end 61 of the first lever 60 in a direction away from the first outer surface 21 of the casing 20. The first protrusion 65 has a recess 66. When the developer cartridge 2 is attached to the drum cartridge 3, the recess 66 recesses toward the photosensitive drum 32 of the drum cartridge 3, which will be described later.

[0053] The other end 62 of the first lever 60 has a second protrusion 67. The second protrusion 67 protrudes in a first direction at the other end 62 of the first lever 60. The second protrusion 67 also protrudes from the other end 62 of the first lever 60 toward the first outer surface 21 of the casing 20.

[0054] The shaft 63 is located between the one end 61 and the other end 62 in the third direction. The shaft 63 protrudes from the first lever 60 in the first direction. The shaft 63 also protrudes in a direction away from the first outer surface 21 of the casing 20. When the developer cartridge 2 is attached to the drum cartridge 3, the shaft 63 can come into contact with a drum frame 31 (described later) of the drum cartridge 3. The first lever 60 can rotate about the shaft 63.

[0055] 6, 8, and 9, the bearing 52 has a pressure receiving surface 521. The pressure receiving surface 521 is positioned farther from the developing roller 51 in the second direction than the other end 62 of the first lever 60. The pressure receiving surface 521 also faces the other end 62 of the first lever 60 in the second direction. Specifically, the pressure receiving surface 521 faces the second protrusion 67 of the first lever 60 in the second direction.

[0056] When one end 61 of the first lever 60 receives a driving force from the apparatus main body 10 while the developer cartridge 2 is attached to the drum cartridge 3, the first lever 60 rotates about the shaft 63. As a result, the other end 62 of the first lever 60 comes into contact with the pressure receiving surface 521. At this time, the shaft 63 of the first lever 60 functions as a fulcrum. The one end 61 of the first lever 60 functions as a point of force application. The other end 62 of the first lever 60 functions as a point of action.

[0057] The hole 64 is located between the one end 61 and the other end 62 in the third direction. The hole 64 overlaps with the shaft 63 in the first direction. The hole 64 is recessed in the first direction from the surface of the first lever 60 facing the casing 20 toward the shaft 63. In this embodiment, the shape of the hole 64 is circular, with its center on the shaft axis extending in the first direction. However, the hole 64 may be a shape other than circular, such as an ellipse or a polygon.

[0058] 6, the bearing 52 has a boss 522. The boss 522 extends in a first direction from a surface of the bearing 52 facing the first lever 60 toward the first lever 60. The bearing 52 is fixed to the casing 20. Therefore, the boss 522 is movable together with the casing 20.

[0059] The boss 522 fits into the hole 64 of the first lever 60. The inner diameter of the hole 64 is larger than the outer diameter of the boss 522. That is, the dimension (inner dimension) of the hole 64 in the second direction is larger than the dimension (outer dimension) of the boss 522 in the second direction. Furthermore, the dimension (inner dimension) of the hole 64 in the third direction is larger than the dimension (outer dimension) of the boss 522 in the third direction. Therefore, the hole 64 is movable in the second direction and the third direction relative to the boss 522. Furthermore, the first lever 60 is movable in the second direction and the third direction relative to the bearing 52 and the casing 20 within the range of the dimensional difference between the boss 522 and the hole 64.

[0060] The developing cartridge 2 also has a lever holder 600. The lever holder 600 is located on the first outer surface 21 of the casing 20. More specifically, the lever holder 600 is fixed to the first outer surface 21 of the casing 20.

[0061] The lever holder 600 covers a portion of the first lever 60. That is, a portion of the first lever 60 is located between the first outer surface 21 of the casing 20 and the lever holder 600. Furthermore, the lever holder 600 is located between the first protrusion 65 and the second protrusion 67 of the first lever 60 in the third direction. The first protrusion 65 and the lever holder 600 face each other in the third direction and can come into contact with each other. This prevents the first lever 60 from slipping out of the lever holder 600 in the third direction. That is, the lever holder 600 holds the first lever 60 movably relative to the casing 20.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 2, the IC chip assembly 70 has an IC chip 71 and a holder 72 that holds the IC chip 71. Fig. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 1 in a state where the cover 4 is attached to the drum cartridge 3 in which the developer cartridge 2 is installed. Fig. 7 shows a cross section that is perpendicular to the first direction and includes the IC chip assembly 70.

[0063] The IC chip 71 is a storage medium, i.e., a memory. The IC chip 71 has three electrical contact surfaces 711. The electrical contact surfaces 711 are made of metal, which is a conductor. The electrical contact surfaces 711 are located on the outer surface of the holder 72. The IC chip 71 can also store various information related to the developer cartridge 2. However, the number of electrical contact surfaces 711 that the IC chip 71 has may be one or two, or may be four or more.

[0064] Holder 72 is movable relative to casing 20 in a third direction intersecting the first direction. Holder 72 has a first holder member 721, a second holder member 722, and a coil spring 723 positioned therebetween. First holder member 721 is made of, for example, resin. Second holder member 722 is made of, for example, resin.

[0065] The coil spring 723 is an elastic member that expands and contracts in the third direction. The coil spring 723 is located between the first holder member 721 and the second holder member 722 in the third direction. The coil spring 723 expands and contracts in the third direction at least between a first state and a second state that is more contracted than the first state. The length of the coil spring 723 in the third direction in the first state is longer than the length of the coil spring 723 in the third direction in the second state. The length of the coil spring 723 in the third direction in the first state is the same as or shorter than the natural length of the coil spring 723. Therefore, the length of the coil spring 723 in the third direction at least in the second state is shorter than the natural length of the coil spring 723. In other words, when the coil spring 723 is compressed in the third direction more than in the first state, the coil spring 723 presses the first holder member 721 in a direction away from the second holder member 722 in the third direction.

[0066] The first holder member 721 has a holding portion 720. The IC chip 71 is fixed to the holding portion 720. The holding portion 720 is positioned on the outer surface of the first holder member 721 in a direction away from the second holder member 722 by a coil spring 723. As a result, when the drum cartridge 3 (process cartridge 100) with the developer cartridge 2 attached is attached to the apparatus main body 10, the electrical contact surface 711 of the IC chip 71 is pressed toward a main body electrode 19 of the apparatus main body 10, which will be described later, by the force of the coil spring 723 attempting to expand.

[0067] <3. About the drum cartridge> Next, the drum cartridge 3 will be described.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 2, the drum cartridge 3 includes a drum frame 31 and a photosensitive drum 32. The developer cartridge 2 is attached to the drum frame 31. The photosensitive drum 32 is a cylindrical component that is rotatable about a drum axis extending in the first direction. The outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 32 is covered with a photosensitive material. The photosensitive drum 32 is located at one end of the drum frame 31 in the second direction. When the developer cartridge 2 is attached to the drum frame 31, the outer peripheral surface of the developer roller 51 comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 32. At this time, the developer roller 51 is pressed in the second direction toward the photosensitive drum 32 by elastic members 331, 332 (see FIGS. 12 and 13) provided on the drum cartridge 3.

[0069] The drum frame 31 has a recess 311 (see FIG. 11). The recess 311 is located at one end of the drum frame 31 in the first direction. The recess 311 recesses in the second direction toward the photosensitive drum 32. When the developer cartridge 2 is attached to the drum cartridge 3, the shaft 63 of the first lever 60 fits into the recess 311. The shaft 63 then contacts the recess 311 in the direction toward the photosensitive drum 32.

[0070] The drum frame 31 also has a guide surface 312 (see FIG. 11). The guide surface 312 is located at one end of the drum frame 31 in the first direction. The guide surface 312 is located next to the recessed portion 311. The guide surface 312 is inclined with respect to the direction of rotation about the developing roller 51. When the developing cartridge 2 is being attached to the drum cartridge 3, the guide surface 312 guides the shaft 63 of the first lever 60 toward the recessed portion 311.

[0071] <4. Separation operation> After the developer cartridge 2 is attached to the drum cartridge 3 (in the state of the process cartridge 100) and then installed in the apparatus main body 10, it can perform a separation operation by a driving force supplied from the apparatus main body 10. The separation operation is an operation for temporarily separating the development roller 51 from the photosensitive drum 32. For example, when monochrome printing is performed in the image forming apparatus, the developer cartridges 2 of each color other than black perform the separation operation. However, there may be cases where only the black developer cartridge 2 performs the separation operation.

[0072] Fig. 8 is a view of the developer cartridge 2 and the photosensitive drum 32 viewed in the first direction when the first lever 60 is in the third position and the separating operation is not being performed. Fig. 9 is a view of the developer cartridge 2 and the photosensitive drum 32 viewed in the first direction when the first lever 60 is in the first position and the separating operation is being performed. Note that in Figs. 8 and 9, a portion of the drum frame 31 is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 8, when the developer cartridge 2 is attached to the drum cartridge 3, the casing 20 of the developer cartridge 2 is located in a pressure contact position where the development roller 51 contacts the photosensitive drum 32. The position of the first lever 60 at this time is the third position. In the third position, the other end 62 of the first lever 60 is separated from the pressure receiving surface 521. Therefore, the other end 62 of the first lever 60 does not press the pressure receiving surface 521. In addition, the shaft 63 of the first lever 60 contacts the recess 311 of the drum frame 31.

[0074] 9, when the device main body 10 performs a separating operation while the developer cartridge 2 is attached to the drum cartridge 3, the casing 20 of the developer cartridge 2 moves to a separating position where the developing roller 51 does not contact the photosensitive drum 32. At this time, the position of the first lever 60 becomes the first position.

[0075] When performing the separating operation, the device body 10 applies a driving force to one end 61 of the first lever 60. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the device body 10 has a body cam 101. The body cam 101 is movable in a second direction relative to the frame of the device body 10 between a first cam position (position in FIG. 8) and a second cam position (position in FIG. 9). When performing the separating operation, the device body 10 moves the body cam 101 from the first cam position to the second cam position.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 8 , when the drum cartridge 3 (process cartridge 100) with the developer cartridge 2 attached is mounted in the apparatus main body 10 and the main cam 101 is located at the first cam position, the main cam 101 does not come into contact with the first lever 60. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9 , when the drum cartridge 3 (process cartridge 100) with the developer cartridge 2 attached is mounted in the apparatus main body 10 and the main cam 101 is located at the second cam position, the main cam 101 comes into contact with one end 61 of the first lever 60. More specifically, the main cam 101 comes into contact with the recess 66 of the first lever 60. The main cam 101 then presses the one end 61 of the first lever 60 in the second direction toward the photosensitive drum 32.

[0077] As a result, the first lever 60 rotates about the shaft 63 supported in the recess 311. That is, the first lever 60 rotates from the third position to the first position relative to the casing 20. As a result, the other end 62 of the first lever 60 comes into contact with the pressure receiving surface 521 of the casing 20. Then, the other end 62 of the first lever 60 presses the pressure receiving surface 521 of the casing 20 in the second direction, in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 32. As a result, the first outer surface 21 of the casing 20 moves in the second direction, in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 32, relative to the first lever 60.

[0078] The drum cartridge 3 also has a second lever (not shown). When the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 91, the second lever is located near the second outer surface 22 of the casing 20. When the image forming apparatus performs a separating operation, it applies a driving force to one end of the second lever. This causes the second lever to rotate about an axis extending in the first direction. As a result, the other end of the second lever comes into contact with the casing 20 of the developer cartridge 2. The other end of the second lever then presses the casing 2 in the second direction, away from the photosensitive drum 32. As a result, the second outer surface 22 of the casing 20 moves in the second direction, away from the photosensitive drum 32.

[0079] In this way, on the first outer surface 21 of the casing 20, the main body cam 101 presses the first lever 60, and the first lever 60 presses the casing 20 in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 32. Also, on the second outer surface 22 of the casing 20, the second lever presses the casing 20 in a direction away from the photosensitive drum 32. This allows the casing 20 to move in the second direction from a pressure contact position where the developing roller 51 contacts the photosensitive drum 32 to a separated position where the developing roller 51 is separated from the photosensitive drum 32.

[0080] <5.About the cover> Next, the cover 4 will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5, 7, and 10 to 14. Figure 10 is a view of the process cartridge 100 with the cover 4 attached, viewed in a first direction. Figure 11 is a view of only the process cartridge 100 with the first lever 60 in the second position, viewed in the first direction. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 1 in which the process cartridge 100 with the cover 4 attached is installed. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the process cartridge 100 with the cover 4 attached.

[0081] The cover 4 is made of, for example, resin. The cover 4 includes a first cover 41 and a second cover 42. The first cover 41 and the second cover 42 are separate members.

[0082] The first cover 41 is detachably attached to one end in the first direction of the process cartridge 100. That is, the first cover 41 is detachably attached to one end in the first direction of the drum cartridge 3 in which the developer cartridge 2 is installed. Furthermore, the first cover 41 is detachably attached to one end in the first direction of the developer cartridge 2, and is detachably attached to one end in the first direction of the drum cartridge 3.

[0083] 8 to 11, when the first cover 41 is attached to the process cartridge 100, the first lever 60 is disposed in a second position different from the first position and the third position. In this manner, the first lever 60 is movable between the first position, the second position, and the third position.

[0084] As described above, when the first lever 60 is located at the first position, the first lever 60 presses the casing 20 in a direction in which the developing roller 51 moves away from the photosensitive drum 32. Therefore, when the first lever 60 is located at the first position in a state in which the first cover 41 is not attached to the process cartridge 100, the developing roller 51 and the photosensitive drum 32 move away from each other. In other words, when the developing cartridge 2 is attached to the drum cartridge 3 and the first lever 60 is located at the first position, the developing roller 51 moves away from the photosensitive drum 32.

[0085] In contrast, when the first lever 60 is located at the second or third position, the first lever 60 does not press the casing 20 in a direction in which the developing roller 51 moves away from the photosensitive drum 32. Therefore, when the first lever 60 is located at the third position when the first cover 41 is not attached to the process cartridge 100, the developing roller 51 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 32. In other words, when the developing cartridge 2 is attached to the drum cartridge 3 and the first lever 60 is located at the third position, the developing roller 51 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 32.

[0086] Furthermore, even if the first lever 60 is positioned at the second position when the first cover 41 is not attached to the process cartridge 100, the developing roller 51 and the photosensitive drum 32 are not separated from each other. In other words, when the developing cartridge 2 is attached to the drum cartridge 3, the first cover 41 is not attached to the developing cartridge 2 or the drum cartridge 3, and the first lever 60 is positioned at the second position, the developing roller 51 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 32.

[0087] On the other hand, when the first cover 41 is attached to the process cartridge 100, a part of the first lever 60 (first protrusion 65) fits into a first hole 416 (described later) of the first cover 41, causing the first lever 60 to be located in the second position. However, when the first cover 41 is attached to the process cartridge 100, the developing roller 51 is separated from the photosensitive drum in a state where the first protrusion 65 is fitted into the first hole 416. Details of the separation when the first cover 41 is attached will be described later.

[0088] The second cover 42 is detachable from the other end in the first direction of the process cartridge 100. That is, the second cover 42 is detachable from the other end in the first direction of the drum cartridge 3 in which the developer cartridge 2 is installed. Furthermore, the second cover 42 is detachable from the other end in the first direction of the developer cartridge 2, and is also detachable from the other end in the first direction of the drum cartridge 3.

[0089] The first cover 41 has a first edge 412 , a first positioning rib 413 , a second positioning rib 414 , a first spacing rib 415 , and a first hole 416 .

[0090] When attached to the process cartridge 100, the first cover 41 extends along a plane perpendicular to the first direction. When attached to the process cartridge 100, the first cover 41 covers the surface of one end of the process cartridge 100 in the first direction. The first cover 41 is not flat, but has projections and depressions that follow the surface shape of the process cartridge 100. The first edge 412 extends in the first direction from a part of the outer edge of the first cover 41 toward the process cartridge 100. When the first cover 41 is attached to the process cartridge 100, the first edge 412 extends in the first direction along the surface shape of the process cartridge 100.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 12, the lever holder 600 has a first positioning surface 601, a second positioning surface 602, and a first spacing rib contact surface 603.

[0092] The first positioning surface 601 is the inner circumferential surface of a circular arc-shaped portion of the surface of the lever holder 600 extending in the first direction when viewed in the first direction. The first positioning surface 601 is located farther from the developing roller 51 in the second direction than the first lever 60. The second positioning surface 602 is the surface of the surface of the lever holder 600 extending in the first direction on the side of one end of the developing cartridge 2 in the second direction. The second positioning surface 602 is located closer to the developing roller 51 in the second direction than the first lever 60.

[0093] The first spacing rib contact surface 603 is a surface of the lever holder 600 extending in the first direction that is located on one end side of the developing cartridge 2 in the second direction. The first spacing rib contact surface 603 is positioned farther away from the developing roller 51 in the second direction than the first lever 60. Furthermore, when the developing cartridge 2 is attached to the drum cartridge 3, the first spacing rib contact surface 603 faces the recess 311 of the drum frame 31 in the second direction.

[0094] The first positioning rib 413 protrudes in a first direction from the first cover 41 toward the process cartridge 100. When the first cover 41 is attached to the process cartridge 100, the first positioning rib 413 fits into a space surrounded by a first positioning surface 601 of the lever holder 600.

[0095] The second positioning rib 414 protrudes from the first cover 41 toward the process cartridge 100 in the first direction. When the first cover 41 is attached to the process cartridge 100, the second positioning rib 414 faces the second positioning surface 602 of the lever holder 600 in the second direction.

[0096] The first spacing rib 415 protrudes from the first cover 41 toward the process cartridge 100 in the first direction. When the first cover 41 is attached to the process cartridge 100, the first spacing rib 415 is fitted between the first spacing rib contact surface 603 of the lever holder 600 and the recess 311 of the drum frame 31. Here, the lever holder 600 is a part of the casing 20 and is fixed to the casing 20 so as not to move relative to the casing 20. In other words, when the first cover 41 is attached to the developer cartridge 2 and the drum cartridge 3, the first spacing rib 415 is sandwiched between a part of the casing 20 and a part of the drum frame 31.

[0097] The first separating rib 415 also has a second hole 417. The second hole 417 is recessed in the first direction away from the process cartridge 100. When the first cover 41 is attached to the process cartridge 100, the shaft 63 of the first lever 60 fits into the second hole 417. Therefore, when the first cover 41 is attached to the process cartridge 100, the position of the shaft 63 of the first lever 60 is fixed.

[0098] The first hole 416 is a through-hole that penetrates the first cover 41 in the first direction. When viewed in the first direction, the first cover 41 is slightly larger than the first protrusion 65 of the first lever 60. When the first cover 41 is attached to the process cartridge 100, the first hole 416 fits into the first protrusion 65.

[0099] In this way, when the first cover 41 is attached to the process cartridge 100, a part of the first lever 60 (first protrusion 65) fits into a first hole 416 (described later) of the first cover 41. This makes it possible to restrict movement of the first protrusion 65. As a result, it is possible to restrict movement of the first lever 60 when transporting the image forming apparatus 1 in which the process cartridge 100 with the first cover 41 attached is installed.

[0100] The first cover 41 can also fix the position of the shaft 63 of the first lever 60. This makes it possible to further restrict movement of the first lever 60 when transporting the image forming apparatus 1 in which the process cartridge 100 with the first cover 41 attached is installed. Furthermore, since the first spacing rib 415 has the second hole 417 for fixing the shaft 63, the first spacing rib 415 can separate the developer cartridge 2 and the drum cartridge 3 while also fixing the shaft 63. In this way, the first spacing rib 415 fulfills multiple roles, which makes it possible to prevent the shape of the first cover 41 from becoming complicated.

[0101] When attaching the first cover 41 to the process cartridge 100, the first cover 41 is moved closer to the process cartridge 100 in the first direction. At this time, first, a part of the first positioning rib 413 is inserted into the space surrounded by the first positioning surface 601, and the second positioning rib 414 is positioned along the second positioning surface 602. This fixes the relative positions of the first cover 41 and the developing cartridge 2.

[0102] Next, while adjusting the position of the first lever 60, the first protrusion 65 of the first lever 60 is inserted into the first hole 416. Then, while separating the developer cartridge 2 and the drum cartridge 3 in the second direction, the first spacing rib 415 is fitted between the first spacing rib contact surface 603 of the lever holder 600 and the recessed portion 311 of the drum cartridge 3. As the first spacing rib 415 is fitted between the first spacing rib contact surface 603 and the recessed portion 311, the distance between the first spacing rib contact surface 603 and the recessed portion 311 increases. In other words, as the first spacing rib 415 is fitted between the first spacing rib contact surface 603 and the recessed portion 311, the casing 20 of the developer cartridge 2 and the drum frame 31 of the drum cartridge 3 move apart in the second direction. As a result, the developing roller 51 of the developer cartridge 2 and the photosensitive drum 32 of the drum cartridge 3 are separated from each other.

[0103] The second cover 42 has a second edge portion 422 , a second spacing rib 423 , and an IC chip assembly cover portion 424 .

[0104] When attached to the process cartridge 100, the second cover 42 extends along a plane perpendicular to the first direction. When attached to the process cartridge 100, the second cover 42 covers the surface of the process cartridge 100 on the other end side in the first direction. The second cover 42 is not flat, but has projections and depressions that follow the surface shape of the process cartridge 100. The second edge 422 extends in the first direction from a part of the outer edge of the second cover 42 toward the process cartridge 100. When the second cover 42 is attached to the process cartridge 100, the second edge 422 extends in the first direction along the surface shape of the process cartridge 100.

[0105] 13, the drum frame 31 has a second spacing rib contact surface 313. When the developer cartridge 2 is attached to the drum cartridge 3, the second spacing rib contact surface 313 faces the collar 24 of the casing 20 in the second direction.

[0106] The second spacing rib 423 protrudes from the second cover 42 in the first direction toward the process cartridge 100. When the second cover 42 is attached to the process cartridge 100, the second spacing rib 423 is fitted between the collar 24 of the developer cartridge 2 and the second spacing rib contact surface 313 of the drum frame 31.

[0107] The IC chip assembly cover portion 424 covers most of the IC chip assembly 70 when the second cover 42 is attached to the process cartridge 100. As shown in Fig. 7, the portion of the IC chip assembly cover portion 424 that covers the electrical contact surface 711 of the IC chip 71 when the second cover 42 is attached to the process cartridge 100 is referred to as the memory cover portion 425. Specifically, when the second cover 42 is attached to the process cartridge 100, the surface of the memory cover portion 425 facing the IC chip assembly 70 faces the electrical contact surface 711 of the IC chip 71 in the third direction.

[0108] The memory cover portion 425 has a cover recess 426. The cover recess 426 is located on the surface of the memory cover portion 425 facing the IC chip assembly 70 when the second cover 42 is attached to the process cartridge 100. The cover recess 426 is recessed in a direction away from the electrical contact surface 711 when the second cover 42 is attached to the process cartridge 100. Therefore, when the second cover 42 is attached to the process cartridge 100, the electrical contact surface 711 and the cover recess 426 face each other with a gap in the third direction. Therefore, the electrical contact surface 711 does not come into contact with the memory cover portion 425.

[0109] 7, the apparatus main body 10 has a main body electrode 19. The main body electrode 19 comes into contact with an electrical contact surface 711 of the IC chip 71 when the process cartridge 100 is installed without the second cover 42 attached. A control unit provided in the apparatus main body 10 obtains necessary information from the IC chip 71 via the main body electrode 19 and the electrical contact surface 711. For this reason, the number of main body electrodes 19 is three, the same as the number of electrical contact surfaces 711.

[0110] When attaching the second cover 42 to the process cartridge 100, the second cover 42 is moved closer to the process cartridge 100 in the first direction. At that time, the IC chip assembly 70 is first covered with the IC chip assembly cover portion 424. Next, while the developer cartridge 2 and the drum cartridge 3 are pulled apart in the second direction, the second spacing rib 423 is fitted between the collar 24 of the developer cartridge 2 and the second spacing rib contact surface 313 of the drum frame 31.

[0111] As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, first cover 41 has a first handle 410. Second cover 42 has a second handle 420. First handle 410 and second handle 420 are each parts that are allowed to be gripped by the user.

[0112] The first handle 410 has a first indication mark 419 that indicates the removal direction. When the first cover 41 is attached to the process cartridge 100, the user can easily remove the first cover 41 from the process cartridge 100 by gripping the first handle 410 and moving the first handle 410 in accordance with the first indication mark 419.

[0113] The second handle 420 has a second indication mark 429 that indicates the removal direction. When the second cover 42 is attached to the process cartridge 100, the user can easily remove the second cover 42 from the process cartridge 100 by gripping the second handle 420 and moving the second handle 420 in accordance with the second indication mark 429.

[0114] When the first cover 41 is attached to the process cartridge 100, the first handle 410 is located along the other end of the developer cartridge 2 in the second direction. When the second cover 42 is attached to the process cartridge 100, the second handle 420 is located along the other end of the developer cartridge 2 in the second direction. Therefore, when the process cartridge 100 with the cover 4 (first cover 41 and second cover 42) attached is attached to the apparatus main body 10, the first handle 410 and the second handle 420 are each exposed from the apparatus main body 10. In other words, when the developer cartridge 2 and the drum cartridge 3 with the cover 4 attached are attached to the apparatus main body 10, the first handle 410 and the second handle 420 are each exposed from the apparatus main body 10.

[0115] That is, when the cover 4 is attached to the process cartridge 100, the user can easily see the first indication mark 419 and the second indication mark 429 on the cover 4 attached to the process cartridge 100. This allows a user who receives an image forming apparatus 1 with the cover 4 attached to the process cartridge 100 for transportation to easily confirm that the cover 4 needs to be removed before use.

[0116] Next, a description will be given of the electrodes that are covered by the cover 4 when the cover 4 is attached to the process cartridge 100. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the image forming apparatus 1 in which the process cartridge 100 with the cover 4 attached is installed. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane perpendicular to the first side wall 12 and passing through the first electrode 14 and cleaning electrode 34, the second electrode 15 and relay electrode 35, the third electrode 16 and wire electrode 36, and the fourth electrode 17 and grid electrode 37, which will be described later.

[0117] 14, the device body 10 has a first electrode 14, a second electrode 15, a third electrode 16, and a fourth electrode 17 on the first side wall 12. In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, the device body 10 has a fifth electrode 18.

[0118] 11, the drum cartridge 3 has a cleaning electrode 34, a relay electrode 35, a wire electrode 36, a grid electrode 37, and a drum earth 38. The cleaning electrode 34, the relay electrode 35, the wire electrode 36, the grid electrode 37, and the drum earth 38 are each exposed at one end of the drum cartridge 3 in the first direction.

[0119] The drum cartridge 3 has a cleaning roller (not shown). The cleaning roller is rotatable about a cleaning shaft extending in the first direction. The cleaning roller cleans the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 32. Specifically, the cleaning roller collects toner and paper dust remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 32 after the toner is transferred from the photosensitive drum 32 to a recording medium.

[0120] The cleaning roller has a cleaning roller shaft and a cleaning portion. The cleaning roller shaft is made of a conductive material such as metal or conductive resin. The cleaning portion is made of an elastic material such as rubber or sponge.

[0121] The cleaning electrode 34 is electrically connected to the cleaning roller shaft. That is, the cleaning electrode 34 is electrically connected to the cleaning roller. When the process cartridge 100 without the first cover 41 is mounted in the apparatus main body 10, the apparatus main body 10 and the cleaning electrode 34 are electrically connected. As a result, power is supplied from the apparatus main body 10 to the cleaning roller shaft, and the cleaning roller shaft is charged.

[0122] When the process cartridge 100 without the first cover 41 is mounted in the apparatus main body 10, the cleaning electrode 34 is electrically connected to the first electrode 14 of the apparatus main body 10. This allows power to be supplied to the cleaning electrode 34 from the apparatus main body 10.

[0123] 10 and 14, when the first cover 41 is attached to the process cartridge 100, the first cover 41 covers the cleaning electrode 34. That is, when the first cover 41 is attached to the developer cartridge 2 and the drum cartridge 3, the first cover 41 covers the cleaning electrode 34. As a result, when the process cartridge 100 with the first cover 41 attached is attached to the main body 10 of the apparatus, the cleaning electrode 34 and the first electrode 14 of the main body 10 of the apparatus are isolated from each other by the first cover 41, as shown in FIG. That is, when the process cartridge 100 with the first cover 41 attached is attached to the main body 10 of the apparatus, the cleaning electrode 34 and the main body 10 of the apparatus are electrically isolated from each other.

[0124] The developer cartridge 2 has a developer electrode (not shown). The developer electrode is electrically connected to the developer roller 51. When the developer cartridge 2 is attached to the drum cartridge 3, the relay electrode 35 is electrically connected to the developer electrode.

[0125] When the process cartridge 100 without the first cover 41 is mounted in the apparatus main body 10, the relay electrode 35 is electrically connected to the second electrode 15 of the apparatus main body 10. This allows power to be supplied to the relay electrode 35 from the apparatus main body 10.

[0126] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 14 , when the first cover 41 is attached to the process cartridge 100, the first cover 41 covers the relay electrode 35. That is, when the first cover 41 is attached to the developer cartridge 2 and the drum cartridge 3, the first cover 41 covers the relay electrode 35. As a result, when the process cartridge 100 with the first cover 41 attached is attached to the main body 10 of the apparatus, the relay electrode 35 and the second electrode 15 of the main body 10 of the apparatus are isolated from each other by the first cover 41, as shown in FIG. 14 . That is, when the process cartridge 100 with the first cover 41 attached is attached to the main body 10 of the apparatus, the relay electrode 35 and the main body 10 of the apparatus are electrically isolated from each other. As a result, the developer electrode of the developer cartridge 2 and the main body 10 of the apparatus are electrically isolated from each other.

[0127] The drum cartridge 3 also has a charger (not shown). The charger charges the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 32. For example, a scorotron charger is used as the charger. The charger has a charging wire and a grid. The charging wire is a wire that extends in a first direction. The charging wire is made of a conductive material such as metal or conductive resin. The grid is positioned at a distance from the charging wire.

[0128] Both the wire electrode 36 and the grid electrode 37 are charging electrodes electrically connected to a charger. The wire electrode 36 and the grid electrode 37 are each exposed at one end of the drum cartridge 3 in the first direction. The wire electrode 36 is electrically connected to the charging wire. The grid electrode 37 is electrically connected to the grid.

[0129] The charger may be a type other than a scorotron charger. For example, a charging roller may be used as the charger. Also, the number of charging electrodes electrically connected to the charger may be one.

[0130] When the image forming apparatus 1 performs a printing process, the surface of the photosensitive drum 32 is uniformly charged by a charger as the photosensitive drum 32 rotates. The surface of the photosensitive drum 32 is then exposed to light by an exposure unit (not shown) having an LED light source or a laser light source, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface. Toner is then supplied from the developing roller 51 to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 32, and a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 32.

[0131] Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 32 on which the toner image has been formed comes into contact with a recording medium such as printing paper, thereby forming an image on the recording medium.

[0132] When the process cartridge 100 without the first cover 41 is mounted in the apparatus main body 10, the wire electrode 36 is electrically connected to the third electrode 16 of the apparatus main body 10. This allows power to be supplied to the wire electrode 36 from the apparatus main body 10. Furthermore, when the process cartridge 100 without the first cover 41 is mounted in the apparatus main body 10, the grid electrode 37 is electrically connected to the fourth electrode 17 of the apparatus main body 10. This allows power to be supplied to the grid electrode 37 from the apparatus main body 10.

[0133] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 14 , when the first cover 41 is attached to the process cartridge 100, the first cover 41 covers the wire electrode 36 and the grid electrode 37. That is, when the first cover 41 is attached to the developer cartridge 2 and the drum cartridge 3, the first cover 41 covers the wire electrode 36 and the grid electrode 37. As a result, as shown in FIG. 14 , when the process cartridge 100 with the first cover 41 attached is attached to the main body 10 of the apparatus, the wire electrode 36 and the third electrode 16 of the main body 10 are isolated from each other by the first cover 41. Furthermore, when the process cartridge 100 with the first cover 41 attached is attached to the main body 10 of the apparatus, the grid electrode 37 and the fourth electrode 17 of the main body 10 are isolated from each other by the first cover 411. That is, when the process cartridge 100 with the first cover 41 attached is attached to the main body 10 of the apparatus, the wire electrode 36 and the grid electrode 37 are electrically isolated from each other by the main body 10 of the apparatus.

[0134] The drum earth 38 is electrically connected to the photosensitive drum 32. When the process cartridge 100 without the first cover 41 is mounted in the apparatus main body 10, the drum earth 38 is electrically connected to the fifth electrode 18 of the apparatus main body 10.

[0135] 10 and 14, when the first cover 41 is attached to the process cartridge 100, the first cover 41 covers the drum ground 38. That is, when the first cover 41 is attached to the developer cartridge 2 and the drum cartridge 3, the first cover 41 covers the drum ground 38. As a result, when the process cartridge 100 with the first cover 41 attached is attached to the main body 10 of the apparatus, the drum ground 38 and the fifth electrode 18 of the main body 10 of the apparatus are isolated from each other by the first cover 41, as shown in FIG. That is, when the process cartridge 100 with the first cover 41 attached is attached to the main body 10 of the apparatus, the drum ground 38 and the main body 10 are electrically isolated from each other.

[0136] <6. Variations> Although one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0137] In the above embodiment, the first cover 41 and the second cover 42 are separate members. Therefore, when the cover 4 is attached to the process cartridge 100, the first cover 41 and the second cover 42 are spaced apart in the first direction. However, the cover 4 may be formed as a single continuous piece. In that case, the cover 4 may have a portion that connects the first cover 41 and the second cover 42 in the first direction.

[0138] Furthermore, the detailed shapes of the developing cartridge 2, drum cartridge 3 and cover 4 may differ from those shown in the drawings of this application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 1. Image forming device 2 Developer cartridge 3 Drum Cartridge 4 Cover 10. Device body 20 Casing 31 Drum Frame 32 Photosensitive drum 34 Cleaning electrode 35 Relay electrode 36 Wire Electrode 37 Grid electrode 38 Drum Earth 51 Developing roller 54 Development electrode 60 First Lever 65 First convex part 100 Process cartridge 410 First Handle 415 First spacing rib 416 Hole 1 417 Hole 2 419 First Indicator Mark 420 Second Handle 423 Second spacing rib

Claims

1. A drum cartridge and a developing cartridge detachably attached to the drum cartridge; a cover detachable from one end of the drum cartridge in a first direction, the cover detachable from one end of the developing cartridge in the first direction; an image forming apparatus including: an apparatus main body into which the developing cartridge attached to the drum cartridge can be detachably mounted; and an apparatus main body into which the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge can be detachably mounted with the cover attached; The drum cartridge is a photosensitive drum rotatable about a drum shaft extending in the first direction; The developing cartridge is a casing capable of containing a developer; a developing roller rotatable about a developing shaft extending in the first direction; a lever movable between a first position and a second position relative to the casing, the lever being located at one end of the casing in the first direction; When the developing cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge, the cover is not attached to the developing cartridge and the drum cartridge, and the lever is located at the first position, the developing roller is separated from the photosensitive drum, When the developing cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge, the cover is not attached to the developing cartridge and the drum cartridge, and the lever is located at the second position, the developing roller comes into contact with the photosensitive drum, An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when the developer cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge and the cover is attached to the drum cartridge and the developer cartridge, the developer roller is separated from the photosensitive drum and the lever is positioned at the second position.

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The cover is a separation rib that separates the photosensitive drum and the developing roller when the cover is attached to the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge; a first hole into which a part of the lever is inserted when the cover is attached to the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge, an image forming apparatus, wherein the lever is located at the second position when the portion of the lever is inserted into the first hole;

3. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 10. An image forming apparatus, wherein, when the lever is in the first position, the lever presses the casing in a direction in which the developing roller moves away from the photosensitive drum.

4. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 2. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the lever is in the second position, the lever does not press the casing in a direction in which the developing roller moves away from the photosensitive drum.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, The image forming apparatus, wherein the spacing rib extends in the first direction.

6. An image forming apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 5, the drum cartridge has a drum frame to which the developing cartridge is detachably attached, an image forming apparatus, wherein the separating rib is sandwiched between a part of the casing and a part of the drum frame when the cover is attached to the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge;

7. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The lever has a shaft extending in the first direction, When the developing cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge and the cover is not attached, the lever is rotatable about the shaft; The cover is a second hole into which the shaft fits when the cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge; an image forming apparatus, wherein the lever is located at the second position when the shaft is fitted in the second hole;

8. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2, 5 and 6, The lever has a shaft extending in the first direction, When the developing cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge and the cover is not attached, the lever is rotatable about the shaft; The cover is a second hole into which the shaft fits when the cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge; When the shaft is fitted in the second hole, the lever is located at the second position, an image forming apparatus, wherein the spacing rib has the second hole;

9. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2, 5, 6 and 8, The image forming apparatus, wherein the first hole is a through hole that penetrates in the first direction.

10. An image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 2, 5, 6, 8 and 9, the lever has a protrusion extending away from the casing in the first direction, an image forming apparatus, wherein the protrusion is inserted into the first hole when the cover is attached to the drum cartridge and the developer cartridge;

11. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The drum cartridge is a cleaning roller rotatable about a cleaning shaft extending in the first direction; a cleaning electrode electrically connected to the cleaning roller, 2. An image forming apparatus, wherein the cover covers the cleaning electrode when the cover is attached to the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge.

12. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The developing roller is a developing electrode electrically connected to the developing roller; The drum cartridge is a relay electrode electrically connected to the developing electrode when the developing cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge; an image forming apparatus, wherein the cover covers the relay electrodes when the cover is attached to the drum cartridge and the developer cartridge;

13. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The drum cartridge is a drum earth electrically connected to the photosensitive drum; 2. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a cover for covering the drum ground when the cover is attached to the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge;

14. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The drum cartridge is a charger that charges the photosensitive drum; a charging electrode electrically connected to the charger, 2. An image forming apparatus, wherein the cover covers the charging electrode when the cover is attached to the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge.

15. 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 14, The charger is a charging wire extending in the first direction; a grid spaced apart from the charged wire; The charging electrode is a wire electrode electrically connected to the charging wire; a grid electrode electrically connected to the grid, an image forming apparatus, wherein the cover covers the wire electrode and the grid electrode when the cover is attached to the drum cartridge and the developer cartridge;

16. 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The cover is a handle that allows the device to be grasped by a user; an image forming apparatus, wherein the handle is exposed from the apparatus main body when the drum cartridge and the developing cartridge with the cover attached are attached to the apparatus main body;

17. 17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, The image forming apparatus, wherein the handle has an indication mark indicating a removal direction.

Images