Drum cartridges and process cartridges

Abstract

To provide a technique that installs, on a drum cartridge, memory storing various types of information on a developing cartridge and memory storing various types of information on the drum cartridge.SOLUTION: A drum cartridge includes first memory 71 and second memory 81. A developing cartridge 1 can be mounted on a drum frame 40. The first memory 71 stores information on the drum cartridge. The first memory 71 has a first electrical contact surface 711. The second memory 81 stores information on the developing cartridge. The second memory 81 has a second electrical contact surface 811 different from the first electrical contact surface 711. The first electrical contact surface 711 and the second electrical contact surface 811 are located on an outer surface of the drum frame 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a drum cartridge and 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 a memory. The memory 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 not only developing cartridges but also drum cartridges to be equipped with memories that store various information related to the drum cartridges. In such cases, it is common for the developing cartridge and the drum cartridge to each be equipped with a memory.

[0005] On the other hand, as an alternative, it is possible to consider not installing a memory in the developer cartridge, but installing a memory that stores various information about the developer cartridge and a memory that stores various information about the drum cartridge in the drum cartridge.

[0006] The object of the present disclosure is to provide a technology for installing a memory that stores various information related to a developer cartridge and a memory that stores various information related to a drum cartridge in a drum cartridge without installing a memory in the developer cartridge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first disclosure of the present application is a drum cartridge comprising: a drum frame into which a developing cartridge having a developing roller can be attached; a photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction, the photosensitive drum being capable of contacting the developing roller when the developing cartridge is attached to the drum frame; a first memory having a first electrical contact surface, the first memory storing information about the drum cartridge; and a second memory having a second electrical contact surface different from the first electrical contact surface, the second memory storing information about the developing cartridge, the first electrical contact surface and the second electrical contact surface being located on the outer surface of the drum frame.

[0008] A second disclosure of the present application is the drum cartridge of the first disclosure, characterized in that the first electrical contact surface and the second electrical contact surface are located at one end of the drum frame in the first direction.

[0009] The third disclosure of the present application is a drum cartridge according to the second disclosure, characterized in that it further includes a lock lever that releases the fixation of the developing cartridge to the drum frame, the lock lever being located at the other end of the drum frame in the first direction.

[0010] The fourth disclosure of the present application is a drum cartridge according to the second or third disclosure, wherein the drum frame has a first side frame located at one end of the drum frame in the first direction and a second side frame located at the other end of the drum frame in the first direction, the photosensitive drum is located between the first side frame and the second side frame in 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 located on the opposite side of the developing cartridge from the first side frame in the first direction.

[0011] The fifth disclosure of the present application is a drum cartridge according to any one of the first to fourth disclosures, further comprising a first holder that holds the first electrical contact surface movably relative to the drum frame, and the first electrical contact surface is attached to the outer surface of the drum frame via the first holder.

[0012] The sixth disclosure of the present application is a drum cartridge according to the fifth disclosure, characterized in that the first electrical contact surface is located at one end of the first holder in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the first holder holds the first electrical contact surface movably in the second direction relative to the drum frame.

[0013] The seventh disclosure of the present application is a drum cartridge according to the sixth disclosure, characterized in that it further includes a scorotron charger that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum and faces the photosensitive drum in the second direction.

[0014] An eighth disclosure of the present application is the drum cartridge according to any one of the fifth to seventh disclosures, characterized in that the first holder holds the first memory.

[0015] The ninth disclosure of the present application is a drum cartridge according to any one of the first to eighth disclosures, further comprising a second holder that holds the second electrical contact surface movably relative to the drum frame, and the second electrical contact surface is attached to the outer surface of the drum frame via the second holder.

[0016] The 10th disclosure of the present application is a drum cartridge according to the 9th disclosure, characterized in that the second electrical contact surface is located at one end of the second holder in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the second holder holds the second electrical contact surface movably in the second direction relative to the drum frame.

[0017] The 11th disclosure of the present application is a drum cartridge according to the 10th disclosure, characterized in that it further includes a scorotron charger that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum and faces the photosensitive drum in the second direction.

[0018] A twelfth disclosure of the present application is the drum cartridge according to any one of the ninth to eleventh disclosures, characterized in that the second holder holds the second memory.

[0019] The 13th disclosure of the present application is a drum cartridge according to any one of the 9th to 12th disclosures, wherein the drum frame has a first side frame located at one end of the drum frame in the first direction and a second side frame located at the other end of the drum frame in the first direction, the photosensitive drum is located between the first side frame and the second side frame in 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 located on the opposite side of the developing cartridge from the first side frame in the first direction.

[0020] The 14th disclosure of the present application is the drum cartridge of the 13th disclosure, characterized in that the second holder has a boss extending in the first direction, the first side frame has a hole or recess into which the boss fits, and the boss is movable within the hole or recess.

[0021] The 15th disclosure of the present application is a drum cartridge according to any one of the 1st to 14th disclosures, characterized in that the photosensitive drum is positioned at one end of the drum frame in a third direction intersecting the first direction, and the first electrical contact surface and the second electrical contact surface are aligned in the third direction.

[0022] The 16th disclosure of the present application is a drum cartridge according to the 15th 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.

[0023] A seventeenth disclosure of the present application is the drum cartridge of the fifteenth or sixteenth disclosure, characterized in that the first electrical contact surface is positioned apart from the second electrical contact surface in the third direction.

[0024] The 18th disclosure of the present application is a drum cartridge according to any one of the 15th to 17th disclosures, characterized in that the second electrical contact surface is located closer to the photosensitive drum in the third direction than the first electrical contact surface.

[0025] A 19th disclosure of the present application is a process cartridge that can be attached to an image forming apparatus, characterized by comprising the drum cartridge according to any one of the 1st to 18th disclosures and the developing cartridge. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to the first to nineteenth disclosures of the present application, a memory that stores information about the developing cartridge and a memory that stores information about the drum cartridge are mounted on the drum cartridge. This makes it possible to manage information about the developing cartridge without mounting a memory on the developing cartridge. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a developing cartridge, a drum cartridge, and an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the drum cartridge. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the drum cartridge with the developing cartridge attached thereto. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of the drum cartridge near the first memory assembly and the second memory assembly. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the drum cartridge near the first memory assembly and the second memory assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0029] 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.

[0030] <1. Overview of developing cartridges and drum cartridges> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a developer cartridge 1, a drum cartridge 2, and an image forming apparatus 100. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the drum cartridge 2. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the drum cartridge 2 with the developer cartridge 1 attached.

[0031] 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 developer cartridge 1 is detachably attached to the drum cartridge 2. The drum cartridge 2 and the developer cartridge 1 attached to the drum cartridge 2 form a process cartridge 3. The process cartridge 3 is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on printing paper using toner supplied from the developer cartridge 1.

[0032] <2. About the developing cartridge> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the developer cartridge 1 includes a housing 10, a developing roller 20, and a gear portion 30. 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.

[0033] 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 that extends in the first direction. The developing roller 20 is located at one end of the housing 10 in the third direction. The developer inside 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 developing cartridge 1 has a handle 13 at the other end of the housing 10 in the third direction.

[0034] 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.

[0035] <3. About the drum cartridge> As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the drum cartridge 2 includes a drum frame 40, a photosensitive drum 50, a scorotron charger 60, a first memory assembly 70, a second memory assembly 80, and a lock lever 90.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The developer cartridge 1 is detachably attached to the drum frame 40. When the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 40, the developer cartridge 1 is located between the first side frame 41 and the second side frame 42 in the first direction. 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. Furthermore, 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.

[0039] The photosensitive drum 50 is a drum that can rotate about a rotation axis (first axis) that extends in the 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. The drum cartridge 2 has a handle 46 at the other end of the drum frame 40 in the third direction.

[0040] When the developer cartridge 1 is mounted in the drum frame 40, the developer roller 20 and the photosensitive drum 50 face each other in the third direction. More specifically, when the developer cartridge 1 is mounted in the drum frame 40, the outer circumferential surface of the developer roller 20 and the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 50 come into contact with each other. When the process cartridge 3 is mounted in the image forming apparatus 100, the photosensitive drum 50 rotates by a driving force supplied from the image forming apparatus 100.

[0041] The developer on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 20 is 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 peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 50. As a result, an image is formed by the developer on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 50.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 4 is a partial plan view of the drum cartridge 2 in the vicinity of the first memory assembly 70 and the second memory assembly 80. FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the drum cartridge 2 in the vicinity of the first memory assembly 70 and the second memory assembly 80.

[0045] 4 and 5, the first memory assembly 70 and the second memory assembly 80 are located at one end of the drum frame 40 in the first direction. The first memory assembly 70 and the second memory assembly 80 are located on the outer surface of the drum frame 40. More specifically, the first memory assembly 70 and the second memory assembly 80 are 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 and the second memory assembly 80 are located on the opposite side of the first side frame 41 from the developer cartridge 1 in the first direction.

[0046] The first memory assembly 70 and the second memory assembly 80 are aligned in the third direction on the outer surface of the first side frame 41. The first memory assembly 70 and the second memory assembly 80 are positioned apart from each other in the third direction. The second memory assembly 80 is positioned closer to the photosensitive drum 50 in the third direction than the first memory assembly 70.

[0047] The first memory assembly 70 has a first memory 71, which is a storage medium, and a first holder 72 that holds the first memory 71. The first memory 71 is, for example, an IC chip. The first memory 71 is located on the outer surface of the first holder 72. The first memory 71 stores information about the drum cartridge 2. Specifically, the first memory 71 stores at least one of identification information and lifespan information of the drum cartridge 2. The identification information is information for identifying the drum cartridge 2. The identification information is, for example, the serial number of the drum cartridge 2. The lifespan information is information that indicates the lifespan of the drum cartridge 2. The lifespan information is, for example, the cumulative number of rotations of the photosensitive drum 50.

[0048] The first memory 71 has a first electrical contact surface 711. The first electrical contact surface 711 is a surface made of a metal that is a conductor. The first electrical contact surface 711 is attached to the outer surface of the first side frame 41 via a first holder 72. This positions the first electrical contact surface 711 on the outer surface of the first side frame 41.

[0049] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the drum frame 40 has a first holder cover 44. The first holder cover 44 is located on the outer surface of the first side frame 41. Specifically, the first holder cover 44 is fixed to the outer surface of the first side frame 41 with screws. Alternatively, the first holder cover 44 may be fixed to the outer surface of the first side frame 41 with bolts. The first holder 72 is located between the first side frame 41 and the first holder cover 44 in the first direction.

[0050] The first holder 72 has a first boss 721 and a second boss (not shown). The first boss 721 extends in a first direction from a surface of the first holder 72 facing the first holder cover 44 toward the first holder cover 44. The shape of the first boss 721 may be cylindrical or prismatic. Meanwhile, the first holder cover 44 has a first hole 441. The first hole 441 is a through-hole that penetrates the first holder cover 44 in the first direction. The first boss 721 is inserted into the first hole 441. However, the first holder cover 44 may have a recess into which the first boss 721 is inserted, instead of the first hole 441.

[0051] The second boss extends in the first direction from the surface of the first holder 72 facing the first side frame 41 toward the first side frame 41. The shape of the second boss may be cylindrical or rectangular. Meanwhile, the first side frame 41 has a second hole (not shown). The second hole is a through-hole that penetrates the first side frame 41 in the first direction. The second boss is inserted into the second hole. However, the first side frame 41 may have a recess into which the second boss is inserted, instead of the second hole.

[0052] The size (inner dimension) of the first hole 441 in the second direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the first boss 721 in the second direction. Therefore, the first boss 721 is movable in the second direction within the first hole 441. Furthermore, the size (inner dimension) of the second hole in the second direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the second boss in the second direction. Therefore, the second boss is movable in the second direction within the second hole. Therefore, the first holder 72, together with the first boss 721 and the second boss, is movable in the second direction relative to the drum frame 40 and the first holder cover 44. When the first holder 72 moves in the second direction relative to the drum frame 40, the first electrical contact surface 711 of the first memory 71 also moves in the second direction relative to the drum frame 40 together with the first holder 72.

[0053] The first holder 72 has a first outer surface 730 and a second outer surface 740. The first outer surface 730 is located at one end of the first holder 72 in the second direction. The second outer surface 740 is located at the other end of the first holder 72 in the second direction. The second outer surface 740 is movable in the second direction relative to the first outer surface 730.

[0054] More specifically, the first holder 72 of this embodiment has a first holder member 73, a second holder member 74, and a first coil spring 75 located therebetween. The first holder member 73 is made of, for example, resin. The second holder member 74 is made of, for example, resin. The first holder member 73 has a first outer surface 730. The first memory 71 is fixed to the first outer surface 730. Therefore, the first electrical contact surface 711 is located at one end of the first holder 72 in the second direction. The second holder member 74 has a second outer surface 740. The first outer surface 730 and the second outer surface 740 are spaced apart in the second direction.

[0055] The first coil spring 75 is an elastic member that extends in the second direction. The first coil spring 75 is disposed between the first outer surface 730 and the second outer surface 740 in the second direction. The first coil spring 75 expands and contracts in the second direction at least between a first state and a second state in which the first coil spring 75 is more compressed than the first state. The length of the first coil spring 75 in the second direction in the first state is longer than the length of the first coil spring 75 in the second state. Therefore, the distance in the second direction between the first outer surface 730 and the second outer surface 740 in the first state is longer than the distance in the second direction between the first outer surface 730 and the second outer surface 740 in the second state. Furthermore, the length of the first coil spring 75 in the second direction in at least the second state is shorter than the natural length of the first coil spring 75.

[0056] The second memory assembly 80 has a second memory 81 which is a storage medium, and a second holder 82 which holds the second memory 81. The second memory 81 is, for example, an IC chip. The second memory 81 is located on the outer surface of the second holder 82. The second memory 81 stores information about the developer cartridge 1. Specifically, the second memory 81 stores at least one of identification information and lifespan information of the developer cartridge 1. The identification information is information for identifying the developer cartridge 1. The identification information is, for example, the serial number of the developer cartridge 1. The lifespan information is information which indicates the lifespan of the developer cartridge 1. The lifespan information is, for example, the cumulative number of rotations of the developer roller 20.

[0057] The second memory 81 has a second electrical contact surface 811 that is different from the first electrical contact surface 711. The second electrical contact surface 811 is a surface made of a metal that is a conductor. The second electrical contact surface 811 is attached to the outer surface of the first side frame 41 via the second holder 82. This positions the second electrical contact surface 811 on the outer surface of the first side frame 41.

[0058] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the drum frame 40 has a second holder cover 45. The second holder cover 45 is located on the outer surface of the first side frame 41. Specifically, the second holder cover 45 is fixed to the outer surface of the first side frame 41 with screws. The second holder cover 44 may also be fixed to the outer surface of the first side frame 41 with bolts. The second holder 82 is located between the first side frame 41 and the second holder cover 45 in the first direction.

[0059] The second holder 82 has a third boss 821 and a fourth boss (not shown). The third boss 821 extends in the first direction from a surface of the second holder 82 facing the second holder cover 45 toward the second holder cover 45. The shape of the third boss 821 may be cylindrical or may be another shape such as a rectangular pillar. Meanwhile, the second holder cover 45 has a third hole 451. The third hole 451 is a through-hole that penetrates the second holder cover 45 in the first direction. The third boss 821 is inserted into the third hole 451. However, the second holder cover 45 may have a recess into which the third boss 821 is inserted, instead of the third hole 451.

[0060] The fourth boss extends in the first direction from a surface of the second holder 82 facing the first side frame 41 toward the first side frame 41. The shape of the fourth boss may be cylindrical or may be another shape such as a rectangular pillar. Meanwhile, the first side frame 41 has a fourth hole 411. The fourth hole 411 is a through-hole that penetrates the first side frame 41 in the first direction. The fourth boss is inserted into the fourth hole 411. However, the first side frame 41 may have a recess into which the fourth boss is inserted, instead of the fourth hole 411.

[0061] The size (inner dimension) of the third hole 451 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 451. Furthermore, the size (inner dimension) of the fourth hole 411 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 411. Therefore, the second holder 82, together with the third boss 821 and the fourth boss, is movable in the second direction relative to the drum frame 40 and the second holder cover 45. When the second holder 82 moves in the second direction relative to the drum frame 40, the second electrical contact surface 811 of the second memory 81 also moves in the second direction relative to the drum frame 40 together with the second holder 82.

[0062] The second holder 82 has a third outer surface 830 and a fourth outer surface 840. The third outer surface 830 is located at one end of the second holder 82 in the second direction. The fourth outer surface 840 is located at the other end of the second holder 82 in the second direction. The fourth outer surface 840 is movable in the second direction relative to the third outer surface 830.

[0063] More specifically, the second holder 82 of this embodiment has a third holder member 83, a fourth holder member 84, and a second coil spring 85 located therebetween. The third holder member 83 is made of, for example, resin. The fourth holder member 84 is made of, for example, resin. The third holder member 83 has a third outer surface 830. The second memory 81 is fixed to the third outer surface 830. Therefore, the second electrical contact surface 811 is located at one end of the second holder 82 in the second direction. The fourth holder member 84 has a fourth outer surface 840. The third outer surface 830 and the fourth outer surface 840 are spaced apart in the second direction.

[0064] The second coil spring 85 is an elastic member that extends in the second direction. The second coil spring 85 is disposed between the third outer surface 830 and the fourth outer surface 840 in the second direction. The second coil spring 85 expands and contracts in the second direction at least between a third state and a fourth state in which the second coil spring 85 is more compressed than the third state. The length of the second coil spring 85 in the third state is longer than the length of the second coil spring 85 in the fourth state. Therefore, the distance in the second direction between the third outer surface 830 and the fourth outer surface 840 in the third state is longer than the distance in the second direction between the third outer surface 830 and the fourth outer surface 840 in the fourth state. Furthermore, the length of the second coil spring 85 in the second direction at least in the fourth state is shorter than the natural length of the second coil spring 85.

[0065] 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 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 fixes the developer cartridge 1 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 released from being fixed to the drum frame 40.

[0066] <4. Mounting the Process Cartridge> The image forming apparatus 100 has an opening 101 through which the process cartridge 3 can pass, and a main body cover 102. The main body cover 102 rotates between a closed position where it covers the opening 101 of the image forming apparatus 100, and an open position where it opens the opening 101 of the image forming apparatus 100. When the process cartridge 3 is to be installed in the image forming apparatus 100, the main body cover 102 is positioned in the open position. Then, the process cartridge 3 is installed into the image forming apparatus 100 through the opening 101. At this time, the process cartridge 3 moves along a third direction.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] When the process cartridge 3 is installed in the image forming apparatus 100, the third outer surface 830 of the second holder 82 contacts the first guide frame 103, and the fourth outer surface 840 contacts the second guide frame 104. The second holder 82 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 third outer surface 830 and the fourth outer surface 840 in the second direction also gradually decreases.

[0070] 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.

[0071] When the process cartridge 3 is installed in the image forming apparatus 100, the first outer surface 730 of the first holder 72 contacts the first guide frame 103, and the second outer surface 740 contacts the second guide frame 104. The first holder 72 then moves in the second direction while being guided by the first guide frame 103 and the second guide frame 104. 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] As described above, the drum cartridge 2 of this embodiment is equipped with a first memory 71 and a second memory 81. The first memory 71 stores information about the drum cartridge 2. The second memory 81 stores information about the developer cartridge 1. In this way, by installing two memories 71, 81 in the drum cartridge 2, it is possible to manage information about the developer cartridge 1 without installing a memory in the developer cartridge 1. In other words, when the process cartridge 3 is installed in the image forming apparatus 100, the control unit 107 of the image forming apparatus 100 can read information about the developer cartridge 1 from the second memory 81 and perform printing processing using that information.

[0074] Furthermore, in the structure of this embodiment, the second electrical contact surface 811 of the second memory 81 that stores information about the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drum frame 40, not to the housing 10 of the developer cartridge 1. Therefore, the second electrical contact surface 811 can be positioned relative to the image forming apparatus 100 regardless of the attachment tolerance of the developer cartridge 1 to the drum frame 40. Therefore, the second electrical contact surface 811 can be positioned with high precision relative to the second electrical connector 106 of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0075] Furthermore, in the structure of this embodiment, the first electrical contact surface 711 and the second electrical contact surface 811 are both located at one end of the drum frame 40 in the first direction. This allows the size of the drum cartridge 2 in the first direction to be smaller than when the first electrical contact surface 711 and the second electrical contact surface 811 are separately located at both ends of the drum frame 40 in the first direction.

[0076] <5. Variations> The present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the first holder 72 holds the first memory 71. However, the first holder 72 may hold only the first electrical contact surface 711 of the first memory 71, and 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.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the first electrical contact surface 711 is attached to the drum frame 40 via the first holder 72. However, the first electrical contact surface 711 may be attached directly to the drum frame 40 without any other member therebetween.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the second holder 82 holds the second memory 81. However, the second holder 82 may hold only the second electrical contact surface 811 of the second memory 81, and the portion of the second memory 81 other than the second electrical contact surface 811 may be held by another portion of the drum cartridge 2.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the second electrical contact surface 811 is attached to the drum frame 40 via the second holder 82. However, the second electrical contact surface 811 may be attached directly to the drum frame 40 without any other member therebetween.

[0081] 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.

[0082] Furthermore, the drum cartridge 2 in the above embodiment is designed to accommodate only one developer cartridge 1. However, the drum cartridge may be designed to accommodate a plurality of developer cartridges 1.

[0083] The detailed shape of the drum cartridge may differ from that shown in the drawings of the present application. The elements appearing in the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1 Developer cartridge 2 drum cartridges 3 Process cartridge 10. Cabinet 20 Developing roller 40 Drum Frame 41 First side frame 42 Second side frame 50 Photosensitive drum 60 Scorotron charger 70 First Memory Assembly 71 First Memory 72 First Holder 80 Second Memory Assembly 81 Second Memory 82 Second Holder 90 Lock lever 100 Image forming device 711 First electrical contact surface 811 Second electrical contact surface

Claims

1. A drum cartridge, a drum frame into which a developing cartridge having a developing roller can be attached; a photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction, the photosensitive drum being capable of contacting the developing roller when the developing cartridge is mounted in the drum frame; a first memory having a first electrical contact surface, the first memory storing information about the drum cartridge; a second memory having a second electrical contact surface different from the first electrical contact surface, the second memory storing information about the developing cartridge; Equipped with the first electrical contact surface and the second electrical contact surface are located on an outer surface of the drum frame; the first electrical contact surface and the second electrical contact surface are located at one end of the drum frame in the first direction; The drum frame is a first side frame located at one end of the drum frame in the first direction; a second side frame located at the other end of the drum frame in the first direction, the photosensitive drum is located between the first side frame and the second side frame in the first direction, A drum cartridge characterized in that, when the developer cartridge is attached to the drum frame, the first electrical contact surface and the second electrical contact surface are located on the opposite side of the developer cartridge from the first side frame in the first direction.

2. 2. The drum cartridge according to claim 1, a lock lever for releasing the fixing of the developing cartridge to the drum frame, the lock lever being located at the other end of the drum frame in the first direction; The drum cartridge further comprises:

3. 3. The drum cartridge according to claim 1, a first holder that movably holds the first electrical contact surface relative to the drum frame; Furthermore, The drum cartridge, wherein the first electrical contact surface is attached to an outer surface of the drum frame via the first holder.

4. 4. The drum cartridge according to claim 3, the first electrical contact surface is located at one end of the first holder in a second direction intersecting the first direction; The drum cartridge, wherein the first holder holds the first electrical contact surface so as to be movable in the second direction relative to the drum frame.

5. 5. The drum cartridge according to claim 4, a scorotron charger that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum, the scorotron charger facing the photosensitive drum in the second direction; The drum cartridge further comprises:

6. 6. The drum cartridge according to claim 3, The drum cartridge, wherein the first holder holds the first memory.

7. A drum cartridge, a drum frame into which a developing cartridge having a developing roller can be attached; a photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction, the photosensitive drum being capable of contacting the developing roller when the developing cartridge is mounted in the drum frame; a first memory having a first electrical contact surface, the first memory storing information about the drum cartridge; a second memory having a second electrical contact surface different from the first electrical contact surface, the second memory storing information about the developing cartridge; Equipped with the first electrical contact surface and the second electrical contact surface are located on an outer surface of the drum frame; a second holder for movably holding the second electrical contact surface relative to the drum frame; Furthermore, The drum cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the second electrical contact surface is attached to the outer surface of the drum frame via the second holder.

8. 8. The drum cartridge according to claim 7, the second electrical contact surface is located at one end of the second holder in a second direction intersecting the first direction; The second holder holds the second electrical contact surface so as to be movable in the second direction relative to the drum frame.

9. 9. The drum cartridge according to claim 8, a scorotron charger that charges the surface of the photosensitive drum, the scorotron charger facing the photosensitive drum in the second direction; The drum cartridge further comprises:

10. 10. The drum cartridge according to claim 7, The drum cartridge, wherein the second holder holds the second memory.

11. The drum cartridge according to any one of claims 7 to 10, The drum frame is a first side frame located at one end of the drum frame in the first direction; a second side frame located at the other end of the drum frame in the first direction, the photosensitive drum is located between the first side frame and the second side frame in the first direction, A drum cartridge characterized in that, when the developer cartridge is attached to the drum frame, the first electrical contact surface and the second electrical contact surface are located on the opposite side of the developer cartridge from the first side frame in the first direction.

12. 12. The drum cartridge according to claim 11, the second holder has a boss extending in the first direction, the first side frame has a hole or a recess into which the boss fits, A drum cartridge, wherein the boss is movable within the hole or the recess.

13. A drum cartridge, a drum frame into which a developing cartridge having a developing roller can be attached; a photosensitive drum rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction, the photosensitive drum being capable of contacting the developing roller when the developing cartridge is mounted in the drum frame; a first memory having a first electrical contact surface, the first memory storing information about the drum cartridge; a second memory having a second electrical contact surface different from the first electrical contact surface, the second memory storing information about the developing cartridge; Equipped with the first electrical contact surface and the second electrical contact surface are located on an outer surface of the drum frame; the photosensitive drum is located at one end of the drum frame in a third direction intersecting the first direction, The drum cartridge, wherein the first electrical contact surface and the second electrical contact surface are aligned in the third direction.

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

15. 15. The drum cartridge according to claim 13 or 14, The drum cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first electrical contact surface is positioned apart from the second electrical contact surface in the third direction.

16. The drum cartridge according to any one of claims 13 to 15, The drum cartridge, wherein the second electrical contact surface is located closer to the photosensitive drum in the third direction than the first electrical contact surface.

17. A process cartridge that can be installed in an image forming apparatus, The drum cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 16, the developing cartridge; A process cartridge comprising:

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