Developing cartridge

Abstract

To provide a structure that can reduce the number of components in a developing cartridge.SOLUTION: A developing cartridge 1 comprises a developing electrode 60 and a first lever 110. The developing electrode 60 has a first hole 67. The first lever 110 has one end 111, the other end 112, and a cam surface 113. When the one end 111 receives a driving force, the first lever 110 is moved centered on the cam surface 113. The other end 112 of the first lever 110 inserted into the first hole 67 presses an inner surface 670 of the first hole 67. This can add a force to move the developing cartridge. The number of components of the developing cartridge can be reduced compared with a case where a member different from the developing electrode 60 is pressed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a developing cartridge. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conventionally, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses such as laser printers and LED printers are known. A developing cartridge is used in the image forming apparatus. The developing cartridge has a developing roller for supplying developer. A conventional image forming apparatus is described, for example, in Patent Document 1.

[0003] The developing cartridge of Patent Document 1 is attached to a drum cartridge. The drum cartridge has a photosensitive drum. When the developing cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge, the photosensitive drum and the developing roller come into contact with each other. Then, the drum cartridge with the developing cartridge attached thereto is attached to the image forming apparatus. PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS Patent Documents

[0004] Patent Document 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-54058 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The developing cartridge includes a member for positioning the developing roller with respect to the photosensitive drum. The developing cartridge also includes a developing electrode for supplying a bias voltage to a shaft of the developing roller. The developing cartridge also includes a member that receives a pressing force when separating the developing roller from the photosensitive drum. However, if the member for positioning the developing roller, the developing electrode for supplying the bias voltage to the shaft of the developing roller, and the member that receives the pressing force during separation are provided separately, the number of components of the developing cartridge increases.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a structure in a developing cartridge that can reduce the number of parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first disclosure of the present application is a developing cartridge comprising: a developing roller having a developing roller shaft extending in a first direction; a casing capable of containing a developer, the casing having the developing roller positioned at one end in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a developing electrode movable together with the casing and the developing roller, the developing electrode having a first end electrically connected to the developing roller shaft and a second end further away from the developing roller shaft than the first end, wherein the second end is further away from the end of the casing in a second direction than the first end, and between the first end and the second end in the second direction A developing cartridge comprising a developing electrode having a first hole extending in a certain direction, and a first lever movable between a first position and a second position relative to the casing, the first lever having one end which is the first lever and functions as a point of force application, the other end which is the first lever and functions as a point of application, and a cam surface located between the one end and the other end which functions as a fulcrum, characterized in that when the first lever moves from the first position to the second position about the cam surface in response to the one end receiving a driving force, the other end inserted into the first hole presses against the inner surface of the first hole.

[0008] The second disclosure of the present application is a developing cartridge according to the first disclosure, characterized in that when the first lever moves from a first position to a second position about the cam surface in response to the driving force received by one end of the first lever, the other end of the first lever presses against the inner surface of the first hole in a direction away from the developing roller.

[0009] A third disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to the first or second disclosure, characterized in that the other end of the first lever is connected to the inner surface of the first hole.

[0010] A fourth disclosure of the present application is a developing cartridge according to the third disclosure, characterized in that the other end of the first lever is movable together with the developing electrode.

[0011] The fifth disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the first to fourth disclosures, characterized in that when the first lever is in the first position, the other end of the first lever does not press against the inner surface of the first hole, and when the first lever is in the second position, the other end of the first lever presses against the inner surface of the first hole.

[0012] The sixth disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the first to fifth disclosures, characterized in that the developing electrode is made of a conductive resin.

[0013] The seventh disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the first to sixth disclosures, characterized in that the first hole penetrates the developing electrode.

[0014] The eighth disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the first to seventh disclosures, further comprising a holder that movably holds the first lever with respect to the casing.

[0015] The ninth disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the first to eighth disclosures, characterized in that the developing electrode has an insertion hole into which the developing roller shaft can be inserted, and the developing roller shaft is inserted into the insertion hole.

[0016] The tenth disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to the ninth disclosure, characterized in that the developing electrode is rotatable with respect to the developing roller shaft when the developing roller shaft is inserted into the insertion hole.

[0017] The eleventh disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the first to tenth disclosures, wherein the developing cartridge is used for a drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum, and the first lever moves around the cam surface while the cam surface and a part of the drum cartridge are in contact when the first lever moves from the first position to the second position.

[0018] The twelfth disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to the eleventh disclosure, wherein the developing cartridge is mountable on the drum cartridge, and when the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge, the surface of the developing roller and the surface of the photoreceptor drum are in contact when the first lever is in the first position, and when the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge, the developing electrode moves with the developing roller and the casing relative to the drum cartridge as the other end presses against the inner surface of the first hole, causing the surface of the developing roller and the surface of the photoreceptor drum to separate.

[0019] The thirteenth disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to the eleventh or twelfth disclosure, wherein the drum cartridge further comprises a pressing member that presses the developing electrode toward the photoreceptor drum when the developing cartridge is mounted in the drum cartridge, and the other end of the first lever presses the inner surface of the developing electrode against the pressing force of the pressing member.

[0020] The fourteenth disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the eleventh to thirteenth disclosures, characterized in that, when the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge, the other end of the first lever presses against the inner surface of the developing electrode, causing the developing electrode to move along the guide surface of the drum cartridge.

[0021] A fifteenth disclosure of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the eleventh to fourteenth disclosures, wherein when the developing cartridge is mounted to the drum cartridge and the first lever is in the first position, the first end portion of the developing electrode is in contact with a part of the drum cartridge.

[0022] A sixteenth disclosure of the present application is the developing cartridge according to the fifteenth disclosure, wherein when the developing cartridge is mounted to the drum cartridge and the first lever is in the first position, the second end portion of the developing electrode is in contact with another part of the drum cartridge.

[0023] A seventeenth disclosure of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the first to sixteenth disclosures, wherein the casing has a first outer surface located at one end in the first direction, the developing electrode is located on the first outer surface, and the developing electrode extends along the first outer surface between the first end portion and the second end portion.

[0024] An eighteenth disclosure of the present application is the developing cartridge according to any one of the first to seventeenth disclosures, wherein the one end portion of the first lever has a convex portion protruding in the first direction.

[0025] The 19th disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the 1st to 18th disclosures, wherein the developing electrode is electrically connectable to one end of the developing roller shaft, and the developing cartridge further comprises a bearing that can be mounted on the other end of the developing roller shaft, having a third end having an insertion hole into which the other end of the developing roller shaft is inserted, and a fourth end further away from the developing roller shaft than the third end, and a bearing that is movable together with the casing and the developing roller, having a third hole extending in the second direction between the third end and the fourth end, and the casing In contrast, the present invention provides a second lever that is movable between a third position and a fourth position, the second lever having one end which functions as a point of force application, the other end which functions as a point of application, and a cam surface located between the one end and the other end which functions as a fulcrum, wherein when the second lever moves from the third position to the fourth position about the cam surface of the second lever in response to the one end of the second lever receiving a driving force, the other end of the second lever inserted into the third hole presses against the inner surface of the third hole.

[0026] The 20th disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to the 19th disclosure, characterized in that one end of the second lever has a protrusion projecting in the first direction.

[0027] A twenty-first disclosure of the present application relates to a developing cartridge, comprising: a developing roller including a developing roller shaft extending in a first direction; a casing capable of accommodating a developer, the developing roller being positioned at one end of the casing in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a first bearing movable together with the casing and the developing roller, the first bearing having a first end portion provided with a first insertion hole into which the developing roller shaft is inserted, and a second end portion farther from the developing roller shaft than the first end portion, the second end portion being spaced apart from the one end of the casing in the second direction more than the first end portion, the first bearing having a first hole extending in the second direction between the first end portion and the second end portion; and a first lever movable between a first position and a second position relative to the casing, the first lever having one end portion that serves as a power point, the other end portion that serves as an acting point, and a cam surface positioned between the one end portion and the other end portion that serves as a fulcrum, wherein when the first lever moves from the first position to the second position about the cam surface in response to the one end portion receiving a driving force, the other end portion inserted into the first hole presses an inner surface of the first hole.

[0028] A twenty-second disclosure of the present application is the developing cartridge according to the twenty-first disclosure, wherein when the first lever moves from the first position to the second position about the cam surface in response to the one end portion receiving a driving force, the other end portion of the first lever presses the inner surface of the first hole in a direction away from the developing roller.

[0029] A twenty-third disclosure of the present application is the developing cartridge according to the twenty-first or twenty-second disclosure, wherein the other end portion of the first lever is connected to the inner surface of the first hole.

[0030] A twenty-fourth disclosure of the present application is the developing cartridge according to the twenty-third disclosure, wherein the other end portion of the first lever is movable together with the first bearing.

[0031] The 25th disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the 21st to 24th disclosures, characterized in that when the first lever is in the first position, the other end of the first lever does not press against the inner surface of the first hole, and when the first lever is in the second position, the other end of the first lever presses against the inner surface of the first hole.

[0032] The 26th disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the disclosures from the 21st to the 25th disclosures, characterized in that the first bearing is made of a conductive resin.

[0033] The 27th disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the disclosures from the 21st to the 26th disclosures, characterized in that the first hole penetrates the first bearing.

[0034] The 28th disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the disclosures from the 21st to the 27th disclosures, further comprising a holder that movably holds the first lever relative to the casing.

[0035] The 29th disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the disclosures from the 21st to the 28th disclosures, characterized in that the first bearing is a developing electrode electrically connectable to the developing roller shaft.

[0036] The 30th disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the disclosures from the 21st to the 29th disclosures, characterized in that the first bearing is rotatable with respect to the developing roller shaft when the developing roller shaft is inserted into the first insertion hole.

[0037] The 31st disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the disclosures from the 21st to the 30th disclosures, wherein the developing cartridge is used for a drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum, and the first lever moves around the cam surface while the cam surface and a part of the drum cartridge are in contact when the first lever moves from a first position to a second position.

[0038] The third disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to the third disclosure, wherein the developing cartridge is mountable on the drum cartridge, and when the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge, the surface of the developing roller and the surface of the photoreceptor drum are in contact when the first lever is in the first position, and when the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge, the first lever is in the second position, and as the other end presses against the inner surface of the first hole, the first bearing moves with the drum cartridge together with the developing roller and the casing, and the surface of the developing roller and the surface of the photoreceptor drum separate.

[0039] The third disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to the third disclosure or the third disclosure, wherein the drum cartridge further comprises a pressing member that presses the first bearing toward the photoreceptor drum when the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge, and the other end of the first lever presses the inner surface of the first bearing opposite to the pressing force of the pressing member.

[0040] The 34th disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the disclosures from the 31st to the 33rd disclosures, characterized in that, when the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge, the other end of the first lever presses against the inner surface of the first bearing, causing the first bearing to move along the guide surface of the drum cartridge.

[0041] The 35th disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the disclosures 31 to 34, characterized in that when the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge, the first end of the first bearing contacts a portion of the drum cartridge when the first lever is in the first position.

[0042] The 36th disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to the 35th disclosure, characterized in that when the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge, the second end of the first bearing contacts another part of the drum cartridge when the first lever is in the first position.

[0043] The 37th disclosure of this application is a developer cartridge according to any one of the disclosures from the 21st to the 36th disclosures, wherein the casing has a first outer surface located at one end in the first direction, and a first bearing is located on the first outer surface, and further, the first bearing extends along the first outer surface between the first end and the second end.

[0044] The 38th disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the disclosures from the 21st to the 37th disclosures, characterized in that the one end of the first lever has a protrusion projecting in a first direction.

[0045] The 39th disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to any one of the disclosures from the 21st to the 38th disclosures, wherein one end of the developing roller shaft is inserted into the first insertion hole of the first bearing, and the developing cartridge further comprises a second bearing that can be mounted on the other end of the developing roller shaft, having a third end having a second insertion hole into which the other end of the developing roller shaft is inserted, and a fourth end further away from the developing roller shaft than the third end, and the second bearing is movable together with the casing and the developing roller, and has a third hole extending in the second direction between the third end and the fourth end, and The casing comprises a second lever movable between a third position and a fourth position, the second lever having one end which functions as a point of force application, the other end which functions as a point of application, and a cam surface located between the one end and the other end which functions as a fulcrum, wherein when the one end of the second lever receives a driving force, and the second lever moves from the third position to the fourth position about the cam surface of the second lever, the other end of the second lever inserted into the third hole presses against the inner surface of the third hole.

[0046] The 40th disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to the 39th disclosure, characterized in that the one end of the second lever has a protrusion projecting in the first direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0047] According to the first to twentieth disclosures of this application, in accordance with the force received by one end of the first lever, the other end of the first lever presses against the inner surface of the first hole of the developing electrode, thereby applying a force to move the developing cartridge. Furthermore, the number of parts in the developing cartridge can be reduced compared to when a component other than the developing electrode is pressed.

[0048] Furthermore, according to the tenth disclosure of this application, the developing electrode is rotatable with respect to the developing roller shaft. This allows the developing electrode to be pressed in the optimal orientation.

[0049] Furthermore, according to the 18th disclosure of this application, the pressing force received by one end of the first lever is stabilized.

[0050] Furthermore, according to the 20th disclosure of this application, the pressing force received by one end of the second lever is stabilized.

[0051] According to disclosures 21 to 40 of this application, in accordance with the force received by one end of the first lever, the other end of the first lever presses against the inner surface of the first hole of the first bearing, thereby applying a force to move the developing cartridge. Furthermore, the number of parts in the developing cartridge can be reduced compared to when a member other than the first bearing is pressed.

[0052] Furthermore, according to the 30th disclosure of this application, the first bearing is rotatable with respect to the developing roller shaft. This allows the first bearing to be pressed in the optimal direction.

[0053] Furthermore, according to the 38th disclosure of this application, the pressing force received by one end of the first lever is stabilized.

[0054] Furthermore, according to the 40th disclosure of this application, the pressing force received by one end of the second lever is stabilized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0055] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the developing cartridge and drum cartridge. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a developing cartridge. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of a developing cartridge. [Figure 4] This is an exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge near the first outer surface of the casing. [Figure 5] This is an exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge near the second outer surface of the casing. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the process of the developing cartridge being mounted onto the drum cartridge, viewed from one side in the first direction. [Figure 7]This diagram shows the process of the developing cartridge being mounted onto the drum cartridge, viewed from one side in the first direction. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the process of the developing cartridge being mounted onto the drum cartridge, viewed from one side in the first direction. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge and drum cartridge when the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge and drum cartridge during the separation operation. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge and drum cartridge when the developing cartridge is removed from the drum cartridge. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0056] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0057] In the following, the direction in which the developing roller 30 of the developing cartridge 1 extends will be referred to as the "first direction." The direction in which the agitator 20 and the developing roller 30 of the developing cartridge 1 are aligned will be referred to as the "second direction." The first direction and the second direction intersect (preferably orthogonal).

[0058] <1. Overview of Developer Cartridges and Drum Cartridges> Figure 1 is a perspective view of the developer cartridge 1 and drum cartridge 2. Figure 1 shows the developer cartridge 1 mounted on the drum cartridge 2. The developer cartridge 1 and drum cartridge 2 are used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus is, for example, a laser printer or an LED printer.

[0059] As shown in Figure 1, the developer cartridge 1 is used together with the drum cartridge 2. The developer cartridge 1 is mountable on the drum cartridge 2. The developer cartridge 1, mounted on the drum cartridge 2, is mounted in the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus can accommodate, for example, four developer cartridges 1. The four developer cartridges 1 contain developers (e.g., toner) of different colors (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). The image forming apparatus forms an image on the recording surface of the printing paper using the developers supplied from the developer cartridges 1. However, the number of developer cartridges 1 that can be mounted in the image forming apparatus may be 1 to 3, or 5 or more.

[0060] <2. About the developing cartridge> Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views of the developing cartridge 1. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge 1 near the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge 1 near the second outer surface 12 of the casing 10. As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the developing cartridge 1 comprises a casing 10, an agitator 20, a developing roller 30, a supply roller 40, a gear section 50, a first bearing 60, a first lever 110, a holder 120, a second bearing 70, and a second lever 130.

[0061] The casing 10 is a housing capable of containing a developer. The casing 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 casing 10 in a first direction. The second outer surface 12 is located at the other end of the casing 10 in a first direction. The first outer surface 11 and the second outer surface 12 are separated from each other in a first direction. The casing 10 extends in a first direction between the first outer surface 11 and the second outer surface 12, and also extends in a second direction.

[0062] A storage chamber 13 is provided inside the casing 10. The developer is stored in the storage chamber 13. The casing 10 also has an opening 14. The opening 14 is located at one end of the casing 10 in the second direction. The external space of the casing 10 and the storage chamber 13 are in communication through the opening 14. The casing 10 may also have a handle on the outer surface of the other end in the second direction.

[0063] The agitator 20 has an agitator shaft 21 and blades 22. The agitator shaft 21 extends along a first direction. The blades 22 spread out from the agitator shaft 21 toward the inner surface of the casing 10. A portion of the agitator shaft 21 and the blades 22 are located within the housing chamber 13 of the casing 10. An agitator gear (not shown), included in the gear section 50, is attached to the first-direction end of the agitator shaft 21. The agitator shaft 21 is fixed to the agitator gear so as not to rotate relative to it. When the agitator gear rotates, the agitator shaft 21 and the blades 22 rotate around the axis of rotation extending in the first direction. The rotation of the blades 22 then agitates the developer in the housing chamber 13.

[0064] The developing roller 30 is a roller that can rotate about a rotation axis A1 extending in a first direction. The developing roller 30 is located at the opening 14 of the casing 10. That is, the developing roller 30 is located at one end of the casing 10 in a second direction. The developing roller 30 has a developing roller body 31 and a developing roller shaft 32. The developing roller body 31 is a cylindrical member extending in a first direction. For example, elastic rubber is used as the material for the developing roller body 31. The developing roller shaft 32 is a cylindrical member that penetrates the developing roller body 31 and extends in a first direction. The developing roller shaft 32 is conductive. For the material for the developing roller shaft 32, metal or a conductive resin is used.

[0065] The developing roller body 31 is fixed to the developing roller shaft 32 so as not to rotate relative to it. Furthermore, a developing roller gear 51, included in the gear section 50, is attached to the first end of the developing roller shaft 32. The developing roller shaft 32 is fixed to the developing roller gear 51 so as not to rotate relative to it. Therefore, when the developing roller gear 51 rotates, the developing roller shaft 32 also rotates, and the developing roller body 31 rotates together with the developing roller shaft 32.

[0066] Furthermore, the developing roller shaft 32 does not necessarily have to penetrate the developing roller body 31 in the first direction. For example, the developing roller shaft 32 may extend from both ends of the developing roller body 31 in the first direction.

[0067] The supply roller 40 is a roller that can rotate about a rotation axis extending in a first direction. The supply roller 40 is located between the agitator 20 and the developing roller 30. The supply roller 40 has a supply roller body 41 and a supply roller shaft 42. The supply roller body 41 is a cylindrical member extending in a first direction. For example, elastic rubber is used as the material for the supply roller body 41. The supply roller shaft 42 is a cylindrical member that penetrates the supply roller body 41 and extends in a first direction.

[0068] The supply roller body 41 is fixed to the supply roller shaft 42 so as not to rotate relative to it. A supply roller gear (not shown) included in the gear section 50 is attached to the first end of the supply roller shaft 42. The supply roller shaft 42 is fixed to the supply roller gear so as not to rotate relative to it. Therefore, when the supply roller gear rotates, the supply roller shaft 42 also rotates, and the supply roller body 41 rotates together with the supply roller shaft 42.

[0069] The supply roller shaft 42 does not necessarily have to penetrate the supply roller body 41 in the first direction. For example, the supply roller shaft 42 may extend from both ends of the supply roller body 41 in the first direction.

[0070] When the developing cartridge 1 receives a driving force, developer is supplied from the housing chamber 13 in the casing 10 to the outer surface of the developing roller 30 via the supply roller 40. At this time, the developer is triboelectrically charged between the supply roller 40 and the developing roller 30. Meanwhile, a bias voltage is applied to the developing roller shaft 32 of the developing roller 30. As a result, the electrostatic force between the developing roller shaft 32 and the developer attracts the developer to the outer surface of the developing roller body 31.

[0071] Furthermore, the developing cartridge 1 has a layer thickness regulating blade (not shown in the illustration). The layer thickness regulating blade shapes the developer supplied to the outer surface of the developing roller body 31 to a certain thickness. Subsequently, the developer on the outer surface of the developing roller body 31 is supplied to the photoreceptor drum 92 of the drum cartridge 2, which will be described later. At this time, the developer moves from the developing roller body 31 to the photoreceptor drum 92 in accordance with the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 92. As a result, the electrostatic latent image is made visible on the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 92.

[0072] The gear section 50 is located on the second outer surface 12 of the casing 10. As shown in Figure 5, the gear section 50 includes the agitator gear, the developing roller gear 51, and the supply roller gear, as well as a plurality of idler gears, a coupling 52, and a gear cover 53. The gear cover 53, together with the casing 10, constitutes the housing of the developing cartridge 1. The gear cover 53 is fixed to the second outer surface 12 of the casing 10, for example, by screws. At least some of the plurality of gears are located between the second outer surface 12 and the gear cover 53.

[0073] The gear cover 53 has a cylindrical collar 531 that protrudes in a first direction. The coupling 52 is housed inside the collar 531. The coupling 52 has an engaging portion 521 that is recessed in a first direction. The engaging portion 521 is exposed from the gear cover 53. When the developing cartridge 1, which is mounted on the drum cartridge 2, is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the drive shaft of the image forming apparatus is connected to the engaging portion 521 of the coupling 52. The rotation of the drive shaft is then transmitted via the coupling 52 to the agitator gear, a plurality of idler gears, the developing roller gear 51, and the supply roller gear.

[0074] The gears included in the gear section 50 may transmit rotational force by the meshing of teeth, or they may transmit rotational force by friction.

[0075] The first bearing 60 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. The first bearing 60 rotatably supports one end of the developing roller shaft 32 in a first direction. As shown in Figure 4, the first bearing 60 has a first end 61 and a second end 62. The second end 62 is further away from the developing roller shaft 32 than the first end 61. Also, the second end 62 is further away from one end of the casing 10 in a second direction than the first end 61. The first bearing 60 extends along the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10 between the first end 61 and the second end 62.

[0076] The first bearing 60 has a first arm 63 and a second arm 64. The second arm 64 is further away from the developing roller shaft 32 than the first arm 63. Also, the second arm 64 is further away from one end of the casing 10 in the second direction than the first arm 63. The first arm 63 has the first end 61 described above. The second arm 64 has the second end 62 described above. The first arm 63 extends, for example, linearly along the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. The second arm 64 extends, for example, linearly along the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. However, the first arm 63 is bent relative to the second arm 64. The angle between the first arm 63 and the second arm 64 is obtuse.

[0077] In this embodiment, the first arm 63 and the second arm 64 are integrally molded. However, the first arm 63 and the second arm 64 may be separate parts. In that case, it is sufficient that the first arm 63 and the second arm 64 are fixed to each other.

[0078] The first bearing 60 has a first insertion hole 65. The first insertion hole 65 extends in a first direction at the first end 61 of the first bearing 60. The first insertion hole 65 may be a through hole that penetrates the first end 61 in the first direction, or it may not penetrate the first end 61. The first insertion hole 65 has a cylindrical inner circumferential surface. One end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction is inserted into the first insertion hole 65. As a result, the first bearing 60 is mounted on one end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction. The one end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction is then rotatably supported with respect to the rotating shaft A1 that extends in the first direction. The first bearing 60 is also rotatable with respect to the developing roller shaft 32 with respect to the casing 10. Specifically, the second end 62 is rotatable with respect to the rotating shaft A1 with respect to the first end 61.

[0079] The first bearing 60 is a conductive developing electrode. The first bearing 60 is made of, for example, a conductive resin. However, the first bearing 60 may be made of metal. The first end 61 of the first bearing 60 is in contact with one end of the developing roller shaft 32 in a first direction. Therefore, the first end 61 of the first bearing 60 is electrically connected to the developing roller shaft 32.

[0080] Furthermore, the first bearing 60 has a first hole 67. The first hole 67 extends in a second direction between the first end 61 and the second end 62. The first hole 67 also penetrates the first bearing 60 in the rotational direction around the rotation axis A1. However, the first hole 67 does not necessarily have to penetrate the first bearing 60. The other end 112 of the first lever 110, which will be described later, is inserted into the first hole 67.

[0081] The first lever 110 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. As shown in Figure 4, the first lever 110 has one end 111, another end 112, and a cam surface 113. The one end 111 is located at one end of the first lever 110 in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions. The other end 112 is located at the other end of the first lever 110 in the third direction. The cam surface 113 is located between the one end 111 and the other end 112 in the third direction. The one end 111 of the first lever 110 also has a first protrusion 114. The first protrusion 114 projects from the one end 111 of the first lever 110 in the first direction. The other end 112 of the first lever 110 has a second protrusion 115. The second protrusion 115 projects from the other end 112 of the first lever 110 in the first direction.

[0082] The first lever 110 is movable relative to the casing 10. When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2, the cam surface 113 can contact the drum frame 91 of the drum cartridge 2, which will be described later. The first lever 110 is rotatable between a first position and a second position, with respect to the cam surface 113.

[0083] The other end 112 of the first lever 110 is inserted into the first hole 67 of the first bearing 60. The other end 112 of the first lever 110 is connected to the inner surface of the first hole 67 of the first bearing 60. Specifically, the first bearing 60 has an engagement surface 69 (see Figure 11) on the inner surface of the first hole 67. This engagement surface 69 and the second protrusion 115 of the first lever 110 face each other in the third direction. That is, the second protrusion 115 of the first lever 110 engages with the engagement surface 69 of the first bearing 60. This prevents the first lever 110 from coming out of the first bearing 60 in one direction of the third direction. In addition, the range of rotation of the first bearing 60 around the rotation axis A1 is restricted.

[0084] The holder 120 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. The holder 120 is fixed to the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10, for example, by screws. A portion of the first lever 110 is located between the first outer surface 11 and the holder 120. The first protrusion 114 of the first lever 110 is located on one side of the holder 120 in the third direction. The second protrusion 115 of the first lever 110 is located on the other side of the holder 120 in the third direction. The first protrusion 114 and the holder 120 face each other in the third direction. This prevents the first lever 110 from coming out of the holder 120 on the other side of the third direction. In other words, the holder 120 holds the first lever 110 movably relative to the casing 10.

[0085] The second bearing 70 is located on the second outer surface 12 of the casing 10. More specifically, the second bearing 70 is located on the outer surface of the gear cover 53. The first bearing 60 and the second bearing 70 are positioned to overlap in the first direction. The second bearing 70 rotatably supports the other end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction. As shown in Figure 5, the second bearing 70 has a third end 71 and a fourth end 72. The fourth end 72 is further away from the developing roller shaft 32 than the third end 71. Also, the fourth end 72 is further away from one end of the casing 10 in the second direction than the third end 71. The second bearing 70 extends along the second outer surface 12 of the casing 10 between the third end 71 and the fourth end 72.

[0086] The second bearing 70 has a third arm 73 and a fourth arm 74. The fourth arm 74 is further away from the developing roller shaft 32 than the third arm 73. Also, the fourth arm 74 is further away from one end of the casing 10 in the second direction than the third arm 73. The third arm 73 has the third end 71 described above. The fourth arm 74 has the fourth end 72 described above. The third arm 73 extends, for example, linearly along the second outer surface 12 of the casing 10. The fourth arm 74 extends, for example, linearly along the second outer surface 12 of the casing 10. However, the third arm 73 is bent relative to the fourth arm 74. The angle between the third arm 73 and the fourth arm 74 is obtuse.

[0087] In this embodiment, the third arm 73 and the fourth arm 74 are integrally molded. However, the third arm 73 and the fourth arm 74 may be separate parts. In that case, it is sufficient that the third arm 73 and the fourth arm 74 are fixed to each other.

[0088] The second bearing 70 has a second insertion hole 75. The second insertion hole 75 extends in a first direction at the third end 71 of the second bearing 70. The second insertion hole 75 may be a through hole that penetrates the third end 71 in the first direction, or it may not penetrate the third end 71. The second insertion hole 75 has a cylindrical inner circumferential surface. The other end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction is inserted into the second insertion hole 75. As a result, the second bearing 70 is mounted on the other end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction. The other end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction is then rotatably supported with respect to the rotating shaft A1 that extends in the first direction. The second bearing 70 is also rotatable with respect to the developing roller shaft 32 relative to the casing 10. Specifically, the fourth end 72 is rotatable with respect to the rotating shaft A1 relative to the third end 71.

[0089] Furthermore, the second bearing 70 has a third hole 77. The third hole 77 extends in a second direction between the third end 71 and the fourth end 72. The third hole 77 also penetrates the second bearing 70 in the rotational direction around the rotation axis A1. However, the third hole 77 does not have to penetrate the second bearing 70. The other end 132 of the second lever 130, which will be described later, is inserted into the third hole 77. The first hole 67 of the first bearing 60 and the third hole 77 of the second bearing 70 are located in positions that overlap in a first direction.

[0090] The second lever 130 is located on the second outer surface 12 of the casing 10. More specifically, the second bearing 70 is located on the outer surface of the gear cover 53. As shown in Figure 5, the second lever 130 has one end 131, another end 132, and a cam surface 133. The one end 131 is located at one end of the second lever 130 in the third direction. The other end 132 is located at the other end of the second lever 130 in the third direction. The cam surface 133 is located between the one end 131 and the other end 132 in the third direction. The other end 132 of the second lever 130 also has a third protrusion 135. The third protrusion 135 projects from the other end 132 of the second lever 130 in the first direction.

[0091] One end 111 of the first lever 110 and one end 131 of the second lever 130 are in positions that overlap in the first direction. The other end 112 of the first lever 110 and the other end 132 of the second lever 130 are in positions that overlap in the first direction.

[0092] The second lever 130 is movable relative to the casing 10. When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2, the cam surface 133 can contact the drum frame 91 of the drum cartridge 2, which will be described later. The second lever 130 is rotatable between a third position and a fourth position with respect to the cam surface 133.

[0093] The other end 132 of the second lever 130 is inserted into the third hole 77 of the second bearing 70. The other end 132 of the second lever 130 is connected to the inner surface of the third hole 77 of the second bearing 70. Specifically, the second bearing 70 has an engagement surface (not shown) on the inner surface of the third hole 77. This engagement surface and the third protrusion 135 of the second lever 130 face each other in the third direction. That is, the third protrusion 135 of the second lever 130 engages with the engagement surface of the second bearing 70. This prevents the second lever 130 from coming out of the second bearing 70 in one direction. Furthermore, the range of rotation of the second bearing 70 around the rotation axis A1 is restricted.

[0094] As shown in Figure 5, the gear cover 53 has a gear cover projection 532 that protrudes in a first direction. The second lever 130 is positioned between the collar 531 of the gear cover 53 and the gear cover projection 532 in the second direction. This restricts the movement of the second lever 130 in the second direction. The second lever 130 also extends in an arc shape along the outer circumferential surface of the collar 531 of the gear cover 53. A portion of the collar 531 is positioned between one end 131 and the other end 132 of the second lever 130 in a third direction. This restricts the movement of the second lever 130 in the third direction.

[0095] <3. Structure of a drum cartridge> As shown in Figure 1, the drum cartridge 2 comprises a drum frame 91 and a photoreceptor drum 92. The developer cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum frame 91. The photoreceptor drum 92 is a cylindrical drum that can rotate about a rotation axis extending in a first direction. The outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 92 is covered with a photosensitive material. The photoreceptor drum 92 is located at one end of the drum frame 91 in a second direction. When the developer cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum frame 91, the outer surface of the developer roller 30 comes into contact with the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 92.

[0096] Figures 6 to 8 show the development cartridge 1 being mounted on the drum cartridge 2, viewed from one side in the first direction. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the development cartridge 1 and drum cartridge 2 when the development cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2. Note that Figure 9 shows a cross-section perpendicular to the first direction and passing through the first bearing 60 and the first lever 110.

[0097] As shown in Figure 9, the drum cartridge 2 has a first guide surface 93 and a second guide surface 94. The first guide surface 93 and the second guide surface 94 are located at one end of the drum frame 91 in the first direction. The first guide surface 93 and the second guide surface 94 are separated in the rotational direction about the rotation axis of the photoreceptor drum 92. The drum cartridge 2 also has a third guide surface (not shown) and a fourth guide surface (not shown) at the other end of the drum frame 91 in the first direction, similar to the first guide surface 93 and the second guide surface 94.

[0098] As shown in Figure 9, the drum cartridge 2 includes a first pressing member 95 and a first coil spring 96. The first pressing member 95 and the first coil spring 96 are conductive. The first pressing member 95 is made of, for example, a conductive resin. The first coil spring 96 is made of, for example, metal. The first pressing member 95 and the first coil spring 96 are located at one end of the drum frame 91 in a first direction. The first coil spring 96 is an elastic member that can expand and contract in a second direction. One end of the first coil spring 96 in a second direction is connected to the first pressing member 95. The other end of the first coil spring 96 in a second direction is connected to the drum frame 91. When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2, the first pressing member 95 presses the second end 62 of the first bearing 60 toward the photoreceptor drum 92 by the elastic force of the first coil spring 96.

[0099] The drum cartridge 2 also includes a second pressing member (not shown) and a second coil spring (not shown). The second pressing member and the second coil spring are located at the other end of the drum frame 91 in the first direction. When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2, the second pressing member, by the elastic force of the second coil spring, presses the fourth end 72 of the second bearing 70 toward the photoreceptor drum 92.

[0100] The drum cartridge 2 may also be equipped with other types of elastic members instead of the first coil spring 96 and the second coil spring. For example, the drum cartridge 2 may be equipped with springs other than coil springs, such as torsion springs or leaf springs, or rubber, as elastic members.

[0101] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6 to 9, the drum cartridge 2 includes a first release lever 97. The first release lever 97 is located at one end of the drum frame 91 in the first direction. The first release lever 97 is rotatable about an axis extending in the first direction. The drum cartridge 2 also includes a second release lever (not shown). The second release lever is located at the other end of the drum frame 91 in the first direction. The second release lever is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the first direction.

[0102] <4. Regarding the operation of installing the developing cartridge> When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2, as shown in Figures 6 to 9, the developing cartridge 1 moves relative to the drum cartridge 2 so that the developing roller 30 approaches the photoreceptor drum 92. At this time, as shown in Figures 6 to 9, the second end 62 of the first bearing 60 comes into contact with the first release lever 97 and moves along the first release lever 97. Consequently, the first bearing 60 rotates around the rotation axis A1. Similarly, the third end 71 of the second bearing 70 comes into contact with the second release lever and moves along the second release lever. Consequently, the second bearing 70 rotates around the rotation axis A1.

[0103] In this way, when the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2, the first bearing 60 and the second bearing 70 rotate around the rotation axis A1 of the developing roller 30. Therefore, the first bearing 60 can be positioned between the photoreceptor drum 92 and the first pressing member 95, and the second bearing 70 can be positioned between the photoreceptor drum 92 and the second pressing member, without rotating the casing 10 relative to the drum frame 91. Consequently, the user of the image forming apparatus can bring the developing roller 30 closer to the photoreceptor drum 92 without performing an operation to rotate the casing 10.

[0104] When the first bearing 60 is positioned between the photoreceptor drum 92 and the first pressing member 95, the first pressing member 95 contacts the second end 62 of the first bearing 60. Then, due to the elastic force of the first coil spring 96, the first pressing member 95 presses the second end 62 of the first bearing 60 toward the photoreceptor drum 92. As a result, as shown in Figure 9, the first end 61 of the first bearing 60 contacts the first guide surface 93, and the rest of the first bearing 60 contacts the second guide surface 94. This fixes the position of the first bearing 60 relative to the drum frame 91.

[0105] Similarly, the second pressing member presses the fourth end 72 of the second bearing 70 toward the photoreceptor drum 92. As a result, the third end 71 of the second bearing 70 comes into contact with the third guide surface, and the rest of the second bearing 70 comes into contact with the fourth guide surface. This fixes the position of the second bearing 70 relative to the drum frame 91.

[0106] Furthermore, with the positions of the first bearing 60 and the second bearing 70 fixed relative to the drum frame 91, the first pressing member 95 presses the first bearing 60, and the second pressing member presses the second bearing 70. As a result, the outer surface of the developing roller 30 comes into contact with the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 92. The developing roller 30 is then pressed against the photoreceptor drum 92.

[0107] Thus, in this embodiment, the first bearing 60 has a first end 61 and a second end 62, and the second end 62 is rotatable relative to the first end 61. Also, the second bearing 70 has a third end 71 and a fourth end 72, and the fourth end 72 is rotatable relative to the third end 71. Therefore, the developing roller 30 can be positioned relative to the photoreceptor drum 92 by utilizing the first end 61 and the second end 62 of the first bearing 60 and the third end 71 and the fourth end 72 of the second bearing 70.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2, the first bearing 60 and the second bearing 70 rotate around the rotation axis A1. Similarly, when removing the developing cartridge 1 from the drum cartridge 2, the first bearing 60 and the second bearing 70 also rotate around the rotation axis A1. Therefore, the first bearing 60 and the second bearing 70 can be rotated without rotating the casing 10, allowing for smooth mounting and removal of the developing cartridge 1 from the drum cartridge 2.

[0109] <5. Regarding voltage supply> The first pressing member 95 and the first coil spring 96 are conductive. The first pressing member 95 is made of, for example, a conductive resin. The first coil spring 96 is made of, for example, metal. The drum cartridge 2 also has electrode terminals 98 that electrically contact the first coil spring 96. As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the electrode terminals 98 are exposed on the outer surface of the drum frame 91. As previously described, the developing roller shaft 32 and the first bearing 60 are also conductive. Therefore, when the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2 and the first pressing member 95 contacts the first bearing 60, the electrode terminals 98, the first coil spring 96, the first pressing member 95, the first bearing 60, and the developing roller shaft 32 are electrically conductive to each other.

[0110] When the developing cartridge 1, which is mounted on the drum cartridge 2, is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the electrode terminals 98 of the drum cartridge 2 come into contact with the electrode terminals 98 of the image forming apparatus. A bias voltage is then supplied from the image forming apparatus to the developing roller shaft 32 via the electrode terminals 98, the first coil spring 96, the first pressing member 95, and the first bearing 60. As a result, the electrostatic force caused by the bias voltage attracts the developer to the outer surface of the developing roller body 31.

[0111] In this embodiment, a bias voltage is supplied to the first bearing 60 of the developing cartridge 1 via the first pressing member 95 of the drum cartridge 2. This reduces the number of parts in the drum cartridge 2 compared to a case where a conductive component for supplying voltage to the first bearing 60 is provided separately from the first pressing member 95. Therefore, the drum cartridge 2 can be made smaller.

[0112] Furthermore, the first bearing 60 in this embodiment performs multiple functions: (1) as a bearing that rotatably supports the developing roller shaft 32; (2) as a positioning member that positions the developing roller 30 relative to the photoreceptor drum 92 when the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2; and (3) as a developing electrode that supplies a bias voltage to the developing roller shaft 32. Therefore, compared to cases where these functions are realized by separate components, the number of parts in the developing cartridge 1 can be reduced, and the developing cartridge 1 can be made smaller.

[0113] <6. Regarding the action of separating> The developing cartridge 1, after being mounted on the drum cartridge 2 and installed in the image forming apparatus, can perform a separation operation using the driving force supplied from the image forming apparatus. The separation operation is an operation that temporarily separates the developing roller 30 from the photosensitive drum 92. For example, when performing monochrome printing in the image forming apparatus, the developing cartridges 1 for each color other than black perform the separation operation. However, the black developing cartridge 1 may also perform the separation operation.

[0114] As shown in Figure 9, when the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2, the developing cartridge 1 is positioned in a contact position where the developing roller 30 contacts the photoreceptor drum 92. At this time, the position of the first lever 110 is the first position. In the first position, the other end 112 of the first lever 110 is away from the inner surface 670 of the first hole 67 of the first bearing 60. Therefore, the other end 112 of the first lever 110 does not press against the inner surface 670 of the first hole 67. Also, the cam surface 113 of the first lever 110 is in contact with the drum frame 91. At this time, the position of the second lever 130 is the third position. In the third position, the other end 132 of the second lever 130 is away from the inner surface of the third hole 77 of the second bearing 70. Therefore, the other end 132 of the second lever 130 does not press against the inner surface of the third hole 77 of the second bearing 70. Furthermore, the cam surface 133 of the second lever 130 is in contact with the drum frame 91.

[0115] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge 1 and drum cartridge 2 during separation operation. Note that Figure 10 shows a cross-section perpendicular to the first direction and passing through the first bearing 60 and the first lever 110.

[0116] When the image forming apparatus performs a separation operation, it applies a driving force to one end 111 of the first lever 110. Specifically, the image forming apparatus operates a drive lever (not shown in the figure). When this is done, the drive lever presses against one end 111 of the first lever 110, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 10. As a result, the first lever 110 rotates from the first position to the second position around the cam surface 133. At this time, the other end 112 of the first lever 110 moves away from the photoreceptor drum 92 and presses against the inner surface 670 of the first hole 67 of the first bearing 60. Specifically, the other end 112 of the first lever 110 presses against the second end 62 of the first bearing 60 away from the developing roller 30, against the pressing force of the first pressing member 95. As a result, the first bearing 60 moves away from the photoreceptor drum 92, together with the other end 112 of the first lever 110.

[0117] Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus performs a separation operation, it applies a driving force to one end 131 of the second lever 130. Specifically, the image forming apparatus operates other drive levers, which are not shown in the illustration. When this occurs, the drive levers press against one end 131 of the second lever 130. As a result, the second lever 130 rotates from the third position to the fourth position around the cam surface 133. At this time, the other end 132 of the second lever 130 moves away from the photoreceptor drum 92 and presses against the inner surface of the third hole 77 of the second bearing 70. Specifically, the other end 132 of the second lever 130 presses against the fourth end 72 of the second bearing 70 away from the developing roller 30, against the pressing force of the second pressing member. As a result, the second bearing 70 moves away from the photoreceptor drum 92 together with the other end 132 of the second lever 130.

[0118] As a result, the casing 10 and the developing roller 30, along with the first bearing 60 and the second bearing 70, move away from the photoreceptor drum 92. Consequently, the outer surface of the developing roller 30 separates from the outer surface of the photoreceptor drum 92. In other words, the developing cartridge 1 moves from the aforementioned contact position to a position separated from the drum cartridge 2.

[0119] Thus, in this embodiment, one end 111 of the first lever 110 receives a force from the drive lever of the image forming apparatus, and the other end 112 of the first lever 110 presses against the inner surface 670 of the first hole 67 of the first bearing 60. This allows a force to be applied to move the developing cartridge 1 from the contact position to the separated position. In other words, the first lever 110, which has one end 111 that functions as the point of force application, the other end 112 that functions as the point of application, and the cam surface 113 that functions as the pivot point, can transmit the driving force supplied from the image forming apparatus to the first bearing 60.

[0120] Furthermore, in response to the force received by one end 131 of the second lever 130 from the drive lever of the image forming apparatus, the other end 132 of the second lever 130 presses against the inner surface of the third hole 77 of the second bearing 70. This allows a force to be applied to move the developing cartridge 1 from the contact position to the separated position. In other words, the second lever 130, which has one end 131 that functions as the point of force application, the other end 132 that functions as the point of application, and the cam surface 133 that functions as the pivot point, can transmit the driving force supplied from the image forming apparatus to the second bearing 70.

[0121] In other words, the driving force supplied from the image forming apparatus is transmitted to the first bearing 60 and the second bearing 70 of the developing cartridge 1 without going through the drum cartridge 2. This eliminates the need for a component to relay the driving force in the drum cartridge 2. As a result, the number of parts in the drum cartridge 2 can be reduced. Consequently, the drum cartridge 2 can be made smaller.

[0122] Furthermore, in this developing cartridge 1, one end 111 of the first lever 110 has a first protrusion 114 that projects in the first direction. As a result, the surface area of ​​one end 111 of the first lever 110 is larger than in the case where the first protrusion 114 is absent. Therefore, during the separation operation, the drive lever of the image forming apparatus 100 can stably press one end 111 of the first lever 110. This stabilizes the separation operation of the image forming apparatus 1. In addition, one end 131 of the second lever 130 may also have a protrusion that projects in the first direction, similar to the first lever 110.

[0123] Furthermore, in this developing cartridge 1, the first bearing 60 and the second bearing 70 that support the developing roller shaft 32 receive a pressing force during the separation operation. Therefore, the number of parts in the developing cartridge 1 can be reduced compared to a case where a separate member that receives a pressing force during the separation operation is provided in addition to the first bearing 60 and the second bearing 70. Consequently, the developing cartridge 1 can be made smaller.

[0124] Furthermore, the first bearing 60 is rotatable around the rotation axis A1. Therefore, the first lever 110 can press the inner surface 670 of the first hole 67 of the first bearing 60 in the optimal direction. Similarly, the second bearing 70 is also rotatable around the rotation axis A1. Therefore, the second lever 130 can press the inner surface of the third hole 77 of the second bearing 70 in the optimal direction.

[0125] Furthermore, when the developing cartridge 1 moves from the contact position to the separation position, the first bearing 60 moves along the second guide surface 94. Also, the second bearing 70 moves along the fourth guide surface. As a result, the first lever 110 can press the first bearing 60 while maintaining its position around the rotation axis A1. Similarly, the second lever 130 can press the second bearing 70 while maintaining its position around the rotation axis A1.

[0126] <7. Regarding the removal of the developing cartridge> Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the developing cartridge 1 and drum cartridge 2 when the developing cartridge 1 is removed from the drum cartridge 2. Note that Figure 11 shows a cross-section perpendicular to the first direction and passing through the first bearing 60 and the first lever 110.

[0127] When removing the developing cartridge 1 from the drum cartridge 2, the user presses the first release lever 97 and the second release lever. This causes the first release lever 97 and the second release lever to rotate on an axis extending in the first direction. As a result, the first release lever 97 presses the first lever 110 to one side in the third direction. The second release lever also presses the second lever 130 to one side in the third direction. Furthermore, the other end 112 of the first lever 110 contacts the engagement surface 69 of the first bearing 60, pressing the engagement surface 69 to one side in the third direction. Also, the other end 132 of the second lever 130 contacts the engagement surface 79 of the second bearing 70, pressing the engagement surface 79 to one side in the third direction.

[0128] As a result, the first bearing 60 is disengaged from between the photoreceptor drum 92 and the first pressing member 95, moving to one side in the third direction. Also, the second bearing 70 is disengaged from between the photoreceptor drum 92 and the second pressing member, moving to one side in the third direction. Consequently, the developing cartridge 1 can be removed from the drum cartridge 2.

[0129] <8. Variation> Although one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment. Below, various modifications will be described, focusing on the differences from the above embodiment.

[0130] In the above embodiment, the developing cartridge 1 was equipped with a first bearing and a second bearing. The first and second bearings were of the same shape and both were rotatable relative to the casing 10. However, the second bearing may have a different shape from the first bearing. Also, the second bearing may not be rotatable relative to the casing 10. Furthermore, the developing cartridge 1 may not be equipped with a second bearing. In that case, the first bearing may be located at either end of the casing 10 in the first direction.

[0131] In the above embodiment, the developing cartridge 1 was mounted on a drum cartridge 2 having one photoreceptor drum 92. However, the developing cartridge 1 may be mounted on a drum cartridge having multiple photoreceptor drums 92.

[0132] Furthermore, the detailed shape of the developing cartridge 1 may differ from the shape shown in the figures of this application. In addition, the elements that appear in the above embodiments and modifications may be combined as appropriate, to the extent that no inconsistencies arise. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0133] 1 developing cartridge 2 Drum Cartridges 10 Casing 11 First outer surface 12 Second outer surface 13 Confinement Rooms 14 Aperture 20 Agitators 30 Developing roller 31 Developing roller body 32 Developing roller shaft 40 supply rollers 41 Supply roller body 42 Supply roller shaft 50 Gear section 51 Developing roller gear 52 Coupling 53 Gear cover 60 First bearing 61 First end 62 Second end 63 First Arm 64. Second Arm 65 First insertion hole 67 Hole 1 69 Engagement surface 70 Second bearing 71 Third end 72 4th end 73 Third Arm 74. Fourth Arm 75 Second insertion hole 77 Hole 3 91 Drum Frame 92 Photoconductor Drum 93 First guide surface 94 Second guide surface 95 First pressing member 96 First coil spring 97. First release lever 98 Electrode terminal 110 First Lever 111 One end 112 Other end 113 Cam surface 114 First protrusion 115 Second protrusion 120 Holder 130 Second lever 131 One end 132 Other end 133 Cam surface 135 Third protrusion A1 Rotation axis

Claims

1. It is a developing cartridge, A developing roller having a developing roller shaft extending in a first direction, A casing capable of containing the developer, A first lever that is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the casing, One end of the first lever, which functions as a point of force application, The other end of the first lever, which functions as a point of action, A cam surface located between the aforementioned end and the aforementioned end, which functions as a fulcrum, A first lever having, In a developing cartridge equipped with, A developing cartridge characterized in that when the first lever moves from a first position to a second position around the cam surface in response to the driving force received by one end, the other end moves relative to the casing and the developing roller.

2. A developing cartridge according to claim 1, A holder that movably holds the first lever relative to the casing. A developing cartridge characterized by further being equipped with the following features.

3. A developing cartridge according to claim 1 or claim 2, The aforementioned developing cartridge is used for a drum cartridge having a photosensitive drum. A developing cartridge characterized in that, when the first lever moves from a first position to a second position, the first lever moves around the cam surface while the cam surface and a part of the drum cartridge are in contact.

4. A developing cartridge according to claim 3, The developing cartridge can be attached to the drum cartridge. When the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge, and the first lever is in the first position, the surface of the developing roller and the surface of the photoreceptor drum are in contact. A developing cartridge characterized in that, when the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge, and the first lever is in the second position, the surface of the developing roller and the surface of the photoreceptor drum separate as the other end moves.

5. A developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The one end of the first lever is Convex portion protruding in the first direction A developing cartridge characterized by having [a certain feature].

Images