Developing cartridge

Abstract

To efficiently dispose a holder in which an electrical contact surface is disposed on a surface on an outer surface of a casing of a developing cartridge.SOLUTION: A developing cartridge 1 includes: a casing 10 for housing developer inside; a developing roller 20 extending in a first direction; a storage medium 41 having an electric contact surface 411; a holder 42 for holding the electric contact surface; and a cap 30 for covering a filling opening 14. The holder 42 has a first boss 61 and a second boss extending in a first direction. The cap 30 has a first hole 71 and a second hole 72. The first boss 61 is inserted into the first hole 71 and can travel within the first hole 71. The second boss is inserted into the second hole 72 and can travel within the second hole 72. Accordingly, the holder 42 can be overlappingly disposed with the filling opening 14. Therefore, the holder 42 can be efficiently disposed on an outer surface of the casing 10 of the developing cartridge 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

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 an image forming apparatus. A developing cartridge includes a housing that accommodates toner, and a developing roller extending in a first direction for supplying toner. The developing cartridge described in Patent Document 1 is mounted to a drawer unit. The drawer unit is mounted to the image forming apparatus. The drawer unit includes a photosensitive drum. When a developing cartridge is mounted to the drawer unit, the photosensitive drum and the developing roller face each other.

[0003] In a state where the drawer unit with the developing cartridge mounted thereon is mounted to the image forming apparatus, the developing cartridge is placed in a separated state where it is temporarily separated from the photosensitive drum. For example, in a color printer, when monochrome printing is performed, the developing rollers of developing cartridges for colors other than black are separated from the photosensitive drum. At this time, the position of the housing of the developing cartridge changes relative to the drawer unit.

[0004] Further, conventionally, developing cartridges including a storage medium are also known. The storage medium is, for example, an IC chip. The storage medium has an electrical contact surface. The electrical contact surface contacts an electrical connector of the image forming apparatus or the drawer unit.

[0005] In a developing cartridge including a storage medium, when the developing cartridge is placed in the separated state, the position of the housing of the developing cartridge changes. Therefore, if the electrical contact surface is fixed to the housing, there is a risk that the electrical contact surface and the electrical connector rub against each other every time the developing cartridge enters the separated state. Accordingly, in the developing cartridge described in Patent Document 1, a holder that holds the electrical contact surface is movably attached to the housing. [[Prior Art Documents]] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-116826 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The housing of the developing cartridge described in Patent Document 1 has a first outer surface having a filling port and a second outer surface located away from the first outer surface in a first direction. The developing cartridge further includes a cap that covers the filling port. The electrical contact surface, holder, and cap are located on the first outer surface of the housing.

[0008] Furthermore, the holder has a boss that is inserted into a portion of the first outer surface. The insertion position of the boss relative to the first outer surface is different from the position of the filling port and cap. Therefore, there was a possibility that the size of the developing cartridge would increase in the direction in which the filling port and cap are aligned with the boss.

[0009] The purpose of this disclosure is to prevent the size of the developing cartridge from increasing in the direction of alignment between the filling port and cap and the boss, in a developing cartridge where the electrical contact surface, holder, and cap are located on the first outer surface of the housing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The first disclosure of the present application is a developing cartridge comprising: a developing roller rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a first direction; a housing for containing a developer, the housing having a first outer surface having a filling port, the first outer surface located at one end of the housing in the first direction; a storage medium having an electrical contact surface; a holder located on the first outer surface, the holder for holding the electrical contact surface, the holder movable with respect to the housing together with the electrical contact surface, the holder having a first boss extending in the first direction and a second boss extending in the first direction; and a cap covering the filling port, the cap having a first hole into which the first boss is inserted and a second hole into which the second boss is inserted, wherein when the holder moves with respect to the housing together with the electrical contact surface, the first boss is movable within the first hole and the second boss is movable within the second hole.

[0011] A second disclosure of the present application is a developing cartridge according to the first disclosure, characterized in that the developing roller is located at one end of the housing in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0012] A third disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to the first or second disclosure, characterized in that the electrical contact surface is located on the outer surface of the holder.

[0013] A fourth disclosure of the present application is a developing cartridge according to the first or second disclosure, wherein the cap comprises a first cylindrical portion extending in the first direction and having the first hole, and a second cylindrical portion extending in the first direction and having the second hole.

[0014] The fifth disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to the first or second disclosure, characterized in that the length of the first boss in the first direction is longer than the length of the second boss in the first direction.

[0015] The sixth disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to the fifth disclosure, wherein the housing has a second outer surface located away from the first outer surface in the first direction, the cap has a body recess inserted into the filling port, the body recess recessed in the first direction from the first outer surface toward the second outer surface, and the first cylindrical portion is located inside the body recess.

[0016] The seventh disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to the sixth disclosure, wherein the cap has a flange located on the outer circumference of the recess of the main body.

[0017] The eighth disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to the sixth disclosure, characterized in that a part of the second cylindrical portion is located inside the main body recess, and a part of the second cylindrical portion is located outside the main body recess.

[0018] The ninth disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to the seventh disclosure, characterized in that the body recess is cylindrical.

[0019] The tenth disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge according to the ninth disclosure, characterized in that either the first outer surface or the flange portion has a projection that protrudes in the first direction, and the other of the first outer surface or the flange portion has a notch into which the projection is inserted.

[0020] An eleventh disclosure of the present application is a developer cartridge according to the first or second disclosure, further comprising a holder cover located on the first outer surface of the housing, the holder cover covering at least a portion of the holder, the holder further having a third boss extending in the first direction, the holder cover having a third hole into which the third boss is inserted, and the third boss is movable within the third hole when the holder moves with respect to the housing together with the electrical contact surface.

[0021] The twelfth disclosure of this application is a developing cartridge of the eleventh disclosure, characterized in that the third hole is a through hole.

[0022] A thirteenth disclosure of the present application is the developing cartridge according to the eleventh disclosure, characterized in that the third hole is a recessed portion. Effects of the Invention

[0023] According to the first to twelfth disclosures of the present application, the holder having the electrical contact surface disposed on the surface thereof can be arranged overlapping with the developer filling port. Therefore, an increase in size of the developing cartridge in the arrangement direction of the filling port, the cap, and the boss can be suppressed. That is, the holder can be efficiently arranged on the outer surface of the housing of the developing cartridge.

[0024] Furthermore, according to the fifth disclosure of the present application, the assembly efficiency of the developing cartridge is improved.

[0025] Furthermore, according to the sixth disclosure of the present application, the first hole and a part of the first boss are located inside the filling port. This allows the length of the first boss to be increased without increasing the overall length of the developing cartridge.

[0026] Furthermore, according to the tenth disclosure of the present application, rotation of the cap can be suppressed.

[0027] Furthermore, according to the eleventh to thirteenth disclosures of the present application, the holder can be held more stably. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a developing cartridge and a drawer unit. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a cap, an IC chip assembly, and a holder cover. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the cap viewed in a first direction. [Figure 6] This is a plan view of the cap as seen from a direction perpendicular to the first direction. [Figure 7] This is a side view of a portion of the drawer unit and the developing cartridge as seen from the first direction, in an intermediate installation position. [Figure 8] This is a side view of a portion of the drawer unit and the developing cartridge as seen from the first direction at the printing position. [Figure 9] This is a side view of a portion of the drawer unit and the developing cartridge, viewed in the first direction, at a separated position. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the positional relationship between the cap and the first and second bosses at the intermediate mounting position, the printing position, and the separated position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0030] In the following, the direction in which the developing roller extends will be referred to as the "first direction." The direction in which one end of the casing where the developing roller is located aligns with the other end of the casing will be referred to as the "second direction." The first and second directions intersect (preferably orthogonal) with each other. The direction that intersects (preferably orthogonal) with the electrical contact surface of the IC chip will be referred to as the "third direction." The third direction intersects with the first and second directions, respectively.

[0031] <1. Overall configuration of the developing cartridge> Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the positional relationship between the developing cartridge 1 and the drawer unit 90 in which the developing cartridge 1 is installed. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge 1. The developing cartridge 1 is used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (for example, a laser printer or an LED printer). The developing cartridge 1 is a unit that supplies a developer (for example, toner) to the photosensitive drum of the drawer unit 90. As shown in Figure 1, the developing cartridge 1 in this embodiment is installed on the drawer unit 90. The drawer unit 90 is installed on the image forming apparatus. When replacing the developing cartridge 1, the drawer unit 90 is pulled out from the front of the image forming apparatus. Then, the developing cartridge 1 is installed in each of the four cartridge holding sections of the drawer unit 90. A photosensitive drum is provided in each of the four cartridge holding sections.

[0032] In this embodiment, four developing cartridges 1 are installed in one drawer unit 90. The four developing cartridges 1 contain developers of different colors (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). However, the number of developing cartridges 1 installed in the drawer unit 90 may be 1 to 3, or 5 or more.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the developing cartridge 1 of this embodiment includes a casing 10, a developing roller 20, a cap 30, an IC chip assembly 40, and a holder cover 50.

[0034] The casing 10 is a housing capable of containing a developer (e.g., toner) for electrophotographic printing. The casing 10 has a first outer surface 11 and a second outer surface 12. 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. The first outer surface 11 is located at one end of the casing 10 in the first direction. The second outer surface 12 is located at the other end of the casing 10 in the first direction. The cap 30 and the IC chip assembly 40 are located on the first outer surface 11.

[0035] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the area near the first outer surface 11 of the developing cartridge 1. As shown in Figure 3, the casing 10 has a developer chamber 13 for containing the developer. The developer chamber 13 is located inside the casing 10. The first outer surface 11 of the casing 10 has a filling port 14. The filling port 14 communicates the developer chamber 13 with the outside of the casing 10. The filling port 14 has a cylindrical inner circumferential surface 140. The cap 30 is detachable from the filling port 14. When the cap 30 is attached to the filling port 14, the filling port 14 is covered by the cap 30.

[0036] The developing roller 20 is a roller that can rotate about a rotation axis extending in a first direction. The developing roller 20 of this embodiment has a roller body 21 (see Figures 7 to 9) and a roller shaft 22. The roller body 21 is a cylindrical member extending in a first direction. For example, elastic rubber is used as the material for the roller body 21. The roller shaft 22 is a cylindrical member that penetrates the roller body 21 in a first direction. The roller shaft 22 is made of metal or a conductive resin.

[0037] Note that the roller shaft 22 does not necessarily have to penetrate the roller body 21 in the first direction. For example, a pair of roller shafts 22 may extend from both ends of the roller body 21 in the first direction, respectively.

[0038] The casing 10 has an opening 15 (see Figures 7 to 9). The opening 15 connects the developer chamber 13 to the outside of the casing 10. The opening 15 is located at one end of the casing 10 in the second direction. The developing roller 20 is located at the opening 15. That is, the developing roller 20 is located to one side of the center of the casing 10 in the second direction. The roller body 21 is fixed to the roller shaft 22 so as not to rotate relative to it. The developing gear (not shown) is also fixed to one end of the roller shaft 22 in the first direction so as not to rotate relative to it. Therefore, when the developing gear rotates, the roller shaft 22 rotates. The roller shaft 22 also rotates together with the roller body 21.

[0039] When the developing cartridge 1 receives a driving force, the supply roller (not shown) supplies the developer from the developer chamber 13 of the casing 10 to the outer surface of the developing roller 20. At this time, the developer becomes triboelectrically charged between the supply roller and the developing roller 20. Meanwhile, a bias voltage is applied to the roller shaft 22 of the developing roller 20. As a result, the electrostatic force between the roller shaft 22 and the developer attracts the developer to the outer surface of the roller body 21.

[0040] Furthermore, the developing cartridge 1 has a layer thickness regulating blade (not shown). The layer thickness regulating blade ensures that the developer supplied to the outer surface of the roller body 21 is of a certain thickness. Subsequently, the developer on the outer surface of the roller body 21 is supplied to the photosensitive drum of the drawer unit 90. At this time, the developer moves from the roller body 21 to the photosensitive drum in accordance with the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer surface of the photosensitive drum. As a result, the electrostatic latent image is made visible on the outer surface of the photosensitive drum.

[0041] The IC chip assembly 40 and the holder cover 50 are located on the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. As shown in Figure 3, the IC chip assembly 40 includes an IC chip 41 which is a storage medium and a holder 42 which holds the IC chip 41.

[0042] The holder 42 is located on the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10. The holder 42 is held by the cap 30 and the holder cover 50. Details of the configuration of the IC chip assembly 40 will be described later. Various information about the developer cartridge 1 is recorded on the IC chip 41. The IC chip 41 has an electrical contact surface 411. The electrical contact surface 411 is made of a conductive metal. The IC chip 41 is fixed to the outer surface of the holder 42 in a third direction.

[0043] The drawer unit 90 has an electrical connector. The electrical connector is made of metal, for example. When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted in the drawer unit 90, the electrical connector of the drawer unit 90 makes contact with the electrical contact surface 411. This allows the image forming apparatus to perform at least one of reading information from the IC chip 41 and writing information to the IC chip 41.

[0044] <2. About the configuration of the IC chip assembly> Next, the configuration of the IC chip assembly 40 will be explained with reference to Figures 2 to 6. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the cap 30, the IC chip assembly 40, and the holder cover 50. Figure 5 is a side view of the cap 30 as seen from the first direction. Figure 6 is a side view of the cap 30 as seen from the second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0045] As shown in Figure 2, at least a portion of the holder 42 is covered by the holder cover 50. As shown in Figure 3, the holder 42 has a cover-side outer surface 421. The cover-side outer surface 421 is located at one end of the holder 42 in the first direction. In the first direction, the cover-side outer surface 421 faces the holder cover 50. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the holder 42 has a housing-side outer surface 422. The housing-side outer surface 422 is located at the other end of the holder 42 in the first direction. In the first direction, the housing-side outer surface 422 faces the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10 and the cap 30.

[0046] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the holder 42 has a first boss 61, a second boss 62, and a third boss 63. The first boss 61 extends in a first direction from the outer surface 422 on the housing side toward the casing 10. The second boss 62 extends in a first direction from the outer surface 422 on the housing side toward the casing 10. The third boss 63 extends in a first direction from the outer surface 421 on the cover side toward the holder cover 50.

[0047] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the cap 30 has a body recess 31, a flange portion 32, a first cylindrical portion 33, and a second cylindrical portion 34.

[0048] The main body recess 31 is a cup-shaped portion. The main body recess 31 has an opening. The opening is located at one end of the main body recess 31 in the first direction. Specifically, the main body recess 31 has a main body cylindrical portion 311 and a main body bottom portion 312. The main body cylindrical portion 311 is a substantially cylindrical portion extending in the first direction. The main body bottom portion 312 is located at the other end of the main body cylindrical portion 311 in the first direction. On the other hand, the opening of the main body recess 31 is located at one end of the main body cylindrical portion 311 in the first direction.

[0049] The main body recess 31 is inserted into the filling port 14. Specifically, the main body recess 31 has a cylindrical outer surface. The cylindrical outer surface of the main body recess 31 is inserted into the cylindrical inner surface 140 of the filling port 14. That is, the main body recess 31 is located inside the filling port 14. Therefore, when the cap 30 is attached to the filling port 14, the main body recess 31 is located closer to the second outer surface 12 than to the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10 in the first direction.

[0050] The flange portion 32 is located on the outer circumference of the main body recess 31. Specifically, the flange portion 32 is located at one end of the main body recess 31 in the first direction. The flange portion 32 extends from the main body cylindrical portion 311 radially outward from the main body cylindrical portion 311. Specifically, the flange portion 32 extends from the main body cylindrical portion 311 along a direction perpendicular to the first direction, radially outward from the central axis of the main body cylindrical portion 311. Therefore, the flange portion 32 is aligned with the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10.

[0051] As shown in Figure 5, the flange portion 32 is substantially annular when viewed in the first direction. The flange portion 32 has a circular inner edge portion 32a and a non-circular outer edge portion 32b when viewed in the first direction. The inner edge portion 320 connects to one end of the main cylindrical portion 311 in the first direction. The outer edge portion 32b has an arc-shaped portion 321 and a notch 322. The arc-shaped portion 321 is the part that follows a reference circle 320 that is concentric with the inner edge portion 32a when viewed in the first direction. The notch 322 is the part that is recessed from the reference circle 320 toward the inner edge portion 32a.

[0052] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10 has three protrusions 111 projecting in a first direction. As shown in Figure 2, with the cap 30 attached to the filling port 14, the three protrusions 111 are inserted into the notches 325 of the flange portion 32. In Figure 5, the positions of the three protrusions 111 with the cap 30 attached to the filling port 14 are shown by dashed lines. In this way, the three protrusions 111 of the first outer surface 11 are inserted into the notches 325 of the flange portion 32. Therefore, when the cap 30 is attached to the filling port 14, rotation of the cap 30 relative to the filling port 14 can be suppressed.

[0053] The first cylindrical portion 33 is a cylindrical part that extends in a first direction from the bottom portion 312 of the main body. The first cylindrical portion 33 has a base end and a tip portion located away from the base end in the first direction. The base end of the first cylindrical portion 33 is connected to the bottom portion 312 of the main body. The tip portion of the first cylindrical portion 33 is located further away from the bottom portion 312 of the main body than the flange portion 32 in the first direction. The base end of the first cylindrical portion 33 is located inside the recess 31 of the main body. The tip portion of the first cylindrical portion 33 is located outside the recess 31 of the main body. The first cylindrical portion 33 has a first hole 71 for inserting the first boss 61.

[0054] The first cylindrical portion 33 is triangular in shape when viewed in the first direction. That is, the first hole 71 is triangular in shape when viewed in the first direction. More specifically, the first hole 71 is a rounded triangle when viewed in the first direction. The first hole 71 has three corners: a first corner C11, a second corner C12, and a third corner C13. The first corner C11 and the second corner C12 are located apart in the third direction. The third corner C13 is located between the first corner C11 and the second corner C12 in the third direction. In the second direction, the third corner C13 is located closer to the other end of the casing 10 in the second direction than the first corner C11 and the second corner C12.

[0055] The second cylindrical portion 34 is a cylindrical part that extends in a first direction. The second cylindrical portion 34 has a base end and a tip end located away from the base end in the first direction. The base end of the second cylindrical portion 34 is connected to the flange portion 32. Therefore, the second cylindrical portion 34 is located outside the main body recess 31 in the first direction. The tip end of the second cylindrical portion 34 is located further away from the main body recess 31 in the first direction than the tip end of the first cylindrical portion 33. A part of the second cylindrical portion 34 overlaps with the main body recess 31 when viewed in the first direction. Another part of the second cylindrical portion 34 does not overlap with the main body recess 31 in the first direction. The second cylindrical portion 34 has a second hole 72 for inserting the second boss 62.

[0056] The second cylindrical portion 34 is triangular in shape when viewed in the first direction. That is, the second hole 72 is triangular in shape when viewed in the first direction. More specifically, the second hole 72 is a rounded triangle when viewed in the first direction. The second hole 72 has three corners: a first corner C21, a second corner C22, and a third corner C23. The first corner C21 and the second corner C22 are located apart in the third direction. The third corner C23 is located between the first corner C21 and the second corner C22 in the third direction. In the second direction, the third corner C23 is located closer to the other end of the casing 10 in the second direction than the first corner C21 and the second corner C22.

[0057] Furthermore, when viewed in the first direction, a portion of the second cylindrical portion 34 overlaps with the main body recess 31. When viewed in the first direction, the other portion of the second cylindrical portion 34 does not overlap with the main body recess 31.

[0058] The holder cover 50 covers a portion of the outer surface 421 of the holder 42. The holder cover 50 has a third hole 73. The third hole 73 is a hole for inserting the third boss 63. The third hole 73 is a through hole that penetrates the holder cover 50 in a first direction. Note that the third hole 73 may be composed of a recess instead of a through hole.

[0059] The third hole 73 is triangular in shape when viewed in the first direction. More specifically, the third hole 73 is a rounded triangle when viewed in the first direction. The third hole 73 has three corners: a first corner C31, a second corner C32, and a third corner C33 (see Figure 7). The first corner C31 and the second corner C32 are separated in the third direction. The third corner C33 is located between the first corner C31 and the second corner C32 in the third direction. In the second direction, the third corner C33 is located closer to the other end of the casing 10 in the second direction than the first corner C31 and the second corner C32.

[0060] Here, the first hole 71, the second hole 72, and the third hole 73 have the same shape when viewed in the first direction.

[0061] The first boss 61 is inserted into the first hole 71. The second boss 62 is inserted into the second hole 72. The third boss 63 is inserted into the third hole 73. Because the cap 30 has a first hole 71 for inserting the first boss 61 and a second hole 72 for inserting the second boss 62, the filling port 14 overlaps with the holder 42 in the first direction. In this way, the holder 42, which holds the electrical contact surface 411, can be positioned overlapping with the filling port 14 in the first direction. Therefore, the holder 42 can be efficiently positioned on the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10 of the developing cartridge 1.

[0062] Furthermore, the first boss 61 is movable within the first hole 71 in the second and third directions. The second boss 62 is movable within the second hole 72 in the second and third directions. The third boss 63 is movable within the third hole 73 in the second and third directions. Therefore, the holder 42 is movable relative to the casing 10 and the holder cover 50 in the second and third directions.

[0063] For the purpose of movably holding the holder 42 relative to the casing 10 and the holder cover 50, the holder 42 may have a first boss 61 located on the outer surface 421 on the cover side and a third boss 63 located on the outer surface 422 on the housing side. However, if the holder 42 is held at only two points, the first boss 61 and the third boss 63, the position of the holder 42 is not stable relative to the casing 10 and the holder cover 50.

[0064] In particular, in this embodiment, the triangular shape of the first hole 71, the second hole 72, and the third hole 73 allows the holder 42 to move in the second and third directions relative to the casing 10 and the holder cover 50. This allows the casing 10 of the developing cartridge 1 to be moved relative to the drawer unit 90 while the electrical contact surface 411 is in contact with the electrical connector of the drawer unit 90.

[0065] Here, if the holder 42 is not tilted relative to the casing 10 and the holder cover 50, the position of the first boss 61 in the first hole 71, the position of the second boss 62 in the second hole 72, and the position of the third boss 63 in the third hole 73 will be the same for the first hole 71, the second hole 72, and the third hole 73, which have the same shape.

[0066] If the holder 42 has two bosses, the position of one of the two bosses is likely to shift to a position different from the corresponding position of the other boss. This could cause the holder 42 to tilt relative to the casing 10 and the holder cover 50. In this embodiment, the holder 42 has three bosses 61, 62, and 63, and by supporting the holder 42 in three places, tilting of the holder 42 is suppressed.

[0067] The length of the first boss 61 in the first direction is longer than the length of the second boss 62 in the first direction. Also, the length of the first boss 61 in the first direction is longer than the length of the third boss 63 in the first direction. In other words, the depth of the first hole 71 in the first direction is deeper than the depth of the second hole 72 in the first direction. The depth of the first hole 71 in the first direction is deeper than the depth of the third hole 73 in the first direction.

[0068] Thus, it is preferable to make the length of at least one of the first boss 61 and second boss 62 located on the casing 10 side as long as possible. When attaching the IC chip assembly 40 and holder cover 50 to the casing 10, first, the IC chip assembly 40 is positioned relative to the casing 10 by inserting the first boss 61 and second boss 62 of the holder 42 into the first hole 71 and second hole 72 (provided in the cap 30 in this disclosure) provided on the casing 1 side. Then, by attaching the holder cover 50, the IC chip assembly 40 is held between the casing 10 and the holder cover 50. At this time, if the length of at least one of the first boss 61 and second boss 62 is made longer, the IC chip assembly 40 will be less likely to move relative to the casing 10 before the holder cover 50 is attached. Therefore, the attachment of the holder 42 becomes easier in the assembly process of the developing cartridge 1. In other words, the assembly efficiency of the developing cartridge 1 is improved. In addition, the holder 42 is held more stably after the assembly of the developing cartridge 1.

[0069] In this developing cartridge 1, the cap 30 has a first hole 71 and a second hole 72. A portion of the first cylindrical part 53 is located inside the main body recess 31. That is, when the cap 30 is attached to the filling port 14, a portion of the first hole 71 is located inside the filling port 14.

[0070] In the aforementioned Patent Document 1, a projection is provided on the surface of the housing that protrudes in the direction in which the boss extends, in order to provide a recess for inserting the boss. Thus, if the first hole 71 and the second hole 72 are to be provided on the first outer surface 11 of the casing 10, it is necessary to provide a projection having the first hole 71 and the second hole 72 on the first outer surface 11. However, in this case, if the length of the first boss 61 and the second boss 62 is increased, the length of the entire developing cartridge 1 in the first direction will increase in proportion to the length of the bosses 61 and 62.

[0071] In this developing cartridge 1, at least the first hole 71 is provided in the cap 30 and positioned within the filling port 14. This makes it possible to make the length of the first boss 61 longer than that of the second boss 62 and the third boss without increasing the overall length of the developing cartridge 1 in the first direction.

[0072] <3. Operation of the developing cartridge in relation to the drawer unit> Next, the operation of the developing cartridge 1 relative to the drawer unit 90 will be explained with reference to Figures 7 to 10. Figure 7 is a side view of a part of the drawer unit 90 and the developing cartridge 1 when the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the drawer unit 90. Figure 8 is a side view of a part of the drawer unit 90 and the developing cartridge 1 when the printing process is being performed in the image forming apparatus. Figure 9 is a side view of a part of the drawer unit 90 and the developing cartridge 1 during the separation operation. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the first boss 61 and the second boss 62 relative to the cap 30 in the states corresponding to Figures 7 to 9.

[0073] When the developing cartridge 1 is installed in the drawer unit 90, it is inserted in a second direction, as shown by the white arrow in Figure 7. When the developing cartridge 1 is inserted into the drawer unit 90 to the intermediate installation position P1 shown in Figure 7, the electrical contact surface 411 comes into contact with the electrical connector of the drawer unit 90. Subsequently, the developing cartridge 1 rotates in a third direction around the developing roller 20, as shown by the solid arrow in Figure 7. As a result, the developing cartridge 1 is set in the drawer unit 90 at the printing position P2 shown in Figure 8.

[0074] At this time, as shown in Figures 7 and 10, when the developing cartridge 1 is in the intermediate mounting position P1, the first boss 61 is located at the first corner C11 of the first hole 71, the second boss 62 is located at the second corner C21 of the second hole 72, and the third boss 63 is located at the first corner C31 of the third hole 73.

[0075] Subsequently, while the developing cartridge 1 moves from the intermediate mounting position P1 to the printing position P2, the position of the holder 42 relative to the drawer unit 90 remains unchanged. That is, while the developing cartridge 1 moves from the intermediate mounting position P1 to the printing position P2, the casing 10 and the holder cover 50 move relative to the drawer unit 90 and the holder 42.

[0076] As shown in Figures 8 and 10, when the developing cartridge 1 is positioned at the printing position P2, the first boss 61 is located at the third corner C13 of the first hole 71, the second boss 62 is located at the third corner C23 of the second hole, and the third boss 63 is located at the third corner C33 of the third hole 73.

[0077] Furthermore, when the printing process is paused in the image forming apparatus, a "separation operation" is performed to temporarily separate the developing roller 20 of the developing cartridge 1 from the photosensitive drum of the drawer unit 90.

[0078] When a separation operation is performed, the casing 10 of the developing cartridge 1 is pushed up from the printing position P2 shown in Figure 8 in the direction indicated by the solid arrow in Figure 8. As a result, the casing 10 of the developing cartridge 1 moves from the printing position P2 shown in Figure 8 to the separation position P3 shown in Figure 9.

[0079] While the casing 10 of the developing cartridge 1 moves from the printing position P2 to the separated position P3, the position of the holder 42 relative to the drawer unit 90 remains unchanged. That is, while the casing 10 of the developing cartridge 1 moves from the printing position P2 to the separated position P3, the casing 10 and the holder cover 50 move relative to the drawer unit 90 and the holder 42.

[0080] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, when the casing 10 of the developing cartridge 1 is in the separated position P3, the first boss 61 is located at the second corner C12 of the first hole 71, the second boss 62 is located at the second corner C22 of the second hole 72, and the third boss 63 is located at the second corner C32 of the third hole 73.

[0081] Thus, because the first hole 71, the second hole 72, and the third hole 73 are triangular in shape, the positional relationship between the holder 42 and the casing 10 can be flexibly changed compared to the case where the first hole 71, the second hole 72, and the third hole 73 are linear in shape.

[0082] Furthermore, because the holder 42 has three bosses 61, 62, and 63, the tilting of the holder 42 is suppressed compared to the case where there are two bosses. As a result, even if each of the holes 71, 72, and 73 is movable in two dimensions, the tilting of the holder 42 can be suppressed.

[0083] <4. Variation> In the above embodiment, an IC chip having an electrical contact surface was fixed to the outer surface of the holder. However, only the electrical contact surface may be fixed to the outer surface of the holder, and the portion of the IC chip other than the electrical contact surface may be placed at another location on the developing cartridge.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, only a portion of the first hole of the cap was located within the recess of the main body. However, both the first and second holes may be located within the recess of the main body.

[0085] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the anti-rotation configuration of the cap involved a protrusion on the first outer surface and a notch in the flange portion 32, but this disclosure is not limited to this. As an anti-rotation configuration of the cap 30, for example, the flange portion may have a protrusion that projects in a first direction toward the first outer surface, and the first outer surface may have a notch into which the protrusion is inserted.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the cap had a first hole and a second hole. However, the cap may have only the first hole, and the first outer surface of the casing may have the second hole.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the holder had three bosses. However, the number of bosses may be four or more. For example, there may be two bosses extending from the holder on the casing side and two on the holder cover side.

[0088] Furthermore, the detailed shape of the developing cartridge may differ from the shape shown in the figures of this application. Also, 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]

[0089] 1. Developing cartridge 10 Casing 11 First outer surface 12 Second outer surface 13. Developer Room 14 Filling ports 20 Developing roller 30 caps 31 Main body recess 32 Flange section 33 First cylindrical section 34 Second cylindrical section 40 IC chip assemblies 41 IC chips 42 holder 50 Holder Cover 53 First cylindrical part 61 First Boss 62 Second Boss 63 Third Boss 71 Hole 1 72 Second hole 73 Third hole 111 Protrusion 325 Notches 411 Electrical contact surface

Claims

1. A developing roller that is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a first direction, A housing for containing a developer, comprising a first outer surface having a filling port, the first outer surface located at one end of the housing in the first direction, A storage medium having an electrical contact surface, A holder located on the first outer surface, which holds the electrical contact surface, and which is movable with respect to the housing together with the electrical contact surface, A first boss extending in the first direction, A holder having a second boss extending in the first direction, This is a cap that covers the aforementioned filling port, The first boss is inserted into the first hole, The device comprises a cap having a second hole into which the second boss is inserted, When the holder moves with respect to the housing along with the electrical contact surface, The first boss is movable inside the first hole, The second boss is movable within the second hole, The aforementioned cap is A first cylindrical portion extending in the first direction, the first cylindrical portion having the first hole, A second cylindrical portion extending in the first direction, comprising a second cylindrical portion having the second hole, The aforementioned enclosure is It has a second outer surface located away from the first outer surface in the first direction, The aforementioned cap is A body recess inserted into the filling port, having a body recess that is recessed in a first direction from the first outer surface toward the second outer surface, The first cylindrical portion is, A developing cartridge characterized by being located inside the recess of the main body.

2. A developing cartridge according to claim 1, The developing cartridge is characterized in that the developing roller is located at one end of the housing in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

3. A developing cartridge according to claim 1 or claim 2, The developing cartridge is characterized in that the electrical contact surface is located on the outer surface of the holder.

4. A developing cartridge according to claim 1 or claim 2, A developing cartridge characterized in that the length of the first boss in the first direction is longer than the length of the second boss in the first direction.

5. A developing cartridge according to claim 1 or claim 2, The aforementioned cap is A developing cartridge characterized by having a flange portion located on the outer circumference of the main body recess.

6. A developing cartridge according to claim 1 or claim 2, A portion of the second cylindrical part is located inside the recess of the main body, A developing cartridge characterized in that the other part of the second cylindrical portion is located outside the main body recess.

7. A developing cartridge according to claim 5, The developing cartridge is characterized in that the recess in the main body is cylindrical.

8. A developing cartridge according to claim 7, Either the first outer surface or the flange portion is Having a projection that protrudes in the first direction, The other of the first outer surface and the flange portion is A developing cartridge characterized by having a notch into which the aforementioned protruding portion is inserted.

9. A developing cartridge according to claim 1 or claim 2, A holder cover located on the first outer surface of the housing, further comprising a holder cover that covers at least a portion of the holder, The aforementioned holder is, It further has a third boss extending in the first direction, The holder cover is, The third boss has a third hole into which it is inserted, When the holder moves with respect to the housing along with the electrical contact surface, A developing cartridge characterized in that the third boss is movable inside the third hole.

10. A developing cartridge according to claim 9, The developing cartridge is characterized in that the third hole is a through hole.

11. A developing cartridge according to claim 9, The developing cartridge is characterized in that the third hole is a recess.

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