JP3162417U - Image forming apparatus, developing cartridge, and photoreceptor unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal are securely connected to each other without obstructing the press contact of the developer carrying member to the photosensitive member with a simple configuration, and information from a memory element is obtained. An image forming apparatus that can be read by a control unit is provided. A developer cartridge having a first terminal electrically connected to a developer carrier and a storage element supported by a first housing, a second housing to which the developer cartridge is detachably mounted, and a first housing. 2 a photoconductor unit supported by a housing and a second terminal, a third housing for housing the photoconductor unit, a control unit provided in the third housing, and an electrical connection to the control unit And a main unit provided with a third terminal. When the developing cartridge is mounted on the second housing, the developer carrier is pressed against the photosensitive member, and the first terminal and the second terminal are electrically connected. [Selection] Figure 13

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a laser printer, a photosensitive unit provided in the image forming apparatus, and a developing cartridge provided in the photosensitive unit.

  As an image forming apparatus, an apparatus in which a process unit is detachably attached to an apparatus main body is known. The process unit includes a developing cartridge that contains toner and is provided with a developing roller, and a drum cartridge on which the developing cartridge is detachably mounted and a photosensitive drum is provided.

  In such an image forming apparatus, there is known an image forming apparatus that presses a developing cartridge mounted on a drum cartridge toward the photosensitive drum in order to bring the developing roller into contact with the photosensitive drum during image formation.

  For example, the following image forming apparatus has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). That is, a pair of first inclined guide portions are provided on both the left and right sides of the main body case, and the bottom surface of the drum cartridge is guided by the pair of second inclined guide portions disposed therebetween. When the rotation center axis of the photosensitive drum reaches the insertion stop position of the first inclined guide portion, the rear portion of the drum cartridge is rotated downward to store the drum cartridge in the storage portion. The front holding body, the rear holding body, and the urging spring provided in the storage portion sandwich the lateral engaging portions protruding from the left and right sides of the developing cartridge, and elastically urge and fix them.

  In such an image forming apparatus, the developing cartridge is provided with a memory for storing information relating to the specifications and history of the developing cartridge, and information stored in the memory when the developing cartridge is attached to the apparatus main body. Is read by a CPU of the apparatus main body, and an image forming process corresponding to the developing cartridge is performed.

For example, the following image forming apparatus has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2). That is, in the image forming apparatus, in order to develop the latent image formed on the image carrier, a plurality of cartridges having developing means each containing a developer of a different color can be attached and detached. When each cartridge is provided with a storage means and an image is formed in a single color using one cartridge, the fact that the image is formed in a single color is stored in the storage means of the other non-print color cartridge.
JP 2003-84647 A JP 2001-215862 A

  However, in the above-described image forming apparatus, when pressing the developing cartridge toward the photosensitive drum, it is necessary to make the pressing force of the developing roller against the photosensitive drum uniform in order to ensure good development of the photosensitive drum.

  On the other hand, in order to read the memory of the developing cartridge with the CPU of the apparatus main body, when the developing cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, the memory-side terminal and the CPU-side terminal are pressed against each other to ensure contact with each other. It is necessary to let

However, if the pressing force for bringing them into contact affects the pressing force of the developing roller against the photosensitive drum, the pressing force of the developing roller against the photosensitive drum may become unstable, and good development may not be possible.

  An object of the present invention is to reliably connect the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal with a simple configuration without disturbing the press contact of the developer carrying member to the photosensitive member, and from the memory element. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus, a photoconductor unit installed in the image forming apparatus, and a developing cartridge installed in the photoconductor unit.

  In order to achieve the above object, a device according to a first aspect of the present invention is an image forming apparatus, and includes a first housing that contains a developer, a developer that is supported by the first housing and carries the developer. A developing member including a carrier, a storage element for storing predetermined information, and a first terminal electrically connected to the storage element; a second housing in which the developer cartridge is detachably mounted; and the development The developer carrier is pressed into contact with the second housing of the cartridge, and the photosensitive member supported by the second housing, and the first terminal when the developer carrier is pressed into the photosensitive body A photoreceptor unit having a second terminal to be electrically connected, a third housing for housing the photoreceptor unit, a control unit provided in the third housing, and an electrical connection to the control unit. And the photosensitive unit It is characterized in that a main unit comprising a third terminal coupled the second terminal and electrically when accommodating for the third housing bets.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the first housing includes a pressure contact position where the developer carrier is pressed against the photoconductor, and the developer carrier. A pressing member that moves to a release position that releases pressure contact with the photosensitive member is provided, and the first terminal is provided on the pressing member.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 2, wherein one end side of the pressing member is rotatably supported by the first casing, and the other end side is supported with respect to the first casing. It is a handle that is swung so as to be close to or away from each other.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the first terminal and the second terminal are in a pressure contact direction of the developer bearing member with respect to the photosensitive member during pressure contact. It is characterized by contacting each other in the direction intersecting with.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the device according to the fourth aspect, the second terminal contacts the first terminal from the outside in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the developer carrier. It is characterized by that.

  A device according to claim 6 is characterized in that, in the device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the first terminal and the second terminal are in contact with each other so as to intersect at the time of press contact. Yes.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first housing is provided in the middle of the wiring, the wiring connecting the storage element and the first terminal, When the pressing member moves from the release position to the press contact position, the pressing member is pressed from the press member to allow conduction of the wiring, and when the press member moves from the press contact position to the release position, the press member And an elastic member that releases the pressure from the wire and blocks the conduction of the wiring.

The invention described in claim 8 is the device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein a plurality of the developing cartridges and the second terminals are provided corresponding to a plurality of colors, and each of the developing cartridges is provided. The contact position between the first terminal and each second terminal is arranged at a different position for each color.

  The invention according to claim 9 is a developing cartridge, wherein a first housing that contains a developer, a developer carrier that is supported by the first housing and carries the developer, and one end side of the developer cartridge is the developer cartridge. A handle that is pivotally supported by the first housing and is pivoted so that the other end is close to or away from the first housing, a storage element that stores predetermined information, and the storage element And a first terminal provided on the handle.

  The invention described in claim 10 is the invention described in claim 9, wherein the handle is provided at a grip portion extending in a direction parallel to a longitudinal direction of the developer carrier, and at a longitudinal end portion of the grip portion. And a side portion extending in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the grip portion, and the first terminal is provided on the side portion.

  The device described in claim 11 is characterized in that, in the device described in claim 10, the first terminal is provided so as to extend along a swinging direction of the handle.

  The invention according to claim 12 is a developing cartridge, wherein a developer is accommodated in a first housing, a developer carrier supported by the first housing and carrying a developer, and one end side of the developer cartridge. A handle that is pivotally supported by the first housing and is pivoted so that the other end is close to or away from the first housing, a storage element that stores predetermined information, and the storage element And a first terminal provided on the handle, a wiring connecting the memory element and the first terminal, and provided in the middle of the wiring, the other end of the handle being the first terminal When it swings in the direction close to the housing, it is pressed from the handle to allow conduction of the wiring, and the other end of the handle swings away from the first housing. Sometimes the pressure from the handle is released to cut off the conduction of the wiring It is characterized by comprising a member.

  A device according to a thirteenth aspect is a photoconductor unit, in which the developing cartridge according to any one of the ninth to twelfth embodiments is detachably mounted, and the second housing of the developing cartridge. The developer carrying member is pressed into contact with the photosensitive member when the developer carrying member is mounted, and the first terminal is electrically connected to the first terminal when the developer carrying member is pressed against the photosensitive member. It is characterized by having two terminals.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the device according to the thirteenth aspect, the second terminal intersects with the pressure contact direction of the developer bearing member with respect to the photoconductor with respect to the first terminal at the time of pressure contact. It is characterized by touching.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the fourteenth aspect, the second terminal contacts the first terminal from the outside in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the developer carrier. It is characterized by that.

  A device according to a sixteenth aspect is characterized in that, in the device according to any one of the thirteenth to fifteenth aspects, the second terminal contacts the first terminal so as to intersect at the time of pressure contact. .

  The device described in claim 17 is the device according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein a plurality of the developing cartridges and the second terminals are provided corresponding to a plurality of colors, and each of the developing cartridges is provided. The contact position between the first terminal and each second terminal is arranged at a different position for each color.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the developing cartridge is attached to the second housing, the developer carrier is pressed against the photosensitive member. The first terminal and the second terminal are electrically connected when the developer carrying member is pressed against the photosensitive member. That is, the first terminal and the second terminal are electrically connected by pressing the developer carrying member against the photosensitive member. Therefore, due to the electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal, the pressure contact of the developer carrier to the photoconductor is not hindered, and good development to the photoconductor of the developer carrier is achieved. can do. In addition, the first terminal and the second terminal are reliably electrically connected with a simple configuration, and further, the second terminal and the third terminal are reliably electrically connected when the photosensitive unit is housed in the third housing. By connecting, information from the storage element can be reliably read by the control unit.

  According to the invention described in claim 2, the first terminal is provided on the pressing member. Therefore, if the pressing member is moved from the release position to the pressure contact position, electrical connection of the first terminal to the second terminal can be reliably achieved. Moreover, if the pressing member is moved from the pressure contact position to the release position, the electrical connection of the first terminal to the second terminal can be reliably released. As a result, the electrical connection of the first terminal to the second terminal and the release thereof can be reliably achieved by a simple operation of moving the pressing member to the release position and the pressure contact position.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the first terminal and the second terminal can be electrically connected by grasping the handle and bringing the other end side close to the first housing. If the end side is separated from the first housing, the electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal can be released. As a result, the electrical connection of the first terminal to the second terminal and the release thereof can be reliably achieved by a simple operation.

  Furthermore, when the pressing member is a handle, the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the case where the pressing member and the handle are provided.

  According to the invention described in claims 4 and 14, the first terminal and the second terminal are in contact with each other in the direction intersecting the pressure contact direction during pressure contact. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the contact between the first terminal and the second terminal from affecting the pressure contact of the developer carrying member with respect to the photosensitive member. As a result, it is possible to achieve good development of the developer carrying member on the photoreceptor.

  According to the invention described in claims 5 and 15, the second terminal contacts the first terminal from the outside in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the developer carrier. Therefore, reliable contact of the second terminal with the first terminal can be achieved.

  According to the devices of claims 6 and 16, the first terminal and the second terminal are in contact with each other so as to intersect each other. For example, when the first terminal and the second terminal are in contact with each other in the same direction, they may not come into contact if they are slightly displaced from each other. However, if the first terminal and the second terminal are brought into contact with each other in this way, even if they are slightly displaced from each other, mutual contact can be ensured.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the pressing member is moved from the release position to the press contact position, the elastic member is pressed and the wiring is conducted. Thereby, electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal can be achieved. Further, if the pressing member is moved from the pressure contact position to the release position, the pressing of the elastic member is released and the wiring is interrupted. Thereby, the electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal can be cut off. As a result, the electrical connection of the first terminal to the second terminal and the release thereof can be reliably achieved by a simple operation.

  According to the invention described in claims 8 and 17, the contact positions of the first terminals and the second terminals are arranged at different positions for each color. Therefore, when a developing cartridge corresponding to a different color is attached to a second terminal corresponding to a certain color, the first terminal of the developing cartridge is arranged at a different position with respect to the second terminal, and these Is prevented from touching. As a result, it is possible to easily and reliably prevent electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal when a developing cartridge corresponding to a different color is erroneously mounted.

  According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the first terminal can be arranged at a different position by grasping the handle and bringing the other end side close to or away from the first housing. Therefore, if the first terminal can be electrically connected at either one of the proximity position and the release position with respect to the first housing on the other end side, the first terminal can be easily operated by swinging the handle. The electrical connection and the release thereof can be achieved. Furthermore, if the first terminal is provided on the handle, the number of parts can be reduced as compared with the case where the support member and the handle for the first terminal are provided.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the first terminal is provided on a side portion that extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the grip portion with respect to the grip portion. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the gripping hand from coming into contact with the first terminal when operating the gripping portion.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the invention, the first terminal is provided along the swinging direction of the handle. Therefore, when the handle is swung, the first terminal can be electrically contacted at a fixed position and in a wide range. As a result, the first terminal can be reliably connected electrically.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the invention, if the handle is swung in the direction approaching the first housing, the elastic member is pressed and the wiring is conducted. Thereby, the electrical connection of the first terminal can be achieved. Further, if the handle is swung in a direction away from the first housing, the pressing of the elastic member is released and the conduction of the wiring is interrupted. Thereby, the electrical connection of the first terminal can be cut off. As a result, the electrical connection and release of the first terminal can be reliably achieved by a simple operation.

  According to the thirteenth aspect of the invention, when the developing cartridge is mounted on the second housing, the developer carrying member is pressed against the photosensitive member. The first terminal and the second terminal are electrically connected when the developer carrying member is pressed against the photosensitive member. That is, the first terminal and the second terminal are electrically connected by pressing the developer carrying member against the photosensitive member. Therefore, due to the electrical connection between the first terminal and the second terminal, the pressure contact of the developer carrier to the photoconductor is not hindered, and good development to the photoconductor of the developer carrier is achieved. can do. Further, the first terminal and the second terminal can be reliably electrically connected with a simple configuration.

1 is a side sectional view showing an embodiment of a color laser printer as an image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge. It is a front view of a developing cartridge. FIG. 6 is a left side view of the developing cartridge. FIG. 4 is a right side view of the developing cartridge. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view (no pressing state) of the developing cartridge. It is sectional drawing (pressed state) of a developing cartridge. It is a top view of a drum unit. It is a left view of a drum unit. FIG. 6 is a right side view of a portion of the left side frame in front of the cartridge guide groove. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the drum unit (a state in which the developing cartridge is being attached / detached) as viewed from the upper left front. FIG. 6 is a left side view of the drum unit with the developing cartridge (with the handle in the release position) in a mounted state. FIG. 6 is a left side view of the drum unit in a mounted state with a developing cartridge (a state where the handle is in a pressure contact position). It is the perspective view which looked at the attachment middle state with respect to the main body casing of a drum unit from the left front. It is sectional drawing (non-pressing state) of other embodiment of a developing cartridge. It is sectional drawing (pressed state) of other embodiment of a developing cartridge.

1. 1 is a side sectional view showing an embodiment of a color laser printer as an image forming apparatus. In addition, in FIG. 1, illustration of the handle 103 mentioned later is abbreviate | omitted.

  The color laser printer 1 is a horizontal tandem color laser printer in which a plurality of photosensitive drums 29 described later are arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction. The color laser printer 1 has a main body unit, and a main body casing 2 as an example of a third housing, in order to form an image on the fed paper 3 and a paper feeding section 4 for feeding the paper 3 The image forming unit 5 and a paper discharge unit 6 for discharging the paper 3 on which the image is formed are provided.

(1) Main Body Casing The main body casing 2 is formed in a box shape having a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the side, and a drum housing space 7 for housing a drum unit 26 described later is formed therein.

  A front cover 8 is provided on one side surface (front surface) of the main casing 2. The front cover 8 tilts forward of the main body casing 2 to open the drum housing space 7 and rises along the front surface of the main body casing 2 to close the drum housing space 7. When the drum housing space 7 is opened, the drum unit 26 can be attached to and detached from the drum housing space 7.

  In the following description, one side (the right side in FIG. 1) where the front cover 8 is provided is the front side, and the opposite side (the left side in FIG. 1) is the rear side. Further, the left and right sides are defined with reference to the color laser printer 1 as viewed from the front side. Further, the drum unit 26 and the developing cartridge 27 are also defined in the front / rear / left / right / up / down directions based on the state of being mounted on the main casing 2 unless otherwise specified.

(2) Paper Feed Unit The paper feed unit 4 includes a paper feed tray 9 that is detachably attached to the bottom of the main casing 2. A paper feed roller 12 is disposed above the front end of the paper feed tray 9. In addition, the paper feed unit 4 includes a substantially U-shaped paper feed path 13 formed between the upper portion of the front end of the paper feed tray 9 and a conveyance belt 58 described later. On the paper feed path 13, a separation roller 10, a separation pad 11, a paper dust removing roller 15, a pinch roller 16 and a pair of registration rollers 17 are provided.

The sheet 3 stacked on the sheet feeding tray 9 is sent out to the sheet feeding path 13 by the rotation of the sheet feeding roller 12. Thereafter, the sheets 3 are separated one by one between the separation roller 10 and the separation pad 11. Then, the paper 3 passes between the paper dust removing roller 15 and the pinch roller 16, and after the paper dust is removed by the paper dust removing roller 15, the paper 3 is conveyed to the registration roller 17. The registration roller 17 sends out the paper 3 onto a conveyance belt 58 described later after registration.

(3) Image Forming Unit The image forming unit 5 includes a scanner unit 20, a process unit 21, a transfer unit 22, and a fixing unit 23.

(3-1) Scanner Unit The scanner unit 20 is disposed on the upper part of the main body casing 2. The scanner unit 20 includes a scanner unit 25 and a scanner casing 24 that is fixed to the upper portion of the main body casing 2 and accommodates the scanner unit 25.

  In the scanner unit 25, for example, optical members such as four light sources, a polygon mirror, an fθ lens, a reflecting mirror, and a surface tilt correction lens are provided. A laser beam based on image data emitted from each light source is deflected and scanned by a polygon mirror, passes through an fθ lens and a surface tilt correction lens, and is reflected by a reflecting mirror. The surface 29 is irradiated with high-speed scanning.

(3-2) Process Unit The process unit 21 is disposed below the scanner unit 20 and above the paper feed unit 4. The process unit 21 includes a drum unit 26 as one photosensitive unit and four units corresponding to each color. And a developing cartridge 27.

(3-2-1) Drum Unit The drum unit 26 includes four drum subunits 28 as an example of the second housing corresponding to each color. That is, the drum subunit 28 includes a black drum subunit 28K, a yellow drum subunit 28Y, a magenta drum subunit 28M, and a cyan drum subunit 28C, which are spaced from each other from the front side toward the rear side. Are arranged sequentially.

  As will be described later, each drum subunit 28 includes a pair of side frames 134 and a center frame 135 installed between them (see FIG. 8).

  Each drum subunit 28 supports a photosensitive drum 29 as an example of a photosensitive member, a scorotron charger 30, and a cleaning brush 31.

  The photosensitive drum 29 is supported by a pair of side frames 134 along the left-right direction, and is provided so as to be rotatable around its central axis.

  The scorotron charger 30 is supported by the center frame 135, and is disposed on the oblique rear upper side of the photosensitive drum 29 so as to face the photosensitive drum 29 with a gap.

  The cleaning brush 31 is supported by the center frame 135 behind the photosensitive drum 29 and is disposed so as to face and contact the photosensitive drum 29.

(3-2-2) Developing Cartridge The developing cartridge 27 is detachably provided corresponding to the drum subunit 28 corresponding to each color.

  That is, the black developing cartridge 27K is provided corresponding to the black drum subunit 28K. A yellow developing cartridge 27Y is provided corresponding to the yellow drum subunit 28Y. A magenta developing cartridge 27M is provided corresponding to the magenta drum subunit 28M. A cyan developing cartridge 27C is provided corresponding to the cyan drum subunit 28C.

  Each developing cartridge 27 includes a developing frame 36 as an example of a first housing, an agitator 37, a supply roller 38, a developing roller 39 as an example of a developer carrier, and a layer thickness regulation provided in the developing frame 36. Blade 40.

  The developing frame 36 is formed in a box shape in which an opening 41 (see FIG. 4) is formed at the lower end. The developing frame 36 is partitioned into an upper toner storage chamber 43 and a lower developing chamber 44. The toner storage chamber 43 and the developing chamber 44 are in communication.

  The toner storage chamber 43 stores toner as an example of a developer corresponding to each color of black, yellow, magenta, and cyan, specifically, positively charged non-magnetic one-component polymer toner. .

  The agitator 37 is disposed in the toner storage chamber 43 and is provided to be rotatable along the left-right direction.

  The supply roller 38 is disposed on the upper front side in the developing chamber 44.

  The developing roller 39 is disposed in the developing chamber 44 below and obliquely behind the supply roller 38. The developing roller 39 includes a metal developing roller shaft 51 that is rotatably supported by the developing frame 36 along the left-right direction, and a rubber roller 52 made of conductive rubber that covers the periphery of the developing roller shaft 51. ing. The lower side of the rubber roller 52 is exposed from the opening 41 and the upper side thereof is elastically pressed against the supply roller 32.

  The layer thickness regulating blade 40 is disposed in the developing chamber 44. The layer thickness regulating blade 40 includes a rubber member at the lower end of a metal leaf spring member. The upper end of the leaf spring member is fixed to the developing frame 36, and the rubber member presses the rubber roller 52 from above.

(3-2-3) Developing Operation in Process Unit In each developing cartridge 27, the toner stored in the toner storage chamber 43 is discharged to the developing chamber 44 by its own weight while being stirred by the agitator 37.

  Thereafter, the toner is supplied to the supply roller 38 and further supplied to the developing roller 39 by the rotation of the supply roller 38. At this time, the supply roller 38 and the developing roller 39 to which the developing bias is applied are triboelectrically charged to the positive polarity.

  Thereafter, as the developing roller 39 rotates, excess toner is scraped off from the developing roller 39 by the layer thickness regulating blade 34 and is carried on the surface of the developing roller 39 as a thin layer having a constant thickness.

  On the other hand, in the drum subunit 28 corresponding to each developing cartridge 27, the surface of the photosensitive drum 29 is uniformly positively charged by the corona discharge of the scorotron charger 30.

The surface of the positively charged photosensitive drum 29 is irradiated with a laser beam from the scanner unit 20, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an image to be formed on the paper 3.

  When the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 29 is opposed to the developing roller 39 by the rotation of the photosensitive drum 29, the toner carried on the surface of the developing roller 39 is changed to the electrostatic latent image (that is, The surface of the photosensitive drum 29 that is uniformly positively charged is supplied to a portion exposed to a laser beam and having a lowered potential. As a result, the electrostatic latent image is visualized and a toner image is carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 29.

(3-3) Transfer Unit The transfer unit 22 is disposed above the paper feed unit 4 and below the process unit 21 in the main body casing 2. The transfer unit 22 includes a driving roller 56, a driven roller 57, a conveyance belt 58, and a transfer roller 59.

  The driving roller 56 and the driven roller 57 are disposed to face each other with a space therebetween in the front-rear direction. The conveyor belt 58 is an endless belt, and is wound between the driving roller 56 and the driven roller 57.

  When the driving roller 56 is rotated, the conveyor belt 58 rotates between the driving roller 56 and the driven roller 57 in the same direction as the photosensitive drum 29 at a transfer position where the conveying belt 58 faces and contacts each photosensitive drum 29. Move around.

  The transfer roller 59 is disposed so as to be opposed to each other with the photosensitive drums 29 and the conveyor belt 58 interposed therebetween in the wound conveyor belt 58. Each transfer roller 59 is driven to rotate in the same direction as the circumferential movement direction of the conveyor belt 58 at a transfer position where the transfer roller 59 faces and contacts the conveyor belt 58.

  The sheet 3 fed from the sheet feeding unit 4 is transported from the front side to the rear side by the transport belt 58 and sequentially passes through the transfer positions corresponding to the respective photosensitive drums 29. When the sheet 3 passes through each transfer position, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 29 is transferred to the sheet 3 by the transfer bias applied to the transfer roller 59. As a result, a color image is formed on the paper 3.

  Note that paper dust from the paper 3 adhering to the photosensitive drum 29 after the transfer is collected by the cleaning brush 31.

(3-4) Fixing Unit The fixing unit 23 is disposed behind the transfer unit 22 and includes a heating roller 65 and a pressure roller 66 that presses the heating roller 65.

  In the fixing unit 23, the color image transferred onto the paper 3 is heat-fixed on the paper 3 by being heated and pressed while the paper 3 passes between the heating roller 65 and the pressure roller 66. The

(4) Paper Discharge Unit The paper discharge unit 6 includes a substantially C-shaped paper discharge path 67 that is opened forward. On the paper discharge path 67, a conveying roller 68, a pinch roller 69, and a pair of paper discharge rollers 70 are provided.

  The sheet 3 conveyed from the fixing unit 23 is conveyed along a sheet discharge path 67 by a conveyance roller 68 and a pinch roller 69, and on a sheet discharge tray 71 formed on the upper surface of the main casing 2 by the sheet discharge roller 70. The paper is ejected.

2. 2 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge, FIG. 3 is a front view of the developing cartridge, FIG. 4 is a left side view of the developing cartridge, FIG. 5 is a right side view of the developing cartridge, and FIG. 6 is a developing cartridge. FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the developing cartridge (pressed state). Next, the developing cartridge will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

(1) Development Frame The development frame 36 is formed in a box shape in which the opening 41 is formed at the lower end portion as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 and described above. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the developing frame 36 includes a pair of side walls 83 that are opposed to each other at an interval in the width direction, an upper wall 84 that is laid between upper end edges of both side walls 83, and both side walls 83. A front wall 81 constructed between the front end edges and a rear wall 82 constructed between the rear end edges of the side walls 83 are integrally provided. The opening 41 is defined by lower end edges of the side walls 83, the front wall 81, and the rear wall 82.

  A developing roller shaft 51 is rotatably supported on both side walls 83 of the developing frame 36. Both end portions in the axial direction of the developing roller shaft 51 are provided so as to protrude from both side walls 83 to both sides in the width direction. In addition, conductive color members 85 are covered at both axial ends of the developing roller shaft 51.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the left side wall 83 of the developing frame 36 is provided with a gear mechanism portion (not shown) and a gear cover 86 that covers the gear mechanism portion.

  A gear mechanism (not shown) includes a coupling passive gear 87 to which driving force is input, a detection gear 88 for determining whether the developing cartridge 22 is new or old, and an agitator 37, a supply roller 38, and a developing roller. 39 and a gear train (not shown) for transmission to the detection gear 88.

  The gear cover 86 is provided on the left side wall 83 so as to expose the coupling passive gear 87 and the detection gear 88 and to cover the gear train.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a conductive power supply member 89 is provided on the right side wall 83 of the developing frame 36. The power supply member 89 is integrally provided with a contact plate 90 that receives the developing roller shaft 51 and protrudes outward in the width direction. A developing bias is applied to the contact plate 90, and the developing bias is applied to the developing roller shaft 51 via the power supply member 89.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, positioning protrusions 92 are provided on the front wall 81 of the developing frame 36 at both ends in the left-right direction. The positioning protrusion 92 has a substantially trapezoidal shape when viewed from the side (see FIGS. 4 and 5) and is formed so as to protrude forward from the front wall 81.

(2) Attachment / Removal Operation Unit The development frame 36 is provided with an attachment / detachment operation unit 100 for attaching / detaching the development cartridge 27 as shown in FIG.

  The attachment / detachment operation unit 100 is provided on the upper wall 84 of the developing frame 36. The attachment / detachment operation unit 100 includes a pressed portion 101 (see FIG. 3) fixed to the upper wall 84 and a handle 103 as an example of a pressing member that is swingably provided on the upper wall 84. .

(2-1) Pressed portion As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the pressed portion 101 is provided at both ends of the front end of the upper wall 84 in the width direction (direction parallel to the axial direction of the developing roller 39). Each is provided. The pressed part 101 includes a spring accommodating cylinder part 105, a spring 102, and a contact member 107.

  The spring accommodating cylindrical portion 105 has a cylindrical shape and is formed so as to protrude upward from the upper wall 84. In addition, a plurality of locking grooves 106 extending from the lower end of the spring accommodating cylinder 105 to the middle in the vertical direction are formed in the spring accommodating cylinder 105 at intervals in the circumferential direction.

  A mounting boss 111 having a smaller diameter than the inner diameter of the spring accommodating cylinder 105 is provided in the spring accommodating cylinder 105. The mounting boss 111 has a cylindrical shape and is formed to protrude upward from the upper wall 84.

  The spring 102 is formed of a coil spring (compression spring), is inserted between the inner peripheral surface of the spring accommodating cylinder portion 105 and the mounting boss 111, and is disposed at the lower portion in the spring accommodating cylinder portion 105.

  The contact member 107 integrally includes a boss portion 108 and a head portion 109 that bulges in the radial direction from the upper end portion of the boss portion 108. In addition, a plurality of hook-like claw portions 110 extending downward are integrally formed on the peripheral end portion of the head portion 109 so as to correspond to the locking grooves 106.

  In the contact member 107, the boss portion 108 is disposed on the spring 102 in the upper portion in the spring accommodating cylinder portion 105, the head portion 109 is disposed on the spring accommodating cylinder portion 105, and the claw portion 110 is It is latched by the latching groove 106 of the spring accommodating cylinder part 105 so that it can slide up and down.

  While the contact member 107 is always urged upward by the spring 102, the claw portion 110 is locked to the upper end portion of the locking groove 106, whereby the spring housing cylinder of the contact member 107. Separation from the portion 105 is prevented.

(2-2) Handle As shown in FIG. 2, the handle 103 is a thin plate-shaped grip plate 112 that extends in the width direction, and is provided at both ends of the grip plate 112 in the width direction. A side plate 116 as an example of a side portion extending in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of 112 is integrally provided.

  A grip hole 115 having a substantially elongated rectangular shape in a plan view extending in the width direction is formed in the center portion in the width direction of the grip plate 112. A gripping hand is inserted into the gripping hole 115 when the developing cartridge 27 is attached or detached, and the handle 103 is gripped.

  On the lower surface of the grip plate 112 (the surface facing the upper wall 84), as shown in FIG. 6, the concave portions 121 are respectively located inwardly in the width direction of the upper wall 84 and facing the pressed parts 101. Is formed. The recess 121 is formed in a substantially circular shape in back view that can receive the contact member 107.

  As shown in FIG. 2, notch portions 113 are formed in the vicinity of both ends in the width direction of the gripping plate 112 so as to be cut out in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view from the rear end edge toward the front. On both inner side walls of the notch 113, elastically deformable pivot shafts 114 projecting in directions close to each other (inward in the width direction) are projected (see FIG. 6).

  On the other hand, at the rear end portion of the upper wall 84, two handle support portions 122 are provided corresponding to the notches 113 at both ends in the width direction. The handle support portion 122 has a substantially U shape in a side view in which a through hole 123 is formed along the width direction (see FIG. 6), and is formed to extend in the width direction.

  The handle 103 rotates in the width direction with respect to the upper wall 84 of the developing frame 36 by bringing the rotation shaft 114 into contact with the handle support portion 122 and fitting it into the through hole 123 while being elastically deformed. It is supported rotatably as an axis.

  As a result, the handle 103 is pivoted so that the rear end side is rotatably supported by the upper wall 84 and the front end side approaches or separates from the upper wall 84. Then, when the handle 103 is swung in the lower front direction (a press-contact direction described later), the handle 103 comes close to the upper wall 84 and is in a press-contact position where each recess 121 of the handle 103 press-contacts each contact member 107. Be placed. Further, when the handle 103 is swung in the rear upper direction (a press release direction described later), the respective recesses 121 of the handle 103 are separated from the respective abutting members 107 and the respective abutments of the respective recesses 121 are separated. It is disposed at a release position where the pressure contact with the member 107 is released.

  The side plate 116 is formed so as to be bent from both edges in the width direction of the gripping plate 112 downward in the direction orthogonal to the width direction (specifically, in a direction of swinging toward the upper wall 84 side). Yes. The side plate 116 has a fan shape when viewed from the side, and a fitting projection 104 is provided at the lower end thereof.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the fitting protrusion 104 has a substantially triangular shape in side view narrowing downward, and is provided so as to protrude outward in the width direction from the lower end portion of the side plate 116. It has been.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the fitting protrusion 104 has a front inclined surface 117 and a rear inclined surface 118 that are inclined inward in the width direction toward the front or rear, respectively, at the front end and the rear end. Yes. Further, a front end surface 119 and a rear end surface 120 are formed on the upper end portion of the fitting protrusion 104, respectively, which incline downward from the central portion in the front-rear direction toward the outer sides in the front-rear direction, as viewed from the side.

(3) IC Memory and First Terminal As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the development frame 36 is provided with an IC memory 125 and a first terminal 126 as an example of a storage element.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the IC memory 125 has a substantially rectangular thin plate shape and is embedded in the left end portion of the upper surface of the gripping plate 112. The IC memory 125 stores predetermined information of the developing cartridge 27, for example, the number of image forming operations (number of printed sheets), an ID code unique to the developing cartridge 27, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the first terminal 126 is formed of a flat plate electrode, is provided on the left side plate 116, and is formed in an arc shape that is elongated along the swinging direction of the handle 103.

  The first terminal 126 is arranged at a different position for each color on the left side plate 116. Specifically, the black developing cartridge 29K is provided with a black first terminal 126K below the front side of the side plate 116. In the yellow developing cartridge 29Y, the yellow first terminal 126Y is provided obliquely above and in front of the portion where the black first terminal 126K is disposed. In the magenta developing cartridge 29M, a magenta first terminal 126M is provided on the front upper side of the side plate 116 and obliquely above the front side of the portion where the yellow first terminal 126Y is disposed. In the cyan developing cartridge 29C, the cyan first terminal 126C is provided above the portion where the yellow first terminal 126Y is disposed and obliquely above the front side than the portion where the magenta first terminal 126M is disposed. Yes.

  In FIG. 4, the arrangement of the black first terminal 126K is indicated by a solid line, and the arrangement of the yellow first terminal 126Y, the magenta first terminal 126M, and the cyan first terminal 126C is indicated by a virtual line.

  The IC memory 125 and the first terminal 126 are electrically connected by a wiring 127. The wiring 127 is connected from the IC memory 125 to the first terminal 126 through the grip plate 112 and the left side plate 116 as shown by a dotted line in FIG.

3. Drum Unit FIG. 8 is a plan view of the drum unit, FIG. 9 is a left side view of the drum unit, FIG. 10 is a right side view of a portion of the left side frame in front of the cartridge guide groove, and FIG. FIG. 12 is a left side view of the drum unit with the developing cartridge (with the handle in the release position), and FIG. 13 shows the developing cartridge (with the handle). FIG. 6 is a left side view of the drum unit in a mounted state (in a pressure contact position).

  Next, the drum unit will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the drum units 26 are arranged in parallel along the front-rear direction, and four drum subunits 28 corresponding to the respective colors, and front beams arranged on both sides of the four drum subunits 28 in the front-rear direction. 131 and a rear beam 132, and a pair of side plates 133 that sandwich the front beam 131, the four drum subunits 28, and the rear beam 132 from both sides in the width direction (left and right direction).

  The drum unit 26 includes four drum subunits 28, a front beam 131, a rear beam 132, and a pair of side plates 133, and is detachably attached to the drum housing space 7 (see FIG. 1) in the main body casing 2. Is done.

(1) Drum Subunit Each drum subunit 28 has a width between a pair of side frames 134 opposed to each other at an interval in the width direction, and both side frames 134, as shown in FIGS. And a center frame 135 installed along the direction.

(1-1) Side Frame As shown in FIG. 11, the side frame 134 is formed from a resin material into a flat plate shape. A cartridge guide groove 136 for guiding attachment / detachment of the developing cartridge 27 with respect to the drum subunit 28 is formed in the side frame 134.

  The cartridge guide groove 136 is formed substantially in the vertical direction from the rear upper end edge of the side frame 134 to the vicinity of the front lower end of the side frame 134. The lower end portion (deepest portion) of the cartridge guide groove 136 is arranged corresponding to the position of the developing roller shaft 51 at the position where the developing roller 39 contacts the photosensitive drum 29. A collar member 85 is slidably received in the cartridge guide groove 136.

  A coupling inner insertion hole 137 is formed in the left side frame 134 so that the coupling passive gear 87 faces in the width direction.

  A portion of the side frame 134 that is in front of the cartridge guide groove 136 (referred to as a front portion 138) is formed in a substantially triangular shape in a side view that becomes narrower toward the bottom as shown in FIG.

  In the front portion 138, a protrusion 151 protruding upward is formed at the front end, and a fitting hole 140 is formed below the protrusion 151. The fitting hole 140 is provided so as to penetrate the thickness direction (width direction) of the front side portion 138, and is formed to have a slightly larger similar shape in side view with respect to the fitting protrusion 104 of the developing cartridge 27. (See FIG. 13).

  An upper front end surface 141 and an upper rear end surface 142 having different angles are formed on the end surface of the upper end portion of the fitting hole 140, which are gradually separated from the center portion in the front-rear direction toward both outer sides in the front-rear direction in a side view. Yes. The upper rear end surface 142 extends in the horizontal direction (front-rear direction), and the upper front end surface 141 is inclined downward.

  The front portion 138 includes a substantially V-shaped portion 144 (hereinafter referred to as an upper V-shaped portion 144) formed at the front end portion of the protruding portion 151, and an upper front end surface on the inner peripheral surface of the fitting hole 140. A protrusion guide groove 139 is formed between the front end portion 141 and the substantially V-shaped portion 145 (hereinafter referred to as the lower V-shaped portion 145).

  The protrusion guide groove 139 is formed in a circular arc shape along the rotation trajectory of the fitting protrusion 104 in a side view, and is formed as a bowl-shaped passage that is recessed from the inner surface of the front portion 138 to the outside in the width direction. Has been.

  In the protrusion guide groove 139, the end surface of the upper V-shaped portion 144 is formed as an upper inclined surface 146 that is inclined outward in the width direction from the inner surface of the protrusion guide groove 139, and the end surface of the lower V-shaped portion 145 is the protrusion guide. The groove 139 is formed as a lower inclined surface 147 inclined from the inner side surface to the outer side in the width direction.

(1-2) Center Frame As shown in FIG. 8, the center frame 135 is formed in a flat plate shape extending in the width direction from the resin material. At the upper end of the center frame 135, support rollers 156 for guiding the attachment and detachment of the developing cartridge 27 are provided at both ends in the width direction.

(1-3) Second Terminal and Third Terminal As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, each drum subunit 28 is in contact with and electrically connected to a first terminal 126 and a third terminal 171 (described later). The second terminals 152 are provided respectively.

  The second terminal 152 is provided in the left front portion 138 and includes an inner terminal 153 and an outer terminal 154.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the inner terminal 153 is made of a flat plate electrode, and is provided on the inner side surface of the projection guide groove 139 of the front portion 138. The inner terminal 153 is formed in a rectangular shape extending obliquely from the front lower side to the rear upper side so as to be orthogonal to the direction in which the first terminal 126 extends.

The inner terminal 153 is disposed at a different position for each color on the inner surface of the protrusion guide groove 139. Specifically, in the black drum subunit 28K, the black inner terminal 153K is provided on the lower rear side of the protrusion guide groove 139 so as to contact only the black first terminal 126K. In the yellow drum subunit 28Y, the yellow inner terminal 153Y is provided obliquely above and in front of the portion where the black inner terminal 153K is disposed so as to contact only the yellow first terminal 126Y. Magenta drum subunit 2
In 8M, the magenta inner terminal 153M is provided obliquely above and in front of the portion where the yellow inner terminal 153Y is disposed so as to contact only the magenta first terminal 126M. In the cyan drum subunit 28C, the cyan inner terminal 153C is provided obliquely above and in front of the portion where the magenta inner terminal 153M is disposed so as to contact only the cyan first terminal 126C.

  In FIG. 10, the arrangement of the black inner terminal 153K is indicated by a solid line, and the arrangement of the yellow inner terminal 153Y, the magenta inner terminal 153M, and the cyan inner terminal 153C is indicated by a virtual line.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the outer terminal 154 is made of a flat plate electrode, and is provided on the outer surface of the upper end portion of the front portion 138. The outer terminal 154 is formed in a rectangular shape extending in the front-rear direction on the front side of the fitting hole 140. Specifically, the black drum subunit 28K is provided with a black outer terminal 154K connected to the black inner terminal 153K. The yellow drum subunit 28Y is provided with a yellow outer terminal 154Y connected to the yellow inner terminal 153Y. The magenta drum subunit 28M is provided with a magenta outer terminal 154M connected to the magenta inner terminal 153M. The cyan drum subunit 28C is provided with a cyan outer terminal 154C to which the cyan inner terminal 153C is connected.

  The inner terminal 153 and the outer terminal 154 are electrically connected by wiring (not shown). The wiring (not shown) is connected from the inner terminal 153 to the outer terminal 154 through the thickness direction (width direction) of the front portion 138.

  Further, the main casing 2 is provided with third terminals 171 corresponding to the outer terminals 154, as indicated by phantom lines in FIG.

  The third terminal 171 is made of a leaf spring electrode that is flexible in the width direction. When the drum unit 26 is housed in the drum housing space 7, the third terminal 171 is in contact with each outer terminal 154 from the outside in the width direction. , Each is arranged. Specifically, a black third terminal 171K that is in contact with the black outer terminal 154K is disposed so as to face the black drum subunit 28K. A yellow third terminal 171Y that is in contact with the yellow outer terminal 154Y is disposed opposite to the yellow drum subunit 28Y. A magenta third terminal 171M that is in contact with the magenta outer terminal 154M is disposed opposite to the magenta drum subunit 28M. A cyan third terminal 171C that is in contact with the cyan outer terminal 154C is disposed opposite to the cyan drum subunit 28C.

  Each third terminal 171 is electrically connected to a CPU 172 as an example of a control unit provided in the main body casing 2.

(2) Front Beam The front beam 131 is integrally formed from a resin material, and is disposed on the front side of the front drum subunit 28 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 11 and is installed between a pair of side plates 133. ing. The front beam 131 includes a support shaft 158 that is inserted along the width direction, and a front-side grip portion 157 that is rotatably supported by the support shaft 158 and has a substantially U shape when viewed from the front.

(3) Rear Beam The rear beam 132 is integrally molded from a resin material, is disposed on the rear side of the last drum subunit 28, and is spanned between a pair of side plates 133. The rear beam 132 is formed in a substantially U shape in plan view with the rear opened, and a rear side grip portion 159 having a substantially U shape in rear view is integrally provided at the center in the width direction.

(4) Side Plates The pair of side plates 133 is made of a steel plate and is formed in a substantially elongated rectangular plate shape in side view extending in the front-rear direction as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The pair of side plates 133 are fixed by sandwiching the front beam 131, the four drum subunits 28, and the rear beam 132 in the width direction.

  At the rear end portion of each side plate 133, a cutout portion 160 is formed by cutting out from the rear end edge thereof in a substantially U shape in a side view. When the drum unit 26 is mounted on the main body casing 2, a positioning shaft (not shown) provided in the main body casing 2 is fitted into the notch 160, so that the drum unit 26 is attached to the main body casing 2. Positioned.

  A coupling outer insertion hole 163 is formed in the left side plate 133 corresponding to each coupling passive gear 87.

4). Attaching / demounting the developing cartridge to / from the drum unit (1) Attaching the developing cartridge to the drum unit To attach each developing cartridge 27 to the drum unit 26, for example, put a gripping hand into the gripping hole 115 of the handle 103 of the developing cartridge 27 corresponding to each color. The handle 103 is gripped. At this time, the handle 103 is swung in the front upper direction and disposed at the release position.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 11, the held developing cartridge 27 is mounted on the drum subunit 28 corresponding to the developing cartridge 27 from above the drum unit 26.

  Specifically, each color member 85 of the developing cartridge 27 is inserted into each cartridge guide groove 136 of the corresponding drum subunit 28, and the developing cartridge 27 is inserted into the drum subunit 28 along the cartridge guide groove 136. Push diagonally backward and downward.

  When the developing roller 39 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 29, the pushing of the developing cartridge 27 is restricted. The developing cartridge 27 falls by its own weight so that the upper end portion of the developing cartridge shaft 51 is centered on the developing roller shaft 51 and leans against the front center frame 135, and the positioning projection 92 of the developing frame 36 contacts the support roller 156 of the center frame 135. Abutted and supported. As a result, the developing cartridge 27 is positioned with respect to the drum subunit 28.

  Next, when the handle 103 is swung in the press-contact direction from the release position (see FIG. 6), the rearward inclined surface 118 slides on the upper inclined surface 146 and the fitting protrusion 104 protrudes as shown in FIG. Guided into the guide groove 139. At this time, since the fitting protrusion 104 moves inward in the width direction along the inclination direction of the upper inclined surface 146, the side plate 116 bends inward in the width direction according to the movement of each fitting protrusion 104.

  When the handle 103 is further swung in the press-contact direction, the fitting protrusion 104 passes through the protrusion guide groove 139 while sliding with the protrusion guide groove 139, and the front inclined surface 117 faces the lower inclined surface 147. To do.

Further, when the handle 103 is swung in the press-contact direction, the front inclined surface 117 becomes the lower inclined surface 14.
7, the fitting protrusion 104 is guided into the fitting hole 140. At this time, since the fitting protrusion 104 moves outward in the width direction along the inclination direction of the lower inclined surface 147, the side plate 116 is restored outward in the width direction according to the movement of the fitting protrusion 104.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the fitting protrusion 104 guided into the fitting hole 140 is fitted and locked in the fitting hole 140, and the handle 103 is disposed at the press contact position (see FIG. 7). . As a result, the developing cartridge 27 is attached to the drum unit 26.

  When the handle 103 is thus swung from the release position to the pressure contact position, the recess 121 of the handle 103 comes into contact with the contact member 107 and the contact member 107 is pressed from the recess 121. Then, the spring 102 presses the developing frame 36 toward the downstream side in the mounting direction of the developing cartridge 27 with respect to the drum subunit 28 (hereinafter abbreviated as mounting direction). Then, the developing roller 39 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 29.

  When the fitting protrusion 104 is locked in the fitting hole 140, the pressure contact state of the handle 103 with respect to the contact member 107 is maintained, so that the developing roller 39 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 29 by the pressing force of the spring 102. Is retained.

  In this pressure contact state, the developing cartridge 27 is moved away from the drum subunit 28 in the direction in which the developing cartridge 27 is detached from the drum subunit 28 (hereinafter abbreviated as the removing direction), that is, obliquely upward and upward. Even if it is attempted to be pulled out, the upper front end surface 141 and the upper rear end surface 142 of the fitting hole 140 and the front end surface 119 and the rear end surface 120 of the fitting projection 104 come into contact with each other in the disengagement direction. The separation of the developing cartridge 27 from the drum subunit 28 is prevented.

  Further, when the handle 103 is disposed at the press contact position, the width of the first terminal 126 and the inner terminal 153 orthogonal to the press contact direction as shown in FIG. 13 as the side plate 116 is restored to the outer side in the width direction. Touch each other in the direction. Specifically, the inner terminal 153 contacts the first terminal 126 from the outer side in the width direction. More specifically, the inner terminal 153 contacts the first terminal 126 formed along the swinging direction in a substantially cross shape in a direction orthogonal thereto. As a result, the first terminal 126 and the second terminal 152 are electrically connected.

(2) Detachment of developer cartridge from drum unit On the other hand, in order to detach the developer cartridge 27 from the drum unit 26, first, the handle 103 is grasped and swung in the front upper direction (the pressing release direction). Then, the fitting projection 104 is released from fitting into the fitting hole 140, and the fitting projection 104 is guided into the projection guide groove 139 while the front inclined surface 117 slides on the lower inclined surface 147. At this time, the fitting protrusion 104 moves inward in the width direction along the inclination direction of the lower inclined surface 147, so that the side plate 116 bends inward in the width direction as the fitting protrusion 104 moves.

  When the handle 103 further swings in the pressing release direction, the fitting protrusion 104 passes through the protrusion guide groove 139 while sliding with respect to the protrusion guide groove 139, and the rear inclined surface 118 is the upper inclined surface. Opposite 146.

  Further, when the handle 103 swings in the pressing release direction, the fitting protrusion 104 is guided above the upper V-shaped portion 144 while the rear inclined surface 118 is in sliding contact with the upper inclined surface 146. At this time, the fitting protrusion 104 moves outward in the width direction along the inclination direction of the upper inclined surface 146, so that the side plate 116 is restored outward in the width direction according to the movement of the fitting protrusion 104.

Further, as described above, when the handle 103 is swung in the pressing release direction, the recess 121 of the handle 103 is separated from the contact member 107 due to the swing of the handle 103 from the pressure contact position to the release position, and the spring 102 is moved. The pressure on the developing roller 39 is released. Then, the pressure contact between the developing roller 39 and the photosensitive drum 29 is released.

  Thereafter, when the developing cartridge 27 is pulled out downstream in the detaching direction while holding the handle 103, the collar member 85 is lifted obliquely forward upward along the cartridge guide groove 136, and the developing cartridge 27 is detached from the drum unit 26. The

5). Attaching / Detaching the Drum Unit to / from the Main Body Casing (1) Attaching the Drum Unit to the Main Body Casing After all the developing cartridges 27 are attached to the drum unit 26, the drum unit 26 is attached to the main body casing 2.

  In order to attach the drum unit 26 to the main casing 2, first, the front cover 8 of the main casing 2 is tilted forward to open the drum housing space 7.

  Next, the front side grip portion 157 and the back side grip portion 159 are gripped, the drum unit 26 is lifted, and the drum unit 26 is inserted into the drum housing space 7. Thereafter, the back grip 159 is released and the drum unit 26 is pushed into the drum housing space 7 from the front side toward the rear side. Then, the drum unit 26 is inserted along the front-rear direction in the drum accommodating space 7 while being guided by a guide rail (not shown).

  The drum unit 26 is positioned with respect to the main body casing 2 by fitting the notch 160 of the side plate 133 to a positioning shaft (not shown) provided in the main body casing 2. As a result, the drum unit 26 is attached to the main casing 2, and the drum unit 26 is accommodated in the drum accommodating space 7.

  Thereafter, the front cover 8 is raised along the front surface of the main casing 2 to close the drum housing space 7.

  When the drum unit 26 is housed in the drum housing space 7, as shown in FIG. 8, the outer terminals 154 and the third terminals 171 come into contact with each other in the width direction, and the second terminals 152 and the second terminals 171 are in contact with each other. Three terminals 171 are electrically connected.

  As a result, the CPU 172 provided in the main casing 2 is electrically connected to the IC memory 125 provided in the developing cartridge 27 via the third terminal 171, the second terminal 152, and the first terminal 126. Information stored in the IC memory 125 is read by the CPU 172.

(2) Detaching the drum unit from the main body casing In order to detach the drum unit 26 from the main body casing 2, first, the front cover 8 of the main body casing 2 is tilted forward to open the drum housing space 7.

  Next, the front side holding portion 157 is held, and the drum unit 26 is pulled out from the rear side toward the front side. Then, the drum unit 26 is guided by a guide rail (not shown) in the drum housing space 7 and pulled out in the front-rear direction. Therefore, when the drum unit 26 is exposed from the drum housing space 7, the back side grip 159 is also The drum unit 26 is lifted by gripping. As a result, the drum unit 26 is detached from the main casing 2.

6). Effects of Embodiments (1) As described above, in the color laser printer 1, the developing roller 39 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 29 when the developing cartridge 27 is attached to the drum subunit 28. Further, when the developing roller 39 is brought into pressure contact with the photosensitive drum 29, the first terminals 126 and the second terminals 152 are electrically connected. That is, each first terminal 126 and each second terminal 152 are electrically connected by pressure contact of the developing roller 39 to the photosensitive drum 29.

  Therefore, the press contact of the developing roller 39 to the photosensitive drum 29 is not hindered due to the electrical connection between the first terminals 126 and the second terminals 152, and the developing roller 39 is good against the photosensitive drum 29. Development can be achieved.

  In the color laser printer 1, the first terminals 126 and the second terminals 152 can be reliably electrically connected with a simple configuration, and the drum unit 26 is attached to the main casing 2. Since each second terminal 152 and each third terminal 171 can be reliably electrically connected, information from the IC memory 125 can be reliably read by the CPU 172.

  (2) In the developing cartridge 27, the first terminal 126 is provided on the handle 103. Therefore, if the handle 103 is swung from the release position to the pressure contact position, the electrical connection of the first terminal 126 to the second terminal 152 can be reliably achieved. Further, if the handle 103 is swung from the pressure contact position to the release position, the electrical connection of the first terminal 126 to the second terminal 152 can be reliably released. As a result, the electrical connection of the first terminal 126 to the second terminal 152 and the release thereof can be reliably achieved by a simple operation of swinging the handle 103 between the release position and the pressure contact position.

  (3) Specifically, the first terminal 126 and the second terminal 152 can be electrically connected by gripping the handle 103 and bringing the front side of the gripping plate 112 close to the upper wall 84. If the front side of the holding plate 112 is separated from the upper wall 84, the electrical connection between the first terminal 126 and the second terminal 152 can be released. As a result, the electrical connection of the first terminal 126 to the second terminal 152 and the release thereof can be reliably achieved by a simple operation of swinging the handle 103.

  Furthermore, if the first terminal 126 is provided on the handle 103, it is not necessary to provide a member for supporting the first terminal 126 separately, and the number of parts can be reduced.

  (4) When the handle 103 is disposed at the press contact position, the first terminal 126 and the inner terminal 153 contact each other in the width direction orthogonal to the press contact direction as the side plate 116 is restored to the outer side in the width direction. To do. Therefore, the contact between the first terminal 126 and the inner terminal 153 can be prevented from affecting the pressure contact of the developing roller 39 against the photosensitive drum 29. As a result, good development of the developing roller 39 with respect to the photosensitive drum 29 can be achieved.

  (5) Specifically, the inner terminal 153 contacts the first terminal 126 from the outer side in the width direction. Therefore, reliable contact of the second terminal 152 with the first terminal 126 can be achieved.

  (6) When the handle 103 is disposed at the press contact position, the inner terminal 153 contacts the first terminal 126 formed along the swinging direction in a substantially cross shape in a direction perpendicular to the first terminal 126. For example, when the first terminal 126 and the inner terminal 153 contact in the same direction, they may not come into contact if they are slightly displaced from each other. However, in this way, if the first terminal 126 and the inner terminal 153 are brought into contact so as to intersect substantially in a cross shape, even if they are slightly displaced from each other, mutual contact can be ensured.

  (7) In the color laser printer 1, the contact positions of the first terminals 126 and the inner terminals 153 are arranged at different positions for each color. Therefore, when the developing cartridge 27 corresponding to a different color is erroneously attached to the drum subunit 28 corresponding to a certain color, the first terminal 126 of the developing cartridge 27 is located at a position different from the inner terminal 153. To prevent their contact. As a result, the electrical connection between the first terminal 126 and the inner terminal 153 can be easily and reliably prevented when the developing cartridge 27 corresponding to a different color is erroneously attached.

  (8) In the developing cartridge 27, the first terminal 126 is provided not on the grip plate 112 but on the side plate 116. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the gripping hand from contacting the first terminal 126 when the gripping hand is put into the gripping hole 115 of the gripping plate 112 and grips the handle 103.

  (9) The first terminal 126 is provided along the swinging direction of the handle 103. Therefore, when the handle 103 is swung, the first terminal 126 can come into contact with the inner terminal 153 at a certain position and in a wide range. As a result, the first terminal 126 can be reliably connected electrically.

7). Modification (1) Modification 1
In the above description, when the developing cartridge 27 is mounted on the drum subunit 28, the handle 103 is swung in the press-contact direction by gripping the handle 103, so that the handle 103 is swung from the release position to the press-contact position. When the cartridge 27 is mounted on the drum subunit 28, for example, when the drum unit 26 is mounted in the drum housing space 7 of the main casing 2, as shown in FIG. By bringing the handle 103 into contact with the front wall surface of the scanner casing 24 in the drum housing space 7, the handle 103 can be swung in the press-contact direction, whereby the handle 103 can be swung from the release position to the press-contact position.

  More specifically, first, after the four developing cartridges 27 are attached to the corresponding drum subunits 28, the front side gripping part 157 and the back side gripping part 159 are gripped, and the drum unit 26 is moved to the front side of the drum housing space 7. Push toward the rear side. Then, as the drum unit 26 is inserted into the drum housing space 7, the handle 103 of each developing cartridge 27 sequentially contacts the front wall surface of the scanner casing 24 in the drum housing space 7 and is pressed against the front wall surface. As a result, it is swung in the press-contact direction and swings from the release position to the press-contact position. Then, the fitting protrusion 104 is locked in the fitting hole 140.

  In this way, if the handle 103 is swung from the release position to the press contact position, even if the user forgets to swing the handle 103 in the press contact direction when the developing cartridge 27 is mounted on the drum subunit 28, When the drum unit 26 is inserted into the drum housing space 7 of the main casing 2, the handle 103 always swings in the press-contact direction and swings from the release position to the press-contact position. Connection can be ensured.

(2) Modification 2
In the above description, when the first terminal 126 is provided on the left side plate 116 and the inner terminal 153 is provided on the inner side surface of the projection guide groove 139 and the handle 103 is disposed at the press contact position, they always come into contact with each other. For example, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 4, the first terminal 126 is provided on the rear inclined surface 118 of the fitting protrusion 104, and as shown by the dotted line in FIG.
The inner terminal 153 can be provided on the upper inclined surface 146 of the front portion 138 and can be brought into contact only while the handle 103 is swinging, that is, only when the developing roller 39 is pressed against the photosensitive drum 29. .

  In this case, the first terminal 126 and the inner terminal 153 are not always in contact with each other, and the rear inclined surface 118 is the upper inclined surface in the swinging between the release position and the press contact position of the handle 103. Contact only when sliding with 146. At the timing when they come into contact, the CPU 172 is electrically connected to the IC memory 125 via the third terminal 171, the second terminal 152, and the first terminal 126, and the information stored in the IC memory 125 is stored. , Read by the CPU 172. And when the handle 103 is arrange | positioned in a press-contact position, they are arrange | positioned mutually spaced apart.

(3) Modification 3
Further, for example, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, while the developing cartridge 27 is mounted on the drum subunit 28, the first terminal 126 and the second terminal 152 are always in contact with each other, and the handle 103 is released. The electrical connection between the IC memory 125 and the first terminal 126 is cut off when the handle 103 is disposed, and the electrical connection between the IC memory 125 and the first terminal 126 is performed when the handle 103 is disposed at the press contact position. It is possible to make a simple connection.

  FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view (non-pressed state) of another embodiment of the developing cartridge, and FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view (pressed state) of another embodiment of the developing cartridge. 15 and 16, the same members as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the IC memory 125 is provided on the upper wall 84. The first terminal 126 is embedded in the positioning protrusion 92 so that the surface thereof is exposed.

  Further, the support roller 156 of the drum subunit 28 is made of a conductive resin and is electrically connected to the CPU 172. The support roller 156 is also used as the second terminal 152.

  Further, a relay terminal 129 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the locking groove 106 of the spring accommodating cylinder portion 105. The relay terminals 129 are provided in the lower half of the inner peripheral surface of the two locking grooves 106, respectively. The contact member 107 is an example of an elastic member, and is formed from a conductive resin.

  The IC memory 125 and one relay terminal 129 are electrically connected via the wiring 130. Further, the other relay terminal 129 and the first terminal 126 are electrically connected via the wiring 130.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, as described above, when the positioning protrusion 92 abuts on the support roller 156 and the developing cartridge 27 is positioned with respect to the drum subunit 28, the positioning causes The first terminal 126 and the second terminal 152 are in contact with each other and are electrically connected.

  On the other hand, the handle 103 is disposed at the release position at this time, and the claw portion 110 of the contact member 107 is locked to the upper end portion of the locking groove 106 as shown in FIG. Are separated. For this reason, the IC memory 125 and the first terminal 126 are disconnected from each other at the contact member 107 provided in the middle of the wiring 130.

  Next, when the handle 103 is swung from the release position to the pressure contact position, the contact member 107 is pressed from the handle 103 and moves downward against the pressing force of the spring 102, as shown in FIG. The claw portion 110 comes into contact with each relay terminal 129. Then, the conduction of the wiring 130 between the IC memory 125 and the first terminal 126 is allowed, and the IC memory 125 and the relay terminal 129 include the wiring 130, one relay terminal 129, the contact member 107, and the other relay. Electrical connection is established via the terminal 129 and the wiring 130.

  When the handle 103 is swung from the pressure contact position to the release position, as shown in FIG. 15, the contact member 107 is released from the pressure by the handle 103 and moved upward by the pressing force of the spring 102. The claw portion 110 is separated from each relay terminal 129. Then, the continuity of the wiring 130 between the IC memory 125 and the first terminal 126 is cut off, and the electrical connection between the IC memory 125 and the relay terminal 129 is cut off by the contact member 107.

  That is, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, when the handle 103 is swung from the release position to the press contact position, the contact member 107 is pressed and the wiring 130 is conducted. Accordingly, electrical connection between the IC memory 125 and the first terminal 126 can be achieved. Further, if the handle 103 is swung from the pressure contact position to the release position, the pressing of the contact member 107 is released and the conduction of the wiring 130 is interrupted. Thereby, the electrical connection between the IC memory 125 and the first terminal 126 can be cut off. As a result, the electrical connection between the IC memory 125 and the first terminal 126 and the release thereof can be reliably achieved by a simple operation.

(4) Modification 4
In the above description, the tandem color laser printer is exemplified as the image forming apparatus. However, the image forming apparatus to which the photosensitive unit and the developing cartridge of the present invention are attached is not limited to the above. For example, an intermediate transfer type color laser printer, a monochrome laser printer, or the like that temporarily transfers each color developer image from each photoconductor to an intermediate transfer member and then collectively transfers it to a recording medium is included.

  Further, the color laser printer 1 includes the scanner unit 20 and performs laser exposure of the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 29. For example, the exposure apparatus is limited to the scanner unit 20 described above. For example, a large number of light emitting elements such as LEDs (light emitting diodes), EL (electroluminescence) elements, and phosphors are arranged, and these light emitting elements are selectively made to emit light according to image data, or A plurality of optical shutters composed of liquid crystal elements, PLZT, and the like are arranged, and those that control the light from the light source by selectively controlling the open / close time of these optical shutters according to the image data, etc., may be adopted as appropriate. it can.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Color laser printer 2 Main body casing 22 Developing cartridge 26 Drum unit 27 Developing cartridge 28 Drum subunit 29 Photosensitive drum 36 Developing frame 39 Developing roller 103 Handle 107 Contact member 112 Holding plate 116 Side plate 125 IC memory 126 First terminal 127 Wiring 130 Wiring 152 Second terminal 153 Inner terminal 154 Outer terminal 171 Third terminal 172 CPU

Claims (17)

A first housing that accommodates the developer;
A developer carrying member supported by the first housing and carrying a developer;
A storage element for storing predetermined information; and
A developing cartridge comprising a first terminal electrically connected to the storage element;
A second housing in which the developing cartridge is detachably mounted;
A photosensitive member that is pressed against and supported by the second housing when the developer cartridge is attached to the second housing; and
A photoconductor unit comprising a second terminal electrically connected to the first terminal when the developer carrier is pressed against the photoconductor;
A third housing for housing the photoreceptor unit;
A control unit provided in the third housing; and
And a main body unit including a third terminal electrically connected to the control unit and electrically connected to the second terminal when the photosensitive unit is housed in the third housing. An image forming apparatus as a feature. The first housing includes a pressing member that moves between a pressure contact position where the developer carrier is pressed against the photoconductor and a release position where the developer carrier is released from pressure contact with the photoconductor. And
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first terminal is provided on the pressing member.   The pressing member is a handle whose one end is rotatably supported by the first housing and whose other end is swung so as to approach or separate from the first housing. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.   4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first terminal and the second terminal are in contact with each other in a direction intersecting a press-contact direction of the developer carrier with respect to the photosensitive member during press-contact. The image forming apparatus described in 1.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second terminal is in contact with the first terminal from the outside in a direction parallel to an axial direction of the developer carrier.   6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first terminal and the second terminal are in contact with each other so as to intersect at the time of press contact. The first housing is
A wiring connecting the memory element and the first terminal;
Provided in the middle of the wiring, when the pressing member moves from the release position to the press contact position, the press member is pressed from the press member to allow conduction of the wiring, and the press member is moved from the press contact position to the release position. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an elastic member that releases the pressure from the pressing member and interrupts the conduction of the wiring when moved to the position. 5. A plurality of the developing cartridges and the second terminals are provided corresponding to a plurality of colors,
7. The image formation according to claim 4, wherein contact positions of the first terminals and the second terminals of the developing cartridges are arranged at different positions for respective colors. apparatus. A first housing for containing a developer;
A developer carrying member supported by the first housing and carrying a developer;
A handle having one end side rotatably supported by the first casing and the other end side pivoted so as to approach or separate from the first casing;
A storage element for storing predetermined information;
A developing cartridge comprising: a first terminal electrically connected to the storage element and provided on the handle. The handle includes a grip portion extending in a direction parallel to a longitudinal direction of the developer carrier;
Provided at a longitudinal end of the gripping part, and provided with a side part extending in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the gripping part,
The developing cartridge according to claim 9, wherein the first terminal is provided on the side portion.   The developing cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the first terminal is provided so as to extend along a swinging direction of the handle. A first housing for containing a developer;
A developer carrying member supported by the first housing and carrying a developer;
A handle having one end side rotatably supported by the first casing and the other end side pivoted so as to approach or separate from the first casing;
A storage element for storing predetermined information;
A first terminal electrically connected to the memory element and provided on the handle;
A wiring connecting the memory element and the first terminal;
Provided in the middle of the wiring, when the other end of the handle swings in a direction approaching the first housing, the handle is pressed to allow conduction of the wiring. And an elastic member that releases the pressure from the handle and interrupts the conduction of the wiring when the end portion swings away from the first housing. cartridge. A second housing to which the developing cartridge according to any one of claims 9 to 12 is detachably mounted;
A photosensitive member that is pressed against the developer carrier when the developer cartridge is attached to the second housing and is supported by the second housing;
A photoconductor unit comprising a second terminal electrically connected to the first terminal when the developer carrier is pressed against the photoconductor.   The photoconductor unit according to claim 13, wherein the second terminal is in contact with the first terminal in a direction intersecting a press-contact direction of the developer bearing member with respect to the photoconductor at the time of press-contact. .   The photoconductor unit according to claim 14, wherein the second terminal contacts the first terminal from the outside in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the developer carrier. The photoconductor unit according to claim 13, wherein the second terminal is in contact with the first terminal so as to intersect with the first terminal during pressure contact. A plurality of the developing cartridges and the second terminals are provided corresponding to a plurality of colors,
17. The photosensitive member according to claim 14, wherein contact positions between the first terminals and the second terminals of the developing cartridges are arranged at different positions for respective colors. unit.

Images