JP6922265B2 - Drum cartridge and process cartridge - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a drum cartridge and a process cartridge.

Conventionally, a process cartridge that can be attached to and detached from an electrophotographic image forming apparatus such as a laser printer or an LED printer is known. The process cartridge includes a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge. The developing cartridge has a developing roller. The drum cartridge has a photosensitive drum. When the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum cartridge, the surface of the photosensitive drum and the surface of the developing roller face each other.

A process cartridge having a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge is described in, for example, Patent Document 1.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-249802

Further, conventionally, a developing cartridge having a storage medium is known. The storage medium is, for example, an IC chip. Various information about the developing cartridge is stored in the storage medium. In recent years, a lot of information is handled not only in the developing cartridge but also in the drum cartridge in the image forming apparatus. Therefore, it is required to mount a storage medium on the drum cartridge. However, when the development cartridge is mounted on the frame (drum frame) of the drum cartridge, a part of the outer surface of the drum frame is covered with the development cartridge.

An object of the present invention is that the electrical contact surface of the storage medium is arranged on the outer surface of the drum frame, and the electrical contact surface can contact the electrical terminals of the image forming apparatus even when the developing cartridge is mounted. To provide the structure.

In order to solve the above problems, the first invention of the present application is a drum cartridge, which is a drum frame to which a development cartridge can be mounted, and one end portion in the first direction and the one end portion are in the first direction. The first drum side plate, the second drum side plate which is separated from the first drum side plate in the second direction, and the first drum side plate and the second drum side plate are connected to each other, including the other end portion which is separated. A drum frame having a drum bottom plate having a transport opening, and a photosensitive drum that is rotatable about a first axis extending in the second direction and is located at one end of the first drum. Includes a photosensitive drum located between the side plate and the second drum side plate, and a first electrical contact surface located on the exposed outer surface of the drum bottom plate when the development cartridge is mounted on the drum frame. It is characterized by including a first storage medium.

The second invention of the present application is a process cartridge including a one end portion in the first direction and the other end portion separated from the one end portion in the first direction, and includes a first drum side plate and the first drum side plate. The drum side plate is a drum bottom plate that connects a second drum side plate separated in the second direction, the first drum side plate, and the second drum side plate, and is a drum frame having a drum bottom plate having a transport opening. A photosensitive drum that is rotatable about a first axis extending in the second direction, is located at one end of the drum frame, and is located between the first drum side plate and the second drum side plate. A drum cartridge including a first storage medium including a first electrical contact surface, and a housing capable of accommodating toner, the one end portion in the first direction and the one end portion in the first direction. A housing including a distant other end, a developing roller that is rotatable about a second axis extending in the second direction, and a developing roller located at one end of the housing, and an outside of the housing. A second storage medium including a second electrical contact surface located on the surface thereof is provided, and a development cartridge that can be attached to the drum frame is provided. The first storage medium includes a development cartridge that is attached to the drum frame. It is characterized in that it is located on the exposed outer surface of the drum bottom plate in the mounted state.

According to the first and second inventions of the present application, even when the electric contact surface is arranged on the outer surface of the drum frame and the developing cartridge is attached, the electric contact surface is used as the electricity of the image forming apparatus. Can be brought into contact with terminals.

It is a perspective view of a process cartridge. It is a perspective view of a drum cartridge. It is a perspective view of a drum cartridge. It is an exploded perspective view of a drum cartridge. It is an external view of an IC chip. It is a top view of the process cartridge seen from the drum bottom plate side. It is a perspective view of a developing cartridge. It is a perspective view of a developing cartridge.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In the following, the direction in which the handle of the drum cartridge and the photosensitive drum are aligned is referred to as the "first direction". Further, the direction in which the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum extends is referred to as a "second direction". Further, the direction in which the drum cartridge intersects the drum bottom plate is referred to as a "third direction". In the following embodiments, the first direction and the second direction intersect (preferably orthogonal), the second direction and the third direction intersect (preferably orthogonal), and the third direction and the first direction intersect. (Preferably orthogonal).

<1. About process cartridges>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2. Hereinafter, the cartridge in which the developing cartridge 11 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2 is referred to as a process cartridge 100. The process cartridge 100 is a replaceable unit used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Examples of electrophotographic image forming apparatus include a laser printer or an LED printer. The image forming apparatus has a frame for holding the process cartridge 100. The process cartridge 100 is attached to and detached from the frame of the image forming apparatus. The process cartridge 100 is prepared for each toner color. For example, four process cartridges 100 are individually mounted on an image forming apparatus using four color toners.

As shown in FIG. 1, the process cartridge 100 includes a developing cartridge 1 and a drum cartridge 2. The developing cartridge 1 is removable from the drum cartridge 2. Therefore, only one of the developing cartridge 1 and the drum cartridge 2 can be replaced with a new one. Therefore, the user of the image forming apparatus can effectively consume the life of the developing cartridge 1 and the life of the drum cartridge 2.

<2. About drum cartridges>
<2-1. Drum cartridge configuration>
2 and 3 are perspective views of the drum cartridge 2. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the drum cartridge 2. The drum cartridge 2 transfers the toner supplied from the developing cartridge 1 to the printing paper via the photosensitive drum 22. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the drum cartridge 2 of the present embodiment includes a drum frame 21, a photosensitive drum 22, a transfer roller 23, a transfer roller 24, a gear portion 25, a charger 26, a first pressing member 27, and a first pressing member 27. It has a second pressing member 28.

The drum frame 21 is a frame on which the developing cartridge 1 can be mounted. As shown in FIG. 4, the drum frame 21 of the present embodiment is composed of two members, a frame main body 31 and a frame cover 32. The frame cover 32 is fixed to the frame body 31. The photosensitive drum 22 and the transfer roller 23 are located between the frame body 31 and the frame cover 32. However, the drum frame 21 may be composed of a single member or may be composed of three or more members.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the drum frame 21 has one end portion 211 in the first direction and the other end portion 212 separated from one end portion in the first direction. The one end 211 is closer to the photosensitive drum 22 than the other 212. The drum frame 21 has a recess 210 into which the developing cartridge 1 is inserted between one end 211 and the other end 212.

The drum frame 21 has a first drum side plate 41, a second drum side plate 42, a first connecting plate 43, a second connecting plate 44, and a drum bottom plate 45.

The first drum side plate 41 is located at one end of the drum frame 21 in the second direction. The first drum side plate 41 expands in the first direction and the third direction. With the developing cartridge 1 mounted on the drum frame 21, the first drum side plate 41 covers a part of the gear cover 152 of the developing cartridge 1, which will be described later. Further, in a state where the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum frame 21, the first drum side plate 41 and the first developing side plate 111 of the developing cartridge 1, which will be described later, face each other in the second direction. The first drum side plate 41 has a first guide groove 411. With the developing cartridge 1 mounted on the drum cartridge 2, one end of the developing roller shaft 132, which will be described later, in the second direction fits into the first guide groove 411.

The second drum side plate 42 is located at the other end of the drum frame 21 in the second direction. The second drum side plate 42 expands in the first direction and the third direction. The first drum side plate 41 and the second drum side plate 42 are separated from each other in the second direction. The photosensitive drum 22 and the transfer roller 23 are located between the first drum side plate 41 and the second drum side plate 42. With the developing cartridge 1 mounted on the drum cartridge 2, the first drum side plate 41 covers a part of the outer surface of the second developing side plate 112 of the casing 11, which will be described later. Further, in a state where the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum frame 21, the second drum side plate 42 and the second developing side plate 112 of the developing cartridge 1 face each other in the second direction. The second drum side plate 42 has a second guide groove 421. With the developing cartridge 1 mounted on the drum cartridge 2, the other end of the developing roller shaft 132 in the second direction fits into the second guide groove 421.

The first connecting plate 43 is located at one end 211 of the drum frame 21 in the first direction. The first connecting plate 43 extends in the second direction between one end of the first drum side plate 41 in the first direction and one end of the second drum side plate 42 in the first direction. One end of the first drum side plate 41 in the first direction and one end of the second drum side plate 42 in the first direction are connected by the first connecting plate 43. A part of the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 22 is covered with the first connecting plate 43. In the present embodiment, the first connecting plate 43 is composed of a part of the frame main body 31 and a part of the frame cover 32. However, the first connecting plate 43 may be composed of one member.

The second connecting plate 44 is located at the other end 212 of the drum frame 21 in the first direction. The second connecting plate 44 extends in the second direction between the other end of the first drum side plate 41 in the first direction and the other end of the second drum side plate 42 in the first direction. The other end of the first drum side plate 41 in the first direction and the other end of the second drum side plate 42 in the first direction are connected by the second connecting plate 44. The photosensitive drum 22 and the transfer roller 23 are located between the first connecting plate 43 and the second connecting plate 44.

The second connecting plate 44 has a handle 441. That is, the drum frame 21 has a handle 441 on the outer surface of the other end 212 in the first direction. The user of the image forming apparatus has the handle 441 when attaching / detaching the process cartridge 100 to / from the image forming apparatus.

The drum bottom plate 45 extends in the first direction and the second direction between the first drum side plate 41, the second drum side plate 42, the first connecting plate 43, and the second connecting plate 44. The first drum side plate 41 and the second drum side plate 42 are connected by a drum bottom plate 45. The drum bottom plate 45 has a transport opening 451 and a first opening 452.

The transport opening 451 is an opening that penetrates the drum bottom plate 45 in the third direction. The transfer opening 451 is located between the transfer roller 23 and the transfer roller 24 in the first direction. Further, the drum bottom plate 45 has a plurality of guide ribs 453 protruding inward of the transport opening 451. The printing paper conveyed by the transfer roller 24 is guided to the transfer opening 451 while being in contact with the plurality of guide ribs 453. Then, the printing paper that has passed through the transfer opening 451 is inserted between the photosensitive drum 22 and the transfer roller 23.

The first opening 452 is an opening that penetrates the drum bottom plate 45 in the third direction. The first opening 452 is located between the transport opening 451 and the first drum side plate 41. The transport opening 451 and the first opening 452 are adjacent to each other in the second direction. With the developing cartridge 1 mounted on the drum frame 21, the electrical contact surface 181 of the IC chip 18 mounted on the developing cartridge 1 described later is exposed from the first opening 452. Therefore, the electrical contact surface 181 can come into contact with the electrical terminals of the image forming apparatus without being blocked by the drum bottom plate 45.

Further, the drum bottom plate 45 has a notch 454 connected to the first opening 452. The notch 454 is recessed in the first direction from the first opening 452 toward the gear portion 25 described later. With the developing cartridge 1 mounted on the drum cartridge 2, the protrusion 153 of the gear cover 152 of the developing cartridge 1, which will be described later, fits into the notch 454. As a result, the electrical contact surface 181 is positioned with respect to the first opening 452.

The photosensitive drum 22 is a drum that can rotate about a rotation axis (first axis) extending in the second direction. The photosensitive drum 22 is located at one end 211 of the drum frame 21 in the first direction. Further, the photosensitive drum 22 is arranged along the first connecting plate 43. When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2, the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 13 and the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 22, which will be described later, come into contact with each other.

The photosensitive drum 22 of the present embodiment has a drum body 221 and a drum shaft 222. The drum body 221 is a cylindrical member extending in the second direction. The outer peripheral surface of the drum body 221 is coated with a photosensitive material. The drum shaft 222 is a columnar member extending in the second direction along the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 22. The drum shaft 222 is inserted into a through hole provided in the center of the drum body 221. The drum body 221 is fixed to the drum shaft 222 so as not to rotate relative to the drum shaft 222.

One end of the drum shaft 222 in the second direction is fixed to the drum gear 251. The drum gear 251 belongs to the gear portion 25 described later, and is rotatable about the first shaft. Therefore, the drum shaft 222 and the drum body 221 are rotated by the drive of the gear portion 25. The drum shaft 222 does not have to penetrate the drum body 221 in the second direction. For example, a pair of drum shafts 222 may extend in the second direction from both ends of the drum body 221 in the second direction.

As the material of the drum shaft 222, for example, a metal as a conductor is used. The drum shaft 222 is connected to the ground terminal of the image forming apparatus. As a result, the drum shaft is maintained at the reference voltage.

The transfer roller 23 is a roller that can rotate about a rotation shaft (transfer roller shaft) extending in the second direction. The transfer roller 23 is located at one end 211 of the drum frame 21 in the first direction. Further, the transfer roller 23 is arranged along the first connecting plate 43. The outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 22 and the outer peripheral surface of the transfer roller 23 come into contact with each other. When the printing paper passes between the photosensitive drum 22 and the transfer roller 23, the transfer roller 23 presses the printing paper toward the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 22. As a result, the toner adhering to the surface of the photosensitive drum 22 is transferred to the printing paper.

As described above, the drum cartridge 2 of the present embodiment has the transfer roller 23. Therefore, when the drum cartridge 2 is replaced, the transfer roller 23 can be replaced at the same time.

The transfer roller 24 is a roller that can rotate about a rotation shaft (convey roller shaft) extending in the second direction. The transfer roller 24 is arranged along the transfer opening 451. The photosensitive drum 22 and the transport roller 24 are arranged in parallel with each other at intervals in the first direction. Further, the transfer roller 23 and the transfer roller 24 are arranged in parallel with each other with a gap in the first direction. The transport roller 24 rotates while in contact with the printing paper. The printing paper is fed between the photosensitive drum 22 and the transfer roller 23 by contacting the transport roller 24 and the plurality of ribs 116 of the developing cartridge 1.

As described above, the drum cartridge 2 of the present embodiment has a transport roller 24. Therefore, when the drum cartridge 2 is replaced, the transport roller 24 can also be replaced at the same time.

The gear portion 25 is located on the first drum side plate 41. The gear portion 25 has a plurality of gears including the above-mentioned drum gear 251 and a coupling 252. The plurality of gears are housed in a space formed between the frame main body 31 and the frame cover 32. The coupling 252 is exposed from the frame cover 32. When the process cartridge 100 is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the drive shaft of the image forming apparatus is connected to the coupling 252. Then, the rotation of the drive shaft is transmitted to a plurality of gears including the drum gear 251 via the coupling 252.

The plurality of gears included in the gear portion 25 may transmit the rotational force by the meshing of the teeth, or may transmit the rotational force by friction.

The charger 26 is located at one end 211 of the drum frame 21 in the first direction. The charger 26 is arranged along the photosensitive drum 22. The charger 26 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 22. In this embodiment, a scorotron type charger is used as the charger 26. If a non-contact type charger such as a scorotron type charger is used, the surface of the photosensitive drum 22 can be charged without pressurization. Therefore, deformation and damage of the photosensitive drum can be suppressed. However, a contact type charger such as a charging roller may be used instead of the non-contact type charger.

Further, the drum cartridge 2 has a charging electrode 261. The charging electrode 261 is an electrode for supplying electric power to the charging device 26. The charging electrode 261 is located on the outer surface of the second drum side plate 42. For the charging electrode 261, for example, a metal or a conductive resin is used. The charging electrode 261 comes into electrical contact with the charging device 26. Further, the charging electrode 261 has a charging contact surface 262. When the process cartridge 100 is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the charged contact surface 262 comes into contact with the electrodes provided on the image forming apparatus. As a result, electric power is supplied from the image forming apparatus to the charger 26.

As described above, the drum cartridge 2 of the present embodiment has a charger 26. Therefore, when the drum cartridge 2 is replaced, the charger 26 can be replaced at the same time.

The first pressing member 27 and the second pressing member 28 are located at the other end 212 of the drum frame 21 in the first direction. The first pressing member 27 projects in the first direction from one end of the second connecting plate 44 in the second direction toward the photosensitive drum 22. The second pressing member 28 projects from the other end of the second connecting plate 44 in the second direction toward the photosensitive drum 22 in the first direction. The first pressing member 27 and the second pressing member 28 may be integrated with the second connecting plate 44 or may be separate parts.

When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum frame 21, the casing 11 of the developing cartridge 1 comes into contact with the first pressing member 27 and the second pressing member 28. As a result, the developing cartridge 1 is pressed toward one end 211 of the drum frame 21 in the first direction. As a result, the developing roller 13 is pressed toward the photosensitive drum 22.

<2-2. About IC chips>
The drum cartridge 2 further has an IC chip 29. The IC chip 29 is a plate-shaped storage medium (first storage medium). The IC chip 29 stores various information regarding the drum cartridge 2 (for example, information regarding the life of parts such as the photosensitive drum 22 and the charger 26).

FIG. 5 is an external view of the IC chip 29. As shown in FIG. 5, the IC chip 29 has a plurality of electrical contact surfaces 291 (first electrical contact surfaces). The plurality of electrical contact surfaces 291 are arranged in a second direction or a third direction. However, the number of electrical contact surfaces 291 of the IC chip 29 may be one. The electrical contact surface 291 is made of a metal that is a conductor. When the process cartridge 100 is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the electrical contact surface 291 comes into contact with the electric terminals provided on the image forming apparatus. As a result, the electric terminal and the electric contact surface 291 are electrically conductive. As a result, the image forming apparatus can at least one of reading information from the IC chip 29 and writing information to the IC chip 29.

The IC chip 29 is located on the exposed outer surface of the drum frame 21 in a state where the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum frame 21. Specifically, the IC chip 29 is fixed to the exposed outer surface of the drum frame 21. In this way, even when the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum frame 21, the electrical contact surface 291 of the IC chip 29 can be brought into contact with the electrical terminal of the image forming apparatus. As a method of fixing the IC chip 29 to the drum frame 21, for example, adhesion or screwing is used.

Specifically, the plurality of electrical contact surfaces 291 have an SIO (data) terminal 291A, a GND (ground) terminal 291B, an SCK (serial clock) terminal 291C, and a PWR (power supply) terminal 291D. The plurality of electrical contact surfaces 291 are arranged in the order of SIO (data) terminal 291A, GND (ground) terminal 291B, SCK (serial clock) terminal 291C, and PWR (power supply) terminal 291D in the first direction.

However, the order of the SIO (data) terminal 291A, the GND (ground) terminal 291B, the SCK (serial clock) terminal 291C, and the PWR (power supply) terminal 291D is not limited to the above embodiment.

For example, the plurality of electrical contact surfaces 291 may be arranged in the order of SIO (data) terminal 291A, GND (ground) terminal 291B, PWR (power supply) terminal 291D, and SCK (serial clock) terminal 291C in the first direction. good.

Further, for example, the plurality of electrical contact surfaces 291 are arranged in the order of SIO (data) terminal 291A, SCK (serial clock) terminal 291C, GND (ground) terminal 291B, and PWR (power supply) terminal 291D in the first direction. You may.

Further, for example, the plurality of electrical contact surfaces 291 are arranged in the order of SIO (data) terminal 291A, SCK (serial clock) terminal 291C, PWR (power supply) terminal 291D, and GND (ground) terminal 291B in the first direction. You may.

Further, for example, the plurality of electrical contact surfaces 291 are arranged in the order of SIO (data) terminal 291A, PWR (power supply) terminal 291D, GND (ground) terminal 291B, and SCK (serial clock) terminal 291C in the first direction. You may.

Further, for example, the plurality of electrical contact surfaces 291 are arranged in the order of SIO (data) terminal 291A, PWR (power supply) terminal 291D, SCK (serial clock) terminal 291C, and GND (ground) terminal 291B in the first direction. You may.

Further, for example, the plurality of electrical contact surfaces 291 are arranged in the order of GND (ground) terminal 291B, SIO (data) terminal 291A, SCK (serial clock) terminal 291C, and PWR (power supply) terminal 291D in the first direction. You may.

Further, for example, the plurality of electrical contact surfaces 291 are arranged in the order of GND (ground) terminal 291B, SIO (data) terminal 291A, PWR (power supply) terminal 291D, and SCK (serial clock) terminal 291C in the first direction. You may.

Further, for example, the plurality of electrical contact surfaces 291 are arranged in the order of GND (ground) terminal 291B, SCK (serial clock) terminal 291C, SIO (data) terminal 291A, and PWR (power supply) terminal 291D in the first direction. You may.

Further, for example, the plurality of electrical contact surfaces 291 are arranged in the order of GND (ground) terminal 291B, SCK (serial clock) terminal 291C, PWR (power supply) terminal 291D, and SIO (data) terminal 291A in the first direction. You may.

Further, for example, the plurality of electrical contact surfaces 291 are arranged in the order of GND (ground) terminal 291B, PWR (power supply) terminal 291D, SIO (data) terminal 291A, and SCK (serial clock) terminal 291C in the first direction. You may.

Further, for example, the plurality of electrical contact surfaces 291 are arranged in the order of GND (ground) terminal 291B, PWR (power supply) terminal 291D, SCK (serial clock) terminal 291C, and SIO (data) terminal 291A in the first direction. You may.

Further, for example, the plurality of electrical contact surfaces 291 are arranged in the order of SCK (serial clock) terminal 291C, SIO (data) terminal 291A, GND (ground) terminal 291B, and PWR (power supply) terminal 291D in the first direction. You may.

Further, for example, the plurality of electrical contact surfaces 291 are arranged in the order of SCK (serial clock) terminal 291C, SIO (data) terminal 291A, PWR (power supply) terminal 291D, and GND (ground) terminal 291B in the first direction. You may.

Further, for example, the plurality of electrical contact surfaces 291 are arranged in the order of SCK (serial clock) terminal 291C, GND (ground) terminal 291B, SIO (data) terminal 291A, and PWR (power supply) terminal 291D in the first direction. You may.

Further, for example, the plurality of electrical contact surfaces 291 are arranged in the order of SCK (serial clock) terminal 291C, GND (ground) terminal 291B, PWR (power supply) terminal 291D, and SIO (data) terminal 291A in the first direction. You may.

Further, for example, the plurality of electrical contact surfaces 291 are arranged in the order of SCK (serial clock) terminal 291C, PWR (power supply) terminal 291D, SIO (data) terminal 291A, and GND (ground) terminal 291B in the first direction. You may.

Further, for example, the plurality of electrical contact surfaces 291 are arranged in the order of SCK (serial clock) terminal 291C, PWR (power supply) terminal 291D, GND (ground) terminal 291B, and SIO (data) terminal 291A in the first direction. You may.

Further, for example, the plurality of electrical contact surfaces 291 are arranged in the order of PWR (power supply) terminal 291D, SIO (data) terminal 291A, GND (ground) terminal 291B, and SCK (serial clock) terminal 291C in the first direction. You may.

Further, for example, the plurality of electrical contact surfaces 291 are arranged in the order of PWR (power supply) terminal 291D, SIO (data) terminal 291A, SCK (serial clock) terminal 291C, and GND (ground) terminal 291B in the first direction. You may.

Further, for example, the plurality of electrical contact surfaces 291 are arranged in the order of PWR (power supply) terminal 291D, GND (ground) terminal 291B, SIO (data) terminal 291A, and SCK (serial clock) terminal 291C in the first direction. You may.

Further, for example, the plurality of electrical contact surfaces 291 are arranged in the order of PWR (power supply) terminal 291D, GND (ground) terminal 291B, SCK (serial clock) terminal 291C, and SIO (data) terminal 291A in the first direction. You may.

Further, for example, the plurality of electrical contact surfaces 291 are arranged in the order of PWR (power supply) terminal 291D, SCK (serial clock) terminal 291C, SIO (data) terminal 291A, and GND (ground) terminal 291B in the first direction. You may.

Further, for example, the plurality of electrical contact surfaces 291 are arranged in the order of PWR (power supply) terminal 291D, SCK (serial clock) terminal 291C, GND (ground) terminal 291B, and SIO (data) terminal 291A in the first direction. You may.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the process cartridge 100 as viewed from the drum bottom plate 45 side. In FIG. 6, the positions 29 (A) to 29 (F) where the IC chip 29 can be arranged are shown by broken lines. Further, in FIG. 6, the transport path 9 of the printing paper is shown by a chain double-dashed line.

The IC chip 29 can be arranged on the outer surface of the drum bottom plate 45, for example, at positions 29 (A) to 29 (F). In this way, the electrical contact surface 181 of the IC chip 18 of the developing cartridge 1 and the electrical contact surface 291 of the IC chip 29 of the drum cartridge 2, which will be described later, face the same direction. Therefore, when the process cartridge 100 is inserted into the image forming apparatus, these two electrical contact surfaces 181,291 can be moved in the same posture and in the same direction. Therefore, it is easy to make sure that the electric contact surface 181 is in contact with the electric terminal of the image forming apparatus and that the electric contact surface 291 is surely brought into contact with the other electric terminals of the image forming apparatus.

Further, the direction of the force received by the electric contact surface 181 from the electric terminal of the image forming apparatus and the direction of the force received by the electric contact surface 291 from the electric terminal of the image forming apparatus are the same. Therefore, the process cartridge 100 can be easily positioned with respect to the image forming apparatus.

In the case of positions 29 (A) to 29 (C), 29 (E), 29 (F), the electrical contact surface 291 is located outside the transport opening 451 in the second direction. Specifically, in the case of positions 29 (A) to 29 (C), the electrical contact surface 291 is located between the transport opening 451 and the other end of the drum frame 21 in the second direction in the second direction. Located in. Further, in the case of the positions 29 (E) and 29 (F), the electrical contact surface 291 is located between the transport opening 451 and one end of the drum frame 21 in the second direction in the second direction. .. That is, the electrical contact surface 291 is arranged on the outer surface of the drum bottom plate 45 at a position avoiding the transfer path 9 of the printing paper. As a result, it is possible to prevent the transferred printing paper from coming into contact with the electrical contact surface 291.

In particular, in the case of position 29 (B), the electrical contact surface 291 is located on the opposite side of the first opening 452 with respect to the transport opening 451. That is, in a state where the developing cartridge 1 described later is mounted on the drum frame 21, at least a part of the electrical contact surface 291 is opposite to the electrical contact surface 181 exposed to the first opening 452 with respect to the transport opening 451. Located on the side. In this way, the electrical contact surfaces come into contact with the electrical terminals on both sides of the transport opening 451 in the second direction. As a result, the inclination of the electrical contact surface 181 and the electrical contact surface 291 with respect to the image forming apparatus is suppressed.

Further, in the case of the position 29 (D), the electrical contact surface 291 is located between the transport opening 451 and one end portion 211 of the drum frame 21 in the first direction in the first direction. Also in this case, the position of the electrical contact surface 291 is a position avoiding the transfer path 9 of the printing paper. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the transferred printing paper from coming into contact with the electrical contact surface 291. Further, the user has a handle 441 provided at the other end 212 of the drum frame 21 in the first direction. Therefore, by arranging the electrical contact surface 291 at the position 29 (D), it is possible to prevent the user from coming into contact with the electrical contact surface 291.

In the case of position 29 (D), at least a part of the electrical contact surface 291 may be located on the opposite side of the photosensitive drum 22 with respect to the transfer roller 23. Further, in the case of the position 29 (D), the electrical contact surface 291 and the photosensitive drum 22 may overlap in the third direction. Further, in the case of the position 29 (D), the position of the electrical contact surface 291 is preferably the center of the drum bottom plate 45 in the second direction. Specifically, it is preferable that at least one of the plurality of electrical contact surfaces 291 of the IC chip 29 overlaps the center of the transport opening 451 in the second direction in the first direction. However, the position of the electrical contact surface 291 may be a position deviated from the center of the drum bottom plate 45 in the second direction.

The drum bottom plate 45 has a first end portion 455 and a second end portion 456. The first end 455 is located on one side of the drum frame 21 in the second direction. The second end 456 is located on the other side of the drum frame 21 in the second direction. That is, the first end portion 455 is closer to the drum gear 251 than the second end portion 456. The first end portion 455 and the second end portion 456 are separated from each other in the second direction. The electrical contact surface 291 may be located on the outer surface of the first end portion 455, such as positions 29 (A), 29 (B), 29 (C). Further, the electrical contact surface 291 may be located on the outer surface of the second end portion 456, as in positions 29 (E) and 29 (F). In the case of the positions 29 (E) and 29 (F), it is possible to suppress the vibration from the drum gear 251 from being transmitted to the electrical contact surface 291.

<3. About developing cartridges>
7 and 8 are perspective views of the developing cartridge 1. Hereinafter, the developing cartridge 1 mounted on the drum cartridge 2 will be described with reference to the above-described first direction, second direction, and third direction. The developing cartridge 1 supplies toner, which is a developing agent, to the photosensitive drum 22 of the drum cartridge 2. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the developing cartridge 1 of the present embodiment includes a casing 11, an agitator 12, a developing roller 13, a supply roller 14, a gear portion 15, a developing electrode 16, a supply electrode 17, and an IC chip 18. Have.

The casing 11 is a housing capable of accommodating toner. The casing 11 has a first developed side plate 111 and a second developed side plate 112. The first developing side plate 111 is located at one end of the casing 11 in the second direction. The second developing side plate 112 is located at the other end of the casing 11 in the second direction. The first developing side plate 111 and the second developing side plate 112 are separated from each other in the second direction. The gear portion 15 is located on the outer surface of the first developing side plate 111. The developing electrode 16 and the supply electrode 17 are located on the outer surface of the second developing side plate 112. A storage chamber 113 is provided inside the casing 11. The toner is stored in the storage chamber 113. Further, the casing 11 has an opening 114. The opening 114 is located at one end of the casing 11 in the first direction. The containment chamber 113 and the outside communicate with each other through the opening 114.

Further, the casing 11 has a handle 115. The handle 115 is located at the other end of the casing 11 in the first direction, which is the end far from the developing roller 13. The user of the image forming apparatus holds the handle 115 when attaching / detaching the developing cartridge 1 to / from the drum cartridge 2. Further, the casing 11 has a plurality of ribs 116. The plurality of ribs 116 are located on the outer surface of both ends of the casing 11 in the third direction, which is far from the developing roller 13. The plurality of ribs 116 are arranged in the second direction at intervals from each other. Each rib 116 projects in a third direction from the outer surface of the casing 11.

The agitator 12 has an agitator shaft 121 and a stirring blade 122. The agitator shaft 121 is rotatable about a rotating shaft extending in the second direction. The stirring blade 122 extends radially outward from the agitator shaft 121. At least a part of the agitator shaft 121 and the stirring blade 122 are located in the accommodating chamber 113. One end of the agitator shaft 121 in the second direction is fixed to the agitator gear included in the gear portion 15. Therefore, the agitator shaft 121 and the stirring blade 122 are rotated by driving the gear portion. When the stirring blade 122 rotates, the toner in the accommodating chamber 113 is stirred.

The developing roller 13 is a roller that can rotate about a rotation axis (second axis) extending in the second direction. The developing roller 13 is located at the opening 114 of the casing 11. That is, the developing roller 13 is located at one end of the casing 11 in the first direction. When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 2, the surface of the developing roller 13 comes into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 22, which will be described later.

The developing roller 13 has a developing roller main body 131 and a developing roller shaft 132. The developing roller body 131 is a cylindrical member extending in the first direction. As the material of the developing roller main body 131, for example, elastic rubber is used. The developing roller shaft 132 is a columnar member that penetrates the developing roller main body 131 in the first direction. A metal or a conductive resin is used as the material of the developing roller shaft 132. The developing roller body 131 is fixed to the developing roller shaft 132 so that it cannot rotate relative to the developing roller shaft 132.

One end of the developing roller shaft 132 in the second direction is fixed to the developing roller gear included in the gear portion 15. Therefore, the developing roller shaft 132 and the developing roller main body 131 are rotated by the drive of the gear portion 15. The developing roller shaft 132 does not have to penetrate the developing roller main body 131 in the second direction. For example, the pair of developing roller shafts 132 may extend in the second direction from both ends of the developing roller main body 131 in the second direction.

The supply roller 14 is located between the developing roller 13 and the storage chamber 113. The supply roller 14 is a roller that can rotate about a rotation shaft (supply roller shaft) extending in the second direction. The supply roller 14 has a supply roller main body 141 and a supply roller shaft 142. The supply roller body 141 is a cylindrical member extending in the first direction. The outer peripheral surface of the supply roller main body 141 comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller main body 131. As the material of the supply roller body 141, for example, elastic rubber is used. The supply roller shaft 142 is a columnar member that penetrates the supply roller main body 141 in the first direction. A metal or a conductive resin is used as the material of the supply roller shaft 142. The supply roller body 141 is fixed to the supply roller shaft 142 so as not to rotate relative to the supply roller shaft 142.

One end of the supply roller shaft 142 in the second direction is fixed to the supply roller gear included in the gear portion 15. Therefore, the supply roller shaft 142 and the supply roller main body 141 are rotated by the drive of the gear portion 15. The supply roller shaft 142 does not have to penetrate the supply roller main body 141 in the second direction. For example, the pair of supply roller shafts 142 may extend in the second direction from both ends of the supply roller main body 141 in the second direction.

When the gear portion 15 is driven, toner is supplied from the accommodation chamber 113 in the casing 11 to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 13 via the supply roller 14. At that time, the toner is triboelectrically charged between the supply roller 14 and the developing roller 13. On the other hand, a bias voltage is applied to the developing roller shaft 132 of the developing roller 13. Therefore, the electrostatic force between the developing roller shaft 132 and the toner attracts the toner to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller main body 131.

Further, the developing cartridge 1 has a layer thickness regulating blade (not shown). The layer thickness regulating blade forms the toner supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller main body 131 to a constant thickness. After that, the toner on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller main body 131 is supplied to the photosensitive drum 22, which will be described later. At this time, the toner moves from the developing roller main body 131 to the photosensitive drum 22 according to the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 22. As a result, the electrostatic latent image is visualized on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 22.

The gear portion 15 is located on the outer surface of the first developing side plate 111 of the casing 11. The gear portion 15 includes a plurality of gears including the above-mentioned agitator gear, developing roller gear, and supply roller gear, a coupling 151, and a gear cover 152. The gear cover 152 is fixed to the first developing side plate 111 of the casing 11, for example, by screwing. At least a part of the plurality of gears is located between the first developing side plate 111 and the gear cover 152. The coupling 151 is exposed from the gear cover 152. When the process cartridge 100 is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the drive shaft of the image forming apparatus is connected to the coupling 151. Then, the rotation of the drive shaft is transmitted to a plurality of gears including the agitator gear, the developing roller gear, and the supply roller gear via the coupling 151.

The plurality of gears included in the gear portion 15 may transmit the rotational force by the meshing of the teeth, or may transmit the rotational force by friction.

The developing electrode 16 is an electrode for supplying electric power to the developing roller 13. The developing electrode 16 is located on the outer surface of the second developing side plate 112 of the casing 11. For the developing electrode 16, for example, a metal or a conductive resin is used. The developing electrode 16 rotatably supports the other end of the developing roller shaft 132 in the second direction while electrically contacting the other end of the developing roller shaft 132 in the second direction. Further, the developing electrode 16 has a developing contact surface 161. When the process cartridge 100 is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the developing contact surface 161 comes into contact with the electric terminals provided on the image forming apparatus. As a result, electric power is supplied from the image forming apparatus to the developing roller shaft 132.

The supply electrode 17 is an electrode for supplying electric power to the supply roller 14. The supply electrode 17 is located on the outer surface of the second developing side plate 112 of the casing 11. For the supply electrode 17, for example, a metal or a conductive resin is used. The supply electrode 17 rotatably supports the other end of the supply roller shaft 142 in the second direction while electrically contacting the other end of the supply roller shaft 142 in the second direction. Further, the supply electrode 17 has a supply contact surface 181. When the process cartridge 100 is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the supply contact surface 181 comes into contact with the electrodes provided on the image forming apparatus. As a result, the bias voltage is supplied from the image forming apparatus to the supply roller shaft 142. As a result, a bias voltage is generated between the developing roller 13 and the supply roller 14.

The IC chip 18 is a plate-shaped storage medium (second storage medium). Various information regarding the developing cartridge 1 (for example, information regarding the life of parts such as the developing roller 13) is stored in the IC chip 18. As shown in FIG. 8, the IC chip 18 is located at one end of the casing 11 in the second direction. In the present embodiment, the IC chip 18 is fixed to the outer surface of the gear cover 152 at both ends in the third direction, which is far from the developing roller 13. However, the IC chip 18 may be fixed to the outer surface of both ends of the casing 11 in the third direction, which is far from the developing roller 13.

The IC chip 18 has a plurality of electrical contact surfaces 181 (second electrical contact surfaces). The plurality of electrical contact surfaces 181 are aligned in the second direction. Each electrical contact surface 181 is a surface perpendicular to the third direction. However, the number of electrical contact surfaces 181 of the IC chip 18 may be one. The electrical contact surface 181 is made of a metal that is a conductor. When the process cartridge 100 is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the electrical contact surface 181 comes into contact with the electric terminals provided on the image forming apparatus. As a result, the electric terminal and the electric contact surface 181 are electrically conductive. As a result, the image forming apparatus can at least one of reading information from the IC chip 18 and writing information to the IC chip 18.

<4. Modification example>
Although the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

For example, in the above embodiment, an IC chip having an electrical contact surface is fixed to the outer surface of the drum frame. However, only the electrical contact surface may be fixed to the outer surface of the drum frame, and the portion other than the electrical contact surface of the IC chip may be arranged at another place of the drum cartridge.

Further, the first direction and the second direction do not have to be orthogonal to each other. Further, the second direction and the third direction do not have to be orthogonal to each other. Further, the first direction and the third direction do not have to be orthogonal to each other.

Further, the detailed shapes of the developing cartridge and the drum cartridge may be different from the shapes shown in the respective drawings of the present application. Further, the elements appearing in the above-described embodiments and modifications may be appropriately combined as long as there is no contradiction.

1 Development cartridge 2 Drum cartridge 9 Transfer path 11 Casing 12 Agitator 13 Development roller 14 Supply roller 15 Gear part 16 Development electrode 17 Supply electrode 18 IC chip 21 Drum frame 22 Photosensitive drum 23 Transfer roller 24 Transfer roller 25 Gear part 26 Charger 27 1st pressing member 28 2nd pressing member 29 IC chip 31 Frame body 32 Frame cover 41 1st drum side plate 42 2nd drum side plate 43 1st connecting plate 44 2nd connecting plate 45 Drum bottom plate 100 Process cartridge 181 Electrical contact surface 210 Recess 211 One end 212 One end 221 Drum body 222 Drum shaft 251 Drum gear 252 Coupling 261 Charging electrode 291 Electrical contact surface 441 Handle 451 Conveyance opening 452 First opening

Claims (33)

A drum frame to which a developing cartridge can be mounted, including one end in the first direction and the other end separated from the one end in the first direction.
1st drum side plate and
A second drum side plate separated from the first drum side plate in the second direction,
A drum bottom plate that connects the first drum side plate and the second drum side plate and has a transport opening, and a drum bottom plate.
With a drum frame,
A photosensitive drum that is rotatable about a first axis extending in the second direction, is located at one end of the photosensitive drum, and is located between the first drum side plate and the second drum side plate.
With the developing cartridge mounted on the drum frame, it includes a first storage medium including a first electrical contact surface located on the exposed outer surface of the drum bottom plate .
The developing cartridge comprises a second storage medium having a second electrical contact surface.
The drum bottom plate has a first opening and
A drum cartridge characterized in that the second electrical contact surface is exposed from the first opening when the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum frame. The drum cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a transfer roller located at one end of the transfer roller that is rotatable with respect to the transfer roller shaft extending in the second direction. A transfer roller that is rotatable about a transfer roller shaft extending in the second direction, further comprising a transfer roller located on the opposite side of the transfer opening with respect to the transfer opening in the first direction. The drum cartridge according to claim 2. The drum cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second direction is a direction intersecting with the first direction. At least a part of the first electrical contact surface is located on the opposite side of the second electrical contact surface with respect to the transport opening when the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum frame. The drum cartridge according to claim 4. A drum frame to which a developing cartridge can be mounted, including one end in the first direction and the other end separated from the one end in the first direction.
1st drum side plate and
A second drum side plate separated from the first drum side plate in the second direction,
A drum bottom plate that connects the first drum side plate and the second drum side plate and has a transport opening, and a drum bottom plate.
With a drum frame,
A photosensitive drum that is rotatable about a first axis extending in the second direction, is located at one end of the photosensitive drum, and is located between the first drum side plate and the second drum side plate.
With the developing cartridge mounted on the drum frame, a first storage medium including a first electrical contact surface located on the exposed outer surface of the drum bottom plate, and
A transfer roller that is rotatable about a transfer roller shaft extending in the second direction, and a transfer roller located at one end thereof.
With
Wherein at least a portion of said first electrical contact surface, the drum cartridge, characterized in that located on the opposite side of the photosensitive drum to the transfer roller. A drum frame to which a developing cartridge can be mounted, including one end in the first direction and the other end separated from the one end in the first direction.
1st drum side plate and
A second drum side plate separated from the first drum side plate in the second direction,
A drum bottom plate that connects the first drum side plate and the second drum side plate and has a transport opening, and a drum bottom plate.
With a drum frame,
A photosensitive drum that is rotatable about a first axis extending in the second direction, is located at one end of the photosensitive drum, and is located between the first drum side plate and the second drum side plate.
With the development cartridge mounted on the drum frame, with a first storage medium including a first electrical contact surface located on the exposed outer surface of the drum bottom plate.
With
The photosensitive drum is
A drum gear that is rotatable about the first axis and has a drum gear located on one side of the drum frame in the second direction.
The drum bottom plate is
A first end located on one side of the drum frame in the second direction,
The first end portion is a second end portion separated in the second direction, and the first end portion is
Have,
It said first electrical contact surface, the drum cartridge, characterized in that located on the outer surface of the first end. The photosensitive drum is
A drum gear that is rotatable about the first axis and has a drum gear located on one side of the drum frame in the second direction.
The drum bottom plate is
A first end located on one side of the drum frame in the second direction,
The first end portion is a second end portion separated in the second direction, and the first end portion is
Have,
The drum cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the first electrical contact surface is located on the outer surface of the second end portion. A drum frame to which a developing cartridge can be mounted, including one end in the first direction and the other end separated from the one end in the first direction.
1st drum side plate and
A second drum side plate separated from the first drum side plate in the second direction,
A drum bottom plate that connects the first drum side plate and the second drum side plate and has a transport opening, and a drum bottom plate.
With a drum frame,
A photosensitive drum that is rotatable about a first axis extending in the second direction, is located at one end of the photosensitive drum, and is located between the first drum side plate and the second drum side plate.
With the development cartridge mounted on the drum frame, with a first storage medium including a first electrical contact surface located on the exposed outer surface of the drum bottom plate.
With
Said first electrical contact surface, wherein in the second direction, the drum cartridge, characterized in that located outside the said transport opening. A drum frame to which a developing cartridge can be mounted, including one end in the first direction and the other end separated from the one end in the first direction.
1st drum side plate and
A second drum side plate separated from the first drum side plate in the second direction,
A drum bottom plate that connects the first drum side plate and the second drum side plate and has a transport opening, and a drum bottom plate.
With a drum frame,
A photosensitive drum that is rotatable about a first axis extending in the second direction, is located at one end of the photosensitive drum, and is located between the first drum side plate and the second drum side plate.
With the development cartridge mounted on the drum frame, with a first storage medium including a first electrical contact surface located on the exposed outer surface of the drum bottom plate.
With
It said first electrical contact surface, wherein in the first direction, the drum cartridge, characterized in that located between the conveying opening and the end portion. The drum cartridge according to claim 10 , wherein the photosensitive drum overlaps with the first electrical contact surface in a third direction intersecting the two directions of the first direction and the second direction. The drum cartridge according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein the first electrical contact surface is located at the center of the drum bottom plate in the second direction. The drum cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , wherein the first storage medium having the first electrical contact surface is fixed to the outer surface of the drum frame. The drum cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 13 , which is a charger for charging the surface of the photosensitive drum and includes a charger located at one end of the photosensitive drum. The drum cartridge according to claim 14 , wherein the charger is a scorotron type charger. A drum frame to which a developing cartridge can be mounted, including one end in the first direction and the other end separated from the one end in the first direction.
1st drum side plate and
A second drum side plate separated from the first drum side plate in the second direction,
A drum bottom plate that connects the first drum side plate and the second drum side plate and has a transport opening, and a drum bottom plate.
With a drum frame,
A photosensitive drum that is rotatable about a first axis extending in the second direction, is located at one end of the photosensitive drum, and is located between the first drum side plate and the second drum side plate.
With the development cartridge mounted on the drum frame, with a first storage medium including a first electrical contact surface located on the exposed outer surface of the drum bottom plate.
With
The developing cartridge is
It has a developing roller that is rotatable about the second axis extending in the second direction.
In the state of mounting the developing cartridge to the drum frame, a pressing member for pressing the developing roller to the photosensitive drum, drum, characterized in that it further comprises a pressing member located on the other end cartridge. A one end portion in the first direction and the other end portion separated from the one end portion in the first direction are included.
1st drum side plate and
A second drum side plate separated from the first drum side plate in the second direction,
A drum bottom plate that connects the first drum side plate and the second drum side plate and has a transport opening, and a drum bottom plate.
With a drum frame,
A photosensitive drum that is rotatable about a first axis extending in the second direction, is located at one end of the drum frame, and is located between the first drum side plate and the second drum side plate. ,
A drum cartridge including a first storage medium including a first electrical contact surface, and
A housing that can accommodate toner and includes one end in the first direction and the other end that is separated from the one end in the first direction.
A developing roller that is rotatable about a second axis extending in the second direction and is located at one end of the housing.
A second storage medium including a second electrical contact surface located on the outer surface of the housing,
And a developing cartridge that can be mounted on the drum frame
With
The first storage medium is a process cartridge characterized in that the development cartridge is located on the exposed outer surface of the drum bottom plate when the development cartridge is mounted on the drum frame. The drum cartridge is
The process cartridge according to claim 17 , further comprising a transfer roller located at one end of the drum frame, which is a transfer roller that is rotatable with respect to the transfer roller shaft extending in the second direction. The drum cartridge is
A transfer roller that is rotatable about a transfer roller shaft extending in the second direction, further comprising a transfer roller located on the opposite side of the transfer opening with respect to the transfer opening in the first direction. The process cartridge according to claim 18. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 17 to 19 , wherein the second direction is a direction intersecting with the first direction. The drum bottom plate has a first opening and
The second electrical contact surface is according to any one of claims 17 to 20 , wherein the developing cartridge is exposed from the first opening when the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum frame. Process cartridge. At least a part of the first electrical contact surface is located on the opposite side of the second electrical contact surface with respect to the transport opening when the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum frame. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 17 to 21. The process cartridge according to claim 18 , wherein at least a part of the first electrical contact surface is located on the opposite side of the photosensitive drum with respect to the transfer roller. The photosensitive drum is
A drum gear that is rotatable about the first axis and has a drum gear located on one side of the drum frame in the second direction.
The drum bottom plate is
A first end located on one side of the drum frame in the second direction,
The first end portion is a second end portion separated in the second direction, and the first end portion is
Have,
The process cartridge according to any one of claims 18 to 23 , wherein the first electrical contact surface is located on the outer surface of the first end portion. The photosensitive drum is
A drum gear that is rotatable about the first axis and has a drum gear located on one side of the drum frame in the second direction.
The drum bottom plate is
A first end located on one side of the drum frame in the second direction,
The first end portion is a second end portion separated in the second direction, and the first end portion is
Have,
The process cartridge according to any one of claims 17 to 23 , wherein the first electrical contact surface is located on the outer surface of the second end portion. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 17 to 25 , wherein the first electrical contact surface is located outside the transport opening in the second direction. The first electrical contact surface is located between the transport opening and the one end portion of the drum frame in the first direction, according to any one of claims 17 to 21. The described process cartridge. The process cartridge according to claim 27 , wherein the first electrical contact surface and the photosensitive drum overlap in a third direction that intersects the two directions of the first direction and the second direction. 28. The process cartridge according to claim 27 or 28 , wherein the first electrical contact surface is located in the center of the drum bottom plate in the second direction. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 17 to 29 , wherein the first storage medium having the first electrical contact surface is fixed to the outer surface of the drum frame. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 30 , wherein the charging device for charging the surface of the photosensitive drum includes a charging device located at one end of the drum frame. Process cartridge. The process cartridge according to claim 31 , wherein the charger is a scorotron type charger. The developing cartridge is
It has a developing roller that is rotatable about the second axis extending in the second direction.
It is a pressing member that presses the developing roller toward the photosensitive drum when the developing cartridge is mounted on the drum frame, and further includes a pressing member located at the other end of the drum frame. The process cartridge according to any one of claims 17 to 32.

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