Cartridge including holder for holding electrical contact surface and method of recycling cartridge

A cartridge includes: a housing; a storage medium; and a holder. The storage medium has an electrical contact surface. The holder is movable relative to the housing. The holder includes: a first holder member; and a second holder member. The first holder member has a pawl portion and is configured to hold the electrical contact surface. The second holder member includes a corner portion. The pawl portion is engageable with the corner portion. The second holder member has a through-hole. An engagement part of the pawl portion engaging with the corner portion is accessible from outside the second holder member through the through-hole in a state where the pawl portion engages with the corner portion.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-065738 filed Apr. 1, 2020. The entire content of the priority application is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a cartridge, and a method of recycling a cartridge.

BACKGROUND

Electrophotographic image-forming devices, such as laser printers and LED printers, are well known in the art. Such image-forming devices use a developing cartridge. The developing cartridge has a developing roller for supplying toner. A prior art describes one such conventional developing cartridge. The developing cartridge includes a holder for holding a storage medium.

SUMMARY

When recycling a developing cartridge having a storage medium, the information in the storage medium may be overwritten or the storage medium itself is replaced. However, in the structure of the developing cartridge described above, a cover for covering the holder may be fixed to the housing of the developing cartridge by a screw. Consequently, the cover is necessary to be removed when information in the storage medium is overwritten or the storage medium itself is replaced, thereby increasing the workload required for recycling the cartridge. Further, after repeatedly removing and inserting a screw used to fix the cover, the screw hole may become deformed and no longer able to fix the screw firmly.

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a technology capable of reducing the workload required for, for example, recycling a cartridge possessing a holder.

In order to attain the above and other objects, according to one aspect, the present disclosure provides a cartridge including: a housing; a storage medium; and a holder. The storage medium has an electrical contact surface. The holder is movable relative to the housing. The holder includes: a first holder member; and a second holder member. The first holder member has a pawl portion. The first holder member is configured to hold the electrical contact surface. The second holder member includes a corner portion. The pawl portion is engageable with the corner portion. The second holder member has a through-hole. An engagement part of the pawl portion engaging with the corner portion is accessible from outside the second holder member through the through-hole in a state where the pawl portion engages with the corner portion.

According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of recycling a cartridge. The cartridge includes a holder. The holder has: a first holder member; and a second holder member. The first holder member is configured to hold an electrical contact surface. The first holder member engages with the second holder member. The method includes: (a) releasing; and (b) removing. The (a) releasing releases engagement of the first holder member with the second holder member. The (b) removing removes the first holder member from the second holder member in a state where the second holder member remains held in the cartridge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Next, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described while referring to the accompanying drawings.

In the following description of the embodiment, a direction crossing electrical contact surfaces of a memory will be referred to as “first direction.” Further a direction in which a rotational axis of a developing roller extends will be referred to as “second direction.” Further, with respect to a housing of a developing cartridge including the developing roller, a direction connecting one side of the housing to another side opposite to the one side will be referred to as “third direction.” The first direction and the second direction cross each other (and preferably are orthogonal to each other). The second direction and the third direction cross each other (and preferably are orthogonal to each other). The third direction and the first direction cross each other (and preferably are orthogonal to each other).

1. Overall Structure of a Developing Cartridge

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a developing cartridge1. The developing cartridge1is used in an electrophotographic image-forming device. The electrophotographic image-forming device may be a laser printer or an LED printer, for example. The developing cartridge1is attached to a drum cartridge. With the developing cartridge1attached thereto, the drum cartridge is attached to the image-forming device. The developing cartridge1supplies developer to a photosensitive drum provided in the drum cartridge. The developer is toner, for example.

Note that one or more developing cartridges1may be attached to a single drum cartridge.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the developing cartridge1has a casing10, a developing roller20, a gear cover30, a memory assembly40, and a holder cover80.

The casing10is a housing that can accommodate developer therein. The casing10has a first outer surface11and a second outer surface12. The first outer surface11and the second outer surface12are separated from each other in the second direction. The gear cover30, the memory assembly40, and the holder cover80are positioned at the first outer surface11. The casing10extends in the second direction between the first outer surface11and the second outer surface12. An accommodating chamber13is provided inside the casing10for accommodating developer.

The developing roller20rotates about a rotational axis extending in the second direction. The casing10has an opening14. The opening14allows the accommodating chamber13to be communicated with the outside of the casing10. The opening14is positioned at one end portion of the casing10in the third direction. The developing roller20is positioned in the opening14. Hence, the developing roller20is also positioned at the one end portion of the casing10in the third direction.

The developing roller20has a developing-roller body21, and a developing-roller shaft22. The developing-roller body21is a cylindrically shaped member extending in the second direction. An elastic rubber is used as the material of the developing-roller body21, for example. The developing-roller shaft22is a columnar member that penetrates the developing-roller body21in the second direction. A metal or conductive resin is used as the material of the developing-roller shaft22.

Note that the developing-roller shaft22need not penetrate through the developing-roller body21in the second direction. For example, developing-roller shafts22may extend outward in the second direction from both ends of the developing-roller body21in the second direction.

The developing-roller body21is fixed to the developing-roller shaft22so as not to be relatively rotatable to the developing-roller shaft22. Further, one end portion of the developing-roller shaft22on one side in the second direction is fixed to a developing-roller gear (not illustrated) so as not to be relatively rotatable to the developing-roller gear. Hence, when the developing-roller gear rotates, the developing-roller shaft22also rotates, and the developing-roller body21rotates together with the developing-roller shaft22.

When the developing cartridge1receives a drive force, developer is supplied from the accommodating chamber13in the casing10onto the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller20via a supply roller (not illustrated). At this time, the developer is tribocharged between the supply roller and the developing roller20. Additionally, a bias voltage is applied to the developing-roller shaft22of the developing roller20. Accordingly, the electrostatic force between the developing-roller shaft22and the developer attracts developer to the outer circumferential surface of the developing-roller body21.

The developing cartridge1also has a thickness-regulating blade (not illustrated). The thickness-regulating blade regulates a layer of developer supplied onto the outer circumferential surface of the developing-roller body21at a uniform thickness. Subsequently, the developer carried on the outer circumferential surface of the developing-roller body21is supplied onto the photosensitive drum in the drum cartridge. At this time, developer is transferred from the developing-roller body21onto the photosensitive drum in areas of an electrostatic latent image formed on the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum, thereby developing the latent image into a visible image carried on the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum.

The gear cover30is positioned at one end of the casing10in the first direction. The gear cover30is fixed to the first outer surface11of the casing10. Together with the casing10, the gear cover30configures the housing of the developing cartridge1. A plurality of gears including the developing-roller gear described above is disposed between the first outer surface11of the casing10and the gear cover30.

2. Memory Assembly and Holder Cover

Next, the memory assembly40and the holder cover80will be described.FIG. 2is a partial exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge1.FIG. 3is a perspective view of the memory assembly40.FIG. 4is an exploded perspective view of the memory assembly40.FIGS. 5 through 7are cross-sectional views of the memory assembly40.FIG. 8is a cross-sectional view of the memory assembly40taken along a line VIII-VIII inFIG. 5.

The memory assembly40is positioned at the one end of the casing10in the second direction. Specifically, the memory assembly40is positioned at the outer surface of the gear cover30. As illustrated inFIGS. 2 through 7, the memory assembly40has a memory41, and a holder42that holds the memory41. The memory41is positioned at the outer surface of one side of the holder42in the first direction.

The memory41is a storage medium that stores information related to the developing cartridge1. The memory41stores at least one of identification information and lifetime information for the developing cartridge1. The identification information includes at least one of a manufacturing serial number for the developing cartridge1, and an ID code indicating that the developing cartridge1is a genuine product, for example. The lifetime information includes at least one of the developer capacity of the developing cartridge1, the life of the developing roller20, information indicating whether the developing cartridge1is a new product, the accumulated number of rotations of the developing roller20, the accumulated number of pages printed with the developing roller20, and error history, for example. In addition to identification information and lifetime information, the memory41may store compatible models for the developing cartridge1and the like.

The memory41has four electrical contact surfaces411. The four electrical contact surfaces411are surfaces on which metal conductors are exposed. The four electrical contact surfaces411are electrically connected to the memory41. The four electrical contact surfaces411are arranged in the second direction. Although four electrical contact surfaces411are used in the present embodiment, the number of electrical contact surfaces411the memory41has may be three or less or five or greater.

As illustrated inFIGS. 2 through 7, the holder42has a first end portion51and a second end portion61. The first end portion51constitutes an end portion of the holder42at one side in the first direction. The second end portion61constitutes an end portion of the holder42at another side in the first direction. The first end portion51and the second end portion61are separated in the first direction. Additionally, the first end portion51can move relative to the second end portion61in the first direction.

More specifically, the holder42in the present embodiment has a first holder member50, a second holder member60, and a coil spring70positioned between the first holder member50and the second holder member60. The first holder member50is made of a resin material, for example. The second holder member60is also made of a resin material, for example. The first holder member50can move relative to the second holder member60in the first direction. The first holder member50has the first end portion51described above. The memory41is held at the outer surface of the first end portion51. The second holder member60has the second end portion61described above.

The coil spring70is an elastic member extending in the first direction. The coil spring70is positioned between the first end portion51and the second end portion61in the first direction. One end of the coil spring70in the first direction is connected to the first holder member50. The other end of the coil spring70in the first direction is connected to the second holder member60. The coil spring70can expand and contract in the first direction between at least a first state, and a second state in which the coil spring70contracts more than the first state. The length of the coil spring70in the first direction is greater when the coil spring70is in the first state than when the coil spring70is in the second state. Therefore, the distance in the first direction between the first end portion51and the second end portion61when the coil spring70is in the first state is greater than the distance in the first direction between the first end portion51and the second end portion61when the coil spring70is in the second state. Further, the length of the coil spring70in the first direction at least when the coil spring70is in the second state is shorter than the natural length of the coil spring70.

As illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 4 through 7, the first holder member50has a first pawl portion52and a second pawl portion53. The first pawl portion52and the second pawl portion53are arranged in the second direction.

The first pawl portion52has a first arm part521and a first hook part522. The first arm part521extends in the first direction from the surface of the first holder member50on the other side in the first direction toward the second end portion61. The first hook part522protrudes toward one side in the second direction from the distal end of the first arm part521.

The second pawl portion53has a second arm part531and a second hook part532. The second arm part531extends in the first direction from the surface of the first holder member50at the other side in the first direction toward the second end portion61. The second hook part532protrudes toward another side in the second direction from the distal end of the second arm part531.

As illustrated inFIGS. 5 through 7, the second holder member60includes a first corner portion62and a second corner portion63. The first corner portion62and the second corner portion63are positioned inside the second holder member60. The first corner portion62is a portion at which a surface extending in the first direction and a surface extending in the second direction cross each other. The second corner portion63is also a portion at which a surface extending in the first direction and a surface extending in the second direction cross each other. The first corner portion62is positioned at the one side of the second corner portion63in the second direction.

The first hook part522of the first pawl portion52engages with the first corner portion62. The second hook part532of the second pawl portion53engages with the second corner portion63.

When the coil spring70is in the first state illustrated inFIG. 5, the first hook part522contacts the first corner portion62and the second hook part532contacts the second corner portion63. This contact prevents the coil spring70from expanding farther in the first direction from the first state. In other words, this contact prevents the length of the coil spring70in the first direction from becoming greater than that when the coil spring70is in the first state. This contact also prevents the first holder member50from being removed from the second holder member60. On the other hand, when the coil spring70is in the second state illustrated inFIG. 6, the first hook part522is separated from the first corner portion62toward the other side in the first direction and the second hook part532is separated from the second corner portion63toward the other side in the first direction.

The first holder member50also has a sleeve part54and a guide rib55. The sleeve part54has a cylindrical shape that extends in the first direction around the coil spring70. The guide rib55protrudes in the second direction from the sleeve part54and extends in the first direction. As illustrated inFIG. 8, the second holder member60has a key groove69extending in the first direction. The guide rib55is inserted into the key groove69. With this configuration, the first holder member50is guided in the first direction relative to the second holder member60.

The holder cover80is a member that covers at least a portion of the holder42. The holder cover80is fixed to the outer surface of the gear cover30. Specifically, the holder cover80is fastened by a screw to the gear cover30. Therefore, the holder cover80can move together with the casing10and the gear cover30. The second holder member60is held between the outer surface of the gear cover30and the holder cover80.

Note that the holder cover80may be directly fastened by a screw to the casing10rather than being fastened by a screw to the gear cover30. The action of fastening the holder cover80to the gear cover30with a screw will also be referred to as fastening the holder cover80to the housing with a screw.

As will be described later, even when the holder cover80is fastened with a screw, the first holder member50of the holder42can be removed alone from the holder cover80without removing the screw from the holder cover80. Since the screw is not removed from the holder cover80in this configuration, the first holder member50of the holder42can be removed alone from the holder cover80in a state where the precise position of the holder cover80fastened with the screw is maintained. Further, since the screw does not need to be removed, this configuration reduces the number of times that the holder cover80or the casing10are fastened with a screw due to the removal of the screw. Accordingly, the holder cover80or the casing10can be used for a long period of time. This is particularly advantageous when the developing cartridge1is recycled.

The second holder member60includes a first boss64, a second boss65, and a third boss66. The first boss64extends in the second direction toward the holder cover80from the surface of the second holder member60at the side opposite to the surface facing the gear cover30. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the holder cover80also has a cover hole81. The cover hole81penetrates the holder cover80in the second direction. The first boss64is inserted into the cover hole81.

The second boss65and the third boss66extend in the second direction toward the gear cover30from the surface of the second holder member60facing the gear cover30. In other words, the second boss65and the third boss66are positioned at the opposite side of the holder42from the first boss64. The second boss65and the third boss66are arranged in the third direction. In addition, the gear cover30has a first housing recess31and a second housing recess32. The first housing recess31and the second housing recess32are recessed inward from the outer surface of the gear cover30toward the other side in the second direction. The first housing recess31and the second housing recess32are arranged in the third direction. The second boss65is inserted into the first housing recess31, and the third boss66is inserted into the second housing recess32.

Each of the first boss64, the second boss65, and the third boss66may have a columnar shape or a prismatic shape.

The size (inner dimension) of the cover hole81in the third direction is greater than the size (outer dimension) of the first boss64in the third direction. Therefore, the first boss64can move in the third direction inside the cover hole81. Further, the size (inner dimension) of the first housing recess31in the third direction is greater than the size (outer dimension) of the second boss65in the third direction. Therefore, the second boss65can move in the third direction inside the first housing recess31. Further, the size (inner dimension) of the second housing recess32in the third direction is greater than the size (outer dimension) of the third boss66in the third direction. Therefore, the third boss66can move in the third direction inside the second housing recess32.

Accordingly, the second holder member60can move together with the first boss64, the second boss65, and the third boss66in the third direction relative to the casing10, the gear cover30, and the holder cover80. When the second holder member60moves in the third direction, the first holder member50moves together with the second holder member60in the third direction and the electrical contact surfaces411held on the first holder member50also move in the third direction.

Further, the size (inner dimension) of the cover hole81in the first direction is greater than the size (outer dimension) of the first boss64in the first direction. Therefore, the first boss64can move in the first direction inside the cover hole81. Further, the size (inner dimension) of the first housing recess31in the first direction is greater than the size (outer dimension) of the second boss65in the first direction. Therefore, the second boss65can move in the first direction inside the first housing recess31. Further, the size (inner dimension) of the second housing recess32in the first direction is greater than the size (outer dimension) of the third boss66in the first direction. Therefore, the third boss66can move in the first direction inside the second housing recess32.

Accordingly, the second holder member60can move together with the first boss64, the second boss65, and the third boss66in the first direction relative to the casing10, the gear cover30, and the holder cover80. When the second holder member60moves in the first direction, the first holder member50moves in the first direction together with the second holder member60and the electrical contact surfaces411held on the first holder member50also move in the first direction.

Note that the number of cover holes81formed in the holder cover80may be two or greater. Likewise, the number of bosses inserted into the cover holes81may be two or greater. Further, the number of housing recesses formed in the gear cover30may be one or may be three or greater. Likewise, the number of bosses inserted into these housing recesses may be one or may be three or greater. Further, in place of the housing recesses, the gear cover30may have housing holes for inserting the bosses thereinto.

Further, the second holder member60may be capable of moving in the second direction between the gear cover30and the holder cover80.

FIG. 9illustrates the state of the memory assembly40when the developing cartridge1is attached to the drum cartridge. As illustrated inFIG. 9, the drum cartridge includes a first guide plate91and a second guide plate92. The first guide plate91and the second guide plate92are arranged facing each other to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction.

The first guide plate91has a metal electrical connector93capable of contacting the electrical contact surfaces411of the memory41. The electrical connector93protrudes in the first direction from the surface of the first guide plate91toward the second guide plate92. The first guide plate91has a guide protrusion94that protrudes toward the second guide plate92. The guide protrusion94is positioned at a position closer to the insertion opening for the developing cartridge1and the drum cartridge than the electrical connector93.

When the developing cartridge1is attached to the drum cartridge, the holder42is inserted between the first guide plate91and the second guide plate92. At this time, the first holder member50contacts the first guide plate91, and the second holder member60contacts the second guide plate92. By moving relative to the casing10, the holder42becomes positioned between the first guide plate91and the second guide plate92.

Subsequently, when the guide protrusion94presses against the first holder member50, the coil spring70contracts from the first state to the second state to shorten the length thereof in the first direction. Consequently, the distance in the first direction between the first end51and the second end61is reduced. After the first holder member50passes over the guide protrusion94, the coil spring70once again expands in the first direction to lengthen the length thereof in the first direction. As a result, the electrical contact surfaces411of the memory41comes in contact with the electrical connector93. In other words, the memory41and electrical connector93become electrically connected.

As described above, the holder42can move relative to the casing10in the first direction and in the third direction. Additionally, the holder42can expand and contract in the first direction. Hence, when the developing cartridge1is inserted into the drum cartridge, the electrical contact surfaces411can be moved along the guide protrusion94irrespective of the posture of the casing10. Moreover, the electrical contact surfaces411can be brought into contact with the electrical connector93in the first direction. As a result, friction of the electrical contact surfaces411can be suppressed.

Further, after attachment of the developing cartridge1to the drum cartridge, the drum cartridge can perform a “separating operation” in which the developing roller20is temporarily pulled away from the photosensitive drum. In the separating operation, a drive force supplied from the image-forming device moves the casing10of the developing cartridge1toward another side in the third direction relative to the drum cartridge.

At the time of this separating operation, the memory assembly40is interposed between the electrical connector93and the second guide plate92and is fixed in place. Accordingly, while the casing10and developing roller20move in the third direction, the position of the memory assembly40relative to the drum cartridge does not change. Hence, during the separating operation, the state of contact between the electrical contact surfaces411and the electrical connector93can be maintained. Further, friction between the electrical contact surfaces411and the electrical connector93can be suppressed.

3. Structure for Recycling

When recycling the developing cartridge1, the information in the memory41is overwritten or the memory41itself is replaced. If the holder cover80is necessary to be removed from the gear cover30for this purpose, the workload required for, for example, recycling is increased. Further, since the holder cover80is fastened to the gear cover30with a screw, the screw hole formed in the gear cover30may become deformed after repeatedly removing and inserting a screw.

Therefore, the developing cartridge1according to the present embodiment has a structure for removing the first holder member50in a state where the second holder member60remains between the gear cover30and the holder cover80. This structure will be described next.

As illustrated inFIGS. 5 through 7, the second holder member60has a first through-hole67and a second through-hole68.

The first through-hole67penetrates the first boss64in the second direction. When the first hook part522of the first pawl portion52engages with the first corner portion62, the first hook part522can be accessed from outside the second holder member60through the first through-hole67. That is, the first through-hole67is a hole that penetrates the first boss64in the second direction toward the first hook part522from the one side of the second holder member60in the second direction.

The second holder member60has a surface on the other side in the first direction, and the second through-hole68penetrates this surface of the second holder member60in the first direction. When the second hook part532of the second pawl portion53engages with the second corner portion63, the second hook part532can be accessed from outside the second holder member60through the second through-hole68. That is, the second through-hole68is a hole that penetrates the second holder member60in the first direction toward the second hook part532from the other side of the second holder member60in the first direction.

When recycling the developing cartridge1, a screwdriver or other tool is inserted into the first through-hole67from the one side of the second holder member60in the second direction in a state where the first boss64remains inserted into the cover hole81of the holder cover80. Using the distal end of this tool, the first hook part522is pressed in a direction away from the first corner portion62. As a result, the engagement of the first hook part522with the first corner portion62is released. A screwdriver or other tool is also inserted into the second through-hole68from the other side of the second holder member60in the first direction. Using the distal end of this tool, the second hook part532is pressed in a direction away from the second corner portion63. As a result, the engagement of the second hook part532with the second corner portion63is released.

After the engagement of the first pawl portion52with the first corner portion62and the engagement of the second pawl portion53with the second corner portion63are released, the first pawl portion52and the second pawl portion53are subsequently pulled out from the second holder member60toward the one side in the first direction, as indicated by the dashed arrow A1inFIG. 7. Through this operation, the first holder member50is removed from the second holder member60in a state where the second holder member60remains held between the gear cover30and the holder cover80.

Next, information stored on the memory41held on the first holder member50is overwritten or the memory41itself is replaced. Subsequently, the first pawl portion52and the second pawl portion53of the first holder member50are reinserted into the second holder member60, as indicated by the dashed arrow A2inFIG. 7. The first pawl portion52and the second pawl portion53are inserted until the first hook part522of the first pawl portion52comes into re-engagement with the first corner portion62and the second hook part532of the second pawl portion53comes into re-engagement with the second corner portion63.

With the developing cartridge1according to the structure described above, the second holder member60has the first through-hole67that allows the first pawl portion52of the first holder member50to be accessed from outside the second holder member60. Hence, the engagement of the first pawl portion52with the first corner portion62can be released by pressing the first pawl portion52through the first through-hole67. In addition, the second holder member60of the developing cartridge1has the second through-hole68that allows the second pawl portion53of the first holder member50to be accessed from outside the second holder member60. Hence, the engagement of the second pawl portion53with the second corner portion63can be released by pressing the second pawl portion53through the second through-hole68. Accordingly, the first holder member50can be removed in a state where the second holder member60remains between the gear cover30and the holder cover80.

Through this configuration, the holder cover80need not be removed from the gear cover30when recycling the developing cartridge1. Thus, the number of steps required for recycling can be reduced. This configuration also eliminates the problem of the screw hole in the gear cover30becoming deformed by repeatedly removing and reinserting a screw therein.

As illustrated inFIG. 8, the sleeve part54also has a notch541. The notch541is formed in the one side of the sleeve part54in the second direction and penetrates a portion of the one side in the second direction. When releasing the engagement of the first pawl portion52, the first pawl portion52bends toward the other side in the second direction, as illustrated inFIG. 7. At this time, a portion of the first pawl portion52is inserted into the notch541. Thus, space in which the first pawl portion52can bend can be secured by forming the notch541in the sleeve part54, without requiring the holder42to be larger in size.

As illustrated inFIGS. 5 through 7, the guide rib55also has a tapered surface551. The tapered surface551is a sloped surface cutting off the corner formed on the other side in the second direction at the end portion of the guide rib55on the other side in the first direction. When releasing the engagement of the second pawl portion53, the second pawl portion53bends toward the one side in the second direction, as illustrated inFIG. 7. At this time, a portion of the second pawl portion53is displaced into the space cut by the tapered surface551on the guide rib55. Thus, space in which the second pawl portion53can be bend can be secured by providing the tapered surface on the guide rib55, without requiring the holder42to be larger in size.

4. Variations of the Embodiment

In the embodiment described above, a memory having electrical contact surfaces is fixed to the outer surface of the holder. However, the electrical contact surfaces that contact the electrical connector may be fixed alone to the outer surface of the holder, while all parts of the memory other than the electrical contact surfaces may be provided elsewhere in the developing cartridge.

The precise shape of the developing cartridge may differ from the shape illustrated in the drawings of this specification. Further, components that appear in the present embodiment and variations described above may be selected as appropriate without departing from the scope of the disclosure.