阅读说明：本技术 制造或再生方法 (Manufacturing or recycling method ) 是由 横井淳一 于 2018-03-20 设计创作，主要内容包括：在对电接触面进行保持的保持架能够在与电接触面交叉的第一方向上伸缩的情况下,在使电接触面的第一方向上的位置稳定的状态下对存储介质进行信息的写入、擦除及更新中的至少一个。保持架(52)具有第一外表面(52A)、第二外表面(52B)及作为弹性部件的螺旋弹簧(523)。IC芯片(51)的电接触面(511)保持于第一外表面。在组装体的制造或再生时,首先,使螺旋弹簧(523)在第一方向上收缩。由此,使第一外表面(52A)与第二外表面(52B)之间的第一方向上的距离缩短成比第一距离短的规定距离。然后,在第一外表面(52A)与第二外表面(52B)之间的第一方向上的距离维持于规定距离的状态下,使探针(60)与电接触面(511)接触。由此,对IC芯片(51)进行信息的写入、擦除及更新中的至少一个。(When the holder holding the electrical contact surface is capable of expanding and contracting in a first direction intersecting the electrical contact surface, at least one of writing, erasing, and updating of information is performed on the storage medium while the position of the electrical contact surface in the first direction is stabilized. The holder (52) has a first outer surface (52A), a second outer surface (52B), and a coil spring (523) as an elastic member. An electrical contact surface (511) of the IC chip (51) is held at the first outer surface. When manufacturing or regenerating the assembly, first, the coil spring (523) is contracted in the first direction. Thus, the distance in the first direction between the first outer surface (52A) and the second outer surface (52B) is shortened to a predetermined distance shorter than the first distance. Then, the probe (60) is brought into contact with the electrical contact surface (511) while maintaining the distance in the first direction between the first outer surface (52A) and the second outer surface (52B) at a predetermined distance. Thus, at least one of writing, erasing, and updating of information is performed on the IC chip (51).)

1. A method for manufacturing or recycling an assembly having a storage medium and a holder,

the storage medium has an electrical contact surface,

the holder holds the electrical contact surface, and has:

a first outer surface that is located in one direction of a first direction of the holder, the first outer surface holding the electrical contact surface, the first direction being a direction intersecting the electrical contact surface;

a second outer surface located on the other side of the holder in the first direction and located at a position separated from the first outer surface in the first direction; and

an elastic member located between the first outer surface and the second outer surface and capable of being stretched in the first direction,

a distance in the first direction between the first outer surface and the second outer surface is variable between a first distance and a second distance shorter than the first distance in accordance with expansion and contraction of the elastic member,

the manufacturing or recycling method is characterized by comprising the following steps:

a step of shortening a distance in the first direction between the first outer surface and the second outer surface to a predetermined distance shorter than the first distance by contracting the elastic member in the first direction;

maintaining the distance in the first direction between the first outer surface and the second outer surface at the predetermined distance; and

and a step of bringing a probe into contact with the electrical contact surface while maintaining the distance in the first direction between the first outer surface and the second outer surface at the predetermined distance, thereby writing, erasing, and updating information on the storage medium.

2. The manufacturing or recycling method according to claim 1,

the prescribed distance is the second distance.

3. The manufacturing or recycling method according to claim 1,

the predetermined distance is shorter than the first distance and longer than the second distance.

4. The production or regeneration method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

further comprising the step of fixing the electrical contact surface to the first outer surface,

after the electrical contact surface is fixed to the first outer surface, the elastic member is contracted, and the distance in the first direction between the first outer surface and the second outer surface is shortened to a predetermined distance shorter than the first distance.

5. The production or regeneration method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

the holder is mountable to a housing that is capable of containing the developer,

and performing at least one of writing, updating, and erasing of information on the storage medium in a state where the holder is attached to the housing.

6. The manufacturing or recycling method according to claim 5,

the method further includes a step of attaching the holder to the housing before at least one of writing, updating, and erasing information on the storage medium.

7. The manufacturing or recycling method according to claim 5 or 6,

the developing roller is located at an end of the housing in the second direction,

the holder is movable in the second direction relative to the housing,

and a probe that is brought into contact with the electrical contact surface in a state where the holder is fixed in position relative to the housing in the second direction, thereby performing at least one of writing, erasing, and updating of information on the storage medium.

8. The production or regeneration method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

the holder is mountable to a housing that is capable of containing the developer,

and performing at least one of writing, updating, and erasing of information on the storage medium in a state where the holder is not mounted on the housing.

9. The manufacturing or recycling method according to claim 8,

the method further includes a step of attaching the holder to the housing after at least one of writing, updating, and erasing information to the storage medium in a state where the holder is not attached to the housing.

10. The production or regeneration method according to any one of claims 1 to 9,

pressing at least one of the first outer surface and the second outer surface in the first direction by a jig, thereby causing the elastic member to contract in the first direction.

11. The manufacturing or recycling method according to claim 10,

the clamp presses a portion of the first outer surface that is located around the electrical contact surface.

12. The production or regeneration method according to any one of claims 1 to 11,

writing information to the storage medium by contacting the probe with the electrical contact surface.

13. The production or regeneration method according to any one of claims 1 to 11,

updating information on the storage medium by bringing the probe into contact with the electrical contact surface.

14. The production or regeneration method according to any one of claims 1 to 11,

and erasing information from the storage medium by contacting the probe with the electrical contact surface.

15. The production or regeneration method according to any one of claims 1 to 14,

the first outer surface retains the storage media containing the electrical contact surface.

16. The production or regeneration method according to any one of claims 1 to 15,

the storage medium is an IC chip.

17. The production or regeneration method according to any one of claims 1 to 16,

the storage medium is used in a developing cartridge.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing or recycling an assembly having a storage medium and a holder.

Background

Conventionally, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses such as laser printers and LED printers are known. A developing cartridge is used in an image forming apparatus. The developing cartridge has a developing roller for supplying a developer. A conventional image forming apparatus is described in patent document 1, for example.

The developing cartridge of patent document 1 is mounted to a drum cartridge. The drum cartridge has a photosensitive drum. In a state where the drum cartridge is mounted with the developing cartridge, the drum cartridge is mounted to the image forming apparatus.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention is directed to at least one of writing, erasing, and updating information on a storage medium in a state where a position of an electrical contact surface in a first direction is stabilized, in a case where a holder holding the electrical contact surface is capable of expanding and contracting in the first direction intersecting the electrical contact surface.

Means for solving the problems

In order to solve the above problem, a first aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing or recycling an assembly including a storage medium and a holder, the storage medium having an electrical contact surface, the holder holding the electrical contact surface, the method comprising: a first outer surface that is located in one direction of a first direction of the holder, the first outer surface holding the electrical contact surface, the first direction being a direction intersecting the electrical contact surface; a second outer surface located on the other side of the holder in the first direction and located at a position separated from the first outer surface in the first direction; and an elastic member that is located between the first outer surface and the second outer surface and is capable of expanding and contracting in the first direction, and a distance in the first direction between the first outer surface and the second outer surface is capable of changing between a first distance and a second distance shorter than the first distance in accordance with expansion and contraction of the elastic member, the manufacturing or recycling method including: a step of shortening a distance in the first direction between the first outer surface and the second outer surface to a predetermined distance shorter than the first distance by contracting the elastic member in the first direction; maintaining the distance in the first direction between the first outer surface and the second outer surface at the predetermined distance; and a step of bringing a probe into contact with the electrical contact surface while maintaining the distance in the first direction between the first outer surface and the second outer surface at the predetermined distance, thereby performing at least one of writing, erasing, and updating of information on the storage medium.

A second aspect of the present invention is the manufacturing or recycling method according to the first aspect, wherein the predetermined distance is the second distance.

A third aspect of the present invention is the manufacturing or recycling method according to the first aspect, wherein the predetermined distance is shorter than the first distance and longer than the second distance.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is the manufacturing or recycling method according to any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising a step of fixing the electrical contact surface to the first outer surface, and wherein after the electrical contact surface is fixed to the first outer surface, the elastic member is contracted to shorten a distance in the first direction between the first outer surface and the second outer surface to a predetermined distance shorter than the first distance.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is the manufacturing or recycling method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the holder is attachable to a casing capable of containing the developer, and at least one of writing, updating, and erasing of information is performed on the storage medium in a state where the holder is attached to the casing.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is the manufacturing or reproducing method according to the fifth aspect, further comprising a step of attaching the holder to the housing before at least one of writing, updating, and erasing information to the storage medium.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is the manufacturing or recycling method according to the fifth or sixth aspect, wherein the developing roller is located at an end portion of the casing in the second direction, the holder is movable in the second direction with respect to the casing, and the probe is brought into contact with the electrical contact surface in a state where the holder is fixed in position with respect to the casing in the second direction, thereby performing at least one of writing, erasing, and updating of information with respect to the recording medium.

An eighth aspect of the present invention is the manufacturing or recycling method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the holder is attachable to a casing capable of containing the developer, and at least one of writing, updating, and erasing of information is performed on the storage medium in a state where the holder is not attached to the casing.

A ninth aspect of the present invention is the manufacturing or reproducing method according to the eighth aspect, further comprising a step of attaching the holder to the housing after at least one of writing, updating, and erasing information is performed on the storage medium in a state where the holder is not attached to the housing.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is the manufacturing or recycling method according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein at least one of the first outer surface and the second outer surface is pressed in the first direction by a jig, and the elastic member is contracted in the first direction.

An eleventh invention of the present application is the manufacturing or recycling method based on the tenth invention, characterized in that the jig presses a portion of the first outer surface located around the electrical contact surface.

A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the manufacturing or reproducing method according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein information is written to the storage medium by bringing the probe into contact with the electrical contact surface.

A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the manufacturing or reproducing method according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the information is updated on the storage medium by bringing the probe into contact with the electrical contact surface.

A fourteenth invention of the present application is the manufacturing or reproducing method according to any one of the first to eleventh inventions, wherein information is erased from the storage medium by bringing the probe into contact with the electrical contact surface.

A fifteenth invention of the present application is the manufacturing or recycling method based on any one of the first to fourteenth inventions, characterized in that the first outer surface holds the storage medium including the electrical contact surface.

A sixteenth invention of the present application is the manufacturing or recycling method according to any one of the first to fifteenth inventions, wherein the storage medium is an IC chip.

A seventeenth invention of the present application is the manufacturing or recycling method according to any one of the first to sixteenth inventions, wherein the storage medium is used in a developing cartridge.

Effects of the invention

According to the first to seventeenth inventions of the present application, at least one of writing, erasing, and updating of information can be performed on the storage medium in a state where the position of the electrical contact surface in the first direction is stabilized.

Further, according to the second invention of the present application, at least one of writing, erasing, and updating of information can be performed on the storage medium in a state where the position of the electrical contact surface in the first direction is more stabilized.

In addition, according to the third invention of the present application, it is possible to stabilize the position of the electrical contact surface in the first direction in the case where there is a dimensional error in the contact portion for positioning the first outer surface and the second outer surface at the second distance.

In addition, according to the fifth invention of the present application, a mismatch is less likely to occur between the specification of the housing and the information of the storage medium after at least one of writing, updating, and erasing has been performed.

In addition, according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus for performing at least one of writing, updating, and erasing of information on the storage medium.

In addition, according to the eleventh invention of the present application, the contact of the jig with the electrical contact surface can be avoided.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an image forming apparatus.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the process cartridge.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge.

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the IC chip assembly.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the drum cartridge.

Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the manufacturing steps of the developing cartridge.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the cage before contraction in the first direction.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the cage after contraction in the first direction.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the holder when writing information to the IC chip.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a modification of the manufacturing process of the developing cartridge.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a direction intersecting with an electrical contact surface of the IC chip is referred to as a "first direction". In addition, a direction in which an end portion where the developing roller is located and an end portion opposite thereto are aligned in the casing of the developing cartridge is referred to as a "second direction". In addition, a direction in which the housing of the developing cartridge extends is referred to as a "third direction". The first direction intersects (preferably is orthogonal to) the second direction. The second direction intersects (preferably is orthogonal to) the third direction. The third direction intersects (preferably is orthogonal to) the first direction.

<1. Structure of image Forming apparatus >

Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 is an electrophotographic printer. Examples of the image forming apparatus 100 include a laser printer and an LED printer.

The image forming apparatus 100 includes four process cartridges 10 and a cartridge holding portion 90. The process cartridge 10 has a developing cartridge 1 and a drum cartridge 2. The developing cartridge 1 is mounted to the drum cartridge 2. The four developing cartridges 1 contain developers of mutually different colors (for example, respective colors of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). However, the number of the developing cartridges 1 may be one to three, or five or more. The process cartridge holding portion 90 is a frame to which the process cartridge 10 is attached. The cartridge holding portion 90 includes four insertion grooves 91. The process cartridge 10 is attached to each slot 91. The image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on a recording surface of a printing sheet with a developer (e.g., toner) supplied from each of the developing cartridges 1 of the four process cartridges 10.

The four developing cartridges 1 have IC chips 51, respectively. The IC chip 51 is a storage medium from which information can be read and written. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 80. When the process cartridge 10 is mounted in the slot 91 of the process cartridge holding portion 90, the IC chip 51 of each developing cartridge 1 is electrically connected to the control portion 80. The control unit 80 is formed of, for example, a circuit board. The control unit 80 includes a processor such as a CPU and various memories. The control unit 80 operates the processor in accordance with the program to execute each process in the image forming apparatus 100.

<2 > concerning the process cartridge

<2-1 > regarding the developing cartridge

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the process cartridge 10. As described above, the process cartridge 10 has the developing cartridge 1 and the drum cartridge 2. The developing cartridge 1 is attachable to and detachable from the drum cartridge 2. The customer of the image forming apparatus 100 can replace only one of the developing cartridge 1 and the drum cartridge 2 with a new one. Therefore, the life of the developing cartridge 1 and the life of the drum cartridge 2 can be effectively consumed, respectively.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge 1. Fig. 3 shows a state in which a part of the developing cartridge 1 is disassembled. As shown in fig. 3, the developing cartridge 1 has a casing 11, an agitator 20, a developing roller 30, a gear portion 40, and an IC chip assembly 50.

The housing 11 is a casing capable of containing developer. The housing 11 extends in a third direction. A housing chamber 13 is provided inside the housing 11. The developer is accommodated in the accommodating chamber 13. The housing 11 has an opening 14. The opening portion 14 is located at an end portion of the housing 11 in the second direction. The housing chamber 13 communicates with the external space of the housing 11 via an opening 14.

The agitator 20 has an agitator shaft 21 and an agitator blade 22. The agitator shaft 21 extends in the third direction. The stirring blades 22 are expanded radially outward from the stirrer shaft 21. At least a part of the stirrer shaft 21 and the stirring blade 22 are disposed inside the housing chamber 13. An agitator gear included in the gear portion 40 is coupled to one end portion in the third direction of the agitator shaft 21. The agitator shaft 21 and the agitator blade 22 rotate together with the agitator gear. When the stirring blade 22 rotates, the developer in the housing chamber 13 is stirred.

The developing roller 30 is a roller rotatable about a rotation shaft (first rotation shaft) extending in the third direction. The developing roller 30 is disposed in the opening 14 of the housing 11. That is, the developing roller 30 is located at one end portion of the housing 11 in the second direction. The developing roller 30 of the present embodiment has a developing roller main body 31 and a developing roller shaft 32. The developing roller main body 31 is a cylindrical member extending in the third direction. As the material of the developing roller main body 31, for example, rubber having elasticity can be used. The developing roller shaft 32 is a cylindrical member that penetrates the developing roller main body 31 in the third direction. As a material of the developing roller shaft 32, a metal or a resin having conductivity can be used. The developing roller main body 31 is fixed to the developing roller shaft 32 so as not to be relatively rotatable.

One end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the third direction is fixed to the developing roller gear included in the gear portion 40 so as not to be rotatable relative thereto. That is, when the developing roller gear rotates, the developing roller shaft 32 also rotates, and the developing roller main body 31 also rotates together with the developing roller shaft 32.

Further, the developing roller shaft 32 may not penetrate the developing roller main body 31 in the third direction. For example, the pair of developing roller shafts 32 may extend in the third direction from both ends of the developing roller main body 31 in the third direction.

In addition, the developing cartridge 1 has a supply roller, not shown. The supply roller is located between the developing roller 30 and the housing chamber 13. In addition, the supply roller is rotatable about a rotation shaft extending in the third direction. When the developing cartridge 1 receives a driving force, the developer is supplied from the housing chamber 13 in the casing 11 to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 via the supply roller. At this time, the developer is triboelectrically charged between the supply roller and the developing roller 30. On the other hand, a bias is applied to the developing roller shaft 32 of the developing roller 30. Therefore, the developer is attracted to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller main body 31 by the electrostatic force between the developing roller shaft 32 and the developer.

The developing cartridge 1 has a layer thickness regulating blade, not shown. The layer thickness regulating blade forms the developer supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller main body 31 to a constant thickness. Thereafter, the developer on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller main body 31 is supplied to a photosensitive drum 72 described later. At this time, the developer moves from the developing roller main body 31 to the photosensitive drum 72 in accordance with the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 72. This allows the electrostatic latent image to be visualized on the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 72.

The gear portion 40 is located at the first end face 12 as one end face of the housing 11 in the third direction. The gear portion 40 includes a plurality of gears including the above-described agitator gear and developing roller gear, a coupling 41, and a gear cover 45. The gear cover 45 is fixed to the first end surface 12 of the housing 11 by, for example, screw fastening. At least a portion of the plurality of gears is located between the first end face 12 and the gear cover 45. The coupling 41 is exposed from the gear cover 45. When the process cartridge 10 is mounted to the image forming apparatus 100, the driving shaft of the image forming apparatus 100 is connected to the coupling 41. The rotation of the drive shaft is transmitted to a plurality of gears including the agitator gear and the developing roller gear via the coupling 41.

In addition, the developing cartridge 1 has a holder cover 47. The holder cover 47 is fixed to the gear cover 45. The holder cover 47 is located on the opposite side of the housing 11 with respect to the gear cover 45 in the third direction.

The plurality of gears included in the gear portion 40 may transmit the rotational force by meshing of the teeth, or may transmit the rotational force by friction.

The IC chip assembly 50 is mounted on the housing 11. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the IC chip assembly 50. As shown in fig. 4, the IC chip assembly 50 includes an IC chip 51 as a storage medium and a holder 52 for holding the IC chip 51. The IC chip 51 has four electrical contact surfaces 511. The electrical contact surfaces 511 are made of metal as a conductor. In addition, the IC chip 51 can store various information related to the developing cartridge 1. However, the number of the electrical contact surfaces 511 included in the IC chip 51 may be one to three, or five or more.

The cage 52 has a first outer surface 52A and a second outer surface 52B. The first outer surface 52A is located at one end of the holder 52 in the first direction. The second outer surface 52B is located at the other end of the holder 52 in the first direction. The first outer surface 52A is movable in a first direction relative to the second outer surface 52B.

More specifically, the holder 52 of the present embodiment includes a first holder member 521, a second holder member 522, and a coil spring 523 disposed therebetween. The first holder member 521 is made of, for example, resin. The second holder member 522 is made of, for example, resin. The first cage member 521 has a first outer surface 52A. The IC chip 51 is fixed to the holding surface 520 included in the first outer surface 52A. Thereby, the electrical contact surface 511 of the IC chip 51 is held on the first outer surface 52A. The second cage member 522 has a second outer surface 52B. In the assembled cage 52, the first outer surface 52A is separated from the second outer surface 52B in the first direction.

The coil spring 523 is an elastic member that can expand and contract in the first direction. The coil spring 523 is disposed between the first outer surface 52A and the second outer surface 52B in the first direction. One end of the coil spring 523 in the first direction may be directly connected to the first holder member 521, or may be indirectly connected to the first holder member 521 via another member. The other end of the coil spring 523 in the first direction may be directly connected to the second holder member 522, or may be indirectly connected to the second holder member 522 via another member. The distance in the first direction between the first outer surface 52A and the second outer surface 52B changes in accordance with the expansion and contraction of the coil spring 523.

The length of the coil spring 523 in the first direction changes at least between a first length and a second length shorter than the first length. When the coil spring 523 has the first length, the distance in the first direction between the first outer surface 52A and the second outer surface 52B is the first distance. When the coil spring 523 has the second length, the distance in the first direction between the first outer surface 52A and the second outer surface 52B is a second distance shorter than the first distance. At least the second length is shorter than the natural length of the coil spring 523.

As shown in fig. 4, the second holder member 522 has a cylindrical spring holder 522A. The spring holder 522A protrudes from a surface of the second holder member 522 facing the first holder member 521 toward the first holder member 521 in the first direction. A part of the coil spring 523 is inserted inside the spring holder 522A. The second holder member 522 has a cylindrical protrusion (not shown) inside the spring holder 522A. The protruding portion is inserted radially inward of the coil spring 523. Therefore, the coil spring 523 is supported by the outer peripheral surface of the protruding portion and the inner peripheral surface of the spring holder 522A.

The second holder member 522 includes first claw portions 522B and second claw portions 522C. The first claw portion 522B extends from a surface of the second holder member 522 facing the first holder member 521 toward the first holder member 521 in the first direction. Further, the distal end of the first claw portion 522B protrudes in a direction intersecting the first direction. The second claw portion 522C also extends from a surface of the second holder member 522 facing the first holder member 521 toward the first holder member 521 in the first direction. The distal end of the second claw portion 522C faces in a direction intersecting the first direction. On the other hand, the first holder member 521 has a first opening 521A. The tip end of the first claw portion 522B is inserted into the first opening 521A. The first holder member 521 has a second opening (not shown). The tip of the second claw portion 522C is inserted into the second opening.

When the coil spring 523 is the first length, the first claw portion 522B is in contact with the first holder member 521 at the edge on the second outer surface 52B side of the first opening 521A. In addition, when the coil spring 523 is the first length, the second claw portion 522C is in contact with the first holder member 521 at the edge on the second outer surface 52B side of the second opening. This can prevent the length of the coil spring 523 in the first direction from becoming longer than the first length. In addition, the first holder member 521 is prevented from being detached from the second holder member 522.

On the other hand, when the coil spring 523 has the second length, the first claw portion 522B contacts the first holder member 521 at the edge on the first outer surface 52A side of the first opening 521A. Further, when the coil spring 523 has the second length, the second claw portion 522C contacts the first holder member 521 at the edge on the first outer surface 52A side of the second opening. This can prevent the length of the coil spring 523 in the first direction from becoming shorter than the second length.

The IC chip 51 is fixed to the holding surface 520 included in the first outer surface 52A of the first holder member 521. That is, the first holder member 521 moves in the second direction with respect to the second holder member 522, so that the electrical contact surface 511 of the IC chip 51 also moves in the first direction. Further, the first outer surface 52A of the present embodiment has a recessed portion that is recessed toward the second holder member 522 in the first direction. The holding surface 520 is located in the recess.

As shown in fig. 4, the first holder member 521 includes a first sleeve 53A, a second sleeve 53B, and a third sleeve 53C. The first and second sleeves 53A and 53B extend in the first direction from a surface of the first holder member 521 facing the gear cover 45 toward the gear cover 45. On the other hand, the gear cover 45 has a first through hole 45A and a second through hole 45B. The first through hole 45A and the second through hole 45B penetrate the gear cover 45 in the first direction. The first sleeve 53A is inserted into the first through hole 45A. The second sleeve 53B is inserted into the second through hole 45B.

The third sleeve 53C extends in the first direction from the face of the first holder member 521 facing the holder cover 47 toward the holder cover 47. On the other hand, the holder cover 47 has a third through hole 47A. The third through hole 47A penetrates the holder cover 47 in the first direction. The third sleeve 53C is inserted into the third through hole 47A.

The size (inner dimension) of the first through hole 45A in the first direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the first sleeve 53A in the first direction. The size (inner dimension) of the second through hole 45B in the first direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the second sleeve 53B in the first direction. The size (inner dimension) of the third through hole 47A in the first direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the third sleeve 53C in the first direction. Therefore, the holder 52 is movable in the first direction with respect to the gear cover 45 and the holder cover 47 together with the first sleeve 53A, the second sleeve 53B, and the third sleeve 53C. When the holder 52 moves in the first direction, the IC chip 51 having the electrical contact surface 511 also moves in the first direction together with the holder 52.

The size (inner dimension) of the first through hole 45A in the second direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the first sleeve 53A in the second direction. The size (inner dimension) of the second through hole 45B in the second direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the second sleeve 53B in the second direction. The size (inner dimension) of the third through hole 47A in the second direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the third sleeve 53C in the second direction. Therefore, the holder 52 is movable in the second direction with respect to the gear cover 45 and the holder cover 47 together with the first sleeve 53A, the second sleeve 53B, and the third sleeve 53C. When the holder 52 moves in the second direction, the IC chip 51 having the electrical contact surface 511 also moves in the second direction together with the holder 52.

The gear cover 45 may have a recess into which the first sleeve 53A can be inserted, instead of the first through hole 45A. The gear cover 45 may have a recess into which the second sleeve 53B can be inserted, instead of the second through hole 45B. The holder cover 47 may have a recess into which the third sleeve 53C can be inserted, instead of the third through hole 47A. Further, the gear cover 45 may have a sleeve, and the first holder member 521 may have a through hole or a recess into which the sleeve can be inserted. Further, the holder cover 47 may have a sleeve, and the first holder member 521 may have a through hole or a recess into which the sleeve can be inserted.

That is, one of the case body composed of the housing 11, the gear cover 45, and the holder cover 47 and the holder 52 may have a sleeve, and the other of the case body and the holder 52 may have a through hole or a recess into which the sleeve can be inserted.

<2-2. concerning drum cartridge >

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the drum cartridge 2. The drum cartridge 2 has one developing cartridge holding portion 71 that holds one developing cartridge 1. The developing cartridge holding portion 71 is provided with a photosensitive drum 72. The photosensitive drum 72 is rotatable about a rotation axis (second rotation axis) extending in the third direction. When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted to the drum cartridge 2, the developing roller 30 of the developing cartridge 1 is in contact with the photosensitive body drum 72. The drum cartridge 2 mounted with the developing cartridge 1 is mounted to a process cartridge holding portion 90 (see fig. 1) of the image forming apparatus 100.

A holding plate 731 is provided at one end portion in the third direction of the cartridge holding portion 71. When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted to the drum cartridge 2, the holding plate 731 is at a position where the second outer surface 52B of the holding frame 52 faces in the first direction. The holding plate 731 has a surface expanding in the second direction and the third direction. In addition, the holding plate 731 has a projection 73. The projection 73 projects from the holding plate 731 toward the holding frame 52 in the third direction. The projection 73 converges into a quadrangular pyramid shape toward the holder 52.

The second holder member 522 of the IC chip assembly 50 has a recess 522D (see fig. 7 to 9) in the second outer surface 52B. The recess 522D is recessed from the second outer surface 52B toward the first cage member 521. In addition, the recess 522D converges into a quadrangular pyramid shape as it goes toward the first holder member 521.

When the developing cartridge 1 is mounted to the drum cartridge 2, the projection 73 of the drum cartridge 2 is fitted into the recess 522D of the second holder member 522. Also, the holding plate 731 contacts the second outer surface 52B of the second holder member 522. That is, the holding plate 731 and the projection 73 function as a holder support portion that holds the holder 52 of the IC chip assembly 50.

<3. manufacturing Process for developing Cartridge >

Next, the manufacturing steps of the above-described developing cartridge 1 will be described. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the manufacturing steps of the developing cartridge 1. The manufacturing step of fig. 6 includes a manufacturing step of the IC chip assembly 50. The manufacturer may perform the following processes manually or by an automated device.

In manufacturing the developing cartridge 1, first, the manufacturer assembles the casing 11, the agitator 20, the developing roller 30, and the gear portion 40 (step S1). Further, the manufacturer assembles the holder 52 of the IC chip assembly 50 (step S2). Then, the manufacturer fixes the IC chip 51 having the electrical contact surfaces 511 to the first outer surface 52A of the holder 52 (step S3). However, the manufacturer may perform step S1 after steps S2 to S3. The manufacturer may also perform step S1 and steps S2 to S3 at the same time.

When steps S1 to S3 end, the manufacturer mounts the holder 52 to the housing 11 (step S4). In the present embodiment, the manufacturer mounts the holder 52 to the gear cover 45 fixed to the housing 11. Specifically, the first sleeve 53A of the holder 52 is inserted into the first through hole 45A of the gear cover 45. The second sleeve 53B of the holder 52 is inserted into the second through hole 45B of the gear cover 45. Then, the holder cover 47 is attached to the gear cover 45, and the third sleeve 53C of the holder 52 is inserted into the third through hole 47A of the holder cover 47.

Next, the manufacturer contracts the holder 52 in the first direction (step S5). That is, the manufacturer applies an external force in a direction in which the first outer surface 52A of the first holder member 521 and the second outer surface 52B of the second holder member 522 approach each other. Thereby, the length of the coil spring 523 in the first direction is contracted from the first length to a predetermined length shorter than the first length. As a result, the distance in the first direction between the first outer surface 52A and the second outer surface 52B changes from the first distance to a prescribed distance that is shorter than the first distance.

Then, the manufacturer mounts the holder 52 to the jig while maintaining the distance in the first direction between the first outer surface 52A and the second outer surface 52B at a predetermined distance (step S6). Fig. 7 is a sectional view of the retainer 52 before contraction in the first direction. Fig. 8 is a sectional view of the retainer 52 after it has been contracted in the first direction. As indicated by the hollow arrows in fig. 8, the jig presses at least one of the first outer surface 52A and the second outer surface 52B of the holder 52 in the first direction. Thereby, the length of the coil spring 523 in the first direction is maintained at a predetermined length. Therefore, the distance in the first direction between the first outer surface 52A and the second outer surface 52B is maintained at a prescribed distance.

The jig presses a portion of the first outer surface 52A around the electrical contact surface 511. That is, the jig presses the portion of the first outer surface 52A not covered by the electrical contact surface 511. Thereby, contact of the clip with the electrical contact surface 511 is avoided. As shown in fig. 4, the first outer surface 52A of the present embodiment has a step surface 52C. The step surface 52C is located between the holding surface 520 that holds the electrical contact surface 511 and the housing 11 in the third direction. In addition, the step surface 52C expands in the second direction and the third direction. The jig presses the stepped surface 52C, for example.

The "predetermined distance" may be, for example, a second distance. That is, the manufacturer may, for example, contract the distance in the first direction between the first outer surface 52A and the second outer surface 52B to the second distance. When the distance in the first direction between the first outer surface 52A and the second outer surface 52B is the second distance, the length of the coil spring 523 in the first direction is the second length. Further, the tip end of the first claw portion 522B contacts the first holder member 521 at the edge on the first outer surface 52A side of the first opening 521A. In addition, the tip end of the second claw portion 522C contacts the first holder member 521 at the edge on the first outer surface 52A side of the second opening. Therefore, the position of the electrical contact surface 511 in the first direction is stable. Further, when the distance in the first direction between the first outer surface 52A and the second outer surface 52B is the second distance, the tip end of the spring holder 522A may also be in contact with the first holder member 521.

The "predetermined distance" may be a distance shorter than the first distance and longer than the second distance. That is, the manufacturer shrinks the distance in the first direction between the first outer surface 52A and the second outer surface 52B to a distance shorter than the first distance and longer than the second distance. In the case where the dimensional error of the first opening 521A, the first claw portion 522B, the second opening, or the second claw portion 522C is large, by setting the distance in the first direction between the first outer surface 52A and the second outer surface 52B to a distance longer than the second distance, the position of the electrical contact surface 511 in the first direction is stabilized.

Thereafter, the manufacturer writes information into the IC chip 51 with the holder 52 attached to the jig (step S7). Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the holder 52 when writing information to the IC chip 51. As shown in fig. 9, when information is written into the IC chip 51, the probe pin 60 is in contact with the electrical contact surface 511. Thereby, information is written into the memory of the IC chip 51 through the electrical contact surface 511. The posture of the probe 60 may be vertical to the electrical contact surface 511 as shown in fig. 9 or may be inclined. As described above, the distance in the first direction between the first outer surface 52A and the second outer surface 52B is maintained at the prescribed distance. Therefore, information is written into the IC chip 51 in a state where the position of the electrical contact surface 511 in the first direction is stable.

In particular, in the present embodiment, information is written into the IC chip 51 in a state where the holder 52 is attached to the housing 11. Therefore, a mismatch is unlikely to occur between the specification of the developer contained in the housing 11 and the information stored in the IC chip 51 after writing.

In addition, the jig fixes the position of the holder 52 in the second direction with respect to the housing 11. Therefore, in step S7, the probe pins 60 are brought into contact with the electrical contact surfaces 511 and write information into the IC chip 51 while the position of the holder 52 in the second direction is fixed relative to the housing 11 in addition to the position of the first outer surface 52A in the first direction relative to the housing 11. This makes writing of information into the IC chip 51 more stable.

Thereafter, the manufacturer checks the information written in the IC chip 51 (step S8). Specifically, the electrodes of the inspection apparatus contact the electrical contact surfaces 511 of the IC chip 51. Then, the inspection apparatus reads the information stored in the IC chip 51 via the electrical contact surface 511. Thus, it is determined whether or not the information stored in the memory is normal.

<4. modified example >

While one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a modification of the manufacturing process of the developing cartridge 1. In the example of fig. 10, the sequence of steps S4 to S7 is different from the above-described embodiment. In the example of fig. 10, after step S3, the manufacturer first retracts the holder 52 in the first direction (step S5) to attach the holder 52 to the jig (step S6). Then, the manufacturer writes information into the IC chip 51 (step S7). That is, in the example of fig. 10, the manufacturer writes information into the IC chip 51 in a state where the holder 52 is not mounted on the housing 11. After the writing is finished, the manufacturer mounts the holder 52 on the housing 11 (step S4).

In this way, if information is written into the IC chip 51 in a state where the holder 52 is not attached to the housing 11, the size of the apparatus for writing information into the IC chip 51 can be reduced.

In the above-described embodiment, the steps when the developer cartridge 1 is newly manufactured by the manufacturer are described. However, when reusing the used developing cartridge 1, the person who performs the recycling of the IC chip assembly 50 can recycle the IC chip assembly 50 by the same processing as the above-described steps S2 to S8. In this case, in step S7, information may be erased or updated instead of being written. That is, the probe pin 60 is brought into contact with the electrical contact surface 511, whereby at least one of writing, erasing, and updating of information can be performed on the IC chip 51.

In the above-described embodiment, the production or recycling of the IC chip assembly 50 used in the developing cartridge 1 is described. However, the IC chip assembly 50 may be used for other articles. For example, the IC chip assembly 50 may also be used for the drum cartridge 2.

In the above-described embodiment, the coil spring 523 is used as the elastic member. However, instead of the coil spring 523, another type of spring such as a plate spring or a torsion spring may be used.

In the above-described embodiment, an IC chip having an electrical contact surface is fixed to an outer surface of the holder. However, only the electrical contact surface that contacts the electrical connector may be fixed to the outer surface of the holder, and the portion other than the electrical contact surface of the IC chip may be disposed in another portion of the developing cartridge.

The detailed shapes of the members constituting the image forming apparatus may be different from those shown in the drawings of the present application. In addition, the respective elements appearing in the above-described embodiments and modifications may be appropriately combined within a range in which no contradiction occurs.

Description of the symbols

1 developing cartridge

2 Drum box

10 Process Cartridge 11 case

12 first end face

13 accommodating chamber

14 opening part

20 stirrer

30 developing roller

40 gear part

41 shaft coupling

45 gear cover

45A first through hole

45B second through hole

47 cage cover

47A third through hole

50 IC chip assembly

51 IC chip

52 holder

52A first outer surface

52B second outer surface

52C step surface

53A first sleeve

53B second sleeve

53C third sleeve

60 Probe

71 developing cartridge holding part

72 photosensitive drum

80 control part

90 process cartridge holding part

91 slot

100 image forming apparatus

511 electric contact surface

520 holding surface

521 first holder part

521A first opening

522 second cage member

523 helical spring.