Adapter, cartridge, and image forming apparatus

A cartridge, detachably disposed on a main body of an image forming apparatus, wherein

• the main body of the image forming apparatus comprises a first conductive contact and a protective structure;
• the protective structure is disposed on a rear frame of the main body of the image forming apparatus;
• the protective structure comprises a protective element;
• and when the cartridge is not inserted into the main body of the image forming apparatus, the protective element is in a first position to protect the first conductive contact;
• and
• the cartridge comprises:
• a housing, having an end surface;
• a second conductive contact, configured to electrically connect the first conductive contact;
• an accommodation part, which is disposed on the housing;
• and
• a pressing element, which is disposed on the housing and configured to cooperate with the protective structure;
• when the cartridge is inserted into the main body of the image forming apparatus and installed in place, the protective element being in a second position and accommodated in the accommodation part;
• and the protective element releasing a protection of the first conductive contact, and achieving an electrical connection between the second conductive contact and the first conductive contact.

An image forming apparatus, comprising:

• a main body provided with a socket for inserting a cartridge, the main body including a first conductive contact and a protective structure, wherein
• the protective structure includes an installation frame, a bearing plate, a protective element, and a first elastic element,
• the installation frame is provided on a rear frame of the main body, and the installation frame is used to install the bearing plate, and the bearing plate is able to slide with respect to the installation frame along a third direction, the third direction being a height direction of the main body of the image forming apparatus,
• the protective element is disposed on a side of the bearing plate away from the rear frame, the protective element is disposed oppositely to the first conductive contact,
• the first elastic element is arranged between the bearing plate and the installation frame, and the first elastic element provides elastic force along the third direction to the bearing plate, when the cartridge is not inserted into the main body of the image forming apparatus, the protective element is in a first position, the protective element protects the first conductive contact, when the cartridge is inserted into the main body of the image forming apparatus and installed in place, the protective element is in a second position, protection of the first conductive contact by the protective element is released, and a second conductive contact is electrically connected to the first conductive contact.