CN107229202A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An image forming apparatus comprising: a cartridge; a lever capable of being in contact with the cartridge and capable of moving between a first position, a second position, and a third position by being in contact with the cartridge, the second position being in contact with the cartridge The first position is different, the third position is different from both the first position and the second position; a first circuit, when the lever is in the first position, flows through the first circuit a first current; a second circuit, a second current flowing in the second circuit when the lever is in the second position; a third circuit, in which the lever is in the third position, a third current flows through the third circuit; and a control section electrically connected to each of the first circuit, the second circuit, and the third circuit. The control section judges a specification of the cartridge based on reception of at least one of the first current, the second current, and the third current.

Description

image forming equipment

technical field

The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

Background technique

Conventionally, there is known an image forming apparatus capable of attaching and detaching a developing cartridge. The image forming apparatus can determine the specification of the installed developing cartridge.

For example, a developing cartridge has a shaft, a gear rotatable about the shaft, and a protrusion provided on the gear. The image forming apparatus has a movable rod, an electric contact provided on the rod, a body electrode fixed to the device body, and a control unit electrically connected to the electric contact and the body electrode. The protrusion rotates with the gear, making contact with the rod. The rod moves between a first position where the electrical contact is spaced from the body electrode and a second position where the electrical contact is in contact with the body electrode by contacting the protrusion. In the case where the developing cartridge is not installed in the image forming apparatus, the lever is located at a third position different from the first position and the second position in which the electrical contact is separated from the body electrode. The control unit judges the specifications of the developing cartridge based on the electrical connection caused by the contact between the electrical contact and the main body electrode (see Patent Document 1).

Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-54053

Contents of the invention

In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the control unit can detect the electrical connection between the electrical contact and the main body electrode when the electrical contact is in contact with the main body electrode. Therefore, the control unit can detect that the lever is located at the second position. However, when the electric contact is separated from the main body electrode, the control unit cannot detect whether the lever is in the first position or the third position.

In view of this, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of detecting the correct position of the lever and capable of correctly detecting the specification of the cartridge.

(1) The present invention provides an image forming apparatus including: a cartridge; a lever capable of being in contact with the cartridge and capable of moving between a first position, a second position, and a third position by being in contact with the cartridge, the The second position is different from the first position, and the third position is different from both the first position and the second position; the first circuit, when the lever is in the first position, in the The first circuit flows a first current; the second circuit flows a second current in the second circuit when the lever is in the second position; the third circuit flows a second current in the second circuit when the lever is in the first position. In the three position, a third current flows through the third circuit; and a control unit electrically connected to each of the first circuit, the second circuit, and the third circuit. The control section judges a specification of the cartridge based on reception of at least one of the first current, the second current, and the third current.

(2) In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the first circuit has a first resistance value. The second circuit has a second resistance value different from the first resistance value. The third circuit has a third resistance value different from both the first resistance value and the second resistance value.

(3) In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the first circuit has a first resistor having a predetermined resistance value. One of the second circuit and the third circuit has a second resistor having a different resistance value from the first resistor.

(4) In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the other of the second circuit and the third circuit has a third resistor having a The resistors are all different resistance values.

(5) In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the control unit includes: a first receiver electrically connected to the first circuit for receiving the first current; a second receiver connected to the second circuit electrically connected to receive the second current; and a third receiver electrically connected to the third circuit for receiving the third current.

(6) In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the specification of the cartridge determined by the control unit is whether the cartridge is new.

(7) The image forming apparatus of the present invention further includes an apparatus body to which the cartridge can be mounted and detached. The specification of the cartridge determined by the control unit is whether the cartridge is mounted on the device main body.

(8) In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the size of the cartridge determined by the control unit is the number of sheets that can be printed by the cartridge.

The image forming apparatus of the present invention can detect the correct position of the lever and can accurately detect the specification of the cartridge.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus 1 .

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the developer cartridge 2 of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view for explaining the detection of the developing cartridge 2 according to the first embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the A-A cross-section in FIG. 2 , showing a state in which the lever 6 is located at the first position.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view for explaining the detection of the developer cartridge 2 according to the first embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the A-A cross-section in FIG. 2 , showing a state in which the lever 6 is located at the second position.

FIG. 5 shows the state where the lever 6 shown in FIG. 4 is located at the third position.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view for explaining detection of the developing cartridge 30 according to the second embodiment, and shows a state where the lever 6 is located at the first position.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view for explaining the detection of the developing cartridge 30 in the second embodiment, and shows a state where the lever 6 is located at the second position.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view for explaining the third embodiment, showing a state where the lever 6 is located at the first position.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view for explaining the third embodiment, showing a state where the lever 6 is located at the second position.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view for explaining the third embodiment, showing a state where the lever 6 is located at the third position.

detailed description

1. Outline of Image Forming Apparatus 1

The outline of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 1 .

The image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus for forming an image on a sheet P by using a developer. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an apparatus body 3 and a developing cartridge 2 . The apparatus body 3 is capable of attaching and detaching the developing cartridge 2 . The developing cartridge 2 is an example of a cartridge. The developing cartridge 2 accommodates developer. The developer is, for example, toner.

The image forming apparatus 1 also includes a photosensitive drum 101 , a transfer roller 102 and a fixer 103 . The surface of the photosensitive drum 101 is supplied with developer from the developing cartridge 2 to form a developer image. The transfer roller 102 transfers the developer image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 101 to the paper P. As shown in FIG. The fixing unit 103 fixes the developer image transferred on the paper P to the paper P by heating. The image forming apparatus 1 may be a monochrome printer capable of forming only monochrome (monochrome) images, or a color printer capable of forming multicolor (color) images.

The outline of the developing cartridge 2 will be described below.

2. Overview of developing cartridge 2

The developing cartridge 2 includes a developing roller 24 and a casing 25 . The developing roller 24 is capable of carrying developer. The developing roller 24 is rotatable about an axis extending in the first direction. The developing roller 24 has a developing roller shaft 24A. The material of the developing roller shaft 24A is, for example, metal such as stainless steel or iron. The casing 25 is capable of containing a developer inside it.

As shown in FIG. 2 , the developing cartridge 2 further includes an electrode 27 and a detection gear 28 . The electrodes 27 are located outside the housing 25 in the first direction. More specifically, the electrode 27 is located on one side of the housing 25 in the first direction. The detection gear 28 is rotatable about a shaft 29 .

2.1. Electrodes 27

As shown in FIG. 3 , the electrode 27 is a member for supplying electric power to the developing roller 24 . In addition, the electrode 27 is a member that receives the developing roller shaft 24A. The electrode 27 is electrically connected to the developing roller shaft 24A. The material of the electrode 27 is conductive resin. The conductive resin is, for example, POM (polyaldehyde resin). The developing roller shaft 24A is inserted into the electrode 27 . The electrode 27 has a hole 27A. The hole 27A penetrates the electrode 27 in the first direction. The end portion of the developing roller shaft 24A is inserted into the hole 27A. The electrode 27 is in contact with the end of the developing roller shaft 24A.

The electrode 27 also has an axis 29 . The shaft 29 is a member that receives power from the image forming apparatus 1 . The shaft 29 is integral with the electrode 27 . The shaft 29 extends in a first direction.

2.2. Detection gear 28

The detection gear 28 is rotatable about a shaft 29 . The detection gear 28 has a through hole 28A. The through hole 28A penetrates the detection gear 28 in the first direction. The shaft 29 is inserted through the through hole 28A. The detection gear 28 also has a plurality of gear teeth. A plurality of gear teeth are provided on a part of the periphery of the detection gear 28 along the rotation direction of the detection gear 28 . The plurality of gear teeth is capable of receiving a driving force input from the image forming apparatus 1 to the developing cartridge 2 . The detection gear 28 rotates about the shaft 29 by receiving a driving force.

The detection gear 28 also has a first protrusion 10 and a second protrusion 11 . More specifically, the first protrusion 10 and the second protrusion 11 are located at ends of the detection gear 28 in the first direction. The first protrusion 10 and the second protrusion 11 are located around the head end of the shaft 29 . The first protrusion 10 and the second protrusion 11 are rotatable together with the detection gear 28 . More specifically, the first protrusion 10 extends in the first direction from the end of the detection gear 28 . The second protrusion 11 extends in the first direction from the end of the detection gear 28 . The second protrusion 11 is located away from the first protrusion 10 in the rotational direction of the detection gear 28 . The first protrusion 10 and the second protrusion 11 may also be installed at the end of the detection gear 28 .

The image forming apparatus 1 will be specifically described below.

3. Specific description of the image forming apparatus 1

3.1, pole 6

As shown in FIG. 3 , the image forming apparatus 1 further includes a lever 6 . The lever 6 is able to come into contact with the developing cartridge 2 . More specifically, the lever 6 can be brought into contact with the detecting gear 28 of the developing cartridge 2 when the developing cartridge 2 is mounted on the apparatus body 3 . The lever 6 is movable between a first position, a second position different from the first position, and a third position different from both the first position and the second position by being in contact with the developing cartridge 2 . More specifically, the lever 6 is swingable between a first position (refer to FIG. 3 ), a second position (refer to FIG. 4 ) and a third position (refer to FIG. 5 ) about an axis extending in a first direction.

3.2. Body electrode 7

The image forming apparatus 1 also includes a body electrode 7 . The body electrode 7 is a member for supplying electric power to the electrode 27 . The body electrode 7 is provided on the rod 6 . The material of the body electrode 7 is, for example, metal. More specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 also includes a power supply 8 . The body electrode 7 is connected to a power source 8 through wiring. Accordingly, electric power from the power source 8 can be supplied to the main body electrode 7 . The body electrode 7 has a first contact 7A and a second contact 7B.

3.3, the first circuit 12, the second circuit 13 and the third circuit 14

The image forming apparatus 1 also includes a first circuit 12 , a second circuit 13 and a third circuit 14 .

The first circuit 12 is the circuit corresponding to the lever 6 in the first position. The first circuit 12 is electrically connected to the body electrode 7 when the lever 6 is in the first position. More specifically, the first circuit 12 is in contact with the second contact point 7B of the body electrode 7 when the lever 6 is in the first position. Accordingly, electric power from the power source 8 can be supplied to the first circuit 12 through the main body electrode 7 . The first circuit 12 has a first resistance value. The first circuit 12 has a first resistor 12A. The first resistor 12A has a predetermined resistance. When the power supply 8 supplies electric power to the first circuit 12 , the first current I1 corresponding to the first resistance value flows in the first circuit 12 . That is, when the lever 6 is located at the first position, the first current I1 flows through the first circuit 12 .

As shown in FIG. 4 , the second circuit 13 is a circuit corresponding to the lever 6 at the second position. The second circuit 13 is electrically connected to the body electrode 7 when the lever 6 is in the second position. More specifically, the second circuit 13 is in contact with the second contact point 7B of the body electrode 7 when the lever 6 is in the second position. Accordingly, electric power from the power source 8 can be supplied to the second circuit 13 through the main body electrode 7 . The second circuit 13 has a second resistance value different from the first resistance value. The second circuit 13 has no resistors. When the power supply 8 supplies power to the second circuit 13 , a second current I2 corresponding to the second resistance value flows in the second circuit 13 . The current value of the second current I2 is different from that of the first current I1. That is, when the lever 6 is located at the second position, the second current I2 flows through the second circuit 13 .

As shown in FIG. 5 , the third circuit 14 is a circuit corresponding to the lever 6 at the third position. The third circuit 14 is electrically connected to the body electrode 7 when the lever 6 is in the third position. More specifically, the third circuit 14 is in contact with the second contact point 7B of the body electrode 7 when the lever 6 is in the third position. Accordingly, electric power from the power source 8 can be supplied to the third circuit 14 through the main body electrode 7 . The third circuit 14 has a third resistance value different from the first resistance value and the second resistance value. The third circuit 14 has a second resistor 14A. The second resistor 14A has a different resistance value from the first resistor 12A. When the power supply 8 supplies power to the third circuit 14 , a third current I3 corresponding to the third resistance value flows in the third circuit 14 . The current value of the third current I3 is different from the current value of the first current I1 and the current value of the second current I2. That is, when the lever 6 is in the third position, the third current I3 flows through the third circuit 14 .

3.4, control part 4

As shown in FIG. 3 , the image forming apparatus 1 further includes a control section 4 . The control section 4 is electrically connected to each of the first circuit 12 , the second circuit 13 and the third circuit 14 . More specifically, the control section 4 includes a receiver 5 . The receiver 5 is a device for receiving electric current. The receiver 5 is, for example, a circuit. The first circuit 12, the second circuit 13 and the third circuit 14 are connected to each other. The connecting portion 15 of the first circuit 12 , the second circuit 13 , and the third circuit 14 is connected to the receiver 5 by wiring 9 . Accordingly, the receiver 5 can receive at least one of the first current I1 , the second current 12 and the third current 13 when the power supply 8 supplies power.

The control part 4 judges the specifications of the developing cartridge 2 based on the reception of at least one of the first current I1, the second current I2, and the third current I3. The control unit 4 also includes a CPU 16 . The CPU 16 is connected to the receiver 5 by wiring. The CPU 16 determines whether the current received by the receiver 5 is the first current I1 , the second current I2 or the third current I3 based on the current value of the current received by the receiver 5 . The CPU 16 judges the specifications of the developing cartridge 2 based on the receiving pattern of the current. The specification of the developing cartridge 2 is, for example, whether or not the developing cartridge 2 is a new developing cartridge. In addition, the specification of the developing cartridge 2 is, for example, whether or not the developing cartridge 2 is attached to the apparatus main body 3 . In addition, the specification of the developing cartridge 2 is, for example, the number of sheets that the developing cartridge 2 can print.

The CPU 16 is connected to the power supply 8 through wiring. The CPU 16 can control the start and stop of power supply from the power source 8 .

3.5. About the detection of developing cartridge 2

The detection of the shadow box 2 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 .

As shown in FIG. 3 , when the developing cartridge 2 is mounted on the apparatus body 3 , the lever 6 comes into contact with the first protrusion 10 of the detection gear 28 . The lever 6 is then in the first position. At this time, the first circuit 12 is in contact with the second contact point 7B of the body electrode 7 . When the power supply 8 starts to supply power, the first current I1 flows in the first circuit 12, and the receiver 5 receives the first current I1. Accordingly, the control unit 4 detects that the lever 6 is located at the first position.

When the driving force from the image forming apparatus 1 starts to be input to the developing cartridge 2 in a state where the developing cartridge 2 is mounted on the apparatus body 3 , the detection gear 28 rotates about the shaft 29 . Then, the first protrusion 10 and the second protrusion 11 rotate together with the detection gear 28 . As shown in FIG. 4 , the first protrusion 10 is separated from the rod 6 . The lever 6 moves from the first position to the second position. At this time, the first contact point 7A of the main body electrode 7 is in contact with the shaft 29 . When the power source 8 starts supplying electric power, the shaft 29 can receive electric power from the first contact point 7A of the main body electrode 7, and the electrode 27 can supply electric power to the developing roller shaft 24A.

When the rod 6 is in the second position, the second circuit 13 is in contact with the second contact point 7B of the body electrode 7 . Therefore, when the power supply 8 starts to supply power, the second current I2 flows in the second circuit 13, and the receiver 5 receives the second current I2. Accordingly, the control unit 4 detects that the lever 6 is located at the second position.

Then, the second protrusion 11 further rotates together with the detection gear 28 , and the second protrusion 11 comes into contact with the lever 6 . At this time, the lever 6 moves from the second position to the first position (see FIG. 3 ). When the rod 6 is in the first position, the first circuit 12 is in contact with the second contact point 7B of the body electrode 7 . Therefore, when the power supply 8 starts to supply power, the first current I1 flows in the first circuit 12, and the receiver 5 receives the first current I1. Accordingly, the control unit 4 detects that the lever 6 is located at the first position.

Next, the second protrusion 11 is separated from the rod 6 . Then, the lever 6 moves from the first position to the second position (see FIG. 4 ). When the lever 6 is in the second position, the first contact point 7A of the body electrode 7 is in contact with the shaft 29 . The detection gear 28 is released from transmission of the driving force, and stops rotating.

When the power supply 8 starts supplying electric power, the electrode 27 can receive electric power from the first contact point 7A of the main body electrode 7 and supply electric power to the developing roller shaft 24A. The second current I2 flows through the second circuit 13, and the receiver 5 receives the second current I2. Accordingly, the control unit 4 detects that the lever 6 is located at the second position.

In the case where the control section 4 receives the first current I1, then the second current I2, then the first current I1, and then the second current I2 within a predetermined time, the control section 4 can The reception of the electric current detects the correct position of the lever 6, and the specification of the developing cartridge 2 can be judged. The specification of the developing cartridge 2 is, for example, whether or not the developing cartridge 2 is a new developing cartridge. In addition, the specification of the developing cartridge 2 is, for example, the number of sheets that the developing cartridge 2 can print. The control unit 4 can determine the specific number of printable sheets of the developing cartridge 2 according to the current receiving pattern.

The control unit 4 may determine that the old developing cartridge 2 is attached when the control unit 4 continues to receive the second current I2 for a predetermined time.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the case where the developing cartridge 2 is not mounted on the apparatus body 3, the lever 6 is located at the third position. At this time, the third circuit 14 is in contact with the second contact point 7B of the body electrode 7 . When the power supply 8 starts to supply power, the third current 13 flows in the third circuit 14, and the receiver 5 receives the third current I3. Accordingly, the control unit 4 detects that the lever 6 is located at the third position. The control unit 4 may determine that the developer cartridge 2 is not attached to the apparatus main body 3 when the control unit 4 continues to receive the third current I3 for a predetermined time.

4. Modification

The second circuit 13 may also include a third resistor 13A as shown by the dotted lines in FIGS. 3 to 5 . The third resistor 13A has a different resistance from the first resistor 12A and the second resistor 14A. Therefore, when the second circuit 13 has the third resistor 13A, the second resistance value of the second circuit 13 can be surely made different from the first resistance value of the first circuit 12 and the third resistance value of the third circuit 14 .

5. The second embodiment

A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 . In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted.

The developer cartridge 2 of the first embodiment and the developer cartridge 30 of the second embodiment differ from each other in the number of printable sheets. That is, the amount of developer accommodated in the housing 25 of the developing cartridge 30 is different from the amount of developer accommodated in the housing 25 of the developing cartridge 2 . In the second embodiment, the developing cartridge 30 includes the detection gear 31 . The detection gear 31 has the same structure as the detection gear 28 except that it does not have the second protrusion 11 . The detection gear 31 has a first protrusion 10 .

As shown in FIG. 6 , when the developing cartridge 30 is mounted to the apparatus body 3 , the lever 6 comes into contact with the first protrusion 10 of the detection gear 31 . The lever 6 is then in the first position. At this time, the first circuit 12 is in contact with the second contact point 7B of the body electrode 7 . When the power supply 8 starts to supply power, the first current I1 flows in the first circuit 12, and the receiver 5 receives the first current I1. Accordingly, the control unit 4 detects that the lever 6 is located at the first position.

In a state where the developing cartridge 30 is mounted on the apparatus body 3 , when a driving force from the image forming apparatus 1 starts to be input to the developing cartridge 30 , the detection gear 31 rotates about the shaft 29 . Then, the first protrusion 10 rotates together with the detection gear 31 . As shown in FIG. 7 , the first protrusion 10 is separated from the rod 6 . The detection gear 31 is released from transmission of driving force, thereby stopping rotation. The lever 6 moves from the first position to the second position. At this time, the first contact point 7A of the main body electrode 7 is in contact with the shaft 29 . When the power source 8 starts supplying electric power, the shaft 29 can receive electric power from the first contact point 7A of the main body electrode 7, and the electrode 27 can supply electric power to the developing roller shaft 24A.

When the rod 6 is in the second position, the second circuit 13 is in contact with the second contact point 7B of the body electrode 7 . Therefore, when the power supply 8 starts to supply power, the second current I2 flows in the second circuit 13, and the receiver 5 receives the second current I2. Accordingly, the control unit 4 detects that the lever 6 is located at the second position.

In the case where the control part 4 receives the first current I1 and then the second current I2 within a predetermined time, the control part 4 can determine the specification of the developing cartridge 30 based on the pattern of the received current. The specification of the developing cartridge 30 is, for example, whether or not the developing cartridge 30 is a new developing cartridge. In addition, the specification of the developing cartridge 30 is, for example, the number of sheets that the developing cartridge 30 can print.

The reception mode of the current caused by the detection gear 31 is different from the reception mode of the current caused by the detection gear 28 . Therefore, the control unit 4 can determine that the number of sheets that can be printed by the developing cartridge 2 is different from the number of sheets that can be printed by the developing cartridge 30 .

6. The third embodiment

A third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10 . In the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted.

In the third embodiment, the first circuit 12, the second circuit 13, and the third circuit 14 are not connected to each other and are independent. The control unit 4 includes a first receiver 5A, a second receiver 5B, and a third receiver 5C.

The first receiver 5A corresponds to the first circuit 12 . The first receiver 5A is a device for receiving the first current I1. The first receiver 5A is electrically connected to the first circuit 12 . The first receiver 5A and the first circuit 12 are connected by wiring. The first receiver 5A is connected to the CPU 16 by wiring.

The second receiver 5B corresponds to the second circuit 13 . The second receiver 5B is means for receiving the second current I2. The second receiver 5B is electrically connected to the second circuit 13 . The second receiver 5B and the second circuit 13 are connected by wiring. The second receiver 5B is connected to the CPU 16 by wiring.

The third receiver 5C corresponds to the third circuit 14 . The third receiver 5C is means for receiving the third current I3. The third receiver 5C is electrically connected to the third circuit 14 . The third receiver 5C and the third circuit 14 are connected by wiring. The third receiver 5C is connected to the CPU 16 by wiring.

As shown in FIG. 8 , when the lever 6 is at the first position, the first circuit 12 is in contact with the second contact point 7B of the body electrode 7 . When the power supply 8 starts to supply power, the first current I1 flows in the first circuit 12, and the first receiver 5A receives the first current I1. Accordingly, the control unit 4 detects that the lever 6 is located at the first position.

As shown in FIG. 9 , when the lever 6 is in the second position, the second circuit 13 is in contact with the second contact point 7B of the body electrode 7 . When the power supply 8 starts to supply power, the second current I2 flows in the second circuit 13, and the second receiver 5B receives the second current I2. Accordingly, the control unit 4 detects that the lever 6 is located at the second position.

As shown in FIG. 10 , when the lever 6 is in the third position, the third circuit 14 is in contact with the second contact point 7B of the body electrode 7 . When the power supply 8 starts to supply power, the third current I3 flows in the third circuit 14, and the third receiver 5C receives the third current I3. Accordingly, the control unit 4 detects that the lever 6 is located at the third position.

In the third embodiment, the current value of the first current I1, the current value of the second current I2, and the current value of the third current I3 may be the same as or different from each other. The control unit 4 receives the current through any one of the first receiver 5A, the second receiver 5B, and the third receiver 5C, and can determine whether the current received by the receiver is the first current I1 or the second current I2. Also the third current I3. The third embodiment can also achieve the same effect as the first embodiment.

7. Modification

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the developer cartridge was used as an example of the cartridge, but the cartridge may be, for example, a toner cartridge or a process cartridge.

Explanation of reference signs

1 Image forming device

2 developing cartridge

3 Device body

5A first receiver

5B Second Receiver

5C Third Receiver

6 poles

12 First Circuit

12A first resistor

13 Second circuit

13A third resistor

14 third circuit

14A second resistor

30 developing cartridge

Claims (8)

1. An image forming device comprising: box; a lever capable of contacting the cartridge and movable by contacting the cartridge between a first position, a second position and a third position, the second position being different from the first position, the third position a location that is different from both said first location and said second location; a first circuit through which a first current flows when the lever is in the first position; a second circuit through which a second current flows when the lever is in the second position; a third circuit through which a third current flows when the lever is in the third position; and a control section electrically connected to each of the first circuit, the second circuit, and the third circuit, The control section judges a specification of the cartridge based on reception of at least one of the first current, the second current, and the third current. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first circuit has a first resistance value, the second circuit has a second resistance value different from the first resistance value, The third circuit has a third resistance value different from both the first resistance value and the second resistance value. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first circuit has a first resistor having a predetermined resistance value, One of the second circuit and the third circuit has a second resistor having a different resistance value from the first resistor. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the other of the second circuit and the third circuit has a third resistor having a The resistor and the second resistor each have a different resistance value. 5. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit comprises: a first receiver, electrically connected to the first circuit, for receiving the first current; a second receiver electrically connected to the second circuit for receiving the second current; and A third receiver, electrically connected to the third circuit, for receiving the third current. 6 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the specification of the cartridge determined by the control unit is whether the cartridge is new. 7. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an apparatus body, the cartridge being mountable to and detachable from the apparatus body, The specification of the cartridge determined by the control unit is whether or not the cartridge is mounted on the device main body. 8 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the specification of the cartridge determined by the control unit is the number of sheets that can be printed by the cartridge.