JP7400933B2 - cartridge - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cartridge installed in an image forming apparatus that employs an electrophotographic method.

2. Description of the Related Art As an electrophotographic printer, a printer that includes a photoreceptor and a developer cartridge that supplies toner to the photoreceptor is known.

Such a printer includes a new product detection means for determining information about the installed developer cartridge (for example, whether the developer cartridge is new or not).

For example, a detection gear rotatably provided on the developer cartridge is provided with an abutment protrusion that comes into contact with an actuator in the main body casing, and when the developer cartridge is installed in the main body casing, the detection gear is rotationally driven. A laser printer has been proposed in which the actuator is oscillated by an abutting protrusion, the oscillation of the actuator is detected by an optical sensor, and information about the developer cartridge is determined based on the detection result (for example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 listed below). reference.).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-267994

However, in the laser printer described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, the detection gear used to detect whether the developer cartridge is new is provided on the side wall where the input gear to which the driving force from the main body casing is input is provided.

Therefore, it is necessary to secure a space on the side wall of the developer cartridge in which both the input gear and the detection gear can be provided, and it is difficult to further reduce the size of the developer cartridge.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge that can be made more compact.

(1) In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the cartridge of the present invention has a developer accommodating section configured to accommodate developer, and is arranged at intervals in a predetermined direction across the developer accommodating section. The device includes a casing including a first side wall and a second side wall arranged to face each other, a coupling member for receiving a driving force from the outside, and a detected object for being detected by an external detection means.

The coupling member is disposed on the opposite side of the developer storage portion with respect to the first side wall.

The object to be detected is arranged on the opposite side of the developer storage section with respect to the second side wall.

Further, the cartridge of the present invention is configured to rotate around a rotation axis extending in a predetermined direction, and includes a rotation member disposed between the first side wall and the second side wall.

Further, the cartridge of the present invention is configured to rotate together with the rotating member about the rotational axis, and is arranged on the side where the coupling member is arranged with respect to the first side wall, and the cartridge A first drive transmission member configured to transmit force to the rotating member.

Further, the cartridge of the present invention is configured to rotate together with the rotating member about the rotational axis, and is arranged on the side where the detected object is arranged with respect to the second side wall, and the cartridge is configured to rotate together with the rotating member about the rotation axis, and is arranged on the side where the detected object is arranged with respect to the second side wall, and the driving force is transmitted from the rotating member to the detected object. A second drive transmission member for transmitting power to the body is provided.

According to such a configuration, the coupling member is disposed on the opposite side of the developer accommodating section with respect to the first side wall, and the detected object is disposed on the opposite side of the developer accommodating section with respect to the second side wall. By arranging the coupling member, the driving force input to the coupling member can be transmitted to the detected object via the rotating member arranged between the first side wall and the second side wall.

Therefore, the coupling member and the detected object can be arranged on different side walls (the first side wall and the second side wall), and the areas of the first side wall and the second side wall can be reduced accordingly. .

As a result, the cartridge can be made smaller.
(2) The detected object may be arranged so that at least a portion thereof overlaps the coupling member when projected in a predetermined direction.

According to such a configuration, the detected portion and the coupling member can be arranged at substantially the same position when projected in a predetermined direction, and the cartridge can be further miniaturized.
(3) The rotating member may be a stirring member configured to stir the developer in the developer storage section.

According to such a configuration, the driving force can be transmitted from the coupling member to the detected object using the stirring member, and the number of parts can be reduced.
(4) Furthermore, the cartridge of the present invention may include a developing roller arranged between the first side wall and the second side wall and configured to carry developer.

Further, the cartridge of the present invention may include a developing electrode that is arranged on the side where the object to be detected is arranged with respect to the second side wall and is configured to be electrically connected to the developing roller.

In this case, the developing electrode has a power-fed portion extending in a predetermined direction to the side opposite to the second side wall in order to receive power from the outside, and the sensing object is made of an insulating member and is rotated by the power-fed portion. may be supported.

According to such a configuration, the detected object can be arranged more efficiently than when the detected object and the power-supplied section are provided separately.
(5) Furthermore, the powered section may be arranged so as to overlap the coupling member when projected in a predetermined direction.

According to such a configuration, the power-fed section and the coupling member can be arranged at substantially the same position when projected in a predetermined direction, and the cartridge can be further miniaturized.
(6) Furthermore, the detected object may include a first opening that extends in the rotational direction of the detected object and exposes the power-supplied section, and a covering section that covers the power-supplied section.

According to such a configuration, by rotating the detected object, it is possible to reliably switch between supplying power to the power-supplied section from the outside and canceling the supply of power.
(7) Further, the covering part is provided in the middle of the rotation direction of the first opening, and the first covering part covers the powered part from an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction, and the first covering part covers the powered part from the outside in the predetermined direction. It has a second covering part.

According to such a configuration, the protruding portion can be protected from the outside in the orthogonal direction and the predetermined direction by the covering portion.
(8) Furthermore, a plurality of first covering portions may be provided.

According to such a configuration, the protrusion can be protected at multiple locations in the orthogonal direction.
(9) Furthermore, the number of the first covering parts may correspond to information regarding the cartridge.

According to such a configuration, cartridge information can be easily and reliably determined based on the number of first covering parts.
(10) Further, the first covering portion may continuously cover more than half of the power-supplied portion in the rotational direction.

According to such a configuration, more than half of the protrusion can be continuously protected in the rotation direction.
(11) Furthermore, the length of the first covering portion in the rotational direction may correspond to information regarding the cartridge.

According to such a configuration, information on the cartridge can be easily and reliably determined based on the length of the first covering portion in the rotational direction.
(12) The first covering portion is provided on the downstream side in the rotational direction, and has a first sloped surface that slopes outward in the orthogonal direction toward the upstream side in the rotational direction, and is continuous with the first sloped surface on the upstream side in the rotational direction. and a second inclined surface that is inclined inward in the orthogonal direction as it goes upstream in the rotational direction.

According to such a configuration, even if the first covering part of the detected object comes into contact with the external detection means that comes into contact with the power-supplied part during the rotation of the detected object, the external detection means cannot be detected. , it can be retracted so as to ride on the first covering part along the first slope, and then brought into contact with the power supply part again so as to descend from the first covering part along the second slope.

As a result, the first covering portion of the object to be detected can be smoothly passed between the power-supplied portion and the external detection means.
(13) Furthermore, the second covering portion may have a fitting portion that fits into the outer end portion of the power-supplied portion in a predetermined direction.

According to such a configuration, the outer end portion of the power-supplied portion in the predetermined direction can be positioned with respect to the object to be detected by the fitting portion.
(14) Furthermore, the power-fed part may be formed in a cylindrical shape, and the fitting part may be fitted into the outer end of the power-fed part in a predetermined direction.

According to such a configuration, the fitting portion can reinforce the outer end portion of the power-supplied portion in the predetermined direction.
(15) Furthermore, the second side wall may have a protrusion that protrudes outward in a predetermined direction so as to be fitted into the power-supplied portion.

According to such a configuration, the power-supplied section can be reinforced by the protrusion.
(16) In addition, the object to be detected moves from the first position where power is supplied to the power-fed part through the first opening, through the second position where the input of power to the power-fed part is canceled by the covering part, It may be possible to move to a third position where power is supplied to the power-supplied section through the first opening.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to detect power supply to the power-supplied section before and after the input of power to the power-supplied section is canceled, and it is possible to reliably cancel the input of power to the power-supplied section. , can be recognized by external detection means.
(17) Furthermore, the rotating member may be a developing roller configured to carry developer.

According to such a configuration, the driving force can be transmitted from the coupling member to the detected object using the developing roller, and the number of parts can be reduced.
(18) Furthermore, the rotating member may be a supply roller configured to supply the developer to a developing roller configured to carry the developer.

According to such a configuration, the driving force can be transmitted from the coupling member to the detected object using the supply roller, and the number of parts can be reduced.
(19) Furthermore, the object to be detected may have a toothless gear including a toothed portion to which driving force is transmitted and a toothed portion to which driving force is not transmitted.

According to such a configuration, the detected object can be reliably rotated by a predetermined amount of drive from the start of the rotational drive to the stop of the rotational drive.
(20) Further, a covering member may be provided that covers at least the partially toothed gear, and the covering member may have a second opening that exposes the detected object.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to protect the partially toothed gear and to supply power to the power-supplied section through the second opening.
(21) The outer edge in the predetermined direction of the covering member may be arranged so as to overlap the outer edge in the predetermined direction of the object to be detected when projected in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent an external member from coming into contact with the detected object from the orthogonal direction.
(22) The first drive transmission member is a first gear configured to receive the driving force from the coupling member, and the second drive transmission member is a second gear configured to transmit the driving force to the detected object. The number of teeth of the first gear and the number of teeth of the second gear may be different from each other.

According to such a configuration, the rotational speed of the detected object can be arbitrarily set with respect to the rotational speed of the rotating member.
(23) Furthermore, the number of teeth of the first gear may be greater than the number of teeth of the second gear.

According to such a configuration, the rotational speed of the detected object can be reduced with respect to the rotational speed of the rotating member.

As a result, it is possible to secure time for detecting the supply of power to the power-supplied unit and the cancellation of power supply, and it is possible to accurately detect the supply of power to the power-supplied unit and the cancellation of power supply.

According to the present invention, the cartridge can be made more compact.

FIG. 1 shows a central sectional view of a printer equipped with a developer cartridge according to a first embodiment of the cartridge of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the developer cartridge shown in FIG. 1 viewed from the upper left side. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the developer cartridge shown in FIG. 1 viewed from the upper right side. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the drive unit shown in FIG. 2, viewed from the upper left side. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the power supply unit shown in FIG. 3, viewed from the upper right side. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the electrode member 81 shown in FIG. 5 viewed from the upper left side. 7 shows the new detection gear shown in FIG. 5, (a) is a perspective view seen from the upper right side, (b) is a right side view, and (c) is a diagram of the detected end. FIG. FIG. 8 is a right side view of the developer cartridge shown in FIG. 3. FIG. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the power supply unit shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the main body electrode unit seen from the upper right side. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the swinging of the swinging electrode, and shows a state in which the developer cartridge is not attached to the main body casing and the swinging electrode is disposed at the lower release position. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the swinging of the swinging electrode, and shows a state in which the developer cartridge is attached to the main body casing and the swinging electrode is disposed at the connection position. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the swinging of the swinging electrode, and shows a state in which the developer cartridge is attached to the main body casing and the swinging electrode is disposed at the upper release position. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the new developer cartridge detection operation, in which the developer cartridge is immediately after being installed in the main body casing, and the swinging electrode of the main body electrode unit is in contact with the power receiving part of the developer cartridge. Indicates the condition. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the new developer cartridge detection operation following FIG. This shows a state in which the developer cartridge is pressed and separated from the power receiving section of the developer cartridge. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the new developer cartridge detection operation following FIG. 15, in which one first covering part of the new product detection gear is connected to the swinging electrode of the main body electrode unit and the power receiving part of the developer cartridge. The state in which the swinging electrode of the main body electrode unit is in contact with the power receiving portion of the developer cartridge is shown. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the new developer cartridge detection operation following FIG. 16, in which the swinging electrode of the main body electrode unit is pressed by the other first covering part of the new product detection gear, and the developer cartridge This shows the state where the device is separated from the power receiving unit. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the new developer cartridge detection operation following FIG. 17, in which the other first covering part of the new product detection gear is connected to the swinging electrode of the main body electrode unit and the power receiving part of the developer cartridge. The state in which the swinging electrode of the main body electrode unit is in contact with the power receiving portion of the developer cartridge is shown. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the developer cartridge of the second embodiment, viewed from the upper right side. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the new developer cartridge detection operation of the second embodiment, in which the developer cartridge is immediately installed in the main body casing, and the swinging electrode of the main body electrode unit is connected to the developer cartridge. Indicates a state where the power receiving unit is touched. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram following FIG. 20 to explain the new developer cartridge detection operation of the second embodiment, in which the warming-up operation is started and the swinging electrode of the main body electrode unit is exposed to the new product detection gear. It shows a state in which it is pressed by the circumferential surface of the detection end and separated from the power receiving section of the developer cartridge. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram following FIG. 21 to explain the new-product detection operation of the developer cartridge according to the second embodiment, in which the circumferential surface of the detected end of the new-product detection gear is connected to the swinging electrode of the main body electrode unit. It shows a state in which the swinging electrode of the main body electrode unit is in contact with the power receiving section of the developer cartridge after passing between the power receiving section of the developer cartridge. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the power supply unit of the developer cartridge according to the third embodiment, viewed from the upper right side. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram illustrating drive transmission of the developer cartridge of the third embodiment. FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the power supply unit of the developer cartridge according to the fourth embodiment, viewed from the upper right side. FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram illustrating drive transmission of the developer cartridge of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the power supply unit of the developer cartridge according to the fifth embodiment, viewed from the upper right side. FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the developer cartridge of the sixth embodiment, viewed from the upper right side. FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the power supply unit shown in FIG. 28, viewed from the upper right side. FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram illustrating drive transmission of the developer cartridge according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the developer cartridge installed in the printer of the seventh embodiment, viewed from the upper right side. FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the rotation of the rotary plate of the developer cartridge in the seventh embodiment, in a state where the rotary plate is placed at the first position immediately after the developer cartridge is attached to the main body casing. shows. FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram following FIG. 32 to explain the rotation of the rotary plate of the developer cartridge in the seventh embodiment, and shows a state in which the rotary plate is disposed at the second position. FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram following FIG. 33 to explain the rotation of the rotary plate of the developer cartridge in the seventh embodiment, and shows a state in which the rotary plate is disposed at the third position. FIG. 35 is a front view showing fixed electrodes and moving electrodes provided in the main body casing of the printer in the seventh embodiment. FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of detecting a new developer cartridge in the seventh embodiment, in which (a) shows the developer cartridge immediately after being installed in the main body casing, and the movable electrode is connected to the developer cartridge. (b) shows a state in which the power receiving section is contacted, and (b) shows that following (a), the warming-up operation is started and the movable electrode is pressed by the covering section of the rotary plate and separated from the power receiving section of the developer cartridge. (c) shows a state in which, following (b), the covering portion of the rotary plate passes between the movable electrode and the power receiving portion of the developer cartridge, and the movable electrode is connected to the power receiving portion of the developer cartridge. Indicates a touched state. FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the developer cartridge installed in the printer of the eighth embodiment, viewed from the upper right side. FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the sliding of the slide plate of the developer cartridge in the eighth embodiment, with the slide plate placed at the first position immediately after the developer cartridge is installed in the main body casing. shows. FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram following FIG. 38 to explain the sliding of the slide plate of the developer cartridge in the eighth embodiment, and shows a state in which the slide plate is disposed at the second position. FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram following FIG. 39 to explain the sliding of the slide plate of the developer cartridge in the eighth embodiment, and shows a state in which the slide plate is disposed at the third position. FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of detecting a new developer cartridge in the eighth embodiment, in which (a) shows the developer cartridge immediately after being installed in the main body casing, and the movable electrode is connected to the developer cartridge. (b) shows a state in which the power receiving part is contacted, and (b) shows that following (a), the warming-up operation is started and the movable electrode is pressed by the covering part of the slide plate and separated from the power receiving part of the developer cartridge. In (c), following (b), the covering part of the slide plate passes between the movable electrode and the power receiving part of the developer cartridge, and the movable electrode is connected to the power receiving part of the developer cartridge. Indicates a touched state.

1. Overall Configuration of Printer As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 is a horizontal direct tandem color printer.

In the following description, when referring to directions, the left side of the paper in FIG. 1 is referred to as the front side, and the right side of the paper in FIG. 1 is referred to as the rear side, with the printer 1 placed horizontally as a reference. Further, the left and right reference points are when the printer 1 is viewed from the front side. That is, the front side of the paper in FIG. 1 is the right side, and the back side of the paper is the left side.

The printer 1 includes a main body casing 2 having a substantially box shape. A top cover 6 for opening and closing the main body opening 5 is provided at the upper end of the main body casing 2 so as to be swingable about its rear end. The printer 1 includes four process cartridges 11 corresponding to each color.

The process cartridges 11 are removably provided in the main casing 2, and are arranged in parallel with each other at intervals along the front-rear direction. Each process cartridge 11 includes a drum cartridge 24 and a developer cartridge 25, which is an example of a cartridge that is removably attached to the drum cartridge 24.

The drum cartridge 24 includes a photosensitive drum 15.

The photosensitive drum 15 is formed into a cylindrical shape that is elongated in the left-right direction, and is rotatably provided in the drum cartridge 24 .

The developing cartridge 25 includes a developing roller 16.

The developing roller 16 includes a metal developing roller shaft 30 extending in the left-right direction, is provided at the rear end of the developer cartridge 25 so as to be exposed from the rear side, and is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 15 from the front upper side. There is. The developing roller 16 is rotated about a central axis A1 (an example of a first axis, see FIG. 4) of the developing roller shaft 30 as a rotation center.

The developer cartridge 25 also includes a supply roller 27 that supplies toner to the developer roller 16 and a layer thickness regulating blade 28 that regulates the thickness of the toner supplied to the developer roller 16, and a developer storage section provided above them. Toner, which is an example of a developer, is stored in the toner storage portion 79, which is an example, and an agitator 80, which is an example of a stirring member (rotating member) that stirs the toner, is provided.

The supply roller 27 includes a metal supply roller shaft 29 extending in the left-right direction, and is in contact with the developing roller 16 from the upper front side.

The layer thickness regulating blade 28 is in contact with the developing roller 16 from the rear upper side.

The agitator 80 includes an agitator shaft 76 that extends in the left-right direction, and a stirring blade 77 that extends from the agitator shaft 76 to the outside in the radial direction of the agitator shaft 76, and includes a central axis A2 of the agitator shaft 76 (an example of a rotational axis, see FIG. 4). is rotated around the center of rotation.

The toner in the toner storage portion 79 is frictionally charged to a positive polarity between the supply roller 27 and the developing roller 16, and is supported on the surface of the developing roller 16 as a thin layer of a constant thickness.

On the other hand, the surface of each photosensitive drum 15 is uniformly charged by a scorotron charger 26 and then exposed to light by the LED unit 12 based on predetermined image data, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image based on the image data. is formed. Then, the toner carried on the developing roller 16 is supplied to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of each photosensitive drum 15, so that a toner image (developer image) is carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 15.

The paper S is stored in a paper feed tray 7 provided at the bottom of the main body casing 2, and is rotated rearward and upward by a pickup roller 8, a paper feed roller 9, and a pair of registration rollers 10. The sheets are conveyed and fed one by one between the photosensitive drums 15 and the conveyor belt 19 at a predetermined timing, and the conveyor belt 19 passes between each photosensitive drum 15 and each transfer roller 20 from the front side to the rear side. transported towards. At this time, toner images of each color are sequentially transferred onto the paper S, forming a color image.

Then, the paper S is heated and pressurized when passing between the heating roller 21 and the pressure roller 22. At this time, the color image is thermally fixed on the paper S.

Thereafter, the paper S is conveyed in a U-turn toward the front and upper side, and is discharged to a paper discharge tray 23 provided on the top cover 6 .
2. Details of Developer Cartridge As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the developer cartridge 25 includes a cartridge frame 31 as an example of a housing, a drive unit 32 disposed on the left side of the cartridge frame 31, and a drive unit 32 disposed on the right side of the cartridge frame 31. A power supply unit 33 is provided.

In the description of the developer cartridge 25, when referring to directions, the side where the developer roller 16 is disposed is referred to as the rear side of the developer cartridge 25, and the side where the layer thickness regulating blade 28 is disposed is referred to as the upper side. That is, the vertical and longitudinal directions regarding the developer cartridge 25 are different from the vertical and longitudinal directions regarding the printer 1. and is attached to the drum cartridge 24.
(1) Cartridge Frame The cartridge frame 31 is formed into a substantially box shape extending in the left-right direction. The cartridge frame 31 includes a first frame 34 forming the lower side of the cartridge frame 31 and a second frame 35 forming the upper side of the cartridge frame 31.
(1-1) First frame As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first frame 34 integrally includes a pair of left and right side walls 36, a front wall 37, and a lower wall 38. It is formed in the shape of a bottomed frame that opens toward the side. In the following description, the left side wall 36 as an example of the first side wall will be referred to as a left wall 36L, and the right side wall 36 as an example of the second side wall will be referred to as a right wall 36R.

Both side walls 36 are formed in a generally rectangular shape in a side view extending vertically and longitudinally, and are arranged to face each other at intervals in the left-right direction. Furthermore, a supply roller shaft exposure hole 39, a developing roller shaft exposure groove 40, and an agitator shaft exposure hole 41 are formed in both side walls 36.

The supply roller shaft exposure hole 39 is formed to penetrate through the lower rear end of the side wall 36 and has a generally rectangular shape when viewed from the side. The length of each side of the supply roller shaft exposure hole 39 is longer than the diameter of the end portion of the supply roller shaft 29 in the left and right direction. The left and right end portions of the supply roller shaft 29 are exposed outward in the left and right direction from the side wall 36 through the supply roller shaft exposure hole 39 .

The developing roller shaft exposure groove 40 is cut out from the upper rear end of the side wall 36 toward the lower front side and has a substantially U-shape in side view that opens toward the upper rear side. The groove width (length in the vertical direction) of the developing roller shaft exposure groove 40 is formed wider than the diameter of the left and right ends of the developing roller shaft 30 . The left and right end portions of the developing roller shaft 30 are exposed outward in the left and right direction from the side wall 36 via the developing roller shaft exposure groove 40 .

The agitator shaft exposure hole 41 is formed through the front end of the side wall 36 and has a substantially circular shape when viewed from the side. The diameter of the agitator shaft exposure hole 41 is larger than the diameter of the left and right ends of the agitator shaft 76 . The left and right ends of the agitator shaft 76 are exposed outward in the left and right direction from the side wall 36 through the agitator shaft exposure hole 41.

Moreover, a fitting protrusion 45 as an example of a protrusion is provided on the right wall 36R.

The fitting protrusion 45 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that protrudes to the right from the right surface of the right wall 36R on the front side of the supply roller shaft exposure hole 39. Note that, on the left half of the fitting protrusion 45, protrusions 47 are formed, one each on the front end edge and the lower end edge, which protrude outward in the radial direction of the fitting protrusion 45 and extend in the left-right direction.

The front wall 37 extends in the left-right direction and is installed between the front ends of the both side walls 36.

The lower wall 38 extends in the left-right direction and is constructed between the lower ends of the both side walls 36 so as to be continuous with the lower end of the front wall 37 .
(1-2) Second Frame The second frame 35 constitutes the upper side of the cartridge frame 31, and is formed into a flat plate shape that is substantially rectangular in plan view. A layer thickness regulating blade 28 is arranged at the rear end of the second frame 35 so as to be in contact with the developing roller 16 from above.
(2) Drive Unit The drive unit 32 includes a bearing member 51, a gear train 52, and a drive-side gear cover 53, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4.
(2-1) Bearing Member The bearing member 51 is formed into a substantially rectangular flat plate shape when viewed from the side. The bearing member 51 has a developing roller shaft support hole 54 for supporting the developing roller shaft 30, a supply roller shaft support hole 55 for supporting the supply roller shaft 29, a coupling support shaft 56, and an idle gear support shaft 57. are doing.

The developing roller shaft support hole 54 is formed to penetrate through the upper rear end portion of the bearing member 51 and has a substantially circular shape when viewed from the side. The inner diameter of the developing roller shaft support hole 54 is formed to be approximately the same diameter (slightly larger) than the outer diameter of the developing roller shaft 30.

The supply roller shaft support hole 55 is formed to penetrate through the developing roller shaft support hole 54 in a substantially circular shape in a side view on the lower front side. The inner diameter of the supply roller shaft support hole 55 is formed to be approximately the same diameter (slightly larger) than the outer diameter of the supply roller shaft 29.

The coupling support shaft 56 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that protrudes leftward from the left surface of the bearing member 51 on the front side of the developing roller shaft support hole 54 and above the supply roller shaft support hole 55 .

The idle gear support shaft 57 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that protrudes leftward from the left surface of the bearing member 51 at the front end of the bearing member 51 . An idle gear 64 (described later) is supported by the idle gear support shaft 57 so as to be relatively rotatable.

The bearing member 51 is configured such that the left end of the developing roller shaft 30 is inserted into the developing roller shaft support hole 54 and the left end of the supply roller shaft 29 is inserted into the supply roller shaft support hole 55. It is assembled on the left side of the left wall 36L. Further, the coupling support shaft 56 is arranged on the left side of the front end of the toner storage section 79.
(2-2) Gear train The gear train 52 includes a developing coupling 61 as an example of a coupling member, a developing gear 62, a supply gear 63, an idle gear 64, and an example of a first drive transmission member (first gear). and a second agitator gear 78 (see FIG. 5) as an example of a second drive transmission member (second gear).

The developer coupling 61 is supported by the coupling support shaft 56 of the bearing member 51 so as to be relatively rotatable. Further, the developing coupling 61 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction, and integrally includes a large-diameter gear portion 65, a small-diameter gear portion 66, and a coupling portion 67.

The large diameter gear portion 65 is provided at the right end of the developer coupling 61. Gear teeth are formed on the circumferential surface of the large-diameter gear portion 65 over its entire circumference.

The small diameter gear part 66 has a smaller diameter than the large diameter gear part 65 and is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape whose central axis coincides with that of the large diameter gear part 65 . Gear teeth are formed on the circumferential surface of the small diameter gear portion 66 over its entire circumference.

The coupling portion 67 has a smaller diameter than the small diameter gear portion 66 and is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape whose central axis coincides with the large diameter gear portion 65 . A coupling recess 68 is formed on the left side surface of the coupling portion 67 . With the developer cartridge 25 installed in the main body casing 2, the tip of a main body coupling (not shown) provided in the main body casing 2 is inserted into the coupling recess 68 in a relatively non-rotatable manner, and the main body coupling ( Driving force is input from the main body casing 2 via the main body casing 2 (not shown).

The developing gear 62 is attached to the left end of the developing roller shaft 30 so as not to be relatively rotatable. The developing gear 62 is meshed with the large diameter gear portion 65 of the developing coupling 61 from the rear side.

The supply gear 63 is attached to the left end of the supply roller shaft 29 so as not to be relatively rotatable. The supply gear 63 is meshed with the large diameter gear portion 65 of the developer coupling 61 from the rear lower side.

The idle gear 64 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction, and is rotatably supported by the idle gear support shaft 57 of the bearing member 51. Further, the idle gear 64 integrally includes a large diameter portion 71 that constitutes the left half of the idle gear 64, and a small diameter portion 70 that constitutes the right half of the idle gear 64.

The large diameter portion 71 is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. Further, the large diameter portion 71 is engaged with the small diameter gear portion 66 of the developer coupling 61 from the lower front side.

The small diameter portion 70 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending from the right side of the large diameter portion 71 to the right so as to share a central axis with the large diameter portion 71 . Note that the small diameter portion 70 is disposed on the lower front side of the large diameter gear portion 65 of the developer coupling 61 at a distance.

The first agitator gear 72 is attached to the left end of the agitator shaft 76 so as to be relatively non-rotatable. The first agitator gear 72 is meshed with the small diameter portion 70 of the idle gear 64 from the front upper side.

The second agitator gear 78 is attached to the right end of the agitator shaft 76 on the right side of the right wall 36R so as to be relatively unrotatable (see FIG. 5). Further, the number of teeth of the second agitator gear 78 is smaller than the number of teeth of the first agitator gear 72.
(2-3) Drive-side gear cover The drive-side gear cover 53 is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape that extends in the left-right direction and is closed at the left end. The drive-side gear cover 53 is formed in a size (length in the front-rear direction and length in the vertical direction) that can cover the developer coupling 61, the supply gear 63, the idle gear 64, and the first agitator gear 72 all at once. Further, a coupling exposure opening 73 is formed in the drive side gear cover 53.

The coupling exposure opening 73 is formed to penetrate the left wall of the drive-side gear cover 53 at approximately the center in the front-rear direction so as to expose the left surface of the coupling portion 67 of the developer coupling 61 in a generally circular shape when viewed from the side.

The drive-side gear cover 53 exposes the left side of the coupling portion 67 of the developer coupling 61 through the coupling exposure opening 73, and also exposes the left side of the coupling portion 67 of the developer coupling 61 (excluding the left side of the coupling portion 67) and the supply gear 63. , the idle gear 64, and the first agitator gear 72 are screwed to the left wall 36L so as to cover them all at once.
(3) Power Supply Unit As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the power supply unit 33 includes an electrode member 81 as an example of a developing electrode, a new detection gear 82 as an example of an object to be detected, and a cover member as an example of a cover member. A power supply side gear cover 83 is provided.
(3-1) Electrode Member As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the electrode member 81 is formed from a conductive resin material (eg, conductive polyacetal resin) or the like into a substantially rectangular flat plate shape when viewed from the side. The electrode member 81 includes a main body portion 94 and a power receiving portion 88 as an example of a power receiving portion.

The main body portion 94 is formed into a substantially rectangular flat plate shape when viewed from the side, and has a developing roller shaft support hole 84 , a supply roller shaft support portion 85 , a fitting protrusion insertion hole 86 , and a developing roller shaft collar 87 .

The developing roller shaft support hole 84 is formed to penetrate through the upper rear end portion of the electrode member 81 and has a substantially circular shape when viewed from the side. The inner diameter of the developing roller shaft support hole 84 is formed to be approximately the same diameter (slightly larger diameter) as the right end portion of the developing roller shaft 30 . The developing roller shaft 30 is rotatably supported within the developing roller shaft support hole 84 at its right end.

The supply roller shaft support portion 85 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending leftward from the left surface of the right wall 36R on the lower front side of the developing roller shaft support hole 84. The inner diameter of the supply roller shaft support part 85 is formed to be approximately the same diameter (slightly larger diameter) as the outer diameter of the supply roller shaft 29. The supply roller shaft 29 is rotatably supported within the supply roller shaft support section 85 at its right end.

The fitting protrusion insertion hole 86 is formed to penetrate through the front end of the electrode member 81 and has a substantially circular shape when viewed from the side. Note that a recess 89 that is recessed radially outward of the fitting protrusion insertion hole 86 is formed at the front end edge and lower edge of the fitting protrusion insertion hole 86 .

The developing roller shaft collar 87 has a substantially cylindrical shape that protrudes to the right from the peripheral edge of the developing roller shaft support hole 84 .

The power receiving portion 88 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that protrudes to the right from the peripheral edge of the fitting protrusion insertion hole 86 of the main body portion 94 . A groove 90 is formed at the left end of the power receiving section 88 and extends from the left edge of the power receiving section 88 to the right so as to be continuous with the recess 89 of the fitting protrusion insertion hole 86 .

In the electrode member 81, the right end portion of the developing roller shaft 30 is inserted through the developing roller shaft support hole 84 and the developing roller shaft collar 87, and the right end portion of the supply roller shaft 29 is inserted through the supply roller shaft support portion 85. , is assembled on the left side of the right wall 36R so that the fitting protrusion 45 is fitted into the power receiving part 88.

Note that the right end of the fitting protrusion 45 is disposed to the left of the right end of the power receiving section 88. Further, the power receiving section 88 is arranged on the right side of the front end of the toner storage section 79 .

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the rear upper end of the power receiving section 88 is arranged so as to overlap the developing coupling 61 when projected in the left-right direction.
(3-2) New Detection Gear As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the new detection gear 82 is formed from an insulating resin material (for example, polyacetal resin) into a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. It is rotatably fitted onto the power receiving section 88 of the power receiving section 88 .

In addition, in the following description of the new detection gear 82, the radial direction of the new detection gear 82 is defined as the radial direction, the circumferential direction of the new detection gear 82 is defined as the circumferential direction, and the rotational direction of the new detection gear 82 (right side (visual clockwise) is defined as the rotation direction.

Further, the new detection gear 82 integrally includes a toothless gear 96, a cylindrical portion 97, and a detected end portion 95 as an example of a covering portion.

The partially toothed gear 96 is formed into a substantially disk shape having a thickness in the left-right direction. Gear teeth are formed on the circumferential surface of the partially toothed gear 96 at a portion having a center angle of approximately 205°. That is, a tooth portion 98 in which gear teeth are formed and a tooth portion 99 in which gear teeth are not formed are formed on the circumferential surface of the toothless gear 96. The tooth portion 98 is then engaged with the second agitator gear 78 from the rear side. On the other hand, the toothless portion 99 is not engaged with the second agitator gear 78 .

Further, a power receiving portion insertion hole 104 is formed in the radial center of the partially toothed gear 96.

The power receiving portion insertion hole 104 is formed in a substantially circular shape in side view, sharing a central axis with the partially toothed gear 96 . The diameter of the power receiving portion insertion hole 104 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the power receiving portion 88 of the electrode member 81.

The cylindrical portion 97 protrudes to the right from the peripheral edge of the power receiving portion insertion hole 104 of the partially toothed gear 96 and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that shares a central axis with the partially toothed gear 96 . The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 97 is the same as the diameter of the power receiving portion insertion hole 104. Note that a flange portion 100 is formed at the right end portion of the cylindrical portion 97 so as to protrude outward in the radial direction.

The detected end portion 95 extends continuously from the right end portion of the cylindrical portion 97 to the right side. Specifically, the detected end portion 95 includes a first covering portion 101 and a second covering portion 102.

The first covering portions 101 are provided one at each end in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 97, and are formed in the shape of a column having a substantially rectangular cross-sectional view and protruding to the right from the right end portion of the cylindrical portion 97. Specifically, one of the first covering portions 101 is arranged radially inside the rotational direction downstream end of the tooth portion 98 when projected in the left-right direction. Further, the other first covering portion 101 is disposed radially inside approximately the center of the tooth portion 98 in the rotational direction when projected in the left-right direction. Note that the space between both first covering portions 101 is open in the circumferential direction and functions as a first opening. In other words, the first opening extends in the rotational direction, and the first covering portion 101 is provided in the middle of the first opening in the rotational direction.

Further, both circumferential edges of the radially outer end of the first covering portion 101 are chamfered.
Specifically, the downstream side edge in the rotational direction of the radially outer end of the first covering part 101 is provided with a downstream chamfered surface 105 as an example of a second inclined surface that slopes outward in the radial direction toward the upstream side in the rotational direction. is formed. Further, an upstream chamfered surface 106 as an example of a first inclined surface that slopes inward in the radial direction toward the upstream side in the rotational direction is provided on the upstream edge in the rotational direction of the radially outer end of the first covering portion 101. It is formed.

The second covering part 102 is formed in a flat plate shape that is installed between the right end parts of each of the first covering parts 101 and has a substantially rhombic shape when viewed from the side. Further, the second covering portion 102 includes a fitting portion 103 that protrudes to the left from its left surface.

The fitting portion 103 is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape that shares a central axis with the cylindrical portion 97 . The outer diameter of the fitting portion 103 is approximately the same diameter (slightly smaller) than the inner diameter of the power receiving portion 88 .

The new product detection gear 82 is rotatably fitted onto the power receiving section 88 so that the power receiving section 88 is inserted into the power receiving section insertion hole 104. Furthermore, the fitting portion 103 of the new detection gear 82 is fitted into the right end portion of the power receiving portion 88 .

As a result, the right end portion of the power receiving portion 88 is covered from the outside in the radial direction by each of the first covering portions 101, and from the right side by the second covering portion. Further, the right end portion of the power receiving portion 88 is exposed between the first covering portions 101 .

Further, the rotational direction downstream end of the tooth portion 98 of the partially toothed gear 96 is meshed with the second agitator gear 78 .

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the rear upper end of the new product detection gear 82 is arranged so as to overlap the developer coupling 61 when projected in the front-rear direction.
(3-3) Power Supply Side Gear Cover As shown in FIG. 5, the power supply side gear cover 83 is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape that extends in the left-right direction and is closed at the right end. The power supply side gear cover 83 is formed to a size (length in the front-rear direction and length in the vertical direction) that can cover the new detection gear 82 and the second agitator gear 78 all at once.

Further, the power supply side gear cover 83 has a new detection gear exposure opening 111 as an example of a second opening, a front bulge 112, and a rear bulge 113.

The new detection gear exposure opening 111 is formed through the right wall of the power feeding side gear cover 83 at approximately the center in the front-rear direction so as to expose the detected end portion 95 of the new detection gear 82 in a generally circular shape when viewed from the side.

The front bulging portion 112 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in side view so as to protrude to the right from the front peripheral edge of the new detection gear exposure opening 111.

The rear bulging portion 113 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in side view so as to protrude to the right from the rear peripheral edge of the new detection gear exposure opening 111.

The power supply side gear cover 83 exposes the detected end portion 95 of the new detection gear 82 through the new detection gear exposure opening 111, and also connects the missing gear 96 and the cylindrical portion 97 of the new detection gear 82 to the second agitator. It is screwed to the right wall 36R so as to collectively cover the gear 78.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, when projected in the vertical direction, the right surface of the new detection gear 82 is aligned with the right surface of the front bulge 112 and rear bulge 113 of the power supply gear cover 83 in the front-back direction. arranged in a straight line. That is, the right surfaces of the front bulge 112 and the rear bulge 113 of the power supply gear cover 83 are arranged to overlap with the right surface of the new detection gear 82 when projected in the front-rear direction.

Further, the right surfaces of the front bulging portion 112 and the rear bulging portion 113 of the power feeding side gear cover 83 are arranged on the right side of the right end portion of the power receiving portion 88 .
3. Main Body Casing As shown in FIG. 10, a main body electrode unit 116 is provided in the main body casing 2 as an example of a detection means for supplying a developing bias to the developing cartridge 25.

The main electrode unit 116 includes a fixed electrode 118, a holder member 117, and a swinging electrode 119 held by the holder member 117.

The fixed electrode 118 is a coil spring made of metal, and one end thereof is fixed near the right side of the developer cartridge 25 within the main casing 2 . Furthermore, the free end portion 121 of the fixed electrode 118 is brought into contact with a main body side contact 126 (described later) of the swinging electrode 119.

The holder member 117 is made of an insulating resin material and is formed into a bent rod shape that extends in the front-rear direction and has a substantially U-shape in side view with an open upper side. The front end of the holder member 117 is provided with a substantially cylindrical tube portion 122 extending in the left-right direction. It is fitted.

The oscillating electrode 119 is a coil spring made of metal and wound around a cylindrical portion 122, and one end thereof is a fixed portion 123 fixed to the vicinity of the right side of the developer cartridge 25 within the main body casing 2. , and the other end is an electrode part 124 fixed to the holder member 117.

The electrode section 124 includes a developer side contact 125 that comes into contact with the power receiving section 88 of the developer cartridge 25 and a main body side contact 126 that comes into contact with the free end of the fixed electrode 118 .

The developing side contact 125 is supported by the lower front end of the holder member 117 and is exposed on the lower front side.

The main body side contact 126 is supported by the rear end of the holder member 117 and is exposed on the right side.

As shown in FIG. 11, the swinging electrode 119 is normally held at the lower release position where the main body contact 126 is spaced below the free end 121 of the fixed electrode 118 due to its elasticity. There is.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, when the swinging electrode 119 is pressed from the front side, the swinging electrode 119 swings counterclockwise in the right side view against the elastic force, and the main body side contact 126 is connected to the fixed electrode 118. It is arranged at a connection position where it is contacted by the free end portion 121.

Further, by being further pressed from the front side, the swinging electrode 119 swings counterclockwise in the right side view against the elastic force, and the main body side contact 126 moves upward from the free end 121 of the fixed electrode 118. (See FIG. 13).

Further, inside the main body casing 2, a power supply 132, a bias detection section 133, and a CPU 131 are provided.

Power source 132 is electrically connected to fixed portion 123 of swinging electrode 119 . A power source 132 supplies a developing bias to the swinging electrode 119.

Bias detection section 133 is electrically connected to fixed electrode 118. The bias detection unit 133 detects the developing bias supplied from the power supply 132 to the fixed electrode 118 via the swinging electrode 119.

The CPU 131 is electrically connected to a power source 132 and a bias detection section 133. The CPU 131 determines the state of the developer cartridge 25 based on the bias detection unit 133 detecting whether or not a developing bias is supplied to the fixed electrode 118 . When the bias detection unit 133 detects the supply of developing bias from the power source 132 to the fixed electrode 118, the CPU 131 determines that the swinging electrode 119 is located at the connection position. Further, when the bias detection unit 133 does not detect the supply of the developing bias from the power supply 132 to the fixed electrode 118, the CPU 131 determines whether the swinging electrode 119 is located at the lower release position or the upper release position. I judge that.
4. New Developer Cartridge Detection Operation The new developer cartridge 25 detection operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 18.

First, when the process cartridge 11 is not installed in the main body casing 2, the swinging electrode 119 is held at the lower release position, as shown in FIG.

At this time, since the developing cartridge 25 is not installed in the main body casing 2, the developing bias is not supplied from the power source 132 to the developing cartridge 25 and the fixed electrode 118, and in the bias detection section 133, the developing bias is not supplied from the power source 132 to the fixed electrode 118. Developing bias supply is not detected. Thereby, the CPU 131 determines that the developing bias is not being supplied to the fixed electrode 118.

Then, the CPU 131 determines that the developer cartridge 25 has been detached from the main body casing 2 when the bias detection unit 133 does not detect the supply of the developing bias from the power supply 132 to the fixed electrode 118 for a predetermined period of time or longer. .

Then, when the top cover 6 of the main body casing 2 is opened and the process cartridge 11 with a new (unused) developer cartridge 25 installed is inserted into the main body casing 2 from the front upper side, the power receiving part 88 of the developer cartridge 25 is It is brought into contact with the holder member 117 from above.

Then, when the developer cartridge 25 is further inserted into the main body casing 2, the holder member 117 is pressed by the power receiving part 88 of the developer cartridge 25, and the electrode part 124 of the swinging electrode 119 rotates counterclockwise in the right side view together with the holder member 117. is swayed by.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, when the mounting of the developer cartridge 25 into the main body casing 2 is completed, the swinging electrode 119 is placed in the connection position, and the main body side contact 126 is connected to the free end of the fixed electrode 118. 121 is contacted. Further, the developer-side contact 125 of the swinging electrode 119 is brought into contact with the power receiving portion 88 of the developer cartridge 25 from the rear side through between the first covering portions 101 . Note that one of the first covering portions 101 is arranged on the front upper side of the holder member 117 and the swinging electrode 119.

As a result, the developing bias that is being supplied from the power source 132 to the swinging electrode 119 is supplied to the power receiving section 88 of the developing cartridge 25 via the developing side contact 125.

The developing bias supplied to the power receiving section 88 of the developing cartridge 25 is applied to the developing roller shaft 30 via the electrode member 81.

Further, the developing bias that is being supplied to the swinging electrode 119 is supplied to the fixed electrode 118 from the main body side contact 126 via the free end portion 121 of the fixed electrode 118, and is detected by the bias detection section 133.

Then, the CPU 131 determines that the developing bias is being supplied to the fixed electrode 118.

On the other hand, when the developer cartridge 25 is attached to the main body casing 2, the tip of the main body coupling (not shown) in the main body casing 2 is inserted into the coupling recess 68 of the developer coupling 61 so as not to be relatively rotatable. Then, driving force is input from the main body casing 2 to the developer coupling 61 via the main body coupling (not shown), and a warming-up operation is started.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4, driving force is transmitted from the developer coupling 61 to the agitator shaft 76 via the idle gear 64 and the first agitator gear 72, and the agitator 80 is rotated.

When the agitator 80 is rotated, as shown in FIG. The detection gear 82 is rotated clockwise when viewed from the right side.

Then, as shown in FIG. 15, the first covering part 101 of the new detection gear 82 contacts the electrode part 124 of the swinging electrode 119 from the front side, and presses the electrode part 124 of the swinging electrode 119 toward the rear side. . As a result, the holder member 117 and the swinging electrode 119 resist the elastic force of the swinging electrode 119 so as to ride on the first covering part 101 along the downstream chamfered surface 105 of the first covering part 101. The cartridge 25 is retracted rearward from the power receiving section 88 and placed at the upper release position.

Then, the development side contact 125 of the swinging electrode 119 is separated from the power receiving section 88 of the developer cartridge 25 to the rear side, and the electrical connection between the swinging electrode 119 and the power receiving section 88 is released. Further, the main body side contact 126 of the swinging electrode 119 is separated upward from the free end portion 121 of the fixed electrode 118, and the electrical connection between the swinging electrode 119 and the fixed electrode 118 is released. Note that when the new detection gear 82 is formed from a conductive material, the electrical connection between the swinging electrode 119 and the power receiving section 88 is not released, but the electrical connection between the swinging electrode 119 and the fixed electrode 118 is will be canceled.

At this time, the CPU 131 determines that the developing bias is not being supplied to the fixed electrode 118.

Then, when the new product detection gear 82 is further rotated clockwise in the right side view, the first covering part 101 of the new product detection gear 82 passes between the power receiving part 88 and the holder member 117 from the front upper side to the rear lower side. do.

Then, as shown in FIG. 16, the elastic force of the oscillating electrode 119 causes the holder member 117 and the oscillating electrode 119 to descend from the first covering part 101 along the downstream chamfered surface 106 of the first covering part 101. is swung forward by the button and placed in the connected position again.

Then, the development side contact 125 of the swinging electrode 119 comes into contact with the power receiving section 88 of the developer cartridge 25 from the front side, and the swinging electrode 119 and the power receiving section 88 are electrically connected. Further, the main body side contact 126 is brought into contact with the free end portion 121 of the fixed electrode 118, and the swinging electrode 119 and the fixed electrode 118 are electrically connected. Note that when the new detection gear 82 is formed from a conductive material, the swinging electrode 119 and the power receiving section 88 remain electrically connected.

Thereby, the CPU 131 determines that the developing bias is being supplied to the fixed electrode 118. In other words, after the warm-up operation is started, the CPU 131 determines whether the developing bias is being supplied to the fixed electrode 118, the developing bias is not being supplied to the fixed electrode 118, or the developing bias is being supplied to the fixed electrode 118. Judgment will be made sequentially.

That is, the new product detection gear 82 arranges the swinging electrode 119 at the connection position and moves the swinging electrode 119 from the first position where power is supplied to the power receiving unit 88 of the developer cartridge 25 through between the first covering parts 101. is placed in the upper release position, and passes through the second position where the input of power to the power receiving part 88 of the developer cartridge 25 is canceled by the first covering part 101, and then the swinging electrode 119 is placed in the connection position, and each The developer cartridge 25 is rotated to a third position where power is supplied to the power receiving section 88 of the developer cartridge 25 through the gap between the first and second covering parts 101 .

Thereafter, when the new detection gear 82 is further rotated, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the other first covering part 101 covers the swinging electrode 119 in the same manner as the one first covering part described above. , from the connection position to the upper release position, and then to the connection position again.

Thereafter, when the new product detection gear 82 is further rotated, the missing tooth portion 99 of the new product detection gear 82 is opposed to the second agitator gear 78, and the tooth portion 98 of the new product detection gear 82 and the second agitator gear 78 are engaged. is released, and the rotational drive of the new product detection gear 82 is stopped. Thereafter, the warm-up operation ends.

As a result, the CPU 131 again sequentially determines that the developing bias is being supplied to the fixed electrode 118, that the developing bias is not being supplied to the fixed electrode 118, and that the developing bias is being supplied to the fixed electrode 118.

After the warm-up operation is started, the CPU 131 determines that the developing bias is being supplied to the fixed electrode 118, that the developing bias is not being supplied to the fixed electrode 118, and that the developing bias is being supplied to the fixed electrode 118. When the determination is made sequentially, it is determined that the developer cartridge 25 is new (unused).

Further, in the CPU 131, the number of times it is determined that the developing bias is not being supplied to the fixed electrode 118 is associated with information regarding the maximum number of sheets to be formed. Specifically, for example, if the number of times it is determined that the developing bias is not being supplied to the fixed electrode 118 is 2, the maximum number of images to be formed is 6000, and the developing bias is not being supplied to the fixed electrode 118. If the number of times it is determined that there is no image is 1, it is associated with the information that the maximum number of images to be formed is 3000 sheets.

As described above, after the warm-up operation is started, the CPU 131 determines whether the developing bias is supplied to the fixed electrode 118, the developing bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118, or the developing bias is supplied to the fixed electrode 118. If it is determined twice, it is determined that the maximum number of images that can be formed by the developing cartridge 25 is 6000 sheets.

As a result, when a new developer cartridge 25 is installed, the CPU 131 determines that the developer cartridge 25 is new and that the maximum number of images that can be formed on the developer cartridge 25 is 6000 sheets, and Immediately after the actual number of images formed exceeds 6,000 sheets, a notification that it is time to replace the developing cartridge 25 is displayed on an operation panel (not shown) or the like.

On the other hand, when the CPU 131 determines that the developing bias is being supplied to the fixed electrode 118 for a predetermined period of time or longer, the CPU 131 determines that the developer cartridge 25 is attached to the main body casing 2 .

As described above, when a new developer cartridge 25 is installed, the new product detection operation is performed, so that it can be determined whether the developer cartridge is installed in the main body casing 2. On the other hand, after installing a new developing cartridge 25, if the developing cartridge 25 is once removed from the main body casing 2 due to a jam of paper S, etc., and then installed again in the main body casing 2, the new detecting gear 82 is stopped at a position where the toothless portion 99 of the toothless gear 96 faces the second agitator gear 78 . Therefore, even if a warm-up operation is performed during reinstallation, the new product detection gear 82 is not rotationally driven, and the new product detection operation is not performed. At this time, since the holder member 117 and the swinging electrode 119 are arranged at the connected position, it is determined that the developing bias is always supplied to the fixed electrode 118.

As a result, the CPU 131 determines the maximum number of images to be formed when determining that the reinstalled developer cartridge 25 (old developer cartridge 25) is new, and determines that the reinstalled developer cartridge 25 (old developer cartridge 25) is new. The comparison with the actual number of images formed from that time is continued. Further, the CPU 131 determines that the developer cartridge 25 is attached to the main body casing 2 .
5. Effects (1) According to this developer cartridge 25, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the developer coupling 61 is arranged on the left side of the left wall 36L, and the new detection gear 82 is arranged on the right side of the right wall 36R. The drive force input to the developer coupling 61 can be transmitted to the new product detection gear 82 via the agitator 80 disposed between the left wall 36L and the right wall 36R.

Therefore, the developing coupling 61 and the new detection gear 82 can be arranged on different side walls (left wall 36L and right wall 36R), and the areas of the left wall 36L and right wall 36R can be reduced accordingly. I can do it.

As a result, the developer cartridge 25 can be downsized.
(2) Also, according to this developer cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 9, the new detection gear 82 is arranged so that its upper end overlaps the developer coupling 61 when projected in the left-right direction. There is.

Therefore, the new product detection gear 82 and the developer coupling 61 can be arranged at substantially the same position when projected in the left-right direction, and the developer cartridge 25 can be further miniaturized.
(3) Also, according to this developer cartridge 25, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, driving force can be transmitted from the developer coupling 61 to the new detection gear 82 using the agitator 80, and the number of parts is reduced. can be reduced.
(4) Further, according to this developer cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 3, the new product detection gear 82 is rotatably supported by the power receiving portion 88 of the electrode member 81.

Therefore, the new product detection gear 82 can be arranged more efficiently than when the new product detection gear 82 and the power receiving section 88 are arranged separately.
(5) Further, according to this developer cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 9, the power receiving section 88 is arranged so that its upper end overlaps the developer coupling 61 when projected in the left-right direction. ing.

Therefore, the power receiving section 88 and the developer coupling 61 can be arranged at substantially the same position in the front-rear direction and the vertical direction, and the developer cartridge 25 can be further miniaturized.
(6) Furthermore, according to this developer cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 7, each first covering portion 101 is provided on both sides of the new product detection gear 82 in the radial direction. That is, the first opening (between each first covering part 101) extends in the rotational direction of the new detection gear 82.

Therefore, by rotating the new product detection gear 82, it is possible to reliably switch between supplying power from the main body casing 2 to the power receiving section 88 and canceling the supply of power.
(7) Further, according to this developer cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 7, the detected end portion 95 includes a first covering portion 101 that covers the power receiving portion 88 from the radial direction, and a first covering portion 101 that covers the power receiving portion 88 from the right side. It has a second covering part 102.

Therefore, the detected end portion 95 can protect the power receiving portion 88 from the radial direction and the right side.
(8) Further, according to this developer cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 7, the detected end portion 95 has one first covering portion 101 on both sides of the new detection gear 82 in the radial direction.

Therefore, the power receiving section 88 can be protected from both radial directions.
(9) Furthermore, according to this developer cartridge 25, the number of first covering portions 101 corresponds to the maximum number of images formed on the developer cartridge 25.

Therefore, based on the number of first covering portions 101, information regarding the maximum number of images to be formed on the developer cartridge 25 can be easily and reliably determined.

As a result, even if the amount of toner in the developer cartridge 25 differs depending on the maximum number of images to be formed, the lifespan can be accurately determined and the developer cartridge 25 can be replaced accurately.
(10) Further, according to this developer cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 7(c), the downstream end in the rotational direction of the radially outer end of the first covering portion 101 has a surface facing toward the upstream side in the rotational direction. A downstream side chamfer 105 is formed on the upstream edge in the rotational direction of the radially outer end of the first covering portion 101 and has a downstream side chamfered surface 105 that slopes radially inward toward the upstream side in the rotational direction. An inclined upstream chamfered surface 106 is formed.

Therefore, when the first covering part 101 of the new detection gear 82 passes between the power receiving part 88 and the holder member 117, the holder member 117 and the swinging electrode 119 are removed from the downstream chamfered surface of the first covering part 101. 105 to the upper release position so as to ride on the first covering part 101, and then descending from the first covering part 101 along the downstream chamfered surface 106 of the first covering part 101 to the connecting position again. can be placed.

As a result, the first covering portion 101 of the new detection gear 82 can be smoothly passed between the power receiving portion 88 and the holder member 117.
(11) Further, according to this developer cartridge 25, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the second covering portion 102 has a fitting portion 103 that fits into the right end portion of the power receiving portion 88.

Therefore, the right end portion of the power receiving portion 88 can be positioned with respect to the new product detection gear 82 by the fitting portion 103 (12).Furthermore, according to this developer cartridge 25, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, The power receiving portion 88 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the fitting portion 103 is fitted into the right end portion of the power receiving portion 88 .

Therefore, the right end portion of the power receiving portion 88 can be reinforced by the fitting portion 103.
(13) Further, according to this developer cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 5, the right wall 36R of the cartridge frame 31 is provided with a fitting protrusion 45 that is fitted into the power receiving portion 88.

Therefore, the power receiving portion 88 can be reinforced by the fitting protrusion 45 .
(14) Furthermore, according to this developer cartridge 25, as shown in FIGS. 14, 15, and 16, the new detection gear 82 is connected to the power receiving unit through the first opening (between each first covering portion 101). From the first position (see FIG. 14) where power is supplied to the power receiving section 88, through the second position (see FIG. 15) where the input of power to the power receiving section 88 is canceled by the first covering section 101, the first opening (see FIG. 1) to the third position (see FIG. 16) where power is supplied to the power receiving unit 88 via the first covering part 101).

Therefore, the supply of power to the power receiving unit 88 can be detected before and after the input of power to the power receiving unit 88 is canceled, and the cancellation of the input of power to the power receiving unit 88 by the first covering portion 101 can be ensured. , can be recognized by the CPU 131.
(15) Also, according to this developer cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 7, the new detection gear 82 has a toothed portion 98 to which the driving force is transmitted and a toothed portion 99 to which the driving force is not transmitted. A tooth gear 96 is provided.

Therefore, the new product detection gear 82 can be reliably rotated by a predetermined drive amount from the start of the rotational drive to the stop of the rotational drive.
(16) Further, according to this developer cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 5, the power supply side gear cover 83 exposes the detected end 95 of the new detection gear 82 through the new detection gear exposure opening 111, and The toothless gear 96 and cylindrical portion 97 of the new detection gear 82 and the second agitator gear 78 are collectively covered.

Therefore, the partially toothed gear 96 and the second agitator gear 78 can be protected and meshed with each other reliably, and power can be supplied to the power receiving unit 88 through the new detection gear exposure opening 111.
(17) Also, according to this developer cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. It is placed so that it overlaps the right side of the

Therefore, the developer cartridge 25 can be smoothly attached to the main body casing 2.
(18) Further, according to this developer cartridge 25, the number of teeth of the first agitator gear 72 is greater than the number of teeth of the second agitator gear 78.

Therefore, the rotational speed of the new product detection gear 82 can be reduced relative to the rotational speed of the agitator 80.

As a result, it is possible to secure time for detecting the power supply from the main body casing 2 to the power receiving section 88 and the cancellation of the power supply, and it is possible to accurately detect the power supply to the power receiving section 88 and the cancellation of the power supply. I can do it.
6. Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 22. In the second embodiment, the same members as those in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

In the first embodiment described above, one first covering section 101 is provided at both ends of the cylindrical section 97 in the radial direction, and the number of the first covering sections 101 is made to correspond to the maximum number of images formed on the developing cartridge 25. .

However, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, the detected end portion 136, which is an example of a covering portion of the new detection gear 82, is formed into a partially cylindrical shape with a central angle of about 120°.

That is, the peripheral wall 137 of the detected end 136 functions as a first covering portion, and the portion where the peripheral wall 137 is not provided functions as a first opening.

As shown in FIG. 20, when the mounting of the developer cartridge 25 into the main body casing 2 is completed, the swinging electrode 119 is placed in the connection position, and the main body side contact 126 is connected to the free end 121 of the fixed electrode 118. be contacted. Further, the development side contact 125 of the swinging electrode 119 is brought into contact with the power receiving section 88 of the developer cartridge 25 from the rear side via the portion of the detected end 136 where the peripheral wall 137 is not provided.

As a result, the developing bias from the power source 132 is supplied to the power receiving section 88 of the developing cartridge 25 via the swinging electrode 119, and is further applied to the developing roller shaft 30 via the electrode member 81.

Then, the CPU 131 determines that the developing bias is being supplied to the fixed electrode 118.

Then, when the warm-up operation of the printer 1 is started and the new product detection gear 82 is rotated clockwise in the right side view, as shown in FIG. contacts the holder member 117 from the front side and presses the holder member 117 toward the rear side. As a result, the holder member 117 and the swinging electrode 119 are retracted rearward from the power receiving section 88 of the developer cartridge 25 against the elastic force of the swinging electrode 119 so as to ride on the peripheral wall 137, and are moved to the upper release position. Placed.

Then, the development side contact 125 of the swinging electrode 119 is separated from the power receiving section 88 of the developer cartridge 25 to the rear side, and the electrical connection between the swinging electrode 119 and the power receiving section 88 is released. Further, the main body side contact 126 of the swinging electrode 119 is separated upward from the free end portion 121 of the fixed electrode 118, and the electrical connection between the swinging electrode 119 and the fixed electrode 118 is released.

At this time, the CPU 131 determines that the developing bias is not being supplied to the fixed electrode 118.

When the new product detection gear 82 is further rotated clockwise in the right side view, the peripheral wall 137 of the detected end 136 passes between the power receiving section 88 and the holder member 117 from the front upper side to the rear lower side.

At this time, the CPU 131 determines that the developing bias is not being supplied to the fixed electrode 118 for a period of time corresponding to the length of the peripheral wall 137 in the circumferential direction.

Then, as shown in FIG. 22, the holder member 117 and the swinging electrode 119 are swung forward by the elastic force of the swinging electrode 119 so as to descend from the peripheral wall 137, and are again placed in the connection position.

Then, the development side contact 125 of the swinging electrode 119 comes into contact with the power receiving section 88 of the developer cartridge 25 from the front side, and the swinging electrode 119 and the power receiving section 88 are electrically connected. Further, the main body side contact 126 is brought into contact with the free end portion 121 of the fixed electrode 118, and the swinging electrode 119 and the fixed electrode 118 are electrically connected.

Thereby, the CPU 131 determines that the developing bias is being supplied to the fixed electrode 118. In other words, after the warm-up operation is started, the CPU 131 determines whether the developing bias is being supplied to the fixed electrode 118, the developing bias is not being supplied to the fixed electrode 118, or the developing bias is being supplied to the fixed electrode 118. Judgment will be made sequentially.

After the warm-up operation is started, the CPU 131 determines that the developing bias is being supplied to the fixed electrode 118, that the developing bias is not being supplied to the fixed electrode 118, and that the developing bias is being supplied to the fixed electrode 118. When the determination is made sequentially, it is determined that the developer cartridge 25 is new (unused).

Further, in the CPU 131, the time when it is determined that the developing bias is not being supplied to the fixed electrode 118 is associated with information regarding the maximum number of sheets to be formed. Specifically, for example, if it takes a long time to determine that the developing bias is not being supplied to the fixed electrode 118, the maximum number of images to be formed is 6000, and it is determined that the developing bias is not being supplied to the fixed electrode 118. If the time to determine is short, it is associated with the information that the maximum number of images to be formed is 3000 sheets.

As described above, after the warm-up operation is started, the CPU 131 determines whether the developing bias is supplied to the fixed electrode 118, the developing bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118, or the developing bias is supplied to the fixed electrode 118. If it is determined that the developing bias is not being supplied to the fixed electrode 118 for a long time, it is determined that the maximum number of images formed by the developing cartridge 25 is 6000 sheets.

On the other hand, when the CPU 131 determines that the developing bias is being supplied to the fixed electrode 118 for a predetermined period of time or longer, the CPU 131 determines that the developer cartridge 25 is attached to the main body casing 2 .

According to the second embodiment, the peripheral wall 137 continuously covers more than half of the power receiving section 88 in the rotation direction.

Therefore, more than half of the power receiving unit 88 can be continuously protected in the rotation direction.

Further, according to the second embodiment, the length of the peripheral wall 137 in the rotational direction corresponds to the maximum number of sheets of the developer cartridge 25 on which images can be formed.

Therefore, the maximum number of images to be formed on the developer cartridge 25 can be easily and reliably determined based on the length of the peripheral wall 137 in the rotational direction.

As a result, even if the amount of toner in the developer cartridge 25 differs depending on the maximum number of images to be formed, the lifespan can be accurately determined and the developer cartridge 25 can be replaced accurately.

Further, in the second embodiment as well, the same effects as in the first embodiment described above can be obtained.
7. Third Embodiment A third embodiment of the cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24. In the third embodiment, the same members as in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

In the first embodiment described above, the driving force input to the developer coupling 61 is transmitted to the new detection gear 82 via the agitator shaft 76, but in the third embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, As such, the driving force input to the developing coupling 61 is transmitted to the new product detection gear 82 via the developing roller 16, which is an example of a rotating member including the developing roller shaft 30. The developing roller 16 is rotated about a center axis A3 (an example of a rotational axis, see FIG. 23) of the developing roller shaft 30 as a rotation center.

In the third embodiment, the second agitator gear 78 is not provided at the right end of the agitator shaft 76. Further, the electrode member 81 is not provided with the developing roller shaft collar 87, and the right end portion of the developing roller shaft 30 protrudes to the right from the right surface of the electrode member 81.

A first idle gear 141, which is an example of a second drive transmission member (second gear), is supported at the right end of the developing roller shaft 30 so as not to be relatively rotatable. Further, a second idle gear 142 is rotatably supported on the right side of the electrode member 81. The second idle gear 142 meshes with the first idle gear 141 from the front upper side, and meshes with the tooth portion 98 of the missing tooth gear 96 of the new product detection gear 82 from the rear upper side.

Then, when the warm-up operation is started, as shown in FIG. be rotated.

When the developing roller 16 is rotated, the first idle gear 141 is rotated together with the developing roller shaft 30, and the driving force is transmitted to the teeth 98 of the toothless gear 96 of the new product detection gear 82 via the second idle gear 142. Then, the new product detection gear 82 is rotated clockwise when viewed from the right side.

According to the third embodiment, the driving force can be transmitted from the developing coupling 61 to the new detection gear 82 using the developing roller 16, and the number of parts can be reduced.

Also in the third embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment described above can be obtained.
8. Fourth Embodiment A fourth embodiment of the cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26. In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the same members as those in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

In the first embodiment described above, the driving force input to the developer coupling 61 is transmitted to the new detection gear 82 via the agitator shaft 76, but in the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 As such, the driving force input to the developer coupling 61 is transmitted to the new product detection gear 82 via the supply roller 27, which is an example of a rotating member, and includes a supply roller shaft 29, which is an example of a rotation shaft. The supply roller 27 is rotated about a center axis A4 (an example of a rotation axis, see FIG. 25) of the supply roller shaft 29 as a rotation center.

In the fourth embodiment, the second agitator gear 78 is not provided at the right end of the agitator shaft 76. Further, the right end portion of the supply roller shaft 29 protrudes to the right from the right surface of the electrode member 81.

An idle gear 151, which is an example of a second drive transmission member (second gear), is supported at the right end of the supply roller shaft 29 so as not to be relatively rotatable. The idle gear 151 is meshed with the teeth 98 of the toothless gear 96 of the new detection gear 82 from the rear lower side.

Then, when the warming-up operation is started, as shown in FIG. be rotated.

When the supply roller 27 is rotated, the idle gear 151 is rotated together with the supply roller shaft 29, and the driving force is transmitted from the idle gear 151 to the teeth 98 of the missing tooth gear 96 of the new product detection gear 82. is rotated clockwise when viewed from the right side.

According to the fourth embodiment, the driving force can be transmitted from the developer coupling 61 to the new detection gear 82 using the supply roller 27, and the number of parts can be reduced.

In the fourth embodiment as well, the same effects as in the first embodiment described above can be obtained.
9. Fifth Embodiment A fifth embodiment of the cartridge will be described with reference to FIG. 27. In the fifth embodiment, the same members as those in the fourth embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

In the fourth embodiment described above, the idle gear 151 is provided at the right end of the supply roller shaft 29, and the idle gear 151 is meshed with the tooth portion 98 of the toothless gear 96 of the new product detection gear 82 from the rear lower side.

However, in the fifth embodiment, instead of the toothless gear 96, the new detection gear 82 has a generally disc-shaped part whose at least the outer peripheral surface is made of a material with a relatively large coefficient of friction such as rubber, as shown in FIG. A first resistance imparting member 146 is provided. Further, in place of the idle gear 151, a second drive transmission member is provided at the right end of the supply roller shaft 29, as an example of a second drive transmission member having at least an outer peripheral surface made of a material having a relatively large coefficient of friction such as rubber. A resistance imparting member 147 is provided so as to contact the first resistance imparting member 146 from the rear side.

Then, when the warming-up operation is started, the supply roller 27 is rotated in the same manner as in the fifth embodiment described above.

When the supply roller 27 is rotated, the second resistance applying member 147 is rotated together with the supply roller shaft 29, and due to the frictional force between the second resistance applying member 147 and the first resistance applying member 146, the second resistance applying member 147 is rotated. The driving force is transmitted from the first resistance applying member 147 to the first resistance applying member 146, and the new product detection gear 82 is rotated clockwise in the right side view.

In the fifth embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment described above can be obtained.
10. Sixth Embodiment A sixth embodiment of the cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS. 28, 29 and 30. In the sixth embodiment, the same members as those in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

In the first embodiment described above, the driving force input to the developer coupling 61 is transmitted to the new detection gear 82 via the agitator shaft 76, but in the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, Thus, the driving force input to the developer coupling 61 is transmitted to the new product detection gear 82 via the outer rotating shaft 155, which is an example of a rotating member supported at the front end of the cartridge frame 31. The outer rotating shaft 155 is rotated about a center axis A5 (an example of a rotating axis, see FIG. 29).

Further, in the sixth embodiment, the second agitator gear 78 is rotatably supported by the agitator shaft 76. In other words, the driving force from the agitator shaft 76 is not transmitted to the second agitator gear 78 .

The outer rotating shaft 155 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction, and is rotatably supported by the front end of the cartridge frame 31 at both ends in the left-right direction. Further, a handle 154 for a user to grasp is rotatably supported substantially at the center of the outer rotation shaft 155 in the left-right direction.

An input gear 156, which is an example of a first drive transmission member (first gear) that inputs a driving force to the outer rotating shaft 155, is supported at the left end of the outer rotating shaft 155 so as not to be relatively rotatable. An idle gear 158 is interposed between the input gear 156 and the first agitator gear 72.
Furthermore, a pulley 157, which is an example of a second drive transmission member, is supported at the right end of the outer rotating shaft 155 so as to be relatively unrotatable.

The second agitator gear 78 integrally includes a gear portion 159 and a pulley portion 160.

The gear portion 159 is provided at the right end portion of the second agitator gear 78 and meshes with the tooth portion 98 of the toothless gear 96 of the new product detection gear 82 from the front side.

The pulley section 160 is provided at the left end of the second agitator gear 78. Note that the pulley portion 160 does not have gear teeth.

An endless belt 161 is wound around the pulley portion 160 of the second agitator gear 78 and the pulley 157 of the outer rotating shaft 155.

Then, when the warming-up operation is started, as shown in FIG. The driving force is sequentially transmitted to the outer rotating shaft 155 via the input gear 156, and the outer rotating shaft 155 is rotated.

When the outer rotating shaft 155 is rotated, the pulley 157 is rotated together with the outer rotating shaft 155, and the endless belt 161 is moved around. Then, the driving force is transmitted to the pulley portion 160 of the second agitator gear 78 via the endless belt 161, and the driving force is transmitted from the gear portion 159 of the second agitator gear 78 to the tooth portion 98 of the toothless gear 96 of the new product detection gear 82. is transmitted, and the new product detection gear 82 is rotated clockwise in the right side view.

The same effects as the first embodiment described above can be obtained in the sixth embodiment as well.
11. Seventh Embodiment A seventh embodiment of the cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS. 31 to 36. In the seventh embodiment, the same members as those in the first embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the first embodiment described above, the electrode member 81 is provided with a substantially cylindrical power receiving portion 88 that protrudes to the right, and the substantially cylindrical new detection gear 82 is rotatably supported by the power receiving portion 88.
In the warm-up operation of the printer 1, by rotating the new detection gear 82, the swinging electrode 119 of the main body electrode unit 116 for supplying power to the power receiving section 88 is swung back and forth, thereby supplying power to the power receiving section 88. are removed periodically.

However, in the seventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. 31, a power receiving section 167 is provided on the right wall 36R as an example of a substantially rectangular flat plate-shaped power receiving section made of a conductive material such as metal, and the power receiving section 167 is provided on the right wall 36R. On the right side, a rotating plate 166 is provided as an example of a substantially disk-shaped object to be detected made of an insulating resin material.

Specifically, the power receiving section 167 is supported by the right wall 36R on the right side of the developer cartridge 25 (on the right side of the rear end of the toner storage section 79), and has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the side. The power receiving section 167 is electrically connected to the developing roller shaft 30 and the supply roller shaft 29 via electrodes (not shown).

Rotating plate 166 is rotatably supported on the front side of power receiving section 167. Further, the rear half of the rotary plate 166 overlaps the right side of the power receiving section 167. Furthermore, two power receiving unit exposure openings 168 are formed in the rotary plate 166. Note that the portion between each power receiving unit exposure opening 168 functions as a covering portion 169.

Each power receiving unit exposure opening 168 is provided one at each end in the radial direction of the rotary plate 166, and is formed through the power receiving unit exposing opening 168 in a substantially fan shape when viewed from the side with a center angle of about 60°.

During the warm-up operation of the printer 1, the rotary plate 166 is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the right side, from the first position (see FIG. 32) where the power receiving section 167 is exposed through one power receiving section exposure opening 168A. The power receiving unit 167 is moved to the second position (see FIG. 33) in which the covering portion 169 covers the power receiving unit 167, and then to the third position (see FIG. 34) in which the power receiving unit 167 is exposed through the other power receiving unit exposure opening 168B.

Further, in the seventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. 35, a fixed electrode 170 and a moving electrode 171 as an example of a detection means are provided within the main casing 2.

The fixed electrode 170 is formed from metal into a substantially L-shaped bent rod shape, and one end thereof is fixed near the right side of the developer cartridge 25 within the main casing 2 . Furthermore, the free end portion 172 of the fixed electrode 170 is brought into contact with a flange portion 173 (described later) of the movable electrode 171. The fixed electrode 170 is electrically connected to the bias detection section 133.

The moving electrode 171 is provided near the right side of the developer cartridge 25 in the main casing 2, and is formed from metal into a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the moving electrode 171 has a flange portion 173 that projects outward in the radial direction midway in the left-right direction. Moving electrode 171 is electrically connected to power source 132 .

The movable electrode 171 is slidable in the left-right direction and is always biased toward the left by a biasing means (not shown), so that the flange portion 173 is spaced to the left from the free end portion 172 of the fixed electrode 170. It is held at the left release position, which is an example of the second release position (release position).

When the developer cartridge 25 is not installed in the main body casing 2, the movable electrode 171 is placed at the left release position (see FIG. 35), and the developer bias is applied from the power source 132 to the developer cartridge 25 and the fixed electrode 170. Therefore, the bias detection unit 133 does not detect the supply of developing bias from the power supply 132 to the fixed electrode 170. Thereby, the CPU 131 determines that the developing bias is not being supplied to the fixed electrode 170.

Then, the CPU 131 determines that the developer cartridge 25 has been detached from the main body casing 2 when the bias detection unit 133 does not detect the supply of the developing bias from the power supply 132 to the fixed electrode 170 for a predetermined period of time or longer. .

When the developer cartridge 25 is completely installed into the main body casing 2 with the rotating plate 166 disposed at the first position, the power receiving section 167 of the developer cartridge 25 is turned on as shown in FIG. 36(a). , is brought into contact with the right end of the movable electrode 171 from the left side through one power receiving part exposure opening 168 of the rotary plate 166 . Then, the movable electrode 171 is pressed from the right side by the developer cartridge 25 and slid to the left against the biasing force of a biasing member (not shown). As a result, the flange portion 173 of the movable electrode 171 comes into contact with the free end portion 172 of the fixed electrode 170, and the movable electrode 171 is placed at the connection position.

Then, the developing bias that is being supplied to the movable electrode 171 from the power source 132 is supplied to the power receiving section 167 of the developer cartridge 25 via the right end portion of the movable electrode 171. The developing bias supplied to the power receiving section 167 is applied to the developing roller shaft 30.

Further, the developing bias that is being supplied to the movable electrode 171 is supplied from the flange portion 173 to the fixed electrode 170 via the free end portion 172 of the fixed electrode 170, and is detected by the bias detection portion 133.

Then, the CPU 131 determines that the developing bias is being supplied to the fixed electrode 170.

Then, when the warming-up operation is started, the rotating plate 166 is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the right side, and the rotating plate 166 is placed at the second position.

Then, as shown in FIG. 36(b), the covering portion 169 of the rotary plate 166 is interposed between the power receiving portion 167 and the moving electrode 171, and the moving electrode 171 receives the urging force of the urging member (not shown). Against this, the developer cartridge 25 is retracted to the right side from the power receiving section 167 and placed at the right release position.

Then, the moving electrode 171 is separated to the right from the power receiving section 167 of the developer cartridge 25, and the electrical connection between the moving electrode 171 and the power receiving section 167 is released. Furthermore, the moving electrode 171 is separated to the right from the free end portion 172 of the fixed electrode 170, and the electrical connection between the moving electrode 171 and the fixed electrode 170 is released.

At this time, the CPU 131 determines that the developing bias is not being supplied to the fixed electrode 170.

Then, as shown in FIG. 36(c), when the rotary plate 166 is further rotated counterclockwise in the right side view and the rotary plate 166 is placed in the third position, the biasing member (not shown) is applied. The movable electrode 171 is advanced to the left by the force, and the movable electrode 171 is brought into contact with the power receiving section 167 of the developer cartridge 25 through one power receiving section exposure opening 168 of the rotary plate 166, and is placed in the connection position.

At this time, the CPU 131 determines that the developing bias is being supplied to the fixed electrode 170.

After the warm-up operation is started, the CPU 131 determines that the developing bias is being supplied to the fixed electrode 170, that the developing bias is not being supplied to the fixed electrode 170, or that the developing bias is being supplied to the fixed electrode 170. When the determination is made sequentially, it is determined that the developer cartridge 25 is new (unused).

On the other hand, when the CPU 131 determines that the developing bias is being supplied to the fixed electrode 170 for a predetermined period of time or longer, the CPU 131 determines that the developing cartridge 25 is attached to the main body casing 2 .

According to the seventh embodiment, the rotating plate 166 having two power receiving section exposure openings 168 is interposed between the power receiving section 167 and the moving electrode 171, and is connected to the power receiving section 167 through one of the power receiving section exposing openings 168. It is rotated from the first position where power is supplied, through the second position where power supply to the power reception unit 167 is canceled by the covering portion 169, and to the third position where power is supplied to the power reception unit 167 through the other power reception unit exposure opening 168.

Therefore, it is possible to reliably switch between supplying power to the power receiving section 167 and canceling the supply of power by sliding the movable electrode 171 inside the main body casing 2 with a simple configuration.

Moreover, the same effects as the above-described first embodiment can be obtained in the seventh embodiment as well.
12. Eighth Embodiment An eighth embodiment of the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 37 to 41. In the eighth embodiment, the same members as those in the eighth embodiment described above are given the same reference numerals, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

In the seventh embodiment described above, a rotary plate 166 having a power receiving part exposure opening 168 is provided on the right side of the power receiving part 167, and by rotating the rotary plate 166, power is supplied to the power receiving part 167 and power supply is canceled. It's switching.

However, in the eighth embodiment, a slide plate 181 as an example of a detected object including a covering part 180 is provided on the right side of the power receiving part 167, and the sliding plate 181 is arranged so that the covering part 180 covers the right side of the power receiving part 167 on the rear side. Slide it forward and backward so that it passes from the front to the front.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 37, the right wall 36R of the developer cartridge 25 inputs a driving force to the slide plate 181, the support rail 184 that supports the slide plate 181 so as to be slidable in the front and back direction, and the slide plate 181. A pinion gear 183 is provided as an example of a second drive transmission member (second gear).

The slide plate 181 is formed into a substantially U-shape in side view with an open rear side, and includes a covering portion 180 and a rack portion 182.

The covering portion 180 is formed into a substantially rectangular flat plate shape when viewed from the side. Further, the front end portion of the covering portion 180 is inclined to the right as it goes toward the rear side.

The rack part 182 is formed in a substantially rod shape extending from the lower end of the covering part 180 toward the front side, and has gear teeth formed on its upper surface.

The support rail 184 includes a pair of upper and lower rail portions 185. Both rail portions 185 are arranged to face each other at intervals in the vertical direction, and support both the upper and lower end portions of the slide plate 181 so as to be slidable from the outside in the vertical direction.

The pinion gear 183 is supported by the agitator shaft 76 between both rail parts 185 so as not to be relatively rotatable, and is meshed with the rack part 182 from above.

Then, during the warm-up operation of the printer 1, the slide plate 181 is slid from the rear side to the front side, and is placed in a first position where the covering portion 180 is placed behind the power receiving unit 167 and the power receiving unit 167 is exposed (see FIG. 38). , a second position in which the covering part 169 covers the power receiving part 167 (see FIG. 39), and a third position in which the covering part 180 is placed in front of the power receiving part 167 to expose the power receiving part 167 (see FIG. 40). will be moved to.

When the developer cartridge 25 is not installed in the main body casing 2, the movable electrode 171 is held at the left release position (see FIG. 35), similarly to the seventh embodiment.

At this time, the developing bias is not supplied from the power supply 132 to the developing cartridge 25 and the fixed electrode 170, and the bias detection unit 133 does not detect the supply of the developing bias from the power supply 132 to the fixed electrode 170. Thereby, the CPU 131 determines that the developing bias is not being supplied to the fixed electrode 170.

Then, the CPU 131 determines that the developer cartridge 25 has been detached from the main body casing 2 when the bias detection unit 133 does not detect the supply of the developing bias from the power supply 132 to the fixed electrode 170 for a predetermined period of time or longer. .

When the developer cartridge 25 is completely installed into the main body casing 2 with the slide plate 181 disposed at the first position, the power receiving section 167 of the developer cartridge 25 is turned on as shown in FIG. 41(a). , is brought into contact with the right end of the moving electrode 171 from the left side. Then, the movable electrode 171 is pressed from the right side by the developer cartridge 25 and slid to the left against the biasing force of a biasing member (not shown). As a result, the flange portion 173 of the movable electrode 171 comes into contact with the free end portion 172 of the fixed electrode 170, and the movable electrode 171 is placed at the connection position.

Then, the developing bias that is being supplied from the power source 132 to the movable electrode 171 is supplied to the power receiving section 167 of the developer cartridge 25 via the right end of the movable electrode 171. The developing bias supplied to the power receiving section 167 is applied to the developing roller shaft 30.

Further, the developing bias that is being supplied to the moving electrode 171 is supplied from the flange portion 173 to the fixed electrode 170 via the free end portion 172 of the fixed electrode 170, and is detected by the bias detection portion 133.

Then, the CPU 131 determines that the developing bias is being supplied to the fixed electrode 170.

Then, when the warming-up operation is started, the slide plate 181 is slid forward, and the slide plate 181 is placed at the second position.

Then, as shown in FIG. 41(b), the covering part 180 of the slide plate 181 is interposed between the power receiving part 167 and the movable electrode 171, and the movable electrode 171 receives the biasing force of the biasing member (not shown). Against this, the developer cartridge 25 is retracted to the right side from the power receiving section 167 and placed at the right release position.

Then, the moving electrode 171 is separated to the right from the power receiving section 167 of the developer cartridge 25, and the electrical connection between the moving electrode 171 and the power receiving section 167 is released. Further, the moving electrode 171 is separated to the right from the free end portion 172 of the fixed electrode 170, and the electrical connection between the moving electrode 171 and the fixed electrode 170 is released.

At this time, the CPU 131 determines that the developing bias is not being supplied to the fixed electrode 170.

Then, as shown in FIG. 41(c), when the slide plate 181 is further slid forward and placed in the third position, the movable electrode 171 is moved by the urging force of the urging member (not shown). is advanced to the left side, and the movable electrode 171 is brought into contact with the power receiving portion 167 of the developer cartridge 25 and placed in the connection position.

At this time, the CPU 131 determines that the developing bias is being supplied to the fixed electrode 170.

After the warm-up operation is started, the CPU 131 determines that the developing bias is being supplied to the fixed electrode 170, that the developing bias is not being supplied to the fixed electrode 170, and that the developing bias is being supplied to the fixed electrode 170. When the determination is made sequentially, it is determined that the developer cartridge 25 is new (unused).

On the other hand, when the CPU 131 determines that the developing bias has been supplied to the fixed electrode 170 for a predetermined period of time or longer, the CPU 131 determines that the developing cartridge 25 is attached to the main body casing 2 .

According to the eighth embodiment, the slide plate 181 having the covering part 180 is interposed between the power receiving part 167 and the moving electrode 171, and the covering part 180 moves the power receiving part 167 from the first position to feed power to the power receiving part 167. It is slid (linearly moved) through the second position where the power supply to the power receiving unit 167 is canceled, and then to the third position where power is supplied to the power receiving unit 167 .

Therefore, it is possible to reliably switch between supplying power to the power receiving section 167 and canceling the supply of power by sliding the movable electrode 171 inside the main body casing 2 with a simple configuration.

Furthermore, the same effects as in the seventh embodiment described above can be obtained in the eighth embodiment as well.

16 Developing roller 25 Developing cartridge 27 Supply roller 29 Supply roller shaft 30 Developing roller shaft 31 Cartridge frame 36L Left wall 36R Right wall 45 Fitting projection 61 Developing coupling 62 Developing gear 63 Supply gear 72 First agitator gear 76 Agitator shaft 78 No. 2 Agitator gear 80 Agitator 81 Electrode member 82 New detection gear 83 Power supply side gear cover 87 Developing roller shaft collar 88 Power receiving section 95 Detected end 96 Missing tooth gear 98 Tooth section 99 Missing tooth section 101 First covering section 102 Second covering section 103 Fitting portion 105 Downstream side chamfer 106 Upstream side chamfer 111 New detection gear exposure opening 136 Detected end 137 Peripheral wall 142 First idle gear 151 Idle gear 155 Outer rotating shaft 156 Input gear 157 Pulley 166 Rotating plate 167 Power receiving section 171 Moving electrode 180 Slide plate 183 Pinion gear

Claims (2)

A developing roller,
a rotating shaft extending in a predetermined direction, the rotating shaft having a first end in the predetermined direction, and a second end separated from the first end in the predetermined direction;
a first gear attached to the first end and rotatable together with the rotating shaft ;
a coupling member that receives a driving force, is rotatable about a first shaft extending in the predetermined direction, and is rotatable together with the rotating shaft and the first gear ;
a new detection gear rotatable together with the rotating shaft ;
a developing electrode electrically connected to the developing roller, the developing electrode having a power receiving portion extending in the predetermined direction;
a casing that has a developer accommodating portion configured to accommodate a developer, and includes a first side wall and a second side wall that are arranged opposite to each other at a distance in a predetermined direction with the developer accommodating chamber in between;
Equipped with
The coupling member is disposed on the opposite side of the developer accommodating portion with respect to the first side wall,
The first gear is disposed on the opposite side of the developer storage section with respect to the first side wall,
The new product detection gear is disposed on the opposite side of the developer storage section with respect to the second side wall,
The cartridge is characterized in that when projected in the predetermined direction, at least a portion of the power receiving section overlaps the coupling member .
The cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the new product detection gear has a plurality of gear teeth along a part of the periphery of the new product detection gear.

Images