JP2006078912A - Mechanism and method for loading - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a loading mechanism capable of determining "whether specifications of a developing device are correct" and "the kind of the developing device" with simple configuration. <P>SOLUTION: In this printer, installation positions A to D of a development side connector 21 and a main-body side connector 22 are changed according to specifications of a developing device. Consequently, when the developing device 11 is loaded in the printer, a user is able to visually determine whether the specifications of the developing device 11 being loaded are correct. Namely, this determination can be made without using a connector nor a detection part (CPU). The connector and detection part can, therefore, be configured to determine only the kind of the developing device 11. Consequently, "whether specifications of the developing device are correct" and "the kind of the developing device " can be both determined with a small number of connector pins by using the simple detection part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a mounting mechanism for mounting a developing device to a printing apparatus.

Some conventional printing apparatuses (image forming apparatuses) allow a user to attach / detach (replace) a developing device (developing unit).
On the other hand, the developing device has various specifications (structures / functions) according to the specifications of the printing device that is different for each destination. However, in order to reduce the manufacturing cost, the developing devices with different specifications may have the same shape.

  Therefore, when there are a plurality of developing devices having the same shape but different specifications, it is preferable that it can be determined whether or not a developing device corresponding to the specifications (correct specifications) is attached to the printing device.

Regarding such discrimination, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which six pins are provided in a connector for connecting a printing apparatus and a developing apparatus, and three of these are used to connect the apparatuses. ing.
In this technique, the positions of the three pins used for connection (connection pin positions) are changed for each specification of the printing apparatus and the developing apparatus. Thus, it is designed to determine whether or not a developing device having a correct specification is mounted by detecting whether or not the connecting pin positions are present.

Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which the connection state of pins in a connector (4 pins) is changed for each developing device, and the connection state is read by a printing device.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-230619 (Release Date; August 19, 1994) Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-154483 (Publication Date; June 8, 2001)

  However, the above prior art has a drawback that the user cannot determine whether or not the specifications of the developing device are correct until the developing device is actually mounted and the printing device is started.

Also, there may be a plurality of types of developing devices corresponding to specifications in the printing apparatus. Such classification is performed by, for example, a difference in the amount of developer (toner) in the developing device.
Here, in the prior art, when both “development device specifications are correct” and “development device type” are determined, the number of connector pins must be very large.
Furthermore, it is necessary to perform complicated signal processing on the electrical signals input to such a large number of pins.

  The present invention has been made in view of the conventional problems as described above. An object of the present invention is to provide a mounting mechanism that can determine both “whether the specification of the developing device is correct” and “the type of the developing device” with a simple configuration.

In order to achieve the above object, the mounting mechanism of the present invention (the main mounting mechanism)
In the mounting mechanism for mounting the developing device to the printing device,
A developing-side connector provided in the developing device for electrical connection to the printing device;
A main body side connector provided in the printing apparatus and connected to the development side connector;
A detection unit provided in the printing apparatus,
The installation position of the development side connector with respect to the developing device and the installation position of the main body side connector with respect to the printing device are different depending on the specifications of each device.
Designed so that connectors can be connected only when the specifications of both devices are compatible,
The development side connector is designed to output a different identification signal for each type of development device.
The detection unit is characterized in that it is designed to determine the type of the developing device based on an identification signal input via the main body side connector.

This mounting mechanism is for mounting the developing device on the printing device (electrically connecting the developing device to the printing device).
As described above, the mounting mechanism includes a connector (development-side connector) provided in the developing device and a connector (main body-side connector) provided in the printing device. Designed to attach (connect) the device to a printing device.

In particular, in this mounting mechanism, the installation position of the development-side connector in the development apparatus and the installation position of the main body-side connector in the printing apparatus differ depending on the specifications of each apparatus.
Here, the specifications of the developing device / printing device are device characteristics such as function and structure, and are set according to the destination (delivery destination) of the device, for example.

  In this mounting mechanism, only when the specifications of the printing apparatus and the developing apparatus correspond to each other, the positions of the connectors of both apparatuses match and can be connected.

Thereby, in this mounting mechanism, it is possible to avoid “mounting developing devices having different specifications into the printing apparatus”.
Therefore, by using this mounting mechanism, the user can visually check whether or not the connectors can be connected without actually mounting the developing device and starting the printing device. It is possible to determine whether or not the specification of the developing device to be tried is correct (whether the specification of the developing device corresponds to the printing device).

  There may be several types of developing devices that can be attached to the printing device (with the correct specifications). Such classification can be set according to the amount of developer contained in the developing device, for example.

  The mounting mechanism has a detection unit for detecting the type of the developing device. This detection unit detects “what type of development device (development device with a matching connector position) attached to the printing apparatus”.

For such detection, the developing connector described above outputs a different identification signal (electrical signal) for each type of developing device.
And especially in this mounting mechanism, a detection part detects said identification signal via the main body side connector 22. FIG. Furthermore, it is designed to determine the type of the developing device based on the detection result.

As described above, in this mounting mechanism, the installation positions of the connectors of the printing apparatus and the developing apparatus are changed according to the specifications of the apparatus. For this reason, when the developing device is mounted on the printing device, the user can determine whether the specification of the developing device to be mounted is correct by visual observation or response.
That is, in this mounting mechanism, this determination can be made without using a connector or a detection unit.

Accordingly, the connector and the detection unit of the mounting mechanism can be configured to determine only the type of the developing device.
As a result, in this mounting mechanism, it is possible to execute both the determination as to whether or not the specifications of the developing device are correct and the type of the developing device with a small number of connector pins and a simple detection unit. It is possible.

Note that the identification signal output from the development-side connector may be issued from the development device.
Further, it may be a signal generated at the developing connector in response to another signal (such as a voltage signal) transmitted from the printing apparatus to the developing connector via the main body connector.

In the latter case, for example, it is preferable that the connector pins of the development side connector be in a short-circuit state that differs depending on the type of the development device.
In this configuration, a signal of a predetermined voltage is output from the printing apparatus to one connector pin (reference pin; one that is short-circuited with one of the pins) of the development side connector, and the other connector pin (can be short-circuited) Measure the potential (identification signal) of all pins. Thereby, since the connector pin short-circuited by the reference | standard pin can be specified, the short circuit state between connector pins can be detected easily.
With this design, it is possible to determine the type of the developing device with a very simple configuration.

Further, in the present mounting mechanism, the detection unit may determine “whether or not a developing device having the correct specification is properly mounted”.
That is, in this mounting mechanism, when the specifications of the developing device do not match, the developing side connector and the main body side connector are not connected. Even if the specifications match, it is impossible to properly connect the connectors when any of the connectors is damaged. In such cases, the detection unit cannot detect the identification signal output from the development-side connector.

  Therefore, when the detection unit “cannot detect the identification signal”, “the developing device having the correct specification is not properly mounted (the developing device having the correct specification is not properly mounted”). It is possible to judge.

In the case where “a developing device having the correct specification is not properly installed”, it can be said that there are mainly three problems as shown in the following (1) to (3).
(1) A developing device with different specifications is about to be installed
(2) The developing device is not installed
(3) The developing device with the correct specifications is installed improperly (for example, an irregular situation such as a poor connector connection has occurred)
Here, it is not easy to find (3) by confirmation by the user. However, according to the detection unit, it is possible to cope with all troubles shown in (1) to (3).

Moreover, the mounting method of the present invention (this mounting method)
In the mounting method for mounting the developing device on the printing device,
An installation position for the developing device in the development-side connector for electrical connection to the printing device;
The installation position with respect to the printing apparatus in the main body side connector connected to the development side connector,
In order to be able to connect connectors only when the specifications of both devices are compatible, keep them different for each device specification,
Set the development side connector to output a different identification signal for each type of development device,
The method includes a step of determining the type of the developing device based on the identification signal.

  The main mounting method is a method used in the main mounting mechanism described above. Therefore, if this mounting method is used, it is possible to easily execute both “whether the specification of the developing device is correct” and “the type of the developing device” with a small number of connector pins.

As described above, the mounting mechanism of the present invention (the main mounting mechanism)
In the mounting mechanism for mounting the developing device to the printing device,
A developing-side connector provided in the developing device for electrical connection to the printing device;
A main body side connector provided in the printing apparatus and connected to the development side connector;
A detection unit provided in the printing apparatus,
The installation position of the development side connector with respect to the developing device and the installation position of the main body side connector with respect to the printing device are different depending on the specifications of each device.
Designed so that connectors can be connected only when the specifications of both devices are compatible,
The development side connector is designed to output a different identification signal for each type of development device.
The detection unit is designed to determine the type of the developing device based on the identification signal input via the main body side connector.

In the present mounting mechanism, the installation position of the development-side connector in the developing device and the installation position of the main body-side connector in the printing device differ depending on the specifications of each device.
In this mounting mechanism, only when the specifications of the printing apparatus and the developing apparatus correspond to each other, the positions of the connectors of both apparatuses match and can be connected.

Thereby, in this mounting mechanism, it is possible to avoid “mounting developing devices having different specifications into the printing apparatus”.
Therefore, by using this mounting mechanism, the user can visually check whether or not the connectors can be connected without actually mounting the developing device and starting the printing device. It is possible to determine whether or not the specification of the developing device to be tried is correct (whether the specification of the developing device corresponds to the printing device).

  In addition, the mounting mechanism has a detection unit for detecting the type of the developing device. This detection unit detects “what type of development device (development device with a matching connector position) attached to the printing apparatus”.

For such detection, the developing connector described above outputs a different identification signal (electrical signal) for each type of developing device.
And especially in this mounting mechanism, a detection part detects said identification signal via the main body side connector 22. FIG. Furthermore, it is designed to determine the type of the developing device based on the detection result.

As described above, in this mounting mechanism, the installation positions of the connectors of the printing apparatus and the developing apparatus are changed according to the specifications of the apparatus. For this reason, when the developing device is mounted on the printing device, the user can determine whether the specification of the developing device to be mounted is correct by visual observation or response.
That is, in this mounting mechanism, this determination can be made without using a connector or a detection unit.

Accordingly, the connector and the detection unit of the mounting mechanism can be configured to determine only the type of the developing device.
As a result, in this mounting mechanism, it is possible to execute both the determination as to whether or not the specifications of the developing device are correct and the type of the developing device with a small number of connector pins and a simple detection unit. It is possible.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described.
The printing apparatus (this printing apparatus) according to the present embodiment forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to an image, and generates a developer image obtained by developing the latent image with a developer (toner or the like). The developer image is printed on a sheet (recording paper).

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the printing apparatus.
As shown in this figure, the printing apparatus includes a developing device 11 and a mounting portion 12.

The developing device 11 is arranged in a dedicated space (not shown) for installing the developing device 11 in the printing apparatus, and supplies developer to a photosensitive drum (not shown) of the printing apparatus. is there.
Further, the developing device 11 can be attached to and detached from (replaced with) the present printing device (the dedicated space described above).

  The mounting portion 12 is provided in the above-described dedicated space, and is for electrically connecting the developing device 11 to the printing device.

As shown in FIG. 2, the developing device 11 includes a developing connector 21 for connection.
On the other hand, the mounting portion 12 has a main body side connector (engaged portion; signal relay portion) 22 for coupling with the connector 21 of the developing device 11.

FIGS. 1A to 1D are explanatory views showing installation positions of the development side connector 21 and the main body side connector 22.
As shown in these drawings, the development side connector 21 and the main body side connector 22 are provided at any one of four types of installation positions A to D.

The installation positions A to D of the main body side connector 22 are positions different from each other in the mounting portion 12 (and the dedicated space).
On the other hand, the installation positions A to D of the development side connector 21 are positions corresponding to the installation positions A to D of the mounting portion 12 (when the development device 11 is inserted into the dedicated space, the development side connector 21 is connected to the main body side connector 22. The position where it is coupled).
Further, the installation positions A to D of the connectors 21 and 22 differ depending on the specifications of both apparatuses set according to the destinations of the printing apparatus and the developing apparatus.
That is, different installation positions A to D corresponding to four destinations are set in the connectors 21 and 22 of the printing apparatus.
In this printing apparatus, the developing device 11 can be mounted on the mounting unit 12 (connected to the printing apparatus) only when the installation positions of the connectors 21 and 22 correspond to each other (when the destinations are the same). It is like that.

FIG. 3 is an equivalent circuit diagram showing a connection state between the development side connector 21 and the main body side connector 22.
As shown in these drawings, the connectors 21 and 22 have three signal lines, and three pins M1 to M3 and N1 to N3 are arranged for each signal line.

In the main body side connector 22, the pin N1 is a COMMON terminal, and a common voltage of 5V is applied.
The pins N2 and N3 of the main body side connector 22 are provided with signal lines connected to the input ports P1 and P2 of the CPU (detection unit) 31 of the printing apparatus. These signal lines are grounded to GND via a resistor R (the value of the resistor R is generally several kΩ to several tens kΩ).
On the other hand, in the developing connector 21, the pin M1 and the pin M2 are short-circuited with each other.

The CPU 31 is a central part of the printing apparatus that controls all operations of the printing apparatus. In particular, the CPU 31
“Whether or not the developing device 11 having the correct specification (destination) (the developing device 11 having the connector 21 corresponding to the installation position) is properly mounted on the mounting unit 12 of the printing apparatus”
It has the function (mounting confirmation function) to judge.

  That is, in this printing apparatus, when the installation positions of the connectors 21 and 22 correspond to each other, they are electrically coupled. Thus, the voltage input to the pin N1 of the main body side connector 22 is applied to the pins M1 and M2 of the development side connector 21. Further, this voltage reaches the pin N2 of the main body side connector 22 via the pin M2, and is input to the CPU 31 via the port P1.

Then, when the CPU 31 confirms that a voltage is applied to the port P1 (pin N2) (the potential of the port P1 is high (high level)), the correct developing device 11 of the destination is properly installed. Judge that it has been.
On the other hand, when the potential (identification signal) of the port P1 is Low (low level), the CPU 31 determines that there is a problem as shown in the following (1) to (3) regarding the connection of the developing device 11.
(1) A developing device 11 with a different destination is about to be installed
(2) The developing device 11 is not inserted in the dedicated space
(3) Although the correct developing device 11 of the destination is installed, an irregular situation has occurred (for example, connection failure of the connectors 21 and 22).
As described above, in the present printing apparatus, the installation positions A to D of the development side connector 21 and the main body side connector 22 are changed for each destination (specification) of the apparatus.
In this printing apparatus, the CPU 31 determines the above (1) to (3), that is, “whether or not the correct developing device 11 as the destination is properly attached”.

That is, in this printing apparatus, when the destination of the developing device 11 does not match the printing apparatus, the development side connector 21 and the main body side connector 22 are not connected. Moreover, even if the destination is suitable, when any of the connectors 21 and 22 is broken, it is impossible to connect the connectors 21 and 22 appropriately.
In such cases, the CPU 31 cannot detect the potential (identification signal) of the developing connector 21 (the port P1 becomes Low).

Accordingly, when the “port P1 becomes Low”, the CPU 31 may indicate that “the correct developing device 11 at the destination is not properly installed (“ the correct developing device 11 at the destination is properly installed ”). No) ”.
Thereby, it is possible to confirm the presence or absence of the trouble shown in the above (1) to (3) by using the connectors 21 and 22 having a very simple structure as shown in FIG.

  Further, in the present printing apparatus, it is not necessary to change the structure other than the installation positions A to D of the connectors 21 and 22 in order to avoid mounting of developing devices having different destinations (for example, the connector 21 according to the destination). (There is no need to change the number of pins and wiring structure of 22). Therefore, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the printing apparatus and the developing apparatus 11.

  If the CPU 31 determines that there is a problem with the connection of the developing device 11, the CPU 31 displays that fact on the operation panel (not shown) of the printing device or notifies the user by a warning sound or a warning message. It is preferable that it is designed as follows.

In the present embodiment, the pins M1 and M2 of the developing connector 21 are short-circuited.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the pins M1 and M3 may be designed to be short-circuited as shown in FIG.
In this case, the CPU 31 confirms whether or not the common voltage is applied to the port P2 (pin N3) (whether or not the potential of the port P2 is High). It will be judged whether it is mounted | worn to.

Further, the developing device 11 can be distinguished for each type by changing the pin to be short-circuited.
That is, normally, the amount of developer (toner) contained differs between the type of developing device 11 bundled with the printing apparatus and the type of developing device 11 sold separately. Therefore, it is possible to distinguish these by changing the short circuit state of the pins M1 to M3 in both types.

In this case, for example, for the type of developing device bundled with the printing apparatus, as shown in FIG.
(a) Assume that M1 and M2 are short-circuited. On the other hand, as for an optional developing device, as shown in FIG.
(b) M2 and M3 may be short-circuited.

Table 1 shows the determination result of the CPU 31 in this case.
That is, the CPU 31 confirms whether or not a voltage is applied to one of the ports P1 and P2 (whether one of the ports P1 and P2 is High), so that the correct development of the destination is performed. It is determined whether or not the device 11 is properly attached.
Furthermore, the CPU 31 can determine the type of the installed developing device 11 (a bundled type or an optional type) by confirming which port the voltage is applied to.

Further, all the pins M1 to M3 of the developing connector 21 in the developing device 11 may be short-circuited as shown in FIG.
In this case, the CPU 31 confirms whether or not the voltage is applied to both the ports P1 and P2 (pins N2 and N3) (whether both the potentials of the ports P1 and P2 are High). It is determined whether or not the correct developing device 11 at the destination is properly installed.

Therefore, in the present printing apparatus, it is possible to set the three types of development apparatuses shown in the following (a) to (c) with different developer contents that can be mounted (correct destinations).
(a) M1 and M2 short-circuited (Fig. 3, developer amount; Eg)
(b) M2 and M3 short-circuited (Fig. 4, developer amount; Fg)
(c) M1 to M3 short-circuited (FIG. 5, developer amount; Gg)
Table 2 shows the determination result of the CPU 31 in this case.

  That is, when both the ports P1 and P2 are Low, the CPU 31 indicates that the correct developing device 11 as the destination is not properly installed due to the troubles as described in (1) to (3) above. to decide.

Further, when the CPU 31 determines that only the port P1 is high, the CPU 31 determines that the developing device (developer amount; Eg) shown in (a) above is attached.
Further, when the CPU 31 determines that only the port P2 is high, the CPU 31 determines that the developing device (developer amount; Fg) shown in (b) is attached.
When the CPU 31 determines that both the ports P1 and P2 are high, the CPU 31 determines that the developing device (developing material amount: Gg) shown in (c) is attached.

  As described above, in the above configuration, the pins M <b> 1 to M <b> 3 of the development-side connector 21 are in a short circuit state that differs depending on the type of the development device 11. Then, a signal of a predetermined voltage is output to the pin M1 (reference pin) of the developing connector 21, and the potentials (identification signals) of other pins M2 and M3 (all pins that may be short-circuited) are output. Measuring.

Thereby, since the other pin short-circuited to the pin M1 can be specified, the short-circuit state between the pins M1 to M3 can be easily detected.
Therefore, it is possible to determine the type of the developing device 11 with a very simple configuration.

Further, in this configuration, the CPU 31 distinguishes between the types of the developing devices 11 and the above (1) to (3), that is, “whether or not the correct developing device 11 at the destination is properly attached”. Also judge.
That is, when troubles such as (1) to (3) occur, the CPU 31 cannot detect the identification signal output from the developing connector 21 (both ports P1 and P2 are Low).

  Then, when “both the ports P1 and P2 are Low”, the CPU 31 indicates that “the correct developing device 11 at the destination is not properly installed (“ the correct developing device 11 at the destination is properly installed ”). "There is nothing"). As a result, even in this configuration, it is possible to confirm the presence or absence of the trouble shown in the above (1) to (3) with a very simple configuration.

  In the present embodiment, the voltage (common voltage) applied to the pin N1 of the main body side connector 22 is 5V. The voltage value may be any value that can be detected by the CPU 31 as a HIGH level. In general, the power supply voltage of the CPU 31 is selected.

  Further, it is preferable that the user can freely set the timing of confirming the mounting of the developing device 11 by the CPU 31. Examples of such timing include when a new developing device 11 is attached to the printing apparatus, when the power of the printing apparatus is turned on, and every predetermined period. Note that the read cycle of the potentials of the ports P1 and P2 by the CPU 31 is about 5 milliseconds.

  In the present embodiment, a developing device is cited as a member for determining the connection state by the connectors 21 and 22 shown in FIGS. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the connection state can be determined by the CPU 31 by using the connectors 21 and 22 shown in FIGS.

  In the present embodiment, “the CPU 31 determines that there is a trouble as shown in the above (1) to (3) by checking the potentials of the ports P1 and P2”. However, the CPU 31 may be designed not to make such a determination but to determine only the type of the developing device.

  That is, in the present printing apparatus, the installation positions A to D of the development side connector 21 and the main body side connector 22 are changed for each destination (specification) of the apparatus. For this reason, when the user attaches the developing device 11 to the printing device, the presence or absence of troubles (especially (1) (2)) described above (1) to (3) by visual observation or response (feel). Can be judged.

As described above, in this printing apparatus, this determination can be made without using the connectors 21 and 22 and the CPU 31.
Therefore, the connectors 21 and 22 and the CPU 31 can be configured to be simpler in that only the type of the developing device 11 is determined.

  In the present embodiment, the specifications of the printing device and the developing device 11 are different for each destination. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the specifications of both apparatuses may be changed using other standards (for example, the date of manufacture of the apparatus, model number, etc.).

  Further, when the specifications (function / structure) of the printing apparatus and the developing apparatus 11 are the same, but the destinations are different, the installation positions of the connectors 21 and 22 may be changed.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 31 determines the type of the developing device 11 by detecting the short circuit state of the pins M1 to M3 in the developing connector 21. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the developing device 11 may be provided with a signal generator that outputs different identification signals from the pins M1 to M3 for each type of the developing device 11. In this case, the CPU 31 determines the type of the developing device 11 based on the signal output from the pins M1 to M3.

  In the present embodiment, the number of pins 2 in the developing connector 21 is three. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of pins may be any number. By increasing the number of pins, the number of types that can be distinguished in the developing device 11 can be increased.

  In addition, regarding incompatibility of developing devices in an image forming apparatus having a developing device that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body, in Patent Document 1, a developing device of the correct model is loaded in a developing device having the same shape for common parts. An image forming apparatus that determines whether or not the image forming apparatus has been proposed has been proposed, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-228867 proposes an image forming apparatus that determines whether or not a developing device having a correct destination is loaded. However, regarding the incompatibility of the developing device in the image forming apparatus to which the developing device can be attached and detached, the number of connector pins necessary for discriminating between the developing device and the destination having the same shape is necessary for common parts. In addition, it is necessary to determine the destinations of the developing device and the image forming apparatus by reading the electrical signals of a plurality of contacts with which the connector is engaged, and to determine the developing device having the same shape for common parts.

  Further, the connector 21 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 can be expressed as follows. In other words, the second and third pins (M2, M3 pins) of the connector 21 are open when the developing device is not installed, when a developing device with an incorrect destination is loaded, or when the connector 21 An irregular state such as a poor engagement, and the state in which the second and third pins of the connector 21 are not open is a state in which a detachable developing device with a correct destination is loaded in the image forming apparatus, and the second pin It is possible to discriminate between three types of the same shape developing device based on what is connected only, what is connected only with the third pin, and what is connected with both the second and third pins.

  Further, the image forming apparatus of the present invention can also be expressed as the following first image forming apparatus. That is, the first image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus in which the developing device is detachable, whether or not the developing device is loaded in the image forming device, or the type of the developing device (the shape of the developing device is the same, but the amount of toner A connector having a different connection depending on the developing device, and the installation position of this connector is different for each destination, and the destination in the image forming apparatus main body when the developing device is loaded Engage with the connectors provided in the developing devices at different installation positions for each, and provide a signal relay unit that transmits the connector signal. Whether the destinations of the forming apparatuses are the same, whether the developing apparatus is loaded in the image forming apparatus, and the type of the developing apparatus (the shape of the developing apparatus) The developing device can be distinguished depending on the amount of toner.

  Further, the present invention can also be expressed as the following developing device / image forming apparatus. That is, in the developing device / image forming apparatus, the removable developing device is provided with a connector having n connections, and there are m installation positions of the connector, and the image forming apparatus main body is connected to the developing device. An n-pin connector that engages with the provided connector is provided, and electrical signals at a plurality of contacts are read by engaging this connector, and whether the destinations of the developing device and the image forming apparatus match, A detachable developing device and an image forming device that can determine whether or not the developing device is loaded in the image forming device and the type of the developing device (a developing device having the same shape for common parts).

  In this configuration, by providing the same number of m connector positions as the destination, it is possible to determine that the developing device is loaded in the image forming apparatus by engaging the connectors, and the developing device and image forming Since it is also possible to determine whether or not the destination of the device matches, there is no need to determine whether the destination is correct from the electrical signal read by the connector engagement, and the connector for determining the destination is not necessary. An object is to provide a detachable developing device and an image forming apparatus capable of reducing the number of pins. That is, by providing the same number of connector installation positions as the destination, it can be determined that the developing device is loaded in the image forming apparatus, and whether the destinations of the developing device and the image forming apparatus match. Therefore, it is not necessary to determine whether the destination is correct from the electrical signal read by the connector by engagement, and the number of pins of the connector for determining the destination can be reduced.

  The present invention can be favorably applied to a printing apparatus including a detachable developing device.

FIGS. 1A to 1D are explanatory views showing the installation positions of the development side connector and the main body side connector. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the printing apparatus concerning this Embodiment. FIG. 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram showing a connection state between the development side connector and the main body side connector. FIG. 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram showing a connection state between the development side connector and the main body side connector. FIG. 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram showing a connection state between the development side connector and the main body side connector.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Developing apparatus 12 Mounting part 21 Development side connector 22 Main body side connector 31 CPU (detection part)
M1 to M3 Development side connector pins (connector pins)
N1 to N3 Pins P1 and P2 on the main unit side connector Ports A to D Connector installation positions

Claims (4)

In the mounting mechanism for mounting the developing device to the printing device,
A developing-side connector provided in the developing device for electrical connection to the printing device;
A main body side connector provided in the printing apparatus and connected to the development side connector;
A detection unit provided in the printing apparatus,
The installation position of the development side connector with respect to the developing device and the installation position of the main body side connector with respect to the printing device are different depending on the specifications of each device.
Designed so that connectors can be connected only when the specifications of both devices are compatible,
The development side connector is designed to output a different identification signal for each type of development device.
A mounting mechanism, wherein the detection unit is designed to determine a type of a developing device based on an identification signal input via a main body connector. The above development-side connector has a plurality of connector pins having different short-circuit states for each type of developing device,
2. The mounting according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is designed to determine the type of the developing device by detecting a short-circuit state in the development-side connector based on the identification signal. mechanism.   2. The detection unit according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit determines whether or not a developing device having a specification corresponding to the printing device is appropriately mounted based on the identification signal. The mounting mechanism described. In the mounting method for mounting the developing device on the printing device,
An installation position for the developing device in the development-side connector for electrical connection to the printing device;
The installation position with respect to the printing apparatus in the main body side connector connected to the development side connector,
In order to be able to connect connectors only when the specifications of both devices are compatible, keep them different for each device specification,
Set the development side connector to output a different identification signal for each type of development device,
A mounting method comprising a step of determining the type of the developing device based on the identification signal.

Images