JP2015129811A - developer cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developer cartridge capable of certainly protecting a body to be detected, and certainly exposing a rotation shaft of an agitator while realizing the reduction in size.SOLUTION: A developer cartridge 1 houses a developer, and is provided with an agitator 6 for agitating the developer. In a second cover 62 covering an agitator gear 45 for transferring drive power to the agitator 6, and a detection gear 46 detected by an apparatus body 12, a through hole 68 for exposing an agitator shaft 7 of the agitator 6, and a housing part 65 housing a detection part 97 of the detector gear 46 are provided next to each other. On the peripheral wall of the housing part 65 is provided a recess 66 which dents to coincide with a peripheral part of the through hole 68.

Description

  The present invention relates to a developer cartridge mounted on an image forming apparatus employing an electrophotographic system.

  Conventionally, as a developer cartridge to be mounted on an image forming apparatus, a housing that contains toner, an agitator that stirs the toner in the housing, an agitator gear that transmits driving force from the main body casing to the agitator, and an agitator gear There has been proposed a developing cartridge including a detected rotating body that is meshed and detected by a main body casing, and an agitator gear and a gear cover that covers the detected rotating body (for example, see Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2012-53095 A

  In the developing cartridge described in Patent Document 1 described above, when considering a reduction in size, it is considered to bring the agitator gear and the detected rotating body closer to each other.

  In this case, as the agitator gear and the detected rotating body are brought close to each other, the gear cover is also reduced in size, and a rotating body accommodating portion that accommodates the detected rotating body and a through hole that exposes the agitator rotating shaft to the gear cover. And it becomes difficult to place.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a developer cartridge that can reliably protect a detection target and can reliably expose a rotating shaft of a stirring member while achieving downsizing. is there.

(1) In order to achieve the above-described object, a developer cartridge according to the present invention includes a housing that accommodates the developer, a stirring member configured to stir the developer, and a driving force from the image forming apparatus main body. And a covering member that covers the drive transmission mechanism.

  The drive transmission mechanism has a detection object configured to be moved by receiving a driving force and to be detected by a detection unit of the image forming apparatus main body.

  The covering member includes a base portion having an opening that overlaps with the rotation axis of the stirring member when viewed from the rotation axis direction of the stirring member, and a storage portion that protrudes from the base portion in the rotation axis direction and stores at least a part of the detection target. Have.

  The housing portion has a concave portion that is recessed in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis direction so as to coincide with the peripheral edge portion of the opening when viewed from the rotation axis direction.

  According to such a configuration, the opening that exposes the rotating shaft of the stirring member and the accommodating portion that accommodates at least a part of the detection target can be disposed close to each other, and the concave portion of the accommodating portion is used. Thus, the size of the opening exposing the rotating shaft of the stirring member can be ensured.

As a result, the developer cartridge can be reduced in size, while the detected object can be reliably protected, and the rotating shaft of the stirring member can be reliably exposed.
(2) The detected body may include a receiving portion configured to receive a driving force and a detected portion configured to be detected by the detecting unit. In this case, the accommodating part may accommodate the detected part.

According to such a configuration, at least the detected part can be reliably protected by the housing part.
(3) The receiving part may have gear teeth.

According to such a configuration, the driving force can be received at the receiving portion with a simple configuration.
(4) The drive transmission mechanism may have a stirring gear fixed to the end of the rotating shaft of the stirring member. The agitation gear may include a first gear portion and a second gear portion that is disposed outward in the rotation axis direction with respect to the first gear portion and has a smaller diameter than the first gear portion. The second gear unit may be configured to transmit a driving force to the detection target. In this case, the movement trajectory of the detected part may overlap the second gear part when projected in the axial direction.

  According to such a configuration, the driving force input to the first gear part can be transmitted to the detected object via the second gear part having a smaller diameter than the first gear part. It can suppress that the moving speed of becomes too fast.

  Thereby, the member to be detected can be reliably detected by the detection member of the image forming apparatus main body.

  In addition, the detected object can be arranged close to the agitation gear so that the movement locus of the detected part overlaps the second gear part.

As a result, the developer cartridge can be reduced in size.
(5) The stirring gear may have a fitting portion that fits on the rotation shaft of the stirring member. In this case, the inner dimension of the fitting portion may be shorter than the inner dimension of the opening.

  According to such a structure, the rotating shaft of the stirring member which fits in a fitting part can be reliably exposed through opening.

As a result, the rotating shaft of the stirring member can be visually recognized through the opening.
(6) The outer dimension of the fitting portion may be longer than the inner dimension of the opening.

  According to such a structure, it can suppress that opening enlarges too much.

As a result, the developer cartridge can be further downsized.
(7) The rotating shaft of the stirring member may have a mark part for visually recognizing the position in the rotation direction of the stirring member.

According to such a structure, the position in the rotation direction of the stirring member can be easily confirmed by visually recognizing the mark portion through the opening.
(8) The mark portion may be a notch portion arranged at the end of the rotating shaft of the stirring member.

According to such a structure, a mark part can be comprised with the simple structure of providing a notch part in the edge part of a rotating shaft.
(9) The covering member may have a guide portion configured to be guided by the image forming apparatus main body. In this case, the guide portion may be disposed adjacent to the opening and may have an end portion along the peripheral edge portion of the opening when viewed from the rotation axis direction.

According to such a structure, a guide part can be efficiently arrange | positioned in the vicinity of opening.
(10) The developer cartridge of the present invention may include a developing roller and a supply roller configured to supply the developer to the developing roller.

  According to such a configuration, in the configuration including the developing roller and the supply roller, the rotating shaft of the stirring member can be reliably exposed while the size can be reduced, and the detected object is reliably protected. be able to.

  While the developer cartridge of the present invention can be reduced in size, the rotating shaft of the stirring member can be reliably exposed, and the detected object can be reliably protected.

FIG. 1 is a central sectional view showing a developing cartridge as an embodiment of the developer cartridge of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a central sectional view of a printer to which the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 1 is mounted. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the lower left. 4A is a left side view of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. FIG. 4B shows a state where the gear cover of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 4A is removed. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 4B as viewed from the lower right. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the drum cartridge shown in FIG. 2 as viewed from the upper left. FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of mounting the process cartridge in a state where the developing cartridge is located in the detachable position on the apparatus main body, and the interference section guides the apparatus immediately before the mounting of the process cartridge to the apparatus main body is completed. The state which contact | abutted to the part is shown. FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of mounting the process cartridge in a state where the developing cartridge is located in the detachable position on the apparatus main body, following FIG. 7A, and the developing cartridge is located in the mounting position. Shows a state in which the mounting of the process cartridge is completed. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the warm-up operation of the image forming apparatus when the developing cartridge is mounted, and shows a state in which the engaging portion of the agitator gear is in contact with the detection gear. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the warm-up operation of the image forming apparatus when the developing cartridge is mounted following FIG. 8, and shows a state in which the second gear portion of the agitator gear and the detection gear are engaged with each other. . FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the warm-up operation of the image forming apparatus when the developing cartridge is mounted following FIG. 9, and the detection protrusion on the left side in the clockwise direction when viewed from the left side is at the contact portion of the actuator. A state in which the actuator is in contact with the detection position is shown. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the warm-up operation of the image forming apparatus when the developing cartridge is mounted following FIG. 10, and the engagement between the second gear portion of the agitator gear and the detection gear is released. Indicates the state. FIG. 12A is a bottom view of the gear train shown in FIG. 8 as viewed from below. FIG. 12B is a bottom view of the gear train shown in FIG. 10 as viewed from below.

1. Overview of Developing Cartridge As shown in FIG. 1, a developing cartridge 1 as an example of a developer cartridge includes a developing roller 2, a supply roller 3, a layer thickness regulating blade 4, and a toner container 5.

  In the following description, when referring to the direction of the developing cartridge 1, the state in which the developing cartridge 1 is horizontally placed is used as the upper and lower reference. That is, the upper side of the drawing in FIG. 1 is the upper side, and the lower side of the drawing is the lower side. Further, the right side of FIG. 1 is the front, and the left side of FIG. 1 is the rear. In addition, when the developing cartridge 1 is viewed from the front, the left and right reference is used. That is, the front side of the page of FIG. 1 is the left side, and the back side of the page is the right side. The left-right direction is an example of the rotation axis direction.

  The developing roller 2 is rotatably supported at the rear end portion of the developing cartridge 1. The developing roller 2 includes a developing roller shaft 2A and a developing roller body 2B.

  The developing roller shaft 2A has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The developing roller shaft 2A is made of metal.

  The developing roller body 2B has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The developing roller body 2B is made of conductive rubber. The developing roller body 2B does not cover the left and right ends of the developing roller shaft 2A, but covers the substantially horizontal center of the developing roller shaft 2A.

  The supply roller 3 is disposed on the front lower side of the developing roller 2. The supply roller 3 is rotatably supported by the developing cartridge 1. The supply roller 3 includes a supply roller shaft 3A and a supply roller body 3B.

  The supply roller shaft 3A has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The supply roller shaft 3A is made of metal.

  The supply roller main body 3B has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The supply roller body 3B is made of a conductive sponge. The supply roller main body 3B does not cover the left and right end portions of the supply roller shaft 3A, but covers the substantially center in the left-right direction of the supply roller shaft 3A. The supply roller main body 3B is in contact with the front lower end portion of the developing roller main body 2B.

  The layer thickness regulating blade 4 is disposed on the front upper side of the developing roller 2. The layer thickness regulating blade 4 is in contact with the front end portion of the developing roller 2.

  The toner container 5 is disposed in front of the supply roller 3 and the layer thickness regulating blade 4. The toner storage unit 5 is configured to store toner as an example of a developer. The toner storage unit 5 includes an agitator 6 as an example of a stirring member.

  The agitator 6 is rotatably supported in the toner storage unit 5. The agitator 6 includes an agitator shaft 7 as an example of a rotating shaft and a stirring blade 8.

  The agitator shaft 7 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the left end portion 7A of the agitator shaft 7 has a substantially D shape when viewed from the side. That is, the left end portion 7A of the agitator shaft 7 is an example of a mark portion, and has a notch portion 7B at one end portion in the radial direction.

  The cutout portion 7B is cut out from one radial end portion of the left end portion 7A of the agitator shaft 7 toward the radial center.

As shown in FIG. 1, the stirring blade 8 extends from one end in the radial direction of the agitator shaft 7 to one radial direction. The stirring blade 8 extends to the side where the notch 7B of the agitator shaft 7 is disposed.
2. Use Mode of Developer Cartridge As shown in FIG. 2, the developer cartridge 1 is mounted on an image forming apparatus 11 and used.

  The image forming apparatus 11 is an electrophotographic monochrome printer. The image forming apparatus 11 includes an apparatus main body 12 as an example of an image forming apparatus main body, a process cartridge 13, a scanner unit 14, and a fixing unit 15.

  The apparatus main body 12 has a substantially box shape. The apparatus body 12 includes an opening 16, a front cover 17, a paper feed tray 18, and a paper discharge tray 19.

  The opening 16 is disposed at the front end of the apparatus main body 12. The opening 16 communicates the inside and outside of the apparatus main body 12 in the front-rear direction so as to allow passage of the process cartridge 13.

  The front cover 17 is disposed at the front end of the apparatus main body 12. The front cover 17 has a substantially flat plate shape. The front cover 17 extends in the vertical direction, and is swingably supported on the front wall of the apparatus main body 12 with the lower end portion as a fulcrum. The front cover 17 is configured to open or close the opening 16.

  The paper feed tray 18 is disposed at the bottom of the apparatus main body 12. The paper feed tray 18 is configured to accommodate the paper P.

  The paper discharge tray 19 is disposed in the rear half of the upper wall of the apparatus main body 12. The paper discharge tray 19 is recessed downward from the upper surface of the apparatus main body 12 so that the paper P is placed thereon.

  The process cartridge 13 is accommodated in the substantially vertical center of the apparatus main body 12. The process cartridge 13 is configured to be attached to or detached from the apparatus main body 12. The process cartridge 13 includes a drum cartridge 20 and a developing cartridge 1.

  The drum cartridge 20 includes a photosensitive drum 21, a scorotron charger 22, and a transfer roller 23.

  The photosensitive drum 21 is rotatably supported at the rear end portion of the drum cartridge 20.

  The scorotron charger 22 is disposed behind the photosensitive drum 21 and spaced from the photosensitive drum 21.

  The transfer roller 23 is disposed below the photosensitive drum 21. The transfer roller 23 is in contact with the lower end portion of the photosensitive drum 21.

  The developing cartridge 1 is mounted on the drum cartridge 20 in front of the photosensitive drum 21 so that the developing roller 2 contacts the front end portion of the photosensitive drum 21.

  The scanner unit 14 is disposed above the process cartridge 13. The scanner unit 14 is configured to emit a laser beam based on image data toward the photosensitive drum 21.

  The fixing unit 15 is disposed behind the process cartridge 13. The fixing unit 15 includes a heating roller 24 and a pressure roller 25 pressed against the rear lower end portion of the heating roller 24.

  When the image forming apparatus 11 starts an image forming operation, the scorotron charger 22 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. The scanner unit 14 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. Thereby, an electrostatic latent image based on the image data is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21.

  The agitator 6 agitates the toner in the toner storage unit 5 and supplies it to the supply roller 3. The supply roller 3 supplies the toner supplied from the agitator 6 to the developing roller 2. At this time, the toner is frictionally charged positively between the developing roller 2 and the supply roller 3 and is carried on the developing roller 2. The layer thickness regulating blade 4 regulates the layer thickness of the toner carried on the developing roller 2 to a constant thickness.

  Then, the toner carried on the developing roller 2 is supplied to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21. As a result, the toner image is carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21.

  The paper P is fed from the paper feed tray 18 between the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 23 one by one at a predetermined timing by the rotation of various rollers. The toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 21 is transferred to the paper P when the paper P passes between the photosensitive drum 21 and the transfer roller 23.

Thereafter, the sheet P is heated and pressed when passing between the heating roller 24 and the pressure roller 25. As a result, the toner image on the paper P is thermally fixed to the paper P. Thereafter, the paper P is discharged to the paper discharge tray 19.
3. Details of Developing Cartridge As shown in FIG. 3, the developing cartridge 1 includes a developing frame 31 as an example of a housing and a drive unit 30.
(1) Development Frame The development frame 31 has a substantially box shape as shown in FIGS. The developing frame 31 includes a pair of side walls 35, a lower wall 36, a front wall 37, and an upper wall 38.

  Each of the pair of side walls 35 is disposed at each of both end portions of the developing frame 31 in the left-right direction. Each of the pair of side walls 35 has a substantially rectangular flat plate shape in side view extending in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction. The left side wall 35 has an idle gear support shaft 39 and a toner filling port 40.

  The idle gear support shaft 39 is disposed substantially at the center in the front-rear direction of the left side wall 35. The idle gear support shaft 39 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending leftward from the left surface of the left side wall 35.

  The toner filling port 40 is disposed at the front end of the left side wall 35. The toner filling port 40 has a substantially circular shape in side view, and penetrates the left side wall 35 in the left-right direction.

  The lower wall 36 has a substantially flat plate shape extending in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The left and right ends of the lower wall 36 are continuous with the lower ends of the pair of side walls 35.

  The front wall 37 has a substantially flat plate shape extending in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. The lower end portion of the front wall 37 is continuous with the front end portion of the lower wall 36. Each of the left and right end portions of the front wall 37 is continuous with the respective front end portions of the pair of side walls 35.

The upper wall 38 has a substantially flat plate shape extending in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The front end portion of the upper wall 38 is continuous with the upper end portion of the front wall 37. Each of the left and right ends of the upper wall 38 is continuous with the upper ends of the pair of side walls 35.
(2) Drive Unit The drive unit 30 is disposed on the left side of the developing frame 31 at the left end of the developing cartridge 1 as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The drive unit 30 includes a gear train 33, a detection unit 32, and a gear cover 34 as an example of a covering member. The gear train 33 and the detection unit 32 constitute a drive transmission mechanism.
(2-1) Gear train As shown in FIG. 4B and FIG. 5, the gear train 33 includes a development coupling 41, a development gear 42, a supply gear 43, an idle gear 44, and an agitator as an example of a stirring gear. And a gear 45.

  The development coupling 41 is disposed at the rear end portion of the development cartridge 1. The development coupling 41 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The development coupling 41 includes a gear part 51 and a coupling part 52.

  The gear portion 51 is disposed on the substantially right half of the development coupling 41. The gear part 51 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction and closed at the left end. The gear part 51 has gear teeth over its entire circumference.

  The coupling part 52 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending leftward from the left wall of the gear part 51. The coupling part 52 shares the central axis with the gear part 51. The coupling part 52 has a pair of engaging parts 54.

  Each of the pair of engaging portions 54 is disposed at each of both ends in the radial direction of the coupling portion 52. Each of the pair of engaging portions 54 has a substantially trapezoidal shape in side view that bulges inward in the radial direction of the coupling portion 52 from the inner peripheral surface of the coupling portion 52 and extends in the circumferential direction of the coupling portion 52. ing.

  The development gear 42 is disposed below the development coupling 41. The developing gear 42 has a substantially disc shape having a thickness in the left-right direction. The developing gear 42 has gear teeth over the entire circumference. The developing gear 42 is supported on the left end portion of the developing roller shaft 2A so as not to be relatively rotatable. The development gear 42 meshes with the rear lower end portion of the gear portion 51 of the development coupling 41.

  The supply gear 43 is disposed below the development coupling 41. The supply gear 43 has a substantially disk shape having a thickness in the left-right direction. The supply gear 43 has gear teeth over its entire circumference. The supply gear 43 is supported on the left end portion of the supply roller shaft 3A so as not to be relatively rotatable. The supply gear 43 meshes with the lower end portion of the gear portion 51 of the developing coupling 41.

  The idle gear 44 is disposed in front of the development coupling 41. The idle gear 44 is rotatably supported on the idle gear support shaft 39 of the developing frame 31. The idle gear 44 integrally includes a large diameter gear 44A and a small diameter gear 44B.

  The large diameter gear 44 </ b> A is disposed at the left end of the idle gear 44. The large-diameter gear 44A has a substantially disc shape having a thickness in the left-right direction. The large-diameter gear 44A has gear teeth over its entire circumference. The large diameter gear 44 </ b> A meshes with the front end portion of the gear portion 51 of the development coupling 41.

  The small diameter gear 44B has a substantially cylindrical shape extending from the right surface of the large diameter gear 44A toward the right. The small diameter gear 44B shares the central axis with the large diameter gear 44A. The outer diameter of the small diameter gear 44B is smaller than the outer diameter of the large diameter gear 44A. The small diameter gear 44B has gear teeth over the entire circumference.

  The agitator gear 45 is disposed on the front lower side of the idle gear 44. The agitator gear 45 includes a first gear portion 45A, a second gear portion 45B, and a contact rib 45C.

  The first gear portion 45 </ b> A is disposed on the right half of the agitator gear 45. 45 A of 1st gear parts have the substantially disc shape which has thickness in the left-right direction. The first gear portion 45A has gear teeth over its entire circumference. The first gear portion 45A meshes with the front end portion of the small-diameter gear 44B of the idle gear 44. The first gear portion 45A has a fitting portion 45D.

  The fitting portion 45D is disposed at the radial center of the first gear portion 45A. The fitting portion 45D has a substantially D-shaped cylindrical shape in side view extending in the left-right direction so as to penetrate the first gear portion 45A in the left-right direction. The fitting portion 45 </ b> D is fitted to the left end portion 7 </ b> A of the agitator shaft 7 from the radially outer side of the agitator shaft 7 so as not to be relatively rotatable.

  The second gear portion 45 </ b> B is disposed on the left half of the agitator gear 45. The second gear portion 45B has a substantially cylindrical shape extending leftward from the left surface of the first gear portion 45A so as to surround the fitting portion 45D. The second gear portion 45B shares the central axis with the first gear portion 45A. The outer diameter of the second gear portion 45B is smaller than the outer diameter of the first gear portion 45A. The 2nd gear part 45B has a gear tooth over the perimeter.

The contact rib 45C protrudes leftward from the left surface of the first gear portion 45A. The contact rib 45 </ b> C has a substantially flat plate shape extending so as to incline in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the left side as it goes outward in the radial direction of the agitator gear 45.
(2-2) Detection Unit The detection unit 32 includes a support member 47 and a detection gear 46 as an example of a detection target.

  The support member 47 is fitted in the toner filling port 40 so as to close the toner filling port 40. The support member 47 is integrally provided with a closing portion 91, an insertion portion 92, a detection gear support shaft 93, and a guide rib 94.

  The closing portion 91 has a flat plate shape that is substantially rectangular in side view and has a thickness in the left-right direction.

  The insertion portion 92 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending from the right surface of the closing portion 91 toward the right. The outer diameter of the insertion portion 92 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the toner filling port 40. The insertion portion 92 is inserted into the toner filling port 40.

  The detection gear support shaft 93 is disposed substantially at the center of the closing portion 91. The detection gear support shaft 93 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending leftward from the left surface of the closing portion 91.

  The guide rib 94 is disposed around the detection gear support shaft 93 and spaced from the detection gear support shaft 93. The guide rib 94 has a semi-cylindrical shape extending leftward from the left surface of the closing portion 91 and having a rear end portion opened. The guide rib 94 shares the center axis with the detection gear support shaft 93. The guide rib 94 has a first inclined surface 94A, a parallel surface 94B, and a second inclined surface 94C.

  The first inclined surface 94A is the left surface of the upstream end of the guide rib 94 in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the left side. The first inclined surface 94A is inclined leftward in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the left side.

  The parallel surface 94B is disposed downstream of the first inclined surface 94A in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the left side. The parallel surface 94B extends in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the left side, continuously from the first inclined surface 94A. The parallel surface 94B is parallel to the left surface of the closing portion 91 so that the lateral distance from the left surface of the closing portion 91 is constant.

  The second inclined surface 94C is the left surface of the downstream end portion of the guide rib 94 in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the left side. The second inclined surface 94C is continuously arranged downstream of the parallel surface 94B in the counterclockwise direction in the left side view. The second inclined surface 94C is inclined rightward in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the left side.

  The detection gear 46 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The detection gear 46 is rotatably supported by the detection gear support shaft 93 of the support member 47. The detection gear 46 is always urged rightward by an urging member such as a compression spring (not shown). The detection gear 46 includes a support plate 95, a gear portion 96 as an example of a receiving portion, a detection portion 97 as an example of a detected portion, and a slide portion 98.

  The support plate 95 is disposed at the center in the left-right direction of the detection gear 46. The support plate 95 has a substantially disc shape having a thickness in the left-right direction.

  The gear portion 96 has a partial cylindrical shape that extends rightward from the right surface of the support plate 95 and has one end portion in the radial direction opened. The gear portion 96 has a tooth portion 96A and a missing tooth portion 96B.

  The tooth portion 96 </ b> A is disposed on a half circumference downstream of the gear portion 96 in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the left side. The tooth part 96A has gear teeth.

  The missing tooth portion 96B is continuously arranged in the counterclockwise direction upstream in the left side view of the gear portion 96 in the counterclockwise direction upstream in the left side view of the gear portion 96. The chipped portion 96B has no gear teeth.

  The detection unit 97 is disposed on the peripheral edge of the support plate 95. When projected in the left-right direction, the detection unit 97 overlaps the upstream end portion of the tooth portion 96A in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the left side. The detection unit 97 includes a base 97A and a plurality of detection protrusions 97B.

  The base portion 97 </ b> A has a substantially curved plate shape that protrudes leftward from the left surface of the support plate 95 and extends along the circumferential direction of the support plate 95.

  Each of the plurality of detection protrusions 97B is arranged in parallel with an interval in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the left side. Specifically, each of the plurality of detection protrusions 97B is disposed at each of both ends in the circumferential direction of the base portion 97A. Each of the plurality of detection protrusions 97B has a substantially prismatic shape extending leftward from the left end portion of the base portion 97A.

The slide part 98 protrudes rightward from the right surface of the support plate 95 and has a substantially flat plate shape extending in the radial direction of the support plate 95. The slide part 98 intersects with the substantially center in the circumferential direction of the missing tooth part 96B. The right end portion of the slide portion 98 protrudes to the right from the right end portion of the gear portion 96. The right end portion of the slide portion 98 is disposed upstream of the first inclined surface 94A of the support member 47 in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the left side.
(2-3) Gear Cover The gear cover 34 includes a first cover 61 and a second cover 62.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A, the first cover 61 is disposed at the rear end portion of the driving unit 30. The first cover 61 has a substantially rectangular tube shape extending in the left-right direction and closed at the left end. The first cover 61 covers the development coupling 41, the development gear 42 and the supply gear 43. The first cover 61 includes a coupling collar 63 and a developing roller shaft collar 64.

  The coupling collar 63 is disposed at the center of the first cover 61. The coupling collar 63 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The inner diameter of the coupling collar 63 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the coupling portion 52 of the development coupling 41. The coupling collar 63 is fitted into the coupling portion 52 of the development coupling 41.

  The developing roller shaft collar 64 is disposed below the coupling collar 63. The developing roller shaft collar 64 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction and closed at the left end. The developing roller shaft collar 64 is fitted to the left end portion of the developing roller shaft 2A.

  The second cover 62 is disposed in front of the first cover 61. The second cover 62 covers the idle gear 44, the agitator gear 45 and the detection gear 46. The second cover 62 includes a base portion 60, a through hole 68 as an example of an opening, a housing portion 65, and a contact portion 69 as an example of a guide portion.

  The base portion 60 has a substantially rectangular tube shape extending in the left-right direction and closed at the left end.

  The through hole 68 is disposed substantially at the center of the second cover 62 in the front-rear direction. The through hole 68 has a substantially circular shape in side view. The through hole 68 penetrates the left wall of the base portion 60 in the left-right direction. The inner diameter of the through hole 68 is larger than the inner dimension of the fitting part 45D of the agitator gear 45 and smaller than the outer dimension of the fitting part 45D.

  The accommodating portion 65 is disposed adjacent to the front end of the second cover 62 in front of the through hole 68. The accommodating portion 65 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending leftward from the left surface of the base portion 60 and closed at the left end portion. The right end portion of the accommodating portion 65 communicates with the front end portion of the base portion 60. The accommodating portion 65 accommodates the support plate 95 and the detecting portion 97 of the detecting gear 46. The accommodating portion 65 has an exposure port 67 and a recess 66.

  The exposure port 67 has a substantially C shape in side view with the lower end opened along the peripheral edge of the left wall of the housing 65. The exposure port 67 penetrates the left wall of the housing portion 65 in the left-right direction. The exposure port 67 accommodates the detection unit 97 of the detection gear 46 therein.

  The recessed portion 66 is disposed at the rear end portion of the accommodating portion 65. The recess 66 is slightly recessed forward from the rear outer peripheral surface of the accommodating portion 65 and extends in the left-right direction. The recess 66 has a substantially arc shape in side view along the front peripheral edge of the through hole 68. The concave portion 66 coincides with the front peripheral edge portion of the through hole 68 when projected in the left-right direction.

The contact portion 69 is disposed adjacently above the through hole 68. The contact portion 69 has a substantially prismatic shape in side view extending leftward from the left surface of the base portion 60. The front end portion of the contact portion 69 is continuous with the rear end portion of the accommodating portion 65. The upper surface 69A of the contact portion 69 extends in the front-rear direction. The lower surface 69 </ b> B of the contact portion 69 has a substantially arc shape in side view along the upper peripheral edge of the through hole 68. The lower surface 69B of the contact portion 69 coincides with the upper peripheral edge of the through hole 68 when projected in the left-right direction.
(3) Checking the position of the stirring blade When shipping the developer cartridge 1 or performing maintenance, as shown in FIG. 4A, the operator sets the through hole 68 to check the position of the stirring blade 8 of the agitator 6. The left end portion 7A of the agitator shaft 7 is visually confirmed.

And an operator estimates that the stirring blade 8 is located in the direction where the notch part 7B is located. As a result, as shown in FIG. 1, the stirring blade 8 can be placed at a position not in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the developing frame 31 and shipped, and the stirring blade 8 is deformed before the developing cartridge 1 is used. Can be prevented.
4). Configuration of Drum Cartridge As shown in FIG. 6, the drum cartridge 20 has a bottomed frame shape that is substantially rectangular in plan view. The drum cartridge 20 is integrally provided with a pair of side walls 71, a lower wall 72, a rear wall 73, a front wall 74, and an upper wall 75.

  Each of the pair of side walls 71 is disposed at each of both ends in the left-right direction of the drum cartridge 20. Each of the pair of side walls 71 has a flat plate shape that is substantially rectangular in a side view. Each of the pair of side walls 71 extends in the front-rear direction. Each of the pair of side walls 71 has a color guide portion 76. The left side wall 71 has a receiving portion 77.

  The color guide portion 76 is disposed at the approximate center of the side wall 71 in the front-rear direction. The color guide portion 76 has a substantially U-shape that is recessed downward from the upper end portion of the side wall 71 and is released from the upper end portion. The color guide portion 76 has a color fitting portion 76A.

  The collar fitting portion 76 </ b> A is disposed at the rear lower end portion of the color guide portion 76. The collar fitting portion 76 </ b> A has a substantially U shape in a side view that is recessed rearward and the front end portion is released.

  The receiving portion 77 is disposed in front of the color guide portion 76 at the front end portion of the left side wall 71. The receiving portion 77 has a substantially semicircular shape in side view with the upper end portion released.

  The lower wall 72 is constructed between the lower ends of the pair of side walls 71 and extends in the front-rear direction. The lower wall 72 has a flat plate shape that is substantially rectangular in plan view.

  The rear wall 73 protrudes upward from the rear end portion of the lower wall 72 and has a flat plate shape extending in the left-right direction.

  The front wall 74 continuously extends upward from the front end portion of the lower wall 72. The front wall 74 has a flat plate shape that is substantially rectangular when viewed from the front. The left and right ends of the front wall 74 are continuous with the front ends of the pair of side walls 71.

  The upper wall 75 is disposed above the rear end portion of the drum cartridge 20 so as to cover the photosensitive drum 21. The upper wall 75 supports the scorotron charger 22.

  In the drum cartridge 20, a substantially box-shaped portion constituted by the rear end portions of the upper wall 75, the pair of side walls 71, and the lower wall 72 is a drum support portion 78 that supports the photosensitive drum 21.

Further, in front of the upper wall 75, a portion defined by the front end portion of the upper wall 75, the pair of side walls 71 and the front wall 74 is a developing cartridge mounting as an example of a cartridge mounting portion in which the developing cartridge 1 is mounted. Part 79.
5. Configuration of Device Main Body The device main body 12 includes an optical sensor 81, an actuator 82, and a control unit 83, as shown in FIG. The optical sensor 81 and the actuator 82 constitute detection means.

  The optical sensor 81 is disposed in the apparatus main body 12 so as to be located in the upper left of the developing cartridge 1. The optical sensor 81 has a light emitting element and a light receiving element that face each other at an interval in the vertical direction. The light emitting element always emits detection light toward the light receiving element. The light receiving element receives the detection light from the light emitting element. The optical sensor 81 transmits a light reception signal when the light receiving element receives detection light, and does not transmit a light reception signal when the light receiving element does not receive detection light. The optical sensor 81 is electrically connected to the control unit 83.

  The actuator 82 is disposed below the optical sensor 81. The actuator 82 can be rotated to a non-detection position (see FIG. 8) that blocks the detection light of the optical sensor 81 and a detection position (see FIG. 10) that does not block the detection light of the optical sensor 81. The actuator 82 is always biased toward the non-detection position by a biasing member (not shown). The actuator 82 includes a support portion 84, a contact portion 85, and a light shielding portion 86.

  The support portion 84 is disposed approximately at the center of the actuator 82 in the front-rear direction. The support portion 84 has a substantially annular shape. The support portion 84 is rotatably fitted to the shaft 87 in the apparatus main body 12.

  The contact portion 85 extends rearward and downward from the rear lower end portion of the support portion 84. The contact portion 85 has a substantially fan-shaped flat plate shape in side view with a central angle of about 90 °. The contact portion 85 is continuous with the support portion 84 at the central angle portion.

  The light shielding part 86 extends from the front upper end of the support part 84 to the front upper side. The light shielding portion 86 has a flat plate shape that is substantially rectangular in a side view.

The control unit 83 includes a circuit board including an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and is disposed in the apparatus main body 12.
6). Mounting of Developing Cartridge to Apparatus Main Body To mount the developing cartridge 1 to the apparatus main body 12, an operator first mounts the developing cartridge 1 to the drum cartridge 20 as shown in FIG. 7B.

  To attach the developing cartridge 1 to the drum cartridge 20, the operator places the developing cartridge 1 in the developing cartridge mounting portion 79 of the drum cartridge 20 so that the developing roller shaft collar 64 is fitted in the color fitting portion 76A. Installing.

  Next, to attach the developing cartridge 1 to the apparatus main body 12, the operator attaches the drum cartridge 20 to which the developing cartridge 1 is attached, that is, the process cartridge 13 to the apparatus main body 12.

  To attach the process cartridge 13 to the apparatus main body 12, the operator opens the front cover 17 and inserts the process cartridge 13 into the apparatus main body 12 from the rear end.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 7A, the process cartridge 13 may be attached to the apparatus main body 12 in a state where the developing cartridge 1 is incompletely attached to the drum cartridge 20.

  Specifically, the process cartridge 13 is mounted on the apparatus main body 12 in a state where the developing roller shaft collar 64 is fitted in the color fitting portion 76A and the front end portion of the developing cartridge 1 is slightly separated from the developing cartridge mounting portion 79 upward. May be. In this state, the upper surface 69A of the contact portion 69 of the developing cartridge 1 is inclined upward as it goes forward.

  In this case, when the operator pushes the process cartridge 13 backward, the interference portion 88 in the apparatus main body 12 comes into contact with the upper surface of the contact portion 69 of the developing cartridge 1 from the rear.

  When the operator further pushes the process cartridge 13 backward, the contact portion 69 of the developing cartridge 1 is pressed downward by the stress from the interference portion 88.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 7B, the front end portion of the developing cartridge 1 is accommodated in the developing cartridge mounting portion 79 so as to rotate downward about the developing roller shaft collar 64.

  As a result, the developing cartridge 1 that has been incompletely attached to the drum cartridge 20 is completely attached to the drum cartridge 20.

Thereafter, when the operator further pushes the process cartridge 13 backward, the mounting of the process cartridge 13 to the apparatus main body 12 is completed as shown in FIG.
7). New article detection operation When the process cartridge 13 is mounted on the apparatus main body 12 and the front cover 17 is closed, a main body coupling (not shown) in the apparatus main body 12 is connected to the developing coupling 41 in conjunction with the closing operation of the front cover 17. Fits in relative rotation impossible.

  Thereafter, the control unit 83 starts a warm-up operation of the image forming apparatus 11.

  Then, a driving force is input from the apparatus main body 12 to the developing coupling 41 via a main body coupling (not shown), and the developing coupling 41 rotates in the clockwise direction when viewed from the left side as shown in FIG. 4B.

  Then, the developing gear 42, the supply gear 43, and the idle gear 44 rotate counterclockwise as viewed from the left side. As a result, the developing roller 2 and the supply roller 3 rotate counterclockwise as viewed from the left side.

  Further, when the idle gear 44 rotates, the agitator gear 45 rotates in the clockwise direction when viewed from the left side. Thereby, the agitator 6 rotates in the clockwise direction in the left side view.

  When the agitator gear 45 rotates, as shown in FIG. 8, the abutment rib 45 </ b> C contacts the upstream end portion in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the left side of the missing tooth portion 96 </ b> B of the detection gear 46 as the agitator gear 45 rotates. In contact with each other, the upstream end portion in the counterclockwise direction in the left side view of the missing tooth portion 96B is pressed forward and downward.

  As a result, the detection gear 46 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the left side, and the front end of the second gear portion 45B of the agitator gear 45 at the gear teeth downstream in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the left side as shown in FIG. Engage with the part.

  Then, a driving force is transmitted from the agitator gear 45 to the detection gear 46, and the detection gear 46 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the left side.

  Then, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the detection gear 46 is attached to the detection gear 46 (not shown) by sliding the first inclined surface 94A of the guide rib 94 of the support member 47 counterclockwise as viewed from the left side. Advances to the left against the urging force of the force member. And the detection gear 46 advances to the left most in the state which the slide part 98 contact | abutted to the parallel surface 94B.

  Then, the detection unit 97 moves in the counterclockwise direction in the left side view as the agitator gear 45 rotates as shown in FIG. The protrusion 97B contacts the contact portion 85 of the actuator 82 from the front, and presses the contact portion 85 rearward.

  Accordingly, the actuator 82 swings from the non-detection position in the clockwise direction on the left side and moves to the detection position.

  Then, the light shielding unit 86 moves clockwise from the left side view and retracts from between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the optical sensor 81.

  Then, the light receiving element of the optical sensor 81 receives the detection light, and the optical sensor 81 outputs a light reception signal.

  Here, after starting the warm-up operation, the control unit 83 receives the light reception signal from the optical sensor 81 within a predetermined time, and thus determines that the unused developing cartridge 1 is attached to the apparatus main body 12. To do.

  When the detection gear 46 further rotates, the first detection protrusion 97B is separated from the contact portion 85. Then, the actuator 82 swings from the detection position toward the non-detection position.

  Accordingly, the light shielding portion 86 of the actuator 82 is positioned between the light emitting element and the light receiving element of the optical sensor 81.

  Then, the light receiving element of the optical sensor 81 does not receive the detection light, and the optical sensor 81 stops outputting the light reception signal.

  When the detection gear 46 further rotates, like the first detection protrusion 97B, the second detection protrusion 97B contacts the contact portion 85 from the front and presses the contact portion 85 backward.

  Then, the actuator 82 again swings from the non-detection position to the detection position. As a result, the light receiving element of the optical sensor 81 receives the detection light again, and the optical sensor 81 outputs a light reception signal.

  When the detection gear 46 further rotates, the second detection protrusion 97B moves away from the contact portion 69, and the actuator 82 returns from the detection position to the non-detection position.

  Then, the optical sensor 81 stops outputting the light reception signal.

  When the detection gear 46 further rotates, the sliding portion 98 slides the second inclined surface 94C of the guide rib 94 of the support member 47 counterclockwise as viewed from the left side by a biasing force of a biasing member (not shown), Evacuate towards.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the meshing between the gear portion 96 of the detection gear 46 and the second gear portion 45B of the agitator gear 45 is released, and the rotation of the detection gear 46 stops.

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the detection unit 97 includes the second gear of the agitator gear 45 until the rotation of the detection gear 46 stops after the first detection protrusion 97 </ b> B is separated from the actuator 82. It passes to the left of the part 45B. That is, the movement locus of the detection unit 97 overlaps the second gear unit 45B of the agitator gear 45 when projected in the left-right direction.

  Thereafter, when a predetermined time elapses, the control unit 83 ends the warm-up operation.

  Here, after the warm-up operation is started, the number of received light signals received from the optical sensor 81 by the control unit 83 within a predetermined time is determined according to the specifications of the developing cartridge 1 (specifically, the maximum number of images formed). It corresponds. For example, as described above, when the light reception signal is received twice, the control unit 83 determines that the developing cartridge 1 having the first specification (maximum image forming number: 6000 sheets) is attached to the apparatus main body 12. . When the light receiving signal is received once, the control unit 83 determines that the developing cartridge 1 having the second specification (maximum image forming number: 3000 sheets) is mounted on the apparatus main body 12.

If the control unit 83 does not receive a light reception signal from the optical sensor 81 within a predetermined time after starting the warm-up operation, the used developing cartridge 1 is not used in the apparatus main body 12. It is judged that it was installed.
8). Operational Effect (1) According to the developing cartridge 1, as shown in FIG. 4A, the accommodating portion 65 has the concave portion 66 that is recessed so as to coincide with the peripheral portion of the through hole 68 when viewed from the left-right direction.

  Therefore, the through hole 68 and the accommodating portion 65 can be arranged close to each other, but the size of the through hole 68 can be secured by using the concave portion 66 of the accommodating portion 65.

As a result, the detection gear 46 can be reliably protected and the agitator shaft 7 can be reliably exposed while the development cartridge 1 can be reduced in size.
(2) According to the developing cartridge 1, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A, the accommodating portion 65 accommodates the detecting portion 97 of the detecting gear 46.

As a result, the detection unit 97 of the detection gear 46 can be reliably protected by the storage unit 65.
(3) According to the developing cartridge 1, as shown in FIG. 5, the gear portion 96 of the detection gear 46 has a tooth portion 96A having gear teeth.

Therefore, the driving force can be received at the gear portion 96 with a simple configuration.
(4) According to the developing cartridge 1, as shown in FIG. 11, the agitator gear 45 has the first gear portion 45A and the second gear portion 45B having a smaller diameter than the first gear portion 45A. .

  Therefore, the driving force input to the first gear portion 45A can be transmitted to the detection gear 46 via the second gear portion 45B, and the rotation speed of the detection gear 46 can be suppressed from becoming excessively high.

  Thereby, the detection protrusion 97B can be reliably detected by the actuator 82 and the optical sensor 81 of the apparatus main body 12.

  In addition, the movement locus of the detection protrusion 97B overlaps the second gear portion 45B when projected in the left-right direction.

  Therefore, the detection gear 46 can be disposed close to the agitator gear 45.

As a result, the development cartridge 1 can be reduced in size.
(5) According to the developing cartridge 1, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the inner dimension of the fitting portion 45D of the agitator gear 45 is shorter than the inner diameter of the through hole 68 of the second cover 62.

  Therefore, the left end 7 </ b> A of the agitator shaft 7 that fits in the fitting portion 45 </ b> D can be reliably exposed through the through hole 68.

As a result, the left end portion 7 </ b> A of the agitator shaft 7 can be visually recognized through the through hole 68.
(6) According to the developing cartridge 1, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the outer dimension of the fitting portion 45D of the agitator gear 45 is longer than the inner diameter of the through hole 68 of the second cover 62.

  Therefore, it can suppress that the through-hole 68 of the 2nd cover 62 enlarges too much.

As a result, the development cartridge 1 can be further downsized.
(7) According to the developing cartridge 1, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the left end portion 7A of the agitator shaft 7 has a notch portion 7B for visually recognizing the position of the agitator 6 in the rotational direction. .

Therefore, the position of the agitator 6 in the rotation direction, more specifically, the position of the stirring blade 8 can be easily confirmed by visually recognizing the cutout portion 7B through the through hole 68 with a simple configuration.
(8) According to the developing cartridge 1, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, when the process cartridge 13 is mounted on the apparatus main body 12 with the developing cartridge 1 mounted incompletely on the drum cartridge 20. Further, when the interference portion 88 in the apparatus main body 12 abuts against the upper surface of the abutting portion 69 of the developing cartridge 1 from the rear, the developing cartridge 1 that has been incompletely attached to the drum cartridge 20 is completely removed from the drum cartridge 20. 20 can be attached.

According to the developing cartridge 1, as shown in FIG. 4A, the contact portion 69 of the second cover 62 is efficiently disposed in the vicinity of the through hole 68 so as to be along the peripheral portion of the through hole 68. Can do.
9. Modified Example (1) In the above-described embodiment, the developing cartridge 1 including the developing roller 2 and the supply roller 3 is described as an example of the developer cartridge. However, as the developer cartridge, for example, the developing roller 2 and the supply roller 3 are provided. A toner cartridge that does not include the toner cartridge may also be used.
(2) In the above-described embodiment, a developing sleeve or a brush roller can be applied instead of the developing roller 2.
(3) In the above-described embodiment, the shape of the left end portion 7A of the agitator shaft 7 is substantially D-shaped when viewed from the side, but if the position of the stirring blade 8 can be confirmed, the shape of the left end portion 7A of the agitator shaft 7 For example, the left end portion 7A of the agitator shaft 7 may have a semicircular shape in side view, an isosceles triangle shape in side view, or a trapezoidal shape in side view.
(4) In the above-described embodiment, the stirring blade 8 of the agitator 6 may be formed of a flexible resin film, or may be formed of a hard resin material into a flat plate shape integrated with the agitator shaft 7. May be.
(5) In the above-described embodiment, an auger screw or a conveyor belt can be applied instead of the agitator 6.
(6) In the above-described embodiment, the gear cover 34 has the first cover 61 and the second cover 62 separately, but the gear cover 34 integrates the first cover 61 and the second cover 62 together. You may have.
(7) In the above-described embodiment, the contact portion 69 is provided integrally with the second cover 62, but the contact portion 69 is configured as a member different from the second cover 62, and the second cover 62 may be fixed.
(8) In the above-described embodiment, the through hole 68 may have a substantially rectangular shape in a side view.
(9) In the above-described embodiment, the detection gear 46 does not have to advance or retreat. In this case, the accommodating portion 65 has an opening that exposes the detecting portion 97 on its peripheral wall.
(10) In the above-described embodiment, the detection unit 97 is provided integrally with the detection gear 46, but the detection unit 97 is configured as a member different from the detection gear 46 and is fixed to the support plate 95. May be.
(11) In the embodiment described above, the detection gear 46 has the tooth portion 96A having gear teeth, but instead of the gear teeth, a friction member made of, for example, a belt-like rubber is provided, and the friction member It is also possible to receive a driving force due to the friction.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Developing cartridge 2 Developing roller 3 Supply roller 6 Agitator 7 Agitator shaft 7A Left end portion 7B Notch portion 12 Main body 31 Developing frame 32 Detection unit 33 Gear train 45 Agitator gear 45A First gear portion 45B Second gear portion 45D Fitting portion 46 Detection gear 60 Base portion 62 Second cover 65 Housing portion 66 Recessed portion 68 Through hole 69 Contact portion 96 Gear portion 97 Detection portion

Claims (10)

A housing for containing the developer;
A stirring member configured to stir the developer;
A drive transmission mechanism configured to transmit a driving force from the main body of the image forming apparatus to the stirring member, and is configured to be moved by receiving the driving force and to be detected by a detection unit of the main body of the image forming apparatus. A drive transmission mechanism having an object to be detected;
A covering member for covering the drive transmission mechanism,
A base portion having an opening overlapping the rotation axis of the stirring member as seen from the rotation axis direction of the stirring member;
A covering member that protrudes from the base portion in the direction of the rotation axis and has a housing portion that houses at least a part of the detected body;
The developer cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the housing portion has a concave portion that is recessed in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis direction so as to coincide with a peripheral edge portion of the opening when viewed from the rotation axis direction. The detected object is:
A receiving portion configured to receive the driving force;
A detected portion configured to be detected by the detection means,
The developer cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the storage portion stores the detected portion.   The developer cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the receiving portion has gear teeth. The drive transmission mechanism has an agitation gear fixed to an end of the rotation shaft of the agitation member,
The stirring gear is
A first gear part;
A second gear portion that is disposed outward in the rotational axis direction with respect to the first gear portion and has a smaller diameter than the first gear portion;
The second gear portion is configured to transmit the driving force to the detected body,
4. The developer cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the movement locus of the detected portion overlaps with the second gear portion when projected in the rotation axis direction. 5. The stirring gear has a fitting portion that fits on the rotation shaft of the stirring member;
The developer cartridge according to claim 4, wherein an inner dimension of the fitting portion is shorter than an inner dimension of the opening.   The developer cartridge according to claim 5, wherein an outer dimension of the fitting portion is longer than an inner dimension of the opening.   The developer cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the rotation shaft of the stirring member has a mark portion for visually recognizing a position in the rotation direction of the stirring member.   The developer cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the mark portion is a notch portion disposed at an end portion of a rotation shaft of the stirring member. The covering member has a guide portion configured to be guided by the image forming apparatus main body,
The said guide part is arrange | positioned adjacent to the said opening, and has an edge part along the peripheral part of the said opening seeing from the said rotation axis direction, The one or more Claims 1-8 characterized by the above-mentioned. Developer cartridge. A developing roller;
The developer cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a supply roller configured to supply a developer to the development roller.

Images