JP2019174667A - Drum cartridge and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a drum cartridge and an image forming apparatus in which sensors can be replaced while cost is reduced.SOLUTION: A drum cartridge 50 can be removably attached to an image forming apparatus, and comprises: photoreceptor drums 52; a housing 51 to which developing cartridges having developing rollers can be removably attached; sensors 54 that can detect the developing cartridges while the developing cartridges are attached to the housing 51; and a connector 55 that can be electrically connected to the image forming apparatus, the connector 55 capable of communicating signals detected by the sensors 54 to the image forming apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to a drum cartridge including a photosensitive drum and an image forming apparatus to which the drum cartridge can be attached and detached.

  Conventionally, a drum cartridge including a photosensitive drum and an image forming apparatus in which the drum cartridge can be attached and detached are known (see Patent Document 1). The drum cartridge includes a housing in which a developing cartridge having a developing roller can be attached and detached, and a process-side actuator that can rotate with respect to the housing. The developing cartridge includes a detection gear having a protrusion. The protrusion moves as the detection gear rotates. The process-side actuator rotates and protrudes from the casing when the detection gear rotates with the developing cartridge mounted in the casing and the protrusion comes into contact with the process-side actuator.

  The image forming apparatus includes a photosensor having a light emitting element and a light receiving element, and a main body side actuator having a light shielding portion disposed between the light emitting element and the light receiving element. The main body side actuator rotates when the process side actuator rotates and contacts the main body side actuator while the drum cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus. When the main body side actuator is rotated, the light shielding portion is retracted from between the light emitting element and the light receiving element. Thereby, the detection light from the light emitting element is received by the light receiving element. Based on the signal detected by the photosensor, the image forming apparatus determines whether the developing cartridge is new or determines specifications such as the number of printable sheets of the developing cartridge.

JP 2011-180268 A

  By the way, conventionally, when the detection accuracy of the photosensor is low, it is necessary to replace the image forming apparatus, which may increase the cost.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a drum cartridge and an image forming apparatus capable of exchanging sensors while suppressing cost.

  In order to solve the above problems, a drum cartridge according to the present invention is a drum cartridge that can be attached to and detached from an image forming apparatus, a photosensitive drum, a housing in which a developing cartridge having a developing roller can be attached and detached, A sensor capable of detecting the developing cartridge in a state where the developing cartridge is mounted, a connector electrically connectable to the image forming apparatus, and a connector capable of communicating a signal detected by the sensor to the image forming apparatus; Is provided.

  According to this configuration, when the detection accuracy of the sensor becomes low, the sensor can be replaced while the cost is reduced by replacing the drum cartridge.

  Further, the sensor can be configured to be able to detect the movement of the gear included in the developing cartridge.

  Further, the sensor can be configured to directly detect a protrusion provided in the developing cartridge and moving as the gear rotates.

  According to this, detection accuracy can be improved.

  In addition, the sensor can include a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit that faces the light emitting unit.

  Further, the gear may have a protrusion, and the protrusion may pass between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion when the gear rotates while the developing cartridge is mounted on the housing.

  The gear may further include a protrusion and a first protrusion arranged in the rotation direction of the gear, and may be rotatable from the first position to the second position. In this configuration, when the developing cartridge is mounted on the housing with the gear in the first position, the first protrusion may be located between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit.

  According to this, when the developing cartridge is mounted on the housing in the state where the gear is in the first position, it is possible to detect whether or not the developing cartridge is mounted by the sensor.

  The sensor may be configured not to contact the protrusion, the first protrusion, and the gear when the developing cartridge is attached to and detached from the housing with the gear in the first position.

  According to this, since it is not necessary to retract the sensor from the protrusion or the first protrusion when the gear is in the first position and the movement locus of the gear, the drum cartridge has a simple configuration. Can do.

  The gear may further include a protrusion and a second protrusion arranged in the rotation direction of the gear, and may be rotatable from the first position to the second position. In this configuration, when the developing cartridge is mounted on the housing with the gear in the second position, the second protrusion may be positioned between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit.

  According to this, when the developing cartridge is mounted on the housing in the state where the gear is in the second position, it is possible to detect whether or not the developing cartridge is mounted by the sensor.

  The sensor may be configured not to contact the protrusion, the second protrusion, and the gear when the developing cartridge is attached to and detached from the housing with the gear in the second position.

  According to this, since it is not necessary to retract the sensor from the protrusion or the second protrusion when the gear is in the second position, or from the movement locus of the gear, the drum cartridge has a simple configuration. Can do.

  The drum cartridge may further include a relay board, and the connector and the sensor may be electrically connected via the relay board.

  The drum cartridge may include a plurality of photosensitive drums and a plurality of sensors, and the housing may be configured such that a developing cartridge corresponding to each of the plurality of photosensitive drums is detachable.

  The drum cartridge may further include a relay board, and the connector and the plurality of sensors may be electrically connected via the relay board.

  According to this, since the wiring of the connection between the connector and the sensor can be simplified, the drum cartridge can be configured simply.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus in which the above-described drum cartridge is detachable, and a main body housing in which the drum cartridge is detachable, and a drum cartridge in the main body housing. And a main body connector that is electrically connected to the connector when mounted.

  According to this configuration, when the detection accuracy of the sensor becomes low, the sensor can be replaced while the cost is reduced by replacing the drum cartridge.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to replace the sensor while suppressing the cost.

1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus including a drum cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing the sensor and the developing cartridge when viewed from one side in the first direction when the detection gear is in a new position, and FIG. It is a perspective view of the detection gear of the state of a sensor and a new article position. It is a perspective view of a drum cartridge. It is a perspective view which shows the one side in the 1st direction of a sensor and a developing cartridge. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a drum cartridge and an image forming apparatus in a state where a developing cartridge is mounted. It is the figure (a)-(e) which looked at the detection gear which rotates from a new article position toward an old article position from the one side in the 1st direction. A view of a part of the sensor and the developing cartridge as viewed from one side in the first direction, and a view of a part of the detection gear and the agitator gear in the state immediately before the detection gear is at the position of the old product (b) It is. FIG. 7A is a view showing a part of the sensor and the developing cartridge as viewed from one side in the first direction, and FIG. 7B is a view showing a part of the detection gear and the agitator gear. FIG. 6 is a perspective view (c) of the detection gear.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 52 and the developing roller 62, which will be described later, is a first direction. The arrangement direction of the plurality of photosensitive drums 52 is a second direction. The second direction intersects the first direction. Preferably, the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. A direction in which the sheet tray 21 and the discharge tray 12 face each other is a third direction. The third direction intersects the first direction and the second direction. Preferably, the third direction is orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the color printer 1 is an example of an image forming apparatus. The color printer 1 includes a main body housing 10, a sheet supply unit 20, an image forming unit 30, and a sheet discharge unit 90.

  The main body housing 10 includes a cover 11 and a discharge tray 12. The cover 11 is located on one side of the main body housing 10 in the second direction. In the color printer 1, a process unit 5 described later can be attached to and detached from the main body housing 10 by opening the cover 11. Furthermore, in the color printer 1, a drum cartridge 50 described later can be attached to and detached from the main body housing 10. The discharge tray 12 is located on one side of the main body housing 10 in the third direction.

  The sheet supply unit 20 includes a sheet tray 21 and a sheet supply mechanism 22. The sheet tray 21 accommodates a sheet S such as paper. The sheet tray 21 is located on the other side in the third direction in the main body housing 10. The sheet supply mechanism 22 supplies the sheet S in the sheet tray 21 to the image forming unit 30.

  The image forming unit 30 includes an exposure device 40, a process unit 5, a transfer unit 70, and a fixing device 80.

  The exposure device 40 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 52 by emitting a light beam (refer to a one-dot chain line) based on the image data. The exposure device 40 is located on one side in the third direction in the main body housing 10.

  The process unit 5 forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 52. The process unit 5 is located between the sheet tray 21 in the main body housing 10 and the exposure apparatus 40 in the third direction. The process unit 5 includes a drum cartridge 50 and a plurality of developing cartridges 60.

  The drum cartridge 50 includes a housing 51, a plurality of photosensitive drums 52, and a plurality of chargers 53. The drum cartridge 50 can be attached to and detached from the color printer 1. The drum cartridge 50 is positioned between the sheet tray 21 in the main body housing 10 and the exposure device 40 in the third direction in a state where the drum cartridge 50 is mounted on the color printer 1.

  The casing 51 rotatably supports the four photosensitive drums 52. The casing 51 supports four chargers 53 corresponding to the four photosensitive drums 52, respectively. The developing cartridge 60 can be attached to and detached from the casing 51. Specifically, in the casing 51, four developing cartridges 60 corresponding to the four photosensitive drums 52 can be individually attached and detached.

The charger 53 faces the corresponding photosensitive drum 52. The chargers 53 are arranged in the second direction. The charger 53 charges the surface of the corresponding photosensitive drum 52.
The surface of the photosensitive drum 52 is charged by the charger 53 and then exposed to a light beam from the exposure device 40, whereby an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface.

  The developing cartridge 60 can be attached to and detached from the color printer 1 together with the drum cartridge 50 as the process unit 5 while being attached to the drum cartridge 50. The developing cartridges 60 are arranged in the second direction while being mounted on the drum cartridge 50.

  Each of the developing cartridges 60 includes a developing housing 61, a developing roller 62, a supply roller 63, and an agitator 65. In the state where the developing cartridge 60 is mounted on the drum cartridge 50, the developing roller 62 faces the corresponding photosensitive drum 52.

The developing case 61 can accommodate toner therein. The developing case 61 rotatably supports the developing roller 62, the supply roller 63, and the agitator 65.
The developing roller 62 supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 52, thereby forming a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 52.
The supply roller 63 supplies toner to the developing roller 62.
The agitator 65 agitates the toner in the developing case 61 by rotating.

  The transfer unit 70 transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 52 to the sheet S. The transfer unit 70 is located between the sheet tray 21 in the main body housing 10 and the process unit 5 in the third direction. The transfer unit 70 includes a drive roller 71, a driven roller 72, a conveyance belt 73, and a plurality of transfer rollers 74.

  The driving roller 71 and the driven roller 72 are separated from each other in the second direction. The conveyor belt 73 is stretched between the driving roller 71 and the driven roller 72. The conveyor belt 73 rotates together with the driving roller 71 and the driven roller 72. The conveyance belt 73 conveys the sheet S supplied from the sheet supply unit 20 from one side to the other side in the second direction with the photosensitive drum 52.

  Four transfer rollers 74 are arranged corresponding to the four photosensitive drums 52. The transfer roller 74 faces the corresponding photosensitive drum 52 in the third direction with the conveyance belt 73 interposed therebetween. The transfer roller 74 transfers the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 52 to the sheet S conveyed on the conveyance belt 73.

  The fixing device 80 thermally fixes the toner image transferred to the sheet S to the sheet S. The fixing device 80 is located on the other side in the second direction in the main body housing 10. Furthermore, the fixing device 80 is located on the other side in the second direction with respect to the process unit 5 and the transfer unit 70. The fixing device 80 includes a heating roller 81 and a pressure roller 82. The fixing device 80 heat-fixes the toner image on the sheet S by conveying the sheet S between the heating roller 81 and the pressure roller 82.

  The sheet discharge unit 90 discharges the sheet S on which the toner image is thermally fixed out of the main body housing 10. The sheet discharge unit 90 is located on one side in the third direction from the fixing device 80. The sheet discharge unit 90 includes a conveyance roller 91 and a discharge roller 92. The sheet discharge unit 90 discharges the sheet S on which an image is formed by the conveyance roller 91 and the discharge roller 92 onto the discharge tray 12 outside the main body housing 10.

  As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the developing cartridge 60 has a gear cover 66, a coupling 110, a developing gear 120, and a supply gear on one side of the developing casing 61 in the first direction, respectively. 130, an idle gear 140, an agitator gear 150, and a detection gear 200 are further provided.

  The gear cover 66 covers at least one gear located on one side of the developing case 61 in the first direction. Specifically, the gear cover 66 covers a part of the coupling 110, the supply gear 130, the idle gear 140, the agitator gear 150, and a part of the detection gear 200. The gear cover 66 is fixed to the outer surface on one side of the developing housing 61 in the first direction by a screw 69.

  The coupling 110 is a member for rotating the developing roller 62 and the like. The coupling 110 is rotatable about an axis 110X extending in the first direction. The coupling 110 can be rotated by receiving a driving force from the color printer 1. Specifically, the coupling 110 has a recess 111 that is recessed in the first direction at one end in the first direction. The recess 111 can be engaged with a drive input member of the color printer 1 (not shown). The recess 111 rotates by engaging with the driving member and receiving a driving force. The coupling 110 has a coupling gear 112 that meshes with the developing gear 120, the supply gear 130, and the idle gear 140.

The developing gear 120 is attached to a developing roller shaft 62 </ b> A that is a shaft of the developing roller 62. The developing gear 120 is rotatable with the developing roller 62 about a shaft 62X extending in the first direction.
The supply gear 130 is attached to a supply roller shaft 63 </ b> A that is a shaft of the supply roller 63. The supply gear 130 is rotatable with the supply roller 63 about a shaft 63X extending in the first direction.

  The idle gear 140 is rotatable about a shaft 140X extending in the first direction. The idle gear 140 has a first gear portion 141 that meshes with the coupling gear 112 of the coupling 110 and a second gear portion 142 that meshes with the agitator gear 150.

  The agitator gear 150 is attached to an agitator shaft 65 </ b> A that is a shaft of the agitator 65. The agitator gear 150 is rotatable with the agitator 65 about a shaft 65X extending in the first direction. The agitator gear 150 includes a third gear portion 151 that meshes with the second gear portion 142 of the idle gear 140 and a fourth gear portion 152 that can mesh with the detection gear 200.

  The detection gear 200 is an example of a gear. The detection gear 200 is rotatable about a shaft 200X extending in the first direction. The detection gear 200 can rotate together with the agitator gear 150 when engaged with the fourth gear portion 152 of the agitator gear 150. As shown in FIG. 3, the detection gear 200 includes a disc part 210, a gear part 220, a missing tooth part 222, and an engagement protrusion 230.

  The disc part 210 has a hole 211. The hole 211 of the disc portion 210 is inserted into a shaft 61A (see FIG. 2B) provided on one side wall in the first direction of the developing housing 61. Thereby, the detection gear 200 is rotatable around the shaft 61A.

The gear part 220 has a plurality of gear teeth 221. The gear part 220 is located on a part of the outer peripheral surface of the disc part 210.
The missing tooth portion 222 is a portion without the gear teeth 221. The missing tooth portion 222 is located at the same position as the gear portion 220 in the first direction and at the other portion of the outer peripheral surface of the disc portion 210.

  The engagement protrusion 230 protrudes outward in the radial direction of the disc part 210 from the outer peripheral surface of the disc part 210. The engagement protrusion 230 is located at a position different from the gear part 220 and the tooth missing part 222 in the first direction. The engagement protrusion 230 is aligned with the downstream end of the gear portion 220 in the rotation direction of the detection gear 200 in the first direction. The engaging protrusion 230 is farther from the outer surface on one side in the first direction of the developing housing 61 than the gear part 220 and the missing tooth part 222 in the first direction. The engagement protrusion 230 defines the posture of the detection gear 200 by engaging with the stopper 66B of the gear cover 66 in the rotation direction of the detection gear 200 (see FIG. 9B).

  The detection gear 200 further includes a first protrusion 241, a second protrusion 242, a third protrusion 243, and a fourth protrusion 244. The third protrusion 243 and the fourth protrusion 244 are examples of protrusions. The first protrusion 241, the second protrusion 242, the third protrusion 243, and the fourth protrusion 244 are located on one side of the disc portion 210 in the first direction. Specifically, the first protrusion 241, the second protrusion 242, the third protrusion 243, and the fourth protrusion 244 protrude from one side surface in the first direction of the disc part 210 to one side in the first direction. Yes.

  The first protrusion 241, the second protrusion 242, the third protrusion 243, and the fourth protrusion 244 have a predetermined length in the rotation direction of the detection gear 200. Specifically, the third protrusion 243 and the fourth protrusion 244 are detected. The length in the rotation direction of the gear 200 is substantially equal. The first protrusion 241 is longer in the rotation direction of the detection gear 200 than the third protrusion 243 and the fourth protrusion 244. The second protrusion 242 has a shorter length in the rotation direction of the detection gear 200 than the first protrusion 241, the third protrusion 243, and the fourth protrusion 244.

  The first protrusion 241, the third protrusion 243, the fourth protrusion 244, and the second protrusion 242 are arranged in this order in the clockwise direction of FIG. Specifically, the third protrusions 243 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the rotation direction of the first protrusions 241 and the detection gear 200. The fourth protrusions 244 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the rotation direction of the third protrusions 243 and the detection gear 200. The second protrusions 242 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the rotation direction of the fourth protrusions 244 and the detection gear 200.

  The first protrusion 241, the second protrusion 242, the third protrusion 243, and the fourth protrusion 244 move as the detection gear 200 rotates. That is, the first protrusion 241, the second protrusion 242, the third protrusion 243, and the fourth protrusion 244 are movable together with the detection gear 200. Specifically, the first protrusion 241, the second protrusion 242, the third protrusion 243, and the fourth protrusion 244 can rotate together with the detection gear 200.

  The first protrusion 241, the second protrusion 242, the third protrusion 243 and the fourth protrusion 244 are formed integrally with the detection gear 200. That is, the detection gear 200 includes the first protrusion 241, the second protrusion 242, the third protrusion 243, and the fourth protrusion 244.

  The detection gear 200 can rotate from the new position to the old position. The new position is an example of the first position. The old product position is an example of the second position. As shown in FIG. 2B, in the detection gear 200, in the state of the new part, at least one of the plurality of gear teeth 221 of the gear portion 220 is engaged with a gear tooth (not shown) of the fourth gear portion 152 of the agitator gear 150. Match. Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, in the detection gear 200, in the state of the old product position, all of the plurality of gear teeth 221 of the gear portion 220 are engaged with gear teeth (not shown) of the fourth gear portion 152. do not do. In other words, in the detection gear 200, the missing tooth portion 222 faces gear teeth (not shown) of the fourth gear portion 152 in the state of the old product position.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, a part of the detection gear 200 is exposed to the outside through an opening 66A of the gear cover 66. Specifically, in the detection gear 200, a part of the first protrusion 241 is mainly exposed from the opening 66A in the state of the new product. Further, as shown in FIG. 9A, in the detection gear 200, the second protrusion 242 is mainly exposed from the opening 66A in the state of the old product position. In the detection gear 200, the third protrusion 243 and the fourth protrusion 244 are exposed from the opening 66A when the developing cartridge 60 is rotated from the initial position toward the old position with the housing cartridge 51 mounted (FIG. 7).

  As shown in FIG. 4, the drum cartridge 50 further includes a plurality of sensors 54 and a connector 55 in addition to the housing 51 and the photosensitive drum 52.

  The casing 51 includes a first frame 51A, a second frame 51B, a third frame 51C, and a fourth frame 51D. The first frame 51A and the second frame 51B face each other in the first direction. The third frame 51C connects the ends on one side in the second direction of the first frame 51A and the second frame 51B. The fourth frame 51D connects the ends on the other side in the second direction of the first frame 51A and the second frame 51B. The third frame 51C and the fourth frame 51D face each other in the second direction.

  The first frame 51A and the second frame 51B have a mounting guide 51G (only one on the first frame 51A is shown). The mounting guide 51G guides the attachment and detachment of the developing cartridge 60 with respect to the housing 51. In the mounting guide 51G, the mounting guide 51G of the first frame 51A and the mounting guide (not shown) of the second frame 51B are symmetrical in the first direction. The mounting guides 51 </ b> G are arranged corresponding to the four developing cartridges 60 that can be mounted on the housing 51.

  When mounted on the casing 51, the developing cartridge 60 is disposed between the first frame 51A and the second frame 51B in the first direction. At this time, the first frame 51A faces the outer surface on one side in the first direction of the developing housing 61 and the gear cover 66 in the first direction. The second frame 51B faces the outer surface on the other side in the first direction of the developing housing 61 in the first direction.

  The third frame 51C has a handle 51H. The handle 51H protrudes from one surface in the second direction of the third frame 51C to one side in the second direction. The handle 51 </ b> H is held by the user when the drum cartridge 50 is attached to or removed from the main body housing 10 of the color printer 1.

  The photosensitive drum 52 and the charger 53 are located between the first frame 51A and the second frame 51B. One end of the photosensitive drum 52 in the first direction is rotatably supported by the first frame 51A. Further, the other end of the photosensitive drum 52 in the first direction is rotatably supported by the second frame 51B.

  The sensor 54 is located between the first frame 51A and the second frame 51B in the first direction. The sensor 54 is disposed on the first frame 51A. As shown in FIG. 5, the sensor 54 is located on one side of the developing cartridge 60 in the first direction in a state where the developing cartridge 60 is mounted on the casing 51 of the drum cartridge 50.

  The sensor 54 can detect the developing cartridge 60 in a state where the developing cartridge 60 is mounted on the housing 51. Specifically, the sensor 54 can detect the movement of the detection gear 200 provided in the developing cartridge 60. More specifically, the sensor 54 can directly detect the protrusions 241 to 244 (see FIG. 3) that move as the detection gear 200 rotates.

  The sensor 54 is a photo interrupter. Specifically, the sensor 54 includes a light emitting unit 54A and a light receiving unit 54B that faces the light emitting unit 54A in the second direction. The light emitting unit 54A emits light toward the light receiving unit 54B. The light receiving unit 54B can receive light from the light emitting unit 54A. The sensor 54 outputs an ON signal when the light receiving unit 54B receives light from the light emitting unit 54A. Further, the sensor 54 outputs an off signal when the light receiving unit 54B does not receive the light from the light emitting unit 54A.

  When the developing cartridge 60 is mounted on the housing 51 of the drum cartridge 50, the sensor 54 has a part of the sensor 54 facing the detection gear 200 in the first direction. Specifically, in the sensor 54, the light emitting unit 54A faces the detection gear 200 in the first direction.

  The sensor 54 is disposed at a position where the first protrusion 241 of the detection gear 200 is positioned between the light emitting unit 54A and the light receiving unit 54B when the detection gear 200 is in the new position. Further, as shown in FIG. 9A, the sensor 54 is located at a position where the second protrusion 242 of the detection gear 200 is located between the light emitting unit 54A and the light receiving unit 54B when the detection gear 200 is in the old product position. Has been placed.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7D, the sensor 54 is used when the detection gear 200 rotates from the new position toward the old position with the developing cartridge 60 mounted on the housing 51. The third protrusion 243 and the fourth protrusion 244 are disposed at a location passing between the light emitting portion 54A and the light receiving portion 54B.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the sensor 54 includes the protrusions 241 to 244 and the detection gear when the developing cartridge 60 is attached to and detached from the housing 51 of the drum cartridge 50 with the detection gear 200 in the new position. No contact with 200.

  Specifically, the sensor 54 is disposed at a different position in the first direction with respect to the disc portion 210 of the detection gear 200. Specifically, the sensor 54 is disposed on one side in the first direction with respect to the disc portion 210 of the detection gear 200. Furthermore, the sensor 54 is farther from the outer surface on one side in the first direction of the developing housing 61 than the disc portion 210 in the first direction. Thereby, the sensor 54 does not contact the disc part 210, the gear part 220, and the engagement protrusion 230 of the detection gear 200 when the developing cartridge 60 is attached or detached.

  On the other hand, the sensor 54 is disposed at a position overlapping the protrusions 241 to 244 of the detection gear 200 in the first direction. However, the sensor 54 is disposed outside the movement locus of the protrusions 241 to 244 when the developing cartridge 60 is attached to and detached from the housing 51 with the detection gear 200 in the new position. In particular, the sensor 54 is disposed outside the movement locus of the first protrusion 241 and the second protrusion 242. Thereby, the sensor 54 does not contact the protrusions 241 to 244 when the developing cartridge 60 is attached or detached while the detection gear 200 is in the new position.

  When the developing cartridge 60 is attached and detached with the detection gear 200 in the new position, the first protrusion 241 passes between the light emitting unit 54A and the light receiving unit 54B.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the sensor 54 is connected to the protrusions 241 to 244 even when the developing cartridge 60 is attached to and detached from the housing 51 of the drum cartridge 50 with the detection gear 200 in the old product position. There is no contact with the detection gear 200.

  Specifically, the sensor 54 is disposed outside the movement locus of the protrusions 241 to 244 when the developing cartridge 60 is attached to and detached from the housing 51 with the detection gear 200 in the old product position. In particular, the sensor 54 is disposed outside the movement locus of the second protrusion 242 and the fourth protrusion 244. Thereby, the sensor 54 does not contact the protrusions 241 to 244 when the developing cartridge 60 is attached and detached while the detection gear 200 is in the old product position.

  Note that when the developing cartridge 60 is attached and detached while the detection gear 200 is in the old product position, the second protrusion 242 passes between the light emitting unit 54A and the light receiving unit 54B.

  As shown in FIG. 4, four sensors 54 are arranged corresponding to the four developing cartridges 60 that can be attached to the casing 51. The four sensors 54 are arranged in the second direction.

  The connector 55 is disposed on the fourth frame 51D. The connector 55 is located on the other surface of the fourth frame 51D in the second direction. In other words, the connector 55 is disposed opposite to the handle 51H of the housing 51 in the second direction. Further, the connector 55 is located on one side of the center of the fourth frame 51D in the first direction. In other words, the connector 55 is closer to the relay board 56 (see FIG. 6) described later than the center of the fourth frame 51D in the first direction.

  The connector 55 can be electrically connected to the color printer 1 when the drum cartridge 50 is mounted on the main body housing 10 of the color printer 1. The connector 55 is electrically connected to each sensor 54. Accordingly, the connector 55 can communicate signals detected by the sensors 54 to the color printer 1 when the drum cartridge 50 is mounted on the color printer 1.

As shown in FIG. 6, the drum cartridge 50 further includes a relay substrate 56.
The connector 55 and the four sensors 54 are electrically connected via a relay board 56. Specifically, the connector 55 is electrically connected to the relay board 56 by a harness 57. Each of the four sensors 54 is electrically connected to the relay board 56 by a harness 58.

  The relay board 56 outputs a signal detected by each sensor 54 to the connector 55. The relay board 56 is arranged in a state where it stands on the first frame 51A (see FIG. 4). The relay substrate 56 faces the developing cartridge 60 in the first direction when the developing cartridge 60 is mounted on the casing 51 of the drum cartridge 50. The relay board 56 is positioned on one side in the third direction from the coupling 110 so as not to prevent the coupling 110 (see FIG. 5) and the drive input member of the color printer 1 from being engaged.

The color printer 1 further includes a main body connector 15 and a main board 16.
The main body connector 15 is electrically connected to the connector 55 of the drum cartridge 50 when the drum cartridge 50 is mounted on the main body housing 10. The main body connector 15 is electrically connected to the main board 16 by a harness 17. Thus, when the drum cartridge 50 is mounted on the color printer 1, signals detected by the sensors 54 can be output to the color printer 1 via the relay substrate 56.

  The main body connector 15 faces one side in the second direction. The connector 55 of the drum cartridge 50 faces the other side in the second direction. The connector 55 and the main body connector 15 face each other in the second direction. Accordingly, the connector 55 can be connected to the main body connector 15 by moving the drum cartridge 50 to the other side in the second direction and mounting the drum cartridge 50 on the main body housing 10. In addition, the connection between the connector 55 and the main body connector 15 can be released by moving the drum cartridge 50 to one side in the second direction and removing it from the main body housing 10.

  The main board 16 is located in the main body housing 10. The main board 16 controls each part of the color printer 1. The main board 16 can determine whether or not the developing cartridge 60 attached to the color printer 1 is a new one. Further, the main substrate 16 can determine specifications such as the number of printable sheets of the developing cartridge 60 mounted on the color printer 1.

Next, operations and effects of the developing cartridge 60, the drum cartridge 50, and the color printer 1 will be described.
When the color printer 1 is used, the developing cartridge 60 is attached to the drum cartridge 50. When the detection gear 200 is in the new position, that is, when the developing cartridge 60 is new, the first protrusion 241 of the detection gear 200 is positioned between the light emitting portion 54A and the light receiving portion 54B (see FIG. 5) of the sensor 54.

  Next, the drum cartridge 50 with the developing cartridge 60 attached is attached to the color printer 1, and the connector 55 is connected to the main body connector 15. Thereafter, the cover 11 (see FIG. 1) is closed.

  When the developing cartridge 60 is new, the sensor 54 outputs an off signal to the main board 16 via the relay board 56 because the first protrusion 241 is positioned between the light emitting part 54A and the light receiving part 54B. Thereby, the main substrate 16 can determine that the developing cartridge 60 is mounted.

  When the developing cartridge 60 is not attached to the drum cartridge 50, the light from the light emitting portion 54A is received by the light receiving portion 54B without being blocked, and the sensor 54 outputs an ON signal. The main board 16 determines that the developing cartridge 60 is not mounted when the ON signal is output from the sensor 54 in a state where the cover 11 is closed.

  Further, when the drum cartridge 50 is not attached to the color printer 1, a signal from the sensor 54 is not output. When the signal is not output from the sensor 54 in a state where the cover 11 is closed, the main board 16 determines that the drum cartridge 50 is not attached.

  When determining that all the developing cartridges 60 are mounted, the main board 16 drives a driving input member (not shown) that engages with the coupling 110 of the developing cartridge 60. Then, as shown in FIG. 2B, the coupling 110, the developing gear 120, the supply gear 130, the idle gear 140, and the agitator gear 150 rotate. Thereby, the developing roller 62, the supply roller 63, and the agitator 65 are driven.

  Further, when the detection gear 200 is in the new position, at least one of the plurality of gear teeth 221 of the gear portion 220 is engaged with the gear teeth of the agitator gear 150, so that the rotational force of the agitator gear 150 is detected by the detection gear 200. The detection gear 200 rotates counterclockwise.

  When the detection gear 200 rotates from the new position, as shown in FIG. 7A, the first protrusion 241 retracts from between the light emitting unit 54A and the light receiving unit 54B. Thereby, the output signal of the sensor 54 is switched from the off signal to the on signal. The main board 16 determines that the developing cartridge 60 is new when the output signal of the sensor 54 is switched from the off signal to the on signal within a predetermined time after the driving of the drive input member is started.

  When the detection gear 200 further rotates, the third protrusion 243 is positioned between the light emitting unit 54A and the light receiving unit 54B as shown in FIG. 7B. Thereby, the output signal of the sensor 54 is switched from the on signal to the off signal. When the detection gear 200 further rotates, as shown in FIG. 7C, the third protrusion 243 retracts from between the light emitting unit 54A and the light receiving unit 54B. Thereby, the output signal of the sensor 54 is switched from the off signal to the on signal.

  When the detection gear 200 further rotates, the fourth protrusion 244 is positioned between the light emitting portion 54A and the light receiving portion 54B as shown in FIG. 7 (d). Thereby, the output signal of the sensor 54 is switched from the on signal to the off signal. When the detection gear 200 further rotates, as shown in FIG. 7E, the fourth protrusion 244 retracts from between the light emitting unit 54A and the light receiving unit 54B. Thereby, the output signal of the sensor 54 is switched from the off signal to the on signal.

  When the detection gear 200 further rotates, the gear teeth 221 of the gear portion 220 of the detection gear 200 move away from the gear teeth of the agitator gear 150 and the gear portion 220 and the agitator gear 150 are rotated as shown in FIGS. Is disengaged. As a result, the rotational force of the agitator gear 150 is not transmitted to the detection gear 200.

  Thereafter, the detection gear 200 is rotated from the position shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B to the old product position shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C by the biasing force of a spring (not shown). When the detection gear 200 rotates to the old product position, the second protrusion 242 is positioned between the light emitting unit 54A and the light receiving unit 54B. Thereby, the output signal of the sensor 54 is switched from the on signal to the off signal.

  In the detection gear 200 rotated to the position of the old product, the engagement protrusion 230 engages with the stopper 66B of the gear cover 66. When the detection gear 200 is in the state of the old product, the missing tooth portion 222 faces the gear teeth of the agitator gear 150, and the engagement protrusion 230 is pressed against the stopper 66B by the biasing force of a spring (not shown). Even if the agitator gear 150 rotates, it does not rotate.

  In the process of the above operation, after the detection gear 200 starts to rotate from the new position, the output signal of the sensor 54 is switched six times. The output signal pattern of the sensor 54, for example, the number of times of switching, the length of the off signal or the on signal, the switching timing, etc. is the number of protrusions of the detection gear 200, the length of the protrusion in the rotation direction of the detection gear 200, and the protrusion It can be changed depending on the distance between each other, the position of the protrusion, and the like.

  The main board 16 stores the output signal pattern of the sensor 54 and the specifications such as the number of printable sheets of the developing cartridge 60 in advance so as to determine the specifications of the developing cartridge 60 from the output signal of the sensor 54. can do.

  When the detection gear 200 is in the state of the old product, that is, when the development cartridge 60 is mounted on the color printer 1 and the new product is detected and the specification is detected, the detection is detected when the development cartridge 60 is mounted on the drum cartridge 50. The second protrusion 242 of the gear 200 is positioned between the light emitting part 54A and the light receiving part 54B of the sensor 54. When the drum cartridge 50 with the old developing cartridge 60 mounted is mounted on the color printer 1 and the cover 11 is closed, the sensor 54 also outputs an off signal. Thereby, the main substrate 16 can determine that the developing cartridge 60 is mounted.

  In the case where the developing cartridge 60 is an old product, even if the drive input member is driven to rotate the agitator gear 150 or the like, the detection gear 200 does not rotate, so the sensor 54 continues to output an off signal. That is, the output signal of the sensor 54 is not switched. The main board 16 determines that the developing cartridge 60 is an old product when the output signal of the sensor 54 is not switched within a predetermined time after the driving of the driving input member is started.

  According to the drum cartridge 50 and the color printer 1 described above, when the detection accuracy of the sensor 54 becomes low, the sensor 54 is replaced by replacing the drum cartridge 50 without replacing the color printer 1. be able to. As a result, the sensor 54 can be replaced while reducing the cost compared to the case of replacing the color printer itself. Further, since the drum cartridge 50 includes the connector 55 capable of communicating the signal detected by the sensor 54 to the color printer 1, the color printer 1 performs new article detection and specification detection based on the signal detected by the sensor 54. Can do.

  Further, since the sensor 54 can directly detect the protrusions 241 to 244 of the detection gear 200, for example, the detection accuracy can be improved as compared with the case where the protrusion is detected via an actuator. Thereby, stability of new article detection and specification detection can be improved. Further, since it is not necessary to move the actuator, the rotation stability of the detection gear 200 is increased, so that the rotation of the developing gear 120, the supply gear 130, and the agitator gear 150 that rotate together with the detection gear 200 can be stabilized. Thereby, the drive of the developing roller 62, the supply roller 63, and the agitator 65 can be stabilized.

  Further, when the developing cartridge 60 with the detection gear 200 in the new position is mounted, the first protrusion 241 is positioned between the light emitting portion 54A and the light receiving portion 54B. Whether or not can be detected. Further, when the developing cartridge 60 with the detection gear 200 in the old product position is mounted, the second protrusion 242 is positioned between the light emitting portion 54A and the light receiving portion 54B, so that the developing cartridge 60 is mounted by the sensor 54. It can be detected whether or not. That is, one type of sensor 54 can detect mounting of the developing cartridge 60 and detection of newness and specifications of the developing cartridge 60. As a result, the number of parts of the drum cartridge 50 can be reduced to reduce the cost, or the drum cartridge 50 can have a simple configuration.

  Further, when the developing cartridge 60 is attached to and detached from the drum cartridge 50 with the detection gear 200 in the new position, the sensor 54 does not come into contact with the protrusions 241 to 244. There is no need to retract the sensor 54 from the movement path 244. Further, when the developing cartridge 60 is attached to and detached from the drum cartridge 50 with the detection gear 200 in the old product position, the sensor 54 does not contact the protrusions 241 to 244, so the protrusion 241 when the developing cartridge 60 is attached or detached. There is no need to retract the sensor 54 from the movement trajectory of .about.244. Thereby, since it is not necessary to provide the mechanism for moving the sensor 54, the drum cartridge 50 can be made into a simple structure.

  Further, since the four sensors 54 and the connector 55 are connected via the relay board 56, the wiring for connecting the connector 55 and the sensor 54 can be simplified. Thereby, the drum cartridge 50 can be made into a simple structure.

  Although one embodiment of the invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. About a concrete structure, it can change suitably in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the drum cartridge 50 is configured to include one connector 55, but a plurality of connectors may be provided.

  In the above-described embodiment, the first protrusion 241, the second protrusion 242, the third protrusion 243, and the fourth protrusion 244 are formed integrally with the detection gear 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, at least one of the first protrusion, the second protrusion, the third protrusion, and the fourth protrusion may be a separate component from the detection gear.

  In the above-described embodiment, the sensor 54 detects the mounting of the developing cartridge 60. However, the drum cartridge or the image forming apparatus may include a sensor that detects the mounting of the developing cartridge separately from the sensor 54. . In this case, the detection gear can be configured not to include the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

  In the above-described embodiment, the sensor 54 can directly detect the protrusions 241 to 244 included in the developing cartridge 60. However, the sensor may be able to indirectly detect the protrusion. For example, the drum cartridge includes an actuator that can rotate with respect to the housing, and that can contact a protrusion that moves as the detection gear rotates. The actuator may have a light shielding part positioned between the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the sensor, and the light shielding part may be retracted from between the light emitting part and the light receiving part when the protrusion comes into contact.

  In the above-described embodiment, the sensor 54 is a photo interrupter and can detect the movement of the detection gear 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the sensor may include a light emitting unit disposed in the first frame of the housing and a light receiving unit disposed in the second frame of the housing. In other words, the sensor may be configured such that the developing cartridge mounted on the housing is disposed between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit in the first direction. In this configuration, when the developing cartridge is not attached to the housing, the light from the light emitting unit is received by the light receiving unit. On the other hand, when the developing cartridge is mounted on the housing, the light from the light emitting unit is blocked by the developing cartridge and is not received by the light receiving unit.

  In the above-described embodiment, the photo interrupter including the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit is illustrated as an example of the sensor, but an electrostatic induction sensor or the like may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the connector 55 and the plurality of sensors 54 are electrically connected via the relay substrate 56. However, the connector and the plurality of sensors may be directly electrically connected by a harness. .

  In the above-described embodiment, the color printer 1 capable of forming a multicolor image is illustrated as an example of the image forming apparatus. However, the image forming apparatus may be a monochrome printer that forms a single color image.

  When the image forming apparatus is a monochrome printer, the drum cartridge that can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus includes one photosensitive drum and one sensor, and one developing cartridge can be attached to and detached from the housing. it can. In this case, the connector and one sensor may be directly electrically connected, or may be electrically connected via a relay board.

  Further, the image forming apparatus may be a printer that exposes the photosensitive drum with light emitted from the LED. In addition, the image forming apparatus may be a copier or a multifunction machine instead of a printer.

  The image forming apparatus may include a plurality of drum cartridges that can be attached to and detached from the main body housing, and may include a plurality of main body connectors corresponding to each of the plurality of drum cartridges.

  Moreover, each element demonstrated by embodiment mentioned above and a modification can be implemented in combination as appropriate.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Color printer 10 Main body housing | casing 15 Main body connector 50 Drum cartridge 51 Housing | casing 52 Photosensitive drum 54 Sensor 54A Light emission part 54B Light reception part 55 Connector 56 Relay board 60 Developing cartridge 62 Developing roller 200 Detection gear 241 1st protrusion 242 2nd protrusion 243 3rd protrusion 244 4th protrusion

Claims (13)

A drum cartridge detachable from an image forming apparatus,
A photosensitive drum;
A housing in which a developing cartridge having a developing roller is detachable;
A sensor capable of detecting the developing cartridge in a state where the developing cartridge is mounted on the housing;
A drum cartridge comprising: a connector electrically connectable to the image forming apparatus, and a connector capable of communicating a signal detected by the sensor to the image forming apparatus.   The drum cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is capable of detecting a movement of a gear included in the developing cartridge.   The drum cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the sensor is a protrusion provided in the developing cartridge and can directly detect a protrusion that moves as the gear rotates.   The drum cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the sensor includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit facing the light emitting unit. The gear has the protrusion;
5. The drum cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the protrusion passes between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit when the gear rotates while the developing cartridge is mounted on the housing. 6. The gear further includes a first protrusion arranged in the rotation direction of the protrusion and the gear, and is rotatable from a first position to a second position;
The said 1st protrusion is located between the said light emission part and the said light-receiving part when the said developing cartridge is mounted in the said housing | casing in the state in which the said gear is in the said 1st position. Drum cartridge.   The sensor does not contact the protrusion, the first protrusion, and the gear when the developing cartridge is attached to and detached from the housing with the gear in the first position. Item 7. The drum cartridge according to Item 6. The gear further includes a second protrusion arranged in the rotation direction of the protrusion and the gear, and is rotatable from a first position to a second position;
6. The second projection is located between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit when the developing cartridge is mounted on the housing in a state where the gear is in the second position. Item 8. The drum cartridge according to any one of Item 7.   The sensor does not contact the protrusion, the second protrusion, and the gear when the developing cartridge is attached to and detached from the housing in a state where the gear is in the second position. Item 9. The drum cartridge according to Item 8. A relay board,
The drum cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the connector and the sensor are electrically connected via the relay substrate. A plurality of the photosensitive drums and a plurality of the sensors;
The drum cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the developing cartridge corresponding to each of the plurality of photosensitive drums is detachable from the housing. A relay board,
The drum cartridge according to claim 11, wherein the connector and the plurality of sensors are electrically connected via the relay substrate. An image forming apparatus to which the drum cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is detachable,
A body housing to which the drum cartridge can be attached and detached;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a main body connector electrically connected to the connector when the drum cartridge is attached to the main body housing.

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