JP2021185441A - cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a cartridge which can be miniaturized.SOLUTION: A developing cartridge comprises: a cartridge frame 31 including a left wall 36L and a right wall 36R horizontally arranged to face each other at an interval; a developer coupling 61 for receiving drive force from the outside; and a new product detection gear 82 to be detected by external detection means. The developer coupling 61 is arranged on a left side of the left wall 36L and the new product detection gear 82 is arranged on a right side of the right wall 36R. Then, the drive force input to the developer coupling 61 is transmitted to the new product detection gear 82 via an agitator 80 to be arranged between the left wall 36L and the right wall 36R.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a cartridge mounted on an image forming apparatus in which an electrophotographic method is adopted.

As an electrophotographic printer, a printer including a photoconductor and a developing cartridge for supplying toner to the photoconductor is known.

Such a printer is provided with a new product detecting means for determining information on the mounted developing cartridge (for example, whether or not the developing cartridge is new).

For example, the detection gear rotatably provided on the developing cartridge is provided with a contact projection that comes into contact with the actuator in the main body casing, and when the developing cartridge is mounted on the main body casing, the detection gear is rotationally driven. A laser printer has been proposed in which the actuator is swung by an abutting projection, the actuator is swung by an optical sensor, and the information of the developing cartridge is determined based on the detection result (for example, Patent Document 1 below). reference.).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-267994

However, in the laser printer described in Patent Document 1 described above, the detection gear used for detecting a new development cartridge is provided on the side wall where the input gear into which the driving force from the main body casing is input is provided.

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

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

(1) In order to achieve the above object, the cartridge of the present invention has a developer accommodating portion configured to accommodate the developer, and is spaced apart in a predetermined direction with the developer accommodating portion interposed therebetween. It includes a housing including a first side wall and a second side wall arranged to face each other, a coupling member for receiving a driving force from the outside, and a body to be detected to be detected by an external detection means.

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

The detected object is arranged on the opposite side of the developer accommodating portion with respect to the second side wall.

Further, the cartridge of the present invention is configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in a predetermined direction as a rotation center, and includes a rotating member arranged between the first side wall and the second side wall.

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

Further, the cartridge of the present invention is configured to rotate with the rotating member about the rotation axis as the center of rotation, is arranged on the side where the detected body is arranged with respect to the second side wall, and the driving force is detected from the rotating member. It is provided with a second drive transmission member that transmits to the body.

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

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

As a result, the cartridge can be miniaturized.
(2) The detected body may be arranged so that at least a part thereof overlaps with the coupling member when projected in a predetermined direction.

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

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

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

In this case, since the developing electrode is fed from the outside, the developed electrode has a fed portion extending in a predetermined direction to the side opposite to the second side wall, and the detected body is made of an insulating member and rotates to the fed portion. It may be supported as much as possible.

According to such a configuration, the detected body can be efficiently arranged as compared with the case where the detected body and the power-received portion are separately provided.
(5) Further, the powered portion may be arranged so as to overlap the coupling member when projected in a predetermined direction.

According to such a configuration, the powered portion and the coupling member can be arranged at substantially the same position when projected in a predetermined direction, and the cartridge can be further miniaturized.
(6) Further, the detected body may have a first opening extending in the rotation direction of the detected body to expose the power-supplied portion, and a covering portion covering the fed-received portion.

According to such a configuration, the rotation of the detected body can reliably switch between supplying power to the power receiving unit from the outside and canceling the power supply.
(7) Further, the covering portion is provided in the middle of the rotation direction of the first opening, and covers the first covering portion that covers the fed portion from the orthogonal direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction and the fed portion from the outside in the predetermined direction. It has a second covering portion.

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

According to such a configuration, the protrusion can be protected at a plurality of points in the orthogonal direction.
(9) Further, the number of the first covering portion may correspond to the information regarding the cartridge.

According to such a configuration, the information of the cartridge can be easily and surely determined based on the number of the first covering portions.
(10) Further, the first covering portion may continuously cover the fed portion in the rotation direction by half or more.

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

According to such a configuration, the information of the cartridge can be easily and surely determined based on the rotation direction length of the first covering portion.
(12) Further, the first covering portion is provided on the downstream side in the rotation direction, and is continuous with the first inclined surface that inclines outward in the orthogonal direction toward the upstream side in the rotation direction and the upstream side in the rotation direction of the first inclined surface. It may have a second inclined surface which is provided so as to be inclined inward in the orthogonal direction toward the upstream side in the rotation direction.

According to such a configuration, even if the first covering portion of the detected body comes into contact with the external detecting means in contact with the powered portion during the rotation of the detected body, the external detecting means can be used. , It can be retracted so as to ride on the first covering portion along the first inclined surface, and then it can be brought into contact with the feeding portion again so as to descend from the first covering portion along the second inclined surface.

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

According to such a configuration, the fitting portion can position the outer end portion of the power-fed portion in a predetermined direction with respect to the detected body.
(14) Further, the fed portion is formed in a tubular shape, and the fitting portion may be internally fitted to the outer end portion in a predetermined direction of the fed portion.

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

According to such a configuration, the powered portion can be reinforced by the protruding portion.
(16) Further, the detected body passes from the first position where power is supplied to the power supply unit through the first opening to the second position where the input of power to the power supply unit is released by the covering portion. It may be possible to move to a third position where power is supplied to the power supply unit through one opening.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to detect the power supply to the power supply unit before and after the power input to the power supply unit is released, and it is possible to reliably release the power input to the power supply unit. , Can be recognized by an external detection means.
(17) Further, the rotating member may be a developing roller configured to support the developer.

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

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

According to such a configuration, the detected object can be reliably rotationally driven with a predetermined driving amount from the start of the rotational drive to the stop of the rotational drive.
(20) Further, a covering member for covering at least the missing tooth gear may be provided, and the covering member may have a second opening for exposing the detected object.

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

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

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

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

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

According to the present invention, the cartridge can be made smaller.

FIG. 1 shows a central sectional view of a printer including the developing cartridge of the first embodiment of the cartridge of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view seen from the upper left side of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view seen from the upper right side of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the drive unit shown in FIG. 2 as viewed from the upper left side. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the power feeding unit shown in FIG. 3 as viewed from the upper right side. FIG. 6 is a perspective view seen from the upper left side of the electrode member 81 shown in FIG. 7A and 7B show the new detection gear shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 7A is a perspective view seen from the upper right side, FIG. 7B is a right side view, and FIG. 7C is a detected end portion. It is a cross-sectional view. FIG. 8 is a right side view of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the power feeding unit shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view seen from the upper right side of the main body electrode unit. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the swing of the swing electrode, showing a state in which the developing cartridge is not mounted on the main body casing and the swing electrode is arranged at the lower release position. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the swing of the swing electrode, showing a state in which the developing cartridge is mounted on the main body casing and the swing electrode is arranged at the connection position. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the swing of the swing electrode, showing a state in which the developing cartridge is mounted on the main body casing and the swing electrode is arranged at the upper release position. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a new development detection operation of the developing cartridge, immediately after the developing cartridge is mounted on the main body casing, and the swing electrode of the main body electrode unit is brought into contact with the power receiving portion of the developing cartridge. Indicates the state. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a new product detection operation of the developing cartridge following FIG. 14, wherein the warm-up operation is started, and the swing electrode of the main body electrode unit is the first covering portion of one of the new product detection gears. Indicates a state of being pressed by and separated from the power receiving portion of the developing cartridge. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a new product detection operation of the developing cartridge following FIG. 15, in which the first covering portion of one of the new product detection gears is a swing electrode of the main body electrode unit and a power receiving portion of the developing cartridge. It shows a state in which the swing electrode of the main body electrode unit is in contact with the power receiving portion of the developing cartridge. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a new product detection operation of the developing cartridge following FIG. 16, wherein the swing electrode of the main body electrode unit is pressed by the other first covering portion of the new product detection gear, and the developing cartridge is formed. Shows the state of being separated from the power receiving part of. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a new product detection operation of the developing cartridge following FIG. 17, wherein the other first covering portion of the new product detection gear is a swing electrode of the main body electrode unit and a power receiving portion of the developing cartridge. It shows a state in which the swing electrode of the main body electrode unit is in contact with the power receiving portion of the developing cartridge. FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the developing cartridge of the second embodiment as viewed from the upper right side. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the new detection operation of the developing cartridge of the second embodiment, immediately after the developing cartridge is mounted on the main body casing, and the swing electrode of the main body electrode unit is the developing cartridge. Indicates the state of contact with the power receiving unit. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a new article detection operation of the developing cartridge of the second embodiment following FIG. 20, and the warm-up operation is started, and the swing electrode of the main body electrode unit is covered with the new article detection gear. Indicates a state in which the development cartridge is pressed by the peripheral surface of the detection end and separated from the power receiving portion of the developing cartridge. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the new detection operation of the developing cartridge of the second embodiment following FIG. 21, and the peripheral surface of the detected end portion of the new detection gear is the swing electrode of the main body electrode unit. It shows a state in which the swing electrode of the main body electrode unit is in contact with the power receiving part of the developing cartridge after passing between the power receiving part of the developing cartridge. FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing the power supply unit of the developing cartridge of the third embodiment as viewed from the upper right side. FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram illustrating drive transmission of the development cartridge of the third embodiment. FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the power supply unit of the developing cartridge of the fourth embodiment as viewed from the upper right side. FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram illustrating drive transmission of the developing cartridge of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing the power supply unit of the developing cartridge of the fifth embodiment as viewed from the upper right side. FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing the developing cartridge of the sixth embodiment as viewed from the upper right side. FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing the power feeding unit shown in FIG. 28 as viewed from the upper right side. FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram illustrating drive transmission of the developing cartridge of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing a developing cartridge mounted on the printer of the seventh embodiment as viewed from the upper right side. FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the rotation of the rotating plate of the developing cartridge according to the seventh embodiment, and is a state immediately after the developing cartridge is mounted on the main body casing and the rotating plate is arranged at the first position. Is shown. FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the rotation of the rotating plate of the developing cartridge according to the seventh embodiment following FIG. 32, and shows a state in which the rotating plate is arranged at the second position. FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the rotation of the rotating plate of the developing cartridge according to the seventh embodiment following FIG. 33, and shows a state in which the rotating plate is arranged at the third position. FIG. 35 is a front view showing a fixed electrode and a moving electrode provided in the casing of the main body of the printer according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the new detection operation of the developing cartridge in the seventh embodiment, and FIG. 36A is immediately after the developing cartridge is mounted on the main body casing, and the moving electrode is the developing cartridge. The state of being in contact with the power receiving portion is shown, and (b) indicates that the warm-up operation is started following (a), and the moving electrode is pressed by the coating portion of the rotating plate and separated from the power receiving portion of the developing cartridge. In (c), following (b), the covering portion of the rotating plate passes between the moving electrode and the power receiving portion of the developing cartridge, and the moving electrode is transferred to the power receiving portion of the developing cartridge. Indicates the contacted state. FIG. 37 is a perspective view showing a developing cartridge mounted on the printer of the eighth embodiment as viewed from the upper right side. FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the slide of the slide plate of the developing cartridge according to the eighth embodiment, and is a state immediately after the developing cartridge is mounted on the main body casing and the slide plate is arranged at the first position. Is shown. FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the slide of the slide plate of the developing cartridge according to the eighth embodiment following FIG. 38, and shows a state in which the slide plate is arranged at the second position. FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the slide of the slide plate of the developing cartridge according to the eighth embodiment following FIG. 39, and shows a state in which the slide plate is arranged at the third position. FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the new detection operation of the developing cartridge in the eighth embodiment, and FIG. 41A is immediately after the developing cartridge is mounted on the main body casing, and the moving electrode is the developing cartridge. The state of being in contact with the power receiving portion is shown, and (b) indicates that the warm-up operation is started following (a), and the moving electrode is pressed by the covering portion of the slide plate and separated from the power receiving portion of the developing cartridge. In (c), following (b), the covering portion of the slide plate passes between the moving electrode and the power receiving portion of the developing cartridge, and the moving electrode is transferred to the power receiving portion of the developing cartridge. Indicates the contacted state.

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

In the following description, when the direction is referred to, the left side of the paper surface in FIG. 1 is the front side and the right side of the paper surface in FIG. 1 is the rear side, based on the state in which the printer 1 is placed horizontally. Further, the left and right reference points are when the printer 1 is viewed from the front side. That is, the front side of the paper surface in FIG. 1 is the right side, and the back side of the paper surface is the left side.

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

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

The drum cartridge 24 includes a photosensitive drum 15.

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

The developing cartridge 25 includes a developing roller 16.

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

Further, the developing cartridge 25 includes a supply roller 27 that supplies toner to the developing roller 16, and a layer thickness regulating blade 28 that regulates the thickness of the toner supplied to the developing roller 16, and a developer accommodating portion provided above them. In the toner accommodating portion 79 as an example, a toner 80 as an example of a developer is accommodated, and an agitator 80 as an example of a stirring member (rotating member) for stirring the toner is provided.

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

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

The agitator 80 includes an agitator shaft 76 extending in the left-right direction and a stirring blade 77 extending radially outward from the agitator shaft 76, and the central axis A2 of the agitator shaft 76 (an example of a rotation axis, see FIG. 4). Is rotated around the center of rotation.

The toner in the toner accommodating portion 79 is triboelectrically charged between the supply roller 27 and the developing roller 16 and is supported on the surface of the developing roller 16 as a thin layer having a constant thickness.

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

The paper S is housed in a paper feed tray 7 provided at the bottom of the main body casing 2, and is U-turned upward by the pickup roller 8, the paper feed roller 9, and the pair of resist rollers 10. The sheets are conveyed and fed one by one between the photosensitive drum 15 and the transfer belt 19 at a predetermined timing, and the transfer belt 19 transfers between each photosensitive drum 15 and each transfer roller 20 from the front side to the rear side. Transported towards. At this time, the toner images of each color are sequentially transferred to the paper S to form a color image.

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

After that, the paper S is conveyed so as to make a U-turn to the front upper side, and is discharged to the paper ejection tray 23 provided on the top cover 6.
2. 2. Details of the developing cartridge As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the developing cartridge 25 has a cartridge frame 31 as an example of a housing, a drive unit 32 arranged on the left side of the cartridge frame 31, and a right side of the cartridge frame 31. It includes a power supply unit 33 to be arranged.

In the description of the developing cartridge 25, when the direction is mentioned, the side where the developing roller 16 is arranged is the rear side of the developing cartridge 25, and the side where the layer thickness regulating blade 28 is arranged is the upper side. That is, the vertical / front-back direction with respect to the developing cartridge 25 is different from the vertical / front-back direction with respect to the printer 1. In the developing cartridge 25, the rear side is the rear lower side of the printer 1 and the front side thereof is the front upper side of the printer 1. And is mounted on the drum cartridge 24.
(1) Cartridge frame The cartridge frame 31 is formed in a substantially box shape extending in the left-right direction. The cartridge frame 31 includes a first frame 34 that constitutes the lower side of the cartridge frame 31, and a second frame 35 that constitutes the upper side of the cartridge frame 31.
(1-1) First Frame As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first frame 34 integrally includes a pair of left and right side walls 36, a front wall 37, and a lower wall 38, and the upper side and the rear wall 34 are integrally provided. It is formed in the shape of a bottomed frame that opens toward the side. In the following description, the left side wall 36 as an example of the first side wall is referred to as the left wall 36L, and the right side wall 36 as an example of the second side wall is referred to as the right wall 36R.

Both side walls 36 are formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a side view extending up, down, front and back, and are arranged so as to face each other with a space between them in the left-right direction. Further, the supply roller shaft exposed hole 39, the developing roller shaft exposed groove 40, and the agitator shaft exposed hole 41 are formed on both side walls 36.

The supply roller shaft exposed hole 39 is formed through the lower rear end portion of the side wall 36 in a substantially rectangular shape in a side view. The length of each side of the supply roller shaft exposed hole 39 is formed to be longer than the diameter of the left-right end portion of the supply roller shaft 29. The left-right end of the supply roller shaft 29 is exposed from the side wall 36 to the outside in the left-right direction via the supply roller shaft exposed hole 39.

The developing roller shaft exposed groove 40 is cut out in a substantially U-shaped side view that is open to the rear upper side from the upper rear end portion of the side wall 36 toward the front lower side. The groove width (vertical length) of the developing roller shaft exposed groove 40 is formed wider than the diameter of the left-right end portion of the developing roller shaft 30. The left-right end of the developing roller shaft 30 is exposed from the side wall 36 to the outside in the left-right direction via the developing roller shaft exposed groove 40.

The agitator shaft exposed hole 41 is formed through the front end portion of the side wall 36 in a substantially circular shape in a side view. The diameter of the agitator shaft exposed hole 41 is formed to be larger than the diameter of the left-right end portion of the agitator shaft 76. The left-right end portion of the agitator shaft 76 is exposed to the outside in the left-right direction from the side wall 36 via the agitator shaft exposed hole 41.

Further, the right wall 36R is provided with a fitting protrusion 45 as an example of the protruding portion.

The fitting projection 45 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape protruding from the right surface of the right wall 36R to the right side on the front side of the supply roller shaft exposed hole 39. A ridge 47 is formed on the left half of the fitting protrusion 45, one at the front end edge and one at the lower end edge, protruding outward in the radial direction of the fitting protrusion 45 and extending in the left-right direction.

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

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

The developing roller shaft support hole 54 is formed through the upper rear end portion of the bearing member 51 in a substantially circular shape in a side view. The inner diameter of the developing roller shaft support hole 54 is formed to have substantially the same diameter (slightly larger diameter) as the outer diameter of the developing roller shaft 30.

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

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

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

Then, in the bearing member 51, the left end portion of the developing roller shaft 30 is inserted into the developing roller shaft support hole 54, and the left end portion of the supply roller shaft 29 is inserted into the supply roller shaft support hole 55. It is assembled on the left side of the left wall 36L. Further, the coupling support shaft 56 is arranged on the left side of the front end portion of the toner accommodating portion 79.
(2-2) Gear row The gear row 52 is an example of a developing coupling 61, a developing gear 62, a supply gear 63, an idle gear 64, and a first drive transmission member (first gear) as an example of a coupling member. It is composed of a first agitator gear 72 as an example of the second agitator gear 72 and a second agitator gear 78 (see FIG. 5) as an example of the second drive transmission member (second gear).

The developing coupling 61 is rotatably supported by the coupling support shaft 56 of the bearing member 51. Further, the developing coupling 61 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction, and integrally has a large-diameter gear portion 65, a small-diameter gear portion 66, and a coupling portion 67.

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

The small-diameter gear portion 66 has a smaller diameter than the large-diameter gear portion 65, and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape in which the central axis coincides with the large-diameter gear portion 65. Gear teeth are formed on the peripheral surface of the small diameter gear portion 66 over the entire circumference thereof.

The coupling portion 67 has a smaller diameter than the small diameter gear portion 66, and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape in which the central axis coincides with the large diameter gear portion 65. A coupling recess 68 is formed on the left side surface of the coupling portion 67. With the developing cartridge 25 mounted in the main body casing 2, the tip of the main body coupling (not shown) provided in the main body casing 2 is inserted into the coupling recess 68 so as not to rotate relative to the main body coupling (main body coupling (not shown)). The driving force is input from the main body casing 2 via (not shown).

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

The supply gear 63 is attached to the left end of the supply roller shaft 29 so as not to rotate relative to each other. The supply gear 63 is meshed with the large diameter gear portion 65 of the developing coupling 61 from the rear lower side.

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

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

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

The first agitator gear 72 is attached to the left end portion of the agitator shaft 76 so as not to rotate relative to each other. The first agitator gear 72 is meshed with the small diameter portion 70 of the idle gear 64 from the front upper side.

The second agitator gear 78 is attached to the right end of the agitator shaft 76 on the right side of the right wall 36R so as not to rotate relative to each other (see FIG. 5). Further, the number of teeth of the second agitator gear 78 is smaller than the number of teeth of the first agitator gear 72.
(2-3) Drive-side gear cover The drive-side gear cover 53 extends in the left-right direction and is formed in a substantially tubular shape with a closed left end. The drive-side gear cover 53 is formed in a size (length in the front-rear direction and length in the vertical direction) that can collectively cover the developing coupling 61, the supply gear 63, the idle gear 64, and the first agitator gear 72. Further, the drive side gear cover 53 is formed with a coupling exposed opening 73.

The coupling exposed opening 73 is formed through the left wall at the center of the drive side gear cover 53 in the front-rear direction so as to expose the left surface of the coupling portion 67 of the developing coupling 61 in a substantially circular shape in a side view.

Then, the drive side gear cover 53 exposes the left surface of the coupling portion 67 of the developing coupling 61 through the coupling exposed opening 73, and also exposes the developing coupling 61 (excluding the left surface of the coupling portion 67) and the supply gear 63. , The idle gear 64 and the first agitator gear 72 are screwed to the left wall 36L so as to collectively cover the idle gear 64 and the first agitator gear 72.
(3) Power supply unit As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the power supply unit 33 is an electrode member 81 as an example of a developing electrode, a new detection gear 82 as an example of a detected object, and an example of a covering member. It is provided with a power feeding side gear cover 83.
(3-1) Electrode member As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the electrode member 81 is formed of a conductive resin material (for example, a conductive polyacetal resin) or the like into a flat plate shape having a substantially rectangular side view. The electrode member 81 includes a main body portion 94 and a power receiving portion 88 as an example of the power receiving portion.

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

The developing roller shaft support hole 84 is formed through the upper rear end portion of the electrode member 81 in a substantially circular shape in a side view. The inner diameter of the developing roller shaft support hole 84 is formed to have substantially the same diameter (slightly larger diameter) as the right end portion of the developing roller shaft 30. The developing roller shaft 30 is rotatably supported in the developing roller shaft support hole 84 at its right end.

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

The fitting protrusion insertion hole 86 is formed through the front end portion of the electrode member 81 in a substantially circular shape in a side view. The front end edge and the lower end edge of the fitting protrusion insertion hole 86 are formed with recesses 89 recessed outward in the radial direction of the fitting protrusion insertion hole 86.

The developing roller shaft collar 87 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape protruding to the right from the peripheral edge of the developing roller shaft support hole 84.

The power receiving portion 88 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape protruding to the right from the peripheral edge portion of the fitting protrusion insertion hole 86 of the main body portion 94. At the left end of the power receiving portion 88, a concave groove 90 extending to the right from the left end edge of the power receiving portion 88 is formed so as to be continuous with the recess 89 of the fitting projection insertion hole 86.

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

The right end portion of the fitting projection 45 is arranged on the left side of the right end portion of the power receiving portion 88. Further, the power receiving unit 88 is arranged on the right side of the front end portion of the toner accommodating unit 79.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the rear upper end portion of the power receiving portion 88 is arranged so as to overlap the developing coupling 61 when projected in the left-right direction.
(3-2) New detection gear As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the new detection gear 82 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction from an insulating resin material (for example, polyacetal resin), and is an electrode member 81. It is rotatably fitted to the power receiving unit 88 of the above.

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

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

The missing tooth gear 96 is formed in a substantially disk shape having a thickness in the left-right direction. Gear teeth are formed on the peripheral surface of the missing tooth gear 96 at a portion having a central angle of about 205 °. That is, on the peripheral surface of the missing tooth gear 96, a tooth portion 98 in which gear teeth are formed and a missing tooth portion 99 in which gear teeth are not formed are formed. Then, the tooth portion 98 is meshed with the second agitator gear 78 from the rear side. On the other hand, the missing tooth portion 99 is not meshed with the second agitator gear 78.

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

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

The tubular portion 97 protrudes to the right from the peripheral edge of the power receiving portion insertion hole 104 of the chipped tooth gear 96, and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape sharing the central axis with the chipped tooth gear 96. The inner diameter of the tubular portion 97 is the same as the diameter of the power receiving portion insertion hole 104. At the right end of the tubular portion 97, a flange portion 100 protruding outward in the radial direction is formed.

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

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

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

The second covering portion 102 is formed in a flat plate shape having a substantially rhombic side view, which is erected between the right ends of each first covering portion 101. Further, the second covering portion 102 includes a fitting portion 103 that protrudes from the left surface to the left side.

The fitting portion 103 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that shares the central axis with the tubular portion 97. The outer diameter of the fitting portion 103 is formed to be substantially the same as the inner diameter of the power receiving portion 88 (slightly smaller diameter).

The new detection gear 82 is rotatably fitted to the power receiving unit 88 so that the power receiving unit 88 is inserted into the power receiving unit insertion hole 104. Further, the fitting portion 103 of the new product detection gear 82 is internally fitted in the right end portion of the power receiving portion 88.

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

Further, the end portion on the downstream side in the rotation direction of the tooth portion 98 of the missing tooth gear 96 is meshed with the second agitator gear 78.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the rear upper end portion of the new product detection gear 82 is arranged so as to overlap the developing coupling 61 when projected in the front-rear direction.
(3-3) Feeding Side Gear Cover As shown in FIG. 5, the feeding side gear cover 83 is formed in a substantially tubular shape extending in the left-right direction and having a closed right end. The power feeding side gear cover 83 is formed to have a size (length in the front-rear direction and length in the vertical direction) that can collectively cover the new detection gear 82 and the second agitator gear 78.

Further, the power feeding side gear cover 83 has a new detection gear exposed opening 111 as an example of the second opening, a front bulging portion 112, and a rear bulging portion 113.

The new product detection gear exposed opening 111 is formed through the right wall substantially in the center of the power feeding side gear cover 83 in the front-rear direction so as to expose the detected end portion 95 of the new product detection gear 82 in a substantially circular shape in a side view.

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

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

Then, the power feeding side gear cover 83 exposes the detected end portion 95 of the new detection gear 82 through the new detection gear exposed opening 111, and also exposes the missing tooth gear 96 and the tubular portion 97 of the new detection gear 82, and the second agitator. It is screwed to the right wall 36R so as to collectively cover the gear 78.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the right surface of the new product detection gear 82 is in the front-rear direction with the right surface of the front bulging portion 112 and the rear bulging portion 113 of the feeding side gear cover 83 when projected in the vertical direction. They are linearly parallel. That is, the right surfaces of the front bulging portion 112 and the rear bulging portion 113 of the power feeding side gear cover 83 are arranged so as to overlap the right surface of the new product detection gear 82 when projected in the front-rear direction.

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

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

The fixed electrode 118 is a coil spring made of metal, and one end thereof is fixed in the vicinity of the right side of the developing cartridge 25 in the main body casing 2. Further, the free end portion 121 of the fixed electrode 118 is in contact with the main body side contact 126 (described later) of the swing electrode 119.

The holder member 117 is formed from an insulating resin material in a substantially U-shaped bent rod shape that extends in the front-rear direction and is open on the upper side. A substantially cylindrical tubular portion 122 extending in the left-right direction is provided at the front end portion of the holder member 117, and the tubular portion 122 is rotatably external to a swing shaft (not shown) in the main body casing 2. It is fitted.

The swing electrode 119 is a coil spring made of metal and wound around a tubular portion 122, and one end thereof is a fixing portion 123 fixed in the vicinity of the right side of the developing cartridge 25 in the main body casing 2. The other end is an electrode portion 124 fixed to the holder member 117.

The electrode portion 124 includes a developing side contact 125 that is in contact with the power receiving portion 88 of the developing cartridge 25, and a main body side contact 126 that is in contact with the free end portion of the fixed electrode 118.

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

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

Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the swing electrode 119 is always held at the lower release position where the main body side contact 126 is separated below the free end portion 121 of the fixed electrode 118 due to its elasticity. There is.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the oscillating electrode 119 is oscillated counterclockwise when viewed from the right side against the elastic force by being pressed from the front side, and the main body side contact 126 is the fixed electrode 118. It is arranged at a connection position in contact with the free end portion 121.

Further, the swing electrode 119 is further pressed from the front side to swing counterclockwise when viewed from the right side against the elastic force, and the main body side contact 126 is above the free end portion 121 of the fixed electrode 118. It is arranged at the upper release position separated from the above (see FIG. 13).

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

The power supply 132 is electrically connected to the fixed portion 123 of the swing electrode 119. The power supply 132 supplies a development bias to the swing electrode 119.

The bias detection unit 133 is electrically connected to the fixed electrode 118. The bias detection unit 133 detects the development bias supplied from the power supply 132 to the fixed electrode 118 via the swing electrode 119.

The CPU 131 is electrically connected to the power supply 132 and the bias detection unit 133. The CPU 131 determines the state of the development cartridge 25 based on the detection of whether or not the development bias is supplied to the fixed electrode 118 in the bias detection unit 133. When the bias detection unit 133 detects that the development bias is supplied from the power supply 132 to the fixed electrode 118, the CPU 131 determines that the swing electrode 119 is arranged at the connection position. When the bias detection unit 133 does not detect the supply of the development bias from the power supply 132 to the fixed electrode 118, the CPU 131 has the swing electrode 119 arranged at the lower release position or the upper release position. Judge.
4. New article detection operation of the developing cartridge The new article detection operation of the developing cartridge 25 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 18.

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

At this time, since the developing cartridge 25 is not mounted in the main body casing 2, the developing bias is not supplied from the power supply 132 to the developing cartridge 25 and the fixed electrode 118, and the bias detecting unit 133 transfers the developing bias from the power supply 132 to the fixed electrode 118. The supply of development bias is not detected. As a result, the CPU 131 determines that the development bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118.

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

Then, when the top cover 6 of the main body casing 2 is opened and the process cartridge 11 to which the new (unused) development cartridge 25 is mounted is inserted into the main body casing 2 from the front upper side, the power receiving portion 88 of the development cartridge 25 is in front. It comes into contact with the holder member 117 from above.

Then, when the developing cartridge 25 is further inserted into the main body casing 2, the holder member 117 is pressed by the power receiving portion 88 of the developing cartridge 25, and the electrode portion 124 of the swing electrode 119 is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the right side together with the holder member 117. Is rocked.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, when the development cartridge 25 is mounted in the main body casing 2, the swing electrode 119 is arranged at the connection position, and the main body side contact 126 is the free end of the fixed electrode 118. It is in contact with the portion 121. Further, the developing side contact 125 of the swing electrode 119 is brought into contact with the power receiving portion 88 of the developing cartridge 25 from the rear side via between the first covering portions 101. One of the first covering portions 101 is arranged on the front upper side of the holder member 117 and the swing electrode 119.

As a result, the development bias fed from the power supply 132 to the swing electrode 119 is fed to the power receiving unit 88 of the development cartridge 25 via the development side contact 125.

The development bias fed to the power receiving unit 88 of the development cartridge 25 is applied to the development roller shaft 30 via the electrode member 81.

Further, the development bias fed to the swing electrode 119 is fed from the main body side contact 126 to the fixed electrode 118 via the free end portion 121 of the fixed electrode 118, and is detected by the bias detection unit 133.

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

On the other hand, when the developing cartridge 25 is mounted on the main body casing 2, the tip of the main body coupling (not shown) in the main body casing 2 is inserted into the coupling recess 68 of the developing coupling 61 so as not to rotate relative to each other. Then, a driving force is input from the main body casing 2 to the developing coupling 61 via the main body coupling (not shown), and the warm-up operation is started.

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

Then, when the agitator 80 is rotated, as shown in FIG. 5, the driving force is transmitted to the tooth portion 98 of the missing tooth gear 96 of the new detection gear 82 via the agitator shaft 76 and the second agitator gear 78, and the new product is detected. The detection gear 82 is rotated clockwise when viewed from the right side.

Then, as shown in FIG. 15, the first covering portion 101 of the new product detection gear 82 abuts on the electrode portion 124 of the swing electrode 119 from the front side, and presses the electrode portion 124 of the swing electrode 119 toward the rear side. .. As a result, the holder member 117 and the swing electrode 119 develop against the elastic force of the swing electrode 119 so as to ride on the first cover portion 101 along the downstream side surface surface 105 of the first cover portion 101. It is retracted to the rear side from the power receiving unit 88 of the cartridge 25 and is arranged at the upper release position.

Then, the developing side contact 125 of the swing electrode 119 is separated from the power receiving portion 88 of the developing cartridge 25 to the rear side, and the electrical connection between the swinging electrode 119 and the power receiving portion 88 is released. Further, the main body side contact 126 of the swing electrode 119 is separated upward from the free end portion 121 of the fixed electrode 118, and the electrical connection between the swing electrode 119 and the fixed electrode 118 is released. When the new detection gear 82 is formed of a conductive material, the electrical connection between the swing electrode 119 and the power receiving unit 88 is not released, but the electrical connection between the swing electrode 119 and the fixed electrode 118 is not released. Is released.

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

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

Then, as shown in FIG. 16, the elastic force of the swing electrode 119 is such that the holder member 117 and the swing electrode 119 descend from the first cover portion 101 along the downstream side surface surface 106 of the first cover portion 101. It is swung forward by and placed in the connection position again.

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

As a result, the CPU 131 determines that the development bias is supplied to the fixed electrode 118. That is, after the warm-up operation is started, the CPU 131 states that the development bias is supplied to the fixed electrode 118, the development bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118, and the development bias is supplied to the fixed electrode 118. Judge sequentially.

That is, in the new detection gear 82, the swing electrode 119 is arranged from the first position where the swing electrode 119 is arranged at the connection position and power is supplied to the power receiving portion 88 of the developing cartridge 25 via between the first covering portions 101. Is placed in the upper release position, and the swing electrode 119 is placed in the connection position via the second position in which the input of power to the power receiving portion 88 of the developing cartridge 25 is released by the first covering portion 101, and each second position is provided. 1 It is rotationally moved to a third position where power is supplied to the power receiving unit 88 of the developing cartridge 25 via between the covering portions 101.

After that, when the new product detection gear 82 is further rotated, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the other first covering portion 101 causes the swing electrode 119 in the same manner as the above-mentioned one first covering portion. , After being placed in the upper release position from the connection position, it is placed in the connection position again.

After that, when the new product detection gear 82 is further rotated, the missing tooth portion 99 of the new product detection gear 82 faces the second agitator gear 78, and the tooth portion 98 of the new product detection gear 82 and the second agitator gear 78 mesh with each other. Is released, and the rotational drive of the new detection gear 82 is stopped. After that, the warm-up operation ends.

As a result, the CPU 131 again determines that the fixed electrode 118 is supplied with the development bias, the fixed electrode 118 is not supplied with the development bias, and the fixed electrode 118 is supplied with the development bias.

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

Further, in the CPU 131, the number of times it is determined that the development bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118 is associated with the information regarding the maximum number of images formed. Specifically, for example, when it is determined that the development bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118 twice, the maximum number of images formed is 6000, and the development bias is supplied to the fixed electrode 118. When the number of times it is determined that the image is not present is one, it is associated with the information that the maximum number of image formations is 3000.

Then, as described above, after the warm-up operation is started, the CPU 131 supplies the development bias to the fixed electrode 118, the development bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118, and the development bias is supplied to the fixed electrode 118. If it is determined twice, it is determined that the maximum number of image-forming sheets of the developing cartridge 25 is 6000.

As a result, when the new developing cartridge 25 is attached, the CPU 131 determines that the developing cartridge 25 is new and the maximum number of images formed by the developing cartridge 25 is 6000, and the developing cartridge 25 is formed. Immediately after the actual number of images formed exceeds 6000 from the time of mounting, a notification that it is time to replace the developing cartridge 25 is displayed on an operation panel or the like (not shown).

On the other hand, when the CPU 131 determines that the development bias is supplied to the fixed electrode 118 for a predetermined time or longer, the CPU 131 determines that the development cartridge 25 is mounted on the main body casing 2.

As described above, when the new development cartridge 25 is mounted, the new development detection operation is performed, so that it can be determined that the development cartridge is mounted on the main body casing 2. On the other hand, after mounting the new developing cartridge 25, for example, when the developing cartridge 25 is temporarily detached from the main body casing 2 due to a jam of paper S or the like and then mounted again on the main body casing 2, a new product detection gear is used. In 82, the missing tooth portion 99 of the missing tooth gear 96 is stopped at a position facing the second agitator gear 78. Therefore, even if the warm-up operation is executed in the reattachment, the new product detection gear 82 is not rotationally driven and the new product detection operation is not performed. At this time, since the holder member 117 and the swing electrode 119 are arranged at the connection positions, it is determined that the development bias is always supplied to the fixed electrode 118.

As a result, the CPU 131 determines the maximum number of images formed when the reattached developing cartridge 25 (old developing cartridge 25) is determined to be new, and the new one, without erroneously determining that the developing cartridge 25 is new. The comparison with the actual number of images formed from the time when the image is formed is continued. Further, in the CPU 131, it is determined that the developing cartridge 25 is mounted on the main body casing 2.
5. Action (1) According to this developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the developing coupling 61 is arranged on the left side of the left wall 36L, and the new detection gear 82 is placed on the right side of the right wall 36R. The driving force input to the development coupling 61 can be transmitted to the new product detection gear 82 via the agitator 80 arranged between the left wall 36L and the right wall 36R.

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

As a result, the developing cartridge 25 can be miniaturized.
(2) Further, according to the developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 9, the new detection gear 82 is arranged so that the upper end portion thereof overlaps with the developing coupling 61 when projected in the left-right direction. There is.

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

Therefore, the new product detection gear 82 can be efficiently arranged as compared with the case where the new product detection gear 82 and the power receiving unit 88 are arranged separately.
(5) Further, according to the developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 9, the power receiving portion 88 is arranged so that the upper end portion thereof overlaps with the developing coupling 61 when projected in the left-right direction. ing.

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

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

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

Therefore, the power receiving unit 88 can be protected from both the radial directions.
(9) Further, according to the developing cartridge 25, the number of the first covering portions 101 corresponds to the maximum number of images formed in the developing cartridge 25.

Therefore, it is possible to easily and surely determine the information regarding the maximum number of image-forming sheets of the developing cartridge 25 based on the number of the first covering portions 101.

As a result, even if the amount of toner in the developing cartridge 25 is different according to the maximum number of images formed, the life of the developing cartridge 25 can be accurately determined and the developing cartridge 25 can be replaced accurately.
(10) Further, according to the developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 7 (c), the radial outer end portion of the first covering portion 101 is directed toward the upstream side in the rotational direction at the downstream end edge in the rotational direction. A downstream side surface 105 that inclines outward in the radial direction is formed, and the upstream end edge in the rotational direction of the radial outer end portion of the first covering portion 101 is radially inward in the upstream direction in the rotational direction. An inclined upstream side surface 106 is formed.

Therefore, when the first covering portion 101 of the new product detection gear 82 passes between the power receiving portion 88 and the holder member 117, the holder member 117 and the swing electrode 119 are placed on the downstream side surface of the first covering portion 101. It is placed in the upper release position so as to ride on the first covering portion 101 along 105, and then to the connection position again so as to descend from the first covering portion 101 along the downstream side surface 106 of the first covering portion 101. Can be placed.

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

Therefore, the fitting portion 103 can position the right end portion of the power receiving portion 88 with respect to the new product detection gear 82 (12). Further, according to the developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8. The power receiving portion 88 is formed in a tubular shape, and the fitting portion 103 is internally fitted in the right end portion of the power receiving portion 88.

Therefore, the fitting portion 103 can reinforce the right end portion of the power receiving portion 88.
(13) Further, according to the developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 5, the right wall 36R of the cartridge frame 31 is provided with a fitting projection 45 internally fitted in the power receiving portion 88.

Therefore, the power receiving portion 88 can be reinforced by the fitting projection 45.
(14) Further, according to the developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIGS. 14, 15 and 16, the new product detection gear 82 is a power receiving unit via the first opening (between the first covering portions 101). From the first position (see FIG. 14) where power is supplied to 88, through the second position (see FIG. 15) where the input of electric power to the power receiving unit 88 is released by the first covering portion 101, the first opening (each first). It is moved to a third position (see FIG. 16) in which power is supplied to the power receiving unit 88 (between the covering portions 101).

Therefore, before and after the power input to the power receiving unit 88 is released, the power supply to the power receiving unit 88 can be detected, and the power input to the power receiving unit 88 can be reliably released by the first covering unit 101. , Can be recognized by the CPU 131.
(15) Further, according to the developed cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 7, the new detection gear 82 has a tooth portion 98 to which the driving force is transmitted and a chipped tooth portion 99 to which the driving force is not transmitted. It is equipped with a tooth gear 96.

Therefore, the new detection gear 82 can be reliably rotationally driven with a predetermined drive amount from the start of the rotational drive to the stop of the rotational drive.
(16) Further, according to the developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 5, the feeding side gear cover 83 exposes the detected end portion 95 of the new detection gear 82 through the new detection gear exposure opening 111, and also exposes the detected end portion 95. The missing tooth gear 96 and the tubular portion 97 of the new product detection gear 82 and the second agitator gear 78 are collectively covered.

Therefore, the missing tooth gear 96 and the second agitator gear 78 can be protected and meshed with each other reliably, and power can be supplied to the power receiving unit 88 via the new detection gear exposed opening 111.
(17) Further, according to the developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 8, the right surface of the feeding side gear cover 83 is the second covering portion 102 of the new product detection gear 82 when projected in the front-rear direction of the developing cartridge 25. It is arranged so as to overlap with the right side of.

Therefore, the developing cartridge 25 can be smoothly mounted on the main body casing 2.
(18) Further, according to the developing cartridge 25, the number of teeth of the first agitator gear 72 is larger than the number of teeth of the second agitator gear 78.

Therefore, the rotation speed of the new detection gear 82 can be reduced with respect to the rotation speed of the agitator 80.

As a result, it is possible to secure a time for detecting the power supply to the power receiving unit 88 from the main body casing 2 and the release of the power supply, and accurately detect the power supply to the power receiving unit 88 and the release of the power supply. Can be done.
6. Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 22. In the second embodiment, the same members as those in the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the above-described first embodiment, the first covering portion 101 is provided at both ends in the radial direction of the tubular portion 97, and the number of the first covering portions 101 corresponds to the maximum number of images formed in the developing cartridge 25. ..

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

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

Then, as shown in FIG. 20, when the mounting of the developing cartridge 25 into the main body casing 2 is completed, the swing electrode 119 is arranged at the connection position, and the main body side contact 126 is attached to the free end portion 121 of the fixed electrode 118. Be contacted. Further, the developing side contact 125 of the swing electrode 119 is brought into contact with the power receiving portion 88 of the developing cartridge 25 from the rear side via a portion of the detected end portion 136 where the peripheral wall 137 is not provided.

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

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

Then, when the warm-up operation of the printer 1 is started and the new detection gear 82 is rotated clockwise in the right side view, as shown in FIG. 21, the peripheral wall 137 of the detected end portion 136 is the downstream end portion in the rotation direction. Contact the holder member 117 from the front side and presses the holder member 117 toward the rear side. As a result, the holder member 117 and the swing electrode 119 are retracted rearward from the power receiving portion 88 of the developing cartridge 25 to the upper release position against the elastic force of the swing electrode 119 so as to ride on the peripheral wall 137. Be placed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

As a result, the CPU 131 determines that the development bias is supplied to the fixed electrode 118. That is, after the warm-up operation is started, the CPU 131 states that the development bias is supplied to the fixed electrode 118, the development bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118, and the development bias is supplied to the fixed electrode 118. Judge sequentially.

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

Further, in the CPU 131, the time for determining that the development bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118 is associated with the information regarding the maximum number of images formed. Specifically, for example, when it takes a long time to determine that the development bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118, the maximum number of images formed is 6000, and the development bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118. When the determination time is short, it is associated with the information that the maximum number of image formations is 3000.

Then, as described above, after the warm-up operation is started, the CPU 131 supplies the development bias to the fixed electrode 118, the development bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118, and the development bias is supplied to the fixed electrode 118. When it is determined that the development bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118 for a long time, it is determined that the maximum number of image forming sheets of the developing cartridge 25 is 6000.

On the other hand, when the CPU 131 determines that the development bias is supplied to the fixed electrode 118 for a predetermined time or longer, the CPU 131 determines that the development cartridge 25 is mounted on the main body casing 2.

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

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

Further, according to the second embodiment, the length of the peripheral wall 137 in the rotation direction corresponds to the maximum number of images formed in the developing cartridge 25.

Therefore, the maximum number of image-forming sheets of the developing cartridge 25 can be easily and surely determined based on the length of the peripheral wall 137 in the rotation direction.

As a result, even if the amount of toner in the developing cartridge 25 is different according to the maximum number of images formed, the life of the developing cartridge 25 can be accurately determined and the developing cartridge 25 can be replaced accurately.

Further, also in the second embodiment, the same action and effect as those in the first embodiment described above can be obtained.
7. Third Embodiment The third embodiment of the cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24. In the third embodiment, the same members as those in the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

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

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

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

Then, when the warm-up operation is started, as shown in FIG. 24, the driving force is transmitted from the development coupling 61 to the development gear 62 as an example of the first drive transmission member (first gear), and the development roller 16 It is rotated.

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

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

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

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

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

An idle gear 151 as an example of the second drive transmission member (second gear) is supported on the right end of the supply roller shaft 29 so as not to rotate relative to each other. The idle gear 151 is meshed with the tooth portion 98 of the missing tooth gear 96 of the new detection gear 82 from the rear lower side.

Then, when the warm-up operation is started, as shown in FIG. 26, the driving force is transmitted from the developing coupling 61 to the supply gear 63 as an example of the first drive transmission member (first gear), and the supply roller 27 It is rotated.

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

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

Also in the fourth embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above can be obtained.
9. Fifth Embodiment The fifth embodiment of the cartridge will be described with reference to FIG. 27. In the fifth embodiment, the same members as those in the fourth embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

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

However, in the fifth embodiment, the new detection gear 82 has a substantially disk shape in which at least the outer peripheral surface is made of a material having a relatively large friction coefficient such as rubber, instead of the missing tooth gear 96, as shown in FIG. A first resistance applying member 146 is provided. Further, as an example of a second drive transmission member having a substantially disk shape, the outer peripheral surface of the supply roller shaft 29 is made of a material having a relatively large friction coefficient, such as rubber, instead of the idle gear 151, at the right end portion. The resistance applying member 147 is provided so as to come into contact with the first resistance applying member 146 from the rear side.

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

When the supply roller 27 is rotated, the second resistance applying member 147 is rotated together with the supply roller shaft 29, and the second resistance applying member is caused by the frictional force between the second resistance applying member 147 and the first resistance applying member 146. A driving force is transmitted from the 147 to the first resistance applying member 146, and the new detection gear 82 is rotated clockwise when viewed from the right side.

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

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

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

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

At the left end of the outer rotary shaft 155, an input gear 156 as an example of a first drive transmission member (first gear) for inputting a driving force to the outer rotary shaft 155 is supported so as not to be able to rotate relative to each other. An idle gear 158 is interposed between the input gear 156 and the first agitator gear 72.
Further, a pulley 157 as an example of the second drive transmission member is supported on the right end portion of the outer rotation shaft 155 so as to be relatively non-rotatable.

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

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

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

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

Then, when the warm-up operation is started, as shown in FIG. 30, the driving force is transmitted from the development coupling 61 to the first agitator gear 72 in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above, and then the idle gear 158 and the idle gear 158 and The driving force is sequentially transmitted to the outer rotary shaft 155 via the input gear 156, and the outer rotary shaft 155 is rotated.

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

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

In the first embodiment described above, the electrode member 81 is provided with a substantially cylindrical power receiving portion 88 projecting to the right, and the substantially cylindrical new detection gear 82 is rotatably supported on the power receiving portion 88.
Then, in the warm-up operation of the printer 1, by rotating the new detection gear 82, the swing electrode 119 of the main body electrode unit 116 for supplying power to the power receiving unit 88 is swung back and forth to supply power to the power receiving unit 88. Is released regularly.

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

Specifically, the power receiving unit 167 is supported by the right wall 36R on the right side of the developing cartridge 25 (the right side of the rear end portion of the toner accommodating portion 79), and is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a side view. The power receiving unit 167 is electrically connected to the developing roller shaft 30 and the supply roller shaft 29 via electrodes (not shown).

The rotary plate 166 is rotatably supported on the front side of the power receiving portion 167. Further, the rear half of the rotating plate 166 overlaps the right side of the power receiving unit 167. Further, the rotating plate 166 is formed with two power receiving portion exposed openings 168. The portion between the exposed openings 168 of each power receiving portion functions as the covering portion 169.

Each power receiving portion exposed opening 168 is provided at both ends in the radial direction of the rotating plate 166, and is formed through a side view fan shape having a central angle of about 60 °.

Then, in the warm-up operation of the printer 1, the rotating plate 166 is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the right side, and the rotating plate 166 is rotated from the first position (see FIG. 32) to expose the power receiving portion 167 via the one power receiving portion exposed opening 168A. The covering portion 169 is moved to a third position (see FIG. 34) that exposes the power receiving portion 167 via the second position (see FIG. 33) that covers the power receiving portion 167 and the other power receiving portion exposed opening 168B.

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

The fixed electrode 170 is formed of a metal in a substantially L-shaped bent rod shape, and one end thereof is fixed in the vicinity of the right side of the developing cartridge 25 in the main body casing 2. Further, the free end portion 172 of the fixed electrode 170 is in contact with the flange portion 173 (described later) of the moving electrode 171. The fixed electrode 170 is electrically connected to the bias detection unit 133.

The moving electrode 171 is provided in the vicinity of the right side of the developing cartridge 25 in the main body casing 2 and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction from the metal. Further, the moving electrode 171 has a flange portion 173 that protrudes outward in the radial direction in the middle of the left-right direction. The moving electrode 171 is electrically connected to the power supply 132.

The moving electrode 171 is slidable in the left-right direction, is always urged toward the left side by an urging means (not shown), and the flange portion 173 is separated from the free end portion 172 of the fixed electrode 170 to the left side. It is held at the left release position as an example of the second release position (release position).

When the developing cartridge 25 is not mounted in the main body casing 2, the moving electrode 171 is arranged at the left release position (see FIG. 35), and a developing bias is applied from the power supply 132 to the developing cartridge 25 and the fixed electrode 170. It is not supplied, and the bias detection unit 133 does not detect the supply of the development bias from the power supply 132 to the fixed electrode 170. As a result, the CPU 131 determines that the development bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 170.

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

Then, when the mounting of the developing cartridge 25 into the main body casing 2 is completed in the state where the rotating plate 166 is arranged at the first position, as shown in FIG. 36A, the power receiving unit 167 of the developing cartridge 25 becomes available. , The right end of the moving electrode 171 is abutted from the left side through the exposed opening 168 of one of the receiving portions of the rotating plate 166. Then, the moving electrode 171 is pressed from the right side by the developing cartridge 25 and slid to the left side against the urging force of the urging member (not shown). As a result, the moving electrode 171 is arranged at the connection position with the flange portion 173 in contact with the free end portion 172 of the fixed electrode 170.

Then, the development bias supplied from the power supply 132 to the moving electrode 171 is supplied to the power receiving unit 167 of the developing cartridge 25 via the right end portion of the moving electrode 171. The development bias fed to the power receiving unit 167 is applied to the developing roller shaft 30.

Further, the development bias fed to the moving electrode 171 is fed from the flange portion 173 to the fixed electrode 170 via the free end portion 172 of the fixed electrode 170, and is detected by the bias detection unit 133.

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

Then, when the warm-up operation is started, the rotary plate 166 is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the right side, and the rotary plate 166 is arranged at the second position.

Then, as shown in FIG. 36 (b), the covering portion 169 of the rotating plate 166 is interposed between the power receiving portion 167 and the moving electrode 171 and the moving electrode 171 is used to urge the urging member (not shown). Against this, the developing cartridge 25 is retracted to the right side from the power receiving unit 167 and arranged at the right side release position.

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

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

Then, as shown in FIG. 36 (c), when the rotary plate 166 is further rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the right side and the rotary plate 166 is arranged at the third position, an urging member (not shown) is attached. The moving electrode 171 is advanced to the left side by the force, and the moving electrode 171 is brought into contact with the power receiving portion 167 of the developing cartridge 25 via one of the power receiving portion exposed openings 168 of the rotating plate 166 and is arranged at the connection position.

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

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

On the other hand, when the CPU 131 determines that the development bias is supplied to the fixed electrode 170 for a predetermined time or longer, the CPU 131 determines that the development cartridge 25 is mounted on the main body casing 2.

According to the seventh embodiment, the rotary plate 166 having two power receiving portion exposed openings 168 is interposed between the power receiving portion 167 and the moving electrode 171 and reaches the power receiving portion 167 via one of the power receiving portion exposed openings 168. It is rotated from the first position where power is supplied to the third position where power is supplied to the power receiving unit 167 via the other power receiving unit exposed opening 168 via the second position where the covering unit 169 releases the power supply to the power receiving unit 167.

Therefore, with a simple configuration, the moving electrode 171 in the main body casing 2 can be reliably slid to switch between power supply to the power receiving unit 167 and cancellation of power supply.

Further, also in the seventh embodiment, the same action and effect as those in the first embodiment described above can be obtained.
12. Eighth Embodiment The eighth embodiment of the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 37 to 41. In the eighth embodiment, the same members as those in the eighth embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the seventh embodiment described above, a rotary plate 166 having a power receiving portion exposed opening 168 is provided on the right side of the power receiving portion 167, and the rotating plate 166 is rotated to supply power to the power receiving unit 167 and release the power supply. I'm switching.

However, in the eighth embodiment, a slide plate 181 as an example of the object to be detected provided with the covering portion 180 is provided on the right side of the power receiving portion 167, and the slide plate 181 is provided on the right side of the power receiving portion 167 with the covering portion 180 on the rear side. Slide it back and forth so that it passes from the front to the front.

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

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

The covering portion 180 is formed in a flat plate shape having a substantially rectangular side view. Further, the front end portion of the covering portion 180 is inclined to the right side toward the rear side.

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

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

The pinion gear 183 is supported by the agitator shaft 76 so as to be relatively non-rotatable between the rail portions 185, and is meshed with the rack portion 182 from above.

Then, the slide plate 181 is slid from the rear side to the front side in the warm-up operation of the printer 1, and the covering portion 180 is arranged behind the power receiving portion 167 to expose the power receiving portion 167 (see FIG. 38). Then, through the second position (see FIG. 39) in which the covering portion 169 covers the power receiving portion 167, the covering portion 180 is arranged in front of the power receiving portion 167 to expose the power receiving portion 167 (see FIG. 40). Moved to.

When the developing cartridge 25 is not mounted in the main body casing 2, the moving electrode 171 is held at the left release position as in the seventh embodiment (see FIG. 35).

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

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

Then, when the mounting of the developing cartridge 25 into the main body casing 2 is completed in the state where the slide plate 181 is arranged at the first position, as shown in FIG. 41 (a), the power receiving unit 167 of the developing cartridge 25 becomes available. , Is abutted on the right end of the moving electrode 171 from the left side. Then, the moving electrode 171 is pressed from the right side by the developing cartridge 25 and slid to the left side against the urging force of the urging member (not shown). As a result, the moving electrode 171 is arranged at the connection position with the flange portion 173 in contact with the free end portion 172 of the fixed electrode 170.

Then, the development bias supplied from the power supply 132 to the moving electrode 171 is supplied to the power receiving unit 167 of the developing cartridge 25 via the right end portion of the moving electrode 171. The development bias fed to the power receiving unit 167 is applied to the developing roller shaft 30.

Further, the development bias fed to the moving electrode 171 is fed from the flange portion 173 to the fixed electrode 170 via the free end portion 172 of the fixed electrode 170, and is detected by the bias detection unit 133.

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

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

Then, as shown in FIG. 41 (b), the covering portion 180 of the slide plate 181 is interposed between the power receiving portion 167 and the moving electrode 171 and the moving electrode 171 is used as an urging force of the urging member (not shown). Against this, the developing cartridge 25 is retracted to the right side from the power receiving unit 167 and arranged at the right side release position.

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

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

Then, as shown in FIG. 41 (c), when the slide plate 181 is further slid forward and the slide plate 181 is arranged at the third position, the moving electrode 171 is driven by the urging force of the urging member (not shown). Is advanced to the left side, and the moving electrode 171 is abutted against the power receiving portion 167 of the developing cartridge 25 and is arranged at the connection position.

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

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

On the other hand, when the CPU 131 determines that the development bias is supplied to the fixed electrode 170 for a predetermined time or longer, the CPU 131 determines that the development cartridge 25 is mounted on the main body casing 2.

According to the eighth embodiment, the slide plate 181 having the covering portion 180 is interposed between the power receiving portion 167 and the moving electrode 171 and the power receiving portion 167 is supplied by the covering portion 180 from the first position where power is supplied to the power receiving portion 167. After passing through the second position for releasing the power supply to the power receiving unit 167, the slide (straight line movement) is performed to the third position for supplying power to the power receiving unit 167.

Therefore, with a simple configuration, the moving electrode 171 in the main body casing 2 can be reliably slid to switch between power supply to the power receiving unit 167 and cancellation of power supply.

Further, in the eighth embodiment, the same effect as that of the seventh embodiment can be obtained.

16 Development roller 25 Development cartridge 27 Supply roller 29 Supply roller shaft 30 Development roller shaft 31 Cartridge frame 36L Left wall 36R Right wall 45 Fitting protrusion 61 Development coupling 62 Development gear 63 Supply gear 72 1st agitator gear 76 Agitator shaft 78th 2 Agitator gear 80 Agitator 81 Electrode member 82 New detection gear 83 Power supply side gear cover 87 Development roller shaft collar 88 Power receiving part 95 Detected end part 96 Missing tooth gear 98 Tooth part 99 Missing tooth part 101 1st covering part 102 2nd covering part 103 Fitting part 105 Downstream side surfaced surface 106 Upstream side surface surfaced 111 New detection gear exposed opening 136 Detected end 137 Circumferential wall 142 1st idle gear 151 Idle gear 155 Outer rotation shaft 156 Input gear 157 Pulley 166 Rotating plate 167 Power receiving part 171 Moving electrode 180 Slide plate 183 Pinion gear

Claims (6)

With a developing roller,
An agitator extending in a predetermined direction, the agitator having the first end portion in the predetermined direction, the first end portion, and the second end portion separated from the predetermined direction.
A first agitator gear attached to the first end and rotatable with the rotating member, a second agitator gear attached to the second end and rotatable with the rotating member, and a first agitator gear. Idle gears that mesh with each other
A coupling member having a coupling gear that meshes with the idle gear and receiving a driving force, which is rotatable about a first shaft extending in a predetermined direction and is rotatable together with the coupling gear.
A new detection gear that meshes with the second agitator gear,
It is a developing electrode electrically connected to the developing roller and includes a developing electrode having a power receiving portion having a tubular shape extending in the predetermined direction.
The new product detection gear is a cartridge characterized in that it is rotatably supported by the power receiving unit. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the new detection gear overlaps with the coupling member when projected in the predetermined direction. The cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a part of the power receiving unit overlaps the coupling member when projected in the predetermined direction. The new detection gear is
The first opening that exposes the power receiving unit and
A covering portion that covers the power receiving portion and a covering portion
The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cartridge is characterized by having. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the new product detection gear has a plurality of gear teeth along a part of the periphery of the new product detection gear. The cartridge is further
It has a developer accommodating portion configured to accommodate a developer, and includes a housing including a first side wall and a second side wall which are arranged facing each other at a predetermined direction with the developer accommodating chamber interposed therebetween. ,
The coupling member is arranged on the opposite side of the developer accommodating portion with respect to the first side wall.
The first agitator gear is arranged on the opposite side of the developer accommodating portion with respect to the first side wall.
The idle gear is arranged on the opposite side of the developer accommodating portion with respect to the first side wall.
The second agitator gear is arranged on the opposite side of the developer accommodating portion with respect to the second side wall.
The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the new product detection gear is arranged on the opposite side of the developer accommodating portion with respect to the first side wall.

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