JP5998793B2 - Image forming system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system constituting an image forming apparatus employing an electrophotographic system.

  2. Description of the Related Art As electrophotographic printers, printers that include a photoreceptor and a developing cartridge that supplies toner to the photoreceptor are known.

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

  For example, the detection gear provided rotatably on the developing cartridge is provided with a contact protrusion that contacts the actuator in the main body casing, and when the developing cartridge is mounted on the main body casing, the detection gear is driven to rotate, There has been proposed a laser printer in which the actuator is swung by the contact protrusion, the swing of the actuator is detected by an optical sensor, and information on the developing cartridge is determined based on the detection result (for example, Patent Document 1 below) reference.).

JP 2006-267994 A

  However, in the laser printer as described in Patent Document 1 described above, in general, a plurality of developing cartridges having different specifications may be selectively used.

  Specifically, when a laser printer is purchased, a starter specification product that is packed with the main unit at the time of purchase is used, and after the starter specification toner is consumed, a replacement specification product that is replaced with a starter specification product. May be used.

  However, if the development cartridges of all specifications have the same configuration, an unnecessary configuration relating to the detection means may be provided in the starter specification development cartridge, or the number of parts may increase.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system capable of suppressing an increase in unnecessary configuration of a cartridge.

(1) In order to achieve the above object, an image forming system according to the present invention includes a first cartridge, a second cartridge different from the first cartridge, and the first cartridge or the second cartridge. Is an image forming system including an image forming apparatus main body that is selectively removable.

  The first cartridge includes a first frame on which a detection member to be detected by the detection unit of the image forming apparatus main body is mounted.

  The second cartridge includes a second frame that restricts the mounting or operation of a detection member that can be mounted on at least the first frame.

  According to such a configuration, in the second frame, a configuration for mounting the detected member that can be mounted on the first frame, or a configuration for operating the detected member that can be mounted on the first frame. Can be omitted.

Therefore, the configuration of the second frame can be simplified, and an increase in unnecessary configuration of the cartridge can be suppressed.
(2) Further, the second frame may also restrict the equipment of the detected member that is different from the detected member that can be attached to the first frame.

  According to such a configuration, in the second frame, a member for mounting a detected member different from the detected member that can be mounted on the first frame can be omitted.

Therefore, the configuration of the second frame can be further simplified, and an increase in unnecessary configuration of the cartridge can be further suppressed.
(3) In addition, the second frame may allow the installation of a detected member different from the detected member that can be mounted on the first frame.

  According to such a configuration, for example, when different members to be detected are used for the first cartridge and the second cartridge, such as when a cartridge with different specifications is prepared for each printable number of sheets as a replacement specification product. In the second frame, a detected member that is different from the detected member that can be mounted on the first frame, while preventing the same detected member from being mounted on the first frame from being mounted. Can be installed.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the same detected member as the detected member that can be mounted on the first frame from being mounted on the second frame without increasing the number of parts.
(4) The first frame may have a support portion that supports a drive transmission member for transmitting a driving force from the image forming apparatus main body to the detection member. On the other hand, the second frame may not have a support portion.

  According to such a configuration, in the second frame, a support portion that supports the drive transmission member (that is, a configuration for operating the detected member) can be omitted.

As a result, the configuration of the second frame can be reliably simplified.
(5) In addition, the first frame is arranged to be opposed to each other with a first developer accommodating portion configured to accommodate the developer, and spaced in a predetermined direction across the first developer accommodating portion. One side wall and a second side wall may be provided. The first cartridge may include a passive member that is disposed on the opposite side of the first developer container with respect to the first side wall and that receives a driving force from the image forming apparatus main body.

  In this case, the detected member may be arranged on the opposite side of the first developer accommodating portion with respect to the second side wall, and may be configured to operate when the driving force input to the passive member is transmitted. .

  According to such a configuration, in the first frame, the passive member and the detected member can be arranged on different side walls (first side wall and second side wall).

  Therefore, the areas of the first side wall and the second side wall can be reduced.

As a result, the cartridge can be reduced in size.
(6) The first cartridge is disposed between the first side wall and the second side wall, and the driving force input to the passive member is transmitted, so that the rotation axis extending in a predetermined direction is used as the rotation center. A rotating member configured to rotate may be provided.

  In this case, the drive transmission member may be supported by the end of the rotating member on the opposite side of the first developer accommodating portion with respect to the second side wall, and may be configured to rotate with the rotating member about the rotation axis. Good.

  According to such a configuration, the driving force input to the coupling member can be transmitted to the detected member via the rotating member arranged between the first side wall and the second side wall.

As a result, the driving force input to the coupling member can be transmitted to the detected member with a simple configuration.
(7) The rotating member may be a first stirring member configured to stir the developer in the first cartridge.

The driving force can be transmitted from the coupling member to the detected body using the first stirring member, and the number of parts can be reduced.
(8) The second cartridge may be configured to stir the developer in the second cartridge, and may include a second stirring member that is shorter than the first stirring member.

  According to such a configuration, the second cartridge can be configured with a simple configuration so that the end of the second stirring member is not exposed from the second side wall.

Therefore, in the second cartridge, a configuration for supporting the drive transmission member (that is, a configuration for operating the member to be detected) can be omitted with a simple configuration.
(9) The first frame may have a support portion that supports the member to be detected. On the other hand, the second frame may not have a support portion that supports the member to be detected.

  According to such a structure, the support part which supports a to-be-detected member can be omitted in the second frame.

As a result, the configuration of the second frame can be reliably simplified.
(10) The first frame may have a first developer accommodating portion configured to accommodate the developer. On the other hand, the second frame may be formed smaller than the first frame so as to have a second developer accommodating portion having a volume smaller than that of the first developer accommodating portion.

  According to such a configuration, the second frame is configured such that the support for supporting the member to be detected is omitted and the volume of the second developer accommodating portion is set small.

Therefore, the configuration of the second frame can be reliably simplified and the size can be reduced.
(11) The first frame may have a first support portion that supports the member to be detected. On the other hand, the second frame may include a second support portion that supports the detected member and a restriction portion that restricts the mounting of the detected member on the second support portion.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to reliably prevent the detection member that is the same as the detection member that can be attached to the first frame from being attached to the second frame by the restricting portion.
(12) The detected member may include a gear tooth configured to receive a driving force.

  According to such a configuration, the driving force can be transmitted to the detected member with a simple configuration.

  According to the image forming system of the present invention, it is possible to suppress an increase in unnecessary configuration of the cartridge.

FIG. 1 is a central sectional view of a printer constituted by the image forming system of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a replaceable developing cartridge among the developing cartridges included in the first embodiment of the image forming system of the present invention, as viewed from the right front side. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the replacement specification developing cartridge shown in FIG. 2 as viewed from the right front side. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional plan view of the replacement developing cartridge shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a starter specification developing cartridge among the developing cartridges included in the first embodiment of the image forming system of the present invention, as viewed from the right front side. FIG. 6 is a plan sectional view of the starter specification developing cartridge shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a replaceable developing cartridge among the developing cartridges included in the second embodiment of the image forming system of the present invention, as viewed from the left front side. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a replaceable developing cartridge among the developing cartridges included in the second embodiment of the image forming system of the present invention, as viewed from the lower left side. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing a starter specification developing cartridge among the developing cartridges included in the second embodiment of the image forming system of the present invention, as viewed from the lower left side. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a modified example of the starter specification developing cartridge shown in FIG. 9 as viewed from the lower left side. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an exchangeable developing cartridge among the developing cartridges included in the third embodiment of the image forming system of the present invention, as viewed from the upper left side. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a starter specification developing cartridge among the developing cartridges included in the third embodiment of the image forming system of the present invention, as viewed from the upper left side. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the starter specification developing cartridge shown in FIG. 12, as viewed from the upper left side. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a new article detection gear mounted on the developing cartridge included in the fourth embodiment of the image forming system of the present invention, as viewed from the right front side.

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

  In the following description, when referring to the direction of the printer 1, the state in which the printer 1 is horizontally placed is used as the upper and lower reference. That is, the upper side in FIG. 1 is the upper side (vertical direction (first direction) one side), and the lower side of the paper is the lower side (the other side in the vertical direction). 1 is the front side (front and rear direction (second direction) one side), and the right side of FIG. 1 is the rear side (front and rear direction other side). In addition, when the printer 1 is viewed from the front side, the left and right reference is used. That is, the front side in FIG. 1 is the right side (left and right direction (third direction) one side), and the back side is the left side (the other side in the left and right direction).

  The printer 1 includes a main body casing 2 as an example of a substantially box-shaped image forming apparatus main body. A top cover 4 that opens and closes the main body opening 3 is provided at the upper end of the main body casing 2 so as to be swingable with the rear end serving as a fulcrum. The printer 1 includes a plurality (four) of process cartridges 5.

  All the process cartridges 5 are detachably provided in the main casing 2 and are arranged in parallel at intervals in the front-rear direction. Each of the plurality (four) of process cartridges 5 corresponds to one of a plurality (four) of colors (black, yellow, magenta, cyan).

  The process cartridge 5 includes a drum cartridge 6 and a developing cartridge 7 as an example of a cartridge that is detachably attached to the drum cartridge 6.

  The drum cartridge 6 includes a photosensitive drum 8 and a scorotron charger 9.

  The photosensitive drum 8 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that is long in the left-right direction (predetermined direction), and is rotatably provided on the drum cartridge 6.

  The scorotron charger 9 is disposed opposite to the rear upper side of the photosensitive drum 8.

  The developing cartridge 7 includes a developing roller 11 and a supply roller 12 that supplies toner to the developing roller 11.

  The developing roller 11 is provided so as to be exposed from the rear side at the rear end portion of the developing cartridge 7 so as to be in contact with the photosensitive drum 8 from the front upper side. The developing roller 11 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The developing roller 11 includes a metal rotating shaft (hereinafter referred to as a developing roller shaft 30) extending in the left-right direction along the central axis. Each of the left and right end portions of the developing roller shaft 30 is rotatably supported on both side walls 34 (described later) of the cartridge frame 31 (described later).

  The supply roller 12 is provided on the front upper side of the developing roller 11 so as to contact the developing roller 11. The supply roller 12 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The supply roller 12 includes a metal rotation shaft (hereinafter referred to as a supply roller shaft 29) that extends in the left-right direction along the central axis. Each of the both ends in the left-right direction of the supply roller shaft 29 is rotatably supported on both side walls 34 (described later) of the cartridge frame 31 (described later).

  Further, the developing cartridge 7 includes a layer thickness regulating blade 13 that regulates the thickness of the toner supplied to the developing roller 11. Further, the developer cartridge 7 is provided with a toner accommodating portion 14 as an example of a developer accommodating portion that accommodates toner as an example of a developer above the developing roller 11 and the supply roller 12.

  An agitator 15 for agitating the toner is provided in the toner container 14.

  The agitator 15 includes an agitator shaft 16 extending in the left-right direction and an agitating blade 17 extending from the agitator shaft 16 toward the inner peripheral surface of the toner storage unit 14. 3)). That is, the agitator 15 is an example of a rotating member.

  The toner in the toner container 14 is triboelectrically charged positively between the supply roller 12 and the developing roller 11 and is carried on the surface of the developing roller 11 as a thin layer having a constant thickness by the layer thickness regulating blade 13. Is done.

  On the other hand, the surface of the photosensitive drum 8 is uniformly charged by the scorotron charger 9 and then exposed based on predetermined image data by the LED unit 10 disposed on the upper side of the photosensitive drum 8. As a result, an electrostatic latent image based on the image data is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 8. The toner carried on the developing roller 11 is supplied to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 8, whereby a toner image (developer image) is carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 8.

  The paper P is accommodated in a paper feed tray 18 provided at the bottom of the main casing 2 and is conveyed by various rollers so as to make a U-turn to the upper rear side, and one sheet at a time at a predetermined timing. And the conveyor belt 19. Then, the transport belt 19 transports between all the photosensitive drums 8 and all the transfer rollers 20 from the front side to the rear side. At this time, the toner image is transferred onto the paper P.

  The paper P is heated and pressurized when passing between the heating roller 21 and the pressure roller 22. At this time, the toner image is thermally fixed on the paper P.

Thereafter, the paper P is conveyed so as to make a U-turn to the front upper side, and is discharged onto a paper discharge tray 23 provided on the top cover 4.
2. Development Cartridge Configuration The development cartridge 7 is a replacement development cartridge 7A (an example of the first cartridge, see FIG. 3) sold separately from the main casing 2 and a starter specification development that is commercially available as a set with the main casing 2. A plurality of (two) types of developing cartridges 7 are prepared together with a cartridge 7B (an example of a second cartridge, see FIG. 5). The printer 1 described above is configured by selectively mounting one type of the developing cartridge 7 among the plurality of types of developing cartridges 7 to the main casing 2. That is, these plural types of developing cartridges 7 constitute an image forming system together with the main casing 2.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the developing cartridge 7 (replacement developing cartridge 7A and starter developing cartridge 7B) includes a cartridge frame 31, a drive unit 32 disposed on the left side of the cartridge frame 31, and a cartridge frame. 31 and a power supply unit 33 disposed on the right side of 31.

In the description of the developing cartridge 7, when referring to the direction, the side on which the developing roller 11 is disposed is the rear side of the developing cartridge 7, and the side on which the layer thickness regulating blade 13 is disposed is the upper side. That is, the up / down / front / rear direction with respect to the developing cartridge 7 is different from the up / down / front / rear direction with respect to the printer 1, and the front side of the developing cartridge 7 is the front upper side of the printer 1. , The rear side is the rear lower side of the printer 1 (the other side in the direction connecting the front upper side and the rear lower side), and the upper side is the direction connecting the rear upper side (the rear upper side and the front lower side of the printer 1 (the first side) The printer 1 is mounted on the printer 1 such that one side in the five directions) and the lower side thereof are the front lower side of the printer 1 (the other side in the direction connecting the rear upper side and the front lower side).
(1) Replacement Specification Developer Cartridge (1-1) Cartridge Frame The cartridge frame 31 (an example of the first frame) of the replacement specification developer cartridge 7A is formed in a substantially box shape extending in the left-right direction. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cartridge frame 31 integrally includes a pair of left and right side walls 34, a front wall 35, a lower wall 36, and an upper wall 37. In the following description, the left side wall 34 as an example of the first side wall is referred to as the left wall 34L, and the right side wall 34 as an example of the second side wall is referred to as the right wall 34R.

  The side walls 34 are formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a side view extending in the up / down and front / rear directions, and are arranged to face each other with a space in the left / right direction so as to partition the toner containing portion 14. In addition, agitator shaft support portions 38 are formed on both side walls 34. The toner container 14 of the development cartridge 7A of the replacement specification is an example of the first developer container. Further, the agitator 15 of the developing cartridge 7A of the replacement specification is an example of the first stirring member.

  The agitator shaft support portion 38 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction so as to penetrate the side wall 34 at the front end portion of the side wall 34. The inner diameter of the agitator shaft support portion 38 is formed larger than the diameter of the end portion in the left-right direction of the agitator shaft 16. The left and right end portions of the agitator shaft 16 are exposed to the outside in the left and right direction from the side wall 34 via the agitator shaft support portion 38. A seal member 39 (see FIG. 3) is fitted in the agitator shaft support portion 38.

  The seal member 39 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction from an elastic material such as sponge. The outer diameter of the seal member 39 is larger than the inner diameter of the agitator shaft support portion 38. Further, an agitator shaft insertion hole 40 is formed through the center of the seal member 39 in the radial direction.

  The agitator shaft insertion hole 40 is formed in a substantially circular shape in a side view smaller in diameter than the outer diameter of the agitator shaft 16.

  The front wall 35 is constructed between the front end portions of the side walls 34. The front wall 35 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape extending vertically and horizontally.

  The lower wall 36 is provided between the lower end portions of the side walls 34 so as to be continuous with the lower end portion of the front wall 35. The lower wall 36 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape extending in the front-rear and left-right directions.

The upper wall 37 is disposed opposite to the upper side of the side walls 34 and the front wall 35. The upper wall 37 is formed in a substantially flat plate shape extending in the front-rear and left-right directions. The upper wall 37 is welded to the upper end portions of the side walls 34 and the front wall 35 at the peripheral edge.
(1-2) Drive Unit As shown in FIG. 3, the drive unit 32 includes a drive side cover 41, a development coupling 42, and an agitator gear 43 as an example of a drive transmission member.

  The drive side cover 41 extends in the left-right direction and is formed in a substantially rectangular tube shape with the left end portion closed. The drive side cover 41 is screwed to the left wall 34L. The drive-side cover 41 is formed with an exposure hole (not shown) for exposing the left end portion of the development coupling 42.

  The development coupling 42 is rotatably supported in the drive side cover 41. The development coupling 42 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The left end portion of the developing coupling 42 is exposed to the left side through an exposure hole (not shown) of the driving side cover 41. A coupling recess (not shown) is formed on the left side surface of the development coupling 42 so as to be recessed from the left surface of the development coupling 42 to the right side. In the coupling recess (not shown), the tip of the main body coupling (not shown) provided in the main body casing 2 is inserted in a relatively non-rotatable manner with the developing cartridge 7 mounted in the main body casing 2. A rotational driving force is input from the main casing 2 through a main body coupling (not shown). The rotational driving force input to the developing coupling 42 is transmitted to the developing roller shaft 30, the supply roller shaft 29, and the agitator shaft 16 via a gear train (not shown) in the driving side cover 41.

  The agitator gear 43 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. The agitator gear 43 includes a gear part 44, a fitting part 45, and a collar part 46.

  The gear portion 44 is formed in a substantially disc shape having a thickness in the left-right direction at a substantially center in the left-right direction of the agitator gear 43. Gear teeth are formed on the circumferential surface of the gear portion 44 over the entire circumference. An agitator shaft fitting hole (not shown) that can receive the right end portion of the agitator shaft 16 is formed through the center of the gear portion 44 in the radial direction.

  The fitting portion 45 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction so as to protrude from the left surface of the gear portion 44 to the left side. The fitting portion 45 shares the central axis with the gear portion 44. The outer diameter of the fitting portion 45 is substantially the same diameter (slightly smaller) as the inner diameter of the agitator shaft support portion 38.

  The collar portion 46 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction so as to protrude from the right surface of the gear portion 44 to the right side and closed at the right end portion.

Further, the agitator gear 43 is attached to the right end portion of the agitator shaft 16 so as not to be relatively rotatable so that the fitting portion 45 is fitted on the agitator shaft support portion 38 (see FIG. 3). That is, the agitator shaft support portion 38 and the right end portion of the agitator shaft 16 constitute a support portion 16 a that supports the agitator gear 43.
(1-3) Power Supply Unit The power supply unit 33 includes an electrode member 51, a new article detection gear 52 as an example of a detected member, a torsion coil spring 53 as an example of an urging member, and a power supply side cover 54. ing.

  The electrode member 51 is formed from a conductive resin material (for example, conductive polyacetal resin) or the like into a substantially rectangular flat plate shape in side view. The electrode member 51 is supported on the right side of the right wall 34R. The electrode member 51 includes a developing roller shaft support portion 55 and a power receiving portion 56.

  The developing roller shaft support portion 55 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction so as to penetrate the electrode member 51 at the upper rear end portion of the electrode member 51. The inner diameter of the developing roller shaft support portion 55 is formed to be substantially the same diameter (slightly larger) 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 portion 55 at the right end thereof.

  The power receiving unit 56 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction on the front side of the developing roller shaft support unit 55.

  In addition, the electrode member 51 includes a supply roller shaft support portion (not shown) that rotatably supports the supply roller shaft 29 on the front lower side of the developing roller shaft support portion 55.

  The new article detection gear 52 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction from an insulating resin material (for example, polyacetal resin). The new article detection gear 52 is integrally provided with a chipped gear 57, a cylindrical part 58, and a detected end part 59.

  The chipped gear 57 is formed in a substantially disc shape having a thickness in the left-right direction. On the peripheral surface of the chipped gear 57, gear teeth are formed at a portion having a central angle of about 205 °. That is, the tooth part 60 in which the gear teeth are formed and the chipped tooth part 61 in which the gear teeth are not formed are formed on the peripheral surface of the chipped gear 57. The tooth portion 60 is engaged with the agitator gear 43 from the rear side. On the other hand, the missing tooth portion 61 is not meshed with the agitator gear 43. Further, an insertion hole (not shown) for receiving the power reception unit 56 is formed at the center in the radial direction of the chipped gear 57.

  The cylindrical portion 58 protrudes to the right from the peripheral portion of the insertion hole (not shown) of the chipped gear 57 and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape sharing the central axis with the chipped gear 57. The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 58 is the same as the diameter of the insertion hole (not shown). The tube portion 58 includes a flange portion 62 and a biased portion 63.

  The flange portion 62 is formed at the left end portion of the tubular portion 58 as a protrusion that protrudes radially outward from the radially outer surface of the tubular portion 58 and extends in the circumferential direction of the tubular portion 58.

  The biased portion 63 is formed on the right side of the flange portion 62 so as to protrude in a substantially wedge shape in a side view that protrudes radially outward from the radial outer surface of the cylindrical portion 58.

  The detected end portion 59 continuously extends from the right end portion of the cylindrical portion 58 to the right side, and is formed in a partial cylindrical shape having a central angle of about 120 °.

  The new article detection gear 52 is rotatably fitted to the power receiving unit 56 of the electrode member 51. At this time, the downstream end portion in the clockwise direction of the tooth portion 60 of the missing tooth gear 57 is meshed with the agitator gear 43 from the front side. Further, the lower half of the right end portion of the power receiving unit 56 is covered from the radially outer side by the detected end portion 59. In addition, the upper half of the right end portion of the power receiving unit 56 is exposed from the detected end portion 59.

  The torsion coil spring 53 is made of metal and includes a coil portion 64, a fixed end portion 65, and a biasing end portion 66.

  The coil portion 64 is formed in a spiral shape that is wound counterclockwise as viewed from the right side as it goes from the left side to the right side.

  The fixed end portion 65 is formed in a substantially linear shape that continuously extends from the left end portion of the coil portion 64 to the front side.

  The urging end portion 66 is formed in a substantially L shape that continuously extends from the right end portion of the coil portion 64 to the rear side and is bent downward at the rear end portion.

  The torsion coil spring 53 is supported in the power supply side cover 54 at the coil portion 64 and fixed to the front upper end portion of the right wall 34R at the fixed end portion 65. Further, the biasing end portion 66 is brought into contact with the biased portion 63 of the new article detection gear 52 from the front upper side. Thereby, the new article detection gear 52 is always urged clockwise in a right side view.

  The power supply side cover 54 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction and closed at the right end. The power supply side cover 54 is screwed to the right wall 34R.

  The power supply side cover 54 is formed in a size (length in the front-rear direction and length in the vertical direction) that can cover the new article detection gear 52 (described later) and the agitator gear 43 (described later) together. Further, the power supply side cover 54 has a new article detection gear exposure opening 67.

The new product detection gear exposure opening 67 has a substantially circular shape in a side view so as to expose a detected end portion 59 (described later) of the new product detection gear 52 (described later) on the right wall at the substantially center in the front-rear direction of the power supply side cover 54. It is formed through.
(2) Starter Specification Development Cartridge The starter specification development cartridge 7B does not include the seal member 39, the agitator gear 43, the new article detection gear 52, and the torsion coil spring 53, as shown in FIGS.

  In the cartridge frame 31 (an example of the second frame) of the starter specification developing cartridge 7B, the right end portion of the right agitator shaft support portion 38 is closed.

  The agitator shaft 16 is formed shorter than the agitator shaft 16 of the developing cartridge 7A of the replacement specification, and is fitted in the right agitator shaft support portion 38 at the right end portion thereof. The agitator 15 of the starter specification developing cartridge 7B is an example of a second stirring member.

The starter specification developing cartridge 7B differs from the replacement specification developing cartridge 7A in the above-described points, and is otherwise the same as the replacement specification developing cartridge 7A.
3. Structure of Main Body Casing In the main body casing 2, as shown in FIG. 2, an electrode unit 71 is provided as an example of detection means for supplying a developing bias to the developing cartridge 7.

  The electrode unit 71 includes a body electrode 72 made of metal. The electrode unit 71 has a contact position (see a thick phantom line in FIG. 2) where the main body electrode 72 contacts the power receiving unit 56 of the developing cartridge 7 from the upper side, and the main body electrode 72 moves upward from the power receiving unit 56 of the developing cartridge 7. It is configured to be swingable to a retracted contact release position (see a thin phantom line in FIG. 2).

The electrode unit 71 is always biased downward toward the contact position by a biasing member (not shown).
4). New article detection operation With reference to FIG. 2, the new article detection operation of the replacement specification developing cartridge 7A will be described.

  When the developing cartridge 7 is attached to the main casing 2, the front end of the main body coupling (not shown) in the main casing 2 is inserted into the coupling recess (not shown) of the developing coupling 42 so as not to be relatively rotatable. Then, a driving force is input from the main casing 2 to the developing coupling 42 via a main body coupling (not shown), and a warm-up operation is started.

  At this time, if the replacement specification developing cartridge 7A is mounted on the main casing 2, it is determined whether or not the replacement developing cartridge 7A is unused (new) in the main casing 2 (new detection operation). .

  Specifically, when the top cover 4 of the main casing 2 is opened and the process cartridge 5 with the replacement developing cartridge 7A mounted thereon is mounted on the main casing 2, the power receiving unit 56 of the replacement developing cartridge 7A becomes the electrode unit. 71 is brought into contact with the main body electrode 72.

  As a result, the developing bias is supplied from the power source (not shown) of the main casing 2 to the power receiving unit 56 of the developing cartridge 7A of the replacement specification.

  The developing bias supplied to the power receiving unit 56 of the developing cartridge 7 </ b> A of the replacement specification is applied to the developing roller shaft 30 via the electrode member 51.

  Then, a CPU (not shown) in the main casing 2 determines that the developing bias is supplied to the replacement developing cartridge 7A.

  When the warm-up operation is started, a driving force is transmitted from the developing coupling 42 to the agitator shaft 16 via a gear train (not shown), and the agitator 15 is rotated.

  When the agitator 15 is rotated, as shown in FIG. 4, the driving force is transmitted to the tooth portion 60 of the missing gear 57 of the new article detection gear 52 via the agitator shaft 16 and the agitator gear 43, and the new article detection gear 52 is moved. It is rotated clockwise when viewed from the right side.

  Then, the detected end portion 59 of the new article detection gear 52 presses the electrode unit 71 against the urging force of the urging member (not shown) to place the electrode unit 71 at the contact release position, and the power receiving unit. 56 and the body electrode 72.

  As a result, the conduction between the power receiving unit 56 and the main body electrode 72 is insulated by the detected end portion 59, and the development bias from the power source (not shown) of the main body casing 2 to the power receiving unit 56 of the development cartridge 7A of the replacement specification. Supply is released.

  Then, a CPU (not shown) in the main casing 2 determines that the developing bias is not supplied to the replacement developing cartridge 7A.

  When the new product detection gear 52 is further rotated clockwise in the right side view, the detected end portion 59 of the new product detection gear 52 passes between the power receiving unit 56 and the main body electrode 72.

  Then, the electrode unit 71 is again arranged at the contact position by the biasing force of a biasing member (not shown).

  As a result, the developing bias is supplied again from the power supply (not shown) of the main casing 2 to the power receiving unit 56 of the developing cartridge 7A of the replacement specification.

  Then, a CPU (not shown) in the main casing 2 determines that the developing bias is supplied to the replacement developing cartridge 7A.

  Thereafter, when the new product detection gear 52 is further rotated, the missing tooth portion 61 of the new product detection gear 52 is opposed to the agitator gear 43, and the engagement between the tooth portion 60 of the new product detection gear 52 and the agitator gear 43 is released. The rotation drive of the new article detection gear 52 is stopped. Thereafter, the warm-up operation ends.

  Then, after the warm-up operation is started, the CPU (not shown) is supplied with the developing bias for the replacement developing cartridge 7A, and is not supplied with the developing bias for the replacement developing cartridge 7A. When it is sequentially determined that the developing bias is supplied to the developing cartridge 7A, it is determined that the developing cartridge 7A of the replacement specification is new (unused).

  On the other hand, after installing a new replacement developing cartridge 7A, the replacement developing cartridge 7A is once detached from the main casing 2 due to, for example, jamming of paper P, and then mounted again to the main casing 2. In this case, the new article detection gear 52 is stopped at a position where the missing tooth portion 61 of the missing tooth gear 57 faces the agitator gear 43.

  Therefore, even if the warming-up operation is executed in the remounting, the new article detection gear 52 is not rotated and the new article detection operation is not performed. At this time, since the electrode unit 71 is disposed at the contact position, the CPU (not shown) always determines that the developing bias is being supplied to the replacement developing cartridge 7A.

  As a result, the CPU (not shown) determines that the replacement specification developing cartridge 7A (the old replacement specification developing cartridge 7A) is in use (old).

  When the user purchases the printer 1, the main body casing 2 and the process cartridge 5 including the starter specification developing cartridge 7 </ b> B are packaged. At this time, the replacement developing cartridge 7A is not packed.

  As described above, the starter specification developing cartridge 7B is not provided with the new article detection gear 52.

  For this reason, when the process cartridge 5 having the starter specification developing cartridge 7B is attached to the main body casing 2, the above-described new article detection operation is not performed even if the warming-up operation is executed.

  At this time, the CPU (not shown) always determines that the developing bias is supplied to the developing cartridge 7 because the electrode unit 71 is disposed at the connection position.

As a result, the CPU (not shown) determines that the developing cartridge 7 that is first mounted after purchase of the printer 1 is the developing cartridge 7B of the starter specification.
4). Operation and Effect (1) According to this image forming system, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the starter specification developing cartridge 7B operates the new article detection gear 52 that can be mounted on the replacement specification developing cartridge 7A. 43 can be omitted. That is, the operation of the new article detection gear 52 is regulated.

Therefore, the configuration of the starter specification developing cartridge 7B can be simplified, and an increase in unnecessary configuration can be suppressed.
(2) Further, according to this image forming system, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the agitator shaft support portion 38 is closed in the cartridge frame 31 of the developing cartridge 7B of the starter specification, and the agitator such as the seal member 39 is provided. The configuration for exposing the right end portion of the shaft 16 (the support portion 16a that supports the agitator gear 43) can be omitted.

As a result, the configuration of the starter specification developing cartridge 7B can be surely simplified.
(3) Further, according to this image forming system, as shown in FIG. 3, in the developing cartridge 7A of the replacement specification, the developing coupling 42 and the new article detecting gear 52 are separated from each other by the side wall 34 (the left wall 34L). It can be arranged on the right wall 34R).

  Therefore, the areas of the left wall 34L and the right wall 34R can be reduced.

As a result, it is possible to reduce the size of the replacement developing cartridge 7A.
(4) Further, according to this image forming system, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the driving force input to the developing coupling 42 is applied to the agitator disposed between the left wall 34L and the right wall 34R. 15 can be transmitted to the new article detection gear 52.

As a result, the driving force input to the development coupling 42 can be transmitted to the new article detection gear 52 with a simple configuration.
(5) Further, according to this image forming system, as shown in FIG. 5, in the developing cartridge 7B of the starter specification, the agitator shaft support portion 38 is closed and the right end portion of the agitator shaft 16 that supports the agitator gear 43 is The right wall 34R is not exposed.

Therefore, in the developing cartridge 7B of the starter specification, with a simple configuration, a configuration for exposing the right end portion of the agitator shaft 16 (supporting portion that supports the agitator gear 43) such as the seal member 39, or the agitator gear 43 (new product detection). The configuration for operating the gear 52 can be omitted.
(6) Also, according to this image forming system, as shown in FIG. 3, the new article detection gear 52 includes a tooth portion 60 having gear teeth.

Therefore, the driving force can be transmitted to the new article detection gear 52 with a simple configuration.
5. Second Embodiment (1) Outline of Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, members similar to those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  In the first embodiment described above, the new article detection gear 52 is provided in the power supply side cover 54 in the developing cartridge 7A of the replacement specification.

On the other hand, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, in the replacement specification developing cartridge 101 </ b> A (an example of the first cartridge), a new article detection gear 102 is provided in the drive side cover 103.
(2) Development Cartridge Configuration (2-1) Replacement Specification Development Cartridge As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the replacement specification development cartridge 101A includes a gear train 109 and a support portion in the drive side cover 103. A new article detection gear support 108 as an example, a new article detection gear 102 as an example of a member to be detected, and a torsion coil spring 104 as an example of an urging member are provided.

  The gear train 109 includes a development coupling 110, a development gear 111, a supply gear 112, and an agitator gear 113 as examples of passive members.

  The development coupling 110 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. A coupling recess 114 is formed on the left surface of the development coupling 110 so as to be recessed to the right. A gear portion 116 having gear teeth on the outer peripheral surface thereof is formed at the right end portion of the development coupling 110. In the coupling recess 114, the tip of a main body coupling (not shown) provided in the main body casing 2 is inserted in a state in which the developing cartridge 101 is mounted in the main body casing 2 so as not to rotate relative to the main body coupling ( A rotational driving force is input from the main casing 2 via a not-shown).

  The developing gear 111 is supported on the left end portion of the developing roller shaft 30 so as not to be relatively rotatable. The development gear 111 is meshed with the gear portion 116 of the development coupling 110 via the idle gear 115.

  The supply gear 112 is supported on the left end portion of the supply roller shaft 29 so as not to be relatively rotatable. The supply gear 112 is meshed with the gear portion 116 of the development coupling 110.

  The agitator gear 113 is supported on the left end portion of the agitator shaft 16 so as not to be relatively rotatable. The agitator gear 113 is engaged with the gear portion 116 of the developing coupling 110 via the idle gear 117.

  The new article detection gear support 108 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction on the front side of the agitator gear 113.

  The drive side cover 103 is formed in a substantially rectangular tube shape extending in the left-right direction and closed at the left end. The drive side cover 103 is screwed to the left wall 34L. A coupling collar 105 and a new article detection gear covering portion 106 are formed on the drive side cover 103.

  The coupling collar 105 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that protrudes leftward from the left wall at the rear end portion of the drive side cover 103. Note that the right end portion of the coupling collar 105 communicates with the drive side cover 103. In the coupling collar 105, the left end portion of the development coupling 110 is rotatably inserted.

  The new article detection gear covering portion 106 protrudes from the left wall at the front end portion of the drive side cover 103 to the left side, and is formed in a substantially rectangular tube shape with the left end portion closed. An exposure opening 118 is formed in the new article detection gear covering portion 106.

  The exposure opening 118 is formed in a substantially U shape in a side view with the rear side opened so as to be cut out from the rear end portion of the new article detection gear covering portion 106 toward the front side.

  The new article detection gear 102 is formed in a substantially disc shape extending in the left-right direction from an insulating resin material (for example, polyacetal resin). Further, the new article detection gear 102 is integrally provided with a chipped gear 119, a detected cylinder part 121, and a biased part 120.

  The chipped gear 119 is formed in a substantially disc shape having a thickness in the left-right direction. Gear teeth are partially formed on the peripheral surface of the chipped gear 119. That is, on the peripheral surface of the missing tooth gear 119, a tooth portion 122 where gear teeth are formed and a missing tooth portion 123 where gear teeth are not formed are formed.

  The detected cylinder portion 121 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction so as to penetrate the chipped gear 119. The detected cylinder portion 121 includes a contact portion 124.

  Two contact portions 124 are arranged at the left end portion of the cylinder portion 121 to be detected at intervals of about 120 ° in the circumferential direction. The contact portion 124 is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape extending from the outer surface in the radial direction toward the outer side in the radial direction.

  The biased portion 120 is disposed on the radially outer side of the detected cylinder portion 121. The biased portion 120 protrudes from the left surface of the chipped gear 119 to the left, and is formed in a substantially wedge shape in side view having a top portion that faces the radially outer side of the detected cylinder portion 121.

  The new article detection gear 102 is rotatably fitted to the new article detection gear support section 108 in the detected cylinder portion 121. At this time, the downstream end portion in the counterclockwise direction when viewed from the left side of the tooth portion 122 of the missing tooth gear 119 is engaged with the agitator gear 113 from the front side.

  The torsion coil spring 104 is made of metal and includes a coil portion 125, a fixed end portion 126, and a biasing end portion 127.

  The coil part 125 is formed in a spiral shape wound clockwise from the left side as it goes from the right side to the left side.

  The fixed end portion 126 is formed in a substantially linear shape that continuously extends downward from the right end portion of the coil portion 125.

  The urging end portion 127 is formed in a substantially crank shape that extends rearward while being bent continuously from the left end portion of the coil portion 125.

The torsion coil spring 104 is supported in the drive side cover 103 at the coil portion 125 and is fixed to the front end portion of the left wall 34L at the fixed end portion 126. Further, the urging end portion 127 is brought into contact with the urged portion 120 of the new article detection gear 102 from the front upper side. Thereby, the new article detection gear 102 is always urged counterclockwise as viewed from the left side.
(2-2) Starter Specification Development Cartridge As shown in FIG. 9, the starter specification development cartridge 101B (an example of a second cartridge) is different from the replacement specification development cartridge 101A, as shown in FIG. 108, the new article detection gear 102, and the torsion coil spring 104 are not provided.

The starter specification developing cartridge 101B differs from the replacement specification developing cartridge 101A in the above-described points, and is otherwise the same as the replacement specification developing cartridge 101A.
(3) New article detection operation of the second embodiment With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, a new article detection operation of the replacement development cartridge 101A will be described.

  When the mounting of the replaceable developing cartridge 101A to the main casing 2 is completed, a probe (not shown) of a sensor unit (not shown) provided in the main casing 2 is arranged in the exposure opening 118.

  When the warm-up operation is started, the driving force is transmitted from the developing coupling 42 to the tooth portion 60 of the missing gear 57 of the new article detection gear 52 through the gear train 109, and the new article detection gear 52 is counterclockwise as viewed from the left side. Rotated around.

  Then, the contact portion 124 of the new article detection gear 52 is brought into contact with a probe (not shown) of a sensor unit (not shown) when passing through the exposure opening 118.

  Then, a CPU (not shown) in the main body casing 2 determines that the replaceable developing cartridge 101A is new (unused) based on detection of a sensor unit (not shown).

  Thereafter, when the new product detection gear 52 is further rotated, the missing tooth portion 61 of the new product detection gear 52 is opposed to the agitator gear 43, and the engagement between the tooth portion 60 of the new product detection gear 52 and the agitator gear 43 is released. The rotation drive of the new article detection gear 52 is stopped. Thereafter, the warm-up operation ends.

  On the other hand, after mounting a new development cartridge 101A with a replacement specification, the replacement development cartridge 101A is once detached from the main casing 2 due to, for example, jamming of paper P, and mounted again into the main casing 2. In this case, the new article detection gear 52 is stopped at a position where the missing tooth portion 61 of the missing tooth gear 57 faces the agitator gear 43.

  Therefore, even if a warming-up operation is performed in remounting, the new article detection gear 52 is not driven to rotate, and the contact portion 124 of the new article detection gear 52 is a probe (not shown) of the sensor unit (not shown). Is not abutted against.

  As a result, the CPU (not shown) determines that the replacement specification developing cartridge 101A (the old replacement specification developing cartridge 101A) is in use (old).

  When the user purchases the printer 1, the main body casing 2 and the process cartridge 5 including the starter specification developing cartridge 101 </ b> B are packaged.

  As described above, the starter specification developing cartridge 101B is not provided with the new article detection gear 52.

  Therefore, when the process cartridge 5 with the starter specification developing cartridge 101B is attached to the main casing 2, the above-described new article detection operation is not performed even if the warming-up operation is executed.

As a result, the CPU (not shown) determines that the developing cartridge 101 mounted first after purchase of the printer 1 is a starter specification developing cartridge 101B.
(4) Effects of Second Embodiment According to the image forming system of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the new article detection gear support section 108 is omitted in the cartridge frame 31 of the starter specification developing cartridge 101B. ing. That is, the cartridge frame 31 of the starter specification developing cartridge 101B is not only a new detection gear 102 that can be attached to the cartridge frame 31 of the replacement specification developing cartridge 101A, but also a detected member (for example, development) different from the new detection gear 102. There is also no member for mounting the toner 101 that distinguishes the difference in toner capacity in the cartridge 101.

  Therefore, the configuration of the cartridge frame 31 of the starter specification developing cartridge 101B can be further simplified, and an increase in unnecessary configuration of the starter specification developing cartridge 101B can be further suppressed.

Also in the second embodiment, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained.
(5) Modification of Second Embodiment As shown in FIG. 10, the cartridge frame 31 of the starter specification developing cartridge 101 </ b> B includes a new product detection gear support portion 108, a new product detection gear 102, and a torsion coil spring 104. Since it is not provided, it can be formed in a small size in the front-rear direction so that the rear end portion is notched.

  In this case, the volume of the toner accommodating portion 14 is smaller than that of the toner accommodating portion 14 of the replacement specification developing cartridge 101A. The toner container 14 of the starter specification developing cartridge 101B is an example of a second developer container.

  According to this modification, the cartridge frame 31 of the starter specification developing cartridge 101B is configured such that the new article detection gear support section 108 is omitted and the volume of the toner storage section 14 is set small.

Therefore, it is possible to reliably simplify the configuration of the cartridge frame 31 of the starter specification developing cartridge 101B and to reduce the size thereof.
5. Third Embodiment (1) Outline of Third Embodiment A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that in the third embodiment, members similar to those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  In the first embodiment described above, the developing cartridge 7 is configured to be detachable from the drum cartridge 6. Further, the replaceable developing cartridge 7A includes a new article detection gear 52 as an example of a member to be detected.

In contrast, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, a process cartridge 130 as an example of a cartridge is integrally provided with a developing unit 131 that contains toner and a drum unit 132 having a photosensitive drum 133. Configure. The replacement specification process cartridge 130A (an example of the first cartridge) includes an IC chip 134 as an example of a member to be detected.
(2) Configuration of Process Cartridge (2-1) Process Cartridge with Replacement Specification The process cartridge 130A with replacement specification supports the IC chip 134 on the left side wall 136 (an example of the first frame) of the developing unit 131. A holder 137 as an example of the unit is provided.

  The holder 137 is formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape when viewed from the side.

The IC chip 134 is formed in a flat plate shape that is substantially rectangular in side view. The IC chip 134 stores information (specifications and the like) of the process cartridge 130A with replacement specifications. The IC chip 134 is fitted in the holder 137.
(2-2) Starter Specification Process Cartridge As shown in FIG. 12, the left side wall 136 (an example of the second frame) of the developing unit 131 of the starter specification process cartridge 130B (an example of the second cartridge) Unlike the process cartridge 130A having the replacement specification described above, the holder 137 and the IC chip 134 are not provided.

The starter specification process cartridge 130B is different from the replacement specification process cartridge 130A in the above points, and is otherwise the same as the replacement specification process cartridge 130A.
(3) Effects of Third Embodiment Also in the third embodiment, the same functions and effects as those of the second embodiment described above can be obtained.
(4) Modification of Third Embodiment In the above-described third embodiment, the holder 137 is omitted from the starter specification process cartridge 130B. However, as shown in FIG. A regulation rib 140 as an example of a regulation part that regulates the mounting of the IC chip 134 may be formed inside the holder 137.

  The restriction rib 140 protrudes from the left side wall 136 to the left and is formed in a substantially cross shape when viewed from the side.

  According to this modification, the regulation rib 140 can reliably prevent the same IC chip 134 from being mounted on the process cartridge 130A of the replacement specification from being mounted on the process cartridge 130B of the starter specification. it can.

Moreover, also in this modification, the same effect as 2nd Embodiment mentioned above can be acquired.
6). Fourth Embodiment (1) Outline of Fourth Embodiment A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that in the fourth embodiment, members similar to those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  In the first embodiment described above, one type of developing cartridge 7A is listed as the replacement developing cartridge 7A.

On the other hand, in the fourth embodiment, as the replacement specification developing cartridge 7A, for example, a plurality of types of developing cartridges 7A having different printable numbers are included.
(2) Development Cartridge Configuration (2-1) Replacement Specification Development Cartridge Each of the multiple types of replacement specification development cartridges 7A is equipped with a new shape detection gear having a different shape.

  Specifically, the developing cartridge 7A with a small number of printable sheets is the same as the replacement developing cartridge 7A in the first embodiment.

  On the other hand, the developer cartridge 7A having a large number of printable sheets is equipped with a new article detection gear 151 having a shape different from that of the new article detection gear 52 described above.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the new product detection gear 151 includes a plurality (two) of detected end portions 152.

  One end 152 to be detected is provided at each of both ends of the cylindrical portion 58 in the radial direction. Specifically, one (front) detected end portion 152 is disposed on the radially inner side of the clockwise downstream end portion of the tooth portion 60 in the right side view. In addition, the other (rear) detected end 152 is disposed on the radially inner side of the center of the tooth portion 60 in the clockwise direction in the right side view.

  Similarly to the first embodiment described above, when the mounting of the developing cartridge 7 into the main casing 2 is completed, the warm-up operation of the printer 1 is started and the new product detection gear 151 is rotated clockwise as viewed from the right side. The

  Then, the plurality of detected end portions 152 of the new product detection gear 151 sequentially pass between the power receiving unit 56 and the main body electrode 72.

  At this time, the electrical connection between the power receiving unit 56 and the body electrode 72 is insulated a plurality of times by the detected end 152.

When the CPU (not shown) determines that the developing bias is not supplied to the developing cartridge 7A a plurality of times after the warm-up operation is started, the CPU (not shown) determines that the printable number of the developing cartridge 7A is large. .
(2-2) Starter Specification Development Cartridge The starter specification development cartridge 7B in the fourth embodiment is the same as the starter specification development cartridge 7B in the first embodiment described above.

That is, in the developing cartridge 7B of the starter specification, the agitator gear 43 is omitted, and not only the operation of the new product detection gear 52 but also the operation of the new product detection gear 151 different from the new product detection gear 52 is restricted.
(3) Operational effect of the fourth embodiment (3-1) According to the image forming system of the fourth embodiment, in the developing cartridge 7B of the starter specification, the new product detection gear 151 different from the new product detection gear 52 is mounted. Members can also be omitted.

Therefore, the configuration of the starter specification developing cartridge 7B can be further simplified, and an increase in unnecessary configuration of the starter specification developing cartridge 7B can be further suppressed.
(3-2) Moreover, also in 4th Embodiment, the effect similar to above-described 1st Embodiment can be acquired.
6). Fifth Embodiment (1) Outline of Fifth Embodiment In the fifth embodiment described above, in the development cartridge 7B of the starter specification, the agitator gear 43 is omitted, and not only the operation of the new product detection gear 52 but also the new product detection gear 52 and The operation of different new article detection gears 151 is also restricted, and a plurality of types of replacement development cartridges 7A and starter specification development cartridges 7B are distinguished.

  On the other hand, in the fifth embodiment, each of a plurality of types of development cartridges 7A with exchange specifications is distinguished from each other.

In the following description, among a plurality of types of replacement specification developing cartridges 7A, the developing cartridge 7A having a small printable number is the first cartridge, and the developing cartridge 7A having a large printable number is the second cartridge. It is.
(2) Development Cartridge Configuration (2-1) Development Cartridge with a Less Printable Number The development cartridge 7A with a smaller printable number is the same as the replacement development cartridge 7A in the first embodiment.
(2-2) Developer Cartridge with Large Number of Printable Sheets In the fifth embodiment, for example, the fitting portion 45 of the agitator gear 43 of the developer cartridge 7A with a large number of printable sheets is used as the agitator gear of the developer cartridge 7A with a small number of printable sheets. It has a larger diameter than the fitting portion 45 of 43.

  Further, the developing cartridge with a small number of printable sheets is fitted so that the agitator shaft support part 38 of the developing cartridge 7A with a large number of printable sheets is fitted to the fitting part 45 of the agitator gear 43 of the developing cartridge 7A with a large number of printable sheets. The diameter is larger than that of the 7A agitator shaft support portion 38.

  As a result, the agitator shaft support portion 38 of the developing cartridge 7A having a large number of printable sheets cannot fit the agitator gear 43 of the developing cartridge 7A having a small number of printable sheets, while the agitator of the developing cartridge 7A having a large number of printable sheets. The gear 43 can be fitted.

  That is, the cartridge frame 31 of the developing cartridge 7A having a large printable number restricts the equipment of the new article detection gear 52 by restricting the equipment of the agitator gear 43 of the developing cartridge 7A having the small printable number.

Further, the cartridge frame 31 of the developing cartridge 7A having a large number of printable sheets allows the operation of the new article detecting gear 151 different from the new article detecting gear 52 by allowing the agitator gear 43 of the developing cartridge 7A having a large number of printable sheets to be provided. To do.
(3) Operational Effects of Fifth Embodiment (3-1) According to the image forming system of the fifth embodiment, a plurality of types of replacement developing cartridges 7A having different printable sheet numbers are prepared, and the printable sheet number is small When the developing cartridge 7A is equipped with a new detection gear 52 and the developing cartridge 7A having a large number of printable sheets is equipped with a new detection gear 151 different from the new detection gear 52, the developing cartridge 7A having a large number of printable sheets The new article detection gear 151 can be attached while preventing the detection gear 52 from being erroneously attached.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the new article detection gear 52 from being attached to the developing cartridge 7A having a large number of printable sheets without increasing the number of parts.
(3-2) Moreover, also in 5th Embodiment, the effect similar to above-described 1st Embodiment can be acquired.

2 Body casing 7 Developing cartridge 7A Replacement developing cartridge 7B Starter developing cartridge 14 Toner storage 15 Agitator 31 Cartridge frame 34R Right wall 34L Left wall 38 Agitator shaft support 42 Developing coupling 43 Agitator gear 52 New detection gear 71 Electrode unit 101 Development cartridge 101A Replacement specification development cartridge 101B Starter specification development cartridge 102 New article detection gear 108 New article detection gear support 122 Tooth part 130 Process cartridge 130A Replacement specification development cartridge 130B Starter specification development cartridge 134 IC chip 136 Side wall 137 Holder 140 Regulating rib A Center axis

Claims (12)

An image forming system including a first cartridge, a second cartridge different from the first cartridge, and an image forming apparatus main body to which the first cartridge or the second cartridge can be selectively attached and detached. ,
The first cartridge includes a first frame on which a detection member to be detected by a detection unit of the image forming apparatus main body is mounted.
It said second cartridge example Bei the second frame for regulating the mounting or operation of at least said detection target member,
The first frame has a support portion that supports a drive transmission member for transmitting a driving force from the image forming apparatus main body to the detected member.
The image forming system, wherein the second frame does not have the support portion .   An image forming system including a first cartridge, a second cartridge different from the first cartridge, and an image forming apparatus main body to which the first cartridge or the second cartridge can be selectively attached and detached. ,
  The first cartridge includes a first frame on which a detection member to be detected by a detection unit of the image forming apparatus main body is mounted.
  The second cartridge includes at least a second frame that regulates the mounting or operation of the detected member.
  The first frame has a first support portion that supports the member to be detected,
  The second frame is
    A second support for supporting the member to be detected;
    A restricting portion for restricting attachment of the detected member to the second support portion;
An image forming system comprising: Said second frame, characterized in that said also regulating equipment of the sensing member different from the detected member, the image forming system according to claim 1 or 2. The second frame is characterized by allowing the equipment of the object sensing member different from the detected member, the image forming system according to claim 1 or 2. The first frame includes a first developer accommodating portion configured to accommodate a developer, a first side wall disposed opposite to the first developer accommodating portion at a predetermined interval with the first developer accommodating portion therebetween. With two side walls,
The first cartridge includes a passive member that is disposed on the opposite side of the first developer container with respect to the first side wall, and that receives a driving force from the image forming apparatus main body.
The detected member is disposed on the opposite side of the first developer accommodating portion with respect to the second side wall, and is configured to operate when a driving force input to the passive member is transmitted. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein: The first cartridge is disposed between the first side wall and the second side wall, and a driving force input to the passive member is transmitted, whereby a rotation axis extending in the predetermined direction is set as a rotation center. Comprising a rotating member configured to rotate;
The drive transmission member is supported by an end of the rotating member on the opposite side of the first developer accommodating portion with respect to the second side wall, and is configured to rotate together with the rotating member about the rotation axis. The image forming system according to claim 5, wherein:   The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein the rotating member is a first agitating member configured to agitate the developer in the first cartridge.   The image according to claim 7, wherein the second cartridge is configured to stir the developer in the second cartridge and includes a second stirring member shorter than the first stirring member. Forming system. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the detected member includes gear teeth configured to receive a driving force.   An image forming system including a first cartridge, a second cartridge different from the first cartridge, and an image forming apparatus main body to which the first cartridge or the second cartridge can be selectively attached and detached. ,
  The first cartridge includes a first frame on which a detection member to be detected by a detection unit of the image forming apparatus main body is mounted.
  The second cartridge includes at least a second frame that regulates the mounting or operation of the detected member.
  The image forming system, wherein the detected member includes gear teeth configured to receive a driving force.   The image forming system according to claim 10, wherein the second frame also regulates the equipment of a detected member different from the detected member.   The image forming system according to claim 10, wherein the second frame allows the installation of a detected member different from the detected member.

Images