JP7133897B2 - Cartridges and image forming devices - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cartridge used in an image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses such as laser printers and LED printers are known. A cartridge is detachable from the image forming apparatus. The cartridge contains developer such as toner. Yield information such as the number of printable sheets is defined for the cartridge. The image forming apparatus manages the life of the cartridge based on the yield information. A conventional image forming apparatus and a conventional cartridge are described, for example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-200012.

JP 2008-242085 A

Further, conventionally, a cartridge having a detection gear is known. When the cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus, the detection gear rotates and the sensor of the image forming apparatus reacts. The image forming apparatus determines whether the cartridge is new based on the detection signal obtained from the sensor. Also, the image forming apparatus identifies the yield information of the cartridge based on the detection signal obtained from the sensor.

Information such as a threshold used for identifying a detection signal is conventionally stored in a storage unit of an image forming apparatus. Therefore, when increasing the number of types of identifiable cartridges, it is necessary to update the information in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus. On the other hand, there is a demand to increase the types of cartridges without updating the information in the storage section of the image forming apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a technique for increasing the number of types of cartridges to be identified without updating the information stored in the storage unit of the image forming apparatus. do.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a first invention of the present application is a cartridge capable of containing developer, comprising: a detection gear rotatable about a first shaft extending in a predetermined direction; and a memory storing feature information representing a signal including at least a first state and a second state different from the first state, wherein movement of the protrusion is performed based on the feature information characterized in that the signals detected by are distinguishable.

A second invention of the present application is the cartridge according to the first invention, wherein the signal is a signal that changes between the first state and the second state, and the characteristic information is the first state or the It is characterized by including the duration of the second state.

A third invention of the present application is the cartridge according to the first invention, wherein the signal is a signal that changes between the first state and the second state, and the characteristic information is the first state or the It is characterized by including the number of times of the second state.

A fourth invention of the present application is the cartridge according to any one of the first invention to the third invention, wherein the characteristic information and the signal detected by the movement of the protrusion are used to determine the amount of the developer in the cartridge. It is characterized in that the amount or the number of prints that can be printed by the developer can be specified.

A fifth invention of the present application is the cartridge according to any one of the first invention to the third invention, further comprising a developing roller rotatable about a second shaft extending in the predetermined direction, wherein the characteristic information and the It is characterized in that the upper limit of the number of revolutions of the developing roller can be specified by the signal detected by the movement of the projection.

A sixth invention of the present application is the cartridge according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, wherein the projection extends in the predetermined direction.

A seventh invention of the present application is the cartridge according to any one of the first invention to the sixth invention, wherein the detection gear is provided with the projection.

An eighth invention of the present application is the cartridge according to any one of the first invention to the seventh invention, wherein the projections include a first projection rotatable together with the detection gear and a second projection rotatable together with the detection gear. The projection includes the first projection and a second projection positioned apart in the direction of rotation of the detection gear, and is detected by movement of the first projection and the second projection based on the characteristic information. characterized in that the signals are identifiable.

A ninth invention of the present application is the cartridge according to the eighth invention, wherein the first projection extends in the predetermined direction, and the second projection extends in the predetermined direction.

A tenth invention of the present application is the cartridge according to the eighth invention or the ninth invention, wherein the first projection extends along the rotation direction of the detection gear, and the second projection extends along the rotation direction of the detection gear. and the length of the first protrusion in the direction of rotation is different from the length of the second protrusion in the direction of rotation.

An eleventh invention of the present application is the cartridge according to any one of the first invention to the tenth invention, wherein the cartridge is mounted in an image forming apparatus and the detection gear rotates so that the protrusion It is characterized by being able to touch a part of the image forming apparatus.

A twelfth invention of the present application is the cartridge according to any one of the eighth invention to the tenth invention, wherein the first projection is caused to rotate when the cartridge is mounted in an image forming apparatus and the detection gear rotates. , a portion of the image forming apparatus is contactable, and after the first protrusion contacts the portion of the image forming apparatus, the detection gear rotates to cause the second protrusion to contact the portion of the image forming apparatus. It is characterized by being able to touch said part.

A thirteenth invention of the present application is the cartridge according to any one of the first invention to the fourth invention, further comprising a coupling for receiving a driving force, wherein the detection gear is rotatable by the driving force. characterized by

A fourteenth invention of the present application is the cartridge according to the thirteenth invention, wherein the developing roller is rotatable about the second shaft extending in the predetermined direction, the developing roller having a developing roller shaft extending in the predetermined direction; a developing roller gear rotatable together with the developing roller, the developing roller gear being attached to the developing roller shaft, wherein the coupling is rotatable about a third shaft extending in the predetermined direction; The coupling is characterized by further comprising a coupling gear rotatable together with the coupling and meshing with the developing roller gear.

A fifteenth invention of the present application is the cartridge according to any one of the first invention to the fourteenth invention, comprising an IC chip having the memory.

A sixteenth invention of the present application is a cartridge capable of containing a developer, comprising: a detection gear rotatable about a first axis extending in a predetermined direction; a projection whose position moves as the detection gear rotates; a cartridge comprising: a memory storing characteristic information representing a signal including at least one state and a second state different from the first state; a sensor for detecting movement of the protrusion; and a control unit capable of executing processing for identifying the cartridge based on the signal and the feature information read from the memory.

A seventeenth invention of the present application is the image forming apparatus according to the sixteenth invention, wherein the control unit controls the amount of the developer in the cartridge, Alternatively, it is characterized in that a process of specifying the number of prints that can be printed by the developer can be executed.

An eighteenth invention of the present application is the image forming apparatus according to the sixteenth invention, wherein the control unit sets the upper limit value of the number of revolutions of the developing roller based on the characteristic information and the signal detected by the movement of the protrusion. It is characterized by being able to execute a specified process.

A nineteenth invention of the present application is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the sixteenth invention to the eighteenth invention, wherein the control unit controls the signal detected by the sensor and the characteristic information read out from the memory. It is characterized in that it is possible to execute processing for identifying whether the waveform of the signal is abnormal based on.

A twentieth invention of the present application is the image forming apparatus according to any one of the sixteenth to nineteenth inventions, wherein the cartridge comprises an IC chip having the memory.

According to the first to fifteenth inventions of the present application, the signal obtained from the detection gear can be identified based on the feature information stored in the memory. Therefore, the types of cartridges to be identified can be increased without updating the information in the storage section of the image forming apparatus.

According to the sixteenth to twentieth inventions of the present application, the signal obtained from the detection gear can be identified based on the feature information stored in the memory of the cartridge. Therefore, the types of cartridges to be identified can be increased without updating the information stored in the storage section within the control section.

1 is a conceptual diagram of an image forming apparatus; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the drawer unit and developer cartridge; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a developer cartridge; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a developer cartridge; FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge; FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the developing cartridge; FIG. It is a perspective view of a detection gear. It is the figure which showed the relationship of the 1st protrusion, a gear shaft, a lever, an optical sensor, and a control part. It is the figure which showed the relationship of the 1st protrusion, a gear shaft, a lever, an optical sensor, and a control part. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a detection signal obtained from an optical sensor; 4 is a diagram conceptually showing information stored in a memory within a cartridge IC; FIG. 4 is a block diagram conceptually showing connections between a control unit and four cartridge ICs; FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing executed after the development cartridge is installed. 4 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing executed after the development cartridge is installed. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of identification processing; 6 is a flowchart showing an example of identification processing; It is the figure which showed the relationship between the 1st protrusion of a 1st modification, a gear shaft, a lever, an optical sensor, and a control part. It is the figure which showed the relationship of the 1st protrusion of a 2nd modification, a 2nd protrusion, a gear shaft, a lever, an optical sensor, and a control part. It is the figure which showed the relationship of the 1st protrusion of a 3rd modification, a 2nd protrusion, a 3rd protrusion, a gear shaft, a lever, an optical sensor, and a control part. It is the figure which showed the 1st protrusion of a 4th modification, the 2nd protrusion, a gear shaft, a lever, an optical sensor, and the relationship of a control part. It is the figure which showed the relationship of the detection gear of a 5th modification, an optical sensor, and a control part. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a developer cartridge of a sixth modified example; FIG. 14 is a plan view of the gear portion of the sixth modification as viewed in the first direction with the cover removed. FIG. 11 is a plan view of a detection gear of a sixth modified example; FIG. 21 is a plan view of a detection gear of a seventh modified example; FIG. 21 is a plan view of a detection gear of an eighth modified example; FIG. 21 is a plan view of a detection gear of a ninth modification;

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<1. Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus>
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an image forming apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. This image forming apparatus 100 is an electrophotographic printer. Examples of the image forming apparatus 100 include a laser printer and an LED printer. The image forming apparatus 100 has four developing cartridges 1 and a drawer unit 91 . The drawer unit 91 is a frame capable of holding four developer cartridges 1 . The image forming apparatus 100 forms an image on the recording surface of printing paper using developer (for example, toner) supplied from four developer cartridges 1 .

2 is a perspective view of the drawer unit 91 and the developer cartridge 1. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the four developer cartridges 1 are individually replaceable with respect to the drawer unit 91 . When replacing the developing cartridge 1 , the drawer unit 91 is pulled out from the front surface of the image forming apparatus 100 . Then, the developer cartridge 1 is removed and attached to an arbitrary slot 910 provided in the drawer unit 91 . A photosensitive drum 911 is provided near the bottom of each of the four slots 910 .

In this embodiment, four developer cartridges 1 are attached to one drawer unit 91 . The four developer cartridges 1 contain developers of different colors (eg, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). However, the number of developer cartridges 1 attached to the drawer unit 91 may be one to three, or may be five or more.

As shown in FIG. 1, each of the four developing cartridges 1 has a cartridge IC 61. As shown in FIG. The cartridge IC 61 is an IC chip capable of at least reading out of information reading and writing. The image forming apparatus 100 also includes a control unit 92 and a display 93 . The control unit 92 has a processor 921 such as a CPU and various memories. The control unit 92 is configured by, for example, a circuit board. Control unit 92 executes various processes in image forming apparatus 100 by processor 921 operating according to a program. When the four developer cartridges 1 are attached to the drawer unit 91, the cartridge IC 61 of each developer cartridge 1 and the controller 92 are electrically connected. Display 93 displays various information regarding the operation of image forming apparatus 100 on the screen in accordance with instructions from control unit 92 .

<2. Structure of Development Cartridge>
3 to 6 are perspective views of the developer cartridge 1. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the developing cartridge 1 of this embodiment has a casing 10, an agitator 20, a developing roller 30, a first gear portion 40, a second gear portion 50, and an IC chip assembly 60. FIG.

The casing 10 is a housing that can accommodate developer. The casing 10 extends in the first direction between the first end face 11 and the second end face 12 . The first gear portion 40 and the IC chip assembly 60 are located on the first end surface 11 . The second gear portion 50 is located on the second end surface 12 . A housing chamber 13 is provided inside the casing 10 . The developer is contained in the containing chamber 13 . Casing 10 has an opening 14 . The opening 14 is located at the end of the casing 10 in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The housing chamber 13 communicates with the outside through the opening 14 .

The agitator 20 has an agitator shaft 21 and stirring blades 22 . The agitator shaft 21 extends along the first direction. The stirring blades 22 extend radially outward from the agitator shaft 21 . At least part of the agitator shaft 21 and the stirring blades 22 are arranged inside the housing chamber 13 . A first agitator gear 44 and a second agitator gear 51, which will be described later, are connected to both ends of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction, respectively. Therefore, the agitator shaft 21 and the stirring blades 22 rotate together with the first agitator gear 44 and the second agitator gear 51 . When the stirring blade 22 rotates, the developer in the storage chamber 13 is stirred.

The developing roller 30 is a roller rotatable about a rotating shaft (second shaft) extending in the first direction. A developing roller 30 is arranged in the opening 14 of the casing 10 . The developing roller 30 of this embodiment has a developing roller body 31 and a developing roller shaft 32 . The developing roller body 31 is a cylindrical member extending in the first direction. Rubber having elasticity, for example, is used as the material of the developing roller main body 31 . The developing roller shaft 32 is a cylindrical member penetrating the developing roller main body 31 in the first direction. Metal or conductive resin is used as the material of the developing roller shaft 32 . The developing roller main body 31 is fixed to the developing roller shaft 32 so as not to rotate relative to the developing roller shaft 32 .

One end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction is fixed to a developing roller gear 42 (to be described later) so as to be relatively unrotatable. Therefore, when the developing roller gear 42 rotates, the developing roller shaft 32 also rotates, and the developing roller main body 31 rotates together with the developing roller shaft 32 .

Note that the developing roller shaft 32 does not have to pass through the developing roller main body 31 in the first direction. For example, a pair of developing roller shafts 32 may extend in the first direction from both ends of the developing roller main body 31 in the first direction.

The developer cartridge 1 also has a supply roller (not shown). The supply roller is positioned between the developing roller 30 and the accommodation chamber 13 . Also, the supply roller is rotatable about a rotation shaft extending in the first direction. When the developer cartridge 1 receives a driving force, the developer is supplied from the storage chamber 13 in the casing 10 to the outer peripheral surface of the developer roller 30 via the supply roller. At that time, the developer is triboelectrically charged between the supply roller and the developing roller 30 . On the other hand, a bias voltage is applied to the developing roller shaft 32 of the developing roller 30 . Therefore, the developer is attracted to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller main body 31 by the electrostatic force between the developing roller shaft 32 and the developer.

The developer cartridge 1 also has a layer thickness regulating blade (not shown). The layer thickness regulating blade shapes the developer supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller main body 31 to have a constant thickness. After that, the developer on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller main body 31 is supplied to the photosensitive drum 911 provided in the drawer unit 91 . At this time, the developer moves from the developing roller main body 31 to the photosensitive drum 911 according to the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 911 . As a result, the electrostatic latent image is visualized on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 911 .

The first gear portion 40 is located on the first end surface 11 of the casing 10 . FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge 1 with the first gear portion 40 disassembled. As shown in FIG. 5 , the first gear portion 40 has a coupling 41 , a developing roller gear 42 , an idle gear 43 , a first agitator gear 44 and a first cover 45 . 5, illustration of a plurality of gear teeth of each gear is omitted.

Coupling 41 is a gear that first receives the driving force supplied from image forming apparatus 100 . The coupling 41 can rotate around a rotation axis (third axis) extending in the first direction. The coupling 41 has a coupling portion 411 and a coupling gear 412 . The coupling portion 411 and the coupling gear 412 are integrally formed of resin, for example. The coupling portion 411 is provided with a fastening hole 413 recessed in the first direction. In addition, a plurality of gear teeth are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the coupling gear 412 at regular intervals over the entire circumference.

When the drawer unit 91 with the developer cartridge 1 attached thereto is housed in the image forming apparatus 100 , the drive shaft of the image forming apparatus 100 is inserted into the fastening hole 413 of the coupling portion 411 . As a result, the drive shaft and the coupling portion 411 are connected so as not to rotate relative to each other. Therefore, when the drive shaft rotates, the coupling portion 411 rotates, and the coupling gear 412 rotates together with the coupling portion 411 .

The developing roller gear 42 is a gear for rotating the developing roller 30 . The developing roller gear 42 can rotate around a rotation axis extending in the first direction. A plurality of gear teeth are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the developing roller gear 42 at equal intervals over the entire circumference. Some of the multiple gear teeth of the coupling gear 412 and some of the multiple gear teeth of the developing roller gear 42 mesh with each other. The developing roller gear 42 is attached to the end portion of the developing roller shaft 32 of the developing roller 30 in the first direction so as not to be relatively rotatable. Therefore, when the coupling gear 412 rotates, the developing roller gear 42 rotates, and the developing roller 30 rotates together with the developing roller gear 42 .

The idle gear 43 is a gear for transmitting the rotation of the coupling gear 412 to the first agitator gear 44 . The idle gear 43 can rotate around a rotation axis extending in the first direction. The idle gear 43 has a large-diameter gear portion 431 and a small-diameter gear portion 432 arranged in the first direction. The small diameter gear portion 432 is positioned between the large diameter gear portion 431 and the first end face 11 of the casing 10 . In other words, the large-diameter gear portion 431 is further away from the first end face 11 than the small-diameter gear portion 432 is. The diameter of the addendum circle of the small-diameter gear portion 432 is smaller than the diameter of the addendum circle of the large-diameter gear portion 431 . The large-diameter gear portion 431 and the small-diameter gear portion 432 are integrally formed of resin, for example.

A plurality of gear teeth are provided at regular intervals over the entire circumference of each of the outer peripheral portions of the large-diameter gear portion 431 and the small-diameter gear portion 432 . The number of gear teeth of the small diameter gear portion 432 is smaller than the number of gear teeth of the large diameter gear portion 431 . A portion of the multiple gear teeth of the coupling gear 412 and a portion of the multiple gear teeth of the large-diameter gear portion 431 mesh with each other. Also, some of the plurality of gear teeth of the small-diameter gear portion 432 and some of the plurality of gear teeth of the first agitator gear 44 mesh with each other. When the coupling gear 412 rotates, the large-diameter gear portion 431 rotates, and the small-diameter gear portion 432 rotates together with the large-diameter gear portion 431 . As the small-diameter gear portion 432 rotates, the first agitator gear 44 also rotates.

The first agitator gear 44 is a gear for rotating the agitator 20 inside the housing chamber 13 . The first agitator gear 44 can rotate around a rotation axis extending in the first direction. A plurality of gear teeth are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the first agitator gear 44 at regular intervals over the entire circumference. As described above, some of the multiple gear teeth of the small-diameter gear portion 432 and some of the multiple gear teeth of the first agitator gear 44 mesh with each other. The first agitator gear 44 is fixed to one end of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction so as not to rotate relative to it. Therefore, when power is transmitted from the coupling 41 to the first agitator gear 44 via the idle gear 43 , the first agitator gear 44 rotates, and the agitator 20 rotates together with the first agitator gear 44 .

The first cover 45 is fixed to the first end surface 11 of the casing 10 by screwing, for example. Coupling gear 412 , developing roller gear 42 , idle gear 43 , and first agitator gear 44 are accommodated between first end surface 11 and first cover 45 . A fastening hole 413 of the coupling part 411 is exposed to the outside of the first cover 45 . The first cover 45 of this embodiment also serves as a holder cover that holds a holder 62 of an IC chip assembly 60, which will be described later.

The second gear portion 50 is located on the second end surface 12 of the casing 10 . FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge 1 with the second gear portion 50 disassembled. As shown in FIG. 6 , the second gear portion 50 has a second agitator gear 51 , a detection gear 52 , a conductive member 53 and a second cover 54 . 6, illustration of gear teeth of the second agitator gear 51 is omitted.

The second agitator gear 51 is a gear for transmitting the rotation of the agitator shaft 21 to the detection gear 52 . The second agitator gear 51 can rotate around a rotation axis extending in the first direction. A plurality of gear teeth are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the second agitator gear 51 at regular intervals over the entire circumference. When the developing cartridge 1 is new (unused), some of the plurality of gear teeth of the second agitator gear 51 can mesh with some of the plurality of gear teeth of the detection gear 52 . The second agitator gear 51 is fixed to the other end of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction so as not to rotate relative to it. Therefore, when the agitator shaft 21 rotates, the second agitator gear 51 also rotates.

The detection gear 52 is a gear for indicating information about the developing cartridge 1 to the image forming apparatus 100 . The information on the development cartridge 1 includes information on whether the development cartridge 1 is a new (unused) development cartridge or a used development cartridge. Further, the information on the developing cartridge 1 includes specifications of the developing cartridge 1 . The specifications of the developing cartridge 1 include, for example, the amount of developer in the developing cartridge 1 or yield information indicating the number of pages that can be printed with the developer. Note that the number of printable sheets may be represented by a dot count. In this case, the yield information indicates the upper limit of the dot count. Further, the specifications of the developing cartridge 1 include, for example, the upper limit of the number of revolutions of the developing roller 30 .

The detection gear 52 can rotate around a rotation axis (first axis) extending in the first direction. The sensing gear 52 has a plurality of gear teeth on a portion of its outer circumference. When a new developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit 91 and the drawer unit 91 is accommodated in the image forming apparatus 100 , the coupling 41 receives driving force from the image forming apparatus 100 . The driving force transmitted from the coupling 41 via the idle gear 43, the first agitator gear 44, and the agitator 20 causes the second agitator gear 51 to rotate. The detection gear 52 rotates by meshing with the second agitator gear 51 . However, the detection gear 52 has gear teeth only on a portion of the outer peripheral surface. Therefore, when the detection gear 52 rotates by a predetermined angle, the second agitator gear 51 and the detection gear 52 are disengaged, and the detection gear 52 stops rotating.

As described above, in the developing cartridge 1 once used in the image forming apparatus 100, the second agitator gear 51 and the detection gear 52 are disengaged. Therefore, when the developer cartridge 1 that has been used once is removed from the image forming apparatus 100 and then attached to the image forming apparatus 100 again, the rotation of the second agitator gear 51 is not transmitted to the detection gear 52 . Therefore, the detection gear 52 does not rotate.

Another gear may be arranged between the second agitator gear 51 and the detection gear 52 . For example, the second gear portion 50 may have a second idle gear that meshes with both the second agitator gear 51 and the detection gear 52 . Then, the rotation of the second agitator gear 51 may be transmitted to the detection gear 52 via the second idle gear.

7 is a perspective view of the detection gear 52. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the detection gear 52 has a first projection 521. As shown in FIGS. The first protrusion 521 protrudes in the first direction. Also, the first protrusion 521 extends in an arc around the rotation axis of the detection gear 52 . When the detection gear 52 rotates, the first projection 521 also rotates. That is, the position of the first protrusion 521 changes as the detection gear 52 rotates.

The conductive member 53 is a conductive member. As a material of the conductive member 53, a conductive metal or a conductive resin is used. The conductive member 53 is located on the second end surface 12 of the casing 10 . The conductive member 53 has a cylindrical gear shaft 531 protruding in the first direction. The detection gear 52 rotates around the gear shaft 531 while being supported by the gear shaft 531 . As shown in FIG. 7 , the first protrusion 521 partially covers the gear shaft 531 . Also, the conductive member 53 has a bearing portion 532 . The bearing portion 532 contacts the developing roller shaft 32 of the developing roller 30 .

The second cover 54 is fixed to the second end face 12 of the casing 10 by screwing, for example. The second agitator gear 51 , detection gear 52 and conductive member 53 are housed between the second end surface 12 and the second cover 54 . Also, the second cover 54 has an opening 541 . A portion of the first projection 521 and a portion of the gear shaft 531 are exposed through the opening 541 . A lever 912 , which will be described later, contacts the detection gear 52 or the gear shaft 531 through the opening 541 .

<3. About the detection mechanism>
The drawer unit 91 has a lever 912 and an optical sensor 913 . 8 and 9 are diagrams showing the relationship between the first projection 521, the gear shaft 531, the lever 912, the optical sensor 913, and the controller 92. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the lever 912 can contact the gear shaft 531 and the first protrusion 521 .

A conductive metal plate 914 is attached to the surface of the lever 912 . Power is supplied to the metal plate 914 from the control unit 92 . As shown in FIG. 8, when the metal plate 914 contacts the gear shaft 531, the metal plate 914, the conductive member 53 and the developing roller shaft 32 are electrically connected. When the image forming apparatus 100 is driven, the electric power supplied from the metal plate 914 maintains the developing roller shaft 32 at a predetermined bias voltage.

However, the first protrusion 521 partially covers the outer peripheral surface of the gear shaft 531 . Therefore, after a new developer cartridge 1 is inserted into the drawer unit 91 and the detection gear 52 is rotating, the contact state between the metal plate 914 and the gear shaft 531 changes according to the shape of the detection gear 52. do. That is, the metal plate 914 is temporarily separated from the gear shaft 531 and contacts only the first protrusion 521 as shown in FIG. Thus, lever 912 moves between a first position in which metal plate 914 contacts gear shaft 531 and a second position in which metal plate 914 moves away from gear shaft 531 .

The optical sensor 913 detects displacement of the lever 912 and transmits a detection signal 70 to the control section 92 . For the optical sensor 913, for example, a sensor unit having a light projecting portion and a light receiving portion is used. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the detection signal 70 obtained from the optical sensor 913. As shown in FIG. When the lever 912 is at the first position, light from the light projecting section enters the light receiving section without being blocked by the lever 912 . At this time, the detection signal 70 of the optical sensor 913 becomes Low. On the other hand, when the lever 912 is at the second position, the lever 912 blocks the light from the light projecting section. Therefore, the light from the light projecting section does not enter the light receiving section. At this time, the detection signal 70 of the optical sensor 913 becomes High.

Thus, the detection signal 70 output from the optical sensor 913 has a waveform that changes between Low (first state) and High (second state). Based on the waveform of the detection signal 70 obtained from the optical sensor 913 , the control unit 92 of the image forming apparatus 100 identifies whether the installed developing cartridge 1 is new and the specifications of the developing cartridge 1 .

The optical sensor 913 of this embodiment detects movement of the first projection 521 via the lever 912 . However, the optical sensor 913 may directly detect the movement of the first protrusion 521 . Also, instead of the optical sensor 913, a magnetic sensor or a contact sensor may be used. Alternatively, the movement of the first protrusion 521 may be detected based on the presence or absence of electrical continuity between the metal plate 914 and the gear shaft 531 .

Further, in this embodiment, the gear shaft 531 is part of the conductive member 53 . However, a gear shaft may be provided separately from the power supply path to the conductive member 53 . For example, casing 10 may further include a through hole extending through second end face 12 and a cap attached to the through hole, from which the gear shaft extends in the first direction.

<4. About IC chip assembly>
The IC chip assembly 60 is arranged outside the first end surface 11 of the casing 10 . As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the IC chip assembly 60 has a cartridge IC 61, which is an IC chip, and a holder 62. As shown in FIG. Cartridge IC 61 is fixed to the outer surface of holder 62 . The holder 62 is held by the first cover 45 . Cartridge IC 61 has an electrical contact surface. The electrical contact surface consists of a metal that is a conductor. The cartridge IC 61 also has a memory 610 that is a storage medium. The memory 610 of the cartridge IC 61 can store various information regarding the developing cartridge 1 .

The drawer unit 91 has an electrical connector for each slot 910 . The electrical connector is electrically connected to the controller 92 in the image forming apparatus 100 . When the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit 91, the electrical connector of the drawer unit 91 and the electrical contact surface of the cartridge IC 61 come into contact with each other. This enables the image forming apparatus 100 to read information from the cartridge IC 61 .

FIG. 11 is a diagram conceptually showing information stored in the memory 610 in the cartridge IC 61. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, in this embodiment, feature information 71 representing features of the detection signal 70 is stored in a memory 610 in the cartridge IC 61 . The feature information 71 is used for identification processing, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the number of High signals 710 , a first threshold value 711 and a second threshold value 712 are stored in the memory 610 as the feature information 71 . The number of High signals 710 indicates the number of High times in the detection signal 70 . A first threshold 711 and a second threshold 712 indicate thresholds for the duration of High. The second threshold 712 is smaller than the first threshold 711 .

However, the feature information 71 stored in the memory 610 is not limited to the number of High signals 710, the first threshold 711, and the second threshold 712. FIG. For example, the memory 610 may store the number of Low times in the detection signal 70 as the feature information 71 . Also, the memory 610 may store a threshold for the duration of Low as the characteristic information 71 . Further, the memory 610 may store, as the characteristic information 71, a combination of the number of times of High and the number of times of Low in the detection signal 70. FIG. Further, the memory 610 may store, as the feature information 71, a combination of a threshold value for the duration of High and a threshold value for the duration of Low.

<5. About the control part of the main unit>
FIG. 12 is a block diagram conceptually showing connections between the control unit 92 and the four cartridge ICs 61. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 92 has a processor 921, a storage unit 922, a RAM 923, and an NVRAM924. The processor 921 is an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU. The processor 921 can write information to and read information from the storage unit 922, the RAM 923, and the NVRAM 924, respectively. Also, the processor 921 can read information from the four cartridge ICs 61 . The storage unit 922 stores a program P readable by the processor 921 . The control unit 92 operates when the program P is executed by the processor 921 .

The RAM 923 is a volatile memory in which information can be written and read. The processor 921 expands the information stored in the cartridge IC 61 to the RAM 923 . Thereby, the processor 921 can quickly read the information stored in the cartridge IC 61 from the RAM 923 .

When the control unit 92 acquires the detection signal 70 by new product detection, which will be described later, the control unit 92 stores the acquired detection signal 70 in the RAM 923 . Further, in the present embodiment, preliminary yield information 80 is stored in the storage unit 922 in advance. The preliminary yield information 80 is referred to when it is determined that the second waveform is abnormal in step S11, which will be described later. The preliminary yield information 80 represents the amount of developer that can be used in the developer cartridge 1 or the number of prints that can be printed with the developer. However, the amount of developer represented by the preliminary yield information 80 is preferably smaller than the amount of developer represented by the detection signal 70 in the normal state. Also, the number of printed sheets represented by the preliminary yield information 80 is preferably smaller than the number of printed sheets represented by the detection signal 70 in the normal state.

The NVRAM 924 is a memory that can retain data even when the power supply is stopped. Information related to the developer cartridge 1 is stored in the NVRAM 924 . When a new developer cartridge 1 is attached to the image forming apparatus 100 , the processor 921 initializes information related to the developer cartridge 1 in the NVRAM 924 .

<6. Processing after Mounting Development Cartridge>
Next, the processing executed after the developing cartridge 1 is mounted will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. The processes in FIGS. 13 and 14 are executed, for example, when the image forming apparatus 100 is powered on. Further, among the following processes, the processes performed by the control unit 92 are executed by the processor 921 operating according to the program P. FIG. Further, although processing for one developer cartridge 1 will be described below, similar processing is executed for each of the four developer cartridges 1 .

When the developer cartridge 1 is attached to the drawer unit 91 and the drawer unit 91 is accommodated in the image forming apparatus 100, the controller 92 first determines whether or not the developer cartridge 1 is present (step S1). The image forming apparatus 100 has a cartridge sensor (not shown) for detecting the presence or absence of the developing cartridge 1 for each slot 910 of the drawer unit 91 . The controller 92 determines whether or not there is a developing cartridge 1 for each slot 910 based on the signal output from the cartridge sensor. Note that the control unit 92 may use the signal output from the optical sensor 913 described above to determine whether or not the developer cartridge 1 is present.

When the controller 92 determines that the developer cartridge 1 is not present in the slot 910 of the drawer unit 91 (step S1: No), it displays an error or warning on the display 93 (step S2). Accordingly, the control unit 92 notifies the user that the developer cartridge 1 is not installed in the slot 910 of the drawer unit 91 or that the developer cartridge 1 is incompletely installed.

On the other hand, when the controller 92 determines in step S1 that the developer cartridge 1 is present in the slot 910 of the drawer unit 91 (step S1: Yes), it then authenticates the cartridge IC 61 (step S3). . For authentication of the cartridge IC 61, for example, the processor 921 determines whether information stored in the memory 610 in the cartridge IC 61 matches information stored in an IC chip (not shown) in the control unit 92. done by

When the control unit 92 determines that the cartridge IC 61 has been successfully authenticated (for example, the information stored in the memory 610 in the cartridge IC 61 matches the information stored in the IC chip in the control unit 92), the control The unit 92 acquires the characteristic information 71 from the cartridge IC 61 (step S4). Specifically, first, the control unit 92 writes the characteristic information 71 stored in the memory 610 in the cartridge IC 61 to the RAM 923 . In this embodiment, the controller 92 copies the number of High signals 710, the first threshold 711, and the second threshold 712 stored in the memory 610 to the RAM 923. FIG.

In step S3, if the cartridge IC 61 authentication fails (for example, the information stored in the memory 610 in the cartridge IC 61 does not match the information stored in the IC chip in the control unit 92), the control unit 92 , the controller 92 may display an error or warning on the display 93 .

Next, the control unit 92 performs new product detection for each of the four developer cartridges 1 . Specifically, the controller 92 first starts driving the motor to rotate the drive shaft (step S5). Then, the rotation of the drive shaft is transmitted to the detection gear 52 via the coupling 41 , the idle gear 43 , the first agitator gear 44 , the agitator 20 and the second agitator gear 51 . This causes the detection gear 52 to start rotating. When the detection gear 52 rotates, the first projection 521 also rotates together with the detection gear 52 . The inclination of the lever 912 changes according to the movement of the first protrusion 521 . The optical sensor 913 transmits a detection signal 70 that changes according to the displacement of the lever 912 to the controller 92 . Thereby, the control unit 92 acquires an input waveform that changes according to the rotation of the detection gear 52 (step S6).

Eventually, when the second agitator gear 51 and the detection gear 52 are disengaged, the detection gear 52 stops rotating. Further, when a preset time elapses after starting to drive the motor, the control unit 92 stops driving the motor (step S7). The control unit 92 writes the obtained detection signal 70 to the RAM 923 .

When the detection signal 70 is obtained, the control section 92 performs identification processing of the developing cartridge 1 (step S8). The identification process is executed by processor 921 referring to detection signal 70 and feature information 71 stored in RAM 923 . 15 and 16 are flowcharts showing an example of the identification processing in step S8.

When performing the identification process, the control unit 92 checks the change of the detection signal 70 over time. First, the control unit 92 determines whether the detection signal 70 changes from Low to High within a preset time (step S21). Specifically, the processor 921 determines whether the detection signal 70 stored in the RAM 923 changes from Low to High within a preset time. If the processor 921 does not determine that the detection signal 70 stored in the RAM 923 has changed from Low to High within the preset time (step S21: No), the processor 921 determines that the developer cartridge 1 is ready for use. It is determined that it is completed (step S22). That is, the control unit 92 determines that the developing cartridge 1 that has been used once has been taken out of the image forming apparatus 100 and re-installed in the image forming apparatus 100 .

In step S21, if the processor 921 determines that the detection signal 70 stored in the RAM 923 has changed from Low to High within a preset time (step S21: Yes), then the control unit 92 , it is determined whether the detection signal 70 changes from High to Low within a preset time (step S23). Specifically, the processor 921 determines whether the detection signal 70 stored in the RAM 923 changes from High to Low within a preset time. If the processor 921 does not determine that the detection signal 70 stored in the RAM 923 has changed from High to Low within the preset time (step S23: No), the processor 921 determines that the detection signal 70 is the first It is determined that the waveform is abnormal (step S24). The processor 921 causes the RAM 923 to store the determination result that the detection signal 70 is abnormal in the first waveform.

In step S23, if the processor 921 determines that the detection signal 70 stored in the RAM 923 has changed from High to Low within the preset time (step S23: Yes), the processor 921 returns to the High state. is stored in the RAM 923 as the first High time T1 (step S25).

Subsequently, the controller 92 determines whether the detection signal 70 changes from Low to High within a preset time (step S26). Specifically, the processor 921 determines whether the detection signal 70 stored in the RAM 923 changes from Low to High within a preset time. If the processor 921 does not determine that the detection signal 70 stored in the RAM 923 has changed from Low to High within the preset time (step S26: No), the number of Highs in the detection signal 70 is 1. times and confirm. The processor 921 reads the number of High signals 710 from the RAM 923 and determines whether the number of High signals 710 and 1, which is the determined number of High signals, match (step S27).

When the processor 921 determines that the number of High signals 710 read from the RAM 923 is not 1 (step S27: No), the processor 921 determines that the detection signal 70 is abnormal in the first waveform (step S28). . The processor 921 causes the RAM 923 to store the determination result that the detection signal 70 is abnormal in the first waveform.

In step S27, when the processor 921 determines that the number of High signals 710 read from the RAM 923 is 1 (step S27: Yes), the processor 921 subsequently reads the first High time T1 stored in the RAM 923. is greater than the first threshold value 711 stored in the RAM 923 (step S29). Then, when the processor 921 determines that the first High time T1 is longer than the first threshold value 711 (step S29: Yes), the processor 921 determines that the developing cartridge 1 is new. In addition, the processor 921 determines that the amount of developer in the developing cartridge 1 or the yield information indicating the number of prints that can be printed with the developer is at the third largest level of "medium" in this embodiment (step S30). The processor 921 causes the RAM 923 to store the determination result indicating that the yield information is at the "medium" level.

In step S29, when the processor 921 determines that the first High time T1 is equal to or less than the first threshold value 711 (step S29: No), the processor 921 determines that the first High time T1 stored in the RAM 923 is stored in the RAM 923. It is checked whether it is greater than the second threshold value 712 (step S31). Then, when the processor 921 determines that the first High time T1 is longer than the second threshold value 712 (step S31: Yes), the processor 921 determines that the developing cartridge 1 is new. Also, the processor 921 determines that the amount of developer in the developer cartridge 1 or the yield information indicating the number of prints that can be printed with the developer is at the lowest level of "small" in this embodiment (step S32). . The processor 921 causes the RAM 923 to store the judgment result indicating that the yield information is at the “small” level.

In step S31, when the processor 921 determines that the first High time T1 is equal to or less than the second threshold value 712 (step S31: No), the processor 921 determines that the detection signal 70 is abnormal in the second waveform (step S33). ). The processor 921 causes the RAM 923 to store the determination result that the detection signal 70 is abnormal in the second waveform.

In step S26, if the processor 921 determines that the detection signal 70 stored in the RAM 923 has changed from Low to High within the preset time (step S26: Yes), then the control unit 92 , it is determined whether the detection signal 70 changes from High to Low within a preset time (step S34). Specifically, the processor 921 determines whether the detection signal 70 stored in the RAM 923 changes from High to Low within a preset time. If the processor 921 does not determine that the detection signal 70 stored in the RAM 923 has changed from High to Low within the preset time (step S34: No), the processor 921 determines that the detection signal 70 is the first It is determined that the waveform is abnormal (step S35). The processor 921 causes the RAM 923 to store the determination result that the detection signal 70 is abnormal in the first waveform.

In step S34, if the processor 921 determines that the detection signal 70 stored in the RAM 923 has changed from High to Low within the preset time (step S34: Yes), the processor 921 returns to the High state. is stored in the RAM 923 as the second High time T2 (step S36).

Subsequently, the control unit 92 determines whether the detection signal 70 changes from Low to High within a preset time (step S37). Specifically, the processor 921 determines whether the detection signal 70 stored in the RAM 923 changes from Low to High within a preset time. If the processor 921 does not determine that the detection signal 70 stored in the RAM 923 has changed from Low to High within the preset time (step S37: No), the number of Highs in the detection signal 70 is 2. times and confirm. The processor 921 reads the number of High signals 710 from the RAM 923 and determines whether the number of High signals 710 and 2, which is the fixed number of Highs, match (step S38).

When the processor 921 determines that the number of High signals 710 read from the RAM 923 is not 2 (step S38: No), the processor 921 determines that the detection signal 70 is abnormal in the first waveform (step S39). . The processor 921 causes the RAM 923 to store the determination result that the detection signal 70 is abnormal in the first waveform.

In step S38, when the processor 921 determines that the number of High signals 710 read from the RAM 923 is 2 (step S38: Yes), the processor 921 subsequently reads the second High time T2 stored in the RAM 923. is greater than the first threshold value 711 stored in the RAM 923 (step S40). Then, when the processor 921 determines that the second High time T2 is longer than the first threshold value 711 (step S40: Yes), the processor 921 determines that the developing cartridge 1 is new. Also, the processor 921 determines that the amount of developer in the developer cartridge 1 or the yield information indicating the number of prints that can be printed with the developer is at the "extra-large" level, which is the largest in this embodiment (step S41). . The processor 921 causes the RAM 923 to store the judgment result indicating that the yield information is at the “extra-large” level.

In step S40, when the processor 921 determines that the second High time T2 is equal to or less than the first threshold value 711 (step S40: No), the processor 921 determines that the second High time T2 stored in the RAM 923 is stored in the RAM 923. It is checked whether it is greater than the second threshold value 712 (step S42). Then, when the processor 921 determines that the second High time T2 is longer than the second threshold value 712 (step S42: Yes), the processor 921 determines that the developing cartridge 1 is new. Also, the processor 921 determines that the amount of developer in the developer cartridge 1 or the yield information indicating the number of prints that can be printed with the developer is at the second highest level in the present embodiment (step S43). The processor 921 causes the RAM 923 to store the judgment result indicating that the yield information is at the “high” level.

In step S42, when the processor 921 determines that the second High time T2 is equal to or less than the second threshold value 712 (step S42: No), the processor 921 determines that the detection signal 70 is abnormal in the second waveform (step S44). ). The processor 921 causes the RAM 923 to store the determination result that the detection signal 70 is abnormal in the second waveform.

In step S37, when the processor 921 determines that the detection signal 70 stored in the RAM 923 has changed from Low to High within the preset time (step S37: Yes), the processor 921 outputs the detection signal 70 is the first waveform abnormality (step S45). The processor 921 causes the RAM 923 to store the determination result that the detection signal 70 is abnormal in the first waveform.

After the identification process of step S8 is completed, the processor 921 determines whether the determination result stored in the RAM 923 indicates waveform abnormality (step S9). If the processor 921 determines that the determination result stored in the RAM 923 is waveform abnormal (step S9: Yes), then the processor 921 determines whether the determination result stored in the RAM 923 is the second waveform abnormality. (step S10). When the processor 921 determines that the detection signal 70 is not the second waveform abnormality but the first waveform abnormality (step S10: No), the processor 921 displays an error on the display 93 (step S11). . Specifically, a prepared error message is displayed on the display 93 . In this case, execution of print processing in image forming apparatus 100 is not permitted.

In step S10, when the processor 921 determines that the detection signal 70 is the second waveform abnormality (step S10: Yes), the processor 921 displays a warning on the display 93 (step S12). Specifically, a warning message prepared in advance is displayed on the display 93 . In this case, processor 921 reads preliminary yield information 80 from storage unit 922 . Then, based on the preliminary yield information 80, execution of print processing is permitted. That is, the image forming apparatus 100 enters an idle state and waits for input of a print instruction (step S13).

Also, in step S9, when the detection signal 70 is not waveform abnormal (step S9: No), the processor 921 reads from the RAM 923 the yield information determined in steps S30, S32, S41, or S43 described above. Then, execution of print processing is permitted based on the read yield information. That is, the image forming apparatus 100 enters an idle state and waits for input of a print instruction (step S13).

As described above, the control unit 92 acquires the detection signal 70 emitted by the optical sensor 913 due to the movement of the first protrusion 521 . Then, the control section 92 identifies the obtained detection signal 70 based on the characteristic information 71 stored in the memory 610 in the cartridge IC. Thereby, the control unit 92 identifies specifications such as the yield information of the developing cartridge 1 . Therefore, the specifications of the developing cartridge 1 can be identified without relying on information pre-stored in the storage unit 922 of the image forming apparatus 100 . Therefore, the types of cartridges 1 to be identified can be increased without updating the information pre-stored in the storage unit 922 of the image forming apparatus 100 .

In particular, the control unit 92 of the present embodiment identifies the specifications of the developing cartridge 1 based only on the number of Highs and the duration of Highs in the detection signal 70 . That is, the control section 92 identifies the specifications of the developing cartridge 1 based on the characteristics of a portion of the detection signal 70 . By identifying the specifications of the developing cartridge 1 by focusing on a portion of the detection signal 70 in this way, the processing amount of the processor in the identification process can be reduced.

<7. Variation>
Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Various modifications will be described below, focusing on differences from the above-described embodiment.

<7-1. First modification>
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the relationship among the first protrusion 521, gear shaft 531, lever 912, optical sensor 913, and control section 92 of the first modified example. In the example of FIG. 17, the length of the first projection 521 in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis of the detection gear 52 is shorter than in the above embodiment. Therefore, the time during which the lever 912 is separated from the gear shaft 531 as the detection gear 52 rotates is shorter than in the above embodiment. Thus, the first protrusion 521 does not have to extend in an arc shape.

When the detection gear 52 of FIG. 17 is used, the number of Highs in the detection signal 70 is one. Also, the first High time T1 when using the detection gear 52 of FIG. 17 is shorter than the first High time T1 when using the detection gear 52 of FIGS. Therefore, the detection gear 52 in FIGS. 8 and 9 and the detection gear 52 in FIG. 17 can be identified by the identification processing in step S8 described above.

<7-2. Second modification>
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the relationship between the first protrusion 521, the second protrusion 522, the gear shaft 531, the lever 912, the optical sensor 913, and the control section 92 of the second modified example. In the example of FIG. 18, the detection gear 52 has a first projection 521 and a second projection 522. In the example of FIG. The first protrusion 521 and the second protrusion 522 each extend in the first direction at different positions around the rotation axis of the detection gear 52 . The outer end (first outer end) of the first protrusion 521 with respect to the rotation axis of the detection gear 52 and the outer end (second outer end) of the second protrusion 522 with respect to the rotation axis of the detection gear 52 are They are separated in the direction of rotation of gear 52 .

When the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the image forming apparatus 100 and the detection gear 52 rotates, the positions of the first protrusion 521 and the second protrusion 522 move together with the detection gear 52 . As a result, the first protrusion 521 contacts the lever 912 . The second projection 522 contacts the lever 912 after the first projection 521 contacts the lever 912 . Therefore, as the detection gear 52 rotates, the lever 912 moves from the first position to the second position twice. Optical sensor 913 detects that lever 912 is rotated twice.

In this way, if the detection gear 52 is provided with two projections, the detection signal 70 of the optical sensor changes depending on the circumferential distance between the two projections and the circumferential length of each projection. Therefore, a large number of different yield information can be represented by the positions and shapes of the two protrusions. The control section 92 may identify the detection signal 70 obtained by such movement of the first protrusion 521 and the second protrusion 522 based on the feature information 71 .

When the detection gear 52 of FIG. 18 is used, the number of Highs in the detection signal 70 is two. Also, the first High time T1 when using the detection gear 52 of FIG. 18 is shorter than the first High time T1 when using the detection gear 52 of FIGS. Therefore, the detection gear 52 in FIGS. 8, 9, and 17 and the detection gear 52 in FIG. 18 can be identified by the identification processing in step S8 described above.

<7-3. Third modification>
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the relationship between the first projection 521, the second projection 522, the third projection 523, the gear shaft 531, the lever 912, the optical sensor 913, and the control section 92 of the third modified example. In the example of FIG. 19, the detection gear 52 has a first protrusion 521, a second protrusion 522 and a third protrusion 523. In the example of FIG. The first protrusion 521 , the second protrusion 522 and the third protrusion 523 are arranged at different positions around the rotation axis of the detection gear 52 . When the detection gear 52 rotates, the positions of the first protrusion 521 , the second protrusion 522 and the third protrusion 523 move together with the detection gear 52 . Therefore, as the detection gear 52 rotates, the lever 912 moves from the first position to the second position three times. Optical sensor 913 detects that lever 912 is rotated three times.

If the detection gear 52 is provided with three projections in this way, the detection signal 70 of the optical sensor changes depending on the circumferential distance between the three projections and the circumferential length of each projection. Therefore, a lot of different yield information can be represented by the positions and shapes of the three protrusions. The control section 92 may identify the detection signal 70 obtained by such movement of the first protrusion 521 , the second protrusion 522 and the third protrusion 523 based on the characteristic information 71 .

When the detection gear 52 of FIG. 19 is used, the number of Highs in the detection signal 70 is three. Also, the first High time T1 when using the detection gear 52 of FIG. 19 is shorter than the first High time T1 when using the detection gear 52 of FIGS. Therefore, the detection gear 52 in FIGS. 8, 9, 17, and 18 and the detection gear 52 in FIG. 19 can be identified by the identification processing in step S8 described above.

Note that the number of projections that the detection gear 52 has may be four or more.

<7-4. Fourth modification>
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the relationship between the first protrusion 521, the second protrusion 522, the gear shaft 531, the lever 912, the optical sensor 913, and the control section 92 of the fourth modified example. In the example of FIG. 20, the detection gear 52 has a first protrusion 521 and a second protrusion 522 . The first protrusion 521 and the second protrusion 522 each extend in the first direction at different positions around the rotation axis of the detection gear 52 . The outer end (first outer end) of the first protrusion 521 with respect to the rotation axis of the detection gear 52 and the outer end (second outer end) of the second protrusion 522 with respect to the rotation axis of the detection gear 52 direction away.

When the developing cartridge 1 is attached to the image forming apparatus 100 and the detection gear 52 rotates, the positions of the first protrusion 521 and the second protrusion 522 move together with the detection gear 52 . As a result, the first protrusion 521 contacts the lever 912 . The second projection 522 contacts the lever 912 after the first projection 521 contacts the lever 912 . Therefore, as the detection gear 52 rotates, the lever 912 moves from the first position to the second position twice. Optical sensor 913 detects that lever 912 is rotated twice.

In addition, in the example of FIG. 18, the circumferential length of the second protrusion 522 is longer than the circumferential length of the first protrusion 521 . Therefore, the time that the lever 912 is positioned at the second position by the second projection 522 is longer than the time that the lever 912 is positioned at the second position by the first projection 521 . Thus, if the lengths of the first protrusion 521 and the second protrusion 522 in the circumferential direction are different from each other, the optical sensor 913 detects the time during which the lever 912 is positioned at the second position by the first protrusion 521, The time when the lever 912 is positioned at the second position by the second protrusion 522 can be detected as different times. Therefore, more yield information can be represented by the first protrusion 521 and the second protrusion 522 .

When the detection gear 52 of FIG. 20 is used, the number of Highs in the detection signal 70 is two. Also, the first High time T1 when using the detection gear 52 of FIG. 20 is shorter than the first High time T1 when using the detection gear 52 of FIGS. Also, the second High time T2 when using the detection gear 52 of FIG. 20 is longer than the second High time T2 when using the detection gear 52 of FIGS. Therefore, the detection gear 52 in FIGS. 8, 9, 17, 18, and 19 and the detection gear 52 in FIG. 20 can be identified by the identification processing in step S8 described above.

<7-5. Fifth modification>
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the relationship among the detection gear 52, the optical sensor 913, and the control section 92 of the fifth modification. In the example of FIG. 21, the detection gear 52 and the first projection 521 are separate members. The detection gear 52 has a plurality of gear teeth and rotates around a rotation axis. When the detection gear 52 rotates, the first projection 521 moves axially along the surface shape of the detection gear 52 . The optical sensor 913 transmits to the controller 92 a detection signal 70 that changes according to the displacement of the first projection 521 in the axial direction.

Thus, the detection gear 52 and the first projection 521 may be separate members. Also, the first projection 521 may be displaced in the axial direction. Even when such a detection gear 52 is used, a detection signal 70 that changes between Low (first state) and High (second state) can be obtained. Therefore, the control section 92 can identify the specifications of the developing cartridge 1 based on the waveform of the detection signal 70 by the identification processing of step S8 described above.

<7-6. Sixth modification>
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the developer cartridge 1 of the sixth modification. This developer cartridge 1 has a gear portion 40 only on a first end surface 11 that is one end surface of the casing 10 in the first direction. The gear portion 40 is covered with a cover 45 . FIG. 23 is a plan view of the gear portion 40 viewed in the first direction with the cover 45 removed. As shown in FIG. 23 , in this example, a plurality of gears from coupling 41 to detection gear 52 are arranged on first end surface 11 of casing 10 . In this manner, a plurality of gears may be collectively arranged on the first end surface 11 of the casing 10 . In addition, the cartridge IC may be arranged, for example, on the second end face, which is the other end face of the casing 10 in the first direction.

FIG. 24 is a plan view of the detection gear 52 of the sixth modification. The detection gear 52 of FIG. 23 has a cylindrical portion 520, first projections 521, and second projections 522. As shown in FIG. The cylindrical portion 520 extends in the first direction from one end face of the detection gear 52 in the first direction. The first projection 521 and the second projection 522 each extend radially outward from the cylindrical portion 520 . The first protrusion 521 and the second protrusion 522 are arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction. Also, in the example of FIG. 22 , the circumferential length of the second projection 522 is longer than the circumferential length of the first projection 521 . Thus, the first protrusion 521 and the second protrusion 522 may be radially extending protrusions.

Even when such a detection gear 52 is used, a detection signal 70 that changes between Low (first state) and High (second state) can be obtained. Therefore, the control section 92 can identify the specifications of the developing cartridge 1 based on the waveform of the detection signal 70 by the identification processing of step S8 described above. When the detection gear 52 of FIG. 24 is used, the number of Highs in the detection signal 70 is two.

<7-7. Seventh modification>
FIG. 25 is a plan view of the detection gear 52 of the seventh modification. In the example of FIG. 25, the circumferential length of the first protrusion 521 and the circumferential length of the second protrusion 522 are the same. That is, in the example of FIG. 25, the circumferential length of the second projection 522 is shorter than in the example of FIG. As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, different yield information can be expressed by changing the circumferential length of the second protrusion 522. FIG.

When the detection gear 52 of FIG. 25 is used, the number of Highs in the detection signal 70 is two. Also, the second High time T2 when using the detection gear 52 of FIG. 25 is shorter than the second High time T2 when using the detection gear 52 of FIG. Therefore, the detection gear 52 in FIG. 24 and the detection gear 52 in FIG. 25 can be identified by the identification processing in step S8 described above.

<7-8. Eighth modification>
FIG. 26 is a plan view of the detection gear 52 of the eighth modification. In the example of FIG. 26, the circumferential length of the first protrusion 521 and the circumferential length of the second protrusion 522 are the same. That is, in the example of FIG. 26, the circumferential length of the second projection 522 is shorter than in the example of FIG. As shown in FIGS. 24 and 26, different yield information can be expressed by changing the circumferential length of the second protrusion 522. FIG.

Also, in the example of FIG. 26, the interval in the circumferential direction between the first protrusion 521 and the second protrusion 522 is larger than in the example of FIG. By varying the circumferential spacing between the first protrusion 521 and the second protrusion 522, as in FIGS. 25 and 26, different yield information can be represented.

In the above-described embodiment, in the identification process of step S8, the duration of the High state (first High time T1, second High time T2) is compared with the threshold. However, in the identification process of step S8, the time during which the Low state continued (Low time) may be compared with the threshold. The Low time when the detection gear 52 of FIG. 26 is used is longer than the Low time when the detection gears of FIGS. 24 and 25 are used. Therefore, the detection gear 52 in FIGS. 24 and 25 and the detection gear in FIG. 26 can be distinguished based on the Low time.

<7-9. Ninth modification>
FIG. 27 is a plan view of the detection gear 52 of the ninth modification. 27, the detection gear 52 has a first protrusion 521, a second protrusion 522 and a third protrusion 523. In the example of FIG. The first projection 521 , the second projection 522 and the third projection 523 each extend radially outward from the cylindrical portion 520 . Also, the first protrusion 521, the second protrusion 522, and the third protrusion 523 are arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction. If the detection gear 52 is provided with three projections in this way, the detection signal 70 of the optical sensor changes depending on the circumferential distance between the three projections and the circumferential length of each projection. Therefore, more different yield information can be represented by the positions and shapes of the three projections.

When the detection gear 52 of FIG. 27 is used, the number of Highs in the detection signal 70 is three. Therefore, the detection gear 52 in FIGS. 24, 25, and 26 and the detection gear 52 in FIG. 27 can be identified by the identification processing in step S8 described above.

Note that the number of projections that the detection gear 52 has may be four or more.

<7-10. Other Modifications>
In the embodiment described above, the control unit 92 specifies the yield information of the developing cartridge 1 based on the detection signal 70 obtained from the optical sensor 913 and the feature information 71 read from the memory 610 within the cartridge IC 61 . However, the controller 92 may specify the upper limit of the rotation speed of the developing roller 30 based on the detection signal 70 obtained from the optical sensor 913 and the characteristic information 71 read from the memory 610 in the cartridge IC 61 .

In the above-described embodiment, the yield information of the developing cartridge 1 identifies which of the four types of "small", "medium", "large", and "extra-large". However, the number of types of developing cartridges 1 to be identified may be one to three, or may be five or more.

In the above embodiment, the detection signal 70 is Low when the lever 912 is at the first position, and is High when the lever 912 is at the second position. However, the detection signal 70 may be high when the lever 912 is in the first position and may be low when the lever 912 is in the second position.

The identification processing shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 is merely an example. The flow of identification processing may be appropriately changed according to the type of developing cartridge 1 to be identified and the conditions for identification.

Further, in the above embodiments, the cartridge IC having the electrical contact surface is fixed to the outer surface of the holder. However, only the electrical contact surface may be fixed to the outer surface of the holder, and the memory of the cartridge IC may be arranged elsewhere in the developer cartridge 1 .

Further, in the above embodiment, the plurality of gears in the first gear portion and the second gear portion are engaged with each other by meshing gear teeth. However, the gears in the first gear section and the second gear section may engage each other by frictional force. For example, instead of a plurality of gear teeth, a friction member (eg, rubber) may be provided on the outer periphery of two gears that engage with each other.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a notification such as an error message is output by displaying information on the display of the image forming apparatus. However, instead of displaying the information on the display, or in addition to displaying the information on the display, the notification may be output by other methods such as buzzer, sound, warning light, printed output, or the like.

Further, the above embodiment has been described using the developer cartridge 1 that can be attached to the drawer unit 91 . However, the developer cartridge 1 may be attachable to a drum cartridge. A drum cartridge is a cartridge having one photosensitive drum. Further, the developing cartridge 1 may be a process cartridge having a photosensitive drum. A process cartridge is one cartridge that includes a developing roller and a photosensitive drum. Also, instead of the developing cartridge 1, a toner cartridge may be used. A toner cartridge is a cartridge that can contain toner and does not have a developing roller.

Also, in the above embodiment, the optical sensor 913 detects the displacement of the lever 912 . However, instead of the optical sensor 913, a detection mechanism that detects electrical connection may be used. In this case, when any one of the first protrusion 521, the second protrusion 522, and the third protrusion 523 contacts the lever 912 and the lever 912 is placed at the second position, an electric circuit in the image forming apparatus is activated. becomes ON. Then, the detection mechanism detects that the electrical connection of the electrical circuit has been turned ON. On the other hand, when none of the first projection 521, the second projection 522, and the third projection 523 contacts the lever 912, the lever 912 is placed at the first position, and the electrical connection of the electric circuit is turned off. . Then, the detection mechanism detects that the electrical connection of the electrical circuit has been turned off.

Further, the detailed shape of the developing cartridge may be different from the shape shown in each drawing of the present application. Also, the elements appearing in the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately combined as long as there is no contradiction.

1 Developing Cartridge 10 Casing 20 Agitator 30 Developing Roller 40 First Gear Section 41 Coupling 42 Developing Roller Gear 43 Idle Gear 44 First Agitator Gear 45 First Cover 50 Second Gear Section 51 Second Agitator Gear 52 Detection Gear 53 Conductive Member 54 Second cover 60 IC chip assembly 61 Cartridge IC
62 Holder 70 Detection Signal 71 Feature Information 80 Reserve Yield Information 91 Drawer Unit 92 Control Section 93 Display 100 Image Forming Apparatus 520 Cylindrical Section 521 First Projection 522 Second Projection 523 Third Projection 610 Memory 710 Number of High Signals 711 First Threshold 712 Second threshold value 910 slot 911 photosensitive drum 912 lever 913 optical sensor 921 processor 922 storage unit 923 RAM
924 NVRAM
P program T1 1st high time T2 2nd high time

Claims (20)

A cartridge that can contain a developer and can be mounted on an image forming apparatus ,
a sensing gear rotatable about a first axis extending in a predetermined direction;
A projection whose position moves along with the rotation of the detection gear, and which is partially provided along the rotation direction of the detection gear. a projection having a different length in the rotation direction of the detection gear or a different distance between the projections in the rotation direction of the detection gear ;
a memory storing characteristic information representing a signal including at least a first state and a second state different from the first state;
with
The cartridge, wherein the characteristic information is information for identifying the type of the cartridge by the image forming apparatus identifying the signal detected by the movement of the projection. The cartridge of claim 1, comprising:
the signal changes between the first state and the second state;
The cartridge, wherein the feature information includes a duration of the first state or the second state. The cartridge of claim 1, comprising:
the signal changes between the first state and the second state;
The cartridge, wherein the feature information includes the number of times of the first state or the second state. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The image forming apparatus can specify the amount of the developer in the cartridge or the number of prints that can be printed with the developer, based on the feature information and the signal detected by the movement of the projection. A cartridge characterized by: The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
further comprising a developing roller rotatable about a second shaft extending in the predetermined direction;
The cartridge , wherein the image forming apparatus can specify the upper limit of the number of revolutions of the developing roller based on the feature information and the signal detected by the movement of the projection. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The cartridge, wherein the projection extends in the predetermined direction. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A cartridge, wherein the detection gear includes the projection. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The projection is
a first protrusion rotatable together with the detection gear;
a second protrusion rotatable together with the detection gear, the second protrusion being spaced apart from the first protrusion in the rotation direction of the detection gear;
including
The characteristic information is information for identifying the type of the cartridge by the image forming apparatus identifying the signal detected by movement of the first projection and the second projection. Cartridge to do. 9. The cartridge of claim 8,
The first projection extends in the predetermined direction,
The cartridge, wherein the second projection extends in the predetermined direction. A cartridge according to claim 8 or 9,
The first projection extends along the rotation direction of the detection gear,
The second projection extends along the rotation direction of the detection gear,
A cartridge, wherein the length of the first projection in the direction of rotation differs from the length of the second projection in the direction of rotation. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
A cartridge, wherein the cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus and the detection gear rotates so that the protrusion can come into contact with a portion of the image forming apparatus. The cartridge according to any one of claims 8 to 10,
When the cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus and the detection gear rotates, the first projection can come into contact with a portion of the image forming apparatus,
After the first protrusion contacts the portion of the image forming apparatus, the second protrusion can contact the portion of the image forming apparatus by rotating the detection gear. . The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
further having a coupling for receiving a driving force;
A cartridge, wherein the detection gear is rotatable by the driving force. 14. The cartridge of claim 13, comprising:
a developing roller rotatable about a second axis extending in the predetermined direction, the developing roller including a developing roller shaft extending in the predetermined direction;
a developing roller gear rotatable together with the developing roller, the developing roller gear being attached to the developing roller shaft;
further comprising
the coupling is rotatable about a third axis extending in the predetermined direction;
The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the coupling further comprises a coupling gear rotatable together with the coupling and meshing with the developing roller gear. A cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
A cartridge comprising an IC chip having the memory. A cartridge capable of containing a developer,
a sensing gear rotatable about a first axis extending in a predetermined direction;
A projection whose position moves along with the rotation of the detection gear, and which is partially provided along the rotation direction of the detection gear. a projection having a different length in the rotation direction of the detection gear or a different distance between the projections in the rotation direction of the detection gear ;
a memory storing characteristic information representing a signal including at least a first state and a second state different from the first state;
a cartridge comprising
a sensor that detects movement of the projection;
a control unit capable of executing processing for identifying the type of the cartridge based on the signal detected by the sensor and the feature information read from the memory;
An image forming apparatus comprising: 17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16,
The control unit executes processing for specifying the amount of the developer in the cartridge or the number of prints that can be printed with the developer, based on the feature information and the signal detected by the movement of the projection. An image forming apparatus characterized by being capable of: 17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16,
The cartridge is
further comprising a developing roller rotatable about a second shaft extending in the predetermined direction;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control section is capable of executing a process of specifying an upper limit value of the number of revolutions of the developing roller based on the feature information and the signal detected by the movement of the projection. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 18,
The control unit is capable of executing processing for identifying whether the waveform of the signal is abnormal based on the signal detected by the sensor and the feature information read from the memory. image forming device. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 19,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the cartridge includes an IC chip having the memory.

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