JP7196973B2 - cartridge - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cartridge mounted in an image forming apparatus employing an electrophotographic method.

As an electrophotographic printer, a printer that includes a photoreceptor and a developing cartridge that supplies toner to the photoreceptor is known.

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

For example, a detection gear rotatably provided in the developing cartridge is provided with a contact protrusion that contacts an actuator in the main casing, and when the developing cartridge is attached to the main casing, the detection gear is rotationally driven, A laser printer has been proposed in which an actuator is oscillated by an abutment protrusion, an optical sensor detects the oscillation of the actuator, and information on a developing cartridge is determined based on the detection result (see, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-200002). reference.).

JP 2006-267994 A

However, in the laser printer described in Patent Document 1, the detection gear used for detecting a new developing cartridge is provided on the side wall provided with the input gear to which the driving force from the main casing is input.

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

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a cartridge that can be made more compact.

(1) In order to achieve the above object, the cartridge of the present invention has a developer containing section configured to contain developer, and is spaced apart in a predetermined direction across the developer containing section. It comprises a housing including a first side wall and a second side wall that are opposed to each other, a coupling member for receiving a driving force from the outside, and an object to be detected by an external detection means.

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

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

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

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

Further, the cartridge of the present invention is configured to rotate together with the rotating member about the rotation axis, is arranged on the side of the second side wall on which the body to be detected is arranged, and receives the driving force from the rotating member to be detected. A second drive transmission member is provided for transmission to the body.

According to such a configuration, the coupling member is arranged on the opposite side of the developer containing section with respect to the first side wall, and the detected body is arranged on the opposite side of the developer containing section with respect to the second side wall. With this arrangement, the driving force input to the coupling member can be transmitted to the object to be detected via the rotating member arranged between the first side wall and the second side wall.

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

As a result, the size of the cartridge can be reduced.
(2) The body to be detected may be arranged such that at least a portion thereof overlaps the coupling member when projected in a predetermined direction.

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

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

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

In this case, since the developing electrode is supplied with power from the outside, it has a power-supplied portion extending in a predetermined direction in the opposite direction to the second side wall, and the object to be detected is made of an insulating member and rotates around the power-supplied portion. It may be supported as possible.

According to such a configuration, the object to be detected can be arranged more efficiently than when the object to be detected and the power-supplied portion are provided separately.
(5) Further, the power-supplied portion may be arranged so as to overlap the coupling member when projected in a predetermined direction.

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

According to such a configuration, it is possible to reliably switch between supplying power to the power-supplied part from the outside and canceling the power supply by rotating the object to be detected.
(7) The covering portion is provided in the middle of the rotation direction of the first opening and covers the power-supplied portion from the orthogonal direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction, and covers the power-supplied portion from the outside in the predetermined direction. and a second cover.

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

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

According to such a configuration, it is possible to easily and reliably determine the information of the cartridge based on the number of first covering portions.
(10) Further, the first covering portion may cover half or more of the power-supplied portion continuously in the rotating direction.

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

According to such a configuration, it is possible to easily and reliably determine the information of the cartridge based on the rotational direction length of the first covering portion.
(12) In addition, the first covering portion is provided on the downstream side in the rotational direction and is continuous with a first inclined surface that inclines outward in the orthogonal direction toward the upstream side in the rotational direction, and the upstream side in the rotational direction of the first inclined surface. and a second sloped surface that slopes inward in the orthogonal direction toward the upstream side in the rotational direction.

According to such a configuration, even if the first covering portion of the object to be detected comes into contact with the external detection means that is in contact with the power-supplied part while the object to be detected is rotating, the external detection means is detected. , and retreat along the first inclined surface so as to ride on the first covering portion, and then come into contact with the power supply portion again so as to descend from the first covering portion along the second inclined surface.

As a result, the first covering portion of the object to be sensed can be smoothly passed between the power-supplied portion and the external detection means.
(13) In addition, the second covering portion may have a fitting portion fitted to the outer end portion of the power-supplied portion in a predetermined direction.

According to such a configuration, the fitting portion can position the outer end portion of the power-supplied portion in the predetermined direction with respect to the object to be detected.
(14) Further, the power-supplied portion may be formed in a cylindrical shape, and the fitting portion may be fitted inside an outer end portion of the power-supplied portion in a predetermined direction.

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

According to such a configuration, the power-supplied portion can be reinforced by the projecting portion.
(16) The object to be detected moves from the first position where power is supplied to the power-supplied portion through the first opening to the second position where power input to the power-supplied portion is canceled by the covering portion. It may be movable to a third position where power is supplied to the power-supplied portion through one opening.

According to such a configuration, before and after the power input to the power-supplied part is canceled, the power supply to the power-supplied part can be detected, and the power input to the power-supplied part can be canceled without fail. , can be recognized by external detection means.
(17) Further, the rotating member may be a developing roller configured to carry developer.

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

According to such a configuration, the supply roller can be used to transmit the driving force from the coupling member to the object to be detected, and the number of parts can be reduced.
(19) Further, the object to be detected may have a toothless gear including a toothed portion to which the driving force is transmitted and a toothless portion to which the driving force is not transmitted.

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

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

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

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

According to such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the rotational speed of the object to be detected with respect to the rotational speed of the rotating member.

As a result, it is possible to secure time for detecting power supply to the power-supplied part and power supply cancellation, and to accurately detect power supply to the power-supplied part and power supply cancellation.

According to the present invention, the cartridge can be made more compact.

FIG. 1 shows a central cross-sectional view of a printer provided with a developing cartridge of the first embodiment of the cartridge of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 1 as seen from the upper left side. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge shown in FIG. 1 as seen from the upper right side. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the drive unit shown in FIG. 2 as seen from the upper left side. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the power supply unit shown in FIG. 3 as seen from the upper right side. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the electrode member 81 shown in FIG. 5 as seen from the upper left side. FIG. 7 shows the new article detection gear shown in FIG. 5, where (a) is a perspective view seen from the upper right side, (b) is a right side view, and (c) is the end to be detected. It is a sectional view. 8 is a right side view of the developer cartridge shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the power supply unit shown in FIG. 3. FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the body electrode unit as seen from the upper right side. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the swinging of the swinging electrode, showing a state in which the developing cartridge is not attached to the main body casing and the swinging electrode is arranged at the lower release position. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the swinging of the swinging electrode, showing a state in which the developing cartridge is attached to the main body casing and the swinging electrode is arranged at the connection position. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the swinging of the swinging electrode, showing a state where the developing cartridge is attached to the main body casing and the swinging electrode is arranged at the upper release position. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of detecting a new developing cartridge, immediately after the developing cartridge is attached to the main body casing, and the oscillating electrode of the main body electrode unit is brought into contact with the power receiving portion of the developing cartridge. state. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation for detecting a new developing cartridge, following FIG. , and is separated from the power receiving portion of the developing cartridge. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of detecting a new developing cartridge, following FIG. , and the oscillating electrode of the main body electrode unit is in contact with the power receiving portion of the developing cartridge. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of detecting a new developing cartridge, following FIG. is separated from the power receiving unit. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of detecting a new developing cartridge, following FIG. , and the oscillating electrode of the main body electrode unit is in contact with the power receiving portion of the developing cartridge. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the developer cartridge of the second embodiment as seen from the upper right side. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of detecting a new developing cartridge according to the second embodiment, and is immediately after the developing cartridge is attached to the main body casing, and the oscillating electrode of the main body electrode unit is in contact with the developing cartridge. Indicates a state in which the power receiving unit is in contact. FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of detecting a new developing cartridge according to the second embodiment, following FIG. It shows a state in which it is pressed by the peripheral surface of the detection end and separated from the power receiving portion of the developing cartridge. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of detecting a new developing cartridge according to the second embodiment, following FIG. It passes between the power receiving portion of the developing cartridge, and shows a state in which the oscillating electrode of the main body electrode unit is in contact with the power receiving portion of the developing cartridge. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the power supply unit of the developing cartridge of the third embodiment, viewed from the upper right side. 24A and 24B are explanatory diagrams for explaining drive transmission of the developing cartridge according to the third embodiment. FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the power supply unit of the developer cartridge of the fourth embodiment, viewed from the upper right side. 26A and 26B are explanatory diagrams for explaining drive transmission of the developing cartridge of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the power feeding unit of the developer cartridge of the fifth embodiment, viewed from the upper right side. FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the developer cartridge of the sixth embodiment as seen from the upper right side. 29 is a perspective view of the power supply unit shown in FIG. 28 as viewed from the upper right side. FIG. 30A and 30B are explanatory diagrams for explaining drive transmission of the developer cartridge of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 31 is a perspective view from the upper right side showing a developing cartridge attached to the printer of the seventh embodiment. FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the rotation of the rotating plate of the developing cartridge in the seventh embodiment, immediately after the developing cartridge is attached to the main body casing, in a state where the rotating plate is arranged at the first position. indicates FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the rotation of the rotating plate of the developing cartridge in the seventh embodiment following FIG. 32, and shows a state in which the rotating plate is arranged at the second position. FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the rotation of the rotating plate of the developing cartridge in the seventh embodiment following FIG. 33, and shows a state in which the rotating plate is arranged at the third position. FIG. 35 is a front view showing fixed electrodes and moving electrodes provided inside a body casing of a printer according to the seventh embodiment. 36A and 36B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the operation of detecting a new developing cartridge in the seventh embodiment, and FIG. (b) shows a state of being in contact with the power receiving portion, and (b) shows a warm-up operation following (a), in which the moving electrode is pressed by the covering portion of the rotating plate and separated from the power receiving portion of the developing cartridge. In (c), following (b), the covering portion of the rotating plate passes between the moving electrode and the power receiving portion of the developing cartridge, and the moving electrode is connected to the power receiving portion of the developing cartridge. Indicates touched state. FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the developing cartridge mounted on the printer of the eighth embodiment, viewed from the upper right side. FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the sliding of the slide plate of the developing cartridge in the eighth embodiment, immediately after the developing cartridge is attached to the main body casing, in a state where the slide plate is arranged at the first position. indicates FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the sliding of the slide plate of the developing cartridge in the eighth embodiment following FIG. 38, and shows the state where the slide plate is arranged at the second position. FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the sliding of the slide plate of the developing cartridge in the eighth embodiment following FIG. 39, and shows a state where the slide plate is arranged at the third position. 41A and 41B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the operation of detecting a new developing cartridge in the eighth embodiment, and FIG. (b) shows a state in which the mobile electrode is in contact with the power receiving portion, and (b) shows a warm-up operation following (a), in which the moving electrode is pressed by the covering portion of the slide plate and separated from the power receiving portion of the developing cartridge. In (c), following (b), the covering portion of the slide plate passes between the moving electrode and the power receiving portion of the developing cartridge, and the moving electrode contacts the power receiving portion of the developing cartridge. Indicates touched state.

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

In the following description, when referring to the directions, the left side of the paper surface of FIG. 1 is the front side, and the right side of the paper surface of FIG. 1 is the rear side, with the printer 1 placed horizontally as a reference. Also, the left and right are based on the printer 1 viewed from the front side. That is, the front side of the paper surface of FIG. 1 is the right side, and the back side of the paper surface is the left side.

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

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

The drum cartridge 24 has a photosensitive drum 15 .

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

The developing cartridge 25 has a developing roller 16 .

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

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

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

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

The agitator 80 includes an agitator shaft 76 extending in the left-right direction, and stirring blades 77 extending radially outward of the agitator shaft 76 from the agitator shaft 76. is rotated around the center of rotation.

The toner in the toner containing portion 79 is triboelectrically charged to a positive polarity between the supply roller 27 and the developing roller 16 and carried on the surface of the developing roller 16 as a thin layer having a constant thickness.

On the other hand, the surface of each photosensitive drum 15 is uniformly charged by the scorotron charger 26 and then exposed to light based on predetermined image data by the LED unit 12 to form an electrostatic latent image based on the image data. is formed. A toner image (developer image) is carried on the surface of each photosensitive drum 15 by supplying the toner carried by the developing roller 16 to the electrostatic latent image on the surface of each photosensitive drum 15 .

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

The paper S is heated and pressurized when passing between the heating roller 21 and the pressure roller 22 . At this time, the color image is thermally fixed on the sheet S. As shown in FIG.

After that, the sheet S is conveyed so as to make a U-turn forward and upward, and is discharged onto the discharge tray 23 provided on the top cover 6 .
2. Details of Developing Cartridge The developing cartridge 25 includes, as shown in FIGS. A power supply unit 33 is provided.

When referring to directions in the description of the developing cartridge 25, the side on which the developing roller 16 is arranged is the rear side of the developing cartridge 25, and the side on which the layer thickness regulating blade 28 is arranged is the upper side. That is, the up-down front-back direction of the developing cartridge 25 is different from the up-down front-back direction of the printer 1 . and the drum cartridge 24 .
(1) Cartridge Frame The cartridge frame 31 is formed in a substantially box shape extending in the left-right direction. The cartridge frame 31 includes a first frame 34 forming the lower side of the cartridge frame 31 and a second frame 35 forming the upper side of the cartridge frame 31 .
(1-1) First Frame As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first frame 34 integrally includes a pair of left and right side walls 36, a front wall 37, and a bottom wall 38. It is formed in a bottomed frame shape that opens toward the side. In the following description, the left side wall 36 as an example of the first side wall is referred to as a left wall 36L, and the right side wall 36 as an example of the second side wall is referred to as a right wall 36R.

The side walls 36 are formed in a generally rectangular shape in a side view and extend vertically and forward and backward, and are opposed to each other with a gap in the left-right direction. The side walls 36 are formed with a supply roller shaft exposure hole 39 , a developing roller shaft exposure groove 40 , and an agitator shaft exposure hole 41 .

The supply roller shaft exposure hole 39 is formed through the lower rear end portion of the side wall 36 and has a substantially rectangular shape in a side view. The length of each side of the supply roller shaft exposure hole 39 is longer than the diameter of the lateral end of the supply roller shaft 29 . The lateral end of the supply roller shaft 29 is exposed outward in the lateral direction from the side wall 36 through the supply roller shaft exposure hole 39 .

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

The agitator shaft exposure hole 41 is formed through the front end portion of the side wall 36 in a generally circular shape in a side view. The diameter of the agitator shaft exposure hole 41 is formed to be larger than the diameter of the left and right ends of the agitator shaft 76 . The lateral end of the agitator shaft 76 is exposed outward in the lateral direction from the side wall 36 through the agitator shaft exposure hole 41 .

A fitting protrusion 45 as an example of a protrusion is provided on the right wall 36R.

The fitting protrusion 45 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape protruding rightward from the right surface of the right wall 36R on the front side of the supply roller shaft exposing hole 39 . On the left half of the fitting projection 45, a projection 47 projecting radially outward from the fitting projection 45 and extending in the left-right direction is formed on each of the front edge and the bottom edge.

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

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

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

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

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

The idle gear support shaft 57 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape protruding leftward from the left surface of the bearing member 51 at the front end portion of the bearing member 51 . An idle gear 64 (described later) is rotatably supported on the idle gear support shaft 57 .

The bearing member 51 is configured such that the left end of the developing roller shaft 30 is inserted through the developing roller shaft support hole 54 and the left end of the supply roller shaft 29 is inserted through the supply roller shaft support hole 55 . It is assembled on the left side of the left wall 36L. Also, the coupling support shaft 56 is arranged on the left side of the front end portion of the toner containing portion 79 .
(2-2) Gear Train The gear train 52 includes a developing coupling 61 as an example of a coupling member, a developing gear 62, a supply gear 63, an idle gear 64, and an example of a first drive transmission member (first gear). and a second agitator gear 78 (see FIG. 5) as an example of a second drive transmission member (second gear).

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

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

The small-diameter gear portion 66 has a diameter smaller than that of the large-diameter gear portion 65 and is formed in a substantially columnar shape whose center axis coincides with that of the large-diameter gear portion 65 . Gear teeth are formed along the entire circumference of the peripheral surface of the small-diameter gear portion 66 .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The drive-side gear cover 53 exposes the left surface of the coupling portion 67 of the developing coupling 61 through the coupling exposing opening 73, and also exposes the developing coupling 61 (excluding the left surface of the coupling portion 67) and the supply gear 63. , the idle gear 64 and the first agitator gear 72 are screwed to the left wall 36L.
(3) Power Supply Unit The power supply unit 33 includes, as shown in FIGS. A power feeding side gear cover 83 is provided.
(3-1) Electrode Member As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the electrode member 81 is made of a conductive resin material (eg, conductive polyacetal resin) or the like and formed into a substantially rectangular flat plate shape when viewed from the side. The electrode member 81 includes a body portion 94 and a power receiving portion 88 as an example of a power receiving portion.

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

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

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

The fitting protrusion insertion hole 86 is formed through the front end portion of the electrode member 81 so as to have a substantially circular shape in a side view. A concave portion 89 that is recessed radially outward of the fitting projection insertion hole 86 is formed at the front edge and the lower edge of the fitting projection insertion hole 86 .

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

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

In the electrode member 81, the right end of the developing roller shaft 30 is inserted through the developing roller shaft support hole 84 and the developing roller shaft collar 87, and the right end of the supply roller shaft 29 is inserted through the supply roller shaft support portion 85. , is mounted on the left side of the right wall 36R so that the fitting projection 45 is fitted in the power receiving portion 88. As shown in FIG.

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

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the rear upper end portion of the power receiving portion 88 is arranged so as to overlap the developing coupling 61 when projected in the horizontal direction.
(3-2) New Product Detection Gear As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the new product detection gear 82 is made of an insulating resin material (for example, polyacetal resin) and has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction. is rotatably fitted to the power receiving portion 88 of the.

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

Further, the new product detection gear 82 integrally includes a toothless gear 96, a cylindrical portion 97, and a detected end portion 95 as an example of a covering portion.

The toothless gear 96 is formed in a substantially disk shape having a thickness in the left-right direction. Gear teeth are formed on the peripheral surface of the toothless gear 96 at a portion having a central angle of about 205°. That is, on the peripheral surface of the toothless gear 96, a toothed portion 98 having gear teeth and a toothless portion 99 having no gear teeth are formed. The tooth portion 98 meshes with the second agitator gear 78 from the rear side. On the other hand, the toothless portion 99 is not meshed with the second agitator gear 78 .

A power receiving portion insertion hole 104 is formed in the radial center of the toothless gear 96 .

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

The tubular portion 97 protrudes to the right from the periphery of the power receiving portion insertion hole 104 of the tooth-chipped gear 96 and has a substantially cylindrical shape that shares the central axis with the tooth-chipped gear 96 . The inner diameter of cylindrical portion 97 is the same as the diameter of power receiving portion insertion hole 104 . A flange portion 100 is formed on the right end portion of the cylindrical portion 97 so as to protrude radially outward.

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

The first covering portions 101 are provided on both ends of the cylindrical portion 97 in the radial direction one by one, and are formed in a columnar shape having a substantially rectangular cross section and protruding rightward from the right end portion of the cylindrical portion 97 . Specifically, one of the first covering portions 101 is arranged radially inside the rotational direction downstream end portion of the tooth portion 98 when projected in the left-right direction. Also, the other first covering portion 101 is arranged radially inward of substantially the center in the rotation direction of the tooth portion 98 when projected in the left-right direction. A space between both first covering portions 101 is open in the circumferential direction and functions as a first opening. In other words, the first opening extends in the rotational direction, and the first covering portion 101 is provided midway in the rotational direction of the first opening.

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

The second covering portion 102 is formed in a substantially rhombic flat plate shape in a side view so as to be bridged between the right end portions of the respective first covering portions 101 . The second covering portion 102 also has a fitting portion 103 projecting leftward from the left surface thereof.

The fitting portion 103 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape sharing a center axis with the cylindrical portion 97 . The outer diameter of fitting portion 103 is formed to be approximately the same diameter (slightly smaller diameter) than the inner diameter of power receiving portion 88 .

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

Accordingly, the right end portion of the power receiving portion 88 is covered from the radially outer side by each first covering portion 101 and covered from the right side by the second covering portion. A right end portion of the power receiving portion 88 is exposed between the first covering portions 101 .

Further, the rotationally downstream end portion of the tooth portion 98 of the missing tooth gear 96 is meshed with the second agitator gear 78 .

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the rear upper end portion of the new product detection gear 82 is arranged so as to overlap the developing coupling 61 when projected in the front-rear direction.
(3-3) Power Supply Side Gear Cover As shown in FIG. 5, the power supply side gear cover 83 extends in the left-right direction and has a substantially cylindrical shape with a closed right end. The feed-side gear cover 83 is formed to have a size (length in the front-rear direction and length in the up-down direction) that can collectively cover the new product detection gear 82 and the second agitator gear 78 .

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

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

The front bulging portion 112 has a substantially rectangular shape in a side view so as to protrude rightward from the front peripheral edge of the new product detection gear exposure opening 111 .

The rear bulging portion 113 has a substantially rectangular shape in a side view so as to protrude rightward from the rear peripheral edge of the new product detection gear exposure opening 111 .

The feed-side gear cover 83 exposes the detected end portion 95 of the new product detection gear 82 through the new product detection gear exposure opening 111, and also exposes the missing tooth gear 96 and the tubular portion 97 of the new product detection gear 82 and the second agitator. It is screwed to the right wall 36R so as to cover the gear 78 together.

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

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

The body electrode unit 116 is composed of a fixed electrode 118 , a holder member 117 , and an oscillating electrode 119 held by the holder member 117 .

The fixed electrode 118 is a coil spring made of metal, and one end of the fixed electrode 118 is fixed in the vicinity of the right side of the developer cartridge 25 inside the main body casing 2 . Also, the free end portion 121 of the fixed electrode 118 is brought into contact with a body-side contact 126 (described later) of the swinging electrode 119 .

The holder member 117 is made of an insulating resin material, extends in the front-rear direction, and is formed in a substantially U-shaped curved rod shape with an open top when viewed from the side. A substantially cylindrical cylindrical portion 122 extending in the left-right direction is provided at the front end portion of the holder member 117 . is fitted.

The oscillating electrode 119 is made of metal and is a coil spring wound around the cylindrical portion 122 . One end of the oscillating electrode 119 serves as a fixed portion 123 fixed near the right side of the developing cartridge 25 within the main body casing 2 . , the other end serves as an electrode portion 124 fixed to the holder member 117 .

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

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

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

As shown in FIG. 11, the swing electrode 119 is always held at the lower release position where the body-side contact 126 is separated below the free end 121 of the fixed electrode 118 by its elasticity. there is

Also, as shown in FIG. 12, when the swinging electrode 119 is pressed from the front side, the swinging electrode 119 swings counterclockwise in a right side view against the elastic force, and the main body side contact 126 is moved to the fixed electrode 118. It is arranged at the connection position where it contacts the free end portion 121 .

When the swinging electrode 119 is further pressed from the front side, it swings counterclockwise in a right side view against the elastic force, and the main body side contact 126 moves upward from the free end portion 121 of the fixed electrode 118 . is positioned in the upper release position spaced apart (see FIG. 13).

A power source 132 , a bias detector 133 and a CPU 131 are provided inside the main body casing 2 .

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

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

The CPU 131 is electrically connected to the power supply 132 and the bias detection section 133 . The CPU 131 determines the state of the developing cartridge 25 based on the detection of whether or not the developing bias is supplied to the fixed electrode 118 by the bias detecting section 133 . When the bias detection unit 133 detects the supply of the developing bias from the power source 132 to the fixed electrode 118, the CPU 131 determines that the swing electrode 119 is arranged at the connection position. If the bias detection unit 133 does not detect the supply of the developing bias from the power source 132 to the fixed electrode 118, the CPU 131 determines that the swing electrode 119 is positioned at the lower release position or the upper release position. I judge.
4. New Product Detection Operation for Developing Cartridge The new product detection operation for the developing cartridge 25 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 18 .

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

At this time, since the developing cartridge 25 is not installed in the main body casing 2, the developing bias is not supplied from the power source 132 to the developing cartridge 25 and the fixed electrode 118, and the bias detecting section 133 detects that the power source 132 to the fixed electrode 118 is not supplied. Supply of developing bias is not detected. Accordingly, the CPU 131 determines that the developing bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118 .

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

Then, when the top cover 6 of the main body casing 2 is opened and the process cartridge 11 with the new (unused) developing cartridge 25 mounted is inserted into the main body casing 2 from the front upper side, the power receiving portion 88 of the developing cartridge 25 is pushed forward. It abuts against the holder member 117 from above.

When the developer cartridge 25 is further inserted into the main body casing 2, the holder member 117 is pressed by the power receiving portion 88 of the developer cartridge 25, and the electrode portion 124 of the swing electrode 119 rotates counterclockwise in a right side view together with the holder member 117. swayed by

12 and 14, when the mounting of the developing cartridge 25 in the main body casing 2 is completed, the swinging electrode 119 is arranged at the connection position, and the main body side contact 126 is connected to the free end of the fixed electrode 118. As shown in FIGS. The part 121 is contacted. Further, the developer-side contact 125 of the swing electrode 119 is brought into contact with the power receiving section 88 of the developer cartridge 25 from the rear side through the first cover sections 101 . One of the first covering portions 101 is arranged on the upper front side of the holder member 117 and the swing electrode 119 .

As a result, the developing bias supplied from the power source 132 to the swinging electrode 119 is supplied to the power receiving portion 88 of the developing cartridge 25 via the developing side contact 125 .

The developing bias supplied to the power receiving portion 88 of the developing cartridge 25 is applied to the developing roller shaft 30 via the electrode member 81 .

Further, the developing bias supplied to the swinging electrode 119 is supplied to the fixed electrode 118 from the body-side contact 126 via the free end portion 121 of the fixed electrode 118 and detected by the bias detection section 133 .

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

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

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

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

Then, as shown in FIG. 15, the first covering portion 101 of the new product detection gear 82 comes into contact with the electrode portion 124 of the rocking electrode 119 from the front side, and presses the electrode portion 124 of the rocking electrode 119 rearward. . As a result, the holder member 117 and the oscillating electrode 119 ride on the first covering portion 101 along the downstream chamfered surface 105 of the first covering portion 101, resisting the elastic force of the oscillating electrode 119, and develop. It is retracted rearward from the power receiving portion 88 of the cartridge 25 and arranged at the upper release position.

Then, the development side contact 125 of the rocking electrode 119 is separated rearward from the power receiving portion 88 of the developing cartridge 25, and the electrical connection between the rocking electrode 119 and the power receiving portion 88 is released. Further, the body-side contact 126 of the rocking electrode 119 is separated upward from the free end portion 121 of the fixed electrode 118, and the electrical connection between the rocking electrode 119 and the fixed electrode 118 is released. Note that when the new product detection gear 82 is made of a conductive material, the electrical connection between the swing electrode 119 and the power receiving section 88 is not released, but the electrical connection between the swing electrode 119 and the fixed electrode 118 is maintained. is canceled.

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

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

Then, as shown in FIG. 16, holder member 117 and oscillating electrode 119 descend from first covering portion 101 along downstream beveled surface 106 of first covering portion 101, and the elastic force of oscillating electrode 119 increases. is swung forward by the , and placed in the connected position again.

Then, the development-side contact 125 of the rocking electrode 119 is brought into contact with the power receiving portion 88 of the developing cartridge 25 from the front side, and the rocking electrode 119 and the power receiving portion 88 are electrically connected. Also, the body-side contact 126 is brought into contact with the free end portion 121 of the fixed electrode 118 to electrically connect the oscillating electrode 119 and the fixed electrode 118 . Note that when the new product detection gear 82 is made of a conductive material, the swing electrode 119 and the power receiving portion 88 are still electrically connected.

Accordingly, the CPU 131 determines that the fixed electrode 118 is supplied with the developing bias. That is, after the warm-up operation is started, the CPU 131 determines that the fixed electrode 118 is supplied with the developing bias, the fixed electrode 118 is not supplied with the developing bias, or the fixed electrode 118 is supplied with the developing bias. Judge sequentially.

That is, the new product detection gear 82 moves the swinging electrode 119 from the first position where the swinging electrode 119 is arranged at the connection position and power is supplied to the power receiving portion 88 of the developing cartridge 25 through the first covering portions 101 . is placed at the upper release position, and through the second position where the first covering portion 101 releases the power input to the power receiving portion 88 of the developing cartridge 25, the swing electrode 119 is placed at the connection position, and each 1 is rotated to the third position where power is supplied to the power receiving portion 88 of the developing cartridge 25 through the cover portion 101 .

After that, when the new product detection gear 82 is further rotated, as shown in FIGS. , once placed in the upper release position from the connection position, and then placed in the connection position again.

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

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

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

Further, in the CPU 131, the number of times it is determined that the developing bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118 is associated with the information regarding the maximum number of images to be formed. Specifically, for example, when it is determined that the developing bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118 two times, the maximum number of images formed is 6000, and the developing bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118 . If the number of times it is determined that there is no image is 1, it is associated with the information that the maximum number of images to be formed is 3000 sheets.

As described above, after the warm-up operation is started, the CPU 131 determines whether the fixed electrode 118 is supplied with the developing bias, the fixed electrode 118 is not supplied with the developing bias, or the fixed electrode 118 is supplied with the developing bias. If it is judged twice, it is judged that the maximum number of image formation sheets of the developing cartridge 25 is 6000 sheets.

As a result, when a new developing cartridge 25 is installed, the CPU 131 determines that the developing cartridge 25 is new and that the maximum number of images that can be formed with the developing cartridge 25 is 6000 sheets. is installed, immediately before the actual number of image formation exceeds 6000 sheets, a notification that it is time to replace the developing cartridge 25 is displayed on an operation panel (not shown) or the like.

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

As described above, when a new developing cartridge 25 is installed, the installation of the developing cartridge into the main body casing 2 can be determined by executing the new product detecting operation. On the other hand, after a new developing cartridge 25 is installed, when the developing cartridge 25 is once detached from the main body casing 2 due to, for example, jamming of the paper S, and then installed again in the main body casing 2, the new product detection gear 82 is stopped at a position where the toothless portion 99 of the toothless gear 96 faces the second agitator gear 78 . Therefore, even if the warm-up operation is performed in remounting, the new product detection gear 82 is not rotationally driven, and the new product detection operation is not performed. At this time, since the holder member 117 and the oscillating electrode 119 are arranged at the connection position, it is determined that the developing bias is always supplied to the fixed electrode 118 .

As a result, the CPU 131 does not erroneously determine that the remounted developing cartridge 25 (old developing cartridge 25) is new, and determines the maximum number of image formations when it is determined to be new, The comparison with the actual number of image formations from the time is continued. Further, the CPU 131 determines that the developer cartridge 25 is attached to the main body casing 2 .
5. Effect (1) According to this developer cartridge 25, as shown in FIGS. , the driving force inputted to the developing coupling 61 can be transmitted to the new product detection gear 82 via the agitator 80 arranged between the left wall 36L and the right wall 36R.

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

As a result, the size of the developing cartridge 25 can be reduced.
(2) According to the developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 9, the new product detection gear 82 is arranged so that the rear upper end thereof overlaps the developing coupling 61 when projected in the horizontal direction. there is

Therefore, the new product detection gear 82 and the development coupling 61 can be arranged at substantially the same position when projected in the left-right direction, and the development cartridge 25 can be made more compact.
(3) Further, according to this developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIGS. can be reduced.
(4) According to the developing cartridge 25, the new product detection gear 82 is rotatably supported by the power receiving portion 88 of the electrode member 81, as shown in FIG.

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

Therefore, the power receiving portion 88 and the developing coupling 61 can be arranged at substantially the same position in the front-rear direction and the vertical direction, and the developing cartridge 25 can be further miniaturized.
(6) Further, according to the developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. That is, the first openings (between the first covering portions 101) extend in the rotation direction of the new product detection gear 82. As shown in FIG.

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

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

Therefore, the power receiving portion 88 can be protected from both radial directions.
(9) Further, according to the developing cartridge 25, the number of the first covering portions 101 corresponds to the maximum number of sheets of the developing cartridge 25 for image formation.

Therefore, based on the number of the first covering portions 101, the information regarding the maximum number of images to be formed in the developing cartridge 25 can be easily and reliably determined.

As a result, even if the amount of toner in the developer cartridge 25 differs depending on the maximum number of sheets of image formed, the life of the developer cartridge 25 can be determined accurately and the developer cartridge 25 can be appropriately replaced.
(10) Further, according to the developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 7C, the downstream edge in the rotational direction of the radially outer end of the first covering portion 101 has a A downstream chamfered surface 105 inclined radially outward is formed on the upstream side edge in the rotational direction of the radially outer end portion of the first covering portion 101 so as to extend radially inwardly toward the upstream side in the rotational direction. A sloped upstream chamfer 106 is formed.

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

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

Therefore, the fitting portion 103 can position the right end portion of the power receiving portion 88 with respect to the new product detection gear 82 (12). The power receiving portion 88 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the fitting portion 103 is fitted inside the right end portion of the power receiving portion 88 .

Therefore, the fitting portion 103 can reinforce the right end portion of the power receiving portion 88 .
(13) Further, according to this developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIG.

Therefore, the fitting projection 45 can reinforce the power receiving portion 88 .
(14) Further, according to this developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIGS. From the first position (see FIG. 14) where power is supplied to the power receiving portion 88, through the second position (see FIG. 15) where the power input to the power receiving portion 88 is canceled by the first covering portion 101, the first opening (each 1) to the third position (see FIG. 16) where power is supplied to the power receiving portion 88 via the first covering portion 101).

Therefore, before and after the power input to the power receiving unit 88 is canceled, the power supply to the power receiving unit 88 can be detected, and the power input to the power receiving unit 88 can be reliably canceled by the first covering unit 101. , can be recognized by the CPU 131 .
(15) Further, according to the developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 7, the new product detection gear 82 has a toothed portion 98 to which the driving force is transmitted and a missing toothed portion 99 to which the driving force is not transmitted. A toothed gear 96 is provided.

Therefore, it is possible to reliably rotate the new product detection gear 82 by a predetermined drive amount from the start of the rotation drive to the stop of the rotation drive.
(16) Further, according to this developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. The missing tooth gear 96 and the cylindrical portion 97 of the new product detection gear 82 and the second agitator gear 78 are collectively covered.

Therefore, the missing tooth gear 96 and the second agitator gear 78 can be protected and meshed with each other, and power can be supplied to the power receiving section 88 through the new product detection gear exposure opening 111 .
(17) According to this developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. It is arranged so that it overlaps with the right side of the

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

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

As a result, it is possible to secure time for detecting power supply from main body casing 2 to power receiving unit 88 and power supply cancellation, and power supply to power reception unit 88 and power supply cancellation can be detected accurately. can be done.
6. Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS. 19-22. In addition, in 2nd Embodiment, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the member similar to above-described 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate|omitted.

In the above-described first embodiment, one first covering portion 101 is provided at each radial end portion of the cylindrical portion 97, and the number of the first covering portions 101 corresponds to the maximum number of images formed by the developing cartridge 25. .

However, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, the detected end portion 136, which is an example of the covering portion of the new product detecting gear 82, is formed in a partial cylindrical shape with a central angle of about 120°.

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

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

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

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

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

Then, the development side contact 125 of the rocking electrode 119 is separated rearward from the power receiving portion 88 of the developing cartridge 25, and the electrical connection between the rocking electrode 119 and the power receiving portion 88 is released. Further, the body-side contact 126 of the rocking electrode 119 is separated upward from the free end portion 121 of the fixed electrode 118, and the electrical connection between the rocking electrode 119 and the fixed electrode 118 is released.

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

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

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

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

Then, the development-side contact 125 of the rocking electrode 119 is brought into contact with the power receiving portion 88 of the developing cartridge 25 from the front side, and the rocking electrode 119 and the power receiving portion 88 are electrically connected. Also, the body-side contact 126 is brought into contact with the free end portion 121 of the fixed electrode 118 to electrically connect the oscillating electrode 119 and the fixed electrode 118 .

Accordingly, the CPU 131 determines that the fixed electrode 118 is supplied with the developing bias. That is, after the warm-up operation is started, the CPU 131 determines that the fixed electrode 118 is supplied with the developing bias, the fixed electrode 118 is not supplied with the developing bias, or the fixed electrode 118 is supplied with the developing bias. Judge sequentially.

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

Further, the CPU 131 associates the time at which it is determined that the developing bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118 so as to correspond to the information regarding the maximum number of image formation sheets. Specifically, for example, when it is determined that the developing bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118 for a long time, the maximum number of image formation sheets is 6000 and the developing bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118 . When the time for determination is short, it is associated with the information that the maximum number of images to be formed is 3000 sheets.

As described above, after the warm-up operation is started, the CPU 131 determines whether the fixed electrode 118 is supplied with the developing bias, the fixed electrode 118 is not supplied with the developing bias, or the fixed electrode 118 is supplied with the developing bias. If it takes a long time to determine that the developing bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118, it is determined that the maximum number of image formation sheets of the developing cartridge 25 is 6000 sheets.

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

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

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

Further, according to the second embodiment, the length of the peripheral wall 137 in the rotational direction corresponds to the maximum number of sheets of the developing cartridge 25 for image formation.

Therefore, based on the length of the peripheral wall 137 in the rotational direction, the maximum number of images to be formed in the developing cartridge 25 can be easily and reliably determined.

As a result, even if the amount of toner in the developer cartridge 25 differs depending on the maximum number of sheets of image formed, the life of the developer cartridge 25 can be determined accurately and the developer cartridge 25 can be appropriately replaced.

Also, in the second embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effect as in the above-described first embodiment.
7. Third Embodiment A third embodiment of the cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24. FIG. In addition, in 3rd Embodiment, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the member similar to above-described 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate|omitted.

In the first embodiment described above, the driving force input to the developing coupling 61 is transmitted to the new product detection gear 82 via the agitator shaft 76. However, in the third embodiment, the driving force is shown in FIGS. , the driving force input to the developing coupling 61 is transmitted to the new product detecting gear 82 via the developing roller 16, which is an example of a rotating member including the developing roller shaft 30. As shown in FIG. The developing roller 16 is rotated around the center axis A3 (an example of the rotation axis, see FIG. 23) of the developing roller shaft 30 .

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

A first idle gear 141, which is an example of a second drive transmission member (second gear), is supported on the right end of the developing roller shaft 30 so as to be relatively non-rotatable. A second idle gear 142 is rotatably supported on the right surface of the electrode member 81 . The second idle gear 142 meshes with the first idle gear 141 from the front upper side, and also meshes with the tooth portion 98 of the missing tooth gear 96 of the new product detection gear 82 from the rear upper side.

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

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

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

In the third embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effect as in the above-described first embodiment.
8. Fourth Embodiment A fourth embodiment of the cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26. FIG. In addition, in 4th Embodiment, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the member similar to above-described 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate|omitted.

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

In the fourth embodiment, the right end of the agitator shaft 76 is not provided with the second agitator gear 78 . A right end portion of the supply roller shaft 29 protrudes rightward from the right surface of the electrode member 81 .

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

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

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

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

Also in the fourth embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effect as in the above-described first embodiment.
9. Fifth Embodiment A fifth embodiment of the cartridge will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, in 5th Embodiment, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the member similar to above-described 4th Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate|omitted.

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

However, in the fifth embodiment, instead of the toothless gear 96, the new product detecting gear 82 has a substantially disc-shaped outer peripheral surface made of a material such as rubber having a relatively large coefficient of friction, as shown in FIG. A first resistance imparting member 146 is provided. At the right end of the supply roller shaft 29, instead of the idle gear 151, at least the outer peripheral surface of the second drive transmission member is made of a material such as rubber having a relatively large coefficient of friction. A resistance applying member 147 is provided so as to come into contact with the first resistance applying member 146 from the rear side.

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

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

In the fifth embodiment as well, it is possible to obtain the same effect as in the above-described first embodiment.
10. Sixth Embodiment A sixth embodiment of the cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS. 28, 29 and 30. FIG. In addition, in 6th Embodiment, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the member similar to above-described 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate|omitted.

In the first embodiment described above, the driving force input to the developing coupling 61 is transmitted to the new product detection gear 82 via the agitator shaft 76. However, in the sixth embodiment, the driving force is shown in FIGS. , the driving force input to the developing coupling 61 is transmitted to the new product detection gear 82 via the outer rotating shaft 155 as an example of a rotating member supported on the front end of the cartridge frame 31 . The outer rotating shaft 155 rotates around a central axis A5 (an example of the rotating axis, see FIG. 29).

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

The outer rotating shaft 155 is formed in a substantially columnar shape extending in the left-right direction, and is rotatably supported by the front end portion of the cartridge frame 31 at both end portions in the left-right direction. In addition, a handle 154 to be gripped by a user is rotatably supported at substantially the center of the outer rotating shaft 155 in the left-right direction.

An input gear 156 , which is an example of a first drive transmission member (first gear) for inputting driving force to the outer rotating shaft 155 , is supported on the left end of the outer rotating shaft 155 so as not to rotate relative to the outer rotating shaft 155 . An idle gear 158 is interposed between the input gear 156 and the first agitator gear 72 .
A pulley 157 as an example of a second drive transmission member is supported on the right end of the outer rotating shaft 155 so as not to rotate relative to it.

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

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

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

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

Then, when the warm-up operation is started, as shown in FIG. 30, the driving force is transmitted from the developing coupling 61 to the first agitator gear 72 in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above. A driving force is sequentially transmitted to the outer rotating shaft 155 through the input gear 156, and the outer rotating shaft 155 is rotated.

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

Also in the sixth embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.
11. Seventh Embodiment A seventh embodiment of the cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, in the seventh embodiment, members similar to those of the above-described first embodiment are denoted by similar reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

In the above-described first embodiment, the electrode member 81 is provided with a substantially cylindrical power receiving portion 88 protruding rightward, and the substantially cylindrical new product detection gear 82 is rotatably supported on the power receiving portion 88 .
In the warm-up operation of the printer 1, by rotating the new product detection gear 82, the swinging electrode 119 of the main body electrode unit 116 for supplying power to the power receiving section 88 is rocked back and forth, thereby supplying power to the power receiving section 88. are released periodically.

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

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

Rotating plate 166 is rotatably supported on the front side of power receiving unit 167 . Further, the rear half of rotating plate 166 overlaps the right side of power receiving unit 167 . In addition, two power receiving section exposure openings 168 are formed in the rotating plate 166 . A portion between the power receiving portion exposure openings 168 functions as a covering portion 169 .

Each of the power receiving section exposure openings 168 is provided at each radial end portion of the rotating plate 166, and is penetratingly formed in a generally sectoral shape with a central angle of about 60° in a side view.

Then, in the warm-up operation of the printer 1, the rotary plate 166 is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the right side, and from the first position (see FIG. 32) where the power receiving section 167 is exposed through one of the power receiving section exposure openings 168A, After passing through the second position (see FIG. 33) where power receiving portion 167 is covered with covering portion 169, it is moved to the third position (see FIG. 34) where power receiving portion 167 is exposed through the other power receiving portion exposing opening 168B.

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

The fixed electrode 170 is formed of metal into a substantially L-shaped curved rod shape, and one end of the fixed electrode 170 is fixed in the vicinity of the right side of the developer cartridge 25 within the main body casing 2 . A free end portion 172 of the fixed electrode 170 contacts a flange portion 173 (described later) of the moving electrode 171 . The fixed electrode 170 is electrically connected to the bias detection section 133 .

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

The movable electrode 171 is slidable in the left-right direction, and is normally biased leftward by a biasing means (not shown), so that the flange portion 173 is separated leftward from the free end portion 172 of the fixed electrode 170 . It is held at a left release position as an example of a second release position (release position).

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

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

When the mounting of the developing cartridge 25 into the main body casing 2 is completed in a state where the rotating plate 166 is arranged at the first position, as shown in FIG. , the right end portion of the moving electrode 171 is brought into contact with the right end portion of the moving electrode 171 from the left side through one of the power receiving portion exposing openings 168 of the rotary plate 166 . Then, the moving electrode 171 is pressed from the right side by the developing cartridge 25 and slid to the left against the biasing force of the biasing member (not shown). As a result, the movable electrode 171 is placed at the connection position with the flange portion 173 in contact with the free end portion 172 of the fixed electrode 170 .

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

The developing bias supplied to the moving electrode 171 is supplied from the flange portion 173 to the fixed electrode 170 through the free end portion 172 of the fixed electrode 170 and detected by the bias detection portion 133 .

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

Then, when the warm-up operation is started, the rotating plate 166 is rotated counterclockwise in right side view, and the rotating plate 166 is arranged at the second position.

Then, as shown in FIG. 36(b), the covering portion 169 of the rotating plate 166 is interposed between the power receiving portion 167 and the moving electrode 171, and the moving electrode 171 receives the biasing force of the biasing member (not shown). against the power receiving portion 167 of the developing cartridge 25 to the right side and arranged at the right release position.

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

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

Then, as shown in FIG. 36(c), when the rotating plate 166 is further rotated counterclockwise in the right side view and the rotating plate 166 is arranged at the third position, the biasing member (not shown) is applied. The force advances the moving electrode 171 to the left, and the moving electrode 171 contacts the power receiving portion 167 of the developing cartridge 25 through one of the power receiving portion exposure openings 168 of the rotary plate 166 to be placed at the connection position.

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

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

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

According to the seventh embodiment, a rotary plate 166 having two power receiving portion exposure openings 168 is interposed between a power receiving portion 167 and a moving electrode 171, and is connected to the power receiving portion 167 through one of the power receiving portion exposure openings 168. From the first position where power is supplied, through the second position where power supply to power receiving portion 167 is canceled by covering portion 169 , it is rotated to the third position where power is supplied to power receiving portion 167 through the other power receiving portion exposure opening 168 .

Therefore, with a simple configuration, it is possible to reliably switch between supplying power to the power receiving unit 167 and canceling the power supply by sliding the moving electrode 171 in the main body casing 2 .

Also, in the seventh embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effect as in the above-described first embodiment.
12. Eighth Embodiment An eighth embodiment of the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 37 to 41. FIG. In addition, in 8th Embodiment, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the member similar to above-described 8th Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate|omitted.

In the seventh embodiment described above, a rotating plate 166 having a power receiving portion exposing opening 168 is provided on the right side of the power receiving portion 167, and by rotating the rotating plate 166, power is supplied to and canceled from the power receiving portion 167. are switching.

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

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 37, the right wall 36R of the developing cartridge 25 includes a slide plate 181, support rails 184 that support the slide plate 181 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction, and input driving force to the slide plate 181. and a pinion gear 183 as an example of a second drive transmission member (second gear).

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

The covering portion 180 is formed in a flat plate shape that is substantially rectangular in side view. Also, the front end portion of the covering portion 180 is inclined to the right as it goes rearward.

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

The support rail 184 has a pair of upper and lower rail portions 185 . Both rail portions 185 are arranged to face each other with a gap in the vertical direction, and slidably support the upper and lower end portions of the slide plate 181 from the outside in the vertical direction.

The pinion gear 183 is supported by the agitator shaft 76 between the rail portions 185 so as not to rotate relative to each other, and meshes with the rack portion 182 from above.

Then, during the warm-up operation of the printer 1, the slide plate 181 is slid from the rear side to the front side to the first position where the covering portion 180 is arranged on the rear side of the power receiving portion 167 to expose the power receiving portion 167 (see FIG. 38). 39) where covering portion 169 covers power receiving portion 167, then covering portion 180 is placed in front of power receiving portion 167 to expose power receiving portion 167 (see FIG. 40). is moved to

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

At this time, the developing bias is not supplied from the power source 132 to the developing cartridge 25 and the fixed electrode 170 , and the bias detecting section 133 does not detect the supply of the developing bias from the power source 132 to the fixed electrode 170 . Accordingly, the CPU 131 determines that the developing bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 170 .

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

When the mounting of the developing cartridge 25 into the main body casing 2 is completed in the state where the slide plate 181 is arranged at the first position, as shown in FIG. , abuts against the right end of the moving electrode 171 from the left side. Then, the moving electrode 171 is pressed from the right side by the developing cartridge 25 and slid to the left against the biasing force of the biasing member (not shown). As a result, the movable electrode 171 is placed at the connection position with the flange portion 173 in contact with the free end portion 172 of the fixed electrode 170 .

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

The developing bias supplied to the moving electrode 171 is supplied from the flange portion 173 to the fixed electrode 170 through the free end portion 172 of the fixed electrode 170 and detected by the bias detection portion 133 .

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

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

Then, as shown in FIG. 41(b), the covering portion 180 of the slide plate 181 is interposed between the power receiving portion 167 and the moving electrode 171, and the moving electrode 171 receives the biasing force of the biasing member (not shown). against the power receiving portion 167 of the developing cartridge 25 to the right side and arranged at the right release position.

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

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

Then, as shown in FIG. 41(c), when the slide plate 181 is further slid forward and placed at the third position, the moving electrode 171 is moved by the biasing force of the biasing member (not shown). is advanced to the left, and the moving electrode 171 is brought into contact with the power receiving portion 167 of the developing cartridge 25 and arranged at the connection position.

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

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

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

According to the eighth embodiment, the slide plate 181 having the covering portion 180 is interposed between the power receiving portion 167 and the moving electrode 171 . is slid (linearly moved) to a third position where power is supplied to power receiving unit 167 via a second position where power supply to power supply unit 167 is stopped.

Therefore, with a simple configuration, it is possible to reliably switch between supplying power to the power receiving unit 167 and canceling the power supply by sliding the moving electrode 171 in the main body casing 2 .

Further, the eighth embodiment can also obtain the same effects as those of the above-described seventh embodiment.

16 development roller 25 development cartridge 27 supply roller 29 supply roller shaft 30 development roller shaft 31 cartridge frame 36L left wall 36R right wall 45 fitting protrusion 61 development coupling 62 development gear 63 supply gear 72 first agitator gear 76 agitator shaft 78 second 2 agitator gear 80 agitator 81 electrode member 82 new product detection gear 83 power feeding side gear cover 87 developing roller shaft collar 88 power receiving portion 95 end portion to be detected 96 missing tooth gear 98 tooth portion 99 missing tooth portion 101 first covering portion 102 second covering portion 103 Fitting portion 105 Downstream chamfered surface 106 Upstream chamfered surface 111 New article detection gear exposure opening 136 Detected end portion 137 Peripheral wall 142 First idle gear 151 Idle gear 155 Outer rotating shaft 156 Input gear 157 Pulley 166 Rotating plate 167 Power receiving unit 171 moving electrode 180 slide plate 183 pinion gear

Claims (2)

a developing roller;
a housing having a developer containing portion configured to contain a developer, and including a first side wall and a second side wall that are arranged to face each other with a gap in a predetermined direction with the developer containing portion interposed therebetween;
an agitator extending in a predetermined direction, the agitator having a first end in the predetermined direction and a second end separated from the first end in the predetermined direction;
a first agitator gear attached to the first end portion and rotatable together with the agitator , the first agitator gear being arranged on the opposite side of the developer container with respect to the first side wall;
a second agitator gear attached to the second end portion and rotatable together with the agitator , the second agitator gear being arranged on the opposite side of the developer container with respect to the second side wall;
a coupling member that receives a driving force, is rotatable about a first shaft extending in the predetermined direction, and is rotatable together with the first agitator gear and the second agitator gear ; a coupling member arranged on the opposite side of the developer containing portion with respect to the side wall;
a new product detection gear that meshes with the second agitator gear, the new product detection gear being arranged on the opposite side of the second side wall from the developer containing portion;
a development electrode electrically connected to the development roller, the development electrode having a cylindrical power receiving portion extending in the predetermined direction;
The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the power receiving section overlaps the coupling member when projected in the predetermined direction. 2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said new product detection gear overlaps said coupling member when projected in said predetermined direction.

Images