JPH09319284A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device capable of surely detecting the mounting condition, without requiring so much positioning accuracy of a member for the mount detection disposed on a replacement cartridge side by detecting a mounting state by replacement of the replacing cartridge in a non-contact state. SOLUTION: The device is provided with a magnet 23 on a tooth lacked gear 30 rotated by a prescribed angle by a transmission gear 29 by which respective constituting inside member of the replacement cartridge 22 is rotated. When the new cartridge is mounted, output of a magnetic sensor 21 becomes large under the influence of the magnetic force by the initial position (a) of the magnet 23, hence an initial state can be detected. Moreover, in connection with the image forming operation, the tooth lack gear 30 is rotated by a given angle, the magnet 23 is moved to the position (b), the magnetic force produced by the magnetic sensor 21 becomes smaller than the initial time, and its output also becomes smaller, however it is larger than the output when the replacement cartridge 22 is not mounted. Therefore, if the replacement cartridge 22 is mounted again, the mounting can be detected, and it is prevented from detecting the cartridge as the new one.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an exchange cartridge in which a part or all of an image forming portion in an image forming apparatus is unitized when a predetermined number of images are formed, and the detachable cartridge is provided. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that manages the mounting state of the replacement unit in the image forming apparatus body.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an image forming apparatus utilizing an electrophotographic system, a toner image is formed on a photosensitive member which is a recording medium and transferred onto a sheet which is a transfer material such as plain paper,
In order to hold the toner image on the sheet as a permanent image on the sheet, the toner is fixed by, for example, passing through a heat fixing device, and then discharged to the outside of the apparatus main body.

According to this image forming apparatus, it is conceivable that maintenance can be performed on the user side in order to reduce maintenance by a service person or the like.
It came to be offered for implementation. For example, normally, when the number of images to be formed reaches a predetermined number, some of the units that perform image formation are provided as exchange cartridges so that they can be exchanged, and new exchange cartridges can be exchanged by the user. This enables maintenance-free operation by service personnel.

The above-mentioned exchange cartridge exposes a photosensitive body which is a recording medium for forming an image, a charger for uniformly charging the photosensitive body, and an electrostatic latent image formed by exposing the surface of the photosensitive body. A developing device for developing, a cleaning device for removing toner remaining after transfer, and the like are integrally held on the same supporting member to form a unit. An exchange cartridge is constructed by detachably mounting this on the main body of the image forming apparatus.

A problem with such a replacement cartridge is that it is important to detect the mounting state of the replacement cartridge. In other words, the replacement cartridge has a configuration that can be easily taken out from the main body of the image forming apparatus.
If the image forming operation is started in a state where the cartridge is not mounted, it is necessary not only to damage other image forming portions but also to perform jam processing for the conveyed sheet. Therefore, it detects the mounting state of the replacement cartridge,
This enables the image forming operation.

The life of the replacement cartridge is set according to the number of sheets on which images are formed. Therefore, when a new replacement cartridge is installed, it is necessary to clear, that is, initialize the number of sheets (life) counter for performing life detection. Therefore, it is necessary to perform old / new detection by distinguishing the installed replacement cartridge from the new one.

As one method of providing a means for resetting a counter or the like for detecting the life after detecting old and new in connection with the mounting of the replacement cartridge,
For example, it is presented in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1-205175. This is because the replacement cartridge is provided with a reset means for activating an operation piece of a micro switch, which is a reset signal generating means provided on the image forming apparatus main body side, and the reset means is provided on the image forming apparatus main body side. Operate the switch. As a result, the state of the microswitch changes, and the contents of the counter are reset (for example, "0") by the signal when the change occurs.

After the new replacement cartridge is mounted, the reset means is moved to a position where the micro switch is not operated again when the replacement cartridge is taken out and mounted again. That is, the reset means is set to operate when a new replacement cartridge is once installed. Therefore,
Even if the replacement cartridge is attached or detached as necessary due to occurrence of jam or the like, it is treated as a new replacement cartridge.

[0009]

However, the means for detecting the old and new replacement cartridges described in the above-mentioned publications, especially the reset means and the microswitch, are used only once, that is, a new replacement cartridge. However, the means cannot be used as another detection means. That is, it is impossible to detect the mounting state of the replacement cartridge. Therefore, it is necessary to separately provide a means for detecting the mounting state in addition to the detection means for detecting the old and new.

Further, as the reset means, it is necessary to make contact with the actuating piece of the microswitch, so it is necessary to create a contact state and a non-contact state, and position accuracy is required. In particular, when a replacement cartridge is installed, if it is new, it is necessary to have a positional relationship in which a part of the reset means always contacts the operating piece of the microswitch, and a replacement cartridge (old cartridge) that is not new is installed. At times, it was necessary to accurately arrange the reset means so as not to come into contact with the operating piece of the microswitch. Therefore, not only is it troublesome to manufacture the replacement cartridge, but it is necessary to adjust the arrangement position each time after manufacturing, which is very troublesome.

This is also the case when detecting the mounting of the replacement cartridge, and when the sensor for detecting the mounting state is arranged in contact with the replacement cartridge to be mounted, the sensor and the member for operating the sensor are installed. Positioning accuracy to be provided is required.

In view of this, the present invention detects the mounting state of the replacement cartridge by replacement in a non-contact state, so that the positional accuracy of the member for mounting detection provided on the replacement cartridge side is not required, and the detection is performed. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reliably performing the above.

Another object of the present invention is to make it possible to perform other detections which are required as a replacement cartridge in an apparatus which has achieved the above object.

[0014]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An image forming apparatus for achieving the above-mentioned object of detecting the mounted state of the present invention is provided with a member which is detachably attached to an image forming apparatus main body and which forms an image. In an image forming apparatus provided with a changed exchange cartridge, a magnetic force generating section or a magnetic force detecting section is provided on the exchange cartridge side in order to detect a mounting state of the exchange cartridge in the main body of the image forming apparatus. A magnetic force detection unit or magnetic force generation unit is arranged on the forming device side in correspondence with the magnetic force generation unit or magnetic force detection unit on the exchange cartridge side, and the mounting state of the exchange cartridge is determined based on the detection output by the magnetic force detection unit. It is characterized in that it can be detected.

According to the above construction, the replacement cartridge and the member for detecting the mounting state on the image forming apparatus side are in a non-contact state, so that the positional accuracy of arranging the detecting member is not so required. Absent. Therefore, the troublesome work for the arrangement is unnecessary, the manufacturing is easy and the cost can be reduced.

An image forming apparatus for achieving the purpose of the above-described mounting detection of the present invention that can also be used for other detection is provided detachably with respect to the main body of the image forming apparatus, and a member for performing image formation is unitized. In the image forming apparatus including the exchange cartridge, a magnetic force generating unit is provided on the exchange cartridge side and the exchange cartridge side is provided on the image forming apparatus side in order to detect the mounting state of the exchange cartridge in the main body of the image forming apparatus. The magnetic force detection unit is arranged corresponding to the magnetic force generation unit, and the magnetic force generation unit is provided on the rotating member that is rotated by transmitting a part of the rotation of the member in the exchange cartridge to rotate the magnetic force detection unit. It becomes possible to detect the mounting state of the replacement cartridge based on the detection output of the magnetic section, and the magnetic force generating section is activated by the rotation of the rotating member by the image forming operation. Serial by shifting it from the corresponding positions of the magnetic force detection unit, the detection output varied from time of mounting, is characterized in that the detectable old and new of the replacement cartridge.

Therefore, the rotating member is connected via a transmission mechanism that rotates by a predetermined angle when the image forming operation is started, and further rotation is restricted.

Further, when the replacement cartridge is detached from the image forming apparatus due to the life of the replacement cartridge, the rotating member rotated by a predetermined angle to return the replacement cartridge to the initial position or automatically returns. Means are provided.

According to this structure, it is possible to perform detection in a non-contact state, and at the same time, when the position of the magnetic force generating portion on the cartridge side is displaced due to the rotation of the rotating member, the magnetic force is generated in relation to the initial position. The output status of the generator is different. Therefore, the old and new replacement cartridges can be easily distinguished. Moreover, since the rotating member is maintained at the position rotated by the predetermined angle from the initial position when the replacement cartridge is new, the replacement cartridge is not detected as a new one when it is remounted, and the mounted state is surely set. Can be detected. Furthermore, the rotating member of the replacement cartridge can be returned to the initial position or automatically returned, and the replacement cartridge can be reused.

Further, at the same time as the non-contact mounting detection according to the present invention, another image forming apparatus for achieving the purpose of utilizing the detection for other detection is provided detachably from the main body of the image forming apparatus. In an image forming apparatus comprising an exchange cartridge in which a member for performing image formation is unitized, a rotating member is provided on the exchange cartridge side in order to detect a mounting state of the exchange cartridge in the main body of the image forming apparatus, The rotating member is provided with a plurality of regions having different reflectances or transmittances, and the image forming apparatus side is irradiated with light to the regions having different reflectances or transmittances of the rotating member, and the reflected light or transmitted light is emitted. An optical sensor for receiving light is arranged to detect the mounting state by the output according to the reflected light or the transmitted light when the replacement cartridge is mounted, and the old and new detection of the replacement cartridge. Characterized in that to enable. Then, the rotating member is rotatably driven by transmitting a part of the rotation of the member in the replacement cartridge being rotated, so that regions having different reflectances or transmittances face the optical sensor, and the mounting state, It is possible to detect old and new and even the life of the replacement cartridge. That is, since a plurality of regions having different reflectances or transmittances are separately provided on the rotating member, compared with the output of the optical sensor at the initial stage,
The output can be gradually changed, for example, larger or smaller as the image forming operation progresses.
Therefore, whether the replacement cartridge is old or new can be determined by the initial output detection, and the life of the replacement cartridge can be detected by the output change that changes as the image forming operation progresses. In addition, when the replacement cartridge is detached, the output state and the output state when mounted are obviously different, so that the mounted state can be reliably detected in the output state.

Further, an image forming apparatus for achieving the object of the present invention is provided so as to be attachable to and detachable from the main body of the image forming apparatus, and includes an exchange cartridge in which a member for performing image formation is unitized. In order to detect the mounting state of the exchange cartridge in the main body of the image forming apparatus, a magnetic force generating section is arranged on the side of the exchange cartridge, and a magnetic force detecting section corresponding to the magnetic force generating section is arranged on the side of the image forming apparatus. The rotation force of the member inside the replacement cartridge is transmitted and the rotation member is rotated to provide the magnetic force generation unit, and the mounting state of the replacement cartridge can be detected based on the detection output of the magnetic force detection unit. In addition, the output signal output from the magnetic force detection unit in accordance with the rotating magnetic field generated by the rotation of the rotating member due to the image forming operation Characterized by used for detecting the rotational state of the rotary drive source for the detection or the image forming apparatus main body in the operation state of the cartridge. That is, simultaneously with the detection of the mounting state, the rotation state of the rotating member rotating on the exchange cartridge side can be easily recognized by the operation of the image forming apparatus from the signal output according to the rotating magnetic field. In addition, it is possible to encode and process the rotation state of the motor, which is the drive source on the image forming apparatus body side, for processing.

[0022]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an essential part showing an example of a replacement cartridge according to the present invention, and particularly shows one embodiment for detecting a mounting state in an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a portion related to an image forming portion of the image forming apparatus in which the replacement cartridge of FIG. 1 is mounted.

First, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention and its replacement cartridge will be described with reference to FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 is a recording medium on which a toner image is formed. For example, a photosensitive drum having a photoconductive layer formed on a cylindrical conductive substrate, and 2 are photosensitive drums. A charging device 3 for uniformly charging the surface to a specific polarity is a developing device for adhering toner, which is a colorant for visualizing, to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum.

The electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is uniformly charged by the charger 2, and then the optical image of the original placed on the original table 4 is converted into a light converging lens array (converging lens array). It is formed by irradiating through the image lens) 5. Therefore, the document placed on the document table 4 is irradiated with light by the exposure lamp 6 arranged on the lower surface of the document table 4, whereby the reflected light of the image is reflected by the imaging lens 5. An image is formed on the surface of the uniformly charged photosensitive drum 1.

Toner is attached to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 1 by the developing device 3 described above. For this reason, the developing device 3 is provided with a developing roller 3a for attracting and conveying the toner to a developing position facing the photoconductor 1 by magnetic force or the like. As a result, the toner is attracted to the area where the electrostatic latent image is formed, and the development is performed.

Next, the image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1, that is, the toner image is transferred by the operation of the transfer device 7 to the sheet sent through the carrying means. For this reason, the sheet is fed to the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 facing the transfer device 7 in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 1 via the above-mentioned transporting means. At this transfer position, one side edge of the sheet that is in close contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is
A separation sheet 8 that separates from the surface is arranged. Then, one end side of the sheet is nipped by the conveyance roller 9 which is in pressure contact with the separation sheet 8 on the downstream side of the transfer position, so that the separated sheet is separated and conveyed so as to be farther from the photosensitive drum 1. .

On the other hand, the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 after the transfer is removed by the cleaning blade 11 of the next cleaning device 10. The cleaning blade 11 is provided such that its front end is in pressure contact with the photosensitive drum 1, and like the blade 11, the blade 11 is
The cleaning device 10 is provided with a seal member 12 for receiving the toner scraped off from the surface of the photoconductor drum 1 so as to face the photoconductor drum 1 side.

The cleaning device 10 has a container 13 for accommodating the toner received by the seal member 12 for further receiving the removed toner. A screw roller 14 is provided for transporting to (not shown).

In the image forming apparatus having the above-described structure, the members used for forming an image such as the photoconductor 1, the charging device 2, the developing device 3, the transfer device 7 and the cleaning device 10 are replaceable. It is made into a cartridge. For example, the photoconductor 1 and the cleaning device 10 are integrated into a unit to form an exchange cartridge. In this case, the charger 2 may be additionally provided as needed.

This replacement cartridge is detachably provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus, that is, in the position shown in FIG. Since the replacement cartridge is detachably installed, it is necessary to detect whether or not the cartridge is mounted at the proper position.

Therefore, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, a magnetic force sensor 21 is provided at a mounting position on the image forming apparatus 20 side, and the exchange cartridge 22 side is provided so as to correspond to the magnetic force sensor 21. Is provided with a magnet 23. Here, as described above, the replacement cartridge 22 is configured by integrally providing the photoconductor drum 1 and the cleaning device 10, and particularly, in the outer case 24 which is the container 13 which constitutes the accommodating portion for accommodating the toner. In addition, the photosensitive drum 1 is united so as to be rotatably supported. The magnet 2 is provided on the inner surface of a part of the outer casing 24.
3 are provided.

The magnet 23 and the magnetic force sensor 21 are arranged so as to face each other when the replacement cartridge 22 is mounted. The output state of the magnetic force sensor 21 changes according to the magnetic force, and the output increases as the magnetic force increases. Then, in a state where the magnet 23 and the magnetic force sensor 21 face each other, the output of the magnetic force sensor 21 reaches the maximum value. When not attached, the output of the magnetic force sensor 21 almost disappears (almost "0" and only noise output). As a result, the mounting state of the replacement cartridge 22 on the main body of the image forming apparatus 20 can be easily detected.

The replacement cartridge 22 is provided with a life detection counter for detecting the life of the cartridge 22 from the time when the cartridge 22 is mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus 20. In response, the counter is reset, and the user is informed of the end of life by counting a predetermined number of sheets.

In this structure, the replacement cartridge 22
In the state where the number of formed images reaches a predetermined number, a replacement message or the like is notified to the user side. That is, when a predetermined number of images are formed with the new replacement cartridge 22 mounted, the above message is notified. As a result, the replacement cartridge 22 is removed from the image forming apparatus. At this time, the magnet 23 of the replacement cartridge 22
It will be removed from the magnetic field range of the magnetic force sensor 21, and the output of the magnetic force sensor 21 will almost disappear.
This signal is sent to the control circuit (CPU) 26 for controlling the image forming operation of the entire image forming apparatus via the drive circuit 25 on the image forming apparatus 22 side, and it is recognized that it is in the non-attached state. It

When a new replacement cartridge 22 is attached, the magnet 23 is positioned in correspondence with the magnetic force sensor 21, so that the output of the magnetic force sensor 21 increases. This large output signal is sent to the control circuit 26 via the drive circuit 25, so that the control circuit 26 side recognizes that the replacement cartridge 22 is newly mounted. As a result, the operation for image formation is started by the start command of the image forming operation. However, if the mounting state is not detected, the image forming operation is blocked even if there is a command to start the image forming operation. At this time, it can be informed that the replacement cartridge 22 is not mounted on the operation panel.

The drive circuit 25 drives the magnetic force sensor 21 and outputs the output from the magnetic force sensor 21 as an appropriate voltage value. Therefore, the signal output obtained by the magnetic force sensor 21 is changed by the request from the control circuit 26.
It is sent to the control circuit 26 when necessary. In particular, the image forming apparatus 2
In response to a signal that the 0 door or the like is opened, the replacement cartridge 22 is attached, and the door is closed, the control circuit 26
The drive circuit 25 is requested to output the magnetic force sensor 21.

As described above, since the magnet 23 and the magnetic force sensor 21 are used to form the mounting state detecting means of the replacement cartridge 22, the mounting state of the replacement cartridge 22 is detected in a non-contact state. ing. Therefore, as compared with the conventional method of detecting by making contact, the positional accuracy for making contact is less required. For example, it is not necessary to accurately position the magnetic force 23 at the position corresponding to the magnetic force sensor 21. This is because if the magnetic force sensor 21 is arranged within the range of the magnetic force of the magnet 23, it can be sufficiently detected.

Therefore, since it is not necessary to accurately position the magnet 23, which is a member for detecting the mounting of the replacement cartridge 22, it is not necessary to adjust the position or a highly accurate positioning mechanism. Not only is the manufacturing cost reduced, but its manufacturing is also greatly simplified. Moreover, also in the magnetic force sensor 21, which is one member that is provided on the side of the image forming apparatus 20 and performs mounting detection, similarly, high accuracy of the arrangement position is not required.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the magnet 22, the outer casing 24 of the exchange cartridge 22 is made of a non-magnetic material such as a resin member. Occasionally, it will not come into contact with other parts and be damaged or misaligned. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably detect the mounting state while protecting the magnet 22.

Further, FIGS. 3 and 4 show another embodiment for protecting the magnet 23 as described above. In particular, in FIG. 3, the magnet 23 is embedded in the outer case 24 that constitutes the replacement cartridge 22. In this case, a concave portion 27 for embedding the magnet 23 is provided in the outer casing 24, the magnet 23 is embedded in the concave portion 27, and a cover 27a is attached so that the outer surface of the outer casing 24 becomes flat from its upper portion. As a result, the magnet 23 is protected. Of course, the cover 27a is made of a non-magnetic material.

On the other hand, according to FIG. 4, the housing 24 is provided with the flexible magnet 23a and the insertion port 28a in the exterior 24,
A sheet-shaped magnet 23a is inserted. Also in this example, the outer surface of the outer casing 24 does not have a protruding portion or the like and is blocked by that portion, so that the replacement cartridge 22
Does not hinder the replacement work, and the problem that the sheet-shaped magnet 23a or the like is damaged is eliminated.

Here, regarding the magnetic force sensor 21 provided corresponding to the magnet 23, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4,
It may be embedded in a substrate or the like so as not to project to the main body side of the image forming apparatus 20. With this configuration, when the replacement cartridge 22 is mounted, the magnetic sensor 21
Since the projecting part due to is eliminated, the mounting work becomes easy.
Moreover, the magnetic force sensor 21 is not damaged or the arrangement position is not displaced.

In the above description, an example showing an embodiment for detecting the mounting state of the replacement cartridge 22 in the main body of the image forming apparatus 20 has been described. Below,
An embodiment in which the old and new of the replacement cartridge 22 to be mounted is also detected in accordance with the above-described mounting detection will be described.

(First Embodiment) Here, in the above-mentioned configuration, the replacement cartridge 22 is used as the image forming apparatus 2.
0 This is for detecting the mounting state on the main body side, but it is also possible to determine whether the replacement cartridge 22 is a new cartridge or an old cartridge. That is, by configuring the magnet 23 to move a little after the replacement cartridge 22 is mounted, it is possible to easily discriminate between the old and new. That is, when the placement position of the magnet 23 is slightly displaced when the new replacement cartridge 22 is mounted, the magnetic force sensor 2 at that time is
The output of 1 is a little smaller than the regular output at the time of wearing,
Further, it can be set to be larger than the output when not attached.

As a result, when the output when the replacement cartridge 22 is mounted is large, it is detected that the cartridge is new. Then, in the detected state, the contents of the life counter that manages the replacement time of the cartridge is cleared, and the position of the magnet 23 is displaced when the image forming operation is started. At this time, the output of the magnetic force sensor 21 is lower than that when the replacement cartridge 22 is newly installed, but it is confirmed that the output signal is larger than the output signal when there is almost no output when the replacement cartridge 22 is not installed. Can be detected easily and surely.

An actual example in the above embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is an example thereof, (A) is a sectional view, and (B) is a plan view. The replacement cartridge 22 is provided with a driven portion for rotating and driving the screw roller 14 constituting the cleaning device 10, for example. The magnet 23 is moved by utilizing a part of the rotational force of the driven portion.

The driven section is mechanically connected to the drive section on the image forming apparatus 20 side by mounting the replacement cartridge 22 on the main body of the image forming apparatus 20. Since the connecting mechanism is well known in the art and has no direct relation to the present invention, the description thereof will be omitted. Therefore, the rotation of the drive unit on the image forming apparatus 20 side is transmitted to the screw roller 14 inside the replacement cartridge 22 via the driven unit.

Therefore, on the exchange cartridge 22 side, the transmission gear 29 to which a part of the rotational force of the driven portion is transmitted as described above is rotated together with the rotation of the screw roller, for example. The transmission gear 29 is rotatably provided, for example, on the exterior 24. And with this transmission gear 29,
A tooth-missing gear 30 having teeth that are partially cut off from each other is also rotatably provided. The magnet 23 is fixed to the toothless gear 30. Corresponding to the magnet 23, the magnetic force sensor 21 is arranged on the main body side of the image forming apparatus 20 via the exterior 24.

The partly tooth-missing gear 30 has a part where teeth are missing. Therefore, when the transmission gear 29 rotates to rotate in the arrow direction, the toothless gear 30 also rotates in the arrow direction at the same time. However, if the tooth-missing gear 30 rotates, for example, about 90 ° in the clockwise direction in the figure, the further rotation is stopped without being transmitted. As a result, the magnet 23
Since it moves to the position (b) which is deviated from the initial position (a),
The magnetic force sensor 21 is held at a position slightly displaced from the position where the magnetic force sensor 21 is disposed, and is maintained at that position. Then, the output of the magnetic force sensor 21 becomes small. Furthermore, if the exchange cartridge 22 is removed from the image forming apparatus 20 in this state, the magnetic force of the magnet 23 will not reach the magnetic force sensor 21 completely, and the output will be very small (0). It can be detected that the image forming apparatus 20 is not mounted.

For the above detection, the output of the magnetic force sensor 21 is sent to the control circuit 26 via the drive circuit 25. That is, the output of the magnetic force sensor 21 is compared with a first threshold value that is a predetermined reference value, and if it is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the mounting state is detected. Further, the second threshold value which is larger than the first threshold value is compared with the output of the magnetic force sensor 21, and if the output is more than that, it is detected that the mounted replacement cartridge 22 is new. The first
Naturally, the threshold value of is slightly lower than the output obtained by the magnetic force sensor 21 when the magnet 23 is maintained at the position (b),
Further, the replacement cartridge 22 is not mounted, and the output is set to be larger than the output of the magnetic force sensor 21 in the state where the magnet 23 is desired to exist. Moreover, the second threshold value is set to be slightly lower than the value output by the magnetic force sensor 21 when the magnet 23 is present at the initial position (a) and larger than the first threshold value. Details of this mounting and detection of old and new will be described later.

In the above structure, the replacement cartridge 2
When the life of 2 is reached, the life counter for detecting it will count a predetermined number of sheets and inform the user to replace the replacement cartridge 22. As a result, the replacement cartridge 22 is removed from the image forming apparatus 20. Then, when a new replacement cartridge 22 is attached, the magnet 23 faces the magnetic force sensor 21, so that the signal output of the magnet sensor 21 increases. This time,
Through the drive circuit 25, the control circuit 26 recognizes that a new replacement cartridge 22 has been mounted, and clears the contents of the life counter described above.

When the image forming operation is started after this replacement, the screw roller 14 is also rotated by the connection of the driving portion and the driven portion on the image forming apparatus main body side in accordance with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 1. This rotation causes the tooth-chipped gear 30 to rotate via the transmission gear 29, and the tooth-chipped gear 30 rotates by a predetermined angle to stop the rotation at the position (b). In this case, the transmission gear 29 continues to rotate by the rotation of the screw roller 14, but in the toothless gear 30,
After rotating by a predetermined angle, the rotation stops.

Therefore, the output of the magnetic force sensor 21 decreases depending on the position of the magnet 23. Therefore, when the exchange cartridge 22 is detached from the image forming apparatus 20 due to a cause such as a jam, the magnet 23 is out of the magnetic force detection range of the magnetic force sensor 21, so that the output of the magnetic force sensor 21 becomes almost zero. By sending this detection signal to the control circuit 26, it is detected that the replacement cartridge 22 is not mounted. When the detached replacement cartridge 22 is mounted after the jam processing and the like are completed, the output of the magnetic force sensor 21 becomes larger than the output when not mounted due to the influence of the magnetic force of the magnet 23. However, the output is smaller than that when a new replacement cartridge 22 is mounted. Therefore, the control circuit 26 detects the mounting of the replacement cartridge 22, but recognizes that the cartridge 22 is not new. Therefore, the contents of the life counter are not cleared.

Therefore, the mounting state of the replacement cartridge 22 can be detected and the mounted replacement cartridge 22 can be detected.
However, it is possible to easily and surely detect whether it is a new product or an old product.

Since the transmission gear 29 is not rotationally driven in the opposite direction, the old replacement cartridge 22 will not cause the magnet 23 to return to the new initial position (a). There is no risk of returning even intentionally.
This is because the drive mechanism for moving the magnet 23 is provided inside the exterior 24, so that the magnet 23 can be protected and the movement can be intentionally prevented at the same time. In other words, if the image forming operation is not started, the movement is not performed, so that the distinction between the old and new replacement cartridges can be reliably detected.

Therefore, in accordance with the detection of the mounting of the replacement cartridge 22, the old and new cartridges can be detected in a non-contact state with the detection member on the image forming apparatus side. Here, in order to detect attachment or the like, the magnet 23 is attached to the cartridge 2
The magnetic force sensor 21 is arranged on the second side and on the image forming apparatus 20 side. The reverse is also possible. In this case, it is necessary to send a signal for detecting the mounting state from the removable replacement cartridge 22 side to the image forming apparatus 20 side to the control circuit 26 via the drive circuit 25. Therefore, at the time of mounting, a mechanism for connecting the signal line to the image forming apparatus side may be added separately. If such addition is not possible, as described above, the magnet 23 and the magnetic force sensor 21 are used.
You can place it.

The transmission gear 29 is rotated by utilizing a part of the rotational force for rotating the screw roller 14. However, since the photosensitive drum 1 is driven to rotate in addition to this, It is possible to rotate by utilizing a part of the rotational force of the photosensitive drum 1. The tooth-chipped gear 30 constitutes a rotary member for moving the magnet 23, and the tooth-chipped gear 30 and the transmission gear 29 constitute a transmission mechanism.

(Other Embodiments According to First Embodiment) FIG. 6 shows another embodiment in which the magnet 23 is moved in association with the mounting of the exchange cartridge 22.
This is so that the replacement cartridge 22 can be reset again as a new one. That is, in the replacement cartridge 22, the replacement cartridge 22 is requested to be replaced depending on the life of the photosensitive drum 1, so that the replacement cartridge 22 can be used again by replacing the photosensitive drum 1. In addition, by replacing not the photosensitive drum 1 but the blade 11 of the cleaning device 10,
It can also be re-enabled. That is, blade 1
When the life of the photosensitive drum 1 is shorter than the life of the photosensitive drum 1, the blade 11 is replaced a plurality of times, and when the life of the photosensitive drum 1 matches the life of the photosensitive drum 1, the replacement cartridge 11 cannot be reused. Can be set as follows.

For example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-197236, the replacement cartridge 11 is reused and the number of times of use is managed so that the replacement cartridge 1 can be managed.
It manages the disposal state of 1.

Therefore, when it is desired to reuse the replacement cartridge 11, the image forming apparatus must detect that the replacement cartridge 11 is an initial new replacement cartridge 11. In the present invention, the magnet 23 is used. It is necessary to return the position of to the initial position.

An example for enabling the restoration will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, (A) is a cross-sectional view, and (B) is a plan view showing an essential part for explaining the operation. A transmission gear 29 that is rotated by utilizing a part of the rotational force transmitted from the drive unit of the main body of the image forming apparatus 20 is rotatably provided with respect to a shaft 31 whose one end is fixed to the exterior 24. There is. Since the transmission gear 29 is the same as the transmission gear 29 in FIG. 5 described above, the same reference numerals are given.

A rotating plate 32 having the magnet 23 fixed thereto is rotatably provided on the shaft 31. Further, the rotary plate 32 rotatably provided on the shaft 31 and the transmission gear 29
Means that the rotary plate 32 is transmitted by the urging force of the spring 34 so that the rotation is transmitted via the friction member 33.
It is designed to be pressed against the 9 side. Therefore, the rotating plate 32 and the friction member 33 are provided so as to be movable in the direction of the shaft 31 and rotatable with respect to the shaft 31.

Further, one end of a lever 35 is fixed to the rotating plate 32 on the opposite side (position of 180 °) to which the magnet 23 is fixed, and the other end of the lever 35 is formed in an arc shape on the inner surface of the outer casing 24. It is guided corresponding to the guide groove 36 formed in the.

The guide groove 36 is provided in accordance with the rotation locus of the lever 35 provided on the rotary plate 32.
Therefore, the lever 35 is guided without causing a load to the rotation of the rotary plate 32, and at the end of each arc,
I try to regulate that guide.

In the case of a new replacement cartridge 22, the magnet 23 provided on the rotary plate 32 is arranged and fixed so as to correspond to the magnetic force sensor 21 arranged on the image forming apparatus 20 side.

Therefore, the new replacement cartridge 22 is
When mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus 20, the magnet 23 is positioned so as to face the fixed magnetic force sensor 21. As a result, the output of the magnetic force sensor 21 increases, and the control circuit 26 inputs the signal via the drive circuit 25 to detect the mounting of the replacement cartridge 22 and at the same time replace the cartridge with a new one. Detect that. As a result, the life counter of the replacement cartridge 22 is cleared.

When the image forming operation is started, the transmission gear 30 is rotated by the rotational force transmitted from the image forming apparatus 20 side. This rotation causes the rotary plate 32 to rotate via the friction member 33, but the rotation is blocked when the lever 35 has rotated to the other end of the arc-shaped guide groove 36. That is, when the rotating plate 32 rotates about 90 °, the rotation is blocked and the position is maintained. As a result, the magnet 23 provided on the rotating plate 32 is displaced from the initial position (a) by 90 ° about the axis 31 (position (b)).
Is maintained. Therefore, the output of the magnetic force sensor 21 becomes small. In this case, although the transmission gear 29 is rotated by performing image formation, the rotation of the rotary plate 32 is restricted by the lever 35 and the guide groove 36, so that the rotary plate 32 is held in the moved state.

When the exchange cartridge 22 is detached from the image forming apparatus for some reason, the magnet 23 is located outside the magnetic force range of the magnetic force sensor 21, so that the output of the magnetic force sensor 21 becomes almost zero. As a result, the control circuit 26
Detects the detached state of the replacement cartridge 22 and prevents the image forming operation from starting in this state. When the replacement cartridge 22 is attached, a signal is output by the output of the magnetic force sensor 21, that is, the influence of the magnet 23, as compared with when the replacement cartridge 22 is not attached. Therefore, it is possible to perform the detection by distinguishing the old cartridge from the new cartridge.

Therefore, the life of the replacement cartridge 22 is
When the life counter of the replacement cartridge 22 detects it, the replacement cartridge 22 is removed. Then, in order to reuse the replacement cartridge 22, the photosensitive drum 1, the blade 11, or the like is replaced. In this exchange, when a part of the outer casing 24 is removed and a part of the inside of the cartridge is exposed, the transmission gear 29 is rotated in the opposite direction. This rotation is transmitted to the rotary plate 32 via the friction member 33, and the rotary plate 32 is rotated. As a result, when the rotary plate 32 is rotated to a position where it does not rotate, the magnet 23
Is returned to the initial position (a) corresponding to the magnetic force sensor 21 on the image forming apparatus 20 side.

In this case, since the rotation of the rotary plate 32 is restricted once the lever 35 of the guide 36, especially at the position corresponding to the new product, further rotation is prevented and the position corresponding to the magnetic force sensor 21 is prevented. The position of the magnet 23 can be regulated.
That is, when the rotation of the rotary plate 32 is not regulated, the rotation of the transmission gear 30 is transmitted, but in the regulated state, the friction member 33 and the spring 34 are provided so that the transmission gear 30 idles. Is.

As described above, the replacement cartridge 22
When replacing some of the parts therein, the position of the magnet 23 can be easily returned to the initial state so that the cartridge 22 can be reused like a new one. In this return operation, when the rotation of the rotary plate 32 is restricted and the operation is finished, the magnet 23 can be easily returned to the initial state.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the replacement cartridge 22 can be reused. In addition, the recovery operation of old and new detection for reuse becomes simple.

(Other Embodiments According to First Embodiment) Further, FIG. 7 shows a configuration for simplifying the operation of returning the magnet 23 to the initial position in order to reuse the replacement cartridge 22 according to FIG. Indicates. . In the figure, parts having the same functions as those in FIG. 6 are indicated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

6 is different from that shown in FIG. 6 in that the spring 34 wound around the shaft 31 has one end locked to the outer casing 24 and the other end fixed to the rotary plate 32. The shaft 31
Friction member 33 and transmission gear 29 that are movable in the axial direction of
Is urged in the direction of the rotary plate 32 by a spring 38 wound around a shaft 31 between a support portion 37 and a transmission gear 29 that are provided so as to face the exterior 24. And the friction member 3
Between the gear 3 and the transmission gear 30, a part of a return lever 39 pivotally supported is interposed. The biasing force of the spring 38 is set to be sufficiently larger than the biasing force of the spring 34.

In the above construction, when a new replacement cartridge 22 is attached, the magnet 23 detects that the cartridge is a new cartridge because the output signal of the magnetic force sensor 21 is large. Then, when the operation for image formation is started, the transmission gear 29 is rotated as in FIG. 6, and this rotation is transmitted to the rotary plate 32, so that the magnet 23 is rotated by 90 ° from the initial position (a). It is maintained at the displaced position (b). The state is detected by the magnetic force sensor 21. At this time, the spring 34 is twisted from the initial state by the rotation of the rotary plate 32, and the twisting causes the reverse rotation to return to the initial state. However, since the transmission gear 29 is strongly pressed by the spring 38 via the friction member 33, the rotation of the rotary plate 32 in the opposite direction is prevented.

Then, the life of the replacement cartridge 22 is detected, the cartridge 22 is removed from the image forming apparatus, and some parts are replaced in order to reuse the cartridge 22. At the time of this replacement, if the return lever 39 is rotated in the direction of the arrow so that the transmission gear 29 is separated from the rotary plate 32 side, the rotary plate 32 is rotated by the restoring force of the torsion of the spring 34 and returns to the initial position. To be done.
As a result, the replacement cartridge 22 can be reused like a new replacement cartridge 22.

When the exchange cartridge 22 is detached from the image forming apparatus, the transmission gear 29 is operated by the image forming apparatus 2
The connection state with the drive unit on the 0 side is released to be in a free state, and the force to be rotated acts by the restoring force due to the torsion of the spring 34. However, since the transmission gear 29 transmits a part of the rotation of the screw roller 14 as described above, it requires a large rotational force to rotate the screw roller 14, but the torsion of the spring 34 is required. It is not rotated by the force of.

That is, unless the screw roller 14 and the transmission gear 29 are disconnected from each other, they cannot be freely rotated. Moreover, when using a spring that produces a large acting force due to twisting, it becomes a large load, and the screw roller 14
It will also hinder the rotation of. Therefore, as the spring 34, one having a twist that produces a small acting force to rotate the rotary plate 32 is selected, and accordingly, the rotation from the transmission gear 29 is naturally transmitted without a large load. It will be.

Here, the magnet 23 and the magnetic force sensor 21 detect whether the replacement cartridge 22 is old or new, and mount it.
The reason why the non-wearing state can be detected will be explained again.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example thereof. That is, the vertical axis indicates the level (magnitude) of the output signal from the magnetic force sensor 21, for example, the change in voltage or the like, and the horizontal axis indicates the rotating state of the magnet 23. Further, the level Ha of the output signal from the magnet sensor 21 indicates the level of the output signal when the magnet 23 is in the normal initial position (a), and the level Hb is the level of the magnet 2.
3 shows the output signal level when 3 exists at the shift position (b). Further, ΔH indicates the output state of the allowable range in the deviation of the initial position of the magnet 23 around the levels Ha and Hb and the variation in the magnetic force of the magnet 23. That is, the solid line A is a diagram showing the ideal output characteristics by the above levels Ha and Hb, and the solid line B is the characteristic diagram of the upper and lower limits in the above-mentioned allowable range ΔH.

Therefore, when a new replacement cartridge 22 is mounted, the magnetic force sensor 21 outputs a signal level within a width of ΔH centering on Ha. Then, from the state of the initial position (a) of the magnet 23 where the image forming operation starts to the position (b) where the movement is completed, the signal level from the magnetic force sensor 21 gradually decreases and is maintained at the level Hb. It At this time, for the signal levels Ha and Hb, a sufficiently detectable level H0 (first threshold value) is set including the level ΔH of the allowable range width. Therefore, the arrangement position (b) of the magnet 23 is set so that the output level H sufficiently higher than the threshold level H0 is generated.

Then, the output signal level is lower than Ha, and H
As the level H1 (second threshold value) larger than b, the level ΔH of the allowable range width is taken into consideration and Ha−ΔH / 2> H
The initial position (a) of the magnet 23 and the threshold level H1 are set so that the expression (1) is satisfied and Hb + ΔH / 2 <H1 is satisfied. Especially in the initial position (a),
The position (b) where the magnet 23 faces the magnetic force sensor 21 and is largely deviated from the initial position (a) in consideration of the distance may be set based on the above equation. Therefore, when the magnet 23 is rotated and moved, the rotational position is easily determined, and the configuration described in the above-described embodiment may be used so that the magnet 23 is maintained at that position.

Therefore, at the moving position (b), the signal level Hb indicating that the replacement cartridge 22 is mounted is obtained, whereas when the replacement cartridge 22 is not mounted, the output signal level of the magnetic force sensor 21 is obtained. There is almost no. Therefore, in order to detect the non-wearing state and the wearing state separately, the allowable range width ΔH of the signal level Hb in FIG. 8 is taken into consideration, and the level H0 that is lower than the allowable range width ΔH is the detection level of the wearing state (first threshold value). Set to. Therefore, in addition to satisfying the above equation, the moving position (b) that can determine the level Hb in the mounted state is determined and the threshold value H0 is set at the same time so that Hb−ΔH / 2> H0. This is very important.

From the above, when the output signal level H of the magnetic force sensor 21 exceeds the threshold value H1 (H> H1), the replaced cartridge 22 can be detected as a new cartridge and is smaller than the level H1. Level H
When it is larger than 0 (H1>H> H0), it can be detected that a non-new replacement cartridge 22 is mounted, and the reset signal of the life counter is not output. Further, when the output level H of the magnetic force sensor 21 is smaller than the level H0 (H0> H), it can be detected that the replacement cartridge 22 is not mounted, that is, the detached state, whereby the image forming operation is started. Can be prevented, and the user can be urged to wear at the same time.

Therefore, the magnetic force sensor 21 can detect not only the mounted state and the non-mounted state of the replacement cartridge 22, but also the distinction between the old and new replacement cartridges 22.

Incidentally, what is shown in FIG. 9 is for surely detecting the new replacement cartridge 22 in the embodiment explained in FIG. That is, the rotating plate 32a, which is a rotating member, is configured to be rotated by the transmission mechanism including the transmission gear 29 and the toothless gear 30 as described in FIG. The magnet 23b provided on the rotary plate 32a is
Aside from the magnetic force sensor 21, it is provided so as to correspond to the tip of a rotatable actuator 40 provided on the image forming apparatus 20 main body side. This actuator 4
A magnetic member is provided at the front end portion of the No. 0 facing the exchange cartridge 22 side so as to be influenced by the magnetic force of the magnet 23b. Further, a magnet having a magnetic pole different from that of the magnet 23b may be provided at the tip portion thereof.

Then, a photo interrupter 41 is provided on the side of the image forming apparatus 20 opposite to the magnetic member of the actuator 40, and the photo interrupter 41 is provided so as to block the optical path of the photo interrupter 41 at its opposite end. .

Therefore, when the replacement cartridge 22 is mounted, the mounting state can be detected by outputting a signal due to the change in the output of the magnetic force sensor 21 (not shown), that is, the influence of the magnetic force of the magnet 23b. Then, when the image forming operation is started, the rotary plate 32a is rotated, and is stopped, for example, in a state of being rotated about 180 ° from the initial position (a) to the moving position (b). At this time, the rotating plate 32
Since the magnet 23b provided in a tries to attract the magnetic member at the tip of the actuator 40 by magnetic force, the actuator 40 swings and rotates in accordance with the rotation of the rotary plate 32a.

Therefore, the photo interrupter 41 outputs a signal because the optical path is opened and closed according to the rotation of the actuator 40. This signal is synchronized with one rotation of the rotary plate 32a,
It is possible to detect that the cartridge is a new replacement cartridge 22 by the signal, and thereby clear the contents of the life counter. Moreover, when the replacement cartridge 22 is detached and then attached again, the signal indicating the new cartridge is not output from the photo interrupter 41. Therefore, even if the image forming operation is started in response to the mounting detection, the cartridge is not detected as a new one.

Here, if the magnetic force sensor 21 for detecting the mounting state is arranged on the center line of the rotating shaft of the rotating plate 32a, regardless of the old and new cartridges.
Even if the magnet 23a is in the initial position or the moving position, the same output is performed, and the attachment detection can be performed more reliably.

The magnet 23 described in the first embodiment has been described as a permanent magnet. However, any member may be used as long as it can generate a magnetic force, and other magnets may be used. is there.

(Second Embodiment) The above has described the embodiment for detecting the replacement state of the replacement cartridge 22 by magnetic force, and further for detecting the distinction between the old cartridge and the new cartridge. An embodiment other than the magnetic force, which can be performed in the same manner as this detection, will be described below.

According to the second embodiment, optical detection is performed. An actual example for that purpose will be described with reference to FIG. A small opening (slit) 42 is formed in the exterior 24 of the exchange cartridge 22 at one side facing the image forming apparatus 20 side. The image forming apparatus 20 is arranged so as to face the slit 42.
An optical sensor 43 including a light emitting element 43a for irradiating the inside of the cartridge 22 through the slit 42 and a light receiving element 43b for receiving the light reflected from the cartridge 22 side is provided on the side.

A rotary plate 44 is provided inside the outer casing 24 of the replacement cartridge 22 in correspondence with the slit 42. As shown in FIG. 6B, a high-reflecting portion (for example, white) 44 a and a low-reflecting portion (for example, gray) 44 b capable of sufficiently reflecting light are formed on the surface of the rotating plate 44 facing the slit 42. ing. Therefore, the detection output of the optical detection sensor 43 changes according to the rotational position of the rotary plate 44. That is, the output of the optical sensor 43 is large when the high reflection portion 44a faces the slit 42, and the output is small when the low reflection portion 44b faces the slit 42.

Therefore, the rotary plate 44 is rotated by providing a transmission mechanism for rotating the rotary plate 44 by a required angle depending on whether the replacement cartridge 22 is attached or not. for that reason,
As illustrated and described with reference to FIG. 5, the replacement cartridge 2
The rotating body 44 is fixed to one end of a shaft 45, to which a partly tooth-missing gear 30 is fixed, which meshes with a transmission gear 29 to which a part of the rotational force from a driven portion provided inside the gear 2 is transmitted. The shaft 45 is naturally rotatably supported by the exterior 24 and the like, and the rotary plate 44 and the toothless gear 30 are fixed to the shaft 45.

The slit 42 may be covered with a transparent body instead of being an open hole. As a result, it is possible to prevent dust and the like from entering the rotating plate 44 and the like and thereby preventing it from becoming dirty.

Therefore, the output of the optical sensor 43 becomes large when the new replacement cartridge 22 is mounted and the high reflection portion 44a of the rotary plate 44 is opposed. As a result, the mounted cartridge 22
Can be detected as new and the contents of the life counter can be cleared. Then, when the image forming operation is started,
The rotating plate 44 is stopped after rotating by a predetermined angle. The output signal of the optical sensor 43 at this time becomes a much smaller output than the mounted state of the new replacement cartridge 22,
As a result, the mounting state of the cartridge 22 which is not new is detected. Then, if the replacement cartridge 22 is removed from the image forming apparatus, even if the optical sensor 43 is driven, there is no member that reflects the light from the light emitting element, so that the output is almost nonexistent. Therefore, it is possible to detect the non-wearing state from the output status, as compared with the wearing status. This can prevent the start of the image forming operation.

Since the high reflection portion 44a and the low reflection portion 44b are separately provided on the rotary plate 44, the rotation angle associated with the start of the image forming operation is determined according to the provided state. Further, in order to distinguish the mounted state of the old cartridge and the mounted state of the old cartridge, the reflection state of the high reflection portion 44a and the low reflection portion 44b may be appropriately set, and a large output signal is obtained as compared with the output signal in the state where the cartridge is not attached. The low reflection portion 44b may be set so as to be obtained.

Here, the high reflection portion 44 provided on the rotating plate 44.
The “a” and the low reflection portion 44b may be reversed. That is,
The old replacement cartridge 22 can also be used with the high-reflecting portion 44a facing the slit 42.

(One embodiment according to the second embodiment) Further, the reflecting surface facing the slit 42 of the rotary plate 44 is set as shown in FIG.
It becomes possible to detect the mounting state and the usage time of the cartridge, that is, the life state.

Here, the transmission gear 29 in FIG.
The gear ratio with the partly tooth-missing gear 30 is configured so that the partly tooth-missing gear 30 makes one rotation and stops in accordance with the life of the replacement cartridge 22. Therefore, the transmission gear 29 and the toothless gear 3
This can be achieved by interposing a plurality of intermediate gears and the like with 0.

The reflecting surface of the rotary plate 44 is provided separately from the high reflecting portion 44a for detecting old and new, and the replacement cartridge 2
Reflecting portions 44c, 44d, 44e and 44f are provided, which correspond to the life of 2 and whose reflectance gradually decreases in accordance with the rotation thereof. That is, the reflectance of each reflecting portion is 44c.
It is formed in the order of>44d>44e> 44f.

When the image forming operation is started, the high-reflecting portion 44a is rotated through the transmission gear 29, so that the rotating plate 44 is rotated, so that the high-reflecting portion 44a is displaced from the position of the slit 42. Is formed. Normally, the mounting state is detected with the new replacement cartridge 22 mounted, but the mounting state is not detected during the image forming operation. For example, wear detection
This is performed when the image forming apparatus is jammed or the like, and power is turned on when the jam is released from the state where the power is turned off except for the necessary parts. It will also be done when necessary.

Therefore, the image forming operation by the exchange cartridge 22 is performed not only once but also many times. Therefore, the rotary plate 44 also rotates, and the region of the high reflection portion 42a is in a state of being displaced from the slit position.

Each of the above-mentioned reflecting portions is provided on the reflecting surface of the rotary plate 44 so as to be divided into approximately four equal parts except for the high reflecting portion 44a. Then, the respective reflection portions 44c, 4
FIG. 12 shows the output state of the optical sensor 43, which faces 4d, 44e, and 44f via the slit 42.
That is, the reflectance of each reflecting portion is set so that the output state of the reflecting portion 42f is minimized as compared with the reflecting portion 44c. Moreover, the reflecting portion 44f is set to have a reflectance higher than the output of the optical sensor 43 when the replacement cartridge 22 is not mounted.

In FIG. 12, the vertical axis represents the output level of the optical sensor 43, for example, the voltage value V, and the horizontal axis represents the rotary plate 4.
4 shows the respective reflecting portions corresponding to the rotation positions of 4. Particularly, it corresponds to the reflecting portion 44a, is to the reflecting portion 44c, and is the reflecting portion 4
4d corresponds to the reflecting portion 44e, and corresponds to the reflecting portion 44f.

Therefore, the replacement cartridge 22 is mounted, the optical sensor 43 is driven to detect the mounting state, and the output thereof is the output (V) corresponding to the high reflection portion 44a, that is, the threshold value V ₀ according to FIG. Greater than (V>
In the case of V ₀ ), the mounted replacement cartridge 22 is detected as a new one. As a result, the contents of the counter for detecting the life of the mounted replacement cartridge 22 are cleared.

When the image forming operation is started, the rotary plate 44 is gradually rotated, and the high reflection portion 44a thereof is rotated.
Instead of, the reflecting portion 44c faces the slit 42.
As a result, when the replacement cartridge 22 is removed from the image forming apparatus for some reason and mounted after processing, the replacement cartridge 22 is detected based on the output of the optical sensor 43, assuming that the replacement cartridge 22 is not new. Become. That is, the output V of the optical sensor 43 is lower than the output level V ₀ of the new replacement cartridge, and is higher than the threshold level V ₁ for the reflecting portion 44c (V ₀ <V
If <V ₁ ) is confirmed, it can be recognized that the life of the replacement cartridge 22 is still new.

Then, as the number of times of image formation gradually increases, the rotating plate 44 rotates, and if the reflecting portion 44d faces the optical sensor 42 through the slit 42, the output V
Is smaller than the level V ₁ and is larger than the threshold level V ₂ indicating that this is the reflecting portion 42d.
As a result, it can be recognized that the life of the replacement cartridge 22 has advanced to the first stage. Similarly, the reflector 44
In the state of e, it is known that the number of times of image formation further increases and the life of the replacement cartridge 22 advances to the second stage. At this point, the replacement cartridge 2
It can be confirmed that the life of 2 will almost end.

Finally, when the rotation of the rotary plate 44 progresses and the reflecting portion 44f faces the optical sensor 43 through the slit 42, the optical sensor 43 outputs a signal corresponding to the reflecting portion. At this time, if the output V is smaller than the threshold level V _{3 and} larger than the level V ₄ , the replacement cartridge 22
Recognize that it is the end of life and display the status on the operation panel. Further, on the main body side of the image forming apparatus 20,
When a series of image forming operations, that is, when a set number of image images are formed, the image forming operation is set to be incapable of image formation until a new replacement cartridge 22 is mounted. Alternatively, after this time point is detected, it is possible to make the image formation impossible after forming a predetermined number of images.

According to the above description, in order to detect the life of the replacement cartridge 22, a normal counter is provided, the number of image forming sheets is counted by the counter, and when the counted value reaches a predetermined value, Although the life of the replacement cartridge is recognized, this counter can be substituted by the above-mentioned reflecting portions 44c, 44d, 44e, 44f, and the life counter can be eliminated. Moreover, it is not necessary to provide the high-reflecting portion 44a of the replacement cartridge 22 to determine whether the mounting cartridge 22 is old or new. This is because it is not necessary to clear the life counter, and in the detection state of the reflecting portion 44c, the replacement cartridge 22 can be treated as a new cartridge and can be treated as one factor of life detection. is there.

Moreover, the reflecting portions 44c, 44d, 44
The e and 44f can be detected in more detail and can be notified to the user side by dividing the life of the replacement cartridge 22 in more detail by dividing it more finely than 4 divisions.

(Other Embodiments According to Second Embodiment) FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing another arrangement of the rotary plate 44. That is, according to FIG. 10, the rotating plate 44 is provided with a reflecting portion to detect the life of the replacement cartridge 22, detect old and new,
The attachment detection is performed. Instead,
By configuring the rotary plate 44 with a light-transmissive member, the transmittance at that time can be changed, and the same operation can be performed.

Therefore, a part of the rotary plate 44 is provided so as to protrude from the exterior 24 of the replacement cartridge 22. A transparent member 45 covers the protruding portion, and an optical sensor 46 including light emitting and light receiving elements 46a and 46b is arranged with the protruding rotating plate 44 interposed therebetween. The rotary plate 44 is
A high transmittance region 44a indicating old and new and a low transmittance region 44b corresponding to the respective reflecting portions shown in FIG. 10B are provided. As a result, the old and new cartridges and the mounting state can be detected in the same manner. In this case, the output of the optical sensor 46 becomes maximum (large) when the replacement cartridge 22 is not mounted. Therefore, it is possible to detect the non-wearing state in the output state at that time.

Therefore, as the output form of the optical sensor 46, the output of the replacement cartridge 22 becomes maximum when the replacement cartridge 22 is not mounted.
The transmittance area 44a for detecting the non-new replacement cartridge 22 is larger than the transmittance area 44b for detecting the non-new replacement cartridge 22.
If the transmittance is set to be small, the output is the reverse of the output waveform shown in FIG. 12, and the processing is simplified.

That is, the output of the optical sensor 46 changes its optical path through the rotation plate 4 by mounting the new replacement cartridge 22.
If the transmission area 44a of No. 4 is almost shielded, the output is hardly generated, the image forming operation is started, and the transmission area 44b of the rotating plate 44 faces each other, and the exchange sensor 46 at that time The output is larger than the new one, and smaller than the output when not installed,
As the output signal gradually increases, old and new detection and attachment detection can be performed.

Further, the rotary plate 44 has its transmittance shown in FIG.
As described above, it is possible to classify into a plurality of transmittance states so that the life state can be detected. That is, FIG.
As described in 1, the reflective portion 44 is divided into the sealed numbers.
By making the transmittances gradually increase corresponding to c, 44d, 44e, and 44f, the reverse state of the output waveform shown in FIG. 12 can be created. This makes it possible to easily perform attachment detection, new / old detection, and life detection together.

(Other Embodiments) In the above, the mounting detection by the replacement cartridge 22, the old and new detection of the cartridge, and the like are performed as required. Instead of such detection, the means for detecting the mounting of the replacement cartridge 22 is used as an encoder for confirming the operating state of the replacement cartridge 22 and for recognizing the rotational position of the motor or the like that is the rotational drive source on the image forming apparatus 20 side. Can also be used, the form of which will be described below.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing an example thereof.
In FIG. 5, the case where the toothless gear 30 is provided in the transmission gear 29 according to the above-described embodiments has been described.
This is not a toothless gear, but a normal rotary gear 47 is provided.

A magnet 48 is attached to the rotary gear 47.
The image forming apparatus 20 is provided corresponding to the magnet 48.
On the side, magnetic force sensors 49 are arranged so as to face each other. Therefore, when the replacement cartridge 22 is installed,
Influenced by the magnetic force of the magnet 48, the magnetic force causes the magnetic force sensor 49 to output according to the strength of the magnetic force. Therefore, the output of the magnetic force sensor 49 is different between the mounted state and the non-mounted state, and the mounted state is detected by this.

Separately from this, when the replacement cartridge 22 is mounted, the start of the image forming operation by the image forming apparatus is permitted. Therefore, the transmission gear 29 is rotated in accordance with the image forming operation as described above. The rotation also rotates the rotary gear 47 at the same time. This time,
The magnetic force sensor 49 responds to the rotating magnetic field generated by the magnet 48,
A waveform signal as shown in FIG. 15 is output. By inputting this signal to the control circuit 26, the replacement cartridge 2
It can also be used as an encoder for detecting whether or not the rotation is transmitted to the inside of 2, or for indicating the rotational position of the drive motor or the like.

According to the above configuration, at the same time as the mounting of the replacement cartridge 22 is detected, the encoder function of the motor or the like related to the drive on the image forming apparatus side is processed based on the output from one magnetic force sensor 49. It has become possible.

[0124]

As the detecting means, the mounting state of the exchange cartridge provided in the image forming apparatus according to the present invention so as to be exchangeable can be detected in a non-contact state with respect to the detecting means. Therefore, the precision of the arrangement position of the detection member provided on the exchange cartridge side and the precision of the arrangement position of the detection member provided on the image forming apparatus side are not required to be so high. It is possible to easily manufacture the same and reduce the cost.

Further, the means for detecting the mounting can also be used as another detection means, for example, old and new detection of the replacement cartridge.

Moreover, it can also be used for life detection, and the conventional counter or the like for life detection can be eliminated.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a main part of a replacement cartridge detachably provided in an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and particularly including a detection means for detecting a mounting state of the replacement cartridge.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an image forming unit of the image forming apparatus in a state where the replacement cartridge of FIG. 1 is mounted.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an aspect for detecting the mounting state of the replacement cartridge according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing another mode different from that in FIG.

5A and 5B are views showing a first embodiment in which the detection of attachment of an exchange cartridge according to the present invention and the detection of old and new can be performed by the same means. FIG. 5A is a sectional view of a main part, and FIG. It is a top view.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another aspect of the first embodiment in which the detection of mounting of the replacement cartridge according to the present invention and the detection of old and new can be performed by the same means, FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of a main part,
(B) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation.

7 is a cross-sectional view showing another aspect of FIG.

FIG. 8: Detection of mounting of a replacement cartridge according to the present invention,
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing characteristics in an output signal for supplementing the explanation for surely detecting old and new cartridges.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing another example of performing old / new detection on the replacement cartridge.

10A and 10B are views showing a second embodiment in which the replacement cartridge mounting detection according to the present invention and the old and new detection can be performed by the same means. FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of a main part, and FIG. It is a top view.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an example of a rotating member according to the present invention, which shows a mode that enables detection of mounting of the replacement cartridge, detection of old and new, and detection of life in FIG.

12 is a diagram showing a state of an output signal in FIG.

13 is a cross-sectional view showing another aspect of FIG.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing another embodiment in which other detection is performed by using the mounting detection according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing output waveforms in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photoconductor 2 Charging device 3 Developing device 10 Cleaning device 11 Cleaning blade 13 Container (exterior) 14 Screw roller 20 Image forming apparatus side (main body) 21 Magnetic force sensor (magnetic force detection part) 22 Exchange cartridge 23 Magnet (magnetic force generation part) 24 Exterior 25 Drive circuit 26 Control circuit (signal processing unit) 29 Transmission gear (transmission mechanism) 30 Partial tooth gear (transmission mechanism / rotating member) 32 Rotating body (rotating member) 33 Friction member 34 Spring 35 Lever 36 Guide groove 38 Spring 39 Return lever 42 Open hole (slit) 43 Optical sensor 44 Rotating plate (rotating member) 44a High reflection part (reflection part / transmission part) 44b Low reflection part (reflection part / transmission part) 44c (44d, 44e, 44f) Reflection part (or transmission part)

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus comprising an exchange cartridge detachably attached to an image forming apparatus main body, wherein a member for forming an image is unitized, and the exchange cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus main body. In order to detect the, the magnetic force generating portion or the magnetic force detecting portion is provided on the exchange cartridge side, while on the image forming apparatus side,
A magnetic force detection unit or magnetic force generation unit is arranged corresponding to the magnetic force generation unit or magnetic force detection unit on the side of the exchange cartridge, and the mounting state of the exchange cartridge can be detected based on the detection output by the magnetic force detection unit. Image forming apparatus. 2. An image forming apparatus, comprising an exchange cartridge detachably attached to the image forming apparatus main body, wherein a member for forming an image is unitized, and the exchange cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus main body. In order to detect the above, a magnetic force generating section is arranged on the exchange cartridge side, and a magnetic force detecting section is arranged on the image forming apparatus side in correspondence with the magnetic force generating section on the exchange cartridge side. The magnetic force generating section is provided on the rotating member that transmits and rotates a part of the driven rotation, and the mounting state of the replacement cartridge can be detected based on the detection output of the magnetic force detecting section. By rotating the rotating member to shift the magnetic force generating portion from the corresponding position of the magnetic force detecting portion, the detection output is made different from that at the time of mounting, and the exchange cover is changed. An image forming apparatus characterized in that it is possible to detect the old and new of the cartridge. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the rotating member is connected through a transmission mechanism that rotates a predetermined angle when the image forming operation is started, and further rotation is restricted. . 4. The rotating member, which is rotated by a predetermined angle so as to be reusable from the image forming apparatus due to the life of the replacement cartridge, is returned to an initial position or automatically returned. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: 5. An image forming apparatus comprising an exchange cartridge detachably provided to the image forming apparatus main body, wherein the member for performing image formation is unitized, and the exchange cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus main body. In order to detect the above, a rotating member is provided on the exchange cartridge side, and a plurality of regions having different reflectances or transmittances are separately provided on the rotating member, and the reflectance or transmittance of the rotating member is provided on the image forming apparatus side. Is arranged with an optical sensor that irradiates light to different areas and receives the reflected light or transmitted light, and detects the mounting state by the output according to the reflected light or the transmitted light when the replacement cartridge is mounted, The image forming apparatus is also capable of detecting old and new replacement cartridges. 6. The rotating member is rotatably driven by transmitting a part of the rotation of the member in the exchange cartridge, so that a region having different reflectance or transmittance faces the optical sensor. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein it is possible to detect a mounting state, old and new, and a life of the replacement cartridge. 7. An image forming apparatus comprising an exchange cartridge detachably provided to the image forming apparatus main body and comprising a unit for forming an image, wherein the exchange cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus main body. In order to detect the above, a magnetic force generating section is arranged on the exchange cartridge side and a magnetic force detecting section is arranged on the image forming apparatus side so as to correspond to the magnetic force generating section. The magnetic force generating section is provided on the rotating member that is partially transmitted and rotated, and the mounting state of the replacement cartridge can be detected based on the output detected by the magnetic force detecting section, and the rotating member is rotated by the image forming operation. The output signal output from the magnetic force detection unit according to the rotating magnetic field generated by the detection of the operating state of the replacement cartridge or the image forming apparatus main body An image forming apparatus, which is used for detecting a rotation state of a rotation drive source.