WO2018179486A1

WO2018179486A1 - Development cartridge

Info

Publication number: WO2018179486A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/032240
Authority: WO
Inventors: 圭太清水; 貴司清水; 楠田　晋也
Original assignee: ブラザー工業株式会社
Priority date: 2017-03-30
Filing date: 2017-09-07
Publication date: 2018-10-04
Also published as: JP2018169510A; CN207301637U

Abstract

Provided is a development cartridge that has a novel structure that is for designating development cartridge specifications. A development cartridge that comprises a housing, a first gear (a second agitator gear 100), a second gear (a detection gear 200), a protrusion, and an impelling member (a torsion coil spring 37). The housing can contain a developer. The first gear: can rotate about a first axis that extends in the axial direction; and is positioned on an outer surface of the housing. The second gear: can rotate about a second axis that extends in the axial direction; and, when engaged with the first gear, can rotate from a first position to a second position at a first speed. The protrusion protrudes in the axial direction and can rotate with the second gear. The impelling member can impel the second gear when the second gear is in the second position. In the second position, the second gear is disengaged from the first gear. The impelling member impels the second gear and makes the second gear rotate from the second position to a third position at a second speed that is faster than the first speed.

Description

Developer cartridge

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

In an image forming apparatus including a developing cartridge, an image forming apparatus that can determine whether or not a developing cartridge is mounted or the specifications of the developing cartridge is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a developing cartridge in which a detection gear rotates and a protrusion moves. The image forming apparatus detects the protrusion with a sensor and detects whether or not the developing cartridge is mounted.

JP 2011-203362 A

By the way, when determining the specifications of the developing cartridge by detecting the protrusions, the protrusion arrangement patterns are different for each of the plurality of specifications. Thus, the image forming apparatus can determine a developing cartridge having a specific specification among a plurality of specifications. A new structure is desired for diversification of specifications of the developing cartridge.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a developing cartridge having a new structure for specifying the specifications of the developing cartridge.

In order to achieve the above-described object, a developing cartridge according to the present disclosure includes a housing that can store a developer and a first gear that is rotatable about a first shaft that extends in the axial direction, and is located on an outer surface of the housing. A second gear rotatable about a first gear and a second shaft extending in the axial direction, wherein the second gear is rotatable at a first speed from the first position to the second position while being engaged with the first gear. And a protrusion protruding in the axial direction and rotatable together with the second gear, and a biasing member capable of biasing the second gear when the second gear is in the second position.
The second gear is disengaged from the first gear at the second position. The urging member urges the second gear to rotate the second gear from the second position to the third position at a second speed higher than the first speed.

According to such a configuration, the second gear is rotated at the first speed from the first position to the second position, and the biasing member is used to move from the second position to the third position. The second gear can be rotated at a second speed faster than the speed. That is, a new structure for specifying the specifications of the developing cartridge can be realized with a simple configuration.
In the present specification, the speed of the second gear means the maximum value of the angular speed in the target section. That is, the second speed is the maximum value of the angular speed of the second gear while the second gear rotates from the second position to the third position.

In the developing cartridge described above, the biasing member may be a spring that biases the second gear from the second position to the third position. The spring may be a torsion coil spring. The torsion coil spring can include a coil, a first arm extending from one end of the coil, and a second arm extending from the other end of the coil. The developing cartridge further includes a cover that covers at least a part of the second gear, the first arm of the torsion coil spring is in contact with the second gear, and the second arm is engaged with the housing or the cover. It can be.

It is desirable that the developing cartridge further includes a holding portion that holds the second gear at the third position against the biasing force of the biasing member.

When the developing cartridge has a holding portion, the cover may have a shaft that supports the second gear. In this case, the second gear may include a third protrusion that protrudes in a direction orthogonal to the second axis, and the holding portion may be a locking protrusion that protrudes from the shaft and engages with the third protrusion.

The aforementioned first gear can include a plurality of gear teeth. The first gear may include a friction member that engages with the second gear. The aforementioned second gear may include a friction member that engages with the first gear. Here, the friction member is, for example, rubber.

The developer cartridge described above can be provided with an agitator capable of stirring the developer in the housing. In this case, the first gear may be attached to the shaft of the agitator and rotatable together with the agitator.

The developing cartridge may further include a coupling that is rotatable about a third axis that extends in the axial direction and that is positioned on one side of the casing in the axial direction. In this case, the agitator may be rotated together with the coupling, and the first gear may be located on the other side of the housing in the axial direction.

The protrusion may include a first protrusion that contacts a part of the image forming apparatus when the developing gear is mounted on the image forming apparatus and the second gear is in the first position.

Also, the protrusion may include a second protrusion positioned away from the first protrusion in the rotation direction of the second gear. Then, when the developing cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus and the second gear is in the third position, the second protrusion may be in contact with a part of the image forming apparatus.

Also, the protrusion may include a fourth protrusion that is positioned away from the first protrusion and the second protrusion in the rotation direction of the second gear.

The protrusion may include a first protrusion and a second protrusion positioned away from the first protrusion in the rotation direction of the second gear. In this case, the protrusion is a fourth protrusion located between the first protrusion and the second protrusion in the rotation direction of the second gear, and is separated from the first protrusion and the second protrusion in the rotation direction of the second gear. A fourth protrusion may be included.

The second gear can include a protrusion. The second gear may include a plurality of gear teeth, and the gear teeth of the second gear may be located between the protrusion and the housing in the axial direction.

In the developing cartridge described above, the first gear is a first gear portion including a plurality of gear teeth, and a first rib rotatable with the first gear portion, and is positioned at a position different from the first gear portion in the axial direction. And a first rib extending along the tooth tip circle of the first gear portion. The second gear includes a second gear portion including a plurality of gear teeth, a second rib protruding in the radial direction of the second gear, and a second rib positioned at a position different from the second gear portion in the axial direction; Can be included. Then, while the first gear rotates from the fourth position to the fifth position, the second rib is in contact with the first rib, the second gear does not rotate with the first gear, and the first gear does not rotate. While rotating from the fifth position to the sixth position, the second rib is in non-contact with the first rib, and the second gear can rotate together with the first gear.

According to the developing cartridge configured as described above, while the second rib of the second gear is in contact with the first rib of the first gear, the second gear does not rotate even if the first gear rotates. Then, after the first gear is rotated from the fourth position to the fifth position, the second rib is not in contact with the first rib, and the second gear is rotated together with the first gear. For this reason, since it is possible to start rotating the second gear after a predetermined period has elapsed since the first gear started to rotate, the movement of the second gear can be diversified.

In the developing cartridge, when the first gear is in the fourth position, none of the plurality of gear teeth of the first gear portion engages with the plurality of gear teeth of the second gear portion, and the first gear is the fifth gear. When in position, at least one of the plurality of gear teeth of the first gear portion may be engaged with at least one of the plurality of gear teeth of the second gear portion.

In this configuration, the developing cartridge further includes a biasing member that rotates the second gear in the rotational direction so as to push the second rib toward the first rib in a state where the second rib is in contact with the first rib. When the second rib comes out of contact with the first rib, the second gear can be rotated to engage the second gear portion with the first gear portion.

Each of the developing cartridges described above can have a developing roller rotatable about a fourth axis extending in the axial direction.

According to the developing cartridge of the present invention, a new structure for specifying the specifications of the developing cartridge can be realized with a simple configuration.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printer including a developing cartridge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a housing of the developing cartridge. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing one side of a developing cartridge in a first direction. It is a perspective view which decomposes | disassembles and shows the components of the one side of the 1st direction of a housing | casing. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the other side of the developing cartridge in the first direction. It is a perspective view which decomposes | disassembles and shows the components of the other side of the 1st direction of a housing | casing. It is the perspective view which looked at the gear cover from the inner side. They are the expansion perspective view (a) of the 2nd agitator gear, the figure (b) which looked at the 2nd agitator gear from the axial direction, and the expansion perspective view (c) of the detection gear. It is the figure (a) which looked at the 2nd agitator gear and detection gear in an initial position from the inside, and the figure (b) seen from the outside. A view of the second agitator gear and the detection gear as viewed from the inside when the second rib enters the cut of the first rib, and the second gear is not in contact with the first rib and the first gear is the second. It is the figure (b) which looked at the 2nd agitator gear and detection gear when it began to engage with a gear from the inside. FIG. 5 is a diagram (a) to (c) showing changes in the lever accompanying the rotation of the detection gear. It is the figure which looked at the 2nd agitator gear and detection gear when a detection gear is in the 2nd position from the inside. It is the figure (a) which looked at the detection gear and the 2nd agitator gear in a final position from the inside, and the figure (b) seen from the outside. FIG. 10 is a perspective view (a) to (c) of a detection gear according to first to third modifications. FIG. 4A is a diagram showing another example of the first gear, and FIG. 4B is a diagram showing another example of the second gear. It is a figure which shows the other example of the structure which supports a torsion coil spring.

Next, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, a laser printer 1 as an example of an image forming apparatus mainly includes a main body housing 2, a paper feeding unit 3, an image forming unit 4, and a control unit CU.

The main body casing 2 has a front cover 2A and a paper discharge tray 2B located at the upper part of the main body casing 2. The main body housing 2 includes a paper feeding unit 3 and an image forming unit 4 inside. By opening the front cover 2A, the developing cartridge 10 is detachably mounted.

The paper feed unit 3 contains paper S. The paper feed unit 3 then supplies the paper S to the image forming unit 4 one by one.

The image forming unit 4 includes a process cartridge 4A, an exposure device (not shown), a transfer roller 4B, and a fixing device 4C.

The process cartridge 4A includes a photosensitive member cartridge 5 and a developing cartridge 10. The developing cartridge 10 can be attached to and detached from the photosensitive cartridge 5. The developing cartridge 10 is attached to and detached from the laser printer 1 as the process cartridge 4A in a state where the developing cartridge 10 is mounted on the photosensitive cartridge 5. The photoconductor cartridge 5 includes a frame 5A and a photoconductor drum 5B that is rotatably supported by the frame 5A.

As shown in FIG. 2, the developing cartridge 10 includes a housing 11, a developing roller 12, a supply roller 13, and an agitator 14.

The housing 11 includes a container 11A and a lid 11B. The container 11A of the housing 11 can accommodate the toner T therein. The toner T is an example of a developer.

The developing roller 12 includes a developing roller shaft 12A extending in the first direction and a roller portion 12B. The first direction is an axial direction of a second agitator gear 100 described later, and is also simply referred to as an axial direction hereinafter. The roller portion 12B covers the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller shaft 12A. The roller portion 12B is made of conductive rubber or the like. The developing roller 12 can rotate around the developing roller shaft 12A. In other words, the developing roller 12 can rotate about the fourth shaft 12X extending in the first direction. The developing roller 12 is supported by the housing 11 so as to be rotatable about the developing roller shaft 12A. That is, the roller portion 12B can rotate together with the developing roller shaft 12A. A developing bias is applied to the developing roller 12 from the control unit CU.

The container 11A and the lid 11B of the housing 11 face each other in the second direction. The second direction is a direction that intersects the first direction. Preferably, the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. The developing roller 12 is located at one end of the housing 11 in the third direction. The third direction intersects the first direction and the second direction. Preferably, the third direction is orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.

The supply roller 13 includes a supply roller shaft 13A extending in the first direction and a roller portion 13B. The roller portion 13B covers the outer peripheral surface of the supply roller shaft 13A. The roller portion 13B is made of sponge or the like. The supply roller 13 can rotate around the supply roller shaft 13A. That is, the roller portion 13B can rotate together with the supply roller shaft 13A.

The agitator 14 includes an agitator shaft 14A and a flexible sheet 14B. The agitator shaft 14A is rotatable about a first shaft 14X extending in the first direction. The agitator shaft 14A is supported by the housing 11 so as to be rotatable about the first shaft 14X. The agitator 14 can rotate together with a coupling 22 described later. The flexible sheet 14 B has a base end fixed to the agitator shaft 14 A and a tip end configured to be able to contact the inner surface of the housing 11. The agitator 14 can agitate the toner T in the housing 11 by the rotating flexible sheet 14B.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the transfer roller 4B faces the photosensitive drum 5B. The transfer roller 4B conveys the paper S while sandwiching it with the photosensitive drum 5B.

The photosensitive drum 5B is charged by a charger (not shown) and exposed to an exposure device to form an electrostatic latent image. The developing cartridge 10 supplies toner T to the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image on the photosensitive drum 5B. The toner image on the photosensitive drum 5B is transferred to the paper S supplied from the paper supply unit 3 while passing between the photosensitive drum 5B and the transfer roller 4B.

The fixing device 4C heat-fixes the toner image transferred to the paper S to the paper S. The paper S on which the toner image is thermally fixed is discharged to a paper discharge tray 2B outside the main body housing 2.

The control device CU is a device that controls the operation of the entire laser printer 1.

The laser printer 1 includes a sensor 7. The sensor 7 is a sensor for detecting whether or not the developing cartridge 10 is new or the specifications of the developing cartridge 10. The sensor 7 includes a lever 7A that is swingably supported by the main body housing 2 and an optical sensor 7B. The lever 7A is located at a position where it can come into contact with a protrusion that can rotate together with a detection gear 200 described later. The optical sensor 7B is connected to the control device CU and outputs a detection signal to the control device CU. The control unit CU is configured to be able to determine the specifications of the developing cartridge 10 according to a signal received from the optical sensor 7B. The optical sensor 7B detects the displacement of the lever 7A and transmits a detection signal to the control unit CU. More specifically, for example, a sensor unit including a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit is used for the optical sensor 7B. Details will be described later.

Next, a detailed configuration of the developing cartridge 10 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the developing cartridge 10 has a first gear cover 21, a coupling 22, a developing gear 23, a supply gear 24, and a first gear on one side of the housing 11 in the first direction. An agitator gear 25, an idle gear 26, a first bearing member 27, and a cap 28 are provided.

The first gear cover 21 is a cover that supports the idle gear 26 with a shaft (not shown) and covers at least one gear located on one side of the housing 11. The first gear cover 21 is fixed to the outer surface 11 C by a screw 29. The outer surface 11 C is an outer surface 11 C on one side in the first direction of the housing 11.
In the present specification, the “gear” is not limited to a gear having gear teeth and transmitting the rotational force by the gear teeth, but includes a gear transmitting the rotational force by friction transmission. In addition, in a member that transmits rotational force by friction transmission, the tip circle is a circle that passes through the friction transmission surface.

The coupling 22 is rotatable about a shaft 22A as an example of a third shaft extending in the first direction. The coupling 22 is located on one side of the housing 11 in the first direction.
That is, the coupling 22 is located on the outer surface 11C. The coupling 22 can rotate by receiving a driving force. Specifically, the coupling 22 can receive a driving force from the laser printer 1. The coupling 22 can rotate by engaging with a driving member included in the laser printer 1 (not shown). The coupling 22 has a recess that is recessed in the first direction. The recess receives the drive member and is engageable with the drive member. More specifically, the concave portion can be engaged with a driving member of the laser printer 1 and receive a driving force.

The developing gear 23 is attached to the developing roller shaft 12A and can rotate together with the coupling 22. The developing gear 23 is located on one side of the housing 11 in the first direction. That is, the developing gear 23 is located on the outer surface 11C.

The supply gear 24 is mounted on the supply roller shaft 13A and can be rotated together with the coupling 22. The supply gear 24 is located on one side of the housing 11 in the first direction. That is, the supply gear 24 is located on the outer surface 11C.

The first agitator gear 25 is located on one side of the housing 11 in the first direction. That is, the first agitator gear 25 is located on the outer surface 11C. The first agitator gear 25 is attached to the agitator shaft 14 A of the agitator 14. The first agitator gear 25 can rotate with the agitator 14 according to the rotation of the coupling 22.

The idle gear 26 is located on one side of the housing 11 in the first direction. That is, the idle gear 26 is located on the outer surface 11C. The idle gear 26 includes a large diameter portion 26 A that engages with the gear teeth of the coupling 22 and a small diameter portion 26 B that engages with the gear teeth of the first agitator gear 25. The idle gear 26 is rotatably supported by a shaft (not shown) of the first gear cover 21. The idle gear 26 decelerates the rotation of the coupling 22 and transmits it to the first agitator gear 25. In the first direction, the large diameter portion 26A is further away from the housing 11 than the small diameter portion 26B.

Since the idle gear 26 is engaged with the coupling 22 and the first agitator gear 25, the agitator 14 can rotate together with the coupling 22.

The first bearing member 27 is a member that pivotally supports the coupling 22, the developing gear 23, and the supply gear 24. The first bearing member 27 is fixed to one side of the housing 11 in the first direction.

The cap 28 covers one end of the developing roller shaft 12A in the first direction. The first gear cover 21 and the cap 28 may be made of different types of resins.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the developing cartridge 10 includes a second gear cover 31, a second agitator gear 100 as an example of the first gear, and a second gear on the other side of the housing 11 in the first direction. As an example, a detection gear 200, a second bearing member 34, a developing electrode 35, and a supply electrode 36 are provided.

The second gear cover 31 is a cover that covers at least a part of the detection gear 200. The second gear cover 31 has an opening 31A. A part of the detection gear 200 is exposed through the opening 31A. The second gear cover 31 includes a shaft 31B extending in the first direction. Further, the second gear cover 31 has a locking projection 31C (see FIG. 7) as an example of a holding portion protruding radially outward from the shaft 31B. Further, the second gear cover 31 includes a spring as an example of an urging member. Here, the second gear cover 31 includes a torsion coil spring 37 as an example of a spring. Details of the torsion coil spring 37 will be described later.

The second agitator gear 100 is located on the other side of the housing 11 in the first direction. That is, the second agitator gear 100 is located on the outer surface 11E on the other side in the first direction of the container 11A of the housing 11. The second agitator gear 100 has a mounting hole 140. The second agitator gear 100 is attached to the agitator shaft 14 A by the mounting hole 140 engaging with the agitator shaft 14 A of the agitator 14. Accordingly, the second agitator gear 100 can rotate together with the agitator 14. That is, the second agitator gear 100 is rotatable about the first shaft 14X. The second agitator gear 100 is rotatably supported by the housing 11.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the second agitator gear 100 includes a first gear portion 110 and a first rib 120.

The first gear part 110 includes a plurality of gear teeth 111. As an example, the first gear portion 110 has gear teeth 111 over the entire circumference around the second agitator gear 100.

The first rib 120 extends along the tip circle 110A of the first gear part 110. Specifically, the first rib 120 extends along a part of the addendum circle 110A. The first rib 120 extends along a part of the periphery of the second agitator gear 100. That is, the first rib 120 has a cut 125 in the circumferential direction. The cut 125 can enter a second rib 230 described later. The cut 125 may have a central angle α around the first axis 14X in the range of 15 to 75 °. The central angle α is desirably 30 to 60 °, and more desirably 40 to 50 °. The first rib 120 may have a central angle β around the first axis 14X in the range of 285 to 345 °. The central angle β is desirably 300 to 330 °, and more desirably 310 to 320 °.

The first rib 120 is farther from the first shaft 14X in the radial direction of the second agitator gear 100 than the first gear portion 110 is. The first rib 120 can rotate about the first shaft 14 X together with the first gear portion 110. The first rib 120 is located at a position different from the first gear portion 110 in the axial direction. Specifically, the first rib 120 is closer to the housing 11 than the first gear portion 110 in the axial direction (see FIG. 6).

As shown in FIG. 6, the detection gear 200 is located on the other side of the housing 11 in the first direction. That is, the detection gear 200 is located on the outer surface 11E. The detection gear 200 is rotatable about a second shaft 200X extending in the axial direction. The detection gear 200 engages with the second agitator gear 100 and can rotate with the second agitator gear 100. Specifically, the detection gear 200 can rotate at the first speed from the first position shown in FIG. 10B to the second position shown in FIG. 12 while being engaged with the second agitator gear 100. Further, the detection gear 200 is disengaged from the second agitator gear 100 at the second position. Then, the detection gear 200 is disengaged from the second agitator gear 100, and from the second position shown in FIG. 12 by the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 37, which will be described later, from FIGS. To the final position as the third position shown in FIG. 2 at a second speed faster than the first speed.

Returning to FIG. 6, the detection gear 200 has a cylindrical portion 215. The cylinder part 215 has a hole 210. The shaft 31B of the second gear cover 31 is inserted into the hole 210, and the detection gear 200 is pivotally supported by the shaft 31B. Thereby, the detection gear 200 is rotatable around the shaft 31B. The tip of the shaft 31B is inserted into and supported by the support hole 11F of the side wall 11D on the other side in the first direction of the lid 11B of the housing 11. .

The detection gear 200 has a disk portion 205 that extends in a direction that intersects the axial direction. Preferably, the detection gear 200 has a disk portion 205 extending in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction.
As shown in FIG. 8C, the detection gear 200 has a second gear portion 220, a second rib 230, a first spring engaging portion 251 on one side of the disc portion 205 in the first direction, A second spring engaging portion 252.

The second gear part 220 includes a plurality of gear teeth 221. The second gear unit 220 is provided at a part of the periphery of the detection gear 200. Further, the detection gear 200 includes a missing tooth portion 221 B in the other peripheral portion at the same position in the axial direction as the second gear portion 220. The missing tooth portion 221 B is a portion without the gear teeth 221.

The second rib 230 protrudes from the cylindrical portion 215 in the radial direction of the detection gear 200. Further, the second rib 230 protrudes from the disc part 205 in the axial direction. The second rib 230 has a plate shape.
The second rib 230 is located at a position different from the second gear unit 220 in the axial direction. Specifically, the second rib 230 is closer to the housing 11 than the second gear portion 220 in the axial direction. Further, the second rib 230 is closer to the second shaft 200 X in the radial direction of the detection gear 200 than the second gear portion 220.

The first spring engaging portion 251 and the second spring engaging portion 252 protrude outward from the cylindrical portion 215 in the radial direction of the detection gear 200. Further, the first spring engaging portion 251 and the second spring engaging portion 252 protrude from the disc portion 205 in the axial direction. The first spring engaging portion 251 and the second spring engaging portion 252 have a plate shape. The first spring engaging portion 251 and the second spring engaging portion 252 are portions that receive a force from the torsion coil spring 37 by engaging with the torsion coil spring 37. The first spring engagement portion 251 and the second spring engagement portion 252 are located away from each other in the rotation direction of the detection gear 200.

As shown in FIG. 6, the detection gear 200 has a protrusion that protrudes in the axial direction on the other side of the disc portion 205 in the first direction and can rotate together with the detection gear 200. The protrusion includes a first protrusion 261, a second protrusion 262, and a fourth protrusion 263. Further, the detection gear 200 includes a third protrusion 270 disposed on the other side of the disc portion 205 in the first direction.

The first protrusion 261 protrudes in the axial direction. The first protrusion 261 protrudes in the radial direction of the detection gear 200. More specifically, the first protrusion 261 protrudes from the disc portion 205 in the axial direction. Further, the first protrusion 261 protrudes from the cylindrical portion 215 to the outside in the radial direction of the detection gear 200. The first protrusion 261 can rotate with the detection gear 200. That is, the detection gear 200 includes the first protrusion 261. Furthermore, the first protrusion 261 is formed integrally with the detection gear 200. The first protrusion 261 and the detection gear 200 may be separate parts.

The second protrusion 262 protrudes in the axial direction. Further, the second protrusion 262 protrudes in the radial direction of the detection gear 200. More specifically, the second protrusion 262 protrudes from the disc portion 205 in the axial direction. The second protrusion 262 protrudes from the cylindrical portion 215 to the outside in the radial direction of the detection gear 200. The second protrusion 262 is located away from the first protrusion 261 in the rotation direction of the detection gear 200. The second protrusion 262 can rotate with the detection gear 200. That is, the detection gear 200 includes the second protrusion 262. Furthermore, the second protrusion 262 is formed integrally with the detection gear 200. The second protrusion 262 and the detection gear 200 may be separate parts.

The fourth protrusion 263 protrudes in the axial direction. Further, the fourth protrusion 263 protrudes in the radial direction of the detection gear 200. More specifically, the fourth protrusion 263 protrudes from the disc portion 205 in the axial direction. The fourth protrusion 263 protrudes from the cylindrical portion 215 to the outside in the radial direction of the detection gear 200. The fourth protrusion 263 is located away from the first protrusion 261 and the second protrusion 262 in the rotation direction of the detection gear 200. The fourth protrusion 263 is disposed between the first protrusion 261 and the second protrusion 262 in the rotation direction of the detection gear 200. The fourth protrusion 263 can rotate together with the detection gear 200. That is, the detection gear 200 includes the fourth protrusion 263. Furthermore, the fourth protrusion 263 is formed integrally with the detection gear 200. The fourth protrusion 263 and the detection gear 200 may be separate parts.

The first protrusion 261, the second protrusion 262, and the fourth protrusion 263 are located at positions where they can contact the lever 7A in the radial direction of the detection gear 200. The first protrusion 261, the fourth protrusion 263, and the second protrusion 262 are arranged in this order counterclockwise in FIG. Each tip of the first protrusion 261, the second protrusion 262, and the fourth protrusion 263 has a predetermined length in the rotation direction. The tip of the fourth protrusion 263 is longer in the rotation direction than the first protrusion 261 and the second protrusion 262.

The first protrusion 261 contacts a part of the laser printer 1 when the developing cartridge 10 is attached to the laser printer 1 and the detection gear 200 is in the first position. Specifically, the first protrusion 261 contacts the lever 7A when the developing cartridge 10 is mounted on the laser printer 1 and the detection gear 200 is in the first position.

The second protrusion 262 contacts a part of the laser printer 1 when the developing cartridge 10 is attached to the laser printer 1 and the detection gear 200 is in the third position. Specifically, the second protrusion 262 contacts the lever 7A when the developing cartridge 10 is mounted on the laser printer 1 and the detection gear 200 is in the third position.

The third protrusion 270 protrudes in the axial direction from the disc part 205 and the cylinder part 215. Further, the third protrusion 270 protrudes outward in the radial direction of the detection gear 200 from the cylindrical portion 215. That is, the third protrusion 270 protrudes in a direction orthogonal to the second axis 200X. The third protrusion 270 can rotate together with the detection gear 200. That is, the detection gear 200 includes the third protrusion 270. Furthermore, the third protrusion 270 is formed integrally with the detection gear 200.

The third protrusion 270 is a part that defines the post-operation posture of the detection gear 200 by engaging with the locking protrusion 31C of the second gear cover 31.

In the detection gear 200, the second gear portion 220 is located between the second rib 230 and the second protrusion 262 in the axial direction. Further, the second gear portion 220 is located between the second rib 230 and the first protrusion 261 in the axial direction. Further, the plurality of gear teeth 221 of the second gear portion 220 are positioned between the first protrusion 261, the second protrusion 262, the fourth protrusion 263, and the housing 11 in the axial direction.

The torsion coil spring 37 has a coil 37A, a first arm 37B, and a second arm 37C. The first arm 37B extends from one end of the coil 37A. The first arm 37 B contacts the detection gear 200. The second arm 37C extends from the other end of the coil 37A. The second arm 37 C engages with the second gear cover 31.

The torsion coil spring 37 urges the detection gear 200 in the rotational direction so as to push the second rib 230 toward the first rib 120 in a state where the second rib 230 is in contact with the first rib 120. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9A, the first arm 37 B contacts the first spring engaging portion 251 in a state where the second rib 230 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the first rib 120. Then, the detection gear 200 is urged counterclockwise in FIG. Further, the torsion coil spring 37 causes the detection gear 200 to rotate and engage the second gear portion 220 with the first gear portion 110 when the second rib 230 is not in contact with the first rib 120 due to this biasing force. Combine.

The torsion coil spring 37 can bias the detection gear 200 when the detection gear 200 is in the second position. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, when the detection gear 200 is in the second position, the torsion coil spring 37 has the first arm 37B in contact with the second spring engaging portion 252 so that the detection gear 200 is illustrated. 12 can be biased counterclockwise. In this second position, since the engagement between the second gear portion 220 of the detection gear 200 and the first gear portion 110 of the second agitator gear 100 is released, the torsion coil spring 37 causes the detection gear 200 to move to the first gear portion 110 in FIG. It is possible to rotate from the second position to the final position shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B at a second speed higher than the first speed.

Further, the torsion coil spring 37 can bias the detection gear 200 when the detection gear 200 is in the final position. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13A, the torsion coil spring 37 is configured such that when the detection gear 200 is in the final position, the first arm 37B comes into contact with the second spring engaging portion 252 and the detection gear 200 is moved. It can be urged counterclockwise in FIG. In this final position, as shown in FIG. 13B), the third protrusion 270 contacts the locking protrusion 31C of the shaft 31B, so that the detection gear 200 cannot rotate and remains in the final position. . That is, the locking protrusion 31 C holds the second gear in the final position against the urging force of the torsion coil spring 37.

The detection gear 200 is in the position shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B with respect to the second gear cover 31 when not in use. Hereinafter, the second agitator gear 100 in FIGS. 9A and 9B and The position of the detection gear 200 is referred to as an initial position. Note that when the detection gear 200 is located at the initial position, the developing cartridge 10 is in an unused state. As shown in FIG. 9B, in the state where the detection gear 200 is in the initial position, the tip of the first protrusion 261 is exposed from the opening 31A. Furthermore, when the detection gear 200 is positioned at the initial position, the tip of the first protrusion 261 contacts the lever 7A, and the lever 7A is positioned between the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit. Thereby, the light from the light projecting unit is blocked by the lever 7A.

The second agitator gear 100 is rotatable from the fourth position to the fifth position and from the fifth position to the sixth position with respect to the first shaft 14X extending in the axial direction. The fourth position is the initial position shown in FIGS. 9 (a) and 9 (b). The fifth position is a position shown in FIG. 10B where the first gear portion 110 starts to engage with the second gear portion 220. That is, in the present embodiment, when the second agitator gear 100 is in the fifth position, the detection gear 200 is in the first position. The sixth position is, for example, the position shown in FIG. That is, in the present embodiment, when the second agitator gear 100 is in the sixth position, the detection gear 200 is in the second position. While the second agitator gear 100 rotates from the fourth position to the fifth position, the second rib 230 is in contact with the first rib 120 and the detection gear 200 does not rotate with the second agitator gear 100. While the second agitator gear 100 rotates from the fifth position to the sixth position, the second rib 230 is not in contact with the first rib 120, and the detection gear 200 rotates together with the second agitator gear 100. .

When the second agitator gear 100 is in the fourth position, none of the plurality of gear teeth 111 of the first gear portion 110 engages with the plurality of gear teeth 221 of the second gear portion 220, and the second agitator gear 100. Is in the fifth position, at least one of the plurality of gear teeth 111 of the first gear portion 110 engages with at least one of the plurality of gear teeth 221 of the second gear portion 220.

When the detection gear 200 is at the position shown in FIG. 11A, the tip of the fourth protrusion 263 does not contact the lever 7A, but when the detection gear 200 is at the position shown in FIG. The tip of the protrusion 263 contacts the lever 7A, and the lever 7A is positioned between the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit. Thereby, the light from the light projecting unit is blocked by the lever 7A. When the detection gear 200 is at the position shown in FIG. 11C, the tip of the fourth protrusion 263 does not contact the lever 7A.

In the state where the detection gear 200 is in the final position shown in FIG. 13B, the second protrusion 262 is positioned at substantially the same position as the first protrusion 261 in the state where the detection gear 200 is in the initial position. When the detection gear 200 is positioned at the final position, the tip of the second protrusion 262 contacts the lever 7A, and the lever 7A is positioned between the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit. Thereby, the light from the light projecting unit is blocked by the lever 7A.

Further, in the state shown in FIG. 11 (a) or (c), the detection gear 200 is such that the tip of any one of the first protrusion 261, the second protrusion 262, and the fourth protrusion 263 does not contact the lever 7A. The lever 7A is not positioned between the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit. Thereby, the light from the light projecting unit is not blocked by the lever 7A, and the light receiving unit can receive the light from the light projecting unit.

As described above, the laser printer 1 can specify the specifications of the developing cartridge 10 using the detection signals obtained by the state where the light receiving unit receives light and the state where the light receiving unit does not receive light. In the present embodiment, the tip of the first protrusion 261 contacts the lever 7A when the detection gear 200 is in the initial position, and the tip of the second protrusion 262 is also in contact with the detection gear 200 in the final position. The laser printer 1 can determine whether or not the developing cartridge 10 is attached to the laser printer 1 by using the first protrusion 261 and the second protrusion 262 to contact the lever 7A.

6, the second bearing member 34 includes a first support portion 34A and a second support portion 34B. The first support portion 34A rotatably supports the developing roller shaft 12A. The second support portion 34B supports the supply roller shaft 13A in a rotatable manner. The second bearing member 34 is fixed to the outer surface 11E on the other side in the first direction of the container 11A of the housing 11 while supporting the developing roller shaft 12A and the supply roller shaft 13A.

The developing electrode 35 is located on the other side of the housing 11 in the first direction, and supplies power to the developing roller shaft 12A. That is, the developing electrode 35 is located on the outer surface 11E. The developing electrode 35 is made of, for example, a conductive resin. The development electrode 35 includes a first electrical contact 35A, a second electrical contact 35B, and a connecting portion 35C. The first electrical contact 35A is in contact with the developing roller shaft 12A. The connecting portion 35C connects the first electrical contact 35A and the second electrical contact 35B, and electrically connects the first electrical contact 35A and the second electrical contact 35B.

The first electrical contact 35A has a contact hole 35E. The developing roller shaft 12A is inserted into the contact hole 35E. The contact hole 35E is preferably a circular hole. In a state where the developing roller shaft 12A is inserted into the contact hole 35E, the first electrical contact 35A contacts a part of the developing roller shaft 12A. Specifically, in a state where the developing roller shaft 12A is inserted into the contact hole 35E, the first electrical contact 35A contacts the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller shaft 12A. The second electrical contact 35B of the development electrode 35 includes a development contact surface 35D extending in the second direction and the third direction.

The supply electrode 36 is located on the other side of the housing 11 in the first direction, and supplies power to the supply roller shaft 13A. That is, the supply electrode 36 is located on the outer surface 11E. The supply electrode 36 is made of, for example, a conductive resin. The supply electrode 36 includes a first electrical contact 36A, a second electrical contact 36B, and a connecting portion 36C. The first electrical contact 36A is in contact with the supply roller shaft 13A. The connecting portion 36C connects the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B, and electrically connects the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B.

The first electrical contact 36A has a contact hole 36E. The supply roller shaft 13A is inserted into the contact hole 36E. The contact hole 36E is preferably a circular hole. In a state where the supply roller shaft 13A is inserted into the contact hole 36E, the first electric contact 36A contacts a part of the supply roller shaft 13A. Specifically, in a state where the supply roller shaft 13A is inserted into the contact hole 36E, the first electrical contact 36A contacts the outer peripheral surface of the supply roller shaft 13A. The second electrical contact 36B of the supply electrode 36 includes a supply contact surface 36D extending in the second direction and the third direction.

The developing electrode 35 and the supply electrode 36 are fixed together with the second bearing member 34 to the outer surface 11E on the other side in the first direction of the housing 11 by a screw 38.

The operation and effect of the developing cartridge 10 configured as described above will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, when the developing cartridge 10 is attached to the laser printer 1, the developing cartridge 10 is moved along the third direction with the developing roller 12 at the head.

Further, when the developing cartridge 10 is not used as shown in FIG. 1, that is, when the detection gear 200 is in the initial position, the tip of the first protrusion 261 is exposed from the opening 31A of the second gear cover 31. For this reason, the tip of the first protrusion 261 contacts the lever 7A to swing the lever 7A. As described above, when the optical sensor 7B detects the displacement of the lever 7A, the control device CU can determine that the developing cartridge 10 is mounted. When the detection gear 200 is in the initial position, the second protrusion 262 is not exposed from the opening 31A and does not contact the lever 7A.

9A, the detection gear 200 is biased in the rotational direction by the torsion coil spring 37 in the initial position, but the tip of the second rib 230 is the first of the second agitator gear 100. Since the rib 120 is stopped in contact with the rib 120, the detection gear 200 cannot rotate. Further, the first gear portion 110 of the second agitator gear 100 faces the missing tooth portion 221 B of the detection gear 200.

When the laser printer 1 starts driving in accordance with a command from the control unit CU, the coupling 22 rotates and the first agitator gear 25 rotates via the idle gear 26 as shown in FIG. Then, the second agitator gear 100 on the other side in the first direction rotates via the agitator 14.

As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, when the second agitator gear 100 rotates in the direction of the arrow, the first gear portion 110 of the second agitator gear 100 faces the missing tooth portion 221B of the detection gear 200. Therefore, the rotational force is not transmitted from the second agitator gear 100 to the detection gear 200. When the second agitator gear 100 rotates, the tip of the second rib 230 slides on the outer peripheral surface of the first rib 120.

When the second agitator gear 100 rotates, the cut 125 of the first rib 120 approaches the tip of the second rib 230 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10B, when the cut 125 of the first rib 120 faces the second rib 230, the detection gear 200 is rotated by the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 37, and the tip of the second rib 230 is the first rib. Enter the 120 break 125. The gear teeth 221 of the second gear portion 220 engage with the gear teeth 111 of the first gear portion 110. That is, the second agitator gear 100 is in the fifth position.

When the first gear portion 110 and the second gear portion 220 are engaged, the rotational force of the second agitator gear 100 is transmitted to the detection gear 200, so that the detection gear 200 rotates together with the second agitator gear 100. As a result, the detection gear 200 rotates at the first speed as shown in FIGS.

When the detection gear 200 rotates, the lever 7A is positioned between the first protrusion 261 and the fourth protrusion 263 as shown in FIG. That is, none of the first protrusion 261, the second protrusion 262, and the fourth protrusion 263 contacts the lever 7A. Accordingly, the lever 7A is not positioned between the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit of the optical sensor 7B, and the signal received by the optical sensor 7B changes.

When the detection gear 200 further rotates, as shown in FIG. 11B, the fourth protrusion 263 comes into contact with the lever 7A. Accordingly, the lever 7A is positioned between the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit of the optical sensor 7B, and the signal received by the optical sensor 7B changes.

When the detection gear 200 further rotates, the lever 7A is positioned between the fourth protrusion 263 and the second protrusion 262, as shown in FIG. That is, none of the first protrusion 261, the second protrusion 262, and the fourth protrusion 263 contacts the lever 7A. Accordingly, the lever 7A is not positioned between the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit of the optical sensor 7B, and the signal received by the optical sensor 7B changes.

When the detection gear 200 further rotates, the gear teeth 221 of the second gear portion 220 of the detection gear 200 are separated from the gear teeth 111 of the first gear portion 110 of the second agitator gear 100 as shown in FIG. The engagement between the portion 220 and the first gear portion 110 is released. Thereby, the rotational force of the second agitator gear 100 is not transmitted to the detection gear 200. However, at this time, the first arm 37 B of the torsion coil spring 37 comes into contact with the second spring engaging portion 252 of the detection gear 200 and applies a rotational force to the detection gear 200. Therefore, the detection gear 200 is strongly accelerated by the urging force of the torsion coil spring 37, and the detection gear 200 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 12 at a second speed higher than the first speed.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, after the detection gear 200 rotates at a high speed, when the third protrusion 270 comes into contact with the locking protrusion 31C, the detection gear 200 stops and the detection gear 200 Final position.

In the final position shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the second protrusion 262 is exposed from the opening 31A and contacts the lever 7A. Accordingly, the lever 7A is positioned between the light projecting unit and the light receiving unit of the optical sensor 7B, and the signal received by the optical sensor 7B changes. As shown in FIG. 13A, when the detection gear 200 is in the final position, the gear teeth 111 of the first gear portion 110 of the second agitator gear 100 face the missing tooth portion 221B of the detection gear 200, and a plurality of It does not mesh with any of the gear teeth 221. Since the direction of the detection gear 200 is held by the torsion coil spring 37, the locking protrusion 31C, and the third protrusion 270, the detection gear 200 does not rotate even if the second agitator gear 100 rotates thereafter.

In the process of the above operation, after the detection gear 200 starts to rotate, the output of the optical sensor 7B is switched four times. This output switching pattern (the length of the off signal or the on signal or the number of switching times or the difference in switching timing) can be changed depending on the number of protrusions rotating together with the detection gear 200 and the size of the rotation direction. By associating this signal pattern with the specifications of the developing cartridge 10 in advance, the control unit CU can determine the specifications of the developing cartridge 10.

When the used developing cartridge 10 is mounted on the main body housing 2 of the laser printer 1, the detection gear 200 is in the final position. Even in this case, the tip end of the second protrusion 262 is substantially at the same position as the first protrusion 261 in the unused state. For this reason, when the used developing cartridge 10 is attached to the main body housing 2, the tip of the second protrusion 262 comes into contact with the lever 7A, so the control unit CU determines that the developing cartridge 10 is attached. Can do. When the detection gear 200 is in the final position, the first protrusion 261 may be partially exposed from the opening 31A, but is not in contact with the lever 7A because it is away from the second protrusion 262.

According to the developing cartridge 10 described above, the detection gear 200 is rotated at the first speed from the first position to the second position, and the biasing force of the torsion coil spring 37 is moved from the second position to the third position. The detection gear 200 can be rotated at a second speed that is faster than the first speed. That is, a new structure for specifying the specifications of the developing cartridge 10 can be realized with a simple configuration.

In addition, the second agitator gear 100 is configured such that the detection gear 200 does not rotate even if the second agitator gear 100 rotates while the second rib 230 of the detection gear 200 is in contact with the first rib 120 of the second agitator gear 100. Does not rotate. Then, after the second agitator gear 100 is rotated from the fourth position to the fifth position, the second rib 230 is not in contact with the first rib 120, and the detection gear 200 is rotated together with the second agitator gear 100. For this reason, since the detection gear 200 can be started to rotate after a predetermined period from the start of rotation of the second agitator gear 100, the movement of the detection gear 200 can be diversified.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this indication was described, this indication is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. About a concrete structure, it can change suitably in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this indication.

In the above-described embodiment, the first protrusion 261, the second protrusion 262, and the fourth protrusion 263 are rotatable together with the detection gear 200, but the first protrusion 261, the second protrusion 262, and the fourth protrusion 263 are detected. It is not restricted to what can rotate with a gear. For example, each protrusion may be a protrusion separate from the detection gear. In this case, the detection gear may have a cam. Specifically, the detection gear may move with the rotation of the coupling, and the protrusion may move by transitioning between a state where the cam and the protrusion are in contact or a state where the cam and the protrusion are not in contact. . For example, the protrusion may move linearly. In addition, the protrusion should just be able to move lever 7A.

In the above-described embodiment, the detection gear 200 has the fourth protrusion 263 that is long in the rotation direction. However, the protrusion for moving the lever 7A that the detection gear 200 has is not limited to this.
For example, instead of the fourth protrusion 263, the detection gear 200 A is interposed between the first protrusion 261 and the second protrusion 262 in the rotation direction as in the detection gear 200 A of the first modification shown in FIG. One fourth protrusion 263A having a short length in the rotation direction may be provided.

Further, like the detection gear 200B of the second modification shown in FIG. 14B, the detection gear 200B is provided between the first protrusion 261 and the second protrusion 262 in the rotation direction, and the fourth protrusion 263A and the fourth protrusion. 263B. The length of the fourth protrusion 263A in the rotation direction is shorter than the length of the first protrusion 261 or the second protrusion 262 in the rotation direction. The length of the fourth protrusion 263B in the rotation direction is shorter than the length of the first protrusion 261 or the second protrusion 262 in the rotation direction. The fourth protrusion 263B is located upstream of the fourth protrusion 263A in the rotation direction of the detection gear 200B. Each of the fourth protrusion 263A and the fourth protrusion 263B protrudes in the axial direction. In addition, each of the fourth protrusion 263 A and the fourth protrusion 263 B protrudes in the radial direction of the detection gear 200. More specifically, each of the fourth protrusion 263A and the fourth protrusion 263B protrudes in the axial direction from the disc portion 205. In addition, each of the fourth protrusion 263A and the fourth protrusion 263B protrudes outward in the radial direction of the detection gear 200 from the cylindrical portion 215. Each of the fourth protrusion 263A and the fourth protrusion 263B is located away from the first protrusion 261 and the second protrusion 262 in the rotation direction of the detection gear 200. Each of the fourth protrusion 263 A and the fourth protrusion 263 B is movable together with the detection gear 200. Preferably, each of the fourth protrusion 263A and the fourth protrusion 263B can rotate together with the detection gear 200. That is, the detection gear 200 includes the fourth protrusion 263A and the fourth protrusion 263B. Furthermore, each of the fourth protrusion 263 A and the fourth protrusion 263 B is formed integrally with the detection gear 200. The fourth protrusion 263A and the detection gear 200 may be separate parts. Further, the fourth protrusion 263B and the detection gear 200 may be separate parts.

Further, like the detection gear 200C of the third modified example shown in FIG. 14C, the fourth projection 263B shown in FIG. 14B may be provided and the fourth projection 263A may not be provided. it can.

In the above-described embodiment, the second agitator gear 100 that is the first gear has the gear teeth 111 and the gear teeth 111 are engaged with the detection gear 200 that is the second gear. A friction member that engages with the second gear may be included. For example, as shown in FIG. 15A, the second agitator gear 100B has a friction engagement portion 111B made of rubber as a friction member in the portion where the gear teeth 111 in the above-described embodiment were present. Also good.

In the above-described embodiment, the detection gear 200 that is the second gear has the gear teeth 221 and the gear teeth 211 are engaged with the second agitator gear 100 that is the first gear, but the second gear is A friction member that engages with the first gear may be included. For example, as shown in FIG. 15B, the detection gear 200D may have a friction engagement portion 221C made of rubber as a friction member in a portion where the gear teeth 221 in the above-described embodiment were provided. .

In the above-described embodiment, the second arm 37C of the torsion coil spring 37 is engaged with the second gear cover 31, but may be engaged with the housing 11. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the housing 11 may have a shaft portion 11G that supports the coil 37A of the torsion coil spring 37 and a boss 11H that engages with the second arm 37C on the outer surface 11E. .

In the above-described embodiment, the torsion coil spring 37 is illustrated as an example of the urging member, but the urging member may be a plate spring or an elastic member such as rubber.

In the above-described embodiment, the first gear portion 110 is provided over the entire circumference around the second agitator gear 100, but the first gear portion 110 is provided at a part around the second agitator gear 100. May be provided.

The shape of the first rib 120 and the second rib 230 is not particularly limited. In the above-described embodiment, the first rib 120 has a shape that continuously extends in the circumferential direction around the second agitator gear 100, but may have a shape that intermittently extends in the circumferential direction. That is, the first rib 120 may have a short cut other than the cut 125. Even in this case, if the second rib 230 enters a short cut other than the cut 125 and the first gear part 110 and the second gear part 220 do not engage with each other, the same operation as described above can be realized. . Moreover, although the 1st rib 120 protruded in the axial direction, you may protrude in the radial direction.

In the above-described embodiment, the developing cartridge 10 is configured separately from the photosensitive cartridge 5, but may be configured integrally.

In the above-described embodiment, the monochrome laser printer 1 is illustrated as an example of the image forming apparatus. However, the image forming apparatus may be a color image forming apparatus or may be exposed by an LED. A copier or a multifunction machine may be used.

Each element of each embodiment and each modification described above can be implemented in any combination.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Laser printer 7 Sensor 10 Developing cartridge 11 Housing | casing 12 Developing roller 12X 4th axis | shaft 14 Agitator 14X 1st axis | shaft 22 Coupling 31 2nd gear cover 31C Locking protrusion 37 Torsion coil spring 37A Coil 37B 1st arm 37C 2nd arm 100 1st 2 agitator gear 110 first gear part 111 gear tooth 111B friction engagement part 120 first rib 200 detection gear 200X second shaft 220 second gear part 221 gear tooth 221B missing tooth part 221C friction engagement part 230 second rib 251 first 1 spring engaging portion 252 second spring engaging portion 261 first protrusion 262 second protrusion 263 fourth protrusion 270 third protrusion

Claims

A housing capable of containing a developer;
A first gear that is rotatable about a first axis extending in the axial direction and is located on an outer surface of the housing;
A second gear rotatable about a second shaft extending in the axial direction, wherein the second gear is rotatable at a first speed from a first position to a second position while being engaged with the first gear;
A protrusion protruding in the axial direction and rotatable with the second gear;
A biasing member capable of biasing the second gear when the second gear is in the second position;
The second gear is disengaged from the first gear in the second position;
The biasing member biases the second gear to rotate the second gear from the second position to the third position at a second speed higher than the first speed. .
2. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the biasing member is a spring that biases the second gear from the second position to the third position.
3. The developing cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the spring is a torsion coil spring.
The torsion coil spring has a coil, a first arm extending from one end of the coil, and a second arm extending from the other end of the coil;
A cover for covering at least a part of the second gear;
The first arm contacts the second gear;
The developing cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the second arm is engaged with the housing or the cover.
The developing cartridge according to claim 4, further comprising a holding portion that holds the second gear at the third position against an urging force of the urging member.
The cover has a shaft that pivotally supports the second gear;
The second gear includes a third protrusion protruding in a direction perpendicular to the second axis;
The developing cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the holding portion is a locking protrusion that protrudes from the shaft and engages with the third protrusion.
The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first gear includes a plurality of gear teeth.
The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first gear includes a friction member that engages with the second gear.
The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second gear includes a friction member that engages with the first gear.
10. The developing cartridge according to claim 8, wherein the friction member is rubber.
An agitator capable of stirring the developer in the housing;
11. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first gear is mounted on a shaft of the agitator and is rotatable together with the agitator. 11.
A coupling rotatable about a third axis extending in the axial direction, further comprising a coupling located on one side of the housing in the axial direction;
The agitator is rotatable with the coupling;
The developing cartridge according to claim 11, wherein the first gear is located on the other side of the casing in the axial direction.
The protrusion includes a first protrusion that contacts a part of the image forming apparatus when the developing cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus and the second gear is in the first position. The developing cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 12.
The protrusion includes a second protrusion positioned away from the first protrusion in the rotation direction of the second gear,
14. The second protrusion contacts with a part of the image forming apparatus when the developing cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus and the second gear is in the third position. The developing cartridge according to 1.
15. The developing cartridge according to claim 14, wherein the protrusion includes a fourth protrusion positioned away from the first protrusion and the second protrusion in a rotation direction of the second gear.
The said protrusion contains 1st protrusion and the 2nd protrusion located in the rotation direction of the said 2nd gear away from the said 1st protrusion, The any one of Claims 1-12 characterized by the above-mentioned. Development cartridge.
The protrusion is a fourth protrusion positioned between the first protrusion and the second protrusion in the rotation direction of the second gear, and the rotation direction of the second gear from the first protrusion and the second protrusion. The developing cartridge according to claim 16, further comprising a fourth protrusion positioned apart from the first protrusion.
The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the second gear includes the protrusion.
19. The second gear according to claim 1, wherein the second gear includes a plurality of gear teeth, and the gear teeth of the second gear are located between the protrusion and the housing in the axial direction. The developing cartridge according to claim 1.
The first gear is
A first gear portion including a plurality of gear teeth;
A first rib that is rotatable together with the first gear part, the first rib being located at a position different from the first gear part in the axial direction and extending along a tip circle of the first gear part; Including
The second gear is
A second gear portion including a plurality of gear teeth;
A second rib protruding in a radial direction of the second gear, the second rib being located at a position different from the second gear portion in the axial direction,
While the first gear rotates from the fourth position to the fifth position, the second rib is in contact with the first rib, and the second gear does not rotate with the first gear,
While the first gear rotates from the fifth position to the sixth position, the second rib is in non-contact with the first rib, and the second gear rotates together with the first gear. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the developing cartridge is characterized in that:
When the first gear is in the fourth position, none of the plurality of gear teeth of the first gear portion engages with the plurality of gear teeth of the second gear portion;
When the first gear is in the fifth position, at least one of the plurality of gear teeth of the first gear portion engages with at least one of the plurality of gear teeth of the second gear portion. The developing cartridge according to claim 20.
The biasing member biases the second gear in the rotational direction so as to push the second rib toward the first rib in a state where the second rib is in contact with the first rib. The said 2nd gear is rotated and the said 2nd gear part is engaged with the said 1st gear part when the said 2nd rib becomes non-contact from the said 1st rib, The said 1st gear part is characterized by the above-mentioned. The developing cartridge as described.
23. The developing cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a developing roller rotatable about a fourth axis extending in the axial direction.