JP5967279B2 - cartridge - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a cartridge mounted on an image forming apparatus employing an electrophotographic system.

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

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

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

JP 2006-267994 A

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

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

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge that can be further reduced in size.

(1) In order to achieve the above-described object, the cartridge of the present invention has a developer accommodating portion configured to accommodate a developer, and is spaced in a predetermined direction with the developer accommodating portion interposed therebetween. A housing including a first side wall and a second side wall disposed opposite to each other, a coupling member for receiving a driving force from the outside, and an object to be detected to be detected by an external detection means.

  The coupling member is disposed on the opposite side of the developer accommodating portion with respect to the first side wall.

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

  The cartridge of the present invention is configured to rotate about a rotation axis extending in a predetermined direction as a center of rotation, and includes a rotating member disposed between the first side wall and the second side wall.

Further, the cartridge of the present invention is configured to rotate with the rotation member about the rotation axis, and is disposed on the side where the coupling member is disposed with respect to the first side wall, and the drive input to the coupling member A first drive transmission member configured to transmit force to the rotating member;

  In addition, the cartridge of the present invention is configured to rotate together with the rotating member about the rotation axis, and is disposed on the side where the detected body is disposed with respect to the second side wall, and the driving force is detected from the rotating member. A second drive transmission member for transmitting to the body is provided.

  According to such a configuration, the coupling member is disposed on the opposite side of the developer accommodating portion with respect to the first side wall, and the detection target is disposed on the opposite side of the developer accommodating portion with respect to the second sidewall. The driving force input to the coupling member can be transmitted to the body to be detected via the rotating member disposed between the first side wall and the second side wall.

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

As a result, the cartridge can be reduced in size.
(2) The detected object may be arranged so that at least a part thereof overlaps the coupling member when projected in a predetermined direction.

According to such a configuration, the detected portion and the coupling member can be disposed at substantially the same position when projected in a predetermined direction, and the cartridge can be further downsized.
(3) The rotating member may be an agitating member configured to agitate the developer in the developer accommodating portion.

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

  In addition, the cartridge of the present invention may include a developing electrode that is arranged on the side where the detection target is arranged with respect to the second side wall and is configured to be electrically connected to the developing roller.

  In this case, since the developing electrode is supplied with power from the outside, the developing electrode has a power-supplied portion that extends to the opposite side to the second side wall in a predetermined direction. It may be supported as possible.

According to such a structure, compared with the case where a to-be-detected body and a to-be-powered part are provided separately, a to-be-detected body can be arrange | positioned efficiently.
(5) Moreover, the power-supplied part may be arranged so as to overlap the coupling member when projected in a predetermined direction.

According to such a configuration, the power-supplied part and the coupling member can be disposed at substantially the same position when projected in a predetermined direction, and the cartridge can be further downsized.
(6) Moreover, the to-be-detected body may have the 1st opening which extends in the rotation direction of a to-be-detected body and exposes a to-be-powered part, and the coating | coated part which coat | covers a to-be-powered part.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to reliably switch between power supply to the power-supplied unit from the outside and release of power supply by the rotation of the detection object.
(7) The covering portion is provided in the middle of the rotation direction of the first opening, and covers the power-supplied portion from an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction, and covers the power-supplied portion from the outside in the predetermined direction. A second covering portion.

According to such a structure, a protrusion part can be protected from an orthogonal direction and a predetermined direction outer side with a coating | coated part.
(8) Moreover, the 1st coating | coated part may be provided with two or more.

According to such a structure, a protrusion part can be protected in the several location in an orthogonal direction.
(9) Further, the number of the first covering portions may correspond to information on the cartridge.

According to such a configuration, the cartridge information can be easily and reliably determined based on the number of first covering portions.
(10) Further, the first covering portion may cover more than half of the power-supplied portion continuously in the rotation direction.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to protect more than half of the protrusions continuously in the rotation direction.
(11) Further, the length of the first covering portion in the rotation direction may correspond to information on the cartridge.

According to such a configuration, the cartridge information can be easily and reliably determined based on the rotational direction length of the first covering portion.
(12) The first covering portion is provided on the downstream side in the rotation direction, and is continuous with the first inclined surface that inclines outward in the orthogonal direction toward the upstream side in the rotation direction, and the upstream side in the rotation direction of the first inclined surface. And a second inclined surface that is inclined inward in the orthogonal direction as it goes upstream in the rotational direction.

  According to such a configuration, even when the first covering portion of the detected body is in contact with the external detecting means that is in contact with the power supplied portion during the rotation of the detected body, the external detecting means is It can be made to retreat so that it may get on the 1st covering part along the 1st inclined surface, and it can be made to contact a power feeding part again so that it may descend from the 1st covering part along the 2nd inclined surface after that.

As a result, the first covering portion of the detection target can be smoothly passed between the power supply portion and the external detection means.
(13) Moreover, the 2nd coating | coated part may have a fitting part fitted to the predetermined direction outer side edge part of a to-be-powered part.

According to such a structure, the predetermined direction outer side edge part of a to-be-powered part can be positioned with respect to a to-be-detected body by a fitting part.
(14) Moreover, the power-supplied part may be formed in a cylindrical shape, and the fitting part may be internally fitted to an end portion in the predetermined direction of the power-supplied part.

According to such a structure, the predetermined direction outer side edge part of a to-be-powered part can be reinforced by a fitting part.
(15) The second side wall may have a protruding portion that protrudes outward in a predetermined direction so as to be fitted into the power-supplied portion.

According to such a structure, a to-be-powered part can be reinforced with a protrusion part.
(16) Further, the detected object passes from the first position where power is supplied to the power-supplied part via the first opening to the second position where input of power to the power-supplied part is canceled by the covering part. It may be movable to a third position where power is supplied to the power-supplied part via one opening.

According to such a configuration, before and after the input of power to the power-supplied unit is canceled, power supply to the power-supplied unit can be detected, and the power input to the power-supplied unit can be reliably released. Can be recognized by an external detection means.
(17) The rotating member may be a developing roller configured to carry a developer.

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

According to such a configuration, the driving force can be transmitted from the coupling member to the detected body using the supply roller, and the number of parts can be reduced.
(19) Moreover, the to-be-detected body may have a missing tooth gear including a tooth part to which the driving force is transmitted and a missing tooth part to which the driving force is not transmitted.

According to such a configuration, the detected object can be reliably rotated with a predetermined drive amount from the start of rotation drive to the stop of rotation drive.
(20) In addition, a covering member that covers at least the chipped gear may be provided, and the covering member may have a second opening that exposes the detection target.

According to such a configuration, the chipped gear can be protected and power can be supplied to the power-supplied part through the second opening.
(21) The outer edge in the predetermined direction of the covering member may be arranged so as to overlap the outer edge in the predetermined direction of the detection target when projected in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction.

According to such a structure, it can prevent that an external member contact | abuts to a to-be-detected body from an orthogonal direction.
(22) The first drive transmission member is a first gear configured to receive a drive force from the coupling member, and the second drive transmission member is a second gear that transmits the drive force to the detected body. The number of teeth of the first gear and the number of teeth of the second gear may be different from each other.

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

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the rotational speed of the detection object relative to the rotational speed of the rotating member.

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

  According to the present invention, the cartridge can be further downsized.

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

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

  In the following description, when referring to the direction, the left side of the paper surface in FIG. 1 is the front side and the right side of the paper surface in FIG. 1 is the rear side, based on the state where the printer 1 is placed horizontally. In addition, when the printer 1 is viewed from the front side, the left and right reference is used. That is, the front side in FIG. 1 is the right side and the back side is the left side.

  The printer 1 includes a main body casing 2 having a substantially box shape. A top cover 6 that opens and closes the main body opening 5 is provided at the upper end of the main body casing 2 so as to be swingable around the rear end. The printer 1 includes four process cartridges 11 corresponding to the respective colors.

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

  The drum cartridge 24 includes a photosensitive drum 15.

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

  The developing cartridge 25 includes a developing roller 16.

  The developing roller 16 includes a metallic developing roller shaft 30 extending in the left-right direction, is provided so as to be exposed from the rear side at the rear end portion of the developing cartridge 25, and is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 15 from the front upper side. Yes. The developing roller 16 is rotated about the center axis A1 of the developing roller shaft 30 (an example of the first axis, see FIG. 4).

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

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

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

  The agitator 80 includes an agitator shaft 76 extending in the left-right direction, and a stirring blade 77 extending from the agitator shaft 76 to the radially outer side of the agitator shaft 76, and a central axis A2 of the agitator shaft 76 (see FIG. 4 as an example of a rotation axis). Is rotated around the center of rotation.

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

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

  The paper S is accommodated in a paper feed tray 7 provided at the bottom of the main casing 2 so as to make a U-turn to the rear upper side by a pickup roller 8, a paper feed roller 9, and a pair of registration rollers 10. The paper is conveyed and fed one by one between the photosensitive drum 15 and the conveying belt 19 at a predetermined timing. By the conveying belt 19, the space between each photosensitive drum 15 and each transfer roller 20 is changed from the front side to the rear side. It is conveyed toward. At this time, the toner images of the respective colors are sequentially transferred onto the paper S to form a color image.

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

Thereafter, the sheet S is conveyed so as to make a U-turn to the front upper side, and is discharged onto a discharge tray 23 provided on the top cover 6.
2. Details of the Developing Cartridge As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the developing cartridge 25 includes a cartridge frame 31 as an example of a housing, a drive unit 32 disposed on the left side of the cartridge frame 31, and a right side of the cartridge frame 31. The power supply unit 33 is provided.

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

  Both side walls 36 are formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a side view extending in the up-down and front-rear directions, and are opposed to each other with a space in the left-right direction. Further, a supply roller shaft exposure hole 39, a developing roller shaft exposure groove 40, and an agitator shaft exposure hole 41 are formed in the both side walls 36.

  The supply roller shaft exposure hole 39 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a side view at the lower rear end portion of the side wall 36. The length of each side of the supply roller shaft exposure hole 39 is formed longer than the diameter of the end portion in the left-right direction of the supply roller shaft 29. The left and right ends of the supply roller shaft 29 are exposed to the outside in the left and right direction from the side wall 36 via the supply roller shaft exposure hole 39.

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

  The agitator shaft exposure hole 41 is formed through the front end portion of the side wall 36 in a substantially circular shape when viewed from the side. The diameter of the agitator shaft exposure hole 41 is formed larger than the diameter of the end portion in the left-right direction of the agitator shaft 76. The left and right end portions of the agitator shaft 76 are exposed to the outside in the left and right direction from the side wall 36 through the agitator shaft exposure hole 41.

  The right wall 36R is provided with a fitting protrusion 45 as an example of a protruding portion.

  The fitting protrusion 45 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that protrudes from the right surface of the right wall 36 </ b> R to the right side in front of the supply roller shaft exposure hole 39. The left half of the fitting protrusion 45 is formed with a protrusion 47 that protrudes outward in the radial direction of the fitting protrusion 45 and extends in the left-right direction, one at the front edge and the lower edge.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The bearing member 51 is inserted so that the left end portion of the developing roller shaft 30 is inserted into the developing roller shaft support hole 54 and the left end portion of the supply roller shaft 29 is inserted into the supply roller shaft support hole 55. It is assembled to the left side of the left wall 36L. Further, the coupling support shaft 56 is disposed on the left side of the front end portion of the toner accommodating portion 79.
(2-2) Gear train The gear train 52 is an example of the development coupling 61, the development gear 62, the supply gear 63, the idle gear 64, and the first drive transmission member (first gear) as an example of a coupling member. And a second agitator gear 78 (see FIG. 5) as an example of a second drive transmission member (second gear).

  The development coupling 61 is supported on the coupling support shaft 56 of the bearing member 51 so as to be relatively rotatable. The development coupling 61 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction, and integrally includes a large-diameter gear portion 65, a small-diameter gear portion 66, and a coupling portion 67.

  The large diameter gear portion 65 is provided at the right end portion of the developing coupling 61. Gear teeth are formed on the circumferential surface of the large-diameter gear portion 65 over the entire circumference.

  The small-diameter gear portion 66 has a smaller diameter than the large-diameter gear portion 65 and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape whose central axis coincides with the large-diameter gear portion 65. Gear teeth are formed on the circumferential surface of the small-diameter gear portion 66 over the entire circumference.

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

  The developing gear 62 is attached to the left end portion of the developing roller shaft 30 so as not to be relatively rotatable. The developing gear 62 is engaged with the large-diameter gear portion 65 of the developing coupling 61 from the rear side.

  The supply gear 63 is attached to the left end portion of the supply roller shaft 29 so as not to be relatively rotatable. The supply gear 63 is engaged with the large-diameter gear portion 65 of the developing coupling 61 from the lower rear side.

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

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

  The small diameter part 70 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending from the right surface of the large diameter part 71 to the right side so as to share the central axis with the large diameter part 71. The small-diameter portion 70 is disposed at a distance from the front lower side of the large-diameter gear portion 65 of the developing coupling 61.

  The first agitator gear 72 is attached to the left end portion of the agitator shaft 76 so as not to be relatively rotatable. The first agitator gear 72 is meshed with the small diameter portion 70 of the idle gear 64 from the front upper side.

The second agitator gear 78 is attached to the right end of the agitator shaft 76 so as not to rotate relative to the right side of the right wall 36R (see FIG. 5). Further, the number of teeth of the second agitator gear 78 is smaller than the number of teeth of the first agitator gear 72.
(2-3) Drive-side gear cover The drive-side gear cover 53 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction and closed at the left end. The drive side gear cover 53 is formed in a size (length in the front-rear direction and length in the vertical direction) that can cover the development coupling 61, the supply gear 63, the idle gear 64, and the first agitator gear 72 at once. Further, a coupling exposure opening 73 is formed in the drive side gear cover 53.

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

The drive-side gear cover 53 exposes the left surface of the coupling portion 67 of the development coupling 61 through the coupling exposure opening 73, and develops the development coupling 61 (excluding the left surface of the coupling portion 67) and the supply gear 63. The idle gear 64 and the first agitator gear 72 are screwed to the left wall 36L so as to cover them together.
(3) Power Supply Unit As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the power supply unit 33 includes an electrode member 81 as an example of a developing electrode, a new article detection gear 82 as an example of a detected object, and an example of a covering member. A power supply side gear cover 83 is provided.
(3-1) Electrode Member As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the electrode member 81 is formed from a conductive resin material (for example, conductive polyacetal resin) or the like into a substantially rectangular flat plate shape in side view. The electrode member 81 includes a main body portion 94 and a power receiving portion 88 as an example of a power supplied portion.

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

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

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

  The fitting protrusion insertion hole 86 is formed in the front end portion of the electrode member 81 so as to penetrate in a substantially circular shape in a side view. The front end edge and the lower end edge of the fitting protrusion insertion hole 86 are formed with a recess 89 that is recessed outward in the radial direction of the fitting protrusion insertion hole 86.

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

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

  In the electrode member 81, the right end portion of the developing roller shaft 30 is inserted into the developing roller shaft support hole 84 and the developing roller shaft collar 87, and the right end portion of the supply roller shaft 29 is inserted into the supply roller shaft support portion 85. The power projection 88 is assembled to the left side of the right wall 36 </ b> R so that the fitting protrusion 45 is fitted inside.

  The right end portion of the fitting protrusion 45 is arranged on the left side of the right end portion of the power receiving unit 88. Further, the power receiving unit 88 is disposed on the right side of the front end portion of the toner storage unit 79.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the rear upper end portion of the power receiving unit 88 is disposed so as to overlap the developing coupling 61 when projected in the left-right direction.
(3-2) New article detection gear The new article detection gear 82 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction from an insulating resin material (for example, polyacetal resin), as shown in FIGS. The power receiving unit 88 is rotatably fitted.

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

  Further, the new article detection gear 82 is integrally provided with a chipped gear 96, a cylindrical portion 97, and a detected end portion 95 as an example of a covering portion.

  The chipped gear 96 is formed in a substantially disc shape having a thickness in the left-right direction. Gear teeth are formed on the peripheral surface of the chipped gear 96 at a portion where the central angle is about 205 °. That is, a tooth portion 98 in which gear teeth are formed and a chipped tooth portion 99 in which gear teeth are not formed are formed on the peripheral surface of the chipped gear 96. The tooth portion 98 is meshed with the second agitator gear 78 from the rear side. On the other hand, the missing tooth portion 99 is not meshed with the second agitator gear 78.

  In addition, a power receiving portion insertion hole 104 is formed in the radial center of the chipped gear 96.

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

  The cylindrical portion 97 protrudes to the right from the peripheral edge of the power receiving portion insertion hole 104 of the chipped gear 96 and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape sharing the central axis with the chipped gear 96. The inner diameter of the cylindrical portion 97 is the same as the diameter of the power receiving portion insertion hole 104. Note that a flange portion 100 is formed at the right end portion of the cylindrical portion 97 so as to protrude outward in the radial direction.

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

One first covering portion 101 is provided at each of both end portions in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 97, and is formed in a columnar shape that is substantially rectangular in cross section and protrudes from the right end portion of the cylindrical portion 97 to the right side. Specifically, one first covering portion 101 is disposed radially inward of the downstream end portion in the rotation direction of the tooth portion 98 when projected in the left-right direction. Further, the other first covering portion 101 is disposed on the radially inner side at the approximate center in the rotational direction of the tooth portion 98 when projected in the left-right direction. In addition, between the both 1st coating | coated parts 101 is open | released in the circumferential direction, and functions as a 1st opening. In other words, the first opening extends in the rotation direction, and the first covering portion 101 is provided midway in the rotation direction of the first opening.

  Moreover, the circumferential direction both-ends edge is chamfered in the radial direction outer side edge part of the 1st coating | coated part 101. FIG. Specifically, the downstream side chamfer 105 as an example of a second inclined surface that inclines radially outward toward the upstream side in the rotational direction at the downstream end in the rotational direction of the radially outer end of the first covering portion 101. Is formed. Further, an upstream side chamfer 106 as an example of a first inclined surface that inclines inward in the radial direction toward the upstream side in the rotational direction is formed on the upstream end edge in the rotational direction of the radially outer end portion of the first covering portion 101. Is formed.

  The second covering portion 102 is formed in a substantially rhombic flat plate shape in a side view that is provided between the right end portions of the first covering portions 101. Moreover, the 2nd coating | coated part 102 is provided with the fitting part 103 which protrudes from the left surface to the left side.

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

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

  As a result, the right end portion of the power receiving unit 88 is covered from the outside in the radial direction by the first covering portions 101 and is covered from the right side by the second covering portions. Further, the right end portion of the power receiving unit 88 is exposed from between the first covering units 101.

  Further, the downstream end portion in the rotation direction of the tooth portion 98 of the chipped gear 96 is engaged with the second agitator gear 78.

Also, as shown in FIG. 8, the rear upper end of the new article detection gear 82 is disposed so as to overlap the developing coupling 61 when projected in the front-rear direction.
(3-3) Power Supply Side Gear Cover As shown in FIG. 5, the power supply side gear cover 83 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction and closed at the right end. The power supply side gear cover 83 is formed in a size (length in the front-rear direction and length in the vertical direction) that can cover the new product detection gear 82 and the second agitator gear 78 together.

  In addition, the power supply side gear cover 83 includes a new product detection gear exposure opening 111 as an example of a second opening, a front bulging portion 112, and a rear bulging portion 113.

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

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

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

  The power supply side gear cover 83 exposes the detected end portion 95 of the new product detection gear 82 through the new product detection gear exposure opening 111, and also includes the chipped gear 96 and the cylindrical portion 97 of the new product detection gear 82, and the second agitator. It is screwed to the right wall 36R so as to cover the gear 78 collectively.

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

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

  The main body electrode unit 116 includes a fixed electrode 118, a holder member 117, and a swing electrode 119 held by the holder member 117.

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

  The holder member 117 is formed from an insulative resin material in a bent saddle shape that extends in the front-rear direction and has a substantially U shape in a side view with the upper side opened. A substantially cylindrical tube portion 122 extending in the left-right direction is provided at the front end portion of the holder member 117, and in the tube portion 122, the holder member 117 is rotatably attached to a swing shaft (not shown) in the main body casing 2. It is fitted.

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

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

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 11, the swinging electrode 119 is always held at the lower release position where the main body side contact 126 is spaced below the free end 121 of the fixed electrode 118 due to its elasticity. Yes.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, the swing electrode 119 is swung counterclockwise as viewed from the right side against the elastic force when pressed from the front side, and the main body side contact 126 is connected to the fixed electrode 118. It is arranged at a connection position in contact with the free end 121.

  Further, when the swing electrode 119 is further pressed from the front side, the swing electrode 119 is swung counterclockwise as viewed from the right side against the elastic force, and the main body side contact 126 is moved upward from the free end 121 of the fixed electrode 118. (See FIG. 13).

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

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

  The bias detection unit 133 is electrically connected to the fixed electrode 118. The bias detection unit 133 detects a development bias supplied from the power source 132 to the fixed electrode 118 via the swing electrode 119.

The CPU 131 is electrically connected to the power source 132 and the bias detection unit 133. The CPU 131 determines the state of the developing cartridge 25 based on detection of whether or not the developing bias is supplied to the fixed electrode 118 in the bias detecting unit 133. When the bias detector 133 detects the supply of the developing bias from the power source 132 to the fixed electrode 118, the CPU 131 determines that the swing electrode 119 is disposed at the connection position. When the bias detector 133 does not detect the supply of the developing bias from the power supply 132 to the fixed electrode 118, the CPU 131 has the swing electrode 119 disposed at the lower release position or the upper release position. Judge.
4). Developing Cartridge New Product Detecting Operation With reference to FIGS. 11 to 18, the developing cartridge 25 new product detecting operation will be described.

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

  At this time, since the developing cartridge 25 is not mounted in the main casing 2, the developing bias is not supplied from the power source 132 to the developing cartridge 25 and the fixed electrode 118, and the bias detection unit 133 supplies the power from the power source 132 to the fixed electrode 118. Development bias supply is not detected. Thereby, the CPU 131 determines that the developing bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118.

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

  When the top cover 6 of the main casing 2 is opened and the process cartridge 11 with a new (unused) developing cartridge 25 is inserted into the main casing 2 from the front upper side, the power receiving unit 88 of the developing cartridge 25 is moved forward. The holder member 117 is contacted from above.

  When the developing cartridge 25 is further inserted into the main casing 2, the holder member 117 is pressed by the power receiving portion 88 of the developing cartridge 25, and the electrode portion 124 of the swing electrode 119 is rotated counterclockwise when viewed from the right side together with the holder member 117. Is swung.

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

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

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

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

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

  On the other hand, when the developing cartridge 25 is mounted on the main casing 2, the front end of a main body coupling (not shown) in the main casing 2 is inserted into the coupling recess 68 of the developing coupling 61 so as not to be relatively rotatable. Then, a driving force is input from the main casing 2 to the developing coupling 61 via a main body coupling (not shown), and a warm-up operation is started.

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

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

  Then, as shown in FIG. 15, the first covering portion 101 of the new article detection gear 82 comes into contact with the electrode portion 124 of the swing electrode 119 from the front side and presses the electrode portion 124 of the swing electrode 119 toward the rear side. . As a result, the holder member 117 and the swing electrode 119 are developed against the elastic force of the swing electrode 119 so as to ride on the first cover portion 101 along the downstream side chamfer 105 of the first cover portion 101. The cartridge 25 is retracted from the power receiving portion 88 to the rear side and is disposed at the upper release position.

  Then, the developing-side contact 125 of the swing electrode 119 is separated from the power receiving unit 88 of the developing cartridge 25 to the rear side, and the electrical connection between the swing electrode 119 and the power receiving unit 88 is released. In addition, the main body side contact 126 of the swing electrode 119 is separated upward from the free end portion 121 of the fixed electrode 118, and the electrical connection between the swing electrode 119 and the fixed electrode 118 is released. When the new article detection gear 82 is formed of a conductive material, the electrical connection between the swing electrode 119 and the power receiving unit 88 is not released, but the electrical connection between the swing electrode 119 and the fixed electrode 118 is not released. Is released.

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

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

  Then, as shown in FIG. 16, the elastic force of the swing electrode 119 is such that the holder member 117 and the swing electrode 119 descend from the first cover portion 101 along the downstream side chamfer 106 of the first cover portion 101. Is swung to the front side and is again placed at the connection position.

  Then, the developing-side contact 125 of the swing electrode 119 is brought into contact with the power receiving unit 88 of the developing cartridge 25 from the front side, and the swing electrode 119 and the power receiving unit 88 are electrically connected. Further, the main body side contact 126 is brought into contact with the free end portion 121 of the fixed electrode 118 so that the swing electrode 119 and the fixed electrode 118 are electrically connected. When the new article detection gear 82 is formed of a conductive material, the swing electrode 119 and the power receiving unit 88 remain electrically connected.

  As a result, the CPU 131 determines that the developing bias is supplied to the fixed electrode 118. That is, after the warm-up operation is started, the CPU 131 is supplied with the development bias to the fixed electrode 118, the development bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118, and the development bias is supplied to the fixed electrode 118. Judge sequentially.

  That is, the new article detection gear 82 arranges the swing electrode 119 at the connection position, and the swing electrode 119 starts from the first position where power is supplied to the power receiving portion 88 of the developing cartridge 25 through the first covering portions 101. Is disposed at the upper release position, and the swing electrode 119 is disposed at the connection position via the second position where the first covering portion 101 releases the power input to the power receiving portion 88 of the developing cartridge 25. It is rotationally moved to a third position where power is supplied to the power receiving portion 88 of the developing cartridge 25 through the space between the one covering portion 101.

  Thereafter, when the new article detection gear 82 is further rotated, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the other first covering portion 101 causes the swing electrode 119 to be moved in the same manner as the one first covering portion described above. Then, after being arranged once in the upper release position from the connection position, it is arranged again in the connection position.

  Thereafter, when the new product detection gear 82 is further rotated, the missing tooth portion 99 of the new product detection gear 82 is opposed to the second agitator gear 78, and the tooth portion 98 of the new product detection gear 82 and the second agitator gear 78 are engaged. Is released, and the rotational drive of the new article detection gear 82 is stopped. Thereafter, the warm-up operation ends.

  Accordingly, the CPU 131 sequentially determines again that the development bias is supplied to the fixed electrode 118, the development bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118, and the development bias is supplied to the fixed electrode 118.

  Then, after the warm-up operation is started, the CPU 131 is supplied with the development bias to the fixed electrode 118, the development bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118, and the development bias is supplied to the fixed electrode 118. When sequentially determined, it is determined that the developing cartridge 25 is new (unused).

  Further, the CPU 131 associates the number of times that the development bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118 with the information related to the maximum number of image formations. Specifically, for example, when the number of times that the development bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118 is two, the maximum number of image formations is 6000, and the development bias is supplied to the fixed electrode 118. When it is determined that the number of times of determination is one, the information is associated with information that the maximum number of formed images is 3000.

  Then, as described above, after the warm-up operation is started, the CPU 131 supplies the development bias to the fixed electrode 118, does not supply the development bias to the fixed electrode 118, and supplies the development bias to the fixed electrode 118. If it has been determined twice, it is determined that the maximum number of images formed on the developing cartridge 25 is 6000.

  As a result, when a new developing cartridge 25 is mounted, the CPU 131 determines that the developing cartridge 25 is new and that the maximum number of images to be formed on the developing cartridge 25 is 6000, and the developing cartridge 25 A notification that the development cartridge 25 is to be replaced is displayed on an operation panel (not shown) or the like immediately after the actual number of images formed exceeds 6000.

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

  As described above, when a new developing cartridge 25 is mounted, it is possible to determine whether the developing cartridge is mounted on the main body casing 2 by performing a new article detecting operation. On the other hand, after the new developing cartridge 25 is mounted, when the developing cartridge 25 is once detached from the main body casing 2 due to, for example, jamming of paper S, and is mounted in the main body casing 2 again, a new detection gear is provided. 82 is stopped at a position where the chipped portion 99 of the chipped gear 96 faces the second agitator gear 78. Therefore, even if the warming-up operation is executed in the remounting, the new article detection gear 82 is not rotationally driven and the new article detection operation is not performed. At this time, since the holder member 117 and the swing electrode 119 are arranged at the connection position, it is determined that the developing bias is always supplied to the fixed electrode 118.

As a result, the CPU 131 determines that the re-installed developing cartridge 25 (old developing cartridge 25) is the new product without misjudging that it is a new product, and the new image forming number. The comparison with the actual number of formed images from when the image is made is continued. Further, the CPU 131 determines that the developing cartridge 25 is attached to the main casing 2.
5. Operation and Effect (1) According to the developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the developing coupling 61 is arranged on the left side of the left wall 36L, and the new article detection gear 82 is placed on the right side of the right wall 36R. The driving force input to the developing coupling 61 can be transmitted to the new article detection gear 82 via the agitator 80 disposed between the left wall 36L and the right wall 36R.

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

As a result, the developing cartridge 25 can be reduced in size.
(2) Further, according to the developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 9, the new article detection gear 82 is arranged so that the upper end thereof overlaps the developing coupling 61 when projected in the left-right direction. Yes.

Therefore, the new article detection gear 82 and the development coupling 61 can be disposed at substantially the same position when projected in the left-right direction, and the development cartridge 25 can be further downsized.
(3) Further, according to the developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the driving force can be transmitted from the developing coupling 61 to the new article detecting gear 82 using the agitator 80, and the number of parts can be increased. Can be reduced.
(4) Also, according to the developing cartridge 25, the new article detection gear 82 is rotatably supported by the power receiving unit 88 of the electrode member 81 as shown in FIG. 3.

Therefore, the new article detection gear 82 can be arranged efficiently compared to the case where the new article detection gear 82 and the power receiving unit 88 are arranged separately.
(5) Further, according to the developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 9, the power receiving unit 88 is disposed so that the upper end portion thereof overlaps the developing coupling 61 when projected in the left-right direction. ing.

Therefore, the power receiving unit 88 and the development coupling 61 can be disposed at substantially the same position in the front-rear direction and the vertical direction, and the development cartridge 25 can be further downsized.
(6) Further, according to the developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 7, the first covering portions 101 are provided on both sides in the radial direction of the new article detection gear 82. That is, the first opening (between the first covering portions 101) extends in the rotation direction of the new article detection gear 82.

Therefore, the rotation of the new article detection gear 82 can surely switch between the power supply from the main casing 2 to the power receiving unit 88 and the cancellation of the power supply.
(7) According to the developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 7, the detected end portion 95 includes the first covering portion 101 that covers the power receiving portion 88 from the radial direction and the power receiving portion 88 from the right side. And a second covering portion 102.

Therefore, the power receiving unit 88 can be protected from the radial direction and the right side by the detected end portion 95.
(8) Further, according to the developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 7, the detected end portion 95 has the first covering portions 101, one on each side in the radial direction of the new product detection gear 82.

Therefore, the power receiving unit 88 can be protected from both radial directions.
(9) Further, according to the developing cartridge 25, the number of the first covering portions 101 corresponds to the maximum number of images formed on the developing cartridge 25.

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

As a result, in the developing cartridge 25, even if the amount of toner differs corresponding to the maximum number of images formed, the life of the developing cartridge 25 can be accurately determined and the developing cartridge 25 can be accurately replaced.
(10) Further, according to the developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 7C, the downstream end edge in the rotation direction of the radially outer end of the first covering portion 101 is directed upstream in the rotation direction. A downstream side chamfer 105 that is inclined outward in the radial direction is formed, and the upstream edge in the rotational direction of the radial outer end of the first covering portion 101 is radially inward as it goes upstream in the rotational direction. An inclined upstream chamfer 106 is formed.

Therefore, when the first covering portion 101 of the new article detection gear 82 passes between the power receiving portion 88 and the holder member 117, the holder member 117 and the swing electrode 119 are moved to the downstream side chamfer of the first covering portion 101. 105 is placed in the upper release position so as to ride on the first covering portion 101 along the line 105, and then again at the connection position so as to descend from the first covering portion 101 along the downstream side chamfer 106 of the first covering portion 101. Can be placed.

As a result, the first covering portion 101 of the new article detection gear 82 can smoothly pass between the power receiving portion 88 and the holder member 117.
(11) Further, according to the developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the second covering portion 102 has the fitting portion 103 that is fitted to the right end portion of the power receiving portion 88.

Therefore, the fitting portion 103 can position the right end portion of the power receiving portion 88 with respect to the new article detection gear 82 (12). Further, according to the developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIGS. The power receiving unit 88 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the fitting unit 103 is fitted into the right end portion of the power receiving unit 88.

Therefore, the right end portion of the power receiving unit 88 can be reinforced by the fitting unit 103.
(13) Further, according to the developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 5, the right wall 36 </ b> R of the cartridge frame 31 is provided with the fitting protrusion 45 fitted inside the power receiving unit 88.

Therefore, the power receiving unit 88 can be reinforced by the fitting protrusion 45.
(14) Further, according to the developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIGS. 14, 15, and 16, the new article detection gear 82 is connected to the power receiving section via the first opening (between the first covering sections 101). The first opening (see FIG. 14) passes through the second position (see FIG. 15) where the input of power to the power receiving unit 88 is released by the first covering unit 101 from the first position where power is supplied to the 88 (see FIG. 14). It moves to the 3rd position (refer to Drawing 16) where electric power is supplied to power receiving part 88 via 1 cover part 101).

Therefore, before and after the input of power to the power receiving unit 88 is released, power feeding to the power receiving unit 88 can be detected, and the release of the power input to the power receiving unit 88 by the first covering unit 101 is ensured. , Can be recognized by the CPU 131.
(15) Also, according to the developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 7, the new article detection gear 82 has a tooth portion 98 to which the driving force is transmitted and a chipped tooth portion 99 to which the driving force is not transmitted. A tooth gear 96 is provided.

Therefore, the new article detection gear 82 can be reliably rotated with a predetermined drive amount from the start of rotation drive to the stop of rotation drive.
(16) According to the developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 5, the power supply side gear cover 83 exposes the detected end portion 95 of the new product detection gear 82 through the new product detection gear exposure opening 111, and The missing tooth gear 96 and the cylindrical portion 97 of the new article detection gear 82 and the second agitator gear 78 are collectively covered.

For this reason, the chipped gear 96 and the second agitator gear 78 can be protected and can be reliably engaged with each other, and power can be supplied to the power receiving unit 88 via the new product detection gear exposure opening 111.
(17) According to the developing cartridge 25, as shown in FIG. 8, when the right surface of the power supply side gear cover 83 is projected in the front-rear direction of the developing cartridge 25, the second covering portion 102 of the new article detection gear 82 is provided. It is arranged so as to overlap the right side of.

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

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

As a result, it is possible to secure time for detecting power supply from the main body casing 2 to the power reception unit 88 and the cancellation of power supply, and accurately detecting power supply to the power reception unit 88 and cancellation of power supply. Can do.
6). Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the cartridge will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, members similar to those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  In the first embodiment described above, one first covering portion 101 is provided at each of both ends in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 97, and the number of first covering portions 101 is made to correspond to the maximum number of image forming sheets of the developing cartridge 25. .

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

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

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

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

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

  When the warm-up operation of the printer 1 is started and the new article detection gear 82 is rotated clockwise as viewed from the right side, as shown in FIG. 21, the downstream end portion in the rotation direction of the peripheral wall 137 of the detected end portion 136. Comes into contact with the holder member 117 from the front side and presses the holder member 117 toward the rear side. As a result, the holder member 117 and the swing electrode 119 are retracted from the power receiving portion 88 of the developing cartridge 25 to the rear side against the elastic force of the swing electrode 119 so as to ride on the peripheral wall 137 to the upper release position. Be placed.

  Then, the developing-side contact 125 of the swing electrode 119 is separated from the power receiving unit 88 of the developing cartridge 25 to the rear side, and the electrical connection between the swing electrode 119 and the power receiving unit 88 is released. In addition, the main body side contact 126 of the swing electrode 119 is separated upward from the free end portion 121 of the fixed electrode 118, and the electrical connection between the swing electrode 119 and the fixed electrode 118 is released.

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

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

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

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

  Then, the developing-side contact 125 of the swing electrode 119 is brought into contact with the power receiving unit 88 of the developing cartridge 25 from the front side, and the swing electrode 119 and the power receiving unit 88 are electrically connected. Further, the main body side contact 126 is brought into contact with the free end portion 121 of the fixed electrode 118 so that the swing electrode 119 and the fixed electrode 118 are electrically connected.

  As a result, the CPU 131 determines that the developing bias is supplied to the fixed electrode 118. That is, after the warm-up operation is started, the CPU 131 is supplied with the development bias to the fixed electrode 118, the development bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118, and the development bias is supplied to the fixed electrode 118. Judge sequentially.

  Then, after the warm-up operation is started, the CPU 131 is supplied with the development bias to the fixed electrode 118, the development bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118, and the development bias is supplied to the fixed electrode 118. When sequentially determined, it is determined that the developing cartridge 25 is new (unused).

  In the CPU 131, the time for determining that the developing bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118 is associated with the information related to the maximum number of formed images. Specifically, for example, when it is determined that the development bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118 for a long time, the maximum number of images to be formed is 6000, and the development bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118. When the determination time is short, it is associated with the information that the maximum image forming number is 3000.

  Then, as described above, after the warm-up operation is started, the CPU 131 supplies the development bias to the fixed electrode 118, does not supply the development bias to the fixed electrode 118, and supplies the development bias to the fixed electrode 118. When the time for determining that the developing bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 118 is long, it is determined that the maximum number of images formed in the developing cartridge 25 is 6000.

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

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

  Therefore, it is possible to protect the power receiving unit 88 more than half continuously in the rotation direction.

  Further, according to the second embodiment, the rotation direction length of the peripheral wall 137 corresponds to the maximum number of images formed by the developing cartridge 25.

  Therefore, the maximum number of image forming sheets of the developing cartridge 25 can be easily and reliably determined based on the rotation direction length of the peripheral wall 137.

  As a result, in the developing cartridge 25, even if the amount of toner differs corresponding to the maximum number of images formed, the life of the developing cartridge 25 can be accurately determined and the developing cartridge 25 can be accurately replaced.

Also in the second embodiment, the same effects as those in the first embodiment described above can be obtained.
7). Third Embodiment With reference to FIGS. 23 and 24, a third embodiment of the cartridge will be described. Note that in the third embodiment, members similar to those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

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

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

  A first idle gear 141 as an example of a second drive transmission member (second gear) is supported on the right end portion of the developing roller shaft 30 so as not to be relatively rotatable. The second idle gear 142 is rotatably supported on the right surface of the electrode member 81. The second idle gear 142 is meshed with the first idle gear 141 from the front upper side and meshed with the tooth portion 98 of the chipped gear 96 of the new article detection gear 82 from the rear upper side.

  When the warming-up operation is started, as shown in FIG. 24, the driving force is transmitted from the developing coupling 61 to the developing gear 62 as an example of the first driving transmission member (first gear), and the developing roller 16 is moved. It is rotated.

  When the developing roller 16 is rotated, the first idle gear 141 is rotated together with the developing roller shaft 30, and the driving force is transmitted to the tooth portion 98 of the missing gear 96 of the new article detection gear 82 via the second idle gear 142. Thus, the new article detection gear 82 is rotated clockwise in the right side view.

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

Also in the third embodiment, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained. 8). Fourth Embodiment With reference to FIGS. 25 and 26, a fourth embodiment of the cartridge will be described. Note that in the fourth embodiment, members similar to those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

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

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

  An idle gear 151 as an example of a second drive transmission member (second gear) is supported on the right end portion of the supply roller shaft 29 so as not to be relatively rotatable. The idle gear 151 is engaged with the tooth portion 98 of the chipped gear 96 of the new article detection gear 82 from the lower rear side.

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

  When the supply roller 27 is rotated, the idle gear 151 is rotated together with the supply roller shaft 29, and the driving force is transmitted from the idle gear 151 to the tooth portion 98 of the chipped gear 96 of the new product detection gear 82, so that the new product detection gear 82. Is rotated clockwise as viewed from the right.

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

In the fourth embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above. 9. Fifth Embodiment With reference to FIG. 27, a fifth embodiment of the cartridge will be described. Note that in the fifth embodiment, members similar to those in the fourth embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  In the fourth embodiment described above, the idle gear 151 is provided at the right end portion of the supply roller shaft 29, and the idle gear 151 is engaged with the tooth portion 98 of the chipped gear 96 of the new article detection gear 82 from the lower rear side.

  However, in the fifth embodiment, in place of the chip gear 96, the new article detection gear 82 has a substantially disk shape at least on the outer peripheral surface made of a material having a relatively large friction coefficient, such as rubber. A first resistance applying member 146 is provided. Further, at the right end portion of the supply roller shaft 29, instead of the idle gear 151, at least the outer peripheral surface is a second drive transmission member as an example of a substantially disk-shaped second drive transmission member made of a material having a relatively large friction coefficient such as rubber. The resistance applying member 147 is provided so as to contact the first resistance applying member 146 from the rear side.

  When the warm-up operation is started, the supply roller 27 is rotated in the same manner as in the fifth embodiment.

  When the supply roller 27 is rotated, the second resistance application member 147 is rotated together with the supply roller shaft 29, and the second resistance application member is caused by the frictional force between the second resistance application member 147 and the first resistance application member 146. The driving force is transmitted from 147 to the first resistance applying member 146, and the new article detection gear 82 is rotated clockwise as viewed from the right side.

In the fifth embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above. 10. Sixth Embodiment With reference to FIGS. 28, 29 and 30, a sixth embodiment of the cartridge will be described. Note that in the sixth embodiment, members similar to those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  In the first embodiment described above, the driving force input to the development coupling 61 is transmitted to the new article detection gear 82 via the agitator shaft 76. In the sixth embodiment, the driving force is shown in FIGS. As described above, the driving force input to the developing coupling 61 is transmitted to the new article detection gear 82 via the outer rotating shaft 155 as an example of a rotating member supported by the front end portion of the cartridge frame 31. The outer rotation shaft 155 is rotated about a center axis A5 (an example of a rotation axis, see FIG. 29) as a rotation center.

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

  The outer rotation shaft 155 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the left-right direction, and is supported rotatably at the front end portion of the cartridge frame 31 at both ends in the left-right direction. Further, a handle 154 for gripping by the user is rotatably supported at a substantially center in the left-right direction of the outer rotation shaft 155.

  An input gear 156 as an example of a first drive transmission member (first gear) that inputs driving force to the outer rotating shaft 155 is supported at the left end of the outer rotating shaft 155 so as not to be relatively rotatable. An idle gear 158 is interposed between the input gear 156 and the first agitator gear 72. A pulley 157 as an example of a second drive transmission member is supported on the right end portion of the outer rotation shaft 155 so as not to be relatively rotatable.

  The second agitator gear 78 is integrally provided with a gear portion 159 and a pulley portion 160.

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

  The pulley portion 160 is provided at the left end portion of the second agitator gear 78. The pulley unit 160 does not have gear teeth.

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

  When the warm-up operation is started, as shown in FIG. 30, the driving force is transmitted from the development coupling 61 to the first agitator gear 72 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and thereafter, the idle gear 158 and A driving force is transmitted to the outer rotating shaft 155 via the input gear 156 in order, and the outer rotating shaft 155 is rotated.

  When the outer rotating shaft 155 is rotated, the pulley 157 is rotated together with the outer rotating shaft 155, and the endless belt 161 is moved around. Then, the driving force is transmitted to the pulley portion 160 of the second agitator gear 78 via the endless belt 161, and the driving force is transmitted from the gear portion 159 of the second agitator gear 78 to the tooth portion 98 of the missing gear 96 of the new article detection gear 82. Is transmitted, and the new article detection gear 82 is rotated clockwise in the right side view.

Also in the sixth embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment described above. 11. Seventh Embodiment With reference to FIGS. 31 to 36, a seventh embodiment of the cartridge will be described. Note that in the seventh embodiment, members similar to those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  In the first embodiment described above, the electrode member 81 is provided with the substantially cylindrical power receiving portion 88 protruding to the right side, and the substantially cylindrical new article detection gear 82 is rotatably supported by the power receiving portion 88. Then, in the warming-up operation of the printer 1, the new article detection gear 82 is rotated to swing the swing electrode 119 of the main body electrode unit 116 for supplying power to the power receiving unit 88 back and forth to supply power to the power receiving unit 88. Is released regularly.

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

  Specifically, the power receiving unit 167 is supported by the right wall 36R on the right side of the developing cartridge 25 (right side of the rear end portion of the toner storage unit 79), and is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in side view. The power receiving unit 167 is electrically connected to the developing roller shaft 30 and the supply roller shaft 29 through electrodes (not shown).

  The rotating plate 166 is rotatably supported on the front side of the power receiving unit 167. Further, the rear half of the rotating plate 166 overlaps the right side of the power receiving unit 167. The rotating plate 166 has two power receiving unit exposed openings 168. Note that a portion between each power receiving unit exposure opening 168 functions as a covering unit 169.

  Each power receiving portion exposure opening 168 is provided at each of both ends in the radial direction of the rotating plate 166, and is formed so as to penetrate in a substantially fan shape in a side view with a central angle of about 60 °.

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

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

  The fixed electrode 170 is formed in a substantially L-shaped bent saddle shape from metal, and one end thereof is fixed in the vicinity of the right side of the developing cartridge 25 in the main body casing 2. Further, the free end portion 172 of the fixed electrode 170 is in contact with a flange portion 173 (described later) of the moving electrode 171. The fixed electrode 170 is electrically connected to the bias detector 133.

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

  The movable electrode 171 is slidable in the left-right direction, and is always urged to the left side by an urging means (not shown), and the flange portion 173 is separated to the left side from the free end portion 172 of the fixed electrode 170. It is held at the left release position as an example of the second release position (release position).

  When the developing cartridge 25 is not mounted in the main casing 2, the movable electrode 171 is disposed at the left release position (see FIG. 35), and a developing bias is applied from the power source 132 to the developing cartridge 25 and the fixed electrode 170. The bias detector 133 does not detect the supply of the developing bias from the power source 132 to the fixed electrode 170. Thereby, the CPU 131 determines that the developing bias is not supplied to the fixed electrode 170.

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

  Then, when the mounting of the developing cartridge 25 into the main casing 2 is completed in the state where the rotating plate 166 is disposed at the first position, the power receiving unit 167 of the developing cartridge 25 is moved as shown in FIG. Then, it is brought into contact with the right end portion of the movable electrode 171 from the left side through one power receiving portion exposure opening 168 of the rotating plate 166. Then, the movable electrode 171 is pressed from the right side by the developing cartridge 25 and is slid to the left side against the urging force of an urging member (not shown). Thereby, the movable electrode 171 is arranged at the connection position with the flange portion 173 being in contact with the free end portion 172 of the fixed electrode 170.

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

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

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

  When the warm-up operation is started, the rotating plate 166 is rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the right side, and the rotating plate 166 is disposed at the second position.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 36B, the covering portion 169 of the rotating plate 166 is interposed between the power receiving portion 167 and the moving electrode 171, and the moving electrode 171 is biased by a biasing member (not shown). Against this, it is retracted to the right side from the power receiving unit 167 of the developing cartridge 25 and disposed at the right side release position.

  Then, the moving electrode 171 is separated to the right side from the power receiving unit 167 of the developing cartridge 25, and the electrical connection between the moving electrode 171 and the power receiving unit 167 is released. In addition, the moving electrode 171 is separated to the right side from the free end 172 of the fixed electrode 170, and the electric connection between the moving electrode 171 and the fixed electrode 170 is released.

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

  Then, as shown in FIG. 36 (c), when the rotating plate 166 is further rotated counterclockwise as viewed from the right side and the rotating plate 166 is disposed at the third position, the biasing member (not shown) is attached. The moving electrode 171 advances to the left side due to the force, and the moving electrode 171 contacts the power receiving unit 167 of the developing cartridge 25 through one power receiving unit exposure opening 168 of the rotating plate 166 and is disposed at the connection position.

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

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

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

  According to the seventh embodiment, the rotating plate 166 having the two power receiving unit exposed openings 168 is interposed between the power receiving unit 167 and the moving electrode 171, and is connected to the power receiving unit 167 via one power receiving unit exposed opening 168. From the first position where power is supplied, the cover 169 is rotated to the third position where power is supplied to the power receiving unit 167 via the other power receiving unit exposure opening 168 via the second position where power supply to the power receiving unit 167 is released.

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

Also in the seventh embodiment, the same operational effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained.
12 Eighth Embodiment An eighth embodiment of the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that in the eighth embodiment, members similar to those in the eighth embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  In the seventh embodiment described above, the rotation plate 166 having the power reception unit exposure opening 168 is provided on the right side of the power reception unit 167, and by rotating the rotation plate 166, power supply to the power reception unit 167 and release of power supply are performed. Switching.

  However, in the eighth embodiment, on the right side of the power receiving unit 167, a slide plate 181 as an example of a detection target including the covering unit 180 is provided, and the sliding plate 181 is disposed on the right side of the power receiving unit 167 on the rear side. Slide it back and forth so that it passes from the front to the front.

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

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

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

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

  The support rail 184 includes a pair of upper and lower rail portions 185. Both rail portions 185 are opposed to each other in the vertical direction with a space therebetween, and support both the upper and lower ends of the slide plate 181 so as to be slidable from outside in the vertical direction.

  The pinion gear 183 is supported by the agitator shaft 76 so as not to be relatively rotatable between the rail portions 185 and meshed with the rack portion 182 from above.

  Then, in the warm-up operation of the printer 1, the slide plate 181 is slid from the rear side to the front side, and the covering unit 180 is disposed on the rear side of the power receiving unit 167 to expose the power receiving unit 167 (see FIG. 38). From the second position (see FIG. 39) where the power receiving unit 167 is covered with the covering unit 169, the third position (see FIG. 40) where the power receiving unit 167 is exposed by disposing the covering unit 180 on the front side of the power receiving unit 167. Moved to.

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

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

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

  When the mounting of the developing cartridge 25 into the main casing 2 is completed in the state where the slide plate 181 is located at the first position, the power receiving unit 167 of the developing cartridge 25 is moved as shown in FIG. The moving electrode 171 is brought into contact with the right end portion from the left side. Then, the movable electrode 171 is pressed from the right side by the developing cartridge 25 and is slid to the left side against the urging force of an urging member (not shown). Thereby, the movable electrode 171 is arranged at the connection position with the flange portion 173 being in contact with the free end portion 172 of the fixed electrode 170.

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

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

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

  When the warm-up operation is started, the slide plate 181 is slid forward, and the slide plate 181 is disposed at the second position.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 41 (b), the covering portion 180 of the slide plate 181 is interposed between the power receiving portion 167 and the moving electrode 171, and the moving electrode 171 is biased by a biasing member (not shown). Against this, it is retracted to the right side from the power receiving unit 167 of the developing cartridge 25 and disposed at the right side release position.

  Then, the moving electrode 171 is separated to the right side from the power receiving unit 167 of the developing cartridge 25, and the electrical connection between the moving electrode 171 and the power receiving unit 167 is released. In addition, the moving electrode 171 is separated to the right side from the free end 172 of the fixed electrode 170, and the electric connection between the moving electrode 171 and the fixed electrode 170 is released.

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

  As shown in FIG. 41 (c), when the slide plate 181 is further slid forward and the slide plate 181 is disposed at the third position, the movable electrode 171 is moved by the biasing force of the biasing member (not shown). Is advanced to the left side, and the moving electrode 171 contacts the power receiving unit 167 of the developing cartridge 25 and is disposed at the connection position.

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

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

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

  According to the eighth embodiment, the slide plate 181 having the covering portion 180 is interposed between the power receiving portion 167 and the moving electrode 171, and the power receiving portion 167 is covered by the covering portion 180 from the first position where power is supplied to the power receiving portion 167. After passing through the second position where power supply to the power is released, the power receiving unit 167 is slid (linearly moved) to the third position where power is supplied.

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

  In the eighth embodiment, the same operational effects as those of the seventh embodiment described above can be obtained.

16 developing roller 25 developing cartridge 27 supply roller 29 supply roller shaft 30 developing roller shaft 31 cartridge frame 36L left wall 36R right wall 45 fitting protrusion 61 developing coupling 62 developing gear 63 supply gear 72 first agitator gear 76 agitator shaft 78 first 2 Agitator gear 80 Agitator 81 Electrode member 82 New article detection gear 83 Power supply side gear cover 87 Developing roller shaft collar 88 Power receiving part 95 Detected end part 96 Chipped gear 98 Tooth part 99 Chipped part 101 First covering part 102 Second covering part 103 fitting portion 105 downstream side chamfering surface 106 upstream side chamfering surface 111 new article detection gear exposure opening 136 detected end portion 137 peripheral wall 142 first idle gear 151 idle gear 155 outer rotating shaft 156 input gear 157 pulley 166 rotating plate 1 7 power receiving unit 171 moves the electrode 180 slide plate 183 pinion

Claims (6)

A developing roller;
An agitator extending in a predetermined direction, the agitator having a first end in the predetermined direction, and a second end separated from the first end in the predetermined direction;
A first agitator gear attached to the first end and rotatable with the rotating member;
A second agitator gear attached to the second end and rotatable with the rotating member;
An idle gear meshing with the first agitator gear;
A coupling member having a coupling gear meshing with the idle gear and receiving a driving force, the coupling member being rotatable about a first shaft extending in the predetermined direction, and being rotatable together with the coupling gear;
A new detection gear meshing with the second agitator gear;
A developing electrode electrically connected to the developing roller, the developing electrode including a power receiving portion having a cylindrical shape extending in the predetermined direction;
The cartridge, wherein the new article detection gear is rotatably supported by the power receiving unit.   The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the new article detection gear overlaps with the coupling member when projected in the predetermined direction.   3. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the power receiving unit overlaps the coupling member when projected in the predetermined direction. The new article detection gear is
A first opening exposing the power receiving unit;
A covering portion covering the power receiving portion;
The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cartridge is provided.   The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the new article detection gear has a plurality of gear teeth along a part of the periphery of the new article detection gear. The cartridge further comprises:
A housing including a first side wall and a second side wall which have a developer containing portion configured to contain the developer and are opposed to each other with a gap in a predetermined direction across the developer containing chamber; ,
The coupling member is disposed on the opposite side of the developer accommodating portion with respect to the first side wall,
The first agitator gear is disposed on the opposite side of the developer accommodating portion with respect to the first side wall,
The idle gear is disposed on the opposite side of the developer accommodating portion with respect to the first side wall,
The second agitator gear is disposed on the opposite side of the developer accommodating portion with respect to the second side wall,
The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the new article detecting gear is disposed on the opposite side of the developer containing portion with respect to the first side wall.

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