Image forming device

Abstract

The present invention provides an image forming device that can detachably support a developing device. The image forming device includes: a container that can accommodate a developer inside; a device body that detachably supports the container; a detection device that is provided on the device body and is used to detect the installation status of the container; and a control unit that determines whether the container is unused based on the detection result of the detection device. The container has a displacement member that can be displaced between an initial position that cannot be detected by the detection device and a detection position that can be detected by the detection device. In the initial installation state after the container is just installed on the device body, if the displacement member is not detected by the detection device, the control unit determines that the container is unused, and if the displacement member is detected by the detection device in the initial installation state, the control unit determines that the container is used.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copier and a multifunction peripheral. Background Art

[0002] An electrophotographic image forming apparatus includes a developing device that develops an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive drum using toner. The developing device includes a developing roller rotatably supported within its housing, and develops the image by supplying toner contained within the housing from the developing roller to the photosensitive drum.

[0003] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus is provided with a toner container for storing toner to be replenished to the developing device. When the toner in the toner container is completely consumed, the toner container is replaced with a new one filled with toner.

[0004] Aging of the developing roller in a developing device can lead to poor image development. Therefore, to maintain image quality, a developing device must be replaced with a new one after a certain period of time. Furthermore, since a developing device integrally formed with a toner container becomes incapable of developing when the toner in the container is depleted, it must be replaced with a new, unused developing device filled with toner. Therefore, conventional image forming apparatuses have a structure that supports the developing device in a detachable manner to facilitate replacement of the developing device.

[0005] Furthermore, when replacing a used developing device, it is typically removed from the image forming apparatus and then a new, unused developing device is installed in the image forming apparatus. However, a used developing device may be mistakenly installed in the image forming apparatus. Furthermore, a developing device that has exceeded its service life due to aging may be refilled with toner and then installed in the image forming apparatus. Furthermore, when replacing a used toner container, the used toner container may be mistakenly installed in the image forming apparatus during the replacement process. Furthermore, a used toner container may be refilled with degraded toner and then installed in the image forming apparatus. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily and reliably determining whether a container attached to a main body of the apparatus is an unused container that has never been used.

[0007] The present invention provides an image forming device, which includes: a container capable of storing a developer therein; a device main body that supports the container in a detachable manner; a detection device that is provided on the device main body and is used to detect the installation status of the container; and a control unit that determines whether the container is unused based on the detection result of the detection device, the container having a displacement member that is capable of displacement between an initial position that cannot be detected by the detection device and a detection position that can be detected by the detection device, the control unit determining that the container is unused when the displacement member is not detected by the detection device in the initial installation state just after the container is installed in the device main body, and determining that the container is used when the displacement member is detected by the detection device in the initial installation state.

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily and reliably determine whether a container attached to the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus is an unused container that has never been used.

[0009] This specification, with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings, presents a simplified summary of the concepts described in the following detailed description. This specification is not intended to limit the key features or essential characteristics of the subject matter recited in the claims, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the subject matter recited in the claims. Furthermore, the subject matter recited in the claims is not limited to implementations that address some or all of the disadvantages recited in any portion of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing a state where the top cover of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is opened.

[0012] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing an image forming unit included in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the image forming unit is removed from the apparatus main body.

[0015] Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing a drum unit included in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of a drum unit included in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 Cross-sectional view of section VII-VII.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state in which the drum unit is mounted in the apparatus main body.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the left front.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the right rear side.

[0020] Figure 11 It is a top view of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 12 1 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 Cross-sectional view of the section plane XII-XII.

[0022] Figure 13 This is a partially enlarged view of the left side of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 14 It is a left side view of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a side cover is removed.

[0024] Figure 15 It is a perspective view showing an enlarged right side of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing a state in which a shaft cover is removed from the right side of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 17 This is a partially enlarged view of the left side of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the side cover is removed.

[0027] Figure 18 It is a perspective view showing a rotating member provided on the left side of the developing device.

[0028] Figure 19 It is a perspective view showing a rotating member provided on the left side of the developing device.

[0029] Figure 20 It is a left side view of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a side cover is removed.

[0030] Figure 21 This is a cross-sectional view of a section passing through the detection portion of the rotating member on the left side of the developing device.

[0031] Figure 22 This is a diagram showing a detection switch provided in the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 23 It is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a rotating member in a state where the developing device is mounted in the image forming apparatus.

[0033] Figure 24 This is a block diagram showing the connection relationship between the control unit, the motor, and the detection switch.

[0034] Figure 25A and Figure 25B This is a timing chart showing the driving timing of the motor and the detection timing of the detection switch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following describes the embodiment of the present invention with reference to appropriate drawings. The embodiment described below is only an example of the embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention. In addition, for the convenience of explanation, the following description is made using the up-down direction 7, the front-back direction 8, and the left-right direction 9 shown in each figure. Figures 1 to 5 In the setting state ( Figure 1 In the state shown in FIG. 1 , the vertical direction is defined as the up-down direction 7, and the front-back direction 8 and the left-right direction 9 (width direction 9) are defined in the setting state.

[0036] [First]

[0037] Figures 1 to 3 The image forming device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The image forming device 10 is a device having at least a printing function, for example, a printer that forms a single-color image on a sheet such as printing paper using an electrophotographic method. The image forming device 10 prints an image on printing paper based on image data input from the outside via a communication unit (not shown). Furthermore, the image forming device 10 is not limited to a single-color printer and may also be a color printer that forms color images. Furthermore, in addition to having a printing function, the image forming device 10 may also be a multifunction peripheral having various functions such as a facsimile machine and a copier.

[0038] Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the image forming apparatus 10. Figure 1 Indicates the state where the top cover 12 and the front cover 13 are closed. Figure 2 Indicates the state where the top cover 12 and the front cover 13 are opened. Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the device body 11. Figure 3 The top cover 12 is omitted in the figure.

[0039] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the image forming device 10 is formed into a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the width direction 9, and includes: a device body 11, on which various parts for performing image forming processing are installed; a top cover 12, which is arranged on the upper part of the device body 11; and a front cover 13, which is arranged on the front surface of the device body 11.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, an opening 21 communicating with the interior is formed at the upper portion of the device body 11, and a top cover 12 is provided so as to be able to open and close the opening 21. The top cover 12 is supported so as to be able to open and close the opening 21 in an open position ( Figure 2 The posture shown) and the closing posture of closing the opening 21 ( Figure 1 When the top cover 12 is rotated upward (in the opening direction) to open the opening 21, the image forming unit 50 and other components installed inside the apparatus main body 11 are exposed. In this state, the user can remove the developing device 70 supported by the image forming unit 50 from inside the apparatus main body 11.

[0041] In addition, an opening 22 communicating with the interior is formed at the lower portion of the front surface of the device body 11, and a front cover 13 is provided so as to be able to open and close the opening 22. The front cover 13 is supported so as to be able to open and close the opening 22 in an open position ( Figure 2 The posture shown) and the closing posture ( Figure 1 If the front cover 13 is rotated forward (in the opening direction) to open the opening 22, printing paper can be placed inside the device body 11 through the opening 22.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, the image forming apparatus 10 mainly includes an image forming unit 50, a fixing unit 31, a paper feed tray 32, a feeding unit 33, an LSU (Laser Scanner Unit) 34, and a paper discharge tray 35 (see FIG. Figure 1 ), a plurality of conveying rollers 37 provided in the conveying path 36 and a discharge roller 38 provided at the terminal end of the conveying path 36. These are installed in the cover of the outer frame of the image forming apparatus 10 or inside the apparatus body 11 including the inner frame. Figure 3 In FIG, a path indicated by a dotted line extending upward from the supply unit 33 is a conveying path 36 .

[0043] Figure 4 : is a perspective view showing the image forming unit 50. The image forming unit 50 forms an image using an electrophotographic method and includes a drum unit 60 and a developing device 70. In this embodiment, the image forming unit 50 is detachably supported by the apparatus main body 11 so as to be replaceable.

[0044] Furthermore, when the developer contained in the developing device 70 becomes empty, it must be replaced with another developing device 70 filled with developer. Therefore, in this embodiment, the developing device 70 is supported by the apparatus main body 11 in a manner that allows it to be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 11. Specifically, the developing device 70 is detachably mounted to the drum unit 60 (an example of a mounting member) mounted on the apparatus main body 11. Furthermore, when performing maintenance on the interior of the image forming apparatus 10, the developing device 70 is removed as needed. Figure 2 and Figure 3 1 shows a state where the image forming unit 50 is mounted on the apparatus body 11. Figure 5 The state in which the image forming unit 50 is removed from the apparatus main body 11 is shown.

[0045] Figure 6 : is a perspective view showing the drum unit 60. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The cross-sectional view taken along the cutting plane VII-VII in FIG. 1 shows the cross-sectional structure of the drum unit 60 .

[0046] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the drum unit 60 includes a photosensitive drum 61, a charging unit 62, a transfer roller 63, and a housing 64. The photosensitive drum 61, the charging unit 62, and the transfer roller 63 are supported by the housing 64. In addition, the developing device 70 is detachably supported by a developing support unit 65 provided integrally with the housing 64.

[0047] The housing 64 is, for example, a molded product formed of a synthetic resin, and comprises: a first base frame 641 extending in the left-right direction 9; and a pair of support frames 642, which are respectively uprightly arranged at the two end portions of the first base frame 641 in the left-right direction 9. Each support frame 642 is, for example, formed in a plate shape. Each support frame 642 is formed by a non-conductive insulating member. Each support frame 642 extends in the front-to-back direction 8, and the photosensitive drum 61 and the transfer roller 63 are rotatably supported on the rear portion of each support frame 642 in a state of mutual pressure contact. In addition, a charging portion 62 is installed on the upper portion of the rear portion of each support frame 642. The charging portion 62 is arranged to be opposite to the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 61, and is installed to be mounted on each support frame 642.

[0048] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, a developing support portion 65 is integrally formed on the front side of the housing 64. The developing support portion 65 comprises a second base frame 651 extending forward from the first base frame 641 across the paper through port 66 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 7 and a front plate 652, constituting the front portion of each support frame 642. If the developing device 70 is mounted on the developing support portion 65, the lower surface 716 of the developing device 70 (reference Figure 12 ) is supported by the second base frame 651. In this case, the lower surface 716 is a supported surface supported by the drum unit 60.

[0049] The paper passage 66 is a through opening formed between the first base frame 641 and the second base frame 651 , through which printing paper fed from the paper feed tray 32 passes and is guided to the transfer position between the photosensitive drum 61 and the transfer roller 63 .

[0050] When the image forming unit 50 is mounted on the apparatus main body 11 and the image forming operation is started, the photosensitive layer on the surface of the photosensitive drum 61 is uniformly charged by the charging section 62. In addition, the laser beam corresponding to the image data is scanned from the LSU 34 toward the photosensitive drum 61. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 61. The electrostatic latent image is applied to the photosensitive drum 61 and the developing roller 74 of the developing device 70 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 10 ) applies a bias voltage, creating an electric field of a predetermined potential difference between the photosensitive drum 61 and the developing roller 74 that causes toner to fly from the developing roller 74 to the photosensitive drum 61. This potential difference causes the toner to adhere to the electrostatic latent image from the developing roller 74, forming a toner image on the photosensitive drum 61. An electric field of a predetermined potential difference is also created between the photosensitive drum 61 and the transfer roller 63. This potential difference causes the toner image on the photosensitive drum 61 to be transferred to the printing paper supplied from the paper feed tray 32. The printing paper with the transferred toner image is then conveyed to the fixing unit 31.

[0051] The fixing unit 31 is located downstream of the image forming unit 50 in the direction of paper transport. The fixing unit 31 uses heat to fix the toner image transferred to the paper to the paper. The fixing unit 31 includes a heating roller and a pressure roller. The heating roller is heated by a heating device such as an IH heater during the fixing operation. The pressure roller applies force to the heating roller via an elastic member. As the paper passes through the fixing unit 31, it is pressed against the paper, and the toner is heated and melted, adhering to the paper. As a result, the toner image is fixed to the paper, forming an image on the paper.

[0052] A discharge roller 38 is provided downstream of the fixing unit 31 in the conveying direction. The discharge roller 38 discharges the printed paper on which the image is fixed by the fixing unit 31 and after image formation to the paper discharge tray 35 (see FIG. Figure 1 ).

[0053] The photosensitive drum 61 of the drum unit 60 degrades or wears out every time the photosensitive layer on its surface forms an overlapping image. If the photosensitive layer degrades, the charging property becomes poor, and if it is worn, it is not charged at the specified potential, resulting in a decrease in image quality. Therefore, it is necessary to replace the photosensitive drum 61 at a predetermined replacement time. To this end, in this embodiment, the drum unit 60 is supported on the device body 11 in a manner that can be installed and removed relative to the device body 11 so that the photosensitive drum 61 can be replaced. In addition, when maintaining the interior of the image forming device 10, the drum unit 60 can also be removed as needed. Here, Figure 8 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which only the drum unit 60 of the image forming unit 50 is mounted on the apparatus main body 11. Figure 8 The developing device 70 is not shown.

[0054] like Figure 8 As shown, a guide groove 111 is formed on each of the inner surfaces 15 on both sides of the left and right directions 9 of the device body 11. The guide groove 111 is used to guide the drum unit 60 when the drum unit 60 is installed inside the device body 11 through the opening 21. The guide groove 111 plays the following role: when the drum unit 60 is removed from the device body 11, the drum unit 60 is also guided toward the opening 21 side so that it can be easily removed. When viewed in cross section at the upper end edge portion formed on the inner surface 15, the guide groove 111 extends downwardly and obliquely rearward from the funnel-shaped insertion port 113. In addition, although Figure 8 The guide groove 111 is formed on the inner surface 15A on the right side, but the inner surface 15B on the opposite left side (see Figure 5 ) is also formed with a guide groove 111 of the same shape.

[0055] The guide groove 111 is oriented toward the installation position ( Figure 8 The guide groove 111 is formed so that the inclination gradually decreases from the position shown (hereinafter referred to as the unit installation position). Specifically, the guide groove 111 includes: a first groove 111A, which is formed generally straight from the insertion port 113 to the first bending point P1; a second groove 111B, which is more gently inclined than the first groove 111A from the first bending point P1 to the second bending point P2; and a third groove 111C, which is more gently inclined than the second groove 111B from the second bending point P2 to the unit installation position.

[0056] like Figure 6 As shown, the drum unit 60 is provided with a guide member 644 that is inserted into the guide groove 111 when being mounted on or removed from the apparatus main body 11. The guide member 644 is provided upright on the outer surface of each of a pair of support frames 642 constituting the housing 64. The guide member 644 is a boss-shaped or pin-shaped member provided upright vertically on the outer surface of the support frame 642.

[0057] A guide member 644 is provided on the rear side of the outer surface of the support frame 642. The drum unit 60 is inserted until the guide member 644 is arranged at the terminal end of the guide groove 111.

[0058] like Figure 8 As shown, another guide groove 112 branching from the guide groove 111 is formed in the inner surface 15A. Figure 8 The guide groove 112 formed in the right inner surface 15A is shown, but the same guide groove 112 is also formed in the opposite left inner surface 15B. The guide groove 112 serves the same function as the guide groove 111: when the drum unit 60 is installed in the interior of the apparatus main body 11 through the opening 21, it guides the drum unit 60 to the unit installation position, and when the drum unit 60 is removed from the apparatus main body 11, it guides the drum unit 60 toward the opening 21.

[0059] The guide groove 112 extends downwardly and diagonally rearward from the first bending point P1 of the guide groove 111. The guide groove 112 is formed so as to gradually widen diagonally rearward from the upper end opening 114, which is the portion connecting the guide groove 111. In other words, the guide groove 112 is formed in a shape that widens from the upper end opening 114 to the diagonally rearward end.

[0060] The upper groove wall surface of the guide groove 112 is a guide surface 112A, which is used to align the bearing portion 77 (see FIG. 11A ) included in the developing device 70 when the developing device 70 is mounted on the device body 11. Figure 13 、 Figure 15 ) is guided to the mounting position P11 determined on the drum unit 60. The guide surface 112A is substantially parallel to the second groove 111B of the guide groove 111.

[0061] The groove wall surface on the lower side of the guide groove 112 is a guide surface 112B for guiding the guide member 645 (see FIG. 11B ) included in the drum unit 60 when the drum unit 60 is mounted on the apparatus body 11. Figure 6 ) downward. In addition, when the developing device 70 is mounted on the device body 11, the guide surface 112B guides the guide portions 78, 791 (see Figure 13 、 Figure 15 ) guide downward.

[0062] like Figure 6 As shown, the drum unit 60 is provided with a guide member 645 that is inserted into the guide groove 112 when being mounted to or removed from the apparatus main body 11. The guide member 645 is provided upright on the outer surface of each of a pair of support frames 642 constituting the housing 64. The guide member 645 is a boss-shaped or pin-shaped member provided upright vertically on the outer surface of the support frame 642.

[0063] On the outer surface of the support frame 642, the guide member 645 is provided on the front side relative to the guide member 644. When the drum unit 60 is mounted on the apparatus main body 11, the guide member 644 is first inserted into the guide groove 111 from the insertion port 113, and then the guide member 645 is inserted into the guide groove 111. During the mounting process of the drum unit 60, the guide member 644 is moved from the first groove 111A to the second groove 111B along the third groove 111C toward the unit mounting position ( Figure 8 On the other hand, when the guide member 645 reaches the first bending point P1 of the guide groove 111 during the installation of the drum unit 60, it enters the guide groove 112 from the upper end opening 114 and is guided generally downward along the guide surface 112B of the guide groove 112.

[0064] And, if the drum unit 60 is inserted into Figure 8 Once the drum unit 60 is positioned in the unit installation position shown, a locking mechanism (not shown) is used to lock the drum unit 60 in the unit installation position. That is, the drum unit 60 is positioned in the unit installation position. Furthermore, by operating a lock release member (not shown) provided in the apparatus body 11, the locking mechanism is released. This allows the drum unit 60 to be removed upward from the unit installation position and removed from the opening 21.

[0065] In addition, if Figure 7 As shown, a bearing portion 77 (see FIG. 1 ) for holding the developing device 70 is formed on the supporting frame 642. Figure 13 、 Figure 15 ) to the installation position P11, and a stopper 647 provided at the terminal end of the guide groove 646. The guide groove 646 is formed in the support frame 642 so as to divide the support frame 642 into a rear portion and a front plate 652 on the front side. The stopper 647 positions the bearing portion 77 at the installation position P11 when the bearing portion 77 is guided to the installation position P11. When the developing device 70 is installed in the device body 11, the stopper 647 abuts the bearing portion 77, and the movement of the bearing portion 77 in the insertion direction is restricted by the stopper 647. Thus, the developing device 70 is positioned on the drum unit 60. Furthermore, the developing device 70 is locked to the drum unit 60 by a locking mechanism (not shown) provided on the drum unit 60. Furthermore, operating the lock release lever 67 provided on the drum unit 60 releases the lock of the locking mechanism. This allows the developing device 70 to be removed upward from the device body 11 and removed to the outside through the opening 21.

[0066] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the developing device 70 as viewed from the left front. Figure 10This is a perspective view of the developing device 70 as viewed from the right rear side. Figure 11 : is a top view of the developing device 70. In addition, Figure 12 yes Figure 11 The cross-sectional view taken along the cutting plane XII-XII shows the cross-sectional structure of the central portion of the developing device 70 .

[0067] The developing device 70 causes toner to adhere to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 61, and develops the electrostatic latent image with the toner to form a toner image as a visible image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 61. Figure 12 As shown, the developing device 70 includes a housing 71 (an example of a casing), a stirring member 72, a supply roller 73 (an example of a rotating member), and a developing roller 74 (an example of a rotating member). The stirring member 72, the supply roller 73, and the developing roller 74 are rotatably supported on the housing 71.

[0068] The housing 71 is, for example, a molded product made of synthetic resin. Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the housing 71 is formed into a shape that is long in the left-right direction 9 (longitudinal direction). A developer including toner is stored inside the housing 71. Specifically, the housing 71 not only serves as a housing that supports the developing roller 74 and the like, but also serves as a developer container (also referred to as a toner container) that stores the developer.

[0069] like Figure 12 As shown, the stirring member 72 is arranged on the front side inside the housing 71. The stirring member 72 is rotatably supported by a pair of support frames 711 (see Figures 9 to 11 ), the pair of support frames 711 are respectively provided on both sides of the left-right direction 9 (axial direction) of the housing 71. In addition, the pair of support frames 711 (an example of a pair of support members) constitute the side surfaces of both sides of the left-right direction 9 of the housing 71.

[0070] Support shafts 722 (see FIG. 1 ) rotatably supported by the support frame 711 are provided at both ends of the shaft member 721 of the stirring member 72 in the width direction. Figure 14 The left support shaft 722L of the stirring member 72 is rotatably supported in a bearing hole (not shown) formed in the left support frame 711L. Figure 14 As shown in FIG. 7 , the support shaft 722L passes through the bearing hole and protrudes outward from the support frame 711 L. A transmission gear 82 described later is mounted on the support shaft 722L.

[0071] like Figure 12As shown, a thin film-shaped blade portion 723 is provided on a shaft member 721 of the stirring member 72, perpendicular to the shaft member 721. When a rotational driving force is input from the outside to the stirring member 72, the stirring member 72 rotates, and the blade portion 723 stirs the developer contained in the housing 71. The stirring of the developer by the stirring member 72 imparts an electric charge to the toner contained in the developer.

[0072] like Figure 9 As shown, a side cover 75 is mounted on the support frame 711L on the left side of the housing 71 .

[0073] Figure 13 It is a partially enlarged view showing the left side of the developing device 70 . Figure 14 It is a left side view of the developing device 70 , showing a state in which the side cover 75 is removed.

[0074] like Figure 13 As shown, the side cover 75 is attached to the support frame 711L in a manner covering the left side surface of the support frame 711L. Figure 14 As shown, a transmission mechanism 80 composed of a plurality of gears 81 to 85 is provided inside the side cover 75, that is, between the side cover 75 and the support frame 711L. The gears 81 to 85 constituting the transmission mechanism 80 are rotatably supported by the support frame 711L.

[0075] like Figure 14 As shown, the transmission mechanism 80 has an input portion 76 for inputting driving force from the outside. That is, the input portion 76 is provided on the support frame 711L. The input portion 76 is, for example, a coupling (connector). A cylindrical portion 751 (see FIG. 1 ) is formed on the side cover 75 and passes through the input portion 76 and is exposed to the outside. Figure 13 ).like Figure 13 As shown, when the side cover 75 is attached to the support frame 711L, the input portion 76 is exposed to the outside through the cylindrical portion 751 .

[0076] When the developing device 70 is mounted on the device body 11, the drive output unit (not shown) provided on the device body 11 is connected to the input unit 76. Thus, the rotational driving force of the driving source such as the motor is input to the input unit 76 via the drive output unit. The input unit 76 has an input gear 81 provided coaxially with the input unit 76 (see FIG. Figure 14 That is, the transmission mechanism 80 includes an input gear 81 . When the rotational driving force is input to the input portion 76 , the rotational driving force is transmitted from the input gear 81 to the other transmission gears 82 to 85 constituting the transmission mechanism 80 .

[0077] like Figure 14As shown, the transmission mechanism 80 has a plurality of transmission gears 82 to 85. Each transmission gear 82 to 85 is arranged on the outer surface of the support frame 711L. The transmission gear 82 is mounted on the support shaft 722L of the stirring member 72 to transmit the rotational driving force to the stirring member 72. The transmission gear 83 is mounted on the end of the rotating shaft 732 (an example of the second supporting shaft) of the supply roller 73 to transmit the rotational driving force to the supply roller 73. The transmission gear 84 is mounted on the rotating shaft 742 (see Figure 12 ) at the end portion thereof, transmitting the rotational driving force to the developing roller 74. Furthermore, the transmission gear 85 is rotatably supported by the support frame 711L in a state meshed with the transmission gear 82. The transmission gear 85 transmits the rotational driving force to the rotating member 90 provided on the support frame 711L.

[0078] If the rotational driving force is input to the input portion 76 and transmitted from the input gear 81 to the other transmission gears 82 to 85 constituting the transmission mechanism 80, the rotational driving force is transmitted to the stirring member 72, the supply roller 73, the developing roller 74 and the rotating member 90, and the stirring member 72, the supply roller 73, the developing roller 74 and the rotating member 90 rotate.

[0079] like Figure 12 As shown, the supply roller 73 is positioned in front of the developing roller 74 (in the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the developing device 70) and behind the stirring member 72. The supply roller 73 is a roller member that rotates while carrying the toner contained in the developer on its outer peripheral surface. The supply roller 73 is rotatably supported by a pair of support frames 711. As the supply roller 73 rotates, it carries the developer contained in the housing 71 on its outer peripheral surface and transports the developer to a position opposite the developing roller 74.

[0080] The supply roller 73 includes a cylindrical roller body 731 formed of a conductive elastic member, and a conductive rotating shaft 732 disposed at the center of the roller body 731. The roller body 731 is formed of an elastic member such as polyurethane in which carbon is appropriately dispersed. The rotating shaft 732 is a conductive metal shaft. Both ends of the rotating shaft 732 are rotatably supported in bearing holes (not shown) provided in a pair of support frames 711. In order to carry the charged colorant on the outer peripheral surface and to move the colorant from the supply roller 73 to the developing roller 74, a predetermined bias voltage (hereinafter referred to as the supply bias voltage) is applied to the supply roller 73.

[0081] In this embodiment, when the developing device 70 is mounted on the apparatus main body 11, the developing device 70 is supplied with power from the supply terminal 117 (see FIG. Figure 8) applies the supply bias to the rotating shaft 732 of the supply roller 73. Specifically, the supply terminal 117 is provided in a state where the developing device 70 is mounted and is aligned with the guide portion 791 (see FIG. Figure 15 、 Figure 16 ) contact position, if the developing device 70 is installed on the device body 11, the guide portion 791 contacts the supply terminal 117, and the supply bias is applied from the supply terminal 117 via the guide portion 791, the guide member 79, and the connecting portion 792 to the rotating shaft 732.

[0082] The developing roller 74 is positioned at the rear side of the housing 71. The developing roller 74 is a roller member that rotates while carrying the toner contained in the developer on its outer circumference. The developing roller 74 is rotatably supported by a pair of support frames 711. An opening 713 is formed on the rear side of the housing 71 to expose the developing roller 74 to the outside. When the developing device 70 is mounted in the device body 11, the developing roller 74 faces the photosensitive drum 61 with a predetermined gap therebetween.

[0083] The developing roller 74 has: a cylindrical roller body 741, which is composed of an elastic member having conductivity; and a rotating shaft 742 (an example of a first supporting shaft) having conductivity, which is arranged at the center of the roller body 741. The roller body 741 is formed of an elastic member such as polyurethane in which carbon is appropriately dispersed. In addition, the rotating shaft 742 is a metal shaft having conductivity. Both ends of the rotating shaft 742 are rotatably supported in bearings 77 (77L, 77R) provided in a pair of support frames 711 (see Figure 11 To move the toner from the supply roller 73 to the developing roller 74, a predetermined bias voltage (hereinafter referred to as a developing bias) is applied to the developing roller 74. Due to the potential difference between the developing bias voltage and the supply bias voltage, the charged toner is supplied from the supply roller 73 to the developing roller 74.

[0084] In this embodiment, when the developing device 70 is mounted on the apparatus main body 11, the developing device 70 is supplied from the supply terminal 116 (see FIG. Figure 8 ) applies the developing bias voltage to the rotating shaft 742 of the developing roller 74. Specifically, the supply terminal 116 is provided in a state where the developing device 70 is mounted and is connected to the bearing portion 77R (see FIG. Figure 15 ) contact position, if the developing device 70 is installed in the device body 11, the guide portion 77R2 of the bearing portion 77R (refer to Figure 15 ) contacts the supply terminal 116, and the developing bias is applied from the supply terminal 116 to the rotating shaft 742 via the guide portion 77R2.

[0085] like Figure 14As shown, a bearing portion 77L (an example of a first bearing portion) is provided in the support frame 711L. The bearing portion 77L is integrally formed in the support frame 711L and has a cylindrical guide portion 77L1 (an example of a first guide portion) protruding outward from the side surface of the outer side of the support frame 711L. The shaft end portion on the left side of the rotating shaft 742 is inserted into a bearing hole formed inside the bearing portion 77L, thereby supporting the shaft end portion so as to be rotatable. In this embodiment, the guide portion 77L1 of the bearing portion 77L also serves as the following guide member: that is, it is used to guide the developing device 70 to the installation position P11 determined on the drum unit 60 together with the guide portion 77R2 of the bearing portion 77R described later during the process of installing the developing device 70 to the device body 11.

[0086] In addition, if Figure 13 As shown, the side cover 75 is provided with a guide portion 78 integrally formed therewith. The guide portion 78 is positioned at a predetermined distance forward of the bearing portion 77L (the guide portion 77L1 thereof) (in the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the developing device 70). The guide portion 78 is a cylindrical member protruding outward from the outer side surface of the side cover 75. In this embodiment, the guide portion 78, together with the guide portion 791 of the guide member 79 (described later), guides the front end portion of the developing device 70 downward during installation of the developing device 70 into the device body 11.

[0087] Figure 15 It is a perspective view showing an enlarged right side portion of the developing device 70 .

[0088] like Figure 15 As shown, a bearing portion 77R (an example of a first bearing portion) is provided on the support frame 711R. The bearing portion 77R is an example of a first guide portion. The bearing portion 77R includes a cylindrical portion 77R1 integrally formed with the support frame 711R and a guide portion 77R2 (an example of a first guide portion) that is guided during the installation of the developing device 70 in the device body 11. The cylindrical portion 77R1 protrudes outward from the side surface outside the support frame 711R. The right end portion 742R of the rotating shaft 742 is inserted into the inner hole of the cylindrical portion 77R1, thereby supporting the shaft end portion 742R so that it can rotate.

[0089] When the rotating shaft 742 passes through the cylindrical portion 77R1, the shaft end portion 742R extends through the cylindrical portion 77R1 and is exposed to the outside. A cylindrical guide portion 77R2 is attached to this exposed portion. The guide portion 77R2 is formed, for example, from a conductive member. In this embodiment, the guide portion 77R2 is used to guide the developing device 70 to the installation position P11 determined on the drum unit 60 during installation of the developing device 70 in the device body 11.

[0090] In addition, if Figure 15As shown, the support frame 711R is provided with a guide portion 791. Specifically, a guide member 79 formed of a conductive member is fixed to the support frame 711R, and the guide portion 791 is integrally formed with the guide member 79. The guide portion 791 is an example of a second guide portion.

[0091] Figure 16 The shaft cover 712 is removed from the right side of the developing device 70 (see Figure 15 ) is a three-dimensional diagram of the state. Figure 16 As shown, a bearing hole for the shaft end portion 732R on the right side of the rotating shaft 732 supporting the supply roller 73 is formed in the support frame 711R, and the shaft end portion 732R passes through the bearing hole. A shaft cover 712 (see FIG. 1 ) is attached to the outer surface of the support frame 711R in a manner covering the shaft end portion 732R. Figure 15 ). In addition, Figure 15 In FIG. 7 , the component surrounded by the thick solid line is the shaft cover 712 .

[0092] like Figure 16 As shown, the guide member 79 is mounted on the outer surface of the support frame 711R. Figure 16 In the figure, the member surrounded by a thick solid line is a guide member 79. Guide member 79 is formed of a conductive member and includes a guide portion 791 and a connecting portion 792. Connecting portion 792 is connected to shaft end portion 732R that protrudes outward from support frame 711R, thereby electrically connecting the conductive rotating shaft 732 and the conductive guide member 79.

[0093] The guide portion 791 is provided at a predetermined distance forward of the bearing portion 77R. The guide portion 791 is a cylindrical member that protrudes outward from the outer side surface of the support frame 711R. In this embodiment, the guide portion 791 guides the front end portion of the developing device 70 downward during installation of the developing device 70 in the device body 11.

[0094] In addition, if Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the support frame 711R is provided with a cover member (cover member) 717 that closes a toner filling port formed in the support frame 711R. The toner filling port communicates with the interior of the housing 71, and toner is filled into the interior through the toner filling port.

[0095] As described above, the developing device 70 of this embodiment includes the bearings 77 (77L, 77R) provided on the pair of support frames 711. Therefore, when the developing device 70 is inserted into the device main body 11 while the device main body 11 is mounted on the drum unit 60, the guide portions 77L1 of the bearing 77L and the guide portions 77R2 of the bearing 77R included in the developing device 70 are guided toward the mounting position P11 (see FIG. 11 ) along the guide surface 112A of the device main body 11. Figure 8 )guide.

[0096] Specifically, when the guide portion 77L1 and the guide portion 77R2 inserted into the guide groove 111 through the insertion opening 113 reach the first bending point P1 of the guide groove 111, the guide portion 77L1 and the guide portion 77R2 enter the guide groove 112 from the upper end opening 114. Thereafter, they are guided along the guide surface 112A of the guide groove 112 toward the installation position P11. When the guidance of the guide surface 112A ends, the guide portion 77L1 and the guide portion 77R2 enter the guide groove 646 and are guided by the guide groove 646 to the installation position P11. Furthermore, when the guide portion 77L1 and the guide portion 77R2 are guided to the installation position P11, they are restrained by the stopper 647 at the installation position P11.

[0097] Furthermore, when the developing device 70 is mounted in the apparatus main body 11 , if the guide portions 78 , 791 enter the guide groove 112 , they are guided substantially downward along the guide surface 112B of the guide groove 112 .

[0098] As a result, the developing device 70 is positioned in the drum unit 60 , and the developing device 70 is locked to the drum unit 60 by a locking mechanism (not shown).

[0099] Furthermore, in the developing device 70 of this embodiment, the guide portion 77L1 provided on the bearing portion 77L and the guide portion 77R2 provided on the shaft end portion 742R serve as guided members when the developing device 70 is installed. In other words, the bearing portions 77L and 77R also serve as guide members for the developing device 70 when it is attached to and detached from the device main body 11. This reduces the number of components provided on the side surfaces of the developing device 70, resulting in a more compact housing 71 of the developing device 70.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the developing device 70 is installed, the guide portion 791 contacts the supply terminal 117, and the supply bias is applied from the supply terminal 117 to the rotating shaft 732 via the guide portion 791, the guide member 79, and the connecting portion 792. Furthermore, the guide portion 77R2 of the bearing portion 77R contacts the supply terminal 116, and the developing bias is applied from the supply terminal 116 to the rotating shaft 742 via the guide portion 77R2. In other words, the guide member 79 also serves as the power receiving terminal (power receiving portion) for the supply bias, and the bearing portion 77R also serves as the power receiving terminal (power receiving portion) for the developing bias. Therefore, there is no need to provide power receiving terminals on the side surfaces of the developing device 70, further reducing the number of components provided on the side surfaces. Consequently, the housing 71 of the developing device 70 can be made even more compact.

[0101] [second]

[0102] Figure 17 : is an enlarged perspective view showing details of the vicinity of the rotating member 90. Figure 17 As shown, a rotating member 90 (an example of a displacement member) is provided on the housing 71 of the developing device 70. Specifically, as described above, the rotating member 90 is supported on the outer surface of the support frame 711L. The rotating member 90 is a displacement member that can be moved by the detection switch 120 (see FIG. 11 ) described later. Figure 23 ) cannot detect the initial position ( Figure 14 、 Figure 17 The position shown) and the detection position ( Figure 20 The displacement between the positions shown)

[0103] In this embodiment, the rotating member 90 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 718 (see FIG. 1 ) provided upright on the support frame 711L. Figure 21 ) on. Therefore, the rotating member 90 can be along Figure 17 The rotation direction D11 (an example of a first rotation direction) shown is from the initial position to the detection position. Here, the rotation direction D11 is the rotation direction from the initial position toward the detection position.

[0104] Figure 18 and Figure 19 is a perspective view of the rotating member 90. Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the rotating member 90 includes: a rotating body 91 rotatably supported by the support frame 711L; a protrusion 92 protruding vertically from the surface 91A of the rotating body 91; a detected portion 93 provided on the protrusion 92; an elastic portion 94 provided on the rotating body 91; a supporting portion 95 provided on the back surface of the rotating body 91; and a gear portion 96 provided on the back surface of the rotating body 91 (see FIG. Figure 19The rotating member 90 is a member in which the above-mentioned parts are integrally formed, and is a molded part formed of synthetic resin.

[0105] A support shaft 718 (see Figure 21 ) passes through the shaft hole. By inserting the support shaft 718 into the shaft hole, the rotating member 90 is supported by the support shaft 718 so as to be rotatable.

[0106] The rotating body 91 has a plate-shaped sector 911 that is concentric with the axis of the support shaft 718 provided on the support frame 711L. The central angle of the sector 911 is set to approximately 120 degrees. A columnar protrusion 92 is provided at the center of the sector 911.

[0107] The arc-shaped elastic portion 94 extends from one circumferential end of the sector-shaped portion 911. Specifically, the curved rod-shaped elastic portion 94 protrudes in the return direction D12 from the end 912 of the sector-shaped portion 911 on the return direction D12 side. Here, the return direction D12 is opposite to the rotation direction D11. The elastic portion 94 is spaced apart from the protrusion 92 by a predetermined distance. Therefore, if an external force is applied to the elastic portion 94 from the radially outer side toward the center of the rotating member 90, the elastic portion 94 elastically bends toward the protrusion 92. Furthermore, if the external force is removed, the elastic portion 94 returns to its original position.

[0108] The detected portion 93 is provided on the protruding portion 92. The detected portion 93 is controlled by the detection switch 120 (see Figure 23 ) detected portion. Detected portion 93 is located on the opposite side of sector-shaped portion 911 and approximately one-quarter of the circumference away from elastic portion 94 in the return direction D12. Furthermore, detected portion 93 is located further outward from surface 91A than elastic portion 94. Detected portion 93 protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral edge of sector-shaped portion 911 and elastic portion 94.

[0109] When the rotating member 90 is at the initial position, the detected portion 93 is not opposite to the detection switch 120. In this embodiment, when the rotating member 90 rotates in the rotation direction D11 and the rotating member 90 rotates to the detection position, the detected portion 93 is opposite to the detection switch 120. At this time, the detected portion 93 abuts against the pressing portion 121 of the detection switch 120, pressing the pressing portion 121 inward. As a result, the detection switch 120 is actuated, and a detection signal is input to the control unit 100 (see Figure 24 ).

[0110] The detected portion 93 also serves as the pressing portion 121 of the detection switch 120 (see Figure 22) is pressed in to actuate the detection switch 120. Therefore, the detected portion 93 has an arc-shaped cam portion 931 that moves the pressing portion 121 in the pressing direction.

[0111] like Figure 19 As shown, a gear portion 96 in the shape of an arc is provided on the back side of the sector portion 911. The gear portion 96 is provided along the outer peripheral edge of the sector portion 911 corresponding to the arc portion. The gear portion 96 can mesh with the transfer gear 83 constituting the transfer mechanism 80. In this embodiment, when the rotating member 90 is arranged in the initial position, the gear portion 96 meshes with the transfer gear 83. In addition, the transfer gear 83 meshes with the gear portion 96 until the rotating member 90 reaches the detection position along the rotation direction D11. If the rotating member 90 reaches the detection position or has passed the detection position, the gear portion 96 is separated from the transfer gear 83, and the meshing of the gear portion 96 with the transfer gear 83 is released.

[0112] Figure 20 This shows the state in which the rotating member 90 has rotated from the initial position in the rotation direction D11 to the detection position. When a rotational driving force from a drive source such as a motor is input to the input portion 76 and transmitted from the input gear 81 via the transmission gear 82 and the transmission gear 85 to the gear portion 96, the rotating member 90 rotates in the rotation direction D11, moving from the initial position to the detection position. Furthermore, when the rotating member 90 reaches the detection position, the rotational driving force is no longer transmitted from the transmission gear 85, and the rotating member 90 stops at the detection position.

[0113] Figure 21 This is a cross-sectional view taken along a section passing through the detection portion 93 in a state where the side cover 75 is attached to the support frame 711L on the left side of the housing 71 . Figure 21 This shows a state where the rotating member 90 is arranged at the detection position.

[0114] like Figure 21 As shown, the developing device 70 includes a first restricting portion 753 and a second restricting portion 754. Specifically, the first restricting portion 753 and the second restricting portion 754 are integrally formed on the inner surface of the side cover 75. The first restricting portion 753 and the second restricting portion 754 both restrict the rotation of the rotating member 90 when the rotating member 90 is located at the detection position.

[0115] When the side cover 75 is attached to the support frame 711L, the first restricting portion 753 abuts against the detected portion 93, restricting the rotation member 90 from rotating in the rotation direction D11 from the detection position. Therefore, when the side cover 75 is attached and the developing device 70 is removed from the apparatus main body 11, the rotation member 90 cannot be manually rotated in the rotation direction D11.

[0116] The second restricting portion 754 contacts the front end portion 941 of the elastic portion 94 when the side cover 75 is attached to the support frame 711L, restricting the rotating member 90 from rotating in the return direction D12 (an example of the second rotational direction) from the detection position.

[0117] During the rotation of the rotating member 90 from the initial position to the detection position, the elastic portion 94 contacts the first limiting portion 753. If the rotation driving force in the rotation direction D11 is further applied to the rotating member 90, the elastic portion 94 is pressed toward the center of the rotating member 90 by the first limiting portion 753. In this case, the elastic portion 94 bends toward the center while the rotating member 90 rotates, thereby allowing the elastic portion 94 to pass over the first limiting portion 753 and reach the center. Figure 21 If the elastic portion 94 passes over the first restricting portion 753, the pressure of the first restricting portion 753 is released and the elastic portion 94 returns to its original state.

[0118] In this state, even if the rotating member 90 rotates in the return direction D12, the rotating member 90 cannot rotate from the detection position in the return direction D12 because the front end portion 941 of the elastic portion 94 abuts against the second restricting portion 754. Therefore, when the side cover 75 is attached and the developing device 70 is removed from the apparatus main body 11, the rotating member 90 cannot be manually rotated in the return direction D12.

[0119] Figure 22 This is a diagram showing a pressing portion 121 of a detection switch 120 provided in the image forming apparatus 10 . Figure 23 It is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the rotating member 90 in a state where the developing device 70 is mounted on the apparatus main body 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 . Figure 23 This shows a state in which the detected portion 93 of the rotating member 90 pushes the pressing portion 121 of the detection switch 120 .

[0120] like Figure 23As shown, a detection switch 120 (an example of a detection device) is provided on the device body 11. The detection switch 120 detects the installation status of the developing device 70 relative to the image forming device 10. The detection switch 120 is, for example, a limit switch, and has a pressing portion 121 that actuates a built-in contact. The pressing portion 121 is a movable portion that is movable relative to the switch body 122. The pressing portion 121 is pressed into the inside of the switch body 122 by overcoming the elastic force of an elastic member such as a spring provided in the switch body 122, so that the contact is turned on, thereby outputting a detection signal. The detection signal is input to the control unit 100 described later. In addition, the detection switch 120 is only an example of a detection device, and a detection device composed of a transmission-type optical sensor and an actuator may be used instead of the detection switch 120.

[0121] Figure 22 70 is not mounted on the drum unit 60 is mounted on the apparatus body 11. Figure 22 As shown, an opening 653 is formed in the housing 64 of the drum unit 60. Specifically, a rectangular opening 653 is formed in the second base frame 651 of the developer support portion 65 of the housing 64. When the drum unit 60 is mounted in the apparatus main body 11, the pressing portion 121 of the detection switch 120 passes through the opening 653 and protrudes upward from the second base frame 651. Therefore, when the developing device 70 is mounted on the drum unit 60, the detected portion 93 of the rotating member 90 can press the pressing portion 121.

[0122] In this embodiment, even when the developing device 70 is mounted on the drum unit 60 in the apparatus main body 11, the detection switch 120 does not operate when the rotating member 90 is in the initial position. On the other hand, when the rotating member 90 is in the detection position, the detection switch 120 is operated by the detected portion 93.

[0123] like Figure 24 As shown, the image forming apparatus 10 further includes a control unit 100 and a motor 110. Figure 24 1 is a block diagram showing a connection relationship among the control unit 100 , the motor 110 , and the detection switch 120 .

[0124] The control unit 100 controls the operation of various components of the image forming apparatus 10, including the image forming unit 50. The control unit 100 includes control devices such as a CPU, ROM, and RAM. The CPU is a processor that performs various calculations. The ROM is a nonvolatile storage medium that stores control programs for the CPU to perform various calculations. The RAM is a volatile or nonvolatile storage medium that stores various information. The control unit 100 can also be implemented as an integrated circuit (IC), such as an ASIC.

[0125] The motor 110 is a driving source that supplies the rotational driving force input to the input portion 76 of the developing device 70. The control unit 100 is connected to the motor 110 and controls the driving of the motor 110 by outputting a driving signal to the motor 110. The motor 110 is driven, for example, when the developing device 70 performs a developing operation.

[0126] When replacing a used developing device 70, the developing device 70 is usually removed from the image forming apparatus 10 and then a new, unused developing device 70 is installed in the apparatus main body 11 of the image forming apparatus 10. However, a used developing device 70 may be mistakenly installed in the apparatus main body 11. In addition, a developing device 70 that has exceeded its service life due to aging may be refilled with toner and then installed in the image forming apparatus.

[0127] In the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the installed developing device 70 is a new, unused developing device 70 or a used developing device 70 that has been installed once. Specifically, based on the detection signal (detection result) from the detection switch 120, the control unit 100 performs a process (hereinafter referred to as "new / old determination process") to determine whether the developing device 70 installed in the apparatus main body 11 is a new, unused developing device 70 or a used developing device 70 that has been installed once.

[0128] In order for the control section 100 to perform the new / old determination process, the rotating member 90 is arranged at the initial position in the new developing device 70 that has not been used.

[0129] Below, use Figure 25A and Figure 25B The timing diagram of the control unit 100 is used to illustrate the new and old judgment processing. Figure 25A : is a timing chart when the unused developing device 70 is mounted on the device main body 11. Figure 25B This is a timing chart when the used developing device 70 that has been installed once is mounted in the device main body 11 .

[0130] like Figure 25AAs shown, for example, at time T10, when the unused developing device 70 is installed in the drum unit 60 within the apparatus main body 11, the rotating member 90 of the developing device 70 is in the initial position. Therefore, the detected portion 93 of the rotating member 90 does not press the detection switch 120. Therefore, the detection switch 120 does not operate and remains in the OFF state. Subsequently, at time T11, which is later than time T10, the control unit 100 drives the motor 110 in a predetermined rotational direction. In this case, the control unit 100 drives the motor 110 until the rotating member 90 at least reaches the detection position. After Δt1 has passed since the motor 110 was started, the rotating member 90 rotates from the initial position to the detection position. When the rotating member 90 reaches the detection position, at time T12, the detected portion 93 presses the pressing portion 121 of the detection switch 120, causing the detection switch 120 to operate. This causes the detection switch 120 to switch from the OFF state to the ON state. At this point, a detection signal is input from the detection switch 120 to the control unit 100.

[0131] In this embodiment, Figure 25A In the timing chart shown, at initial mounting time T10 after the developing device 70 is mounted on the apparatus main body 11, if the detection switch 120 does not detect the detected portion 93 of the rotating member 90, that is, if the detection signal is not input to the control unit 100, the control unit 100 determines that the mounted developing device 70 is a new, unused developing device. This determination result is displayed, for example, on a display unit (not shown) provided in the image forming apparatus 10 by the control unit 100.

[0132] In addition, at the initial installation time T10, the detected part 93 is not detected by the detection switch 120, and thereafter, the rotating member 90 is driven by the motor 110 to move from the initial position to the detection position, thereby detecting the detected part 93 by the detection switch 120 at time T12. In the above case, the control unit 100 can also judge the installed developing device 70 as an unused new developing device.

[0133] Furthermore, after the developing device 70 is mounted on the apparatus main body 11, if the rotating member 90 is rotated to the detection position by starting the motor 110, the rotating member 90 is held at the detection position as described above. Therefore, once the developing device 70 is mounted on the apparatus main body 11 and the motor 110 is driven, the rotating member 90 does not return to the initial position.

[0134] Therefore, if Figure 25BAs shown, for example, at time T10, when the used developing device 70 is installed in the drum unit 60 in the apparatus main body 11, since the rotating member 90 is positioned at the detection position, the detection unit 93 presses the detection switch 120, causing it to operate. Specifically, at time T10, the detection unit 93 presses the pressing portion 121 of the detection switch 120, causing the detection switch 120 to operate. This causes the detection switch 120 to switch from the OFF state to the ON state. At this time, a detection signal is input from the detection switch 120 to the control unit 100.

[0135] In this embodiment, Figure 25B In the timing chart shown, at initial mounting time T10 immediately after the developing device 70 is mounted on the apparatus main body 11, when the detection switch 120 detects the detected portion 93 of the rotating member 90, that is, when the detection signal is input to the control unit 100, the control unit 100 determines that the mounted developing device 70 is a used developing device. This determination result is displayed, for example, on a display unit (not shown) provided in the image forming apparatus 10 by the control unit 100.

[0136] As described above, the image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment can reliably determine whether the developing device 70 mounted in the apparatus main body 11 is a new, unused developing device 70 or a used developing device 70 that has been mounted once. Furthermore, the result of the new / old determination process performed by the control unit 100 is displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus 10, allowing the user to easily understand whether the mounted developing device is a new developing device or a used developing device.

[0137] In the above embodiment, the example in which the developing device 70 is mounted on the drum unit 60 mounted on the image forming apparatus 10 is described. However, the present invention is also applicable to a case in which the housing 64 of the drum unit 60 is integrally formed with the apparatus body 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 .

[0138] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the developing device 70 is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus 10, but the present invention is also applicable to a toner container detachably attached to the image forming apparatus 10. In this case, the container body of the toner container has the same structure as the housing 71 of the developing device 70.

[0139] The scope of the present invention is not limited to the above description, but is defined by the claims. Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification are illustrative only and not limiting. Therefore, all modifications that do not depart from the scope and limits of the claims, as well as contents equivalent to the scope and limits of the claims, are included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An image forming device, characterized in that include: a container capable of storing a developer therein; a device body for detachably supporting the container; a detection device, disposed on the device body, for detecting the installation status of the container; a control unit, which determines whether the container is unused based on the detection result of the detection device; as well as A driving source is provided in the device body to generate driving force. The container comprises: an input portion to which the driving force is input in the mounted state; and a displacement member having a detected portion detected by the detection device and capable of displacement between an initial position where the detected portion is not detected by the detection device and a detection position where the detected portion is detected by the detection device, The control unit is configured to determine that the container is unused when the displacement member is not detected by the detection device in an initial mounting state immediately after the container is mounted on the device body, and to determine that the container is used when the displacement member is detected by the detection device in the initial mounting state. The displacement member is rotatably supported by a support member provided on one side in the longitudinal direction of the container via a support shaft. After the container is mounted on the device body, the displacement member rotates in a first rotation direction from the initial position toward the detection position by receiving the driving force input to the input portion. The initial position is when the detection device cannot detect the rotation position of the detected part. The detection position is that the detection device can detect the rotation position of the detected part, The displacement member has: a sector portion, concentric with the axis of the support shaft; as well as A bent rod-shaped elastic portion protrudes from an end portion of the fan-shaped portion on the second rotation direction side opposite to the first rotation direction toward the second rotation direction. The container also has a first limiting portion and a second limiting portion, The first limiting portion is configured to abut against the detected portion to limit the displacement member from rotating in the first rotation direction. The second restriction portion is configured to abut against the front end portion of the elastic portion after the displaceable member reaches the detection position to restrict the displaceable member from rotating in the second rotational direction.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The control unit determines that the container is unused when the displacement member is not detected by the detection device in the initial mounting state of the container and is subsequently detected by the detection device due to the displacement member being displaced from the initial position to the detection position.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The displacement member includes a gear portion that receives the driving force only in a section from the initial position to the detection position.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The container is a developing device that is attachable to and detachable from the device main body.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The container is a toner container that is attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body.

Images