Image forming apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides an image forming apparatus which facilitates processing of a wire harness. The image forming apparatus forms an image on a sheet. The roller is used for conveying a sheet; a motor for driving the rollers; an output unit that outputs an output unit signal; a main substrate having a control unit for controlling the motor; an encoder having a rotating body and a photoelectric sensor; and a sub-board on which the photoelectric sensor is disposed and which has a main-board connector, the main-board connector being connected to the main board via a first wire harness and electrically connected to the photoelectric sensor, the sub-board further having an output-unit connector to which an output-unit signal is input via a second wire harness connected to the output unit, and the main-board connector being electrically connected to the photoelectric sensor. The sub-substrate transmits the photoelectric sensor signal from the photoelectric sensor to the main substrate through the first wire harness, and transmits the output part signal to the main substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique of a wire harness in an image forming apparatus. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been an image forming apparatus including a motor for driving a roller of a fixing unit or a conveying roller and an encoder for detecting rotation information such as the rotation speed and rotation position of the motor. For example, in the image forming apparatus described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2019-165632, there are provided a DC brushless motor, a photoelectric sensor for detecting the rotation amount and rotation direction of the output shaft of the DC brushless motor, and a code disk.

[0003] Patent Literature

[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2019-165632

[0005] In the image forming apparatus, various sensors and the like are required in addition to the photoelectric sensor. The image forming apparatus needs to connect the wire harnesses from various sensors and the like and the wire harness from the photoelectric sensor to the main substrate respectively. If the wire harnesses are connected in a scattered manner, there is a problem that the processing of the wire harnesses becomes complicated. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application has been made in view of the above technical problems, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus in which the processing of wire harnesses is easy.

[0007] To achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present application forms an image on a sheet, and includes: a roller for conveying the sheet; a motor for driving the roller; an output unit that outputs an output unit signal indicating information of the image forming apparatus; a main substrate having a control unit for controlling the motor; an encoder having a rotating body and a photoelectric sensor, the rotating body being provided on a rotation shaft of the motor for detecting rotation of the rotation shaft, the photoelectric sensor detecting rotation of the rotating body and outputting a photoelectric sensor signal corresponding to the detection content; and a sub-substrate on which the photoelectric sensor is disposed and having a main substrate connector that is connected to the main substrate via a first wire harness, the main substrate connector being electrically connected to the photoelectric sensor, the sub-substrate further having an output unit connector that is input with the output unit signal via a second wire harness and is electrically connected to the main substrate connector, the second wire harness being connected to the output unit, and the sub-substrate transmitting the output unit signal to the main substrate via the first wire harness in addition to transmitting the photoelectric sensor signal from the photoelectric sensor to the main substrate.

[0008] Accordingly, the photoelectric sensor signal of the photoelectric sensor is transmitted from the main substrate connector of the sub-substrate to the main substrate via the first wire harness. In addition, the output signal of the output unit is input to the sub-substrate from the output unit via the second wire harness and the output unit connector. Then, the output unit signal is transmitted from the main substrate connector to the main substrate via the first wire harness. Therefore, the wire harness for transmitting the photoelectric sensor signal of the photoelectric sensor to the main substrate and the wire harness for transmitting the output signal of the output unit to the main substrate can be aggregated into the first wire harness through the sub-substrate. By aggregating multiple wire harnesses, the processing of the wire harnesses becomes easier. In addition, by reducing the number of wire harnesses, the space required for routing the wire harnesses can be reduced, and thus miniaturization of the image forming apparatus can be achieved.

[0009] Alternatively, it may be configured as follows: the output unit includes a sheet width sensor for detecting the width of the sheet, the output signal of the output unit includes a signal from the sheet width sensor, and the control unit detects the width of the sheet based on the output signal of the sheet width sensor.

[0010] Accordingly, the width of the sheet on which an image is formed can be detected using the sheet width sensor. It is possible to determine whether the detected width of the sheet is the sheet width set in the printing job. Alternatively, processing (such as image correction) corresponding to the detected width of the sheet can be executed. Moreover, the signal of the sheet width sensor can be transmitted through the first wire harness used in the transmission of the photoelectric sensor signal. Therefore, the wire harnesses required for transmitting the output signal of the sheet width sensor can be aggregated into the wire harness used in the transmission of the photoelectric sensor signal.

[0011] Alternatively, it may be configured as follows: an image forming unit is further provided, which forms an image on the sheet, can mount a processing cartridge, and can replace the mounted processing cartridge. The output unit includes a new product detection sensor for detecting whether the processing cartridge is a new product. The output signal of the output unit includes a signal from the new product detection sensor. The control unit determines whether the processing cartridge has been replaced with a new product based on the output signal of the new product detection sensor. The output unit connector has a sheet width sensor connector and a new product detection connector. The sheet width sensor connector is connected to the sheet width sensor, and the new product detection connector is connected to the new product detection sensor.

[0012] Accordingly, it is possible to use the new product detection sensor to determine whether the processing cartridge has been replaced with a new product, and it is possible to determine the timing of the next replacement of the processing cartridge. Moreover, it is possible to gather the wiring harnesses required for transmitting the signals of the new product detection sensor into the first wiring harness. Therefore, it is possible to further gather the wiring harnesses for transmitting the signals of the new product detection sensor into the wiring harnesses for transmitting the signals of the sheet width sensor and the optical sensor signals. In addition, as the output unit connector, by separately providing the sheet width sensor connector and the new product detection connector, it is possible to separately route the second wiring harnesses connected to the respective sensors to appropriate positions.

[0013] Alternatively, the configuration may be as follows: an image forming unit is further provided, which forms an image on the sheet, and is capable of mounting a processing cartridge and replacing the mounted processing cartridge. The processing cartridge has a developing roller and a non-volatile memory, and at least one of the information on the rotation speed of the developing roller and the information on the number of printed sheets can be stored in the non-volatile memory. The output unit includes a memory terminal that is connected to the non-volatile memory, the output unit signal includes a signal from the non-volatile memory, and the control unit determines the replacement timing of the processing cartridge based on the output unit signal of the non-volatile memory.

[0014] Accordingly, it is possible to manage at least one of the information on the rotation speed of the developing roller and the information on the number of printed sheets using the non-volatile memory provided in the processing cartridge. In addition, the control unit can determine the replacement timing of the processing cartridge based on the information stored in the non-volatile memory. Moreover, it is possible to gather the wiring harnesses required for transmitting the signals of the non-volatile memory into the first wiring harness. Therefore, it is possible to gather the wiring harnesses for transmitting the signals required for determining the replacement timing of the processing cartridge into the wiring harness for the optical sensor signal.

[0015] Alternatively, the configuration may be as follows: the output unit includes a sheet width sensor for detecting the width of the sheet, the output unit signal includes a signal from the sheet width sensor, the control unit detects the width of the sheet based on the output unit signal of the sheet width sensor, and the output unit connector has a memory terminal connector and a sheet width sensor connector, the memory terminal connector is connected to the memory terminal, and the sheet width sensor connector is connected to the sheet width sensor.

[0016] Accordingly, it is possible to use the sheet width sensor to perform determination of the sheet width set for the printing operation and the like. Moreover, the wiring harnesses required for transmitting the signals of the sheet width sensor can be gathered into a first wiring harness. The wiring harnesses required for transmitting the signals of the sheet width sensor can be further gathered into the wiring harnesses of the signals of the non-volatile memory and the photo sensor signals. In addition, as the output unit connector, a memory terminal connector connected to the non-volatile memory and a sheet width sensor connector are respectively provided, whereby the second wiring harnesses connected to the respective devices can be respectively routed to appropriate positions.

[0017] Alternatively, it may be configured as follows: the plane of the sub-board extends along a direction parallel to the axial direction of the rotation axis of the motor, and the main-board connector is disposed in a state of standing perpendicular to the plane of the sub-board.

[0018] Accordingly, the sub-board can be disposed parallel to the rotation axis of the motor. In addition, by setting the main-board connector perpendicular to the board plane, the first wiring harness can be inserted and removed from a direction perpendicular to the sub-board. In the image forming apparatus, the space required for disposing the sub-board can be reduced, and the operation of inserting and removing the first wiring harness to and from the main-board connector can be facilitated.

[0019] Alternatively, it may be configured as follows: an image forming unit is further provided, the image forming unit forms an image on the sheet, and includes a photosensitive drum and a laser unit that irradiates the photosensitive drum with laser for exposure. The main-board connector is disposed at a position between the rotating body and the laser unit in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the motor, and the main board is disposed at a position on the opposite side of the laser unit from the main-board connector.

[0020] Accordingly, a plurality of wiring harnesses of the sub-board routed from the main board to a position on the opposite side of the laser unit can be gathered into one wiring harness. The wiring around the laser unit can be reduced.

[0021] Alternatively, it may be configured as follows: an image forming unit is further provided, the image forming unit forms an image on the sheet, and a processing cartridge can be mounted and the mounted processing cartridge can be replaced. The output unit includes a memory terminal or a new product detection sensor. The memory terminal is connected to the non-volatile memory included in the processing cartridge, and the new product detection sensor is used to detect whether the processing cartridge is a new product. The sub-board can select either a circuit wiring for connecting the output unit connector to the main-board connector and connecting the memory terminal to the main board, or a circuit wiring for connecting the output unit connector to the main-board connector and connecting the new product detection sensor to the main board.

[0022] Thus, since two circuit wirings can be selected, as a structure for determining the replacement timing of the processing cartridge, it is possible to cope with either a case having a non-volatile memory or a case having a new product detection sensor. In addition, as a sub-board that can be used in both cases, the sub-board can be made common. By improving the versatility of the sub-board, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the image forming apparatus.

[0023] Alternatively, it may be configured as follows: in the case of including a memory terminal that connects the output unit to the non-volatile memory, either one of the selectable circuit wirings includes: a circuit wiring that connects a terminal of the main board connector supplied with power from the main board via the first wire harness to a terminal of the output unit connector that supplies power to the non-volatile memory via the second wire harness; and a circuit wiring that connects a terminal of the output unit connector through which data read from the non-volatile memory is input via the second wire harness to a terminal of the main board connector that outputs the read data to the control unit via the first wire harness. In the case where the output unit includes the new product detection sensor, either one of the selectable circuit wirings includes: a circuit wiring that connects a terminal of the main board connector supplied with power from the main board via the first wire harness to a terminal of the output unit connector that supplies power to the light emitting unit of the new product detection sensor via the second wire harness; and a circuit wiring that connects a terminal of the output unit connector through which a detection signal is input from the light receiving unit of the new product detection sensor via the second wire harness to a terminal of the main board connector that outputs the detection signal to the control unit via the first wire harness.

[0024] Thus, as the output unit, in the case of including a memory terminal, power can be supplied from the main board to the non-volatile memory via the circuit wiring of the sub-board. In addition, data read from the non-volatile memory can be output to the control unit via the circuit wiring of the sub-board.

[0025] In addition, as the output unit, in the case of including the new product detection sensor, power can be supplied from the main board to the light emitting unit of the new product detection sensor via the circuit wiring of the sub-board. In addition, the detection signal of the light receiving unit of the new product detection sensor can be output to the control unit via the circuit wiring of the sub-board.

[0026] At least a part of the circuit wiring in each structure can be made common.

[0027] Alternatively, it may be configured as follows: Any one of a first processing cartridge and a second processing cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus. The first processing cartridge has a non-volatile memory and a first cartridge terminal connected to the non-volatile memory. The second processing cartridge has a new product detection sensor and a second cartridge terminal connected to the new product detection sensor. The main substrate has a main terminal and a power terminal. The main terminal is connected to the control unit, and the power terminal outputs power. The main substrate connector has a main side sub-terminal and a power sub-terminal. The main side sub-terminal is connected to the main terminal via the first wiring harness, and the power sub-terminal is connected to the power terminal via the first wiring harness. The output unit connector has an output unit side sub-terminal, and the output unit side sub-terminal is connected to the first cartridge terminal or the second cartridge terminal via the second wiring harness. In the sub-substrate, a circuit wiring is provided that can select either connecting the output unit side sub-terminal to the main side sub-terminal or connecting the output unit side sub-terminal to the power sub-terminal.

[0028] Thus, by selecting the circuit wiring that connects the output unit side sub-terminal to the main side sub-terminal, a signal can be input from the non-volatile memory in the case where the first processing cartridge is installed or the new product detection sensor in the case where the second processing cartridge is installed to the control unit of the main substrate via the circuit wiring.

[0029] In addition, by selecting the circuit wiring that connects the output unit side sub-terminal to the power sub-terminal, power can be supplied from the main substrate to the non-volatile memory in the case where the first processing cartridge is installed or the new product detection sensor in the case where the second processing cartridge is installed via the circuit wiring.

[0030] The circuit wiring provided on the sub-substrate can be selectively applied to signal transmission or power supply.

[0031] Alternatively, it may be configured as follows: The image forming apparatus is installed with either the first processing cartridge or the second processing cartridge. The first processing cartridge has a non-volatile memory, a power terminal for supplying power to the non-volatile memory, and a read / write terminal for reading and writing to / from the non-volatile memory. The second processing cartridge has a new product detection sensor, a light receiving portion terminal for outputting a signal from the light receiving portion of the new product detection sensor, and a light emitting portion terminal for supplying power to the light emitting portion of the new product detection sensor. The main substrate has: a first main terminal connected to the control unit; a first power terminal for outputting power; a second main terminal connected to the control unit; and a second power terminal for outputting power. The main substrate connector has: a first main side sub-terminal connected to the first main terminal via the first wiring harness; a first power sub-terminal connected to the first power terminal via the first wiring harness; a second main side sub-terminal connected to the second main terminal via the first wiring harness; and a second power sub-terminal connected to the second power terminal via the first wiring harness. The output unit connector has: a first output unit side sub-terminal connected to the power terminal of the first processing cartridge or the light receiving portion terminal of the second processing cartridge; and a second output unit side sub-terminal connected to the read / write terminal of the first processing cartridge or the light emitting portion terminal of the second processing cartridge. Circuit wirings are provided on the sub-substrate that can selectively connect the first output unit side sub-terminal to the second main side sub-terminal or connect the first output unit side sub-terminal to the first power sub-terminal. Circuit wirings are provided on the sub-substrate that can selectively connect the second output unit side sub-terminal to the first main side sub-terminal or connect the second output unit side sub-terminal to the second power sub-terminal.

[0032] Thus, in the case of an image forming apparatus installed with the first processing cartridge, power can be supplied from the first power terminal of the main substrate to the first output unit side sub-terminal via the circuit wiring of the sub-substrate, and power can be supplied to the non-volatile memory via the power terminal. In addition, the read / write terminal of the first processing cartridge can be connected to the first main terminal of the main substrate via the circuit wiring of the sub-substrate. Reading of data from the non-volatile memory to the main substrate and writing of data from the main substrate to the non-volatile memory can be performed.

[0033] In addition, in the case of an image forming apparatus equipped with a second processing cartridge, power can be supplied from the second power terminal of the main substrate to the sub-terminal on the second output unit side via the circuit wiring of the sub-substrate, and power can be supplied to the light emitting unit via the light emitting unit terminal. In addition, the signal of the light receiving unit can be transmitted from the light receiving unit terminal of the second processing cartridge to the second main side sub-terminal via the circuit wiring of the sub-substrate. The main substrate can input the signal of the light receiving unit from the second main terminal.

[0034] In the case of manufacturing either an image forming apparatus equipped with a first processing cartridge or an image forming apparatus equipped with a second processing cartridge, the circuit wiring provided on the same sub-substrate can also be appropriately used to perform signal transmission and power supply. The sub-substrates of image forming apparatuses using different processing cartridges can be made common.

[0035] According to the image forming apparatus of the present application, the handling of the wire harness can be made easier. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic structure of a monochrome laser printer according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0037] Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing the control structure of the monochrome laser printer according to the first embodiment.

[0038] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing the mounting state of the main motor, sub-substrate, and laser unit according to the first embodiment.

[0039] Figure 4 It is a schematic view showing the mounting state of the main motor, sub-substrate, and laser unit according to the first embodiment.

[0040] Figure 5 It is a circuit diagram showing the connection between the main substrate and the first processing cartridge according to the first embodiment.

[0041] Figure 6 It is a block diagram showing the control structure of the monochrome laser printer according to the second embodiment.

[0042] Figure 7 It is a schematic view showing the mounting state of the main motor, sub-substrate, and laser unit according to the second embodiment.

[0043] Figure 8 It is a circuit diagram showing the connection between the main substrate and the second processing cartridge according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] (First Embodiment)

[0045] Hereinafter, using Figure 1 andFigure 2 , a monochrome laser printer according to a first embodiment, which is an embodiment in which the image forming apparatus of the present application is embodied, will be described. Figure 1 FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the monochrome laser printer 10 according to the first embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view of the monochrome laser printer 10 as viewed from the right side. Figure 2 FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the control structure of the monochrome laser printer 10. As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the monochrome laser printer (hereinafter simply referred to as "printer") 10 includes: a main body cover 11, a sheet feeding device 12, an image forming unit 13, a main substrate 15 (see Figure 2 ) and a sub-substrate 16 (see Figure 2 ). In the following description, as Figure 1 shown, the side of the printer 10 where the openable and closable tray 21 is provided is defined as the front (front) of the printer 10, and the left side when the printer 10 is viewed from the front is defined as the left side of the printer 10, and the front-back, left-right, and up-down directions are defined for description. That is, the Figure 1 left side in FIG. 5 is referred to as "front", the right side is referred to as "rear", the upper side is referred to as "upper", the lower side is referred to as "lower", the front side is referred to as "right", and the inner side is referred to as "left" for description.

[0046] The main body cover 11 has a box shape and houses the sheet feeding device 12 and the image forming unit 13. The openable and closable tray 21 is provided on the front surface of the main body cover 11 and is supported so as to be rotatable with respect to the lower end portion of the front surface of the main body cover 11. The openable and closable tray 21 opens the opening 22 on the front surface of the main body cover 11 by rotating toward the front surface side, and closes the opening 22 by rotating toward the rear side. A sheet guide 25 that contacts the sheet placed in the width direction (left-right direction) of the sheet and an end guide (not shown) that contacts the rear end of the sheet are provided on the openable and closable tray 21. The sheet guide 25 is mounted so as to be slidable in the left-right direction with respect to the openable and closable tray 21 and contacts the side surface of the placed sheet.

[0047] In addition, a pressure plate 23 is provided at the lower part of the main body cover 11. The user can open the openable and closable tray 21 and place a plurality of sheets on the pressure plate 23 and the openable and closable tray 21. The sheet is, for example, a sheet of a certain specification such as A4 size. In addition, the sheet is not limited to paper media such as plain paper and thick paper, and may also be other recording media such as OHP film. The pressure plate 23 is held by the main body cover 11 so as to be rotatable about the front end portion of the pressure plate 23. A displacement mechanism (not shown) for raising and lowering the rear end side of the pressure plate 23 is provided below the pressure plate 23. The pressure plate 23 raises the rear end portion by using this displacement mechanism before printing, and as Figure 1 shown in FIG. 6, makes the rear end portion into an inclined state close to the pickup roller 27 described later.

[0048] The sheet conveying device 12 includes a pickup roller 27, a separating roller 28, a pair of conveying rollers 29, and a pair of discharge rollers 31. The pickup roller 27, the separating roller 28, the conveying rollers 29, and the discharge rollers 31 are held by the main body cover 11 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the left-right direction. The pickup roller 27, the separating roller 28, the conveying rollers 29, and the discharge rollers 31 are respectively connected to an output gear 33B (refer to Figure 4 ), and rotate as the main motor 33 rotates. The output gear 33B is mounted on the rotation axis 33A (refer to Figure 2 ) of the main motor 33 (refer to Figure 4 ) provided in the main body cover 11.

[0049] The pickup roller 27 is provided above the rear end portion of the platen 23. After the sheet placed on the platen 23 is discharged from the platen 23 by the pickup roller 27, it is conveyed upward along the Figure 1 shown conveying path P1 to the image forming unit 13, and is discharged from the image forming unit 13 to a discharge tray 34 provided on the upper surface of the front side of the main body cover 11. In addition, an openable and closable auxiliary tray 35 is provided at the front end portion of the discharge tray 34.

[0050] The separating roller 28 is provided on the downstream side of the pickup roller 27 in the conveying path P1, and conveys the sheet while sandwiching it between the separating roller 28 and a conveying chute 37 provided at the lower end portion of the rear of the main body cover 11. A separating pad is provided at a position where the separating pad cooperates with the separating roller 28. After driving the above-mentioned displacement mechanism to move the platen 23 closer to the pickup roller 27 side, the sheet placed on the platen 23 is sent out by the rotation of the pickup roller 27. At this time, the sheet placed on the platen 23 is conveyed one by one by the separating pad and the separating roller 28.

[0051] A pair of conveying rollers 29 are provided above the separating roller 28. The pair of conveying rollers 29 are provided at positions facing each other across the conveying path P1 in the front-rear direction, and convey the sheet separated by the separating roller 28 to the image forming unit 13.

[0052] The image forming unit 13 includes a laser unit 41, a first processing cartridge 43, and a fixing unit 45. The laser unit 41 is provided on the front side inside the main body cover 11 and above the platen 23, and is mounted on a holding frame 107 described later (refer to Figure 3)。The laser unit 41 includes a laser emitting portion 47 that emits laser light, a polygon mirror 48 that polarizes the laser light emitted from the laser emitting portion 47, a polygon mirror motor 49 that rotates the polygon mirror 48, and so on. The laser unit 41 includes a coupling lens, a condenser lens, an fθ lens, a mirror, etc., which convert the laser light emitted from the laser emitting portion 47 into a light beam, and irradiate the light beam polarized by the polygon mirror 48 onto the photosensitive drum 51 located at the rear to expose it. The laser unit 41 irradiates a light beam (laser) to form an electrostatic latent image based on image data on the surface of the photosensitive drum 51.

[0053] The first processing cartridge 43 is disposed above the pickup roller 27 and has a box shape that is longer in the left - right direction. The image forming unit 13 is configured to be able to attach and detach the first processing cartridge 43 and to be able to replace the installed first processing cartridge 43. The first processing cartridge 43 includes a photosensitive drum 51, a transfer roller 52, a toner storage portion 53, a supply roller 55, a developing roller 57, a charger 58, and so on. The photosensitive drum 51 is a cylindrical member that extends in the left - right direction. The transfer roller 52 is disposed in the front - rear direction at a position opposite to the photosensitive drum 51 with the conveyance path P1 therebetween. The sheet fed upward from the conveyance roller 29 is conveyed upward within the first processing cartridge 43. The photosensitive drum 51 is rotated by the rotational driving force of the transfer main motor 33, and the sheet conveyed along the conveyance path P1 is sandwiched between the photosensitive drum 51 and the transfer roller 52 and conveyed upward.

[0054] The charger 58 is disposed above the photosensitive drum 51 and is, for example, a grid - controlled corona charger having a charging wire or grid. As Figure 2 shown, the charger 58 is connected to the high - voltage power supply substrate 59, and a voltage is applied from the high - voltage power supply substrate 59 to the charging wire. The main substrate 15 is connected to the high - voltage power supply substrate 59, and the magnitude of the voltage applied from the high - voltage power supply substrate 59 to the charging wire of the charger 58 is changed by controlling the high - voltage power supply substrate 59. The charger 58 generates corona discharge by applying a voltage from the high - voltage power supply substrate 59 to the charging wire, making the surface of the photosensitive drum 51 uniformly positively charged. After the photosensitive drum 51 is positively charged, it is exposed by the laser unit 41 to form an electrostatic latent image. In addition, the device for charging the photosensitive drum 51 is not limited to a grid - controlled corona charger, and other devices such as a roller - type charging roller may also be used. Also, the polarity of charging the photosensitive drum 51 is not limited to positive charging, and negative charging may also be used.

[0055] The toner storage section 53 of the first processing cartridge 43 stores the toner supplied to the photosensitive drum 51. The supply roller 55 supplies the toner from the toner storage section 53 to the developing roller 57. The developing roller 57 is rotated by the rotational driving force of the main motor 33, supplies the toner to the photosensitive drum 51, develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 51, and adsorbs the toner image. The toner adsorbed on the developing roller 57 moves toward the electrostatic latent image of the photosensitive drum 51 due to the potential difference between the electrostatic latent images formed on the developing roller 57 and the photosensitive drum 51, and a toner image is formed. In a state where the photosensitive drum 51 is in contact with the sheet on the transport path P1, the toner image is transferred to the sheet by applying a negative voltage to the transfer roller 52.

[0056] As Figure 1 shown, the fixing device 45 is provided above the first processing cartridge 43 and has a heating roller 61 and a pressure roller 62 disposed on the rear side of the heating roller 61 with the transport path P1 therebetween. The sheet onto which the toner image has been transferred by the first processing cartridge 43 is further transported upward along the transport path P1 and reaches the fixing device 45. The heating roller 61 has a heater 61A (see Figure 2 ), and heats the sheet using the heat of the heater 61A. In addition, the pressure roller 62 is rotated by the rotational driving force of the main motor 33, presses the sheet toward the heating roller 61, and applies pressure to the sheet. Thereby, the fixing device 45 fixes the toner image to the sheet.

[0057] A pair of discharge rollers 31 is provided above the rear end portion of the discharge tray 34. The pair of discharge rollers 31 is disposed at positions opposite to each other across the transport path P1 in the vertical direction and is rotated by the rotational driving force of the main motor 33. The pair of discharge rollers 31 discharges the sheet that has passed through the fixing device 45 to the discharge tray 34.

[0058] In addition, as Figure 2 shown, the printer 10 further has a low-voltage substrate 69 in addition to the above structure. The low-voltage substrate 69 supplies, for example, a DC voltage of 3.3V to the main substrate 15 and supplies a DC voltage of 24V to each part of the printer 10 such as the image forming section 13.

[0059] In addition, the main substrate 15 is a control substrate that comprehensively controls the printer 10 and has an ASIC 71, a ROM 72, a RAM 73, an NVRAM 74, and motor drivers 75, 76. The ASIC 71 is an Application Specific Integrated Circuit and has a CPU 77. The ASIC 71 is an example of the control section of the present application. In addition, the control section of the present application is not limited to the ASIC and may be other devices such as a SoC (System on a Chip).

[0060] Various control programs for controlling the printer 10, various setting information, etc. are stored in the ROM 72. The RAM 73 is, for example, a DRAM, and is used as a work area for reading out various control programs and a storage area for temporarily storing image data based on a printing job. The NVRAM 74 is used for storing setting values (flag values, etc.) used in various processes. The CPU 77 executes processing based on the control program read out from the ROM 72, signals input from various sensors, etc. (such as the sheet width sensor 93 described later), stores the processing results in the RAM 73 and the NVRAM 74, and controls each part of the printer 10.

[0061] In addition, Figure 2 The structure of the main board 15 shown is an example. For example, as a non-volatile storage device, the printer 10 may have an HDD, an SSD, etc. In addition, the storage medium for storing the control program, etc. may be an external storage medium such as a USB memory, or may be a storage medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM.

[0062] The motor drivers 75 and 76 are drive circuits for driving motors. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the mounting states of the main motor 33, the sub-board 16, and the laser unit 41. Figure 4 is a schematic view showing the mounting states of the main motor 33, the sub-board 16, and the laser unit 41.

[0063] As Figures 2 to 4 shown, the printer 10 has an encoder 81 for detecting the rotation of the main motor 33. The encoder 81 is, for example, an optical encoder, and has a rotating body 82 and a photoelectric sensor 83. The rotating body 82 is used to detect the rotation of the rotating shaft 33A of the main motor 33. The rotating body 82 is fixed to the rotating shaft 33A and rotates together with the rotating shaft 33A. The photoelectric sensor 83 is mounted on the sub-board 16 and, for example, has a light emitting part 83A and a light receiving part 83B. The light emitting part 83A is a light emitting diode, and the light receiving part 83B is a phototransistor. The photoelectric sensor 83 detects the rotation of the rotating body 82 and outputs a photoelectric sensor signal S1 corresponding to the detection content. The rotating body 82 is a so-called code wheel, has a disc shape, and is formed with a plurality of slits. A part of the outer peripheral portion of the rotating body 82 is disposed between the light emitting part 83A and the light receiving part 83B. In response to the rotation, the slits disposed between the light emitting part 83A and the light receiving part 83B change. Thereby, the state where light passes from the light emitting part 83A to the light receiving part 83B and the state where the light is blocked are switched, and light pulses are generated. The photoelectric sensor 83 outputs an electric signal corresponding to the light pulse as the photoelectric sensor signal S1.

[0064] In addition, the sub-substrate 16 has a main-substrate connector CN0, two output-section connectors CN1 and CN2, a solenoid connector CN3, and a main-motor connector CN4, in addition to the above-described photoelectric sensor 83. The main-substrate connector CN0 is connected to the main substrate 15 via the first wiring harness 87. The photoelectric sensor 83 is electrically connected to the main-substrate connector CN0 through the circuit wiring formed on the sub-substrate 16, and outputs a photoelectric sensor signal S1 to the main substrate 15 via the first wiring harness 87.

[0065] The motor driver 75 is connected to the main-motor connector CN4 via the first wiring harness 87 and the main-substrate connector CN0. The main-motor connector CN4 is connected to the main motor 33 via the control line 89. The motor driver 75 outputs a control signal S6 to the main motor 33 via the first wiring harness 87. For example, an amplifier circuit for switching the current supplied to the windings of the opposed motor is provided in the main motor 33. The amplifier circuit has a plurality of switching elements for switching the current, and is connected to the control line 89, and performs switching based on the control signal S6 input from the motor driver 75 to switch the current supplied to the windings. The ASIC 71 controls the motor driver 75 based on the photoelectric sensor signal S1 input from the photoelectric sensor 83 of the encoder 81, that is, based on the encoder information. The motor driver 75 changes the control signal S6 based on the control of the ASIC 71, controls the current supplied to the windings of the main motor 33, and controls the rotation of the main motor 33. Thereby, the rotation operation of each roller (such as the conveying roller 29) driven by the main motor 33 can be controlled.

[0066] In addition, the motor driver 76 is connected to the laser unit 41 via the laser unit wiring harness 91. The main substrate 15 controls the rotation operation of the polygon mirror motor 49 via the motor driver 76.

[0067] In addition, the printer 10 is provided with a sheet width sensor 93 that detects the width of a sheet in the left-right direction. The sheet width sensor 93 has, for example, an optical sensor or the like and is installed near the pickup roller 27. The sheet width sensor 93 outputs different output signals S2 according to the size of the sheet width. For example, when feeding a sheet smaller than a specified sheet width, the sheet width sensor 93 outputs a low-level output signal S2, and when feeding a sheet of a size equal to or greater than the specified sheet width, it outputs a high-level output signal S2. The output connector CN1 is connected to the sheet width sensor 93 via the second wire harness 95, and the output signal S2 is input from the sheet width sensor 93. The output connector CN1 is electrically connected to the main board connector CN0 through the circuit wiring of the sub-board 16. The sheet width sensor 93 outputs the output signal S2 to the ASIC 71 of the main board 15 via the output connector CN1, the main board connector CN0, and the first wire harness 87. Therefore, via the first wire harness 87, in addition to the photosensor signal S1 from the photosensor 83, the sub-board 16 also transmits the output signal S2 to the main board 15. The ASIC 71 detects the width of the sheet supplied from the platen 23 to the image forming unit 13 based on the output signal S2 of the sheet width sensor 93.

[0068] In addition, the first processing cartridge 43 of the first embodiment has a toner cartridge substrate 97. A non-volatile memory 97A is provided on the toner cartridge substrate 97. Further, in the image forming unit 13, external terminals (not shown) are provided at the portion where the first processing cartridge 43 is installed. The external terminals are connected to the second wire harness 99, and when the first processing cartridge 43 is installed in the image forming unit 13, the first processing cartridge 43 is electrically connected to the second wire harness 99. As a result, the second wire harness 99 is electrically connected to the non-volatile memory 97A of the toner cartridge substrate 97.

[0069] The non-volatile memory 97A is connected to the output unit connector CN2 via the second wire harness 99. In addition, the output unit connector CN2 is electrically connected to the main board connector CN0 through the circuit wiring of the sub-board 16. Therefore, the non-volatile memory 97A is connected to the ASIC 71 of the main board 15 via the second wire harness 99, the sub-board 16, and the first wire harness 87, and the output unit signal S3 is transmitted and received between the ASICs 71. The ASIC 71 measures the rotation speed of the developing roller 57, outputs the information on the measured rotation speed as the output unit signal S3, and writes it into the non-volatile memory 97A. The ASIC 71 increases the rotation speed stored in the non-volatile memory 97A in response to the driving of the developing roller 57. In addition, the ASIC 71 measures the number of printed sheets, outputs the information on the measured number of printed sheets as the output unit signal S3, and writes it into the non-volatile memory 97A. The ASIC 71 increases the number of printed sheets stored in the non-volatile memory 97A in response to the execution of printing. Then, based on a specified condition, the ASIC 71 reads out the information on the rotation speed of the developing roller 57 and the information on the number of printed sheets as the output unit signal S3 from the non-volatile memory 97A, and determines the replacement timing of the first processing cartridge 43. The specified condition mentioned here refers to, for example, the condition that the power of the printer 10 is turned on and the system startup is completed, the condition of receiving a printing job, etc. The ASIC 71 determines that the first processing cartridge 43 needs to be replaced, for example, when the rotation speed and the number of printed sheets read out from the non-volatile memory 97A exceed a specified threshold value, and notifies the user. In addition, it may be that the ASIC 71 stores the information on at least one of the rotation speed and the number of printed sheets in the non-volatile memory 97A, and determines the replacement timing of the first processing cartridge 43 based on the information on at least one of them.

[0070] In addition, as Figure 2 shown, the printer 10 has a solenoid 101. The solenoid 101 is a so-called electromagnetic clutch, and can switch the transmission state in which the rotational driving force of the main motor 33 is transmitted to the separation roller 28 and the pickup roller 27 and the non-transmission state in which the rotational driving force of the main motor 33 is not transmitted to the separation roller 28 and the pickup roller 27. The solenoid 101 is connected to the solenoid connector CN3 via the solenoid wire harness 103. The solenoid connector CN3 is connected to the main board connector CN0 through the circuit wiring of the sub-board 16. The ASIC 71 outputs a control signal S4 to the solenoid 101 via the first wire harness 87 to switch the transmission state and the non-transmission state of the solenoid 101.

[0071] In addition, the sub-board 16 is connected to the fuser 45 via the fuser wire harness 105. The ASIC 71 outputs a control signal S5 to the fuser 45 via the first wire harness 87, the main board connector CN0, and the fuser wire harness 105 to switch the on / off of the heater 61A. Thereby, the temperature of the heater 61A is controlled at a specified target temperature.

[0072] In addition, as Figure 3 shown, the sub-substrate 16, the main motor 33, and the laser unit 41 are mounted on a resin holding frame 107. In addition, Figure 4 the illustration of the holding frame 107 is omitted. In addition, the first processing cartridge 43 is detachably mounted on the rear side of the holding frame 107. The second harness 99 is routed from the output unit connector CN2 to the mounting position of the first processing cartridge 43.

[0073] Both left and right sides of the holding frame 107 are held by two resin frames 108 and 109 respectively. The resin frame 108 is provided on the left side of the holding frame 107. A sheet width sensor 93, a solenoid 101, etc. are mounted on the resin frame 108. The second harness 95 is routed from the output unit connector CN1 to the sheet width sensor 93 of the resin frame 108. In addition, the solenoid harness 103 is routed from the solenoid connector CN3 to the solenoid 101 of the resin frame 108. In addition, the resin frame 109 is provided on the right side of the holding frame 107. The main substrate 15 is mounted on the right side (outer side) of the resin frame 109. The laser unit 41 is mounted on the upper surface of the holding frame 107. The laser unit harness 91 passes through a through hole 109A formed in the resin frame 109 to connect the laser unit 41 and the main substrate 15.

[0074] In addition, the main motor 33 is held by a motor housing 111 (refer to Figure 4 ), and the motor housing 111 is mounted on the upper surface of the holding frame 107. In addition, Figure 3 the state where the motor housing 111 is removed is shown. The sub-substrate 16 is mounted on the motor housing 111. The sub-substrate 16 is mounted on the motor housing 111 in a state where the plane of the sub-substrate 16 is parallel to the axial direction (in the present embodiment, the left-right direction) of the rotation axis 33A of the main motor 33. On the rear side surface of the sub-substrate 16, a main substrate connector CN0, output unit connectors CN1, CN2, a solenoid connector CN3, and a main motor connector CN4 are provided in order from the right side. Therefore, the main substrate connector CN0 is provided on the rightmost side among the five connectors in the left-right direction, that is, at the position closest to the laser unit 41 and the resin frame 109.

[0075] The main board connector CN0 is arranged in a state of standing upright in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the sub-board 16. The main board connector CN0 is mounted on the sub-board 16 so as to protrude rearward from the rear surface of the sub-board 16. Further, in a state where the sub-board 16 is mounted on the motor housing 111, the main board connector CN0 is arranged at a position between the rotating body 82 and the laser unit 41 in the axial direction (in the left-right direction in the present embodiment) of the rotation shaft 33A of the main motor 33. Therefore, the main board 15 is arranged at a position on the right side, which is opposite to the main board connector CN0 with the laser unit 41 interposed therebetween, in the left-right direction. The first wire harness 87 passes through the through-hole 109B formed in the resin frame 109, is led out from the main board 15 on the right side of the resin frame 109 to the left side of the resin frame 109, and then is routed from the right side to the left side along the upper surface of the laser unit 41. Then, the first wire harness 87 is connected to the sub-board 16 via the main board connector CN0 at a position between the left side of the laser unit 41 and the rotating body 82 and the laser unit 41.

[0076] Next, the circuit wiring of the sub-board 16 connected to the second wire harness 99 will be described. Figure 5 It is a circuit diagram showing the connection between the main board 15 and the first processing cartridge 43. In addition to the circuit wirings 131, 136, 133, 137, 135 for connecting the second wire harness 99 for connecting to the toner cartridge substrate 97 (non-volatile memory 97A) of the first processing cartridge 43 of the first embodiment to the main board 15, the sub-board 16 also has circuit wirings 132, 134 for connecting the new product detection sensor 181 (refer to Figure 6 ) of the second processing cartridge 43A of the second embodiment to the main board 15. Then, the sub-board 16 can cope with both the first processing cartridge 43 and the second processing cartridge 43A by changing the connection of the circuit wirings 131 to 137. Therefore, in the following description, the circuit wirings and terminals related to the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the circuit wirings and terminals related to the second embodiment will be described later in the second embodiment.

[0077] As Figure 5As shown, the ASIC 71 has a data terminal 113 and a sensor terminal 114. In addition, the main substrate 15 has a first power terminal 120, a second main terminal 121 connected to the sensor terminal 114, a first main terminal 122 connected to the data terminal 113, a second power terminal 123, and a ground terminal 124 for the reference potential. The main substrate connector CN0 has a first power sub-terminal 125, a second main-side sub-terminal 126, a first main-side sub-terminal 127, a second power sub-terminal 128, and a main-side ground terminal 129. The first power terminal 120, the second main terminal 121, the first main terminal 122, the second power terminal 123, and the ground terminal 124 are respectively connected to the first power sub-terminal 125, the second main-side sub-terminal 126, the first main-side sub-terminal 127, the second power sub-terminal 128, and the main-side ground terminal 129 of the main substrate connector CN0 via the first wire harness 87 in sequence.

[0078] Circuit wirings 131 to 137 are formed on the sub-substrate 16. The output unit connector CN2 has a first output unit-side sub-terminal 141, a second output unit-side sub-terminal 142, and an output unit-side ground terminal 143. In addition, the toner cartridge substrate 97 has three memory terminals 151 to 153. The memory terminal 151 is connected to a power supply terminal 161 of the non-volatile memory 97A. The memory terminal 151 is connected to the first output unit-side sub-terminal 141 of the output unit connector CN2 via the second wire harness 99. One end of the circuit wiring 131 is connected to the first power sub-terminal 125 of the main substrate connector CN0, and the other end is connected to the circuit wiring 136 via the jumper 171. One end of the circuit wiring 136 is connected to the jumper 171, and the other end is connected to the first output unit-side sub-terminal 141. Therefore, the first power terminal 120 of the main substrate 15 is connected to the terminal 161 of the non-volatile memory 97A via the first wire harness 87, the circuit wirings 131, 136, the jumper 171, and the second wire harness 99. The main substrate 15 supplies 3.3V of power from the first power terminal 120 to the terminal 161 of the non-volatile memory 97A. In other words, the sub-substrate 16 has circuit wirings 131 and 136 that connect the first power sub-terminal 125 of the main substrate connector CN0 and the first output unit-side sub-terminal 141 of the output unit connector CN2. The first power sub-terminal 125 is supplied with power from the main substrate 15 via the first wire harness 87, and the first output unit-side sub-terminal 141 supplies power to the non-volatile memory 97A via the second wire harness 99. In addition, although the wiring branched from the circuit wiring 136 is routed to a position where it can be connected to the circuit wiring 132, it is not connected to the circuit wiring 132. As Figure 8As shown, in the second embodiment, this end portion of the circuit wiring 136 is connected to the circuit wiring 132 via the jumper 201. Thus, the circuit wiring 136 functions as a circuit wiring that connects the ASIC 71 and the new product detection sensor 181.

[0079] In addition, the memory terminal 152 of the first processing cartridge 43 is connected to the data terminal 162 of the non-volatile memory 97A. The memory terminal 152 is connected to the second output portion side sub-terminal 142 of the output portion connector CN2 via the second wire harness 99. One end of the circuit wiring 133 is connected to the first main side sub-terminal 127 of the main board connector CN0, and the other end is connected to the circuit wiring 137 via the jumper 172. One end of the circuit wiring 137 is connected to the circuit wiring 133, and the other end is connected to the second output portion side sub-terminal 142 of the output portion connector CN2. Therefore, the first main terminal 122 of the ASIC 71 is connected to the terminal 162 of the non-volatile memory 97A via the first wire harness 87, the circuit wirings 133, 137, the jumper 172, and the second wire harness 99. The ASIC 71 inputs the output portion signal S3 output from the terminal 162 to the data terminal 113 and performs data reading from the non-volatile memory 97A. In addition, the ASIC 71 outputs the output portion signal S3 from the data terminal 113 to the terminal 162 and performs data writing to the non-volatile memory 97A. In other words, the sub-board 16 has the circuit wirings 133 and 137 that connect the second output portion side sub-terminal 142 of the output portion connector CN2 and the first main side sub-terminal 127 of the main board connector CN0. The second output portion side sub-terminal 142 is input with the output portion signal S3 read from the non-volatile memory 97A via the second wire harness 99, and the first main side sub-terminal 127 outputs the read output portion signal S3 to the ASIC 71 via the first wire harness 87. In addition, although the wiring branched from the circuit wiring 137 is wired to a position where it can be connected to the circuit wiring 134, it is not connected to the circuit wiring 134. As Figure 8 As shown, in the second embodiment, this end portion of the circuit wiring 137 is connected to the circuit wiring 134 via the jumper 202. Thus, the circuit wiring 137 functions as a circuit wiring that supplies power from the main board 15 to the new product detection sensor 181.

[0080] In addition, the method of electrically connecting circuit wiring 131 to circuit wiring 136 and circuit wiring 133 to circuit wiring 137 is not limited to the method using jumpers 171 and 172. For example, it may also be a method of using other conductive components such as jumper pins for connection. Or, components such as a slide switch for switching the connection of rotating wiring may be used. In this case, a slide switch may also be used to switch the circuit wiring connected to circuit wiring 136 to circuit wiring 131 and circuit wiring 132. Additionally, a slide switch may be used to switch the circuit wiring connected to circuit wiring 137 to circuit wiring 133 and circuit wiring 134. Or, each circuit wiring may be connected through a wiring pattern formed on the substrate. The same applies to the jumpers 201 and 202 of the second embodiment.

[0081] In addition, the ground terminal 124 of the main substrate 15 is connected to the main-side ground terminal 129 of the main-substrate connector CN0 via the first harness 87. The main-side ground terminal 129 is connected to the output-side ground terminal 143 of the output-unit connector CN2 via the circuit wiring 135. The output-side ground terminal 143 is connected to the memory terminal 153 of the first processing cartridge 43 via the second harness 99. The memory terminal 153 is connected to the terminal 163 for the reference potential of the non-volatile memory 97A. The ground potential (GND), which is the reference potential of the main substrate 15, is connected to the terminal 163 via the ground terminal 124, the first harness 87, the circuit wiring 135, and the second harness 99. The non-volatile memory 97A performs writing and reading of data with the reference potential supplied to the terminal 163 as the reference.

[0082] As described above, according to the first embodiment described above, the following effects are achieved.

[0083] (1) In the sub-substrate 16 included in the printer 10 of the present embodiment, the photosensor 83 of the encoder 81 is arranged. In addition, the sub-substrate 16 has: the main-substrate connector CN0 connected to the main substrate 15 via the first harness 87; the output-unit connector CN1 connected to the sheet-width sensor 93 via the second harness 95; and the output-unit connector CN2 connected to the memory terminals 151 to 153 via the second harness 99. Then, the printer 10 transmits, via the first harness 87 to the main-substrate connector CN0, not only the photosensor signal S1 but also the output signal S2 of the sheet-width sensor 93 and the output signal S3 of the non-volatile memory 97A.

[0084] Accordingly, the harness for transmitting the photoelectric sensor signal S1 of the photoelectric sensor 83 to the main substrate 15 and the harness for transmitting the output signals S2 and S3 of the sheet width sensor 93 and the non-volatile memory 97A to the main substrate 15 can be gathered into the first harness 87 through the sub-substrate 16. By gathering multiple harnesses, the processing of the harnesses becomes easier. In addition, by reducing the number of harnesses, the space required for the routing of the harnesses can be reduced, and thus the miniaturization of the printer 10 can be achieved.

[0085] (2) In addition, in the first embodiment, the output signal S2 of the sheet width sensor 93 is input to the ASIC 71 via the sub-substrate 16 and the first harness 87. The ASIC 71 detects the width of the sheet based on the output signal S2 of the sheet width sensor 93. Accordingly, the ASIC 71 can make a determination as to whether the width of the sheet detected based on the output signal S2 of the sheet width sensor 93 is the sheet width set in the printing operation. Moreover, the output signal S2 of the sheet width sensor 93 can be transmitted through the first harness 87 used in the transmission of the photoelectric sensor signal S1. Therefore, the harnesses required for the transmission of the output signal S2 of the sheet width sensor 93 can be gathered into the harness used for the transmission of the photoelectric sensor signal S1.

[0086] (3) In addition, the information on the rotation speed of the developing roller 57 and the information on the number of printed sheets can be stored in the non-volatile memory 97A of the first processing cartridge 43. The toner cartridge substrate 97 has memory terminals 151 to 153 connected to the non-volatile memory 97A. The ASIC 71 determines the replacement timing of the first processing cartridge 43 based on the output signal S3 input from the non-volatile memory 97A via the memory terminal 152.

[0087] Accordingly, the ASIC 71 can determine the replacement timing of the first processing cartridge 43 based on the information stored in the non-volatile memory 97A. Moreover, the harnesses required for the transmission of the output signal S3 of the non-volatile memory 97A can be gathered into the first harness 87. Therefore, the harnesses for transmitting the signals required for the determination of the replacement timing of the first processing cartridge 43 can be gathered into the harness of the photoelectric sensor signal S1.

[0088] In addition, in the non-volatile memory 97A, in addition to the information on the rotation speed of the developing roller 57 and the information on the number of printed sheets, information such as the model suitable for the first processing cartridge 43, the specifications of the first processing cartridge 43, the toner capacity, the life of the developing roller 57, and information indicating whether the first processing cartridge 43 is a new product can also be stored.

[0089] (4) Further, the sub-substrate 16 has an output connector CN2 connected to the memory terminals 151 to 153 and an output connector CN1 connected to the sheet width sensor 93. Thus, by separately providing the output connector CN2 connected to the non-volatile memory 97A and the output connector CN1 connected to the sheet width sensor 93, the second wiring harnesses 95 and 99 connected to the respective devices can be routed to appropriate positions.

[0090] (5) Further, the plane of the sub-substrate 16 is along a direction parallel to the axial direction of the rotation shaft 33A of the main motor 33 (see Figure 4 ). The main substrate connector CN0 is arranged in a state of standing upright in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the sub-substrate 16. Thus, the sub-substrate 16 can be arranged parallel to the rotation shaft 33A of the main motor 33. Further, by arranging the main substrate connector CN0 perpendicular to the substrate plane, the first wiring harness 87 can be inserted and removed from a direction perpendicular to the sub-substrate 16. In the printer 10, the space required for arranging the sub-substrate 16 can be reduced, and the operation of inserting and removing the first wiring harness 87 to and from the main substrate connector CN0 can be facilitated.

[0091] (6) Further, as Figure 4 shown, the main substrate connector CN0 is arranged at a position between the rotating body 82 and the laser unit 41 in the axial direction of the rotation shaft 33A of the main motor 33. The main substrate 15 is arranged at a position on the opposite side of the laser unit 41 from the main substrate connector CN0. Thus, a plurality of wiring harnesses of the sub-substrate 16 routed from the main substrate 15 to a position on the opposite side of the laser unit 41 can be gathered into one wiring harness. The wiring around the laser unit 41 can be reduced.

[0092] (Second Embodiment)

[0093] Next, a second embodiment of the present application will be described. In the above-described first embodiment, the printer 10 including the first processing cartridge 43 having the non-volatile memory 97A has been described. In contrast, the second processing cartridge 43A included in the printer 10A of the second embodiment does not have the non-volatile memory 97A, but has a new product detection sensor 181, which is different from the first processing cartridge 43 of the first embodiment in this regard. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the control structure of the printer 10A (monochrome laser printer) according to the second embodiment. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the installation state of the main motor 33, the sub-substrate 16, and the laser unit 41 according to the second embodiment. Figure 8This is a circuit diagram showing the connection between the main substrate 15 and the second processing cartridge 43A according to the second embodiment. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same structures as those in the first embodiment described above, and the description thereof is appropriately omitted.

[0094] As Figures 6 to 8 shown, the second processing cartridge 43A is different from the first processing cartridge 43 of the first embodiment and does not have a toner cartridge substrate 97 (non-volatile memory 97A). On the other hand, as a device for determining the replacement timing, the second processing cartridge 43A of the second embodiment has a new product detection sensor 181 and a new product detection gear 182. The new product detection sensor 181 is connected to the output unit connector CN2 of the sub-substrate 16 via the second wire harness 99. The new product detection gear 182 is provided, for example, inside the second processing cartridge 43A and is a gear used to determine the newness or oldness of the second processing cartridge 43A. The new product detection gear 182 is connected to the output gear 33B of the main motor 33 via a gear mechanism (not shown) provided inside the second processing cartridge 43A, and rotational driving force is transmitted from the main motor 33. The new product detection gear 182 is provided with a toothless gear at a prescribed position in the rotational direction. This toothless gear is arranged at a position (hereinafter referred to as the power transmission position) meshing with the gear mechanism connected to the output gear 33B when the new second processing cartridge 43A is installed in the image forming unit 13.

[0095] When the ASIC 71 performs a new product detection operation for determining whether the second processing cartridge 43A is a new product, it drives the main motor 33, thereby driving the gear mechanism. When the new second processing cartridge 43A is installed in the image forming unit 13, that is, in the case of the new product detection gear 182 of the new second processing cartridge 43A, it is arranged at the above-mentioned power transmission position, and power is transmitted via the toothless gear, thereby rotating a prescribed rotation angle.

[0096] On the other hand, the new product detection gear 182 of the second processing cartridge 43A that has once performed the new product detection operation, that is, the second processing cartridge 43A that is not a new product, is in a state where the toothless gear has rotated a prescribed rotation angle from the power transmission position. Therefore, when the second processing cartridge 43A that is not a new product is installed in the image forming unit 13, even if the new product detection operation is performed on the new product detection gear 182, since it is not in the action transmission position, the rotational driving force from the main motor 33 is not transmitted and it does not rotate.

[0097] In the new product detection gear 182, a detected portion is provided at a prescribed rotational position. This detected portion is, for example, a rod-shaped member protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral portion of the new product detection gear 182. The new product detection sensor 181 is, for example, a photoelectric sensor, as Figure 8As shown, it has a light emitting section 184 and a light receiving section 185. The light emitting section 184 is a light emitting diode, and the light receiving section 185 is a phototransistor. As described above, when the new second processing cartridge 43A is installed in the image forming section 13 and the new product detection operation is performed, the new product detection gear 182 rotates a predetermined rotation angle, whereby the detection section crosses the detection area of the new product detection sensor 181. That is, the light from the light emitting section 184 toward the light receiving section 185 is blocked. Thus, the ASIC 71 can determine whether the new second processing cartridge 43A has been replaced based on the output signal S7 of the new product detection sensor 181. In addition, the ASIC 71 uses the time point when it is determined that the new second processing cartridge 43A has been replaced as a reference to measure the rotation speed of the developing roller 57 and the number of printed sheets, whereby the replacement timing of the second processing cartridge 43A can be determined. Specifically, for example, when the rotation speed and the number of printed sheets after replacement become equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value, the ASIC 71 determines that the second processing cartridge 43A needs to be replaced and notifies the user. In addition, the structure of the device for determining whether it is a new product described above is an example. For example, the device for detecting the rotation of the new product detection gear 182 is not limited to a photoelectric sensor, and may also be a magnetic sensor or an electromagnetic induction sensor.

[0098] As Figure 8 shown, the second processing cartridge 43A has a light receiving section terminal 193, a light emitting section terminal 194, and a ground terminal 195. When the second processing cartridge 43A is installed in the image forming section 13, the light receiving section terminal 193, the light emitting section terminal 194, and the ground terminal 195 are electrically connected to the second wire harness 99 via external terminals (not shown) provided on the installation section. The collector terminal of the light receiving section 185 is connected to the light receiving section terminal 193, and the emitter terminal is connected to the ground terminal 195. The light receiving section terminal 193 is connected to the first output section side sub-terminal 141 of the output section connector CN2 via the second wire harness 99. Similar to the first embodiment, one end of the circuit wiring 136 of the second embodiment is connected to the first output section side sub-terminal 141, and the other end is connected to the circuit wiring 132 via the jumper 201. In addition, different from the first embodiment, the circuit wiring 136 of the second embodiment is not connected to the circuit wiring 131. One end of the circuit wiring 132 is connected to the jumper 201, and the other end is connected to the second main side sub-terminal 126 of the main board connector CN0. The second main side sub-terminal 126 is connected to the second main terminal 121 of the main board 15 via the first wire harness 87 and is also connected to the sensor terminal 114 of the ASIC 71. In addition, the sensor terminal 114 is connected to a 3.3V power supply via the pull-up resistor 115. In addition, the ground terminal 195 of the second processing cartridge 43A is connected to the circuit wiring 135 via the second wire harness 99 and the output section side ground terminal 143, and is also connected to the ground potential (GND) of the main board 15 via the ground terminal 124.

[0099] Further, the positive terminal of the light emitting unit 184 is connected to the light emitting unit terminal 194, and the negative terminal is connected to the ground terminal 195. The light emitting unit terminal 194 is connected to the second output unit side sub-terminal 142 of the output unit connector CN2 via the second wire harness 99. One end of the circuit wiring 137 of the second embodiment is connected to the second output unit side sub-terminal 142 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the other end is connected to the circuit wiring 134 via the jumper 202. Different from the first embodiment, the circuit wiring 137 of the second embodiment is not connected to the circuit wiring 133. One end of the circuit wiring 134 is connected to the jumper 202, and the other end is connected to the second power sub-terminal 128 of the main board connector CN0. The second power sub-terminal 128 is connected to the second power terminal 123 of the main board 15 via the first wire harness 87, and 3.3V power is supplied from the main board 15.

[0100] The ASIC 71 applies a voltage from the second power terminal 123 of the main board 15 to the light emitting unit 184 in accordance with the execution of the new product detection operation, thereby causing the light emitting unit 184 to emit light. In a state where the light receiving unit 185 receives the light from the light emitting unit 184, the phototransistor of the light receiving unit 185 conducts. Therefore, the ASIC 71 inputs the output unit signal S7 of the reference potential from the sensor terminal 114. On the other hand, when the new product detection gear 182 rotates and the light from the light emitting unit 184 to the light receiving unit 185 is blocked, the phototransistor is turned off during the blocking period. The ASIC 71 inputs the output unit signal S7 of 3.3V from the sensor terminal 114 via the pull-up resistor 115. For example, when the potential of the output unit signal S7 is maintained at the reference potential during the new product detection operation, the ASIC 71 determines that the second processing cartridge 43A is not a new product. In addition, when the output unit signal S7 rises from the reference potential to 3.3V and then drops back to the reference potential during the new product detection operation, the ASIC 71 determines that the second processing cartridge 43A is a new product. Thus, it is possible to determine whether the replaced second processing cartridge 43A is a new product.

[0101] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved. In addition, according to the second embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0102] (1) The second processing cartridge 43A of the second embodiment has a new product detection sensor 181 for detecting whether the second processing cartridge 43A is a new product. The ASIC 71 determines whether the second processing cartridge 43A has been replaced with a new product based on the output unit signal S7 of the light receiving unit 185 of the new product detection sensor 181. Moreover, the sub-board 16 has an output unit connector CN1 connected to the sheet width sensor 93 and an output unit connector CN2 connected to the new product detection sensor 181.

[0103] Accordingly, the wire harnesses required for transmitting the output section signal S7 of the new product detection sensor 181 can be gathered in the first wire harness 87. Thus, the wire harness for transmitting the output section signal S7 of the new product detection sensor 181 can be further gathered into the wire harnesses for the output section signal S2 of the sheet width sensor 93 and the photo sensor signal S1. Additionally, by providing an output section connector CN1 for the sheet width sensor 93 and an output section connector CN2 for the new product detection sensor 181 respectively, the second wire harnesses 95 and 99 connected to the respective sensors can be wired to appropriate positions respectively.

[0104] In addition, as described above, the printers 10 and 10A of the first and second embodiments have circuit wirings 131 to 137 (refer to Figure 5 , Figure 8 ) shared with the sub-substrate 16. Moreover, by changing the circuit wirings 131 to 137 connected by the jumpers 171, 172, 201, and 202, it is possible to correspond to either the structure of the first processing cartridge 43 of the first embodiment or the structure of the second processing cartridge 43A of the second embodiment. The printers 10 and 10A of the first and second embodiments have the following effects.

[0105] (1) The first processing cartridge 43 of the first embodiment has memory terminals 151 to 153 connected to the non-volatile memory 97A. The second processing cartridge 43A of the second embodiment has a new product detection sensor 181 for detecting whether the second processing cartridge 43A is a new product. Moreover, the sub-substrate 16 can select the circuit wirings 131, 133, 135, 136, 137 (refer to Figure 5 ) for connecting the output section connector CN2 to the main substrate connector CN0 and connecting the memory terminals 151 to 153 to the main substrate connector CN0 and the circuit wirings 132, 134, 135, 136, 137 (refer to Figure 8 ) for connecting the output section connector CN2 to the main substrate connector CN0 and connecting the new product detection sensor 181 to the main substrate connector CN0.

[0106] Accordingly, since two sets of circuit wirings 131 to 137 can be selected, as a structure for determining the replacement timing of the first processing cartridge 43 and the second processing cartridge 43A, it is possible to correspond to either the case having the non-volatile memory 97A or the case having the new product detection sensor 181. In addition, as the sub-substrate 16 that can be used in both cases, the sub-substrate 16 can be made general-purpose. By improving the versatility of the sub-substrate 16, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the printer 10.

[0107] (2) Additionally, in the first embodiment, the circuit wirings 131 and 136 connect the first power sub-terminal 125 of the main substrate connector CN0, which is supplied with power from the main substrate 15 via the first harness 87, and the first output section side sub-terminal 141 of the output section connector CN2, which supplies power to the non-volatile memory 97A via the second harness 99. Additionally, the circuit wirings 133 and 137 connect the second output section side sub-terminal 142, which receives the data read from the non-volatile memory 97A (output section signal S3) via the second harness 99, and the first main side sub-terminal 127, which outputs the read data to the ASIC 71 via the first harness 87.

[0108] Additionally, in the second embodiment, the circuit wirings 134 and 137 connect the second power sub-terminal 128 of the main substrate connector CN0, which is supplied with power from the main substrate 15 via the first harness 87, and the second output section side sub-terminal 142 of the output section connector CN2, which supplies power to the light emitting section 184 of the new product detection sensor 181 via the second harness 99. Additionally, the circuit wirings 132 and 136 connect the first output section side sub-terminal 141, which receives the output section signal S7 from the light receiving section 185 of the new product detection sensor 181 via the second harness 99, and the second main side sub-terminal 126, which outputs the output section signal S7 to the ASIC 71 via the first harness 87.

[0109] Thus, in the first embodiment, power can be supplied from the main substrate 15 to the non-volatile memory 97A via the circuit wirings 131 and 136 of the sub-substrate 16. Additionally, the data read from the non-volatile memory 97A can be output to the ASIC 71 via the circuit wirings 133 and 137 of the sub-substrate 16.

[0110] Additionally, in the second embodiment, power can be supplied from the main substrate 15 to the light emitting section 184 of the new product detection sensor 181 via the circuit wirings 134 and 137 of the sub-substrate 16. Additionally, the output section signal S7 of the light receiving section 185 of the new product detection sensor 181 can be output to the ASIC 71 via the circuit wirings 132 and 136 of the sub-substrate 16.

[0111] The circuit wirings 136 and 137 can be made common in each structure.

[0112] (3) Additionally, the main substrate 15 has a second main terminal 121, a first main terminal 122, a first power terminal 120, and a second power terminal 123 connected to the ASIC 71. The main-substrate connector CN0 has a second main-side sub-terminal 126 connected to the second main terminal 121 via the first wire harness 87 and a first main-side sub-terminal 127 connected to the first main terminal 122 via the first wire harness 87. Additionally, the main-substrate connector CN0 has a first power sub-terminal 125 connected to the first power terminal 120 via the first wire harness 87 and a second power sub-terminal 128 connected to the second power terminal 123 via the first wire harness 87. Additionally, the output-section connector CN2 has a first output-section side sub-terminal 141, and the first output-section side sub-terminal 141 is connected to the memory terminal 151 of the first processing cartridge 43 or the light-receiving section terminal 193 of the second processing cartridge 43A via the second wire harness 99. Additionally, the output-section connector CN2 has a second output-section side sub-terminal 142, and the second output-section side sub-terminal 142 is connected to the memory terminal 152 of the first processing cartridge 43 or the light-emitting section terminal 194 of the second processing cartridge 43A via the second wire harness 99. Moreover, circuit wirings 133 and 134 are formed on the sub-substrate 16, and the circuit wirings 133 and 134 can selectively connect either the second output-section side sub-terminal 142 to the first main-side sub-terminal 127 or the second output-section side sub-terminal 142 to the second power sub-terminal 128. Additionally, circuit wirings 131 and 132 are formed on the sub-substrate 16, and the circuit wirings 131 and 132 can selectively connect either the first output-section side sub-terminal 141 to the second main-side sub-terminal 126 or the first output-section side sub-terminal 141 to the first power sub-terminal 125.

[0113] Thus, by selecting the circuit wirings 131 to 137, a signal can be input from the non-volatile memory 97A when the first processing cartridge 43 is installed or from the new-product detection sensor 181 when the second processing cartridge 43A is installed to the ASIC 71 of the main substrate 15 via the circuit wirings 131 to 137. Additionally, by selecting the circuit wirings 131 to 137, power can be supplied from the main substrate 15 to the non-volatile memory 97A or the new-product detection sensor 181 via the circuit wirings 131 to 137. The circuit wirings 131 to 137 provided on the sub-substrate 16 can be selectively used for signal transmission or power supply.

[0114] (4) Further, circuit wirings 131, 132, 136 are formed on the sub-substrate 16, and the circuit wirings 131, 132, 136 can selectively connect between the first output portion side sub-terminal 141 and the second main side sub-terminal 126 or the first power sub-terminal 125. Further, circuit wirings 133, 134, 137 are formed on the sub-substrate 16, and the circuit wirings 133, 134, 137 can selectively connect between the second output portion side sub-terminal 142 and the first main side sub-terminal 127 or the second power sub-terminal 128.

[0115] Thus, in the first embodiment, power can be supplied from the first power terminal 120 of the main substrate 15 to the first output portion side sub-terminal 141 via the circuit wirings 131, 136 of the sub-substrate 16, and power can be supplied to the non-volatile memory 97A via the memory terminal 151. Further, the memory terminal 152 of the first processing cartridge 43 can be connected to the first main terminal 122 of the main substrate 15 via the circuit wirings 133, 137 of the sub-substrate 16. Reading of data from the non-volatile memory 97A to the main substrate 15 and writing of data from the main substrate 15 to the non-volatile memory 97A can be performed.

[0116] Further, in the second embodiment, power can be supplied from the second power terminal 123 of the main substrate 15 to the second output portion side sub-terminal 142 via the circuit wirings 134, 137 of the sub-substrate 16, and power can be supplied to the light emitting portion 184 via the light emitting portion terminal 194. Further, signals of the light receiving portion 185 can be transmitted from the light receiving portion terminal 193 of the second processing cartridge 43A to the second main side sub-terminal 126 via the circuit wirings 132, 136 of the sub-substrate 16. The main substrate 15 can input the output portion signal S7 of the light receiving portion 185 from the second main terminal 121.

[0117] When manufacturing and installing either the printer 10 with the first processing cartridge 43 or the printer 10A with the second processing cartridge 43A, signal transmission and power supply can also be appropriately performed using the circuit wirings 131 to 137 provided on the same sub-substrate 16. The sub-substrate 16 used in the printers 10, 10A using different processing cartridges can be made universal.

[0118] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist thereof.

[0119] For example, in the above-described embodiments, as the output unit that outputs a signal of the output unit representing information of the image forming apparatus of the present application, the sheet width sensor 93, the memory terminals 151 to 153, and the new product detection sensor 181 are employed, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the output unit of the present application may also be a sensor for detecting the rear end position (sheet length) of the sheet. Alternatively, as the output unit, a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the sheet, a sensor for detecting the stacking amount of the sheet, or the like can be employed. In addition, one output unit can perform multiple functions. For example, the output unit can be a sensor that serves as both a sheet width sensor for detecting the sheet width and a sheet length sensor for detecting the rear end position of the sheet.

[0120] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, as the "roller for conveying the sheet" of the present application, the pickup roller 27, the separation roller 28, the conveyance roller 29, the transfer roller 52, the pressure roller 62, and the discharge roller 31 are employed, but it is not limited thereto. For example, in the case where the printer 10 is a printer capable of double-sided printing, as the "roller for conveying the sheet" of the present application, a roller for flipping the sheet can be employed. Therefore, as the "roller for conveying the sheet" of the present application, various rollers that convey the sheet and are driven by a motor can be employed.

[0121] Furthermore, in the above-described second embodiment, a structure having the new product detection sensor 181 is employed for the second processing cartridge 43A, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the second processing cartridge 43A has a structure having a new product detection gear 182. Moreover, a new product detection sensor substrate having a light emitting unit 184 and a light receiving unit 185 can be disposed in the monochrome laser printer 10.

[0122] When the second processing cartridge 43A is installed in the image forming unit 13, that is, in the case of the new product detection gear 182 of the new second processing cartridge 43A, it can also be a structure that is disposed at the power transmission position and is rotated by a predetermined rotation angle by being transmitted power via a toothless gear.

[0123] Moreover, it can also be that, instead of the second processing cartridge 43A, the new product detection sensor substrate has a light receiving unit terminal 193, a light emitting unit terminal 194, and a ground terminal 195.

[0124] The output unit connector CN2 of the sub-substrate 16 can be a structure that is respectively connected to the light receiving unit terminal 193, the light emitting unit terminal 194, and the ground terminal 195 of the new product detection sensor substrate.

[0125] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, as the image forming unit of the present application, the image forming unit 13 that performs monochrome printing is adopted, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the image forming unit may also be a printing unit that can mount a plurality of first processing cartridges 43 and perform color printing. In addition, the printing method is not limited to the electrophotographic method, and other methods such as the inkjet method may also be used. In addition, the image forming unit of the present application is not limited to the printing unit that performs printing, and may also be an image forming unit that forms other images such as fax data on a sheet. Therefore, the image forming apparatus of the present application is not limited to a printer, and may also be a fax apparatus. In addition, the image forming apparatus of the present application may also be a multifunction machine having multiple functions such as a printing function, a copying function, a fax function, and a scanning function. Therefore, the structure of the image forming unit can be appropriately changed according to the functions possessed by the image forming apparatus.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet, characterized in that, Comprising: A roller for conveying a sheet; A motor for driving the roller; An output unit that outputs an output unit signal representing information of the image forming apparatus; A main substrate having a control unit for controlling the motor; An encoder having a rotating body and a photoelectric sensor. The rotating body is provided on the rotating shaft of the motor for detecting the rotation of the rotating shaft, and the photoelectric sensor detects the rotation of the rotating body and outputs a photoelectric sensor signal corresponding to the detection content; And A sub-substrate on which the photoelectric sensor is disposed and having a main substrate connector. The main substrate connector is connected to the main substrate via a first wire harness, and the main substrate connector is electrically connected to the photoelectric sensor. The sub-substrate further has an output unit connector. The output unit connector is input with the output unit signal via a second wire harness and is electrically connected to the main substrate connector. The second wire harness is connected to the output unit. The sub-substrate transmits the output unit signal in addition to the photoelectric sensor signal from the photoelectric sensor to the main substrate via the first wire harness.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The output unit includes a sheet width sensor for detecting the width of the sheet. The output unit signal includes a signal from the sheet width sensor. The control unit detects the width of the sheet based on the output unit signal of the sheet width sensor.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein It further comprises an image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet, and is capable of mounting a processing cartridge and replacing the mounted processing cartridge. The output unit includes a new product detection sensor for detecting whether the processing cartridge is a new product. The output unit signal includes a signal from the new product detection sensor. The control unit determines whether the processing cartridge has been replaced with a new product based on the output unit signal of the new product detection sensor. The output unit connector has a sheet width sensor connector and a new product detection connector. The sheet width sensor connector is connected to the sheet width sensor, and the new product detection connector is connected to the new product detection sensor.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein It further comprises an image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet, and is capable of mounting a processing cartridge and replacing the mounted processing cartridge. The processing cartridge has a developing roller and a non-volatile memory. At least one of information on the rotation speed of the developing roller and information on the number of printed sheets can be stored in the non-volatile memory. The output unit includes a memory terminal connected to the non-volatile memory. The output unit signal includes a signal from the non-volatile memory. The control unit determines the replacement timing of the processing cartridge based on the output unit signal of the non-volatile memory.

5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: the output unit includes a sheet width sensor for detecting the width of the sheet; the output unit signal includes a signal from the sheet width sensor; the control unit detects the width of the sheet based on the output unit signal from the sheet width sensor; the output unit connector has a memory terminal connector and a sheet width sensor connector, the memory terminal connector being connected to the memory terminal, and the sheet width sensor connector being connected to the sheet width sensor.

6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the plane of the sub-substrate extends in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the rotation axis of the motor; the main substrate connector is arranged in a state of standing upright in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the sub-substrate.

7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: it further includes an image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet and has a photosensitive drum and a laser unit that irradiates the photosensitive drum with laser light for exposure; the main substrate connector is arranged in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the motor at a position between the rotating body and the laser unit; the main substrate is provided at a position on the opposite side of the laser unit from the main substrate connector.

8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: it further includes an image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet, is capable of mounting a processing cartridge, and is capable of replacing the mounted processing cartridge; the output unit includes a memory terminal or a new product detection sensor, the memory terminal being connected to the non-volatile memory provided in the processing cartridge, and the new product detection sensor being used to detect whether the processing cartridge is a new product; the sub-substrate can select either a circuit wiring for connecting the output unit connector to the main substrate connector and connecting the memory terminal to the main substrate, or a circuit wiring for connecting the output unit connector to the main substrate connector and connecting the new product detection sensor to the main substrate.

9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: in the case of including a memory terminal for connecting the output unit to the non-volatile memory, the circuit wiring that can select either one includes: a circuit wiring for connecting a terminal of the main substrate connector supplied with power from the main substrate via the first wire harness to a terminal of the output unit connector supplying power to the non-volatile memory via the second wire harness; and a circuit wiring for connecting a terminal of the output unit connector to which data read from the non-volatile memory is input via the second wire harness to a terminal of the main substrate connector that outputs the read data to the control unit via the first wire harness. in the case where the output unit includes the new product detection sensor, the circuit wiring that can select either one includes: A circuit wiring that connects the terminals of the connector for the main substrate, which is supplied with power from the main substrate via the first wire harness, to the terminals of the connector for the output section, which supplies power to the light-emitting section of the new product detection sensor via the second wire harness; and A circuit wiring that connects the terminals of the connector for the output section, which receives a detection signal input from the light-receiving section of the new product detection sensor via the second wire harness, to the terminals of the connector for the main substrate, which outputs the detection signal to the control section via the first wire harness.

10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein either the first processing cartridge or the second processing cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the first processing cartridge has a non-volatile memory and a first cartridge terminal connected to the non-volatile memory, the second processing cartridge has a new product detection sensor and a second cartridge terminal connected to the new product detection sensor, the main substrate has a main terminal connected to the control section and a power terminal that outputs power, the connector for the main substrate has a main-side sub-terminal connected to the main terminal via the first wire harness and a power sub-terminal connected to the power terminal via the first wire harness, the connector for the output section has an output-section-side sub-terminal connected to the first cartridge terminal or the second cartridge terminal via the second wire harness, a circuit wiring is provided in the sub-substrate that can select either connecting the output-section-side sub-terminal to the main-side sub-terminal or connecting the output-section-side sub-terminal to the power sub-terminal.

11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein either the first processing cartridge or the second processing cartridge is mounted on the image forming apparatus, the first processing cartridge has a non-volatile memory, a power terminal for supplying power to the non-volatile memory, and a read / write terminal for reading and writing to the non-volatile memory, the second processing cartridge has a new product detection sensor, a light-receiving section terminal for outputting a signal from the light-receiving section of the new product detection sensor, and a light-emitting section terminal for supplying power to the light-emitting section of the new product detection sensor, the main substrate has: a first main terminal connected to the control section; a first power terminal that outputs power; a second main terminal connected to the control section; and a second power terminal that outputs power, the connector for the main substrate has: a first main-side sub-terminal connected to the first main terminal via the first wire harness; a first power sub-terminal connected to the first power terminal via the first wire harness; a second main-side sub-terminal connected to the second main terminal via the first wire harness; and a second power sub-terminal connected to the second power terminal via the first wire harness, the connector for the output section has: A first output unit side sub-terminal that is connected to the power terminal of the first processing cartridge or the light receiving unit terminal of the second processing cartridge; And A second output unit side sub-terminal that is connected to the reading and writing terminal of the first processing cartridge or the light emitting unit terminal of the second processing cartridge, On the sub-substrate, there is circuit wiring that can selectively connect the first output unit side sub-terminal to the second main side sub-terminal, or connect the first output unit side sub-terminal to the first power sub-terminal, On the sub-substrate, there is circuit wiring that can selectively connect the second output unit side sub-terminal to the first main side sub-terminal, or connect the second output unit side sub-terminal to the second power sub-terminal.

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