Image forming device

Abstract

To provide an image forming apparatus that can easily and reliably determine whether a container attached to an apparatus body is an unused one that has never been used.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus 70 comprises: a developing device 70; an apparatus body 11 that removably supports the developing device 70; a detection switch 120 that is provided in the apparatus body 11; and a control unit 100. The developing device 70 has a rotating member 90 that is displaceable between an initial position where it is not detected by the detection switch 120 and a detection position where it is detected. In an initial attachment state immediately after the attachment of the developing device 70 to the apparatus body 11, when the rotating member 90 is not detected by the detection switch 120, the control unit 100 determines that the developing device 70 is unused, and when the rotating member 90 is detected, determines that the developing device 70 is already used.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 25A

Description

[Technical field]

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

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

[0003] The image forming apparatus is also provided with a toner container that contains toner to be replenished to the developing device. When the toner in the toner container is consumed, the toner container is replaced with a new one filled with toner.

[0004] The developing roller of the developing device deteriorates over time and develops poorly, so after a certain period of time, the developing device is replaced with a new developing device to maintain image quality. Also, a developing device that is integrated with a toner storage section cannot perform development when the toner in the toner storage section runs out, so it is replaced with a new, unused developing device filled with toner. For this reason, conventional image forming devices have a configuration that supports the developing device in a detachable manner so that the developing device can be replaced (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-237849 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Incidentally, when a used developing device is replaced, the developing device is usually removed from the image forming device, and then a new, unused developing device is attached to the image forming device. However, there are cases where a used developing device is mistakenly attached to an image forming device. There are also cases where a developing device that has exceeded its useful life due to deterioration over time is refilled with toner, and the developing device is attached to an image forming device. There are also cases where a used toner container is replaced, and the used toner container is mistakenly attached to an image forming device at the time of replacement. There are also cases where a used toner container is refilled with deteriorated toner, and the toner container is attached to an image forming device.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily and reliably determining whether a container attached to the apparatus body is an unused one that has never been used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus includes a container capable of accommodating a developer therein, a device body detachably supporting the container, a detection means provided in the device body for detecting an attachment state of the container, and a control unit for determining whether the container is unused or not based on a detection result by the detection means. The container has a displacement member that is displaceable between an initial position not detected by the detection means and a detection position detected by the detection means. The control unit determines that the container is unused when the displacement member is not detected by the detection means in an initial attachment state immediately after the container is attached to the device body, and determines that the container has been used when the displacement member is detected by the detection means in the initial attachment state. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily and reliably determine whether or not a container to be attached to the main body of an image forming apparatus is an unused container that has never been used. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the top cover of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is open. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an image forming unit included in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the image forming unit is removed from the apparatus main body. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a drum unit included in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of a drum unit included in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken along line VII-VII of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the drum unit is attached to the apparatus main body. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front left side. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the rear right side. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the section XII-XII of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a partial enlarged view of the left side of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a left side view of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention with the side cover removed. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the right side of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a state in which the shaft cover is removed from the right side of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a partial enlarged view of the left side of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention, with the side cover removed. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a rotating member provided on the left side of the developing device. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a rotating member provided on the left side of the developing device. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a left side view of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention with the side cover removed. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along a cut surface passing through the detection portion of the rotating member on the left side of the developing device. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a detection switch provided in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the rotating member in a state in which the developing device is mounted on an image forming apparatus. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing the connection relationship between the control unit, the motor, and the detection switches. [Figure 25A] FIG. 25A is a timing chart showing the drive timing of the motor and the detection timing of the detection switch when an unused developing device is attached to the apparatus main body. [Figure 25B] FIG. 25B is a timing chart showing the drive timing of the motor and the detection timing of the detection switch when a used developing device is attached to the apparatus main body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. The embodiment described below is merely an example of the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention. For convenience of explanation, the following description will be given using the up-down direction 7, the front-rear direction 8, and the left-right direction 9 shown in each drawing. In addition, in Figs. 1 to 5, the vertical direction is defined as the up-down direction 7 in an installation state in which the image forming apparatus 10 is usable (the state shown in Fig. 1), and the front-rear direction 8 and the left-right direction 9 (width direction 9) are defined in the installation state.

[0012] [No. 1] 1 to 3 show an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 10 is an apparatus having at least a printing function, for example, a printer that forms a single-color image on a sheet such as printing paper according to an electrophotographic method. The image forming apparatus 10 prints an image on printing paper based on image data input from the outside via a communication unit (not shown). Note that the image forming apparatus 10 is not limited to a single-color printer, and may be a color printer that forms a color image. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 10 may be a multifunction machine that has various functions such as a facsimile and a copier in addition to the printing function.

[0013] Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views showing the exterior of an image forming apparatus 10, with Fig. 1 showing a state in which a top cover 12 and a front cover 13 are closed, and Fig. 2 showing a state in which the top cover 12 and the front cover 13 are open. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the apparatus main body 11. Note that the top cover 12 is not shown in Fig. 3.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the image forming device 10 is formed in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the width direction 9, and includes an apparatus main body 11 to which various parts that perform image formation processing are attached, a top cover 12 provided on the upper part of the apparatus main body 11, and a front cover 13 provided on the front side of the apparatus main body 11.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 2, an opening 21 that leads to the inside is formed in the upper part of the device body 11, and a top cover 12 is provided so as to be able to open and close this opening 21. The top cover 12 is supported around a hinge 24 provided at the rear end of the upper part of the device body 11 so as to be able to open and close between an open position (position shown in Fig. 2) in which the opening 21 is opened and a closed position (position shown in Fig. 1) in which the opening 21 is closed. When the top cover 12 is rotated upward (in the opening direction) to open the opening 21, an image forming unit 50 (described later) and the like mounted inside the device body 11 are exposed. In this state, the user can remove the developing device 70 supported by the image forming unit 50 from inside the device body 11.

[0016] Furthermore, an opening 22 that leads to the inside is formed at the lower part of the front surface of the device body 11, and a front cover 13 is provided so as to be able to open and close this opening 22. The front cover 13 is supported around a hinge 25 provided at the lower end part on the front side of the device body 11 so as to be able to open and close between an open position (position shown in FIG. 2) that opens the opening 22, and a closed position (position shown in FIG. 1) that closes the opening 22. When the front cover 13 is rotated forward (opening direction) to open the opening 22, it becomes possible to set printing paper inside the device body 11 through the opening 22.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 3, image forming apparatus 10 mainly includes image forming unit 50, fixing section 31, paper feed tray 32, feeding unit 33, LSU (Laser Scanner Unit) 34, paper discharge tray 35 (see Fig. 1), a plurality of transport rollers 37 provided in transport path 36, and discharge roller 38 provided at the end of transport path 36. These are attached inside device body 11 including the cover of the outer frame and the internal frame of image forming apparatus 10. In Fig. 3, the path indicated by the dashed line extending upward from feeding unit 33 is transport path 36.

[0018] 4 is a perspective view showing the image forming unit 50. The image forming unit 50 forms an image according to an electrophotographic method, and includes a drum unit 60 and a developing device 70. In this embodiment, the image forming unit 50 is detachably supported by the apparatus main body 11 so as to be replaceable.

[0019] In addition, when the developer stored in the developing device 70 becomes empty, it is necessary to replace it with another developing device 70 filled with developer. Therefore, in this embodiment, the developing device 70 is supported by the device body 11 so as to be detachable from the device body 11. Specifically, the developing device 70 is detachably mounted to the drum unit 60 (an example of a mounting member) mounted to the device body 11. The developing device 70 is also removed as necessary when performing maintenance on the inside of the image forming device 10. FIGS. 2 and 3 show a state in which the image forming unit 50 is mounted to the device body 11. Also, FIG. 5 shows a state in which the image forming unit 50 is removed from the device body 11.

[0020] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the drum unit 60. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Fig. 6, showing the cross-sectional structure of the drum unit 60.

[0021] 6 and 7, the drum unit 60 includes a photosensitive drum 61, a charging section 62, a transfer roller 63, and a housing 64. The photosensitive drum 61, the charging section 62, and the transfer roller 63 are supported by the housing 64. In addition, a developing device 70 is detachably supported by a developing support section 65 provided integrally with the housing 64.

[0022] The housing 64 is, for example, a molded product made of synthetic resin, and includes a first base frame 641 extending in the left-right direction 9, and a pair of support frames 642 erected at both ends of the first base frame 641 in the left-right direction 9. Each support frame 642 is formed, for example, in a plate shape. Each support frame 642 is formed of an insulating material that does not conduct electricity. Each support frame 642 extends in the front-rear direction 8, and the photosensitive drum 61 and the transfer roller 63 are rotatably supported in a state in which they are in pressure contact with each other at the rear part of each support frame 642. In addition, the charging unit 62 is attached to the upper part of the rear part of each support frame 642. The charging unit 62 is disposed so as to face the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 61, and is attached so as to span each support frame 642.

[0023] 6 and 7, a developer support part 65 is integrally formed on the front side of the housing 64. The developer support part 65 has a second base frame 651 formed forward from the first base frame 641 across the paper passage opening 66 (see FIG. 7), and a front plate 652 constituting the front portion of each support frame 642. When the developing device 70 is attached to the developer support part 65, a lower surface 716 (see FIG. 12) of the developing device 70 is supported by the second base frame 651. In this case, the lower surface 716 is a supported surface supported by the drum unit 60.

[0024] The paper passage port 66 is a through opening formed between the first base frame 641 and the second base frame 651, through which the printing paper fed from the paper feed tray 32 is inserted and guided toward the transfer position between the photosensitive drum 61 and the transfer roller 63.

[0025] When the image forming operation is started with the image forming unit 50 attached to the apparatus main body 11, the photosensitive layer on the surface of the photosensitive drum 61 is charged to a uniform potential by the charging section 62. In addition, the photosensitive drum 61 is scanned with a laser beam from the LSU 34 according to the image data. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 61. A bias voltage is applied to the photosensitive drum 61 and the developing roller 74 (see FIG. 10) of the developing device 70, and an electric field with a predetermined potential difference that can cause toner to jump from the developing roller 74 to the photosensitive drum 61 is formed between the photosensitive drum 61 and the developing roller 74. Due to the potential difference, toner is attached from the developing roller 74 to the electrostatic latent image, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 61. An electric field with a predetermined potential difference is also formed between the photosensitive drum 61 and the transfer roller 63. Due to this potential difference, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 61 is transferred to the printing paper fed from the paper feed tray 32. The printing paper onto which the toner image has been transferred is transported to a fixing unit 31 .

[0026] The fixing section 31 is provided downstream of the image forming unit 50 in the conveying direction of the print paper. The fixing section 31 fixes the toner image transferred to the print paper to the print paper by heat. The fixing section 31 includes a heating roller and a pressure roller. The heating roller is heated by a heating means such as an IH heater during the fixing operation. The pressure roller is urged toward the heating roller by an elastic member. When the print paper passes through the fixing section 31, the toner is heated and melted while the print paper is pressed by the fixing section 31, and adheres to the print paper. As a result, the toner image is fixed to the print paper, and an image is formed on the print paper.

[0027] Discharge rollers 38 are provided downstream in the transport direction from fixing unit 31. Discharge rollers 38 discharge the print paper, on which the image has been fixed by fixing unit 31, to a paper output tray 35 (see FIG. 1).

[0028] The photosensitive layer on the surface of the photosensitive drum 61 of the drum unit 60 deteriorates and wears with each image formation. When the photosensitive layer deteriorates, its charging property deteriorates, and when it wears, it is no longer charged to a predetermined potential, resulting in a deterioration in image quality. Therefore, the photosensitive drum 61 needs to be replaced at a predetermined replacement timing. Therefore, in this embodiment, the drum unit 60 is supported by the device body 11 so as to be detachable from the device body 11 so that the photosensitive drum 61 can be replaced. The drum unit 60 is also removed as necessary when performing maintenance on the inside of the image forming device 10. Here, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which only the drum unit 60 of the image forming unit 50 is attached to the device body 11. Therefore, the developing device 70 is not shown in FIG. 8.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 8, guide grooves 111 are formed on the inner surfaces 15 on both sides of the left-right direction 9 of the device body 11 to guide the drum unit 60 when the drum unit 60 is attached to the inside of the device body 11 through the opening 21. The guide grooves 111 guide the drum unit 60 toward the opening 21 when the drum unit 60 is removed from the device body 11, making it easy to remove the drum unit 60. The guide grooves 111 extend downward and obliquely rearward from an insertion opening 113 that is funnel-shaped in cross section and is formed on the upper edge of the inner surface 15. Note that while FIG. 8 shows the guide groove 111 formed on the right inner surface 15A, a similarly shaped guide groove 111 is also formed on the opposite left inner surface 15B (see FIG. 5).

[0030] The guide groove 111 is formed so that the degree of inclination gradually becomes gentler toward the mounting position of the drum unit 60 (the position shown in FIG. 8, hereinafter referred to as the unit mounting position). Specifically, the guide groove 111 has a first groove 111A formed substantially straight from the insertion opening 113 to a first bending point P1, a second groove 111B that inclines more gently than the first groove 111A from the first bending point P1 to a second bending point P2, and a third groove 111C that inclines more gently than the second groove 111B from the second bending point P2 to the unit mounting position.

[0031] 6, the drum unit 60 is provided with a guide member 644 that is inserted into the guide groove 111 when the drum unit 60 is attached to the apparatus main body 11 and when the drum unit 60 is removed from the apparatus main body 11. The guide member 644 is provided on the outer surface of each of a pair of support frames 642 that constitute the housing 64. The guide member 644 is a boss-shaped or pin-shaped member that is provided on the outer surface of the support frame 642 so as to stand vertically.

[0032] The guide member 644 is provided on the rear side of the outer surface of the support frame 642. The drum unit 60 is inserted until the guide member 644 is positioned at the end of the guide groove 111.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 8, another guide groove 112 branching off from guide groove 111 is formed on inner surface 15A. Although guide groove 112 formed on right inner surface 15A is shown in Fig. 8, a similar guide groove 112 is also formed on the opposite, left inner surface 15B. Like guide groove 111, guide groove 112 guides drum unit 60 to the unit mounting position when drum unit 60 is mounted inside device body 11 from opening 21, and guides drum unit 60 to the opening 21 side when drum unit 60 is removed from device body 11.

[0034] Guide groove 112 extends diagonally backward and downward from the first bending point P1 of guide groove 111. Guide groove 112 is formed so as to gradually widen diagonally backward from upper end opening 114, which is a connecting portion with guide groove 111. In other words, guide groove 112 is formed in a generally flared shape from upper end opening 114 diagonally backward.

[0035] The upper groove wall surface of the guide groove 112 is a guide surface 112A for guiding a bearing portion 77 (see FIGS. 13 and 15) to be described later provided in the developing device 70 toward a mounting position P11 determined on the drum unit 60 when the developing device 70 is attached to the apparatus main body 11. The guide surface 112A is generally parallel to the second groove 111B of the guide groove 111.

[0036] Moreover, the lower groove wall surface of the guide groove 112 is a guide surface 112B for guiding downward a guide member 645 (see FIG. 6) provided in the drum unit 60, which will be described later, when the drum unit 60 is attached to the apparatus main body 11. Moreover, when the developing device 70 is attached to the apparatus main body 11, this guide surface 112B guides downward guide portions 78, 791 (see FIGS. 13 and 15), which will be described later, provided in the developing device 70.

[0037] 6, the drum unit 60 is provided with a guide member 645 that is inserted into the guide groove 112 when the drum unit 60 is attached to the apparatus main body 11 and when the drum unit 60 is removed from the apparatus main body 11. The guide member 645 is provided on the outer surface of each of a pair of support frames 642 that constitute the housing 64. The guide member 645 is a boss-shaped or pin-shaped member that is provided on the outer surface of the support frame 642 so as to stand vertically.

[0038] On the outer surface of the support frame 642, the guide member 645 is provided on the front side of the guide member 644. When the drum unit 60 is mounted to the apparatus body 11, the guide member 644 is first inserted into the guide groove 111 from the insertion opening 113, and then the guide member 645 is inserted into the guide groove 111. In the process of mounting the drum unit 60, the guide member 644 is guided from the first groove 111A through the second groove 111B and along the third groove 111C toward the unit mounting position (position shown in FIG. 8). On the other hand, when the guide member 645 reaches the first bending point P1 of the guide groove 111 in the process of mounting the drum unit 60, it enters the guide groove 112 from the upper end opening 114 and is guided generally downward along the guide surface 112B of the guide groove 112.

[0039] 8, the drum unit 60 is locked at the unit mounting position by a locking mechanism (not shown). That is, the drum unit 60 is positioned at the unit mounting position. When an unlocking member (not shown) provided on the device body 11 is operated, the locking by the locking mechanism is released. This makes it possible to remove the drum unit 60 upward from the unit mounting position and to take it out from the opening 21.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 7, the support frame 642 is formed with a guide groove 646 for guiding the bearing portion 77 (see FIG. 13 and FIG. 15) of the developing device 70 to the mounting position P11, and a stopper 647 provided at the end of the guide groove 646. The guide groove 646 is formed in the support frame 642 so as to separate the support frame 642 into a rear side portion and a front plate 652 on the front side. When the bearing portion 77 is guided to the mounting position P11, the stopper 647 positions the bearing portion 77 at the position P11. When the developing device 70 is mounted in the apparatus main body 11, the stopper 647 comes into contact with the bearing portion 77, and the movement of the bearing portion 77 in the insertion direction is restricted by the stopper 647. As a result, the developing device 70 is positioned on the drum unit 60. The developing device 70 is locked to the drum unit 60 by a locking mechanism (not shown) provided in the drum unit 60. When the lock release lever 67 provided on the drum unit 60 is operated, the locking mechanism is released. This allows the developing device 70 to be removed upward from the main body 11 and taken out from the opening 21.

[0041] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the developing device 70 as viewed from the front left side, Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the developing device 70 as viewed from the rear right side, and Fig. 11 is a plan view of the developing device 70. Also, Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the section XII-XII in Fig. 11, showing the cross-sectional structure of the central portion of the developing device 70.

[0042] The developing device 70 adheres toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 61, and develops the electrostatic latent image with toner to form a toner image as a visible image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 61. As shown in Fig. 12, the developing device 70 includes a housing 71 (an example of a case), an agitating member 72, a supply roller 73 (an example of a rotating member), and a developing roller 74 (an example of a rotating member). The agitating member 72, the supply roller 73, and the developing roller 74 are rotatably supported by the housing 71.

[0043] The housing 71 is, for example, a molded product made of synthetic resin. As shown in Figs. 9 to 11, the housing 71 is formed in a shape that is long in the left-right direction 9 (longitudinal direction). A developer including toner is contained inside the housing 71. In other words, the housing 71 not only serves as a case that supports the developing roller 74 and the like, but also serves as a developer container (also called a toner container) that contains the developer.

[0044] 12, the stirring member 72 is disposed on the front side inside the housing 71. The stirring member 72 is rotatably supported by a pair of support frames 711 (see FIGS. 9 to 11) provided on both sides in the left-right direction 9 (axial direction) of the housing 71. The pair of support frames 711 (an example of a pair of support members) constitute each of the side surfaces of the housing 71 on both sides in the left-right direction 9.

[0045] A support shaft 722 (see FIG. 14) rotatably supported by the support frame 711 is provided at both ends in the width direction of the shaft member 721 of the stirring member 72. The left support shaft 722L of the stirring member 72 is rotatably supported in a bearing hole (not shown) formed in the left support frame 711L. As shown in FIG. 14, the support shaft 722L passes through the bearing hole and protrudes to the outside of the support frame 711L. A transmission gear 82, which will be described later, is attached to the support shaft 722L.

[0046] 12, a film-shaped paddle portion 723 perpendicular to the shaft member 721 is provided on the shaft member 721 of the stirring member 72. When a rotational driving force is input from the outside to the stirring member 72, the stirring member 72 rotates, and the developer contained in the housing 71 is stirred by the paddle portion 723. When the developer is stirred by the stirring member 72, an electric charge is imparted to the toner contained in the developer.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 9, a side cover 75 is attached to the left support frame 711L of the housing 71.

[0048] Fig. 13 is a partial enlarged view of the left side of the developing device 70. Fig. 14 is a left side view of the developing device 70 with the side cover 75 removed.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 13, the side cover 75 is attached to the support frame 711L so as to cover the left side surface of the support frame 711L. As shown in Fig. 14, a transmission mechanism 80 consisting of a plurality of gears 81-85 is provided inside the side cover 75, that is, between the side cover 75 and the support frame 711L. The gears 81-85 constituting the transmission mechanism 80 are rotatably supported by the support frame 711L.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 14, the transmission mechanism 80 has an input unit 76 to which a driving force is input from the outside. That is, the input unit 76 is provided on the support frame 711L. The input unit 76 is, for example, a shaft joint (coupling). The side cover 75 is formed with a cylindrical tube portion 751 (see FIG. 13) that penetrates the input unit 76 and exposes it to the outside. As shown in FIG. 13, when the side cover 75 is attached to the support frame 711L, the input unit 76 is exposed to the outside through the tube portion 751.

[0051] When the developing device 70 is attached to the apparatus main body 11, a drive output unit (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 11 is connected to the input unit 76. As a result, a rotational drive force of a drive source such as a motor is input to the input unit 76 via the drive output unit. The input unit 76 has an input gear 81 (see FIG. 14) provided coaxially with the input unit 76. In other words, the transmission mechanism 80 has the input gear 81. When the rotational drive force is input to the input unit 76, the input gear 81 transmits the rotational drive force to the other transmission gears 82 to 85 constituting the transmission mechanism 80.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 14, the transmission mechanism 80 has a plurality of transmission gears 82-85. The transmission gears 82-85 are disposed on the outer surface of the support frame 711L. The transmission gear 82 is attached to the support shaft 722L of the agitator 72, and transmits the rotational driving force to the agitator 72. The transmission gear 83 is attached to an end of the rotation shaft 732 (an example of a second support shaft) of the supply roller 73, and transmits the rotational driving force to the supply roller 73. The transmission gear 84 is attached to an end of the rotation shaft 742 (see FIG. 12) of the development roller 74, and transmits the rotational driving force to the development roller 74. The transmission gear 85 is rotatably supported by the support frame 711L in a state of meshing with the transmission gear 82. The transmission gear 85 transmits the rotational driving force to a rotation member 90 provided on the support frame 711L.

[0053] When the rotational driving force is input to the input portion 76 and transmitted from the input gear 81 to the other transmission gears 82 to 85 that constitute the transmission mechanism 80, the rotational driving force is transmitted to the stirring member 72, the supply roller 73, the developing roller 74, and the rotating member 90, causing the stirring member 72, the supply roller 73, the developing roller 74, and the rotating member 90 to rotate.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 12, supply roller 73 is disposed in front of developing roller 74 (in the direction opposite to the insertion direction of developing device 70) and disposed behind stirring member 72. Supply roller 73 is a roller member that rotates while carrying toner contained in developer on its outer circumferential surface. Supply roller 73 is rotatably supported by a pair of support frames 711. As supply roller 73 rotates, it carries developer contained in housing 71 on its outer circumferential surface and transports the developer to a position facing developing roller 74.

[0055] The supply roller 73 has a cylindrical roller body 731 made of a conductive elastic member, and a conductive rotating shaft 732 arranged at the center of the roller body 731. The roller body 731 is formed of an elastic member such as urethane with carbon appropriately dispersed therein. The rotating shaft 732 is a conductive metal shaft. Both ends of the rotating shaft 732 are rotatably supported in bearing holes (not shown) provided in a pair of support frames 711. A predetermined bias (hereinafter referred to as a supply bias) is applied to the supply roller 73 to carry charged toner on the outer circumferential surface and to move the toner from the supply roller 73 to the developing roller 74.

[0056] In this embodiment, with the developing device 70 attached to the apparatus body 11, the supply bias is applied from a supply terminal 117 (see FIG. 8) provided on the apparatus body 11 to the rotating shaft 732 of the supply roller 73. Specifically, the supply terminal 117 is provided at a position where it contacts a guide portion 791 (see FIGS. 15 and 16) described below when the developing device 70 is attached, and when the developing device 70 is attached to the apparatus body 11, the guide portion 791 comes into contact with the supply terminal 117, and the supply bias is applied from the supply terminal 117 to the rotating shaft 732 via the guide portion 791, the guide member 79, and the connecting portion 792.

[0057] The developing roller 74 is disposed on the rear side inside the housing 71. The developing roller 74 is a roller member that rotates while carrying the toner contained in the developer on its outer circumferential surface. The developing roller 74 is rotatably supported by a pair of support frames 711. An opening 713 that exposes the developing roller 74 to the outside is formed on the rear side of the housing 71. When the developing device 70 is attached to the apparatus main body 11, the developing roller 74 faces the photosensitive drum 61 with a predetermined gap therebetween.

[0058] The developing roller 74 has a cylindrical roller body 741 made of a conductive elastic member, and a conductive rotating shaft 742 (an example of a first support shaft) arranged at the center of the roller body 741. The roller body 741 is formed of an elastic member such as urethane with carbon appropriately dispersed therein. The rotating shaft 742 is a conductive metal shaft. Both ends of the rotating shaft 742 are rotatably supported by bearings 77 (77L, 77R) provided on a pair of support frames 711 (see FIG. 11). A predetermined bias (hereinafter, referred to as a developing bias) is applied to the developing roller 74 to move the toner from the supply roller 73 to the developing roller 74. The potential difference between the developing bias and the supply bias causes the charged toner to be supplied from the supply roller 73 to the developing roller 74.

[0059] In this embodiment, with the developing device 70 attached to the apparatus body 11, the developing bias is applied to the rotating shaft 742 of the developing roller 74 from a supply terminal 116 (see FIG. 8) provided on the apparatus body 11. Specifically, the supply terminal 116 is provided at a position where it contacts a bearing portion 77R (see FIG. 15) described below when the developing device 70 is attached, and when the developing device 70 is attached to the apparatus body 11, a guide portion 77R2 (see FIG. 15) of the bearing portion 77R comes into contact with the supply terminal 116, and the developing bias is applied from the supply terminal 116 to the rotating shaft 742 via the guide portion 77R2.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 14, a bearing portion 77L (an example of a first bearing portion) is provided on the support frame 711L. The bearing portion 77L is formed integrally with the support frame 711L and has a cylindrical guide portion 77L1 (an example of a first guide portion) protruding outward from the outer side surface of the support frame 711L. A left shaft end portion of the rotating shaft 742 is inserted into a bearing hole formed inside the bearing portion 77L, thereby rotatably supporting the shaft end portion. In this embodiment, the guide portion 77L1 of the bearing portion 77L also serves as a guide member for guiding the developing device 70 to the mounting position P11 determined on the drum unit 60 together with a guide portion 77R2 of the bearing portion 77R described later during the process of mounting the developing device 70 to the apparatus main body 11.

[0061] 13, the side cover 75 is provided with a guide portion 78 formed integrally therewith. The guide portion 78 is provided at a position spaced a predetermined distance forward (in the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the developing device 70) from the bearing portion 77L (its guide portion 77L1). The guide portion 78 is a cylindrical member that protrudes outward from the outer side surface of the side cover 75. In this embodiment, the guide portion 78 guides the front end portion of the developing device 70 downward together with a guide portion 791 of a guide member 79 described later during the process of mounting the developing device 70 to the apparatus main body 11.

[0062] FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the right side of the developing device 70. As shown in FIG.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 15, a bearing portion 77R (an example of a first bearing portion) is provided on the support frame 711R. The bearing portion 77R is an example of a first guide portion. The bearing portion 77R has a cylindrical portion 77R1 formed integrally with the support frame 711R, and a guide portion 77R2 (an example of a first guide portion) that is guided in the process of mounting the developing device 70 to the apparatus main body 11. The cylindrical portion 77R1 protrudes outward from the outer side surface of the support frame 711R. A right shaft end portion 742R of the rotating shaft 742 is inserted into the inner hole of the cylindrical portion 77R1, thereby rotatably supporting the shaft end portion 742R.

[0064] With the rotating shaft 742 inserted into the cylindrical portion 77R1, the shaft end 742R penetrates the cylindrical portion 77R1 and is exposed to the outside. A cylindrical guide portion 77R2 is attached to this exposed portion. The guide portion 77R2 is formed of, for example, a conductive material. In this embodiment, the guide portion 77R2 is a guide portion for guiding the developing device 70 to the mounting position P11 determined on the drum unit 60 during the process of mounting the developing device 70 to the apparatus main body 11.

[0065] 15, the support frame 711R is provided with a guide portion 791. Specifically, a guide member 79 made of a conductive member is fixed to the support frame 711R, and the guide portion 791 is integrally formed with the guide member 79. The guide portion 791 is an example of a second guide portion.

[0066] Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing a state in which the shaft cover 712 (see Fig. 15) is removed from the right side of the developing device 70. As shown in Fig. 16, a bearing hole is formed in the support frame 711R to support the right shaft end 732R of the rotating shaft 732 of the supply roller 73, and the shaft end 732R is inserted into this bearing hole. A shaft cover 712 (see Fig. 15) is attached to the outer surface of the support frame 711R so as to cover the shaft end 732R. In Fig. 15, the member surrounded by a thick solid line is the shaft cover 712.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 16, guide member 79 is attached to the outer surface of support frame 711R. In Fig. 16, the member surrounded by a thick solid line is guide member 79. Guide member 79 is formed of a conductive member, and has a guide portion 791 and a connecting portion 792. Connecting portion 792 connects to shaft end portion 732R that protrudes outward from support frame 711R, whereby conductive rotating shaft 732 and conductive guide member 79 are also electrically connected.

[0068] The guide portion 791 is provided at a position spaced a predetermined distance forward from the bearing portion 77R. The guide portion 791 is a cylindrical member that protrudes outward from the outer side surface of the support frame 711R. In this embodiment, the guide portion 791 guides the front end portion of the developing device 70 downward during the process of mounting the developing device 70 to the apparatus main body 11.

[0069] 15 and 16, the support frame 711R is provided with a cap member (lid member) 714 for closing a toner filling port formed in the support frame 711R. The toner filling port communicates with the inside of the housing 71, and toner is filled into the inside through the toner filling port.

[0070] As described above, the developing device 70 of this embodiment has the bearings 77 (77L, 77R) provided on the pair of support frames 711. Therefore, when the developing device 70 is inserted into the device body 11 with the drum unit 60 attached to the device body 11, the guide portion 77L1 of the bearing 77L and the guide portion 77R2 of the bearing 77R provided in the developing device 70 are guided along the guide surface 112A of the device body 11 toward the mounting position P11 (see FIG. 8).

[0071] Specifically, when the guide portion 77L1 and the guide portion 77R2 inserted into the guide groove 111 from the insertion opening 113 reach the first bending point P1 of the guide groove 111, the guide portion 77L1 and the guide portion 77R2 enter the guide groove 112 from the upper end opening 114. Thereafter, they are guided along the guide surface 112A of the guide groove 112 toward the mounting position P11. When the guiding by the guide surface 112A ends and the guide portion 77L1 and the guide portion 77R2 enter the guide groove 646, they are guided to the mounting position P11 by the guide groove 646. Then, when the guide portion 77L1 and the guide portion 77R2 are guided to the mounting position P11, the guide portion 77L1 and the guide portion 77R2 are regulated by the stopper 647 at the position P11.

[0072] Furthermore, when the guide portions 78, 791 enter the guide grooves 112 during the process of mounting the developing device 70 to the apparatus main body 11, they are guided generally downward along the guide surfaces 112B of the guide grooves 112.

[0073] As a result, the developing device 70 is positioned in the drum unit 60, and the developing device 70 is locked to the drum unit 60 by a locking mechanism (not shown).

[0074] In the developing device 70 of this embodiment, the guide portion 77L1 provided on the bearing portion 77L and the guide portion 77R2 provided on the shaft end portion 742R are used as members that are guided when the developing device 70 is attached. In other words, the bearing portions 77L and 77R also serve as guide members for the developing device 70 when it is attached to or detached from the apparatus main body 11. This makes it possible to reduce the number of members provided on the side portion of the developing device 70, and as a result, it is possible to make the housing 71 of the developing device 70 more compact.

[0075] In addition, in this embodiment, when the developing device 70 is attached, the guide portion 791 contacts the supply terminal 117, and the supply bias is applied from the supply terminal 117 to the rotating shaft 732 via the guide portion 791, the guide member 79, and the connecting portion 792. Also, the guide portion 77R2 of the bearing portion 77R contacts the supply terminal 116, and the developing bias is applied from the supply terminal 116 to the rotating shaft 742 via the guide portion 77R2. That is, the guide member 79 also serves as a power receiving terminal (power receiving portion) for the supply bias, and the bearing portion 77R also serves as a power receiving terminal (power receiving portion) for the developing bias. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide each power receiving terminal on the side portion of the developing device 70, and the number of members provided on the side portion can be further reduced. As a result, the housing 71 of the developing device 70 can be made even more compact.

[0076] [2nd] Fig. 17 is an enlarged perspective view showing details near the rotating member 90. As shown in Fig. 17, the rotating member 90 (one example of a displacement member) is provided in the housing 71 of the developing device 70. Specifically, as described above, the rotating member 90 is supported on the outer surface of the support frame 711L. The rotating member 90 is a displacement member that can be displaced between an initial position (position shown in Figs. 14 and 17) that is not detected by a detection switch 120 (see Fig. 23) described later, and a detection position (position shown in Fig. 20) that is detected by the detection switch 120.

[0077] In this embodiment, the rotating member 90 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 718 (see FIG. 21) that is erected on the support frame 711L. Therefore, the rotating member 90 is rotatable from the initial position to the detection position along a rotation direction D11 (an example of a first rotation direction) shown in FIG. 17. Here, the rotation direction D11 is a rotation direction from the initial position to the detection position.

[0078] 18 and 19 are perspective views of the rotating member 90. As shown in Fig. 18 and 19, the rotating member 90 has a rotating body 91 rotatably supported by a support frame 711L, a protruding portion 92 protruding vertically from a surface 91A of the rotating body 91, a detected portion 93 provided on the protruding portion 92, an elastic portion 94 provided on the rotating body 91, a support portion 95 provided on the back surface of the rotating body 91, and a gear portion 96 (see Fig. 19) provided on the back surface of the rotating body 91. The rotating member 90 is a member in which these portions are integrally formed, and is a molded product made of synthetic resin.

[0079] A shaft hole through which a shaft 718 (see FIG. 19) is inserted is formed on the back surface side of the support portion 95. By inserting the shaft 718 into the shaft hole, the rotating member 90 is rotatably supported by the shaft 718.

[0080] The rotating body 91 has a plate-shaped sector 911 that is concentric with the axial center of a support shaft 718 provided on a support frame 711L. The central angle of the sector 911 is set to approximately 120 degrees. A columnar protrusion 92 is provided at the center of the sector 911.

[0081] An arc-shaped elastic portion 94 extends from one circumferential end of the sector portion 911. Specifically, the curved rod-shaped elastic portion 94 protrudes from an end portion 912 on the return direction D12 side of the sector portion 911 toward the return direction D12. Here, the return direction D12 is the opposite direction to the rotation direction D11. The elastic portion 94 is disposed with a predetermined space between it and the protruding portion 92. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the elastic portion 94 from the radial outside toward the center of the rotating member 90, the elastic portion 94 is elastically deflected toward the protruding portion 92. When the external force is removed, the elastic portion 94 returns to its original position.

[0082] The detected portion 93 is provided on the protruding portion 92. The detected portion 93 is a portion that is detected by the detection switch 120 (see FIG. 23). The detected portion 93 is disposed on the opposite side to the sector portion 911 and at a position spaced apart from the elastic portion 94 by approximately one-quarter of a circumference in the return direction D12. The detected portion 93 is also disposed at a position spaced further outward from the surface 91A than the elastic portion 94. The detected portion 93 protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential edge of the sector portion 911 and the elastic portion 94.

[0083] When the rotating member 90 is located at the initial position, the detected portion 93 does not face the detection switch 120. In this embodiment, when the rotating member 90 is rotated in the rotation direction D11 and reaches the detection position, the detected portion 93 faces the detection switch 120, and at this time, the detected portion 93 comes into contact with the pressing portion 121 of the detection switch 120 and presses the pressing portion 121. This activates the detection switch 120, and a detection signal is input to the control unit 100 (see FIG. 24), which will be described later.

[0084] Detected portion 93 also serves as a cam member that presses pressing portion 121 (see FIG. 22) of detection switch 120 to activate detection switch 120. For this reason, detected portion 93 has an arc-shaped cam portion 931 that moves pressing portion 121 in the pressing direction.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 19, an arc-shaped gear portion 96 is provided on the back surface of the sector portion 911. The gear portion 96 is provided along the outer circumferential edge of the sector portion 911 in correspondence with the arc portion. The gear portion 96 can mesh with the transmission gear 83 constituting the transmission mechanism 80. In this embodiment, the gear portion 96 meshes with the transmission gear 83 when the rotating member 90 is disposed at the initial position. The transmission gear 83 and the gear portion 96 mesh with each other until the rotating member 90 reaches the detection position along the rotation direction D11. When the rotating member 90 reaches the detection position or passes the detection position, the gear portion 96 separates from the transmission gear 83, and the meshing between the gear portion 96 and the transmission gear 83 is released.

[0086] 20 shows a state in which the rotating member 90 has rotated from the initial position along the rotation direction D11 and reached the detection position. When the rotational driving force of a driving source such as a motor is input to the input unit 76 and transmitted from the input gear 81 to the gear unit 96 via the transmission gear 82 and the transmission gear 85, the rotating member 90 rotates in the rotation direction D11 and displaces from the initial position toward the detection position. Then, when the rotating member 90 reaches the detection position, the rotational driving force is no longer transmitted from the transmission gear 85, and the rotating member 90 stops at the detection position.

[0087] Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along a cutting plane passing through the detected portion 93 in a state in which the side cover 75 is attached to the left support frame 711L of the housing 71. Fig. 21 shows a state in which the rotating member 90 is disposed at the detection position.

[0088] 21, the developing device 70 includes a first regulating portion 753 and a second regulating portion 754. Specifically, the first regulating portion 753 and the second regulating portion 754 are integrally formed on the inner surface of the side cover 75. Both the first regulating portion 753 and the second regulating portion 754 regulate the rotation of the rotating member 90 when the rotating member 90 is disposed at the detection position.

[0089] When the side cover 75 is attached to the support frame 711L, the first regulating portion 753 comes into contact with the detected portion 93 to regulate the rotation of the rotation member 90 in the rotation direction D11 from the detection position. Therefore, when the side cover 75 is attached and the developing device 70 is removed from the apparatus main body 11, the rotation member 90 cannot be manually rotated in the rotation direction D11.

[0090] When the side cover 75 is attached to the support frame 711L, the second regulating portion 754 abuts against the tip portion 941 of the elastic portion 94, regulating the rotation of the rotating member 90 from the detection position in the return direction D12 (an example of a second rotation direction).

[0091] In the process of rotating the rotating member 90 from the initial position to the detection position, the elastic portion 94 comes into contact with the first restricting portion 753. When a rotational driving force in the rotation direction D11 is further applied to the rotating member 90, the elastic portion 94 is pressed toward the center of the rotating member 90 by the first restricting portion 753. In this case, the rotating member 90 rotates while the elastic portion 94 is deflected toward the center, and this allows the elastic portion 94 to get over the first restricting portion 753 and reach the detection position shown in FIG. 21. When the elastic portion 94 gets over and passes the first restricting portion 753, the pressing by the first restricting portion 753 is released, and the elastic portion 94 returns to its original state.

[0092] In this state, even if the rotating member 90 is rotated in the return direction D12, the tip portion 941 of the elastic portion 94 abuts against the second regulating portion 754, and therefore the rotating member 90 cannot rotate in the return direction D12 from the detection position. Therefore, with the side cover 75 attached, the rotating member 90 cannot be manually rotated in the return direction D12 with the developing device 70 removed from the apparatus main body 11.

[0093] Fig. 22 is a diagram showing a pressing portion 121 of a detection switch 120 provided in the image forming apparatus 10. Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the rotating member 90 in a state in which the developing device 70 is attached to the apparatus body 11 of the image forming apparatus 10. Fig. 23 shows a state in which the detected portion 93 of the rotating member 90 presses the pressing portion 121 of the detection switch 120.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 23, a detection switch 120 (one example of a detection means) is provided in the apparatus body 11. The detection switch 120 detects the mounting state of the developing device 70 relative to the image forming apparatus 10. The detection switch 120 is, for example, a limit switch, and has a pressing part 121 that operates a built-in contact. The pressing part 121 is a movable part that moves with respect to a switch body 122. When the pressing part 121 is pressed into the switch body 122 against the elastic force of an elastic member such as a spring provided in the switch body 122, the contact is made conductive and a detection signal is output. The detection signal is input to the control unit 100 described later. Note that the detection switch 120 is merely one example of a detection means, and instead of the detection switch 120, a detection means consisting of a transmission type optical sensor and an actuator can be applied.

[0095] FIG. 22 shows a state in which the developing device 70 is not attached and the drum unit 60 is attached to the apparatus main body 11. As shown in FIG. 22, an opening 653 is formed in the housing 64 of the drum unit 60. Specifically, the rectangular opening 653 is formed in the second base frame 651 of the developing device support portion 65 of the housing 64. With the drum unit 60 attached to the apparatus main body 11, the pressing portion 121 of the detection switch 120 is inserted into the opening 653 and protrudes upward from the second base frame 651. Therefore, when the developing device 70 is attached to the drum unit 60, the detected portion 93 of the rotating member 90 can press the pressing portion 121.

[0096] In this embodiment, even when the developing device 70 is attached to the drum unit 60 in the apparatus main body 11, the detection switch 120 does not operate when the rotating member 90 is located at the initial position. On the other hand, when the rotating member 90 is located at the detection position, the detection switch 120 is operated by the detected portion 93.

[0097] 24, the image forming apparatus 10 further includes a control unit 100 and a motor 110. Here, Fig. 24 is a block diagram showing the connection relationship between the control unit 100, the motor 110, and the detection switch 120.

[0098] The control unit 100 controls the operation of each part such as the image forming unit 50 included in the image forming apparatus 10. The control unit 100 includes control devices such as a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The CPU is a processor that executes various arithmetic processes. The ROM is a non-volatile storage medium that stores a control program for causing the CPU to execute various arithmetic processes. The RAM is a volatile or non-volatile storage medium that stores various information. The control unit 100 may be realized by an IC such as an ASIC, for example.

[0099] The motor 110 is a drive source that supplies the rotational drive force to be input to the input unit 76 of the developing device 70. The control unit 100 is connected to the motor 110, and controls the driving of the motor 110 by outputting a driving signal to the motor 110. The motor 110 is driven, for example, when a developing operation is performed by the developing device 70.

[0100] Incidentally, when a used developing device 70 is replaced, the developing device 70 is usually removed from the image forming device 10, and then a new, unused developing device 70 is attached to the device body 11 of the image forming device 10. However, there are cases where a used developing device 70 is mistakenly attached to the device body 11. There are also cases where a developing device 70 that has exceeded its useful life due to aging is refilled with toner, and the developing device 70 is attached to the image forming device.

[0101] In the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the developing device 70 to be installed is a new, unused developing device 70 or a used developing device 70 that has been installed once. Specifically, the control unit 100 performs a process (hereinafter referred to as a new / old determination process) to determine whether the developing device 70 to be installed in the apparatus main body 11 is a new, unused developing device 70 or a used developing device 70 that has been installed once, based on a detection signal (detection result) from the detection switch 120.

[0102] In order to enable the control unit 100 to perform the old / new determination process, in a new, unused developing device 70, the rotating member 90 is placed in the initial position.

[0103] 25A and 25B, the new / old determination process by the control unit 100 will be described. Here, Fig. 25A is a timing chart when an unused developing device 70 is attached to the apparatus main body 11. Fig. 25B is a timing chart when a used developing device 70 that was once attached is attached to the apparatus main body 11.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 25A, for example, when an unused developing device 70 is attached to the drum unit 60 in the apparatus main body 11 at time T10, the rotating member 90 of the developing device 70 is disposed at the initial position, so the detected portion 93 of the rotating member 90 does not press the detection switch 120. Therefore, the detection switch 120 does not operate and maintains the OFF state. Thereafter, the control unit 100 drives the motor 110 to rotate in a predetermined rotation direction at time T11. In this case, the control unit 100 drives the motor 110 at least until the rotating member 90 reaches the detection position. When Δt has elapsed since the motor 110 started, the rotating member 90 rotates from the initial position to the detection position. When the rotating member 90 reaches the detection position, at time T12, the pressing portion 121 of the detection switch 120 is pressed by the detected portion 93, and the detection switch 120 operates. As a result, the detection switch 120 changes from the OFF state to the ON state. At this time, a detection signal is input from the detection switch 120 to the control unit 100 .

[0105] 25A, if the detection switch 120 does not detect the detection target portion 93 of the rotating member 90 at the initial mounting time T10 immediately after the developing device 70 is mounted in the apparatus main body 11, that is, if the detection signal is not input to the control unit 100, the control unit 100 determines that the mounted developing device 70 is a new, unused one. This determination result is displayed, for example, by the control unit 100 on a display unit (not shown) provided in the image forming apparatus 10.

[0106] In addition, if the detection switch 120 does not detect the detectable portion 93 at the initial installation time T10, and then the motor 110 is driven and the rotating member 90 is displaced from the initial position to the detection position, so that the detection switch 120 detects the detectable portion 93 at time T11 after Δt has elapsed, the control unit 100 may determine that the installed developing device 70 is a new, unused one.

[0107] After the developing device 70 is mounted in the apparatus main body 11, when the motor 110 starts to rotate the rotating member 90 to the detection position, the rotating member 90 is maintained at the detection position as described above. Therefore, once the developing device 70 is mounted in the apparatus main body 11 and the motor 110 is driven, the rotating member 90 does not return to the initial position.

[0108] 25B, for example, when a used developing device 70 is attached to the drum unit 60 in the apparatus main body 11 at time T10, the rotating member 90 is located at the detection position, and the detected portion 93 presses and activates the detection switch 120. That is, at time T10, the pressing portion 121 of the detection switch 120 is pressed by the detected portion 93, and the detection switch 120 is activated. This causes the detection switch 120 to change from the OFF state to the ON state. At this time, a detection signal is input from the detection switch 120 to the control unit 100.

[0109] 25B, when the detection switch 120 detects the detection target portion 93 of the rotating member 90 at the initial mounting time T10 immediately after the developing device 70 is mounted in the apparatus main body 11, that is, when the detection signal is input to the control unit 100, the control unit 100 determines that the mounted developing device 70 has been used. This determination result is displayed, for example, by the control unit 100 on a display unit (not shown) provided in the image forming apparatus 10.

[0110] As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to accurately determine whether the developing device 70 mounted in the apparatus main body 11 is a new, unused developing device 70 or a used developing device 70 that has been mounted once. In addition, since the result of the determination process of the new / old determination by the control unit 100 is displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus 10, the user can easily know whether the mounted developing device is new or has been used once.

[0111] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the developing device 70 is attached to the drum unit 60 mounted on the image forming device 10, but the present invention is also applicable to the case in which the housing 64 of the drum unit 60 is formed integrally with the device main body 11 of the image forming device 10.

[0112] In the above embodiment, the developing device 70 that is detachable from the image forming device 10 is illustrated, but the present invention is also applicable to a toner container that is detachable from the image forming device 10. In this case, the container body of the toner container has a similar configuration to the housing 71 of the developing device 70. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 10: Image forming device 11: Device body 15: Inside 50: Image forming unit 60: Drum unit 61: Photoconductor drum 64: Housing 65: Development support section 70: Developing device 71: Housing 72: Stirring member 73: Supply roller 74: Developing roller 75: Side cover 76: Input section 77: Bearing part 77L1, 77R2: Guide section 78: Guide section 79: Guide member 80: Transmission mechanism 90: Rotating member 93: Detected part 100: Control unit 110: Motor 111: Guide groove 112: Guide groove 113: Insertion port 116: Supply terminal 117: Supply terminal 711: Support frame 712: Shaft cover 732: Rotation axis 732R: Shaft end 742: Rotation axis 742R: Shaft end 753: First Regulatory Department 754: Second Regulatory Department 791: Guide section 792 :Connection part

Claims

1. A container capable of accommodating a developer therein; A device body that detachably supports the container; A detection means provided in the device body for detecting an attachment state of the container; a control unit that determines whether the container is unused based on a detection result by the detection means; a drive source provided in the device body for generating a drive force; The container comprises: an input unit to which the driving force is input in the mounted state; a displacement member that is displaceable between an initial position that is not detected by the detection means and a detection position that is detected by the detection means, the displacement member is displaced from the initial position to the detection position by receiving the driving force input to the input unit after the container is attached to the device body, The control unit is determining that the container is unused when the displacement member is not detected by the detection means in an initial mounting state immediately after the container is mounted on the device body, and determining that the container is used when the displacement member is detected by the detection means in the initial mounting state; the displacement member has a detection target portion that is detected by the detection means, and is supported by the container so as to be rotatable from the initial position to the detection position, the initial position is a rotational position at which the detection portion is not detected by the detection means, The detection position is a rotational position at which the detection target portion is detected by the detection unit.

2. A container capable of accommodating a developer therein; A device body that detachably supports the container; A detection means provided in the device body for detecting an attachment state of the container; a control unit that determines whether the container is unused based on a detection result by the detection means, The container comprises: a displacement member that is displaceable between an initial position that is not detected by the detection means and a detection position that is detected by the detection means; The control unit is if the displacement member is not detected by the detection means in an initial mounting state immediately after the container is mounted on the device body, and then the displacement member is detected by the detection means as a result of the displacement member being displaced from the initial position to the detection position, the container is determined to be unused, and if the displacement member is detected by the detection means in the initial mounting state, the container is determined to be used, the displacement member has a detection target portion that is detected by the detection means, and is supported by the container so as to be rotatable from the initial position to the detection position, the initial position is a rotational position at which the detection portion is not detected by the detection means, The detection position is a rotational position at which the detection target portion is detected by the detection unit.

3. 3 . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a first restricting portion that abuts against the detected portion and restricts the displacement member from rotating in a first rotation direction from the initial position toward the detection position.

4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3 , further comprising a second regulating portion that regulates the displacement member from rotating in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction after the displacement member reaches the detection position.

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

6. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the container is a developing device that is detachable from the main body of the apparatus.

7. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the container is a toner container that is detachable from the main body of the apparatus.

Images