Image forming device

Abstract

To provide an image formation device capable of outputting errors when connection between an electrical contact surface and an electrical connector is not normal in a state where a separation mechanism is operated.SOLUTION: A control unit 5 of an image formation device 1 performs a separation process for moving an enclosure of a developing cartridge 3 with respect to a body frame 2 in a separation direction. The control unit 5 also performs a communication check process for determining whether communication with an IC chip 51 can be performed, by using the separation process as a trigger. The control unit 5 then outputs an error when it is determined that the communication with the IC chip 51 cannot be performed in the communication check process.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses such as laser printers and LED printers are known. The image forming apparatus has a developer cartridge. The developer cartridge is attachable to the image forming apparatus. The developer cartridge has a developer roller for supplying toner. When the developer cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, the developer roller comes into contact with the photosensitive drum of the image forming apparatus.

[0003] A conventional image forming apparatus having a developer cartridge is described, for example, in Patent Document 1. The developer cartridge described in Patent Document 1 has an IC chip. When the developer cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus, the electrical contact surface of the IC chip comes into contact with the electrical connector of the image forming apparatus.

[0004] The image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1 can perform a separation process to separate the developing roller from the photosensitive drum when the developing cartridge is installed. Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, the holder that holds the IC chip is movable relative to the casing of the developing cartridge. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus of Patent Document 1, even when the separation process is performed, the electrical contact surface of the IC chip and the electrical connector can be maintained in contact. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-167448 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, if the movement of the holder relative to the casing of the developer cartridge is not normal, or if the mechanism for the separation process is not operating normally, there is a possibility that the electrical contact surface of the IC chip and the electrical connector will become separated when the separation process is performed.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an image forming apparatus that can output an error if the connection between the electrical contact surface and the electrical connector is not normal when the separation mechanism is in operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] a control unit for controlling the separation mechanism; and a control unit for controlling the separation mechanism, the control unit being capable of communicating with the storage medium via the electrical connector when the developer cartridge is attached to the main frame. The control unit is characterized by the fact that the control unit executes a separation process for moving the housing relative to the main frame in the separation direction by the separation mechanism, a communication check process triggered by the separation process for determining whether communication with the storage medium is possible, and an error output process for outputting an error if it is determined in the communication check process that communication with the storage medium is not possible.

[0009] The second disclosure of the present application is the image forming apparatus of the first disclosure, characterized in that the developing cartridge further has a holder that holds the electrical contact surface and is movable in the separation direction relative to the housing, and when the separation process is performed with the developing cartridge attached to the main body frame, the electrical contact surface and the electrical connector are in contact.

[0010] A third disclosure of the present application is an image forming apparatus according to the first or second disclosure, wherein the control unit is capable of executing a detection process to detect that the power supply of the image forming apparatus has been switched from off to on or that the cover of the image forming apparatus has been closed, and when the control unit detects in the detection process that the power supply of the image forming apparatus has been switched from off to on or that the cover of the image forming apparatus has been closed, it executes the separation process and executes the communication check process using the separation process as a trigger.

[0011] The fourth disclosure of the present application is the image forming apparatus of the third disclosure, wherein the storage medium stores at least one of the cumulative number of prints using the developing roller, the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller, and the cumulative amount of developer consumed, and the control unit determines whether or not it is possible to read at least one of the cumulative number of prints, the cumulative number of rotations, and the cumulative amount of developer consumed from the storage medium during the communication check process.

[0012] The fifth disclosure of the present application is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth disclosures, wherein the control unit executes the separation process after executing a printing process using the developing cartridge, and executes the communication check process using the separation process as a trigger.

[0013] The sixth disclosure of the present application is the image forming apparatus of the fifth disclosure, wherein the storage medium stores at least one of the cumulative number of prints using the developing roller, the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller, and the cumulative amount of developer consumed, and the control unit determines whether or not it is possible to write at least one of the cumulative number of prints, the cumulative number of rotations, and the cumulative amount of developer consumed to the storage medium during the communication check process.

[0014] A seventh disclosure of the present application is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth disclosures, characterized in that the control unit is capable of executing a cleaning process to clean the photosensitive drum, and the control unit executes the separation process when executing the cleaning process, and executes the communication check process using the separation process as a trigger.

[0015] The eighth disclosure of the present application is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh disclosures, characterized in that the image forming apparatus further includes a display, and the control unit displays an error message on the display during the error output processing.

[0016] The ninth disclosure of the present application is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth disclosures, characterized in that the control unit prohibits printing processing if it is determined in the communication check processing that communication is not possible.

[0017] The tenth disclosure of the present application is an image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth disclosures, comprising a drum cartridge having the photosensitive drum, the drum cartridge being capable of mounting the developing cartridge, the developing cartridge being mounted in the drum cartridge while mounted in the main body frame, and when the separation process is performed while the drum cartridge with the developing cartridge mounted is mounted in the main body frame, the housing of the developing cartridge and the developing roller move in the separation direction from the photosensitive drum of the drum cartridge. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the first to tenth disclosures of the present application, when the connection between the electrical contact surface and the electrical connector is not normal while the separating mechanism is in operation, an error can be output.

[0019] According to the second disclosure of the present application, the separation mechanism can maintain the connection between the electrical contact surface and the electrical connector without moving the electrical contact surface when the housing is moved in the separation direction. Also, if this mechanism is not operating normally, an error can be output.

[0020] According to the third disclosure of the present application, the separation process is executed after the power is turned on or the cover is closed, and the separation process is used as a trigger to execute the communication check process. This allows an error to be output before the printing process is executed if the connection between the electrical contact surface and the electrical connector is not normal.

[0021] Furthermore, according to the fourth disclosure of the present application, a communication check process can be performed by utilizing the latch process that occurs after the power is turned on or the cover is closed.

[0022] According to the fifth disclosure of the present application, the separation process and the communication check process are executed every time a printing process is executed, so that an error can be output if the connection between the electrical contact surface and the electrical connector becomes abnormal.

[0023] Furthermore, according to the sixth disclosure of the present application, after the printing process, a communication check can be performed by utilizing the process of writing information to a storage medium.

[0024] According to the seventh disclosure of the present application, when a cleaning process for a photosensitive drum is performed, a separation process must be performed. This timing is used to perform a communication check process. This allows an error to be output if the connection between the electrical contact surface and the electrical connector becomes abnormal.

[0025] Furthermore, according to the ninth disclosure of the present application, it is possible to prevent a printing process from being performed while the electrical contact surface and the electrical connector are not properly connected. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an IC chip assembly. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an IC chip assembly. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the drum cartridge. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a first guide plate and a second guide plate. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state when a separation process is being executed. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of an initial process. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of latch processing. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a printing process. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a printing process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0028] In the following description, the direction in which the developing roller 30 extends is referred to as the "first direction." Furthermore, the direction intersecting the electrical contact surface 511 of the IC chip 51 (in this embodiment, the direction perpendicular to the electrical contact surface 511) is referred to as the "second direction." Furthermore, the insertion direction of the developing cartridge 3 into the slot 79 of the drum cartridge 4 is referred to as the "third direction."

[0029] <1. Configuration of image forming device> FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an image forming apparatus 1. This image forming apparatus 1 is an electrophotographic printer. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 is a laser printer or an LED printer. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a main body frame 2, four developing cartridges 3, a drum cartridge 4, a control unit 5, a display 6, and a cleaning unit 7.

[0030] The main body frame 2 has an insertion slot 201 and a cover 202. The cover 202 is rotatable between an open position where the insertion slot 201 is open and a closed position where the insertion slot 201 is closed. The image forming apparatus 1 has a cover sensor 203 that detects that the cover 202 has been rotated from the open position to the closed position. When the cover sensor 203 detects that the cover 202 has been rotated from the open position to the closed position, it transmits a detection signal to the control unit 5.

[0031] 2 is a perspective view of four developer cartridges 3 and the drum cartridge 4. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the four developer cartridges 3 can be individually attached to the drum cartridge 4. Furthermore, the drum cartridge 4 with the four developer cartridges 3 attached can be attached to the main body frame 2 via the insertion opening 201. In other words, the four developer cartridges 3 can be attached to the main body frame 2 in a state where they are attached to the drum cartridges 4.

[0032] Each of the four developer cartridges 3 has a developer roller 30. The drum cartridge 4 has four photosensitive drums 80. When a developer cartridge 3 is attached to the drum cartridge 4, the developer roller 30 comes into contact with the photosensitive drum 80. The four developer cartridges 3 contain developers of different colors (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). The image forming device 1 forms an image on printing paper using the developers supplied from the four developer cartridges 3 via the developer rollers 30 and photosensitive drums 80.

[0033] The number of developer cartridges 3 attached to the drum cartridge 4 in this embodiment is four. However, the number of developer cartridges 3 attached to the drum cartridge 4 may be one to three, or may be five or more.

[0034] The control unit 5 is located within the main body frame 2 of the image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 5 has, for example, a processor 501 such as a CPU, and a main body memory 502. The main body memory 502 is a storage medium from which information can be read and written. The processor 501 can read information from the main body memory 502 and write information to the main body memory 502. The control unit 5 executes various processes in the image forming apparatus 1 by the processor 501 operating in accordance with programs stored in the main body memory 502.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1 , each of the four developer cartridges 3 has an IC chip 51. The IC chip 51 is a storage medium from which information can be read and written. The drum cartridge 4 also has four electrical connectors 711. When the developer cartridge 3 is attached to the drum cartridge 4, the IC chip 51 is electrically connected to the electrical connector 711. When the drum cartridge 4 with the developer cartridge 3 attached is attached to the main body frame 2, the electrical connector 711 is electrically connected to the control unit 5. This electrically connects the IC chip 51 to the control unit 5 via the electrical connector 711. That is, the control unit 5 can communicate with the IC chip 51. As a result, the control unit 5 can read information from the IC chip 51 and write information to the IC chip 51.

[0036] The display 6 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic display. The display 6 is electrically connected to the control unit 5. In accordance with instructions from the control unit 5, the display 6 displays various information related to the operation of the image forming apparatus 1 on the screen.

[0037] The cleaning unit 7 is a mechanism that cleans the four photosensitive drums 80 of the drum cartridge 4. In this embodiment, the drum cartridge 4 has the cleaning unit 7. The cleaning unit 7 has a cleaning roller 701 and a motor (not shown) that rotates the cleaning roller. When the drum cartridge 4 is attached to the main body frame 2, the motor is electrically connected to the control unit 5. The control unit 5 operates the cleaning unit 7 every time a preset number of sheets are printed. The control unit 5 also operates the cleaning unit 7 when the printing process is completed. The cleaning unit 7 brings the surface of the cleaning roller 701 into contact with the surface of the photosensitive drum 80 and rotates the cleaning roller 701 by driving the motor. This removes unnecessary developer adhering to the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 80.

[0038] <2. Structure of the developing cartridge> Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the developer cartridge 3. As shown in Fig. 3, the developer cartridge 3 of this embodiment has a casing 10, an agitator 20, a developing roller 30, a gear unit 40, and an IC chip assembly 50. Note that Fig. 3 shows the gear unit 40 and the IC chip assembly 50 in an exploded state.

[0039] The casing 10 is a housing capable of containing a developer. The casing 10 extends in a first direction between a first end surface 11 and a second end surface 12. The gear portion 40 and the IC chip assembly 50 are located at the first end surface 11. A storage chamber 13 is provided inside the casing 10. The developer is stored in the storage chamber 13. The casing 10 also has an opening 14. The opening 14 is located at one end of the casing 10 in the third direction. The storage chamber 13 and the external space of the casing 10 communicate with each other via the opening 14.

[0040] The agitator 20 has an agitator shaft 21 and an agitator blade 22. The agitator shaft 21 extends along a first direction. The agitator blade 22 extends radially outward from the agitator shaft 21. At least a portion of the agitator shaft 21 and the agitator blade 22 are disposed inside the storage chamber 13. An agitator gear 44, which will be described later, is fixed to one end of the agitator shaft 21 in the first direction. Therefore, the agitator shaft 21 and the agitator blade 22 rotate together with the agitator gear 44. When the agitator blade 22 rotates, the developer in the storage chamber 13 is agitated.

[0041] The developing roller 30 is a roller that can rotate about a rotation axis that extends in a first direction. The developing roller 30 is disposed in the opening 14 of the casing 10. The developing roller 30 of this embodiment has a developing roller main body 31 and a developing roller shaft 32. The developing roller main body 31 is a cylindrical member that extends in the first direction. The developing roller main body 31 is made of a material such as elastic rubber. The developing roller shaft 32 is a cylindrical member that penetrates the developing roller main body 31 in the first direction. The developing roller shaft 32 is made of a material such as metal or a conductive resin. The developing roller main body 31 is fixed to the developing roller shaft 32 so as not to rotate relative to it.

[0042] A developing roller gear 42 (described later) is fixed to one end of the developing roller shaft 32 in the first direction. Therefore, when the developing roller gear 42 rotates, the developing roller shaft 32 also rotates, and the developing roller main body 31 rotates together with the developing roller shaft 32.

[0043] The developing roller shaft 32 does not have to penetrate the developing roller main body 31 in the first direction. For example, the developing roller shaft 32 may extend in the first direction from both ends of the developing roller main body 31 in the first direction.

[0044] The developer cartridge 3 also has a supply roller (not shown). The supply roller is located between the developer roller 30 and the agitator 20. The supply roller is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the first direction. When the developer cartridge 3 receives a driving force, developer is supplied from the storage chamber 13 in the casing 10 to the outer circumferential surface of the developer roller 30 via the supply roller. At that time, the developer is frictionally charged between the supply roller and the developer roller 30. Meanwhile, a bias voltage is applied to the developer roller shaft 32. Therefore, the developer is attracted to the outer circumferential surface of the developer roller body 31 due to the electrostatic force between the developer roller shaft 32 and the developer.

[0045] The developing cartridge 3 also has a layer thickness regulating blade (not shown). The layer thickness regulating blade shapes the developer supplied to the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller main body 31 to a uniform thickness. The developer on the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller main body 31 is then supplied to the photosensitive drum 80 of the drum cartridge 4. At this time, the developer moves from the developing roller main body 31 to the photosensitive drum 80 in accordance with the electrostatic latent image formed on the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 80. As a result, the electrostatic latent image is visualized on the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 80.

[0046] The gear unit 40 is located on the first end surface 11 of the casing 10. As shown in Fig. 3, the gear unit 40 has a coupling 41, a developing roller gear 42, an idle gear 43, an agitator gear 44, and a gear cover 45. Note that in Fig. 3, the multiple gear teeth of each gear are not shown.

[0047] The coupling 41 is a gear that initially receives the driving force supplied from the image forming apparatus 1. The coupling 41 is rotatable about a rotation axis that extends in a first direction. The coupling 41 has a coupling portion 411 and a coupling gear 412. The coupling portion 411 and the coupling gear 412 are integrally formed from, for example, resin. The coupling portion 411 has a fastening hole 413 that is recessed in the first direction. Furthermore, the coupling gear 412 has a plurality of gear teeth on its outer periphery.

[0048] When the drum cartridge 4 with the developer cartridge 3 attached thereto is mounted to the main body frame 2, the drive shaft of the image forming apparatus 1 is inserted into the fastening hole 413 of the coupling part 411. This connects the drive shaft and the coupling part 411 so that they cannot rotate relative to each other. Therefore, when the drive shaft rotates, the coupling part 411 rotates, and the coupling gear 412 rotates together with the coupling part 411.

[0049] The developing roller gear 42 is a gear for rotating the developing roller 30. The developing roller gear 42 is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the first direction. The developing roller gear 42 has a plurality of gear teeth on its outer periphery. Some of the gear teeth of the coupling gear 412 and some of the gear teeth of the developing roller gear 42 mesh with each other. The developing roller gear 42 is fixed to one end of the developing roller shaft 32. Therefore, when the coupling gear 412 rotates, the developing roller gear 42 rotates, and the developing roller 30 rotates together with the developing roller gear 42.

[0050] The idle gear 43 is a gear for transmitting the rotation of the coupling gear 412 to the agitator gear 44. The idle gear 43 is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the first direction. The idle gear 43 has a large diameter gear portion 431 and a small diameter gear portion 432 arranged in the first direction. The small diameter gear portion 432 is located between the first end face 11 of the casing 10 and the large diameter gear portion 431. In other words, the large diameter gear portion 431 is farther from the first end face 11 than the small diameter gear portion 432. The diameter of the addendum circle of the small diameter gear portion 432 is smaller than the diameter of the addendum circle of the large diameter gear portion 431. The large diameter gear portion 431 and the small diameter gear portion 432 are integrally formed from, for example, resin.

[0051] The large diameter gear portion 431 and the small diameter gear portion 432 have a plurality of gear teeth on their outer peripheries. The number of gear teeth on the small diameter gear portion 432 is smaller than the number of gear teeth on the large diameter gear portion 431. Some of the gear teeth on the coupling gear 412 and some of the gear teeth on the large diameter gear portion 431 mesh with each other. Some of the gear teeth on the small diameter gear portion 432 and some of the gear teeth on the agitator gear 44 mesh with each other. When the coupling gear 412 rotates, the large diameter gear portion 431 rotates, and the small diameter gear portion 432 rotates together with the large diameter gear portion 431. Then, as the small diameter gear portion 432 rotates, the agitator gear 44 also rotates.

[0052] The agitator gear 44 is a gear for rotating the agitator 20. The agitator gear 44 is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the first direction. The agitator gear 44 has a plurality of gear teeth on its outer periphery. As described above, some of the gear teeth of the small diameter gear portion 432 and some of the gear teeth of the agitator gear 44 mesh with each other. The agitator gear 44 is fixed to one end of the agitator shaft 21. Therefore, when power is transmitted from the coupling 41 to the agitator gear 44 via the idle gear 43, the agitator gear 44 rotates, and the agitator 20 rotates together with the agitator gear 44.

[0053] The gear cover 45 is fixed to the first end surface 11 of the casing 10. The coupling gear 412, the developing roller gear 42, the idle gear 43, and the agitator gear 44 are housed between the first end surface 11 of the casing 10 and the gear cover 45. The fastening hole 413 of the coupling part 411 is exposed to the outside of the gear cover 45. The gear cover 45 has a first columnar protrusion 46 extending in a first direction. The gear cover 45 of this embodiment also serves as a holder cover that holds a holder 52 of an IC chip assembly 50, which will be described later. The structure of the gear cover 45 as a holder cover will be described later.

[0054] The IC chip assembly 50 is located outside the first end surface 11 of the casing 10. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the IC chip assembly 50. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the IC chip assembly 50 cut along a plane perpendicular to the first direction. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the IC chip assembly 50 has an IC chip 51, which is a storage medium, and a holder 52 that holds the IC chip 51. The IC chip 51 is fixed to the outer surface of the holder 52. The holder 52 is held between the casing 10 and the gear cover 45. The IC chip 51 has an electrical contact surface 511. The electrical contact surface 511 is made of metal, which is a conductor.

[0055] The IC chip 51 can store various information related to the developer cartridge 3. Specifically, the IC chip 51 stores at least one of the cumulative number of pages printed using the developer roller 30, the cumulative number of rotations of the developer roller 30, and the cumulative amount of developer consumed. This information indicates the remaining life of the developer cartridge 3. The IC chip 51 may also store information indicating the specifications of the developer cartridge 3.

[0056] A portion of the holder 52 is covered by the gear cover 45. The holder 52 has a first boss 521a, a second boss 521b, and a third boss 521c. The first boss 521a and the second boss 521b each extend in a first direction from a surface of the holder 52 facing the gear cover 45 toward the gear cover 45. The first boss 521a and the second boss 521b are aligned in a third direction. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 3, the gear cover 45 has a first through hole 451a and a second through hole 451b. The first through hole 451a and the second through hole 451b each penetrate the gear cover 45 in the first direction. The first through hole 451a and the second through hole 451b are aligned in a third direction. The first boss 521a is inserted into the first through hole 451a. The second boss 521b is inserted into the second through-hole 451b.

[0057] Third boss 521c extends in a first direction from a surface of holder 52 facing casing 10 toward casing 10. Meanwhile, casing 10 has recess 15. Recess 15 is recessed in the first direction at first end surface 11 of casing 10. Third boss 521c is inserted into recess 15. Note that each of first boss 521a, second boss 521b, and third boss 521c may have a cylindrical shape or another shape such as a rectangular pillar.

[0058] The size (inner dimension) of the first through-hole 451a in the second direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the first boss 521a. The size (inner dimension) of the second through-hole 451b in the second direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the second boss 521b. The size (inner dimension) of the recess 15 in the second direction is larger than the size (outer dimension) of the third boss 521c. Therefore, the holder 52, together with the first boss 521a, the second boss 521b, and the third boss 521c, is movable in the second direction relative to the casing 10 and the gear cover 45. When the holder 52 moves in the second direction, the IC chip 51 having the electrical contact surface 511 also moves in the second direction together with the holder 52.

[0059] Furthermore, the size in the third direction (internal dimension) of the first through-hole 451a is larger than the size in the third direction (external dimension) of the first boss 521a. The size in the third direction (internal dimension) of the second through-hole 451b is larger than the size in the third direction (external dimension) of the second boss 521b. The size in the third direction (internal dimension) of the recess 15 is larger than the size in the third direction (external dimension) of the third boss 521c. Therefore, the holder 52, together with the first boss 521a, the second boss 521b, and the third boss 521c, is movable in the third direction relative to the casing 10 and the gear cover 45. When the holder 52 moves in the third direction, the IC chip 51 having the electrical contact surface 511 also moves in the third direction together with the holder 52.

[0060] The holder 52 may be movable in the first direction between the first end surface 11 of the casing 10 and the gear cover 45. The number of bosses provided on the holder 52, the number of through holes provided on the gear cover 45, and the number of recesses provided on the casing 10 are not limited to the examples of this embodiment. The gear cover 45 may have recesses into which the bosses are inserted, instead of through holes.

[0061] 4 and 5, the holder 52 has a first outer surface 610 and a second outer surface 620. The first outer surface 610 is located at one end of the holder 52 in the second direction. The second outer surface 620 is located at the other end of the holder 52 in the second direction. The second outer surface 620 is movable in the second direction relative to the first outer surface 610.

[0062] More specifically, the holder 52 of this embodiment has a first holder member 61, a second holder member 62, and a coil spring 63 located therebetween. The first holder member 61 is made of, for example, resin. The second holder member 62 is made of, for example, resin. The first holder member 61 has a first outer surface 610. The IC chip 51 is fixed to a holding surface 520 included in the first outer surface 610. The second holder member 62 has a second outer surface 620. In the assembled holder 52, the first outer surface 610 and the second outer surface 620 are spaced apart in the second direction.

[0063] The coil spring 63 is an elastic member that extends in the second direction. The coil spring 63 is disposed between the first outer surface 610 and the second outer surface 620 in the second direction. The coil spring 63 expands and contracts in the second direction at least between a first state and a second state in which the coil spring 63 is more compressed than the first state. The length of the coil spring 63 in the second direction in the first state is longer than the length of the coil spring 63 in the second state. Therefore, the distance in the second direction between the first outer surface 610 and the second outer surface 620 in the first state is longer than the distance in the second direction between the first outer surface 610 and the second outer surface 620 in the second state. Furthermore, the length of the coil spring 63 in the second direction in at least the second state is shorter than the natural length of the coil spring 63.

[0064] 4 and 5, the first holder member 61 has a first claw portion 615a and a second claw portion 615b. The first claw portion 615a and the second claw portion 615b each protrude from the first holder member 61 in a direction intersecting the second direction. Meanwhile, the second holder member 62 has a first opening 621a and a second opening 621b. The first claw portion 615a is inserted into the first opening 621a. The second claw portion 615b is inserted into the second opening 621b. When the coil spring 63 is in the first state, the first claw portion 615a contacts the second holder member 62 at the edge of the first opening 621a on the first outer surface 610 side. When the coil spring 63 is in the first state, the second claw portion 615b contacts the second holder member 62 at the edge of the second opening 621b on the first outer surface 610 side. This prevents the length of the coil spring 63 in the second direction from becoming longer than in the first state. Also, the first holder member 61 is prevented from being detached from the second holder member 62. On the other hand, when the coil spring 63 is in the second state, the first claw portion 615a and the second claw portion 615b move away from the second holder member 62.

[0065] The second holder member 62 may have a recess or a step that can come into contact with the claw portion instead of the opening. Alternatively, the first holder member 61 may have the opening, recess, or step, and the second holder member 62 may have the claw portion.

[0066] Due to the dimensional difference between the first through hole 451a and the first boss 521a, the dimensional difference between the second through hole 451b and the second boss 521b, the dimensional difference between the recess 15 and the third boss 521c, and the expansion and contraction of the coil spring 63, the holding surface 520 of the holder 52 can move in the second direction relative to the casing 10.

[0067] <3. About the drum cartridge> FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the drum cartridge 4. As shown in FIG. 6, the drum cartridge 4 has a drum frame 70 and four photosensitive drums 80. The drum frame 70 has four slots 79. The developer cartridges 3 are attached to the slots 79. The photosensitive drums 80 are located at one end of each slot 79 in the third direction. The photosensitive drums 80 are rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the first direction. The outer peripheral surfaces of the photosensitive drums 80 are covered with a photosensitive material.

[0068] The drum frame 70 has a first guide plate 71 and a second guide plate 72 at one end of each slot 79 in the first direction. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the first guide plate 71 and the second guide plate 72, taken perpendicular to the first direction. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the first guide plate 71 and the second guide plate 72 are spaced apart in the second direction. The first guide plate 71 and the second guide plate 72 extend along the first direction and the third direction, respectively.

[0069] The first guide plate 71 has an electrical connector 711. The electrical connector 711 is an electrical contact that can come into contact with the electrical contact surface 511 of the IC chip 51. The electrical connector 711 is made of, for example, a conductive metal. The electrical connector 711 protrudes in the second direction from the surface of the first guide plate 71 toward the second guide plate 72. When the drum cartridge 4 is attached to the main body frame 2 of the image forming apparatus 1, the electrical connector 711 is electrically connected to the control unit 5.

[0070] On the other hand, the second guide plate 72 has a support surface 721. The electrical connector 711 and the support surface 721 face each other in the second direction. When the developer cartridge 3 is attached to the drum cartridge 4, the holder 52 is sandwiched between the electrical connector 711 and the support surface 721. The electrical contact surface 511 of the IC chip 51 contacts the electrical connector 711, and the second outer surface 620 of the holder 52 contacts the support surface 721.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 6, the drum cartridge 4 has a plurality of separation levers 91. The separation levers 91 are located at both ends of each slot 79 in the first direction. Also, as shown in FIG. 7, the drum cartridge 4 has a pressure member 92 and a pushing member 93. The pressure member 92 is located at both ends of each slot 79 in the first direction. The pushing member 93 is also located at both ends of each slot 79 in the first direction. The pushing member 93 works in conjunction with the separation levers 91.

[0072] When the developer cartridge 3 is attached to the drum cartridge 4, the first columnar projection 46 is disposed between the pressure member 92 and the pressing member 93. The developer cartridge 3 also has a second columnar projection (not shown) similar to the first columnar projection 46 on the second end surface 12 of the casing 10. When the developer cartridge 3 is attached to the drum cartridge 4, the second columnar projection is disposed between the pressure member 92 and the pressing member 93. The pressure member 92 presses the first columnar projection 46 and the second columnar projection toward the photosensitive drum 80. This causes the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 30 to come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 80.

[0073] <4. Separation treatment> When the drum cartridge 4 with the developer cartridge 3 attached thereto is mounted on the main body frame 2, the image forming apparatus 1 can perform a separation process. The separation process is a process for separating the developer roller 30 from the photosensitive drum 80. Figure 8 shows the state when the separation process is being performed.

[0074] When the separation process is performed, the drive lever of the image forming apparatus 1 presses the separation lever 91 in response to a command from the control unit 5. This causes the pressing member 93 to move toward the pressure member 92. As a result, the first columnar projection 46 and the second columnar projection are each pressed by the pressing member 93. Then, the first columnar projection 46 and the second columnar projection each move against the pressure of the pressure member 92. As a result, as indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 8 , the casing 10 of the developer cartridge 3 moves relative to the main body frame 2 and the drum cartridge 4 in a direction in which the developing roller 30 separates from the photosensitive drum 80. In other words, the state changes from a contact state in which the developing roller 30 and the photosensitive drum 80 are in contact to a separation state in which the developing roller 30 and the photosensitive drum 80 are separated.

[0075] Hereinafter, the direction in which the casing 10 and the developing roller 30 of the developing cartridge 3 move relative to the photosensitive drum 80 during the separating process will be referred to as the "separating direction." The separating direction has components in the second direction and the third direction.

[0076] The holder 52 is movable in the separation direction relative to the casing 10. Therefore, in both the contact state and the separation state, the IC chip assembly 50 is fixed in a state sandwiched between the electrical connector 711 and the support surface 721. Therefore, in both the contact state and the separation state, the electrical contact surface 511 of the IC chip 51 is in contact with the electrical connector 711. The holder 52 is not in contact with the casing 10 and the gear cover 45. Furthermore, the first guide plate 71 and the second guide plate 72 are also not in contact with the casing 10 and the gear cover 45. Therefore, during the separation process, the casing 10 can be moved relative to the holder 52 with the holder 52 fixed between the first guide plate 71 and the second guide plate 72.

[0077] That is, when the separation process is performed, the casing 10 and the developing roller 30 move in the separation direction, but the position of the IC chip assembly 50 relative to the drum cartridge 4 does not change. Furthermore, the state of the coil spring 63 remains unchanged, remaining in the second state. That is, the casing 10 and the developing roller 30 move in the separation direction while the position of the electrical contact surface 511 relative to the drum cartridge 4 remains fixed. This maintains contact between the electrical contact surface 511 and the electrical connector 711. Furthermore, rubbing of the electrical contact surface 511 during the separation process is reduced.

[0078] <5. Processing of the control section> Next, the process executed by the control unit 5 in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described.

[0079] <5-1. Initial processing> First, the initial processing executed by the control unit 5 when the power of the image forming apparatus 1 is switched from off to on or when the cover 202 of the image forming apparatus 1 is closed will be described. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the initial processing. Note that in this embodiment, it is assumed that the drum cartridge 4 with four developer cartridges 3 installed is installed in the main body frame 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 at the start of the initial processing in Fig. 9.

[0080] First, the control unit 5 detects that the power of the image forming apparatus 1 has been switched from off to on or that the cover 202 of the image forming apparatus 1 has been closed (step S11, detection process). For example, when the supply of current to the control unit 5 starts, the control unit 5 determines that the power has been switched from off to on. Furthermore, when the control unit 5 receives a detection signal from the cover sensor 203, it determines that the cover 202 has been closed.

[0081] When the control unit 5 detects that the power has been switched from off to on or that the cover 202 of the image forming apparatus 1 has been closed (step S11: yes), the control unit 5 then executes a separation process (step S12). Specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 presses the separation lever 91 of the drum cartridge 4 to move the pressing member 93 in the separation direction. This causes the casing 10 and the developing roller 30 to move in the separation direction relative to the main body frame 2 and the drum cartridge 4. As a result, the developing roller 30 separates from the photosensitive drum 80 in the separation direction.

[0082] Next, the control unit 5 uses the separation process as a trigger to execute a latch process for reading information from the IC chip 51 (step S13). That is, the control unit 5 executes the latch process while continuing the separation process of step S12.

[0083] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the detailed flow of the latch process. As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 5 first checks whether it can communicate with the IC chip 51 (step S21, communication check process). Specifically, the control unit 5 determines whether it is possible to read at least one of the cumulative number of printed sheets, the cumulative number of rotations, and the cumulative consumption amount from the IC chip 51. As described above, if the separation process is performed normally, the electrical contact surface 511 of the IC chip 51 is in contact with the electrical connector 711. Therefore, the control unit 5 can communicate with the IC chip 51. However, if the connection between the electrical contact surface 511 and the electrical connector 711 is not normal, the control unit 5 cannot communicate with the IC chip 51.

[0084] If the control unit 5 determines that it can communicate with the IC chip 51 (step S21: yes), the control unit 5 reads the cumulative number of printed sheets from the IC chip 51 (step S22), reads the cumulative number of rotations from the IC chip 51 (step S23), and reads the cumulative consumption amount from the IC chip 51 (step S24). Then, the control unit 5 writes the read cumulative number of printed sheets, cumulative number of rotations, and cumulative consumption amount to the main body memory 502. Thereafter, the control unit 5 ends the latch process and proceeds to step S14 in FIG. 9.

[0085] On the other hand, if the control unit 5 determines in step S21 that it cannot communicate with the IC chip 51 (step S21: no), the control unit 5 outputs an error (step S25, error output process). Specifically, the control unit 5 displays an error message on the display 6. In this case, the electrical contact surface 511 of the IC chip 51 and the electrical connector 711 may not be properly connected. This may be caused by the holder 52 not being able to move in the separation direction relative to the casing 10, or the separation mechanism not operating properly. For this reason, the control unit 5 prohibits the printing process (step S26). In other words, the control unit 5 does not execute the processes from step S14 onwards in FIG. 9.

[0086] Returning to FIG. 9, after step S24, the control unit 5 checks the remaining life of the developing cartridge 3 (step S14, life check process). Specifically, the control unit 5 calculates the remaining life of the developing cartridge 3 based on the cumulative number of prints, cumulative number of rotations, and cumulative consumption amount read out in steps S22 to S24. If the calculated remaining life is shorter than a preset threshold, the control unit 5 displays on the display 6 that the end of life is approaching.

[0087] Thereafter, the control unit 5 executes a warm-up process (step S15). The warm-up process includes a process of rotating the photosensitive drum 80. At this point, the separation process is still being executed. Therefore, the photosensitive drum 80 and the developing roller 30 are separated from each other. Therefore, when the photosensitive drum 80 is rotated during the warm-up process, the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 80 and the developing roller 30 do not rub against each other.

[0088] When the warm-up process is completed, the control unit 5 waits for a print instruction to be input (step S16).

[0089] <5-2. Printing process> Next, we will explain the printing process of the image forming apparatus 1. Figures 11 and 12 are flowcharts showing the flow of the printing process.

[0090] When a print command is input to the control unit 5, the control unit 5 first cancels the separation process. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 releases the pressure on the separation lever 91. This causes the casing 10 and the developing roller 30 to move in the direction opposite to the separation direction relative to the main body frame 2 and the drum cartridge 4. Then, due to the pressure applied by the pressure member 92, the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller 30 comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 80 (step S31, pressure contact process).

[0091] Next, the control unit 5 executes a print process based on one print instruction (step S32). Specifically, the control unit 5 rotates the developing roller 30 and the photosensitive drum 80, and forms an image on a print sheet using the developer supplied from the developing cartridge 3 via the developing roller 30 and the photosensitive drum 80. The control unit 5 also updates the cumulative number of printed sheets, cumulative number of rotations, and cumulative consumption stored in the main body memory 502. Specifically, the control unit 5 increments the cumulative number of printed sheets, cumulative number of rotations, and cumulative consumption stored in the main body memory 502, respectively.

[0092] When the printing process based on one print instruction is completed, the control unit 5 determines whether or not there is a next print instruction (step S33). If there is no next print instruction and the printing process is to be completed (step S33: yes), the control unit 5 executes the separation process (step S34). Specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 moves the pressing member 93 in the separation direction by pressing the separation lever 91 of the drum cartridge 4. This moves the casing 10 and the developing roller 30 in the separation direction relative to the main body frame 2 and the drum cartridge 4. As a result, the developing roller 30 separates from the photosensitive drum 80 in the separation direction.

[0093] Next, the control unit 5 uses the separation process as a trigger to perform a cleaning process for the photosensitive drum 80 (step S35). That is, the control unit 5 performs the cleaning process while continuing the separation process of step S34. Specifically, the control unit 5 operates the cleaning unit 7. As a result, unnecessary developer adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 80 is removed.

[0094] The control unit 5 also uses the separation process as a trigger to check whether communication with the IC chip 51 is possible (step S36, communication check process). That is, the control unit 5 executes the communication check process while continuing the separation process of step S34. Specifically, the control unit 5 determines whether the process of writing at least one of the cumulative number of printed sheets, the cumulative number of rotations, and the cumulative consumption amount to the IC chip 51 is possible. If the control unit 5 determines that communication with the IC chip 51 is possible (step S36: yes), the control unit 5 writes the cumulative number of printed sheets, the cumulative number of rotations, and the cumulative consumption amount stored in the main body memory 502 to the IC chip 51 (step S37, write process). Thereafter, the control unit 5 again waits for input of a print instruction.

[0095] On the other hand, if the control unit 5 determines in step S36 that it cannot communicate with the IC chip 51 (step S36: no), the control unit 5 outputs an error (step S38, error output process). Specifically, the control unit 5 displays an error message on the display 6. In this case, the electrical contact surface 511 of the IC chip 51 and the electrical connector 711 may not be properly connected. This may be because the holder 52 has not been able to move in the separation direction relative to the casing 10, or the separation mechanism may not be operating properly. Therefore, the control unit 5 prohibits subsequent printing processes (step S39).

[0096] Furthermore, in step S33, if the control unit 5 determines that there is a next print instruction (step S33: no), the control unit 5 executes the process shown in FIG. 12. In this case, the control unit 5 first determines whether cleaning of the photosensitive drum 80 is necessary (step S41). Specifically, the control unit 5 determines whether a predetermined number of prints have been executed since the previous cleaning. If the predetermined number of prints have not yet been executed since the previous cleaning, the control unit 5 determines that cleaning is not necessary (step S41: no). In this case, the control unit 5 returns to step S32 and executes printing based on the next print instruction.

[0097] On the other hand, if a predetermined number of prints have been performed since the previous cleaning process was performed, the control unit 5 determines that a cleaning process is necessary (step S41: yes). In this case, the control unit 5 performs a separation process (step S42). Specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 moves the pressing member 93 in the separation direction by pressing the separation lever 91 of the drum cartridge 4. This causes the casing 10 and the developing roller 30 to move in the separation direction relative to the main body frame 2 and the drum cartridge 4. As a result, the developing roller 30 moves away from the photosensitive drum 80 in the separation direction.

[0098] Next, the control unit 5 uses the separation process as a trigger to perform a cleaning process for the photosensitive drum 80 (step S43). That is, the control unit 5 performs the cleaning process while continuing the separation process of step S42. Specifically, the control unit 5 operates the cleaning unit 7. As a result, unnecessary developer adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 80 is removed.

[0099] Furthermore, the control unit 5 uses the separation process as a trigger to check whether communication with the IC chip 51 is possible (step S44, communication check process). That is, the control unit 5 executes the communication check process while continuing the separation process of step S42. Specifically, the control unit 5 determines whether reading information from the IC chip 51 or writing information to the IC chip 51 is possible.

[0100] In step S44, if the control unit 5 determines that it can communicate with the IC chip 51 (step S44: yes), the control unit 5 cancels the separation process. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 releases the pressure on the separation lever 91. This causes the casing 10 and the developing roller 30 to move in the direction opposite to the separation direction relative to the main body frame 2 and the drum cartridge 4. Then, due to the pressure applied by the pressure member 92, the outer circumferential surface of the developing roller 30 comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the photosensitive drum 80 (step S45, pressure contact process).

[0101] Thereafter, the control unit 5 returns to step S32 and executes the printing process based on the next printing instruction.

[0102] On the other hand, if the control unit 5 determines in step S44 that it cannot communicate with the IC chip 51 (step S44: no), the control unit 5 outputs an error (step S46, error output process). Specifically, the control unit 5 displays an error message on the display 6. In this case, the electrical contact surface 511 of the IC chip 51 and the electrical connector 711 may not be properly connected. This may be because the holder 52 has not been able to move in the separation direction relative to the casing 10, or the mechanism for separation may not be operating properly. Therefore, the control unit 5 prohibits subsequent printing processes (step S47).

[0103] As described above, in this image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 5 determines whether communication with the IC chip 51 is possible using the separation process as a trigger, and outputs an error if it is determined that communication is not possible. Therefore, if the electrical contact surface 511 of the IC chip 51 and the electrical connector 711 are not properly connected, an error is output. Therefore, based on the output error, the user of the image forming apparatus 1 can recognize that the electrical contact surface 511 and the electrical connector 711 may not be properly connected. Furthermore, the user of the image forming apparatus 1 can recognize that the holder 52 may not be able to move in the separation direction relative to the casing 10, or that the separation mechanism may not be operating properly.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the control unit 5 detects that the power of the image forming apparatus 1 has been switched from off to on or that the cover 202 of the image forming apparatus 1 has been closed, the control unit 5 executes a separation process and, using the separation process as a trigger, determines whether or not communication with the IC chip 51 is possible. In this way, if the electrical contact surface 511 and the electrical connector 711 are not properly connected, an error can be output before the printing process is executed.

[0105] In this embodiment, in the communication check process of step S21, the control unit 5 determines whether or not it is possible to read at least one of the cumulative number of printed sheets, cumulative number of rotations, and cumulative consumption amount from the IC chip 51. In this way, it is possible to determine whether or not communication between the control unit 5 and the IC chip 51 is possible by utilizing the information read process during the latch process. Therefore, there is no need to execute the communication check process at a timing separate from the latch process.

[0106] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 5 executes the separation process every time a printing process using the developer cartridge 3 is executed, and the separation process is used as a trigger to determine whether or not communication with the IC chip 51 is possible. In this way, an error can be output if the connection state between the electrical contact surface 511 and the electrical connector 711 is no longer normal.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the communication check process of step S36, the control unit 5 determines whether or not it is possible to write at least one of the cumulative number of printed sheets, cumulative number of rotations, and cumulative consumption amount to the IC chip 51. In this way, it is possible to determine whether communication between the control unit 5 and the IC chip 51 is possible by using the process of writing information to the IC chip 51 after the printing process. Therefore, it is not necessary to execute the communication check process at a timing separate from the writing process after the printing process.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the control unit 5 executes the cleaning process for the photosensitive drum 80, it executes the separation process, and the separation process is used as a trigger to determine whether or not communication with the IC chip 51 is possible. In this way, if the connection state between the electrical contact surface 511 and the electrical connector 711 becomes abnormal, an error can be output.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the control unit 5 determines in the communication check process of steps S21, S36, and S44 that it cannot communicate with the IC chip 51, the control unit 5 prohibits the subsequent printing process. This prevents the printing process from being executed while the connection between the electrical contact surface 511 and the electrical connector 711 remains abnormal.

[0110] <6. Variations> Although one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment. Various modifications will be described below, focusing on differences from the above embodiment.

[0111] In the above embodiment, in the communication check process of step S21, the control unit 5 determines whether or not it is possible to read at least one of the cumulative number of printed sheets, the cumulative number of rotations, and the cumulative consumption amount from the IC chip 51. However, in the communication check process of step S21, the control unit 5 may also determine whether or not it is possible to read other information from the IC chip 51. Furthermore, in the communication check process of step S21, the control unit 5 may also determine whether or not it is possible to write information to the IC chip 51.

[0112] In the above embodiment, the control unit 5 determines whether or not it is possible to write at least one of the cumulative number of printed sheets, the cumulative number of rotations, and the cumulative consumption amount to the IC chip 51 in the communication check process of step S36. However, the control unit 5 may also determine whether or not it is possible to write other information to the IC chip 51 in the communication check process of step S36. The control unit 5 may also determine whether or not it is possible to read information from the IC chip 51 in the communication check process of step S36.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the separation lever 91 and the pressing member 93 of the drum cartridge 4 constitute a separation mechanism that moves the casing 10 and the developing roller 30 of the developer cartridge 3 in the separation direction. However, the separation mechanism is not limited to the above example and may be another mechanism. The separation mechanism may also be provided in the main body frame 2. The separation mechanism may also be one that presses the casing 10 of the developer cartridge 3 in the separation direction without using the drum cartridge 4.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the drum cartridge 4 having the photosensitive drum 80 is detachable from the main body frame 2. However, the photosensitive drum 80 does not have to be detachable from the main body frame 2. That is, the photosensitive drum 80 may be directly supported on the main body frame 2. In that case, the developing cartridge 3 may be directly attached to the main body frame 2 without being attached to the drum cartridge 4. The electrical connector 711 may also be provided on the main body frame 2.

[0115] In the above embodiment, the IC chip 51 having the electrical contact surface 511 is fixed to the outer surface of the holder 52. However, only the electrical contact surface 511 that comes into contact with the electrical connector 711 may be fixed to the outer surface of the holder 52, and the portion of the IC chip 51 other than the electrical contact surface 511 may be disposed in another location on the developing cartridge 3.

[0116] Furthermore, the detailed shapes of the components constituting the image forming apparatus may differ from those shown in the drawings of the present application. Furthermore, the elements appearing in the above-described embodiments and modifications may be appropriately selected within the scope of not causing any contradiction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 1. Image forming device 2 Main frame 3 Developer cartridge 4 drum cartridges 5. Control section 6. Display 7 Cleaning Section 10 Casing 30 Developing roller 50 IC chip assembly 51 IC chip 52 Holder 70 Drum Frame 80 Photosensitive drum 511 Electrical Contact Surface 711 Electrical Connector

Claims

1. The body frame and A developing cartridge that can be attached to the main body frame, a housing that contains a developer; a storage medium having an electrical contact surface; a developing roller movable together with the housing; a developer cartridge having the a photosensitive drum that can come into contact with the developing roller when the developing cartridge is attached to the main body frame; an electrical connector that can come into contact with the electrical contact surface when the developing cartridge is attached to the main body frame; a separation mechanism that moves the housing relative to the main body frame in a separation direction in which the developing roller separates from the photosensitive drum; a control unit that controls the separation mechanism and is capable of communicating with the storage medium via the electrical connector when the developing cartridge is attached to the main body frame; Equipped with The control unit a separation process in which the separation mechanism moves the housing relative to the main body frame in the separation direction; a communication check process that determines whether communication with the storage medium is possible, using the separation process as a trigger; an error output process for outputting an error when it is determined in the communication check process that communication with the storage medium is not possible; An image forming apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The developing cartridge is a holder for holding the electrical contact surface, the holder being movable in the separating direction relative to the housing; and an image forming apparatus characterized in that, when the separation process is performed with the developer cartridge attached to the main body frame, the electrical contact surface and the electrical connector are in contact with each other.

3. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The control unit A detection process is executed to detect that the power supply of the image forming apparatus has been switched from off to on or that a cover of the image forming apparatus has been closed; The image forming device is characterized in that when the control unit detects during the detection process that the power of the image forming device has been switched from off to on or that the cover of the image forming device has been closed, it executes the separation process and executes the communication check process using the separation process as a trigger.

4. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, the storage medium stores at least one of the cumulative number of prints using the developing roller, the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller, and the cumulative consumption amount of the developer; The image forming apparatus is characterized in that, in the communication check process, the control unit determines whether it is possible to read at least one of the cumulative number of printed sheets, the cumulative number of rotations, and the cumulative consumption amount from the storage medium.

5. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the control unit executes the separation process after executing a printing process using the developing cartridge, and executes the communication check process using the separation process as a trigger.

6. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, the storage medium stores at least one of the cumulative number of prints using the developing roller, the cumulative number of rotations of the developing roller, and the cumulative consumption amount of the developer; The image forming apparatus is characterized in that, in the communication check process, the control unit determines whether it is possible to write at least one of the cumulative number of printed sheets, the cumulative number of rotations, and the cumulative consumption amount to the storage medium.

7. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The control unit A cleaning process for cleaning the photosensitive drum is executable, The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the control unit executes the separation process when the cleaning process is executed, and executes the communication check process using the separation process as a trigger.

8. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, the image forming device further comprises a display; The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the control unit displays an error message on the display in the error output process.

9. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the control unit prohibits printing processing when it is determined in the communication check processing that the communication is not possible.

10. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, A drum cartridge having the photosensitive drum, into which the developing cartridge can be attached. Equipped with the developing cartridge is attached to the main body frame in a state where the developing cartridge is attached to the drum cartridge, An image forming apparatus characterized in that, when the drum cartridge with the developer cartridge attached thereto is attached to the main body frame and the separation process is performed, the housing of the developer cartridge and the developing roller move in the separation direction from the photosensitive drum of the drum cartridge.

Images