CN1828446B

CN1828446B - Image-forming device and developer cartridge for use therein

Info

Publication number: CN1828446B
Application number: CN2006100515380A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 铃木务; 高木猛行; 梶川佳史
Original assignee: Brother Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Brother Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2005-02-28
Filing date: 2006-02-28
Publication date: 2010-04-21
Anticipated expiration: 2026-02-28
Also published as: JP4399749B2; CN200962188Y; JP2009145912A; CN1828446A

Abstract

When a new developer cartridge is initially mounted in an image-forming device, a toothed part of a sensor gear disposed in the cartridge is brought into meshing engagement with an agitator drive gear disposed in the image-forming device. The sensor gear is driven while its toothed part is in meshing engagement with the agitator drive gear and driving of the sensor gear is stopped when its toothless part opposes the agitator drive gear. One or more contact protrusions are formed on the sensor gear to be movable therewith. An information-detecting mechanism detects how many contact protrusions are formed on the sensor gear during driving of the sensor gear. Based on the detection results, whether the mounted developer cartridge is a new product or not is determined, and information on the maximum sheets to be printed with the mounted developer cartridge is acquired.

Description

Image processing system and the developer box that is used for wherein

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of image processing system and a kind of developer box that is removably mounted in the image processing system such as laser printer.

Background technology

In the laser printer of routine, the developer box that holds toner is removably mounted in it.Such laser printer is provided with the new product pick-up unit, and this device is used for detecting whether the developer box that is installed in the laser printer is new product and the life-span of determining to begin detected that time from new product developer box.

For example, Japanese unexamined patent is announced and is proposed a kind of developer box that is provided with the sector gear with recess and protuberance 2000-221781 number.When new developer box was installed in the housing of electronic imaging image processing system, the protuberance that is formed on the sector gear was inserted in the new product side senser, opens the new product side senser.After developer box had been installed in the housing of image processing system, idling gear was driven in rotation.When idling gear began to rotate, sector gear also rotated, and protuberance is moved to the old product side senser from the new product side senser.Protuberance is inserted in the old product side senser, opens the old product side senser.Simultaneously, idling gear arrives the recess of sector gear, and sector gear stops the rotation.

Yet, disclose in the new product pick-up unit of describing in 2000-221781 number in Japanese unexamined patent, because protuberance is not to insert the old product sensor that the new product sensor that detects new product is exactly an insertion detection old product, so new product sensor and old product sensor all are essential.Therefore, this structure has increased the cost and the complicacy of developing apparatus.

And, consider price and frequency of utilization, some customer requirements from the corresponding different Price Range of toner saturation in multiple developer box freely select best developer box.

In order to satisfy these demands, must provide the developer box that holds different amount toners.Yet according to the difference of toner amount, the toner that is contained in these developer boxes has different agitation characteristicss and different degradation rates.

Whether in this case, only detecting this developer box is that new product is not enough, because the life-span of developer box when being detected can be according to the toner amount of wherein holding and difference.Thereby the life-span of developer box can't be determined exactly.Therefore, the developer box that holds a small amount of toner may just in fact reach its serviceable life before a kind of so definite quilt is made, cause image quality decrease.

Summary of the invention

In sum, the purpose of this invention is to provide a kind of image processing system, can determine the information on the developer box, meanwhile suppress the raising of production cost and avoid increasing the complicacy of structure.Another object of the present invention provides a kind of developer box that is installed in the described image processing system.

In order to obtain above-mentioned and other purpose, the invention provides a kind of image processing system, comprise main casing, developer box, motor, drive member, mobile member, information test section and controller.Developer box receiving photographic developer and can dismantling from main casing.Motor produces driving force.Drive member is placed in the developer box, and when developer box is installed in the main casing, can be driven a scheduled volume from the starting position to the end position by motor.Thereby mobile member is set in the developer box and is associated mobile with drive member with drive member.The information detection means detects mobile member and output testing result when mobile member is mobile with drive member.Controller is based on the information from the testing result acquisition developer box of information test section output, this information indicates not only whether developer box is new product, also indicates at developer box and utilizes during for new product the developer that is contained in this developer box can form maximum quantity of record images medium thereon.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a kind of image processing system, draws together main casing, developer box, motor, drive member, mobile member, information test section and controller.Developer box receiving photographic developer and can dismantling from main casing.Motor produces driving force.Drive member is placed in the developer box, and when developer box is installed in main casing, can be driven a scheduled volume from the starting position to the end position by motor.Thereby mobile member is set in the developer box and be associated with drive member and move with drive member, and the information detection means detects mobile member and output testing result when mobile member is mobile with drive member.Controller is based on the information from the testing result acquisition developer box of information test section output.First number of mobile member was set up when the developer quantity in being contained in developer box was first quantity.Developer quantity in being contained in developer box is set up greater than second number of mobile member first number for less than second quantity of first quantity time.Determine to be contained in that developer is first quantity in the developer box when detection number of the mobile member that controller detects at the information test section is corresponding with first number, and when the detection number of mobile member is corresponding with second number, determine to be contained in that developer is second quantity in the developer box.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a kind of image processing system and developer cartridge containing developer of being removably mounted on, and this image processing system comprises information test section and controller.Developer box comprises drive member and a plurality of contact projection.When developer box was installed in the image processing system, drive member can be driven into end position from initial position.Thereby it is mobile with drive member that a plurality of contact projections are configured to be associated with drive member, when developer box is installed in the image processing system, drive member is by when initial position is driven into end position, a plurality of contact projections are by these a plurality of contact projections and information test section position contacting, when described a plurality of contact projections are mobile with described drive member, detect described a plurality of contact projection and output testing result by described information test section; Obtain the information of relevant described developer box based on testing result from described information test section output by described controller.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a kind of developer box that is removably mounted on image processing system, and this image processing system comprises information test section and controller.This developer box comprises hypodontia gear and mobile member.When developer box was installed on the image processing system, the hypodontia gear can be driven into end position from initial position.The hypodontia gear is formed with reception tooth portion being arranged and do not receive toothless portion) from motor force from motor force.A plurality of contact projections can move with the hypodontia gear.When hypodontia gear during by direct motor drive, these a plurality of contact projections are set at the position of being detected by the information test section, obtain the information of relevant developer box based on the testing result from the output of information test section by controller.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a kind of developer box, comprises shell, developer roll, developer roll gear, connects gear and a plurality of projection.Developer roll has the development roll shaft that rotatably is supported in the shell.The developer roll gear is fixed on the development roll shaft.The developer roll shaft gear rotates with the development roll shaft.Connecting gear is rotatably provided in the shell.Connecting gear pivots according to the rotation of developer roll driven wheel.From a part of projection on the surface that connects gear, this part is different with a place part on the direction parallel with axle for each of a plurality of projectioies.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a kind of developer box, comprises shell, developer roll, developer roll gear, donor rollers, donor rollers gear, stirrer, stirrer gear, gear train and connection gear.Shell has relative sidewall, the shell receiving photographic developer.Developer roll has the rotatable development roll shaft that is supported between this relative wall.Developer roll gear and development roll shaft are fixed.The developer roll gear rotates with developer roll.Donor rollers is given the developer roll supply developer.Donor rollers has the rotatable supply roll shaft that is supported between this relative wall.The donor rollers gear is fixed on to be supplied with on the roll shaft.The donor rollers gear rotates with supplying with roll shaft.Stirrer stirs the developer in the shell.Stirrer has the rotatable stirrer shaft that is supported between this relative wall.The stirrer gear is fixed on stirrer shaft, and the stirrer gear rotates with stirrer shaft.Gear train comprises the input gear, and the gear train transmission is given each developer roll gear, donor rollers gear and stirrer gear from the driving force of input gear.Connect gear is arranged on one of opposing sidewalls with being rotated.Connect gear and have the circumferential part that is formed with tooth portion.Projection is extended from connecting gear.The rotation of stirrer gear is passed to the connection gear.

Description of drawings

Concrete feature and advantage of the present invention and other purpose will become clear from the explanation of following connection with figures, wherein:

Fig. 1 is the sectional side view of laser printer according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is the side view of the developer box in the laser printer of Fig. 1 when gear cap is mounted thereon;

Fig. 3 is the side view of gear cap developer box when being removed;

Fig. 4 A is the key diagram of illustrating the mechanism of detecting the new developer box with two contact projections, and wherein developer box to be ready being installed in the main casing;

Fig. 4 B is the key diagram of illustrating the mechanism of detecting the new developer box with two contact projections, and wherein developer box is installed in and makes the contact projection of front contact with actuator in the main casing;

Fig. 4 C is the key diagram of illustrating the mechanism of detecting the new developer box with two contact projections, and wherein the contact projection of front passes through actuator;

Fig. 4 D is the key diagram of illustrating the mechanism of detecting the new developer box with two contact projections, and wherein the contact projection of back just contacts with actuator;

Fig. 4 E is the key diagram of illustrating the mechanism of detecting the new developer box with two contact projections, and wherein the contact projection of back contacts with actuator;

Fig. 4 F is the key diagram of illustrating the mechanism of detecting the new developer box with two contact projections, and wherein the contact projection of back is in by after the actuator;

Fig. 5 A is the key diagram of illustrating the mechanism of detecting the new developer box with contact projection (having narrow width), and wherein developer box to be ready being installed in the main casing;

Fig. 5 B is the key diagram of illustrating the mechanism of detecting the new developer box with contact projection (having narrow width), and wherein developer box is installed in and makes the contact projection of front contact with actuator in the main casing;

Fig. 5 C is the key diagram of illustrating the mechanism of detecting the new developer box with contact projection (having narrow width), and wherein contact projection is by after the actuator;

Fig. 5 D is the key diagram of illustrating the mechanism of detecting the new developer box with contact projection (having narrow width), and wherein sensor gear to be ready suspending;

Fig. 6 A is the key diagram of illustrating the mechanism of detecting the new developer box with contact projection (having wide width), and wherein contact projection contacts with actuator;

Fig. 6 B is the key diagram of illustrating the mechanism of detecting the new developer box with contact projection (having wide width), and wherein contact projection passes through actuator;

Fig. 6 C is the key diagram of illustrating the mechanism of detecting the new developer box with contact projection (having wide width), and wherein contact projection is for passing through actuator state afterwards;

Fig. 7 is the block scheme that shows the control system of control new product deterministic process;

Fig. 8 shows the key diagram that is stored in the table among the ROM among Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is the time chart of new product deterministic process;

Figure 10 is the process flow diagram that shows step in the new product deterministic process;

Figure 11 is the process flow diagram that shows step in the variation of new product deterministic process;

Figure 12 is the process flow diagram that shows step in the motor speed deterministic process;

Figure 13 is the timetable of motor new product deterministic process when being driven in rotation with Half Speed; With

Figure 14 is motor process flow diagram of step in the new product deterministic process when being driven in rotation with Half Speed.

Embodiment

Image processing system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, and wherein, for fear of repeat specification, same parts is identified by identical reference number with assembly.

1. the one-piece construction of laser printer

Fig. 1 is the sectional side view as the laser printer 1 of image processing system of the present invention.As shown in Figure 1, laser printer 1 comprises main casing 2, and in main casing 2, is used for supplying with the image formation unit 5 that forms image on the feed-in unit 4 of paper 3, the paper 3 that is used for supplying with in feed-in unit 4 etc.

(1) main casing

The access hole 6 that inserts and remove handle box 20 described later is formed on the sidewall of main casing 2 with the protecgulum 7 that can open and close access hole 6.The lid axle (not showing) that protecgulum 7 is inserted into protecgulum 7 bottoms rotatably supports.Therefore, when protecgulum 7 during around lid axle rotary closing, protecgulum 7 covers access hole 6, as shown in Figure 1.When covering around lid axle Unscrew (being rotated down), access hole 6 is exposed to the open air, makes handle box 20 to be installed in the main casing 2 or from main casing 2 by access hole 6 and removes.

In the following description, that side of the laser printer 1 that protecgulum 7 is mounted thereto and when handle box 20 is installed in the main casing 2 respective side of handle box 20 will be called as " front side ", and opposite side will be called as " rear side ".

(2) feed-in unit

Feed-in unit 4 comprises the paper disc 8 that can insert or remove from the bottom of main casing 2 on fore-and-aft direction, be placed in separate roller 9 and the separating pad 10 above paper disc 8 front ends and be placed in the feed-in roller 11 of the rear side (with respect to the upstream side of the direction of transfer separating pad 10 of paper 3) of separate roller 9.Feed-in unit 4 also comprises the paper dirt roller 12 in the last the place ahead (downstream of paper conveyance direction separate roller 9) that is placed in separate roller 9, and with the pinch roll 13 of paper dirt roller 12 relative arrangements.

Paper transport path to the rear side revolution of laser printer 1, forms U-shaped substantially in the feed side near paper scrap roller 12.A pair of aligning roller 14 be placed in respect to paper conveyance direction paper transport path U-shaped portion downstream handle box 20 at a distance below.

Being used for the pressboard 15 of support stack state paper 3 is arranged on the inside of paper disc 8.Pressboard 15 is supported on its rear end by revolution, makes front end can be pivotally lowered into the state of shelving on the base plate 16 that pressboard 15 rests paper disc 8 and can upwards turn to the supply condition that pressboard 15 is tilted to from the rear end forward end.

The bar 17 that is used for upwards promoting the front end of pressboard 15 is arranged on the front portion of paper disc 8.The rear end of bar 17 is supported on the bar axle 18 pivotally at the front end lower position of pressboard 15, makes the front end of bar 17 can upwards promote at the front end of horizontal level that bar 17 keeps flat along the base plate 16 of paper disc 8 and bar 17 between the obliquity of pressboard 15 and rotates.When rotary driving force input bar axle 18, the front end of the front end rising pressboard 15 of bar 17 distaff axles, 18 rotations and bar 17 switches pressboard 15 to supplying with the position.

When pressboard 15 when supplying with the position, the paper 3 that is stacked on the pressboard 15 is being pressed feed-in roller 11.The separation point position feed-in paper 3 of feed-in roller 11 beginnings between separate roller 9 and separating pad 10 of rotation.

When paper disc 8 is removed from main casing 2, the front end of pressboard 15 since himself weight to the whereabouts, mobile pressboard 15 is to lay-down position.When pressboard 15 was in lay-down position, paper 3 can be stacked on the pressboard 15.

When feed-in roller 11 when the separation point position is transmitted paper 3 and paper and is sandwiched between separate roller 9 and the separating pad 10, separate roller 9 first separations of rotation and supply a piece of paper open 3.The paper 3 of every separated roller 9 supplies is by between paper scrap roller 12 and the pinch roll 13.After paper scrap roller 12 was removed paper scrap on the paper 3, paper transmitted along the U-shaped paper transport path in the feed side, thus paper in main casing 2 oppositely, and transmit to aligning roller 14.

After calibration sheet 3, the transfer position of aligning roller 14 between photosensitive drums 28 described later and transfer roll 31 transmits paper 3, and the image that is formed on the photosensitive drums 28 in transfer position is transferred on the paper 3.

(3) image formation unit

Image formation unit 5 comprises scanning element 19, handle box 20 and fixation unit 21

(a) scanning element

Scanning element 19 is placed in the top of main casing 2 and comprises lasing light emitter (not having to show), polygon mirror 22, f θ lens 23, catoptron 24, lens 25 and the catoptron 26 that can be driven in rotation.Lasing light emitter is based on the view data emission of lasering beam.Shown in the dotted line among Fig. 1, laser beam is by polygon mirror 22 deflections, and by f θ lens 23, the mirror 24 that is reflected reflects, and the scioptics 25 and mirror 26 reflection downwards that is reflected shine on the surface of photosensitive drums 28 in the handle box 20.

(b) handle box

Handle box 20 be detachably mounted on scanning element 19 in the main casing 2 below.Handle box 20 comprises handles frame 27 and photosensitive drums 28, grid-control formula corona charging device 29, developer box 30, transfer roll 31 and cleaning brush 32 in handling frame 27.

Photosensitive drums 28 comprises cylindrical and has the main roll body 33 of the photographic layer that just charges that its outside surface forms by polycarbonate etc., and at the longitudinal direction of main roll body 33 metal roller shaft 34 along the extension of central axis of main roll body 33.34 processed 27 of metal roller shafts support, and main roll body 33 is rotatably supported with respect to metal roller shaft 34.Utilize this structure, photosensitive drums 28 is positioned in the processing frame 27 and can rotates around metal roller shaft 34.And photosensitive drums 28 is by the drive force rotation from motor 59 (see figure 2)s.

Charger 29 is supported at diagonal angle, rear on the photosensitive drums 28 and handles on the frame 27.Charger 29 and photosensitive drums 28 be relative settles but leaves the predetermined distance of ia with photosensitive drums 28, and it is not contacted with photosensitive drums 28.Charger 29 comprises to be settled but leaves the discharge lines 35 of preset distance relatively with photosensitive drums 28, and is arranged on to be used between discharge lines 35 and the photosensitive drums 28 controlling from discharge lines 35 discharges and arrives corona amount on the photosensitive drums 28.Be used on the discharge lines 35 from when discharge lines 35 produces corona discharges by applying high pressure, bias voltage is applied on the grid 36, and the charger 29 with this structure fill even positive electricity can for the surface of photosensitive drums 28.

Developer box 30 comprises shell 62 and the donor rollers in shell 62 37, developer roll 38 and thickness adjusted sheet 39.

Developer box 30 is removably mounted on to be handled on the frame 27.Therefore, when handle box 20 was installed in the main casing 2, developer box 30 can be installed in the main casing 2, at first opened protecgulum 7 and by access hole 6 developer box 30 was inserted and developer box 30 is installed on the handle box 20 then.

Shell 62 is the box-like of rear openings.Demarcation strip 40 is arranged on the inside that shell 62 is separated in the centre of shell 62 on fore-and-aft direction.The proparea that is separated the shell 62 that plate 40 separates is as holding the toner container cavity 41 of toner, and the back zone that is separated the shell 62 that plate 40 separates is as the development chamber 42 that is provided with donor rollers 37, developer roll 38 and thickness adjusted sheet 39.The following permission toner that opening 46 is formed on demarcation strip 40 passes through on fore-and-aft direction.

The nonmagnetic single component toner of toner container cavity 41 filling positively chargeds.Be used in the polymerized toner that toner in this preferred embodiment is to use the polymerization copolymerization polymerization single polymerization monomer such as suspension polymerization known to obtain.For example, polymerization single polymerization monomer can be such as cinnamic styrene monomer or such as the acrylic monomers of acrylic acid, acrylic acid alkyl (C1-C4) ester or metering system dialkylaminobenzoic acid (C1-C4) ester.Obtain the flowability that high-quality image forms in order to have, polymerized toner is formed spherical particle substantially.

Toner of the type and colorant as carbon black, or wax, and improve liquidity such as the adjuvant of silicon dioxide is compound, and the mean diameter of toner particles is about 6-10 μ m.

Stirrer turning axle 43 is placed in the center of toner container cavity 41.Stirrer turning axle 43 rotatably is supported in the sidewall 44 of shell 62.Sidewall 44 laterally (with the fore-and-aft direction direction vertical with vertical direction) is mutually relative but be separated from each other predetermined distance.Stirrer 45 is placed on the stirrer turning axle 43.Motor 59 (see figure 2)s produce and input to the driving force that stirrer turning axle 43 drives stirrer 45 rotations.When stirring when being driven in rotation, the toner that stirrer 45 stirs 41 li of toner container cavities makes the opening 46 of some toners by being formed on demarcation strip 40 belows to donor rollers 37 dischargings.

The toner detection window 47 that detects residue toner amount in the toner container cavity 41 with toner container cavity 41 corresponding positions on be placed on shell 62 two sides 44.Toner detection window 47 laterally by toner container cavity 41 mutually relatively.Toner sensor (not showing) with light-emitting component and light receiving element is placed in the main casing 2.Light-emitting component (do not have show) is placed on the main casing 2 one the outside in the toner detection window 47, and light receiving element (not have demonstration) is placed on main casing 2 another the outside in the toner detection window 47.Enter toner container cavity 41 from the light of light-emitting component emission by one of them of toner detection window 47.When light pass toner container cavity 41 and when another toner detection window 47 is gone out light receiving element detect as this light that detects light.The toner sensor detects the quantity that light frequency is determined the residue toner based on detecting this.Determine in the toner container cavity 41 remaining toner amount when the toner sensor and drop to when low-level that laser printer 1 shows in (not showing) such as control panels and lacks the toner alarm.

Donor rollers 37 is placed in the rear of opening 46 and comprises the metal supply roll shaft 48 of sponge roller 49 coverings that formed by conductive foams.Metal is supplied with roll shaft 48, and 42 corresponding positions rotatably are supported in the two side 44 of shell 62 in the development chamber.Donor rollers 37 is input to metal and is supplied with the drive force rotation of roll shaft 48 from motor 59.

Developer roll 38 is placed in the rear of donor rollers 37 and utilizes pressure and donor rollers 37 mutually by making both be pressed together.Developer roll 38 comprises metal development roll shaft 50 and covers the rubber rollers 51 that metal development roll shaft 50 is formed by conductive rubber material.Metal development roll shaft 50 with 42 corresponding positions, development chamber on rotatably supported by the development chamber, two side 42 of shell 62.More specifically, rubber rollers 51 is formed by the conductive polyurethane rubber or the silicon rubber that contain thin carbon particle, and its surface scribbles fluorine-containing urethane rubber or silicon rubber.Developer roll 38 is input to the drive force rotation of metal development roll shaft 50 from motor 59.The development bias voltage also imposes on developer roll 38 in development operation.

Thickness adjusted sheet 39 comprises the primary blade component that is made of metal leaf springs and is arranged on the pressure portion 52 of vane member far-end.Pressure portion 52 has semi-circular cross-sections and is formed by electrically insulating silicone rubber.Thickness adjusted sheet 39 is supported on the top of developer roll 38 in the shell 62.Utilize this structure, the elastic force of primary blade component causes pressure portion 52 to be pressed against the surface of developer roll 38.

The toner of discharging from opening 46 is fed on the developer roll 38 by donor rollers 37 rotatably.At this moment, toner rubs between donor rollers 37 and developer roll 38 and fills positive electricity.When developer roll 38 rotation, supply between the rubber rollers 51 and the pressure portion 52 of thickness adjusted sheet 39 of developer roll 38 lip-deep toners by developer roll 38, thereby keep the thickness of developer roll 38 surface coloring powder even.

Transfer roll 31 rotatably is supported on to be handled on the frame 27, and relative and contact with photosensitive drums 28 from the bottom of photosensitive drums 28 and photosensitive drums 28 in vertical direction.Transfer roll 31 is made of the metal roller shaft that is coated with the roller that is formed by the guiding elastomeric material.In transfer operation, transfer bias imposes on transfer roll 31.Transfer roll 31 is by the driving force rotation from motor 59 inputs.

Cleaning brush 32 is installed in to be handled on the frame 27.Cleaning brush 32 is relative and contact with photosensitive drums 28 in the rear side of photosensitive drums 28 and photosensitive drums 28.

When photosensitive drums 28 rotations, charger 29 fills uniform positive electricity for the surface of photosensitive drums 28.Then, from the surface of scanning element 19 emitted laser bundle high-velocity scanning photosensitive drums 28, form corresponding to the electrostatic latent image that is formed on paper 3 epigraphs.

Next, when developer roll 38 rotations, be carried at the developer roll 38 lip-deep positive electricity toners that fill and contact and supply with the positive electricity photosensitive drums 28 lip-deep zones of under laser, exposing, therefore have than low potential with photosensitive drums 28.In this way, according to the discharged-area development process, the sub-image on the photosensitive drums 28 is transformed into visual image, makes toner image be carried on the surface of photosensitive drums 28.

When aligning roller 14 transmits paper 3 by the transfer position between photosensitive drums 28 and the transfer roll 31, be carried at the transfer bias that photosensitive drums 28 lip-deep toner image are applied on the transfer roll 31 and be transferred on the paper 3.After toner image was transferred, paper 3 was sent to fixation unit 21.

Be developed roller 38 and reclaim remaining in toner on the photosensitive drums 28 behind the transfer operation, and, be deposited on the photosensitive drums 28 paper scrap from paper 3 brush 32 that is cleaned and reclaim.

(c) fixation unit

Fixation unit 21 is placed in handle box 20 rear sides and comprises fixed mount 53; And be arranged on warm-up mill 54 and pressure roll 55 in the fixed mount 53.

Warm-up mill 54 comprises metal tube, and its surface scribbles fluororesin, and the halogen lamp that heats it is placed in the inside of metal tube.Warm-up mill 54 is by the drive force rotation from motor 59 inputs.

It is relative and contact with warm-up mill 54 that pressure roll 55 is placed in the following and warm-up mill 54 of warm-up mill 54.Pressure roll 55 is made of the metallic roll that is coated with the roller that is formed by elastomeric material.The rotation that pressure roll 55 is driven in warm-up mill 54 drives.

In fixation unit 21, in the time of between paper 3 is by warm-up mill 54 and pressure roll 55, transfer position be transferred to toner image on the paper 3 by the heat photographic fixing to paper 3.After the toner image photographic fixing was to the paper 3, warm-up mill 54 and pressure roll 55 continued to transmit paper 3 along the outlet end paper transport path to the discharge dish 56 of the upper surface that is formed on main casing 2.

The direction of transfer that is used to reverse paper 3 is a U-shaped for the outlet end paper transport path from fixation unit 21 to discharge dish 56 towards the direction of laser printer 1 front substantially.Transfer roller 57 is placed in the mid point of outlet end paper transport path, and distributing roller 58 is placed in the downstream end in this path.Therefore, by behind the fixation unit 21, paper 3 transmits along the outlet end paper transport path at paper 3, and transfer roller 57 receives and transmit paper 3 to distributing roller 58 here, and distributing roller 58 receives and discharge paper 3 to discharge dish 56 then.

Paper is discharged sensor 60 and is placed between transfer roller 57 and the distributing roller 58 along the outlet end paper transport path.Paper is discharged paper 3 of discharging sensor 60 along the transmission of outlet end paper transport path by paper of sensor 60 each rotations.Being arranged on CPU90 (see figure 2) in the main casing 2 calculates paper and discharges number of times that sensor 60 rotates and will be as the digital storage of print paper quantity at all storage elements of NVRAM106 as described later.

In the laser printer 1 with this structure, whether CPU90 determines to be installed in developer box 30 in the main casing 2 is new product and maximum number of paper of determining to utilize when being new when developer box 30 these developer box 30 printings.The actual quantity that CPU90 is installed in new reagent box 30 print paper in the main casing 2 is compared with the maximum sheets of utilizing developer box 30 to print, and shows in (not showing) such as control panels when the actual quantity of print paper approaches the maximum sheets of printing and lack the toner alarm.

2. detect the structure of new reagent box

(a) structure of developer box

Fig. 2 is the side view of developer box when gear cap is installed on the developer box.Fig. 3 is the side view of developer box when gear cap is removed.Fig. 4 A is the key diagram of illustrating the mechanism of detecting the new reagent box with two contact projections to 4F.Fig. 5 A is the key diagram of illustrating the mechanism of detecting the new reagent box with a contact projection to 5D.

As shown in Figure 3, developer box 30 comprises that the metal of the stirrer turning axle 43 that is used for rotating spoon 45, donor rollers 37 supplies with the gear mechanism 63 of the metal development roll shaft 50 of roll shaft 48 and developer roll 38; And the gear cap 64 that covers gear mechanism 63, as shown in Figure 2.

As shown in Figure 3, gear mechanism 63 is arranged on the sidewall 44 of the shell 62 that constitutes developer box 30 on one of them.Gear mechanism 63 comprises input gear 65, donor rollers driven wheel 66, developer roll driven wheel 67, neutral gear 68, stirrer-driven gear 69 and sensor gear 70.

Input gear 65 is placed between development roll shaft 50 and the stirrer turning axle 43 and is rotatably supported from the laterally outwards outstanding input gear back shaft 71 of one of sidewall 44.Link acceptance division 72 and be placed on the axle center of importing gear 65, input gear 65 is used for when developer box 30 is installed in the main casing 2 from being arranged on the motor 59 input driving forces on the main casing 2.

Donor rollers driven wheel 66 is placed in the end that following, the metal of importing gear 65 are supplied with roll shaft 48, makes to mesh with input gear 65.Donor rollers driven wheel 66 can not be supplied with roll shaft 48 rotations with respect to metal.

Developer roll driven wheel 67 diagonal angles are placed in the back lower place of input gear 65, an end of metal development roll shaft 50, make and 65 engagements of input gear.Developer roll driven wheel 67 can not be with respect to metal roll shaft 50 rotation of developing.That is, developer roll driven wheel 67 is fixed on the metal development roll shaft 50 and makes with rotation therewith.

Neutral gear 68 rotatably is supported on the neutral gear back shaft 73 in the front of input gear 65.Neutral gear back shaft 73 is laterally outwards outstanding from one of sidewall 44.Neutral gear 68 be by with the external tooth 74 of input gear 65 engagement and with the internal tooth 75 integrally formed two-stage gears of stirrer-driven gear 69 engagements.

Stirrer gear 69 rotatably is supported on the stirrer turning axle 43 in the front lower place of neutral gear 68.Stirrer-driven gear 69 can not be with respect to 43 rotations of stirrer turning axle.Stirrer-driven gear 69 be by with the internal tooth 76 of internal tooth 75 engagement of neutral gear 68 and with the external tooth 77 integrally formed two-stage gears of sensor gear 70 engagements.

Sensor gear 70 rotatably is supported on the sensor gear back shaft 78 in the front upper place of stirrer-driven gear 69, and sensor gear back shaft 78 is laterally outwards outstanding from one of sidewall 44.

Sensor gear 70 is by master reference gear part 79, the hypodontia gear that has tooth portion 80, toothless portion) 81 and contact projection 82 integral body to be arranged to.

Master reference gear part 79 is a plate-like.The center that sensor gear back shaft 78 is inserted through master reference gear part 79 makes that master reference gear part 79 can be with respect to 78 rotations of sensor gear back shaft.Fan-shaped substantially peristome 83 forms in part master reference gear part 79, near the expansion radially outward center of sensor gear back shaft 78.

There is tooth portion 80 to be arranged on the part of the circumferential surface of master reference gear part 79.Particularly, tooth portion 80 is arranged corresponding to forming curved portions to another circumferential end in the only about half of circumferential end of the circumferential surface of master reference gear part 79 from master reference gear part 79.The external tooth 77 of stirrer-driven gear 69 with 80 engagements of tooth portion are arranged, transmit driving force from motor 59.

Toothless portion) 81 has occupied the remainder of the circumferential surface of the master reference gear part 79 that is not had tooth portion 80 to occupy.When toothless portion) 81 during facing to stirrer-driven gear 69, the external tooth 77 of stirrer-driven gear 69 with toothless portion) 81 engagements, therefore, interrupt from the transmission of the driving force of motor 59.

Contact projection 82 is formed on the outside surface of master reference gear part 79, and extends radially outwardly to the circumferential surface of master reference gear part 79 from master reference gear part 79 parts, and sensor gear back shaft 78 is inserted through master reference gear 79.Each contact projection 82 has at the bottom of sensor gear back shaft 78 sides and the top at circumference wideer than the bottom.L shaped teat 84 is formed on the top of each contact projection 82 and projection on the sense of rotation of sensor gear 70 substantially.Comprise the smoothed bending in top of the contact projection 82 of teat 84.

Information on the corresponding developer box 30 of the quantity of contact projection 82 is specially, and when developer box 30 when being new, the toner amount of holding in the toner container cavity 41 can form the information (below be called " the maximum paper that are printed) of paper 3 maximum quantity of image.

More specifically, when two contact projections 82 were set up, shown in Fig. 3 and 4, the maximum printer paper tensors of the corresponding expression of this numeral were 6000 information.When only having a contact projection 82 to be set up, as shown in Figure 5, the maximum printer paper tensors of the corresponding expression of this numeral are 3000 information.

And contact projection 82 is placed with respect to the tooth portion 80 that has of sensor gear 70, makes the detection position of passing through actuator 91 described later in the rotating range of sensor gear 70, that is, and and when the external tooth 77 that has tooth portion 80 with stirrer-driven gear 69 meshes.More specifically, the contact projection 82 in the front of the upstream side that is placed in other contact projection 82 on the sense of rotation (it is rotated counterclockwise) of sensor gear 70 is placed so that the top of contact projection 82 is relative with the mid point that tooth portion 80 is arranged (center) on the circumference that is formed on master reference gear part 79.Setting is located so that contact projection 82 with respect to the contact projection 82 of the back in the downstream of the sense of rotation of sensor gear 70 top is with the circumference of the sensor gear 70 outside tooth portion 80 downstream sides are arranged is relative just with respect to the sense of rotation of sensor gear 70.

Sensor gear 70 also comprises disc spring 85, when the insertion section of master reference gear part 79 rotatably is installed on the sensor gear back shaft 78, disc spring 85 be used for the upstream that promotes to have tooth portion 80 on the sense of rotation of sensor gear 70 bring in stirrer-driven gear 69 on external tooth 77 engagements.

Disc spring 85 is around sensor gear back shaft 78, and the one end is fixed on one of sidewall 44, and the other end engages with the peristome 83 of master reference gear part 79.Utilize this structure, disc spring 85 stably promotes sensor gear 70 and rotates on a direction, this direction be cause the upstream extremity of tooth portion 80 shift to stirrer-driven gear 69 external tooth 77 and with the direction of its engagement.Therefore, are new moment from developer box 30, external tooth 77 engagements of the upstream extremity and the stirrer-driven gear 69 of tooth portion 80 are arranged.The expulsive force of disc spring 85 is arranged to the expulsive force greater than extension spring 97 described later.

As shown in Figure 2, gear cap 64 is installed on one of sidewall 44 of developer box 30, is used for covering gear mechanism 63.The rear side that opening 86 is formed on gear cap 64 is used for exposing to the open air binding acceptance division 72.And sensor gear lid 87 front sides that are formed on gear cap 64 are used for covering sensor gear 70.

Sensor gear lid 87 laterally outwards increases to and holds sensor gear 70.Fan-shaped substantially induction window 88 is formed on the rear portion of sensor gear lid 87, when contact projection 82 is exposed at the top of contact projection 82 in a circumferential direction when mobile to the open air with the rotation of sensor gear 70.

(b) structure of main casing

Information testing agency 89 and CPU90 (as controller) are arranged on and are used on the main casing 2 detecting and determine or the information on the developer box 30 in the main casing 2 of being installed in of decoding.Information testing agency 89 and CPU90 detect and determine that whether indication developer box 30 is the data of new product and in the information of developer box 30 maximum print papers during for new product, as mentioned above more specifically.

As shown in Figure 2, information testing agency 89 is arranged on the inwall of main casing 2 and is positioned near the rear side of developer box 30 when developer box 30 is placed in the main casing 2.As shown in Figure 4, information testing agency 89 comprises actuator 91 and optical sensor 92.

Actuator 91 is supported on pivotally from the horizontal outstanding inwards revolving shaft 93 of the inside surface of main casing 2.Actuator 91 integral body be provided with the light-blocking part 96 that revolving shaft 93 is inserted through cylinder insertion section 94 wherein, the contact ratchet portion 95 of extending forward from cylinder insertion section 94 and extends back from cylinder insertion section 94.

Shown in Fig. 4 A, when light-blocking part 96 substantially along horizontal-extending time contact ratchet portion 95 downward-sloping slightly.Light-blocking part 96 is formed with the thickness that can stop from the detection light of optical sensor 92 emissions in vertical direction.

Spring engaging piece 98 is formed on the length mid point of light-blocking part 96.One end of

extension spring

97 and 98 engagements of spring engaging piece.Extension spring 97 extends downwards from spring engaging piece 98, and its other end is fixed on the inside surface of main casing 2 and (does not show).

Protrude block 99 and be formed on the circumferential surface of cylinder insertion section 94, radially outward outstanding from its top.Block contact site 100 is used for being in contact with it near being arranged on and protruding block 99 rear sides on the main casing 2.

Shown in Fig. 4 A, the light-blocking part 96 of actuator 91 spring 97 that is stretched stably promotes downwards.The protrusion block 99 that expulsive force is contacted with block contact site 100 suppresses.Under this normal condition, actuator 91 is held and makes light-blocking part 96 extend on the along continuous straight runs substantially, and inclination is oblique slightly forward to contact ratchet portion 95 simultaneously.Under this normal condition, the contact ratchet portion 95 of actuator 91 is placed in the detection position and is used for detecting contact projection 82 paths.

As will be described, be pressed downward when contact projection 82 contact ratchet portion 95 when contacting ratchet portion 95 and on the detection position, contact.Therefore, the expulsive force that light-blocking part 96 upwards rotates and contact ratchet portion 95 resists extension springs 97 rotates (seeing Fig. 4 B) around cylinder insertion section 94.As a result, protruding block 99 separates with block contact site 100.Then, when contact projection 82 disconnects with the contact that contacts ratchet portion 95, the expulsive force of extension spring 97 makes light-blocking part 96 rotate and makes and the 94 upwards rotations around the cylinder insertion section of contact ratchet portion 95 contacts (seeing Fig. 4 C) with block contact site 100 up to protruding block 99.

Though do not show in 4F at Fig. 4 A, optical sensor 92 is set in the retaining member of seeing a U-shaped substantially and an end opening on the vertical view, makes the light generating device of optical sensor 92 relative mutually with light receiving element, and the centre has the space.Optical sensor 92 is placed and makes the light-blocking part 96 of actuator 91 place between the retaining member.More specifically, when being in its normal condition, actuator 91 (sees Fig. 4 A), optical sensor 92 is placed so that light-blocking part 96 stops from the detection light of photocell to the light receiving element emission, simultaneously, when contact projection 82 when contacting ratchet portion 95 contact and causing light-blocking part 96 upwards to rotate, received (see Fig. 4 B) to the detection light of light receiving element emission by light receiving element from photocell.

3. detect the operation of new reagent box

Next, determining to be installed in developer box 30 in the main casing 2 is newly or old and determine to utilize the method for the maximum sheets that developer box 30 prints to be illustrated.

(a) situation of two contact projections

Shown in Fig. 4 A, at first protecgulum 7 is opened, and new then developer box 30 handle box 20 thereon inserts main casing 2 by access hole 6 on direction A.Also can be, protecgulum 7 be opened, and new developer box 30 inserts and is installed on the handle box 20 that is installed in the main casing 2 by access hole 6.

To shown in the 4F, two contact projections 82 are set on the sensor gear 70 in the developer box 30 as Fig. 4 A.

When developer box 30 was installed in the main casing 2, actuator 91 was in its normal condition, and the teat 84 of the contact projection 82 of the front that moves down contacts with the ratchet portion that contacts 95 of actuator 91 on the detection position.As a result, shown in Fig. 4 B, 94 rotations make the contact ratchet portion 95 of actuator 91 rotate and light-blocking part 96 upwards rotation on direction B to the expulsive force of actuator 91 opposing extension springs 97 around the cylinder insertion section.Therefore, light receiving element receives the detection light from optical sensor 92, is stopped by light-blocking part 96 in advance and detect light when actuator 91 is in its normal condition.

At this moment, optical sensor 92 transmits received signal to CPU90 based on received light.CPU90 discerns the counter that this received signal is first received signal and the calculating print paper quantity that resets.

And when developer box 30 was installed in the main casing 2, the binding acceptance division 72 of importing gear 65 in the developer box 30 was inserted in the binding insertion section (not having to show) of transmitting from the driving force that is arranged on the motor 59 in the main casing 2.As a result, from input gear 65, donor rollers driven wheel 66, developer roll driven wheel 67, neutral gear 68, stirrer-driven gear 69 and the sensor gear 70 of the drive force gear mechanism 63 of motor 59.

Then, when developer box 30 is installed in the main casing 2, the CPU90 warming-up operation of stirrer 45 that begins to dally.

In this lost motion operation, CPU90 drives the motor 59 that is arranged in the main casing 2.The driving force of motor 59 is input to the input gear 65 of developer box 30 and drives 65 rotations of input gear from linking the insertion section by linking acceptance division 72.At this moment, the donor rollers driven wheel 66 with 65 engagements of input gear is driven in rotation.Supply with the rotation of roll shaft 48 and rotate donor rollers 37 successively.And the developer roll driven wheel 67 that meshes with input gear 65 is driven in rotation, and developer roll 38 is rotated in the rotation of development roll shaft 50 successively.And, be driven in rotation by the neutral gear 68 of external tooth 74 with 65 engagements of input gear, cause and external tooth 74 integrally formed internal tooth 75 rotations.When the internal tooth 75 of center tooth wheel 68 rotates, be driven in rotation by the stirrer-driven gear 69 of internal tooth 76 with internal tooth 75 engagements.The rotation rotating spoon 45 of stirrer turning axle 43 stirs the toner in the toner container cavity 41 and produces toner stream.

When stirrer-driven gear 69 is driven in rotation by internal tooth 76, also rotate with internal tooth 76 integrally formed external tooths 77.Therefore, because have the tooth portion 80 and the external tooth 77 of sensor gear 70 mesh, sensor gear 70 also is driven in rotation.Sensor gear 70 is rotated a scheduled volume from the starting position to the stop position.

In other words, 70 of sensor gear are driven in rotation on direction C when external tooth 77 engagements that tooth portion 80 and stirrer-driven gear 69 are arranged, when sensor gear 70 around sensor gear back shaft 78 on the single direction corresponding to the semi-circumference that is formed on master reference gear part 79 lip-deep have tooth portion 80 to be driven in rotation an about circle half after sensor gear 70 stop.After stopping, master reference gear part 79 is remained on halted state together with sensor gear back shaft 78 by frictional resistance.

Utilize this structure, when developer box 30 is installed in the main casing 2 and sensor gear 70 when being driven in rotation for the first time for the first time, teat 84 on the contact projection 82 of the front of sensor gear 70 with contact 95 contacts of ratchet portion, and with contact ratchet portion 95 at the contact point moving direction, promptly move on the direction that the direction from the top to the bottom is identical, shown in Fig. 4 B.When on identical direction, slide and by and when contact ratchet portion 95 separates, teat 84 is further being pressed contact ratchet portion 95, shown in Fig. 4 C.Therefore, when the contact between teat 84 and the contact ratchet portion 95 is removed, the expulsive force of extension spring 97 causes actuator 91, and 94 rotations make that contact ratchet portion 95 moves up and light-blocking part 96 moves down around the cylinder insertion section on direction D, turn back to normal condition up to actuator 91.At this moment, light-blocking part 96 stops the detection light of the optical sensor 92 that is received by light receiving element once more.

When sensor gear 70 during by further driven in rotation, the teat 84 of following contact projection 82 contacts with the ratchet portion that contacts 95 of actuator 91 under normal condition in the detection position downward direction then, shown in Fig. 4 D.Shown in Fig. 4 E, actuator 91 is ordered about the urging force of resisting extension spring 97 once more, and 94 rotations make that contact ratchet portion 95 moves down and light-blocking part 96 moves up around the insertion section.As a result, light receiving element receives the detection light of optical sensor 92.Optical sensor 92 transmits received signal based on this reception light to CPU90.It is second received signal that CPU90 discerns this received signal.

Then, when teat 84 slides along contact ratchet portions 95 the further press contacts ratchet of teat 84 portion 95 and then through and with contact ratchet portion 95 and separate, shown in Fig. 4 F.Therefore, when the contact between teat 84 and the contact ratchet portion 95 disconnects, the expulsive force of extension spring 97 causes actuator 91, and 94 rotations make that contact ratchet portion 95 moves up and light-blocking part 96 moves down around the insertion section, turn back to its normal condition up to actuator 91.At this moment, light-blocking part 96 stops the detection light of the optical sensor 92 that is received by light receiving unit once more.

Then, the tooth portion 80 that has of sensor gear 70 separates with the external tooth 77 of stirrer-driven gear 69, ends the rotation of sensor gear 70.At this moment, the warming-up EO that comprises lost motion operation.

In the lost motion operation process, whether CPU90 determines from optical sensor 92 inputs whether developer box 30 is new products based on the signal that receives, and determines to be developed maximum number of paper that agent box 30 is printed based on the received signal quantity of input.

More specifically, in the example that Fig. 4 A shows to 4F, as mentioned above, CPU90 determines that according to first received signal of identification developer box 30 is new.

And CPU90 is associated the received signal quantity of input with information about maximum quantity of being printed.Concrete, for example, when two received signals are transfused to, CPU90 is associated this quantity with maximum 6000 paper that are printed.When a received signal is transfused to, CPU90 is associated this quantity with maximum 3000 paper that are printed.

The above-mentioned example of describing from Fig. 4 A to 4F, first and second received signals in the CPU90 identification lost motion operation process.Because two received signals are identified, CPU90 determines that the maximum paper quantity of utilizing developer box 30 to print is 6000.

Therefore, when developer box 30 is installed in Fig. 4 A in the example of 4F the time, CPU90 determines that developer box 30 is new and determines that the maximum paper quantity of utilizing developer box 30 to print is 6000.Discharged actual quantity that sensor 60 detects print paper when approaching 6000 when be mounted the back at developer box 30 by paper, CPU90 shows in (not showing) such as control panels and lacks the toner alarm.

Yet, if the new developer box 30 that is installed in the main casing 2 was removed removing paperboard etc. afterwards temporarily, reset then, sensor gear 70 still remains on tooth portion 80 and is in not halted state (seeing Fig. 4 F) with external tooth 77 position engaged of stirrer-driven gear 69.Therefore, when developer box 30 was reset, sensor gear 70 can not be driven in rotation when CPU90 carries out lost motion operation, and therefore, contact projection 82 can be by the detection position of actuator 91.Therefore, optical sensor 92 can not imported received signal to CPU90.Thereby prevent that CPU90 is misinterpreted as new product with the developer box 30 (old developer box) of refitting, make that CPU90 can continue definite to be defined as the maximum paper quantity of the printing new the time when developer box 30 with original, with the actual quantity of print paper from then on relatively.

(b) situation of a contact projection

Shown in Fig. 5 A, at first protecgulum 7 is opened, and new then developer box 30 handle box 20 thereon inserts main casing 2 by access hole 6.Also can be, protecgulum 7 be opened, and new developer box 30 inserts and is installed to the handle box 20 that is installed in the main casing 2 by access hole 6.

To shown in the 5D, single contact projection 82 is set on the sensor gear 70 in the developer box 30 as Fig. 5 A.This single contact projection 82 is corresponding to the leader of Fig. 4 A in two contact projections 82 shown in the 4F contact projection 82.Therefore, the contact projection 82 in the back of Fig. 4 A in the 4F is not arranged on Fig. 5 A in the example of 5D.

When developer box 30 was installed in the main casing 2, actuator 91 was in its normal condition, and the teat 84 of the leader's who moves down contact projection 82 contacts with the ratchet portion that contacts 95 of actuator 91 on the detection position.As a result, shown in Fig. 5 B, 94 rotations make the contact ratchet portion 95 of actuator 91 rotate and upwards rotation of light-blocking part 96 to the expulsive force of actuator 91 opposing extension springs 97 around the insertion section.Therefore, light receiving element receives the detection light from optical sensor 92, is stopped by light-blocking part 96 in advance and detect light when actuator 91 is in its normal condition.

At this moment, optical sensor 92 is based on receiving the light transmitting and receiving signal to CPU90.CPU90 discerns this and takes back the counter that signal is first received signal and the calculating print paper quantity that resets.

And, when developer box 30 is installed in the main casing 2, transmit the binding accommodation section 72 that input gear 65 in the developer box 30 is inserted in the binding insertion section (not having to show) from the driving force that is arranged on the motor 59 in the main casing 2.As a result, from input gear 65, donor rollers driven wheel 66, developer roll driven wheel 67, neutral gear 68, stirrer-driven gear 69 and the sensor gear 70 of the drive force gear mechanism 63 of motor 59.

In this lost motion operation, as above narrate 70 of sensor gear and when the external tooth 77 that has tooth portion 80 with stirrer-driven gear 69 meshes, be driven in rotation.Therefore, when sensor gear 70 around sensor gear back shaft 78 on the single direction corresponding to the semi-circumference that is formed on master reference gear part 79 lip-deep have tooth portion 80 to be driven in rotation an about circle half after sensor gear 70 stop.After stopping, master reference gear part 79 and sensor gear back shaft 78 are remained on halted state by frictional resistance.

Utilize this structure, when developer box 30 is installed in the main casing 2 and sensor gear 70 when being driven in rotation for the first time for the first time, teat 84 on the contact projection 82 of the front of sensor gear 70 with contact 95 contacts of ratchet portion, and with contact the moving direction of ratchet portion 95 at contact point, promptly move on the direction that the direction from the top to the bottom is identical, shown in Fig. 5 B.Teat 84 is further being pressed contact ratchet portion 95 when sliding on identical direction, then by and separate with contact ratchet portion 95, shown in Fig. 5 C.Therefore, when the contact between teat 84 and the contact ratchet portion 95 is removed, the expulsive force of extension spring 97 causes actuator 91, and 94 rotations make that contact ratchet portion 95 moves up and light-blocking part 96 moves down around the insertion section, turn back to normal condition up to actuator 91.At this moment, light-blocking part 96 stops the detection light of the optical sensor 92 that is received by light receiving element once more.

In the lost motion operation process, as mentioned above, whether CPU90 determines from optical sensor 92 inputs whether developer box 30 is new products based on received signal, and determines to be developed maximum number of paper that agent box 30 is printed based on the received signal quantity of input.

More specifically, in the example that Fig. 5 A shows to 5D, CPU90 determines that according to first received signal of identification developer box 30 is new.

Example from Fig. 5 A to 5D, first received signal in the CPU90 identification lost motion operation process.Owing to only have a received signal to be identified, CPU90 determines that the maximum paper quantity of utilizing developer box 30 to print is 3000.

Therefore, when developer box 30 is installed in Fig. 5 A in the example of 5D the time, CPU90 determines that developer box 30 is new and determines that the maximum paper quantity of utilizing developer box 30 to print is 3000.Discharged actual quantity that sensor 60 detects print paper when approaching 3000 when be mounted the back at developer box 30 by paper, CPU90 shows in (not showing) such as control panels and lacks the toner alarm.

Yet, if the new developer box 30 that is installed in the main casing 2 was removed removing paperboard etc. afterwards temporarily, and reset then, sensor gear 70 still remains on tooth portion 80 and is in not halted state (seeing Fig. 5 D) with external tooth 77 position engaged of stirrer-driven gear 69.Therefore, when developer box 30 was reset, sensor gear 70 can not be driven in rotation, and CPU90 carries out lost motion operation, and therefore, contact projection 82 can be by the detection position of actuator 91.Therefore, optical sensor 92 can not imported received signal to CPU90, thereby prevent that the CPU90 mistake from determining that the developer box 30 (old developer box) of refitting be a new product, make CPU90 can continue comparing with the actual quantity of print paper from that time of before having determined when developer box 30 is confirmed as the maximum paper quantity printed new the time.

4. detect the effect of new reagent cassette method

In above-mentioned laser printer 1, when developer box 30 was installed in the main casing 2, motor 59 driving sensor gears 70 just in time revolved from the starting position to the end position and turn around half.When sensor gear 70 was driven, contact projection 82 moved and passes through the detection position of actuator 91 along circumference.Optical sensor 92 detects passing through of contact projection 82.Whether CPU90 detects contact projection 82 based on optical sensor 92 is determined whether developer box 30 is new.Therefore can determine that whether developer box 30 is that new laser printer 1 can reduce by simple structure and produce original manufacturing.

And, because the contact ratchet portion 95 of actuator 91 allows passing through of contact projection 82, laser printer 1 can be provided with a plurality of contact projections 82 when detecting the passing through of contact projection 82 and can allow a plurality of contact projections 82 by contact ratchet portion 95.As a result, whether detect a plurality of contact projections 82 based on optical sensor 92, CPU90 can determine whether developer box 30 is new product and the maximum paper quantity that can determine to utilize developer box 30 printings when developer box 30 is new product.

And, because it is feasible relative with the mid point that tooth portion 80 is arranged that contact projection 82 is placed on the sensor gear 70, littler amount when more relative with the end that tooth portion 80 is arranged than contact projection 82 has tooth portion 80 to constitute and passes through the detection position reliably by 70 1 of driving sensor gears.

And, because the teat 84 of contact projection 82 moves at the equidirectional upper edge circumference of teat 84 with the ratchet portion that contacts 95 contacts of actuator 91, promptly, teat 84 moves when promoting contact projection 82, can continue easily to move on identical direction with contact ratchet portion 95 contact back teats 84.Therefore, the laser printer 1 with this structure guarantees the contact between teat 84 and the contact ratchet portion 95 reliably.

In above-mentioned laser printer 1, teat 84 contacts with insertion section 94 when developer box 30 is installed in the main casing 2 for the first time.Therefore, even before motor 59 is carried out lost motion operation, teat 84 also can with contact the 95 contact placements of ratchet portion.Therefore, when optical sensor 92 detected this contact, CPU90 can determine whether developer box 30 is new under the situation that does not need 70 rotations of motor 59 driving sensor gears.

And, because sensor gear 70 has the hypodontia gear of tooth portion 80 and toothless portion) 81 to constitute by having, when tooth portion 80 and stirrer-driven gear 69 are relative, be used for rotation sensor gear 70 and be not used for rotation sensor gear 70 with stirrer-driven gear 69 relatively the time by transmission, thereby end the rotation of sensor gear 70 at this moment by transmission at toothless portion) 81 from the driving force of motor 59.Therefore, sensor gear 70 can from rotation begin be driven a predetermined drive amount reliably to the end of rotation.

In order to guarantee the positive engagement between sensor gear 70 and the external tooth 77, developer box 30 also comprises the disc spring 85 that promotes sensor gear 70 to the external tooth 77 of stirrer-driven gear 69.Therefore, sensor gear 70 is driven by the driving force of motor 59 reliably by the external tooth 77 of stirrer-driven gear 69.By guaranteeing that sensor gear 70 is driven reliably.When developer box 30 is confirmed as when new, CPU90 can determine maximum number of paper of utilizing developer box 30 to print reliably.

In above-mentioned laser printer 1, about the information setting that utilizes maximum number of paper that developer box 30 prints for be arranged on developer box 30 in the quantity of contact projection 82 consistent.Therefore, based on the quantity (the received signal amount of input) of optical sensor 92 detected contact projections 82, CPU90 can be easily and maximum number of paper of determining to utilize developer box 30 to print reliably.Therefore, though in the toner amount of maximum paper correspondences of printing and developer box 30 not simultaneously, CPU90 can determine reliably that the life-span of developer box 30 guarantees that developer box 30 is replaced at precise time.

Because the CPU90 in the laser printer 1 of this preferred embodiment can determine whether the developer box of installing 30 is new based on the contact projection 82 whether optical sensor 92 detects in the developer box 30, the laser printer 1 of this preferred embodiment can be easily and is determined that reliably developer box 30 is old or new.When therefore, laser printer 1 can determine reliably that developer box 30 has arrived it and is confirmed as the end-of-life of NEW BEGINNING from developer box 30.

5. the variation of contact projection

In above-mentioned preferred embodiment, the quantity of contact projection 82 is associated with the maximum number of paper that utilize developer box 30 to print.Yet, also the top width (circumferential width that comprises the top of teat 84) of contact projection 82 can be associated with the maximum number of paper that utilize developer box 30 to print, as Fig. 5 A to 5D and 6A to shown in the 6C.

Particularly, to shown in the 6C, for example, the contact projection 82 that is formed with the broad top can be associated with showing maximum 6000 paper informations of printing as Fig. 6 A.To shown in the 5D, the contact projection 82 that is formed with narrower top can be associated with showing maximum 3000 paper informations of printing as Fig. 5 A.

CPU90 can also be used for the time point of received signal to the volume of determining print paper from the length of input time of optical sensor 92 input based on being driven first from motor 59.

Therefore, in the lost motion operation that Fig. 5 A shows to 5D, when sensor gear 70 was driven in rotation first, the teat 84 of contact projection 82 contacted with contacting ratchet portion 95, shown in Fig. 5 B.When teat 84 slided along contact ratchet portion 95, optical sensor 92 was being imported received signal by the short time of contact ratchet portion 95 required times to CPU90 corresponding to teat 84.

In the lost motion operation shown in the 6C, when sensor gear 70 was driven in rotation first, the teat 84 of contact projection 82 contacted with the ratchet portion that contacts 95 of actuator 91, as shown in Figure 6A at Fig. 6 A.Yet because Fig. 6 A has bigger circumferential length to the teat 84 in the example of 6C, teat 84 slides longer period along contact ratchet portion 95, shown in Fig. 6 B.Therefore, optical sensor 92 is importing received signal by the long period of contact ratchet portion 95 required times to CPU90 with respect to teat 84, shown in Fig. 6 C.

By this method, CPU90 can be based on the maximum sheets of determining the input time of received signal to utilize developer box 30 to print.For example, when input time in short-term CPU90 can determine the maximum paper amount of printing be 3000 and when input time is long CPU90 can determine that the maximum paper amount of printing is 6000.

Utilize this structure, only need revise the width at top of the contact projection 82 of different developer boxes simply, and a plurality of contact projections 82 need be set, based on the time span of optical sensor 92 detection contact projections 82, CPU90 just can determine the maximum sheets that different developer boxes are printed.

6. the variation that concerns between maximum number of paper of contact projection quantity and printing

In above preferred embodiment, two contact projections 82 are associated with the maximum quantity that show 6000 paper printing, and a contact projection 82 is associated with the maximum quantity that show 3000 paper printing.Yet, also can be inverse relationship.In other words, a contact projection 82 can be associated with the maximum quantity that show 6000 paper printing, and two contact projections 82 can be associated with the maximum quantity that show 3000 paper printing.

Next, utilize this relation to determine whether developer box 30 is new and determines to utilize the new product deterministic process of the maximum quantity of paper that developer box 30 prints to describe in detail with reference to Fig. 7 to 10.Fig. 7 is the block scheme that shows the control system of new product deterministic process.Fig. 8 is the table that is stored among the ROM that is presented among Fig. 7.Fig. 9 is the time chart of new product deterministic process.Figure 10 is the process flow diagram that shows new product deterministic process step.

As shown in Figure 7, control system comprises the ASIC 101 in each district of control laser printer 1; Above-mentioned motor 59 and optical sensor 92 and the preceding cover open/close sensor 102 that is connected to ASIC 101.

ASIC 101 control motor 59 when CPU90 carries out various program.

Optical sensor 92 is imported above-mentioned received signal among the CPU90 by ASIC 101.

Preceding cover open/close sensor 102 is by constituting by contact the switch of opening (not showing) with protecgulum 7.Cover open/close sensor 102 is opened before protecgulum 7 is when open position is closed, and closes detection signal through ASIC 101 to CPU90 input one.

Control system also comprises ROM104, RAM105, NVRAM106 and CPU90, and all assemblies are connected with ASIC101 by bus 103.

ROM104 stores the various programs of being carried out by CPU90, form program such as the image of carries out image forming process, the new product of carrying out the new product deterministic process determine program and when needed the motor rotational speed of operating motor rotational speed deterministic process determine program.ROM104 also stores the toner capacity and the table 107 that detects number and be referenced of related developer box 30 in the new product deterministic process.

In table 107 as shown in Figure 8, detect number and optical sensor 92 and detect contact projection 82 and received signal to be input to the number of times of CPU90 corresponding.As shown in Figure 8, detect number (following title detection limit) " 1 " and detect number " 2 " corresponding to " high power capacity " corresponding to " low capacity ".Here, " high power capacity " shows that the developer box 30 that is installed in the main casing 2 has the high power capacity toner (hereinafter referred to as " high container, developer box ") that can print maximum 6000 paper." low capacity " shows that the developer box 30 that is installed in the main casing 2 has the low toner capacity (hereinafter referred to as " low container, developer box ") that can print maximum 3000 paper.

RAM105 is stored temporarily in numerical value that uses when CPU90 carries out various program etc.NVRAM106 store to show the data from the received signal number (detection number) of the existence of the received signal of optical sensor 92 inputs, the length (see figure 9) of received signal time, input etc.

Utilize this control system, CPU90 carries out the new product be stored among the ROM104 and determines that program implements the new product deterministic process.In this process, each district of ASIC 101 control laser printers 1.

As mentioned above, in the new product deterministic process, the developer box 30 with single contact projection 82 is for holding the high container, developer box of effective toner of printing maximum 6000 paper.The developer box 30 that is provided with 2 contact projections 82 is for holding the low container, developer box of effective toner of printing maximum 3000 paper.

Fig. 9 is the ON/OFF time of the display optical sensor 92 when being new high container, developer box, new low container, developer box and old developer box of the developer box in being installed in optical sensor 92.

As mentioned above, when new high container, developer box was installed in the main casing 2, the teat 84 of contact projection 82 was mounted that time of the ratchet portion that contacts 95 contacts with actuator 91 in the detection position at new box.When teat 84 when contacting ratchet portion 95 contact, actuator 91 rotates, and opens optical sensor 92.In other words, optical sensor 92 is to CPU90 input received signal.

At this moment, CPU90 control motor 59 drives at full speed, and starts lost motion operation.As a result, when teat 84 when equidirectional slides is further being pressed contact ratchet portion 95, separate with contact ratchet portion 95 then.At this moment, actuator 91 its normal condition that rotates backward is closed optical sensor 92 (in other words, the received signal that is input to CPU90 is interrupted).When motor 59 is driven at full speed, from lost motion operation begin to the 92 pent loss times of optical sensor be 0.3 second.

Therefore, when new high container, developer box was installed in the main casing 2, optical sensor 92 only opened and closed once (receiving light once).Therefore, the schedule time (being 0.3 second in this preferred embodiment) of state continuance is counted as one-time detection the predetermined space that begins from that time that motor 59 is driven for the first time (for example 5 seconds).This is correct in the following description.

As mentioned above, when new low container, developer box was installed in the main casing 2, the teat 84 of leader's contact projection 82 contacted with the ratchet portion that contacts 95 of actuator 91 in the detection position in that time that new box is mounted.When teat 84 when contacting ratchet portion 95 contact, actuator 91 rotates, and opens optical sensor 92.

At this moment, CPU90 control motor 59 drives at full speed, and starts lost motion operation.As a result, when the teat 84 of front when equidirectional slides is further being pressed contact ratchet portion 95, separate with contact ratchet portion 95 then.At this moment, actuator 91 its normal condition that rotates backward is closed optical sensor 92.When motor 59 is driven at full speed, from lost motion operation begin to the 92 pent loss times of optical sensor be 0.3 second.

Then, from of contact ratchet portion 95 contacts of the teat 84 of contact projection 82 with actuator 91 under normal condition.As a result, actuator 91 rotations and optical sensor 92 are opened once more.When motor 59 is driven at full speed, from 92 pent that times of optical sensor be 1.1 seconds (that is, when motor 59 is driven at full speed, beginning to be opened for 1.4 seconds once more) up to the loss time that optical sensor 92 is opened once more to optical sensor 92 from lost motion operation.

When contacting 95 sliding contacts of ratchet portion, the further press contacts ratchet of the teat of back 84 portion 95.Then, teat 84 separates with contact ratchet portion 95, allows actuator 91 rotate backward its normal condition and final plant closure optical sensor 92.When motor 59 is driven at full speed, being opened to the loss time that optical sensor 92 cuts out once more once more from optical sensor 92 is 0.3 second (that is, beginning to be closed once more to optical sensor 92 from lost motion operation when motor 59 is driven at full speed is 1.7 seconds).

Therefore, when new low point container, developer box was installed in the main casing 2, the detection number of optical sensor 92 (optical sensor 92 receives the number of times of light) was 2.

As mentioned above, when being installed in the main casing 2, sensor gear 70 remains on halted state when old developer box (old high container, developer box or old low container, developer box).Therefore, because contact projection 82 can be by the detection position of actuator 91, optical sensor 92 remains on closed condition.

Therefore, the detection number of optical sensor 92 is 0 when old developer box is installed in the main casing 2.

Next, the new product deterministic process of CPU90 execution is illustrated with reference to Figure 10.Among the step S1 in Figure 10, CPU90 determine whether power supply is opened or preceding cover open/close sensor 102 whether to CPU90 input close detection signal.If power supply is not opened or CPU90 does not receive yet and closes detection signal (S1: not), then process turns back to master routine (not showing), and the definite continuation among the S1 is carried out.Yet if power supply has been opened or CPU90 has received and closes detection signal (S1: be), CPU90 begins aforesaid lost motion operation in S2.

As mentioned above, at first protecgulum 7 is opened, and developer box 30 is inserted in the main casing 2 by access hole 6.Then, protecgulum 7 is closed, and cover open/close sensor 102 opens and cuts out detection signal to CPU90 input before this moment.At this moment, the lost motion operation among the S2 begins.

After lost motion operation began, CPU90 determined whether lost motion operation finishes in S3.(S3: not), that is, when lost motion operation was performed, CPU90 determined that whether optical sensor 92 is to open (optical sensor 92 whether positive input received signal) in S4 if lost motion operation does not finish.If optical sensor 92 is for opening (S4: be), time (hereinafter referred to as " opening the time of optical sensor 92 ") that CPU90 measures optical sensor 92 opening procedures in S5 then.The time of opening of optical sensor 92 is continued to measure in the lost motion operation process when optical sensor 92 is opened, and Measuring Time is stored in (S3: deny S4: be, S5) among the NVRAM106.

Yet (S4: in the time of not), CPU90 determines whether the time of opening of optical sensor 92 is 0.3 second or bigger in S6 in order to close when optical sensor 92.If the time of opening of optical sensor 92 surpasses 0.3 second (S6: be), then contact projection 82 contacts with contacting ratchet portion 95 at contact position, as mentioned above.Therefore, CPU90 determines that received signal has been transfused to and increase the detection number that is stored among the NVRAM106 in S7.CPU90 removes beating the time of the optical sensor 92 measured from NVRAM106 in S8.

Right face is if the time of opening of optical sensor 92, (S6: not), then CPU90 determined that input signal is to disturb not to be to be caused with the contact that contacts between the ratchet portion 95 by contact projection 82 less than 0.3 second.Therefore, CPU90 not only can not increase the detection number among the S7, and can remove the Measuring Time that is stored among the NVRAM106.

When the optical sensor of in S8, remove measuring 92 open the time after, CPU90 turns back to S3 and comes to determine once more whether lost motion operation finishes.(S3: not), then CPU90 repeats above-mentioned steps if lost motion operation does not also finish.

When the developer box 30 in being installed in main casing 2 was old developer box, it was " 0 " in lost motion operation that the ON/OFF of optical sensor 92 detects number.Therefore, under this state, detecting number will not increase in S7, and the detection number remains " 0 " when lost motion operation finishes.

When the developer box 30 in being installed in main casing 2 was new high container, developer boxes, developer box 30 had a contact projection 82.Therefore, as shown in Figure 9, it is " 1 " in lost motion operation that the ON/OFF of optical sensor 92 detects number.Therefore, detecting number increases once in S7, and the detection number remains " 1 " when lost motion operation finishes.

If the developer box 30 that is installed in the main casing 2 is new low container, developer boxes, then developer box 30 has two contact projections 82.Therefore, as shown in Figure 9, the ON/OFF detecting operation of optical sensor 92 in lost motion operation detected twice.Therefore, the detection number is exhausted to increase by twice in S7, and the detection number remains " 2 " when lost motion operation finishes.

When lost motion operation finished (S3: be), CPU90 determined that whether optical sensor 92 is for opening in S9.For example, if optical sensor 92 for opening (S9: be), then because contact projection 82 keeps and contacts 95 contacts of ratchet portion, is not correctly counted so detect number.In this case, CPU90 determines that mistake occurs in the new product deterministic process and turns back to master routine in S10.If CPU90 determines mistake and occur in the new product deterministic process, then CPU90 shows the information of this information of reflection on control panel etc.

Yet (S9: not), the definite detection of CPU90 number has correctly been counted and determined in S11 detects whether number is " 0 " if optical sensor 92 is for cutting out.If detecting number is " 0 " (S11: be), then CPU90 determines that the box of installing is old developer box and turns back in the master routine in S12.When the box of determine installing as CPU90 was old developer box, CPU90 continued work as and utilizes maximum number of paper that box prints when box is new and compare from the number of paper that box is confirmed as the actual printing of NEW BEGINNING, as mentioned above.

Yet, be not that " 0 " (S11: not), CPU90 determines to detect whether number is " 1 " in S13 if detect number.If detecting number is " 1 " (S13: be), then CPU90 is associated with detecting number " 1 " because show the data of " Gao Rong " in table 107 with reference to the table 107 that is stored among the ROM104 in S14, is new high container, developer box so determine the box that is mounted.Then, CPU90 turns back to master routine.As mentioned above, when CPU90 determined that the box that is mounted is new high container, developer box, CPU90 determined that developer box 30 is new and can utilizes developer box 30 to print maximum quantity of 6000 paper.Therefore, when discharged by paper sensor 60 when detecting the maximum quantity that when developer box 30 is mounted at first, begin actual print paper and surpassing 6000 CPU90 show at control panel etc. and lack the toner alarm.

If detect number is not that " 1 " (S13: in the time of not), then CPU90 determines to detect whether number is " 2 " in S15.If detecting number is " 2 " (S15: be), then CPU90 is associated with detecting number " 2 " because show the data of " the low appearance " in table 107 with reference to the table 107 that is stored among the ROM104 in S16, is new low container, developer box so determine the box that is mounted.Then, CPU90 turns back to master routine.As mentioned above, when CPU90 determined that the box that is mounted is new low container, developer box, CPU90 determined that developer box 30 is new and can utilizes developer box 30 to print maximum quantity of 3000 paper.Therefore, when discharged by paper sensor 60 when detecting the maximum quantity that when developer box 30 is mounted at first, begin actual print paper and surpassing 3000 CPU90 show at control panel etc. and lack the toner alarm.

Yet, when detect number be " 2 " (S15: in the time of not), promptly when the detection number be " 3 " or when bigger, detect number and be not listed in the table 107.Therefore in this case, CPU90 determines that box is " Gao Rong " and be new high container, developer box in S14, and CPU90 turns back to master routine.When CPU90 determined that the box that is mounted is new high container, developer box, CPU90 determined that developer box 30 is new and utilizes developer box 30 can print the volume of 6000 paper.Therefore, when discharged by paper sensor 60 when detecting the maximum quantity that when developer box 30 is mounted at first, begin actual print paper and surpassing 6000 CPU90 show at control panel etc. and lack the toner alarm.

The ON/OFF of optical sensor 92 detects number when increasing owing to the quantity when contact projection 82 increases manyly usually, and this detection signal that just exists the CPU90 omission to import from optical sensor 92 also determines to detect the danger that number is less than the ON/OFF detection number of reality the new product deterministic process.Therefore, when two contact projections 82 were set up, just there was CPU90 in this and thinks that the ON/OFF of optical sensor 92 detects number and is " 1 " rather than " 2 " by mistake owing to omit detection signal.

For example, when the high container, developer box with two contact projections 82 was mounted, CPU90 should determine that optical sensor 92 opens and closes twice.Yet, as mentioned above,, and think that ON/OFF detects number and is " 1 " by mistake if CPU90 omits a received signal.The maximum sheets that CPU90 will determine to utilize high container, developer box to print is 3000 rather than correct 6000.

Open down in these feelings, when discharged by paper sensor 60 when detecting the maximum quantity that when developer box 30 is installed in the main casing 2 at first, begin actual print paper and approaching 3000 CPU90 show at control panel etc. and lack the toner alarm, impel the user to change developer box.Therefore, developer box 30 will be replaced when a large amount of unused toners remains in the high container, developer box.

Yet, new product deterministic process according to this preferred embodiment, developer box with a contact projection 82 is corresponding with high container, developer box, thinks that the ON/OFF detection number of optical sensor 92 is greater than the danger when high container, developer box is two optical sensors 92 by mistake thereby reduced aforesaid CPU90.Therefore, this method can prevent developer box 30 aforesaid when a large amount of unused toners remains in the developer box 30 developer box 30 will be replaced.

Because the box of two contact projections 82 is corresponding to low container, developer box in this new product deterministic process, if CPU90 omits detection signal as mentioned above, this is 6000 rather than 3000 danger with regard to the maximum sheets that exists CPU90 to determine that the low container, developer box of utilization is printed.Yet the laser printer 1 of this preferred embodiment has the aforesaid toner sensor of determining to remain in the actual toner amount in the toner container cavity 41.Therefore, when the residue toner became very low actual amount, CPU90 showed the alarm that lacks toners above will fixing on control panel etc. really based on the toner sensor.Therefore, even CPU90 thinks that the maximum sheets of utilizing low container, developer box to print is 6000 by mistake, show although this alarm can not discharged the actual printing amount that sensor 60 detects based on paper, when the actual quantity of print paper approaches 3000, will show the alarm of scarce toner based on definite CPU90 of toner sensor.

And, not that " 2 " (S15: not), promptly detect in addition digital corresponding of the detection number listed in number and the table 107, then CPU90 determines that box is new high container, developer box in S14 when CPU90 determines detection limit in the S15 of new product testing process.Therefore, if it is received signal that CPU90 thinks the undesired signal of input by mistake, cause detecting number and surpass the detection number of listing in the table 107, CPU90 should count related with " Gao Rong ", thereby prevented that developer box 30 will be replaced when a large amount of unused toners remains in the high container, developer box.

In the above description, " 2 " (S15: not), that is to say that if when detecting number and surpassing the detection of listing in the table 107 and count, CPU90 definite developer box in S14 is high container, developer box in S15 if detect number.Yet as shown in S17 among Figure 11, CPU90 may determine that mistake occurs in the new product deterministic process, rather than definite box is high container, developer box, and may turn back to master routine.After definite mistake had occurred in the new product deterministic process, CPU90 showed error message on control panel etc.

Except above-mentioned variation, the process flow diagram among Figure 11 has identical step with process flow diagram among Figure 10.

In this above-mentioned preferred embodiment, in the lost motion operation process, promptly utilize optical sensor 92 to detect in the operating process of passing through of contact projection 82, motor 59 is by the full speed driven in rotation, and this speed is identical with the speed of using in image forms.Yet motor 59 also can be driven with low speed in than image forming course in the lost motion operation process.By use such as Half Speed than low velocity driving motor 59, can improve CPU90 and determine that optical sensor 92 ON/OFF detect the accuracy of number of times.

Figure 12 is the process flow diagram that is presented at the step in the motor speed deterministic process that CPU90 carries out in the lost motion operation process.This process is implemented as step 2a, as shown in figure 14.The motor speed deterministic process determines that as motor speed program is stored among the ROM104, is used in the lost motion operation process with Half Speed driving motor 59.

As shown in the motor speed deterministic process of Figure 12, CPU90 determines in S31 whether the instruction of driving motor 59 rotations of enforcement image formation operation, lost motion operation etc. sends.If instruction is not issued driving motor 59 (S31: deny), then CPU90 turns back to master routine, and determining in S31 is repeated to implement.

Yet if instruction has been sent to motor 59 (S31: be), CPU90 determines whether power supply has has opened or closed detection signal and whether inputed to CPU90 in S32.If power supply is not also opened and closed detection signal and also is not input to CPU90 (S32: deny), then motor 59 is driven in rotation and carries out image formation operation.In this case, CPU90 is full speed driving motor 59 in S33, turns back to master routine then.

Yet, if being opened or having closed detection signal, power supply has been imported into CPU90 (S32: be), aforesaid lost motion operation begins.In this case, CPU90 with 59 rotations of Half Speed driving motor, turns back to master routine then in S34.

Figure 13 is the timetable of new product deterministic process when motor 59 is driven in rotation with Half Speed.Figure 14 is the process flow diagram that shows new product deterministic process step when motor 59 is driven in rotation with Half Speed.

As shown in Figure 13, as mentioned above, when new high container, developer box was installed in the main casing 2, optical sensor 92 was opened when new box is installed.After optical sensor 92 was closed, CPU90 was then with Half Speed driving motor 59.When motor 59 is driven with Half Speed, from lost motion operation begin to the time of 92 pent that times of optical sensor be 0.6 second.

As mentioned above, when new low container, developer box was installed in the main casing 2, optical sensor 92 was opened when new box is installed.After optical sensor 92 was closed, CPU90 was then with Half Speed driving motor 59.When motor 59 is driven with Half Speed, from lost motion operation begin to the time of 92 pent that times of optical sensor be 0.6 second.

Then, optical sensor 92 is opened once more.When motor 59 is driven with Half Speed, from optical sensor 92 be closed to time that optical sensor 92 opened once more be 2.2 seconds (from lost motion operation begin to that time that optical sensor 92 is opened once more be 2.8 seconds).

Optical sensor 92 cuts out once more.When motor 59 is driven with Half Speed, from that time to the time that optical sensor 92 cuts out once more that optical sensor 92 is opened once more be 0.6 second (beginning to be closed once more to optical sensor 92 from lost motion operation is 3.4 seconds).

As mentioned above, optical sensor 92 is maintained at closed condition when old developer box is installed in the main casing 2.

Next, with reference to Figure 14, effective new product deterministic process will be illustrated when motor 59 drives with Half Speed.Step in Figure 14 in the new product deterministic process except that step 6 all with Figure 10 in identical in the process flow diagram.In the step 6 of above-mentioned Figure 10, whether CPU90 determines the time of optical sensor 92 opening procedures above 0.3 second, and CPU90 determines that whether the time is above 0.6 second in Figure 14.

Particularly and since motor 59 when being driven with Half Speed optical sensor 92 keep time of opening longer, so CPU90 determines that whether the time of opening of optical sensor 92 is above 0.6 second in the new product deterministic process of Figure 14.If this time of opening surpasses 0.6 second (S6: be), then CPU90 determines that the recovery signal has been transfused to and increase detection number in S7.CPU90 removes and to be stored in opening the time of the optical sensor 92 measured among the NVRAM106 in S8.Yet (S6: not), CPU90 determines that signal is caused by interference if the time of opening of optical sensor 92 is less than 0.6 second.Therefore, CPU90 not only can not increase the detection number in S7, and can remove the Measuring Time that is stored among the NVRAM106 in S8.

Pass through in lost motion operation with Half Speed driving motor 59, optical sensor 92 can detect passing through of contact projection 82 with higher accuracy.Therefore, CPU90 can determine when received signal is from optical sensor 92 inputs with higher accuracy.As a result, CPU90 can determine reliably whether the box that is mounted is high container, developer box or low container, developer box.

In this above-mentioned preferred embodiment, developer box 30 separates setting with processing frame 27, and photosensitive drums 28 is set in the processing frame 27.Yet, clearly can form with processing frame 27 integral body according to developer box of the present invention.

Although the present invention is illustrated according to specific embodiment, those skilled in the art understands can carry out the various various variations that do not deviate from the scope of the invention.

For example, the present invention not only is applied to install the monochrome image formation device of a developer box, can also be applied to install the coloured image that holds Huang, magenta, green grass or young crops and four boxes of black toner respectively and form device.

Claims

1. an image processing system is characterized in that, comprising:

Main casing;

Receiving photographic developer and can be from the developer box of described main casing dismounting;

Produce the motor of driving force;

Drive member is placed in the described developer box, and when described developer box is installed in the described main casing, can be driven a scheduled volume from the starting position to the end position by described motor;

Mobile member is set in the described developer box and is associated with described drive member, thereby can move with described drive member;

The information test section when described mobile member is mobile with described drive member, detects described mobile member and output testing result; With

Controller, based on the information of the relevant described developer box of exporting from described information test section of testing result acquisition,

Information that should relevant described developer box be whether the described developer box of indication is new product and utilizes the developer that is contained in this developer box can form the information of maximum quantity of record images medium thereon at described developer box during for new product.

2. image processing system as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described information test section comprises the contact member that can contact with described mobile member, thereby wherein said mobile member moves and promotes described contact member.

3. image processing system as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that, in the time of in described developer box is installed in described main casing, described contact member contacts with described mobile member.

4. image processing system as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that described drive member comprises the hypodontia gear, and the hypodontia gear has transmission tooth portion being arranged and do not transmit anodontia portion from the driving force of described motor from the driving force of described motor.

5. image processing system as claimed in claim 4, it is characterized in that described developer box comprises the transmission gear, when described developer box is installed in the described main casing, transmit the driving force of gear transmission from described motor, and described hypodontia gear and described transmission gearing mesh.

6. image processing system as claimed in claim 5 is characterized in that, described developer box further comprises to described transmission gear and promote described hypodontia gear, makes the promotion member of itself and described transmission gearing mesh.

7. image processing system as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, a plurality of mobile members are set to be associated with described drive member.

8. image processing system as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, one or more mobile members are set to be associated with described drive member, the indication of the number of described mobile member utilizes the developer that is contained in this developer box can form the information of maximum quantity of record images medium thereon at described developer box during for new product, and the number of the described mobile member that detects based on described information test section, described controller decoding utilizes the developer that is contained in this developer box can form the information of maximum quantity of record images medium thereon at described developer box during for new product.

9. image processing system as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, the width indication of described mobile member on its moving direction utilizes the developer that is contained in this developer box can form the information of maximum quantity of record images medium thereon at described developer box during for new product, and detect in the process of mobile member at described information test section, described controller utilizes the developer that be contained in this developer box thereon can form the information of the maximum quantity of record images medium at described developer box during for new product based on decoding detection time.

10. image processing system as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, further comprises:

When wherein the developer quantity in being contained in described developer box is first quantity, the mobile member of first number is set, with developer quantity in being contained in described developer box for less than second quantity of first quantity time, the mobile member greater than second number of first number is set; With

When the detection number of the described mobile member that detects at described information test section is corresponding with first number, it is first quantity and when the detection number of described mobile member is corresponding with second number that described controller determines to be contained in developer in the described developer box, determines to be contained in that developer is second quantity in the described developer box.

11. image processing system as claimed in claim 10, it is characterized in that, the reservoir that further comprises the storage table, this table makes first quantity and second quantity respectively and is associated corresponding to the detection number of first number and corresponding to the detection number of second number, wherein said controller is with reference to described reservoir, and when detecting number not in table in the listed detection number time, the developer level of determining to be contained in the developer box is first quantity.

12. image processing system as claimed in claim 10, it is characterized in that, utilizing described information test section to detect in the operating process of described mobile member, it is low that described motor is used for moving the speed that the velocity ratio of described mobile member uses at image forming course.

13. a developer box that is removably mounted in the image processing system, described image processing system comprises information test section and controller, it is characterized in that, this developer box comprises:

Drive member when developer box is installed in the image processing system, can be driven into end position from initial position; With

Be associated with described drive member and be arranged so that a plurality of contact projections that can move with drive member, when developer box is installed in the image processing system, drive member is by when initial position is driven into end position, described a plurality of contact projection is by these a plurality of contact projections and information test section position contacting, when described a plurality of contact projections are mobile with described drive member, detect described a plurality of contact projection and output testing result by described information test section; Obtain the information of relevant described developer box based on testing result from described information test section output by described controller.

14. developer box as claimed in claim 13, it is characterized in that, described drive member comprises the hypodontia gear, and described hypodontia gear has reception tooth portion being arranged and do not receive anodontia portion from the driving force of motor from the driving force of the motor in the image processing system.

15. a developer box that is removably mounted in the image processing system, described image processing system comprises information test section and controller, it is characterized in that, this developer box comprises:

The hypodontia gear, when described developer box is installed in the described image processing system, can be driven into end position from initial position, described hypodontia gear is formed with reception tooth portion being arranged and do not receive anodontia portion from the driving force of motor from the driving force of motor; With

A plurality of contact projections, can move with the hypodontia gear, when described hypodontia gear during by direct motor drive, described a plurality of contact projection is set at the position of being detected by described information test section, obtains the information of relevant described developer box based on the testing result from described information test section output by described controller.

16. developer box as claimed in claim 15 is characterized in that, further comprises the transmission gear with described hypodontia gearing mesh.

17. developer box as claimed in claim 16 is characterized in that, further comprises the promotion member that promotes described hypodontia gear to described transmission gear.

18. developer box as claimed in claim 17 is characterized in that, when described promotion member when described transmission gear promotes the hypodontia gear, have the end of tooth portion to mesh described transmission gear.

19. developer box as claimed in claim 15 is characterized in that a plurality of contact projections and the related setting of described hypodontia gear, described a plurality of contact projections have the end that is arranged on the predetermined circle.