CN214623308U - Developing device, toner container, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model provides a developing device, toner container and image forming apparatus. The developing device is detachably supported by an image forming apparatus, and includes: a housing capable of accommodating a developer therein; and a displacement member which is displaceable between an initial position where the displacement member is not detected by a detection device provided in the image forming apparatus and a detection position where the displacement member is detectable by the detection device in a state where the developing device is attached to the image forming apparatus.

Description

Developing device, toner container, and image forming apparatus

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a developing device, a toner container, and an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine and a complex machine.

Background

An image forming apparatus of an electrophotographic system includes a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive drum with toner. The developing device includes a developing roller rotatably supported in a casing thereof, and performs development by supplying toner contained in the casing from the developing roller to a photosensitive drum.

Further, the image forming apparatus is provided with a toner container that stores toner replenished to the developing device. If all the toner in the toner container is consumed, the toner container is replaced with a new toner container filled with toner.

Since a development failure occurs if the developing roller of the developing device is aged, the developing device that has passed a certain period of time is replaced with a new one in order to maintain image quality. Further, since the developing device integrally configured with the toner containing portion cannot perform development when the toner in the toner containing portion runs out, it is replaced with a new developing device that is not used and is filled with toner. Therefore, the conventional image forming apparatus has a structure in which the developing device is detachably supported so that the developing device can be replaced.

When the used developing device is replaced, the unused developing device is usually attached to the image forming apparatus after the developing device is detached from the image forming apparatus. However, the developing device that has been used may be erroneously mounted in the image forming apparatus. Further, a developing device whose life has been over aged may be refilled with toner and attached to the image forming apparatus. Further, in the case of replacing a used toner container, the used toner container may be erroneously attached to the image forming apparatus when the replacement is performed. In addition, a used toner container may be refilled with degraded toner and the toner container may be attached to the image forming apparatus.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily and reliably determining whether or not a container attached to an apparatus main body is an unused container that has not been used at a time.

The utility model provides a developing device can install and remove ground supporting in image forming device, and it includes: a housing capable of accommodating a developer therein; and a displacement member which is displaceable between an initial position where the displacement member is not detected by a detection device provided in the image forming apparatus and a detection position where the displacement member is detectable by the detection device in a state where the developing device is attached to the image forming apparatus.

The utility model provides a toner container can install and remove for image forming device, and it includes: a housing capable of accommodating a developer therein; and a displacement member that is displaceable between an initial position that is not detected by a detection device provided in the image forming apparatus and a detection position that is detectable by the detection device in a state where the toner container is attached to the image forming apparatus.

The utility model provides an image forming apparatus, it includes: the developing device; a device main body configured to detachably support the developing device; a detection device provided in the device main body for detecting a mounting state of the developing device; and a control unit that determines whether or not the developing device is not in use based on a detection result of the detection device, wherein the control unit determines that the developing device is not in use when the displacement member is not detected by the detection device in an initial attachment state immediately after the developing device is attached to the apparatus main body, and determines that the developing device is in use when the displacement member is detected by the detection device in the initial attachment state.

According to the present invention, it is possible to easily and reliably determine whether or not a container attached to an apparatus main body of an image forming apparatus is an unused container that has not been used at a time.

The present specification will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings as appropriate, in order to simplify the summary of the concepts described in the following detailed description. The present specification is not intended to limit the important features and essential features of the subject matter described in the claims, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the subject matter described in the claims. The object described in the claims is not limited to the embodiments for solving some or all of the disadvantages described in any part of the present invention.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a state where a top cover of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is opened.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing an image forming unit provided in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the image forming unit is detached from the apparatus main body.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a drum unit provided in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of a drum unit provided in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view of a section VII-VII in fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an internal structure of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the drum unit is attached to the apparatus main body.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the left side front.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear on the right side.

Fig. 11 is a plan view of a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a developing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view of section XII-XII in fig. 9.

Fig. 13 is a partially enlarged view of a left side portion of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 14 is a left side view of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the side cover is removed.

Fig. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of a right side portion of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing a state where a shaft cover is removed from a right side portion of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 17 is a partially enlarged view of a left side portion of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a state where a side cover is removed.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing a rotary member provided at a left side portion of the developing device.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view showing a rotary member provided at a left side portion of the developing device.

Fig. 20 is a left side view of the developing device according to the embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the side cover is removed.

Fig. 21 is a sectional view of a section of a detected part passing through a rotary member at a left side part of the developing device.

Fig. 22 is a diagram illustrating a detection switch provided in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 23 is a sectional view of the vicinity of the rotary member in a state where the developing device is mounted to the image forming apparatus.

Fig. 24 is a block diagram showing a connection relationship between the control unit and the motor and the detection switch.

Fig. 25A and 25B are timing charts showing the driving timing of the motor and the detection timing of the detection switch.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below are merely examples embodying the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. For convenience of explanation, the following description will be made using the vertical direction 7, the front-rear direction 8, and the horizontal direction 9 shown in the respective drawings. In fig. 1 to 5, the vertical direction is defined as the vertical direction 7 in an installation state (the state shown in fig. 1) in which the image forming apparatus 10 can be used, and the front-rear direction 8 and the left-right direction 9 (the width direction 9) are defined in the installation state.

[ first ]

Fig. 1 to 3 show an image forming apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus 10 is an apparatus having at least a printing function, and is, for example, a printer that forms an image of a single color on a sheet such as a printing paper by an electrophotographic method. The image forming apparatus 10 prints an image on a printing paper based on image data input from the outside via a communication unit not shown. The image forming apparatus 10 is not limited to a single color printer, and may be a color printer that forms a color image. The image forming apparatus 10 may be a complex machine having functions such as a facsimile machine and a copier, in addition to the printing function.

Fig. 1 and 2 are perspective views showing an external appearance of the image forming apparatus 10, in which fig. 1 shows a state in which the top cover 12 and the front cover 13 are closed, and fig. 2 shows a state in which the top cover 12 and the front cover 13 are opened. Fig. 3 is a sectional view showing an internal structure of the apparatus main body 11. In fig. 3, illustration of the top cover 12 is omitted.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 10 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape long in the width direction 9, and includes: an apparatus main body 11 to which each part for performing an image forming process is attached; a top cover 12 provided on the upper part of the apparatus main body 11; and a front cover 13 provided on a front surface of the apparatus body 11.

As shown in fig. 2, an opening 21 communicating with the inside is formed in an upper portion of the apparatus main body 11, and the top cover 12 is provided so as to be able to open and close the opening 21. The top cover 12 is supported to be openable and closable between an open posture (posture shown in fig. 2) for opening the opening 21 and a closed posture (posture shown in fig. 1) for closing the opening 21, with a hinge 24 provided at a rear end portion of an upper portion of the apparatus main body 11 as a center. When the top cover 12 is rotated upward (opening direction) to open the opening 21, an image forming unit 50 and the like described later mounted inside the apparatus main body 11 are exposed. In this state, the user can take out the developing device 70 supported by the image forming unit 50 from the inside of the apparatus main body 11.

An opening 22 communicating with the inside is formed in a lower portion of the front surface of the apparatus main body 11, and the front cover 13 is provided so as to be capable of opening and closing the opening 22. The front cover 13 is supported to be openable and closable between an open posture (posture shown in fig. 2) for opening the opening 22 and a closed posture (posture shown in fig. 1) for closing the opening 22, with a hinge 25 provided at a lower end portion of the front side of the apparatus main body 11 as a center. If the front cover 13 is rotated forward (opening direction) to open the opening 22, printing paper can be placed inside the apparatus main body 11 through the opening 22.

As shown in fig. 3, the image forming apparatus 10 mainly includes an image forming Unit 50, a fixing section 31, a paper feed tray 32, a feed Unit 33, an LSU (Laser Scanner Unit) 34, a paper discharge tray 35 (see fig. 1), a plurality of conveying rollers 37 provided in a conveying path 36, and a discharge roller 38 provided at the end of the conveying path 36. They are mounted inside a cover of an outer frame of the image forming apparatus 10 or an apparatus main body 11 including an internal frame. In fig. 3, a path indicated by a broken line extending upward from the supply unit 33 is a conveyance path 36.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the image forming unit 50. The image forming unit 50 forms an image in an electrophotographic manner, and includes a drum unit 60 and a developing device 70. In the present embodiment, the image forming unit 50 is detachably supported by the apparatus main body 11 so as to be replaceable.

When the stored developer becomes empty, the developing device 70 needs to be replaced with another developing device 70 filled with the developer. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the developing device 70 is supported by the apparatus main body 11 so as to be attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body 11. Specifically, the developing device 70 is detachably attached to the drum unit 60 (an example of an attachment member) attached to the device main body 11. In addition, even when the inside of the image forming apparatus 10 is maintained, the developing device 70 is detached as necessary. Fig. 2 and 3 show a state in which the image forming unit 50 is mounted on the apparatus main body 11. Fig. 5 shows a state in which the image forming unit 50 is detached from the apparatus main body 11.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the drum unit 60. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a cross-sectional plane VII-VII in fig. 6, showing a cross-sectional structure of the drum unit 60.

As shown in fig. 6 and 7, the drum unit 60 includes a photosensitive drum 61, a charging section 62, a transfer roller 63, and a casing 64. The photosensitive drum 61, the charging section 62, and the transfer roller 63 are supported on a casing 64. The developing device 70 is detachably supported by a developing support 65 provided integrally with the housing 64.

The housing 64 is a molded article formed of, for example, a synthetic resin, and includes: a first base frame 641 extending in the left-right direction 9; and a pair of support frames 642 erected at both ends in the left-right direction 9 of the first base frame 641. Each support frame 642 is formed in a plate shape, for example. Each support frame 642 is formed of an insulating member that is not electrically conductive. Each support frame 642 extends in the front-rear direction 8, and the photosensitive drum 61 and the transfer roller 63 are rotatably supported at a rear portion of each support frame 642 in a state of being in pressure contact with each other. Further, a charging unit 62 is attached to an upper portion of a rear portion of each support frame 642. The charging unit 62 is disposed so as to face the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum 61, and is attached to be suspended on each support frame 642.

As shown in fig. 6 and 7, a developing support portion 65 is integrally formed on the front side of the housing 64. The developing support 65 includes: a second base frame 651 formed forward from the first base frame 641 through a paper passage opening 66 (see fig. 7); and a front plate 652 that constitutes a front portion of each support frame 642. If the developing device 70 is mounted on the developing support 65, a lower surface 716 (see fig. 12) of the developing device 70 is supported by the second base frame 651. In this case, the lower surface 716 is a supported surface supported by the drum unit 60.

The paper passage opening 66 is a through opening formed between the first base frame 641 and the second base frame 651, and is configured to allow the printing paper fed from the paper feed tray 32 to pass therethrough and guide the printing paper to a transfer position between the photosensitive drum 61 and the transfer roller 63.

In a state where the image forming unit 50 is attached to the apparatus main body 11, if an image forming operation is started, the charging section 62 uniformly charges the photosensitive layer on the surface of the photosensitive drum 61. Further, laser light corresponding to image data is scanned from the LSU34 to the photosensitive drum 61. Thereby, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 61. Bias voltages are applied to the photosensitive drum 61 and the developing roller 74 (see fig. 10) of the developing device 70, respectively, to form an electric field having a predetermined potential difference between the photosensitive drum 61 and the developing roller 74, which enables toner to fly from the developing roller 74 to the photosensitive drum 61. The toner adheres to the electrostatic latent image from the developing roller 74 due to the potential difference, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 61. An electric field having a predetermined potential difference is also formed between the photosensitive drum 61 and the transfer roller 63. The toner image on the photosensitive drum 61 is transferred to the printing paper fed from the paper feed tray 32 by the potential difference. The printing paper with the toner image transferred thereon is conveyed to the fixing section 31.

The fixing unit 31 is provided downstream of the image forming unit 50 in the paper conveyance direction. The fixing unit 31 fixes the toner image transferred to the printing paper by heat. The fixing unit 31 includes a hot roller and a pressure roller. The heating roller is heated by a heating device such as an IH heater during a fixing operation. The pressure roller applies a force to the heating roller through an elastic member. When the print paper passes through the fixing section 31, the fixing section 31 presses the print paper, and the toner is heated and melted to adhere to the print paper. Thereby, the toner image is fixed to the printing paper, and an image is formed on the printing paper.

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

The photosensitive drum 61 of the drum unit 60 is deteriorated or worn whenever the photosensitive layer of the surface thereof is formed to overlap an image. If the photosensitive layer is deteriorated, chargeability is deteriorated, and if the photosensitive layer is worn, the photosensitive layer is not charged at a predetermined potential, which results in deterioration of image quality. Therefore, the photosensitive drum 61 needs to be replaced at a predetermined replacement timing. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the drum unit 60 is supported by the apparatus main body 11 so as to be attachable to and detachable from the apparatus main body 11, so that the photosensitive drum 61 can be replaced. Further, in the case of maintaining the inside of the image forming apparatus 10, the drum unit 60 can be detached as necessary. Here, fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which only the drum unit 60 of the image forming unit 50 is attached to the apparatus main body 11. Therefore, the developing device 70 is not shown in fig. 8.

As shown in fig. 8, guide grooves 111 are formed on the inner surfaces 15 of the apparatus body 11 on both sides in the left-right direction 9, respectively, and the guide grooves 111 are used to guide the drum unit 60 when the drum unit 60 is mounted inside the apparatus body 11 from the opening 21. The guide groove 111 functions as follows: when the drum unit 60 is detached from the apparatus main body 11, the drum unit 60 is also guided toward the opening 21 side and is easily taken out. The guide groove 111 extends obliquely downward and rearward from the funnel-shaped insertion port 113 when viewed in cross section formed at the upper end edge portion of the inner surface 15. Although fig. 8 shows the guide groove 111 formed in the right inner surface 15A, the guide groove 111 having the same shape is also formed in the opposite left inner surface 15B (see fig. 5).

The guide groove 111 is formed so as to be gradually inclined toward the mounting position of the drum unit 60 (the position shown in fig. 8, hereinafter referred to as the unit mounting position). Specifically, the guide groove 111 includes: a first groove 111A formed substantially straight from the insertion port 113 to a first bending point P1; a second groove 111B gently inclined from the first bending point P1 to a second bending point P2 than the first groove 111A; and a third groove 111C gently inclined from the second bending point P2 to the unit mounting position than the second groove 111B.

As shown in fig. 6, the drum unit 60 is provided with a guide member 644 that is inserted into the guide groove 111 when attached to the apparatus body 11 and when detached from the apparatus body 11. A guide member 644 is provided upright on the outer surface of each of a pair of support frames 642 constituting the housing 64. The guide member 644 is a boss-shaped or pin-shaped member vertically erected on the outer surface of the support frame 642.

On the outer surface of the support frame 642, a guide member 644 is provided on the rear side. The drum unit 60 is inserted until the guide member 644 is disposed at the terminal end of the guide groove 111.

As shown in fig. 8, an additional guide groove 112 branched from the guide groove 111 is formed in the inner surface 15A. Fig. 8 shows the guide groove 112 formed in the right inner surface 15A, but the guide groove 112 formed similarly is also formed in the opposite left inner surface 15B. The guide groove 112 functions in the same manner as the guide groove 111 as follows: that is, the drum unit 60 is guided to the unit attachment position when the drum unit 60 is attached to the inside of the apparatus main body 11 from the opening 21, and the drum unit 60 is guided to the opening 21 side when the drum unit 60 is detached from the apparatus main body 11.

The guide groove 112 extends obliquely rearward downward from the first bending point P1 in the guide groove 111. The guide groove 112 is formed to gradually widen obliquely rearward from an upper end opening 114, which is a connection portion with the guide groove 111. In other words, the guide groove 112 is formed in a shape expanding from the upper end opening 114 toward the obliquely rear end.

The upper groove wall surface of the guide groove 112 is a guide surface 112A, and the guide surface 112A is used to guide a bearing portion 77 (see fig. 13 and 15) described later provided in the developing device 70 to a mounting position P11 defined in the drum unit 60 when the developing device 70 is mounted to the apparatus main body 11. The guide surface 112A is substantially parallel to the second groove 111B of the guide groove 111.

A groove wall surface on the lower side of the guide groove 112 is a guide surface 112B, and the guide surface 112B is used to guide a guide member 645 (see fig. 6) described later provided in the drum unit 60 downward when the drum unit 60 is mounted to the apparatus main body 11. The guide surface 112B guides downward a guide portion 78 or 791 (see fig. 13 and 15) provided in the developing device 70, when the developing device 70 is mounted to the apparatus body 11.

As shown in fig. 6, the drum unit 60 is provided with a guide member 645 inserted into the guide groove 112 at the time of attachment to the apparatus body 11 and at the time of detachment from the apparatus body 11. The guide members 645 are provided upright on the outer surfaces of the pair of support frames 642 constituting the housing 64, respectively. The guide member 645 is a boss-shaped or pin-shaped member vertically erected on the outer surface of the support frame 642.

The guide member 645 is provided on the outer surface of the support frame 642 at the front side of the guide member 644. When the drum unit 60 is attached to the apparatus main body 11, first, the guide member 644 is inserted into the guide groove 111 from the insertion port 113, and then, the guide member 645 is inserted into the guide groove 111. During the mounting of the drum unit 60, the guide member 644 is guided from the first groove 111A via the second groove 111B along the third groove 111C toward the unit mounting position (the position shown in fig. 8). On the other hand, if the guide member 645 reaches the first bending point P1 of the guide groove 111 during the mounting of the drum unit 60, it enters the guide groove 112 from the upper end opening 114 and is guided toward substantially downward along the guide surface 112B of the guide groove 112.

Then, if the drum unit 60 is inserted to the unit mounting position shown in fig. 8, the drum unit 60 is locked at the unit mounting position by a lock mechanism not shown. That is, the drum unit 60 is positioned at the unit mounting position. Further, if an unlocking member (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 11 is operated, the lock of the lock mechanism is unlocked. Thereby, the drum unit 60 can be removed upward from the unit attachment position and can be taken out to the outside from the opening 21.

As shown in fig. 7, a guide groove 646 for guiding the bearing portion 77 (see fig. 13 and 15) of the developing device 70 to the mounting position P11 and a stopper 647 provided at a terminal end of the guide groove 646 are formed in the support frame 642. The guide groove 646 is formed in the support frame 642 so as to partition the support frame 642 into a rear portion and a front plate 652 on the front side. The stopper 647 positions the bearing portion 77 at the mounting position P11 with the bearing portion 77 guided to the mounting position P11. When the developing device 70 is mounted on the device main body 11, the stopper 647 abuts against the bearing 77, and the movement of the bearing 77 in the insertion direction is restricted by the stopper 647. Thereby, the developing device 70 is positioned on the drum unit 60. The developing device 70 is locked to the drum unit 60 by a lock mechanism, not shown, provided in the drum unit 60. Further, if the lock release lever 67 provided in the drum unit 60 is operated, the lock of the lock mechanism is released. Thereby, the developing device 70 can be removed upward from the device main body 11 and can be taken out to the outside from the opening 21.

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

The developing device 70 attaches toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 61, develops the electrostatic latent image with the toner, and forms a toner image as a visible image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 61. As shown in fig. 12, the developing device 70 includes a casing 71 (an example of a housing), an agitating member 72, a supply roller 73 (an example of a rotating member), and a developing roller 74 (an example of a rotating member). The stirring member 72, the supply roller 73, and the developing roller 74 are rotatably supported on the housing 71.

The housing 71 is a molded article formed of, for example, synthetic resin. As shown in fig. 9 to 11, the housing 71 is formed in a shape elongated in the left-right direction 9 (longitudinal direction). A developer containing toner is contained in the casing 71. That is, the casing 71 functions not only as a casing for supporting the developing roller 74 and the like, but also as a developer container (also referred to as a toner container) for storing developer.

As shown in fig. 12, the stirring member 72 is disposed on the front side inside the housing 71. The stirring member 72 is rotatably supported by a pair of support frames 711 (see fig. 9 to 11), and the pair of support frames 711 are provided on both sides of the housing 71 in the left-right direction 9 (axial direction). The pair of support frames 711 (an example of a pair of support members) form side surfaces on both sides in the left-right direction 9 of the housing 71.

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

As shown in fig. 12, a thin film-like blade 723 perpendicular to the shaft member 721 is provided on the shaft member 721 of the stirring member 72. When a rotational driving force is inputted to the stirring member 72 from the outside, the stirring member 72 rotates, and the developer accommodated in the casing 71 is stirred by the paddle unit 723. The toner contained in the developer is given an electric charge by stirring the developer by the stirring member 72.

As shown in fig. 9, a side cover 75 is attached to the support frame 711L on the left side of the housing 71.

Fig. 13 is a partially enlarged view of the left side portion of the developing device 70. Fig. 14 is a left side view of the developing device 70, showing a state in which the side cover 75 is removed.

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

As shown in fig. 14, the transmission mechanism 80 includes an input portion 76 to which the driving force from the outside is input. That is, the input unit 76 is provided on the support frame 711L. The input portion 76 is, for example, a coupling (connector). A cylindrical portion 751 (see fig. 13) having a cylindrical shape and penetrating through the input portion 76 and exposed to the outside is formed in the side cover 75. As shown in fig. 13, in a state where the side cover 75 is attached to the support frame 711L, the input portion 76 is exposed to the outside through the cylindrical portion 751.

When the developing device 70 is attached to the apparatus main body 11, a drive output unit (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 11 is connected to the input unit 76. Thereby, the rotational driving force of the driving source such as the motor is input to the input portion 76 via the drive output portion. The input portion 76 includes an input gear 81 (see fig. 14) provided coaxially with the input portion 76. That is, the transmission mechanism 80 has an input gear 81. When the rotational driving force is input to the input portion 76, the rotational driving force is transmitted from the input gear 81 to the other transmission gears 82 to 85 constituting the transmission mechanism 80.

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

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

As shown in fig. 12, the supply roller 73 is disposed on the front side of the developing roller 74 (the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the developing device 70) and on the rear side of the stirring member 72. The supply roller 73 is a roller member that rotates while carrying toner contained in the developer on the outer peripheral surface. The supply roller 73 is rotatably supported by a pair of support frames 711. The supply roller 73 carries the developer accommodated in the casing 71 on the outer circumferential surface by rotating, and conveys the developer to a position opposite to the developing roller 74.

The supply roller 73 has: a cylindrical roller 731 made of an elastic member having conductivity; and a conductive rotating shaft 732 disposed at the center of the roller body 731. The roller body 731 is formed of an elastic member such as polyurethane in which carbon is appropriately dispersed. The rotating shaft 732 is a conductive metal shaft. Both ends of the rotating shaft 732 are rotatably supported in bearing holes (not shown) provided in the pair of support frames 711. A predetermined bias voltage (hereinafter referred to as a supply bias voltage) is applied to the supply roller 73 in order to carry the toner having an electric charge on the outer circumferential surface and to move the toner from the supply roller 73 to the developing roller 74.

In the present embodiment, the supply bias is applied to the rotating shaft 732 of the supply roller 73 from the supply terminal 117 (see fig. 8) provided in the apparatus body 11 in a state where the developing device 70 is attached to the apparatus body 11. Specifically, the supply terminal 117 is provided at a position where it contacts a guide 791 (see fig. 15 and 16) described later in the mounted state of the developing device 70, and if the developing device 70 is mounted to the device body 11, the guide 791 contacts the supply terminal 117, and the supply bias is applied from the supply terminal 117 to the rotary shaft 732 via the guide 791, the guide member 79, and the connecting portion 792.

The developing roller 74 is disposed on the rear side inside the casing 71. The developing roller 74 is a roller member that rotates while carrying toner contained in the developer on the outer peripheral surface. The developing roller 74 is rotatably supported by a pair of support frames 711. An opening 713 through which the developing roller 74 is exposed to the outside is formed in a side surface on the rear side of the housing 71. In a state where the developing device 70 is attached to the device main body 11, the developing roller 74 and the photosensitive drum 61 are opposed to each other with a predetermined gap therebetween.

The developing roller 74 has: a cylindrical roller 741 made of an elastic member having conductivity; and a conductive rotating shaft 742 (an example of a first support shaft) disposed at the center of the roller body 741. The roller body 741 is formed of an elastic member such as polyurethane in which carbon is appropriately dispersed. The rotating shaft 742 is a conductive metal shaft. Both ends of the rotating shaft 742 are rotatably supported by bearing portions 77(77L, 77R) provided in the pair of support frames 711 (see fig. 11). A predetermined bias voltage (hereinafter referred to as a developing bias voltage) is applied to the developing roller 74 in order to move the toner from the supply roller 73 to the developing roller 74. The toner having an electric charge is supplied from the supply roller 73 to the developing roller 74 by a potential difference between the developing bias and the supply bias.

In the present embodiment, the developing bias is applied to the rotating shaft 742 of the developing roller 74 from the supply terminal 116 (see fig. 8) provided in the apparatus body 11 in a state where the developing apparatus 70 is attached to the apparatus body 11. Specifically, the supply terminal 116 is provided at a position where it contacts a bearing portion 77R (see fig. 15) described later in the mounted state of the developing device 70, and if the developing device 70 is mounted to the device main body 11, the guide portion 77R2 (see fig. 15) of the bearing portion 77R contacts the supply terminal 116, and the developing bias is applied from the supply terminal 116 to the rotary shaft 742 via the guide portion 77R 2.

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

As shown in fig. 13, the side cover 75 is provided with a guide portion 78 integrally formed with the side cover 75. The guide portion 78 is provided at a position spaced apart from (the guide portion 77L1 of) the bearing portion 77L by a predetermined distance toward the front side (the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the developing device 70). The guide portion 78 is a columnar member protruding outward from the outer side surface of the side cover 75. In the present embodiment, the guide portion 78 guides the portion on the front end side of the developing device 70 downward together with the guide portion 791 of the guide member 79 described later in the process of mounting the developing device 70 to the apparatus main body 11.

Fig. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the right side portion of the developing device 70.

As shown in fig. 15, a bearing portion 77R (an example of a first bearing portion) is provided in the support frame 711R. The bearing portion 77R is an example of the first guide portion. The bearing portion 77R includes a cylindrical portion 77R1 integrally formed with the support frame 711R and a guide portion 77R2 (an example of a first guide portion) that is guided during attachment of the developing device 70 to the device main body 11. The cylindrical portion 77R1 protrudes outward from the outer side surface of the support frame 711R. The right shaft end portion 742R of the rotating shaft 742 is inserted into the inner hole of the cylindrical portion 77R1, whereby the shaft end portion 742R is rotatably supported.

In a state where the rotation shaft 742 passes through the cylindrical portion 77R1, the shaft end portion 742R passes through the cylindrical portion 77R1 and is exposed outward. A cylindrical guide portion 77R2 is attached to the exposed portion. The guide portion 77R2 is formed of, for example, a conductive member. In the present embodiment, the guide portion 77R2 is used to guide the developing device 70 to the mounting position P11 determined on the drum unit 60 in the process of mounting the developing device 70 to the device body 11.

As shown in fig. 15, the support frame 711R is provided with a guide 791. Specifically, a guide member 79 formed of a conductive member is fixed to the support frame 711R, and a guide portion 791 is formed integrally with the guide member 79. The guide 791 is an example of a second guide.

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

As shown in fig. 16, the guide member 79 is mounted on the outer surface of the support frame 711R. In fig. 16, the member surrounded by the thick solid line is the guide member 79. The guide member 79 is formed of a conductive member, and has a guide portion 791 and a connection portion 792. The connecting portion 792 is connected to the shaft end portion 732R that protrudes the support frame 711R outward, thereby also electrically connecting the conductive rotating shaft 732 and the conductive guide member 79.

The guide portions 791 are provided at positions spaced apart from the bearing portions 77R by a predetermined distance. The guide portion 791 is a columnar member that protrudes outward from the outer side surface of the support frame 711R. In the present embodiment, the guide 791 guides a portion on the front end side of the developing device 70 downward in the process of mounting the developing device 70 to the apparatus body 11.

As shown in fig. 15 and 16, the support frame 711R is provided with a lid member (cover member) 717 that closes the toner filling port formed in the support frame 711R. The toner filling port communicates with the inside of the housing 71, and the toner is filled from the toner filling port to the inside.

As described above, the developing device 70 of the present embodiment includes the bearing portions 77(77L, 77R) provided to the pair of support frames 711. Therefore, in a state where the apparatus body 11 is mounted on the drum unit 60, if the developing device 70 is inserted into the apparatus body 11, the guide portion 77L1 of the bearing portion 77L and the guide portion 77R2 of the bearing portion 77R provided in the developing device 70 are guided along the guide surface 112A of the apparatus body 11 toward the mounting position P11 (see fig. 8).

Specifically, if the guide 77L1 and the guide 77R2 inserted into the guide groove 111 from the insertion port 113 reach the first bending point P1 of the guide groove 111, the guide 77L1 and the guide 77R2 enter the guide groove 112 from the upper end opening 114. Thereafter, the guide surface 112A along the guide groove 112 is guided toward the mounting position P11. If the guiding by the guide surface 112A is finished, the guide portion 77L1 and the guide portion 77R2 enter the guide groove 646, and are guided to the installation position P11 by the guide groove 646. Further, if the guide portion 77L1 and the guide portion 77R2 are guided to the mounting position P11, the guide portion 77L1 and the guide portion 77R2 are restricted by the stopper 647 at the mounting position P11.

Further, in the process of mounting the developing device 70 to the device main body 11, if the guide portions 78, 791 enter the guide groove 112, the guide surface 112B along the guide groove 112 is guided toward substantially downward.

Thereby, the developing device 70 is positioned in the drum unit 60, and the developing device 70 is locked to the drum unit 60 by a not-shown locking mechanism.

Further, in the developing device 70 of the present embodiment, the guide portion 77L1 provided to the bearing portion 77L and the guide portion 77R2 provided to the shaft end portion 742R function as members to be guided when the developing device 70 is mounted. In other words, the bearing portions 77L, 77R also serve as guide members of the developing device 70 when attached to and detached from the device main body 11. Therefore, the number of members provided on the side surface portion of the developing device 70 can be reduced, and as a result, the housing 71 of the developing device 70 can be made compact.

In the present embodiment, in the mounted state of the developing device 70, the guide portion 791 is in contact with the supply terminal 117, and the supply bias is applied from the supply terminal 117 to the rotary shaft 732 via the guide portion 791, the guide member 79, and the connecting portion 792. Further, the guide portion 77R2 of the bearing portion 77R contacts the supply terminal 116, and the developing bias is applied from the supply terminal 116 to the rotary shaft 742 via the guide portion 77R 2. That is, the guide member 79 also serves as a power receiving terminal (power receiving portion) for supplying a bias voltage, and the bearing portion 77R also serves as a power receiving terminal (power receiving portion) for developing a bias voltage. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide the power receiving terminals on the side surface portion of the developing device 70, and the number of members provided on the side surface portion can be further reduced. As a result, the housing 71 of the developing device 70 can be further made compact.

[ second ]

Fig. 17 is an enlarged perspective view showing details of the vicinity of the rotating member 90. As shown in fig. 17, a rotary member 90 (an example of a displacement member) is provided in the housing 71 of the developing device 70. Specifically, as described above, the rotating member 90 is supported on the outer surface of the support frame 711L. The rotary member 90 is a displacement member that is displaceable between an initial position (position shown in fig. 14 and 17) that is not detected by a detection switch 120 (see fig. 23) described later and a detection position (position shown in fig. 20) that is detectable by the detection switch 120

In the present embodiment, the rotary member 90 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 718 (see fig. 21) provided upright on the support frame 711L. Therefore, the rotating member 90 can rotate from the initial position to the detection position in a rotating direction D11 (an example of a first rotating direction) shown in fig. 17. Here, the rotation direction D11 is a rotation direction from the initial position toward the detection position.

Fig. 18 and 19 are perspective views of the rotating member 90. As shown in fig. 18 and 19, the rotating member 90 has: a rotating body 91 rotatably supported by the support frame 711L; a projection 92 projecting perpendicularly from the surface 91A of the rotating body 91; a detected portion 93 provided on the protruding portion 92; an elastic portion 94 provided to the rotating body 91; a support portion 95 provided on the rear surface of the rotating body 91; and a gear portion 96 (see fig. 19) provided on the rear surface of the rotating body 91. The rotary member 90 is a member in which the above-described parts are integrally formed, and is a molded article formed of synthetic resin.

A shaft hole through which the support shaft 718 (see fig. 21) is inserted is formed on the rear surface side of the support portion 95. The rotating member 90 is rotatably supported by the support shaft 718 by inserting the support shaft 718 into the shaft hole.

The rotating body 91 has a plate-like fan portion 911 concentric with the axis of the support shaft 718 provided in the support frame 711L. The center angle of the sector 911 is set to about 120 degrees. A columnar protruding portion 92 is provided at the center of the sector portion 911.

The arc-shaped elastic portion 94 extends from one end of the sector portion 911 in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the elastic portion 94 having a curved rod shape protrudes from the end 912 of the sector portion 911 on the return direction D12 side in the return direction D12. Here, the return direction D12 is a direction opposite to the rotation direction D11. The elastic portion 94 and the protruding portion 92 are disposed with a predetermined space therebetween. Therefore, if an external force is applied to the elastic portion 94 from the radially outer side of the rotary member 90 toward the center direction, the elastic portion 94 is elastically bent toward the protruding portion 92 side. Further, if the external force disappears, the elastic portion 94 returns to the original posture.

The detected part 93 is provided on the protruding part 92. The detection target section 93 is a section detected by a detection switch 120 (see fig. 23). The detection target portion 93 is disposed on the opposite side of the fan portion 911 and at a position separated by approximately one-quarter of a circle from the elastic portion 94 in the return direction D12. The detection section 93 is disposed at a position further outward than the elastic section 94 from the surface 91A. The detected portion 93 protrudes radially outward beyond the outer peripheral edge of the sector portion 911 and the elastic portion 94.

When the rotating member 90 is located at the initial position, the detected part 93 does not face the detection switch 120. In the present embodiment, when the rotating member 90 rotates in the rotating direction D11 and the rotating member 90 rotates to the detection position, the detected portion 93 faces the detection switch 120, and at this time, the detected portion 93 abuts against the pressing portion 121 of the detection switch 120 and presses the pressing portion 121. Thereby, the detection switch 120 operates, and a detection signal is input to the control unit 100 (see fig. 24) described later.

The detection target portion 93 also serves as a cam member for pushing a pressing portion 121 (see fig. 22) of the detection switch 120 to operate the detection switch 120. Therefore, the detection section 93 has an arc-shaped cam section 931 for moving the pressing section 121 in the pressing direction.

As shown in fig. 19, a gear portion 96 having an arc shape is provided on the rear surface of the sector portion 911. The gear portion 96 is provided along the outer peripheral edge of the sector portion 911 in correspondence with the arc portion. The gear portion 96 can mesh with the transmission gear 83 constituting the transmission mechanism 80. In the present embodiment, the gear portion 96 meshes with the transmission gear 83 in a state where the rotary member 90 is disposed at the initial position. Further, the transmission gear 83 meshes with the gear portion 96 until the rotary member 90 reaches the detection position in the rotation direction D11, and if the rotary member 90 reaches the detection position or has passed the detection position, the gear portion 96 is separated from the transmission gear 83, and the meshing of the gear portion 96 and the transmission gear 83 is released.

Fig. 20 shows a state in which the rotating member 90 rotates in the rotating direction D11 from the initial position to reach the detection position. If the rotational driving force of the driving source such as the motor is input to the input portion 76 and is transmitted from the input gear 81 to the gear portion 96 via the transmission gear 82 and the transmission gear 85, the rotary member 90 rotates in the rotational direction D11 and is displaced from the initial position to the detection position. And, if the rotating member 90 reaches the detection position, the rotational driving force is not transmitted from the transmission gear 85, and the rotating member 90 stops at the detection position.

Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along a cross-section of the detection target section 93 in a state where the side cover 75 is attached to the left support frame 711L of the housing 71. Fig. 21 shows a state in which the rotary member 90 is disposed at the detection position.

As shown in fig. 21, the developing device 70 includes a first limiting portion 753 and a second limiting portion 754. Specifically, the first and second restrictions 753 and 754 are integrally formed on the inner surface of the side cover 75. The first limiting portion 753 and the second limiting portion 754 both limit the rotation of the rotating member 90 in a state where the rotating member 90 is disposed at the detection position.

The first restriction portion 753 abuts against the detection portion 93 in a state where the side cover 75 is attached to the support frame 711L, and restricts the rotation of the rotation member 90 from the detection position in the rotation direction D11. Therefore, in a state where the side cover 75 is attached, the rotary member 90 cannot be manually rotated in the above-described rotation direction D11 in a state where the developing device 70 is detached from the apparatus main body 11.

The second restriction portion 754 abuts on the front end 941 of the elastic portion 94 in a state where the side cover 75 is attached to the support frame 711L, and restricts the rotation of the rotation member 90 from the detection position in the return direction D12 (an example of a second rotation direction).

In the process of rotating the rotating member 90 from the initial position to the detection position, the elastic portion 94 contacts the first limiting portion 753. Further, if a rotational driving force in the rotational direction D11 is further applied to the rotational member 90, the elastic portion 94 is pressed toward the center of the rotational member 90 by the first restriction portion 753. In this case, the elastic portion 94 is bent toward the center side and the rotating member 90 is rotated, whereby the elastic portion 94 can pass over the first limiting portion 753 to reach the detection position shown in fig. 21. When the elastic portion 94 passes over the first limiting portion 753, the pressing of the first limiting portion 753 is released, and the elastic portion 94 returns to the original state.

In this state, even if the rotary member 90 rotates in the return direction D12, the distal end 941 of the elastic portion 94 abuts on the second restricting portion 754, and therefore the rotary member 90 cannot rotate from the detection position in the return direction D12. Therefore, in the state where the side cover 75 is attached, the rotary member 90 cannot be manually rotated in the return direction D12 in the state where the developing device 70 is detached from the apparatus main body 11.

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

As shown in fig. 23, the apparatus main body 11 is provided with a detection switch 120 (an example of a detection apparatus). The detection switch 120 detects the mounting state of the developing device 70 with respect to the image forming apparatus 10. The detection switch 120 is, for example, a limit switch, and has a pressing portion 121 for operating a built-in contact. The pressing portion 121 is a movable portion movable with respect to the switch main body 122. The pressing portion 121 is pressed into the switch main body 122 against the elastic force of an elastic member such as a spring provided in the switch main body 122, and the contact is turned on, whereby a detection signal is output. The detection signal is input to a control unit 100 described later. The detection switch 120 is only one example of the detection device, and a detection device including a transmission type optical sensor and an actuator may be applied instead of the detection switch 120.

Fig. 22 shows a state in which the drum unit 60 is mounted to the apparatus main body 11 without mounting the developing device 70. As shown in fig. 22, an opening 653 is formed in the housing 64 of the drum unit 60. Specifically, a rectangular opening 653 is formed in the second base frame 651 of the developing support 65 of the casing 64. In a state where the drum unit 60 is attached to the apparatus main body 11, the pressing portion 121 of the detection switch 120 passes through the opening 653 and protrudes further upward than the second base frame 651. Therefore, if the developing device 70 is mounted on the drum unit 60, the detected portion 93 of the rotating member 90 can press the pressing portion 121.

In the present embodiment, even when the developing device 70 is mounted on the drum unit 60 in the device main body 11, the detection switch 120 is not operated when the rotary member 90 is disposed at the initial position. On the other hand, when the rotary member 90 is disposed at the detection position, the detection switch 120 is operated by the detection section 93.

As shown in fig. 24, the image forming apparatus 10 further includes a control unit 100 and a motor 110. Here, fig. 24 is a block diagram showing a connection relationship between the control unit 100, the motor 110, and the detection switch 120.

The control unit 100 controls operations of the respective units such as the image forming unit 50 included in the image forming apparatus 10. The control section 100 includes control devices such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like. The CPU is a processor that executes various kinds of arithmetic processing. The ROM is a nonvolatile storage medium that stores a control program for causing the CPU to execute various kinds of arithmetic processing. The RAM is a volatile or nonvolatile storage medium that stores various information. The control unit 100 may be implemented by an IC such as an ASIC.

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

In the case of replacing a used developing device 70, a new developing device 70 that is not used is usually attached to the apparatus main body 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 after the developing device 70 is detached from the image forming apparatus 10. However, the used developing device 70 may be erroneously attached to the device main body 11. Further, the developing device 70 whose service life has been over due to aging may be refilled with toner and the developing device 70 may be attached to the image forming apparatus.

In the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the mounted developing device 70 is a new developing device 70 that is not used or a used developing device 70 that has been mounted once. Specifically, the control unit 100 performs a process of determining whether the developing device 70 attached to the apparatus main body 11 is a new developing device 70 that is not used or a used developing device 70 that has been attached once (hereinafter referred to as a new/old determination process) based on a detection signal (detection result) from the detection switch 120.

In order for the control section 100 to be able to perform the old-new determination process, the rotary member 90 is disposed at the initial position in the new developing device 70 that is not used.

The old and new determination process performed by the control unit 100 will be described below with reference to the timing charts of fig. 25A and 25B. Here, fig. 25A is a timing chart when the unused developing device 70 is attached to the apparatus main body 11. Fig. 25B is a timing chart when the used developing device 70, which has been once mounted, is mounted on the apparatus main body 11.

As shown in fig. 25A, for example, in the case where the unused developing device 70 is mounted on the drum unit 60 in the apparatus main body 11 at time T10, the detection switch 120 is not pressed by the detection portion 93 of the rotary member 90 because the rotary member 90 of the developing device 70 is arranged at the initial position. Therefore, the detection switch 120 does not operate and remains in the OFF state. Thereafter, controller 100 drives motor 110 to rotate in the predetermined rotational direction at time T11 later than time T10. In this case, the control section 100 drives the motor 110 until at least the rotating member 90 rotates to the detection position. If Δ t1 has elapsed since the motor 110 started, the rotary member 90 rotates from the initial position to the detection position. When the rotary member 90 reaches the detection position, the detection portion 93 presses the pressing portion 121 of the detection switch 120 at time T12, and the detection switch 120 operates. Thereby, the detection switch 120 is changed from the OFF state to the ON state. At this time, the detection signal is input from the detection switch 120 to the control unit 100.

In the present embodiment, in the timing chart shown in fig. 25A, when the detection switch 120 does not detect the detected part 93 of the rotary member 90 at the initial mounting time T10 after the developing device 70 is mounted on the apparatus main body 11, that is, when the detection signal is not input to the control part 100, the control part 100 determines that the mounted developing device 70 is a new developing device that is not used. The determination result is displayed on a display unit (not shown) provided in the image forming apparatus 10, for example, by the control unit 100.

In addition, at the initial mounting time T10, the detection switch 120 does not detect the detected part 93, and thereafter the motor 110 is driven to displace the rotary member 90 from the initial position to the detection position, whereby the detection switch 120 detects the detected part 93 at the time T12, and in this case, the control unit 100 may determine that the mounted developing device 70 is a new unused developing device.

In addition, after the developing device 70 is mounted to the device main body 11, if the rotary member 90 is rotated to the detection position by the start of the motor 110, the rotary member 90 is held at the detection position as described above. Therefore, the rotating member 90 does not return to the initial position once it is attached to the apparatus main body 11 and the motor 110 is driven.

Therefore, as shown in fig. 25B, for example, when the developing device 70 used at time T10 is mounted on the drum unit 60 in the device main body 11, the detection switch 120 is pressed and operated by the detection portion 93 because the rotary member 90 is disposed at the detection position. That is, at time T10, the detection section 93 presses the pressing section 121 of the detection switch 120, and the detection switch 120 operates. Thereby, the detection switch 120 is changed from the OFF state to the ON state. At this time, the detection signal is input from the detection switch 120 to the control unit 100.

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

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the developing device 70 attached to the apparatus main body 11 is a new developing device 70 that is not used or a used developing device 70 that has been attached once, and it is possible to reliably determine whether the container is a new developing device 70. Further, since the control unit 100 displays the determination result of the old-new determination process on the display unit of the image forming apparatus 10, the user can easily grasp whether the mounted developing apparatus is a new developing apparatus or a developing apparatus that has been used once.

In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the developing device 70 is attached to the drum unit 60 attached to the image forming apparatus 10 has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to a case in which the casing 64 of the drum unit 60 is formed integrally with the apparatus main body 11 of the image forming apparatus 10.

In the above embodiment, the developing device 70 is shown as being attachable to and detachable from the image forming apparatus 10, but the present invention can also be applied to a toner container attachable to and detachable from the image forming apparatus 10. In this case, the container main body of the toner container has the same structure as the housing 71 of the developing device 70.

The scope of the present invention is defined not by the above description but by the claims, and therefore, the embodiments described in the present specification are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. Therefore, all changes that do not depart from the scope and boundary of the claims and that are equivalent to the scope and boundary of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims (8)

1. A developing device detachably supported by an image forming apparatus,

the method comprises the following steps:

a housing capable of accommodating a developer therein;

and a displacement member which is displaceable between an initial position where the displacement member is not detected by a detection device provided in the image forming apparatus and a detection position where the displacement member is detectable by the detection device in a state where the developing device is attached to the image forming apparatus.

2. The developing device according to claim 1,

the image forming apparatus includes a driving source for generating a driving force,

the developing device has an input portion to which the driving force is input in the mounted state,

the displacement member is displaced from the initial position to the detection position by receiving the driving force input to the input portion after the developing device is mounted to the image forming apparatus.

3. The developing device according to claim 2,

the displacement member has a detected portion detected by the detecting device, and is supported by the developing device so as to be rotatable from the initial position to the detection position,

the initial position is a rotational position at which the detection section cannot detect the detection target,

the detection position is a rotational position at which the detection device detects the detected part.

4. The developing device according to claim 3, further comprising a first regulating portion which abuts against the detected portion and regulates rotation of the displacement member in a first rotational direction from the initial position toward the detection position.

5. The developing device according to claim 4, further comprising a second regulating portion that regulates rotation of the displacement member in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction after the displacement member reaches the detection position.

6. The developing device according to claim 2, wherein the displacement member has a gear portion that receives the driving force only in a section from the home position to the detection position.

7. A toner container detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus,

the method comprises the following steps:

a housing capable of accommodating a developer therein;

and a displacement member that is displaceable between an initial position that is not detected by a detection device provided in the image forming apparatus and a detection position that is detectable by the detection device in a state where the toner container is attached to the image forming apparatus.

8. An image forming apparatus, characterized by comprising:

the developing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6;

a device main body configured to detachably support the developing device;

a detection device provided in the device main body for detecting a mounting state of the developing device; and

a control section for determining whether or not the developing device is not in use based on a detection result of the detecting device,

the control unit determines that the developing device is not used when the displacement member is not detected by the detection device in an initial mounting state immediately after the developing device is mounted to the apparatus main body, and determines that the developing device is used when the displacement member is detected by the detection device in the initial mounting state.

Images