CN107589651A - Image formation system - Google Patents

Abstract

An image forming system including a first developing cartridge attachable to or detachable from a first image forming apparatus, and a first housing positioned on an outer surface of the first housing a first gear, and a first cover covering at least an end portion of the first gear, and a second developing cartridge that is attachable to or detachable from the second image forming apparatus, and includes a second housing, a second gear positioned on an outer surface of the second housing, and a second cover covering at least an end portion of the second gear, wherein, in a state where the second developing cartridge is attached to the first image forming apparatus , at least a portion of the second cover contacts the first image forming apparatus, and thus, the second developing cartridge is not attached to the first image forming apparatus.

Description

image forming system

technical field

The present invention relates to an image forming system.

Background technique

In the related art, a developing cartridge having a developing roller is well known. The developer cartridge contains toner inside. The developing cartridge is attachable to and detachable from the image forming apparatus.

For example, the developer cartridge disclosed in Japanese Patent JP-A-2013-54053 includes a brand-new detection gear and a gear cover. The new detection gear has protrusions. The new detection gear can rotate with the protrusion relative to the developing electrode. Here, the developing electrode includes a cylindrical shape and is electrically connected to the developing roller. A gear cover covers at least a portion of the novel detection gear.

Contents of the invention

In Japanese Patent JP-A-2013-54053, there is an example of specifications of a developing cartridge attachable to an image forming apparatus set in advance. In this case, it is sometimes desired that a developing cartridge having a certain specification can be attached to the image forming apparatus, and a developing cartridge of another specification cannot be attached to the image forming apparatus.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system in which a first developing cartridge is attachable to a first image forming apparatus, the first developing cartridge has specific specifications corresponding to the first image forming apparatus, and has a different The second developing cartridge of the specification of the first image forming apparatus cannot be attached to the first image forming apparatus by using the gear cover of the new detection gear.

(1) The image forming system of the present invention includes a first developing cartridge attachable to or detachable from a first image forming apparatus, and a first developing cartridge attachable to or detachable from a second image forming apparatus. Disassembled second developer cartridge.

The first developing cartridge includes a first housing, a first gear, and a first cover. The first case is configured to accommodate developer therein. The first housing extends in a first direction. The first gear is positioned on the outer surface of the first housing in the first direction. The first gear includes a first protrusion. In a state where the first developing cartridge is attached to the first image forming apparatus, the first protrusion can be brought into contact with the first lever of the first image forming apparatus. The first cover covers at least a tip end portion of the first gear in the first direction.

The second developing cartridge includes a second housing, a second gear, and a second cover. The second case is configured to accommodate developer therein. The second housing extends in the second direction. The second gear is positioned on the outer surface of the second housing in the second direction. The second gear includes a second protrusion. The second protrusion can contact the second lever of the second image forming apparatus in a state where the second developing cartridge is attached to the second image forming apparatus. The second cover covers at least an end portion of the second gear in the second direction.

In the case where the second developing cartridge is attached to the first image forming apparatus, at least a part of the second cover is in contact with the first image forming apparatus, so the second developing cartridge is not attached to the first image forming apparatus.

According to the above configuration, in the second developing cartridge having a specification different from that of the first image forming apparatus, since at least a part of the second cover contacts the first image forming apparatus, the second developing cartridge is not attached to the first image forming apparatus .

Therefore, it is possible to reliably attach the first developing cartridge having specific specifications corresponding to the first image forming apparatus to the first image forming apparatus while avoiding the attachment of the second developing cartridge having specifications different from those in the first image forming apparatus. Received the condition of the first image forming device.

(2) The first developing cartridge can further include a first electrode. The first electrode is configured to receive power from the first image forming device. The first electrodes extend in a first direction. The second developing cartridge can further include a second electrode. The second electrode is configured to receive power from the second image forming device. The second electrode extends in the second direction. The first gear is rotatable relative to the first electrode. The second gear is rotatable relative to the second electrode.

(3) The first cover can include a first protrusion. The first protrusion engages with the tip end portion of the first electrode in the first direction. The first protrusion is configured to support the first gear to rotate together with the first electrode. The second cover can include a second protrusion. The second protrusion engages with the end portion of the second electrode in the second direction. The second protrusion is configured to support the rotation of the second gear together with the second electrode.

(4) The first gear can include a plurality of first protrusions. The second gear can include a plurality of second protrusions.

(5) The first gear can include a plurality of teeth provided on a part of the circumferential surface of the first gear. The second gear can include a plurality of teeth disposed on a portion of a circumferential surface of the second gear.

(6) The image forming system of the present invention can further include a first drum cartridge and a second drum cartridge. The first developing cartridge is attachable to and detachable from the first drum cartridge. In a state where the first developing cartridge is attached to the first image forming apparatus, the first drum cartridge can be attached to or detached from the first image forming apparatus. The second developing cartridge is attachable to and detachable from the second drum cartridge. In a state where the second developing cartridge is attached to the second image forming apparatus, the second drum cartridge can be attached to or detached from the second image forming apparatus. In the case where the second developing cartridge is attached to the first drum cartridge, at least part of the second cover is in contact with the first drum cartridge, and thus the second developing cartridge is not attached to the first image forming apparatus.

(7) The first distance means, in the state where the first developing cartridge is attached to the first pattern forming apparatus, the outer surface of the first housing in the first direction and the end of the first cover in the first direction The spacing between them in the first direction. The second distance means that, in a state where the second developing cartridge is attached to the second pattern forming apparatus, there is a distance between the outer surface of the second housing in the second direction and the end of the second cover in the second direction. Spacing in the second direction. The second pitch can be greater than the first pitch.

The first developing cartridge can further include a first electrode configured to receive power from the first image forming apparatus and extending in a first direction. The first developing cartridge can be attached to or detached from the second image forming apparatus. In a state where the first developing cartridge is attached to the second image forming apparatus, the first electrode may not be in contact with the second lever of the second image forming apparatus.

According to the image forming system of the present invention, it is possible to reliably attach the first developing cartridge having specific specifications corresponding to the first image forming apparatus to the first image forming apparatus while avoiding attaching a developer cartridge having specifications different from the first image forming apparatus to the first image forming apparatus. The case where the second developing cartridge is attached to the first image forming apparatus.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a first image forming apparatus.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the first developing cartridge;

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of one end of the first developer cartridge shown in Figure 2;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 2 .

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the second developing cartridge;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 5 .

Figure 7 is a side view of the first drum cartridge to which the first developing cartridge is attached;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a cover to be attached to the end of the photosensitive drum of the first drum cartridge;

Figure 9 is a side view illustrating when the second developing cartridge is attached to the first drum cartridge;

10 is a perspective view illustrating the inside of the first image forming apparatus;

11 is a sectional view of a first electrode and a first rod in a state where the first developing cartridge is attached to the first image forming apparatus;

Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 11 .

13 shows the positional relationship between the first cover of the first developing cartridge and the protrusion of the first image forming apparatus when the first developing cartridge is attached to the first image forming apparatus; and

14A is a sectional view of the second electrode and the second rod in a state where the second developing cartridge is attached to the second image forming apparatus, and FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view of the first electrode and the second rod when the first developing cartridge is attached to the image forming apparatus. Cross-sectional view of two rods.

detailed description

1. Outline of Image Forming Device

The image forming system of the present disclosure includes the first image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1, the second image forming apparatus 200 (see FIG. 14A), the first developing cartridge 10 (see FIG. 2) and the second developing cartridge 20 (see FIG. 5). The second image forming apparatus 200 has specifications different from those of the first image forming apparatus 100 . The first developing cartridge 10 has specific specifications corresponding to the first image forming apparatus 100 . The second developing cartridge 20 has specific specifications corresponding to the second image forming apparatus 200 .

In the image forming system of the present disclosure, the second developing cartridge 20 can be attached to the second image forming apparatus 200 without being attached to the first image forming apparatus 100 . This is achieved by a configuration in which the shape of the first cover 16B (see FIG. 2 ) of the first developing cartridge 10 is different from that of the second cover 26B (see FIG. 5 ) of the second developing cartridge 20 . Hereinafter, a detailed structure in which the second developing cartridge 20 is not attached to the first image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, the first image forming apparatus 100 is described based on FIG. 1 .

The first image forming apparatus 100 includes a plurality of first developing cartridges 10 and a plurality of photosensitive drums 31 . The plurality of first developing cartridges 10 have the same structure except that the developer accommodated therein differs in color. The plurality of photosensitive drums 31 have the same structure except that the corresponding first developing cartridges 10 are different. Meanwhile, a photosensitive drum 31 is provided on a first drum cartridge 30 described later. The first developing cartridge 10 can be attached to or detached from the first drum cartridge 30 . When the first developing cartridge 10 is attached to the first drum cartridge 30 , the developing roller 12 of the first developing cartridge 10 contacts the photosensitive drum 31 .

When the first developing cartridge 10 is attached to the first drum cartridge 30 , the first developing cartridge 10 can be attached to or detached from the first image forming apparatus 100 . Also, when the first developing cartridge 10 is attached to the first image forming apparatus 100 , the first drum cartridge 30 can be attached to or detached from the first image forming apparatus 100 .

2. The first developing cartridge 10

The first developing cartridge 10 is described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 .

As shown in FIG. 2 , the first developing cartridge 10 includes a first housing 11 , a developing roller 12 , a coupling 13 , a first electrode 14 , a first gear 15 , and a first gear cover 16 .

2.1 The first housing 11

The first housing 11 is configured to accommodate developer therein. The developer is, for example, toner. The first housing 11 extends in a first direction. The first housing 11 has an outer surface S1 (see FIG. 3 ) and another outer surface in the first direction. The first electrode 14 is located on the outer surface S1. The coupling 13 is positioned on the other outer surface. In the first housing 11, an agitator 18 extending in the first direction is provided. The agitator 18 includes an agitation shaft 18A and blades (not shown). The blade is positioned on the first housing 11 and can rotate together with the stirring shaft 18A. Accordingly, the agitator 18 agitates the developer in the first housing 11 and conveys the developer in the first housing 11 toward the developing roller 12 .

2.2 Developing roller 12

The developing roller 12 is rotatable relative to a rotation axis extending in the first direction. A part of the circumferential surface of the developing roller 12 is exposed outward from the first housing 11 .

2.3 Coupling 13

The coupling 13 is provided so as to be able to receive a driving force from the first image forming apparatus 100 in a state where the first developing cartridge 10 is attached to the first image forming apparatus 100 . The driving force received by the coupling 13 is transmitted to the developing roller 12 . Accordingly, the developing roller 12 rotates. Also, the driving force received by the coupling 13 is transmitted to the stirring shaft 18A via gears (not shown). Accordingly, the agitator 18 rotates.

2.4 Agitator gear 18B

As shown in FIG. 3 , an agitator gear 18B is attached to one end of the agitation shaft 18A. The stirring shaft 18A includes one end and the other end in the first direction. One end passes through the outer surface S1 of the first case 11 and is positioned outside the first case 11 in the first direction. The agitator gear 18B is rotatable together with the agitator shaft 18A. The peripheral surface of the agitator gear 18B is provided with a plurality of teeth.

2.5 First electrode 14

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the first electrode 14 is positioned on the opposite side of the coupler 13 with respect to the first housing 11 in the first direction. When in a state where the first developing cartridge 10 is attached to the first image forming apparatus 100 , the first electrode 14 can take power from the first image forming apparatus 100 . The first electrode 14 extends in a first direction. The first electrode 14 has a cylindrical shape. The first electrode 14 is electrically connected to the developing roller 12 . In particular, the first electrode 14 is made of a resin having conductivity, and is integrally formed with the bearing of the developing roller 12 . Therefore, the electric power supplied to the first electrode 14 is transmitted to the developing roller 12 via the bearing of the developing roller 12 .

2.5 first gear 15

The first gear 15 is a gear configured to receive driving force from the first image forming apparatus 100 and to rotate together with the first protrusion 17 in a state where the first developing cartridge 10 is attached to the first image forming apparatus 100 . The first gear 15 includes a first protrusion 17 . The first protrusion 17 extends in the rotational direction of the first gear 15 . The first protrusion 17 and the first gear 15 are integrally provided. Therefore, the first protrusion 17 can rotate together with the first gear 15 . In particular, a first protrusion 17 is provided. However, the first gear 15 can contain a plurality of first protrusions 17 . In this case, the plurality of first protrusions 17 are arranged at intervals in the rotation direction of the first gear 15 . The first protrusion 17 is positioned at the tip end portion of the first gear 15 in the first direction.

In a state where the first developing cartridge 10 is attached to the first image forming apparatus 100 , since the first protrusion 17 rotates together with the first gear 15 , the first protrusion 17 can be brought into contact with the first lever 110 of the first image forming apparatus 100 (See Figure 10). Due to the contact of the first protrusion 17, the first lever 110 is swung. The swing of the first lever 110 is detected by a sensor provided in the first image forming apparatus 100 . The first image forming apparatus 100 determines information of the first developing cartridge based on a signal pattern obtained by a sensor (not shown) detecting the swing of the first lever 110 . For example, the information of the first developing cartridge 10 is information indicating whether the first developing cartridge 10 is new, the number of printable sheets, and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the first gear 15 is positioned on the outer surface S1 of the first housing 11 in the first direction. The first gear 15 is positioned on the opposite side of the coupling 13 with respect to the first housing 11 in the first direction.

In particular, the first gear 15 has a through hole 15A. The through hole 15A passes through the first gear 15 in the first direction. The first electrode 14 is inserted into the through hole 15A. Therefore, the first gear 15 can rotate relative to the first electrode 14 . Also, the first gear 15 includes a plurality of teeth 15B on a part of the circumferential surface of the first gear 15 . The plurality of teeth 15B meshes with the plurality of teeth of the agitator gear 18B. When the plurality of gear teeth 15B meshes with the plurality of gear teeth of the agitator gear 18B, the first gear 15 can receive a driving force from the agitator gear 18B. Therefore, when the first gear 15 receives a driving force from the coupling 13 via the agitator shaft 18A and the agitator gear 18B, the first gear 15 rotates relative to the first electrode 14 . At this time, the first gear 15 rotates from the first position where the first gear 15 and the agitator gear 18B start meshing with each other to the second position where the first gear 15 and the agitator gear 18B stop meshing. Since the first gear 15 and the agitator gear 18B are no longer meshed, the first gear 15 stops at the second position.

2.6 The first gear cover 16

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 , the first gear cover 16 is positioned on the outer surface S1 of the first housing 11 . The first gear cover 16 is attached to the outer surface S1 of the first housing 11 . The first gear cover 16 covers at least a part of at least one of the agitator gear 18B, the first gear 15 and the first electrode 14 . The first gear cover 16 includes a first cover 16B. That is, the first developing cartridge 10 includes the first cover 16B.

The first cover 16B covers the first protrusion 17 of the first gear 15 . That is, the first cover 16B covers at least the tip end portion of the first gear 15 in the first direction. The first cover 16B extends in the first direction. Likewise, the first cover 16B extends in a fourth direction in which the developing roller 12 and the first electrode 14 are aligned. The fourth direction intersects the first direction. More specifically, the fourth direction is the attaching direction of the first developing cartridge 10 and the first image forming apparatus 100 . The length L1 of the first cover 16B in the fourth direction and the attachment direction is greater than or equal to 10 mm, and preferably, for example, is 15 mm or greater. And, the length L1 is equal to or less than 40 mm, and preferably, for example, 30 mm or less.

Also, the distance L21 between the end of the first cover 16B and the first housing 11 in the first direction is greater than or equal to 10 mm, and preferably, for example, 20 mm or greater. Also, the pitch L21 is equal to or smaller than 40 mm, and is preferably 30 mm or less, for example.

Also, the distance L31 between the tip of the first cover 16B and the gear teeth 15B in the first direction is greater than or equal to 8 mm, and is preferably 12 mm or greater, for example. And, the interval L31 is equal to or smaller than 25 mm, and preferably, for example, 20 mm or smaller.

Also, the first cover 16B has an opening 16E (see FIG. 2 ). Also, the first cover 16B includes a first protrusion 16D (see FIG. 4 ).

As shown in FIG. 2 , the opening 16E extends in the first direction and the fourth direction. The tip portion of the first electrode 14 is positioned at the opening 16E. The end portion of the first electrode 14 is exposed from the opening 16E. Also, the first protrusion 17 of the first gear 15 is positioned around the tip end portion of the first electrode 14 in the radial direction of the first electrode 14 . The first protrusion 17 of the first gear 15 is exposed from the opening 16E.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the first protrusion 16D is positioned inside the tip of the first cover 16B. The first protrusion 16D extends in the first direction. The first protrusion 16D is engaged with the tip portion of the first electrode 14 in the first direction. In particular, the first protrusion 16D is inserted into the tip portion of the first electrode 14 . Thus, the first protrusion 16D supports the tip portion of the first electrode 14 . The first electrode 14 is supported at its tip by the first protrusion 16D, so the first electrode can stably support the rotation of the first gear 15 together with the first protrusion 16D. In this way, the first protrusion 16D supports the rotation of the first gear 15 together with the first electrode 14 . Meanwhile, the first gear 15 can be rotatably supported by any one of the first protrusion 16D and the first electrode 14 .

3. The second developing cartridge 20

The second developing cartridge 20 is described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 . Meanwhile, in the following description, the same components as those of the first developing cartridge 10 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

The second developing cartridge 20 is attachable to or detachable from the second image forming apparatus 200 . As an alternative structure of the first housing 11 of the first developing cartridge 10, the first electrode 14, the first gear 15, and the first gear cover 16, the second developing cartridge 20 includes a second housing 21, a second electrode 24, The second gear 25, and the second gear cover 26. The second case 21 has the same shape as the first case 11 . The second case 21 accommodates developer therein. The second housing 21 extends in the second direction. 3.1 Second electrode 24

The second electrode 24 can be supplied with power by the second image forming apparatus 200 in a state where the second developing cartridge 20 is attached to the second image forming apparatus 200 . The second electrode 24 extends in the second direction. The length of the second electrode 24 in the second direction is greater than the length of the first electrode 14 in the first direction.

3.2 Second gear 25

The second gear 25 is a gear that receives a driving force from the second image forming apparatus 200 , and rotates together with the second protrusion 27 in a state where the second developing cartridge 20 is attached to the second image forming apparatus 200 . The second gear 25 includes a second protrusion 27 . The second protrusion 27 rotates together with the second gear 25 . Meanwhile, the second gear 25 can include a plurality of second protrusions 27 . The second protrusion 27 is positioned at the tip end portion of the second gear 25 in the second direction.

In the state where the second developing cartridge 20 is attached to the second image forming apparatus 200, since the second protrusion 27 rotates together with the second gear 25, the second protrusion 27 and the second lever 210 of the second image forming apparatus 200 (see Figure 14A) Contact. As the second protrusion 27 contacts the second lever 210, the second lever 210 swings. The second image forming apparatus 200 determines information of the second developing cartridge 20 based on a signal pattern obtained by detecting the swing of the second lever 210 by a sensor (not shown).

The second gear 25 is positioned on the outer surface S2 of the second housing 21 in the second direction. The second gear 25 is rotatable relative to the second electrode 24 . Also, the length of the second gear 25 in the second direction is greater than the length of the first gear 15 in the first direction. Also, a part of the circumferential surface of the second gear 25 includes a plurality of gear teeth 25B.

When the plurality of teeth 25B meshes with the plurality of teeth of the agitator gear 18B, the second gear 25 can receive a driving force from the agitator gear 18B. When the plurality of teeth 25B and the plurality of teeth of the agitator gear 18B stop meshing, the second gear 25 stops receiving the driving force.

3.3 The second gear cover 26

The second gear cover 26 is positioned on the outer surface S2 of the second housing 21 . The second gear cover 26 is attached to the second housing outer surface S2. The second gear cover 26 covers at least a part of at least one of the agitator gear 18B, the second gear 25 and the second electrode 24 . The second gear cover 26 includes a second cover 26B. That is, the second developing cartridge 20 includes the second cover 26B.

The second cover 26B covers the second protrusion 27 of the second gear 25 in the second direction. That is, the second cover 26B covers at least the tip end portion of the second gear 25 in the second direction. The second cover 26B extends in the second direction. Also, the second cover 26B extends in the third direction in which the developing roller 12 and the second electrode 24 are aligned. The third direction intersects the second direction. More specifically, the third direction is the direction in which the second developing cartridge 20 is attached to the second image forming apparatus 200 . The length L2 of the second cover 26B in the third direction is greater than the length L1 of the first cover 16B in the fourth direction (see FIG. 2 ). Also, the length L2 of the second cover 26B in the attaching direction of the second developing cartridge 20 and the second image forming apparatus 200 is larger than that of the first cover 16B in the attaching direction of the first developing cartridge 10 and the first image forming apparatus 100 The length L1.

In particular, the length L2 is greater than or equal to 20 mm, and preferably, for example, 30 mm or greater. And, the length L2 is equal to or less than 55 mm, and preferably, for example, 45 mm or less.

Also, the distance L22 between the outer surface S2 of the second case 21 and the end of the second cover 26B in the second direction is larger than the outer surface S1 of the first case 11 and the end of the first cover 16B in the first direction. The spacing L21 between. In particular, the distance L22 is greater than or equal to 20 mm, and preferably, for example, 25 mm or greater. And, the interval L22 is equal to or less than 50 mm, and preferably, for example, 40 mm or less.

Also, the distance L32 between the tip of the second cover 26B and the gear teeth 25B of the second gear 25 in the second direction is larger than that between the tip of the first cover 16B and the gear teeth 15B of the first gear 15 in the first direction. The distance L31 (see Figure 4). The distance L32 is greater than or equal to 15 mm, and preferably, for example, 20 mm or greater. And, the interval L32 is equal to or less than 30 mm, and preferably, for example, 25 mm or less.

Also, the second cover 26B has an opening 26E. And the second cover 26B includes a second protrusion 26D.

The opening 26E extends in the second direction and the third direction. The tip portion of the second electrode 24 is positioned at the opening 26E. The end portion of the second electrode 24 is exposed from the opening 26E. Also, the second protrusion 27 of the second gear 25 is positioned around the tip end portion of the second electrode 24 in the radial direction of the second electrode 24 . The second protrusion 27 of the second gear 25 is exposed from the opening 26E.

The second protrusion 26D is positioned inside the end of the second cover 26B. The second protrusion 26D extends in the second direction. The second protrusion 26D is engaged with the tip portion of the second electrode 24 in the second direction. In particular, the second protrusion 26D is inserted into the tip portion of the second electrode 24 . Thus, the second protrusion 26 and the second electrode 24 together support the rotation of the second gear 25 . Meanwhile, the second gear 25 can be rotatably supported by any one of the second protrusion 26D and the second electrode 24 .

4. First drum cartridge 30

The first drum cartridge is described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9 .

As shown in FIG. 7 , the first drum cartridge 30 includes a photosensitive drum 31 and a drum frame 32 . The first developing cartridge 10 is attachable to the first drum cartridge 30 .

The photosensitive drum 31 extends in a predetermined direction. Hereinafter, the direction in which the photosensitive drum 31 extends is defined as the extending direction.

The drum frame 32 rotatably supports the photosensitive drum 31 . The drum frame 32 includes a cover 33 and a protrusion 32A.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the cover 33 is positioned at one end of the drum frame 32 in the extending direction. The cover 33 has a ring shape. The end portion of the photosensitive drum 31 is inserted into the cover 33 . The cover 33 covers the peripheral surface of the end portion of the photosensitive drum 31 . As shown in FIG. 8 , the cover 33 includes a concave portion 33A. The recessed portion 33A is recessed from one end portion of the cover 33 toward the drum frame 32 in the extending direction. The recess 33A is provided so that the cover 33 and the first lever 110 (see FIG. 12 ) avoid contact when the first drum cartridge 30 is attached to or detached from the first image forming apparatus 100 . In particular, when the first drum cartridge 30 is attached to or detached from the first image forming apparatus 100 , the first rod 110 passes through the recess 33A, and thus the cover 33 and the first rod 110 can be prevented from contacting.

The protruding portion 32A is positioned at one end portion of the drum frame 32 in the extending direction. Also, the protruding portion 32A is separated from the photosensitive drum 31 in the radial direction of the photosensitive drum 31 . In a state where the first developing cartridge 10 is attached to the first drum cartridge 30 , the protrusion 32A does not come into contact with the first cover 16B. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9 , in a state where the second developing cartridge 20 is attached to the first drum cartridge 30 , the protrusion 32A is in contact with the second cover 26B of the second developing cartridge 20 . That is, in the state where the second developing cartridge 20 is attached to the first drum cartridge 30, at least a part of the second cover 26B contacts the first drum cartridge 30, so the second developing cartridge 20 is not attached to the first drum cartridge. box of 30.

5. Second drum cartridge 40

The second drum cartridge 40 has the same structure as the first drum cartridge 30 except that it does not have the protruding portion 32A. The second developing cartridge 20 is attachable to or detachable from the second drum cartridge 40 . Meanwhile, the first developing cartridge 10 is also attachable to or detachable from the second drum cartridge 40 . The second drum cartridge 40 is attachable to or detachable from the second image forming apparatus 200 in a state where the first developing cartridge 10 or the second developing cartridge 20 is attached to the second drum cartridge 40 .

6. First image forming apparatus 100

The first image forming apparatus 100 is described based on FIGS. 10 to 13 .

As shown in FIG. 10 , the first image forming apparatus 100 includes a first lever 110 and a protrusion 111 .

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the first lever 110 is located inside the first image forming apparatus 100 . When the first developing cartridge 10 is attached to the first image forming apparatus 100 , the first rod 110 contacts the first electrode 14 . When the first developing cartridge 10 is attached to the first image forming apparatus 100, the first rod 110 has a width L41 in the first direction. In a state where the first developing cartridge 10 is attached to the first image forming apparatus 100, due to the rotation of the first protrusion 17, the first lever 110 can swing around an axis (not shown). Specifically, in the case where the first developing cartridge 10 is attached to the first image forming apparatus 100, when the driving force is input to the coupling 13 (see FIG. 2 ) of the first developing cartridge 10, by transmitting from the coupling 13 The driving force makes the first protrusion 17 rotate relative to the first electrode 14 . Then, the first protrusion 17 protrudes outward from the first cover 16B through the opening 16E, and enters the first cover 16B through the opening 16E. At this time, the first protrusion 17 contacts the first rod 110 . Then, since the first lever 110 is in contact with the first protrusion 17, the first lever 110 is swung. The first image forming apparatus 100 determines information of the first developing cartridge 10 based on the signal pattern formed due to the swing of the first lever 110 . For example, the information of the first developing cartridge 10 is information indicating whether the first developing cartridge 10 is new, the number of printable sheets, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 10 , in the attaching direction of the developing cartridge 10 and the first image forming apparatus 100 , the protrusion 111 is spaced apart from the first lever 110 . The protrusion 111 is positioned inside the first image forming apparatus 100 .

As shown in FIG. 13 , when the first developing cartridge 10 is attached to the first image forming apparatus 100 , the first cover 16B of the first developing cartridge 10 is attached along the protrusion 111 . At this time, the first developing cartridge 10 is passed through the protrusion 111 and then attached to the first image forming apparatus 100 . When the first developing cartridge 10 is attached to the first image forming apparatus 100 , the first developing cartridge 10 is not in contact with the protrusion 111 . Thus, the protruding portion 111 does not hinder the attachment of the first developing cartridge 10 to the first image forming apparatus 100 .

Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the distance L22 between the outer surface S2 of the second housing 21 and the end of the second cover 26B in the second direction is larger than that of the outer surface of the first housing 11 in the first direction. The distance L21 between S1 and the end of the first cover 16B. Therefore, when the second developing cartridge 20 is attached to the first image forming apparatus 100 , the second cover 26B of the second developing cartridge 20 contacts the protrusion 111 . Therefore, attachment of the second developing cartridge 20 to the first image forming apparatus 100 is hindered, and thus the second developing cartridge 20 cannot be attached to the first image forming apparatus 100 . That is, in the case of attaching the second developing cartridge 20 to the first image forming apparatus 100, at least a part of the second cover 26B is in contact with the first image forming apparatus 100, so the second developing cartridge 20 is not attached. to the first image forming apparatus 100.

7. Second image forming apparatus 200

The second image forming apparatus 200 is described based on FIGS. 14A and 14B .

As shown in FIG. 14A , the second image forming apparatus 200 includes a second lever 210 . Meanwhile, the second image forming apparatus 200 has the same structure as the first image forming apparatus 100 except that the protrusion 111 (see FIG. 10 ) and the second lever 210 are absent.

When the second developing cartridge 20 is attached to the second image forming apparatus 200 , the second lever 210 contacts the second electrode 24 . When the second developing cartridge 20 is attached to the second image forming apparatus 200, the second rod 210 has a width L42 in the second direction. The width L42 is smaller than the width L41 (see FIG. 11 ). With the second developing cartridge 20 attached to the second image forming apparatus 200 , when the second protrusion 27 rotates, the second protrusion 27 contacts the second lever 210 . Accordingly, the second lever 210 swings.

Here, as shown in FIG. 14B , the first developing cartridge 10 can be attached to the second image forming apparatus 200 in a state where the first developing cartridge 10 is attached to the second drum cartridge 40 .

However, the lengths of the first electrode 14, the first gear 15 and the first cover 16B of the first developing cartridge 10 in the first direction are smaller than the second electrodes 24, the second gear 25 and the second cover 26B of the second developing cartridge 20. length in the second direction. Also, the width L42 of the second rod 210 is smaller than the width L41 of the first rod 110 . Therefore, when the first developing cartridge 10 is attached to the second image forming apparatus 200 , the first electrode 14 and the first protrusion 17 of the first developing cartridge 10 do not contact the second lever 210 of the second image forming apparatus 200 . Therefore, when the first developing cartridge 10 is attached to the second image forming apparatus 200 , even when a driving force is input to the first developing cartridge 10 , the second lever 210 does not swing. Therefore, the second image forming apparatus 200 cannot read the information of the first developing cartridge 10 . Therefore the second image forming apparatus 200 cannot perform the image forming operation. Therefore, when the first developing cartridge 10 having a specification different from that of the second image forming apparatus 200 is attached to the second image forming apparatus 200 , it is possible to prevent the first developing cartridge 10 from being used.

Meanwhile, in this case, the second image forming apparatus 200 can display a message indicating that the information of the first developing cartridge 10 cannot be read on the operation panel or the like, so as to inform the user of the specifications of the attached first developing cartridge 10 and the second developing cartridge 10. The image forming apparatus 200 does not correspond.

8. Operation effect

As shown in FIG. 13 , the first developing cartridge 10 having a specific specification corresponding to the first image forming apparatus 100 is attached to the first image forming apparatus 100 without contacting the protrusion 111 .

On the other hand, since at least a part of the second cover 26B contacts the protrusion 111 of the first image forming apparatus 100, the second developing cartridge 20 having a specification different from that of the first image forming apparatus 100 is not attached to the first image forming apparatus 100. device 100.

Therefore, it is possible to reliably attach the first developing cartridge 10 having specific specifications corresponding to the first image forming apparatus 100 to the first image forming apparatus 100 while avoiding the second developing cartridge 10 having specifications different from the first image forming apparatus 100. A state where the developing cartridge 20 is attached to the first image forming apparatus 100 .

Claims (8)

1. a kind of image formation system, it is characterised in that include：

First Delevoping cartridge, first Delevoping cartridge can be attached to the first image forming apparatus or can be from described first images Equipment dismounting is formed, and first Delevoping cartridge includes：

First housing, first housing is configured in its inner containment developer, and first housing is in first party Upwardly extend；

First gear, the first gear are positioned at the outer surface of first housing in said first direction, and described First gear includes the first projection, in the state of first Delevoping cartridge is attached to described first image formation equipment, institute Stating the first projection can contact with the first bar of described first image formation equipment；With

First lid, first lid at least cover the terminal part of the first gear in said first direction, and

Second Delevoping cartridge, second Delevoping cartridge can be attached to the second image forming apparatus or can be from second images Equipment dismounting is formed, and second Delevoping cartridge includes：

Second housing, second housing is configured in its inner containment developer, and is extended in a second direction；

Second gear, the second gear are positioned at the outer surface of second housing in this second direction, and described Second gear includes the second projection, in the state of second Delevoping cartridge is attached to second image forming apparatus, institute Stating the second projection can contact with the second bar of second image forming apparatus；With

Second lid, second lid at least cover the terminal part of the second gear in this second direction,

Wherein, in the case where second Delevoping cartridge is attached to described first image formation equipment, second lid is extremely A few part forms equipment with described first image and contacted, therefore second Delevoping cartridge is not attached to described first image shape Forming apparatus.

2. image formation system as claimed in claim 1, it is characterised in that

First Delevoping cartridge further comprises first electrode, and the first electrode is configured to be formed from described first image and set It is standby to receive electric power, and the first electrode extends in said first direction,

Second Delevoping cartridge further comprises second electrode, and the second electrode is configured to be formed from second image and set It is standby to receive electric power, and the second electrode extends in this second direction,

The first gear can rotate relative to the first electrode,

The second gear can rotate relative to the second electrode.

3. image formation system as claimed in claim 2, it is characterised in that

First lid includes first raised, the described first raised terminal part with the first electrode in said first direction Engagement, first projection are configured to together support the rotation of the first gear with the first electrode, and

Second lid includes second raised, the described second raised terminal part with the second electrode in this second direction Engagement, second projection are configured to together support the rotation of the second gear with the second electrode.

4. the image formation system as any one of Claim 1-3, it is characterised in that

The first gear includes multiple first projections, and

The second gear includes multiple second projections.

5. the image formation system as any one of Claim 1-3, it is characterised in that

The first gear includes multiple gear teeth in a part for the circumferential surface for being arranged on the first gear, and

The second gear includes multiple gear teeth in a part for the circumferential surface for being arranged on the second gear.

6. the image formation system as any one of Claim 1-3, it is characterised in that further include：

First drum box, first Delevoping cartridge can be attached to the first drum box, or first Delevoping cartridge can be from institute The dismounting of the first drum box is stated, in the state of first Delevoping cartridge is attached to the first drum box, the first drum box can It is attached to described first image and forms equipment, or equipment dismounting can be formed from described first image, and

Second drum box, second Delevoping cartridge can be attached to the second drum box, or second Delevoping cartridge can be from institute The dismounting of the second drum box is stated, in the state of second Delevoping cartridge is attached to the second drum box, the second drum box can Second image forming apparatus are attached to, or can be dismantled from second image forming apparatus,

Wherein, in the state of second Delevoping cartridge is attached to the first drum box, at least a portion of second lid Box is contacted with the described first drum, therefore second Delevoping cartridge is not attached to the first drum box.

7. the image formation system as any one of claim 1 to 6, it is characterised in that

First spacing refers to, in the state of first Delevoping cartridge is attached to first patterning device, described In institute between the end of the outer surface and first lid in said first direction of one housing in said first direction The spacing on first direction is stated,

Second spacing refers to, is attached in second Delevoping cartridge in the case that the second graph forms equipment, described the In institute between the end of the outer surface and second lid in this second direction of two housings in this second direction The spacing in second direction is stated,

Second spacing is more than first spacing.

8. the image formation system as any one of Claim 1-3, it is characterised in that

First Delevoping cartridge further comprises first electrode, and the first electrode is configured to be formed from described first image and set It is standby to receive electric power and extend in said first direction,

First Delevoping cartridge can be attached to second image forming apparatus, or can be formed and set from second image Standby dismounting, and

In the state of first Delevoping cartridge is attached to second image forming apparatus, the first electrode does not contact institute State second bar of the second image forming apparatus.