JP2021039371A - Toner cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a toner cartridge capable of detecting the movement of a detection gear even when a light emitting element is arranged on one side of a housing and a light receiving element is arranged on the other side of the housing. A toner cartridge includes a housing 2, an auger 3, an auger gear 11, an agitator 4, an agitator gear 12, and a detection gear 14. The auger 3 is rotatable about the first axis A1 extending in the first direction. The detection gear 14 is located on the opposite side of the auger gear 11 with respect to the agitator gear 12 in the second direction in which the auger 3 and the agitator 4 are lined up, and can rotate from the first position to the second position. The detection gear 14 has a notch 22A. When the detection gear 14 is in the first position, the notch 22A is located farther from the auger 3 than the outer surface S1 of the other end of the housing 2 in the second direction. When the detection gear 14 is in the second position, the outer surface S2 of the detection gear 14 is located farther from the auger 3 than the outer surface S1. [Selection diagram] Fig. 3

Description

The present disclosure relates to toner cartridges.

Conventionally, a toner cartridge including a housing capable of accommodating toner and a detection gear is known. The detection gear rotates from the first position to the second position with the toner cartridge mounted on the image forming apparatus. Further, the detection gear is located between the light emitting element arranged on one side of the housing and the light receiving element arranged on one side of the housing when rotating from the first position to the second position. Then, the light emitted by the light emitting element is blocked.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-81814

On the other hand, there are cases where it is desired to arrange the light emitting element on one side of the housing and the light receiving element on the other side of the housing. In this case, if all of the detection gears are arranged so as to overlap the housing as in the toner cartridge described in Patent Document 1, the housing is also arranged in addition to the detection gear between the light emitting element and the light receiving element. Will be done. Therefore, the light emitted from the light emitting element cannot be received by the light receiving element. That is, the movement of the detection gear from the first position to the second position cannot be detected.

Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is a toner cartridge capable of detecting the movement of the detection gear even when the light emitting element is arranged on one side of the housing and the light receiving element is arranged on the other side of the housing. Is to provide.

The toner cartridge of the present disclosure includes a housing, an auger, an auger gear, an agitator, an agitator gear, and a detection gear. The housing can accommodate toner. The auger is rotatable about a first axis extending in the first direction. The auger can carry the toner in the first direction. The auger is located at one end of the housing in the second direction. The auger gear is attached to one end of the auger in the first direction. The auger gear can rotate with the auger. The agitator is rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction. The agitator can agitate the toner. The agitator can carry the toner towards the auger. The agitator is lined up with the auger in the second direction. The agitator gear is attached to one end of the agitator in the first direction. The agitator gear can rotate with the agitator. The detection gear is located on the opposite side of the auger gear with respect to the agitator gear in the second direction. The detection gear can rotate from the first position to the second position. The detection gear has a hole or notch.

When the detection gear is in the first position, the hole or notch is located farther from the auger than the outer surface of the other end of the housing in the second direction.

When the detection gear is in the second position, the outer surface of the detection gear, which is different from the hole or notch, is more auger than the outer surface of the other end of the housing in the second direction. Located away from.

According to such a configuration, the detection gear is located on the opposite side of the auger gear with respect to the agitator gear in the second direction. Then, when the detection gear is in the first position, the hole or notch is located farther from the auger than the outer surface of the other end of the housing in the second direction. Further, when the detection gear is in the second position, the outer surface of the detection gear is located farther from the auger than the outer surface of the other end of the housing in the second direction.

As a result, even when the light emitting element is arranged on one side of the housing and the light receiving element is arranged on the other side of the housing, the movement of the detection gear can be detected.

According to the toner cartridge of the present disclosure, even when the light emitting element is arranged on one side of the housing and the light receiving element is arranged on the other side of the housing, the movement of the detection gear can be detected.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the toner cartridge. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of the toner cartridge shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a side view of the toner cartridge shown in FIG. 1, showing a state in which the gear cover is removed from the housing. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the detection gear shown in FIG. 3 is located at the second position. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the detection gear shown in FIG. FIG. 5B is a side view of the detection gear shown in FIG. 5A. FIG. 6 is a side view of the toner cartridge shown in FIG. 1, showing a state in which the gear cover is attached to the housing. FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram for explaining a state in which the toner cartridge is attached to the developing device. FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram for explaining a state in which the toner cartridge is mounted on the developing device. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a state in which the developer and the toner cartridge are attached to the image forming apparatus. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the light emitting element and the light receiving element and the toner cartridge when the developer and the toner cartridge are mounted on the image forming apparatus. FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram for explaining a modified example of the detection gear, and shows a case where the detection gear has a hole. FIG. 10B is an explanatory diagram for explaining a modification of the detection gear, and shows a case where the detection gear has a light transmitting portion. FIG. 10C is an explanatory diagram for explaining a modification of the detection gear, and shows a case where the gear teeth are located at the end of the outer surface of the detection gear in the radial direction of the detection gear. FIG. 11A is an explanatory view for explaining a modified example of the gear cover, and shows a case where the gear cover has a second notch. FIG. 11B is an explanatory diagram for explaining a modified example of the gear cover, and shows a case where the gear cover has a second light transmitting portion.

1. 1. Outline of Toner Cartridge 1 An outline of the toner cartridge 1 will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the toner cartridge 1 includes a housing 2, an auger 3, an agitator 4, a first protrusion 5, a second protrusion 6, an auger gear 11, an agitator gear 12, and an idle. It includes a gear 13, a detection gear 14, a gear cover 15, a frame 16, and a handle 17.

1.1 Housing 2
As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 2 can accommodate toner. The housing 2 extends in the first direction. The housing 2 has one end E1 and the other end E2 in the first direction. The other end E2 is located at a distance from the one end E1 in the first direction. The housing 2 has a first accommodating portion 2A and a second accommodating portion 2B.

The first accommodating portion 2A extends in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the first accommodating portion 2A has a cylindrical shape. The first accommodating portion 2A can accommodate toner. The first accommodating portion 2A accommodates the auger 3. The second accommodating portion 2B extends in the first direction. The second accommodating portion 2B has a cylindrical shape. The second accommodating portion 2B can accommodate toner. The outer diameter of the second accommodating portion 2B is larger than the outer diameter of the first accommodating portion 2A. The second accommodating portion 2B accommodates the agitator 4. The second accommodating portion 2B is located on one side of the first accommodating portion 2A in the second direction. The second direction is the direction in which the first accommodating portion 2A and the second accommodating portion 2B are lined up. Specifically, the second direction is a direction connecting the first axis A1 described later and the second axis A2 described later. The first accommodating portion 2A is connected to the second accommodating portion 2B.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the housing 2 has a toner discharge port 2C. The toner discharge port 2C is an opening for discharging toner in the first accommodating portion 2A. The toner discharge port 2C is located at the other end E2 of the housing 2 in the first direction. The toner discharge port 2C is aligned with the first accommodating portion 2A in the first direction. Specifically, the toner discharge port 2C is located on the opposite side of the auger gear 11 with respect to the first accommodating portion 2A in the first direction.

1.2 Ogre 3
As shown in FIG. 2, the auger 3 can convey the toner in the first direction. As a result, the auger 3 can convey the toner in the first accommodating portion 2A to the toner discharge port 2C. Specifically, the auger 3 extends in the first direction. The auger 3 is rotatable about the first axis A1 extending in the first direction. The auger 3 is located at one end of the housing 2 in the second direction.

The auger 3 has an auger shaft 3A and a spiral portion 3B. The auger shaft 3A extends along the first axis A1. One end of the auger shaft 3A in the first direction (see FIG. 3) is located outside the housing 2. That is, one end of the auger 3 in the first direction is located outside the housing 2. The spiral portion 3B is located around the rotation of the first axis A1. The spiral portion 3B extends from the auger shaft 3A in the radial direction of the first accommodating portion 2A. The spiral portion 3B can rotate together with the auger shaft 3A. The spiral portion 3B has a spiral shape. The spiral portion 3B is located inside the housing 2. Specifically, the spiral portion 3B is located inside the first accommodating portion 2A. The spiral portion 3B conveys the toner in the first direction when the auger 3 rotates.

1.3 Agitator 4
The agitator 4 can agitate the toner and can convey the toner toward the auger 3. As a result, the agitator 4 can agitate the toner in the second accommodating portion 2B, and can convey the toner in the second accommodating portion 2B toward the first accommodating portion 2A. The agitator 4 is rotatable about the second axis A2 extending in the first direction. The agitator 4 is aligned with the auger 3 in the second direction.

The agitator 4 has an agitator shaft 4A and a main body portion 4B. The agitator shaft 4A extends along the second axis A2. One end of the agitator shaft 4A in the first direction is located outside the housing 2. That is, one end of the agitator 4 in the first direction is located outside the housing 2. The main body 4B is located around the rotation of the second axis A2. The main body portion 4B extends from the agitator shaft 4A in the radial direction of the second accommodating portion 2B. The main body 4B can rotate together with the agitator shaft 4A. The main body 4B is located inside the housing 2. Specifically, the main body portion 4B is located inside the second accommodating portion 2B. When the agitator 4 rotates, the main body 4B conveys the toner toward the auger 3 in the second direction.

1.4 First protrusion 5 and second protrusion 6
As shown in FIG. 1, the first protrusion 5 is located at one end E1 of the housing 2 in the first direction. Specifically, the first protrusion 5 extends in the first direction from the gear cover 15. The first protrusion 5 is located at one end E1 by attaching the gear cover 15 to one end E1. The first protrusion 5 is located on the opposite side of the toner discharge port 2C with respect to the first accommodating portion 2A in the first direction. Further, the first protrusion 5 extends in the second direction.

The second protrusion 6 is located at the other end E2 of the housing 2 in the first direction. The second protrusion 6 is located on the opposite side of the auger gear 11 with respect to the housing 2 in the first direction. Further, the second protrusion 6 is located on the opposite side of the first accommodating portion 2A with respect to the toner discharge port 2C in the first direction. The second protrusion 6 extends in the first direction. Further, the second protrusion 6 extends in the second direction.

1.5 Auger Gear 11
As shown in FIG. 3, the auger gear 11 is attached to one end of the auger 3 in the first direction. Specifically, the auger gear 11 is mounted on one end of the auger shaft 3A in the first direction. As a result, the auger gear 11 is located at one end E1 of the housing 2 in the first direction. The auger gear 11 can rotate together with the auger 3.

1.6 Agitator Gear 12
The agitator gear 12 is attached to one end of the agitator 4 in the first direction. Specifically, the agitator gear 12 is mounted on one end of the agitator shaft 4A in the first direction. As a result, the agitator gear 12 is located at one end E1 of the housing 2 in the first direction. The agitator gear 12 can rotate together with the agitator 4. The agitator gear 12 is located in the second direction at a distance from the auger gear 11. The diameter of the agitator gear 12 is larger than the diameter of the auger gear 11. Further, the diameter of the agitator gear 12 is larger than the diameter of the idle gear 13. As a result, the agitator 4 can rotate at a slower peripheral speed than the auger 3.

1.7 Idle gear 13
The idle gear 13 is located at one end E1 of the housing 2 in the first direction. The idle gear 13 is attached to one end E1 of the housing 2 in the first direction. The idle gear 13 is rotatable with respect to the housing 2. The idle gear 13 is located between the agitator gear 12 and the auger gear 11 in the second direction. Further, the idle gear 13 is located on the opposite side of the detection gear 14 with respect to the agitator gear 12 in the second direction. The idle gear 13 meshes with the auger gear 11 and also meshes with the agitator gear 12. As a result, the auger gear 11 can transmit the driving force to the agitator gear 12 via the idle gear 13. Due to the driving force from the auger gear 11, the agitator gear 12 can rotate according to the rotation of the auger gear 11.

1.8 Detection gear 14
With the toner cartridge 1 mounted on the image forming apparatus 120 (see FIG. 8) described later, the image forming apparatus 120 detects the position of the detection gear 14. As a result, the image forming apparatus 120 detects the information of the toner cartridge 1.

The detection gear 14 can rotate from the first position (see FIG. 3) to the second position (see FIG. 4). The detection gear 14 is located on the opposite side of the auger gear 11 with respect to the agitator gear 12 in the second direction. Therefore, the detection gear 14 rotates according to the rotation of the agitator gear 12. Further, the detection gear 14 is located on the opposite side of the first protrusion 5 with respect to the agitator gear 12 in the second direction. As a result, the detection gear 14 does not get in the way when the toner cartridge 1 is attached to the developing device 100 described later (see FIG. 7A). The detection gear 14 is located at one end E1 of the housing 2 in the first direction. The detection gear 14 is attached to one end E1 of the housing 2 in the first direction. Specifically, the detection gear 14 is attached to the boss 21. The boss 21 extends from the housing 2 in the first direction. That is, the toner cartridge 1 includes a boss 21. The boss 21 has a cylindrical shape. The boss 21 has a first hole 21A at its tip. The detection gear 14 has a second hole 14A. The second hole 14A has a circular shape. The second hole 14A fits into the boss 21. As a result, the detection gear 14 can rotate with respect to the boss 21. A protrusion 33 (see FIG. 6) extending from the gear cover 15 fits into the first hole 21A and the second hole 14A. The protrusion 33 is located on the inner surface of the gear cover 15. The protrusion 33 extends in the first direction.

1.9 Gear cover 15
As shown in FIG. 1, the gear cover 15 covers a part of the auger gear 11, the agitator gear 12, the idle gear 13, and the detection gear 14. The gear cover 15 is attached to one end E1 of the housing 2 in the first direction.

1.10 frame 16
The frame 16 extends in the second direction from the outer surface S1 of the other end of the housing 2 in the second direction. The frame 16 covers the detection gear 14 together with the gear cover 15. In other words, the frame 16 accommodates the detection gear 14 together with the gear cover 15.

1.11 Handle 17
The handle 17 is located at the center of the toner cartridge 1 in the first direction. The handle 17 is located on the opposite side of the gear cover 15 with respect to the frame 16 in the first direction. The handle 17 is located on the outer surface S1 of the other end of the housing 2 in the second direction. The handle 17 extends from the outer surface S1 in the second direction away from the auger 3.

2. Configuration of Detection Gear As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5A and 5B, the detection gear 14 has a plate shape. The detection gear 14 has a notch 22A. The detection gear 14 has a light blocking unit 23. The light blocking unit 23 is the outer surface S2 of the detection gear 14. The outer surface S2 of the detection gear 14 is a portion different from the notch 22A. The outer surface S2 of the detection gear 14 is the outer surface S2 of the portion of the detection gear 14 shaded with diagonal lines in FIG. 5A.

Further, the detection gear 14 includes a plurality of gear teeth 24, a first rib 25 (see FIG. 3), and a second rib 26 (see FIG. 3).

2.1 Notch 22A and outer surface S2
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the notch 22A is a part of the detection gear 14 and allows light L, which will be described later, to pass through. The outer surface S2 of the detection gear 14 is a part of the detection gear 14 and blocks light. The outer surface S2 of the detection gear 14 is aligned with the notch 22A in the rotation direction R of the detection gear 14. That is, the light blocking unit 23 is aligned with the notch 22A in the rotation direction R of the detection gear 14.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the detection gear 14 is in the first position, at least a part of the notch 22A is separated from the auger 3 than the outer surface S1 of the other end of the housing 2 in the second direction. To position.

Further, when the detection gear 14 is in the first position, the distance D1 between the outer surface S2 of the detection gear 14 and the auger 3 in the second direction is larger than the distance D2 between the notch 22A and the auger 3 in the second direction. short. That is, when the detection gear 14 is in the first position, the distance D1 between the light blocking portion 23 and the auger 3 in the second direction is shorter than the distance D2 between the notch 22A and the auger 3 in the second direction. Specifically, when the detection gear 14 is in the first position, the distance D1 between the end of the outer surface S2 of the detection gear 14 closest to the auger 3 in the second direction and the first axis A1 is in the second direction. It is shorter than the distance D2 between the end of the notch 22A farthest from the auger 3 and the first axis A1. That is, when the detection gear 14 is in the first position, the distance D1 between the end of the light blocking portion 23 closest to the auger 3 in the second direction and the first axis A1 is the closest to the auger 3 in the second direction. It is shorter than the distance D2 between the end of the distant notch 22A and the first axis A1.

Further, when the detection gear 14 is in the first position, at least a part of the notch 22A is located outside the rotation circumference 30 of the agitator 4. The rotation circumference 30 of the agitator 4 means a rotation circumference through which the main body 4B of the agitator 4 passes when the agitator 4 rotates.

Further, when the detection gear 14 is in the first position, at least a part of the notch 22A does not overlap with the housing 2 in the first direction.

Further, when the detection gear 14 is located at the first position, at least a part of the outer surface S2 of the detection gear 14 overlaps with the housing 2 in the first direction. That is, when the detection gear 14 is located at the first position, at least a part of the light blocking portion 23 overlaps with the housing 2 in the first direction.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, when the detection gear 14 is in the second position, the outer surface S2 of the detection gear 14 is from the auger 3 rather than the outer surface S1 of the other end of the housing 2 in the second direction. Located apart. That is, when the detection gear 14 is in the second position, the light blocking portion 23 is located farther from the auger 3 than the outer surface S1 of the other end of the housing 2 in the second direction.

Further, when the detection gear 14 is in the second position, the distance D3 between the outer surface S2 of the detection gear 14 and the auger 3 in the second direction is larger than the distance D4 between the notch 22A and the auger 3 in the second direction. long. That is, when the detection gear 14 is in the second position, the distance D3 between the light blocking unit 23 and the auger 3 in the second direction is longer than the distance D4 between the notch 22A and the auger 3 in the second direction. Specifically, when the detection gear 14 is in the second position, the distance D3 between the end of the outer surface S2 of the detection gear 14 farthest from the auger 3 in the second direction and the first axis A1 is in the second direction. The distance between the end of the notch 22A closest to the auger 3 and the first axis A1 is longer than the distance D4. That is, when the detection gear 14 is in the second position, the distance D3 between the end of the light blocking portion 23 farthest from the auger 3 in the second direction and the first axis A1 is the largest in the auger 3 in the second direction. The distance between the end of the close notch 22A and the first axis A1 is longer than the distance D4.

Further, when the detection gear 14 is in the second position, at least a part of the outer surface S2 of the detection gear 14 is located outside the rotation circumference 30 of the agitator 4. That is, when the detection gear 14 is in the second position, at least a part of the light blocking unit 23 is located outside the rotation circumference 30 of the agitator 4.

Further, when the detection gear 14 is in the second position, at least a part of the notch 22A overlaps with the housing 2 in the first direction.

Further, when the detection gear 14 is in the second position, the outer surface S2 of the detection gear 14 does not overlap with the housing 2 in the first direction. When the detection gear 14 is located at the second position, at least a part of the light blocking portion 23 does not overlap with the housing 2 in the first direction.

2.2 Multiple gear teeth 24
As shown in FIG. 5A, the plurality of gear teeth 24 are located between the housing 2 and the outer surface S2 of the detection gear 14 in the first direction. That is, the plurality of gear teeth 24 are located between the housing 2 and the light blocking portion 23 in the first direction. The plurality of gear teeth 24 are arranged in the rotation direction R (see FIG. 3) of the detection gear 14. The diameter of the detection gear 14 is larger than the diameter of the auger gear 11 and smaller than the diameter of the agitator gear 12. As shown in FIG. 5B, the length L1 of the plurality of gear teeth 24 in the rotation direction R of the detection gear 14 is shorter than the length L2 of the outer surface S2 of the detection gear 14 in the rotation direction R of the detection gear 14. That is, the length L1 of the plurality of gear teeth 24 in the rotation direction R of the detection gear 14 is shorter than the length L2 of the light blocking portion 23 in the rotation direction R of the detection gear 14. That is, the center angle θ1 of the plurality of gear teeth 24 is smaller than the center angle θ2 of the outer surface S2 of the detection gear 14. That is, the center angle θ1 of the plurality of gear teeth 24 is smaller than the center angle θ2 of the light blocking portion 23.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the detection gear 14 is in the first position, at least one of the plurality of gear teeth 24 meshes with the agitator gear 12. As a result, the detection gear 14 can rotate from the first position to the second position according to the rotation of the agitator gear 12. When the detection gear 14 is in the first position, at least a part of the plurality of gear teeth 24 overlaps the rotation circumference 30 of the agitator 4 (see FIG. 2) in the first direction. Specifically, when the detection gear 14 is in the first position, among the plurality of gear teeth 24, the gear tooth 24 located on the most downstream side in the rotation direction R of the detection gear 14 is the agitator 4 in the first direction. It overlaps with the rotation circumference 30.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, when the detection gear 14 is in the second position, the plurality of gear teeth 24 do not mesh with the agitator gear 12. As a result, the detection gear 14 stops rotating at the second position. When the detection gear 14 is in the second position, at least a part of the plurality of gear teeth 24 does not overlap the rotation circumference 30 of the agitator 4 in the first direction. Specifically, when the detection gear 14 is in the second position, among the plurality of gear teeth 24, the gear tooth 24 located on the most downstream side in the rotation direction R of the detection gear 14 is the agitator 4 in the first direction. It overlaps with the rotation circumference 30.

2.3 First rib 25 and second rib 26
As shown in FIG. 3, the first rib 25 and the second rib 26 are located on opposite sides of the plurality of gear teeth 24 with respect to the light blocking portion 23 in the first direction. The first rib 25 is pressed by the spring 27 in the rotation direction R of the detection gear 14 when the detection gear 14 is in the first position. As a result, the detection gear 14 is positioned at the first position with at least one of the plurality of gear teeth 24 meshing with the agitator gear 12. As shown in FIG. 4, the second rib 26 is pressed by the spring 27 in the rotation direction R of the detection gear 14 when the detection gear 14 is in the second position. As a result, the detection gear 14 is positioned at the second position with the plurality of gear teeth 24 separated from the agitator gear 12.

3. 3. Configuration of Gear Cover 15 As shown in FIG. 6, the gear cover 15 has a second hole 31A. The second hole 31A is a through hole and allows light to pass through. The second hole 31A is located in the second direction away from the auger 3 than the outer surface S1 of the other end of the housing 2 in the second direction.

As shown in FIG. 3, the second hole 31A is aligned with the notch 22A of the detection gear 14 in the first direction when the detection gear 14 is in the first position. As a result, in the first direction, the light that has passed through the second hole 31A further passes through the notch 22A.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, when the detection gear 14 is in the second position, the outer surface S2 of the detection gear 14 is aligned with the second hole 31A in the first direction. As a result, in the first direction, the light that has passed through the second hole 31A is blocked by the outer surface S2 of the detection gear 14. That is, when the detection gear 14 is in the second position, the light blocking portion 23 is aligned with the second hole 31A in the first direction. As a result, in the first direction, the light that has passed through the second hole 31A is blocked by the light blocking unit 23.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the gear cover 15 further includes a lock portion 32.

The lock portion 32 is locked by the lock member 101 (see FIG. 7) of the developer 100, which will be described later, with the toner cartridge 1 mounted on the developer 100. By locking the lock portion 32, it is possible to suppress the detection gear 14 from vibrating. As a result, it is possible to prevent the position of the second hole 31A or the notch 22A from fluctuating. As a result, the light receiving element 126 (see FIG. 9) described later can accurately detect the light L from the light emitting element 125 (see FIG. 9) described later. The lock portion 32 is located on the outer surface of the gear cover 15. The lock portion 32 projects in the first direction from the outer surface of the gear cover 15. The lock portion 32 is located between the auger 3 and the second hole 31A in the second direction. The lock portion 32 extends in the second direction.

4. Configuration of Frame 16 As shown in FIG. 3, the frame 16 has a third hole 41A. The third hole 41A is a through hole and allows light to pass through. The third hole 41A is aligned with the second hole 31A (see FIG. 6) in the first direction. As a result, the light can be focused by the third hole 41A, so that the light receiving element 126 (see FIG. 9) described later can accurately detect the light L from the light emitting element 125 (see FIG. 9) described later. Further, the third hole 41A is aligned with the notch 22A of the detection gear 14 in the first direction when the detection gear 14 is in the first position (see FIG. 3). As a result, the light that has passed through the second hole 31A and the notch 22A in the first direction further passes through the third hole 41A.

5. Configuration of Handle 17 As shown in FIG. 1, the handle 17 has a recess 42. The recess 42 is recessed along the second hole 31A and the third hole 41A so as not to overlap the second hole 31A and the third hole 41A in the first direction. As a result, the handle 17 does not interfere with the light L emitted from the light emitting element 125 (see FIG. 9), which will be described later. Specifically, in the first direction, the light that has passed through the second hole 31A, the notch 22A, and the third hole 41A further passes through the recess 42.

6. Mounting the Toner Cartridge 1 on the Developer 100 Next, the mounting state of the toner cartridge 1 on the developing device 100 having the developing roller 102 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B.

By inserting the first protrusion 5 and the second protrusion 6 of the toner cartridge 1 into the developing device 100, the toner cartridge 1 is attached to the developing device 100. That is, the toner cartridge is positioned on the developer 100. After the toner cartridge 1 is attached to the developing device 100, the toner cartridge 1 is attached to the developing device 100 by pivoting from the state shown in FIG. 7A to the state shown in FIG. 7B.

The fact that the toner cartridge 1 pivots means that the toner cartridge 1 rotates about the first axis A1. Further, the fact that the toner cartridge 1 is attached to the developing device 100 means a state in which toner cannot be supplied to the developing device 100 and before the toner cartridge 1 pivots to the developing device 100. On the other hand, the fact that the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the developing device 100 means that the toner can be supplied to the developing device 100 and the toner cartridge 1 is pivoted. Further, the toner cartridge is attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus 120 as shown in FIG. 8 in a state of being attached to the developing device 100.

7. Attaching the Toner Cartridge 1 to the Image Forming Device 120 Next, mounting the toner cartridge 1 to the image forming apparatus 120 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9, the image forming apparatus 120 includes a first side wall 120A, a second side wall 120B, a light emitting element 125, and a light receiving element 126.

The first side wall 120A faces the gear cover 15 of the toner cartridge 1 in the first direction with the developing device 100 and the toner cartridge 1 mounted on the image forming apparatus 120. The first side wall 120A supports the light emitting element 125.

The second side wall 120B is located at a distance from the first side wall 120A in the first direction. The toner cartridge 1 is located between the first side wall 120A and the second side wall 120B in a state of being mounted on the image forming apparatus 120. The first side wall 120A is located on the opposite side of the first side wall 120A with respect to the developing device 100 and the toner cartridge 1 in the first direction with the developing device 100 and the toner cartridge 1 mounted on the image forming apparatus 120. To do. The second side wall 120B supports the light receiving element 126.

The light emitting element 125 faces the second hole 31A (FIG. 7B) in the first direction with the developing device 100 and the toner cartridge 1 mounted on the image forming apparatus 120. In this state, the light emitting element 125 emits light L toward the second hole 31A along the first direction.

The light receiving element 126 is located at a distance from the light emitting element 125 in the first direction. The light receiving element 126 faces the light emitting element 125 in the first direction.

Then, when the detection gear 14 is in the first position in the state where the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 120, the notch 22A (see FIG. 3) has the light emitting element 125 and the light receiving element in the first direction. It is located between 126.

As a result, when the detection gear 14 is in the first position in the state where the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 120, the light L has the second hole 31A (see FIG. 6), the notch 22A, and the third. It passes through the hole 41A (see FIG. 3) and is received by the light receiving element 126.

Further, when the detection gear 14 is in the second position in the state where the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 120, the outer surface S2 of the detection gear 14 is the light emitting element 125 and the light receiving element 126 in the first direction. Located between and. In other words, when the detection gear 14 is in the second position in the state where the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 120, the light blocking unit 23 has the light emitting element 125 and the light receiving element 126 in the first direction. Located in between.

As a result, when the detection gear 14 is in the second position in the state where the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 120, the light L is blocked by the outer surface S2 of the detection gear 14 and is received by the light receiving element 126. Not done. In other words, when the detection gear 14 is in the second position in the state where the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 120, the light L is blocked by the light blocking unit 23 and is not received by the light receiving element 126.

8. Operation of Toner Cartridge 1 Next, the operation of the toner cartridge 1 when the image forming apparatus 120 reads the information of the toner cartridge 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

When the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 120 and the detection gear 14 is located in the first position, the light L (see FIG. 9) has a second hole 31A (see FIG. 6), a notch 22A and a third hole. It passes through 41A (see FIG. 3) and is received by the light receiving element 126. Then, the light receiving element 126 detects the light L.

Next, when the image forming apparatus 120 executes an operation for reading the information of the toner cartridge 1, the auger gear 11 is rotated by the driving force from the image forming apparatus 120.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a driving force is transmitted to the detection gear 14 via the idle gear 13 and the agitator gear 12, and the detection gear 14 is shown in FIG. 4 from the first position shown in FIG. Rotate to the second position. When the detection gear 14 is located at the second position, the detection gear 14 is stopped by the plurality of gear teeth 24 being separated from the agitator gear 12.

As a result, the light L is blocked by the outer surface S2 of the detection gear 14 and is not received by the light receiving element 126. Then, the light receiving element 126 does not detect the light L.

When the light receiving element 126 detects the light L while the image forming apparatus 120 is executing the operation for reading the information of the toner cartridge 1, and then the light receiving element 126 stops detecting the light L, the image forming The device 120 determines that the toner cartridge 1 is new.

Further, if the detection gear 14 is already in the second position when the toner cartridge 1 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 120, the image forming apparatus 120 may execute an operation for reading the information of the toner cartridge 1. Since the plurality of gear teeth 24 are separated from the agitator gear 12, the detection gear 14 does not rotate. Therefore, the light receiving element 126 does not detect the light L while the image forming apparatus 120 is executing the operation for reading the information of the toner cartridge 1. In this case, the image forming apparatus 120 determines that the toner cartridge 1 is an old product.

The old and new toner cartridge 1 is an example of information on the toner cartridge 1. Examples of the toner cartridge information include the number of printable sheets of the toner cartridge 1.

Further, if the light receiving element 126 does not detect the light L while the image forming apparatus 120 is executing the operation for reading the information of the toner cartridge 1, the image forming apparatus 120 is equipped with the toner cartridge 1. Judge.

Further, when the light L is not blocked and the light receiving element 126 continues to detect the light L while the image forming apparatus 120 is executing the operation for reading the information of the toner cartridge 1, the image forming apparatus 120 is used. , It is determined that the toner cartridge 1 is not installed.

9. Action Effect According to the toner cartridge 1, as shown in FIG. 3, the detection gear 14 is located on the opposite side of the auger gear 11 with respect to the agitator gear 12 in the second direction. When the detection gear 14 is in the first position, the notch 22A is located farther from the auger 3 than the outer surface S1 of the other end of the housing 2 in the second direction. Further, when the detection gear 14 is in the second position, the outer surface S2 of the detection gear 14 is located farther from the auger 3 than the outer surface S1.

As a result, in the toner cartridge 1 in which the toner is conveyed by the auger 3 and the agitator 4, the light emitting element 125 is arranged on one side of the housing 2 and the light receiving element 126 is arranged on the other side of the housing 2. Also, the movement of the detection gear 14 can be detected.

10. Deformation Example 10.1 Deformation Example of Detection Gear 14 The detection gear 14 may have a hole 201 instead of the notch 22A, for example, as shown in FIG. 10A. The hole 201 is a through hole.

Further, the detection gear 14 may have a light transmitting portion 22 instead of the notch 22A or the hole 201, for example, as shown in FIG. 10B. The transmittance of the light transmitting portion 22 is larger than the transmittance of the outer surface S2 of the detection gear 14. That is, the transmittance of the light transmitting portion 22 is larger than the transmittance of the light blocking portion 23. Examples of the light transmitting portion 22 include a transparent film and a transparent plate. The light transmitting portion 22 may be attached so as to cover the notch 22A and the hole 201. At this time, the light transmitting portion 22 may be a separate component from the detection gear 14. Further, the light transmitting portion 22 may be filled in the notch 22A or the hole 201 and integrally molded with the detection gear 14.

Further, the detection gear 14 may have a plurality of gear teeth 205 instead of the plurality of gear teeth 24, for example, as shown in FIG. 10C. The plurality of gear teeth 205 are located at the ends of the outer surface S2 of the detection gear 14 in the radial direction of the detection gear 14. That is, the plurality of gear teeth 205 are located at the ends of the light blocking portions 23 in the radial direction of the detection gear 14.

Further, the detection gear 14 may include a friction portion that rotates the detection gear 14 by a frictional force generated by contact with the agitator gear 12 instead of the plurality of gear teeth 24. When the detection gear 14 is in the first position, the friction portion comes into contact with the agitator gear 12. When the detection gear 14 is in the second position, the friction portion does not come into contact with the agitator gear 12. The friction portion may generate a frictional force by contact with the agitator gear 12. For example, the friction part is made of rubber.

10.2 Deformation Example of Gear Cover 15 The gear cover 15 may have a second notch 203 instead of the second hole 31A, for example, as shown in FIG. 11A.

Further, the gear cover may have a second light transmitting portion 31 instead of the second hole 31A or the second notch 203, for example, as shown in FIG. 11B. Examples of the second light transmitting portion 31 include a transparent film and a transparent plate. The second light transmitting portion 31 may be attached so as to cover the second hole 31A and the second notch 203. At this time, the second light transmitting portion 31 may be a separate component from the gear cover 15. Further, the second light transmitting portion 31 may be filled in the second hole 31A or the second notch 203 and integrally molded with the gear cover 15.

10.3 Modification of Frame 16 The frame 16 may have, for example, a third notch instead of the third hole 41A.

Further, the frame 16 may have a third light transmitting portion instead of the third hole 41A or the third notch. Examples of the third light transmitting portion include a transparent film and a transparent plate. The third light transmitting portion may be attached so as to cover the third hole 41A or the third notch. At this time, the third light transmitting portion may be a separate component from the frame 16. Further, the third light transmitting portion may be filled in the third hole 41A or the third notch and integrally molded with the frame 16.

1 Toner cartridge 2 Housing 2A 1st housing 2B 2nd storage 2C Toner outlet 3 Auger 3B Spiral 4 Agitator 4B Main body 5 1st protrusion 6 2nd protrusion 11 Auger gear 12 Agitator gear 13 Idle gear 14 Detection gear 14A 2nd hole 15 Gear cover 16 Frame 17 Handle 21 Boss 21A 1st hole 22 Light transmitting part 22A Notch 23 Light blocking part 24 Gear tooth 31 2nd light transmitting part 31A 2nd hole 32 Lock part 33 Protrusion 41A 3rd hole 42 Recess 100 Developer 101 Lock member 120 Image forming device 120A 1st side wall 120B 2nd side wall 125 Light emitting element 126 Light receiving element 201 Hole 203 2nd notch 205 Gear tooth A1 1st axis A2 2nd axis D1 Distance D2 Distance D3 Distance D4 Distance S1 outer surface S2 outer surface

Claims (50)

A housing that can store toner and
An auger that is rotatable about a first axis extending in the first direction and capable of transporting the toner in the first direction and is located at one end of the housing in the second direction.
An auger gear that is attached to one end of the auger in the first direction and can rotate with the auger.
An agitator that is rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction, capable of stirring the toner, and capable of transporting the toner toward the auger, with the auger in the second direction. Agitators lined up and
An agitator gear that is attached to one end of the agitator in the first direction and can rotate together with the agitator.
A detection gear that is located on the opposite side of the auger gear with respect to the agitator gear in the second direction and is rotatable from the first position to the second position and has a hole or a notch.
When the detection gear is in the first position, the hole or notch is located farther from the auger than the outer surface of the other end of the housing in the second direction.
When the detection gear is in the second position, the outer surface of the detection gear, which is the outer surface of the detection gear and is different from the hole or the notch, is the outer surface of the housing in the second direction. A toner cartridge characterized in that it is located farther from the auger than the outer surface of the other end. It can be attached to and detached from an image forming apparatus including a light emitting element and a light receiving element located at a distance from the light emitting element in the first direction.
When the detection gear is in the first position in the state of being mounted on the image forming apparatus, the hole or the notch is located between the light emitting element and the light receiving element in the first direction. ,
When the detection gear is in the second position in the state of being mounted on the image forming apparatus, the outer surface of the detection gear is positioned between the light emitting element and the light receiving element in the first direction. The toner cartridge according to claim 1. The image forming apparatus includes a first side wall that supports the light emitting element, a second side wall that supports the light receiving element, and a second side wall that is located at a distance from the first side wall in the first direction. With
The toner cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the toner cartridge is located between the first side wall and the second side wall in a state of being mounted on the image forming apparatus. When the detection gear is in the first position, the distance between the outer surface of the detection gear and the auger in the second direction is the distance between the hole or notch in the second direction and the auger. Shorter than
When the detection gear is in the second position, the distance between the outer surface of the detection gear and the auger in the second direction is the distance between the hole or notch and the auger in the second direction. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is longer than that of the toner cartridge. When the detection gear is in the first position, the hole or notch is located outside the rotation periphery of the agitator.
The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the detection gear is in the second position, the outer surface of the detection gear is located outside the rotation periphery of the agitator. The toner cartridge described. When the detection gear is in the first position, in the first direction, the hole or the notch does not overlap the housing, and the outer surface of the detection gear overlaps the housing.
When the detection gear is in the second position, the hole or the notch overlaps the housing in the first direction.
Any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the detection gear is in the second position, the outer surface of the detection gear does not overlap with the housing in the first direction. The toner cartridge according to one item. The toner cartridge further
A first protrusion located at one end of the housing in the first direction,
A second protrusion located at the other end of the housing in the first direction and located on the opposite side of the auger gear to the housing in the first direction.
The toner according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the detection gear is located on the opposite side of the first protrusion with respect to the agitator gear in the second direction. cartridge. The detection gear includes a plurality of gear teeth and has a plurality of gear teeth.
When the detection gear is in the first position, the plurality of gear teeth mesh with the agitator gear.
The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein when the detection gear is in the second position, the plurality of gear teeth do not mesh with the agitator gear. When the detection gear is in the first position, the plurality of gear teeth overlap with the rotation circumference of the agitator in the first direction.
The toner cartridge according to claim 8, wherein when the detection gear is in the second position, the plurality of gear teeth do not overlap with the rotation circumference of the agitator in the first direction. 8. The length of the plurality of gear teeth in the rotation direction of the detection gear is shorter than the length of the outer surface of the detection gear in the rotation direction of the detection gear, according to claim 8 or 9. The described toner cartridge. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the diameter of the detection gear is larger than the diameter of the auger gear and smaller than the diameter of the agitator gear. The plurality of gear teeth according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the plurality of gear teeth are located between the housing and the outer surface of the detection gear in the first direction. Toner cartridge. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the plurality of gear teeth are located at the end of the outer surface of the detection gear in the radial direction of the detection gear. The detection gear includes a friction portion that rotates the detection gear by a frictional force generated by contact with the agitator gear.
When the detection gear is in the first position, the friction portion comes into contact with the agitator gear, and the friction portion comes into contact with the agitator gear.
The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the friction portion does not come into contact with the agitator gear when the detection gear is in the second position. The toner cartridge further includes a gear cover that covers the agitator gear, the auger gear, and the detection gear.
1. The gear cover is characterized by having a second hole in line with the hole or the notch of the detection gear in the first direction when the detection gear is in the first position. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 14. The toner cartridge according to claim 15, wherein the second hole is located in the second direction away from the auger than the outer surface of the other end of the housing in the second direction. .. A frame extending in the second direction from the outer surface of the other end of the housing in the second direction is provided.
The toner cartridge according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the frame has a third hole in line with the second hole in the first direction. A boss extending from the housing in the first direction and having a first hole at the tip thereof.
The detection gear is rotatable about the boss and has a second hole that fits into the boss.
The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the gear cover has a protrusion that fits into the first hole and the second hole. The toner cartridge further comprises a handle.
The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the handle has a recess recessed along the second hole. The toner cartridge is configured to be mounted on the developer.
A 15th to 19th claim, wherein the gear cover includes a lock portion that is locked by a lock member of the developer with the toner cartridge attached to the developer. The toner cartridge according to any one item. A claim comprising an idle gear that meshes with the auger gear and meshes with the agitator gear, and is located on the opposite side of the detection gear with respect to the agitator gear in the second direction. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 20. A housing that can store toner and
An auger that is rotatable about a first axis extending in the first direction and capable of transporting the toner in the first direction and is located at one end of the housing in the second direction.
An auger gear that is attached to one end of the auger in the first direction and can rotate with the auger.
An agitator that is rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction, capable of stirring the toner, and capable of transporting the toner toward the auger, with the auger in the second direction. Agitators lined up and
An agitator gear that is attached to one end of the agitator in the first direction and can rotate together with the agitator.
A detection gear that is located on the opposite side of the auger gear with respect to the agitator gear in the second direction and can rotate from the first position to the second position, and has a light transmitting portion and a light blocking portion. , With
When the detection gear is in the first position, the light transmitting portion is located farther from the auger than the outer surface of the other end of the housing in the second direction.
When the detection gear is in the second position, the light blocking portion is located away from the auger than the outer surface of the other end of the housing in the second direction. .. The toner cartridge according to claim 22, wherein the transmittance of the light transmitting portion is larger than the transmittance of the light blocking portion. It can be attached to and detached from an image forming apparatus including a light emitting element and a light receiving element located at a distance from the light emitting element in the first direction.
In the state of being attached to the image forming apparatus
When the detection gear is in the first position, the light transmitting portion is located between the light emitting element and the light receiving element in the first direction.
22 or 23, wherein when the detection gear is in the second position, the light blocking portion is located between the light emitting element and the light receiving element in the first direction. Toner cartridge described in. The image forming apparatus includes a first side wall that supports the light emitting element, a second side wall that supports the light receiving element, and a second side wall that is located at a distance from the first side wall in the first direction. With
The toner cartridge according to claim 24, wherein the toner cartridge is located between the first side wall and the second side wall in a state of being mounted on the image forming apparatus. When the detection gear is in the first position, the distance between the light blocking portion and the auger in the second direction is shorter than the distance between the light transmitting portion and the auger in the second direction.
When the detection gear is in the second position, the distance between the light blocking portion and the auger in the second direction is longer than the distance between the light transmitting portion and the auger in the second direction. The toner cartridge according to claim 24 or 25. When the detection gear is in the first position, the light transmitting portion is located outside the rotation periphery of the agitator.
The toner cartridge according to claim 24 or 25, wherein when the detection gear is in the second position, a part of the light blocking portion is located outside the rotation periphery of the agitator. When the detection gear is located at the first position, in the first direction, the light transmitting portion does not overlap with the housing, and a part of the light blocking portion overlaps with the housing.
When the detection gear is located at the second position, the light transmitting portion overlaps with the housing and a part of the light blocking portion does not overlap with the housing in the first direction. The toner cartridge according to claim 24 or 25. The toner cartridge further
A first protrusion located at one end of the housing in the first direction,
It is provided with a second protrusion located at the other end of the housing in the first direction and located on the opposite side of the auger gear with respect to the housing in the first direction.
The toner according to any one of claims 22 to 28, wherein the detection gear is located on the opposite side of the first protrusion with respect to the agitator gear in the second direction. cartridge. The detection gear includes a plurality of gear teeth and has a plurality of gear teeth.
When the detection gear is in the first position, the plurality of gear teeth mesh with the agitator gear.
The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 22 to 29, wherein the plurality of gear teeth do not mesh with the agitator gear when the detection gear is in the second position. When the detection gear is located in the first position, the plurality of gear teeth overlap with the rotation circumference of the agitator in the first direction.
The toner cartridge according to claim 30, wherein when the detection gear is located at the second position, the plurality of gear teeth do not overlap with the rotation circumference of the agitator in the first direction. The toner according to claim 30 or 31, wherein the length of the plurality of gear teeth in the rotation direction of the detection gear is shorter than the length of the light blocking portion in the rotation direction of the detection gear. cartridge. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the diameter of the detection gear is larger than the diameter of the auger gear and smaller than the diameter of the agitator gear. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein the plurality of gear teeth are located between the housing and the light blocking portion in the first direction. .. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 30 to 34, wherein the plurality of gear teeth are located at the end of the light blocking portion in the radial direction of the detection gear. The detection gear includes a friction portion that rotates the detection gear by a frictional force generated by contact with the agitator gear.
When the detection gear is in the first position, the friction portion comes into contact with the agitator gear, and the friction portion comes into contact with the agitator gear.
The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 22 to 29, wherein the friction portion does not come into contact with the agitator gear when the detection gear is in the second position. Further provided with a gear cover covering the agitator gear, the auger gear and the detection gear.
The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 22 to 36, wherein the gear cover includes a second light transmitting portion. When the detection gear is in the first position, the light transmitting portion is aligned with the second light transmitting portion in the first direction.
The toner cartridge according to claim 37, wherein when the detection gear is in the second position, the light blocking portion is aligned with the second light transmitting portion in the first direction. 37 or claim 37 or claim that the second light transmitting portion is located in the second direction away from the auger than the outer surface of the other end of the housing in the second direction. 38. The toner cartridge. A frame extending in the second direction from the outer surface of the other end of the housing in the second direction is provided.
The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 37 to 39, wherein the frame has a third light transmitting portion along with the second light transmitting portion in the first direction. A boss extending from the housing in the first direction and having a first hole at the tip thereof.
The detection gear is rotatable about the boss and has a second hole that fits into the boss.
The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 37 to 40, wherein the gear cover has a protrusion that fits into the first hole and the second hole. The toner cartridge is configured to be mounted on the developer.
37 to 41, wherein the gear cover includes a locking portion that is locked by a locking member of the developing device while the toner cartridge is attached to the developing device. The toner cartridge according to any one item. A claim comprising an idle gear that meshes with the auger gear and meshes with the agitator gear, and is located on the opposite side of the detection gear with respect to the agitator gear in the second direction. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 22 to 42. The housing is
A first accommodating portion extending in the first direction and accommodating the auger,
It has a second accommodating portion extending in the first direction and accommodating the agitator.
The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 43, wherein the second direction is a direction in which the first accommodating portion and the second accommodating portion are arranged side by side. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 44, wherein the second direction is a direction connecting the first axis and the second axis. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 45, wherein the auger has a spiral portion located around the rotation of the first axis and located inside the housing. .. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 46, wherein one end of the auger in the first direction is located outside the housing. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 47, wherein the agitator has a main body portion located around the rotation of the second axis and located inside the housing. .. The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 48, wherein one end of the agitator in the first direction is located outside the housing. The auger gear and the agitator gear are located at one end of the housing in the first direction.
The toner cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 49, wherein the housing has a toner discharge port at the other end in the first direction.

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