IMAGE DEVELOPING APPARATUS, PROCESS CARTRIDGE, ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS, AND DEVELOPING UNIT FRAME

• US 20020012542A1
• Filed: 12/22/1999
• Published: 01/31/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 12/28/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha (Canon Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha (Canon Inc.)
• Inventors: MATSUMOTO, HIDEKI, OGUMA, TORU, KARAKAMA, TOSHIYUKI, SAKURAI, KAZUSHIGE
• Granted Patent: US 6,859,627 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 399/27
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 15/0856 Detection or control means for the developer level
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 15/086 the level being measured by electro-magnetic means
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 21/1867 for electrically connecting the process cartridge to the apparatus, electrical connectors, power supply
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 21/1875 provided with identifying means or means for storing process- or use parameters, e.g. lifetime of the cartridge
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 2221/183 Process cartridge

Abstract

A developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member, said developing device being mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said developing device includes a developer carrying member for feeding a developer to said electrophotographic photosensitive member to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member; a first electroconductive portion; a second electroconductive portion for cooperating with said first electroconductive portion to provide an electrostatic capacity; a first electrical contact for receiving a voltage to be applied to said first electroconductive portion from the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus; a second electrical contact for transmitting, to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, an electric signal corresponding to an electrostatic capacity between said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion when a voltage is applied to said first electroconductive portion to detect a remaining amount of the developer by the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

Claims

1. A developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member, said developing device being mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said developing device comprising;

a developer carrying member for feeding a developer to said electrophotographic photosensitive member to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member;

a first electroconductive portion;

a second electroconductive portion for cooperating with said first electroconductive portion to provide an electrostatic capacity;

a first electrical contact for receiving a voltage to be applied to said first electroconductive portion from the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus;

a second electrical contact for transmitting, to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, an electric signal corresponding to an electrostatic capacity between said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion when a voltage is applied to said first electroconductive portion to detect a remaining amount of the developer by the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said first electroconductive Portion and second electroconductive portion are arranged in a longitudinal direction of a developer carrying member in the form of a developing roller.

4. A process cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said first electroconductive portion is disposed more remote from said developer carrying member than said second electroconductive portion.

5. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said second electrical contact is electrically connected with said second electroconductive portion.

6. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the developer is fed to between said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion, and the developer fed to between said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion is retracted in an entering direction.

7. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the developer fed to between said first electroconductive portion and second electroconductive portion passes between said first electroconductive portion and second electroconductive portion.

8. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said first electroconductive portion and second electroconductive portion have a flat-plate-like shape, a gap between said first electroconductive portion and second electroconductive portion is wider at a developer entering side.

9. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said first electroconductive portion has a flat-plate-like shape.

10. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said second electroconductive portion has a flat-plate-like shape.

11. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said first electroconductive portion has a rod-like shape.

12. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said second electroconductive portion has a rod-like shape.

13. A process cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a third electroconductive portion for cooperating with said developer carrying member to provide an electrostatic capacity when a voltage is applied to said developer carrying member from a main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

14. A process cartridge according to claim 13, wherein when the voltage is applied to said developer carrying member, an electric signal corresponding to the electrostatic capacity between said developer carrying member and said third electroconductive portion is transmitted to the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

15. A device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a magnet disposed in said developer carrying member, and said developer is a magnetic developer which is deposited on the surface of said developer carrying member.

16. A device according to any one of claims 2-12, wherein said third electroconductive portion is constituted integrally.

17. A process cartridge according to claim 16, wherein said third electroconductive portion is at an angle relative to said second electroconductive portion.

18. A device according to claim 2, 16 or 17, wherein said third electroconductive portion is disposed opposed to said developer carrying member.

19. A device according to claim 2, 16, 17 or 18, wherein said third electroconductive portion is disposed closer to said developer carrying member than said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion.

2. A developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member, said developing device being mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said developing device comprising:

a developer carrying member for feeding a developer to said electrophotographic photosensitive member to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member;

first electroconductive portion;

a second electroconductive portion for cooperating with said first electroconductive portion to provide an electrostatic capacity;

a first electrical contact for receiving a voltage to be applied to said first electroconductive portion from the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus;

a third electroconductive portion for cooperating with said developer carrying member to provide an electrostatic capacity when a voltage is applied to said developer carrying member from the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus;

a second electrical contact for transmitting, to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a combined electric signal of an electric signal corresponding to an electrostatic capacity between said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion when a voltage is applied to said first electroconductive portion and an electric signal corresponding to an electrostatic capacity between said developer carrying member and the third electroconductive portion when a voltage is applied to said developer carrying member, to detect a remaining amount of the developer by the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

20. A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said process cartridge comprising;

(a) electrophotographic photosensitive member, and

(b) a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on said electrophotographic photosensitive member, said developing device including;

a developer carrying member for feeding a developer to said electrophotographic photosensitive member to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member;

a first electroconductive portion;

a second electroconductive portion for cooperating with said first electroconductive portion to provide an electrostatic capacity;

a first electrical contact for receiving a voltage to be applied to said first electroconductive portion from the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus;

a second electrical contact for transmitting, to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, an electric signal corresponding to an electrostatic capacity between said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion when a voltage is applied to said first electroconductive portion to detect a remaining amount of the developer by the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

22. A process cartridge according to claim 20 or 21, wherein said first electroconductive portion and second electroconductive portion are arranged in a longitudinal direction of a developer carrying member in the form of a developing roller.

23. A process cartridge according to claim 20 or 21, wherein said first electroconductive portion is disposed more remote from said developer carrying member than said second electroconductive portion.

24. A process cartridge according to claim 20 or 21, wherein said second electrical contact is electrically connected with said second electroconductive portion.

25. A process cartridge according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the developer is fed to between said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion, and the developer fed to between said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion is retracted in an entering direction.

26. A process cartridge according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the developer fed to between said first electroconductive portion and second electroconductive portion passes between said first electroconductive portion and second electroconductive portion.

27. A process cartridge according to claim 20 or 21, wherein said first electroconductive portion and second electroconductive portion have a flat-plate-like shape, a gap between said first electroconductive portion and second electroconductive portion is wider at a developer entering side.

28. A process cartridge according to claim 20 or 21, wherein said first electroconductive portion has a flat-plate-like shape.

29. A process cartridge according to claim 20 or 21, wherein said second electroconductive portion has a flat-plate-like shape.

30. A process cartridge according to claim 20 or 21, wherein said first electroconductive portion has a rod-like shape.

31. A process cartridge according to claim 20 or 21, wherein said second electroconductive portion has a rod-like shape.

32. A process cartridge according to claim 20, further comprising a third electroconductive portion for cooperating with said developer carrying member to provide an electrostatic capacity when a voltage is applied to said developer carrying member from a main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

33. A process cartridge according to claim 20, wherein when the voltage is applied to said developer carrying member, an electric signal corresponding to the electrostatic capacity between said developer carrying member and said third electroconductive portion is transmitted to the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

34. A process cartridge according to claim 20 or 21, further comprising a magnet disposed in said developer carrying member, and said developer is a magnetic developer which is deposited on the surface of said developer carrying member.

39. A process cartridge according to Claim 20 or 21, further comprising a charging member for charging said electrophotographic photosensitive member.

40. A process cartridge according to claim 20, 21 or 39, further comprising a cleaning member for removing a developer deposited on said electrophotographic photosensitive member.

21. A process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said process cartridge comprising:

(a) electrophotographic photosensitive member; and

(b) a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member, said developing device including;

a developer carrying member for feeding a developer to said electrophotographic photosensitive member to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member;

first electroconductive portion;

a second electroconductive portion for cooperating with said first electroconductive portion to provide an electrostatic capacity;

a first electrical contact for receiving a voltage to be applied to said first electroconductive portion from the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus;

a third electroconductive portion for cooperating with said developer carrying member to provide an electrostatic capacity when a voltage is applied to said developer carrying member from the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus;

a second electrical contact for transmitting, to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a combined electric signal of an electric signal corresponding to an electrostatic capacity between said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion when a voltage is applied to said first electroconductive portion and an electric signal corresponding to an electrostatic capacity between said developer carrying member and the third electroconductive portion when a voltage is applied to said developer carrying member, to detect a remaining amount of the developer by the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus.

35. A process cartridge according to any one of claims 21-31, wherein said third electroconductive portion is constituted integrally.

36. A process cartridge according to claim 35, wherein said third electroconductive portion is at an angle relative to said second electroconductive portion.

37. A process cartridge according to claim 21, 35 or 36, wherein said third electroconductive portion is disposed opposed to said developer carrying member.

38. A process cartridge according to claim 21, 35, 36 or 37, wherein said third electroconductive portion is disposed closer to said developer carrying member than said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion.

41. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, comprising:

(a) electrophotographic photosensitive member;

(b) an electrostatic latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on said electrophotographic photosensitive member;

(c) a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on said electrophotographic photosensitive member, said developing device including;

a developer carrying member for feeding a developer to said electrophotographic photosensitive member to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member;

a first electroconductive portion;

a second electroconductive portion for cooperating with said first electroconductive portion to provide an electrostatic capacity;

a first electrical contact for receiving a voltage to be applied to said first electroconductive portion from the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus;

a second electrical contact for transmitting, to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, an electric signal corresponding to an electrostatic capacity between said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion when a voltage is applied to said first electroconductive portion to detect a remaining amount of the developer by the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus; and

said apparatus further comprising;

(d) detecting means for detecting an amount of a developer existing in said developing device on the basis of the electric signal transmitted from said second electrical contact.

45. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 41-44, wherein said developer amount detecting means detects substantially real time the amount of said developer in said developing device, and the result of the detection is continuously displayed.

46. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 41-44, wherein said developer amount detecting means detects substantially real time the amount of said developer in said developing device, and the result of the detection is continuously displayed.

42. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, comprising:

(a) electrophotographic photosensitive member;

electrostatic latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on said electrophotographic photosensitive member;

(b) mounting means for mounting the process cartridge, which includes;

electrophotographic photosensitive member; and

a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member, said developing device including;

a developer carrying member for feeding a developer to said electrophotographic photosensitive member to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member;

first electroconductive portion;

a second electroconductive portion for cooperating with said first electroconductive portion to provide an electrostatic capacity;

a first electrical contact for receiving a voltage to be applied to said first electroconductive portion from the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus;

a third electroconductive portion for cooperating with said developer carrying member to provide an electrostatic capacity when a voltage is applied to said developer carrying member from the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus;

a second electrical contact for transmitting, to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a combined electric signal of an electric signal corresponding to an electrostatic capacity between said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion when a voltage is applied to said first electroconductive portion and an electric signal corresponding to an electrostatic capacity between said developer carrying member and the third electroconductive portion when a voltage is applied to said developer carrying member, to detect a remaining amount of the developer by the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus; and

(c) detecting means for detecting an amount of a developer existing in said developing device on the basis of the electric signal transmitted from said second electrical contact.

43. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, to which a process cartridge is detachably mountable, said apparatus comprising;

mounting means for detachably mounting the process cartridge, which includes;

electrophotographic photosensitive member; and

a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on said electrophotographic photosensitive member, said developing device including;

a developer carrying member for feeding a developer to said electrophotographic photosensitive member to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member;

a first electroconductive portion;

a second electroconductive portion for cooperating with said first electroconductive portion to provide an electrostatic capacity;

a first electrical contact for receiving a voltage to be applied to said first electroconductive portion from the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus;

a second electrical contact for transmitting, to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, an electric signal corresponding to an electrostatic capacity between said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion when a voltage is applied to said first electroconductive portion to detect a remaining amount of the developer by the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus;

said apparatus;

said apparatus further comprising;

(b) electrostatic latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on said electrophotographic photosensitive member;

(c) detecting means for detecting an amount of a developer existing in said developing device on the basis of the electric signal transmitted from said second electrical contact.

44. An electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, to which a process cartridge is detachably mountable, said apparatus comprising:

(a) mounting means for mounting the process cartridge, which includes;

electrophotographic photosensitive member; and

a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member, said developing device including;

a developer carrying member for feeding a developer to said electrophotographic photosensitive member to develop the electrostatic latent image formed on the electrophotographic photosensitive member;

first electroconductive portion;

a second electroconductive portion for cooperating with said first electroconductive portion to provide an electrostatic capacity,

a first electrical contact for receiving a voltage to be applied to said first electroconductive portion from the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus;

a third electroconductive portion for cooperating with said developer carrying member to provide an electrostatic capacity when a voltage is applied to said developer carrying member from the main assembly of said electrophotographic image forming apparatus;

a second electrical contact for transmitting, to the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus, a combined electric signal of an electric signal corresponding to an electrostatic capacity between said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion when a voltage is applied to said first electroconductive portion and an electric signal corresponding to an electrostatic capacity between said developer carrying member and the third electroconductive portion when a voltage is applied to said developer carrying member, to detect a remaining amount of the developer by the main assembly of the electrophotographic image forming apparatus;

(b) electrostatic latent image forming means for forming an electrostatic latent image on said electrophotographic photosensitive member;

(c) detecting means for detecting an amount of a developer existing in said developing device on the basis of the electric signal transmitted from said second electrical contact.

47. A developing frame for a process cartridge which is detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said developing frame comprising:

a developer carrying member mounting portion for feeding a developer to said electrophotographic photosensitive member to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member;

a first electroconductive portion mounting portion for mounting a first electroconductive portion;

a second electroconductive portion mounting portion for mounting a second electroconductive portion for cooperation with first electroconductive portion mounted to said first electroconductive portion mounting portion.

49. A developing frame according to claim 47 or 48, wherein said first electroconductive portion mounting portion and second electroconductive portion mounting portion are mounted such that first electroconductive portion and second electroconductive portion are disposed to permit the developer to be feed between said first electroconductive portion and said second electroconductive portion mounted to said first electroconductive portion mounting portion and second electroconductive portion mounting portion.

48. A developing frame for a process cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, said developing frame comprising:

a developer carrying member mounting portion for mounting a developer carrying member for feeding a developer to said electrophotographic photosensitive member to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on an electrophotographic photosensitive member;

first electroconductive portion mounting portion for mounting a first electroconductive portion;

a second electroconductive portion mounting portion for mounting second electroconductive portion for cooperation with the first electroconductive portion mounted to said first electroconductive portion mounting portion to provide an electrostatic capacity;

a third electroconductive portion mounting portion for mounting a third electroconductive portion so as to oppose to a developer carrying member mounted to said developer carrying member mounting portion.