Image forming apparatus capable of determining a condition of cartridge assembled therein

摘要

An image forming apparatus includes a main casing, a cartridge, and a CPU. The main casing includes a detection electrode. The cartridge which accommodates toner therein, is attachable to and detachable from the main casing, and has a cartridge electrode electrically connectable to the detection electrode, and a moving member supported to the cartridge electrode. The moving member is movable from a first position where an electrical connection between the cartridge electrode and the detection electrode is interrupted to a third position where the electrical connection is interrupted via a second position where the electrical connection is established. The CPU is configured to judge whether or not the assembled cartridge is a new cartridge. The CPU determines that the assembled cartridge is new when the electrical connection is first interrupted, and established, and then interrupted in accordance with the movement of the moving member.

主权项

1. An image forming apparatus comprising:
a main casing; a cartridge configured to be attached to and detached from the main casing and to accommodate therein developing agent, the cartridge having a cartridge electrode configured to receive electric power from the main casing; and a processing unit provided in the main casing and configured to determine a condition of the cartridge, the main casing comprising:
a first main electrode configured to be electrically connected to the cartridge electrode and configured to supply electric power to the cartridge electrode; anda second main electrode configured to be electrically connected to the cartridge electrode and configured to receive electric power from the cartridge electrode, the cartridge comprising:
a moving member configured to be moved from a first position where an electrical connection is interrupted between the cartridge electrode and at least one of the first main electrode and the second main electrode to a second position where an electrical connection is established between the cartridge electrode and the first main electrode and between the cartridge electrode and the second main electrode, and then, from the second position to a third position where an electrical connection is interrupted between the cartridge electrode and at least one of the first main electrode and the second main electrode, the third position being different from the first position, wherein the processing unit determines that the condition of the cartridge is new when, in sequence after the cartridge has been attached to the main casing, the electrical connection is established between the cartridge electrode and the first main electrode and between the cartridge electrode and the second main electrode after the electrical connection is interrupted between the cartridge electrode and at least one of the first main electrode and the second main electrode, and then the electrical connection is once again interrupted between the cartridge electrode and at least one of the first main electrode and the second main electrode.