| 摘要 |
<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of judging information above a developing cartridge while restraining a cost increase and complex configuration of the apparatus, and to provide a developing cartridge attached to the image forming apparatus so as to be freely detached. <P>SOLUTION: When a detection gear 82 is rotated in an idle rotation made upon attachment of a developing cartridge 28 to a main body casing 2, a display part 88 on a detection gear 82 is moved and passed through a detecting position, so that a first light receiving element 90 detects a light receiving pattern corresponding to the maximum number of sheets for image formation based upon a bar code on the display part 88. When the idle rotation is finished, the notch 87 of the detection gear 82 faces a toner detection window 38. Consequently, a second light receiving element 91 detects detection light transmitted from a light emitting element 89 to the notch 87 and then passed through a toner storage chamber 34. Thus, a CPU 100 judges the maximum number of sheets for image formation, which is allowed for the developing cartridge 28, and the presence or absence of the toner stored in the toner storage chamber 34. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI |
