Patent ID: 6808245
Filing Date: 2004-10-26
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A cartridge detecting device for detecting a state of a cartridge to be removably installed on a working device, said cartridge detecting device comprising:a passage formed within said cartridge and extending in a direction of movement of said cartridge for installation thereof on said working device, said passage having an opening open at one end of said cartridge in said direction of movement; a projecting member insertable into said passage through said opening as said cartridge is moved for installation thereof on said working device, said projecting member being movable in said direction of movement; a non-reversibly changing member disposed in said passage, at a predetermined distance from said opening, said non-reversibly changing member being changeable from a first state for a first relationship with said projecting member, to a second state for a second relationship with said projecting member, said non-reversibly changing member being unable to change from said second state back to said first state; a first detector operable by said cartridge when said cartridge is moved for installation thereof on said working device; a second detector operable by said projecting member during the movement of said cartridge for installation thereof on said working device; and a determining portion connected to said first and second detectors and determining the state of said cartridge on the basis of outputs of said first and second detectors.