DE19654281A1 - Image forming appts e.g. copier, facsimile, printer - Google Patents

Abstract

The appts has a toner existence detector that detects the existence of toner in each of the toner accommodation units. A warning unit exchanges the toner accommodation units based on the output of toner existence detector accommodation device. A judgment unit judges whether the toner accommodation units have been exchanged. If exchange has occurred, the toner is refilled in a developer, a recovery operation is performed by a recovery control unit and the warning signal of the warning unit that is input to the toner accommodation unit is terminated before completion of the recovery operation.

Description

The present invention relates to a copier, fax machine, printer or a similar image generation device or a similar image generation apparatus, which, for example, a rotary developing device direction used, which has a number of development areas and which according to and after the development areas moved to electrostatic latent images to develop an image carrier with developers of different colors.

Imaging apparatus of the type described include those with a Rotary developing device or revolver, as it is often called, to a photoconductive drum or a similar image carrier adjoins. The revolver points a number of development areas based on pre-selected positions are arranged within a rotating body. While latent images appear sequentially development of the drum, the development areas become sequential a preselected development position moves to the latent images with toner  to develop different colors. Store them in an image generation device Development areas of the revolver are usually black toner and Three complementary primary color toners, i.e. H. respectively cyan, magenta and yellow.

There is an increasing need for space-saving development these days Imaging device capable of a very small image forming device realize. The revolver is a means to meet this need. Around To save further space was a revolver, the tubes or pipes omits the toner cartridges, each of which stores toner of a particular color, and connecting development areas, and positioning the cartridges nearby of the development areas proposed. With this type of revolver, the Development area that stores the toner of a necessary color at which Development position stopped every time the color developed is switched. At the same time, the other development areas are closed spent a stop at a certain position. Refilling the toner from Each cassette to the assigned development area is opened causes the sections of the cartridge and the development area that adjoin each other, are provided. Because a single position for the above Opening is available, which is to be oriented so that the toner does not replace falls out of the cassette, only one cassette at a time or at the same time In case of refilling.

If any of the toner cartridges run out of toner, it will be replaced by a new toner cartridge replaced. After replacing the cartridge, a toner content in the development area that is assigned to or with the original salary be restored so that images with a stable or stable density can be trained, even shortly after the exchange. One again Positioning operation to restore the toner content was examined. To the Examples are a discharge lamp or an extinguishing lamp (QL for "quenching  lamp "), a main charger, a bias for development, etc. sequentially turned on to a preselected pattern for density measurement on the to form a photoconductive drum. The preselected pattern is replaced by a read optical sensor to feel density. The toner is repeated from the Refilled the toner cartridge to the development area until a reasonable one Toner content has been set in the development area. Then they will Main charger, the bias for development, the QL, etc. on top of each other off or sequentially, and the drum stops brought. The process from the rotation of the drum to the formation of the Density pattern is called the pre-rotation process. The procedure is the same from the formation of the density pattern to the realization of the appropriate Toner content referred to as the recovery process. The process of from the end of refilling to holding the drum as a post-rotation method designated. Both the pre- and post-rotation processes require each a period of time because they last until the surface of the drum steady state reached.

It has also been proposed to use a toner sensor device to determine whether or not the toner is present in each toner cartridge either directly or indirectly, and to use a reporting facility to to force the operator to replace the cartridge based on the output signal that needs to be replaced.

However, the conventional turret has some problems that have not yet been solved and are as follows.

[Problem 1]

The revolver is designed to allow only one toner cartridge,  located at the exchange position can be replaced. Therefore the Operator manually move the cartridge to the replacement position if the cartridge, which has reached a toner end state or a state near a toner end, is not at the replacement position in the case of refilling. Ins In particular, it is difficult to turn conventional revolvers by hand, so that a Realization or design is desired that is capable of being effective Refill to improve.

[Problem 2]

Assume that the restore operation is performed every time when a cartridge is replaced. Then the pre-rotation processing, the recovery processing and the post-rotation processing are repeated. If a plurality of cartridges are replaced, the above procedure will keep that Operator on the machine until replacement of the last cassette is completed, resulting in a low operating efficiency. Furthermore, such a method increases that by a large number of cartridges will cause the total recovery time and causes the operator to wait a long time for an image generation starts. Furthermore, it cannot be seen which cartridge is being replaced when the circuit breaker or power switch is turned on when any of the cartridges has been replaced while a circuit breaker is on the apparatus is provided is in its OFF state. Running the Recovery operation with all cartridges, including those that are not replaced are useless. This would also cause the operator to have a long time Period of time until the start of image generation must wait.

[Problem 3]

Assume that the aforementioned reporting facility ends a report  after the restore operation is completed. Then it's likely that the operator inadvertently or accidentally detaches the cassette from the same Development area is assigned during, for example, the recovery operation that follows the exchange is replaced twice because of a certain period between the replacement of the cartridge and the end of the recovery operation necessary is. This is especially true if the person holding the cassette replaced, leaves the machine and someone else uses the machine. On such repeated exchanges simply waste work. In addition it is likely that the toner is present at the section where the cartridge and the revolver adjoins, flies around.

[Problem 4]

Assume that any of the cartridges on the revolver are absent. Then it is likely that the rotation of the revolver will cause the toner to turn around flying around the section where the revolver is expected to hit the cassette above adjacent. For example, assume that the apparatus has a cover member that the operator can open and close to replace the cassette. Then the Rotation of the revolver for safety reasons or for safety operation stopped when the operator opens the cover member. If the cover member again is closed, the revolver can return to its home position be rotated or rotated. Alternatively, the revolver for recovery operation can be rotated while the cover member is open. In such a In the event the toner flies from the above section while the revolver is rotating around if any cassette is missing.

[Problem 5]

Assume that the cassette sensor device responsive to the cassette  is at a preselected position on a path along which the Revolver moves the cartridges, and that when the operator moves the cover member to Exchange opens, the rotation of the revolver for safety reasons or for the Safety mode is stopped. Then the cassette sensor device or the Cassette sensing device to work incorrectly. In particular, it happens that there is no cassette at the preselected sensing position above, though all cartridges are present on the turret when the turret is spinning out Security reasons is stopped due to the opening of the cover member. If the If the turret is stopped at such a position, the sensor device does not feel any Cassette, although all cassettes are present. As a result, the apparatus remain idle if the apparatus is operating on condition that the sensors are on direction the cassette feels.

[Problem 6]

The faulty operation of the above-mentioned sensor device also occurs when the turret is stopped due to the circuit breaker opening.

[Problem 7]

The recovery operation is based on a preselected criterion selected when it is determined that the cartridge has been replaced. Depending on The criterion is likely to determine that the cartridge be replaced has been replaced even though it has not been replaced, resulting in an unnecessary one Recovery operation leads. In particular, suppose that it was determined that the cartridge has been replaced if it is in the end of toner state or in a Condition near a toner end is when the cover member is moved from the operator to the Exchange is opened and closed. Then the recovery operation begins even if the operator simply opens and closes the door without the  Replace cassette.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an image generation device To provide the operator with a number of toner cartridges effectively replace.

The invention advantageously provides an imaging device that is capable of is the total recovery time in the case of swapping a number of toner cartridges.

The invention advantageously provides an imaging device that is capable of is to reduce the total recovery time even if one Toner cartridge is replaced while the circuit breaker or power switch of the Apparatus is in an OFF state.

The present invention advantageously provides an image generation device which is able to prevent a toner cartridge that has any development section is assigned, is exchanged randomly twice.

It is another advantage of the present invention to have an image forming apparatus which is capable of moving a cassette moving device thereon prevent work if any toner cartridge is missing.

It is another advantage of the present invention to have an image forming device that is capable of preventing a cassette sensing device from which is on a path at a preselected section along the a cartridge moving device erroneously moves the toner cartridges the opening of a cover member works what can happen while Toner cartridges are in motion.  

It is another advantage of the present invention that imaging is direction is provided which is able to prevent the above Cassette sensing device faulty due to circuit breaker opening works what can happen while the toner cartridges are in motion.

It is another advantage of the present invention that imaging is direction is provided, which is able to make an accurate decision on the To replace a toner cartridge.

In accordance with the present invention, imaging will be direction that includes a variety of development areas that are held or stored such that they can be moved together in one piece. A number of toner cartridges are each movable on the development areas attached, and each stores toner associated with the particular development area to be refilled. Only one of the toner cartridges that can be found at the preselected exchange position is interchangeable. Every search area searches after at least one toner cartridge that needs replacement. A movement device moves a preselected one of the toner cartridges to the exchange position. A controller, at the end of image generation, causes the search area searches for the toner cartridge that needs replacement and causes the Movement device, the toner cartridge that needs replacement, to the Exchange position moves.

Also, in accordance with the present invention, includes one Imaging device a number of development areas that such are held or carried so that they can be moved together in one piece. A Number of toner cartridges can be moved at the development areas attached and each stores toner belonging to the particular development area  should be refilled. Only one of the toner cartridges that are pre-selected interchange position is interchangeable. A color mode shooting area takes the input signal or the input of any of a variety of Color modes, each denoting a specific color. A search area searches after at least one of the toner cartridges that needs replacement. A Moving device moves a preselected one of the toner cartridges to the Exchange position. A control circuit causes when the color mode recording area receives the input signal of a preselected color mode that the Search area searches for one of the toner cartridges in the entered color mode to be used, and causes the moving device to the toner cartridge sette searched for or was searched for, moved to the exchange position becomes.

Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, includes Imaging device a number of development areas that are required or are worn so that they can be moved in one piece or integrally with one another. A number of toner cartridges are removable on the development, respectively areas attached and each stores toner that is associated with the particular development area to be refilled. A recovery execution area represents the toner salary from any of the development areas with a preselected one Toner level restored. After at least two of the toner cartridges have been replaced a recovery operation is ongoing with the carried out at least two development areas.

Other features that can be combined with each other go out of the following description of various embodiments. Otherwise to priority-based Japanese patent applications by the same applicant referenced, which are hereby incorporated into the disclosure. They are 7-351648 filed December 25, 1995; 7-353016 filed December 31  1995 and 8-20439, filed January 11, 1996 (attached).

The above and other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent now will be clear from the following detailed description, which is related with the figures. Regarding the figures:

Fig. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the basic construction of a printer in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system included in the printer of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a printer control device included in the control system of Fig. 1 in detail;

Fig. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing a relationship between an I / O (input / output) controller shown in Fig. 3 and edge units;

Fig. 5 shows an essential part of a printer area included in the printer of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is a timing chart showing a specific operation in which two black and white A4 size prints are output;

Fig. 7 is a timing chart showing another specific operation in which a single full-color A4 size print is output;

Fig. 8 is a timing chart showing still another specific operation in which a single full-color image of A3 size is output;

Fig. 9 is an area showing a revolver;

Fig. 10 is a region showing a toner circulation path formed in the revolver;

Fig. 11 is a side elevation showing toner cartridges removably attached to the turret;

Fig. 12 is a front view showing the internal arrangement of the toner cartridges and that of a toner supply container;

Fig. 13 shows how toner is transferred from each toner cartridge to the associated toner reservoir;

Fig. 14 is a table listing a match between a color located at a developing section and a target color to be brought to the developing section;

Fig. 15 is a table listing a correspondence between a color located at the developing section and a color located at an exchange position;

Fig. 16 is a flowchart representing a first embodiment of the present invention, showing a process to be performed at the end of an image formation;

Fig. 17 is a flowchart representative of a second embodiment of the present invention, showing a method for performing a certain type of movement depending on a color mode key pressed by the operator;

Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing a method included in the second embodiment for moving toner cartridges in a full color mode;

Figs. 19 to 25 are flowcharts showing respective methods show included in the second embodiment, the cassettes in a red mode, green mode, Blue mode, black mode, cyan mode, magenta mode, and Move yellow mode;

Fig. 26 is a flowchart showing a method of moving the cartridges in a full color mode and representing the third embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 27 to 29 are flowcharts showing respective process which are included in the third embodiment for moving the cassette in a red mode, green and blue mode mode;

Fig. 30 is a flow chart illustrating a fourth embodiment of the present the invention and shows a method to perform a specific manner of movement in response to the depressed by the operator color mode key;

Fig. 31 is a flowchart showing a method of moving the cartridges in a full color mode, which is specific to the fourth embodiment;

Fig. 32 to 34 show flow charts illustrating respective process which are included in the fourth embodiment for moving the cassette in a red mode, green and blue mode mode;

Fig. 35 is a flowchart representing a sixth embodiment of the present invention and showing a method of how to deal with the color mode buttons;

Fig. 36 is a flowchart representing a seventh embodiment of the present invention and showing a recovery operation;

Fig. 37 is a flowchart showing a homecoming operation included in the seventh embodiment;

Fig. 38 is a flowchart showing a process included in the seventh embodiment to effect the restore operation with a color that is in the restore position;

Fig. 39 is a flow chart which represents an eighth embodiment of the present invention and showing a method to colors at the end of the movement of the turret set or adjusted;

Fig. 40 is a flowchart showing a process which is included in the eighth Ausfürungsform to execute the recovery operation, when a power switch is turned on;

Fig. 41 is a flowchart representing a ninth embodiment of the present invention, showing a specific control procedure to be performed when a door is opened and closed;

Fig. 42 is a flowchart showing homecoming processing included in the method of Fig. 41;

Fig. 43 is a flowchart showing how to deal with an exchange detection flag included in procedure 41;

Fig. 44 is a flowchart showing another specific control method available in the eighth embodiment;

Fig. 45 is a flowchart showing how to deal with a turret move flag included in the controller of Fig. 44; and

Fig. 46 is a flowchart showing a specific control method to be executed in the eighth embodiment, when the power switch or power switch is turned on.

Preferred embodiments of the imaging device in FIG Described in accordance with the present invention. The execution shapes are realized, for example, as an electrophotographic color printer.

First, reference is made to Fig. 1 to describe the basic construction of the color printer. As shown, a printer (generally 10 ) consists of a printer 1 , a scanner 2 , a sheet feeder or a bank or a storage device 3 (hereinafter referred to as "bank"), a document feeder (DF for "document feeder") 4 and from a sorter 5 . The printer 1 performs color image formation based on an electrographic process. The scanner 2 transmits image data that are read from a document to a printer 1 . The bank 3 feeds the sheets to the printer 1 . The DF 4 feeds templates to the scanner 2 . The sorter 5 sorts the sheets or otherwise treats the sheets that are discharged from the printer 1 . In terms of overall configuration, printer 10 is essentially identical to a conventional type printer.

Fig. 2 shows a control system that is installed in the printer 10. As shown, the control system includes a printer controller 100 , a scanner controller 200 , a bank controller 300 , a DF controller 400, and a sorter controller 500 , each assigned to the associated portions of FIG. 1. A system control device 800 and a control panel control device 900 are also shown in FIG. 2.

The printer controller 100 controls an electrophotographic processing sequence and a sheet transport procedure. The printer controller 100 is connected to the bank controller 300 and the sorter controller 500 through serial communication using optical fibers, and performs control in response to preselected commands in unison with the image formation. The scanner control device 200 controls the reading of image data from an original and image processing. The scanner controller 200 is connected to the DF controller 400 through serial communication using optical fibers and controls a document feed sequence in response to preselected commands.

The system controller 800 controls the entire system of the printer 10 . The system controller 800 issues imaging conditions to the printer controller 100 and the scanner controller 200 in response to commands input from the control panel controller 900 . In addition, the system control device 800 controls the states or the status of the entire system and issues display commands or display commands. The system control device 800 is connected to various control devices via serial communication by means of optical fibers. The control panel controller 900 passes commands that are entered by the operator to the system controller 800 and displays the states of the system and messages in response to commands issued by the system controller.

The alignment or adjustment of image components of different colors and the alignment or adjustment of paper and an image should be extremely precise. In view of this, the printer control device 100 and the scanner control device 200 are connected to each other via an optical serial communication, so that sequence control can be carried out directly. A data bus is also provided in the control system, which enables image data to be transmitted directly from the scanner control device 200 to the printer control device 100 .

Fig. 3 shows in detail the printer controller 100. As shown, functions assigned to the printer controller 100 are performed by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102 , a RAM (Random Access Memory) "Random Access Memory") 103 , a serial communication control device 104 , a write control IC (integrated circuit or "Integrated Circuit") 105 , an LD (laser diode) control unit 106 , an I / O (input / output or "Input / Output") control device 107 and various types of sensors realized. These components of the printer controller 100 are described more specifically below.

The CPU 101 calculates and executes the contents of a program and controls the entire printer controller 100 . The CPU 101 searches for a toner cartridge to be replaced and moves a revolver to bring the cartridge to a predetermined replacement position in accordance with a flow chart that will be described. The ROM 102 stores a control program, while the RAM 103 stores and saves data. The CPU 101 and both the ROM 102 and the RAM 103 are connected to each other via a data bus and an address bus. The serial communication controller 104 exchanges commands between the scanner controller 200 , the bank controller 300 , the sorter controller 500, and the system controller 800 shown in FIG. 2, and connects the CPU 101 via a data bus and an address bus. The write control IC 105 controls the exposure, that is, the LD control unit 106 and a polygon motor 115 . The I / O controller 107 controls input and output between the various sections of the printer and the CPU 101 .

A fixing unit or fuser 160 performs PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) output to control a heater, not shown, based on the digitized output signal of a thermistor, not shown. A line power supply unit 170 performs PWM control on the output of a line power supply, not shown, based on the digitized output of the line power supply being fed back there. The AC power supply unit 170 provides a bias, namely a DC bias (or DC bias) and an AC bias (or AC bias) for development, as well as voltages applied to a main charger, a charge grid, a tape transfer charger, and a sheet transfer charger, which will be described later, should be created. An electrometer circuit or V sensor 180 fills the surface potential of a photoconductive drum, which will be described later. The output of V-sensor 180 is connected to an AD (analog-to-digital) input, which is contained in CPU 101 . An optical sensor circuit or P sensor 181 is responsive to the amount of toner deposited on the photoconductive drum. A phototransistor contained in the P sensor 181 supplies its output signal to another A / D input of the CPU 101 . The PWM output of the CPU 101 is connected to a driver device for driving an LED (light-emitting diode or "light-emitting diode"), which is also contained in the P-sensor 181 .

A main motor 110 drives a sheet transport system built into the printer. A drum motor 111 drives the photoconductive drum and an intermediate transfer belt, which will be described later. A development motor also drives 112 development sleeves, which are also described. The CPU 101 sends an ON signal and a half-speed signal to halve a rotational speed to each of the motors 110-112 . In addition, each of the motors 110-112 sends a constant rotation signal (locomotive) to the CPU 101 , which indicates that the motor has reached a target rotation speed. A turret motor 113 drives the turret with development sections, which will be described. The CPU 101 sends a four-phase output signal thereof to the turret motor 113 to bring a color required for development to a preselected development section. A refill motor 114 is used to refill toner from a toner cartridge to a development section connected thereto. The ON time of the motor 114 is controlled in accordance with the amount of toner deposition.

A marker sensor 150 senses a reference mark, which is provided on the intermediate transfer belt as a reference for color alignment. Because the output of the marker sensor should be extremely accurate in terms of timing, it is connected to an interrupt input (Int), which is contained in the CPU 101 . A turret home position (HP) sensor 151 is responsive to a turret home position, which is the reference stop position of the turret. The output of the HP sensor 151 is connected to another interrupt input (Int) of the CPU 101 because the output pulse must be switched while the turret is rotating.

Fig. 4 shows a relationship between the I / O controller 107 and various ver edge units. As shown, the I / O controller 107 provides its output signals to an alignment clutch (LC) 130, a manual insertion clutch CL 131 , a manual insertion pick-up solenoid 132 , a discharge lamp 133 , a solenoid 134 for selective Contact of the intermediate transfer belt, a solenoid 135 for lubricant application, etc. The I / O controller 107 receives the output signals of an alignment sensor 140 , a paper end sensor 141 for manual insertion, a paper output sensor, a black cassette sensor 142 , a color sensor. Cassette sensor 143 , a door switch 144 , which responds to the open / closed position of a door which is attached to the printer body or to the printer housing (hereinafter referred to as printer body), etc.

The essential arrangement of the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. As shown, the printer 1 is generally formed from a photoconductive drum or image carrier 11 , a turret or a developing device 20 , an intermediate transfer belt 30 and a writing unit or laser optics 40 .

Arranged around the drum 11 is a discharge lamp or an extinguishing lamp (QL for "quenching lamp") 18 , a main charger (CH) or a charger 12 , an electrometer 13 , an optical sensor 14 , a transfer lamp (PTL for "pretransfer lamp") ") 15 , a tape transfer loading device 16 and a drum cleaning device 17th The QL 18 scatters or clears charge remaining on the drum 11 after the image transfer. The electrometer 13 measures the surface potential of the drum 11 . The sensor 14 reads the density of an image formed on the drum. The PTL 15 lowers the surface potential of the drum 11 before the image transmission. The tape transfer charger 16 deposits positive charge on the tape 30 . The drum cleaner 17 removes toner remaining on the drum 11 after the image transfer. Both the drum 11 and the belt 30 are driven by the drum motor 111 shown in FIG. 3.

The inside of the turret 20 which contacts the drum 11 is divided into four sections or development areas 21 Y, 21 M, 21 C and 21 K. The letters Y, M, C and K stand for yellow, magenta, cyan and black, respectively. The developing portions 21 Y, 21 M, 21 C and 21 K hold or carry rotatable development sleeves 22 Y, 22 M, 22 C or 22 K. The sleeves 22 are each motor by the development 112 in Fig. 3 is shown driven. The toner cartridges (not shown), each of which stores toner of a specific color, are removably held in the development area 21 K, 21 C, 21 M or 21 Y, respectively. In particular, each toner cartridge is positioned in close proximity to the associated development section and is movable in a locked relationship with the development section. The development position assigned by the turret 20 is between the potential sensor 13 and the optical sensor 14 with respect to the circumference of the drum 11 . In Fig. 5, the turret 20 is shown so that its development area 21 K is at the development position, for example. The turret 20 is rotated by the turret motor 113 ( FIG. 3) in the direction indicated by an arrow C. The CPU 101 ( Fig. 3) controls the rotation of the turret motor 113 with a four-phase output so that a color necessary for development is brought into the development position. Revolver HP position 151 senses the home position of revolver 20 , as previously noted.

The writing unit 40 includes a polygon mirror 116 rotated by a polygon motor 15 , an f-θ lens 117 , and a mirror 118 . A laser beam emitted from an LD, not shown, is passed through a polygon mirror 116 and passed through the f-θ lens 117 , reflected by the mirror 118 , and then falls on the surface of the drum 11 from the main CH 12 is loaded. The position at which the laser beam hits the drum 11 is between the main CH 12 and the electrometer 13 .

Around the intermediate transfer belt 30 are the marker sensor 150 , a lubricant application unit 132 , a sheet transfer loading device 33 and a belt cleaning device 34 . The marker sensor 150 senses a mark, not shown, which is provided on the inner circumference of the band 30 and serves as a reference for color alignment or for the color overlay. The lubricant application unit 32 applies a lubricant to the belt 30 . The belt cleaning device 34 removes toner that remains on the belt 30 . During imaging, the tape 30 and drum 11 touch at the position where the tape transfer charger 16 is located. When two rollers 119 and 120 are shifted, the belt 30 releases from the drum 11 , as shown by a dotted line in FIG. 5. The tape 30 has a circumferential length that is greater than the sum of a maximum image size and the pattern area of the optical sensor (including a distance to the trailing end of an image and an edge of the pattern length). A tape cleaning solenoid, not shown, selectively brings the tape cleaner 34 into and out of contact with the tape 30 . Similarly, a lubricant solenoid, not shown, selectively brings the lubricant application unit 32 in and out of contact with the belt 30 .

An alignment roller 50 and an alignment sensor 140 are positioned upstream of the sheet transfer charger 33 with respect to the sheet transport direction. A conveyor belt 51 and a fixing unit, not shown, are located downstream of the transfer charger 33 with respect to the above direction. The alignment roller 50 and the conveyor belt 51 as well as a fixing roller, not shown, are driven by the main motor 110 ( FIG. 3). Furthermore, the alignment roller 50 is switched on and off by the alignment coupling or alignment claw 130 ( FIG. 4).

In the construction shown in Fig. 5, the drum 11 rotates in a direction A while its surface is uniformly loaded by the main CH 12 . The writing unit 40 scans the charged surface of the drum 11 in accordance with image data so as to form an electrostatic latent image thereon. The image data will be black image data in the case of single color printing or it will be yellow, magenta, cyan and black image data derived from a full color image in the case of full color printing. The latent image formed on the drum 11 is developed by yellow, magenta, cyan or black toners by means of the drum 20 to produce a corresponding toner image.

The toner images of different colors, that is, yellow, magenta, cyan and black toner images, which are sequentially formed on the drum 11 by the above procedure, are sequentially transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 30 one above the other. The tape 30 rotates in the direction indicated by an arrow B. The resulting composite image or full color image is transferred from the belt 30 to a sheet by the sheet transfer loading device 33 . The sheet is fed from a tray (not shown) or a sheet cassette (not shown) by means of a pick-up roller (not shown) via the alignment roller 50 . The sheet with the full-color image is conveyed by means of the conveyor belt 51 to the fixing roller, not shown. After the fixing roller fixes the toner image on the sheet, the sheet is driven out of the copier as a full color print.

The toner remaining on the drum 11 is removed by the drum cleaner 17 after the image transfer. Similarly, the toner remaining on the belt 30 is removed from the belt cleaner 34 .

An imaging sequence will be described with reference to Figures 6-8. When the timing to be described flowcharts that each of the developing regions held 21 Y 21 K at the developing position is assumed. "FGATE" that appears in the timing flowchart refers to an image data gate signal; while the image data gate signal is in its ON state, the image data is continuously written onto the drum 22 . Further, in the following description, the components shown in the timing flowchart are indicated by parentheses.

First, a single color imaging sequence will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Fig. 6 shows a specific case in which two black and white prints of A4 size (vertically long) are output.

After a start signal (a) is received from the system controller 800 , the CPU 101 ( FIG. 3) turns on the QL 18 and the drum motor 111 (g, b). When the start position (unloaded portion) of the drum 11 reaches a loading position assigned to the main CH 12 , the CPU 101 turns on the main CH 12 (h). Further, when the loaded portion of the drum 11 arrives at the developing portion, the CPU 101 turns on the DC and AC bias voltages and the developing motor 112 (i, j, k). As soon as the position on the drum 11 where the biases for developing have been turned on arrives at the tape transfer position assigned to the intermediate transfer tape 30 , the CPU 101 turns on the tape transfer charger. The above method represents the pre-rotation or the pre-rotation of the drum 11. If the color of the developing unit held at the developing section differs from a required color, then the turret 20 rotates after the DC and AC are turned on. Preloads until the required color has been brought into the development position. In this case, the method up to the rotation of the revolver 20 is the pre-rotation.

If the exposure position of the drum 11 has been loaded by the pre-ration, the drum 11 is ready to form a latent image thereon. The CPU 101 sends a lamp ON and a scanner start command (d) to the scanner controller 200 ( Fig. 3) to cause it to output image data after the above timing. When an image is scanned, the resulting image data is transferred from the scanner control area 200 to the write control IC 105 ( FIG. 3). The write control IC 105 converts the image data into exposure data and controls the LD control unit 106 and the motor 115 . As a result, a latent image is electrostatically formed on the drum 11 (e).

The latent image on the drum 11 is developed by the developing section 21 of the turret 20 to produce a corresponding toner image. The toner image is transferred from the drum 11 to the belt 30 through the transfer charger 16 . Before the toner image on the belt 30 arrives at the sheet transfer position, the CPU 101 turns on the sheet transfer charger 33 (o), with the result that the toner image is transferred from the belt 30 to the sheet. In particular, the sheet is stopped once when its leading edge abuts the registration roller 50 ( FIG. 5). The aligning clutch 130 ( Fig. 4) is turned on (r) with a timing such that the leading edge of the sheet meets the leading edge of the toner image at the sheet transfer position. The sheet with the toner image is conveyed to the fixing unit by the conveyor belt 140 ( Fig. 4) as mentioned previously.

If the CPU 101 determines that the transfer of the toner image from the belt 30 to the sheet is not followed by any image formation, it shuts down the transfer charger 16 . Subsequently, the CPU 101 turns off the main CH 12 when the position on the drum 11 where the tape transfer charger 16 has been turned off arrives at the main CH 12 . When such a position on the drum 11 reaches the developing section, the CPU 101 turns off the DC and AC biases for developing and the motor 112 (i, j, k). At this time, the CPU 101 conditions the marker sensor 150 ( Fig. 5) to detect the reference mark (c). After the marker sensor 150 has sensed the reference mark, the CPU 101 continuously or continuously turns on the drum motor 111 (b) until the reference mark has been brought to a preselected position. The CPU 101 turns off the QL 18 (g) at the same time that it turns off the drum motor 111 .

After the drum 11 has been exposed, the CPU 101 switches on the optical sensor 14 and the optical sensor LED (not shown) (f, l). Likewise, the CPU 101 turns on the PTL 15 (m) before the sheet transfer charger 33 is turned on. However, the CPU 101 keeps the belt cleaner 34 in contact with the belt 30 (p) and does not turn on the turret motor 113 ( Fig. 3) (q).

Figure 7 shows a full color imaging sequence. The part of the sequence that is identical to the sequence shown in FIG. 6 is not described in order to avoid redundancy or repetitions. In the following description, assume that a single full color A4 size (vertically long) print is produced.

The control up to the pre-rotation is the same as in the single color printing shown in Fig. 6. In the full color sequence, the color for development is switched sequentially during image formation. Assume that the drum motor 111 is turned on to rotate the belt 30 until the marker sensor 150 feels the reference mark (c). Then, the CPU 101 performs interrupt processing because the output of the marker sensor 150 is connected to the interrupt port of the CPU 101 . In the interrupt processing, the CPU 101 sends a scan start command intended for a first color (k) to the scanner controller 200 (d). After the developing area 21 K develops a latent image of the first color (K) formed on the drum 11 , the resulting toner image is transferred to the belt 30 . Subsequently, the CPU 101 causes the turret 20 to rotate (q) until the development area 21 C assigned to a second color (C) has been brought to the development position. After transferring the toner image from the drum 11 to the belt 30 , the CPU 101 releases the belt cleaner 34 from the belt 30 (p) so as not to erase the toner image.

When the marker sensor 150 feels the reference mark (c) again, the CPU 101 sends a scan start command intended for the second color (C) to the scanner controller 200 (d). After a latent image of the second color (C) is formed on the drum 11 , it is developed by the developing area 21C . The resulting toner image is transferred from drum 11 to belt 30 . Subsequently, the CPU 101 rotates the turret (q) again until the developing section 21 M assigned to a third color (M) reaches the developing position. This is repeated with a third color (M) and a fourth color (Y). As a result, the toner images of different colors are sequentially transferred onto the belt 30 one by one to form a full color image. Just before the full color image arrives at the sheet transfer position, the CPU 101 turns on the sheet transfer charger 33 (o) to transfer the image to the sheet. The sheet is transported in exactly the same way as in monochrome printing.

After transfer of the fourth color (Y) to the tape 30 , the CPU 101 causes the turret 20 to rotate (q) until the development area 21 K assigned to the first color (K) again reaches the development position. At the same time, the CPU 101 brings the belt cleaner 34 into contact with the belt 30 (p) to clean the surface of the belt 30 . As a result, the tape 30 is prepared for the next imaging. The end sequence or the end sequence is the same as that of monochrome printing.

Fig. 8 shows the case of a single full-color image of A3 size (horizontally long). In Fig. 7, one revolution of the tape 30 corresponds to the imaging period for a single color. In contrast, two revolutions of the tape 30 in Fig. 8 correspond to the imaging period for a single color because a time to replace or exchange the color for development is not available within one revolution. That is, the detection of the reference mark by the marker sensor 150 is omitted or skipped once for each color. The contact of the belt cleaning device 34 with the belt 30 and the image transfer to the sheet are effected with a certain timing for each of the sheets of sizes A4 and A3. As for the A4 size, the tape cleaner 34 is brought into contact with the tape 30 before the image transfer to the sheet, because the image can be fully picked up in the distance between the tape transfer charger 16 and the sheet transfer charger 33 . In contrast to the A3 size, the tape cleaner 34 is caused to contact the tape 30 before transferring the image to the sheet because the image cannot be fully picked up at the above distance and by a defective one Avoid image transmission that can be attributed to vibration.

Assume that an image is entered into the printer from the outside. Then, the image on the sheet can be printed on the sheet without sending a scanner start command to the scanner controller 300 and by writing data with the timing based on the output of the marker sensor 150 in a full color mode.

FIG. 9 shows the structure of the turret 20 in detail, while FIG. 10 shows a toner circulation path defined in the turret 20 . More specifically, FIG. 9 shows a section viewed in the axial direction with a front side wall 600 shown in FIG. 10 removed. Various components of the revolver 20 , which are positioned in front of a rear side wall 601 when viewed in the above direction, can be seen in FIG. 9. Fig. 10 is a sectional view showing the developing section 21 K by way of example and in a plane which indicates the center axis of an upper and a lower bolt 606 and 612.

As shown in FIG. 9, both the front and rear side walls 600 and 601 (see FIG. 10) each have a substantially disk-like configuration. The inside of a case 602 is divided into four sections by partitions 602-1 , 602-2 , 602-3 and 602-4 . The development areas 21 K, 21 C, 21 M and 21 Y are each arranged in the departments. In Fig. 9, the black developing region 21 K, the black toner and carrier is stored, as shown, be located at the developing position, which is opposite to the drum 11. The developing region 21 K follows the development region 21 C, the cyan toner and the carrier storing the developing region 21 M, the magenta toner and carrier stores, and the development area 21 Y, the yellow toner and carrier stores, specifically enumerated in the clockwise direction.

Because the four development areas 21 K- 21 Y are exactly the same in terms of construction, the following description focuses, for example, on the development unit 21 K.

The developing unit 21 K includes a small unit 605 K and a scoop 607 and a scraper 607 in addition to the upper screw 606 and the lower screw 612 . The small unit 605 K is fixed between a small front and a back side plate 604 (only visible in FIG. 9) and has a cylindrical development sleeve 22 K and a doctor blade 603 . A shaft 608 is positioned below the small unit 605 K and extends through the two small side plates 604 . Further, the shaft 608 is held by the front and back plates 600 and 601 . The small unit 605 K is rotatable about the shaft 608 with respect to the body. The small side plates 604 are each formed with a longitudinal slot 609 in their upper end portion. Side plates 604 are attached to front and rear side plates 600 and 601 by screws through slots 609 , respectively. In this configuration, the operator can loosen the screws and rotate the small unit 605 K around the shaft 608 so as to move the developing sleeve 22 K toward and away from the drum 11 . This enables the operator to adjust the gap for development between the sleeve 22 and the drum 11 .

As shown in Fig. 9, in the case of development, the stop position of the turret 20 is set such that the axis of the developing sleeve 22 ( 22 K in this case) coincides with the axis 611 of the drum 11 in the horizontal direction. This position is referred to as a development position or as a rule stop position, which is assigned to the turret 20 .

Fig. 11 shows the toner cartridges that are removably mounted on the turret 20th Fig. 12 shows the internal arrangements of the toner cartridges and those of the toner supply containers. FIG. 11 is a view seen in the opposite direction to FIG. 10. FIG. 12 shows the turret 20 as seen in a direction C of FIG. 11.

As shown in FIG. 11, the front and back side walls 600 and 601 and the development areas 21 K- 21 Y (only 21 K and 21 Y are shown) form the hollow cylindrical turret 20 in combination. The toner cartridges 621-624 , each storing K, C, M, and Y toners (only K and Y are shown), are positioned in the vicinity of the front end (seen as the left end in the figure) of the turret 20 . The cassettes 621-624 are in alignment with the developing regions 21 K 21 Y held respectively. In particular, the C toner, the M toner, and the Y toner, as shown in Fig. 12, are stored in the cartridges 622 , 623 and 624 , respectively. K toner is stored in the cartridge 621 (not shown in Fig. 12).

As shown in Fig. 10, toner refill containers 610 are formed in the front end portion of the turret 20 in the vicinity of the cartridges 621-624 . Because all of the toner refill containers 614 are identical in configuration, the top and bottom screws are labeled 606 and 612 throughout. As shown in FIG. 12, each of the cartridges 621-624 is connected to the respective storage container 610 , with its recess portion mating with an extension portion contained in the storage container 610 . When all of the cartridges 621-624 and reservoir 610 are assembled, the front end of the turret 20 generally forms a cylinder or part of a cylinder. The storage containers 610 are attached to a disc-like side plate, not shown, which forms a unit. As shown in FIG. 10, each reservoir 610 is connected to the turret 20 by a guide 640 covering the lower screw 612 . In Fig. 12, reference numeral 617 denotes a passage for refilling the toner from each of the cartridges 621-624 to the associated reservoir 610 .

Further, the cartridge ( 621 ) not shown in Fig. 12, which is held at the developing position, is in the first quadrant, while the cartridge 623 to be described is in the third quadrant. A cassette sensor 143 is positioned below the cassette 623 so as to sense a cassette that is brought to the exchange position. The sensor 143 , which is implemented as a reflection type photosensor, detects a reflection from a cassette if the cassette is in the third quadrant. The resulting output from sensor 143 is sent to CPU 101 ( Fig. 3), indicating that the cartridge is present.

How the toner is refilled from the cartridges 621-624 to the associated reservoirs 610 is as follows. Fig. 13 corresponds to the position of Fig. 12 and shows the movement of the toner from the cartridge to the reservoir. The following description will focus on the cartridge 621 that stores black toner, for example. As shown in FIG. 13, the passage 617 communicating with the cassette 621 and the reservoir 610 extend substantially vertically as indicated by an arrow 616 when the cassette 621 is in the developing position. The side wall of the cassette 621 , which extends toward the passage 617 , has a funnel-like configuration. Therefore, the toner stored in the cartridge 621 moves toward the reservoir 610 by gravity and fills the reservoir 610 . This also applies to the other cartridges 622-624 . The inner circumference of the wall of the cartridge 621 , which the toner touches, is realized as a smooth surface 618 connected to the passage 617 . It follows that the cartridge itself guides the toner to the inlet of the passage 617 due to the rotation of the turret 20 . This, together with the gravity that acts when the passage 617 is moved to its vertical position, allows all of the toner stored in the cartridge 621 to be used.

The conveyance of the toner from the toner reservoir to the developing sleeve is described, taking the developing area 21 K as an example. As shown in FIG. 10, a refill roller 613 is positioned in a lower portion of each reservoir 610 . The toner which accumulates on the refill 613 is driven downward in accordance with the rotation of the roller 613th Then the toner drips onto the lower screw or conveyor 612 through a plurality of outlets 626 formed in the bottom of the reservoir 610 . The screw 612 rotates the toner in the direction indicated by arrows in FIG. 10. Subsequently, the toner is discharged to the outside of the blade 607 through openings 627 formed in the blade 607 . Blade 607 vertically stirs the toner. The vertically stirred toner is scooped up to the development sleeve 22 K (see FIG. 9) and used for development.

During the development, the drum 11 or the development sleeve 22 K rotate counterclockwise or clockwise. A doctor blade 603 contacts the sleeve 22 K and regulates the amount of toner which is deposited on the sleeve 22 K. A screw guide 614 surrounds the upper screw 606 . The toner scraped off by the doctor blade 603 is partially inserted into the screw guide 614 and then, viewed at the front end, is conveyed in the direction perpendicular to the sheet surface of FIG. 9 by the upper screw 606 . As shown in FIG. 10, the toner conveyed by the upper screw 606 is conveyed to the lower screw 612 via an outlet tube 615 . As a result, this part of the toner is mixed with the toner that is replenished from the toner cartridge 621 through the reservoir 610 . In this way, the toner is stirred horizontally by the two screws 606 and 612 and vertically by the paddle 607 so that it is provided with a uniform toner content.

The four development areas of the revolver 20 are arranged at angular intervals of 90 °. In the case of color development, the turret 20 rotates counterclockwise to switch the color in the K, C, M and Y series. The rotation of the revolver 20 loosens the toner in the respective cassette and collects on the refill roller 613 ( FIG. 10).

In the turret 20 , the position for replacing the toner cartridge is limited to the third quadrant, as mentioned before. Because the opening (not shown) or the mouth (not shown) of the cartridge, which is present in the third quadrant, is directed upwards without interruption or without error, the toner, if it remains in the cartridge, is successfully prevented from flying up. For example, in Fig. 12, only the toner cartridge 623 located in the third quadrant can be replaced. An inner cover 630 (only the contour is shown in Fig. 13) is configured to limit the above exchange position. In particular, the portion of the inner cover 623 corresponding to the replacement position is removed and prevents the cartridge from being pulled out over portions other than the removed portion.

Fig. 14 shows a relationship between the color currently held at the developing section and other colors to be brought to the exchange position. As shown, assume that the K-cassette is in the development position. Then the C and Y cassettes should only be rotated by 270 ° and 90 ° to the exchange position, respectively.

Fig. 15 shows a correspondence between the color held at the development position and the color held at the exchange position. As shown, K is at the exchange position, for example, when M is at the development position. The revolver HP sensor 151 located below the revolver 20 senses the home position or the reference stop position of the revolver 20 , as previously mentioned. When the sensor 151 senses the turret 20 that has been moved to this home position, the CPU 101 ( FIG. 3) causes the turret 20 to stop when the K development area reaches the development position. Furthermore, by referring to the tables shown in Figs. 14 and 15, it is possible to determine how much the turret 20 should be rotated to bring a desired color to the exchange position or a color, that is currently in the exchange position based on a color that is in the development position.

In the above printer, a reference density pattern is formed on the drum 11 every time a preselected number of prints (e.g., ten) is produced. The optical sensor ( Fig. 5) reads the density of the density pattern. The toner is replenished to the developing section in accordance with the density read by the sensor so that the toner content in the developing area remains constant. If it is determined several times in a row (e.g. three times) by such a toner density control that the toner content is low, it is determined that the development area has reached a state which is close to the final toner state. Then, an LED, not shown, for the near toner end, which is assigned to the above development section, is turned on. Even after the LED is turned on, the development section is allowed to work a preselected number of times. Thereafter, it is determined that the developing section has reached its toner end state, with the result that a toner end LED (not shown) associated therewith is turned on. The printer then prevents printing and waits for the operator to replace the cartridge or to perform any preselected preparatory procedure.

Assume that any one of the cartridges reaches a state near the end of the toner or at the end of the toner when a printing operation ends normally, or that the last of a plurality of consecutive printing operations ends with the end of the toner state. Then, the printer rotates the turret 20 so as to put the cartridge that has reached the end-of-toner state or near the end of a toner in the exchange position, and then waits. This makes it easier for the operator to replace the cassette. This is also accomplished by referring to the tables shown in Figs. 14 and 15. Although the cartridge may be replaced for any reason other than when the end of toner or near toner end is reached, it is believed that the replacement is due to the end of toner or near end of toner state.

While the printer is waiting, at least one cartridge is in the end of toner state or has reached the state near a toner end, the operator opens the Front cover of the printer body, pulls the cartridge over the exchange position out, inserts a new cassette and then closes the door. After such Replace, the printer performs a recovery operation to restore the toner content in the development area, where the new cassette has been attached. Then the development area ready to work with the new cassette.

On the other hand has a revolver that only allows the toner cartridge to which is in an exchange position is replaced, the previously discussed [Problem 1]. In particular, the operator must then add such a cassette to the Move the replacement position by hand if the cartridge is in the end of toner state or in the state near the end of the toner, not at the exchange position located. Also assume that the operator desires only one cartridge exchange specific color. Then the operator, if the desired Cassette is not at the exchange position, it also goes to the exchange position move by hand. In general, however, it is difficult and inefficient Rotate revolver by hand.  

In view of the above, the printer searches according to the present invention a toner cartridge to be replaced and moved at the end of image formation or in In response to a command from the operator, the toner cartridge to the Exchange position.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention used to solve [the Problems 1] are described below.

1st embodiment

Fig. 16 shows a method which is a first embodiment of the present invention and which is to be executed by the CPU 101 ( Fig. 3) at the end of an image formation, and particularly a routine which is to be executed when a toner end condition or a state near a toner end has been reached.

First, the CPU 101 examines toners K, C, M, and Y in that order to determine whether or not any of them have reached a toner end condition (steps 201-204). If any of the toners KY has reached the toner end condition, the CPU 101 determines that it should be moved to the exchange position (steps 205-208). Then, the CPU 101 moves the revolver to bring the color that has reached the end of toner state to the exchange position (step 209), then turns off the power supply, motor, etc. (step 210) and ends the routine.

If none of the toners KY has reached the end-of-toner condition, the CPU 101 again examines the toners KY in that order to determine whether or not any of them have reached a near-end-of-toner state (steps 211-214). If any of the toners KY has reached the near-end state, the CPU 101 determines that it should be moved to the exchange position (steps 215-218). If the toner Y has not reached the state near a toner end (N, step 214), the CPU 101 determines that the toner M should be moved to the exchange position (step 219). This is followed by the same processing as in the case of the toner end condition. If none of the toners KY is in the toner end state or in the state near a toner end, the CPU 101 ends the routine after the toner M is moved to the exchange position. This is because the toner K should be brought to the development position in an ordinary end routine (see Fig. 15). The above method allows the operator to replace the cartridge that has reached the end-of-toner or near-end-of-toner state immediately after image formation.

The priorities assigned for the search order of K, C, M and Y are derived, among other things, from the estimated frequency of use. In particular, a black or a full color mode is predominant in an ordinary image forming apparatus. This is why the K toner cartridge is most commonly used, as long as all the toner cartridges have the same volume. As a result, the K-cartridge is most likely to have the shortest interval between the near toner end state and the end toner state or the interval between the end toner state and the prevention of image formation. In addition, the likelihood that the operator desires to replace the K-cartridge for subsequent imaging is greatest when a number of toner cartridges have reached the end-of-toner or near-end state. The colors C, M and Y are not used differently significantly. However, because the colors K, C, M and Y reach the exchange position sequentially in this order, as shown in Fig. 13, the colors K, C, M and Y should preferably be examined in this order in order to determine the time required to move the Minimize revolvers.

With the above order of priority, it is possible if a number of toner cartridges For example, the toner cartridge has reached the toner end condition urgently requires an exchange or regarding which it is desired that you is exchanged most frequently, compared to the exchange position first Move case where the toner cartridges randomly moved to the exchange position will.

In the illustrative embodiment, the CPU 101 examines the colors K, C, M, and Y in order for the end of toner state before examining them for the state near an end of toner, as mentioned before. It is therefore possible to move the cartridge with the least remaining amount of toner and with the highest likelihood of an urgently required replacement to the replacement position at the end of an image formation.

Furthermore, even if only the cartridge that has reached the end of toner state is present, it is moved to the exchange position. This enables it Operator to replace the cartridge before it reaches the end of toner state and therefore to repeat the image generation more often.

2nd embodiment

Assume that a printer is designed to allow only one toner cartridge to be replaced that is held at a preselected replacement position. If such a type of printer were to be operated with a toner cartridge that reached the end-of-toner state or near the end of a toner state and was not held at the replacement position, the operator would have to manually move such a toner cartridge to the replacement position. To solve this problem, the embodiment moves a toner cartridge to be replaced to the replacement position based on the color mode button pressed by the operator, as will be described later. It is noteworthy that the color mode buttons are provided on a control panel, not shown, which is controlled by the panel controller 900 ( FIG. 2).

Figs. 17 to 25 shows the specific on color mode keys Procedure for moving the toner cartridges. In the embodiment shown, full color, red, green, blue, cyan, magenta, yellow and black color mode buttons are available. When the operator presses the desired key of such color mode keys, the CPU 101 ( Fig. 3) performs preselected processing, selecting the cassette or cassettes to be used in the color mode.

Fig. 17 shows a routine for selecting a particular movement based on the depressed color mode key. As shown, the CPU 101 identifies the selected color mode (steps 301-307) when the operator presses the desired color mode key, and then starts the processing assigned to the color mode (steps 308-315). Figures 18-25 each show a particular processing or subroutine assigned to each of the different color modes.

As shown in Fig. 18, in the full color mode, the CPU 101 examines the toners K, C, M and Y in that order to see whether any of them have reached the toner end state (steps 401-404). If the answer to this decision is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines that the color reaching the end of toner state should be brought to the exchange position (steps 405-408). Then the CPU 101 moves the revolver until the cartridge of the identified color reaches the exchange position (step 409). If none of the colors KY has reached the end of toner state, the CPU 101 determines whether or not any of the colors KY has reached the state near an end of toner (steps 410-413). If any of the colors KY is in the near toner end state, the CPU 101 determines that it should be moved to the exchange position (steps 414-417) and then executes step 409. If none of the colors KY is in the toner end state or in the state near a toner end, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret (step 418).

As shown in Fig. 19, in the red mode, the CPU 101 examines the colors M and Y in that order to see if any of them have reached the end of toner state (step 501 or 502). If the answer to this decision is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines that M or Y that have reached the end of toner state should be moved to the exchange position (steps 503 or 504) and then moves the turret to match the above color Move exchange position (step 505). If neither M nor Y has reached the toner end state, the CPU 101 determines in this order whether or not M or Y is in the state near a toner end (step 506 or 507). If the answer to this step is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines that M or Y that is near the end of a toner state should be moved to the exchange position (step 508 or 509), and then executes step 505. If neither M nor Y are in the toner end state or in the state near a toner end, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret.

As shown in Fig. 20, the CPU 101 examines the colors C and Y in green order in order to see whether any of them have reached the end of toner state (step 601 or 602). If the answer to this decision is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines that C or Y that have reached the end of toner state should be moved to the exchange position (steps 603 or 604), and then moves the turret to the above color to the exchange position to spend (step 605). If neither C nor Y has reached the toner end state, CPU 101 determines in this order whether or not C or Y is in the state near a toner end (step 606 or 607). If the answer to this step is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines that C or Y that is near a toner end state should be moved to the exchange position (step 608 or 609), and then executes step 605. If neither C nor Y are in the toner end state or in the state near a toner end, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret.

As shown in Fig. 21, in the blue mode d 99999 00070 552 001000280000000200012000285919988800040 0002019654281 00004 99880ie CPU 101 examines the colors C and M in this order to see if any of them have reached the end of toner state (step 701 or 702). If the answer in this decision is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines that C or M that have reached the end of toner state should be moved to the exchange position (steps 703 or 704) and then moves the turret to the above color to the exchange position to spend (step 705). If neither C nor M has reached the end of toner state, the CPU 101 determines whether or not C or M is in the state near an end of toner, in that order (step 706 or 707). If the answer to this step is affirmative, then the CPU 101 determines that C or M which is near the end of a toner state should be brought to the exchange position (step 708 or 709), and then executes step 705 . If neither C nor M are in the toner end state or in the state near a toner end, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret.

As shown in Fig. 22, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color K has reached the end of toner state or near the end of a toner state in the black mode (step 801). If the color K is in either of the two states, the CPU 101 determines that the color K should be moved to the exchange position and then moves the revolver (step 802). If the answer in step 801 is negative, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret (step 803).

As shown in Fig. 23, in the cyan mode, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color C has reached the end of toner state or the near end of toner state (step 901). If color C is in either state, CPU 101 determines that color C should be moved to the exchange position and then moves the turret (step 902). If the answer in step 901 is negative, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret (step 903).

As shown in Fig. 24, in the magenta mode, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color M has reached the end of toner state or near the end of toner state (step 1001). If the color M is in either of the two states, the CPU 101 determines that the color M should be moved to the exchange position and then moves the turret (step 1002). If the answer at step 1001 is negative, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret (step 1003).

As shown in Fig. 25, in the yellow mode, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color Y has reached the end of toner state or near the end of toner state (step 1101). If the color Y is in either of the two states, the CPU 101 determines that the color Y should be moved to the exchange position and then moves the turret (step 1102). If the answer in step 1101 is negative, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret (step 1103).

As noted above, the CPU 101 searches for the cartridge that has reached the end-of-toner state or near-end-of-toner state based on the depressed color mode key, and then moves such a cartridge to the exchange position. Therefore, the operator who intends to use the cartridge that has reached the end-of-toner or near-end state and is not at the replacement position should only press the color mode key assigned to the cartridge. This frees the operator from manual operation and simplifies the replacement of the toner cartridge. This also applies to the other embodiments to be described.

Further, in the embodiment shown, the CPU 101 not only examines sequentially (end of toner near the end of toner) with the highest priority first, but also sequentially examines the colors in the order of priority (K → C → M → Y). This promotes efficient replenishment of the toner.

Specifically, the CPU 101 examines the K, C, M, and Y cartridges in that order for the end of toner state, and then examines them in the same order for the state near the end of the toner. When the operator presses the desired one of the color mode buttons, the cartridge that stores the least amount of toner is moved to the exchange position. This also applies to the other embodiments to be described.

Furthermore, the CPU 101 does not move the turret when none of the cartridges is in the toner end state or in the state near a toner end. This saves time and reduces the waiting time until an image formation is started, compared to the case where the revolver itself is moved in the above state. In addition, this extends the life of the revolver motor and minimizes noise. This also applies to the other embodiments to be described.

3rd embodiment

In the second embodiment, the CPU 101 sequentially examines the cartridges in order of priority based on the color mode key pressed. Therefore, the cartridge with the highest priority is brought to the exchange position at all times when any of the color mode buttons are pressed. For example, assume that two or more colors that the operator desires are in the end of toner state and one that is given a lower priority is already at the replacement position before the operator presses the color mode button. Even in this state, the cartridge with the highest priority is moved to the exchange position first. Therefore, the operator must replace the cartridge with the highest priority, then press the same color mode button again, and then replace the cartridge with the lowest priority. This undesirably increases the amount of time until the imaging operation is started. In view of this, the third embodiment does not move the revolver when the cartridge of the desired color and which requires replacement is already in the exchange position as described below.

Figs. 26-29 show processing that the CPU 101 ( Fig. 3) executes when the full color mode key or any one of the two color mode keys is pressed. The methods shown in Figs. 26-29 are subroutines belonging to the routine shown in Fig. 17.

As shown in Fig. 26, the CPU 101 determines whether or not any of the colors are in the toner end state when the full color mode key is pressed (step 1201). If the answer in this step is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color at the exchange position is in the toner end state (step 1202). If the answer to this step 1202 is affirmative, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret (step 1203). If the answer to step 1202 is negative, the CPU determines whether or not colors K, C and M are in the end of toner state, in that order (steps 1204-1206). If any one of the colors K, C, and M is in the toner end state, the CPU 101 determines that it should be moved to the exchange position (steps 1207-1209). If the color M is not in the toner end state, as determined in step 1206, the CPU 101 determines that the color M should be moved to the exchange position (step 1210). Then the CPU 101 moves the revolver to bring the color in question to the exchange position (step 1211).

If none of the colors is in the end of toner state as determined in step 1201, the CPU 101 determines whether or not any of them are in the near end of toner state (step 1212). If the answer in this step is negative, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret (step 1203). If the answer at step 1212 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color that is at the exchange position is in the near toner end state (step 1213). If the answer of step 1213 is affirmative, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret (step 1203). If the answer of step 1213 is negative, the CPU determines whether or not the colors K, C and M are in the state near a toner end, in that order (steps 1214-1216). If any of the colors K, C and M are in the toner end state, the CPU 101 determines that it should be moved to the exchange position (steps 1217-1219). If the color M is not in the state near a toner end as determined in step 1216, the CPU 101 determines that the color M should be moved to the exchange position (step 1220). Then the CPU 101 moves the revolver to bring the color in question to the exchange position (step 1211).

As shown in Fig. 27, when the red mode key is pressed, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color M or Y is in the toner end state (step 1301). If the answer of step 1301 is affirmative, the CPU 101 first determines whether or not the color M is in the toner end state (step 1302). If the answer in step 1302 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color M is at the exchange position (step 1303). If the answer in step 1303 is affirmative, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret (step 1304). If the answer in step 1303 is negative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color Y is in the toner end state (step 1305). If the answer in step 1305 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color Y is at the exchange position (step 1306). If the answer in step 1306 is affirmative, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret (step 1304). If the answer in step 1305 is negative and if the answer in step 1306 is negative, the CPU 101 determines that the color M should be moved to the exchange position and then moves the revolver (step 1307). If the answer in step 1302 is negative, the CPU determines whether or not the color Y is at the exchange position (step 1308). If the answer in step 1308 is affirmative, CPU 101 ends processing without moving the turret (step 1304). If the answer of step 1308 is negative, the CPU 101 determines that the color Y should be moved to the exchange position and then moves the revolver (step 1309).

On the other hand, the CPU 101 determines whether or not M or Y is in the near toner end state if neither the M nor the Y color is in the toner end state (step 1310). If the answer in step 1310 is affirmative, the CPU 101 first determines whether or not the color M is in the state near a toner end (step 1311). If the answer of step 1311 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color M is at the exchange position (step 1312). If the answer of step 1312 is affirmative, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret (step 1304). If the answer of step 1312 is negative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color Y is in the near toner end state (step 1313). If the answer of step 1313 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color Y is at the exchange position (step 1314). If the answer of step 1314 is affirmative, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret (step 1304). If the answer of step 1313 is negative and if the answer of step 1314 is negative, the CPU 101 determines that the color M should be moved to the exchange position and then moves the revolver (step 1307). If the answer of step 1311 is negative, the CPU determines whether or not the color Y is at the exchange position (step 1315). If the answer of step 1315 is affirmative, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret (step 1304). If the answer of step 1315 is negative, the CPU 101 determines that the color Y should be moved to the exchange position and then moves the revolver (step 1309).

As shown in Fig. 28, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color C or Y is in the toner end state when the green mode key is pressed (step 1401). If the answer of step 1401 is affirmative, the CPU 101 first determines whether the color C is in the toner end state (step 1402). If the answer in step 1402 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color C is at the exchange position (step 1403). If the answer to step 1403 is affirmative, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret (step 1404). If the answer in step 1403 is negative, CPU 101 determines whether or not color Y is in the end of toner state (step 1405). If the answer in step 1405 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color Y is in the exchange position (step 1406). If the answer in step 1406 is affirmative, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret (step 1404). If the answer in step 1405 is negative and if the answer in step 1406 is negative, the CPU 101 determines that the color C should be moved to the exchange position and then moves the revolver (step 1407). If the answer in step 1402 is negative, the CPU determines whether or not the color Y is at the exchange position (step 1408). If the answer to step 1408 is affirmative, CPU 101 ends processing without moving the turret (step 1404). If the answer to step 1408 is negative, the CPU 101 determines that the color Y should be moved to the exchange position and then moves the turret (step 1409).

On the other hand, if neither the color C nor the color Y is in the toner end state, the CPU 101 determines whether or not C or Y is in the state near a toner end (step 1410). If the answer of step 1410 is affirmative, the CPU 101 first determines whether or not the color C is in the near toner end state (step 1411). If the answer in step 1411 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color C is at the exchange position (step 1412). If the answer to step 1412 is affirmative, CPU 101 ends processing without moving the turret (step 1404). If the answer at step 1412 is negative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color Y is in the near toner end state (step 1413). If the answer at step 1413 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color Y is at the exchange position (step 1414). If the answer to step 1414 is affirmative, CPU 101 ends processing without moving the turret (step 1404). If the answer in step 1413 is negative and if the answer in step 1414 is negative, the CPU 101 determines that the color C should be moved to the exchange position and then moves the revolver (step 1407). If the answer in step 1411 is negative, the CPU determines whether or not the color Y is at the exchange position (step 1415). If the answer in step 1415 is affirmative, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret (step 1404). If the answer in step 1415 is negative, the CPU 101 determines that the color Y should be moved to the exchange position and then moves the revolver (step 1409).

As shown in Fig. 29, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color C or M is in the toner end state when the blue mode key is pressed (step 1501). If the answer in step 1501 is affirmative, the CPU 101 first determines whether or not the color C is in the toner end state (step 1502). If the answer in step 1502 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color C is at the exchange position (step 1503). If the answer in step 1503 is affirmative, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret (step 1504). If the answer in step 1503 is negative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color M is in the toner end state (step 1505). If the answer in step 1505 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color M is at the exchange position (step 1506). If the answer of step 1506 is affirmative, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret (step 1504). If the answer of step 1505 is negative and if the answer of step 1506 is negative, the CPU 101 determines that the color C should be moved to the exchange position and then moves the revolver (step 1507). If the answer of step 1502 is negative, the CPU determines whether or not the color M is at the exchange position (step 1508). If the answer in step 1408 is affirmative, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret (step 1404). If the answer in step 1508 is negative, the CPU 101 determines that the color M should be moved to the exchange position and then moves the revolver (step 1509).

On the other hand, the CPU 101 determines whether or not C or M is in the near toner end state if neither the C nor the M color is in the toner end state (step 1510). If the answer in step 1510 is affirmative, the CPU 101 first determines whether or not the color C is in the state near a toner end (step 1511). If the answer in step 1511 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color C is at the exchange position (step 1512). If the answer in step 1512 is affirmative, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret (step 1504). If the answer of step 1512 is negative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color M is in the state near a toner end (step 1513). If the answer of step 1513 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color M is at the exchange position (step 1514). If the answer of step 1514 is affirmative, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret (step 1504). If the answer in step 1513 is negative and if the answer in step 1514 is negative, the CPU 101 determines that the color C should be moved to the exchange position and then moves the revolver (step 1507). If the answer in step 1511 is negative, the CPU determines whether or not the color M is in the exchange position (step 1515). If the answer of step 1515 is affirmative, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret (step 1504). If the answer in step 1515 is negative, the CPU 101 determines that the color M should be moved to the exchange position and then moves the revolver (step 1509).

As stated above, the CPU 101 moves the turret only if the toner cartridge that has reached the end-of-toner state or near the end of a toner state is not at the replacement position when the full-color module is pressed or the two-color mode key is pressed. This avoids that, although the cartridge with the color to be used that has reached the end of toner condition is present at the exchange position, another cartridge that has also reached the end of toner condition but has a higher priority to the exchange position is moved when the mode button is pressed. This frees the revolver from unnecessary movement and reduces the waiting time until the start of image generation. This also applies if the ink cartridge to be used that has reached the state near a toner end is present at the replacement position.

4th embodiment

In the third embodiment, among the cassettes which are of the color mode ta keys that are pressed by the operator are designated, one that is to be replaced in Match color and toner priority examined. Therefore, each time the color mode button is pressed, the Toner cartridge with the higher priority is moved to the exchange position. Hence the lower priority toner cartridge cannot be replaced if the in the colors C and M using the blue mode, for example both in the End of toner condition or near a toner end condition, unless the red mode (M and Y) button that gives M priority is pressed. But when another color mode button is pressed for replacement, the color mode in the previous color mode. It is therefore likely that the operator forgets to return to the color mode after the cartridge has been replaced, causing an image to appear in an unexpected Color is generated.

In the fourth embodiment, when the color mode button identical to the already selected color mode is pressed, the cartridges to be replaced are moved to the exchange position every time the above button is pressed. Methods that are typical of this embodiment are described with reference to FIGS. 30-34.

Fig. 30 shows a procedure or processing for moving the cassettes determined by the color mode keys. As shown, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the selected mode differs from the already selected mode when the operator presses the desired color mode key (step 292). If the mode designated by the key is identical to the existing mode, the CPU 101 identifies the mode (step 292; 296). Then, the CPU 101 performs processing associated with the identified mode (steps 297; 300). It should be noted that if the mode is not in the blue mode (N, step 296), that is, if the existing mode is not the full color mode or the two color mode, then the CPU 101 executes a step 305. If the answer in step 292 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines the mode designated by the key (steps 301-307) and performs the processing assigned to the designated mode (steps 308-315).

FIGS. 31-34 each show specific processing to be executed in each mode as a subroutine belonging to the routine of FIG. 30. In the embodiment shown, the CPU 101 performs certain processing depending on whether or not the mode indicated by the pressed mode key differs from the mode already selected. The processing to be performed is identical to the processing shown in Fig. 17 when the designated mode differs from the existing mode (steps 308-315) and is not described further to avoid repetition. The processing to be performed when the designated mode matches the existing mode will be described with reference to Figs. 31-34.

Fig. 31 shows processing for moving the cartridges in the full color mode. As shown, the CPU 101 determines whether or not any of the colors is in the toner end state when the mode indicated by the color mode key matches the mode already selected (step 1601). If the answer in step 1601 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color at the exchange position is in the toner end state (step 1602). If the answer in step 1602 is negative, the CPU 101 examines the colors K, C, M and Y in that order to see if any of them are in the end of toner state (steps 1614 and 1605-1607). If any of the colors KY is in the toner end state, the CPU 101 determines that it should be moved to the exchange position (steps 1615 and 1608-1610) and then moves the turret (step 1611). If the color Y is not in the toner end state as determined in step 1607, the CPU 101 returns to step 1614.

As mentioned above, the CPU 101 brings the higher priority cartridge that has reached the end of toner state to the exchange position if the color is at the exchange position when the same full color mode key is pressed again.

If the color present at the exchange position is in the toner end state as determined in step 1602, the CPU 101 determines whether or not any other color is in the toner end state (step 1603). If the answer in step 1603 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color K is present at the exchange position (step 1604). If the answer in step 1604 is affirmative, the CPU 101 executes step 1605; if it is different, it determines whether or not the color C is present at the exchange position (step 1612). If the answer to step 1612 is affirmative, CPU 101 executes step 1606; if it is different, it determines whether or not the color M is present at the exchange position (step 1613). If the answer to step 1613 is affirmative, CPU 101 executes step 1607; if it is different, the CPU 101 returns to step 1614. If the answer in step 1603 is negative, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret (step 1616).

As mentioned above, the CPU 101 brings the cartridge with the next priority level that has reached the toner end condition to the exchange position if the color present in the exchange position is in the toner end state when the same full color mode key is pressed. That is, the CPU 101 determines that the user does not intend to replace such a color, but desires to replace another color that has also reached the end of toner state when the operator presses the full color mode key again, although the Color that has reached the end of toner state at the replacement position.

If no colors are in the end of toner state, as determined in step 1601, the CPU 101 determines whether or not any of the colors are in the near end of toner state (step 1617). If the answer in step 1617 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color present at the exchange position is near the end of a toner (step 1618). If the answer in step 1618 is negative, the CPU 101 examines the colors K, C, M, and Y in that order to see if any of them are in the near toner end condition (steps 1629 and 1621-1623) . If any of the colors KY is in the toner end state, the CPU 101 determines that it should be moved to the exchange position (steps 1630 and 1624-1626) and then moves the turret (step 1611). If the color Y is not in the toner end state as determined in step 1623, the CPU 101 returns to step 1629.

As mentioned above, the CPU 101 brings the higher priority cartridge that has reached the near-toner end state to the exchange position if the color that is present at the exchange position when the same full-color mode key is pressed again is not in the toner end state is.

If the color present at the exchange position is not in the near toner end state as determined in step 1618, the CPU 101 determines whether or not any other color is in the near toner end state (step 1619) . If the answer in step 1619 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color K is at the exchange position (step 1626a). If the answer in step 1626a is affirmative, CPU 101 executes step 1621; otherwise, it determines whether or not color C is at the exchange position (step 1627). If the answer in step 1627 is affirmative, CPU 101 executes step 1622; if it is different, it determines whether or not the color M is present at the exchange position (step 1628). If the answer in step 1628 is affirmative, the CPU 101 executes step 1623; if it is different, the CPU 101 returns to step 1629. If the answer in step 1619 is negative, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret (step 1616).

As noted above, the CPU 101 brings the cartridge with the next priority level, which has reached the near toner end state, to the exchange position if the color at the exchange position is in one Condition near a toner end when the same full color mode button is pressed. That is, the CPU 101 determines that the user does not intend to replace such a color, but desires to replace another color that has also reached the near-end of toner state when the operator returns to the full color mode key presses even though the color that has reached the near toner end state exists at the exchange position.

As shown in Fig. 32, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color M or Y is in the toner end state when the red mode key is pressed (step 1701). If at least one of the colors M and Y is in the toner end state, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color M is in the toner end (step 1702). If the answer in step 1702 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color M is present in the exchange position (step 1703). If the answer in step 1703 is negative, the CPU 101 determines that the color M should be moved to the exchange position and moves the revolver (step 1706).

As noted above, the CPU 101 brings the M-toner cartridge of higher priority to the exchange position if the color M has reached the toner end condition and if the color M does not exist at the exchange position when the red mode key is pressed again.

If the color red is at the exchange position as determined in step 1703, the CPU determines whether or not the color Y is in the near-end of toner state (step 1704). If the answer in step 1704 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines that the color Y should be moved to the exchange position and then moves the revolver (step 1705).

As noted above, if the colors M and Y are both in the toner end state and if the color M is in the exchange position, the CPU 101 brings the Y cartridge intended for the next priority level to the exchange position. That is, the CPU 101 determines that the operator does not intend to replace the color M in the end of toner state, but desires to replace the color Y which is also in the end of toner state when the operator presses the red mode key again , although the color M that has reached the end of toner condition is present at the exchange position.

If the color M is not in the end-of-toner state as determined in step 1702, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color Y is present at the exchange position (step 1708). If the answer in step 1708 is negative, the CPU 101 executes step 1705. That is, the CPU 101 moves the color Y to the exchange position in response to the operation of the key if only the color Y is in the toner end state but is not at the exchange position. Further, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the revolver if the color Y is at the exchange position, as determined in step 1708 (step 1707).

If neither the color M nor the color Y is in the end of toner state, as determined in step 1701, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color M or Y is in the near end of toner state (step 1709). If at least one of the colors M and Y is in the near toner end state, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color M is in the near toner end state (step 1710). If the answer in step 1710 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color M is in the exchange position (step 1711). If the answer in step 1711 is negative, the CPU 101 determines that the color M should be moved to the exchange position and then moves the revolver (step 1706).

As previously noted, the CPU 101 brings the M-cartridge of higher priority to the exchange position if the color M has reached the near-end of toner state and if the color M is not at the exchange position when the red mode button is pressed again and when no colors are in the end of toner state, but any color is in the near end of toner state.

If the color M is at the exchange position as determined in step 1711, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color is in the near toner end state (step 1712). If the answer in step 1712 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines that the color Y should be moved to the exchange position and then moves the revolver (step 1705). As stated above, the CPU 101 brings the Y cartridge assigned the next priority level to the exchange position if there are no colors in the end of toner state when the red mode button is pressed again and if the colors M and Y are both in the condition of a near end of toner, and if the color M is in the exchange position. That is, the CPU 101 determines that the operator does not intend to replace the color M in the end of toner state, but desires to replace the color Y which is also in the end of toner state when the operator returns the red mode key presses even though the color M that has reached the near toner end state is at the exchange position.

If the color M is not in the toner end state, as determined in step 1710, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color Y is in the exchange position (step 1713). If the answer in step 1713 is negative, the CPU 101 executes step 1705. That is, the CPU 101 moves the color Y to the exchange position in response to the operation of the key if only the color Y is in the toner end state but is not at the exchange position. Further, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret if neither the color M nor the color Y is in the near end of toner state, which is determined in step 1709, and if the color is not in the near state The end of toner is as determined in step 1712 and if the color Y is at the exchange position, which is determined in step 1713 (step 1707).

As shown in Fig. 33, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the C or Y is out of toner when the green mode key is pressed (step 1801). If at least one of the colors C and Y is in the toner end state, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color C is in the toner end state (step 1802). If the answer in step 1802 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color C is at the exchange position (step 1803). If the answer in step 1803 is negative, the CPU 101 determines that the color C should be moved to the exchange position and then moves the revolver (step 1806).

As noted above, the CPU 101 brings the C-toner cartridge of higher priority to the exchange position if the color C has reached the end of toner state and if the color C is not at the exchange position when the green mode key is pressed again.

If the color C is at the exchange position, which is determined in step 1803, the CPU determines whether or not the color Y is in the near-end of toner state (step 1804). If the answer in step 1804 is affirmative, CPU 101 determines that color Y should be moved to the exchange position and then moves the revolver (step 1805).

As noted above, the CPU 101 brings the Y cartridge associated with the next priority level to the exchange position if the colors C and Y are both in the toner end state when the green mode button is pressed again, and if Color C is available at the exchange position. That is, the CPU 101 determines that the operator does not intend to replace the color C in the end of toner state, but desires to replace the color Y which is also in the end of toner state when the operator returns the green mode key presses, although the color C, which has reached the end of toner state, is present in the exchange position.

If the color C is not in the toner end state as determined in step 1802, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color Y is present at the exchange position (step 1808). If the answer in step 1808 is negative, the CPU 101 executes step 1805. That is, the CPU 101 moves the color Y to the exchange position in response to the operation of the key if only the color Y is in the toner end state. Further, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret if the color Y is in the exchange position (step 1807).

If neither the color C nor the color Y is in the toner end state as determined in step 1801, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color C or Y is in the toner end state (step 1809). If at least one of the colors C and Y is in the toner end state, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color C is in the near toner end state (step 1810). If the answer of step 1810 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color C is at the exchange position (step 1811). If the answer at step 1811 is negative, the CPU 101 determines that the color C should be brought to the exchange position and then moves the revolver (step 1806).

As previously noted, the CPU 101 brings the higher-priority C toner cartridge to the exchange position if the color C has reached the near-end of toner state and if the color C does not exist at the exchange position when the green mode button is pressed again and when there are no colors in the end of toner, but some colors or any color are in the near end of toner state.

If the color C is at the exchange position as determined in step 1811, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color Y is in the near-end of toner state (step 1812). If the answer in step 1812 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines that the color Y should be brought to the exchange position and then moves the revolver (step 1805).

As noted above, the CPU 101 brings the Y toner cartridge associated with the next priority level to the exchange position if there are no colors in the end of toner state when the green mode button is pressed again, and if the colors C and Y are both are in the near toner end state, and if the color C is present at the exchange position. That is, if the operator presses the green mode button again even though the color C that has reached the near toner end state is at the exchange position, the CPU 101 determines that the operator does not intend to change the color C to the state of a near the end of the toner, but desires to replace the color Y which is also in the end of toner state.

If the color C is not in the toner end state as determined in step 1810, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color Y is present at the exchange position (step 1813). If the answer to step 1813 is negative, the CPU 101 executes step 1805. That is, the CPU 101 moves the color Y to the exchange position in response to the operation of the key if only the color Y is in the toner end state but is not at the exchange position. Further, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret if neither the color C nor the color Y are in the toner end state as determined in step 1809 and if the color Y is not in the near toner state, which is is determined in step 1812 and if the color Y is present at the exchange position.

As shown in Fig. 34, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the C or M is in the toner end state when the blue mode key is pressed (step 1901). If at least one of the colors C and M is in the toner end state, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color C is in the toner end state (step 1902). If the answer in step 1902 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color C is at the exchange position (step 1903). If the answer in step 1903 is negative, the CPU 101 determines that the color C should be moved to the exchange position and then moves the revolver (step 1906).

As stated above, the CPU 101 brings the C-cartridge of higher priority to the exchange position if the color C has reached the toner end condition and if the color C does not exist at the exchange position when the blue mode key is pressed again.

If the color C is at the exchange position as determined in step 1903, the CPU determines whether or not the color M is in the near-end of toner state (step 1904). If the answer in step 1904 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines that the color M should be brought to the exchange position and then moves the revolver (step 1905).

As mentioned above, the CPU 101 brings the M cartridge assigned the next priority level to the exchange position if the colors C and M are both in the toner end state when the blue mode key is pressed again and if the color C is present at the exchange position.

That is, the CPU 101 determines that the operator does not intend to replace the color C in the end of toner state, but desires to replace the color M which is also in the end of toner state when the operator presses the blue mode key again , although the color C which has reached the toner end state is present at the exchange position.

If the color C is not in the toner end state as determined in step 1902, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color M is in the exchange position (step 1908). If the answer in step 1908 is negative, the CPU 101 executes step 1905. That is, the CPU 101 moves the color M to the exchange position in response to the operation of the key if only the color M is in the toner end state but is not at the exchange position. Further, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the revolver if the color M is at the exchange position (step 1907).

If neither the color C nor the color M is in the end of toner state, which is determined in step 1801, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color C or M is in the near end of toner state (step 1909). If at least one of the colors C and M is in the near toner end state, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color C is in the near toner end state (step 1910). If the answer of step 1910 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color C is present at the exchange position (step 1911). If the answer in step 1911 is negative, the CPU 101 determines that the color C should be moved to the exchange position and then moves the revolver (step 1906).

As mentioned above, the CPU 101 brings the C-toner cartridge of higher priority to the exchange position if the color C has reached the end of toner state and if the color C is not at the exchange position when the blue mode button is pressed again and if no colors are in the toner end state, but any color is in the near toner end state.

If the color C is at the exchange position as determined in step 1911, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color M is in the near toner end state (step 1912). If the answer in step 1912 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines that the color M should be moved to the exchange position and then moves the revolver (step 1905).

As mentioned above, the CPU 101 brings the M cartridge assigned the next priority level to the exchange position if there are no colors in the end of toner state when the blue mode key is pressed again and if the colors C and M are both are in the near toner end state, and if the color C is present at the exchange position. That is, the CPU 101 determines that the operator does not intend to replace the color C in the near end of toner state, but desires to replace the color M which is also in the end of toner state when the operator presses the blue mode key presses again although the color C which has reached the near toner end state is at the exchange position.

If the color C is not in the toner end state as determined in step 1910, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color M is in the exchange position (step 1913). If the answer in step 1913 is negative, the CPU 101 executes step 1905. That is, the CPU 101 moves the color M to the exchange position in response to the operation of the key only if the color M is in the near toner end state but is not at the exchange position. Further, the CPU 101 ends the processing without moving the turret if neither the color C nor the color M is in the near toner end state as determined in step 1909 and if the color M is not in the near toner end state is what is determined in step 1912 and if the color M is at the exchange position, what is determined in step 1913 (step 1907).

As described above, assume that the full color mode button or any of the two color mode buttons are pressed when the full color mode or the two color mode associated with the above buttons is present. Then, the CPU 101 sequentially moves the cartridges that have reached the end of toner state through the near end of toner state to the exchange position every time the key is pressed. Assume that, in this condition, two or more cartridges to be used for the color mode selected on the key are in the end-of-toner state or near the end-of-toner state, and the cartridge has a higher priority at the replacement position. Then, in order to replace the lower priority cartridge, the operator should only press the button that designates a color mode that is identical to the existing color mode. This can be repeated until the desired cassette reaches the replacement position. Therefore, the operator can replace the lower priority cassette without pressing any other color mode button. As a result, the operator is prevented from forgetting to restore the color mode and an image in an unexpected color is formed.

5th embodiment

The decision included in the fourth embodiment to determine whether or not the color mode indicated by the key matches the existing mode is not essential. Alternatively, the cartridges to be replaced can be moved to the exchange position one by one when a preselected key is pressed. In particular, one of the methods shown in Figs. 31-34 is executed as a subroutine associated with steps 301-311 when one of the full-color mode keys and two-color mode keys is pressed.

The second and fifth embodiments can each with the first off are combined in the final toner state after a cartridge or in a state near a toner end at the end of image formation, and which brings such a cartridge to the replacement position before the operation is ended. The control in one of the embodiments 2 to 5 eliminates this Need for a mechanism to cause the operator to Moving the revolver by hand.  

6th embodiment

In the second to fifth embodiments, the cassette or the Cartridges assigned to the color mode will move if any of the Color mode buttons is pressed. It can happen that before the movement of the Revolver ends, another color mode button is pressed. In such a case the content associated with the key that is next pressed is in one Buffer memory saved and executed later. The problem with this type of Control is that when the revolver ends with the first move, it causes it is that he immediately moves again. As a result, the revolver when the Keys are pressed repeatedly, simply rotated over a long period of time without to allow any other toner cartridge to be replaced. The sixth Embodiment, the input on any color mode key is invalidated while the turret is rotating as described below.

Fig. 35 shows the processing performed by the CPU 101 ( Fig. 3) to control the inputs on color mode keys. As shown, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the turret is rotating (step 2001). If the answer in step 2001 is affirmative, the CPU 101 repeats a return (RET) loop. When the revolver stops rotating, which is determined in step 2001, the CPU 101 identifies the contents of a depressed color mode key (step 2002), and then moves the revolver (2003) accordingly.

This embodiment prevents the revolver from being stable for a long time Time period rotates and this prevents the operator from wasting time. In addition, the life of the revolver motor is extended while the noise is minimized because the turret does not make unnecessary rotation.

The first to sixth embodiments shown and described have  diverse, unprecedented advantages, which are listed below.

• (1) When imaging ends, a toner cartridge will be replaced should be searched for and then moved to a preselected exchange position. This makes it unnecessary for the operator to replace such a cassette position by hand and the operator is allowed to move it quickly after the To replace imaging.
• (2) When a desired color mode is entered, one to be replaced Cassette selected from the cassettes to be used in the above mode and spent on the exchange position. Therefore, the cassette to be replaced can be added to the Exchange position can only be moved if the operator chooses a desired one Color mode.
• (3) After cassettes to be replaced is sequentially selected in one Priority order sought. Therefore, at the end of an image generation or when a Color mode is entered, the cassette higher priority to the exchange position moved first. This successfully facilitates the exchange of the cassette.
• (4) When a desired color mode is entered and when one of the searched ones If there are cartridges in the replacement position, the cartridges are not moved. This avoids useless movement of the cassettes and reduces the waiting time until to start imaging.
• (5) Assume that after a desired color mode has been entered, the same color mode is entered again. Then every time the same Color mode is entered, the cartridges searched for and which are to be replaced, moved gradually or sequentially to the exchange position. The operator must therefore do not enter any other color mode and will be prevented from  forgot to return to mode; otherwise a picture would be in one unexpected color are generated.
• (6) If any of the cartridges face the exchange position any other color mode will be invalid. This prevents that a moving device is operated continuously over a long period of time when different color modes can be entered continuously.

The revolver, which is the type that only allows the cartridge to be replaced, which is at the exchange position, the previously discussed [Problem 2] as well. In particular, the operator can have two or more cassettes in this Do not replace the turret type with a single exchange operation. At two or To replace more cartridges, the operator must remove the front cover from the printer body open pers every time the operator replaces a cartridge, d. H. a recovery Positioning operation is carried out cassette by cassette. As a result, the Operator exit the printer until the recovery operation or recovery Positioning operation on all cartridges is completed, resulting in an inefficient Exchange leads.

In view of the above, the printer of the present invention does so Control by that when a number of toner cartridges are replaced, one Restore operation constantly performed on the development stages assigned to the cassettes as described below.

7th embodiment

FIG. 36 shows a recovery process, particularly a process that includes a recovery waiting mode and that is executed when the front door is opened and closed, the process being executed by the CPU 101 ( FIG. 3). Assume that the lighting of the LEDs indicating the status of the printer, the display of messages intended for the operator, and the input of the operator's commands are effected through the control panel, not shown.

When a number of cartridges are in the toner end state or in a state near a toner end, the CPU 101 determines whether or not any of them have been replaced when the door was opened and then closed. First, CPU 191 checks door switch 144 ( Fig. 4) to see if the door is in its closed position (step 2101). If the door is open, the CPU 101 determines the status of a door open flag (step 2102). If the door open flag has been turned on, the CPU 101 ends the processing; if not, it turns the flag on and then ends the processing (step 2103). If the door is closed, as determined in step 2101, the CPU 101 determines the status of the door open flag (step 2104). If the door open flag has been turned off, the CPU 101 ends the processing; if not, she turns it off (step 2105) and then checks the cartridge sensor 143 ( Fig. 12) to see if there is any cartridge in the exchange position (step 2106).

If there are no cartridges at the replacement position, the CPU 101 displays a message on the control panel warning the operator of the absence of a cartridge (step 2107). If there is any cartridge at the replacement position, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the cartridge is in the end-of-toner or near-end-of-toner state (step 2108). If the answer of step 2108 is affirmative, a toner end (near toner end) LED provided on the control panel is turned on. If the answer in step 2108 is negative, the CPU 101 performs a home operation, which will be described later (step 2109), and enters a normal wait mode (step 2110). The usual wait mode refers to a state in which the development areas are ready to perform development. Therefore, if an exchange wait mode is established in step 2113, imaging is prevented until the recovery wait mode has changed in step 2116 and is replaced by the usual wait mode in step 2110.

The home step 2109 to be performed by the CPU 101 will be described with reference to FIG. 37. Home processing refers to processing for identifying the colors of two toner cartridges located at the development section and the exchange position, respectively. As shown, the CPU 101 sets (resets and then starts) an error timer (step 2201). Then the CPU 101 sends a pulse pattern to the turret motor ( FIG. 3) to rotate the turret (step 2202). If the home position is not sensed before the error timer times out (negative or N, step 2203), the CPU 101 repeats the loop consisting of steps 2202, 2203 and 2204. If the home position is sensed before the error timer times out (positive or Y, step 2203), the CPU 101 outputs preselected pulses to stop the K development area at the development position (step 2205). Subsequently, the CPU 101 confirms the K and M development areas that are at the development position and the exchange position, respectively (steps 2206 and 2207), and then ends the processing. If the error timer time expires in step 2203, that is, if the home position is not felt even after the error timer time out, the CPU 101 executes turret stop processing (step 2208) and turret error processing (step 2209).

Referring again to FIG. 36, the restore operation will be described. If the cartridge present at the replacement position is in the end of toner state or near the end of toner state as determined in step 2108, the CPU 101 determines the status of a replacement detection flag (step 2111). This flag serves as an identifier to determine whether or not the cartridge has been replaced. If the detection flag has been turned on, the CPU sets a recovery for the color that is at the exchange position and turns off the end of toner LED associated with the above color (step 2112). Setting the restore for the color at the exchange position means means to set the color present at the exchange position as a color for which the restore operation to be written is intended. With respect to the cartridge in the near toner end state, a near toner end LED is turned off. The following description focuses on the end of toner LED.

Subsequently, the CPU 101 sets up the recovery waiting mode (step 2113), that is, it prevents the image forming operation of the printer body and causes it to wait for the cartridge to be replaced. The CPU 101 waits for the recovery operation when the recovery mode is set and then starts the recovery operation when the mode ends. Further, the CPU determines whether or not the recovery waiting mode has been set if the replacement detection flag has been turned off (step 2114). If the answer in step 2114 is negative, the CPU 101 executes the homecoming (step 2109).

After step 2113 or if the answer of step 2114 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not any color other than the color at the exchange position is in the end-of-toner state or near-end-of-toner state (step 2115). If the answer in step 2115 is negative, the CPU 101 ends the recovery waiting mode set in step 2113 (step 2116), and then performs the recovery operation with the color set in step 2112 (step 2117 ). After the restore operation, the CPU 101 proceeds to the ordinary wait mode (step 2110).

If the answer in step 2115 is affirmative, the CPU 101 displays a message on the control panel to cause the operator to determine whether or not to replace the color different from that in the restoration position exists (step 2118). The CPU 101 determines whether or not the operator made the above decision (step 2119). If the answer in step 2119 is affirmative, the CPU 101 rotates the turret until the next cartridge that has reached the end-of-toner or near-end state has reached the replacement position (step 2120). Then, the CPU 101 displays a message to cause the operator to replace the cartridge that has been moved to the exchange position. If the answer in step 2115 is negative or if the answer in step 2119 is negative, the CPU 101 performs the restore operation with the color designated for the restore, and then starts the ordinary wait mode operation (step 216 , 217 and 210).

The recovery operation performed in step 2117 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 38. As shown, CPU 101 performs a pre-rotation that forms part of the restore operation (step 2301). Subsequently, in step 2112 shown in FIG. 36, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color which is in the exchange position and which is set for restoration is K (step 2302). If the answer in step 2302 is affirmative, the CPU 101 performs the recovery processing for the K development unit (step 2303). Then the CPU 101 determines whether or not the recovery was successful (step 2304). If the recovery has failed, the CPU 101 turns on a K recovery error flag (step 2305). If the recovery was successful, the CPU 101 resets the K-toner end state (or the K state of a near end of toner) (step 2306). If the color present at the exchange position is not K (N, step 2302) or if the K recovery error flag is turned on in step 2305, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color is is at the restore position and is set to restore, is C, and then performs the same processing with C as with K (steps 2307-2311). This is also repeated with M (steps 2312-2316) and Y (steps 2317-2321). Subsequently, the CPU 101 performs post-rotation, which also forms part of the restore operation (step 2322). Finally, the CPU 101 turns on the toner end LED again, which is assigned to the color with which the restoration failed.

As previously mentioned, the CPU 101 constantly performs restoration processing for a number of development areas after replacing the cartridge, replacing the turret that is of the type that only allows the cartridge located at the exchange position will. Therefore, the user can leave the printer body after the cartridge that is present at the replacement position has been replaced. This reduces the time that the operator is bound to the printer body and thereby increases the efficiency of the operation.

In the embodiment shown, if any cartridge other than the replaced cartridge is in the end-of-toner state or near-end-of-toner state, the CPU 101 makes the operator decide whether or not to replace it. If the operator decides to replace the cartridge and commands an exchange, the CPU 101 sets the recovery waiting mode. If the operator does not want to replace the cartridge and commands the end of replacement, the CPU 101 clears the recovery waiting mode and starts the recovery operation. Therefore, the recovery operation is carried out only with the color of the cartridge which should be replaced at the operator's request, so that the time for the recovery operation with the other colors is saved. For example, if K is in the toner end state while C is in the near toner end state, it is desirable to replace both. However, it is more desirable for the operator to replace the K-toner cartridge as an immediate measure only when the desired number of prints is low or when the printing operation is urgent. Then the CPU 101 performs the recovery operation with K only and saves time.

The CPU 101 performs the pre-rotation and the post-rotation only once at the beginning and at the end of a continuous or permanent restoration process. Should the recovery operation or the recovery operation be performed at the end of the replacement of each toner cartridge, the pre-rotation and the post-rotation would occur between successive recovery operations. The embodiment therefore reduces the total recovery time and prevents the operator from having to wait a long time for image formation to start.

When recovery wait mode is set, recovery is in progress Operation performed after recovery wait mode. An image generation is prevented until the usual wait mode after the restore operation has been discontinued. This successfully prevents erroneous images. In particular is it is likely if an image is generated immediately after replacing the cartridge it is allowed that toner replenishment to the development area is not the current one Consumption due to repeated imaging can follow, which causes the LED for a near end of toner turns on again or reduces the image density becomes. In the embodiment shown, imaging can only be performed after the expected toner content in the development area again  has been manufactured.

During the embodiment, the recovery processing constantly with the Development areas whose cartridges have been replaced, they can Recovery processing with all development areas at the end of one Carry out exchanges without considering whether or not their cartridges have been replaced.

In the embodiment, the pre-rotation and post-rotation or post-rotation continue only once at the beginning and at the end of a constant recovery process causes. Alternatively, the restoration of each cartridge, the pre-rotation, recovery processing and post-rotation sequentially in it Order to be executed. Although this alternative scheme takes so much time needs, like the scheme that the recovery is performed every time, when a toner cartridge is replaced, it allows the operator to remove the Printer may leave shortly after replacing the cartridge.

8th embodiment

If any of the cartridges has been replaced while a circuit breaker is in operation on the printer is in its off state, then the Printer will not see when the circuit breaker is turned on later which of the Cartridges have been replaced. Carrying out the exchange operation with all colors waste time. The eighth solution is to solve this problem imple mentation a control such that when the circuit breaker is turned on, the restore operation is performed only with the color which is at the recovery position when the circuit breaker was in its OFF state, which is described below.  

Fig. 39 shows a process to be performed by the CPU 101 ( Fig. 3) to identify the colors at the end of the movement of the revolver, particularly the colors that are at the development position and the exchange position. As shown, the CPU 101 sends a driver pattern to the turret motor 113 ( FIG. 3) when a turret move flag is on (step 2401) (step 2402). Then the CPU 101 determines whether or not the movement of the turret has been successfully completed (step 2403). If the answer in step 2403 is affirmative, the CPU 101 turns off the turret movement flag (step 2404). Thereafter, the CPU 101 sets the colors at the development position and the exchange position (steps 2405 and 2406). These colors are written on the non-volatile RAM 103 ( Fig. 3). Even if the answer in step 2403 is negative, for example if the revolver stops moving due to an opening of the door, the home process or return process shown in Fig. 37 is carried out and all colors are allowed to be set will.

Fig. 40 shows recovery processing to be carried out when the printer power switch is turned on. Again, assume that the turret is of the type that allows only the toner cartridge that is present at the replacement position to be replaced. As shown, the CPU 101 checks the door switch 144 ( FIG. 4) after the circuit breaker or power switch is turned on to see if the door of the printer body or device is closed (step 2501). If the door is open, the CPU 101 ends the processing. If the door is closed, the CPU checks the cartridge sensor 143 ( Fig. 12) to see if there is any toner cartridge at the replacement position (step 2502). If there are no cartridges in the above position, the CPU 101 displays a message on the control panel warning the operator of the absence of a cartridge (step 2503). If there is any cartridge at the exchange position, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color at the exchange position is in the toner end state or in the near toner end state (step 2504). If the answer in step 2504 is negative, the CPU 101 executes the homecoming procedure (step 2505) and then sets up the usual waiting mode (step 2506). If the answer in step 2504 is affirmative, the CPU 101 turns off the toner end LED (or the near toner end LED) that is assigned to the color present at the exchange position (step 2507). Then, the CPU 101 performs the recovery operation with the color that is at the exchange position that was set in step 2406 of FIG. 39, that is, the color that is in the above position before the circuit breaker is turned off (step 2508) .

As previously mentioned, the color that is in the above position will while the switch is in its off state, identified when the color at the Exchange position at the time of opening the circuit breaker in the toner end state or near a toner end. The recovery operation is only carried out with the identified color. Therefore, the usual one Wait mode can be set up if a minimally necessary recovery procedure is performed even if any of the toner cartridges are replaced, while the circuit breaker is in its OFF state. For example, the usual wait mode can be set up if the restore operation with only one of the above colors will run, even if two or more colors are different in the end of toner state at the time the circuit breaker is turned on, because only one color can be replaced at a time. This reduces the overall recovery positioning time and prevents the operator compared to the case where the Manufacturing operation is carried out with all colors, has to wait a long time until imaging begins.  

In the embodiment shown, the recovery operation is performed on the assumption that any toner cartridge has been replaced when the circuit breaker was in its OFF state, if the color that is in the replacement position when the circuit breaker is turned on is in the toner end state or is in the near toner end condition. Alternatively, under the above condition, the CPU 101 can determine the status of the exchange detection flag (see Fig. 36) with respect to the cartridge present at the exchange position, and can only perform the recovery operation if the flag has been turned on.

The following advantages can be achieved with the eighth embodiment.

• (1) After a number of toner cartridges have been replaced, one Recovery operation steadily with a number of development areas executed. This allows the operator to exit the printer briefly after the cartridges have been replaced and this thereby promotes efficient Business.
• (2) The permanent recovery operation that only with the development areas whose cartridges have been replaced saves time otherwise is intended for the other development areas. This reduces the Total recovery time compared to the case where the recovery operation is carried out with all colors, regardless of the Change.
• (3) A preprocessing and a postprocessing or postprocessing, which in of the recovery operation are included once each at the beginning and performed at the end of recovery processing. It will unnecessary, post-processing and preprocessing between successive  Repeat recovery processes, making the overall recovery position time is reduced.
• (4) Image generation is prevented until the restore operation ends is. This prevents image formation during an unfinished one Restoration of the toner content is effected.
• (5) When the printer circuit breaker or power switch is turned on, the restore operation is performed only with the development area, that corresponds to the cartridge that is in the replacement position when the Switch was in its OFF state.

The turret of the type that allows only the toner cartridge to be replaced, the is in the exchange position, the operator can only use one cassette at a time Exchange time. To replace two or more cartridges, the operator must change the Rotate or turn the turret after replacing each cartridge. The rotation of the Revolvers can be automated by one or two different systems, i. H. a system that sequentially exchanges a cartridge, a recovery operation and the rotation of the revolver every time a cartridge is replaced, causes and a system that the exchange of a cassette and the rotation of the Revolvers with each cartridge and that after replacing all cartridges Recovery operation continuously or constantly with the exchanged Cassettes. In either of the two systems, or in the case of one Exchange or recovery operation to be performed if only a cartridge in the end-of-toner or near-end state a precaution can be taken such that when the door is opened and then assuming the restore operation is closed that the cartridge is in the end of toner state or in the state of a near the end of the toner cartridge. In particular, the end of toner information  or the near end of toner information along with the information stored for the cartridges in the end of toner state or the state near the end of the toner. In such a case, the printer is in one Standby state, with the information stored therein, and he will perform the restore operation etc. when opening and closing the door is felt.

However, sometimes it happens that cartridges are not replaced even though the door opened and then closed. Therefore it is likely that the Recovery operation and other operations are useless to what hinders the use of the printer if the printer is based only on the Opening and closing the door in the presence of the end of toner state or one Near toner end condition determines that a cartridge has been replaced.

In view of the above, the printer of the present invention determines that a cartridge has only been replaced if the output of the cartridge sensor 143 indicates a change in the presence / absence of a cartridge. Specifically, the printer indicates replacement by using the output of the cartridge sensor 143 and that of the door switch 144 , that is, only if the door is opened in the presence of the end of toner state or the near end of toner state, and then a cartridge is removed and then adjusted is or is determined.

It must be possible for a person to recognize the replacement of a cartridge. Otherwise, a person who is not the same as the person replacing the cassette tends has to replace them again. To solve this problem, Drucker shows the present invention replacing a cartridge after determining that a cassette has been replaced. This is accomplished in that a Toner end LED is turned off and everyone is enabled  Watch a cassette replacement.

Furthermore, the printer of the present invention stops the development area at the preselected positions and stops the mark of the intermediate transfer belt 30 at a position spaced from a preselected distance from the marker sensor 150 (return home) when the door is opened and closed. This enables the next image formation to be carried out accurately regardless of the stop condition. If the turret is rotated during the home operation to stop the development areas at their preselected positions, the toner remaining at the portion where the turret and the cartridge are adjacent to each other is likely to be thrown around . In view of this, the printer does not move the revolver in accordance with the present invention, ie, it does not perform the homecoming operation or the recovery operation if the printer determines that a cartridge is absent. The printer simply indicates the absence of a cassette and urges the operator to insert the cassette.

An embodiment designed to solve [Problems 3] to [Problem 7] previously have been discussed, will be described later.

9th embodiment

Fig. 41 shows a certain control which stands for a ninth embodiment of the present invention and which is executed by the CPU 101 when the door is opened and closed. As shown, CPU 101 checks the output of door switch 144 ( FIG. 4) to see if the door of the printer body is closed (step 2601). If the door is open, the CPU 101 determines the status of a door open flag (step 2602). If the door open flag has been turned on, the CPU 101 ends the routine. If the door is closed, as determined in step 2601, the CPU 101 determines the status of the door open flag (step 2604). If the door open flag has been turned off, the CPU 101 ends the routine. If the door open flag has been turned on, the CPU 101 turns it off (step 2605) and then checks the output of the cartridge sensor 143 ( Fig. 12) to see if a cartridge is present at the exchange position (step 2606).

If the answer to step 2606 is negative, the CPU 101 displays the absence of a cartridge on the control panel (step 2607). If the answer of step 2606 is affirmative, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the cartridge present at the exchange position is in a toner end state or in a near toner end state (step 2608). It is noteworthy that the toner end LED (or near toner end LED) assigned to the color of the cartridge has been turned on if the cartridge is in the toner end state or near a toner end state at the exchange position. If the cartridge is not in the toner end state or near toner end state at the exchange position, the CPU 101 executes a homecoming procedure to be described (step 2609), and then ends the routine.

The homecoming process to be performed in step 2609 above will be described with reference to FIG. 42. This procedure is carried out to specify the colors to be in the development position and the exchange position. As shown, the CPU 101 sets (resets and starts) an error timer (step 2701) and then sends a pulse pattern to the turret motor ( Fig. 3) to rotate the turret (step 2702). If the home position is not sensed (N, step 2704) before the error timer time expires (N, step 2703), the CPU 101 executes the loop consisting of steps 2702, 2703 and 2704. If the home position is sensed (Y, step 2704) before the error timer time expires, the CPU 101 outputs a preselected pulse to stop the K development area at the development position (step 2705). Then, the CPU 101 confirms the K development area and M development area, which are respectively at the development position and the exchange position (steps 2706 and 2707), and ends the routine. However, the CPU 101 stops powering the turret motor 113 ( Fig. 3) (step 2708) and performs turret error processing (step 2709) if the error timer time in step 2703 has expired, that is, if the home position has not advanced the time-out of the timer is felt.

Referring back to Fig. 41, the CPU 101 determines the status of the replacement confirmation flag (step 2611) if the cartridge at the replacement position is in the end of toner state or near the end of toner state (Y, step 2608). This flag represents an identifier that shows whether or not a cartridge has been replaced, as noted previously. The CPU 101 turns on the confirmation flag when the output of the cassette sensor 143 indicates a change in the presence / absence of a cassette, which will be described with reference to FIG. 43.

As shown in Fig. 43, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a cartridge presence flag has been turned on (step 2802) if a cartridge is absent (N, step 2801). If the cartridge presence flag has been turned off, the CPU 101 ends the routine. If the flag has been turned on, the CPU 101 turns it off and then ends the routine (step 2804). Subsequently, as long as the cartridge is not yet attached to the printer, the CPU 101 determines that a cartridge is absent at step 2801, determines that the cartridge presence flag has been turned off (step 2803), and ends the Routine. If the CPU 101 determines that a cartridge attached to the printer is present (Y, step 2801), the CPU 101 turns on the cartridge presence flag and the detection flag (steps 2805 and 2806). Thereafter, the CPU 101 determines as long as the cartridge has not been pulled out that a cartridge is present in step 2801, determines that the cartridge presence flag has been turned on in step 2802, and ends the routine.

As shown in Fig. 41, the CPU 101 turns off the toner end LED assigned to the color present at the exchange position (step 2611) if the exchange detection flag has been turned on, as in step 2610 is determined, and then performs the color restore operation at the exchange position (step 2612). It is also noteworthy that the CPU 101 turns off the near toner end LED if the color cartridge located at the replacement position is in the near toner end state. However, the following description focuses on the toner end LED.

If the exchange confirmation flag has been turned off, as determined in step 2611, the CPU 101 executes the homecoming procedure and then ends the routine.

As shown in Fig. 42, the exchange detection flag is used, which is turned on upon the change of the presence / absence of a cassette indicated by the output of the cassette sensor 143 . The CPU 101 determines that the cartridge has been replaced when the presence / absence changes. Therefore, the CPU 101 does not determine that the cartridge has been replaced when the operator opens or closes the door without replacing any cartridge.

As shown in steps 2610 to 2612 of Fig. 41, the CPU 101 turns off the toner end LED assigned to the color at the replacement position after it is determined that the cartridge has been replaced, and starts it Recovery operation. This prevents the same cartridge from being replaced repeatedly as compared to the case where the above LED is constantly on during the recovery operation and then turned off.

If the CPU 101 determines that a cartridge is absent in step 2606 of FIG. 41, it indicates the absence of a cartridge on the control panel and then ends the routine (step 2607), ie, does not proceed to returning to step 2609 or to restore step 2612. This prevents the revolver from rotating and thereby prevents the toner remaining at the portion of the revolver that is adjacent to the cartridge from flying around.

The cassette sensor or reflection type photosensor 143 is at the position where the cassette is to be replaced. The problem with this type of sensor 143 is that when the gap occurs between adjacent cartridges, sensor 143 determines that a cartridge is absent due to the absence of reflection. Assume that the turret stops at a position where the sensor 143 faces the above gap due to, for example, accidental opening of the door. Then sensor 143 determines that a cartridge is absent when the door is closed again. In this state, the CPU 101 is likely to determine in step 2606 of Fig. 41 that a cartridge is absent, to indicate the absence of a cartridge on the control panel, and to end the routine (step 2607).

It is therefore preferable to determine whether the turret has stopped while it is rotating, or whether it has stopped at a regular position when the door is closed, and to neglect the output of sensor 143 if that The revolver has stopped during a rotation. This successfully prevents the turret from rotating based on the output of the sensor 143 . In the embodiment shown, the inner cover 630 is configured so that the position of the revolver that is held in a holding state deviates even slightly from the exchange position, the inner cover 630 prevents the cartridge from being pulled out. Therefore, cartridges cannot be pulled out if the turret stops while it is rotating. As a result, the rotation of the revolver takes place under the above condition with all cartridges fixed at all times, thereby preventing toner from flying around.

Fig. 44 shows a particular method for determining whether the turret has stopped while it is rotating or whether it has stopped at a regular position. This method is similar to the method of FIG. 41 with the exception of an additional decision step 2905 a, which is indicated by a dash-dotted border or box. If the CPU 101 determines that the turret has stopped at the regular position, that is, that the turret movement flag has been turned off (step 2905a), it proceeds to step 1906 as in Fig. 41. If the CPU 101 determines that the turret has stopped while it is rotating, that is, the turret movement flag is on (step 2905a), it determines that a cartridge is present and proceeds to step 2908 where step 2906 is skipped.

The above turret movement flag is turned on and off by a certain method shown in FIG. 45. The process that is described is carried out by the CPU 101 at the start of the rotation of the turret. As shown, the CPU 101 turns on the turret movement flag at the start of the rotation of the turret (step 3001) and sends a driver pattern to the turret motor 113 (step 3002). Then the CPU 101 determines whether or not the movement of the revolver has ended normally (step 3003). If the answer of step 3003 is affirmative, the CPU 101 turns off the above flag (step 3004). At this time, the colors are written to RAM 103 ( Fig. 3). If the answer of step 3003 is negative, for example if the revolver has stopped due to a random opening of the door, the CPU 101 immediately ends the process. This maintains that the turret move flag is off. Therefore, when the door is closed, the 27636 00070 552 001000280000000200012000285912752500040 0002019654281 00004 27517 CPU 101 can determine whether the turret has stopped in its regular position or whether it has stopped while it is rotating by telling the status of the turret. Movement flags are referenced.

The turret stops while it is rotating, not only when the door is opened during imaging, but also when the printer circuit breaker is opened during imaging. This also tends to cause the CPU 101 to determine whether a cartridge is absent after the circuit breaker is turned on, and this keeps the printer idle. Fig. 46 shows a particular method to overcome this problem.

As shown in FIG. 46, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the door of the printer body is closed by referring to the output of the door switch 144 ( FIG. 4) when the power switch is turned on (step 3101). If the door is open, the CPU 101 ends the process. If the door is closed, the CPU 101 refers to the turret movement flag. In this particular method, data relating to the status of the turret movement flag is written into the RAM 103 ( Fig. 3) to hold it even when the circuit breaker is turned off. If the above flag has been turned off, that is, if the revolver has stopped at its regular position, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a cartridge is present (step 3103). If the flag has been turned on, that is, if the turret has stopped while it is rotating, the CPU 101 determines that a cartridge is present and then executes step 3105, skipping step 3103. In step 3105, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color at the exchange position is in the end of toner state or the near end of toner state.

In step 3103, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a cartridge is present at the exchange position by referring to the output of the cartridge sensor 143 ( Fig. 12) (step 3102). If a cartridge is absent from the exchange position, the CPU 101 displays the absence of a cartridge on the control panel (step 3104). If the cartridge is present, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the color at the exchange position is in the end of toner state or a near end of toner state (step 3105).

If the color at the exchange position is not in the end-of-toner state or near-end-of-toner state, which is determined in step 3105, the CPU 101 executes the return process (step 3106) and then ends the routine. If the color at the replacement position is in the toner end state or near a toner end state, the CPU 101 turns off the toner end LED (or the near toner end LED) associated with the color (step 3107), and then executes it Restore operation with the color that is at the exchange position, that is, the color that is at the exchange position before the circuit breaker is turned off (step 3108).

In the embodiment shown, the CPU 101 executes the recovery operation if the color at the replacement position is in the end-of-toner state or near-end-of-toner state when the switch is turned on, assuming that a cartridge has been replaced during the circuit breaker has been turned off. Alternatively, the CPU 101 may additionally refer to the exchange detection flag (see FIG. 41) regarding the cartridge of the color located at the exchange position and only perform the recovery operation if the flag has been turned on. In this case, the data related to the exchange detection flag is written into the RAM 103 in the same manner as the data related to the turret movement flag.

When the particular method shown in FIG. 44 or 46 is adopted, the turret movement flag kept in its ON state can be turned off when the turret rotates due to the homecoming or recovery processing ends normally.

The following advantages can be achieved with the above embodiment.

• (1) A device that urges the operator to replace a toner cartridge ends the operator's urging to replace a toner cartridge without touching the Waiting for the end of a restore operation each time it is determined that a cassette has been replaced. This prevents a cassette from getting one Development stage is assigned, is replaced repeatedly.
• (2) While a cassette is absent, a moving device becomes Moving the cassette prevented from operating. This prevents movement direction works while a cassette is absent. Otherwise, toner would do so tend to fly around a portion where the cartridge contacts a toner outlet adjacent.
• (3) When a door or cover member is closed, and if the cassettes while they are rotating, have stopped what is based on a Information stored in a storage device is determined Output of the cassette sensor device, which responds to the closing door,  neglected. Therefore, control based on the output of the Sensor device avoided, even if there are no cartridges in front selected position that is assigned to the cassette sensor device, although all of the toner containers are present, i. i.e. if that Output signal of the cassette sensor device is faulty.
• (4) Assume that when a circuit breaker is turned on based on the above information is determined to have been turned off while the above movement just took place. Then the output signal of the cassette scanners soreinrichtung that appears in the above position of the cassettes neglected. Therefore, control based on the output signal of the sensor will be direction avoided or superfluous, even if there are no cassettes in the preselected position assigned to the cassette sensor device, although all the toner containers are present, i. H. even if the output signal of the Cassette sensor device is faulty.
• (5) Whether or not the cassette has been replaced is determined on the basis of a Change in the presence / absence of the cassette determined by the Output signal of the cassette sensor device is shown. This prevents it is determined that the cassette has been removed when the operator opens the door and closes without replacing any cassette.

The invention can be summarized, for example, as follows:
In an image forming device, a rotary developing device or a revolver has a number of developing areas, each of which stores therein a developer of a certain color. The turret is rotatable to sequentially move the development areas to a preselected development position so as to develop toner images which are sequentially formed on an image carrier. Toner cartridges are removably attached to each development area. Only one of the cartridges that is in a preselected replacement position can be pulled out and replaced. A toner cartridge is prevented from being inadvertently attached to a development area which is at the replacement position and whose cartridge has already been replaced.

Reference list

Fig. 1
4 document feeder or DF
2 scanners
5 sorters
1 printer
3 bank

Fig. 2
400 DF control device
200 scanner control device
800 system control device
900 control panel control device
100 pressure control device
300 bank tax facility
500 sorter control device

Fig. 3
160 melting device
170 AC power supply
180 V sensor
181 P sensor
150 marker sensor
151 Revolver HP sensor
800 system control device
200 scanner control device
300 bank tax facility
500 sorter control device
104 Control device for serial communication
105 Write control IC
106 LD control device
107 I / O controller

Fig. 4
107 I / O controller
140 alignment sensor
141 End sensor related to manual paper
142 K cassette sensor
143 ink cartridge sensor
144 door switches

Fig. 6
6-1 start (a)
6-2 drum motor (b)
6-3 marker detection (c)
6-4 samples (d)
6-5 FGATE (e)
6-6 P-sensor (f)
6-7 QL (g)
6-8 main CH (h)
6-9 DC bias (i)
6-10 AC bias (j)
6-11 development motor (k)
6-12 P-sensor LED ( l )
6-13 PTL (m)
6-14 tape transfer device (s)
6-15 sheet transfer (o)
6-16 belt cleaning device (p)
6-17 turret motor (q)
6-18 Alignment Claw (r)

Fig. 7
7-1 start (a)
7-2 drum motor (b)
7-3 marker detection (c)
7-4 samples (d)
7-5 FGATE (e)
7-6 P-sensor (f)
7-7 QL (g)
7-8 main CH (h)
7-9 DC bias (i)
7-10 AC bias (j)
7-11 development motor (k)
7-12 P-sensor LED (l)
7-13 PTL (m)
7-14 tape transfer device (s)
7-15 sheet transfer (o)
7-16 belt cleaning device (p)
7-17 turret motor (q)
7-18 Alignment Claw (r)

Fig. 8
8-1 start (a)
8-2 drum motor (b)
8-3 marker detection (c)
8-4 samples (d)
8-5 FGATE (e)
8-6 P-sensor (f)
8-7 QL (g)
8-8 main CH (h)
8-9 DC bias (i)
8-10 AC bias (j)
8-11 development motor (k)
8-12 P-sensor LED ( 1 )
8-13 PTL (m)
8-14 tape transfer device (s)
8-15 sheet transfer (o)
8-16 belt cleaning device (p)
8-17 turret motor (q)
8-18 Alignment Claw (r)

Fig. 16
NO no
Yes Yes
201 K toner finished?
202 C toner out?
203 M toner out?
204 Y toner out?
205 Move K to the exchange position
206 Move C to the exchange position
207 Move M to the exchange position
208 Move Y to the exchange position
209 Move revolvers
210 Perform shutdown sequentially
211 K toner close to the end?
212 C toner close to the end?
213 M toner close to the end?
214 Y toner near the end?
215 Move K to the exchange position
216 Move C to the exchange position
217 Move M to the exchange position
218 Move Y to the exchange position
219 Move M to the exchange position

Fig. 17
NO no
Yes Yes
301 full color mode
302 red mode?
303 green mode?
304 blue mode?
305 cyan mode?
306 magenta mode?
307 yellow mode?
308 Move in full color mode
309 Move in red mode
310 Move in green mode
311 Move in blue mode
312 Move in cyan mode
313 Move in magenta mode
314 Move in yellow mode
315 Move in black mode

Fig. 18
NO no
Yes Yes
401 K toner out?
402 C-toner out?
403 M toner out?
404 Y toner out?
405 Move K to the exchange position
406 Move C to the exchange position
407 Move M to the exchange position
408 Move Y to the exchange position
409 Move revolvers
410K toner close to the end?
411 C toner close to the end?
412 M toner close to the end?
413 Y toner close to the end?
414 Move K to the exchange position
415 Move C to the exchange position
416 Move M to the exchange position
417 Move Y to the exchange position
418 no movement

Fig. 19
NO no
Yes Yes
501 M toner out?
502 Y-toner out?
503 Move M to the exchange position
504 Move Y to the exchange position
505 Move revolvers
506 M toner close to the end?
507 Y toner near the end?
508 Move M to the exchange position
509 Move Y to the exchange position
510 no movement

Fig. 20
NO no
Yes Yes
611 C-toner out?
602 Y-toner low?
603 Move C to the exchange position
604 Move Y to the exchange position
605 Move revolvers
606 C toner close to the end?
607 Y toner close to the end?
608 Move C to the exchange position
609 Move Y to the exchange position
610 no movement

Fig. 21
NO no
Yes Yes
701 C-toner out?
702 M toner out?
703 Move C to the exchange position
704 Move M to the exchange position
705 Move revolvers
706 C toner close to the end?
707 M toner near the end?
708 Move C to the exchange position
709 Move M to the exchange position
710 no movement

Fig. 22
NO no
Yes Yes
801 K toner near or near the end?
802 Set K to exchange position and move revolvers
803 no movement

Fig. 23
NO no
Yes Yes
901 C toner at the end or close to the end?
902 Set C to exchange position and move revolver
903 no movement

Fig. 24
NO no
Yes Yes
1001 M toner at the end or near the end?
1002 Set M to exchange position and move revolver
1003 no movement

Fig. 25
NO no
Yes Yes
1101 Y toner near or near end?
1102 Set Y to exchange position and move revolver
1103 no movement

Fig. 26
NO no
Yes Yes
1201 Toner end cartridge available?
1202 Color toner at replacement position finished?
1203 no movement
1204 K toner out?
1205 C-toner out?
1206 M toner out?
1207 Set K to exchange position
1208 Set C to exchange position
1209 Put M in exchange position
1210 Set Y to exchange position
1211 Move revolvers
1212 toner cartridge near the end?
1213 Color toner at replacement position finished?
1214 K toner near the end?
1215 C toner near the end?
1216 M toner near the end?
1217 Set K to exchange position
1218 Set C to exchange position
1219 Set M to exchange position
1220 Set Y to exchange position

Fig. 27
NO no
Yes Yes
1301 M or Y toner finished?
1302 M-toner out?
1303 M in the exchange position?
1304 no movement
1305 Y toner out?
1306 Y at the exchange position
1307 Set M to exchange position and move revolver
1308 Y in exchange position
1309 Set Y to exchange position and move revolver
1310 M or Y near the end of the toner?
1311 m near the end of the toner?
1312 M in the exchange position?
1313 Y toner near the end?
1314 Y in the exchange position?
1315 Y in the exchange position?

Fig. 28
NO no
Yes Yes
1401 C or Y toner finished?
1402 C-toner out?
1403 C at the exchange position?
1404 no movement
1405 Y-toner finished?
1406 Y at the exchange position?
1407 Set C to exchange position and move revolver
1408 Y at the exchange position?
1409 Place Y in the exchange position and move the revolver
1410 C or Y toner near the end?
1411 C toner close to the end?
1412 C at the exchange position?
1413 Y toner near the end?
1414 Y in the exchange position?
1415 Y in the exchange position?

Fig. 29
NO no
Yes Yes
1501 C or M toner finished?
1502 C-toner out?
1503 C at the exchange position?
1504 no movement
1505 M toner out?
1506 M in the exchange position?
1507 Place C in the exchange position and move the revolver
1508 M at the exchange position?
1509 Place M in the exchange position and move the revolver
1510 C or M toner near the end?
1511 C toner near the end?
1512 C at the exchange position?
1513 M toner close to the end?
1514 M at the exchange position?
1515 M in the exchange position?

Fig. 30
NO no
Yes Yes
292 Is the mode different from the existing one?
293 full color mode?
294 red mode?
295 Green mode?
296 blue mode?
297 full color mode movement
298 Red mode movement
299 Green mode movement
300 blue mode movement
301 full color mode?
302 red mode?
303 green mode?
304 blue mode?
305 cyan mode?
306 magenta mode?
307 yellow mode?
308 full color mode movement
309 Red mode movement
310 green mode movement
311 Blue mode movement
312 cyan mode movement
313 Magenta mode movement
314 Yellow mode movement
315 Black mode movement

Fig. 31
NO no
Yes Yes
1601 Color with toner running out?
1602 color toner at replacement position finished?
1603 a different toner end color available?
1604 K at the exchange position?
1605 C-toner out?
1606 M-toner out?
1607 Y-Toner Out?
1608 C to the exchange position
1609 m to the exchange position
1610 Y to the exchange position
1611 Move revolvers
1612 C to the exchange position?
1613 M to the exchange position?
1614 K toner out?
1615 K to the exchange position
1616 no movement
1617 Y toner close to the end?
1618 color toner at replacement position finished?
1619 is another color with toner near the end?
1621 C toner close to the end?
1622 M toner near the end?
1623 Y toner near the end?
1624 C to the exchange position
1625 M for exchange position
1626 Y to the exchange position
1626a K at the exchange position?
1627 C at the exchange position?
1628 M at the exchange position?

Fig. 32
NO no
Yes Yes
1701 M or Y toner finished?
1702 M-toner out?
1703 M at the exchange position?
1704 Y-toner finished?
1705 Place Y in the exchange position and move the revolver
1706 Place M in the exchange position and move the revolver
1707 no movement
1708 Y at the exchange position?
1709 M or Y toner near the end?
1710 M toner near the end?
1711 M at the exchange position?
1712 Y toner close to the end?
1713 Y at the exchange position?

Fig. 33
NO no
Yes Yes
1801 C or Y toner finished?
1802 C-toner out?
1803 C at the exchange position?
1804 Y-toner finished?
1805 Place Y in the exchange position and move the revolver
1806 Place C in the exchange position and move revolvers
1807 no movement
1808 Y at the exchange position?
1809 C or Y toner near the end?
1810 C toner close to the end?
1811 C at the exchange position?
1812 Y toner near the end?
1813 Y at the exchange position

Fig. 34
NO no
Yes Yes
1901 C or M toner finished?
1902 C-Toner Out?
1903 C at the exchange position?
1904 M-toner out?
1905 Set M to exchange position and move revolver
1906 Set C to exchange position and move revolver
1907 no movement
1908 M at the exchange position?
1909 C or M toner near the end?
1910 C toner near the end?
1911 C at the exchange position?
1912 M toner near the end?
1913 M in the exchange position?

Fig. 35
NO no
Yes Yes
2001 revolvers in motion?
2002 decision on pressed color mode button
2003 revolver movement

Fig. 36
NO no
Yes Yes
2101 door open?
2102 door open flag?
2103 turn on door open flag
2104 door open flag?
2105 turn off door open flag
2106 felt cassette?
2107 indicate absence of the cassette
2108 Toner low or near the end?
2109 homecoming?
2110 common wait mode
2111 exchange detection flag?
2112 Set restore with color at replacement position and turn off toner end LED
2113 Set recovery wait mode
2114 recovery wait mode?
2115 a different toner end color regarding a near toner end?
2116 End recovery wait mode
2117 Color restore operation at the waiting position
2110 common wait mode
2118 Operator decision whether or not to replace another color
2119 Exchange?
2120 Move revolvers

Fig. 37
NO no
Yes Yes
2201 Set and start the error timer
2202 output pulse pattern
2203 time out?
2204 felt home position?
2205 Output preselection pulse and stop
2206 K in the development position
2207 M at the exchange position
2208 Stop revolver engine
2209 Revolver error processing

Fig. 38-1
NO no
Yes Yes
2301 pre-rotation
2302 K at the exchange position
2303 recovery processing with K
2304 recovery successful?
2305 Turn on K recovery error flag
2306 Set K-toner end
2307 C at the exchange position?
2308 recovery processing with C
2309 recovery successful?
2310 Turn on C recovery error flag
2311 Set C-toner end

Fig. 38-2
NO no
Yes Yes
2312 M in the exchange position?
2313 recovery processing with M
2314 recovery successful?
2315 Turn on M recovery error flag
2316 Set M-toner end
2317 Y in the exchange position?
2318 recovery processing with Y
2319 recovery successful?
2320 Turn on Y recovery error flag
2321 Set Y-toner end
2322 post-rotation
2323 Switch end of toner LED to color when recovery failed

Fig. 39
NO no
Yes Yes
2401 Turn on the revolver movement flag
2402 Output driver patterns
2403 Normally ended?
2404 Turn off the turret movement flag
2405 Set color for development position
2406 Set color for exchange position

Fig. 40
NO no
Yes Yes
2501 door open?
2502 cassette felt?
2503 Show absence of cassette
2504 Color at exchange position, toner at the end or near the end?
2505 homecoming
2506 usual waiting mode
2507 Turn off the color toner end LED at the replacement position
2508 Color restore operation at exchange position

Fig. 41
NO no
Yes Yes
2601 door open?
2602 door open flag?
2603 turn on door open flag
2604 door open flag?
2605 turn off door open flag
2606 felt cassette?
2607 show absence of cassette
2608 toner at the end or near the end?
2609 Coming Home
2610 recovery detection flag?
2611 Turn off the toner end LED
2612 recovery operation

Fig. 42
NO no
Yes Yes
2701 Reset and start fault timer
2702 Output of pulse patterns
2703 time out?
2704 felt home position?
2705 Give preselected pulse and stop
2706 K in the development position
2707 M at the exchange position
2708 Stop turret motor
2709 Revolver error processing

Fig. 43
NO no
Yes Yes
2801 cassette felt?
2802 cassette presence flag?
2803 cassette attendance flag?
2804 Turn off cassette presence flag
2805 Turn on cassette presence flag
2806 Turn on exchange detection flag

Fig. 44
NO no
Yes Yes
2901 door open?
2902 door open flag?
2903 Turn on door open flag
2904 Door open flag?
2905 Turn off the door open flag
2905a Revolver Movement Flag
2906 felt cassette?
2907 Show absence of cassette
2908 Toner low or near the end?
2909 Coming home
2910 recognition flag exchange?
2911 Turn off the toner end LED
2912 recovery operation

Fig. 45
NO no
Yes Yes
3001 Turn on turret movement flag
3002 Output drive patterns
3003 Normally finished?
3004 Turn off turret movement flag

Fig. 46
NO no
Yes Yes
3101 door open?
3102 Revolver Movement Flag
3103 felt cassette?
3104 Show absence of cassette
3105 Toner at the end or near the end?
3106 homecoming
3107 Turn off the toner end LED
3108 recovery operation

Claims (24)

1. An image forming device comprising:
a number of development areas that are supported to be movable integrally with each other;
a number of toner cartridges each removably mounted on the number of developing cartridges, each of which stores a toner to be replenished to the respective developing area, only one of the number of toner cartridges located at the preselected replacement position being interchangeable is;
a search device to search for at least a number of toner cartridges that need replacement;
moving means for moving a preselected number of toner cartridges to the exchange position; and
control means for causing the search means to search for the toner cartridge in need of replacement at the end of image formation and for causing the moving means to move the toner cartridge in need of replacement to the exchange position. 2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the search device the number of Examined toner cartridges in accordance with a preselected priority. 3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the control device is the movement direction prevents the number of toner cartridges from moving when the Search device detects at least two of the number of toner cartridges, one Need replacement and if one of the at least two toner cartridges is in the Exchange position is located. 4. An image forming device comprising:
a number of areas of development that are supported to move integrally with one another;
a number of toner cartridges each removably mounted on the number of developing areas, each of which stores toner to be replenished to the respective developing areas, only one of the number of toner cartridges located at the preselected replacement position being interchangeable ;
color mode receiving means for receiving an input of any number of color modes, each designating a specific color;
a search device for searching for at least a number of toner cartridges for which replacement is necessary;
moving means for moving a preselected number of toner cartridges to the exchange position; and
control means for causing the search means to search for one of the toner cartridges to be used in the input color mode when the color mode receiving means receives input of a preselected one of the number of color modes, and for causing the movement means to detect the searched toner cartridge to the exchange position. 5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the search means the number of Examined toner cartridges in accordance with the preselected priority. 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the control device prevents the moving device moves the number of toner cartridges when the Search device at least two of a number of toner cartridges, one Exchange required, detected and if one of the at least two toner cartridges located at the exchange position. 7. Device according to claim 5, wherein the control device inputs the preselected color mode by the color mode interchanger received, invalidates while the toner cartridge being searched for is in Movement towards the exchange position is located. 8. The device according to claim 4, wherein the control device prevents the moving device moves the number of toner cartridges when the Search device detected at least two of the number of toner cartridges, with respect which requires replacement and if one of the at least two toner cartridges is at the exchange position. 9. Device according to claim 8, wherein the control device inputs the preselected color mode by the color mode interchanger  received, invalidates while the toner cartridge being searched for is in Movement towards the exchange position is located. 10. The device of claim 4, wherein the control device causes the moving device gradually or sequentially the toner cartridges which were searched for by the search facility, to the exchange position moves when the color mode receiving device, a same color mode receives repeatedly. 11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the control device inputs the preselected color mode by the color mode interchanger received, invalidates while the toner cartridge being searched for is in Movement towards the exchange position is located. 12. The device according to claim 4, wherein the control device inputs the preselected color mode by the color mode interchanger received, invalidates while the toner cartridge being searched for is in Movement towards the exchange position is located. 13. An image forming device comprising:
a number of development areas that are supported to move integrally with one another;
a number of toner cartridges each removably attached to the number of developing areas and each storing toner to be replenished in the respective developing areas; and
restoration executing means for restoring a toner content of any one of the number of development areas to a preselected toner content;
wherein after at least two of the number of the toner cartridges are replaced, a restoring operation is carried out continuously with the at least two development areas. The device of claim 13, wherein the recovery execution direction of the recovery operation continuously or continuously only with the development areas whose toner cartridges have been replaced. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the restore operation is from preprocessing, recovery processing and post ver work or post-processing exists and with which if the re-processing Positioning operation continuously or continuously with the at least two Development areas to be executed, the recovery execution direction carries out the preprocessing, then the recovery processing with interrupted or continuously in the at least two development areas and then post processing. 16. The device of claim 15, wherein the image generation is prevented, until the restore executor performs the restore operation completed. 17. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the restore operation is from preprocessing, recovery processing and post ver work exists, and at which if the restore operation under broken or continuous with the at least two development areas to be executed, the recovery executor, the previous ver work, then the recovery processing with the at least two Development areas continuously or continuously and then the Postal processing.   18. The device according to claim 13, wherein the image generation is prevented, until the restore executor performs the restore operation completed. 19. An image forming device comprising:
a number of development areas that are supported to be movable integrally with each other;
a number of toner cartridges each movably mounted on the number of development areas, each of which stores toner to be replenished to the respective development areas; and
restoration executing means for restoring a toner content from any one of the number of development areas to a preselected toner content;
in which only one of the number of the toner cartridges located at the preselected replacement position is interchangeable, and in which in the case of powering up or turning on the device, the recovery executing device performs the recovery operation only with the development area corresponding to the toner cartridge, which is at the exchange position. 20. An imaging device that includes a number of toner cartridges that are removably attached to a number of development areas, and each of which stores toner to be replenished to the respective development areas, the device comprising:
reporting means for urging an operator of the apparatus to replace any of the number of toner cartridges;
recovery control means for causing a preselected recovery operation to occur to replenish the toner to any of the number of development areas; and
control means for causing the reporting device to stop generating a report associated with the toner cartridge that has been determined to be replaced without waiting for an end to the recovery operation. 21. An image forming device comprising:
a toner cartridge removably attached to a development area and storing the toner to be replenished to the development area;
moving means having a portion adjacent an outlet portion of the toner cartridge to move the toner cartridge;
sensor means for determining whether or not the toner cartridge is present; and
control means for preventing the moving means from operating when the toner cartridge is absent. 22. An image forming device comprising:
a toner cartridge removably attached to a development area and storing the toner to be replenished to the development area;
moving means including a portion adjacent to a toner outlet portion of the toner cartridge to move the toner cartridge;
first sensor means for determining whether or not the toner cartridge is present at a preselected position on a path along which the moving means moves the toner cartridge;
second sensor means for sensing opening and closing of a cover member that opens or closes in the case of replacing the toner cartridge;
control means for preventing the moving means from operating; and
storage means for storing an event after which the moving means in motion has been caused by the control means to stop the motion;
wherein when the second sensor device senses the closure of the cover member, an output signal of the first sensor device based on the event stored in the memory device is neglected. 23. An image forming device comprising:
a toner cartridge removably attached to a development area and storing the toner to be replenished to the development area;
moving means including a portion adjacent to a toner outlet portion of the toner cartridge to move the toner cartridge;
sensor means for determining whether or not the toner cartridge is present at a preselected position on a path along which the moving means moves the toner cartridge; and
storage means for storing an event after which the toner cartridge was in motion at the time a circuit breaker was turned off when the power switch of the apparatus is turned off while the moving means is moving the toner cartridge;
wherein an output signal of the sensor device is neglected based on the event stored in the memory device when the circuit breaker is turned on after the opening. 24. An image forming device comprising:
a toner cartridge removably attached to a development area and storing the toner to be replenished to the development area;
sensor means for determining whether or not the toner cartridge is present; and
decision means for determining that the toner cartridge has been replaced based on a change in the presence / absence of the toner cartridge, which is indicated by an output signal from the sensor means.