JP2003156913A - Image forming apparatus, computer program and computer system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize an image forming apparatus in which the attaching and exchanging operation of a developing device can be easily performed in the case of detecting that the developing device is not attached or that the attached developing device is not appropriate. SOLUTION: A holding part is correlated to developing device information concerning the developing device which should be held in the holding part. When a storage element provided in the developing device is inaccessible or the developing device information read from the storage element is different from the developing device information correlated to the holding part in which the developing device is held, the holding part for holding the developing device is moved to a developing device take-out position.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copying machine and a facsimile machine, and more particularly, it is provided with a plurality of developing devices, and one of the developing devices is selectively used as an image carrying means. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms a toner image on an image bearing unit facing the sheet, a computer program that causes the image forming apparatus to form an image, and a computer system including the image forming apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an image forming apparatus of this type, there are provided a plurality of developing devices for developing latent images formed on a photoconductor with toners of different colors contained therein. There is known an apparatus including a rotary type developing unit radially arranged around a moving axis and a slide type developing unit 201 in which the developing devices 200 are arranged in parallel as shown in FIG. In these image forming apparatuses, when an image signal is transmitted from an external device such as a host computer, the rotary developing unit rotates the rotary shaft to sequentially switch the developing devices, so that the slide developing unit 201 is not changed. By sliding the developing devices 200 arranged in parallel, one of the plurality of developing devices is moved to the photoconductor 20.
The developing position opposite to. Then, the latent image formed on the photoconductor is developed to form a toner image, and the toner image is transferred onto the intermediate medium. At this time, while sequentially switching the plurality of developing devices, similarly developing and transferring are repeated to form a color image by superimposing a plurality of toner images.

The developing devices corresponding to the respective colors are detachably attached to each developing device one by one at a predetermined developing device take-out position, but are attached to the developing unit depending on the color of the toner contained therein. The position is determined, and the developing device of the correct color must be mounted in the predetermined mounting position. On the other hand, these developing devices are commonly used to reduce the cost, and even developing devices containing toner of different colors may be erroneously attached to the same mounting position. is there. Therefore, each developing device is equipped with a storage element that stores information corresponding to each developing device, such as the color of the toner contained therein. For example, when the power is turned on or the developing device is replaced, the data in this storage element is stored. Is read by the reading means provided on the main body side of the image forming apparatus to confirm whether or not the attached developing device is proper.

Further, in the image forming apparatus as described above, since the developing devices of a predetermined color are sequentially moved to the developing position facing the photoconductor, they have to move relative to each other. It is not always connected to the main body of the apparatus, and if necessary, the developing apparatus is moved to a predetermined reading position to read the data of the storage element.

[0005]

However, in the image forming apparatus as described above, the storage element reading position of the developing device and the developing device take-out position are not always coincident with each other, and the user does not necessarily have the same. The reading position and the developing device take-out position often differ due to the mountability of the developing device with respect to the developing device, the arrangement of the connection mechanism between the storage element and the main body, and the like, and the developing position is different from the developing device take-out position. The structure is such that the device cannot be attached or detached. Therefore, the data of the memory element is read at the reading position to determine whether the attached developing device is suitable, and if not, the developing device is moved to the developing device take-out position and replaced. Must. At this time, if the developing device stops at the reading position while detecting that the developing device is not suitable, or if it stops at a position other than the developing device take-out position, the user cannot replace the developing device. There is a problem in that there is complexity in that an operation for replacing the device is required.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to develop the developing device when it is detected that the developing device is not mounted or the developing device is not suitable. Image forming apparatus capable of easily mounting and replacing the apparatus, computer program for easily performing the replacing operation of the developing device in the image forming apparatus, and computer system including the image forming apparatus To do.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the main invention is to provide an image carrier on which a latent image is formed and a latent image formed on the image carrier by toners of different colors. A plurality of holding portions that respectively detachably hold a plurality of developing devices to be developed, and a reading unit that reads the developing device information relating to the developing devices stored in a storage element included in the developing device from the storage element. When the storage element of the developing device held by the holding portion and the reading means are arranged at a predetermined relative position and the developing device is placed at a reading position where removal of the developing device is prohibited, information of the storage element is provided. In the image forming apparatus, the developing device held by the holding unit can be removed when the holding unit is placed at a developing device take-out position different from the reading position. The holding unit is associated with the developing device information about the developing device to be held by the holding unit, and the storage element provided in the developing device cannot be accessed or read from the storage element. When the developing device information is different from the developing device information associated with the holding unit holding the developing device, the holding unit is moved to the developing device taking-out position.

Other features of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following description.

[0009]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION === Summary of Disclosure === By the description in the detailed description of the invention in the present specification,
At least the following is revealed.

An image carrier on which a latent image is formed, and a plurality of holding units for detachably holding a plurality of developing devices for developing the latent images formed on the image carrier by toners of different colors, respectively. A reading unit for reading, from the storage element, the developing device information relating to the developing device stored in a storage element provided in the developing device, and the storage element of the developing device held by the holding unit and the reading unit; Has a predetermined relative position and is arranged at a reading position where removal of the developing device is prohibited, the information of the storage element becomes readable, and the holding portion is at a developing device take-out position different from the reading position. In the image forming apparatus in which the developing device held in the holding unit is removable when the holding unit is arranged, the holding unit is related to the developing device to be held in the holding unit. The storage device included in the developing device is associated with the developing device information and the storage device included in the developing device cannot be accessed, or the developing device information read from the storage device included in the developing device is stored in the developing device. An image forming apparatus, wherein the holding unit is moved to the developing device taking-out position when the developing device information corresponding to the holding unit is different.

According to such an image forming apparatus, the memory element provided in the developing device cannot be accessed, or
The developing device information read from the storage element of the developing device is
When the developing device information is different from the developing device information of the holding unit that holds the developing device, the holding unit is moved to the developing device ejecting position. The developing device is moved to the attachable developing device take-out position, or to the developing device take-out position where the developing device can be removed if an incorrect developing device is attached. Therefore, the user can easily attach or detach the developing device without performing an operation such as issuing a replacement command in order to attach the developing device or replace the developing device that is erroneously attached, It is possible to immediately set the image forming state.

In such an image forming apparatus, there is provided notification means for generating a notification signal when an event to be notified to the user occurs, and notifying the event based on the notification signal, wherein the notification means is the developing device. If the storage device provided in the storage device cannot be accessed or the developing device information read from the storage device is different from the developing device information associated with the holding unit, a notification signal for notifying this event is generated. You may.

According to such an image forming apparatus, the situation in which the developing device is not installed, and the developing device information of the installed developing device and the holding unit in which the developing device is installed are different. It is possible to notify the user of the situation, that is, the situation in which the wrong developing device is attached.

In such an image forming apparatus, a rewritable non-volatile storage area, which is associated with each of the holding sections and stores state information indicating the state of the developing device, is provided in the developing device. When the element cannot be accessed or the developing device information of the storage element is different from the developing device information associated with the holding unit and the holding unit is moved to the developing device ejecting position, the storage area It is desirable to store abnormal data indicating that the developing device information is different as the state information. Here, the non-volatile storage area refers to a storage area in which the stored contents are retained even when the power of the device is cut off.

According to such an image forming apparatus, the storage element cannot be accessed, or the developing device information of the storage element and the developing device information of the holding unit are different from each other, and the holding unit is the developing device. Since abnormal data is stored in the storage area when the developing device is moved to the take-out position, it is possible to determine whether each developing device is suitable for the attached holding portion without reading the information of the storage element of each developing device. It becomes possible to confirm. For example, even if the power is turned off after it is recognized that the developing device is not installed or that the developing device is not suitable for the holding unit, the nonvolatile storage area is still The state of the developing device can be confirmed by the stored state information.

Further, in such an image forming apparatus, when abnormal data is stored in the storage area as status information when the power is turned on, the corresponding holding portion may be moved to the developing device take-out position.

According to such an image forming apparatus, the user can easily move the developing device to the developing device take-out position only by turning on the power source when the wrong developing device is attached to the holding portion. It is possible to replace the developing device.

Further, in such an image forming apparatus, there is provided an informing means for producing an informing signal when an event to be informed to the user occurs, and informing the event based on the informing signal, wherein the informing means is As status information in the storage area,
When abnormal data is stored, it is desirable to generate a notification signal that notifies this event.

According to such an image forming apparatus, it is possible to inform the user that the developing device is not mounted and that the wrong developing device is mounted.

Further, in such an image forming apparatus, the developing apparatus information of the developing apparatus is the color information of the toner accommodated in the developing apparatus, the characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the toner, and the model information indicating the model of the image forming apparatus. Of these, at least one piece of information is desirable.

According to such an image forming apparatus, the color of the toner contained in the developing device and the characteristics of the toner are different from those of the developing device that should be originally mounted in the holding portion, and the developing device is If the developing device is not suitable for the image forming apparatus, the developing device can be easily replaced or mounted.

Further, in such an image forming apparatus, one of the developing devices contains black toner, and the developing device information corresponding to the holding portion holds the developing device information held in the holding portion. It is desirable to enable the image forming operation using the black toner when the abnormal data is stored in the storage area corresponding to the color information except the black, which is the color information of the toner accommodated in.

According to such an image forming apparatus, even if the developing device is detached or a wrong developing device is attached, the developing device should originally contain black toner. If it is not, it is possible to form an image with black toner, which is particularly required for image formation.

Further, in such an image forming apparatus, an image carrier on which a latent image is formed and a plurality of developing devices for developing the latent image formed on the image carrier by toners of different colors are detached from each other. An image forming apparatus having a plurality of holding portions that hold the developing device and a reading unit that is provided in the developing device and that reads the developing device information from a storage element that stores the developing device information related to the developing device,
The holding unit is associated with developing device information about the developing device to be held in the holding unit, and is associated with each holding unit and stores rewritable nonvolatile information that stores state information indicating the state of the developing device. When the storage element of the developing device having a storage area and held by the holding section and the reading unit are arranged at a reading position forming a predetermined relative position, the information of the storage element becomes readable. When the holding portion is arranged at a position different from the reading position, one developing device becomes detachable and the storage element provided in the developing device cannot be accessed, or the developing device is provided in the developing device. The developing device information read from the memory element is
When the developing device information is different from the developing device information associated with the holding unit that holds the developing device, the developing device information is different in the storage area when the holding unit is moved to the developing device eject position. It is desirable to store abnormal data indicating that the status information should be stored as status information.

According to such an image forming apparatus, the memory element provided in the developing device cannot be accessed, or
When the developing device information read from the storage element of the developing device is different from the developing device information of the holding portion holding the developing device, when the holding portion is moved to the developing device taking-out position, Abnormal data is stored in the storage area, so it is possible to check whether each developing device is installed and whether it is suitable for the installed holding part without reading the information in the storage element of each developing device. It becomes possible to do. Also, the user has to install the developing device,
Further, since the developing device is erroneously mounted and replaced, the developing device can be easily mounted or replaced without performing an operation such as issuing a replacement command.

Further, a plurality of holding portions detachably holding an image carrier on which a latent image is formed and a plurality of developing devices for developing the latent image formed on the image carrier with toners of different colors. And a reading unit for reading the developing device information relating to the developing device stored in the memory device included in the developing device from the memory element, and the memory element of the developing device held in the holding unit and the reading unit. When the developing device is located at a reading position where the developing device is prohibited from being removed and the holding device is different from the reading position, the holding device can read the information. Is it possible to access the memory element provided in the developing device to the image forming apparatus in which the developing device held in the holding portion is removable when the developing device is placed in the position? Alternatively, when the developing device information read from the storage element provided in the developing device and the developing device information regarding the developing device that should be originally held in the holding unit holding the developing device are different, A computer program for moving the holding unit to the developing device take-out position can also be realized.

Further, the computer main body, the display device connected to the computer main body, the image carrier on which the latent image is formed, and the latent image formed on the image carrier are developed by toners of different colors. A plurality of holding units that respectively hold a plurality of developing devices in a detachable manner, and a reading unit that reads the developing device information regarding the developing device stored in a storage element included in the developing device from the storage element, When the storage element of the developing device held by the holding portion and the reading means are in a predetermined relative position and the developing device is arranged at a reading position where removal of the developing device is prohibited, the information of the storage element is read. And the developing device held by the holding part can be removed when the holding part is arranged at a developing device take-out position different from the reading position. In forming apparatus, the holding portion,
Development that is associated with the developing device information regarding the developing device to be held in the holding unit and cannot access the memory element provided in the developing device, or the development read from the memory element provided in the developing device. A computer system including an image forming apparatus that moves the holding unit to the developing device taking-out position when the device information is different from the developing device information associated with the holding unit that holds the developing device. Is also feasible.

=== Outline of Image Forming Apparatus (Laser Beam Printer) === Next, referring to FIG. 1, taking a laser beam printer (hereinafter referred to as a printer) 10 as an example of an image forming apparatus, its outline will be described. explain. FIG. 1 shows a printer 10.
It is the figure which showed the main components which comprise. Note that FIG.
In the drawing, the up and down directions are indicated by arrows. For example, the paper feed tray 92 is arranged in the lower part of the printer 10, and the fixing unit 90 is arranged in the upper part of the printer 10.

The printer 10 according to this embodiment is shown in FIG.
As shown in, the charging unit 30, the exposure unit 40, the YMCK developing unit 50, the primary transfer unit 60, and the intermediate transfer member 70 along the rotation direction of the photoconductor 20 that is a latent image carrier that carries the latent image. , A cleaning unit 75, a secondary transfer unit 80, a fixing unit 9
0, a display unit 95 that is a liquid crystal panel that does not notify the user, and a control unit (FIG. 2) that controls these units and operates as a printer.

The photosensitive member 20 has a cylindrical conductive base material and a photosensitive layer formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and is rotatable about the central axis. In the present embodiment, the photosensitive member 20 shown in FIG. Rotate clockwise as shown by the arrow.

The charging unit 30 is a device for charging the photoconductor 20, and the exposure unit 40 is a device for forming a latent image on the charged photoconductor 20 by irradiating a laser. The exposure unit 40 has a semiconductor laser, a polygon mirror, an F-θ lens, and the like,
Based on an image signal input from a host device (not shown) such as a personal computer or a word processor, a modulated laser is irradiated onto the charged photoconductor 20.

The YMCK developing unit 50 includes the photoconductor 20.
This is a device for developing the latent image formed on the surface using yellow (Y) toner, magenta (M) toner, cyan (C) toner, and black (K) toner.

The YMCK developing unit 50 includes a black developing device 51 containing black (K) toner, a magenta developing device 52 containing magenta (M) toner, a cyan developing device 53 containing cyan (C) toner, and , Four holding portions 55a, 55b respectively holding the yellow developing device 54 containing yellow (Y) toner,
It has 55c and 55d. The four developing devices 5
1, 52, 53, and 54 are configured to be rotatable about the central axis 50a, and selectively oppose the photoconductor 20 each time the photoconductor 20 makes one rotation, and each developing device 5 is rotated.
The latent images formed on the photoconductor 20 are developed with the toners contained in 1, 52, 53, and 54. The details of each developing device will be described later.

The primary transfer unit 60 is a device for transferring the monochromatic toner image formed on the photoconductor 20 to the intermediate transfer member 70. When the four color toners are sequentially transferred in an overlapping manner, the intermediate transfer member 70 is transferred. A full-color toner image is formed on. The intermediate transfer member 70 is an endless belt, and is rotationally driven at the same peripheral speed as the photosensitive member 20. The secondary transfer unit 80 is a device for transferring the single-color toner image or the full-color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer member 70 onto a recording medium such as paper, film, cloth or the like.

The fixing unit 90 is a device for fusing a single color toner image or a full color toner image transferred onto a recording medium to a medium such as paper to form a permanent image.

The cleaning unit 75 is provided between the primary transfer unit 60 and the charging unit 30 and has a rubber cleaning blade 76 abutting on the surface of the photoconductor 20, and the intermediate transfer by the primary transfer unit 60. After the toner image is transferred onto the body 70, the cleaning blade 76 scrapes and removes the toner remaining on the photoreceptor 20.

The control unit 100 includes a main controller 101 and a unit controller 1 as shown in FIG.
Image signal is input to the main controller 101, and the unit controller 102 controls each unit according to a command based on the image signal to form an image.

Next, the printer 10 configured as described above.
The operation will be described with reference to other components.

First, when an image signal from a host device (not shown) is input to the main controller 101 of the printer 10 through the interface (I / F) 112, the unit controller 102 of the unit controller 102 based on a command from the main controller 101 is input. Under control, the photoconductor 20, a developing roller as a toner carrier provided in the developing device, and
The intermediate transfer member 70 rotates. The photoconductor 20 is sequentially charged by the charging unit 30 at the charging position while rotating.

The charged area of the photoconductor 20 is equal to that of the photoconductor 2.
With the rotation of 0, the exposure position is reached, and the exposure unit 40 forms a latent image corresponding to the image information of the first color, for example, yellow Y, in the area. Further, the YMCK developing unit 50 positions the yellow developing device 54 containing the yellow (Y) toner at the developing position facing the photoconductor 20.

The latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 reaches the developing position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and is developed with yellow toner by the yellow developing device 54. As a result, a yellow toner image is formed on the photoconductor 20.

The yellow toner image formed on the photoconductor 20 reaches the primary transfer position as the photoconductor 20 rotates,
The image is transferred to the intermediate transfer member 70 by the primary transfer device 60. At this time, a primary transfer voltage having a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the toner is applied to the primary transfer unit 60. In addition,
During this time, the secondary transfer unit 80 is separated from the intermediate transfer body 70.

By repeating the above processing for the second color, the third color, and the fourth color, the toner images of four colors corresponding to the respective image signals are overlapped on the intermediate transfer member 70. Transcribed. As a result, a full-color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer member 70.

The full-color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer member 70 reaches the secondary transfer position as the intermediate transfer member 70 rotates, and is transferred to the recording medium by the secondary transfer unit 80. The recording medium is conveyed from the paper feed tray 92 to the secondary transfer unit 80 via the paper feed roller 94 and the registration roller 96. When performing the transfer operation, the secondary transfer unit 80 is pressed against the intermediate transfer body 70 and a secondary transfer voltage is applied.

The full-color toner image transferred to the recording medium is heated and pressed by the fixing unit 90 and fused to the recording medium.

On the other hand, after the photoconductor 20 has passed the primary transfer position, the toner adhering to the surface of the photoconductor 20 is scraped off by the cleaning blade 76 supported by the cleaning unit 75 to form the next latent image. Prepare for charging. The scraped off toner is collected by the residual toner collecting section of the cleaning unit 75.

The photoconductor 20 is unitized together with the charging unit 30 and the cleaning unit 75 and can be attached to and detached from the main body of the printer 10. Also,
The black developing device 51, the magenta developing device 52, the cyan developing device 53, and the yellow developing device 54 are detachable from the main body of the printer 10, respectively.
Retaining portions 55a, 55 provided in the developing unit 50
It is configured so that it can be attached to any of b, 55c, and 55d.

=== Outline of Developing Device === Next, an outline of the developing device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the main components of the developing device. Note that, similarly to FIG. 1, in FIG. 3 as well, the up and down directions are indicated by arrows, and for example, the central axis of the developing roller 510 is
It is below the central axis of the photoconductor 20. Further, in FIG. 1, the yellow developing device 54 is shown in a state of being located at a developing position facing the photoconductor 20.

The YMCK developing unit 50 includes a black developing device 51 containing black (K) toner, a magenta developing device 52 containing magenta (M) toner, a cyan developing device 53 containing cyan (C) toner, and ,
Yellow developing device 54 containing yellow (Y) toner
However, since the configuration of each developing device is the same, the yellow developing device 54 will be described below.

The yellow developing device 54 includes a developing roller 510 as a developer carrier, a seal member 520, a toner storage portion 530, a frame 540, a toner supply roller 550 as a toner supply member, and a regulation blade as a layer thickness regulation member. 560, and a blade backing member 570 for urging the regulation blade.

Developing roller 510 as a toner carrier
Carries the toner T and conveys it to a developing position facing the photoconductor 20. The developing roller 510 is made of aluminum,
It is made of stainless steel, iron, etc., and is plated with nickel, chrome, etc., if necessary.
Further, the developing roller 510 is rotatable about the central axis, and as shown in FIG. 3, it is in a direction (counterclockwise direction in FIG. 3) opposite to the rotation direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 3) of the photoconductor 20. Rotate. The central axis is below the central axis of the photoconductor 20. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, when the yellow developing device 54 faces the photoconductor 20, there is a gap between the developing roller 510 and the photoconductor 20. In other words, the yellow developing device 54 is
The latent image formed on 0 is developed in a non-contact state. In addition,
When developing the latent image formed on the photoconductor 20, an alternating electric field is formed between the developing roller 510 and the photoconductor 20.

The seal member 520 is the yellow developing device 5.
4 prevents the toner T inside 4 from leaking to the outside of the device, and the toner T on the developing roller 510 that has passed the developing position.
Are collected in the developing device without being scraped off. The seal member 520 is a seal made of polyethylene film or the like. The seal member 520 is a seal support metal plate 522.
Supported by the seal support sheet metal 522 and attached to the frame 540. Further, a seal urging member 524 made of maltoprene or the like is provided on the opposite side of the seal member 520 from the developing roller 510 side, and the seal member 520 is developed by the elastic force of the seal urging member 524. It is pressed against 510. The contact position where the seal member 520 contacts the developing roller 510 is above the central axis of the developing roller 510.

The toner storage portion 530 is a portion for storing the toner T, and is constituted by a part of the frame 540. The toner T stored in the toner storage portion 530
Although a stirring member may be provided to stir the developing device, in the present embodiment, each developing device (black developing device 51, magenta developing device 5) is rotated as the YMCK developing unit 50 rotates.
2, the cyan developing device 53 and the yellow developing device 54) rotate, and the toner T in each developing device is agitated by this, so that the toner container 530 is not provided with an agitating member.

The toner supply roller 550 supplies the toner T contained in the toner container 530 to the developing roller 510. The toner supply roller 550 is made of polyurethane foam or the like, and is elastically deformed in the developing roller 5
It is in contact with 10. The toner supply roller 550 is disposed below the toner storage unit 530, and the toner T stored in the toner storage unit 530 is the toner storage unit 530.
At the lower part of the developing roller 5 by the toner supply member 530.
Supplied to 10. The toner supply roller 550 is rotatable about a central axis, and the central axis is below the central axis of rotation of the developing roller 510. Further, the toner supply roller 550 rotates in the opposite direction (clockwise in FIG. 3) to the rotation direction of the developing roller 510 (counterclockwise in FIG. 3). The toner supply roller 550 is
The developing roller 510 has a function of supplying the toner T accommodated in the toner accommodating portion 530 to the developing roller 510, and the toner remaining on the developing roller 510 after development is removed by the developing roller 51.
It also has the function of stripping from 0.

Control blade 560 as a layer thickness control member
Regulates the layer thickness of the toner T carried on the developing roller 510, and gives an electric charge to the toner T carried on the developing roller 510. This regulation blade 560 is provided with a rubber portion 5.
It has 60a and the rubber support part 560b. The rubber portion 560a is made of silicone rubber, urethane rubber, or the like,
The rubber support portion 560b is a thin plate having a spring property such as phosphor bronze and stainless steel. The rubber portion 560a is supported by the rubber supporting portion 560b, and the rubber supporting portion 560b is supported by the blade supporting sheet metal 562 with one end thereof sandwiched and supported by the pair of blade supporting sheet metal 562. Is attached to. Further, a blade backing member 570 made of malt plane or the like is provided on the opposite side of the regulation blade 560 from the developing roller 510 side.

Here, the rubber portion 560a is pressed against the developing roller 510 by the elastic force due to the bending of the rubber supporting portion 560b. Further, the blade back member 570 is
Toner is prevented from entering between the rubber supporting portion 560b and the frame 540, the elastic force due to the bending of the rubber supporting portion 560b is stabilized, and the rubber portion 560a is moved from the back of the rubber portion 560a toward the developing roller 510. By biasing the rubber portion 560a,
Is pressed against. Therefore, the blade back member 570
Improves the uniform contact of the rubber portion 560a with the developing roller 510.

The end of the regulating blade 560 opposite to the side supported by the blade supporting sheet metal 562, that is, the tip, is not in contact with the developing roller 510, and the portion separated from the tip by a predetermined distance. , Is in contact with the developing roller 510 with a certain width. That is, the regulation blade 560 is
The developing roller 510 is not in contact with the edge at the edge but is in contact with the abdomen. Further, the regulation blade 560 is arranged so that its tip end faces the upstream side in the rotation direction of the developing roller 510, and is in contact with what is called a counter.
The contact position where the regulation blade 560 contacts the developing roller 510 is below the central axis of the developing roller 510 and below the central axis of the toner supply roller 550.

The frame 540 is manufactured by joining a plurality of integrally molded frames (upper frame, lower frame, etc.) and has an opening at the bottom. The developing roller 510 is arranged in this opening with a part thereof exposed.

The yellow developing device 5 thus constructed
4, the toner supply roller 550 has the toner storage unit 5
The toner T contained in 90 is supplied to the developing roller 510. The toner T supplied to the developing roller 510 reaches the contact position of the regulating blade 560 with the rotation of the developing roller 510, and when passing through the contact position, the layer thickness is regulated and an electric charge is applied. To be done. The toner T on the developing roller 510 whose layer thickness is regulated is
Is further rotated to reach a developing position facing the photoconductor 20, and the latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 is developed under an alternating electric field at the developing position. The developing roller 5 that has passed the developing position by further rotation of the developing roller 510.
The toner T on 10 passes through the seal member 520 and is collected in the developing device without being scraped off by the seal member 520.

Further, each developing device 51, 52, 53, 54
In addition to the color information of the toner contained in each developing device, the characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the toner, the model of the compatible image forming device, the developing device information regarding the developing device such as the toner consumption amount. Non-volatile storage memory (hereinafter referred to as developing device side memory) 51a, 52a, 53a, 54 such as serial EEPROM in which is stored as data.
a. The developing device side memories 51a and 52
a, 53a, 54a are fitted only when a connector 51b, 52b, 53b, 54b provided on one end side surface of the developing device and a common connector 34 provided on the printer body side described later are needed. , And is electrically connected to the unit controller 102 of the main body control unit 100.

=== Outline of YMCK Developing Unit and Relative Position with Device Main Body === Next, referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the YMCK developing unit 5 will be described.
The outline of 0 will be described.

The YMCK developing unit 50 has a rotating shaft 50a located at the center thereof, and a supporting frame 55 for holding the developing device is fixed to the rotating shaft 50a.
The rotary shaft 50a is bridged between two frame side plates (not shown) forming the casing of the printer 10, and both ends thereof are supported.

On the support frame 55, the developing devices 51, 52, 53 and 54 for the four colors described above are mounted on the rotary shaft 50.
Four holding portions 55a, 55b, 55c, 55d that are detachably held around a are arranged at 90 ° intervals in the circumferential direction.

A pulse motor (not shown) is connected to the rotary shaft 50a via a clutch. By driving this pulse motor, the support frame 55 is rotated, and the above-mentioned four phenomenon devices 51, 52, 53, 54 are driven. Can be positioned at a predetermined position.

FIG. 4 shows the rotating YMCK developing unit 5
It is a figure showing three stop positions of 0, and Drawing 4 (a) is
A home position position (hereinafter referred to as “HP position”) which is a reference position in the rotation direction of the YMCK developing unit 50, and FIG. 4B is a connector attaching / detaching position where the memory of the black developing device and the main body side memory face each other. (C) shows the take-out position of the black developing device, respectively. Here, in FIGS. 4B and 4C, the connector attaching / detaching position and the developing device ejecting position are shown for the black developing device 51, but the YMCK developing unit 50 is set to 90 °.
When rotated by each degree, FIG. 4B sequentially shows the connector attaching / detaching position of the other developing device, and FIG. 4C shows the developing device ejecting position of the other developing device. At this time, when the developing device to be connected to the common connector 34 on the main body side is located at the connector attaching / detaching position, the developing device adjacent to the developing device in the rotational direction (counterclockwise direction in FIG. 4) in the rotation direction during the image forming operation. The apparatus is arranged at a developing position facing the photoconductor 20.

As shown in FIG. 4A, an HP detector 31 for detecting the HP position is provided on one end of the rotary shaft 50a of the YMCK developing unit 50. The HP detection unit 31 includes a disc 311 for signal generation fixed to one end of the rotary shaft 50a, and an HP sensor 312 including a photo interrupter having a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. The peripheral portion of the disk 311 has the HP sensor 3
The slit portion formed on the disk 311 is arranged so as to be located between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the HP sensor 3
When moving to the detection position of 12, the output signal from the HP sensor 312 changes from “L” to “H”. And
Based on this change in signal level, the YMCK developing unit 5
By detecting the HP position of 0 and rotating the pulse motor by a predetermined number of pulses with the HP position as a reference, each developing device can be positioned at the connector attaching / detaching position (developing position) and the developing device ejecting position. Is configured.

FIG. 4B shows a connector attaching / detaching position of the black developing device 51 in which the pulse motor is rotated by a predetermined number of pulses from the HP position, and the connector is attached / detached to the YMCK developing unit 50. The connector 51b of the black developing device 51 and the common connector 34 provided on the device main body side face each other.

The common connector 34 is used for the black developing device 5.
Since it is fitted with the connector 51b of No. 1 as shown in FIG. 5, the YMCK developing unit 50 can be moved toward and away from the YMCK developing unit 50. The connector 51b of 51 is fitted. As a result, the developing device side memory 51a attached to the black developing device 51 is electrically connected to the unit controller 102 of the control unit 100, and data transfer is performed between them.

The connector attaching / detaching position with respect to the black developing device 51 is the developing roller 51 of the magenta developing device 52.
0 and the photoconductor 20 face each other, and the developing position of the magenta developing device 52 is reached. When the YMCK developing unit 50 is rotated counterclockwise by 90 ° by the pulse motor, the connector attaching / detaching position of the yellow developing device 54 and the developing position of the black developing device 51 are reached, and each time the YMCK developing unit 50 is rotated 90 °. The connector attachment / detachment position of each developing device and the developing position are sequentially set.

One of the two frame side plates that support the YMCK unit 50 and form the housing of the printer 10,
An exclusive outlet 37 through which one developing device can pass is provided. As shown in FIG. 4C, when the YMCK developing unit 50 is rotated to be stopped at the developing device taking-out position set for each developing device, the take-out port 37 corresponds to the corresponding developing device ( Here, only the black developing device 51) is formed at a position where it can be pulled out in the direction along the rotary shaft 50a. In addition, the exclusive outlet 3
7 is formed slightly larger than the outer shape of the developing device. At the developing device take-out position, a new developing device is inserted through the take-out port 37 along the rotation shaft 50a, and the developing device is mounted on the support frame 55. You can Then, while the developing device is located at a position other than the developing device take-out position,
The removal of the developing device is restricted by the frame side plate.

A lock mechanism (not shown) is provided to securely position and fix the YMCK developing device 50 at the developing position, the developing device take-out position, and the connector attaching / detaching position.

=== Outline of Control Unit === Next, the configuration of the control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The main controller 101 of the control unit 100 is connected to a host device via an interface 112 and includes an image memory 113 for storing an image signal input from the host device. The unit controller 102 is electrically connected to each unit of the apparatus body (charging unit 30, exposure unit 40, YMCK developing unit 50, primary transfer unit 60, cleaning unit 75, secondary transfer unit 80, fixing unit 90, display unit 95). By receiving signals from the sensors of each of those units,
Main controller 1 while detecting the status of each unit
Each unit is controlled based on the signal input from 01.

Further, the CPU 120 included in the unit controller 102 has a serial interface (I / I).
F) Serial EE used for electronic counter via 121
It is connected to a nonvolatile storage element (hereinafter, referred to as a main body side memory) 122 such as a PROM. This main unit side memory 12
Reference numeral 2 stores the developing device information of the developing device to be mounted in each of the holding sections, and data necessary for controlling the device. The CPU 120 includes not only the main body side memory 122 but also the developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54.
Developing device side memories 51a, 52a, 53 provided in
a and 54a are also connected via the serial interface 121, and data can be transferred between the main body side memory 122 and the developing device side memories 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a, and via the input / output port 123. A chip select signal CS can be input to each developing device side memory 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a. Therefore, it is possible to read the data from the memory designated by the chip select signal CS after the predetermined developing device is moved to the connector attaching / detaching position and the connector of the developing device and the common connector 34 on the main body side are connected. Become.
Further, the CPU 120 is also connected to the HP detection unit 31 via the input / output port 123.

In the main body side memory 122 of the unit controller 102, four storage areas for storing the state of the developing device mounted in each holding portion as 1-bit "1" or "0" data are set. Has been done. here,
“1” means that the developing device side memory of the developing device of the corresponding holding unit cannot be accessed, or the developing device information read from the storage element is the unit controller 10
No. 2 is abnormal data indicating that the developing device information stored in the main body side memory 122 is different, and “0” is normal data indicating that an appropriate developing device is attached to the corresponding holding unit. is there.

This storage area is provided for each developing device, and is associated with the mounting position information in the YMCK developing unit 50 and the color information of the stored toner. Here, for example, a black developing device 51 in the first storage area, a magenta developing device 52 in the second storage area,
Data indicating the mounting status of the cyan developing device 53 is stored in the third storage area, and data indicating the mounting status of the yellow developing device 54 is stored in the fourth storage area. When all appropriate developing devices are mounted, the storage areas are stored in the respective storage areas. “0” is stored in each of the fields. The data in these storage areas may be stored, for example, when the user turns on the power with the developing device removed or replaces the developing device, and mistakenly installs the developing device that should not be installed in the installed holding unit. When the event of is detected,
Before moving the corresponding holding portion to the developing device take-out position, it is rewritten with data "1" indicating this phenomenon. This data "1" is a signal indicating that the processing operation is completed after the proper developing device is attached to the target holding portion, for example, the development attached by turning on the power by closing the outer cover. When an attempt is made to access the storage element of the apparatus and the developing device information is read, when the developing device information matches the developing device information of the target holding unit, it is rewritten to "0".

=== Replacement of Developing Device === Next, the replacement operation of the developing device in the image forming apparatus configured as described above will be described. Here, the case where the black developing device 51 is replaced is illustrated and described with reference to FIG. 6, but the same applies to other developing devices. Further, the developing device information is color information indicating the color of the contained toner.

The replacement of the black developing device 51 is executed by a user or the like through an input means provided in this device or a replacement command signal input from a host device connected to this device. When the replacement instruction signal for the black developing device 51 is input (S100), the YMCK developing unit 50 is rotated to move and position the black developing device 51 to a developing device take-out position where the black developing device 51 can be taken out (S101). After that, the user is notified that the black developing device 51 can be replaced by the display unit 95 included in the printer 10 or the host device connected to the device (S10).
2).

The user who confirms this notification is the printer 1
When the outer cover of No. 0 is opened, the power supply line on the high voltage side is cut off in conjunction with this cover, the printer 10 enters the standby state, and the black developing device 51 can be replaced by the user.

The user pulls out the black developing device 51 arranged at the back of the take-out port 37 from the YMCK developing unit 50 through the take-out port 37 and mounts a new developing device (S103). When the user closes the exterior cover, the interrupted high-voltage power is supplied, and the printer 10 executes a process for returning to a printable state (S104). At this time, the unit controller 102 drives the pulse motor to drive the YMCK.
By rotating the developing unit 50, the attached developing device is
The toner is moved to a connector attachment / detachment position where the connector and the common connector 34 face each other (S105), the connectors are fitted (S106), and the toner forming the developing device information is stored in the developing device side memory of the newly installed developing device. The color information of is read (S107). After that, the common connector 34 is moved backward to the printer body side, pulled out from the connector on the developing device side, and retracted to a position where it does not interfere with the rotation operation of the YMCK developing unit 50 (S108). At this time, it is determined whether the unit controller 102 can access the memory on the developing device side (S109). If the unit controller 102 cannot access the memory, the unit controller 1
02 indicates the abnormal data “1” indicating that the installed developing device is not appropriate from the data in the first storage area of the main body side memory 122 starting from “0” before moving the installed developing device to the developing device eject position. (S112). After setting the data in the first storage area to "1", the attached developing device is moved to the developing device take-out position and positioned (S113), and the attached developing device is not appropriate.
The display unit 95 of the printer 10 or the host device notifies the user that the developing device can be replaced (S114).

When the unit controller 102 can access the developing device side memory, the color information read from the attached developing device is the unit controller 102.
It is determined whether the color information matches the color information forming the developing device information stored in the main body side memory 122, that is, whether it is a black developing device (S110). When the color information of the attached developing device is black, the display unit 95 notifies the user that the replacement operation is completed and the printing operation is possible (S111). On the other hand, when the color information of the toner of the newly installed developing device is not black, the unit controller 102
Indicates that the data of the first storage area of the main body side memory 122 is "0" before the attached developing device is moved to the developing device take-out position. (S112). After setting the data in the first storage area to "1", the attached developing device is moved to the developing device take-out position and positioned (S
113) The display unit 95 of the printer 10 or the host device notifies the user that the attached developing device is not appropriate and that the developing device can be replaced (S1).
14).

=== Operation at Power-on === Next, the operation at power-on will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.

When the power is turned on (S200), the unit controller 102 causes the main body side memory 122 to store the first to second data.
The data in the fourth storage area is read (S201 to S20
4). Here, when normal data “0” is stored in all the storage areas, the user is notified by the display unit 95 of the printer 10 or the host device that a predetermined initial operation is performed and printing is possible ( S205).

If the abnormal data "1" is stored in any of the first to fourth storage areas, the unit controller 102 drives the pulse motor to rotate the YMCK developing unit 50, and the corresponding data is obtained. The holding part is moved to the connector attaching / detaching position (S206). Here, the case where the abnormal data is stored in the first storage area (the storage area corresponding to the holding unit to which the black developing device is to be mounted) will be described as an example. However, when the abnormal data is stored in another storage area Is
Although the target holding unit is different, the same operation is performed.

At this connector attaching / detaching position, an attempt is made to fit the connector of the black developing device, which should have been attached, with the common connector 34, and the common connector 34 is moved (S207). When the developing device is present in the corresponding holding portion, its connector and the common connector 34 are fitted to each other, and the developing device side memory of the developing device is accessible, the developing device side memory is used to develop the developing device. The color information of the toner forming the developing device information of the device is read (S208, S
209). After that, the common connector 34 is moved backward to the printer body side, pulled out from the connector on the developing device side, and retracted to a position where it does not interfere with the rotation operation of the YMCK developing unit 50 (S210).

The unit controller 102 determines whether the color information read from the attached developing device is black (S2).
11). When the color information of the attached developing device is black, the data in the first storage area of the main body side memory 122 is rewritten from the abnormal data “1” to the normal data “0” (S212), and the exchange operation is completed. The display unit 95 notifies the user that the print operation is possible (S213).

On the other hand, when the color information of the toner of the attached developing device is not black, the attached developing device is moved to the developing device take-out position and positioned (S216), and the attached developing device is placed. The display unit 95 of the printer 10 or the host device notifies the user that the device is not appropriate and that the developing device can be replaced (S217).

At the connector attaching / detaching position, an attempt is made to fit the connector of the black developing device, which should have been attached, with the common connector 34 (S207), and if the developing device side memory cannot be accessed, It is determined that the developing device is not mounted, and the holding portion thereof is moved to the developing device take-out position for positioning (S214).
The user is notified by the display unit 95 of the printer 10 or the host device that the developing device is not mounted and that the developing device is mountable (S215).

After that, as in the case of replacing the developing device,
When the user mounts the developing device (S218) and closes the exterior cover (S219), the color information of the mounted developing device is read (S220 to S224), and it is confirmed that the developing device is a black developing device. (S225), the data in the first storage area of the main body side memory 122 is rewritten from "1" to "0" (S226), the developing device is mounted,
Further, the display unit 95 notifies the user that the printing operation is possible (S227). If the color information of the toner of the newly attached developing device is not black, the attached developing device is moved to the developing device take-out position (S230), and it is determined that the attached developing device is not appropriate. The display unit 95 of the printer 10 or the host device notifies the user that the developing device can be replaced (S231). Also at this time, when the memory on the developing device side cannot be accessed, the holding portion is moved to the developing device take-out position and positioned (S22).
8) The display unit 95 of the printer 10 indicating that the developing device is not mounted and that the developing device is mountable.
Alternatively, the host device notifies the user (S22).
9).

Therefore, in this printer 10, when the memory on the developing device side cannot be accessed or when the developing device attached is not appropriate, the holding portion which should hold the developing device is moved to the developing device take-out position. Therefore, the user can attach the developing device to the holding portion to which the developing device is not attached or replace the improper developing device without performing a special operation. Further, there is no possibility that the developing device is not attached to the holding portion, or that an improper developing device is still attached to the holding portion and the holding portion does not stop at a position other than the developing device take-out position where the developing device cannot be attached. Therefore, the user can quickly mount or replace the developing device and can immediately print.

At this time, since the abnormal data "1" is stored in the main body side memory before the holding section is moved to the developing device take-out position, the unit controller 1 on the printer main body side is stored.
Even if 02 has a structure in which it cannot always communicate with the developing device side memory provided in each developing device, whether the developing device is attached or not is attached by reading the data in the storage area of the printer main body side memory 122. It is possible to confirm whether or not the developing device is appropriate. That is, abnormal data “1”
Even if the power is shut off before the holding unit is moved to the developing device eject position, abnormal data is stored in the storage area when the power is turned on again. The holding unit is moved to the developing device take-out position, and the user can mount or replace the developing device.

Further, when the abnormal data is stored, the corresponding holding portion is moved to the developing device take-out position, and the user is informed of this event. Therefore, it is possible to prevent printing with an improper developing device attached.

If the developing device information in the developing device side memory is not only color information but also characteristic information indicating the characteristics of toner, model information of the applicable developing device, and the like, an image of an incorrect color is prevented from being output. In addition to this, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of problems such as the output of an image in which the densities do not match and the inappropriate toner spilling. Furthermore, since the color of the developing device that is not installed can be specified,
When at least the black developing device is mounted, the printing operation with the black toner can be enabled.

When it is necessary to write or read data such as toner usage amount information to the memory of the developing device when the developing device replacement command signal is input, the pulse motor is driven. Then, the YMCK developing unit 50 is rotated, the corresponding developing device is moved to the connector attaching / detaching position, the connectors are connected, and data reading or rewriting processing is executed for the developing device side and main body side memories. Good.

A program for performing the above processing is stored in, for example, the ROM 124 in FIG. 2, and this program is executed by the CPU 120.

=== Other Embodiments === The developing device and the like according to the present invention have been described above based on the embodiment, but the embodiment of the present invention described above facilitates understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention, without departing from the spirit thereof,
It is needless to say that the present invention can be modified and improved and includes the equivalents thereof.

In the above-described embodiments, the intermediate transfer type full-color laser beam printer was described as an example of the image forming apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to the intermediate transfer type full-color laser beam printer, monochrome laser beam printer, and copying machine. It can be applied to various image forming apparatuses such as machines and facsimiles.

In the above embodiment, YMCK
Although the developing unit has been rotated and each developing device has been selectively provided with a rotary developing unit that faces the photoconductor, the present invention is not limited to this, and the developing devices are arranged in parallel and slide, etc. It does not matter as long as the plurality of developing devices move and selectively oppose the photoconductor, and the printer main body and the developing device are electrically connected as necessary.

Further, the photosensitive member is not limited to a so-called photosensitive roller constituted by providing a photosensitive layer on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical conductive base material, and a photosensitive layer is provided on the surface of a belt-shaped conductive base material. A so-called photosensitive belt configured as described above may be used.

Further, the developing device according to the above-mentioned embodiment,
A computer system including a computer main body, a display device such as a CRT, and an input device such as a mouse and a keyboard can also be realized, and the computer system realized in this way is superior to the conventional system as a whole system. Becomes

[0100]

According to the present invention, when it is detected that the developing device is not mounted or the developing device is not suitable, it is possible to easily mount and replace the developing device. It is possible to realize the image forming apparatus, a computer program for easily changing the developing device in the image forming apparatus, and a computer system including the image forming apparatus.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing main constituent elements constituting an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control unit of the image forming apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing main components of a developing device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of a YMCK developing unit and a stop position.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a connector connection structure between a developing device and a main body.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a replacement operation of the black developing device.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation when all the developing devices are attached when the power is turned on.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation when abnormal data is stored in a storage area when the power is turned on.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation when a developing device is not attached or an improper developing device is attached.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual view showing a slide type developing unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Laser Beam Printer (Main Body) 20 Photosensitive Member 30 Charging Unit 34 Common Connector 40 Exposure Unit 50 YMCK Developing Unit 50a Rotating Shaft 51 Black Developing Devices 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a Storage Elements (Developing Device Side Memory) 51b, 52b, 53b , 54b Connector 52 Magenta Developing Device 53 Cyan Developing Device 54 Yellow Developing Device 55 Support Frames 55a, 55b, 55c, 55d Holding Unit 60 Primary Transfer Unit 70 Intermediate Transfer Body 75 Cleaning Unit 76 Cleaning Blade 80 Secondary Transfer Unit 90 Fixing Unit 92 Paper feed tray 94 Paper feed roller 95 Display unit 96 Registration roller 100 Control unit 101 Main controller 112 Interface 113 Image memory 120 CPU 121 Serial interface Case 122 Developing device side memory (memory element) 123 Input / output port 124 ROM 510 Developing roller 520 Sealing member 522 Sealing support metal plate 524 Seal biasing member 530 Toner accommodating portion 540 Frame 550 Toner supplying roller 560 Restricting blade 560a Rubber portion 560b Rubber supporting Part 562 Blade support sheet metal 570 Blade backing member T Toner

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G03G 21/00 500 G03G 21/00 500 21/14 15/00 554 21/16 21/00 372 F term ( (Reference) 2C061 AQ06 HV01 HV17 HV33 2H027 DA27 DA32 DD05 DE07 EB04 EC06 EC07 EC10 ED08 EE04 EE07 EE08 EF01 EF06 EJ08 EK01 EK04 EK09 GB01 GB08 HB05 BA18 BA01 BA24 BA01 BA01 BA24 BA01 BA01 BA17 BA01 BA01 BA17 BA01 BA17 BA01 BA24 BA17 BA17 BA07 BA027B07BA01 BA16 BA07 BA07 BA01 BA24 BA17 BA17 BA027 DB25 GA04 GA13

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An image carrier on which a latent image is formed, and a plurality of holding units detachably holding a plurality of developing devices for developing the latent images formed on the image carrier by toners of different colors. And a reading unit that reads the developing device information about the developing device stored in the storage element included in the developing device from the storage element, and the storage element of the developing device held in the holding unit and the reading unit. When the developing device is located at a reading position where the developing device is prohibited from being removed and the holding device is different from the reading position, the holding device can read the information. In the image forming apparatus in which the developing device held by the holding unit is removable when the holding device is placed in the position, the holding unit is a developing device to be held by the holding unit. Corresponding to the developing device information to be stored, the storage device provided in the developing device cannot be accessed, or the developing device information read from the storage device corresponds to the holding unit holding the developing device. The image forming apparatus, wherein the holding unit is moved to the developing device taking-out position when the developing device information is different from the attached developing device information. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising notification means for generating a notification signal when an event to be notified to a user occurs and notifying the event based on the notification signal, This event is generated when the notification means cannot access the storage device provided in the developing device or the developing device information read from the storage device is different from the developing device information associated with the holding unit. An image forming apparatus, which generates a notification signal for notifying the user. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a rewritable nonvolatile storage area that is associated with each of the holding units and stores status information indicating a status of a developing device. Either the storage device provided in the developing device cannot be accessed, or the developing device information of the storage device is different from the developing device information associated with the holding unit, and the holding unit is moved to the developing device taking-out position. An image forming apparatus, wherein abnormal data indicating this phenomenon is stored as status information in the storage area when the above is performed. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when abnormal data is stored as status information in the storage area when the power is turned on, the corresponding holding unit is moved to the developing device take-out position. An image forming apparatus comprising: 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: a notification unit that generates a notification signal when an event to be notified to the user occurs and notifies the event based on the notification signal, An image forming apparatus, wherein the notification means generates a notification signal for notifying this event when abnormal data is stored as status information in the storage area. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the developing device information of the developing device is color information of toner contained in the developing device and characteristic information indicating characteristics of the toner. Of the model information indicating the model of the compatible image forming apparatus,
An image forming apparatus comprising at least one piece of information. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein one of the developing devices contains black toner, and the developing device information corresponding to the holding section is Image forming with black toner when the abnormal data, which is the color information of the toner accommodated in the developing device held in the holding portion and is stored in the storage area corresponding to the color information except black, An image forming apparatus capable of operating. 8. An image carrier on which a latent image is formed, and a plurality of holding units detachably holding a plurality of developing devices for developing the latent images formed on the image carrier by toners of different colors. And a reading unit that reads the developing device information about the developing device stored in the storage element provided in the developing device from the storage element, and the storage element of the developing device held in the holding unit and the reading unit. When the developing device is located at a reading position where the developing device is prohibited from being removed and the holding device is located at a reading position where the holding portion is different from the reading position, In the image forming apparatus in which the developing device held in the holding portion is removable when the developing device is placed in the position, the state of the developing device is indicated in association with each holding portion. It has a rewritable non-volatile storage area for storing state information, and the holding unit is associated with the developing device information regarding the developing device to be held in the holding unit, and is provided in the developing device. The storage device cannot be accessed, or the developing device information read from the storage device is
When the developing device information is different from the developing device information associated with the holding unit that holds the developing device, the developing device information is different in the storage area when the holding unit is moved to the developing device eject position. An image forming apparatus, which stores abnormal data indicating that the status information is to be stored as status information. 9. A plurality of holding units detachably holding an image carrier on which a latent image is formed and a plurality of developing devices for developing the latent image formed on the image carrier with toners of different colors. And a reading unit that reads the developing device information about the developing device stored in the storage element included in the developing device from the storage element, and the storage element of the developing device held in the holding unit and the reading unit. When the developing device is located at a reading position where the developing device is prohibited from being removed and the holding device is different from the reading position, the holding device can read the information. When the developing device held in the holding unit is detachable, the image forming apparatus that can be removed cannot access the memory element provided in the developing device. A developing device information read from the storage element,
A computer program for moving the holding unit to the developing device take-out position when the developing unit information that should be originally held in the holding unit holding the developing unit is different. 10. A computer main body, a display device connected to the computer main body, an image carrier on which a latent image is formed, and a latent image formed on the image carrier is developed with toners of different colors. A plurality of holding units that respectively hold a plurality of developing devices in a detachable manner, and a reading unit that reads the developing device information regarding the developing device stored in a storage element included in the developing device from the storage element, When the storage element of the developing device held by the holding portion and the reading unit are arranged at a predetermined relative position and the developing device is arranged at a reading position where removal of the developing device is prohibited, the information of the storage element is read. An image type in which the developing device held by the holding portion can be removed when the holding portion is arranged at a developing device take-out position different from the reading position. In the developing device, the holding unit is associated with the developing device information about the developing device to be held in the holding unit, and the storage element provided in the developing device cannot be accessed or is not accessible from the storage element. An image forming apparatus that moves the holding unit to the developing device take-out position when the read developing unit information is different from the developing unit information associated with the holding unit that holds the developing unit. A computer system characterized by that.