JP2003302805A - Image forming apparatus, computer program and computer system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of reducing the useless wear and the deterioration of developer and a layer thickness control member, etc., due to continuous-printing with monochromatic developer. <P>SOLUTION: In the image forming apparatus 10, which is provided with several developing devices 51, 52, 53 and 54 which are movably held so as to develop a latent image formed on an image carrier 20 and wherein each developing device is moved opposite to the image carrier so as to develop the latent image and form the image on a medium, in the case of continuously printing on several media by a specified developing device, the rotation of a developer carrying roll 510 is stopped when a non-latent image area comes closest to the developer carrying roller 510. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

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 An image forming apparatus of this type has a plurality of developing devices for developing latent images formed on a photoconductor by toners of different colors stored therein, and these developing devices are rotated. There is known an apparatus including a rotary type developing unit arranged radially about an 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, in the case of forming a color toner image, the development and transfer are repeated in the same manner by superposing a plurality of toner images while sequentially switching a plurality of developing devices, and in the case of a single color, a predetermined development is carried out. The device is opposed to the photoreceptor to form a toner image. That is, when the toner image is a color image, the rotation of the developer carrying roller is stopped when the developing device is switched, but, for example, when a black toner image is continuously formed, the developing device is switched. Since it is not necessary, the developer carrying roller rotates even when the developer carrying roller is not actually developing, for example, when the developer carrying roller faces a so-called paper interval between the latent images of the photoconductors. Keeps on doing.

[0004]

By the way, a layer thickness regulating member is in contact with the developer carrying roller, and the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrying roller is rotated by the rotation of the developing carrying roller. Is regulated, and the developer is charged by friction. For this reason, while the developer carrying roller is rotating, the developer carrying roller and the layer thickness regulating member and the developer or the developers are rubbed against each other and worn to a considerable extent. . Therefore, as in the case of printing a plurality of images in succession with a single color developer, there is no particular development from the printing on the first sheet to the end of the printing on the last sheet. If the developer carrying roller continues to rotate including the time, the developer and the layer thickness regulating member may be unnecessarily worn, an appropriate charge may not be given to the developer, and the image quality of the formed image may deteriorate. There was a problem.

Also, since most of the printing using only a single color developer is performed with a black developer, the black developer and the abrasion of the developing device are more advanced than the other color developers. Therefore, there is a problem in that the amount of wear of the constituent parts greatly differs between the developing devices.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to reduce unnecessary wear and deterioration of a developer, a layer thickness regulating member and the like in continuous printing with a single color developer. An image forming apparatus capable of performing the image forming apparatus, a computer program for reducing unnecessary wear and deterioration of a developer and a layer thickness regulating member in continuous printing with a single color developer, and the image forming apparatus It is about realizing a computer system.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the main invention is to provide an image bearing member rotatably supported to form a latent image, and an image bearing member movably held to the image bearing member. A plurality of developing devices for developing the formed latent image,
Each of the developing devices has a developer carrying roller that is rotatably supported and carries a developer for developing the latent image, and one developing device of the plurality of developing devices is included in the developing device. In an image forming apparatus that moves a developer bearing roller to a position facing the image bearing member, develops the latent image while rotating the developer bearing roller and the image bearing member, and forms an image on a medium, When continuously printing on a plurality of media using the developing device, a non-latent image region in which a latent image is not formed over the entire width of the image carrier is closest to the developer carrying roller, The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the rotation of the developer carrying roller is stopped. Other features of the present invention will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following description.

[0008]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION === Summary of the Disclosure ===
At least the following is revealed.

An image bearing member rotatably supported to form a latent image, and a plurality of developing devices movably held to develop the latent image formed on the image bearing member are provided. The apparatus has a developer carrying roller that is rotatably supported and carries a developer for developing the latent image. One of the plurality of developing devices is a developer carrying roller included in the developing device. In the image forming apparatus, the roller is moved to a position facing the image carrier, the latent image is developed while the developer carrier roller and the image carrier are rotated, and an image is formed on a medium. When continuously printing on a plurality of media using, the non-latent image area where the latent image is not formed over the entire width of the image bearing member is the closest to the developer bearing roller when the developer is Characterized by stopping the rotation of the carrier roller An image forming apparatus. According to such an image forming apparatus, even when the latent image area is continuously developed using the specific developing device, when the non-latent image area is closest to the developer carrying roller, that is, the latent image area is When the developer is not developed, the rotation of the developer carrying roller is stopped, so that it is possible to prevent unnecessary wear and deterioration of the developer and a member abutting on the developer carrying roller.

In such an image forming apparatus, the plurality of developing devices may be arranged around a rotating shaft and moved by rotating about the rotating shaft while maintaining the relative positions of the developing devices. According to such an image forming apparatus, in both cases of rotating a plurality of developing devices for sequential development, and continuously developing with a specific developing device without moving the developing devices. When the latent image is not developed, the rotation of the developer carrying roller is stopped, so that unnecessary wear and deterioration of the developer and the members abutting on the developer carrying roller are promoted only in the specific developing device. It becomes possible to prevent it.

In the image forming apparatus, when the non-latent image area is closest to the developer carrying roller, the tip of the non-latent image area in the rotation direction of the image carrier is the closest to the developer carrying roller. It is desirable that it is when they come into contact with each other.
According to such an image forming apparatus, the developer carrying roller is stopped from the tip of the non-latent image area to maximize unnecessary wear and deterioration of the developer and a member abutting on the developer carrying roller. It becomes possible to prevent it.

In such an image forming apparatus, when the non-latent image area is closest to the developer carrying roller, the tip of the non-latent image area in the rotation direction of the image carrier is the closest to the developer carrying roller. It is desirable that they come into contact with each other and after a predetermined time has passed. According to such an image forming apparatus,
The developing agent carrying roller stops until the leading edge of the non-latent image area comes into closest contact with the developing agent carrying roller after a predetermined time has elapsed, so that development in the latent image area is secured, and the trailing edge of the image is chipped. It is possible to prevent the concentration from decreasing.

In such an image forming apparatus, the non-latent image area is preferably an area between a latent image of one medium and a latent image of a medium to be developed next. According to such an image forming apparatus, by stopping the developer carrying roller even in a small area between the latent image of one medium and the latent image of the medium to be developed next, the developer and the layer are stopped. It becomes possible to significantly reduce unnecessary wear and deterioration of the thickness regulating member and the like.

In such an image forming apparatus, it is preferable that the non-latent image area is an area between a latent image formable range of one medium and a latent image formable range of a medium to be developed next. According to such an image forming apparatus, since the latent image formable range for the medium is set in advance, it is possible to easily control even when the developer carrying roller is stopped in the non-latent image area. Is possible.

In such an image forming apparatus, the developer carrying roller is rotated by a motor connected to a shaft portion of the image forming apparatus via a power transmission unit, and when the rotation of the developer carrying roller is stopped, The motor may be stopped. According to such an image forming apparatus, the motor can be controlled to smoothly stop and start the developer carrying roller.

Further, in the image forming apparatus, the developer carrying roller is rotated by a motor connected to a shaft portion of the developer carrying roller via a power transmission unit, and the power of the motor is supplied to the developer by the power transmission unit. It is also possible to have a clutch for disconnecting from the side of the carrying roller, and when stopping the rotation of the developer carrying roller, the power may be disconnected by the clutch. According to such an image forming apparatus, it is possible to instantly rotate and stop the developer carrying roller simply by connecting and disconnecting the power transmission path with the clutch, and the developer, the layer thickness regulating member, etc. It is possible to further reduce unnecessary wear of the.

In such an image forming apparatus, it is preferable that the stopped developer carrying roller is rotated when the rear end of the non-latent image area in the rotation direction of the image carrying member is closest to the developer carrying roller. . According to such an image forming apparatus, after temporarily stopping the developer carrying roller,
By rotating again, the latent image formed on the image carrier can be developed.

In such an image forming apparatus, when the rear end of the non-latent image area is closest to the developer carrying roller,
It is desirable that the trailing edge of the non-latent image region is the closest to the developer carrying roller. According to such an image forming apparatus, even if the developer carrying roller is temporarily stopped,
The latent image can be developed from the front end in the rotation direction of the image carrier.

In the image forming apparatus, when the rear end of the non-latent image area is closest to the developer carrying roller,
It is desirable that the trailing edge of the non-latent image area is a predetermined time before the closest contact with the developer carrying roller. According to such an image forming apparatus, it is possible to surely develop the latent image from the tip thereof in the development after stopping the developer carrying roller, and prevent the formed image from being chipped or thinned. It becomes possible.

Further, in the image forming apparatus, a plurality of developing device holding portions for holding the developing devices are provided, and each developing device holding portion is formed so that each of the developing devices can be attached and detached. Is desirable. According to such an image forming apparatus, it is possible to suppress variations in the amount of wear among the developing devices to be small. Thus, for example, when the developing device is collected for recycling, any developing device can be regenerated by the same process, and any regenerated developing device can be attached. Since the developing device holding unit is not limited, it is possible to easily perform the regenerating work.

Further, in such an image forming apparatus, it is preferable that the developing device and the other developing device are provided with members having the same shape and material, and these members are compatible with each other. According to such an image forming apparatus, since the variation in the amount of wear between the developing devices is small, if the easily wearable parts are formed with the same shape and material to have compatibility, for example, recycling, etc. Since the time of exchanging the member is the same for each developing device when reusing, it is possible to realize a developing device that is easy to recycle by sharing the recycling process.

In such an image forming apparatus, it is desirable to have a developer supply member that is in contact with the developer carrying roller in order to supply the developer to the developer carrying roller. According to such an image forming apparatus, the developer supply member that is likely to be worn due to contact with the developer carrying roller can be commonly used in any of the development devices, and therefore the cost of the developer supply member can be reduced. It is possible to realize a developing device which is easy to recycle and is reduced.

In such an image forming apparatus, it is desirable to have a layer thickness regulating member which is in contact with the developer carrying roller and regulates the layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrying roller. According to such an image forming apparatus, since the layer thickness regulating member that is likely to be worn by being brought into contact with the developer carrying roller can be commonly used in any developing apparatus,
The cost of the layer thickness regulating member can be reduced, and a developing device that can be easily recycled can be realized.

In such an image forming apparatus, it is desirable to have a seal member that is in contact with the developer carrying roller and prevents the developer from leaking from the developing device. According to such an image forming apparatus, the seal member, which is likely to be worn by being brought into contact with the developer carrying roller, can be commonly used in any of the developing devices, so that the cost of the seal member is reduced. At the same time, it is possible to realize a developing device that is easy to recycle.

Further, in such an image forming apparatus, it is desirable that the developing device has a storage element for storing recycling information regarding the developing device. According to such an image forming apparatus, the recycling status of the developing device can be managed based on the recycling information stored in the storage element, and the developing device that can be easily recycled can be realized.

In such an image forming apparatus, it is desirable that the recycling information is the number of times the developing apparatus is recycled. According to such an image forming apparatus, it is possible to clearly know the number of times of recycling of the developing device from the number of times of recycling stored in the storage element, and to replace the expendable member at the appropriate time. It is possible to provide a good developing device.

The image bearing member is rotatably supported to form a latent image, and a plurality of developing devices are movably held to develop the latent image formed on the image bearing member. Each developing device has a developer carrying roller rotatably supported to carry a developer for developing the latent image,
One developing device of the plurality of developing devices is moved to a position where a developer carrying roller of the developing device faces the image carrier, and the developer carrying roller and the image carrier are rotated while developing. In an image forming apparatus that develops the latent image to form an image at a developing position where the peripheral surface of the agent carrying roller and the image carrier are close to each other, in the developer carrying roller, the shaft of the developer carrying roller has a power transmission unit. The latent image is formed for each medium and is rotated by a motor connected through the power transmission unit, and the latent image is formed for each medium. When continuously printing on a plurality of media using a device, when the non-latent image area where the latent image is not formed over the entire width of the image carrier is closest to the developer carrying roller, the motor is used. To stop Alternatively, by disconnecting the power by the clutch, the rotation of the developer carrying roller is stopped, and the rear end of the non-latent image region in the rotation direction of the image carrier is closest to the developer carrying roller, The image forming apparatus is characterized by being rotated.

According to such an image forming apparatus, when the non-latent image area is closest to the developer carrying roller, that is, when the latent image is not developed, the motor is stopped or the power transmission path is set by the clutch. The simple method of connecting and disconnecting makes it possible to immediately rotate and stop the developer carrying roller. Therefore, by appropriately stopping the rotation of the developer carrying roller, it is possible to prevent unnecessary wear and deterioration of the developer and parts of the developing device such as the layer thickness regulating member. In particular,
When the latent image area is continuously printed, the developer carrying roller is stopped even in a small area between the latent image area of one medium and the latent image area of the medium to be developed next, so that Also, it is possible to significantly reduce unnecessary wear and deterioration of the layer thickness regulating member and the like.

The image bearing member is rotatably supported to form a latent image, and a plurality of developing devices are movably held to develop the latent image formed on the image bearing member. Each developing device has a developer carrying roller rotatably supported to carry a developer for developing the latent image,
One of the plurality of developing devices is moved to a position where a developer carrying roller of the developing device faces the image carrier, and the latent image is formed while rotating the developer carrying roller and the image carrier. When an image forming apparatus that develops an image and forms an image on a medium is continuously printed on a plurality of media using the specific developing device, a latent image is not formed over the entire width of the image carrier. A computer program for realizing the function of stopping the rotation of the developer carrying roller when the non-latent image area comes closest to the developer carrying roller can also be realized.

Further, a computer main body, an image carrier connected to the computer main body and rotatably supported to form a latent image, and a latent image movably held and formed on the image carrier. A plurality of developing devices for developing the toner, each developing device being rotatably supported to carry a developer for developing the latent image; and a developer carrying roller for carrying the developer. For supplying the developer to the developer carrying roller, and a layer thickness regulation for regulating the layer thickness of the developer brought into contact with the developer carrying roller and supplied to the developer carrying roller. A developer carrier having a member and a seal member that is in contact with the developer carrying roller and prevents the developer from leaking from the developing device; and a developing device carrying one developing device of the plurality of developing devices. Laura bears the image In a computer system provided with an image forming apparatus which moves to a position facing a body, develops the latent image while rotating a developer carrying roller and an image carrying body, and forms an image on a medium, When continuously printing on a plurality of media using the device, the non-latent image area where the latent image is not formed over the entire width of the image carrier,
According to the computer system, the rotation of the developer carrying roller is stopped when the developer carrying roller is closest to the developer carrying roller. It is possible to realize a computer system that is superior to the conventional one by including a developing device capable of preventing various abrasions and deteriorations.

=== Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus (Laser Beam Printer) === Next, referring to FIG.
The configuration will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing main constituent elements of the printer 10. Note that, in FIG. 1, 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, the intermediate transfer member 70, and the cleaning unit along the rotation direction of the photoconductor 20 that is a latent image carrier that carries a latent image. It has a unit 75, and further includes a secondary transfer unit 80 and a fixing unit 9.
0, a display unit 95 including a liquid crystal panel, which does not notify the user, and a control unit 100 (FIG. 2) that controls these units and the like to operate 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. 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 computer (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 black (K) toner, magenta (M) toner, cyan (C) toner, and yellow (Y) toner. These toners are respectively stored in the black developing device 51, the magenta developing device 52, the cyan developing device 53, and the yellow developing device 54 included in the YMCK developing unit 50.

In the present embodiment, the YMCK developing unit 50 is rotated to move the positions of the four developing devices 51, 52, 53 and 54. That is, this YMCK developing unit 50
Holds the four developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54 by four holding portions 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e, and the four developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54.
Can rotate about the rotary shaft 50a while maintaining their relative positions. Then, the photoconductor 20
Developing devices 51, 52, 5 corresponding to the latent image formed on the
The latent images on the photoconductor 20 are developed with the toners stored in the developing devices 51, 52, 53, and 54, respectively. These developing devices 5
When the toners 1, 52, 53, 54 are completely consumed, the toners 1, 52, 53, 54 are collected in a factory or the like for recycling, filled with the toners, and the consumed parts are replaced and provided again to the user. 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 substantially 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, or cloth. 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 recording 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 that is in contact with the surface of the photoconductor 20.
This is a device for scraping off the toner remaining on the photoconductor 20 by a cleaning blade 76 after the toner image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer body 70 by 0.

The control unit 100 includes a main controller 101 and a unit controller 1 as shown in FIG.
Image signals are input to the main controller 101, and the unit controller 102 controls the units and the like in accordance with a command based on the image signals to form an image.

=== 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, FIG. 3 also shows the up-down direction by arrows, and for example, the central axis of the developing roller 510 is below the central axis of the photoconductor 20. In addition, in FIG.
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 has 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 a yellow developing device. (Y) The yellow developing device 54 containing the toner is provided, but since the configurations of the respective developing devices are the same,
The yellow developing device 54 will be described below.

The yellow developing device 54 includes a developing roller 510 as a toner carrier, a seal member 520, a first accommodating portion 530, a second accommodating portion 535, a housing 540, a regulating wall 545, and a toner supplying roller as a developer supplying member. 5
50, a regulation blade 560 as a layer thickness regulation member, and a blade back member 570 for urging the regulation blade.

The developing roller 510 carries the toner T and conveys it to a developing position facing the photoconductor 20. The developing roller 510 is made of aluminum, stainless steel, iron, or the like, and is nickel-plated, chrome-plated, or the like if necessary. In addition, the developing roller 510
Is rotatable about the central axis, and as shown in FIG. 3, the rotation direction of the photoconductor 20 (clockwise in FIG. 3).
It rotates in the opposite direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 3). 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. That is, the yellow developing device 54 develops the latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 in a non-contact state. 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.
And is attached to the housing 540 via the seal supporting sheet metal 522. 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 first accommodating portion 530 and the second accommodating portion 535.
Is a portion for containing the toner T, and the housing 540
It is composed of a part of. The housing 540 is provided with the toner T between the first containing portion 530 and the second containing portion 535.
Has a restriction wall 545 for restricting the movement of the. The restriction wall 545 extends upward from the lower part of the housing 540 (vertical direction in FIG. 3), and the upper end thereof is located above the uppermost part of the toner supply roller 550. The first
Although a stirring member for stirring the toner T stored in the storage portion 530 and the second storage portion 535 may be provided, in the present embodiment, as the YMCK developing unit 50 rotates, each developing device (black developing device) is rotated. The device 51, the magenta developing device 52, 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 first containing portion 530 and the second containing portion 535 contain No stirring member is provided.

The toner supply roller 550 is connected to the first containing portion 5
The toner T stored in the second storage unit 535 and the toner storage unit 535 is supplied to the developing roller 510. This toner supply roller 550
Has a metal shaft and is made of polyurethane foam or the like, and both ends thereof are supported by a bearing portion provided in the housing 540 together with the developing roller 510. The bearing portion of the toner supply roller 550 and the bearing portion of the developing roller 510 are arranged such that the axial distance between them is smaller than the distance obtained by adding the radii of the toner supply roller 550 and the developing roller 510, and the toner supply roller 550 is elastically deformed. In this state, it is in contact with the developing roller 510. Here, the toner supply roller 550 is formed such that the end portion of the outer peripheral portion that is in contact with the developing roller 510 is inside the end portion of the developing roller 510, and the toner T is attached to the end portion of the developing roller 510. By suppressing the supply of toner and suppressing the generation of surplus toner T, the toner T is prevented from scattering to the outside.

The toner supply roller 550 is connected to the first container 5
The toner T, which is disposed in the lower portion of the first accommodating portion 530 and the second accommodating portion 530, is supplied to the developing roller 5 by the toner supply roller 550 below the first accommodating portion 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
A function of supplying the toner T stored in the first storage portion 530 and the second storage portion 535 to the developing roller 510, and a function of stripping the toner T remaining on the developing roller 510 after development from the developing roller 510. Also has

Control blade 560 as a layer thickness control member
Regulates the layer thickness of the toner T carried on the developing roller 510, and imparts 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
The toner T is prevented from entering between the rubber supporting portion 560b and the housing 540, and the elastic force due to the bending of the rubber supporting portion 560b is stabilized, and at the same time, the rubber portion 560a.
The rubber portion 560a is urged toward the developing roller 510 from the back side of the developing roller 510 to cause the rubber portion 560a to move toward the developing roller 5.
I am pushing it to 10. Therefore, the blade back member 5
Reference numeral 70 improves the uniform contact property 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 as shown in FIG. A portion separated by a distance is in contact with the developing roller 510 with a width. That is, the regulation blade 560 is not in contact with the developing roller 510 at the edge, but is in contact at the antinode. Further, the regulation blade 560 is arranged so as to come into contact with a so-called counter and its tip end faces the upstream side in the rotation direction of the developing roller 510 and the toner supply roller 550. 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 housing 540 is manufactured by joining a plurality of integrally-formed housings (upper housing, lower housing, etc.), and has an opening at the bottom. A part of the developing roller 510 is exposed in the axial direction in this opening.

The yellow developing device 5 thus constructed
4, the toner supply roller 550 has the first storage portion 53
0 and the toner T stored in the second storage portion 535 is supplied to the developing roller 510. The supplied toner T is carried by 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 the charge T Is given. The toner T on the developing roller 510 whose layer thickness is regulated is further rotated by the developing roller 510.
It reaches a developing position facing the photoconductor 20 and is used for developing the latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 under an alternating electric field at the developing position. The toner T remaining on the developing roller 510 that has passed the developing position due to further rotation of the developing roller 510
Passes through the seal member 520, and the seal member 520
It is collected in the developing device without being scraped off.

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, and the developing device information regarding the developing device such as the toner consumption amount. , And a nonvolatile storage memory such as a serial EEPROM in which the number of times of recycling, which is the number of times of recovery and recycling for recycling, and the recycling information such as the history of the parts that have been recovered and replaced, are stored as data (hereinafter, development Device side memory) 51a,
52a, 53a, 54a are provided. The developing device-side memories 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a are connectors 51b, 52b, 53 provided on one end side surface of the developing device.
b and 54b and a common connector 34 provided on the printer main body side, which will be described later, are fitted only when necessary and are 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 5, the YMCK developing unit 5 will be described.
The outline of 0 will be described. YMCK developing unit 50
Has a rotary shaft 50a located at the center thereof, and a rotary holding portion 55 for holding the developing device is fixed to the rotary shaft 50a. The rotary shaft 50a is composed of two sheets forming the casing of the printer 10. It is bridged between the body frame side plates 500 (FIG. 8) and both ends thereof are supported. The rotary holding unit 55 includes four color developing devices 51,
Four holding parts 50b, 50c, 52, 53, 54 are detachably held around the rotary shaft 50a.
50d and 50e are arranged at intervals of 90 ° in the circumferential direction.

The rotary holder 55 is rotated by driving a drive motor 501 (FIG. 7) which is a pulse motor, and the four phenomenon devices 51, 52, 53, 54 are positioned at predetermined positions. . The driving of the rotary holder 55 will be described later.

FIG. 5 shows a rotating YMCK developing unit 5
It is a figure showing three stop positions of 0, and Drawing 5 (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. 5B shows 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. Here, in FIGS. 5B and 5C, 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 degrees, FIG. 5B shows the connector attachment / detachment position of the other developing device, and FIG. 5C shows the developing device ejecting position of the other developing device. At this time, when the developing device to which the common connector 34 on the main body side is connected is located at the connector attaching / detaching position, the developing device adjacent to the developing device in the rotational direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 5) 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. 5A, 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
When the edge of the notch formed in the disk 311 moves to the detection position of the HP sensor 312, the HP sensor 31
The output signal from 2 changes from "L" to "H". Then, the HP position of the YMCK developing unit 50 is detected based on the change in the signal level, and the drive motor 501 is rotated by a predetermined number of pulses with the HP position as a reference, whereby each developing device is attached / detached to the connector (developing position). , And the developing device extraction position.

FIG. 5B shows a connector attaching / detaching position of the black developing device 51 in which the drive motor 501 is rotated by a predetermined number of pulses from the HP position. At this connector attaching / detaching position, the YMCK developing unit 50 is attached. Further, 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. 6, 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, data is transferred between them, and the developing device side memory 51a.
Various information is stored in a.

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. In addition, the drive motor 501 causes YMC
When the K developing unit 50 is rotated 90 ° counterclockwise,
It becomes the connector attaching / detaching position of the yellow developing device 54 and the developing position of the black developing device 51, and becomes the connector attaching / detaching position and the developing position of each developing device sequentially every time the YMCK developing unit 50 is rotated by 90 °. An outlet port 37 through which one developing device can pass is provided on one of the two frame side plates that support the YMCK unit 50 and form the casing of the printer 10. This take-out port 37 is
When the YMCK developing unit 50 is rotated and stopped at the developing device take-out position set for each developing device, as shown in FIG. 5C, the corresponding developing device (here, the black developing device 51 ) Is formed at a position where it can be pulled out in the direction along the rotary shaft 50a. Further, the take-out port 37 is formed to be slightly larger than the outer shape of the developing device. A developing device can be installed. While the developing device is located at a position other than the developing device take-out position, the taking-out of the developing device is restricted by the frame side plate.

Since the YMCK developing device 50 is reliably positioned and fixed at the developing position, the developing device take-out position, and the connector attaching / detaching position, the stopped state is maintained by a lock mechanism (not shown).

=== 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 includes each unit (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) of the apparatus main body and each unit. Drive control circuit (charging unit drive control circuit 130, exposure unit drive control circuit 140, YMCK developing unit drive control circuit 150,
Primary transfer unit drive control circuit 160, cleaning unit drive control circuit 175, secondary transfer unit drive control circuit 180, fixing unit drive control circuit 190, display unit drive control circuit 195) and are electrically connected to each unit. By receiving the signal from the sensor, the state of each unit is detected, and each unit is controlled and driven based on the signal input from the main controller 101.

The CPU 120 provided 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 of 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".

Further, the developing device side memories 51a, 52a,
The toner remaining amount data and data indicating the number of times of recycling as recycling information are also stored in 53a and 54a.
For example, each time printing is performed, the amount of toner consumed according to the print size, the number of sheets, etc. is counted and stored as toner remaining amount data, and when the toner remaining amount data indicates that the toner remaining amount is 0, recycling is performed. The data indicating the number of times is counted up. At this time, the developing device side memory 51
A storage area is provided in each of a, 52a, 53a, and 54a, and, for example, 10 of the storage areas are allocated for data of the number of times of recycling. The ten areas are ranked from the first to the tenth, respectively, and "0" is initially input to all the areas.
Then, the information in this area is rewritten from the first area to "1" each time the developing device is reproduced and the remaining toner amount becomes zero. That is, it is possible to know the number of times of recycling depending on in which area "1" is stored. Therefore, the data indicating the number of times of recycling is not reset even when the developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54 are collected and regenerated.

=== Configuration of Driving Section of YMCK Developing Unit 50 === FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing a driving section of the YMCK developing unit according to the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a plan view of FIG. 7. The drive unit of the YMCK developing unit 50 of the present embodiment rotates the rotary holding unit 55 to stop the rotary holding unit 55 at an appropriate position, and further, the developing roller 51 provided in each developing device 51, 52, 53, 54.
Rotate and stop 0. These rotary holders 55
The developing roller 510 and the developing roller 510 are driven by a common drive motor 501.

A pulse motor is used as the drive motor 501, and one of the two body frame side plates 500 supporting the rotary shaft 50a of the YMCK developing unit 50 has its motor shaft protruding between the body frame side plates 500. Thus, the drive motor 501 is attached. A drive gear 502 is attached to the motor shaft.
Intermediate shaft 50 that is parallel to the motor shaft on both sides of 2
3, 504 are provided. This intermediate shaft 503, 50
Reference numeral 4 denotes a subframe 507 having a flat surface facing the main body frame side plate 500 to which the drive motor 501 is attached.
Both ends are rotatably supported by and. One of the two intermediate shafts 503 and 504 has a developing input gear 50 that transmits a driving force to the developing roller 510 side.
Two rotary input gears 508 for transmitting the driving force to the rotary holding portion 55 side are provided on the other intermediate shaft 504.

First, the power transmission path to the developing roller 510 will be described. The two developing input gears 505 provided on the intermediate shaft 503 are provided at a distance from each other, one of which is fixed to the intermediate shaft 503 by a pin and meshes with the drive gear 502, and the other of which is provided with the intermediate shaft 503. A one-way clutch 516 is interposed between the two and meshes with a relay gear 509 provided on the rotary holding portion 55. The relay gear 509 is the developing device 5 mounted on the rotary holding part 55 with predetermined holding parts 50b, 50c, 50d, and 50e.
Idler gears 511 provided at 1, 52, 53, 54
The power is transmitted to the roller gear 512 provided at the shaft end of the developing roller 510 via. That is, the drive motor 50
1 rotation in one direction is the development input gear 505, the relay gear 5
09, the idler gear 511 and the roller gear 512 to be transmitted to rotate the developing roller 510. The one-way clutch 516 is used to rotate the drive motor 501 in the other direction.
The development input gear 505 intervening with idle rotates idle, so that the development input gear 505 is not transmitted to the front.
Further, the rotary holding unit 55 rotates and the developing device moves from a predetermined position, so that the developing input gear 505 and the relay gear 509 are separated.

Next, the power transmission path to the rotary holding portion 55 will be described. The two rotary input gears 508 provided on the intermediate shaft 504 are spaced from each other, one of which is fixed to the intermediate shaft 504 by a pin and meshes with the drive gear 502, and the other of which is the intermediate shaft 504.
An electromagnetic clutch 515 is interposed between and and meshes with an idler gear 513 provided on the body frame side plate 500. The idler gear 513 is a rotary holding unit 5.
The power is transmitted to a rotary drive gear 514 provided on the outer peripheral portion of No. 5. That is, the rotation of the drive motor 501 is transmitted to the rotary input gear 508, the idler gear 513, and the rotary drive gear 514 to rotate the rotary holding portion 55, and the electromagnetic clutch 515 provided on the rotary input gear 508 is engaged and By opening, it becomes possible to transmit power or disconnect the power transmission path.

In the drive section of the YMCK developing unit 50 of this embodiment, when the drive gear 502 rotates clockwise when the drive motor 501 is viewed from the motor shaft side as shown in FIG. While the clutch 515 is engaged to rotate the rotary holding portion 55, the one-way clutch 516 idles and disconnects the power transmission to the developing roller 510 side. When the drive gear 502 rotates counterclockwise, the electromagnetic clutch 515 is disengaged to disconnect the power transmission path to the rotary holding portion 55 side, while the development input gear 505 and the relay gear 50 are separated.
9, the power of the drive motor 501 is transmitted to the idler gear 511 and the roller gear 512 to rotate the developing roller 510.

=== Operation of Printer 10 === The operation of the printer 10 configured as described above will be described with reference to other components. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the operating state of the drive motor during printer operation, FIG. 9A is a sequence diagram during color image printing, and FIG. 9B is a sequence diagram during monochromatic printing.

First, the operation for printing a color image will be described. When the printer 10 is powered on, the drive motor 501 operates as an initial operation, and the developing roller 510 of the yellow developing device 54 containing, for example, yellow (Y) toner used for the development of the first color, causes the photoconductor 2 to move.
The rotary holder 55 rotates so as to face 0. While the rotary holding portion 55 is rotating by this initial operation, the one-way clutch 516 idles the developing input gear 505, and further, by the rotation of the rotary holding portion 55, the developing input gear 505 provided on the main frame side plate 500 side, Since the meshing with the relay gear 509 provided on the rotary holding portion 55 side is disengaged, the developing roller 510 does not rotate.

When an image signal from a host computer (not shown) is input to the main controller 101 of the printer 10 via the interface (I / F) 112, the unit controller 102 is controlled based on a command from the main controller 101. The photoconductor 20, the developing roller 510 provided in the developing device, and the intermediate transfer member 70 rotate. The photoconductor 20 is sequentially charged by the charging unit 30 at the charging position while rotating. At this time, the charged area of the photoconductor 20 reaches the exposure position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and the exposure unit 40
A latent image corresponding to the first color, for example, yellow Y image information is formed in the area.

The latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 is generated when the rear end of the non-latent image region in the rotation direction of the photoconductor 20 comes closest to the developing roller 510 as the photoconductor 20 rotates.
The drive motor 501 operates to develop with the yellow toner of the yellow developing device 54 (B1 in FIG. 9A).
Range). As a result, a yellow toner image is formed on the photoconductor 20. Here, the non-latent image area is an area between the latent image formable range of one recording medium and the latent image formable range of the recording medium to be developed next for each color. While the latent image is being developed, the rotation of the drive motor 501 is transmitted through the developing input gear 505, the relay gear 509, the idler gear 511 and the roller gear 512 to rotate the developing roller 510 and release the electromagnetic clutch 516. hand,
The power transmission path to the rotary holding portion 55 is separated.

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 body 70 by the primary transfer unit 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. Meanwhile, during this time, the secondary transfer unit 80 is operated by the intermediate transfer member 70.
Away from.

When the tip of the non-latent image area in the rotation direction of the photoconductor 20 comes close to the developing roller 510, the development of the first color is completed and the drive motor 501 is stopped (FIG. 9).
(C1 range in (a)). Then, the drive motor 50
By rotating 1 in the opposite direction, the electromagnetic clutch 5
The rotary holding portion 55 is rotated so that the developing roller 510 of the magenta developing device 52 containing the magenta (M) toner used for the second-color development is engaged with the photosensitive member 20 (FIG. 9). (A range in (a)). When the rotary holding portion 55 rotates, as described above, the one-way clutch 516 causes the developing input gear 505 to idle and the rotary holding portion 55 to rotate.
When the developing roller 510 rotates, the developing input gear 505 and the relay gear 509 are disengaged from each other, so that the developing roller 510 is stopped. In this way, the developing operation and the developing device switching operation are alternately repeated to develop the first to fourth colors, and the toner images of the respective colors corresponding to the respective image signals are transferred to the intermediate transfer member. It is transcribed by overlapping with 70. 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 of the cleaning unit 75, and is charged to form the next latent image. Prepare
The scraped off toner is collected by the residual toner collecting section of the cleaning unit 75.

Next, the operation of continuously printing a monochromatic image on a plurality of printing media using black toner will be described. When monochromatic continuous printing with black (B) toner is set, the drive motor 501 operates, and the developing roller 510 of the black developing device 51 containing the black (B) toner faces the photoconductor 20. The rotary holder 55 rotates. While the rotary holding portion 55 is rotating by this initial operation, the one-way clutch 515 is used by the one-way clutch 515 as in the case of printing a color image.
05 idles and the rotation of the rotary holding portion 55 disengages the development input gear 505 and the relay gear 509 from each other, so that the power of the drive motor 501 is not transmitted to the development roller 510 and the development roller 510 stops. There is.

When an image signal from a host computer (not shown) is input to the main controller 101 of the printer 10 via the interface (I / F) 112, the photosensitive drum 20 and the developing device are provided under the control of the unit controller 102. Developing roller 510 and intermediate transfer member 7
0 rotates. The photoconductor 20 is sequentially charged by the charging unit 30 at the charging position while rotating. At this time, the charged area of the photoconductor 20 reaches the exposure position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and the exposure unit 40 causes the charged area to be changed according to the image information corresponding to the first recording medium as a print medium. A latent image is formed in the area where the first latent image can be formed in the area.

The latent image corresponding to the first recording medium formed on the photoconductor 20 moves as the photoconductor 20 rotates and is positioned immediately before the latent image in the rotational direction of the photoconductor 20. When the trailing edge of the non-latent image area comes closest to the developing roller 510, the drive motor 501 operates to develop with the black toner of the black developing device 51 (FIG. 9B).
B0 range). As a result, a black toner image is formed on the photoconductor 20. Here, the non-latent image area is an area between the latent image formable range of one recording medium and the latent image formable range of the recording medium to be developed next. While the latent image is being developed, the rotation of the drive motor 501 is transmitted through the developing input gear 505, the relay gear 509, the idler gear 511 and the roller gear 512, and is transmitted to the developing roller 510.
While rotating, the electromagnetic clutch 516 is released and the power transmission path to the rotary holding portion 55 is disconnected. The black toner image formed on the photoconductor 20 is transferred to the intermediate transfer body 70 by the primary transfer unit 60.

When the tip of the non-latent image area in the rotation direction of the photosensitive member comes close to the developing roller 510, the development of the latent image formed in the latent image formable range corresponding to the first recording medium is completed. Then, the drive motor 501 is stopped (see FIG. 9).
(C0 range in (b)). After that, when the rear end of the non-latent image area located immediately before the latent image formable range corresponding to the second recording medium in the rotation direction of the photoconductor 20 comes closest to the developing roller 510, the drive motor 501 Is activated, and development is started with the black toner of the black developing device 51 (B0 range in FIG. 9B). At this time, the development of the latent image formed in the latent image formable range corresponding to the first recording medium is completed, and the non-latent image located immediately before the latent image formable range corresponding to the second recording medium. The drive motor 501 is stopped until the rear end of the area is closest to the developing roller 510, and the rotary holding portion 55 and the developing rotor 510 do not rotate (range C0 in FIG. 9B). Then, when the front end of the non-latent image area in the rotation direction of the photoconductor 20 comes close to the developing roller 510 again, the development of the latent image corresponding to the second recording medium ends.

As described above, when a monochrome image is continuously printed on a plurality of recording media, the rotating operation and the stopping operation of the developing roller 510 are repeated, and the black toner image is intermediately transferred as described above. The image is primarily transferred onto the body 70, transferred to a recording medium by the secondary transfer unit 80, and heated and pressed by the fixing unit 90 to be fused to paper or the like, similarly to the color image.

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.

According to the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, the cumulative time during which the developing roller 510 rotates during color image printing is approximately the same as the cumulative time during which the developing roller 510 rotates during single-color continuous printing. More specifically, the time during which the developing roller 510 rotates is the time during which a latent image corresponding to each color is developed (range B1 to B4 shown in FIG. 9A) during color image printing, and monochromatic continuous printing is performed. At times,
Time to develop the latent image corresponding to each print medium (Fig. 9 (b))
In the range of B0), the developing roller 510 is stopped when the image is not developed in any printing. That is, even in the case where continuous development is performed using the developing device of a specific color, the developing roller 510 is stopped when the latent image does not exist on the photoconductor 20, so that unnecessary rotation of the developing roller 510 is prevented. It becomes possible. This makes it possible to reduce wear of, for example, the toner supply roller 550, the layer thickness regulating member 560, the seal member 521, and the like that are in contact with the developing roller 510. Further, it is possible to prevent the toner from being unnecessarily deteriorated by reducing the abrasion of the toner that is pressed against the developing roller 510 side by these members and is rubbed against each other and charged.

The reduction of wear of the toner supply roller 550, the layer thickness regulating member 560 and the seal member 521 and the prevention of toner deterioration are not only for maintaining the image quality of the printed image but also for recycling the regenerating developing device. Is also effective.
That is, the difference in the amount of wear of the members such as the toner supply roller 550, the layer thickness regulating member 560, and the seal member 521 used in the black developing device 51 frequently used for monochromatic printing and the other developing devices 52, 53, 54 is different. If small,
The black developing device 51 and the other developing devices 5 are made to have the same shape and material as those members that easily wear.
It is possible to collect the liquids without separating them from each other, and it is possible to regenerate the developing device in the same process. This facilitates collection and recycling work for recycling, and enables efficient recycling. Furthermore, during this recycling,
Whether or not the predetermined member of the collected developing device should be replaced by reading the data indicating the number of times of recycling of the developing device side memories 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a provided in the developing devices 51, 52, 53, 54. It becomes possible to easily judge whether or not it is possible to further improve the efficiency of the recycling work.

=== 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.

Further, in the present embodiment, when a monochrome image is continuously printed on a plurality of print media, the non-latent image area is divided into a latent image formable range for one medium and a medium for developing next. However, the timing of stopping the developing roller is set so that the leading edge of the non-latent image area in the rotation direction of the photoconductor comes closest to the developing roller. It may be a region where the latent image is not formed over the entire width of the photoconductor in the axial direction. In this case, regardless of the latent image formation range and the size of the medium,
Since the developing roller is stopped at the position where the latent image does not exist, it is possible to prevent unnecessary wear and deterioration of the toner supply member, the layer thickness regulating member, the seal member, and the toner. Further, when the timing of stopping the developing roller is set after the lapse of a predetermined time after the tip of the non-latent image area in the rotation direction of the image carrier comes closest to the developer carrying roller, the development in the latent image area is secured. As a result, it is possible to prevent the image from being lost and the density from being reduced at the trailing edge of the image.

Further, in the present embodiment, an example in which the drive motor for rotating the developing roller and the drive motor for rotating the rotary holding portion are made common, and the power transmission to the developing roller and the rotary holding portion is separated by using the clutch However, when the motors for rotating the developing roller and the rotary holding portion are provided, respectively, the rotations of the motors can be stopped by simply stopping the motors. It is also possible to perform precise control.

The present invention also has a rotatable toner supply member for supplying toner to the toner carrier, and the developing direction is such that the direction of rotation of the toner supply member is opposite to the direction of rotation of the toner carrier. Especially useful for devices,
It is also applicable to a developing device in which the rotation direction of the toner supply member is the same as the rotation direction of the toner carrier.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a toner accommodating portion for accommodating toner, the toner supply member is arranged below the toner accommodating portion, and the toner accommodated in the toner accommodating portion is the toner. Although it is particularly effective for a developing device in which the toner supply member supplies the toner to the toner carrier at the lower part of the container, the toner supply member is arranged above the toner container and It is also applicable to a developing device in which the stored toner is supplied to the toner carrier by the toner supply member above the toner storage portion.

Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment,
Although an intermediate transfer type full-color laser beam printer has been described as an example of the image forming apparatus, the present invention is applicable to various image forming apparatuses such as a full-color laser beam printer other than the intermediate transfer type, a monochrome laser beam printer, a copying machine, a facsimile, and the like. Applicable.

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, but 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 present invention is not limited to the device having the structure described in the above-mentioned embodiment, but at least a toner carrier for carrying and moving toner, and this toner carrying device. It is possible to apply to any developing device as long as it is a developing device having a layer thickness regulating member for regulating the layer thickness of the toner carried on the body, and the toner carrier and the toner supplying member are In addition to rollers, belts or other forms may be used.

For example, as the toner carrier, any one can be used as long as it can constitute the toner carrier, such as magnetic, non-magnetic, conductive, insulating, metal, rubber and resin. For example, in terms of materials, metals such as aluminum, nickel, stainless steel, iron, natural rubber, silicon rubber, urethane rubber, butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, neoprene rubber, rubbers such as NBR, styrene resin, vinyl chloride resin, polyurethane resin Resins such as polyethylene resin, methacrylic resin, and nylon resin can be used. It goes without saying that the upper layer of these materials can be coated and used. In that case, as the coating material, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyester, nylon, acrylic or the like can be used. Further, as for the form, all of non-elastic body, elastic body, single layer, multi-layer, film, roller and the like can be used.

The same applies to the toner supply member, and as the material, besides the above-mentioned polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, polyethylene foam, polyester foam, ethylene propylene foam, nylon foam, silicon foam, etc. can be used. . The foam cells of the toner supply means may be either single cells or open cells. The material is not limited to the foam material, and a rubber material having elasticity may be used. For more information,
Silicone rubber, urethane rubber, natural rubber, isoprene rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, nitrile butadiene rubber, acrylic rubber with conductive agents such as carbon dispersed and molded Can be used. Further, as the layer thickness regulating member, a member having a rubber portion and a rubber supporting portion is used as described above,
In addition to the silicone rubber and urethane rubber described above, natural rubber, isoprene rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, nitrile butadiene rubber, acrylic rubber can be used for the rubber part. Carbon etc. can be used. Further, the rubber supporting portion and the rubber portion may not be separately manufactured and then joined to each other. For example, a material obtained by integrally molding these materials alone or a stainless thin plate alone having a layer thickness What constituted the control member can be used similarly. Further, it can be used by coating the upper layer portion of the above-mentioned material with a resin. As the coating material,
Polyethylene, polystyrene, nylon, polyurethane, polyester, etc. can be used.

=== Configuration of Computer System ==
= Next, regarding the embodiment of the computer system, the computer program, and the recording medium recording the computer program, which is an example of the embodiment according to the present invention,
A description will be given with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the external structure of the computer system. Computer system 100
0 is a computer main body 1102 and a display device 1104.
A printer 1106, an input device 1108, and a reading device 1110. Computer 1102
In the present embodiment, is housed in a mini-tower type housing, but is not limited to this. Display device 1104
In general, a CRT (CathodeRay Tube), a plasma display, a liquid crystal display device, or the like is used, but the invention is not limited to this. Printer 11
For 06, the printer described above is used.
The input device 1108 is the keyboard 110 in this embodiment.
8A and mouse 1108B are used, but are not limited thereto. In the present embodiment, the reading device 1110 includes flexible disk drive devices 1110A and C.
Although the D-ROM drive device 1110B is used, the D-ROM drive device 1110B is not limited to this.
o Optical) Disk drive device or DVD (Digital V
ersatile disk) and the like.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the computer system shown in FIG. An internal memory 1202 such as a RAM and a hard disk drive unit 1204 are housed in a housing accommodating the computer main body 1102.
An external memory such as is further provided.

In the above description, the printer 1 is used.
Reference numeral 106 denotes a computer main body 1102 and a display device 110.
4, an example in which the computer system is configured by being connected to the input device 1108 and the reading device 1110 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the computer system may include the computer main body 1102 and the printer 1106, and the computer system may not include any of the display device 1104, the input device 1108, and the reading device 1110.

Further, for example, the printer 1106 may include the computer main body 1102, the display device 1104, the input device 1
108, and a part of each function or mechanism of the reading device 1110. As an example, the printer 1106 includes an image processing unit for performing image processing, a display unit for performing various displays, and a recording medium attaching / detaching unit for attaching / detaching a recording medium recording image data photographed by a digital camera or the like. It may be configured to have.

The computer system thus realized is superior to the conventional system as a whole system.

[0103]

According to the present invention, an image forming apparatus capable of reducing unnecessary wear and deterioration of a developer, a layer thickness regulating member, and the like in continuous printing with a single color developer, and a single color image forming apparatus is provided. It is possible to realize a computer program for reducing unnecessary wear and deterioration of the developer, the layer thickness regulating member, and the like in continuous printing with the developer, 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 an enlarged view for explaining a contact state of a regulation blade.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an outline of a YMCK developing unit and a stop position.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a connector connection structure between a developing device and a main body.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing a driving unit of a YMCK developing unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an operating state of a drive motor during printer operation.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of a computer system.

11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the computer system shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual view showing a slide type developing unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Laser Beam Printer (Main Body) 20 Photoreceptor (Image Carrier) 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 Element (Memory on Developing Device Side) 51b, 52b, 53b, 54b Connector 52 Magenta developing device 53 Cyan developing device 54 Yellow developing device 55 Rotary holding parts 50b, 50cb, 50d, 50e Holding part 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 122 Developing device side memory (memory element) 123 Input / output port 124 ROM 130 Charging unit drive control circuit 150 YMCK developing unit drive control circuit 175 Cleaning unit drive control circuit 180 Secondary transfer unit drive control circuit 190 Fixing unit drive control circuit 195 Display unit drive control circuit 311 Disc 312 HP sensor 500 Main body frame side plate 501 Drive motor 502 Drive gear 503 Intermediate shaft 504 Intermediate shaft 505 Development input gear 507 Subframe 508 Rotary input gear 509 Relay gear 510 Development roller (developer carrying roller) 511 idler gear 512 roller gear 513 idler gear 514 rotary drive gear 515 electromagnetic clutch 516 one-way clutch 520 seal member 522 seal Support sheet metal 524 Seal biasing member 530 First accommodating portion 535 Second accommodating portion 540 Housing 545 Control wall 550 Developer supply roller (developer supply member) 560 Control blade (layer thickness control member) 560a Rubber portion 560b Rubber support portion 562 Blade support sheet metal 570 Blade back member T Toner

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G03G 15/08 505 G03G 15/08 505A 506 506A 507 21/00 510 21/00 510 15/08 507H F term (reference) 2H027 DA41 ED08 HB02 HB05 HB13 HB17 HB18 2H077 AC04 AD06 AD13 AD17 AD23 BA03 BA08 BA09 CA12 DA22 DB14 FA22 GA03 GA04 GA13 2H300 EA06 EA08 EB02 EB09 EB12 EC05 EF03 EF08 EH16 EJ09 EJ15 EJ46 EJ47 FF05 GG29 GG30 QQ10 QQ11 QQ16 QQ17 RR11 RR13 RR19 RR20 RR42 RR44

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. An image carrier that is rotatably supported to form a latent image, and a plurality of developing devices that are movably held to develop the latent image formed on the image carrier, Each of the developing devices has a developer carrying roller that is rotatably supported and carries a developer for developing the latent image. One of the plurality of developing devices is provided with the developing device. In an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a medium by developing a latent image by moving a developer carrying roller to a position facing the image carrying body and rotating the developer carrying roller and the image carrying body, When continuously printing on a plurality of media using a developing device, when the non-latent image area where the latent image is not formed over the entire width of the image carrier is closest to the developer carrying roller, To stop the rotation of the developer carrying roller. An image forming apparatus symptoms. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of developing devices are arranged around a rotation axis and rotate about the rotation axis while maintaining a relative position of the development devices. An image forming apparatus characterized by being moved by. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the non-latent image area is closest to the developer carrying roller when the non-latent image is in a rotational direction of the image carrier. An image forming apparatus characterized in that the front end of the area is closest to the developer carrying roller. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the non-latent image area is closest to the developer carrying roller means a non-latent image in a rotation direction of the image carrying body. The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the front end of the area is closest to the developer carrying roller and after a predetermined time has elapsed. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the non-latent image area is between a latent image of one medium and a latent image of a medium to be developed next. The image forming apparatus is characterized by the following area. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the non-latent image area has a latent image formable range for one medium and a latent image for a medium to be developed next. An image forming apparatus characterized by being an area between a formable range. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the developer carrying roller is rotated by a motor connected to a shaft section of the developer carrying roller via a power transmission section, An image forming apparatus, wherein the motor is stopped when the rotation of the developer carrying roller is stopped. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the developer carrying roller is rotated by a motor connected to a shaft section of the developer carrying roller via a power transmission section, An image forming apparatus characterized in that the power transmission unit has a clutch for disconnecting the power of the motor from the developer carrying roller side, and when the rotation of the developer carrying roller is stopped, the power is disconnected by the clutch. . 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the stopped developer carrying roller, a rear end of a non-latent image area in a rotation direction of the image carrier is a developing device. An image forming apparatus, which is rotated when it is closest to the agent carrying roller. 10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the rear end of the non-latent image area is the developer carrying roller when the rear end of the non-latent image area is closest to the developer carrying roller. An image forming apparatus characterized in that it is when it is closest to the roller. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the rear end of the non-latent image region is the developer carrying roller when the rear end of the non-latent image region is closest to the developer carrying roller. An image forming apparatus characterized in that the roller is closest to a roller before a predetermined time. 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of developing device holders for holding the developing devices, wherein the developing device holders are provided in the developing device. An image forming apparatus, wherein each of them is formed so as to be attachable and detachable. 13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the developing device and the other developing device include members having the same shape and material, and these members are compatible with each other. An image forming apparatus having characteristics. 14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a developer supply member is in contact with the developer carrying roller to supply the developer to the developer carrying roller. An image forming apparatus comprising: 15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a layer thickness of the developer abutted on the developer carrying roller and carried on the developer carrying roller is regulated. An image forming apparatus having a layer thickness regulating member. 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a seal member that is in contact with the developer carrying roller to prevent the developer from leaking from the developing device. Image forming apparatus. 17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the developing device has a storage element that stores recycling information about the developing device. . 18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the recycling information is the number of times the developing device is recycled. 19. An image carrier that is rotatably supported to form a latent image, and a plurality of developing devices that are movably held to develop the latent image formed on the image carrier, Each developing device is arranged around a rotation axis and moves by rotating around the rotation axis while maintaining the relative position of the development devices, and is rotatably supported to develop the latent image. And a developer carrying roller carrying the developer, wherein one of the plurality of developing devices is moved to a position where the developer carrying roller of the developing device faces the image carrier, In an image forming apparatus that develops the latent image to form an image at a developing position where the peripheral surface of the developer carrying roller and the image carrying body are close to each other while the carrying roller and the image carrying body rotate with each other, The developer carrying roller It is rotated by a motor connected to a shaft portion of the medium through a power transmission unit, and the power transmission unit has a clutch for separating the power of the motor from the developer carrying roller side, and the latent image is formed for each medium. When continuously printing on a plurality of media using the specific developing device, the non-latent image region where the latent image is not formed over the entire width of the image carrier is the developer carrying roller. At the time of the closest contact with the roller, the rotation of the developer carrying roller is stopped by stopping the motor or disconnecting the power by the clutch, and the rear end of the non-latent image region in the rotating direction of the image carrier. However, the image forming apparatus is configured to rotate when it comes into closest contact with the developer carrying roller. 20. An image carrier, which is rotatably supported to form a latent image, and a plurality of developing devices, which are movably held to develop the latent image formed on the image carrier, Each of the developing devices has a developer carrying roller that is rotatably supported and carries a developer for developing the latent image. One of the plurality of developing devices is provided with a developing device. An image forming apparatus that moves an agent carrying roller to a position facing the image carrier, develops the latent image while rotating the developer carrying roller and the image carrier, and forms an image on a medium, When continuously printing on a plurality of media using a developing device, when the non-latent image area where the latent image is not formed over the entire width of the image carrier is closest to the developer carrying roller, Realizes the function to stop the rotation of the developer carrying roller Computer program for causing. 21. A computer body, an image carrier connected to the computer body and rotatably supported to form a latent image, and a latent image movably held to the latent image formed on the image carrier. A plurality of developing devices for developing the toner, each developing device being rotatably supported and carrying a developer for developing the latent image; and a developer carrying roller for carrying the developer. For supplying the developer to the developer carrying roller, and a layer thickness regulation for regulating the layer thickness of the developer brought into contact with the developer carrying roller and supplied to the developer carrying roller. And a seal member that is in contact with the developer carrying roller and prevents the developer from leaking from the developing device. One of the plurality of developing devices is a developer carrying device included in the developing device. The roller carries the image In a computer system including an image forming apparatus that moves to a position facing a body, develops the latent image while rotating a developer carrying roller and an image carrying body, and forms an image on a medium, When continuously printing on a plurality of media using a device, when the non-latent image region where the latent image is not formed over the entire width of the image carrier is closest to the developer carrying roller, the development is performed. A computer system characterized in that the rotation of the agent carrying roller is stopped.