JP2005084640A - Image forming apparatus and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an image forming apparatus and an image forming system which are highly convenient for a user. <P>SOLUTION: A device ID of an image forming apparatus when being actuated as a color image forming apparatus coincides with a device ID of an image forming apparatus when being actuated as a monochromatic image forming apparatus. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system.

  As this type of image forming apparatus, for example, a plurality of attaching / detaching portions to which a developing unit as an example of a developer containing body for containing a developer can be attached and detached, an image carrying body for carrying a latent image, An image forming apparatus or the like that forms an image by developing a latent image carried on an image carrier by a developer housed in a developing unit attached to an attachment / detachment unit is known. When an image signal is transmitted from an external device such as a computer, these image forming apparatuses move the developing unit to position the developing unit at a developing position facing the image carrier. The latent image formed on the image carrier is developed to form a developer image, which is once transferred onto the intermediate transfer member. Then, the developer image formed on the intermediate transfer member is transferred to a medium to form an image.

A device capable of communicating with a computer such as an image forming apparatus generally has a device ID. The device ID is used for the computer to recognize the device when the device is electrically connected to the computer. Then, the computer receives the device ID from the device, executes settings related to the device such as hardware resource allocation, and prompts the user to install a device driver (hereinafter also simply referred to as a driver) of the device. Or
JP 2002-333756 A

  In some cases, it is desired to use a color image forming apparatus as a monochrome image forming apparatus by mounting only a black developing unit containing, for example, a black developer. As an image forming apparatus for realizing such a demand, when a developing unit is attached to each of a plurality of attachment / detachment portions, a latent image carried on an image carrier by a developer accommodated in each developing unit. Can be used as a color image forming apparatus for forming a color image, and when the developing unit is attached only to one of the plurality of attaching / detaching parts, the developing unit accommodated in the developing unit An image forming apparatus that can be used as a monochromatic image forming apparatus that develops a latent image carried on an image carrier by an agent to form a monochromatic image is effective.

  Regarding the driver of the image forming apparatus, when the image forming apparatus is used as a single color image forming apparatus, a single color driver suitable for the single color image forming apparatus is used as the color image forming apparatus. In this case, it is desirable to use a color driver suitable for the color image forming apparatus.

  Therefore, when the image forming apparatus is switched from the single color image forming apparatus to the color image forming apparatus or from the color image forming apparatus to the single color image forming apparatus, for example, it is recommended to perform the following procedure. In other words, the user performs the switching after turning off the computer, and turns on the computer again to install a driver suitable for the changed image forming apparatus.

  By the way, it is desirable to give the user a certain range of selection regarding the driver installation time (when to install the driver) in consideration of the necessity of preparing the driver to be installed. In the above procedure, the purpose is achieved by adjusting the time when the user turns on the computer.

  However, there is a case where the user accidentally switches the image forming apparatus without turning off the computer (in other words, with the computer turned on). Even in such a case, it is required to give the user a range of selection of the driver installation time described above.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to realize an image forming apparatus and an image forming system that are highly convenient for the user.

  The main aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of detachable portions to which a developer container for accommodating a developer is detachable, and an image carrier for supporting a latent image, and each of the plurality of detachable portions. When a developer container is mounted, it is used as a color image forming apparatus that develops a latent image carried on the image carrier by the developer contained in each developer container to form a color image. When a developer container is attached to only one of the plurality of detachable parts, the developer carrier is carried on the image carrier by the developer contained in the developer container. An image forming apparatus that can be used as a monochromatic image forming apparatus that develops a latent image to form a monochromatic image, and the image forming apparatus communicates with the computer so that the computer can recognize a device that can communicate with the computer. When In an image forming apparatus having a device ID sent to a computer, the device ID of the image forming apparatus when used as the color image forming apparatus is used as the monochromatic image forming apparatus. In this case, the image forming apparatus matches the device ID of the image forming apparatus.

  Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an image forming apparatus and an image forming system that are highly convenient for the user.

  At least the following will be made clear by the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

A plurality of detachable portions to which a developer container for accommodating the developer can be detachably attached; and an image carrier for carrying a latent image. A developer container is provided in each of the plurality of detachable portions. When mounted, it can be used as a color image forming apparatus for developing a latent image carried on the image carrier by a developer contained in each developer container to form a color image, When the developer container is attached to only one of the plurality of detachable parts, the latent image carried on the image carrier is developed by the developer contained in the developer container. An image forming apparatus that can be used as a single-color image forming apparatus for forming a single-color image, when the image forming apparatus communicates with the computer so that the computer can recognize a device that can communicate with the computer. Towards In the image forming apparatus having the device ID issued, the device ID of the image forming apparatus when used as the color image forming apparatus is used when the image forming apparatus is used as the monochrome image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus, which matches the device ID of the apparatus.
When the device ID of the image forming apparatus when used as the color image forming apparatus matches the device ID of the image forming apparatus when used as the monochrome image forming apparatus, An image forming apparatus that is highly convenient for the user can be realized.

Further, it may have information indicating whether it is used as the color image forming apparatus or as the monochrome image forming apparatus.
In this way, it is possible to reliably distinguish whether the image forming apparatus is used as a color image forming apparatus or as a single color image forming apparatus.

In addition, when the developer container is attached to only one of the plurality of attaching / detaching parts, the single-color image forming apparatus uses the developer contained in the developer containing body to support the image carrier. It may be a monochrome image forming apparatus that forms a monochrome image by developing the latent image carried on the printer.
When the device ID of the image forming apparatus when used as the color image forming apparatus matches the device ID of the image forming apparatus when used as the monochrome image forming apparatus, An image forming apparatus that is highly convenient for the user can be realized.

The device ID may not be updated when switching from the single-color image forming apparatus to the color image forming apparatus or from the color image forming apparatus to the single-color image forming apparatus.
Since the device ID is not updated at the time of switching from the single color image forming apparatus to the color image forming apparatus or from the color image forming apparatus to the single color image forming apparatus, it is highly convenient for the user. An image forming apparatus can be realized.

  Further, the apparatus includes a plurality of detachable parts to which a developer container for accommodating the developer can be detachably attached and an image carrier for carrying a latent image, and each of the plurality of detachable parts accommodates the developer. When a body is mounted, it can be used as a color image forming apparatus that develops a latent image carried on the image carrier by a developer contained in each developer container and forms a color image. When the developer container is attached to only one of the plurality of attachment parts, the latent image carried on the image carrier by the developer contained in the developer container is displayed. An image forming apparatus that can be used as a single-color image forming apparatus that develops and forms a single-color image when the image forming apparatus communicates with a computer so that the computer can recognize a device that can communicate with the computer. To the computer In the image forming apparatus having the device ID sent out, the device ID of the image forming apparatus when used as the color image forming apparatus is used as the monochrome image forming apparatus. It matches the device ID of the image forming apparatus and has information indicating whether the image forming apparatus is used as the color image forming apparatus or the monochrome image forming apparatus. When the developer container is attached only to one of the plurality of attachment parts, the latent image carried on the image carrier is developed by the developer contained in the developer container. A monochrome image forming apparatus that forms a monochrome image, from the single-color image forming apparatus to the color image forming apparatus or from the color image forming apparatus. To the color image forming apparatus, when switching, it can also be implemented image forming apparatus, wherein the device ID is not updated.

Next, it has a plurality of detachable parts to which a developer container for accommodating the developer can be attached and detached, and an image carrier for supporting a latent image, and each of the plurality of detachable parts has a developer. When a container is mounted, the developer can be used as a color image forming apparatus that develops a latent image carried on the image carrier by a developer contained in each developer container to form a color image. And a latent image carried on the image carrier by the developer contained in the developer container when the developer container is attached to only one of the plurality of attachment parts. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus that can be used as a single color image forming apparatus that develops a single color image; and a computer that can communicate with the image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus includes: Computer with the computer An image forming apparatus having a device ID sent to the computer when the image forming apparatus communicates with the computer in order to recognize a receivable device, wherein the image forming apparatus is the color image forming apparatus The device ID of the image forming apparatus when used as a device matches the device ID of the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus is used as the monochrome image forming apparatus. An image forming system.
When the image forming apparatus is used as the color image forming apparatus, the device ID of the image forming apparatus is used. When the image forming apparatus is used as the single color image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus By matching the device ID, it is possible to realize an image forming system that is highly convenient for the user.

The image forming apparatus may include information indicating whether the image forming apparatus is used as the color image forming apparatus or the monochrome image forming apparatus.
In this way, it is possible to reliably distinguish whether the image forming apparatus is used as a color image forming apparatus or as a single color image forming apparatus.

In addition, when the developer container is attached to only one of the plurality of attaching / detaching parts, the single-color image forming apparatus uses the developer contained in the developer containing body to support the image carrier. It may be a monochrome image forming apparatus that forms a monochrome image by developing the latent image carried on the printer.
When the image forming apparatus is used as the color image forming apparatus, the device ID of the image forming apparatus is used. When the image forming apparatus is used as the monochrome image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus By matching the device ID, it is possible to realize an image forming system that is highly convenient for the user.

The device ID is not updated when the image forming apparatus is switched from the single-color image forming apparatus to the color image forming apparatus or from the color image forming apparatus to the single-color image forming apparatus. It is good.
The device ID is not updated when the image forming apparatus is switched from the single color image forming apparatus to the color image forming apparatus or from the color image forming apparatus to the single color image forming apparatus. An image forming system that is highly convenient for the user can be realized.

Further, the computer uses only a color driver among a color driver corresponding to the image forming apparatus used as the color image forming apparatus and a single color driver corresponding to the image forming apparatus used as the monochrome image forming apparatus. And the device ID may not be updated when the image forming apparatus is switched from the color image forming apparatus to the single color image forming apparatus.
In such a case, when the image forming apparatus is switched from the color image forming apparatus to the single color image forming apparatus, the device ID is not updated, and thus an image forming system that is highly convenient for the user is realized. Can do.

Further, the computer uses only a single color driver among a color driver corresponding to the image forming apparatus used as the color image forming apparatus and a single color driver corresponding to the image forming apparatus used as the single color image forming apparatus. The device ID may not be updated when the image forming apparatus is switched from the single-color image forming apparatus to the color image forming apparatus.
In such a case, the device ID is not updated when the image forming apparatus is switched from the single-color image forming apparatus to the color image forming apparatus, so that an image forming system that is highly convenient for the user is realized. Can do.

  Further, the apparatus includes a plurality of detachable parts to which a developer container for accommodating the developer can be detachably attached and an image carrier for carrying a latent image, and each of the plurality of detachable parts accommodates the developer. When a body is mounted, it can be used as a color image forming apparatus that develops a latent image carried on the image carrier by a developer contained in each developer container and forms a color image. When the developer container is attached to only one of the plurality of attachment parts, the latent image carried on the image carrier by the developer contained in the developer container is displayed. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus that can be used as a monochrome image forming apparatus that develops and forms a monochrome image; and a computer that can communicate with the image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus is the computer With the computer An image forming apparatus having a device ID sent to the computer when the image forming apparatus communicates with the computer in order to recognize a receivable device, wherein the image forming apparatus is the color image forming apparatus The device ID of the image forming apparatus when used as the image ID matches the device ID of the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus is used as the monochrome image forming apparatus, The forming apparatus has information indicating whether the image forming apparatus is used as the color image forming apparatus or the monochrome image forming apparatus, and the monochrome image forming apparatus includes the plurality of monochrome image forming apparatuses. When the developer container is attached to only one of the detachable parts, the developer contained in the developer container A monochrome image forming apparatus that forms a monochrome image by developing a latent image carried on the image carrier, and the computer includes a color driver corresponding to the image forming apparatus used as the color image forming apparatus; Of the single color drivers corresponding to the image forming apparatus used as the single color image forming apparatus, only the single color driver is provided, and the image forming apparatus is switched from the single color image forming apparatus to the color image forming apparatus. In addition, an image forming system characterized in that the device ID is not updated can be realized.

=== Example of Overall Configuration of Image Forming System ===
Next, an outline of the image forming system 700 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of the image forming system 700. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a part of the configuration of the image forming system 700 shown in FIG. The image forming system 700 includes a laser beam printer (hereinafter also referred to as a printer) 10 as an image forming apparatus, and a computer 702 capable of communicating with the printer 10. The computer 702 also includes a display device 704 as an example of a display unit for displaying information such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a liquid crystal display device, and a plasma display, and an input device such as a keyboard 708A and a mouse 708B. 708, a reading device 710 such as an FD (flexible drive) device 710A, a CD-ROM drive device 710B, an MO (Magneto Optical) disk drive device (not shown), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) device (not shown), and a RAM And an external memory (not shown) such as a hard disk drive unit. The computer 702 is housed in a mini-tower type housing in this embodiment, but is not limited to this.

  The computer 702 includes an operating system, an application program 795 that operates under the operating system, and a printer driver 796 as an example of a driver. The printer driver 796 includes an image processing unit 797, a display interface unit 801, an input interface unit 803, and a user interface processing unit 805.

  The application program 795 is a program on the computer 702 for causing the printer 10 to perform image formation. Image data AD on the application program is sent to the printer driver 796 in accordance with an image formation execution command from the application program 795.

  The image processing unit 797 receives the image data AD that can be interpreted by the application program 795, converts the image data AD into image data PD that can be interpreted by the printer 10, and sends the converted image data PD to the printer 10 together with various control signals COM. It has a function to do. That is, the image processing unit 797 of the printer driver 796 instructs the printer 10 to execute image formation after performing the above-described image processing. In order to realize the function, the image processing unit 797 performs resolution conversion, color component conversion, and the like, for example.

  The display interface unit 801 has a function of displaying various user interface windows related to image formation on the display device 704. The input interface unit 803 has a function of receiving input information input by the user using the input device 708 on the user interface window.

  The user interface processing unit 805 has a function of interfacing between the display interface unit 801 or the input interface unit 803 and the printer 10. For example, the user interface processing unit 805 receives the input information from the input interface unit 803 and interprets the input information. Then, various control signals COM are sent to the printer 10 and the image processing unit 797. Further, it interprets various control signals COM received from the printer 10 and sends information related to display to the display interface unit 801.

  Note that the printer driver 796 included in the computer 702 is supplied in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Such recording media include flexible disks, CD-ROMs, magneto-optical disks, IC cards, ROM cartridges, punch cards, printed matter on which codes such as bar codes are printed, computer internal storage devices (such as RAM and ROM). A variety of computer-readable media such as a memory) and an external storage device can be used. It is also possible to download such a computer program to the computer 702 via the Internet.

  Further, as will be described in detail later, the printer 10 according to the present embodiment, when a developing unit is attached to each of the plurality of attaching / detaching portions, is carried on the photosensitive member by toner contained in each developing unit. The developed latent image can be used as a color printer for forming a color image, and when the developing unit is attached only to one of the plurality of attaching / detaching portions, it is accommodated in the developing unit. It can be used as a monochrome printer that forms a monochrome image by developing a latent image carried on a photoreceptor with toner. As for the printer driver 96, a color driver corresponding to the printer 10 used as a color printer and a monochrome driver corresponding to the printer 10 used as the monochrome printer are supplied.

  The color driver and the monochrome driver are different in the following points. That is, the monochrome driver has no function specific to color. For example, information specific to color is not displayed in the user interface window displayed on the display device 704 by the display interface unit 801 of the monochrome driver, and the input interface unit 803 of the monochrome driver is specific to the color. The input information is not received.

  The color driver can instruct the printer 10 to execute color image formation and monochrome image formation. That is, the display interface unit 801 of the color driver displays on the display device 704 a user interface window that allows the user to select either color image formation or monochrome image formation. The input interface unit 803 receives input information input by the user using the input device 708 on the user interface window, that is, information indicating either color image formation execution or monochrome image formation execution. Then, the image processing unit 797 receives the information via the user interface processing unit 805. If the information indicates execution of color image formation, the image processing unit 797 performs image processing for forming a color image, thereby obtaining a monochrome image. If the execution is indicated, image processing for forming a monochrome image is performed. After the image processing is completed, the processed monochrome or color image data PD is sent to the printer. Note that the monochrome driver can instruct the printer 10 only to execute monochrome image formation.

=== Example of Overall Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus ===
Next, an outline of the printer 10 as an image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. 3 and 4 are diagrams showing main components constituting the printer 10, FIG. 3 shows the main components when the printer 10 is used as a color printer, and FIG. It is the figure which showed the said main component at the time of using as a monochrome printer. The use of the printer 10 as a color printer or a monochrome printer will be described in detail later. 3 and 4, the vertical direction is indicated by arrows. For example, the paper feed tray 92 is disposed at the lower part of the printer 10, and the fixing unit 90 is disposed at the upper part of the printer 10. ing.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the printer 10 includes a charging unit 30, an exposure unit 40, a YMCK developing device 50, a primary transfer unit 60, an intermediate unit along the rotation direction of the photosensitive member 20 for carrying a latent image. A transfer body 70, a cleaning unit 75, a secondary transfer unit 80, a fixing unit 90, a notification unit for a user and the like, a display unit 95 formed of a liquid crystal panel, and these units are controlled as a printer. Has a control unit 100 for controlling the operation.

  The photoreceptor 20 has a cylindrical conductive substrate and a photosensitive layer formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and is rotatable around a central axis. In the present embodiment, the photoreceptor 20 in FIGS. 3 and 4 is used. Rotate clockwise as indicated 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 photoconductor 20 charged by irradiating a laser. The exposure unit 40 includes a semiconductor laser, a polygon mirror, an F-θ lens, and the like, and is charged with a modulated laser based on image information input from a computer (not shown) such as a personal computer or a word processor. Irradiate onto the photosensitive member 20.

  The YMCK developing device 50 has a plurality of detachable portions 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d to which a developing unit as an example of a developer container can be detachably attached. 2 is a device for developing a latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 using toner T as an example of a developer housed in the toner.

  As described above, in the printer 10 according to the present embodiment, when a developing unit is attached to each of the plurality of attaching / detaching portions 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, the toner T contained in each developing unit is used. It can be used as a color printer that develops a latent image carried on the photoreceptor 20 to form a color image, and a developing unit is provided only in one of the plurality of attaching / detaching portions 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d. When mounted, it can be used as a monochrome printer that forms a monochrome image by developing the latent image carried on the photoreceptor 20 with toner T contained in the developing unit. In order to be able to form a color image at any time, a conventional printer cannot form a monochrome image unless a plurality of development units containing different color toners are attached to the YMCK development device. It has become. In contrast, the printer 10 according to the present embodiment can form a monochrome image on a medium using the mounted black developing unit 51 in a state where only the black developing unit 51 is mounted. It also operates as a printer.

  When the printer 10 is used as a color printer, as shown in FIG. 3, four developing units, that is, a black developing unit 51, are attached to the plurality of attaching / detaching portions 50 a, 50 b, 50 c, 50 d of the YMCK developing device 50. A magenta developing unit 52, a cyan developing unit 53, and a yellow developing unit 54 are mounted, and the latent image formed on the photoreceptor 20 is developed with toner T accommodated in each developing unit.

  The YMCK developing device 50 can move the positions of the four developing units 51, 52, 53, and 54 by rotating. That is, the four developing units 51, 52, 53, 54 are rotatable around the central axis 50e while maintaining their relative positions. Each time image formation for one page is completed, it is selectively opposed to the photoconductor 20 and is formed on the photoconductor 20 with the toner T accommodated in each developing unit 51, 52, 53, 54. The latent images are sequentially developed.

  On the other hand, when the printer 10 is used as a monochrome printer, as shown in FIG. 4, the developing unit is attached to only one of the detachable portions of the plurality of detachable portions of the YMCK developing device 50, and the photoreceptor 20. The latent image formed above is developed with the toner T contained in the developing unit. That is, the black developing unit 51 is attached to the attaching / detaching portion 50a, which is one of the four attaching / detaching portions 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d described above, and the YMCK developing device 50 rotates when performing image formation. As a result, the black developing unit 51 moves to a position facing the photoconductor 20. The latent image formed on the photoreceptor 20 is developed with the black toner T accommodated in the black developing unit 51.

The developing unit and the attaching / detaching portion according to the present embodiment are configured so that each developing unit can be physically attached only to the only attaching / detaching portion corresponding to the developing unit. That is, of the four attachment / detachment portions 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d, only the attachment / detachment portion 50a can be attached to the black developing unit 51, and only the attachment / detachment portion 50b can be attached to the magenta development unit 52. The unit 53 can be attached only to the detachable part 50c, and the yellow developing unit 54 can be attached only to the detachable part 50d.
Details of the YMCK developing device 50 and each developing unit will be described later.

The primary transfer unit 60 is a device for transferring the toner image formed on the photoconductor 20 to the intermediate transfer body 70.
The intermediate transfer body 70 is an endless belt in which an aluminum vapor deposition layer is provided on the surface of a PET film and a semiconductive paint is formed on the surface layer and laminated. The intermediate transfer body 70 is driven to rotate at substantially the same peripheral speed as the photoconductor 20.
The secondary transfer unit 80 is a device for transferring the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer body 70 to a medium such as paper, film, or cloth.
The fixing unit 90 is a device for fusing the toner image transferred onto the medium to 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. The cleaning unit 75 is disposed on the intermediate transfer body 70 by the primary transfer unit 60. After the toner image is transferred, the toner T remaining on the photoconductor 20 is scraped off and removed by the cleaning blade 76.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 100 includes a main controller 101 and a unit controller 102. Image data PD and a control signal COM are input to the main controller 101 from the computer 702 described above, and the image data PD In response to a command based on the control signal COM, the unit controller 102 controls the units and the like to form an image.

=== Operation Example of Image Forming Apparatus ===
Next, the operation of the printer 10 configured as described above will be described separately for an operation for forming a color image and an operation for forming a monochrome image. When the printer 10 is used as a color printer, the printer 10 can form not only a color image but also a monochrome image. Accordingly, the operation for forming a monochrome image described below is performed when a monochrome image is formed when the printer 10 is used as the color printer described above, and when the printer 10 is used as a monochrome printer. Applies to and when forming.

<<< Color image formation >>>
First, the operation of the printer 10 when forming a color image will be described.
When the image data PD and the control signal COM from the computer 702 are input to the main controller 101 of the printer 10 via the interface (I / F) 112, the photosensitive unit is controlled by the unit controller 102 based on a command from the main controller 101. The body 20, the developing roller provided in the developing unit, and the intermediate transfer body 70 rotate. The photoconductor 20 is sequentially charged by the charging unit 30 at the charging position while rotating.

  The charged area of the photoconductor 20 reaches an exposure position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and a latent image corresponding to image information of the first color, for example, yellow Y, is formed in the area by the exposure unit 40. . In the YMCK developing device 50, the yellow developing unit 54 containing yellow (Y) toner is located at the developing position facing the photoconductor 20.

The latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 reaches the development position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and is developed with yellow toner by the yellow developing unit 54. As a result, a yellow toner image is formed on the photoreceptor 20.
The yellow toner image formed on the photoconductor 20 reaches the primary transfer position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and 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 T is applied to the primary transfer unit 60. During this time, the photosensitive member 20 and the intermediate transfer member 70 are in contact with each other, and the secondary transfer unit 80 is separated from the intermediate transfer member 70.

  The above processing is sequentially executed for each developing unit for the second color, the third color, and the fourth color, so that four color toner images corresponding to the respective image signals are transferred to the intermediate transfer member 70. It is transcribed and superimposed. 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 body 70 reaches the secondary transfer position as the intermediate transfer body 70 rotates, and is transferred to the medium by the secondary transfer unit 80. The 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 medium is heated and pressed by the fixing unit 90 and fused to the medium.

  On the other hand, after the primary transfer position has passed, the photosensitive member 20 is scraped off by the cleaning blade 76 supported by the cleaning unit 75 and the toner T adhering to the surface thereof is charged to form the next latent image. Prepare for. The toner T thus scraped off is collected by a residual toner collecting unit provided in the cleaning unit 75.

<<< Monochrome image formation >>>
Next, the operation of the printer 10 when forming a monochrome image will be described.
When the image data PD and the control signal COM from the computer 702 are input to the main controller 101 of the printer 10 via the interface (I / F) 112, the photosensitive unit is controlled by the unit controller 102 based on a command from the main controller 101. The body 20, the developing roller provided in the developing unit, and the intermediate transfer body 70 rotate. The photoconductor 20 is sequentially charged by the charging unit 30 at the charging position while rotating.

  The charged area of the photoconductor 20 reaches the exposure position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and the exposure unit 40 forms a latent image corresponding to the image information in the area. In the YMCK developing device 50, a black developing unit 51 containing black toner is located at a developing position facing the photoconductor 20.

The latent image formed on the photoconductor 20 reaches a developable position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and is developed by the black developing unit 51. As a result, a toner image is formed on the photoreceptor 20.
The toner image formed on the photoconductor 20 reaches the primary transfer position as the photoconductor 20 rotates, and 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. During this time, the secondary transfer unit 80 is separated from the intermediate transfer member 70.

The toner image formed on the intermediate transfer body 70 reaches the secondary transfer position as the intermediate transfer body 70 rotates, and is transferred to the medium by the secondary transfer unit 80. The 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 toner image transferred to the medium is heated and pressed by the fixing unit 90 and fused to the medium.

  On the other hand, after the primary transfer position has passed, the photosensitive member 20 is scraped off by the cleaning blade 76 supported by the cleaning unit 75 and the toner T adhering to the surface thereof is charged to form the next latent image. Prepare for. The toner T thus scraped off is collected by a residual toner collecting unit provided in the cleaning unit 75.

=== Configuration Example of Development Unit ===
Next, a configuration example of the developing unit will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of the developing unit, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing main components of the developing unit. Note that the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 7 represents a cross-section obtained by cutting the developing unit along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction shown in FIG. 7, the vertical direction is indicated by arrows as in FIG. 3. For example, the central axis of the developing roller 510 is lower than the central axis of the photoconductor 20. Further, in FIG. 7, the yellow developing unit 54 is shown in a state where the yellow developing unit 54 is located at the developing position facing the photoconductor 20.

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

  The yellow developing unit 54 includes a developing roller 510, a seal member 520, a toner container 530, a housing 540, a toner supply roller 550, a regulating blade 560, and the like.

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 metal and is made of an aluminum alloy such as 5056 aluminum alloy or 6063 aluminum alloy, or an iron alloy such as STKM, and is subjected to nickel plating, chrome plating, or the like as necessary. Yes. Also,
As shown in FIG. 6, the developing roller 510 is supported at both ends in the longitudinal direction, and is rotatable about the central axis. As shown in FIG. 7, the developing roller 510 rotates in a direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 7) opposite to the rotation direction of the photoconductor 20 (clockwise in FIG. 7). The central axis is below the central axis of the photoconductor 20. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, when the yellow developing unit 54 faces the photoconductor 20, there is a gap between the developing roller 510 and the photoconductor 20. That is, the yellow developing unit 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 prevents the toner T in the yellow developing unit 54 from leaking out of the apparatus and collects the toner T on the developing roller 510 that has passed through the developing position into the developing apparatus without being scraped off. The seal member 520 is a seal made of a polyethylene film or the like. The seal member 520 is supported by a seal support sheet metal 522 and is attached to the housing 540 via the seal support sheet metal 522. Further, a seal urging member 524 made of malt plain or the like is provided on the opposite side of the seal member 520 from the developing roller 510 side. The seal member 520 is developed by the elastic force of the seal urging member 524. 510 is pressed. The contact position where the seal member 520 contacts the developing roller 510 is above the central axis of the developing roller 510.

  The housing 540 is manufactured by welding a plurality of integrally molded housing parts, that is, an upper housing part 542 and a lower housing part 544. As shown in FIG. 7, the housing 540 has an opening 572 that communicates with the outside of the housing 540. The developing roller 510 described above is arranged in a state where a part of the developing roller 510 is exposed with the peripheral surface facing the opening 572 from the outside of the housing 540. Further, a regulation blade 560 described in detail later is also arranged in a state of facing the opening 572 from the outside of the housing 540.

  The housing 540 forms a toner storage portion 530 that can store the toner T. An agitating member for agitating the toner T may be provided in the toner accommodating portion 530. However, in this embodiment, each developing unit (the black developing unit 51, the magenta developing unit 52, Since the cyan developing unit 53 and the yellow developing unit 54) rotate and thereby the toner T in each developing unit is agitated, the toner accommodating portion 530 is not provided with an agitating member.

  The toner supply roller 550 is provided in the toner storage unit 530 described above, and supplies the toner T stored in the toner storage unit 530 to the developing roller 510. The toner supply roller 550 is made of polyurethane foam or the like, and is in contact with the developing roller 510 in an elastically deformed state. The toner supply roller 550 is disposed below the toner storage unit 530, and the toner T stored in the toner storage unit 530 is supplied to the developing roller 510 by the toner supply member 530 below the toner storage unit 530. The The toner supply roller 550 is rotatable about a central axis, and the central axis is below the rotation central axis of the developing roller 510. Further, the toner supply roller 550 rotates in a direction (clockwise in FIG. 7) opposite to the rotation direction of the developing roller 510 (counterclockwise in FIG. 7). The toner supply roller 550 has a function of supplying the toner T accommodated in the toner accommodating portion 530 to the developing roller 510, and peels off the toner T remaining on the developing roller 510 after the development from the developing roller 510. It also has a function.

  The regulating blade 560 applies a charge to the toner T carried on the developing roller 510 and regulates the layer thickness of the toner T carried on the developing roller 510. The regulation blade 560 has a rubber part 560a and a rubber support part 560b. The rubber part 560a is made of silicon rubber, urethane rubber or the like, and the rubber support part 560b is a thin plate having spring properties such as phosphor bronze or stainless steel. The rubber part 560a is supported by a rubber support part 560b, and the rubber support part 560b is supported by being sandwiched between a pair of blade support metal plates 562 via the blade support metal plate 562. Is attached. Further, a blade back member 570 made of malt plane or the like is provided on the side opposite to the developing roller 510 side of the regulating blade 560.

  Here, the rubber portion 560 a is pressed against the developing roller 510 by the elastic force caused by the bending of the rubber support portion 560 b. Further, the blade back member 570 prevents the toner T from entering between the rubber support portion 560b and the housing 540, stabilizes the elastic force due to the bending of the rubber support portion 560b, and provides rubber from the back of the rubber portion 560a. The rubber portion 560 a is pressed against the developing roller 510 by urging the portion 560 a toward the developing roller 510. Therefore, the blade back member 570 improves the uniform contact property of the rubber portion 560a to the developing roller 510.

  The end of the regulating blade 560 opposite to the side supported by the blade support metal plate 562, that is, the tip is not in contact with the developing roller 510, and a portion away from the tip by a predetermined distance is the developing roller. 510 is in contact with a width. That is, the regulating blade 560 is not in contact with the developing roller 510 at the edge, but is in contact with the belly. The regulating blade 560 is disposed so that the tip thereof faces the upstream side in the rotation direction of the developing roller 510, and is in a so-called counter contact. The contact position where the regulating 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.

  In the yellow developing unit 54 configured as described above, the toner supply roller 550 supplies the toner T accommodated in the toner accommodating portion 530 to the developing roller 510. The toner T supplied to the developing roller 510 reaches the abutting position of the regulating blade 560 as the developing roller 510 rotates, and when the toner T passes through the corresponding contacting position, an electric charge is applied and the layer thickness is regulated. Is done. The toner T on the developing roller 510 whose layer thickness is regulated reaches the developing position facing the photoconductor 20 by further rotation of the developing roller 510, and is formed on the photoconductor 20 under an alternating electric field at the developing position. Used for developing the latent image. The toner T on the developing roller 510 that has passed through the developing position due to further rotation of the developing roller 510 passes through the seal member 520 and is collected in the developing unit without being scraped off by the seal member 520. Further, the toner T still remaining on the developing roller 510 can be peeled off by the toner supply roller 550.

  Each of the developing units 51, 52, 53, and 54 is a storage element for storing various information related to the developing unit, such as the color information of the toner accommodated in each developing unit and the amount of toner consumed, for example, Non-volatile storage memory (hereinafter also referred to as development unit side memory) 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a such as a serial EEPROM is provided.

  The development unit side memories 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a are composed of development unit side connectors 51b, 52b, 53b, 54b provided on one side surface of the development unit, and an apparatus main body provided on the apparatus main body side (printer side). The side connector 34 is in contact with each other when necessary, and is electrically connected to the unit controller 102 of the main body control unit 100.

=== Outline of YMCK Developing Device ===
Next, an outline of the YMCK developing device 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C. In this section, for the sake of convenience, the case where the developing units 51, 52, 53, and 54 are attached to the four attachment / detachment portions 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d will be described as an example. The present invention can also be applied to a case where the developing unit is attached to only one of the detachable portions 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d.

The YMCK developing device 50 has a rotation shaft 50e positioned at the center thereof. A support frame 55 for holding the developing unit is fixed to the rotation shaft 50e, and the rotation shaft 50e forms a casing of the printer 10. It spans between two frame side plates (not shown) and both ends thereof are supported. In addition, the axial direction of the rotating shaft 50e intersects the vertical direction.
The support frame 55 has four attachment / detachment portions 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d in the circumferential direction in which the development units 51, 52, 53, and 54 of the four colors described above are detachably held around the rotation shaft 50e. It is provided at 90 ° intervals.
A pulse motor (not shown) is connected to the rotary shaft 50e via a clutch. By driving this pulse motor, the support frame 55 is rotated, and the above four phenomenon devices 51, 52, 53, 54 are set in a predetermined manner. It can be positioned at a position.

8A, 8B, and 8C are diagrams showing three stop positions of the rotating YMCK developing device 50. FIG. 8A is a standby position when waiting for execution of image formation. FIG. 8B shows a home position position (hereinafter referred to as “HP position”) that is a stop position that is a reference position in the rotational direction of the YMCK developing device 50. FIG. 8B shows the developing unit side of the black developing unit 51 mounted on the YMCK developing device 50. FIG. 8C shows the attaching / detaching position of the black developing unit 51 where the connector 51b and the apparatus body side connector 34 provided on the apparatus body side face each other.
8B and 8C, the connector attaching / detaching position and the developing unit attaching / detaching position are shown for the black developing unit 51. However, when the YMCK developing device 50 is rotated by 90 °, the connector attaching / detaching position of each developing unit is shown. And the development unit attachment / detachment position.

  First, the HP position shown in FIG. 8A will be described. On one end side of the rotation shaft 50e of the YMCK developing device 50, an HP detection unit 31 (FIG. 5) for detecting the HP position is provided. The HP detection unit 31 includes a signal generating disk fixed to one end of the rotating shaft 50e, and an HP sensor including a photo interrupter having a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. The peripheral part of the disk is arranged so as to be positioned between the light emitting part and the light receiving part of the HP sensor, and when the slit part formed in the disk moves to the detection position of the HP sensor, the output from the HP sensor The signal changes from “L” to “H”. The HP position of the YMCK developing device 50 is detected based on the change in the signal level and the number of pulses of the pulse motor, and the developing position of each developing unit can be positioned based on the HP position. ing.

  FIG. 8B shows a connector attaching / detaching position of the black developing unit 51 in which the pulse motor is rotated by a predetermined number of pulses from the HP position. At this connector attaching / detaching position, the developing unit side connector 51b of the black developing unit 51 attached to the YMCK developing device 50 and the apparatus body side connector 34 provided on the apparatus body side face each other, and these connectors abut against each other. Alternatively, they can be separated.

  Further explanation will be given with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B. 9A and 9B are diagrams showing the separation position and the contact position between the development unit side connector 51b of the black development unit 51 and the apparatus main body side connector 34, and FIG. 9A is a diagram relating to the separation position. FIG. 9B is a diagram related to the contact position.

  FIG. 9A shows a state where the apparatus main body side connector 34 and the developing unit side connector 51 b of the black developing unit 51 are separated from each other. The apparatus main body side connector 34 is configured to be movable toward and away from the black developing unit 51, and moves in the direction approaching the black developing unit 51 (the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 9B) as necessary. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9B, the apparatus main body side connector 34 abuts on the development unit side connector 51 b of the black development unit 51, and the development unit side memory 51 a attached to the black development unit 51 is connected to the control unit 100. The unit controller 102 is electrically connected, and communication is performed between the development unit side memory 51 and the apparatus main body.

  Conversely, the apparatus main body side connector 34 moves away from the black developing unit 51 from the state where the apparatus main body side connector 34 and the developing unit side connector 51b of the black developing unit 51 shown in FIG. Move in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow shown in 9B. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9A, the apparatus main body side connector 34 is separated from the developing unit side connector 51 b of the black developing unit 51.

  The movement of the apparatus main body side connector 34 is realized by, for example, a mechanism (not shown) including a pulse motor, a plurality of gears connected to the pulse motor, and an eccentric cam connected to the gear. That is, when the pulse motor is rotated by a predetermined number of pulses, the mechanism moves the apparatus main body side connector 34 by a distance corresponding to the pulse number from a predetermined separation position, and the apparatus main body side connector 34 is moved. It is positioned at a predetermined contact position. Conversely, when the pulse motor is reversely rotated by a predetermined number of pulses, the mechanism moves the device body side connector 34 by a distance corresponding to the number of pulses from a predetermined contact position, and the device body side The connector 34 is positioned at a predetermined separation position.

  Further, the connector attaching / detaching position with respect to the black developing unit 51 is the developing position of the yellow developing unit 54 with the developing roller 510 of the yellow developing unit 54 and the photoconductor 20 facing each other. That is, the connector attaching / detaching position of the YMCK developing device 50 related to the black developing unit 51 is the developing position of the YMCK developing device 50 related to the yellow developing unit 54. Further, when the pulse motor rotates the YMCK developing device 50 by 90 ° counterclockwise, the connector attach / detach position of the cyan developing unit 52 and the developing position of the black developing unit 51 are reached, and every time the YMCK developing device 50 is rotated 90 °. The connector mounting / demounting position and the developing position of each developing unit are sequentially provided.

One of the two frame side plates that support the YMCK developing device 50 and form the housing of the printer 10 is provided with a detachable opening 37 through which one developing unit can pass. When the YMCK developing device 50 is rotated and stopped at the developing unit attaching / detaching position set for each developing unit, the dedicated attaching / detaching port 37, as shown in FIG. 8C, corresponds to the corresponding developing unit (here, Only the black developing unit 51) is formed at a position where it can be pulled out and removed in the direction along the rotating shaft 50e. Further, the exclusive opening 37 is formed to be slightly larger than the outer shape of the developing unit. At the developing unit attaching / detaching position, not only the developing unit is removed but also a new developing unit is inserted in the direction along the rotation shaft 50e through the exclusive attaching hole 37. The developing unit can also be mounted on the support frame 55 by making it enter. While the YMCK developing device 50 is located at a position other than the developing unit removal position, the attachment / detachment of the developing unit is restricted by the frame side plate.
A locking mechanism (not shown) is provided to securely position and fix the YMCK developing device 50 at the above position.

=== Overview of Control Unit ===
Next, the configuration of the control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit 100 has a main controller 101 and a unit controller 102.

The main controller 101 includes a CPU 111, an interface 112 for communicating with the computer 702, an image memory 113 for storing image data PD input from the computer 702, an electrically rewritable EEPROM 114a and RAM 114b, and various controls. And a main controller side memory 114 composed of a program ROM or the like having a program for the above.
The CPU 111 of the main controller 101 synchronizes with the CPU 120 of the unit controller 102 based on the control signal COM input from the computer 702 as well as the control of reading and reading the image data PD input through the interface to the image memory 113. To control the entire system.

  The EEPROM 114a stores model information indicating whether the printer 10 is used as a color printer or a monochrome printer. Although details will be described later, the CPU 111 receives, from the unit controller 102, mounting information on the developing unit indicating where the developing unit is mounted on the above-described four attaching / detaching units at a predetermined timing. Based on the mounting information, the model information in the EEPROM 114a is rewritten as necessary. The model information is written as 1-bit information in the EEPROM 114a. When the value is 0, a color printer is indicated, and when the value is 1, a monochrome printer is indicated.

  The EEPROM 114 a stores a device ID that is sent to the computer 702 when the printer 10 communicates with the computer 702 so that the computer can recognize a device that can communicate with the computer. Note that, unlike the above-described model information, the device ID has a matching value when the printer 10 is used as a color printer and when it is used as a monochrome printer.

  The unit controller 102 includes a CPU 120, an electrically rewritable EEPROM 116a, RAM, a unit controller side memory 116 including a program ROM having various control programs, and each unit (charging unit 30, exposure unit) of the apparatus main body. 40, a primary transfer unit 60, a cleaning unit 75, a secondary transfer unit 80, a fixing unit 90, a display unit 95), and drive control circuits for driving and controlling the YMCK developing device 50.

  The CPU 120 of the unit controller 102 is electrically connected to each drive control circuit, and controls each drive control circuit based on a control signal from the CPU 111 of the main controller 101. That is, each unit and the YMCK developing device 50 are detected based on a signal input from the main controller 101 while detecting the state of each unit and the YMCK developing device 50 by receiving a signal from a sensor or the like included in each unit. To control.

  The CPU 120 controls each drive control circuit based on the above-described model information. That is, when the value of the model information is 0, each unit of the printer 10 and the YMCK developing device 50 are controlled as a color printer. When the value of the model information is 1, the monochrome printer is Each unit of the printer 10 and the YMCK developing device 50 are controlled.

  The EEPROM 116a stores development unit mounting information indicating where the development unit is mounted on the above-described four attachment / detachment portions. Although details will be described later, the CPU 120 determines whether or not the development unit is attached to the attachment / detachment portion corresponding to the attached development unit after the development unit is attached / detached. Then, based on the determined result, the mounting information in the EEPROM 116a is rewritten as necessary. The mounting information is written in the EEPROM 116a as 1-bit information for each detachable section, that is, a total of 4 bits, and when the value is 0, it means that the developing unit is not mounted. A value of 1 indicates that the developing unit is installed.

  The CPU 120 included in the unit controller 102 is connected to a non-volatile storage element (hereinafter referred to as a main body side memory) 122 such as a serial EEPROM via a serial interface (I / F) 121. The main body side memory 122 stores data necessary for device control. The CPU 120 is connected not only to the main body side memory 122 but also to the development unit side memories 51 a, 52 a, 53 a, 54 a provided in the development units 51, 52, 53, 54 via the serial interface 121. In addition, data can be transferred between the main body side memory 122 and the development unit side memories 51a, 52a, 53a, and 54a, and chip selection is made to each development unit side memory 51a, 52a, 53a, and 54a via the input / output port 123. The signal CS can be input. Further, the CPU 120 is also connected to the HP detection unit 31 via the input / output port 123.

=== Operation of Image Forming System ===
As described above, in the printer 10 according to the present embodiment, when a developing unit is attached to each of the plurality of attaching / detaching portions 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d, the printer 10 is sensitive to the toner T contained in each developing unit. It can be used as a color printer that develops a latent image carried on the body 20 to form a color image, and a developing unit is attached only to one of the plurality of attaching / detaching portions 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d. In this case, the toner T accommodated in the developing unit can be used as a monochrome printer that develops the latent image carried on the photoconductor 20 to form a monochrome image.

  Here, the operation of the image forming system 700 when the printer 10 is switched from the monochrome printer to the color printer and the operation of the image forming system 700 when the printer 10 is switched from the color printer to the monochrome printer will be described. Various operations of the printer 10 described below are mainly realized by the main controller 101 or the unit controller 102 in the printer 10. In particular, in the present embodiment, it is realized by the CPU processing a program stored in the program ROM. And this program is comprised from the code | cord | chord for performing the various operation | movement demonstrated below.

<<< Switching from monochrome printer to color printer >>>
First, the operation of the image forming system 700 when the printer 10 is switched from a monochrome printer to a color printer will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming system 700 when the printer 10 is switched from the monochrome printer to the color printer.

This flowchart starts from a state in which the computer 702 and the printer 10 constituting the image forming system 700 are already turned on and are waiting to execute image formation. The standby position of the YMCK developing device 50 at this time is the HP position shown in FIG. 8A.
Since the printer 10 before switching is used as a monochrome printer, the developing unit is attached to only one of the four attaching / detaching portions described above as shown in FIG. That is, while the black developing unit 51 is attached to the attaching / detaching portion 50a, the developing units are not attached to the other attaching / detaching portions 50b, 50c, 50d. The monochrome driver described above as the printer driver 796 is installed in the computer 702.

First, the operator turns off the computer 702 and releases the electrical connection between the computer 702 and the printer 10 (step S2).
Next, the operator operates the menu button provided on the display unit 95 and the like, and selects the developing unit attachment / detachment instruction to instruct the printer 10 to attach / detach the developing unit. At this time, the operator designates and designates the developing unit to be attached / detached.

  In the present embodiment, first, an attachment / detachment instruction for the yellow developing unit 54 is selected (step S4). The unit controller 102 reads and interprets this command by the display unit drive control circuit. That is, it is determined which of the black development unit 51, the magenta development unit 52, the cyan development unit 53, and the yellow development unit 54 is the development unit to be attached / detached. In the present embodiment, since the developing unit to be attached / detached is the yellow developing unit 54, the unit controller 102 rotates the YMCK developing device 50 by rotating the pulse motor by a predetermined number of pulses, and thereby the YMCK developing device. The position 50 is shifted from the HP position to the connector attaching / detaching position of the yellow developing unit 54.

  Then, the unit controller 102 stops the YMCK developing device 50 at the connector attaching / detaching position, and in this stopped state, moves the apparatus main body side connector 34 to try to communicate with the developing unit side memory provided in the developing unit. (Step S6). In the present embodiment, since the yellow developing unit 54 is not mounted, the communication is not executed.

Next, the unit controller 102 rotates the YMCK developing device 50 by rotating the pulse motor by a predetermined pulse, so that the position of the YMCK developing device 50 is changed from the connector attaching / detaching position of the yellow developing unit 54 to the yellow developing unit. 54 is moved to the attaching / detaching position 54 (step S8).
In this state, the unit controller 102 displays on the display unit provided in the display unit 95 that the yellow developing unit 54 is detachable and notifies the operator.

  The worker who has confirmed this display opens the exterior cover of the printer 10 and attaches the yellow developing unit 54 to the attaching / detaching portion 50d of the YMCK developing device 50 through the attaching / detaching exclusive port 37 (step S10). When the operator closes the exterior cover of the printer 10 after mounting the yellow developing unit 54, the unit controller 102 that senses this closes the position of the YMCK developing device 50 from the mounting position of the yellow developing unit 54 to the yellow developing unit. 54 is shifted to the connector attaching / detaching position.

  Then, the unit controller 102 stops the YMCK developing device 50 at the connector attaching / detaching position, and moves the apparatus main body side connector 34 in the stopped state, so that the apparatus main body side connector 34 and the yellow developing unit 54 are on the developing unit side. The connector 54b is brought into contact. In this state, the developing unit side memory 54a attached to the yellow developing unit 54 is electrically connected to the unit controller 102 of the control unit 100, and communication is performed between the developing unit side memory 54a and the apparatus main body (step). S12). Further, the unit controller 102 determines whether or not the communication is successful. If the communication is successful, the unit controller 102 assumes that the yellow developing unit 54 is attached, and attaches the yellow developing unit 54 in the EEPROM 116a. Set information to 1. On the other hand, when the communication fails, the unit controller 102 sets the mounting information related to the yellow developing unit 54 in the EEPROM 116a to 0, assuming that the yellow developing unit 54 is not mounted (step S14). In the present embodiment, the communication is successful, and the mounting information relating to the yellow developing unit 54 in the EEPROM 116a is rewritten from 0 to 1.

  After completing the above-described processing regarding the mounting information, the unit controller 102 transmits all, that is, four development unit mounting information to the main controller 101. The main controller 101 that has received the mounting information sets the aforementioned model information based on the mounting information (step S16).

  Here, an algorithm in which the main controller 101 sets model information based on the mounting information of the four developing units will be described. The main controller 101 sets the value of the model information in the EEPROM 114a to 1 indicating the monochrome printer when only one of the four pieces of mounting information is 1 indicating the mounting of the developing unit. If the value of two or more pieces of mounting information is 1, the value of the model information is set to 0 indicating a color printer. However, in any case, when the value of the mounting information relating to the black developing unit 51 is 0, the main controller 101 does not execute the setting operation of the model information (the printer is used as a color printer or a monochrome printer). If the black developing unit 51 to be mounted regardless of whether it is used or not, the model information is not rewritten and the previous model information value is maintained). The relationship between the value of the mounting information and the setting operation of the model information is as shown in FIG.

  In this embodiment, the value of the mounting information of each developing unit is 1 for the black developing unit, 0 for the magenta developing unit, 0 for the cyan developing unit, and 1 for the yellow developing unit (case J in FIG. 11). Therefore, the main controller 101 rewrites the value of the model information from 1 indicating a monochrome printer to 0 indicating a color printer.

  Next, the procedure from step S4 to step S16 described above is performed for the cyan developing unit 53 and the magenta developing unit 52 (step S18, step S20). As a result of this implementation, the value of the mounting information relating to the cyan developing unit 53 and the magenta developing unit 52 is rewritten from 0 to 1. Note that the values of the mounting information of each developing unit received by the main controller 101 in step S18 are 1 for the black developing unit, 0 for the magenta developing unit, 1 for the cyan developing unit, and 1 for the yellow developing unit (case L in FIG. 11). Therefore, the value of the model information after step S18 remains 0. Similarly, the value of the mounting information of each developing unit received by the main controller 101 in step S20 is 1 for the black developing unit, 1 for the magenta developing unit, 1 for the cyan developing unit, and 1 for the yellow developing unit (the case in FIG. 11). Q), the value of the model information after step S20 remains 0.

  Next, the operator temporarily stops the supply of power to the printer by turning off the power of the printer 10 (step S24). The worker then supplies power to the printer again, for example, by turning on the printer 10 (step S26).

  When power is supplied to the printer 10, the main controller 101 senses the supply and loads model information from the EEPROM 114a to the RAM 114b (step S28). Here, the value 0 indicating the color printer is loaded into the RAM 114b. Then, the CPU 120 of the unit controller 102 controls each drive control circuit based on the model information loaded into the RAM 114b. That is, as a result of referring to the model information in the RAM 114b, the printer 10 starts up as a color printer, and each unit of the printer 10 and the YMCK developing device 50 are controlled as a color printer (step S30). The printer 10 according to the present embodiment does not update the device ID stored in the EEPROM 114a when the printer is switched.

  Next, the worker turns on the computer 702 to electrically connect the computer 702 to the printer 10 (step S34). By such an operator's operation, the computer 702 executes a boot process (step S36) and starts up.

  After the computer 702 is started up, the worker uninstalls the monochrome driver installed in the computer 702 (step S38), and then installs the prepared color driver (step S40). Thus, the user can instruct execution of image formation using the color driver.

<<< Switching from color printer to monochrome printer >>>
Next, the operation of the image forming system 700 when the printer 10 is switched from a color printer to a monochrome printer will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming system 700 when the printer 10 is switched from a color printer to a monochrome printer.

This flowchart starts from a state in which the computer 702 and the printer 10 constituting the image forming system 700 are already turned on and are waiting to execute image formation. The standby position of the YMCK developing device 50 at this time is the HP position shown in FIG. 8A.
Since the printer 10 before switching is used as a color printer, the development unit is attached to all of the four attachment / detachment sections described above as shown in FIG. That is, the black developing unit 51 is attached to the attaching / detaching part 50a, the magenta developing unit 52 is attached to the attaching / detaching part 50b, the cyan developing unit 53 is attached to the attaching / detaching part 50c, and the yellow developing unit 54 is attached to the attaching / detaching part 50d. The color driver described above as the printer driver 796 is installed in the computer 702.

First, the worker turns off the computer 702 and releases the electrical connection between the computer 702 and the printer 10 (step S102).
Next, the operator operates the menu button provided on the display unit 95 and the like, and selects the developing unit attachment / detachment instruction to instruct the printer 10 to attach / detach the developing unit. At this time, the operator designates and designates the developing unit to be attached / detached.

  In the present embodiment, first, an attachment / detachment instruction for the yellow developing unit 54 is selected (step S104). The unit controller 102 reads and interprets this command by the display unit drive control circuit. That is, it is determined which of the black development unit 51, the magenta development unit 52, the cyan development unit 53, and the yellow development unit 54 is the development unit to be attached / detached. In the present embodiment, since the developing unit to be attached / detached is the yellow developing unit 54, the unit controller 102 rotates the YMCK developing device 50 by rotating the pulse motor by a predetermined number of pulses, and thereby the YMCK developing device. The position 50 is shifted from the HP position to the connector attaching / detaching position of the yellow developing unit 54.

  Then, the unit controller 102 stops the YMCK developing device 50 at the connector attaching / detaching position, and moves the apparatus main body side connector 34 in the stopped state, so that the apparatus main body side connector 34 and the yellow developing unit 54 are on the developing unit side. The connector 54b is brought into contact. In this state, the developing unit side memory 54a attached to the yellow developing unit 54 is electrically connected to the unit controller 102 of the control unit 100, and communication is performed between the developing unit side memory 54a and the apparatus main body (step). S106).

After the communication is completed and the apparatus main body side connector 34 is separated from the developing unit side connector 54b, the unit controller 102 rotates the YMCK developing device 50 by rotating the pulse motor by a predetermined pulse, thereby causing the YMCK to rotate. The position of the developing device 50 is shifted from the connector attaching / detaching position of the yellow developing unit 54 to the attaching / detaching position of the yellow developing unit 54 (step S108).
In this state, the unit controller 102 displays on the display unit provided in the display unit 95 that the yellow developing unit 54 is detachable and notifies the operator.

  The worker who has confirmed this display opens the exterior cover of the printer 10 and removes the yellow developing unit 54 located behind the exclusive attachment / detachment port 37 from the YMCK developing device 50 through the exclusive attachment / detachment port 37 (step S110). . When the operator removes the yellow developing unit 54 and then closes the outer cover of the printer 10, the unit controller 102 that senses this changes the position of the YMCK developing device 50 from the mounting position of the yellow developing unit 54 to the yellow developing unit. 54 is shifted to the connector attaching / detaching position.

  Then, the unit controller 102 stops the YMCK developing device 50 at the connector attaching / detaching position, and in this stopped state, moves the apparatus main body side connector 34 to try to communicate with the developing unit side memory provided in the developing unit. (Step S112). If the communication is successful, the unit controller 102 sets the mounting information relating to the yellow developing unit 54 in the EEPROM 116a to 1, assuming that the yellow developing unit 54 is mounted. On the other hand, if the communication fails, the unit controller 102 sets the mounting information related to the yellow developing unit 54 in the EEPROM 116a to 0, assuming that the yellow developing unit 54 is not mounted (step S114). In this embodiment, since the yellow developing unit 54 is removed in step S110, the communication fails, and the mounting information relating to the yellow developing unit 54 in the EEPROM 116a is rewritten from 1 to 0.

  After completing the above-described processing regarding the mounting information, the unit controller 102 transmits all, that is, four development unit mounting information to the main controller 101. The main controller 101 that has received the mounting information sets the above-described model information based on the mounting information (step S116).

  In the present embodiment, since only the value of the mounting information relating to the yellow developing unit 54 is 0 (case P in FIG. 11), the main controller 101 sets the value of the model information based on the algorithm described above. , Set to 0, indicating a color printer. However, before the yellow developing unit 54 was removed, all the developing units were installed and the value of the model information was 0 (case Q in FIG. 11). Therefore, the value of the model information is changed here. Will not be.

  Next, the procedure from step S104 to step S116 described above is performed for the cyan developing unit 53 and the magenta developing unit 52 (step S118, step S120). As a result of this implementation, the value of the mounting information relating to the cyan developing unit 53 and the magenta developing unit 52 is rewritten from 1 to 0. The values of the mounting information of each developing unit received by the main controller 101 are 1 for the black developing unit, 0 for the magenta developing unit, 0 for the cyan developing unit, and 0 for the yellow developing unit (case I in FIG. 11). Therefore, the main controller 101 rewrites the value of the model information from 0 indicating the color printer to 1 indicating the monochrome printer based on the algorithm described above.

  Next, the worker temporarily stops the supply of power to the printer, for example, by turning off the power of the printer 10 (step S124). Then, the operator supplies power to the printer again by turning on the power of the printer 10 (step S126).

  When power is supplied to the printer 10, the main controller 101 senses the supply and loads model information from the EEPROM 114a to the RAM 114b (step S128). Here, the value 1 indicating the monochrome printer is loaded into the RAM 114b. Then, the CPU 120 of the unit controller 102 controls each drive control circuit based on the model information loaded into the RAM 114b. That is, as a result of referring to the model information in the RAM 114b, the printer 10 starts up as a monochrome printer, and each unit of the printer 10 and the YMCK developing device 50 are controlled as a monochrome printer (step S130). The printer 10 according to the present embodiment does not update the device ID stored in the EEPROM 114a when the printer is switched.

  Next, the operator turns on the computer 702 to electrically connect the computer 702 to the printer 10 (step S134). By such an operator's operation, the computer 702 executes a boot process (step S136) and starts up.

  After the computer 702 is started up, the worker uninstalls the color driver installed in the computer 702 (step S138), and then installs the prepared monochrome driver (step S140). As a result, the user can instruct execution of image formation using the monochrome driver.

  In the above embodiment, the power of the computer 702 is turned off in order to release the electrical connection between the computer 702 and the printer 10 (step S2, step S102). Instead, for example, a cable connecting the computer 702 and the printer 10 may be removed. In the above embodiment, the computer 702 is turned on in order to restore the electrical connection between the computer 702 and the printer 10 (steps S34 and S134). Instead, for example, the computer 702 and the printer 10 may be connected by a cable.

=== Operation of Image Forming System When User Performs Printer Switching without Turning Off Computer ===
As described above, the device ID that the printer 10 has when the printer 10 is used as a color printer matches the device ID that the printer 10 has when the printer 10 is used as a monochrome printer. By doing so, it is possible to realize the printer 10 or the like that is highly convenient for the user.

  That is, as described in the section of the problem to be solved by the invention, regarding the printer driver 796 of the printer 10, when the printer 10 is used as a single color printer, a single color driver suitable for a single color printer is used. When used as a printer, it is desirable to use a color driver suitable for a color printer. Therefore, when switching the printer 10 from a single color printer to a color printer, or from a color printer to a single color printer, it is recommended to perform the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 or FIG. That is, the user performs the switching after turning off the power of the computer 702, and turns on the power of the computer 702 again to install the printer driver 796 suitable for the printer 10 after the switching.

  However, the user may accidentally switch the printer 10 without turning off the computer 702 (in other words, with the computer 702 turned on).

  Here, the operation of the image forming system 700 when the user switches the printer 10 without turning off the computer 702 will be described by comparing the comparative example with the present example. In the comparative example, the device ID of the printer 10 when the printer 10 is used as a color printer is different from the device ID of the printer 10 when the printer 10 is used as a monochrome printer. In this example, the device ID of the printer 10 when the printer 10 is used as a color printer matches the device ID of the printer 10 when the printer 10 is used as a monochrome printer. . In the following description, the former will be described as an example of the switching of the printer 10 from the single color printer to the color printer and the switching from the color printer to the single color printer.

First, a comparative example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart according to a comparative example for explaining the operation of the image forming system 700 when the printer 10 is switched without turning off the power of the computer 702.
This flowchart starts from a state in which the computer 702 and the printer 10 constituting the image forming system 700 are already turned on and are waiting to execute image formation. Since the printer 10 before switching is used as a monochrome printer, the developing unit is attached to only one of the four attaching / detaching portions described above as shown in FIG. The monochrome driver described above as the printer driver 796 is installed in the computer 702.

In the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, the operator turns off the computer 702 and releases the electrical connection between the computer 702 and the printer 10 (step S2). It is assumed that the printer 10 is switched without turning off the power of the printer 10.
Therefore, the operator performs the same operation as step S4 to step S26 while the computer 702 is powered on (steps S204 to S226).

  When power is supplied again to the printer 10 (step S226), the main controller 101 senses the supply and loads model information from the EEPROM 114a to the RAM 114b (step S228). Here, the value 0 indicating the color printer is loaded into the RAM 114b. Then, the CPU 120 of the unit controller 102 controls each drive control circuit based on the model information loaded into the RAM 114b. That is, as a result of referring to the model information in the RAM 114b, the printer 10 starts up as a color printer, and each unit of the printer 10 and the YMCK developing device 50 are controlled as a color printer (step S230).

  In this comparative example, as described above, the device ID that the printer 10 has when the printer 10 is used as a color printer is the device ID that the printer 10 has when the printer 10 is used as a monochrome printer. Is different. That is, unlike the example shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9, the printer 10 updates the device ID stored in the EEPROM 114a with reference to the model information in the RAM 114b loaded from the EEPROM 114a (step S228) (step S228). Step S232). Here, since the model information in the RAM 114b is 0 indicating a color printer, the device ID is updated to a device ID indicating a color printer (hereinafter, the device ID is also referred to as a color printer device ID). That is, the device ID is updated when switching from a monochrome printer to a color printer.

  As described above, in this comparative example, since the operator switched the printer 10 without turning off the computer 702, the so-called plug-and-play function is activated when the device ID is updated (step S232). To do.

  In other words, since the device ID is updated to the color printer device ID in step S232, the computer 702 receives the color printer device ID from the printer 10, whereby the computer 702 detects that the new device (that is, the color printer) is electrically connected. It is recognized that the connection has been made (step S238). Then, the computer 702 executes settings relating to the color printer (for example, allocation of hardware resources such as I / O ports) and notifies a message prompting the operator to install a color driver (step S240). Upon receiving the notification, when the operator inserts a CD-ROM or the like into the computer 702 and installs the color driver (step S242), the user can instruct execution of image formation using the color driver. become.

 Here, the operation of the image forming system in the comparative example is considered from the viewpoint of user convenience. As described above, the installation timing of the printer driver 796 (when to install the printer driver 796) gives the user a certain range of selection in consideration of the necessity of preparing the printer driver 796 to be installed. In the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9, the object can be achieved by adjusting the timing when the user turns on the computer 702.

  However, in the above comparative example, since the user switched the printer 10 without turning off the computer 702, the printer driver 796 is automatically installed following the switching of the printer 10. End up. Therefore, it becomes impossible to give the user a range of selection of the driver installation time considering the necessity of preparing the printer driver 796 and the like.

  Next, this example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart according to this example for explaining the operation of the image forming system 700 when the printer 10 is switched without turning off the power of the computer 702.

  This flowchart starts from a state in which the computer 702 and the printer 10 constituting the image forming system 700 are already turned on and are waiting to execute image formation. Since the printer 10 before switching is used as a monochrome printer, the developing unit is attached to only one of the four attaching / detaching portions described above as shown in FIG. The monochrome driver described above as the printer driver 796 is installed in the computer 702.

  Here again, as in the comparative example, the operator switches the printer 10 without turning off the computer 702. Therefore, the operator performs the same operation as step S4 to step S26 while the computer 702 is powered on (steps S304 to S326).

  When power is supplied again to the printer 10 (step S326), the main controller 101 senses the supply and loads model information from the EEPROM 114a to the RAM 114b (step S328). Here, the value 0 indicating the color printer is loaded into the RAM 114b. Then, the CPU 120 of the unit controller 102 controls each drive control circuit based on the model information loaded into the RAM 114b. That is, as a result of referring to the model information in the RAM 114b, the printer 10 starts up as a color printer, and each unit of the printer 10 and the YMCK developing device 50 are controlled as a color printer (step S330).

  In this example, the device ID that the printer 10 has when the printer 10 is used as a color printer matches the device ID that the printer 10 has when the printer 10 is used as a monochrome printer. Unlike the comparative example, the plug-and-play function does not operate after the printer 10 is switched.

  If the user wishes to install the color driver at such time, the user uninstalls the monochrome driver installed in the computer 702 (step S338), and then installs the prepared color driver. (Step S340). As a result, the user can instruct execution of image formation using the color driver.

  Here, the operation of the image forming system in this example is also considered from the viewpoint of user convenience. As described above, in the comparative example, since the user switched the printer 10 without turning off the computer 702, the printer driver 796 is automatically installed following the switching of the printer 10. Resulting in. Therefore, it becomes impossible to give the user a range of selection of the driver installation time considering the necessity of preparing the printer driver 796 and the like.

  However, in this example, even when the user switches the printer 10 without turning off the computer 702, the printer driver 796 is automatically installed following the switching of the printer 10. Will not occur. Therefore, it is possible to give the user a selection range of driver installation time in consideration of the necessity of preparing the printer driver 796, and thus, it is possible to realize a printer that is highly convenient for the user. .

  In the above, the computer 702 has only a single color driver among the color driver corresponding to the printer 10 used as a color printer and the single color driver corresponding to the printer 10 used as the single color printer. The advantages of the printer 10 have been described only in the case where the device ID is not updated when switching from the single color printer to the color printer. The same advantage can be obtained when the device ID is not updated when the color printer is switched to the monochrome printer.

=== Other Embodiments ===
The image forming apparatus and the like according to the present invention have been described above based on the above embodiment. However, the above embodiment of the present invention is for facilitating understanding of the present invention and limits the present invention. is not. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and the present invention includes the equivalents thereof.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the printer is directly connected to the computer. However, the printer may be connected to the computer via a network. .

  In the above embodiment, the computer includes a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), a liquid crystal display device, a display device such as a plasma display, an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, an FD (flexible drive) device, A reading device such as a CD-ROM drive device, an MO (Magneto Optical) disk drive device, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) device, an internal memory such as a RAM, and an external memory such as a hard disk drive unit are provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any of the above may not be provided. Further, for example, the printer may have a part of a computer function or mechanism.

  In the above-described embodiment, the intermediate transfer type laser beam printer is described as an example of the image forming apparatus. However, the present invention can be applied to laser beam printers other than the intermediate transfer type. In the above embodiment, the printer is described as an example of the image forming apparatus. However, the present invention can be applied to various image forming apparatuses such as a copying machine and a facsimile.

  In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus provided with the rotary developing device has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the image forming apparatus includes a tandem developing device. Also, the present invention can be applied.

  In the above embodiment, the apparatus main body side connector is brought into contact with the developing unit side connector to perform communication between the developing unit side memory and the apparatus main body. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, for example, the communication may be performed without contacting the member on the developing unit side and the member on the apparatus main body side.

  Also, the photosensitive member is not limited to a so-called photosensitive roller, which is configured by providing a photosensitive layer on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical conductive substrate, and is configured by providing a photosensitive layer on the surface of a belt-shaped conductive substrate. A so-called photosensitive belt may be used.

  In the above embodiment, when the developing unit is attached to only one of the plurality of attaching / detaching portions, the monochromatic printer is attached to the photoconductor 20 by the toner T accommodated in the developing unit. Although the monochrome printer forms a monochrome image by developing the carried latent image, the invention is not limited to this. That is, in the above embodiment, the developing unit attached to the one attaching / detaching portion is the black developing unit 51, and the latent image is developed with the toner T accommodated in the black developing unit 51 to obtain a monochrome image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the developing unit attached to the one detachable portion is a developing unit having toner of other colors, and is accommodated in the developing unit. The latent image may be developed with toner to form an image of the other color.

  In the above embodiment, the device ID is not updated when switching from the single color printer to the color printer or from the color printer to the single color printer. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Is not to be done. For example, when switching from the single color printer to the color printer or from the color printer to the single color printer, the device ID is updated, but the updated device ID is the device ID before the update. It is good also as matching.

  In the above embodiment, the power supply to the printer is stopped and the power is supplied again to the printer by turning the power on and off. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be realized by resetting.

  In the above embodiment, the uninstall operation of the printer driver 796 is performed in step S38, step S138, and step S338, but the uninstall operation may not be performed.

1 is an explanatory diagram showing an external configuration of an image forming system 700. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a part of the configuration of the image forming system 700 illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating main components constituting the printer 10 when the printer 10 is used as a color printer. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating main components constituting the printer 10 when the printer 10 is used as a monochrome printer. 2 is a block diagram showing a control unit 100 of the printer 10. FIG. It is a conceptual diagram of a developing unit. It is sectional drawing which showed the main components of the developing unit. FIG. 8A is a diagram showing a home position that is a standby position when waiting for execution of image formation and that is also a stop position serving as a reference position in the rotational direction of the YMCK developing device 50. FIG. 8B is a diagram showing a connector attaching / detaching position where the developing unit side connector 51b of the black developing unit 51 mounted on the YMCK developing device 50 and the apparatus main body side connector 34 provided on the apparatus main body side face each other. FIG. 8C is a diagram showing the attachment / detachment position of the black developing unit 51. FIG. 9A is a view showing a separation position between the developing unit side connector 51 b of the black developing unit 51 and the apparatus main body side connector 34. FIG. 9B is a diagram showing a contact position between the developing unit side connector 51 b of the black developing unit 51 and the apparatus main body side connector 34. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming system 700 when the printer 10 is switched from a monochrome printer to a color printer. It is the figure shown about the relationship between the value of mounting information, and the setting operation | movement of model information. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the image forming system 700 when the printer 10 is switched from a color printer to a monochrome printer. 10 is a flowchart according to a comparative example for explaining the operation of the image forming system 700 when the printer 10 is switched without turning off the power of the computer 702. 12 is a flowchart according to the present example for explaining the operation of the image forming system 700 when the printer 10 is switched without turning off the power of the computer 702.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Laser beam printer 20 Photosensitive body 30 Charging unit 31 HP detection part 34 Device main body side connector 37 Detachable exclusive port 40 Exposure unit 50 YMCK developing device 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d Detachable part 50e Rotating shaft 51 Black developing unit 52 Magenta developing unit 53 Cyan development unit 54 Yellow development units 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a Development unit side memories 51b, 52b, 53b 54b Development unit side connector 55 Support frame 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 102 Unit controller 111 CPU 112 interface 113 image memory 114 main controller side memory 114a EEPROM 114b RAM
116 Unit controller side memory 116a EEPROM
120 CPU 121 Serial interface (I / F)
122 main body side memory 123 input / output port 510 developing roller 520 seal member 522 seal support sheet metal 524 seal urging member 530 toner accommodating portion 540 housing 542 upper housing portion 544 lower housing portion 550 toner supply roller 560 regulating blade 560a rubber portion 560b rubber support 562 Blade support sheet metal 570 Blade back member 572 Opening 700 Image forming system 702 Computer 704 Display device 708 Input device 708A Keyboard 708B Mouse 710 Reading device 710A FD device 710B CD-ROM drive device 795 Application program 796 Printer driver 797 Image processing unit 801 Display interface unit 803 Input interface unit 805 User interface processing unit AD Image data COM Control signal PD Image data T Toner

Claims (12)

A plurality of detachable portions to which a developer container for accommodating the developer is detachable, and an image carrier for carrying a latent image;
When a developer container is attached to each of the plurality of attachment / detachment portions, the latent image carried on the image carrier is developed by the developer contained in each developer container to produce a color image. It can be used as a color image forming apparatus to form,
When the developer container is attached to only one of the plurality of detachable parts, the latent image carried on the image carrier is developed by the developer contained in the developer container. An image forming apparatus that can be used as a single color image forming apparatus for forming a single color image,
In an image forming apparatus having a device ID sent to the computer when the image forming apparatus communicates with the computer so that the computer can recognize a device capable of communicating with the computer.
The device ID of the image forming apparatus when used as the color image forming apparatus matches the device ID of the image forming apparatus when used as the monochrome image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
An image forming apparatus having information indicating whether the color image forming apparatus is used or the monochrome image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
The monochromatic image forming apparatus is carried on the image carrier by the developer contained in the developer container when the developer container is attached to only one of the plurality of attachment parts. An image forming apparatus, wherein the latent image is developed to form a monochrome image. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The image forming apparatus, wherein the device ID is not updated at the time of switching from the single color image forming apparatus to the color image forming apparatus or from the color image forming apparatus to the single color image forming apparatus. A plurality of detachable portions to which a developer container for accommodating the developer is detachable, and an image carrier for carrying a latent image;
When a developer container is attached to each of the plurality of attachment / detachment portions, the latent image carried on the image carrier is developed by the developer contained in each developer container to produce a color image. It can be used as a color image forming apparatus to form,
When the developer container is attached to only one of the plurality of detachable parts, the latent image carried on the image carrier is developed by the developer contained in the developer container. An image forming apparatus that can be used as a monochromatic image forming apparatus for forming a monochromatic image,
In an image forming apparatus having a device ID sent to the computer when the image forming apparatus communicates with the computer so that the computer can recognize a device capable of communicating with the computer.
The device ID of the image forming apparatus when used as the color image forming apparatus matches the device ID of the image forming apparatus when used as the single color image forming apparatus,
It has information indicating whether it is used as the color image forming apparatus or the monochrome image forming apparatus,
The monochromatic image forming apparatus is carried on the image carrier by the developer contained in the developer container when the developer container is attached to only one of the plurality of attachment parts. A monochrome image forming apparatus for developing a latent image formed to form a monochrome image;
The image forming apparatus, wherein the device ID is not updated at the time of switching from the single color image forming apparatus to the color image forming apparatus or from the color image forming apparatus to the single color image forming apparatus. A plurality of detachable portions to which a developer container for accommodating the developer is detachable, and an image carrier for carrying a latent image;
When a developer container is attached to each of the plurality of attachment / detachment portions, the latent image carried on the image carrier is developed by the developer contained in each developer container to produce a color image. It can be used as a color image forming apparatus to form,
When the developer container is attached to only one of the plurality of detachable parts, the latent image carried on the image carrier is developed by the developer contained in the developer container. An image forming apparatus that can be used as a monochromatic image forming apparatus for forming a monochromatic image;
A computer capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus;
The image forming apparatus includes:
A device ID sent to the computer when the image forming apparatus communicates with the computer in order for the computer to recognize a device capable of communicating with the computer;
In an image forming system having
The device ID of the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus is used as the color image forming apparatus is the same as the device ID of the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus is used as the monochrome image forming apparatus. An image forming system that matches the device ID. The image forming system according to claim 6.
The image forming apparatus includes:
Information indicating whether the image forming apparatus is used as the color image forming apparatus or the monochrome image forming apparatus;
An image forming system comprising: The image forming system according to claim 6 or 7,
The monochromatic image forming apparatus is carried on the image carrier by the developer contained in the developer container when the developer container is attached to only one of the plurality of attachment parts. An image forming system, which is a monochrome image forming apparatus that develops a latent image formed to form a monochrome image. The image forming system according to any one of claims 6 to 8,
The device ID is not updated when the image forming apparatus is switched from the single color image forming apparatus to the color image forming apparatus or from the color image forming apparatus to the single color image forming apparatus. An image forming system. The image forming system according to claim 9.
The computer has only a color driver among a color driver corresponding to the image forming apparatus used as the color image forming apparatus and a single color driver corresponding to the image forming apparatus used as the single color image forming apparatus. ,
The image forming system, wherein the device ID is not updated when the image forming apparatus is switched from the color image forming apparatus to the monochrome image forming apparatus. The image forming system according to claim 9.
The computer has only a single color driver among a color driver corresponding to the image forming apparatus used as the color image forming apparatus and a single color driver corresponding to the image forming apparatus used as the single color image forming apparatus. ,
The image forming system, wherein the device ID is not updated when the image forming apparatus is switched from the monochrome image forming apparatus to the color image forming apparatus. A plurality of detachable portions to which a developer container for accommodating the developer is detachable, and an image carrier for carrying a latent image;
When a developer container is attached to each of the plurality of attachment / detachment portions, the latent image carried on the image carrier is developed by the developer contained in each developer container to produce a color image. It can be used as a color image forming apparatus to form,
When the developer container is attached to only one of the plurality of detachable parts, the latent image carried on the image carrier is developed by the developer contained in the developer container. An image forming apparatus that can be used as a monochromatic image forming apparatus for forming a monochromatic image;
A computer capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus;
The image forming apparatus includes:
A device ID sent to the computer when the image forming apparatus communicates with the computer in order for the computer to recognize a device capable of communicating with the computer;
In an image forming system having
The device ID of the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus is used as the color image forming apparatus is the same as the device ID of the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus is used as the monochrome image forming apparatus. Match the device ID
The image forming apparatus has information indicating whether the image forming apparatus is used as the color image forming apparatus or the monochrome image forming apparatus;
The monochromatic image forming apparatus is carried on the image carrier by the developer contained in the developer container when the developer container is attached to only one of the plurality of attachment parts. A monochrome image forming apparatus for developing a latent image formed to form a monochrome image;
The computer has only a single color driver among a color driver corresponding to the image forming apparatus used as the color image forming apparatus and a single color driver corresponding to the image forming apparatus used as the single color image forming apparatus. ,
The image forming system, wherein the device ID is not updated when the image forming apparatus is switched from the monochrome image forming apparatus to the color image forming apparatus.

Images