JP2010250206A - Transfer device and image-forming device equipped with the transfer device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a transfer device which detects, with one sensor, operations of a transfer roller to press an intermediate transfer belt onto a photoreceptor drum and release the belt from the drum and also detects whether the transfer device itself is mounted on an image-forming device and whether the mounted transfer device is a newly mounted one or an already mounted one. <P>SOLUTION: The transfer device includes: a transfer mechanism part 6 which is attachable and detachable to an image-forming part equipped with a photoreceptor drum 3 and conducts a pressing operation, which presses an intermediate transfer belt 61 to the photoreceptor drum 3, or a releasing operation, which releases the belt 61, linking with the reciprocal movement of a moving piece 68, and is provided with a specific moving piece 69; and a sensor 60 which is mounted on the image-forming part and detects the movement of the moving piece 68 and the presence of the specific moving piece 69. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a transfer device used in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile machine, and more particularly to a transfer device using an intermediate transfer belt and an image forming apparatus including the transfer device.

  In recent years, electrophotographic image forming apparatuses capable of forming multicolor images, such as color copiers and color printers, have been developed. For example, a toner image for each color is formed on a latent image carrier such as a photoconductive drum for each color, and the toner images for each color are sequentially superimposed on an intermediate transfer belt, which is an intermediate transfer body, and primarily transferred. 2. Description of the Related Art An intermediate transfer type color image forming apparatus that forms a multicolor image and then secondary-transfers the multicolor image to a recording sheet as a transfer sheet and fixes it to form an image is well known.

  In the above color image forming apparatus, a toner image for each color is formed on a latent image carrier such as a photosensitive drum for each color, and the toner image for each color is transferred to an intermediate transfer belt as an intermediate transfer member. A transfer device is used to perform the primary transfer.

  In this transfer device, an intermediate transfer roller that presses / releases the intermediate transfer belt to / from the photosensitive drum is generally used when the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt. This intermediate transfer roller is often used to press / release the intermediate transfer belt against the photosensitive drum by a mechanism using a cam mechanism having a rotating cam and one sensor for detecting the operation state. It is done.

  Further, in the transfer device using the intermediate transfer belt, the secular change such as the intermediate transfer belt gets dirty as the usage time becomes longer. Therefore, the image forming apparatus takes measures such as counting the number of times the transfer apparatus has been used, etc., and determining whether or not the life has come. Further, the transfer device is detachably formed in the image forming apparatus so that the transfer device that has reached the end of its life can be replaced.

  Therefore, when a transfer device that has been newly manufactured and has never been used, such as by replacing the transfer device, is mounted on the image forming device for the first time and starts to be used, the image forming device is It is necessary to perform a process associated with a new start of use of the transfer device, such as resetting a counter that counts the number of times the transfer device is used.

  Therefore, in such a case, the transfer device attached to the image forming apparatus is a transfer device that is newly attached and is used for the first time after being newly used and never used. It is necessary to inform the image forming apparatus that this is the case.

  Here, in the present specification, when a transfer device is newly manufactured and never used, the transfer device is newly attached to the image forming device, and when the transfer device is newly used, The transfer device is referred to as being newly installed.

  In addition, when the transfer device is already installed and used in the image forming apparatus, the transfer device is referred to as an already-installed transfer device, or the transfer device is already installed. In other words, the transfer device that has already been mounted on the transfer device after the start of the use of the newly mounted transfer device and the completion of all the processes associated with the start of new use of the transfer device, or The transfer device is referred to as already installed.

  Accordingly, various mechanisms for dealing with the above-described requests have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-260688 uses one sensor to determine whether a photoconductor is attached to the image forming apparatus and whether the photoconductor attached is new or already installed. An image forming apparatus capable of detecting the above is described.

JP-A-5-204195

  By the way, in the above-described transfer device in which the intermediate transfer roller detects the operation of pressing / releasing the intermediate transfer belt against the photosensitive drum using a single sensor, a newly installed transfer device is mounted on the image forming apparatus. In this case, it is necessary to inform the image forming apparatus in which the transfer device is used that the newly installed transfer device is mounted as described above.

  In view of this, in the transfer apparatus having the intermediate transfer belt, a newly installed transfer apparatus is mounted on the image forming apparatus in which the transfer apparatus is used, using a mechanism as described in Patent Document 1. It is possible to form a mechanism that informs that

  However, when the mechanism described in Patent Document 1 is used, two sensors including one already used are required, and the reliability decreases due to an increase in the number of parts. And there is a problem that the cost increases.

  That is, in the transfer device, one sensor used for causing the intermediate transfer roller to press / release the intermediate transfer belt against the photosensitive drum, whether or not the transfer device is installed in the image forming apparatus, Two sensors are required, one sensor used to detect whether the used transfer device is unused or used.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. In the transfer device, the operation of pressing / releasing the intermediate transfer belt against the photosensitive drum, and the transfer device is mounted on the image forming apparatus. It is intended to provide a transfer device capable of detecting whether or not the transfer is performed and whether the mounted transfer device is newly mounted or already mounted with one sensor. Is.

  The transfer device according to the present invention includes a transfer mechanism section and a sensor. Among these, the transfer mechanism section is detachable from an image forming section including the photosensitive drum on which a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum, and is attached to the image forming section so that the moving piece can be reciprocated. A function of pressing the intermediate transfer belt against the photosensitive drum in conjunction with the movement or performing an opening operation to release the intermediate transfer belt and transferring the toner image to the intermediate transfer belt by the pressing operation is provided.

  In addition, the sensor is attached to the image forming unit, and when the transfer mechanism unit is already mounted and the transfer mechanism unit is in pressure contact operation, the moving piece does not enter the detection position and outputs no detection. During the opening operation of the part, the moving piece has a function of entering the detection position and outputting the presence of detection.

  In the above-described transfer device, the transfer mechanism section includes a special moving piece. When the transfer mechanism section is newly installed, the special moving piece has entered the detection position and the sensor outputs detection presence. When the moving piece moves forward and enters the detection position, the special moving piece is pushed out of the detection position and discharged to the outside of the detection position, and the discharged state is maintained.

  In the above transfer apparatus, when the transfer mechanism unit is newly manufactured and never used, the transfer mechanism unit is used for the first time when it is mounted on the image forming unit and starts to be used. Part or the transfer mechanism part is referred to as a new attachment.

  In addition, when the transfer mechanism unit is already installed and used in the image forming unit, the transfer mechanism unit is referred to as an already-installed transfer mechanism unit, or the transfer mechanism unit is already installed.

  In the above-described transfer device, when an already-attached transfer mechanism unit is mounted on the image forming unit, the transfer mechanism unit presses or releases the intermediate transfer belt against the photosensitive drum. Perform the opening operation.

  In addition, the transfer device includes a special moving piece that detects the output of the sensor when it enters the detection position when a newly mounted transfer mechanism is mounted. Therefore, as will be described later, it is possible to determine whether the mounted transfer device is newly mounted or already mounted. Further, in the above transfer device, as described later, it is possible to determine whether or not the transfer mechanism unit is mounted on the image forming apparatus.

  Therefore, in the transfer device, the operation of pressing / releasing the intermediate transfer belt to / from the photosensitive drum, detection of whether or not the transfer mechanism unit is installed in the image forming unit, and the newly installed transfer mechanism unit are newly installed It can be detected by a single sensor whether it is an attached or already mounted.

  In the above transfer device, the special moving piece may be configured as follows. That is, the special moving piece is attached to the other end of the arm that is rotatably supported at one end. When the moving piece is pushed out of the detection position by the moving piece, the arm rotates to the outside of the detection position. It will be discharged.

  In this way, the special moving piece can be formed with a simple configuration.

  Further, the above transfer device may be configured as follows. In other words, the transfer mechanism is provided with a cam that moves the moving piece one reciprocating motion while returning from the cam home position by one rotation.

  When the transfer mechanism is already installed, the moving piece moves from the original position and enters the detection position of the sensor due to the forward movement of the moving piece due to the rotation of the cam, and the sensor output is detected from no detection. When the moving piece moves backward due to the rotation of the cam, the moving piece retreats from the detection position to return to the original position, and the output of the sensor changes from detection to non-detection.

  Further, when the transfer mechanism portion is newly installed, the special moving piece is pushed out in the direction opposite to the direction in which the moving piece retreats from the detection position.

  In this way, the transfer mechanism can be formed with a simple configuration and can be reliably operated.

  In the above-described transfer device, it is determined as follows whether the transfer mechanism unit mounted on the image forming unit is newly mounted or already mounted. That is, when the transfer mechanism unit is mounted, the time from when the cam is rotated until the sensor output is detected until the rotation is detected is longer than the newly mounted / existed mounting determination reference time. When the transfer mechanism portion is newly installed, the transfer mechanism portion is determined to be already installed.

  In this case, when the cam is rotated once from the home position, the new mounting / existing determination reference time is not detected because the sensor output is detected when the transfer mechanism is newly mounted. The time is shorter than the time until the time when the output of the sensor is detected and when it is not detected when the transfer mechanism is already mounted.

  In the above-described transfer device, when the already-attached transfer mechanism is mounted, the output of the sensor is as follows while the cam is rotated one rotation from the home position.

  That is, when the already installed transfer mechanism is installed, the moving piece moves from the original position by the forward movement of the moving piece due to the rotation of the cam and enters the sensor detection position, and the sensor output is detected. In addition to the change from non-detection to detection, the moving piece retreats from the detection position to return to the original position due to the backward movement of the movement piece, and the output of the sensor changes from detection to detection-free.

  On the other hand, when the newly installed transfer mechanism is installed, the cam is at the home position, the special moving piece is in the detection position, the sensor output is detected, and the cam is When rotating and moving from the home position, the moving piece moves from the original position and enters the detection position, and the special moving piece is pushed out from the detection position and discharged to the outside of the detection position. Maintain the discharged state. That is, the special moving piece does not return to the detection position.

  Therefore, the special moving piece and the moving piece enter the detection position continuously, and the output of the sensor is continuously detected until the moving piece leaves the detection position.

  Therefore, when the newly installed transfer mechanism is installed, the special moving piece has already entered the detection position and the sensor output has been detected before the moving piece moves forward due to the rotation of the cam. is there.

  Therefore, while rotating the cam, the time from when the sensor output is detected to when it is not detected after the start of rotation is longer when the newly installed transfer mechanism is installed. It becomes longer than when the transfer mechanism is mounted.

  Therefore, when the new mounting / existing mounting determination reference time is started from the state where the cam is in the home position, the output of the sensor when the newly mounted transfer mechanism is mounted is changed from detected to not detected. The time is shorter than the time until the sensor output becomes longer than the time until the output of the sensor when the already mounted transfer mechanism is mounted is detected to be undetected.

  In this way, when the transfer mechanism is mounted, the cam is rotated, and the time from the detection of the sensor output after the start of rotation to the absence of detection is newly mounted / already mounted. If it is longer than the discrimination reference time, the transfer mechanism unit can discriminate newly installed, and if it is shorter, it can be identified as already installed.

  In the above transfer device, whether or not the transfer mechanism is mounted on the photosensitive drum is determined as follows. That is, first, when the output of the sensor is detected with the cam stopped, it is determined that the transfer mechanism is mounted.

  If the sensor output is not detected in the cam stopped state, the cam is rotated, and after the reference time for mounting presence / absence determination has elapsed since the start of the rotation, the sensor output is detected. Is determined to be mounted, and if the output of the sensor is not detected, the transfer mechanism is determined not to be mounted.

  In this case, when the transfer mechanism section is already mounted, the reference time for mounting presence / absence determination is changed from detection to non-detection when the output of the sensor changes from detection to detection without rotation. The time is longer than the time until the time of change.

  In the above-described transfer device, when a newly mounted transfer mechanism is mounted, as described above, the output of the sensor is detected while the special moving piece has entered the detection position. In addition, when the already installed transfer mechanism is mounted, the sensor output is detected, because the moving piece of the transfer mechanism has entered the detection position of the sensor. In this case, the transfer mechanism is mounted.

  In addition, when the transfer mechanism is mounted, when the output of the sensor is not detected, when the cam is rotated, the moving piece of the transfer mechanism moves in conjunction with the rotation of the cam. The moving piece of the transfer mechanism portion enters the detection position of the sensor, and the output of the sensor is detected.

  Further, as described above, when the transfer mechanism portion that has already been installed is mounted, the moving piece moves from the original position and enters the detection position of the sensor due to the forward movement of the moving piece due to the rotation of the cam. While the sensor output changes from non-detection to detection, the moving piece retreats from the detection position to the original position due to the backward movement of the movement piece, and the sensor output changes from detection to detection-free.

  Therefore, when the cam is rotated, the sensor output is not detected from the time when the sensor output is not detected until the time when the sensor is detected. The time is longer than the time from when the output of the sensor is undetected to when it is detected in the state where the cam is rotating when the already mounted transfer mechanism is mounted.

  In this way, when the cam output is stopped and the sensor output is not detected, the cam is rotated, and the sensor output is detected after the reference time for attachment presence / absence determination has elapsed since the start of the rotation. If it is, it can be determined that the transfer mechanism portion is mounted, and if the output of the sensor is not detected, it can be determined that the transfer mechanism portion is not mounted.

  In the above transfer apparatus, the relationship between the cam operation, the pressure contact operation / release operation of the intermediate transfer belt of the transfer mechanism, and the output of the sensor is as follows. That is, when the transfer mechanism is already mounted and the cam is at the home position, first, the output of the sensor is not detected, and the transfer mechanism is in the opening operation.

  From this state, the cam rotates and moves from the home position, and when the positioning time elapses after the sensor output changes from undetected to detected, the cam stops and reaches the cam contact position. The mechanism part is in a pressure contact operation.

  Further, the cam rotates and moves from the pressure contact position, and when the recovery time elapses from the time when the output of the sensor changes from detection to non-detection, the cam stops and returns to the home position.

  Under such a condition, in the above transfer device, not only the above-described determination of whether or not the transfer device is newly mounted and whether or not the transfer device is mounted, but also the intermediate transfer described above, with one sensor. The roller pressure contact operation / release operation can be performed smoothly without any trouble.

  In addition, an image forming apparatus including the transfer device described above can be formed. In this image forming apparatus, the transfer device provided in the image forming apparatus has the same function and effect as the above-described transfer device.

  According to the present invention, in the transfer device, when the already-attached transfer mechanism is mounted on the image forming unit, the transfer mechanism presses the intermediate transfer belt against the photosensitive drum. Alternatively, an opening operation for releasing is performed.

  In addition, the transfer device includes a special moving piece that detects the output of the sensor when entering the detection position when a newly installed transfer mechanism is mounted on the image forming unit. Yes. Therefore, as described above, it is possible to determine whether the mounted transfer mechanism unit is newly mounted or already mounted. Similarly, as described above, it is possible to determine whether or not the transfer mechanism is mounted.

  Therefore, in the transfer device, the operation of the intermediate transfer roller pressing / releasing the intermediate transfer belt against the photosensitive drum, and whether the transfer mechanism portion attached to the image forming portion is newly attached or already attached The determination and whether or not the transfer mechanism unit is attached to the image forming unit can be performed by one sensor.

1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus in which a transfer unit (corresponding to the transfer device described above) in an embodiment is used. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) illustrating a configuration and an operation state of a transfer unit in the embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) illustrating a configuration and an operation state of the transfer unit in the embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram (part 3) illustrating a configuration and an operation state of the transfer unit in the embodiment. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram (part 4) illustrating a configuration and an operation state of the transfer unit in the embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram (No. 5) showing a configuration and an operation state of the transfer unit in the embodiment. It is explanatory drawing (the 6) which showed the structure and operating state of the transfer unit in embodiment. (A) is the perspective view of this photosensor which showed the relationship between the moving piece used for the transfer unit in an embodiment, a special moving piece, and a photosensor, (b) showed the attachment state of a moving piece. It is a perspective view. FIG. 6 is a front view of a cam spindle showing a rotational position of a cam used in the transfer unit in the embodiment. (A)-(i) is explanatory drawing which showed the relationship between the special detection piece used for the transcription | transfer unit in embodiment, a movement piece, and the sensor detection area of a photosensor. 6 is a time chart showing an output state of a photosensor used in the transfer unit in the embodiment. 6 is a table showing flags and timers on software used in the transfer unit in the embodiment. It is the table which showed the timer value with respect to the timer on the software used for the transcription | transfer unit in embodiment. 5 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating an operation of the transfer unit according to the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating an operation of the transfer unit according to the embodiment. 7 is a flowchart (part 3) illustrating the operation of the transfer unit in the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart (part 4) illustrating an operation of the transfer unit according to the embodiment. 10 is a flowchart (part 5) illustrating an operation of the transfer unit according to the embodiment.

  Next, the transfer apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. This transfer device is generally used in an image forming apparatus. Therefore, first, the entire image forming apparatus provided with the transfer device (transfer unit described below) will be described, and then the transfer unit (embodiment of the present invention provided in the image forming device). Will be described.

<Description of Entire Image Forming Apparatus>
First, an image forming apparatus provided with a transfer unit according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the image forming apparatus. In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus 100 is an apparatus that forms multicolor and single color images on a predetermined recording sheet in accordance with image data read from a document or image data transmitted from the outside. The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming apparatus main body 110 and an automatic document processing apparatus 120 provided on the image forming apparatus main body 110.

  The automatic document processing device 120 includes a document placement table 92 and an illumination unit 90. The document placement table 92 is made of transparent glass and is provided on the upper portion of the image forming apparatus main body 110. The illumination unit has a function of providing light for reading a document.

  The automatic document processing apparatus 120 has a function of automatically conveying a document on a document placing table 92. Further, the document processing device 120 is configured to be rotatable in the direction of arrow M, and the document can be manually placed by opening the document placing table 92.

  The image forming apparatus main body 110 of the image forming apparatus 100 includes an exposure unit 1, a developing device 2, a photosensitive drum 3, a cleaner unit 4, a charger 5, a transfer unit 6, a secondary transfer unit 10, a fixing unit 7, and a paper feeding cassette. 81, a paper discharge tray 91, and the like.

  The image data handled by the image forming apparatus 100 is color image data using each color of black (B), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). Accordingly, among the above-described components, the developing device 2, the photosensitive drum 3, the charger 5, and the cleaner unit 4 are each four in order to form four types of latent images corresponding to these colors. These constitute four image stations of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow.

  The photosensitive drum 3 is composed of a rotating drum, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the circumferential surface thereof as described below. The charger 5 is a charging means for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 to a predetermined potential. In addition to the charger type as shown in FIG. 1, a contact type roller type or brush type charger is used. Sometimes used.

  The exposure unit 1 is configured as a laser scanning unit (LSU) provided with a laser emitting portion, a reflection mirror, and the like. The exposure unit 1 includes a polygon mirror that scans a laser beam, a lens that guides the laser light reflected by the polygon mirror to the photosensitive drum 3, and optical elements such as a mirror.

  In addition, as the exposure unit 1, for example, an EL or LED writing head in which light emitting elements are arranged in an array may be used. The exposure unit 1 has a function of forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data on the surface thereof by exposing the charged photosensitive drum 3 according to the input image data.

  The developing device 2 has a function of developing the electrostatic latent images formed on the respective photosensitive drums 3 with toners of four colors (Y, M, C, K). The cleaner unit 4 has a function of removing and collecting toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 after development and image transfer.

  The above-described image forming unit corresponds to a part composed of the exposure unit 1, the developing device 2, the photosensitive drum 3, the cleaner unit 4, and the charger 5, and this portion is referred to as an image forming unit. Called.

  The transfer unit 6 includes an intermediate transfer belt 61, an intermediate transfer belt drive roller 62, an intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63, and an intermediate transfer roller 64. Among these, the intermediate transfer belt drive roller 62, the intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63, and the intermediate transfer roller 64 are used to stretch and drive the intermediate transfer belt 61. Each intermediate transfer roller 64 has a function of applying a transfer bias for transferring the toner image on the photosensitive drum 3 onto the intermediate transfer belt 61.

  The intermediate transfer belt 61 is provided so as to come into contact with the respective photosensitive drums 3, and the intermediate transfer belt 61 transfers the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drum 3 to the intermediate transfer belt 61. In this way, a color toner image (multicolor toner image) is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 61 by sequentially transferring the toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 61. The intermediate transfer belt 61 having such a function is formed in an endless manner using, for example, a film having a thickness of about 100 μm to 150 μm.

  In the transfer unit 6 described above, the transfer of the toner image from the photosensitive drum 3 to the intermediate transfer belt 61 is performed by the intermediate transfer roller 64 that is in contact with the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 61. A high voltage transfer bias (a high voltage having a polarity (+) opposite to the toner charging polarity (−)) is applied to the intermediate transfer roller 64 in order to transfer the toner image.

  The intermediate transfer roller 64 is a roller whose base is a metal (for example, stainless steel) shaft having a diameter of 8 to 10 mm and whose surface is covered with a conductive elastic material (for example, EPDM, urethane foam, or the like). By this conductive elastic material, a high voltage can be uniformly applied to the intermediate transfer belt 61. In this embodiment, a roller-shaped transfer electrode is used as the transfer electrode, but a brush or the like may also be used.

  As described above, the toner images formed on the respective photosensitive drums 3 in accordance with the respective hues are stacked on the intermediate transfer belt 61. The toner images laminated in this way are conveyed to the secondary transfer unit 10 by the rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 61 and transferred onto the recording paper.

  The secondary transfer unit 10 includes a transfer roller 10a, and the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 61 is transferred onto the recording paper by the transfer roller 10a. At this time, the intermediate transfer belt 61 and the transfer roller 10 are pressed against each other at a nip formed by the contact between the intermediate transfer belt 61 and the transfer roller 10, and the transfer roller 10 transfers the toner onto a recording sheet. Voltage is applied (a high voltage having a polarity (+) opposite to the charging polarity (−) of the toner).

  In the secondary transfer unit 10, in order to obtain the nip constantly, either the transfer roller 10 or the intermediate transfer belt drive roller 62 is formed of a hard material (metal or the like). At the same time, the other is formed of a soft material such as an elastic roller (such as an elastic rubber roller or a foaming resin roller).

  Further, in the transfer unit 6 described above, the toner attached to the intermediate transfer belt 61 by contacting the photosensitive drum 3 or the transfer roller 10 is not transferred onto the recording paper but remains on the intermediate transfer belt 61. The toner causes a color mixture of the toner in the next step.

  Therefore, the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 61 is removed and collected by the intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 65. The intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 65 includes a cleaning member that contacts the intermediate transfer belt 61 and cleans the intermediate transfer belt 61.

  For example, a cleaning blade is used as the cleaning member. As described above, the cleaning blade comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 61 to clean the intermediate transfer belt 61. Further, the back side of the portion of the intermediate transfer belt 61 with which the cleaning blade comes into contact is supported by an intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63.

  The fixing unit 7 includes a fixing roller 71 and a pressure roller 72. The fixing unit 7 has a function of fixing an unfixed toner image formed on the recording paper by heating and melting and fixing it on the recording paper. In the fixing unit 7, the fixing roller 71 and the pressure roller 72 are rotated with the recording paper interposed therebetween, and the recording paper is conveyed toward the conveying roller 12b as shown in FIG.

  The paper feed cassette 81 is a tray for storing recording paper used for image formation, and is provided below the exposure unit 1 of the image forming apparatus main body 110. Alternatively, a manual paper feed cassette 82 that manually feeds paper can be used. A paper discharge tray 91 provided above the image forming apparatus main body 110 is a tray for collecting printed recording sheets face down.

  In addition, in the image forming apparatus main body 110, the recording paper fed from the paper feed cassette 81 and the manual paper feed cassette 82 is conveyed to the paper discharge tray 91 via the transfer roller 10a and the fixing unit 7 described above. For this purpose, a substantially vertical sheet conveyance path S is provided.

  In addition, in the vicinity of the sheet conveyance path S from the sheet feeding cassette 81 or the manual sheet feeding cassette 82 to the sheet discharge tray 91, pickup rollers 11a and 11b, a plurality of conveyance rollers 12a to 12d, a registration roller 13, and a transfer roller. A roller 10a, a fixing unit 7 and the like are provided.

  The transport rollers 12 a to 12 d are small rollers for promoting and assisting the transport of the recording paper, and a plurality of the transport rollers 12 a to 12 d are provided along the paper transport path S. The pickup roller 11 a is provided near the end of the paper feed cassette 81 and has a function of picking up recording paper from the paper feed cassette 81 one by one and feeding it to the paper transport path S. Similarly, the pickup roller 11 b is provided near the end of the manual paper feed cassette 82 and has a function of picking up recording paper from the manual paper feed cassette 82 one by one and feeding it to the paper transport path S.

<Description of transfer unit>
Next, the transfer unit 6 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of the transfer unit 6 will be described. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the transfer unit 6 provided in the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, the transfer unit 6 is mainly composed of the intermediate transfer belt 61, the intermediate transfer belt driving roller 62, the intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63, and the intermediate transfer roller 64 as described above.

  The transfer unit 6 sequentially transfers the color toner images formed on the photosensitive drum 3 onto the intermediate transfer belt 61, thereby transferring a color toner image (multicolor toner) onto the intermediate transfer belt 61. Image). Alternatively, a monochrome toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 61 by transferring the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 3 of only black (B).

  In the transfer unit 6, when transferring the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 3, it is necessary to press the intermediate transfer belt 61 against the photosensitive drum 3 by the intermediate transfer roller 64 from the back side of the intermediate transfer belt 61. is there. For this reason, the transfer unit 6 needs to perform pressure contact / release control of the intermediate transfer roller 64.

  Therefore, the transfer unit 6 includes five intermediate transfer roller holders 64a, a monochrome cam 66a and a color cam 66b, which are integrally formed, a cam 66, a monochrome slide wall 67a, and a color slide wall 67b. , Springs 67c and 67c, and a moving piece 68 are provided.

  Further, the transfer unit 6 using the intermediate transfer belt 61 undergoes secular change such that the intermediate transfer belt 61 becomes dirty as the usage time becomes longer. Therefore, the transfer unit 6 is configured to be detachable from the above-described image forming unit including the photosensitive drums 3, 3, 3, and 3 so that the transfer unit 6 that has reached the end of its life can be replaced. .

  Therefore, in order to perform the pressure contact / release control of the intermediate transfer roller 64 and detection of whether or not the transfer unit 6 is attached to the photosensitive drum 3, the image forming unit to which the transfer unit 6 is attached includes A photosensor 60 is provided.

  The transfer device described above includes a transfer mechanism section and a sensor. In this embodiment, the transfer unit 6 corresponds to the transfer mechanism section described above, and the photosensor 60 corresponds to the sensor described above. It corresponds to. Therefore, strictly speaking, a combination of the transfer unit 6 and the photosensor 60 corresponds to the transfer device described above.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the photosensor 60 includes a sensor light projecting unit 60a and a sensor light receiving unit 60b. The sensor light projecting unit 60a and the sensor light receiving unit 60b are fixed to a sensor holding unit 60c. The sensor holding unit 60c is fixed to a frame (not shown) on the photosensitive drum 3 side, and a photosensor. 60 is attached to the photosensitive drum 3 side.

  In the photosensor 60, a sensor detection area (corresponding to the detection position described above) is formed between the sensor light projecting unit 60a and the sensor light receiving unit 60b. If an object that shields between the sensor light projecting unit 60a and the sensor light receiving unit 60b has entered the sensor detection area, the output of the photosensor 60 is turned OFF (corresponding to the above-mentioned detection presence), and the sensor projection When the object that shields between the light part 60a and the sensor light receiving part 60b is in a state of leaving the sensor detection area, the output of the photosensor 60 is ON (corresponding to the above-mentioned no detection).

  Next, the configuration of the transfer unit 6 will be described in more detail. In FIG. 2, the transfer unit 6 includes five intermediate transfer rollers 64. Of these intermediate transfer rollers 64, four of them are for the photosensitive drums 3, 3, 3, 3 for black (B), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y), respectively. It is provided at a position where the intermediate transfer belt 61 is pressed. The remaining one is used as an auxiliary to the photosensitive drum 3 for black (B).

  The intermediate transfer roller 64 is rotatably attached to one end of an L-shaped intermediate transfer roller holder 64a. An intermediate transfer roller holder support shaft 64b is formed at the L-shaped corner of the intermediate transfer roller holder 64a. The intermediate transfer roller holder support shaft 64b is shown in FIG. There is no fixed frame.

  The other end of the intermediate transfer roller holder 64a is fixed to a monochrome slide wall 67a or a color slide wall 67b provided substantially parallel to the intermediate transfer belt 61 so as to be rotatable.

  The monochrome slide wall 67 a is provided on the intermediate transfer belt driving roller 62 side in the transfer unit 6, and the color slide wall 67 b is provided on the intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63 side in the transfer unit 6.

  The intermediate transfer roller 64, which presses the intermediate transfer belt 61 against the photosensitive drums 3, 3, 3 for cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) of the intermediate transfer roller holder 64a. Intermediate transfer roller holders 64a, 64a, 64a to which 64, 64 are fixed are coupled to a color slide wall 67b.

  On the other hand, an intermediate transfer roller holder 64a to which an intermediate transfer roller 64 that presses the intermediate transfer belt 61 against the photosensitive drum 3 for black (B) is fixed is coupled to a monochrome slide wall 67a.

  A cam 66 is provided between the color slide wall 67b and the monochrome slide wall 67a. The cam 66 is rotationally controlled in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2 by a motor (not shown). A pulse motor or the like is used as this motor.

  Further, as described above, the cam 66 is formed by integrating the monochrome cam 66a and the color cam 66b. The monochrome cam 66a is in contact with the left end of the monochrome slide wall 67a, and the monochrome slide wall 67a is urged in the direction of the monochrome cam 66a by a spring 67c.

  The right end of the collar slide wall 67b is in contact with the collar cam 66b, and the collar slide wall 67b is urged in the direction of the collar cam 66b by a spring 67c.

  Therefore, when the cam 66, that is, the monochrome cam 66a and the color cam 66b are integrally rotated in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 2, the color slide wall 67b and the monochrome slide wall 67a are respectively attached to the intermediate transfer belt 61. Reciprocates in the tensioning direction. That is, it moves in the left-right direction in FIG. The color slide wall 67b and the monochrome slide wall 67a reciprocate in the direction in which the intermediate transfer belt 61 is stretched, whereby intermediate transfer rollers 64, 64, 64 coupled to the color slide wall 67b, and Then, the intermediate transfer roller 64 coupled to the monochrome slide wall 67a is pressed / released.

  The monochrome slide wall 67a is provided with a moving piece 68, as shown in FIG. The moving piece 68 reciprocates together with the monochrome slide wall 67a as the monochrome slide wall 67a reciprocates in the extending direction of the intermediate transfer belt 61 as the cam 66 rotates.

  Due to the reciprocating movement of the moving piece 68, the moving piece 68 moves from the original position toward the intermediate transfer belt driving roller 62, and the photosensitive drum 3 side on which the transfer unit 6 is mounted. It invades into the sensor detection area formed between the sensor light projecting unit 60a and the sensor light receiving unit 60b of the photosensor 60 provided in the sensor.

  8A shows a state in which the moving piece 68 exists at the original position, and a protrusion 69a of the special moving piece 69 described later exists in the sensor detection area of the photosensor 60. FIG. It shows the state.

  Further, due to the reciprocation of the reciprocating movement of the moving piece 68, the moving piece 68 moves from the sensor detection area toward the intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63 and exits from the sensor detection area of the photosensor 60. To return to the original position.

  Further, as described above, the transfer unit 6 undergoes secular change such as the intermediate transfer belt 61 becoming dirty as the usage time becomes longer. Therefore, the transfer unit 6 is configured to be detachable from the above-described image forming unit including the photosensitive drums 3, 3, 3, and 3 so that the transfer unit 6 that has reached the end of its life can be replaced. .

  Therefore, when the transfer unit 6 that has been newly manufactured and has not been used once is installed in the image forming apparatus for the first time and is started to be used by replacing the transfer unit 6 or the like, the image forming apparatus It is necessary to perform a process associated with a new start of use of the transfer unit 6, such as resetting a counter that counts the number of times the transfer unit 6 is used.

  For this reason, in such a case, the transfer unit 6 mounted on the image forming apparatus is newly mounted and is first used after being mounted on the image forming apparatus in a state where it has never been used. It is necessary to inform the transfer unit 6 that it is 6.

  In the present embodiment, when the transfer unit 6 is newly manufactured and is never used, it is attached to the image forming apparatus for the first time and the transfer unit 6 is newly used. 6 or the transfer unit 6 is newly installed.

  In addition, when the transfer unit 6 is already installed and used in the image forming apparatus, the transfer unit 6 is referred to as the already-installed transfer unit 6 or the transfer unit 6 is already installed. That is, when the newly mounted transfer unit 6 is started to be used and all the processes associated with the new start of use of the transfer unit 6 are completed, the transfer unit 6 is transferred to the already mounted transfer unit 6. The unit 6 or the transfer unit 6 is referred to as already installed.

  As described above, when the transfer unit 6 is newly installed, it is necessary to notify the image forming apparatus. For this purpose, it is necessary to determine whether the installed transfer unit 6 is newly installed or already installed.

  Therefore, in order to determine whether the mounted transfer unit 6 is newly installed or already installed, the transfer unit 6 is provided with the special moving piece 69 shown in FIG. . The special moving piece 69 includes a projecting portion 69a, an arm 69b, and a special moving piece support shaft 69c, and a support shaft perpendicular to the arm 69b is provided at the tip of an arm 69b having a support shaft 69c at the lower end. It has a shape with a support shaft 69c parallel to 69c.

  The special moving piece 69 has a special moving piece support shaft 69c rotatably attached to a frame (not shown) of the transfer unit 6. Further, when the special moving piece 69 is mounted on the above-described image forming unit including the photosensitive drums 3, 3, 3, 3 in a state where the transfer unit 6 is newly mounted, FIG. As shown in the figure, the moving piece 68 located in the original position is arranged next to the intermediate transfer belt driving roller 62, and as described above, the special moving piece projection portion of the special moving piece 69 is arranged. 69a exists in a state of entering the sensor detection area of the photosensor 60.

  Next, in the transfer unit 6, the cam 66, the intermediate transfer roller (hereinafter referred to as a monochrome intermediate transfer roller) 64 coupled to the monochrome slide wall 67a, and the intermediate transfer roller coupled to the color slide wall 67b. The mutual relationship among 64, 64, 64 (hereinafter referred to as a color intermediate transfer roller), the moving piece 68, the special moving piece 69, and the output of the photosensor 60 will be described.

  2 to 7 are explanatory views showing the operation state of the transfer unit 6. Among these, FIG. 2 shows a state when the transfer unit 6 is mounted on the photosensitive drums 3, 3, 3. When the transfer unit 6 is mounted on the photosensitive drums 3, 3, 3, 3, the monochrome intermediate transfer roller 64 and the color intermediate transfer rollers 64, 64, 64 are all photosensitive members. The drum 3 is not in pressure contact and is in an open state. The position of the cam 66 at this time is referred to as a home position.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a cam support shaft 66 c that is the central axis of the cam 66. In FIG. 9, the thick arrow indicates the rotational position of the cam 66. The cam 66 rotates in the direction of a thin arrow, and the rotation position of the cam 66 is the sensor normal OFF position (OFFP), black position (BP), and color position (CP) in order from the home position (HP) according to the rotation. Then, the sensor moves to the sensor ON position (ONP) and returns to the home position (HP).

  In FIG. 9, the normal sensor OFF position (OFFP) is a position of the cam 66 where the cam 66 rotates and the moving piece 68 enters the sensor detection area of the photosensor 60 and the output of the photosensor 60 is turned off. is there.

  The black position (BP) is a position of the cam 66 where the cam 66 rotates and the monochrome intermediate transfer roller 64 is in a pressure contact state. This black position (BP) is a position where the rotating cam 66 is stopped after a predetermined time Tb, which will be described later, has elapsed after the output of the photosensor 60 is turned off. The predetermined time Tb corresponds to the positioning time described above. The black position (BP) corresponds to the pressure contact position described above.

  The color position (CP) is a position of the cam 66 where the color intermediate transfer rollers 64, 64, 64 are in a pressure contact state. The color position (CP) is a position where the rotating cam 66 is stopped after a predetermined time Tc described later after the output of the photosensor 60 is turned off. This predetermined time Tc corresponds to the positioning time described above. The color position (CP) corresponds to the pressure contact position described above.

  The sensor ON position (ONP) is a position of the cam 66 at which the output of the photosensor 60 is turned ON when the cam 66 rotates and the moving piece 68 leaves the sensor detection area of the photosensor 60. The home position (HP) is a position where the rotating cam 66 is stopped after a predetermined time Tr described later after the output of the photosensor 60 is turned on. . This predetermined time Tr corresponds to the recovery time described above.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the special moving piece 69, the moving piece 68, and the sensor detection area of the photosensor 60. Next, referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 9 and FIGS. 2 to 7, the cam 66, the monochrome intermediate transfer roller 64, the color intermediate transfer rollers 64, 64, 64, The mutual relationship among the moving piece 68, the special moving piece 69, the detection area of the photosensor 60, and the output of the photosensor 60 will be specifically described.

  As described above, when the transfer unit 6 is newly attached to the photosensitive drums 3, 3, 3, 3, the cam 66 is positioned at the home position, and the transfer unit 6 is This is the state shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8A, the special moving piece 69 is arranged next to the intermediate transfer belt driving roller 62 of the moving piece 68 existing at the original position. As described above, the special moving piece projection 69 a of the special moving piece 69 exists in a state of entering the sensor detection area of the photosensor 60. That is, the special moving piece 69 and the moving piece 68 are in the state shown in FIG. 10A, and the output of the photosensor 60 is OFF.

  When the cam 66 rotates from the state of FIG. 10A, the moving piece 68 moves from the original position toward the sensor detection area of the photosensor 60, and passes through the state of FIG. c), the special moving piece 69 is pushed out. During this time, either the moving piece 68 or the special moving piece 69 has entered the sensor detection area of the photosensor 60, and the output of the photosensor 60 continues to be in the OFF state. The position of the cam 66 at this time is substantially the sensor normal OFF position (OFFP). The transfer unit 6 is in the state shown in FIG.

  When the cam 66 rotates from the state of FIG. 10C, the moving piece 68 exits from the sensor detection area of the photo sensor 60 and starts to return toward the original position, and passes through the state of FIG. 10 (e), and returns to the substantially original position. During this time, the cam 66 continues to rotate and is substantially in the sensor ON position (ONP) via the black position (BP) and the color position (CP). During this time, the transfer unit 6 goes through the state shown in FIG. On the other hand, the special moving piece 69 remains pushed out of the sensor detection area of the photosensor 60, and this state is continued thereafter. Therefore, nothing exists in the sensor detection area of the photosensor 60, and the output of the photosensor 60 is turned on.

  When the cam 66 is stopped when a predetermined time Tr has elapsed from when the output of the photosensor 60 is turned on, the cam 66 returns to the home position (HP). The transfer unit 6 is in the state shown in FIG. This state is a state in which the already mounted transfer device is mounted in a normal state, and is a normal standby state for causing the transfer unit 6 to perform monochrome transfer and color transfer. In this state, as described above, the moving piece 68 exists substantially at the original position, and the special moving piece 69 remains pushed out of the sensor detection area of the photosensor 60, so that the output of the photosensor 60 is ON. State.

  When the cam 66 is newly rotated from the state shown in FIG. 10E, that is, from the normal standby state of the transfer unit 6, the moving piece 68 moves from the original position toward the sensor detection area of the photosensor 60, and FIG. The state shown in FIG. 10G is entered via the state (f), and the sensor detection area of the photosensor 60 is entered. Therefore, the output of the photosensor 60 is turned off. The position of the cam 66 at this time is the sensor normal OFF position (OFFP).

  When the cam 66 is stopped when the position of the cam 66 becomes the normal sensor OFF position (OFFP), that is, when a predetermined time Tb has elapsed from the time when the output of the photosensor 60 is turned ON, the cam 66 66 is a black position (BP). Further, the transfer unit 6 at this time is in the state shown in FIG. This state is a state where the transfer unit 6 performs monochrome transfer.

  When the cam 66 is rotated again from the position of the black position (BP), the moving piece 68 exits from the sensor detection area of the photosensor 60 and starts to return toward the original position, and from the state of FIG. The state shown in FIG. 10 (i) is reached via the state shown in FIG. For this reason, the output of the photosensor 60 is turned on. During this time, the cam 66 continues to rotate and goes to the sensor ON position (ONP) via the color position (CP). During this time, the transfer unit 6 goes through the state shown in FIG.

  When the cam 66 is stopped when a predetermined time Tr has elapsed from when the output of the photosensor 60 is turned on, the cam 66 returns to the home position (HP). The transfer unit 6 is in the state shown in FIG. This state is the normal standby state described above.

  When the cam 66 is stopped when the position of the cam 66 is in the sensor normal OFF position (OFFP), that is, when a predetermined time Tc has elapsed from the time when the output of the photosensor 60 is turned ON. The cam 66 becomes the color position (CP) via the black position (BP). Further, the transfer unit 6 at this time is in the state of FIG. 7 through the state of FIG. This state is a state in which the transfer unit 6 performs color transfer.

  When the cam 66 is rotated again from the position of the color position (CP), the moving piece 68 moves out of the sensor detection area of the photosensor 60 and starts to return toward the original position, and from the state of FIG. The state shown in FIG. 10 (i) is reached via the state shown in FIG. For this reason, the output of the photosensor 60 is turned on. During this time, the cam 66 continues to rotate to the substantially sensor ON position (ONP).

  When the cam 66 is stopped when a predetermined time Tr has elapsed from when the output of the photosensor 60 is turned on, the cam 66 returns to the home position (HP). The transfer unit 6 is in the state shown in FIG. This state is the normal standby state described above.

  Next, the output state of the photosensor 60 in various states of the transfer unit 6 will be described based on the above description. FIG. 11 is a time chart showing the output state of the photosensor 60 used in the transfer unit 6.

  In the time chart of FIG. 11, the transfer unit 6 mounted on the above-described image forming unit including the photosensitive drums 3, 3, 3, 3 is a newly mounted transfer unit 6 or an already mounted transfer. Photo in the transfer unit 6 under various conditions based on conditions such as whether it is the unit 6 and whether the position of the cam 66 at the start of the operation of the transfer unit 6 is the home position (HP). The output state of the sensor 60 is shown.

  In FIG. 11, the upper side of each time chart is a state in which the output of the photosensor 60 is OFF, and the lower side is a state in which the output of the photosensor 60 is ON. CR represents the start of rotation of the cam 66, and CS represents the rotation stop of the cam 66.

  In FIG. 11, Case 1 is a case where the cam 66 is rotated once in the newly installed transfer unit 6. As described above, when the newly mounted transfer unit 6 is mounted on the photosensitive drums 3, 3, 3, 3, the cam 66 is positioned at the home position (HP). This is a case of one rotation from (HP).

  In Case 1, the output of the photosensor 60 is in an OFF state when the cam 66 starts to rotate, and this OFF state continues until the cam 66 reaches the sensor ON position (ONP) position. At this time, the output of the photosensor 60 is OFF, that is, the output of the photosensor 60 is OFF while the newly installed transfer unit 6 is installed and the cam 66 is at the home position (HP). The time from when the cam 66 starts to rotate until the output of the photosensor 60 is turned on is T1.

  When the cam 66 reaches the sensor ON position (ONP) position, the output of the photosensor 60 is turned on, and after a predetermined time Tr has elapsed from the time when the output of the photosensor 60 is turned on. Then, the cam 66 is stopped. At this time, the cam 66 has returned to the home position (HP), and the transfer unit 6 is in a normal standby state.

  Case 2 is a case where the cam 66 rotates once in the normal state (normal standby state) of the already mounted transfer unit 6. This case is a case of one rotation operation from the home position (HP). In Case 2, the output of the photosensor 60 is in an ON state when the cam 66 starts to rotate, and this ON state continues until the cam 66 reaches the sensor normal OFF position (OFFP) position.

  Then, when the cam 66 reaches the sensor normal OFF position (OFFP) position, the output of the photosensor 60 is turned off. Further, the OFF state continues until the cam 66 rotates and the cam 66 reaches the sensor ON position (ONP) position. At this time, the output of the photosensor 60 continues to be in the OFF state, that is, the already mounted transfer unit 6 is mounted, and the cam 66 is in the ON state at the start of rotation. The time until the output of 60 changes from the OFF state to the ON state is T2.

  When the cam 66 reaches the sensor ON position (ONP) position, the output of the photosensor 60 is turned on, and after a predetermined time Tr has elapsed from the time when the output of the photosensor 60 is turned on. Then, the cam 66 is stopped. At this time, the cam 66 has returned to the home position (HP), and the transfer unit 6 is in a normal standby state.

  Case 3 is a case in which the cam 66 in the abnormal state (not the normal standby state) of the already mounted transfer unit 6 is returned to the home position (HP). In this case, the cam 66 is in the sensor normal OFF position (OFFP) as the worst case in which the output of the photosensor 60 is OFF when the rotation of the cam 66 is started.

  In Case 3, the output of the photosensor 60 is in the OFF state when the rotation of the cam 66 is started as described above, and this OFF state continues until the cam 66 reaches the sensor ON position (ONP) position. When the cam 66 reaches the sensor ON position (ONP) position, the output of the photosensor 60 is turned on, and after a predetermined time Tr has elapsed from the time when the output of the photosensor 60 is turned on. Then, the cam 66 is stopped. At this time, the cam 66 has returned to the home position (HP), and the transfer unit 6 is in a normal standby state.

  Case 4 is a case where the cam 66 in the abnormal state (the state that is not the normal standby state) of the already mounted transfer unit 6 is returned to the home position (HP). In this case, as the worst case in which the output of the photosensor 60 is ON when the rotation of the cam 66 is started, the cam 66 is in the sensor normal OFF position (OFFP). In case 2, the output of the photosensor 60 is in the ON state as described above when the cam 66 starts rotating, and this ON state continues until the cam 66 reaches the sensor normal OFF position (OFFP) position. . The time during which the output of the photosensor 60 continues in the ON state, that is, the already mounted transfer unit 6 is mounted, and the cam 66 starts to rotate from the state in which the output of the photosensor 60 is ON. The time until the output of 60 is turned off is T3.

  Then, when the cam 66 reaches the sensor normal OFF position (OFFP) position, the output of the photosensor 60 is turned off. Further, the OFF state continues until the cam 66 rotates and the cam 66 reaches the sensor ON position (ONP) position. When the cam 66 reaches the sensor ON position (ONP) position, the output of the photosensor 60 is turned on, and after a predetermined time Tr has elapsed from the time when the output of the photosensor 60 is turned on. The cam 66 is stopped. At this time, the cam 66 has returned to the home position (HP), and the transfer unit 6 is in a normal standby state.

  Case 5 is a case in which monochrome transfer is performed in a normal state (normal standby state) of the already mounted transfer unit 6. In case 5, the output of the photosensor 60 is in an ON state when the cam 66 starts to rotate, and this ON state continues until the cam 66 reaches the sensor normal OFF position (OFFP) position.

  Then, when the cam 66 reaches the sensor normal OFF position (OFFP) position, the output of the photosensor 60 is turned off. Furthermore, although the cam 66 rotates, the cam 66 is stopped after a predetermined time Tb has elapsed from the time when the output of the photosensor 60 is turned off. At this time, the transfer unit 6 is in a state of performing monochrome transfer.

  When the monochrome transfer is completed, the cam 66 rotates again. During this time, the output of the photosensor 60 continues to be in the OFF state. The cam 66 passes through the color position (CP). This continues until reaching the sensor ON position (ONP) position. Then, when the cam 66 reaches the sensor ON position (ONP) position, the output of the photosensor 60 is turned on, and at the same time Tr from the time when the output of the photosensor 60 is turned on. After the elapse of time, the cam 66 is stopped. At this time, the cam 66 has returned to the home position (HP), and the transfer unit 6 is in a normal standby state.

  Case 6 is a case where color transfer is performed in a normal state (normal standby state) of the already mounted transfer unit 6. In case 6, as in case 5, the output of the photosensor 60 is ON when the cam 66 starts rotating, and this ON state continues until the cam 66 reaches the sensor normal OFF position (OFFP) position.

  Then, when the cam 66 reaches the sensor normal OFF position (OFFP) position, the output of the photosensor 60 is turned off. Further, the cam 66 rotates via the black position (BP), but stops the cam 66 after a predetermined time Tc elapses from the time when the output of the photosensor 60 is turned off. At this time, the transfer unit 6 is in a state of performing color transfer.

  When the color transfer transfer is completed, the cam 66 is rotated again. During this time, the output of the photosensor 60 continues to be in the OFF state. This continued OFF state indicates that the cam 66 is in the sensor ON position (ONP) position. Continue to the point of arrival. Then, when the cam 66 reaches the sensor ON position (ONP) position, the output of the photosensor 60 is turned on, and at the same time Tr from the time when the output of the photosensor 60 is turned on. After the elapse of time, the cam 66 is stopped. At this time, the transfer unit 6 is normally in a standby state.

  From the above description and FIG. 11, it can be seen that the following can be performed. First, in order to determine whether the mounted transfer unit 6 is newly mounted or already mounted, a new mounting / mounted mounting reference time Tn is provided, and this Tn satisfies T1 <Tn <T2. The value to be

  Then, when the transfer unit 6 is mounted, the cam 66 is rotated, and the time until the output of the photosensor 60 after the rotation starts is changed from the OFF state to the ON state is a new mounting / existing mounting criterion. If it is longer than the time Tn, it can be determined that it is newly mounted, and if it is shorter, it can be determined that it is already mounted.

  Further, in order to determine whether or not the transfer unit 6 is mounted on the photosensitive drums 3, 3, 3, and 3, a mounting presence / absence determination reference time Ts is provided, and this Ts is set to T3 <Ts. Is a value satisfying.

  Then, first, in the transfer unit 6, if the transfer unit 6 is not attached to the photosensitive drums 3, 3, 3, 3, the output of the photosensor 60 is never turned off. Therefore, when the cam 66 is stopped and the output of the photosensor 60 is in the OFF state, it can be determined that the camera is mounted.

  On the other hand, when the cam 66 is stopped and the output of the photo sensor 60 is in the ON state, it is not possible to determine whether or not the photo sensor 60 is mounted. However, when the output of the photo sensor 60 is ON with the cam 66 stopped, if the cam 66 is rotated for a time equal to or longer than the mounting presence / absence determination reference time Ts, the transfer unit 6 is mounted. The output of the photosensor 60 should be in an OFF state.

  Therefore, when the cam 66 is rotated and the sensor output is in the OFF state after the rotation start reference time Ts has elapsed from the start of the rotation, it is determined that the sensor is OFF, and the output of the photosensor 60 is in the ON state. , It can be determined that there is no wearing.

  Next, the operation of the transfer unit 6 including determination of whether the mounted transfer unit 6 is newly mounted or already mounted and whether or not the transfer unit 6 is mounted will be described. In order to cope with the operation of the transfer unit 6, the processing software for controlling the transfer unit 6 includes a flag and a timer shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 12, a mounting presence / absence flag F1 is a flag indicating whether or not the transfer unit 6 is mounted on the photosensitive drums 3, 3, 3, and 3. F1 = 1 indicates no mounting and F1 = 0. Indicates wearing.

  The new / installed flag F2 indicates whether the mounted transfer unit 6 is newly installed or already installed. F2 = 1 indicates new installation and F2 = 0 indicates existing installation. .

  The color / monochrome flag indicates whether the instruction to the transfer unit 6 is color transfer or monochrome transfer. F3 = 1 indicates monochrome transfer, and F2 = 0 indicates color transfer. .

  The timer TM is a software timer used for various processes in the above-described operation. The timer TM measures the elapsed time with respect to the set timer value, and indicates that the time is up when the time is up. is there.

  In order to cope with the operation of the transfer unit 6, various timer values set in the timer TM are provided on the software. FIG. 13 shows this timer value. The timer value Ts is a wearing / non-wearing determination timer value Ts whose timer value is the above-described wearing / non-wearing determination reference time Ts, the new wearing / existing wearing determination timer value Tn is the above-mentioned new wearing / existing wearing determination reference time Tn, The home position (HP) stop timer value Tr which is a predetermined time Tr, the black position (BP) stop timer value Tb which is the predetermined time Tb, and the color position (which is the predetermined time Tc) CP) Stop timer value Tc.

  14 to 18 are flowcharts showing the operation of the transfer unit 6. Of these, FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the basic operation. The operation of the transfer unit 6 will be described below based on these flowcharts. In the following description of the operation, the output of the photosensor 60 is represented by PS.

  In FIG. 14, the transfer unit 6 first resets the mounting presence / absence flag F1 and the new mounting / existing mounting flag F2, sets F1 = 0 and F2 = 0 (S1), and proceeds to S2. In S2, the output PS of the photosensor 60 is checked.

  If the output PS of the photosensor 60 in S2 is PS: OFF, it is clear that the transfer unit 6 is attached in this case, as described above. Therefore, the initial presence process 1 (S100) is performed with the attachment presence / absence flag F1 set to 0 without determining whether or not it is attached. The initial process 1 (S100) is a process for determining whether the unit is newly mounted or already mounted, returning the cam 66 to the home position (HP), and placing the transfer unit 6 in a normal standby state.

  If the output PS of the photosensor 60 in S2 is PS: ON, in this case, as described above, it is not clear whether or not the transfer unit 6 is mounted. Even if it is mounted, it is clear that it is not a newly mounted transfer unit 6.

  Assuming that the transfer unit 6 is newly installed, as described above, the cam 66 is located at the home position, and the special moving piece 69 is as shown in FIG. The moving piece 68 existing in the original position is arranged next to the intermediate transfer belt driving roller 62, and the special moving piece 69 enters the sensor detection area of the photosensor 60. This is because the output of the photosensor 60 should be in the OFF state because it exists.

  Therefore, if PS: ON is checked in the check of the output PS of the photosensor 60 in S2, initial processing 2 (S200) is performed. The initial process 2 (S200) is a process for determining whether or not the apparatus is mounted and returning the cam 66 to the home position (HP) to place the transfer unit 6 in a normal standby state.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the contents of the initial process 1 (S100). In FIG. 15, a timer value Tn for new attachment / existing attachment is set in the timer TM, TM = Tn is set (S101), the timer TM is started (S102), and rotation of the cam is started (S103). Next, the output PS of the photosensor 60 is checked (S104). If PS: ON, the process proceeds to S105.

  In S105, it is checked whether or not the timer TM has expired (S105). If the timer TM has expired, the state where the output PS of the photosensor 60 is OFF indicates a new attachment / existing determination criterion. Since it is longer than the time Tn, in this case, as described above, the newly mounted transfer unit 6 is mounted. Therefore, the new mounting / existing mounting flag F2 is set, F2 = 1 is set (S106), and the process proceeds to S107.

  If it is checked in S105 whether the timer TM is up, if the timer TM is not up, the output PS of the photosensor 60 is in an OFF state than the newly mounted / existed mounting discrimination reference time Tn. Since it is short, in this case, as described above, it is not the newly mounted transfer unit 6 that is mounted. Therefore, the process proceeds to S107 without doing anything with the new / existing flag F2 = 0.

  In S107, PS: ON is already in S104. Therefore, in order to return the cam 66 to the home position (HP) from this state and place the transfer unit 6 in the normal standby state, the timer TM for stopping the home position (HP) is set in the timer TM, and TM = Tr (S107), the timer TM is started (S108), and when the timer TM expires (S109), the rotation of the cam 66 is stopped (S110), and the initial process 1 (S100) is terminated.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the contents of the initial process 2 (S200). In FIG. 16, first, a timer value Ts for mounting presence / absence determination is set in the timer TM, TM = Ts is set (S201), the timer TM is started (S202), and rotation of the cam is started (S103). , Go to S204.

  In S204, it is checked whether or not the timer TM has expired. If the timer TM has not expired, the output PS of the photo sensor 60 is checked (S206), and whether or not PS is OFF is checked. To do.

  In S204 and S206, before the PS is turned off (S206), the timer TM expires (S204). In this case, as described above, the transfer unit 6 is not attached. Therefore, the mounting presence / absence flag F1 is set, F1 = 1 is set (S205), the process proceeds to S211, the rotation of the cam 66 is stopped, and the initial process 2 (S200) is ended.

  In the check in S204 and S206, before the timer TM expires (S204), if PS: OFF (S206), in this case, as described above, the transfer unit 6 is mounted. is there. Therefore, nothing is done with the mounting presence flag F1 = 0, and the process proceeds to S207.

  From S207, the cam 66 is returned to the home position (HP) to place the transfer unit 6 in the normal standby state. That is, first, the output PS of the photosensor 60 is checked (S207). When PS: ON, the timer TM for stopping the home position (HP) is set in the timer TM, and TM = Tr is set (S208). The timer TM is started (S209), and when the timer TM expires (S210), the rotation of the cam 66 is stopped (S211), and the initial process 2 (S200) is terminated.

  When the initial process 1 (S100) or the initial process 2 (S200) is completed in the flowchart of the basic operation of the transfer unit 6 shown in FIG. 14, the process proceeds to S3.

  In S3, it is checked whether or not the mounting / non-mounting flag F1 is F1 = 1. If F1 = 1, the transfer unit 6 is not mounted, so the display unit provided in the image forming apparatus 100 and the like. Then, the transfer unit 6 is not attached (S7), and the basic operation process of the transfer unit 6 is terminated.

  If the mounting presence / absence flag F1 in S3 is a check of whether F1 = 1 or not, if F1 = 1 is not satisfied, the transfer unit 6 is mounted, and the process proceeds to S4.

  In S4, it is checked whether or not the newly mounted / already mounted flag F2 is F2 = 1. If F2 = 1, this is a state where the newly mounted transfer unit 6 is mounted. Therefore, in the image forming apparatus 100, a new mounting process, which is a process associated with a newly started use of the newly mounted transfer unit 6, such as resetting a counter that counts the number of times the transfer unit 6 has been used or the like. Implement (S5) and proceed to normal processing (S300).

  If the new mounting / existing mounting flag F2 in S4 is not F2 = 1 in the check of whether F2 = 1, this is not the state where the newly mounted transfer unit 6 is newly mounted. That is, the already installed transfer unit 6 is newly installed. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform the new mounting process, and nothing is done, and the process proceeds to the normal process (S300).

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the contents of the normal process (S300). This normal process (S300) is a process in which the transfer unit 6 in the normal standby state performs monochrome transfer or color transfer and returns to the normal standby state again after the transfer.

  In this normal process (S300), in FIG. 17, first, the color / monochrome flag F3 is reset to F3 = 0, and then the presence or absence of a transfer command to the transfer unit 6 is checked.

  If there is a transfer command for the transfer unit 6, then it is checked whether the transfer command is color or monochrome. If it is not color, that is, if it is monochrome, the color / monochrome flag F3 is set. If F3 = 1, and color, F3 = 0 is maintained and the process proceeds to S307.

  From S307 to S312, processing for checking whether or not the transfer unit 6 is mounted is performed. That is, first, the timer TM for mounting presence / absence determination is set in the timer TM, TM = Ts is set (S307), the timer TM is started (S308), the rotation of the cam is started (S309), and S310. Proceed to

  In S310, it is checked whether or not the timer TM has expired. If the timer TM has not expired, the output PS of the photosensor 60 is checked (S312), and whether or not PS is OFF is checked. To do.

  In S310 and S312, when the timer TM expires before PS: OFF (S312) (S310), as described above, the transfer unit 6 is not attached. Therefore, the mounting presence / absence flag F1 is set, F1 = 1 is set (S311), the process proceeds to S326, the rotation of the cam 66 is stopped, and the normal process (S300) is ended.

  In the check in S310 and S312, before the timer TM expires (S310), if PS: OFF (S312), in this case, as described above, the transfer unit 6 is mounted. is there. Therefore, nothing is done with the mounting presence flag F1 = 0, and the process proceeds to S313.

  From S313 to S318, in order to perform monochrome transfer or color transfer, the monochrome intermediate transfer roller 64 or the monochrome intermediate transfer roller 64 and the color intermediate transfer rollers 64, 64, 64 are pressed against each other. Perform processing to put the state. That is, first, the color / monochrome flag F3 is checked (S313). If F3 = 1, this is a monochrome transfer command, so the timer TM is set to the timer TM for stopping the black position (BP). (S314), and the process proceeds to S316. If F3 = 0, this is a color transfer command, so the color value (CP) stop timer value Tc is set in the timer TM (S315), and the process proceeds to S316.

  In S316, the timer TM is started, and when the timer TM expires (S317), the rotation of the cam 66 is stopped (S318). In this state, if the timer TM is set to the black position (BP) stop timer value Tb, the monochrome intermediate transfer roller 64 is in a pressure contact state (see FIG. 6), and is set to the timer TM. Is the color position (CP) stop timer value Tc, both the monochrome intermediate transfer roller 64 and the color intermediate transfer rollers 64, 64, 64 are in a pressure contact state (see FIG. 7).

  That is, it is in a state where monochrome transfer or color transfer can be performed. Therefore, it is next checked whether or not the transfer has been completed (S319), and when completed (S320), the process proceeds to S321.

  From S321, the cam 66 is returned to the home position (HP) to place the transfer unit 6 in the normal standby state. That is, first, rotation of the cam 66 is started (S321), and then the output PS of the photosensor 60 is checked (S322).

  If PS: ON is checked in the check of the output PS of the photosensor 60 in S322, then the timer TM for stopping the home position (HP) is set in the timer TM, and TM = Tr is set (S323). Is started (S324), and when the timer TM expires (S325), the rotation of the cam 66 is stopped (S326), and the normal process (S300) is terminated.

  In the flowchart of the basic operation of the transfer unit 6 shown in FIG. 14, when the normal process (S300) is completed, the process proceeds to S6.

  In S6, it is checked whether or not the mounting presence / absence flag F1 is F1 = 1. If F1 = 1, the transfer unit 6 is not mounted, so the display unit provided in the image forming apparatus 100 and the like. Then, the transfer unit 6 is not attached (S7), and the basic operation process of the transfer unit 6 is terminated.

If the mounting presence / absence flag F1 in S6 is checked whether F1 = 1 or not, if F1 = 1 is not satisfied, the transfer unit 6 is mounted, so the process returns to the normal processing in S300, and this normal processing (S300 ) Is repeated.
According to the transfer unit 6 described above, the output of the photosensor 60 is output when the already-attached transfer unit 6 is mounted on the above-described image forming unit including the photosensitive drums 3, 3, 3, and 3. In this way, pressure contact / release control of the intermediate transfer roller 64 is performed. In addition, the transfer unit 6 has a special moving piece 69 such that the output PS of the photo sensor 60 is turned off when the transfer unit 6 is newly installed and enters the sensor detection area of the photo sensor 60. It has.

  Therefore, as described above, it is possible to determine whether the mounted transfer unit 6 is a newly mounted transfer unit 6 or a new mounted unit. Similarly, as described above, it can be determined whether or not the transfer unit 6 is mounted.

  Therefore, in the transfer unit 6, the operation of the intermediate transfer roller 64 pressing / releasing the intermediate transfer belt 61 against the photosensitive drum 3 and whether the transfer unit 6 attached to the photosensitive drum 3 is newly installed or already installed. It is possible to determine whether the transfer unit 6 is attached to the photosensitive drum 3 with a single sensor.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Exposure unit 2 Developer 3 Photoconductor drum 4 Cleaner unit 5 Charger 6 Transfer unit 7 Fixing unit 10 Secondary transfer unit 10a Transfer roller 11a, 11b Pickup roller,
12a to 12d Conveying roller 13 Registration roller 60 Photo sensor 60a Sensor light projecting unit 60b Sensor light receiving unit 60c Sensor holding unit 61 Intermediate transfer belt 62 Intermediate transfer belt driving roller 63 Intermediate transfer belt driven roller 64 Intermediate transfer roller 64a Intermediate transfer roller holder 64b Intermediate transfer roller holder support shaft 65 Intermediate transfer belt cleaning unit 66 Cam 66a Monochrome cam 66b Color cam 66c Cam support shaft 67a Monochrome slide wall 67b Color slide wall 67c Spring 68 Moving piece 69 Special moving piece 69a Protruding portion 69b Arm 69c Support shaft 71 Fixing roller 72 Pressure roller 81 Paper feed cassette 82 Manual paper feed cassette 90 Illumination unit 91 Paper discharge tray 92 Document placing table 100 Image forming apparatus 110 Image forming apparatus main body 120 Automatic Draft processing apparatus

Claims (7)

An intermediate transfer belt that can be attached to and detached from an image forming unit including the photoconductive drum on which a toner image is formed on the photoconductive drum, and is attached to the image forming unit and interlocked with the reciprocating movement of the moving piece. A transfer mechanism unit that performs a pressure contact operation for pressing the photosensitive drum against the photosensitive drum or an opening operation for releasing, and transfers the toner image to the intermediate transfer belt by the pressure contact operation;
When the transfer mechanism unit is attached to the image forming unit and the transfer mechanism unit is already mounted, the moving piece does not enter the detection position and outputs no detection while the transfer mechanism unit is in the pressing operation. A sensor that outputs a detection presence when the moving piece enters the detection position during the opening operation of the mechanism unit,
The transfer mechanism section includes a special moving piece. When the transfer mechanism section is newly installed, the special moving piece has entered the detection position and the sensor outputs the detection presence. When the moving piece moves forward and enters the detection position, the special moving piece is pushed out of the detection position and discharged to the outside of the detection position, and the discharged state is maintained. Transfer device. The transfer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The special moving piece is attached to the other end of an arm whose one end is rotatably supported. When the special moving piece is pushed out of the detection position by the moving piece, the arm is rotated to move to the detection position. Transfer device discharged to the outside. The transfer device according to claim 1 or 2,
The transfer mechanism section includes the cam that reciprocates the moving piece by one rotation while returning from the cam home position by one rotation.
When the transfer mechanism is already mounted, the moving piece moves from the original position and enters the detection position of the sensor due to the forward movement of the moving piece due to the rotation of the cam, and the output of the sensor is The detection state changes from non-detection to the detection presence, and the moving piece retreats from the detection position to return to the original position by the backward movement of the movement piece due to the rotation of the cam, and the output of the sensor is the detection presence. To no detection,
When the transfer mechanism is newly installed, the special moving piece is pushed out in a direction opposite to the direction in which the moving piece is retracted from the detection position. The transfer apparatus according to claim 3.
When the transfer mechanism is mounted, the time from when the rotation of the cam is started until the detection of the output of the sensor after the rotation is started until the detection is detected is a new mounting / existing mounting determination reference time If it is longer, the transfer mechanism part is determined to be newly installed, and if it is shorter, it is determined to be already installed.
The new attachment / existing discrimination reference time is determined based on whether the output of the sensor is detected or not when the transfer mechanism is newly installed when the cam is rotated once from the home position. A transfer apparatus that is shorter than the time until the transfer mechanism unit is set to be longer than the time from when the sensor output is detected to when the transfer mechanism is already installed. In the transfer device according to claim 3 or 4,
When the cam output is stopped and the sensor output is detected, the transfer mechanism is determined to be mounted.
When the cam is stopped and the sensor output is not detected, the cam is rotated and the sensor output is detected after the attachment presence / absence determination reference time elapses after the rotation starts. The transfer mechanism portion is determined to be mounted, and if the output of the sensor is not detected, the transfer mechanism portion is determined to be not mounted,
When the transfer mechanism unit is already mounted, the mounting presence / absence determination reference time is determined by rotating the cam and changing the output of the sensor from detection to non-detection. A transfer device having a longer time than the time until the point of detection change. In the transfer device according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
When the transfer mechanism is already mounted and the cam is in the home position, the output of the sensor is not detected and the transfer mechanism is in the opening operation,
When the cam rotates and moves from the home position, and the positioning time elapses after the output of the sensor changes from the non-detection to the detection, the cam stops and becomes the pressure contact position of the cam. At the same time, the transfer mechanism is in the pressure contact operation,
Furthermore, when the cam rotates and moves from the pressure contact position, and when the recovery time elapses from the time when the output of the sensor changes from detection to non-detection, the cam stops to the home position. Back transfer device.   An image forming apparatus comprising the transfer device according to claim 1.

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