JP2976129B2 - Color process cartridge - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus for forming an image on a transfer material such as a copying machine or a printer.

[Background of the Invention]

Many methods and apparatuses have been proposed for obtaining a color image using electrophotography. For example, as disclosed in JP-A-61-100770, a latent image is formed and developed on a photosensitive drum as an image forming body according to the number of separation colors of a document image,
There is a method in which a multicolor image is formed on a transfer drum by transferring to a transfer drum each time of development and then transferred to a transfer material to obtain a color copy. In the apparatus according to this method, it is necessary to provide a transfer drum having a size capable of transferring one image on the peripheral surface in addition to the photosensitive drum, and the apparatus has a large and complicated structure. Unavoidable.

Further, as disclosed in, for example, JP-A-61-149972, a latent image is formed and developed on a photosensitive drum in accordance with the number of separated colors of an original image, and is transferred onto a transfer material each time development is performed. There is a method of obtaining a multi-colored copy. In this method, it is difficult to accurately superimpose multi-color images, and a high-quality color copy cannot be obtained.

There is also a method in which a latent image is formed on a photosensitive drum in accordance with the number of separated colors of a document image and development with a color toner is repeated, and a color image is obtained by superimposing and transferring a color toner image on the photosensitive drum. . The basic process of this multicolor image formation is described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 60-75850 and 60-76766 by the present applicant.
Nos. 60-95456, 60-95458 and 60-158475.

In a multi-color image forming apparatus which obtains a color image by such superposition, a plurality of developing devices containing different color toners are arranged on the periphery of the photosensitive drum. The photosensitive drum is rotated a plurality of times to develop a latent image on the photosensitive drum to obtain a color image.

On the other hand, in an image forming apparatus such as a monocolor analog copying machine using an electrophotographic system, a copying machine or a printer using a semiconductor laser / LED scanning system, various photosensitive members, a developer carrier, a cleaning member, and a developer toner having a long service life. A part of the image forming means is formed into a cartridge for replenishment / replacement at the time of exhaustion of the image forming apparatus, and a member in which the essential parts of the image forming means are integrated is taken out of the apparatus for maintenance or replacement. Have been proposed. In addition, various configurations have been proposed in which a transfer path of a transfer material on which an image is formed by an image forming unit is opened so that the transfer material can be easily taken out during jam processing.

As a typical configuration thereof, a photosensitive drum, a developing device, a cleaner, and the like, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 58-54392, are integrally attached to a support member, and can be pulled out from the apparatus main body. A proposal for facilitating replacement and repair has been made, and then the main part of the image forming means has been integrated and disposable is disclosed in JP-A-57-154255, and a similar disposable cartridge is used. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. Sho-59-193, discloses a printer configuration for forming a latent image on a photosensitive drum by dot exposure scanning writing with a semiconductor laser.
It is disclosed in, for example, JP-A-59-147366. Further, these publications disclose a configuration in which an upper casing of a divided structure is opened to open a transfer material transport path, and a transfer material is removed when a jam occurs.
The above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 57-154255 employs a configuration in which a disposable process cartridge is replaceably disposed in an upper housing having a two-part structure, which facilitates the workability of cartridge replacement and the ease of jam clearance. Trying to solve.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

By making each process material for image formation into a cartridge and facilitating the attachment / detachment operation with respect to the apparatus main body, maintenance of each process material and jam removal of the transfer material are remarkably simplified. With regard to incidental process processing such as replenishment of developer to each built-in developing unit and treatment of waste toner removed by cleaning, no specific and appropriate device proposal has been found yet, and when developing cartridges for process materials, Is left as one of the issues.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of incorporating a developer replenishing apparatus extremely compactly as a result of solving this problem and improving the present invention.

[Configuration of the invention]

The object is to provide an image carrier, an image exposure device fixed to the apparatus main body and having an exposure opening for forming a latent image on the image carrier, a developing device for developing the latent image, and a developed toner. An image forming apparatus having a transfer unit for transferring an image onto a transfer material, wherein at least the image carrier and a process cartridge having a toner hopper or a replaceable toner cartridge are detachably provided to the image forming apparatus main body; A process cartridge moving means for moving the process cartridge from a first position where an image can be formed to a second position where a toner can be supplied or a third position where a process cartridge can be replaced and a jam can be removed; A process cartridge exchange signal S, a toner supply signal S 'or a jam signal S "is output to the cartridge moving means. A moving direction of the process cartridge from the first position to the second and third positions is substantially perpendicular to a transfer direction of the transfer material in the transfer unit, and The process cartridge is in the same direction as the mounting / detaching direction of the cartridge, and the process cartridge moves from the first position to the second position in accordance with the output of the toner replenishment signal S 'from the control unit. With the output of the cartridge exchange signal S or the jam signal S ″, the process cartridge
The image forming apparatus is characterized by moving from the position to the third position.

〔Example〕

1 to 11 show an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.
Shown in the figure.

In FIG. 1A, reference numeral 1 denotes a flexible photoreceptor belt serving as a belt-shaped image carrier, and the photoreceptor belt 1 is provided between the rotation rollers 2 and 3 to drive the rotation roller 2. Is conveyed clockwise.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a support member, that is, a guide member fixed so as to be in contact with the photoreceptor belt 1. The photoreceptor belt 1 is tensioned by the urging action of the rotating roller 3 to the outside so that the inner periphery thereof is rotated. The surface is rubbed against the guide member 4.

Accordingly, the photosensitive member on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive belt 1 is always kept at a fixed relation to the surface of the guide member 4 even during the conveyance, so that a stable image forming surface can be formed.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a scorotron charger as charging means, 7 denotes a laser writing system unit as image exposure means, and 8 to 11 denote a plurality of developing means or developing devices each containing a developer of a specific color. The means is disposed facing the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor belt 1 with the guide member 4 on the back.

As the laser writing system unit 7, in addition to the optical system shown in the figure, an optical system or the like in which a light emitting unit and a converging light transmitter are integrated is used.

Each of the developing units 8, 9, 10, and 11 accommodates, for example, a developer of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, and includes a developing sleeve for maintaining a predetermined gap from the photosensitive belt 1. 1 has a function of visualizing the latent image on the substrate 1 by a non-contact developing method. Unlike the contact development, the non-contact development has an advantage of not hindering the movement of the photosensitive belt.

Reference numeral 12 denotes a transfer unit, 12A denotes a static elimination bar, 13 denotes a cleaning unit or a cleaning device, and a blade 13A and a toner conveying roller 13B of the cleaning device 13 are kept at positions separated from the surface of the photoreceptor belt 1 during image formation. It is pressed against the surface of the photoreceptor belt 1 as shown in FIG.

The process of forming a color image by the color image forming apparatus is performed as follows.

First, the formation of a multicolor image according to the present embodiment is performed according to the following image forming system. That is, data obtained by a color image data input unit in which an image sensor scans an original image is processed by an image data processing unit to create image data, which is temporarily stored in an image memory. Next, the image memory is taken out at the time of recording and is a recording unit, for example, the first memory.
The data is input to the color image forming apparatus shown in the embodiment of FIG.

That is, when a color signal output from an image reading device separate from the printer is input to the laser writing unit 7, the laser writing unit 7 generates a laser beam generated by a semiconductor laser (not shown). Is a photoreceptor belt which is rotationally scanned by a polygon mirror 7B rotated by a drive motor 7A, and whose optical path is bent by mirrors 7D, 7E and 7F via an fθ lens 7C, and which is previously charged by a charger 6 as charging means. The light is projected on the peripheral surface of No. 1 to form a bright line.

On the other hand, when scanning is started, the beam is detected by the index sensor, modulation of the beam by the first color signal is started, and the modulated beam is transmitted to the photosensitive belt 1.
Is scanned on the peripheral surface of. Accordingly, a latent image corresponding to the first color is formed on the peripheral surface of the photosensitive belt 1 by the main scanning by the laser beam and the sub-scanning by the conveyance of the photosensitive belt 1. This latent image is developed by a developing unit 8 loaded with yellow (Y) toner (a visual medium) in the developing means.
A toner image is formed on the belt surface. The obtained toner image passes under the cleaning device 13 as a cleaning means separated from the peripheral surface of the photoreceptor belt 1 while being held on the belt surface, and enters the next copy cycle.

That is, the photoreceptor belt 1 is charged again by the charger 6, and then the second color signal output from the signal processing unit is input to the writing system unit 7. Similarly, writing is performed on the belt surface to form a latent image. The latent image is developed by the developing device 9 loaded with magenta (M) toner as the second color.

The magenta (M) toner image is formed in the presence of the previously formed yellow (Y) toner image.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a developing device having cyan (C) toner, and forms a cyan (C) toner image on the belt surface based on a control signal generated by a signal processing unit.

Further, reference numeral 11 denotes a developing device having a black toner, which forms a black toner image on the belt surface by the same processing. A DC or further bias is applied to each sleeve of each of these developing devices 8, 9, 10 and 11, and a jumping development is performed by a two-component developer as a visualizing means, and a photosensitive member whose base is grounded The belt 1 is developed in a non-contact manner. As the development, non-contact development using a one-component developer can also be used.

The color toner image thus formed on the peripheral surface of the photoreceptor belt 1 is transferred to a transfer material sent from the paper feed cassette 14 via the paper feed guide 15 at the transfer section.

That is, one of the uppermost layers of the transfer material accommodated in the paper feed cassette 14 is carried out by the rotation of the paper feed roller 16, and the transfer material is transferred to the transfer device 12 via the timing roller 17 in synchronization with the image formation on the photosensitive belt 1. Supplied to.

The transfer material having undergone image transfer and charge elimination is surely separated from the photoreceptor belt 1 which suddenly changes its direction along the rotating roller 2 and is directed upward via an attraction type conveyance belt 17A to be fixed. After the image is welded by the roller 18, the image is discharged onto a tray formed on the upper cover 20 via a paper discharge roller 19.

On the other hand, the photoreceptor belt 1 after the transfer to the transfer material is further conveyed and the remaining toner is removed by the cleaning device 13 in which the blade 13A and the toner conveying roller 13B are pressed against each other. The blade
13A, and slightly after that, the toner supply roller 13B
After the toner accumulates on the tip of the blade 13A, the toner supply roller 13B is separated to start a new image forming process.

As shown in FIG. 1 (b), the photoreceptor belt 1 is used as a process material for image formation together with a charger 6 / each developing device disposed opposite the lower peripheral edge and a cleaning device 13 disposed at a lateral end. And is integrated into an independent color process cartridge 30 and is integrally attached to and detached from the apparatus main body.

The color process cartridge 30 further includes a developer supply unit 30A on the side of the cleaning device 13 and a waste toner cartridge 30B integrated with the guide member 4. The developer supply unit 30A includes And the waste toner cartridge 30B has a function of collecting the waste toner removed by cleaning.

The color process cartridge 30 is inserted into and removed from the apparatus main body as follows.

That is, as shown in FIG. 5 showing the AA cross section, the bottom leg 50
A gantry 50 is provided for engaging and slidably supporting A, and the color process cartridge 30 is mounted on the gantry.
Placed on 50 and stored in the device.

The gantry 50 integrally includes a rack plate 51 that meshes with a pinion P1 of a motor M1 on the side of the apparatus main body, and translates obliquely upward as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. It protrudes more and is held at a predetermined position.

On the other hand, the upper lid 20 is rotatably supported by the apparatus main body via a shaft 20A, and is opened by rotating counterclockwise to open the upper opening of the apparatus main body.

That is, the upper lid 20 has a rotation base portion integrally formed with a sector gear 21 meshing with a pinion P2 of a motor M2 on the apparatus main body side, and FIG.
As shown in the figure, it rotates counterclockwise and is held at a predetermined angle.

The movement of the gantry 50 and the opening of the upper lid 20, that is, the rotation of the motors M1 and M2, are automatically started at the above-described process material exchange, inspection or replenishment cycle and at the timing of occurrence of transfer material transport trouble. .

The process cartridge 30 has a counter function for accumulating the frequency of use of the process materials to be accommodated. When a new cartridge is mounted on the apparatus main body, the projection member 31 on the side of the cartridge shown in FIG. Counter C
The reset lever 35 is pressed to return the display of the counter C to 0, and the subsequent use frequency is recorded.
The signal S is output from the counter C when a predetermined frequency (reference value) such as the number of durable uses of the thirteenth blade 13A or the number of uses of the belt is reached.

At 60,000 C, the counter C is reset by inserting a new process unit.

Based on this signal, replacement and inspection cycles of the photoreceptor belt 1, the charging device 6, the respective developing devices and the cleaning device 13 are detected.

Note that the proposal of the inventor of Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 2-82995 is applied to the protruding member 31, thereby preventing the same cartridge 30 from resetting the counter C again.

Further, the process cartridge 30 has therein the above-described developer supply section 30A composed of four toner supply hoppers for supplying toner to the above-mentioned developing units and a waste container for storing the toner collected by the cleaning device 13. Built-in toner cartridge 30B.

Yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (BK)
Four toner cartridges filled with the respective toners are mounted, and are built into the corresponding toner supply hoppers so that the toner can be constantly dropped and supplied.

Further, a sensor P is attached to the developer replenishing section 30A as a detecting means for detecting the consumption of the developer, that is, the toner, and when the remaining amount of the contained toner decreases below a specified value, an electric signal S 'is output. It is transmitted to the apparatus body via the connector 32 shown in FIG.

The waste toner cartridge 30B has a built-in sensor for detecting the amount of collected toner. When the amount of stored toner exceeds a specified value, the electric signal S is output and transmitted to the apparatus main body.

On the other hand, photo sensors S1, S2, S3, etc., which detect the passage of the transfer material, are provided at key points in the transfer material transport path, and after the sensors located on the upstream side of each transfer detect the passage of the transfer material, If the sensor located on the downstream side cannot detect the transfer material even after the elapse of a predetermined time, a jam detection signal S ″ (not shown) is output and the occurrence of the jam of the transfer material is detected.

The detected signals are input to the control unit of the apparatus main body and output as signals for controlling the rotation of the motors M1 and M2.

Further, the above-mentioned device has an operation / display unit 60 of the device provided on the front side, that is, the side surface of the arrow B in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 8, a lamp L1 for indicating occurrence of a transfer material jam, a lamp L2 for indicating replacement of process materials, a lamp L3 for indicating replenishment of developer, and the motor M1
And a reset button 61 to start driving in the reverse direction of M2 and an eject button 62 to start driving in the normal direction.
It has.

When the jam detection signal (S ″) and the detection signals (S and S ′) for replacing the process material and supplying the developer are input to the control unit of the apparatus main body, the lamps L1, L2,
The lamps L3 are respectively lit and displayed.

Hereinafter, the process of controlling the rotation of the motors M1 and M2 by inputting the above-mentioned signals will be described with reference to the control unit circuit of FIG. 9 and the flowcharts of FIG.

First, a case will be described in which the toner in the developer replenishing section 30A decreases and the sensor P detects the timing of toner replenishment.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the process cartridge 30 from the direction of arrow C in FIG. 1B. The developer replenishing section 30A includes yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C). It is composed of toner supply hoppers 308, 309, 310 that respectively store toner of each color of black (BK), and 311.

Each of the toner supply hoppers is connected to a corresponding developing unit via a supply pipe having a built-in flexible conveying screw, and develops toner by rotating each motor m according to an image density detection signal. It is designed to replenish inside the vessel.

When the toner replenishment signal S 'is output to the toner replenishment hopper, first, as shown in FIG. 10 (a), a lamp L3 (preferably a lamp corresponding to each color toner Y, M, C, BK) is turned on and the toner L is turned on. The replacement of the toner cartridge with the supply hopper is warned, and at the same time, a signal for supplying the motor M1 with the power of the forward rotation is output.

The gantry 50 is moved from the position shown in FIG. 1A to the position shown in FIG. 2 by the forward rotation of the motor M1, and the light shielding plate 52 on the upper surface thereof switches the photosensor S5 of the apparatus main body from ON to OFF. To stop the rotation of the motor M1.

As a result, the process cartridge 30 is moved from the first position enabling image formation in the apparatus to the second position enabling replacement of the developer supply container, that is, the toner cartridge, and moves the toner supply hopper and the toner cartridge to each other. Protrude outside the device.

As shown in FIG. 6, toner supply to the toner supply hoppers 308, 309, 310 and 311 is performed by yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (BK).
Each toner cartridge 308C, which is filled with toner of each color
This is done automatically by the operation of replacing 309C, 310C and 311C respectively.

The replacement operation of the toner cartridge 308C for the toner supply hopper 308 will be described with reference to FIG.

The toner supply hopper 308 has a toner cartridge 308C on the upper surface.
Are fixed, and the toner receiving port 3082 is opened.

The toner receiving port 3082 is covered by a shutter plate 3085 slidably held by guide rails 3083 and 3084, and is constantly urged by a tension spring 3086 attached to the shutter plate 3085 in the direction opposite to the arrow. It is in a shielded state.

On the other hand, the bottom surface of the toner cartridge 308C is formed with a step portion 3081C which is in contact with and engages with the guide plate 3081 of the toner supply hopper 308, and further has a toner drop opening 3082C at the center thereof.

The toner drop port 3082C is provided with guide rails 3083C and 3084C.
The shutter plate 3085C is slidably held by the shutter plate 3085C, and is always shielded by the urging action in the direction of the arrow by the tension spring 3086C attached to the shutter plate 3085C.

The toner cartridge 3 with respect to the toner supply hopper 308
When 08C is slid and inserted in the direction of the arrow so that the step portion 3081C engages the guide plate 3081, the spring hook pin 3087C on the cartridge side raises the rising portion 3088 of the shutter plate 3085 on the hopper side.
To move the shutter plate 3085 in the direction of the arrow, and with a slight delay, the rising portion 308 of the shutter plate 3085C on the cartridge side.
8C comes into contact with the spring hook pin 3087 on the hopper side, and the shutter plate 3085C is moved in the direction opposite to the arrow with the insertion of the cartridge.

Accordingly, when the stepped portion 3081C is inserted until the stepped portion 3081C comes into contact with the inner wall of the guide member 3081 and is locked, the toner receiving port 3082 is prevented.
The toner drop opening 3082C is fully opened at a position where they coincide with each other, and the toner in the toner cartridge 308C is automatically discharged into the toner supply hopper 308 by the toner cartridge to be supplied.

When the reset button is manually pressed after replacing the toner cartridge 308C, reverse rotation power is supplied to the motor M1, and the process cartridge 30 starts moving from the second position to the first position, and the light shielding plate 52 At the position where the photo sensor S4 is switched from OFF to ON, the rotation of the motor M1 is stopped and the image forming is enabled again, and the lamp L3 is turned off.

Further, the movement of the process cartridge 30 or the unit to the second position can be activated by manually pressing the eject button.

Further, the toner cartridge is mounted and the toner is temporarily stored in the toner cartridge when the process cartridge 30 is moved to the second position as shown in FIG. You may make it supply to a supply hopper.

Next, the case where the counter C detects the time of replacement of the process material and the photo sensors S1 to S3 detect the occurrence of the jam of the transfer material will be described.

Electric signal S by counter C or photo sensor S1
When the electric signal S ″ from S3 to S3 is input to the control unit, first, as shown in FIG. 10B or FIG.
Alternatively, the lamp L1 is turned on to display the replacement of the process material or the occurrence of the jam of the transfer material.
And a signal for supplying electric power of the forward rotation to M2.

By the forward rotation of the motor M1, the gantry 50 moves from the position shown in FIG. 1A to the position shown in FIG. 3, and the light shielding plate 52 on the upper surface turns the photosensor S6 of the apparatus main body from ON to OF.
At the position where the motor M1 is switched to F, the rotation of the motor M1 is stopped.

As a result, the process cartridge 30 is moved from the above-described first position enabling image formation in the apparatus to the third position enabling jam processing of the transfer material and detachment from the apparatus, and is easily taken out of the gantry 50. It can be removed and the process materials can be exchanged and inspected efficiently.

On the other hand, continuously or in parallel with this, the motor M2 rotates forward, and the upper lid 20 rotates from the angle shown in FIG. 1A to the angle shown in FIG. The rotation of the motor M2 is stopped at an angle at which the gear 21 presses the switch MS2 of the apparatus main body to switch from OFF to ON.

Therefore, in conjunction with the movement of the process cartridge 30, the jam of the transfer material can be easily performed.

When the process cartridge 30 is detached from the gantry 50 for exchanging or replenishing process materials, the cartridge 30 is placed on the gantry 50 again as shown in FIG.
When the bottom surface presses the switch MS3 to switch from OFF to ON, a storage detection signal of the process cartridge 30 is input, and a signal for supplying reverse rotation power to the motors M1 and M2 is output.

As a result, the process cartridge 30 moves again from the third position toward the initial first position, and the motor M1 stops at a position where the light shielding plate 52 switches the photosensor S4 of the apparatus main body from OFF to ON, and The process material is kept in a state that enables image formation.

On the other hand, the reverse rotation of the motor M2 causes the upper cover 20 to rotate clockwise and turn the switch MS1 from OFF to ON with the sector gear 21.
And the opening at the top of the apparatus body is closed to enable copying.

Further, when only the jam processing of the transfer material is performed and the process cartridge 30 is still mounted on the gantry 50, as shown in FIG.
By pressing the reset button 61 of 60, a signal for supplying reverse rotation power to the motors M1 and M2 is output instead of the operation of the switch MS3.

Lamp L1 for jam indication and lamp for replacement indication
Each lighting of L2 is automatically turned off after the return of the process cartridge 30 to the first position and the closing end of the upper lid 20.

In addition, as described above, the operation and
It is also possible to provide an eject button 62 on the display unit 60 in particular and to rotate the motors M1 and M2 forward by pressing the eject button 62.Furthermore, in consideration of the safety of the operator accompanying the automatic opening and closing, the process cartridge 30 is provided. The reverse rotation of the motors M1 and M2 can be started at an arbitrary timing by pressing the reset button 61 before and after mounting.

Therefore, the movement of the process cartridge 30 and the opening and closing of the upper lid 20 are performed by button operation after the lighting of the lamp L1 or L2 is confirmed, so that the mechanism is simplified and the operation can be performed safely.

FIG. 11 shows a transfer drum type image forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. The photoreceptor belt 101 and the process cartridge portion disposed on the periphery thereof are substantially the same as those in the previous embodiment, but the transfer drum 200 is brought into contact with the transfer portion. Rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow (counterclockwise) in synchronization with the photosensitive belt 101. A transfer material is wound around the transfer drum 200, the toner image is transferred onto the wound transfer material, the transferred toner image is superimposed, separated from the transfer drum 200, and fixed on the device after fixing. Was discharged to

The peripheral portion of the transfer drum 200 is provided with a charger 201 provided to electrostatically attract the transfer material, and a winding member 202 for mechanically winding the transfer material around the transfer drum 200. Reference numeral 202 has a roller at the leading end, and comes into contact only when it is first wound around the transfer drum 200. Also transfer drum 200
A gripper 203 is provided on the peripheral surface, and functions to hold the leading end portion of the transfer material conveyed in synchronization. 204
Denotes a transfer unit, which electrostatically transfers the toner image on the photosensitive belt 101 onto a transfer material. 205 is a separation and removal electrode, and 206 is a separation claw. Reference numeral 207 denotes a detachable cleaner which removes toner adhered to the transfer drum 200 after the transfer material is separated.

The transfer material discharged from the paper supply cassette 114 enters the transfer drum 200 charged by the charger 201 while keeping the synchronization, and is wound by the winding member 202, and the transfer material tip is gripper 203.
, And is rotated to a transfer unit, where the transfer unit 204 transfers the yellow (Y) toner image formed on the photoreceptor belt 101 to a transfer material in the transfer unit. After the first transfer, the transfer drum 200 continues to rotate, the magenta (M) toner image in the second rotation, the cyan (C) toner image in the third rotation, and the black (BK) in the fourth rotation. The toner images are transferred so as to be sequentially superimposed. When the transfer of the four color toner images is completed, the transfer material is neutralized by the separation and removal electrode 205, and the separation claw 2 is removed.
In step 06, the transfer material is released from the holding state and separated and transported to the fixing roller 118.

In the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, the transfer drum 200 is located on the apparatus main body side and is not included in the process cartridge 130 that can be moved and removed.
Therefore, insertion and removal of the process cartridge 130, jam clearance, toner supply, and the like are performed in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment.

〔The invention's effect〕

According to the present invention, operations such as replacement of process materials in the image forming unit, inspection, supply of developer, etc. are performed at an appropriate cycle,
Further, an image forming apparatus that can easily and quickly process troubles such as a jam of a transfer material without losing a machine is provided, and as a result, the image density is stable and a high-quality image can always be copied. It was decided to be.

[Brief description of the drawings]

1A, 2, 3, 4, and 11 are cross-sectional views of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a front view of the color process cartridge of the present invention. Figure, fifth
FIG. 6, FIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG.
FIG. 9 is a plan view, perspective views of main parts, side views, FIG. 9 is a control circuit diagram, and FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a control process. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Photoreceptor belt, 6 ... Charging device 7 ... Laser writing system unit 8-11 ... Developing device, 12 ... Transfer device 13 ... Cleaning device 14 ... Paper feed cassette, 20 ... Top lid 21 ... … Sector gears 30,130… Process cartridges 30A, 130A… Developer supply section 40… Guide rail, 50… Stand 51… Rack plate, 60… Operation / display section 308-311 311C… Toner cartridge L1, L2, L3… (Display) lamp S1 to S6… Photosensor MS1, MS2, MS3… Switch M1, M2… Motor

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Tadayoshi Ikeda 2970 Ishikawacho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo Konica Co., Ltd. Examiner Teruaki Shimomura (56) References JP-A-63-43171 (JP, A) JP-A-1 -225969 (JP, A) JP-A-63-178265 (JP, A) JP-A-1-147565 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) G03G 15/00 550 G03G 21/14 G03G 21/20 G03G 13/08 G03G 15/08-15/08 507 G03G 13/01 G03G 15/01-15/01 117

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image carrier, an image exposure means fixed to an apparatus main body and having an exposure opening for forming a latent image on the image carrier, a developing means for developing the latent image, An image forming apparatus having a transfer unit for transferring a toner image onto a transfer material, wherein at least the image carrier and a process cartridge having a toner hopper or a replaceable toner cartridge are detachably provided to the image forming apparatus main body; A process cartridge moving means for moving the process cartridge from a first position where an image can be formed to a second position where a toner can be supplied or a third position where a process cartridge can be replaced and a jam can be cleared; A process cartridge exchange signal S, a toner supply signal S 'or a jam signal S "is sent to the process cartridge moving means.
The moving direction of the process cartridge from the first position to the second and third positions is substantially perpendicular to the transfer direction of the transfer material in the transfer unit, and The process cartridge is moved from the first position to the second position in accordance with the output of the toner supply signal S ′ from the control unit, Wherein the process cartridge moves from the first position to the third position in response to the output of the process cartridge exchange signal S or the jam signal S ″ from the printer.