JP3061806B2 - Column-shaped individual unit used for color image recording device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a color printer,
The present invention relates to a columnar individual unit used in a color image recording apparatus applicable to a color copying machine, a color fax machine and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, in order to form a color image in electrophotography, a method of forming a color image by superposing toner images of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black on a transfer material has been adopted. As a method of forming a color image, the present inventors disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 5-178998 a method in which a plurality of image forming units corresponding to colors were sequentially moved in an apparatus, and a transfer material was sequentially moved at a single image forming position. And a method of forming a color image by transferring images of different colors to each other.

[0003]

In this method, since each color image is formed at a single image forming position, a required exposure optical system is provided as one set, and the apparatus configuration is simplified. Since the image forming unit can be integrally inserted into and removed from the apparatus and replaced, the method has a great advantage in terms of improvement in maintenance, which is the biggest problem of the electrophotographic apparatus. However, in such an apparatus, since the image forming units of each color have substantially the same shape, when the image forming unit is inserted / removed for maintenance / inspection / repair of the apparatus, the type of the unit and the type of the image forming unit in the apparatus. There has been a problem of erroneous insertion in which a combination of places where different types of units are to be stored is mistakenly inserted.

The present invention proposes a new configuration for preventing such erroneous insertion of the image forming unit.

[0005]

The columnar individual unit used in the color image recording apparatus of the present invention is formed so that the shaft side is formed smaller than the outer peripheral side, and stores the color toner in advance, and transfers the stored color toner to the outside of the unit. A plurality of columnar individual units of the same shape having a single opening to be supplied are collectively arranged in a substantially columnar shape around a shaft provided in the apparatus main body, and around the shaft in a state where the opening is always located on the outer peripheral side. A rotating body having an accommodating portion rotatably supported and detachably supported in a direction perpendicular to the axis, an image forming means for forming a color image on a photosensitive body, and the photosensitive body arranged to face the photosensitive body. An intermediate transfer unit for accommodating an intermediate transfer body for sequentially transferring a color image of each color from the body, and after transferring color images of all colors to the intermediate transfer body, a color image is transferred from the intermediate transfer body to recording paper. A transfer unit for transferring, a fixing unit for fixing a color image on the recording paper after the transfer, and a fixing unit provided on the upper surface of the apparatus, wherein the length in the front-rear direction of the apparatus is smaller than the diameter of the rotating body, and needs to be replaced. An opening / closing unit configured so that only the columnar individual unit can be replaced alternatively; and a moving unit that rotates the rotating body and arranges the columnar individual unit requiring replacement at a replacement position immediately below the opening / closing unit. The accommodating portion has an identification display for specifying the color and the mounting direction of the color toner to be stored at a location visible from above at the replacement position, and the color and mounting of the color toner of the columnar individual unit. The column-shaped individual unit has the opening at the side at the developing position, and the opening at the replacement position. In the state where the unit is located at the upper side, each is stopped, and when replacing the columnar individual unit, only when stopped with the opening facing upward, it is configured to be detachable from the opening / closing unit on the upper surface of the apparatus, and a specific color The column-shaped individual unit used in the color image recording apparatus, wherein the opening / closing section is not closed when the column-shaped individual unit is not properly mounted in the correct accommodating section, and the apparatus operation is not started. In the replacement position, an identification mark for specifying the color and the mounting direction of the stored color toner is provided at a position visible from above, and the concave and convex portions of the storage section are only provided when the color and the mounting direction of the color toner are correct. It has an uneven portion or shape that can be mounted normally corresponding to the portion or shape. This makes it possible to obtain a color image recording apparatus having a small, simple and easy-to-maintain developing unit. Further, the replacement of the developing unit is performed only when the opening is disposed above, so that when the unit is replaced, toner spilling from the unit can be prevented, and the color of the contained color toner can be prevented. The replacement work can be performed while confirming. Furthermore, since each unit is detachable in the direction perpendicular to the axis and work such as unit replacement is performed from above the device, the structure of the device becomes extremely simple compared to the case where the unit is replaced in the thrust direction, and maintenance is performed. Sex is greatly improved. In addition, it is possible to obtain a columnar individual unit capable of reliably and easily performing the replacement work, in combination with the moving means, the identification display, the uneven portion or the shape.

[0006]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A columnar individual unit used in a color image recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention is formed so that the shaft side is formed smaller than the outer peripheral side, and stores color toner in advance. A plurality of columnar individual units of the same shape having a single opening to be supplied to the outside of the unit,
A housing that is collectively arranged in a substantially columnar shape around a shaft provided in the apparatus main body, is rotatable around the shaft with the opening always located on the outer peripheral side, and is detachably supported in a direction perpendicular to the shaft. Rotating body having a portion, an image forming means for forming a color image on the photoreceptor, and an intermediate transfer member which is arranged to face the photoreceptor and houses an intermediate transfer body for sequentially transferring color images of each color from the photoreceptor A unit, a transfer unit that transfers a color image from the intermediate transfer member to a recording sheet after transferring color images of all colors to the intermediate transfer member, and a fixing unit that fixes the color image on the recording sheet after the transfer is completed Means,
An opening / closing unit provided on the upper surface of the apparatus, wherein the length in the front-rear direction of the apparatus is smaller than the diameter of the rotating body, and the opening / closing unit configured to be able to selectively replace only the columnar individual unit requiring replacement; Rotating means for disposing the columnar individual unit requiring replacement at a replacement position immediately below the opening / closing unit,
The accommodating portion, at a location visible from above at the replacement position, has an identification display that specifies the color and the mounting direction of the color toner to be accommodated, and the color and color of the color toner of the columnar individual unit. The pillar-shaped individual unit has a concave-convex portion or a shape that can be normally mounted only when the mounting direction is correct, and the column-shaped individual unit is in a state in which the opening is located on a side in a developing position and the opening is located in an exchanging position. Therefore, when the column-shaped individual unit is replaced, the column-shaped individual unit is configured to be detachable from the opening / closing portion on the upper surface of the apparatus only in a stopped state in which the opening is directed upward when replacing the column-shaped individual unit. The color image forming device is configured such that the opening / closing portion is not closed when the device is not properly mounted in the housing portion, and the device operation is not started. A column-shaped individual unit used in a recording apparatus, which has an identification display for specifying the color and the mounting direction of the accommodated color toner at a location visible from above at the replacement position, and the color and the mounting direction of the color toner. Only when it is correct, a configuration having an uneven portion or shape that can be normally mounted corresponding to the uneven portion or shape of the housing portion is adopted.

In the columnar individual unit used in the color image recording apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the above-mentioned configuration, the identification display includes an identification display for specifying the color of the stored color toner and an identification display for specifying the mounting direction. A configuration that also serves as a display is adopted.

Further, the present invention may have the following configuration. The present invention includes an electrostatic image carrier that rotates at least and a developing unit that has a toner of a different color, and can form toner images of different colors on the electrostatic image carrier, A plurality of image forming units;
Transfer means for transferring the toner image on the electrostatic image carrier to a transfer body at a single transfer position; exposure means for performing image exposure at a single exposure position associated with the transfer position; A frame body that holds the image forming unit and can be rotationally moved so as to be sequentially positioned at an image forming position corresponding to the exposure position and the transfer position, and a moving unit that rotationally moves the frame body. And, the image forming unit, according to the rotation position of the frame, a single insertion opening for inserting and removing from the device one by one in the radial direction of rotation, according to the rotation position of the frame, respectively The display content changes in accordance with the type of image forming unit to be taken in and out at the rotation position, and has identification display means for identifying the type and orientation of the image forming unit to be mounted. Color toner image, position Combined and transferred to overlap a color image recording apparatus for color image formation. Furthermore, the present invention
A plurality of image forming units each including at least a rotating electrostatic image carrier and developing means having a toner of a different color to form toner images of different colors on the electrostatic image carrier; A unit, a transfer unit that transfers the toner image on the electrostatic image carrier to the transfer body at a single transfer position, and an exposure unit that performs image exposure at a single exposure position corresponding to the transfer position. A frame body that holds the plurality of image forming units and is rotatable so as to be sequentially positioned at an image forming position corresponding to the exposure position and the transfer position, and a moving unit that rotates the frame body And a single insertion opening for inserting and removing the image forming unit from the apparatus one by one in the radial direction of rotation according to the rotational position of the frame, and according to the rotational position of the frame. And each rotation An erroneous mounting preventing means for preventing erroneous mounting of the type and orientation of the image forming unit opposite to the insertion opening in a different shape corresponding to the type of the image forming unit to be taken in and out. Alternatively, a color image recording apparatus may be used in which toner images of different colors are transferred in a superimposed manner to form a color image. Further, the present invention includes the electrostatic image carriers each rotating at least and developing means having toners of different colors, so that toner images of different colors can be formed on the electrostatic image carriers. A plurality of image forming units, transfer means for transferring the toner image on the electrostatic image carrier to the transfer body at a single transfer position, and image exposure at a single exposure position corresponding to the transfer position Exposure means for performing, and a frame that holds the plurality of image forming units, and that can be rotated and moved so as to be sequentially positioned at an image forming position corresponding to the exposure position and the transfer position, and the frame A single insertion window for moving the image forming units into and out of the apparatus one by one according to the rotation position of the frame, and detecting the type of the image forming units. Possible and said The detector manner of detecting changes in accordance with the respective rotational positions of the body, and a mis-insertion detection means for detecting whether kinds whether to be out in each rotational position,
A color image recording apparatus that forms a color image by transferring toner images of different colors onto a transfer member in a superposed manner while adjusting the positions may be used. Further, the present invention includes the electrostatic image carriers each rotating at least and developing means having toners of different colors, so that toner images of different colors can be formed on the electrostatic image carriers. A plurality of image forming units, transfer means for transferring the toner image on the electrostatic image carrier to the transfer body at a single transfer position, and image exposure at a single exposure position corresponding to the transfer position Exposure means for performing
A frame body that holds the plurality of image forming units, and that can rotate and move so as to sequentially correspond to the image forming position corresponding to the exposure position and the transfer position, and a moving unit that rotates the frame body And a position detecting means for detecting a rotational position of the frame, a unit detecting means capable of detecting a type of the image forming unit, and comparing outputs of both the position detecting means and the unit detecting means. Control means for performing either unit presence notification, erroneous mounting notification, or apparatus operation start prevention, or all of them, and transfer toner images of different colors onto the transfer body while aligning and superimposing them. Alternatively, a color image recording apparatus that forms a color image may be used.

With the above arrangement, when replacing the image forming unit for maintenance, the unit of the wrong color is not mounted at the wrong position in the apparatus, and the user can easily maintain the apparatus. Will be able to

According to this configuration, even though various units are inserted and removed from the same unit insertion window, the type of the unit to be automatically inserted can be determined according to the state of the apparatus at that time. The user's work for maintenance is further greatly simplified.

(First Embodiment) A color electrophotographic apparatus using a columnar individual unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a color electrophotographic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, almost black, cyan,
The four fan-shaped image forming units 1Bk, 1C, 1M, and 1Y for each color of magenta and yellow form an image forming unit group, and are arranged in a ring as shown in the figure. Each image forming unit is made of the same constituent members except for the developer contained therein, so that the image forming unit for black will be described for simplification of description, and the other colors will be omitted. In addition, for each color, the same parts are given the same reference numerals, and when it is necessary to distinguish the configuration of each color,
Letters indicating each color are added to the code. FIG. 2 shows the black image forming unit 1Bk in detail.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 9 denotes an organic photoreceptor in which phthalocyanine is dispersed in a polycarbonate binder resin;
0 is a non-rotating magnet fixed coaxially with the photosensitive member 9;
Denotes a charging roller for negatively charging the photoconductor, 13 denotes a signal light by a laser beam, and 14 denotes a developer hopper.

In the developer hopper 14, a two-component developer 26 is prepared by mixing a ferrite carrier 24Bk having a particle diameter of 50 μm, the surface of which is coated with a silicone resin, and a toner 25Bk.
Bk was added, and was adhered to the surface of the photoconductor 9 by magnetic force. The toner used is obtained by dispersing a pigment in a polyester resin and further adding an additive.

Reference numeral 17 denotes a rotatable collecting electrode roller made of aluminum, 16 denotes a non-rotating magnet coaxially fixed inside, 18 denotes an AC high-voltage power supply for applying a voltage to the collecting electrode roller, and 19 denotes a power supply on the collecting electrode roller. A scraper made of polyester film that scrapes toner. Photoconductor 9
Has a diameter of 30 mm and is rotated in the direction of the arrow at a peripheral speed of 60 mm / s. The collecting electrode roller 17 has a diameter of 16 mm and a peripheral speed of 60 mm.
/ S rotated in the direction of the arrow.

Reference numeral 27 denotes a cleaner for cleaning the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive member after the transfer. The operation of the image forming unit configured as described above will be described below with reference to FIG. The photoconductor 9 was charged to −500 V by the charging roller 11. A signal light 1 by a laser beam is applied to the photosensitive member 9.
Irradiation No. 3 to form an electrostatic latent image. At this time, the exposure potential of the photoconductor was -100V.

On the surface of the photosensitive member 9, a two-component developer 26
M was deposited in the developer hopper 14 by magnetic force. Next, the surface of the photoconductor 9 was passed in front of the collection electrode roller 17. When the photosensitive member 9 passes through the uncharged area, the electrode roller 17
750 V0-p (1.5 kV peak-to-peak) on which a 0 V DC voltage was superimposed was applied by an AC high-voltage power supply 18 at a frequency of 1 kHz. Then, -5
When passing through the surface of the photoreceptor 9 on which the electrostatic latent image is written and charged to 00V, the electrode roller 67 is superimposed with a DC voltage of -350 V by the AC high-voltage power supply 18 to 750 V0-p (peak-to-peak 1. 5 kV) AC voltage (frequency 1.5 kHz) was applied. Then, the toner adhered to the carrier and the charged portion on the photoconductor 9 was collected by the electrode roller 17, and a negative-positive toner image was left only on the image portion on the photoconductor 9. Electrode roller 17 rotating in the direction of the arrow
The carrier and the toner adhered to the surface were scraped off by a scraper 19, returned to the developer hopper 14 again, and used for the next image formation.

Thus, a black toner image is obtained on the photoreceptor 9. The image forming unit shown in FIG. 2 is an image forming unit for black, and also shows the vertical position of the image forming unit at the image forming position. In the figure, the developer 26Bk
Is placed on the upper side of the developer hopper 14,
Since is located on the lower side, development and cleaning can be performed smoothly without providing a feed mechanism or a stirring mechanism for moving the developer or toner inside the developer hopper or the cleaner. That is, in the developer hopper, the developer is supplied onto the photoconductor 9 by its own weight, and in the cleaner, the toner scraped by the blade falls to the bottom of the cleaner by its own weight and separates from the photoconductor.

The other developing units 1C, 1M, and 1Y other than black have the same configuration and operate.

The configuration of the printer unit will be described again with reference to FIGS. The image forming units 1Bk, 1C, 1M, and 1Y arranged in an annular shape are supported by a frame 51 (omitted in FIG. 1) having an annular shape of four storage units as shown in FIG. .

Returning to FIG. 1, the image forming unit group supported by the frame 51 is driven as a whole by a moving motor 30 controlled by a control circuit 29, which is a moving means, to form a cylindrical fixed member. It is rotatable in the direction of the arrow around the shaft 31 that is not rotated. Each image forming unit is sequentially moved to an image forming position 50 facing a transfer roller 33 that supports an intermediate transfer belt 32 described below, and is positioned. The image forming position 50 is also an exposure position by the signal light 13.

Reference numeral 3 denotes a laser exposure device, which is a signal light 13 of a laser beam modulated by a signal input to a printer unit.
Which is generated by the image forming units 1Bk and 1Bk in FIG.
The light passes through the optical path formed between the fan sectors of Y, enters the mirror 5 fixed inside the shaft 31 through the transparent window 4 opened in a part of the shaft 31, and is reflected to the image forming position 50. The photosensitive member 9 of a certain image forming unit is irradiated to form a latent image.
In the state of FIG. 1, it acts on the image forming unit 1Bk for black.

Here, since the optical path to the mirror 5 is along the wall surface of the fan-shaped image forming units on both sides, there is almost no wasteful area occupied by the image forming unit group. Further, since the mirror 5 is provided at the center of the image forming unit group, it can be constituted by only one fixed mirror, and has a simple and highly reliable structure for alignment and the like. .

Reference numeral 32 denotes an intermediate transfer belt having a thickness of 100 μm.
Endless belt-shaped film made of polycarbonate that has been subjected to semiconductive treatment, and is wound around transfer roller 33 and stainless steel roller 34 formed of urethane foam with low resistance treatment formed around it, and can be moved in the direction of the arrow. It has become. Here, in this embodiment, the driving roller 3
The distance between the roller 4 and the roller 35 is set so that the peripheral length thereof is slightly longer than the length of the A4 sheet in the longitudinal direction. Transfer roller 3
Reference numeral 3 is lightly pressed through the intermediate transfer belt 32 to the photosensitive member 9 of the unit 1Bk at the image forming position. Roller 34
The transfer roller 3 via the intermediate transfer belt 32
A second transfer roller 35 having the same configuration as that of No. 3 is lightly pressed so as to be able to be driven and rotated.

Intermediate transfer belt 32 and second transfer roller 35
The paper feed sections 36a and 36b
The paper transport path is formed so that paper is sent from the printer.

Reference numeral 40 denotes a belt cleaner section including a belt cleaner for cleaning the intermediate transfer belt.

Reference numeral 44 denotes a fixing device for fixing the toner image on the transferred paper, and reference numeral 45 denotes a discharge roller for discharging the fixed paper. The above is the description of the main configuration of the electrophotographic apparatus of the present invention.

Next, the operation of this apparatus when forming a color image will be described. First, each image forming unit is at a position as shown in FIG. 1, and the image forming unit 1Bk for black is positioned at the image forming position 50. It also faces the transfer roller 33. The black signal light is input to the image forming unit 1Bk by the laser exposure device 3, and an image is formed with black toner. At this time, the image forming unit 1Bk
The image forming speed (equal to the peripheral speed of the photosensitive member) and the moving speed of the intermediate transfer belt are set to be the same. It is transferred to the transfer belt. Immediately after all the black toner images have been transferred, the entire image forming unit groups 1Bk, 1C, 1M, and 1Y are driven by the moving motor 30 to rotate integrally in the direction of the arrow in FIG. The image forming unit 1C rotates to move the image forming unit 1C to the image forming position 50.
Stops, and the image forming unit 1C is positioned. During this movement, the portion of the toner hopper 14 (see FIG. 2) other than the photoconductor of the image forming unit is located inside the rotation arc at the tip of the photoconductor, so that the intermediate transfer belt contacts the image forming unit. Never.

After the image forming unit 1C arrives at the image forming position 50, the laser exposure device inputs signal light to the image forming unit 1C using a cyan signal as before, and forms and transfers a cyan toner image. Will be At this time, the timing of writing the cyan signal light is controlled such that the intermediate transfer belt makes one rotation, and the next cyan toner image is positionally matched with the previously transferred black toner image. During this time, the second
The transfer roller 35 and the cleaner unit 40 are slightly separated from the intermediate transfer belt, and do not act on the toner image thereon.

The same operation as described above is performed for magenta and yellow, and the four color toner images are superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt so as to be aligned with each other to form a color image. After the transfer of the final yellow toner image, the toner images of the four colors are collectively transferred to the sheet sent from the sheet feeding unit 36a or 36b at the same time by the operation of the second transfer roller 35. The toner image transferred to the paper is fixed by the fixing device 44. Thereafter, the sheet is discharged out of the apparatus via a discharge roller 45. The transfer residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt is cleaned by the action of the cleaner unit 40 to prepare for the next image formation.

Next, the operation in the monochrome mode will be described. In the monochrome mode, first, an image forming unit of a predetermined color is moved to an image forming position and positioned. Next, image formation of a predetermined color and transfer to the intermediate transfer belt are performed in the same manner as before, and this transfer is continued as it is, and transfer to the sheet sent from the sheet feeding unit by the next second transfer roller is performed. I will do it.

The above is the description of the overall configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied. However, since the image formation of each color is performed at the same image forming position by the above-described configuration, a simple configuration and accurate color The alignment is possible, and the image forming units are completed independently as one image forming unit for each color, so the configuration is simple and the maintenance is easy, such as easy replacement for each color. It will be.

Further, in this configuration, since each image forming unit including the photosensitive member can be independently adjusted externally, for example, a unit which has already been adjusted at the time of shipment from the factory can be easily replaced without adjustment on site. .

Furthermore, in this configuration, even when a color image is continuously formed, each photosensitive member is inactive every time while forming another color, so that a stable image without electrostatic fatigue can be obtained. can get.

Next, maintenance of the apparatus will be described. It is assumed that the developer of a specific color is not consumed and maintenance is performed. First, the image forming unit group is rotated by the action of the moving motor 30 controlled by the control circuit 29 in response to a command from an operator (by a switch (not shown)), and the image forming unit of the target color is moved to the upper position (FIG. 1). (The position of the image forming unit 1C). Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the operator opens the cover 46 located at the upper part of the apparatus main body, and takes out only the image forming unit of interest from the insertion port 47 to the outside of the apparatus. Next, a new image forming unit of the color adjusted in advance as an image forming unit is mounted.

Therefore, after mounting, image formation can be started without any adjustment. Also, since the image forming unit to be replaced can be replaced at an upper position different from the image forming position, it can be easily taken out of the apparatus because it is not disturbed by the related members such as the transfer unit and is not positioned. Is possible and maintenance is excellent.

Here, if the image forming unit to be newly mounted at the time of replacement is not mounted in an appropriate one of the four storing portions of the frame 51 according to the color of the development, a correct color image is formed. Can not do. Since the image forming units of the respective colors are almost the same in shape, erroneous mounting in which the image forming units are put in the wrong storage unit easily occurs. A configuration for preventing this erroneous mounting in the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 shows the insertion slot 47 and its periphery in a state in which the cover 46 is opened, with the exterior of the apparatus partially sectioned. In this case, of the four storage portions of the frame 51, A cyan storage section 51 </ b> C into which the cyan image forming unit is to be placed faces the insertion slot 47. Black storage section 51B of frame 51
Similarly to the black identification labels 53B and 54B, the identification labels in the form of arrows colored in cyan (not shown) are also provided inside the cyan storage section 51C.
Before attaching the image forming unit, cover 4 is attached.
When the unit 6 is opened, the user can clearly see which color unit should be inserted through the insertion opening. Therefore, the user can easily replace the image forming unit without erroneous mounting.

Further, an identification display plate 52C whose surface is colored cyan is integrally provided at a side end of the frame body 51 corresponding to the cyan storage section 51C. On the other hand, a display window 55 is formed on the exterior of the end portion of the insertion slot 47 at a position facing the identification display plate 52C, and the identification display plate 52C is externally provided.
Is visible. Therefore, the frame 51 shown in FIG.
It is clear to the user that the user should insert the cyan image forming unit at the position shown in FIG.

Furthermore, a label 56 in the shape of an arrow colored in cyan is provided above the cyan image forming unit.
Since C is affixed, it can be seen that the orientation of the unit should be matched with the direction of the arrow on the identification label. Also, when the unit is inserted, it is possible to confirm whether the type and the orientation are correct by the correspondence between the label 56C and the identification display plate 52C.

The same applies to the case where the frame 51 rotates to mount an image forming unit of another color. For example, when the black storage section 51B faces the insertion slot 47, the black identification display labels 53B and 54B and the black identification display plate 5
2B becomes visible from the outside.

The above is the configuration for preventing erroneous mounting in the present embodiment. In this case, the identification label and the identification display
Although the double erroneous mounting prevention is performed by the two means, the object and the effect of the present invention can be achieved by using only one of them.

Further, in this embodiment, the identification display label or the identification display plate is colored in a development color, but a symbol or a character may be used instead of the color identification.

As described above, in this embodiment, the type of the image forming unit to be automatically inserted according to the state of the apparatus at the time even though various image forming units are mounted from one insertion port. Therefore, it is possible to configure a device that is easy to operate and has good maintainability without fear of erroneous mounting.

The above is the description of the configuration and operation of the first embodiment. Second Embodiment Next, the configuration and operation of the second embodiment will be described. The configuration of the main part of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 3), so that the description thereof will be omitted, and the configuration and operation for preventing erroneous mounting will be described with reference to FIGS. .
Only the image forming unit uses the same reference numeral 1C as in the first embodiment.

In the case of this embodiment, projections for preventing erroneous mounting are provided at both ends of the image forming unit. For example, as shown in FIG.
6C and 67C are provided. 6 of these projections
7C is provided at a different position of the image forming unit depending on the type of the image forming unit, that is, the developing color, as described later. The projection 66C and the projection 67C have different vertical lengths.

On the other hand, on both side ends of the cyan storage section 61C of the frame body 61, at a position where the cyan image forming unit 1C is completely mounted and the projections 66C and 67C are engaged, and a corresponding length is provided. Are provided with grooves 63C and 64C.
The position of the groove 64C among these two grooves differs depending on the storage portion of each color of the frame, and as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 5, each storage portion for storing the black, magenta, and yellow units has:
They are formed at 64'B, 64'M, and 64'Y, respectively. On the other hand, the position of the groove 63C is common in each storage section.

Corresponding to the positions of these grooves, the projections on the far side of the projections of the image forming unit (corresponding to the projections 67C of the cyan image forming unit) are provided so as to be shifted in position for each color unit. Each storage section can store only an image forming unit for a predetermined color. Even if the user attempts to insert the image with the wrong color, the projection stops and the image forming unit partially stops beyond the insertion opening 68 and stops. Therefore, when the cover is to be closed as it is, the cover stops in a half-open state.

Further, even if an attempt is made to insert the image forming unit with the back side and the front side reversed, the image forming unit of any color cannot be completely inserted because the length of the groove is different between the back side and the front side.

On the other hand, a switch pressing plate 70 is provided at an end of the cover 69. As shown in FIG.
When the switch 9 is completely closed to the normal position, the switch 71 is operated to be operable. However, when the unit of the wrong color is mounted as described above, the switch does not operate because the cover is not completely closed. Operation cannot be started.

As described above, in the present embodiment, even if an attempt is made to mount the unit with the wrong type or orientation, the unit cannot pass through the insertion slot completely. It is possible to set the state, or to notify the user of erroneous attachment or the like by using an appropriate display means.

The above is the description of the configuration and operation of the second embodiment. Third Embodiment Next, the configuration and operation of the third embodiment will be described. The configuration of the main part of the third embodiment is also the same as that of the first embodiment (from FIG. 1 to FIG. 3), so the description is omitted, and the configuration and operation for preventing erroneous mounting will be described with reference to FIGS. explain. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a portion of the frame when the cyan storage unit is opposed to the insertion slot 47 (FIG. 3).

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
A detection hole for light transmission is provided at a position corresponding to each storage section of the side plate on the front side of the front panel. For example, a detection hole 8 is provided in a portion corresponding to the storage portion 81C of the cyan image forming unit 1C.
2C is provided. The positions of the detection holes are slightly changed by the storage portions of the respective colors. As shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 7, the positions of the detection holes corresponding to the black, magenta, and yellow storage portions are 82, respectively. 'B, 82'M,
The position is 82'Y. The entire front surface of the side plate is made of black, which is hard to reflect light.

On the other hand, on the front side of the image forming unit 1C for cyan, the detection hole 82C
A label 84 partially having a surface 83C for reflecting light is attached only at a position opposed to. The position of the light reflecting surface is different for each color unit, and the black, magenta and yellow units have 83 'in FIG.
Labels having reflective surfaces are attached at positions indicated by B, 83'M, and 83'Y.

Further, at a position facing the label, on the outside of the side plate of the frame body 81, a light reflection detector in which a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion are arranged as a pair of detecting portions and four pairs are arranged side by side to form a set. 85 is provided fixed to the device. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, only the detection unit facing the detection port 82C receives the reflected light and turns on.

With these configurations, the storage section for each color has
Only when the image forming unit of the color to be mounted in the storage unit is mounted, one of the pair of detection units of the photodetector 85 is turned on, and otherwise, there is no response. According to this configuration, which of the four pairs of detectors arranged horizontally detects which pair of detectors is automatically determined by the positions of the detection holes in the respective color storage portions of the frame body 81. With only the set of light reflection detectors 85, it is possible to determine whether or not the type of the image forming unit is mounted in the correct storage unit and how many colors the unit is for. Also, if the image forming unit is inserted in the wrong direction, it will not be detected even if the color is correct.

As described above, in the present embodiment, a large amount of information can be obtained and the erroneous mounting of the unit can be detected by a simple configuration of the detecting means.

When the present configuration is combined with another simple unit presence / absence detecting means (not shown), (1) which color storage section is currently facing the insertion slot 47 as the state of the apparatus; All information such as whether or not the unit is mounted in the storage unit, and (3) whether or not the type and orientation are correct if mounted, can be detected with a simple configuration.
If necessary, the device can be set to an inoperable state, or an appropriate display means can be used to notify the user of erroneous mounting. In this embodiment, the rotational position of the frame 81 is Although the position of the detection hole 82C is made different in each storage part in order to change the detection method according to the above, the object of the present invention can be achieved by other methods such as changing the detector itself according to the frame rotation position. Is reached.

The above is the description of the configuration and operation of the third embodiment. (Fourth Embodiment) Next, the configuration and operation of the fourth embodiment will be described. The configuration of the main part of the fourth embodiment is also the same as that of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 3), so that the description is omitted, and the configuration and operation for preventing erroneous mounting will be described with reference to FIGS. explain.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a frame portion in the case where the cyan storage section faces the insertion slot 47 (FIG. 3).
In this embodiment, parts having the same functions as those in the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The same label 84 as in the third embodiment is attached to the cyan image forming unit 1C. The position of the reflection surface 83C is different for each color, as in the third embodiment.

On the side plate of the frame 91, grooves 92B, 92C, 92M and 92Y are formed at positions facing the label 84 of the unit in a state where the image forming unit is mounted in each storage section. At the same position as in the third embodiment, a unit detector 93 having the same configuration is fixedly installed on the apparatus. Thereby, it is possible to detect how many color units are mounted in the storage portion of the frame body facing the insertion opening.

On the other hand, a shaft detector of the frame 91 is provided with a position detector 94 for detecting the rotational position of the frame. This makes it possible to detect the rotational position of the frame, that is, how many colors of the storage portion of the frame are now facing the insertion opening.

As shown in FIG. 10, the unit detector 93
The output of the position detector 94 is compared with the output of the position detector 94, and is output to an alarm and a drive circuit through a control circuit. For example, when an erroneous mounting is detected, a notifying device for notifying the erroneous insertion or the like is operated by a display means (not shown), and the information is input to a drive circuit to make the device inoperable.

According to the above arrangement, the type of unit to be automatically inserted is determined based on the state of the apparatus at the time, although various units are inserted and removed from the same one unit insertion window. Since the user can be instructed and control the apparatus in response, the user's work for maintenance is greatly simplified.

The above is the description of the fourth embodiment. In the above-described embodiments, a specific developing method is used for the image forming unit. However, even in the case of an image forming unit having a structure using another developing method, the essence and operational effects of the present invention may be changed. Absent.

[0067]

As described above, in the present invention, since the image formation of each color is all performed at the same image formation position, accurate color registration can be performed with a simple configuration. In addition, since the image forming units are completed independently as one image forming unit for each color, the configuration is simple, and maintenance such as easy replacement of the image forming unit adjusted in advance for each color is possible. The properties are also excellent.

When the image forming unit is replaced for maintenance, a unit of the wrong color is not mounted at an incorrect position in the apparatus, and the user can easily maintain the apparatus. .

Further, according to this configuration, although various units are inserted and removed from the same one unit insertion window, the type of the unit to be inserted can be automatically determined based on the state in the apparatus at that time. The user's work for maintenance is further greatly simplified.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a color electrophotographic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an image forming unit used in a color electrophotographic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram when an image forming unit is replaced.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram around a frame of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram around a frame according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a partial configuration diagram of an insertion slot of the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram around a frame body according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of detection of erroneous mounting in the third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram around a frame body according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a detection signal according to a fourth embodiment;

[Explanation of symbols]

 1Bk, 1C, 1M, 1Y Image forming unit 3 Laser exposure device 5 Mirror 9 Photoconductor 13 Signal light 32 Intermediate transfer belt 33 Transfer roller 35 Second transfer roller 47 Insertion port 50 Image forming position 51, 61, 81, 91 Frame

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-6-301288 (JP, A) JP-A-6-250450 (JP, A) JP-A-59-31976 (JP, A) JP-A-62 229257 (JP, A) JP-A-3-27065 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 13/01 G03G 15/01-15/01 117 G03G 15/08 -15/095 G03G 15/16

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A plurality of columnar individual units having the same shape and having a single opening formed on the shaft side smaller than the outer peripheral side for storing color toner in advance and supplying the stored color toner to the outside of the unit. An accommodating portion arranged in a substantially columnar shape around an axis provided in the main body, rotatable around the axis with the opening always located on the outer peripheral side, and detachably supported in a direction perpendicular to the axis. A rotating body having: an image forming means for forming a color image on the photosensitive member; and an intermediate transfer unit which is arranged to face the photosensitive member and accommodates an intermediate transfer member for sequentially transferring color images of each color from the photosensitive member. Transfer means for transferring a color image from the intermediate transfer member to a recording sheet after transferring color images of all colors to the intermediate transfer member; and fixing the color image to the recording sheet after the transfer is completed. An opening / closing unit provided on the upper surface of the device, wherein the length in the front-rear direction of the device is smaller than the diameter of the rotating body, and the opening / closing unit is configured so that only the columnar individual unit requiring replacement can be selectively replaced. Moving means for rotating the rotating body and arranging the columnar individual unit requiring replacement at a replacement position immediately below the opening / closing portion, wherein the housing portion is located at a location visible from above at the replacement position. Having an identification indicating the color and the mounting direction of the color toner to be accommodated, and having an uneven portion or shape that can be normally mounted only when the color and the mounting direction of the color toner of the columnar individual unit are correct; The columnar individual units are stopped in a state where the opening is located on the side at the developing position and the opening is located at the replacement position, and the columnar individual unit is stopped. When replacing the knit, it is configured to be detachable from the opening / closing section on the upper surface of the apparatus only in the stop state with the opening facing upward, and when the columnar individual unit of a specific color is not properly mounted in the correct accommodation section A columnar individual unit used for a color image recording apparatus, wherein the opening / closing section is configured not to be closed and the apparatus operation is not started, wherein the columnar individual unit is housed in a place visible from above at the exchange position. The identification information that specifies the color of the color toner and the mounting direction is provided, and only when the color and the mounting direction of the color toner are correct, the uneven portion or the shape that can be normally mounted in correspondence with the uneven portion or the shape of the storage portion. A column-shaped individual unit for use in a color image recording apparatus. 2. The color image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification display serves as both an identification display for specifying the color of the contained color toner and an identification display for specifying the mounting direction. Column-shaped individual unit.