JP3103540B2

JP3103540B2 - Color image recording device and intermediate transfer unit used for it

Info

Publication number: JP3103540B2
Application number: JP11277656A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 肇山本; 浩寺田
Original assignee: Panasonic Corp; Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Corp; Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 1999-09-29
Filing date: 1999-09-29
Publication date: 2000-10-30
Anticipated expiration: 2015-10-30
Also published as: JP2000081747A

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

【０００１】[0001]

【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、カラープリンタ，
カラー複写機やカラーファックス等に応用できるカラー
画像記録装置とそれに用いる中間転写ユニットに関する
ものである。The present invention relates to a color printer,
The present invention relates to a color image recording apparatus applicable to a color copying machine, a color facsimile, and the like, and an intermediate transfer unit used therein.

【０００２】[0002]

【従来の技術】一般に、電子写真でカラー画像を形成す
るためには、イエロ，マゼンタ，シアン，黒の各色のト
ナー像を転写材上で重ね合わせてカラー像を形成する方
法がとられている。このカラー像の形成方法としては、
単一の感光体上に順次各色のトナー像を形成し、転写ド
ラムに巻き付けた転写材を回転させて繰り返しこの感光
体に対向させ、そこで順次形成される各色のトナー像を
重ねて転写していく転写ドラム方式と、複数の像形成部
を並べて配置しベルトなどで搬送される転写材にそれぞ
れの像形成部の位置を通過させて順次各色のトナー像を
転写して重ねていく連続重ね方式が一般的である。2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in order to form a color image by electrophotography, a method of forming a color image by superposing toner images of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black on a transfer material is used. . As a method of forming this color image,
A toner image of each color is sequentially formed on a single photoconductor, and the transfer material wound around the transfer drum is rotated to repeatedly face the photoconductor. A transfer drum system, and a continuous superimposition system in which multiple image forming units are arranged side by side, and the toner images of each color are sequentially transferred and superimposed on the transfer material conveyed by a belt, etc., at the position of each image forming unit. Is common.

【０００３】前者の転写ドラム方式を用いたものに、特
開平１−252982号公報に示されるカラー画像形成装置が
ある。図５は上記転写ドラム方式の従来例の全体構成の
概要を示すものであり、以下その構成と動作を簡単に説
明する。図５において、101は感光体で、これに対向し
て帯電器102と現像部103と転写ドラム104とクリーナ105
が設けられている。現像部103は、イエロ色のトナー像
をつくるためのＹ現像器106とマゼンタ色のためのＭ現
像器107とシアン色のためのＣ現像器108と黒色のための
Ｂk現像器109とで構成され、現像器群全体が回転して各
々の現像器が順次感光体101に対向して現像可能の状態
になる。転写ドラム104と感光体101は、動作中は対向し
ながらそれぞれ矢印方向に一定速度で回転している。A color image forming apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-252982 is one using the former transfer drum system. FIG. 5 shows an outline of the entire configuration of a conventional example of the transfer drum system, and the configuration and operation will be briefly described below. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 101 denotes a photoreceptor, which is opposed to the photoreceptor 102, a developing unit 103, a transfer drum 104, and a cleaner 105.
Is provided. The developing unit 103 includes a Y developing unit 106 for forming a yellow toner image, an M developing unit 107 for magenta, a C developing unit 108 for cyan, and a Bk developing unit 109 for black. Then, the entire developing device group rotates, and each developing device sequentially faces the photoconductor 101 to be in a developable state. During operation, the transfer drum 104 and the photoreceptor 101 rotate at a constant speed in the direction of the arrow while facing each other.

【０００４】まず、動作が開始すると感光体101が矢印
方向に回転するとともに、その表面が帯電器102によっ
て一様に帯電される。その後、感光体101表面は、１色
目のイエロの像を形成するための信号で変調されたレー
ザビーム110を照射されて、潜像が形成される。さらに
この潜像は最初に感光体に対向しているイエロのＹ現像
器106に現像されて、イエロのトナー像が形成される。
形成されたイエロのトナー像が転写ドラム104に対向す
る位置にくるときまでに、すでに転写ドラム104の外周
には給紙部111から送られた転写材としての１枚の用紙
が先端を爪部112でつかまれて巻き付けられており、そ
の用紙の所定の位置に感光体上のイエロのトナー像が対
向して出会うようにタイミングがとられてトナー像は形
成される。First, when the operation starts, the photosensitive member 101 rotates in the direction of the arrow, and the surface thereof is uniformly charged by the charger 102. Thereafter, the surface of the photoconductor 101 is irradiated with a laser beam 110 modulated with a signal for forming a first color yellow image, thereby forming a latent image. Further, this latent image is first developed in the yellow Y developing device 106 facing the photoreceptor to form a yellow toner image.
By the time the formed yellow toner image comes to a position facing the transfer drum 104, one sheet of the transfer material sent from the paper feeding unit 111 is already on the outer periphery of the transfer drum 104 with the claw part The toner image is formed such that the yellow toner image on the photoreceptor is opposed to a predetermined position on the sheet and meets the sheet.

【０００５】感光体上のイエロのトナー像が転写帯電器
113の作用により用紙に転写された後、感光体表面はク
リーナ105により清掃されて、次の色の像形成の準備が
なされる。続いてマゼンタ，シアン，黒のトナー像も同
様に形成されるが、そのとき現像部103は色に応じて用
いる各現像器を感光体に対向させて現像可能の状態にす
る。転写ドラムの径は最長の用紙が巻き付けられ、かつ
各色の像間で現像器の交換が間に合うように充分の大き
さを持っている。A yellow toner image on a photoreceptor is transferred to a charger.
After being transferred onto the sheet by the action of 113, the surface of the photoreceptor is cleaned by the cleaner 105 to prepare for the formation of the next color image. Subsequently, magenta, cyan, and black toner images are formed in the same manner. At that time, the developing unit 103 sets each developing device used according to the color to a photosensitive member so as to be in a developable state. The diameter of the transfer drum is large enough to allow the longest sheet to be wound and to replace the developing device between images of each color in time.

【０００６】各色の像形成のためのレーザビーム110の
照射は、回転につれて感光体上の各色のトナー像と転写
ドラム上の用紙に既に転写されたトナー像とが位置的に
合致されて対向するようにタイミングがとられて行われ
る。このようにして４色のトナー像が転写ドラム104上
で用紙に重ねて転写されて、用紙上にカラー像が形成さ
れる。すべての色のトナー像が転写された後、用紙は剥
離爪114により転写ドラム104から剥されて、搬送部115
を経て定着器116により上のトナー像が定着され、装置
外へ排出される。以上が従来例の構成と動作の簡単な説
明である。In the irradiation of the laser beam 110 for forming an image of each color, the toner image of each color on the photoreceptor and the toner image already transferred on the paper on the transfer drum are opposed to each other as the rotation is performed. And so on. In this way, the toner images of the four colors are transferred onto the sheet on the transfer drum 104 in a superimposed manner, and a color image is formed on the sheet. After the toner images of all colors have been transferred, the paper is peeled from the transfer drum 104 by the peeling nails 114,
, The upper toner image is fixed by the fixing device 116, and is discharged out of the apparatus. The above is a brief description of the configuration and operation of the conventional example.

【０００７】一方、連続転写方式を用いたカラー画像形
成装置の例としては特開平１−250970号公報がある。こ
の例では４色の像形成のためにそれぞれが感光体，光走
査手段などを含んだ４つの像形成ステーションが並び、
ベルトに搬送された用紙がそれぞれの感光体の下部を通
過してトナー像が重ね合わされる。さらにまた、転写材
上に異なる色のトナー像を重ねてカラー像を形成する他
の方法として、感光体上に順次形成される各色トナー像
を中間転写材上に一旦重ねて、これを最後に一括して転
写材に移す方法が特開平２−212867号公報で開示されて
いる。On the other hand, as an example of a color image forming apparatus using a continuous transfer method, there is Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-250970. In this example, four image forming stations each including a photoreceptor, an optical scanning unit, and the like are arranged for forming images of four colors.
The paper conveyed to the belt passes under the respective photoconductors, and the toner images are superimposed. Further, as another method of forming a color image by superimposing toner images of different colors on a transfer material, each color toner image sequentially formed on a photoreceptor is temporarily superimposed on an intermediate transfer material, and this is finally finished. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-212867 discloses a method of transferring the transfer material to the transfer material at one time.

【０００８】[0008]

【発明が解決しようとする課題】以上のような従来例の
うち転写ドラム方式では、異なる色のトナー像の位置を
合わせて重ねるために転写ドラムを用いている。この転
写ドラムを感光体に対して同速度で回転させ、さらに像
の先端のタイミングを合わせることによって、カラー像
を形成する場合の各色トナー像の相互位置を合致させて
いる。しかしながら上記のような構成においては、転写
ドラムに用紙を巻き付ける必要があるため、転写ドラム
の径が一定の大きさ以上必要であり、またその構造が非
常に複雑なため、装置が大がかりなものとなっていた。
また葉書や厚紙など腰の強い用紙は、転写ドラムに巻き
付けることができないため使用不可能であった。Among the conventional examples described above, in the transfer drum system, a transfer drum is used to align and overlap toner images of different colors. The transfer drum is rotated at the same speed with respect to the photoconductor, and the timing of the leading edge of the image is adjusted to match the mutual positions of the toner images of each color when forming a color image. However, in the above-described configuration, it is necessary to wind the paper around the transfer drum, so that the diameter of the transfer drum needs to be a certain size or more, and since the structure is very complicated, the apparatus becomes large. Had become.
Also, stiff paper such as postcards and cardboard cannot be used because they cannot be wound around the transfer drum.

【０００９】一方、連続転写方式は、色数に対応した像
形成位置を有しており、そこに用紙を次々と通過させれ
ばよいため転写ドラムが不要であるが、この場合には感
光体上に潜像を形成するためのレーザ光学系などの潜像
形成手段が色の数に対応して複数個必要であり、構造が
非常に複雑で高価になった。さらにまた、像形成位置が
複数箇所あるため、各色の像形成部の相対的な位置関係
が色ズレに大きく影響した。特に潜像形成手段による潜
像の各色間の位置合わせを正確に行う必要があり、特開
平１−250970号公報にも示されているように、潜像形成
手段である像露光系に相当の工夫と複雑な構成が必要で
あるという問題点があった。On the other hand, the continuous transfer method has an image forming position corresponding to the number of colors, and a sheet must be passed one after another to eliminate the need for a transfer drum. A plurality of latent image forming means such as a laser optical system for forming a latent image thereon is required in accordance with the number of colors, and the structure becomes very complicated and expensive. Furthermore, since there are a plurality of image forming positions, the relative positional relationship between the image forming units of each color greatly affected the color shift. In particular, it is necessary to accurately perform the alignment between the respective colors of the latent image by the latent image forming means, and as shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-250970, it corresponds to an image exposure system which is a latent image forming means. There was a problem that a device and a complicated configuration were required.

【００１０】本発明の目的は上記問題点に鑑み、中間転
写部の構成が小型シンプルでメンテナンス性の良い優れ
たカラー画像記録装置とそれに用いる中間転写ユニット
を提供することである。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a color image recording apparatus having a simple and simple structure of an intermediate transfer section and excellent in maintainability, and an intermediate transfer unit used therefor.

【００１１】[0011]

【課題を解決するための手段】本発明のカラー画像記録
装置は、軸側が外周側よりも小さく形成され且つ一部に
カラートナーの収容部を有する同一形状の複数の柱状個
別ユニットを、各々回転軸と垂直方向にのみ着脱可能な
状態で略円柱状に集合配置した回転体と、感光体上にカ
ラー画像を形成する像形成手段と、前記感光体と対向配
置され前記感光体から順次各色のカラー画像を転写する
中間転写体を収容し、装置本体と着脱自在に設けられた
中間転写ユニットと、前記感光体から前記中間転写体に
全ての色のカラー画像を転写した後に、前記転写体から
記録用紙にカラー画像を転写する転写手段と、前記転写
終了後の記録用紙にカラー画像を定着する定着手段と、
前記中間転写ユニットを、転写位置に固定するとともに
前記感光体の回転軸と垂直方向に引出可能に収容する中
間転写ユニット収容部と、を具備し、前記柱状個別ユニ
ットは、予めユニット内部に収容したカラートナーをユ
ニット外部に供給する単一の開口部を有し、現像位置に
おいて前記開口部が側方に位置する状態で、交換位置に
おいて前記開口部が上方に位置する状態で、それぞれ停
止するとともに、前記柱状個別ユニットの交換に際し
て、前記開口部を上方に向けた前記交換位置における停
止状態でのみ、前記回転体の軸と垂直方向に装置上面の
開閉部から着脱可能に構成され、前記中間転写ユニット
は、他の像形成手段を像形成位置から移動させることな
く、装置前面の開閉部から、装置外に取出し可能且つ転
写待機位置に装着可能であるとともに、前記中間転写ユ
ニットの交換に際して、前記感光体表面を傷つけないよ
う前記感光体回転軸と垂直方向に前記感光体から離間し
て、装置前方に引き出すことにより、前記装置前面の開
閉部から取出可能に構成される。これにより、小型シン
プルでメンテナンス性のよい中間転写ユニットを有する
カラー画像記録装置を得ることができ、しかも、中間転
写ユニット交換に際して、感光体を傷つけることがな
い。According to the color image recording apparatus of the present invention, the shaft side is formed smaller than the outer peripheral side and a part thereof is formed.
A plurality of columnar pieces of the same shape having a color toner storage section
Separate units can be attached and detached only in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis
In this state, the rotating body assembled and arranged in a substantially cylindrical shape
Image forming means for forming a color image;
And sequentially transfer color images of each color from the photoconductor.
Contains the intermediate transfer member and is provided detachably with the main body of the device.
An intermediate transfer unit, from the photosensitive member to the intermediate transfer member;
After transferring color images of all colors, from the transfer body
Transfer means for transferring a color image to a recording sheet;
Fixing means for fixing the color image on the recording paper after the end;
While fixing the intermediate transfer unit at the transfer position
While the photoconductor is housed so that it can be pulled out in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photoconductor.
And an inter-transfer unit accommodating section.
The unit uses color toner stored in advance inside the unit.
Has a single opening to supply outside the knit,
In the replacement position with the opening located on the side
In the state where the opening is located upward,
When replacing the individual columnar unit.
Stop at the exchange position with the opening facing upward.
Only in the stop state, the upper surface of the device is perpendicular to the axis of the rotating body.
The intermediate transfer unit is configured to be detachable from an opening / closing unit.
Does not move other image forming means from the image forming position.
From the opening / closing part on the front of the device
The intermediate transfer unit can be
When replacing the knit, do not damage the photoconductor surface
Away from the photoconductor in a direction perpendicular to the photoconductor rotation axis.
The front of the device by pulling it out in front of the device.
It is configured to be able to be removed from the closed part. This makes it possible to obtain a color image recording apparatus having a small, simple and easy-to-maintain intermediate transfer unit, and does not damage the photoconductor when the intermediate transfer unit is replaced.

【００１２】[0012]

【発明の実施の形態】本発明の第１の態様のカラー画像
記録装置は、感光体上にカラー画像を形成する像形成手
段と、前記感光体と対向配置され前記感光体から順次各
色のカラー画像を転写する中間転写体を収容し、装置本
体と着脱自在に設けられた中間転写ユニットと、前記感
光体から前記中間転写体に全ての色のカラー画像を転写
した後に、前記転写体から記録用紙にカラー画像を転写
する転写手段と、前記転写終了後の記録用紙にカラー画
像を定着する定着手段と、前記中間転写ユニットを、転
写位置に固定するとともに前記感光体の回転軸と垂直方
向に引出可能に収容する中間転写ユニット収容部と、を
具備する構成とした。本発明の第２の態様のカラー画像
記録装置は、感光体上にカラー画像を形成する像形成手
段と、前記感光体と対向配置され前記感光体から順次各
色のカラー画像を転写する中間転写ベルトと前記中間転
写ベルトを支持する複数のローラとを収容し、装置本体
と着脱自在に設けられた中間転写ベルトユニットと、前
記感光体から前記中間転写ベルトに全ての色のカラー画
像を転写した後に、前記転写ベルトから記録用紙にカラ
ー画像を転写する転写手段と、前記転写終了後の記録用
紙にカラー画像を定着する定着手段と、前記中間転写ベ
ルトユニットを、転写位置に固定するとともに前記感光
体の回転軸と垂直方向に引出可能に収容する中間転写ベ
ルトユニット収容部と、を具備する構成とした。本発明
第３の態様のカラー画像記録装置は、第２の態様におい
て、中間転写ベルトユニットは、前記感光体と対向する
第1ローラと前記転写手段と対向する第２ローラとを含
み、中間転写ベルトユニット収容部は、前記第１ローラ
を前記感光体の回転軸と垂直方向に案内して前記第１ロ
ーラと前記感光体とを離間させる形状とした。本発明第
４の態様のカラー画像記録装置の中間転写ベルトユニッ
ト交換方法は、感光体上にカラー画像を形成する像形成
手段と、前記感光体と対向配置され前記感光体から順次
各色のカラー画像を転写する中間転写ベルトと前記中間
転写ベルトを支持する複数のローラとを収容し、装置本
体と着脱自在に設けられた中間転写ベルトユニットと、
前記感光体から前記中間転写ベルトに全ての色のカラー
画像を転写した後に、前記転写ベルトから記録用紙にカ
ラー画像を転写する転写手段と、前記転写終了後の記録
用紙にカラー画像を定着する定着手段と、前記中間転写
ベルトユニットを、転写位置に固定するとともに前記感
光体の回転軸と垂直方向に引出可能に収容する中間転写
ベルトユニット収容部と、を具備し、中間転写ベルトユ
ニットは、前記感光体と対向する第1ローラと前記転写
手段と対向する第２ローラとを含み、中間転写ベルトユ
ニット収容部は、前記第１ローラを前記感光体の回転軸
と垂直方向に案内して前記第１ローラと前記感光体とを
離間させる形状であるカラー画像記録装置における中間
転写ベルトユニット交換方法において、前記中間転写ベ
ルトユニットの交換時に、中間転写ベルトユニット全体
を、中間転写ベルトユニット収容部から前記感光体回転
軸と垂直方向に引き出すことにより、前記第１ローラを
前記感光体から離間させる、ようにした。本発明の第５
の態様の中間転写ユニット及び第６の態様の中間転写ベ
ルトユニットは、第１の態様乃至第３のいずれかの態様
のカラー画像記録装置に使用するようにした。また、以
下のような構成としてもよい。本発明の他の態様のカラ
ー画像記録装置は、各々が少なくとも回動する感光体と
それぞれ色の異なるトナーを有する現像手段とを備え、
前記感光体上にそれぞれ異なった色のトナー像を形成す
る複数の移動可能な像形成ユニットと、単一の露光位置
と単一の転写位置より構成される像形成位置と、前記複
数の像形成ユニットを円環状に配置した像形成ユニット
群と、前記複数の像形成ユニットのそれぞれを、前記単
一の像形成位置に順次位置せしめるため前記像形成ユニ
ット群全体を回転移動させる移動手段と、信号光を発生
する露光手段と、前記像形成ユニット群の回転移動のほ
ぼ回転中心部に配置され、前記露光手段の信号光を前記
単一の露光位置に導くミラーと、前記像形成位置に位置
する像形成ユニットの感光体に前記信号光を露光し、ト
ナーにより現像した後、前記トナー像を前記単一の転写
位置で転写し、カラートナー像を重ね合わせて形成する
中間転写ベルトと、前記中間転写体上のカラートナー像
を、受像シート上に転写する第２転写手段と、前記受像
シート上に転写したトナー像を定着する定着手段とを有
すカラー画像記録装置であって、前記中間転写ベルト
と、前記中間転写ベルトのトナーをクリーニングするク
リーナとが中間転写ベルトユニットを構成し、前記中間
転写ベルトユニットのカラー画像記録装置筐体からの着
脱方向が前記像形成ユニットの前記感光体の回転軸垂直
方向である構成とする。本発明の他の態様の中間転写ベ
ルトユニットは、各々が少なくとも回動する感光体とそ
れぞれ色の異なるトナーを有する現像手段とを備え、前
記感光体上にそれぞれ異なった色のトナー像を形成する
複数の移動可能な像形成ユニットと、単一の露光位置と
単一の転写位置より構成される像形成位置と、前記複数
の像形成ユニットを円環状に配置した像形成ユニット群
と、前記複数の像形成ユニットのそれぞれを、前記単一
の像形成位置に順次位置せしめるため前記像形成ユニッ
ト群全体を回転移動させる移動手段と、信号光を発生す
る露光手段と、前記像形成ユニット群の回転移動のほぼ
回転中心部に配置され、前記露光手段の信号光を前記単
一の露光位置に導くミラーと、前記像形成位置に位置す
る像形成ユニットの感光体に前記信号光を露光し、トナ
ーにより現像した後、前記トナー像を前記単一の転写位
置で転写し、カラートナー像を重ね合わせて形成する中
間転写ベルトと、前記中間転写ベルトをクリーニングす
るベルトクリーナと、前記中間転写ベルトをクリーニン
グし回収された廃トナーを溜めおく廃トナー溜めと、前
記中間転写体上のカラートナー像を受像シート上に転写
する第２転写手段と、前記受像シート上に転写したトナ
ー像を定着する定着手段とを有するカラー画像記録装置
に用いる装置であって、前記中間転写ベルトと、前記中
間転写ベルトのトナーをクリーニングするベルトクリー
ナと、前記廃トナー溜めとがユニットを構成し、カラー
画像記録装置筐体から前記像形成ユニットの前記感光体
に対し回転軸垂直方向に着脱可能な構成とする。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A color image recording apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises an image forming means for forming a color image on a photoreceptor, and a color image of each color which is disposed opposite to the photoreceptor and sequentially from the photoreceptor. An intermediate transfer unit for transferring an image is accommodated, an intermediate transfer unit detachably provided to the apparatus main body, and after transferring color images of all colors from the photoconductor to the intermediate transfer unit, recording is performed from the transfer unit. Transfer means for transferring a color image to paper, fixing means for fixing the color image on the recording paper after the transfer, and fixing the intermediate transfer unit at a transfer position and in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photoconductor. And an intermediate transfer unit accommodating section accommodating the drawer. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a color image recording apparatus, comprising: an image forming unit configured to form a color image on a photoconductor; and an intermediate transfer belt arranged to face the photoconductor and sequentially transfer color images of each color from the photoconductor. And a plurality of rollers supporting the intermediate transfer belt, and an intermediate transfer belt unit detachably provided to the apparatus main body, and after transferring color images of all colors from the photoconductor to the intermediate transfer belt. A transfer unit for transferring a color image from the transfer belt to a recording sheet, a fixing unit for fixing a color image on the recording sheet after the transfer, and fixing the intermediate transfer belt unit at a transfer position and the photosensitive member. And an intermediate transfer belt unit accommodating portion which is accommodated so as to be able to be pulled out in the vertical direction with respect to the rotation axis. In a color image recording apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect, the intermediate transfer belt unit includes a first roller facing the photosensitive member and a second roller facing the transfer unit, The belt unit accommodating portion is configured to guide the first roller in a direction perpendicular to a rotation axis of the photoconductor to separate the first roller from the photoconductor. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for replacing an intermediate transfer belt unit of a color image recording apparatus, comprising: an image forming unit for forming a color image on a photoconductor; An intermediate transfer belt unit that houses an intermediate transfer belt that transfers the image and a plurality of rollers that support the intermediate transfer belt, and is provided detachably with the apparatus main body,
A transfer unit that transfers color images of all colors from the photoconductor to the intermediate transfer belt, and then transfers the color images from the transfer belt to recording paper; and a fixing unit that fixes the color images on the recording paper after the transfer is completed. Means, and an intermediate transfer belt unit accommodating portion for fixing the intermediate transfer belt unit at a transfer position and accommodating the intermediate transfer belt unit so that the intermediate transfer belt unit can be pulled out in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photoreceptor. A first roller facing the photoconductor and a second roller facing the transfer unit, wherein the intermediate transfer belt unit housing section guides the first roller in a direction perpendicular to a rotation axis of the photoconductor, and In the method for exchanging an intermediate transfer belt unit in a color image recording apparatus having a shape in which one roller is separated from the photoconductor, the intermediate transfer belt unit is exchanged. Occasionally, the first roller is separated from the photoconductor by pulling out the entire intermediate transfer belt unit from the housing of the intermediate transfer belt unit in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photoconductor. The fifth of the present invention
The intermediate transfer unit of the embodiment and the intermediate transfer belt unit of the sixth embodiment are used for the color image recording apparatus of any one of the first to third embodiments. Further, the following configuration may be adopted. A color image recording apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes a photoreceptor that rotates at least and a developing unit that includes toner of different colors.
A plurality of movable image forming units for forming toner images of different colors on the photoreceptor, an image forming position including a single exposure position and a single transfer position, and the plurality of image forming units An image forming unit group in which units are arranged in an annular shape, moving means for rotating and moving the entire image forming unit group to sequentially position each of the plurality of image forming units at the single image forming position, An exposure means for generating light, a mirror arranged at substantially the rotation center of the rotational movement of the image forming unit group, for guiding the signal light of the exposure means to the single exposure position, and a mirror located at the image formation position After exposing the signal light to the photoreceptor of the image forming unit and developing with toner, the toner image is transferred at the single transfer position, and an intermediate transfer belt that forms a color toner image by superimposition. A color image recording apparatus comprising: a second transfer unit that transfers a color toner image on the intermediate transfer member onto an image receiving sheet; and a fixing unit that fixes the toner image transferred onto the image receiving sheet. The intermediate transfer belt and a cleaner for cleaning the toner of the intermediate transfer belt constitute an intermediate transfer belt unit, and the direction of attachment / detachment of the intermediate transfer belt unit from a casing of the color image recording apparatus is the same as that of the photoconductor of the image forming unit. In the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis. An intermediate transfer belt unit according to another aspect of the present invention includes a photoreceptor that rotates at least and developing means having toners of different colors, and forms toner images of different colors on the photoreceptor. A plurality of movable image forming units, an image forming position including a single exposure position and a single transfer position, an image forming unit group in which the plurality of image forming units are arranged in an annular shape, Moving means for rotating and moving the entire image forming unit group to sequentially position each of the image forming units at the single image forming position; exposure means for generating signal light; and rotation of the image forming unit group. The mirror is arranged at a substantially rotation center of the movement and guides the signal light of the exposure unit to the single exposure position, and the signal light is applied to a photosensitive member of an image forming unit located at the image forming position. Illuminating, developing with toner, transferring the toner image at the single transfer position, and forming an intermediate transfer belt by superimposing color toner images; a belt cleaner for cleaning the intermediate transfer belt; A waste toner reservoir for cleaning the transfer belt and storing the collected waste toner, a second transfer means for transferring the color toner image on the intermediate transfer member onto an image receiving sheet, and a toner image transferred on the image receiving sheet. A color image recording apparatus having a fixing unit for fixing, wherein the intermediate transfer belt, a belt cleaner for cleaning toner of the intermediate transfer belt, and a waste toner reservoir constitute a unit, and a color image is formed. The image forming unit may be detachably attached to the photosensitive member of the image forming unit in a direction perpendicular to a rotation axis from a recording apparatus housing.

【００１３】上記カラー画像記録装置の構成について、
カラー電子写真装置を例として、図１を用いて説明す
る。図１において、１はカラー電子写真プリンタの外装
筐であり、図面右端面側が前面である。１Ａはプリンタ
前面板であり、該前面板はプリンタの外装筐１に対して
下辺側のヒンジ１Ｂを中心に二点鎖線表示のように倒し
開き操作および実線表示のように起こし閉じ操作自由で
ある。プリンタ内に対する中間転写ベルトユニット２の
着脱操作や紙詰まり時などのプリンタ内部点検保守等は
前面板１Ａを倒し開いてプリンタ内部を大きく開放する
ことにより行われる。この中間転写ベルトユニット２の
着脱動作は、感光体の回転軸に対し垂直方向になるよう
に設計されている。[0013] Regarding the configuration of the color image recording apparatus,
An example of a color electrophotographic apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an outer casing of a color electrophotographic printer, and a right end face side in the drawing is a front face. Reference numeral 1A denotes a printer front plate. The front plate can be freely opened and closed as shown by a two-dot chain line and raised and closed as shown by a solid line with respect to a hinge 1B on the lower side of the outer casing 1 of the printer. . The operation of attaching / detaching the intermediate transfer belt unit 2 to / from the inside of the printer, and checking / maintenance / maintenance of the inside of the printer such as when a paper jam occurs are performed by opening the front plate 1A to open the inside of the printer. The attachment / detachment operation of the intermediate transfer belt unit 2 is designed to be perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photoconductor.

【００１４】中間転写ベルトユニット２の構成を図２に
示す。中間転写ベルトユニット２はユニットハウジング
２aに、中間転写ベルト３，導電性弾性体よりなる第１
転写ローラ４，アルミローラよりなる第２転写ローラ
５，中間転写ベルト３の張力を調整するテンションロー
ラ６，中間転写ベルト３上に残ったトナー像をクリーニ
ングするクリーニングローラ７，クリーニングローラ７
上に回収したトナーを掻き落すスクレーパ８，回収した
トナーを溜めておく廃トナー溜め９aおよび９b，転写ベ
ルトの位置を検出する位置検出器10を内包させてなるも
ので、図１においてプリンタ前面板１Ａを二点鎖線のよ
うに倒し開いてプリンタ外装筐１内の所定の収納部に対
して着脱自在である。FIG. 2 shows the structure of the intermediate transfer belt unit 2. The intermediate transfer belt unit 2 includes a unit housing 2a, an intermediate transfer belt 3, and a first conductive elastic body.
A transfer roller 4, a second transfer roller composed of an aluminum roller 5, a tension roller 6 for adjusting the tension of the intermediate transfer belt 3, a cleaning roller 7 for cleaning the toner image remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 3, and a cleaning roller 7
1 includes a scraper 8 for scraping the collected toner, waste toner reservoirs 9a and 9b for storing the collected toner, and a position detector 10 for detecting the position of the transfer belt. 1A is folded down like a two-dot chain line and opened to be detachable from a predetermined storage portion in the printer outer casing 1.

【００１５】中間転写ベルト３は、厚さ100μmのエンド
レスベルト状の半導電性のウレタンを基材としたフィル
ムよりなり、周囲に低抵抗処理をしたウレタンフォーム
を成形した第１転写ローラ４および第２転写ローラ５に
巻回し、矢印方向に移動可能になっている。ここで、中
間転写ベルト３の周長は、最大用紙サイズであるＡ４用
紙の長手方向の長さ(298mm)に、後述する感光体ドラム
(直径30mm)の周長の半分より若干長い長さ(52mm)を足し
た350mmに設定している。The intermediate transfer belt 3 is formed of an endless belt-like semiconductive urethane film having a thickness of 100 μm, and a first transfer roller 4 and a first transfer roller 4 around which are formed a urethane foam having a low resistance treatment. It is wound around two transfer rollers 5 and is movable in the direction of the arrow. Here, the peripheral length of the intermediate transfer belt 3 is set to a length (298 mm) in the longitudinal direction of A4 paper, which is the maximum paper size, and a photosensitive drum described later.
The length is set to 350 mm, which is a length (52 mm) that is slightly longer than half of the circumference of (diameter 30 mm).

【００１６】また、導電性の第１転写ローラ４は10⁷Ωc
mの抵抗をもち、プリンタ本体に装着されたときには、
中間転写ベルト３を介して感光体に1.0kgの力で圧接さ
れる。第２転写ローラ５には、中間転写ベルト３を介し
て上記の第１転写ローラ４と同様の構成の第３転写ロー
ラ35(図１に図示)が、従動回転可能に軽く圧接してい
る。さらに、クリーニングローラ７は、中間転写ベルト
３を清掃するベルトクリーナ部のローラである。これ
は、金属性のローラにトナーを静電的に吸引する交流電
圧を印加する構成である。The conductive first transfer roller 4 has a resistance of 10 ⁷ Ωc.
m, and when attached to the printer body,
The photosensitive member is pressed against the photosensitive member via the intermediate transfer belt 3 with a force of 1.0 kg. A third transfer roller 35 (shown in FIG. 1) having the same configuration as that of the above-described first transfer roller 4 is lightly pressed to the second transfer roller 5 via the intermediate transfer belt 3 so as to be driven and rotatable. Further, the cleaning roller 7 is a roller of a belt cleaner section for cleaning the intermediate transfer belt 3. This is a configuration in which an AC voltage for electrostatically attracting toner is applied to a metallic roller.

【００１７】図３は中間転写ベルトユニット２の内部に
設けられた位置検出器10の構成を示す斜視図である。中
間転写ベルト３の端部には位置検出孔11があり、位置検
出器10はその位置検出孔11の通過を光学的に検出するこ
とによって、中間転写ベルト３上でのカラー像の位置合
わせを行う構成である。FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the structure of the position detector 10 provided inside the intermediate transfer belt unit 2. A position detection hole 11 is provided at an end of the intermediate transfer belt 3, and a position detector 10 optically detects the passage of the position detection hole 11 to adjust the position of the color image on the intermediate transfer belt 3. Configuration.

【００１８】再び、図１に戻る。プリンタ中央には黒，
シアン，マゼンタ，イエロの各色用の４組の扇型をした
像形成ユニット12Ｂk、12Ｙ、12Ｍ、12Ｃが像形成ユニ
ット群13を構成し、図のように円環状に配置されてい
る。各像形成ユニットは、図１のプリンタ上面板１Ｃを
ヒンジ１Ｄを中心に開いて像形成ユニット群13の所定の
位置に着脱自在である。像形成ユニット12はプリンタ内
に正規に装着されることにより像形成ユニット側とプリ
ンタ側の両者側の機械的駆動系統，電気回路系統が相互
カップリング部材(不図示)を介して結合して機械的，電
気的に一体化する。Referring back to FIG. Black in the center of the printer,
Four fan-shaped image forming units 12Bk, 12Y, 12M, and 12C for each color of cyan, magenta, and yellow form an image forming unit group 13, and are arranged in an annular shape as shown in the figure. Each image forming unit is detachable at a predetermined position of the image forming unit group 13 by opening the printer upper plate 1C of FIG. 1 around the hinge 1D. The image forming unit 12 is properly mounted in the printer, so that the mechanical drive system and the electric circuit system on both the image forming unit side and the printer side are connected via a mutual coupling member (not shown). And electrical integration.

【００１９】円環状に配置されている像形成ユニット12
Ｂk，12Ｃ，12Ｍ，12Ｙは支持体(図示せず)に支持され
ており、全体として移動手段である移動モータ14に駆動
され、固定されて回転しない円筒状の軸15の周りに回転
移動可能になっている。各像形成ユニットは、順次、前
述の中間転写ベルト３を支持する第２転写ローラ４に対
向した像形成位置16に位置することができる。像形成位
置16はレーザ信号光17による露光位置でもある。An image forming unit 12 arranged in an annular shape
Bk, 12C, 12M, and 12Y are supported by a support (not shown), and are driven by a moving motor 14 as a whole, and are rotatable about a fixed, non-rotating cylindrical shaft 15. It has become. Each image forming unit can be sequentially positioned at the image forming position 16 facing the second transfer roller 4 supporting the above-described intermediate transfer belt 3. The image forming position 16 is also an exposure position by the laser signal light 17.

【００２０】各像形成ユニットは、中に入れる現像剤を
除きそれぞれ同じ構成部材よりなるので、説明を簡略化
するため黒用の像形成ユニット12Ｂkについて説明し、
他の色については省略する。なお、各色用について、同
じ部分には同じ符号を付し、各色の構成の区別をつける
必要がある場合は、符号に各色を示す文字を付す。図４
に黒用像形成ユニット12Ｂkを詳細に示す。ここでは、
発明者らが特願平４−50274号に開示した現像法を用い
ているが、通常の電子写真法に用いる現像法であればい
かなるものでもよいことは言うまでもない。図４におい
て、18はフタロシアニンをポリカーボネート系バインダ
樹脂に分散した有機感光体、19は感光体18と同軸で固定
された回転しない磁石、20は感光体18をマイナスに帯電
する帯電ローラ、17はレーザビーム走査光(レーザ信号
光)、21はレーザビームが像形成ユニットに進入する露
光窓、22は現像剤ホッパーである。現像剤ホッパー22に
は、表面をシリコン樹脂でコートした粒径50μmのフェ
ライトキャリヤ23Ｂkとポリエステル樹脂に黒顔料を分
散したトナー24Ｂkを混合した２成分現像剤25Ｂkを入
れ、磁石19の磁力により感光体18表面に付着させる。26
はアルミニウム製の回転可能な回収電極ローラ、27はそ
の内部に同軸で固定された回転しない磁石、28は回収電
極ローラ26に電圧を印加する交流高圧電源、29は回収電
極ローラ26上のトナーを掻き落すポリフェニレンサルフ
ァイド製のスクレーパである。感光体18の直径は30mm
で、周速60mm/sで矢印方向に回転させ、回収電極ローラ
26は直径16mmで、周速60mm／sで矢印方向に回転させ
た。30は転写後の感光体表面に残ったトナーを清掃する
クリーナである。Each of the image forming units is made of the same constituent members except for the developer to be put into the image forming units. Therefore, the image forming unit 12Bk for black will be described in order to simplify the description.
The description of other colors is omitted. Note that, for each color, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and when it is necessary to distinguish the configuration of each color, a character indicating each color is denoted by the reference numeral. FIG.
The image forming unit 12Bk for black is shown in detail in FIG. here,
Although the inventors have used the developing method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 4-50274, it goes without saying that any developing method may be used as long as it is a developing method used in a general electrophotographic method. In FIG. 4, 18 is an organic photoreceptor in which phthalocyanine is dispersed in a polycarbonate binder resin, 19 is a non-rotating magnet fixed coaxially with the photoreceptor 18, 20 is a charging roller for negatively charging the photoreceptor 18, and 17 is a laser. Beam scanning light (laser signal light), 21 is an exposure window through which a laser beam enters the image forming unit, and 22 is a developer hopper. A two-component developer 25Bk obtained by mixing a ferrite carrier 23Bk having a particle diameter of 50 μm and a toner 24Bk in which a black pigment is dispersed in a polyester resin is put into the developer hopper 22 and the photosensitive member is magnetized by the magnet 19. 18 Adhere to the surface. 26
Is a rotatable collecting electrode roller made of aluminum, 27 is a non-rotating magnet coaxially fixed inside, 27 is an AC high-voltage power supply for applying a voltage to the collecting electrode roller 26, and 29 is a toner on the collecting electrode roller 26. A scraper made of polyphenylene sulfide to be scraped off. The diameter of the photoconductor 18 is 30 mm
And rotate it in the direction of the arrow at a peripheral speed of 60 mm / s
26 has a diameter of 16 mm and was rotated in the direction of the arrow at a peripheral speed of 60 mm / s. Reference numeral 30 denotes a cleaner for cleaning the toner remaining on the surface of the photoconductor after transfer.

【００２１】再び図１に戻り説明する。31はプリンタ外
装筐１内の下側に配設したレーザビームスキャナ部(レ
ーザ露光装置)であり、半導体レーザ，スキャナモータ3
1a，ポリゴンミラー31b，レンズ系31c等から構成されて
いる。該スキャナ部31からの画像情報の時系列電気画素
信号に対応したレーザ信号光17は図１の像形成ユニット
12Ｂkと12Ｙの間に構成された光路窓口32を通って、軸1
5の一部に開けられた窓33を通して軸15内の固定された
ミラー34に入射し、反射されて像形成位置16にある像形
成ユニット12Ｂkの露光窓21から像形成ユニット12Ｂk内
にほぼ水平に進入し、像形成ユニット内に上下に配設さ
れている現像剤ホッパー22とクリーナ30との間の通路を
通って感光体18の左側面の露光部に入射し、感光体18面
が母線方向に走査露光される。Returning to FIG. 1, the description will be continued. Reference numeral 31 denotes a laser beam scanner unit (laser exposure device) arranged below the inside of the printer outer casing 1, and includes a semiconductor laser, a scanner motor 3
1a, a polygon mirror 31b, a lens system 31c, and the like. The laser signal light 17 corresponding to the time-series electric pixel signal of the image information from the scanner unit 31 is applied to the image forming unit shown in FIG.
Through the optical path window 32 formed between 12Bk and 12Y, the axis 1
The light enters a fixed mirror 34 in the shaft 15 through a window 33 opened in a part of 5, and is reflected and substantially horizontal from the exposure window 21 of the image forming unit 12Bk at the image forming position 16 into the image forming unit 12Bk. Through the passage between the developer hopper 22 and the cleaner 30 disposed vertically in the image forming unit, and enters the exposed portion on the left side of the photoreceptor 18, and the surface of the photoreceptor 18 Scanning exposure is performed in the direction.

【００２２】ここで光路窓口32からミラー34までの光路
は両隣の像形成ユニット12Ｂkと12Ｙとのユニット間の
隙間を利用しているため、像形成ユニット群13には無駄
になる空間をほとんどなくすことができる。また、ミラ
ー34は像形成ユニット群13の中央部に設けられているた
め、固定された単一のミラーで構成することができ、シ
ンプルでかつ位置合わせ等が容易な構成である。Here, since the optical path from the optical path window 32 to the mirror 34 utilizes the gap between the adjacent image forming units 12Bk and 12Y, the image forming unit group 13 almost eliminates wasted space. be able to. Further, since the mirror 34 is provided at the center of the image forming unit group 13, the mirror 34 can be constituted by a single fixed mirror, which is simple and easy to align.

【００２３】35はプリンタ前面板１Ａの内側に配設した
第３転写ローラであり、中間転写ベルト３と第３転写ロ
ーラ35との圧接されたニップ部には、プリンタ前面板１
Ａの下部に設けた紙給送ローラ36により用紙が送られて
くるように用紙搬送路が形成されている。37はプリンタ
前面板１Ａの下辺側に外方に突出させて設けた給紙カセ
ットであり、複数の紙Ｓを同時にセットできる。38aと3
8bは紙搬送タイミングローラ、39a，39bはプリンタの内
側上部に設けた定着ローラ対、40は第３転写ローラ35と
定着ローラ対39a，39b間に設けた紙ガイド板、41a，41b
は定着ローラ対39a，39bの紙出口側に配設した紙排出ロ
ーラ対、42は定着ローラ39aに供給するシリコンオイル4
3を溜める定着オイル溜め、44はシリコンオイル43を定
着ローラ39aに塗布するオイル供給ローラである。Reference numeral 35 denotes a third transfer roller disposed inside the printer front plate 1A. A nip portion where the intermediate transfer belt 3 and the third transfer roller 35 are pressed against each other is provided with a printer front plate 1A.
A sheet transport path is formed so that the sheet is fed by a sheet feed roller 36 provided below A. Reference numeral 37 denotes a sheet cassette provided on the lower side of the printer front plate 1A so as to protrude outward, and can set a plurality of sheets S at the same time. 38a and 3
8b is a paper transport timing roller, 39a and 39b are a pair of fixing rollers provided on the upper inside of the printer, 40 is a paper guide plate provided between the third transfer roller 35 and the pair of fixing rollers 39a and 39b, 41a and 41b.
Is a pair of paper discharge rollers disposed on the paper exit side of the pair of fixing rollers 39a and 39b, and is a silicone oil 4 supplied to the fixing roller 39a.
Reference numeral 44 denotes an oil supply roller for applying silicone oil 43 to the fixing roller 39a.

【００２４】上記本発明の電子写真装置の構成によっ
て、複雑な構成の中間転写ベルト部をユニット化できた
ため、中間転写ベルトが劣化したときにはユーザがユニ
ットごと交換することが可能になりメンテナンス性も優
れたものとなる。さらに、ベルトクリーナを本体側に装
着し中間転写ベルトだけを交換する構成にすると、ベル
トクリーナと中間転写ベルトとの位置がずれやすく、ク
リーニング不良の原因になりやすかったが、本発明では
中間転写ベルトとクリーナとを一体にして交換する構成
のため、クリーナと中間転写ベルトとの位置を固定で
き、クリーニング不良の発生を防止できる。また、中間
転写ベルト部と中間転写ベルトを清掃したときに出る廃
トナーの廃トナー溜めとをユニット化したため、廃トナ
ーの処理をユニットごと交換することによって捨てるこ
とが可能になりメンテナンス時にユーザの手を汚すこと
がない。さらにまた、中間転写ベルトユニットを感光体
の回転軸と水平方向(図１の紙面手前側)に引き出す構成
にすると、ユニットの着脱時に転写ベルト３と感光体18
とがこすり合わされるため、感光体に傷がつきやすかっ
た、本発明では、中間転写ベルトユニットを感光体回転
軸と垂直方向(図１の図面斜め右上方向)に引き出す構成
にしたことにより、中間転写ベルトと感光体とがこすり
合わされることなく、感光体を傷つけることがない。な
お、本発明のように中間転写ベルトユニットをプリンタ
前面側から引き出す構成にすると、中間転写ベルトユニ
ットの着脱構成と、プリンタの紙ジャム時の紙を取り去
るための構成とを同一構成にでき、装置がシンプルにな
る。According to the configuration of the electrophotographic apparatus of the present invention, the intermediate transfer belt portion having a complicated configuration can be unitized, so that when the intermediate transfer belt is deteriorated, the user can replace the entire unit and the maintenance is excellent. It will be. Furthermore, if the belt cleaner is attached to the main body and only the intermediate transfer belt is replaced, the position of the belt cleaner and the intermediate transfer belt is easily shifted, which is likely to cause a cleaning failure. And the cleaner are integrally replaced, so that the position of the cleaner and the intermediate transfer belt can be fixed, and the occurrence of poor cleaning can be prevented. In addition, since the intermediate transfer belt unit and the waste toner reservoir generated when the intermediate transfer belt is cleaned are unitized, the waste toner processing can be discarded by exchanging the entire unit. Will not pollute. Further, if the intermediate transfer belt unit is configured to be pulled out in the horizontal direction (on the front side in FIG. 1) with respect to the rotation axis of the photoconductor, the transfer belt 3 and the photoconductor 18
In the present invention, the intermediate transfer belt unit is pulled out in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photoreceptor (in the upper right direction in FIG. 1). The transfer belt and the photoconductor are not rubbed with each other, and the photoconductor is not damaged. When the intermediate transfer belt unit is drawn out from the front side of the printer as in the present invention, the configuration for attaching and detaching the intermediate transfer belt unit and the configuration for removing the paper when the paper jams in the printer can be made the same. Becomes simple.

【００２５】以下、本発明の一実施例のカラー電子写真
装置の動作について、図１と図４とを参照しながら説明
する。まず、図４を用いて像形成ユニットの動作を説明
する。感光体18を帯電ローラ20で、−500Ｖに帯電させ
た。この感光体18にレーザビーム走査光(レーザ信号光)
17を照射し静電潜像を形成した。このとき感光体18の露
光電位は−100Ｖであった。この感光体18表面上に、２
成分現像剤25Ｂkを現像剤ホッパー22内で磁力により付
着させた。次に感光体18表面を回収電極ローラ26の前を
通過させた。感光体18の未帯電域の通過時には、回収電
極ローラ26には交流高圧電源28により、＋100Ｖの直流
電圧を重畳した750Ｖ0-p(ピーク・ツー・ピーク 1.5kV)
の交流電圧(周波数３kHzの矩形波)を印加した。その
後、−500Ｖに帯電し静電潜像が書き込まれた感光体18
表面の通過時には、回収電極ローラ26には交流高圧電源
28により、−300Ｖの直流電圧を重畳した750Ｖ0-p(ピー
ク・ツー・ピーク 1.5kV)の交流電圧(周波数３kHzの矩
形波)を印加した。すると、感光体18上の現像剤と非画
像部分に付・オたトナーは回収電極ローラ26に回収さ
れ、感光体18上には画像部にのみネガポジ反転したトナ
ー像が残った。矢印方向に回転する回収電極ローラ26に
付着した現像剤とトナーは、スクレーパ29によって掻き
取り、再び現像剤ホッパー22内に戻し次の像形成に用い
た。こうして感光体18上には黒色のトナー像が得られ
た。黒色以外の他の現像器12Ｃ，12Ｍ，12Ｙについても
同様の動作を行った。The operation of the color electrophotographic apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. First, the operation of the image forming unit will be described with reference to FIG. The photoreceptor 18 was charged to -500 V by the charging roller 20. Laser beam scanning light (laser signal light)
Irradiation was carried out to form an electrostatic latent image. At this time, the exposure potential of the photoreceptor 18 was -100V. On the surface of this photoreceptor 18, 2
The component developer 25Bk was deposited in the developer hopper 22 by magnetic force. Next, the surface of the photoconductor 18 was passed in front of the collection electrode roller 26. When the photosensitive member 18 passes through the uncharged area, the recovery electrode roller 26 is superimposed with a DC voltage of +100 V by an AC high-voltage power supply 28 to 750 V0-p (1.5 kV peak-to-peak).
AC voltage (rectangular wave having a frequency of 3 kHz) was applied. Thereafter, the photosensitive member 18 charged to -500 V and the electrostatic latent image is written thereon
When passing through the surface, the collection electrode roller 26 has an AC high-voltage power supply.
According to 28, an AC voltage (rectangular wave having a frequency of 3 kHz) of 750 V0-p (1.5 kV peak-to-peak) superimposed with a DC voltage of -300 V was applied. Then, the developer and the toner attached to the non-image portion on the photoreceptor 18 were collected by the collection electrode roller 26, and a negative-positive toner image was left only on the image portion on the photoreceptor 18. The developer and toner adhering to the collection electrode roller 26 rotating in the direction of the arrow were scraped off by the scraper 29, returned to the developer hopper 22 again, and used for the next image formation. Thus, a black toner image was obtained on the photoreceptor 18. The same operation was performed for the other developing units 12C, 12M, and 12Y other than black.

【００２６】次に図１の装置のカラー像形成時の動作を
説明する。最初、像形成ユニット群13は図１に示す位置
にあり、黒の像形成ユニット12Ｂkが図示のように像形
成位置16にある。このとき感光体18は中間転写ベルト３
を介して第１転写ローラ４に対向している。先に説明し
た像形成ユニットの像形成工程により、レーザ露光装置
(レーザビームスキャナ部)31により黒の信号光が像形成
ユニット12Ｂkに入力され、黒トナーによる像形成が行
われる。このとき像形成ユニット12Ｂkの像形成の速度
(感光体の周速に等しい)と中間転写ベルト３の移動速度
は同一になるように設定されており、像形成と同時に第
１転写ローラ４の作用で、黒トナー像が中間転写ベルト
３に転写される。黒のトナー像がすべて転写し終わった
直後に、像形成ユニット群12Ｂk，12Ｃ，12Ｍ，12Ｙは
像形成ユニット群13全体が移動モータ14に駆動されて一
体的に図１の矢印方向に回転移動し、ちょうど90度回転
して像形成ユニット12Ｃが像形成位置16に達した位置で
止まる。この間、像形成ユニットの感光体以外のトナー
ホッパー(現像剤ホッパー)22やクリーナ30(図４参照)の
部ェは感光体18先端の回転円弧より内側に位置している
ので、中間転写ベルト３が像形成ユニットに接触するこ
とはない。像形成ユニット12Ｃが像形成位置16に到着
後、前と同様に今度はシアンの信号でレーザ露光装置31
が像形成ユニット12Ｃに信号光を入力し、シアンのトナ
ー像の形成と転写が行われる。このとき、中間転写ベル
ト３が１回転してきて、前に転写された黒のトナー像に
次のシアンのトナー像が位置的に合致するように、図２
に示す位置検出器10からの信号に基づいてシアンの信号
光の書き込みタイミングが制御される。この間、第３転
写ローラ35とクリーニングローラ７(図２)は中間転写ベ
ルト３から少し離されており、転写ベルト上のトナー像
を乱さないように構成されている。上記と同様の動作を
マゼンタ，イエロについても行い、中間転写ベルト３上
には４色のトナー像が位置的に合致して重ね合わされカ
ラー像が形成された。最後のイエロトナー像の転写後、
４色のトナー像はタイミングを合わせて給紙カセット37
から送られる用紙に、第３転写ローラ35の作用で一括転
写された。用紙ノ転写されたトナー像は定着ローラ対39
a，39bにより定着された。用紙はその後排出ローラ対41
a，41bを経て装置外に排出された。中間転写ベルト３上
に残った転写残りのトナーは、クリーナローラ７の作用
で清掃され次の像形成に備えた。次に単色モード時の動
作を説明する。単色モード時は、まず所定の色の像形成
ユニットが像形成位置に移動される。次に前と同様に所
定の色の像形成と中間転写ベルト３への転写を行い、今
度は転写後そのまま続けて、次の第３転写ローラ35によ
り給紙カセット37から送られてくる用紙に転写をし、そ
のまま定着する。Next, the operation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 when forming a color image will be described. Initially, the image forming unit group 13 is at the position shown in FIG. 1, and the black image forming unit 12Bk is at the image forming position 16 as shown. At this time, the photosensitive member 18 is
Is opposed to the first transfer roller 4. By the image forming process of the image forming unit described above, the laser exposure apparatus
(Laser beam scanner unit) 31 inputs a black signal light to the image forming unit 12Bk, and forms an image with black toner. At this time, the image forming speed of the image forming unit 12Bk
(Equal to the peripheral speed of the photoconductor) and the moving speed of the intermediate transfer belt 3 are set to be the same, and the black toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 3 by the action of the first transfer roller 4 simultaneously with the image formation. Transcribed. Immediately after all of the black toner images have been transferred, the image forming unit groups 12Bk, 12C, 12M, and 12Y are integrally rotated in the direction of the arrow in FIG. Then, the image forming unit 12C rotates exactly 90 degrees and stops at the position where the image forming unit 12C reaches the image forming position 16. During this time, since the portions of the toner hopper (developer hopper) 22 and the cleaner 30 (see FIG. 4) other than the photoconductor of the image forming unit are located inside the rotation arc at the tip of the photoconductor 18, the intermediate transfer belt 3 Does not contact the image forming unit. After the image forming unit 12C arrives at the image forming position 16, as before, this time, the laser exposure device 31 is operated with a cyan signal.
Inputs signal light to the image forming unit 12C, and formation and transfer of a cyan toner image are performed. At this time, the intermediate transfer belt 3 makes one rotation, and the next cyan toner image coincides in position with the previously transferred black toner image in FIG.
The writing timing of the cyan signal light is controlled based on the signal from the position detector 10 shown in FIG. During this time, the third transfer roller 35 and the cleaning roller 7 (FIG. 2) are slightly separated from the intermediate transfer belt 3 so as not to disturb the toner image on the transfer belt. The same operation as above was performed for magenta and yellow, and the four color toner images were superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 3 in a position-matched manner to form a color image. After the transfer of the last yellow toner image,
The four color toner images are adjusted in timing with the paper feed cassette 37.
Are collectively transferred to the sheet fed from the printer by the action of the third transfer roller 35. The transferred toner image is transferred to the fixing roller pair 39.
a, 39b. The paper is then ejected to pair 41
a, and was discharged outside the device via 41b. The transfer residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 3 is cleaned by the action of the cleaner roller 7 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. Next, image formation of a predetermined color and transfer to the intermediate transfer belt 3 are performed in the same manner as before, and the transfer is continued as it is after the transfer, and the next third transfer roller 35 transfers the sheet to the sheet fed from the sheet cassette 37. Transfer and fix.

【００２７】次に、この装置のメンテナンスに関する説
明をする。特定の色の現像剤が消費され、メンテナンス
をする場合を想定する。まず、移動モータ14の作用によ
り像形成ユニット群13を回転して、注目の色の像形成ユ
ニットを上部位置(図１の像形成ユニット12Ｃの位置)に
移動する。そして装置本体上部に位置したカバー(プリ
ンタ上面板１Ｃ)をあけて、そこから注目の像形成ユニ
ットを装置外に取り出す。次に、あらかじめ画像濃度を
調整した新しい像形成ユニットを装着する。これによ
り、像形成ユニット装着後は何ら調整することなく像形
成が開始できる。中間転写ベルト３はおおよそ３万ペー
ジで寿命になる。このときまでに溜った廃トナーは廃ト
ナー溜め９a，９bに溜められる。ユーザは装置本体前面
部に位置するカバー(前面板１Ａ)をあけて、そこから中
間転写ベルトユニット２を装置外に取り出す。次に、あ
らかじめ中間転写ベルトユニットとしてクリーナ等が調
整済みの新しいユニットを装着する。したがって、ユニ
ット装着後は何ら調整することなく像形成が開始でき
る。なお、以上の実施例では、像形成ユニットの構造と
してチ定のものを用いたが、他にコンベンショナルな現
像法を用いた構造の像形成ユニットの場合でも、本発明
の本質と作用効果は変わることがない。Next, the maintenance of the apparatus will be described. It is assumed that a developer of a specific color is consumed and maintenance is performed. First, the image forming unit group 13 is rotated by the action of the moving motor 14, and the image forming unit of the target color is moved to the upper position (the position of the image forming unit 12C in FIG. 1). Then, the cover (printer top plate 1C) located at the top of the apparatus body is opened, and the image forming unit of interest is taken out of the apparatus from the cover. Next, a new image forming unit whose image density has been adjusted in advance is mounted. Thus, after the image forming unit is mounted, image formation can be started without any adjustment. The life of the intermediate transfer belt 3 is about 30,000 pages. The waste toner accumulated up to this time is accumulated in the waste toner reservoirs 9a and 9b. The user opens the cover (front plate 1A) located at the front of the apparatus main body, and takes out the intermediate transfer belt unit 2 out of the cover. Next, a new unit with a cleaner or the like adjusted in advance is mounted as an intermediate transfer belt unit. Therefore, after the unit is mounted, image formation can be started without any adjustment. In the above embodiment, the structure of the image forming unit is the same as that of the first embodiment. However, even in the case of an image forming unit having a structure using a conventional developing method, the essence and the function and effect of the present invention vary. Nothing.

【００２８】[0028]

【発明の効果】本発明は上記した構成によって、複雑な
転写ドラムが不要で、像露光系の位置合わせのための複
雑な構成も不要な、小型でシンプルな構成で色同士の位
置合わせが正確に行え、なおかつ感光体や現像器を含む
トナー像形成部の構成がユニット化され、また中間転写
ベルト部もユニット化されたので、簡単で小型化できか
つメンテナンス性の良い、優れたカラー画像記録装置と
それに用いる中間転写ユニットが得られるという効果を
有する。さらに本構成では、中間転写ベルトユニットを
感光体の回転軸と垂直方向に引き出す構成にしたため、
着脱動作時に感光体と転写ベルトとがこすり合わされて
傷つけることがない。さらにまた本構成では、中間転写
ベルトと廃トナー溜めとを一体構成にしたため、メンテ
ナンス時にユーザの手を汚すことなく交換できるという
効果を有する。According to the present invention, the above arrangement eliminates the need for a complicated transfer drum and eliminates the need for a complicated arrangement for aligning the image exposure system. In addition, since the configuration of the toner image forming unit including the photoreceptor and the developing unit is unitized, and the intermediate transfer belt unit is also unitized, excellent color image recording that is simple, compact, and easy to maintain. This has the effect that an apparatus and an intermediate transfer unit used for the apparatus can be obtained. Further, in this configuration, the intermediate transfer belt unit is configured to be pulled out in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photoconductor,
The photosensitive member and the transfer belt are not rubbed against each other during the attaching / detaching operation, so that the transfer belt is not damaged. Furthermore, in this configuration, since the intermediate transfer belt and the waste toner reservoir are integrated, there is an effect that replacement can be performed without soiling the user's hands during maintenance.

[Brief description of the drawings]

【図１】本発明の一実施例におけるカラー電子写真装置
の構成図FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a color electrophotographic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

【図２】本発明の一実施例のカラー電子写真装置に用い
られる中間転写ベルトユニットの構成図FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an intermediate transfer belt unit used in the color electrophotographic apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

【図３】本発明の一実施例のカラー電子写真装置に用い
られる中間転写ベルトユニットの位置検出器の構成を示
す構成図FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a position detector of an intermediate transfer belt unit used in the color electrophotographic apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

【図４】本発明の一実施例のカラー電子写真装置に用い
られる像形成ユニットの構成を示す構成図FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of an image forming unit used in a color electrophotographic apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

【図５】従来のカラー電子写真装置の構成図FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a conventional color electrophotographic apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

１外装筐１Ａ前面板１Ｂ、１Ｄヒンジ１Ｃプリンタ上面板２中間転写ベルトユニット２a ユニットハウジング３中間転写ベルト４第１転写ローラ５第２転写ローラ６テンションローラ７クリーニングローラ８a スクレーパ９a、９b 廃トナー溜め 10 位置検出器 11 位置検出孔 12Ｂk、12Ｃ、12Ｍ、12Ｙ像形成ユニット 13 像形成ユニット群 14 移動モータ 15 軸 16 像形成位置 17 レーザ信号光 18、101 感光体 19、27 磁石 20 帯電ローラ 21 露光窓 22 現像剤ホッパー 23 フェライトキャリア 24 トナー 25 ２成分現像剤 26 回収電極ローラ 28 交流高圧電源 29 スクレーパ 30、105 クリーナ 31 レーザ露光装置(レーザビームスキャナ部) 31a スキャナモータ 31b ポリゴンミラー 31c レンズ系 32 光路窓口 33 窓 34 ミラー 35 第３転写ローラ 36 紙給送ローラ 37 給紙カセット 38a、38b 紙搬送タイミングローラ 39(39a、39b) 定着ローラ対 40 紙ガイド板 41(41a、41b) 紙排出ローラ対 42 定着オイル溜め 43 シリコンオイル 44 オイル供給ローラ 102 帯電器 103 現像部 104 転写ドラム 106 Ｙ現像器 107 Ｍ現像器 108 Ｃ現像器 109 Ｂk現像器 110 レーザビーム 111 給紙部 112 爪部 113 転写帯電器 114 剥離爪 115 搬送部 116 定着器 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Exterior case 1A Front plate 1B, 1D hinge 1C Printer top plate 2 Intermediate transfer belt unit 2a Unit housing 3 Intermediate transfer belt 4 First transfer roller 5 Second transfer roller 6 Tension roller 7 Cleaning roller 8a Scraper 9a, 9b Waste toner reservoir 10 Position detector 11 Position detection hole 12Bk, 12C, 12M, 12Y Image forming unit 13 Image forming unit group 14 Moving motor 15 Axis 16 Image forming position 17 Laser signal light 18, 101 Photoconductor 19, 27 Magnet 20 Charging roller 21 Exposure Window 22 Developer hopper 23 Ferrite carrier 24 Toner 25 Two-component developer 26 Recovery electrode roller 28 AC high-voltage power supply 29 Scraper 30, 105 Cleaner 31 Laser exposure device (laser beam scanner) 31a Scanner motor 31b Polygon mirror 31c Lens system 32 Optical path Window 33 Window 34 Mirror 35 Third transfer roller 36 Paper feed roller 37 Paper feed Cassette 38a, 38b Paper transport timing roller 39 (39a, 39b) Fixing roller pair 40 Paper guide plate 41 (41a, 41b) Paper discharge roller pair 42 Fixing oil reservoir 43 Silicon oil 44 Oil supply roller 102 Charger 103 Developing unit 104 Transfer Drum 106 Y developing unit 107 M developing unit 108 C developing unit 109 Bk developing unit 110 Laser beam 111 Paper feed unit 112 Claw unit 113 Transfer charger 114 Peeling claw 115 Transport unit 116 Fixing unit

フロントページの続き (58)調査した分野(Int.Cl.⁷，ＤＢ名) G03G 13/01 G03G 15/01 - 15/01 117 G03G 15/16 G03G 15/08 - 15/095 G03G 21/16 - 21/18 Continued on the front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 13/01 G03G 15/01-15/01 117 G03G 15/16 G03G 15/08-15/095 G03G 21/16- 21/18

Claims

(57) [Claims]

A plurality of individual columnar units each having the same shape and having a shaft side smaller than the outer peripheral side and having a color toner accommodating portion in a part thereof are substantially circular in a state where they can be attached and detached only in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis. A rotating body arranged in a columnar arrangement, an image forming means for forming a color image on the photoconductor, an intermediate transfer body arranged opposite to the photoconductor and sequentially transferring color images of each color from the photoconductor, An intermediate transfer unit detachably provided to the main body, a transfer unit configured to transfer color images of all colors from the photoconductor to the intermediate transfer body, and then transfer a color image from the transfer body to recording paper; Fixing means for fixing a color image on recording paper after transfer is completed; and an intermediate transfer unit fixing the intermediate transfer unit at a transfer position and accommodating the intermediate transfer unit so as to be able to be pulled out in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photoconductor. The column-shaped individual unit has a single opening for supplying the color toner previously accommodated inside the unit to the outside of the unit, and the opening is located laterally at the developing position. In the replacement position, the opening is stopped in a state where the opening is located above, and when the columnar individual unit is replaced, the rotation is performed only in the stopped state in the replacement position with the opening facing upward. The intermediate transfer unit is configured to be detachable from an opening / closing unit on the upper surface of the apparatus in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the body, and without moving other image forming means from an image forming position, from the opening / closing unit on the front of the apparatus to the outside of the apparatus. It can be taken out and can be attached to the transfer standby position, and is perpendicular to the photoconductor rotation axis so as not to damage the photoconductor surface when replacing the intermediate transfer unit. The spaced apart from the photosensitive member in direction, by pulling on the front of the apparatus, said constructed from the front of the apparatus of the opening and closing portion retrievable, the color image recording apparatus characterized by.

2. A plurality of columnar individual units of the same shape, each having a shaft side smaller than the outer circumference side and having a color toner accommodating part in a part thereof, each of which can be attached and detached only in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis. A rotating body arranged in a columnar manner, an image forming means for forming a color image on a photoreceptor, an intermediate transfer belt disposed opposite to the photoreceptor and sequentially transferring color images of respective colors from the photoreceptor, and the intermediate transfer belt And an intermediate transfer belt unit detachably provided to the apparatus main body, and after transferring color images of all colors from the photoconductor to the intermediate transfer belt, Transfer means for transferring a color image to recording paper, fixing means for fixing the color image on the recording paper after the transfer, and fixing the intermediate transfer belt unit at a transfer position. And an intermediate transfer belt unit accommodating section that accommodates the intermediate transfer belt unit so as to be able to be pulled out in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photoconductor, wherein the columnar individual unit supplies the color toner previously accommodated inside the unit to the outside of the unit. In the state where the opening is located laterally at the developing position, the state where the opening is located upward at the replacement position, and stop, respectively, when replacing the columnar individual unit, Only when stopped at the exchange position with the opening facing upward, the intermediate transfer belt unit is configured to be detachable from an opening / closing unit on the upper surface of the apparatus in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the rotator. It can be taken out of the apparatus from the opening / closing section on the front surface of the apparatus without being moved from the image forming position and can be attached to the transfer standby position. When the photoreceptor belt unit is replaced, the photoreceptor is separated from the photoreceptor in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photoreceptor so as not to damage the photoreceptor surface, and is pulled out toward the front of the apparatus so that the photoreceptor can be taken out from the opening / closing section on the front of the apparatus. A color image recording apparatus, characterized in that:

3. An intermediate transfer belt unit includes a first roller facing a photoreceptor and a second roller facing a transfer unit, and the intermediate transfer belt unit accommodating portion rotates the first roller by rotating the photoreceptor. 3. The color image recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first roller and the photosensitive member are separated from each other by being guided in a direction perpendicular to an axis.

4. A plurality of columnar individual units of the same shape, each having a shaft side smaller than the outer circumference side and having a color toner accommodating part in a part thereof, each of which can be attached and detached only in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis. A rotating body arranged in a columnar manner, an image forming means for forming a color image on a photoreceptor, an intermediate transfer belt disposed opposite to the photoreceptor and sequentially transferring color images of respective colors from the photoreceptor, and the intermediate transfer belt And an intermediate transfer belt unit detachably provided to the apparatus main body, and after transferring color images of all colors from the photoconductor to the intermediate transfer belt, Transfer means for transferring a color image to recording paper, fixing means for fixing the color image on the recording paper after the transfer, and fixing the intermediate transfer belt unit at a transfer position. And an intermediate transfer belt unit accommodating section that accommodates the intermediate transfer belt unit so as to be able to be pulled out in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photoconductor, wherein the columnar individual unit supplies the color toner previously accommodated inside the unit to the outside of the unit. In the state where the opening is located laterally at the developing position, the state where the opening is located upward at the replacement position, and stop, respectively, when replacing the columnar individual unit, Only when stopped at the exchange position with the opening facing upward, the intermediate transfer belt unit is configured to be detachable from an opening / closing unit on the upper surface of the apparatus in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the rotator. It can be taken out of the apparatus from the opening / closing section on the front surface of the apparatus without being moved from the image forming position and can be attached to the transfer standby position. When the photoreceptor belt unit is replaced, the photoreceptor is separated from the photoreceptor in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photoreceptor so as not to damage the photoreceptor surface, and is pulled out toward the front of the apparatus so that the photoreceptor can be taken out from the opening / closing section on the front of the apparatus. In the method of replacing the intermediate transfer belt unit in the color image recording apparatus, when replacing the intermediate transfer belt unit, open the opening and closing unit, take out the intermediate transfer belt unit, load the new intermediate transfer belt unit, A method of replacing an intermediate transfer belt unit of a color image recording apparatus, comprising: performing a replacement operation from a front side of the apparatus in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photoconductor by closing an opening / closing unit.

5. A plurality of units having a color toner storage section.
Separate units can be attached and removed in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis
A rotating body collectively arranged in a columnar shape, an image forming means for forming a color image on the photoconductor, and a color image of each color sequentially arranged from the photoconductor arranged opposite to the photoconductor.
Containing the intermediate transfer member for transferring the color image, and
A removable intermediate transfer unit, and a color image transferred from the photosensitive member to the intermediate transfer member.
Later, a color image is transferred from the transfer body to recording paper.
Transfer means, and fixing for fixing a color image on the recording paper after the transfer is completed
Means and fixing the intermediate transfer unit at a transfer position
While the photoconductor is housed so that it can be pulled out in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photoconductor.
And an inter-transfer unit accommodating section, wherein the individual unit is a color cartridge accommodated inside the unit.
And an opening for supplying the toner to the outside of the unit.
In the state where the opening is located on the side, the replacement position
In the state where the opening is located above,
While stopping, with the opening facing upwards,
Attached from the opening / closing section on the top of the device in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the rotating body.
The intermediate transfer unit is configured to be detachable, and the
Away from the photoreceptor, and from the opening / closing section on the front of the apparatus.
A color image recording device , which is detachably configured .

6. A plurality of individual units having a color toner storage section.
Units can be attached and detached only in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.
A rotating body that is collectively arranged in a substantially cylindrical shape in a state, an image forming unit that forms a color image on the photosensitive body,
Wherein a between the transfer belt in which to transfer the color image intermediate transfer Bell
Accommodates multiple rollers that support the
A freely provided intermediate transfer belt unit, and a color image is transferred from the photoconductor to the intermediate transfer belt.
After that, a color image is recorded on the recording paper from the transfer belt.
Transfer means for transferring, and fixing for fixing a color image on the recording paper after the transfer is completed
Means, and fixing the intermediate transfer belt unit to a transfer position.
Both are housed so that they can be pulled out perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photoconductor
An intermediate transfer belt unit accommodating section, wherein the individual unit is a color cartridge accommodated in the unit.
And an opening for supplying the toner to the outside of the unit.
In the state where the opening is located on the side, the replacement position
In the state where the opening is located above,
While stopping, with the opening facing upwards,
The intermediate transfer unit is configured to be detachable from an opening / closing unit on the upper surface of the apparatus, and is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the photosensitive member rotation axis.
Away from the photoreceptor, and from the opening / closing section on the front of the apparatus.
A color image recording device , which is detachably configured .

7. An intermediate transfer belt unit opposes a photoreceptor.
And a second roller facing the transfer means.
The intermediate transfer belt unit accommodating portion is provided with the first roller.
Is guided in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photoconductor, and
Roller and the photoconductor are separated from each other.
The color image recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein

8. A plurality of individual printers each having a color toner storage section.
Units can be attached and detached only in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.
A rotating body that is collectively arranged in a substantially cylindrical shape in a state, an image forming unit that forms a color image on the photosensitive body,
Transfer belt for transferring color image and the intermediate transfer bell
Accommodates multiple rollers that support the
A freely provided intermediate transfer belt unit, and a color image is transferred from the photoconductor to the intermediate transfer belt.
After, the color image on the recording sheet from the transfer belts
Transfer means for transferring, and fixing for fixing a color image on the recording paper after the transfer is completed
Means, and fixing the intermediate transfer belt unit to a transfer position.
Both are housed so that they can be pulled out perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photoconductor
An intermediate transfer belt unit accommodating section, wherein the individual unit is a color cartridge accommodated in the unit.
And an opening for supplying the toner to the outside of the unit.
In the state where the opening is located on the side, the replacement position
In the state where the opening is located above,
While stopping, with the opening facing upwards,
The intermediate transfer unit is configured to be detachable from an opening / closing unit on the upper surface of the apparatus, and is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the photosensitive member rotation axis.
Away from the photoreceptor, and from the opening / closing section on the front of the apparatus.
An intermediate rotation in a color image recording apparatus, which is configured to be detachable.
In the method for replacing a photo belt unit, when the intermediate transfer belt unit is replaced,
Open, take out the intermediate transfer belt unit, and
Insert the intermediate transfer belt unit and close the opening / closing section.
In this case, the mounting member is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photoconductor.
The intermediate transfer belt of a color image recording apparatus , wherein the exchange operation is performed from the front side of the image forming apparatus.
Unit replacement method.

9. A color toner contained in a unit
Multiple individual units with openings to supply to the outside
Assembled in a substantially cylindrical shape, detachable in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis
The opening portion at the developing position
Stops in the side position while the replacement position
And stop with the opening positioned above
The individual unit in a state where the opening is directed upward.
In the state, in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the rotating body, the opening and closing part of the upper surface of the device
A rotating body configured to be detachable from, and an image formed on a photoconductor by the color toner,
Transfers to the intermediate transfer body accommodated in the intermediate transfer unit, and updates
Means for fixing after transferring to recording paper.
And the intermediate transfer unit is disposed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the photoconductor.
And detached from the opening / closing unit on the front of the device
A color image recording apparatus characterized in that it is configured to be capable of being used.