JP4285170B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a copier, a fax machine, or a combination of these, and more particularly to a tandem type color image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, a tandem type color image forming apparatus in which four photosensitive drums are arranged along an intermediate transfer belt is known. In this apparatus, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black toner images are formed on the respective photosensitive drums, and these toner images are sequentially superimposed on an intermediate transfer belt to be primarily transferred to obtain a color toner image. Thereafter, the color toner image is secondarily transferred onto a sheet that passes between the intermediate transfer belt and a secondary transfer roller that is in pressure contact with the intermediate transfer belt, thereby outputting a color image on the sheet.

As such a color image forming apparatus, process members (for example, a photosensitive drum and a developing device for supplying toner to the drum) for each of the four colors are individually or housed in a plurality of cases to form a unit, and the unit is attached to and detached from the apparatus main body. Those that can be attached as possible are widely used. When any unit reaches the end of its service life, the user continues to use the image forming apparatus by replacing it with a new unit. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a tandem type color image forming apparatus in which four developing devices can be attached to and detached from the cartridge and the cartridge can be pulled out from the main body of the image forming apparatus.
JP 2003-15378 A

  However, in the above-described conventional configuration, the user completely pulls out the cartridge mounted with the four developing devices out of the apparatus main body even though only one of the developing devices is replaced. The burden was great.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus that minimizes the burden on the user when replacing units.

In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes:
In the image forming apparatus in which a plurality of units that are detachably held in a plurality of units arranged in a predetermined direction can be pulled out from the apparatus main body by the user along the predetermined direction.
State detecting means for detecting that a replacement is required state of any of the units,
A pull-out amount regulating mechanism for regulating the amount by which the cartridge can be pulled out of the apparatus main body by the user;
Controls extraction amount regulating mechanism based on a detection signal from said state detecting means, This ensures that, as the unit to be replaced is made possible lead nearest exchange position in the apparatus main body, cartridges of the device body A control unit for controlling the amount that can be withdrawn from,
It is characterized by providing.

According to a second aspect of the image forming apparatus of the present invention,
In the image forming apparatus in which the cartridge holding the plurality of units arranged in a predetermined direction in an detachable manner can be discharged from the apparatus main body along the predetermined direction.
State detecting means for detecting that a replacement is required state of any of the units,
A drive mechanism for discharging the cartridge from the apparatus main body along the predetermined direction;
Controls the drive mechanism based on a detection signal from said state detecting means, This ensures that, as the unit to be replaced is discharged to the nearest exchange position in the apparatus main body, the discharge from the apparatus main body of cartridges A control unit for controlling the amount;
It is characterized by providing.

  In any of the first and second aspects, in one embodiment, the state detection means detects that the unit has reached the end of its life. For this purpose, the state detection unit has a storage unit that stores the remaining life of members (for example, process members such as a photosensitive drum) constituting the unit, for example.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the state detecting means detects that any unit is in a predetermined state (for example, reaching the end of its life), the drawer amount regulating mechanism should be replaced. The amount that can be withdrawn is controlled depending on the unit. As a result, it is possible to minimize the amount by which the user pulls out the cartridge before replacing the unit and the amount by which the cartridge is pushed after replacing the unit, thereby reducing the burden on the user. For example, when the unit closest to the outside of the apparatus is replaced with respect to the pulling direction, the pulling amount restriction mechanism is controlled so that only the unit appears from the apparatus main body even when the user pulls out the cartridge.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the state detecting means detects that any unit is in a predetermined state (for example, reaching the end of its life), the drive mechanism is changed to the unit to be replaced. The discharge amount is controlled to be different depending on the response. As a result, it is possible to minimize the amount that the user pushes the cartridge after replacing the unit, so that the burden on the user can be reduced. For example, when the unit closest to the outside of the apparatus is replaced with respect to the drawing direction, the drive mechanism is controlled so that only the U unit appears from the apparatus main body.

  Embodiments according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that in this specification, terms indicating directions (for example, “up”, “down”, “right”, “left”, and other terms including these terms) are used as appropriate, but in the drawings used for explanation These terms are only intended to indicate the direction of the present invention, and the present invention should not be construed to be limited to these terms.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 shows a tandem type color printer 2 which is a first embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The printer 2 is provided with an intermediate transfer belt 4 at the substantially central portion in the housing 3 constituting the appearance of the printer 2. The intermediate transfer belt 4 is supported on the outer peripheral portion of the right roller 6, the left roller 8, and the roller 10 disposed between the rollers 6 and 8, and is driven to rotate counterclockwise in the drawing. Yes. The roller 10 is a tension roller that applies tension to the intermediate transfer belt 4. The roller 6 is connected to a drive motor (not shown), and the rollers 8 and 10 are driven to rotate as the roller 6 rotates.

  On the upper horizontal portion of the intermediate transfer belt 4, four works corresponding respectively to yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) in order from the right side to the left side of the drawing. Image portions 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K are arranged side by side along the intermediate transfer belt 4.

  Each of the image forming units 12Y, 12M, 12C, and 12K includes photosensitive drums 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K, respectively. Around each of the photosensitive drums 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K, along with the rotation direction (clockwise direction in the drawing), the chargers 16Y, 16M, 16C, and 16K and the exposure devices 18Y, 18M, 18C, and 18K are sequentially arranged. Developing units 20Y, 20M, 20C, and 20K, primary transfer rollers 22Y, 22M, 22C, and 22K facing the respective photosensitive drums 14Y, 14M, 14C, and 14K with the intermediate transfer belt 4 interposed therebetween, and a cleaning device 24Y, 24M, 24C, and 24K (only a cleaning blade in pressure contact with the photosensitive drum is shown in the figure) are arranged. The primary transfer rollers 22Y to 22K are pressed against the intermediate transfer belt 4 by means (not shown). In the present embodiment, for each of the image forming units 12Y to 12K, the photosensitive drums 14Y to 14K, the chargers 16Y to 16K, the developing devices 20Y to 20K, and the cleaning devices 24Y to 24K are integrated to form units 26Y to 26K. ing. As will be described in detail later, a unit that has reached the end of its life can be taken out of the image forming apparatus main body (housing 3) for replacement with a new unit.

  A secondary transfer roller 30 is pressed against a portion of the intermediate transfer belt 4 supported by the roller 6. A nip portion between the secondary transfer roller 30 and the intermediate transfer belt 4 forms a secondary transfer region 32.

  A paper feed cassette 34 is detachably disposed below the printer 2. The sheets S stacked and stored in the sheet cassette 34 are one sheet at a time from the uppermost one by the rotation of the sheet supply roller 36 disposed at a position facing the vicinity of the front end of the sheet S stacked in the sheet cassette 34. It is sent out to the conveyance path 38.

  The conveyance path 38 passes from the paper feed cassette 34 through the nip portion of the timing roller pair 40, the secondary transfer region 32, the fixing device 42, and the paper discharge roller pair 44, and is disposed on the upper surface of the housing of the printer 2. It extends to the paper portion 46.

  Next, the printing operation of the printer 2 will be described.

  First, when an image signal is input from an external device (for example, a personal computer) to an image signal processing unit (not shown) of the printer 2, the image signal processing unit color-converts the image signal into yellow, cyan, magenta, and black. A digital image signal is created, and this signal is transmitted to the exposure devices 18Y to 18K. Each of the exposure devices 18Y to 18K performs exposure by irradiating the photosensitive drums 14Y to 14K with laser light. Thereby, electrostatic latent images for the respective colors are formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 14Y to 14K of the image forming units 12Y to 12K.

  The electrostatic latent images formed on the photosensitive drums 14Y to 14K are developed by the developing devices 20Y to 20K, respectively, and become toner images of the respective colors. Then, the toner images of the respective colors are primarily transferred in a superimposed manner on the intermediate transfer belt 4 that moves in the counterclockwise direction of the drawing by the action of the primary transfer rollers 22Y to 22K.

  The superimposed toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 4 in this way reaches the secondary transfer region 32 as the intermediate transfer belt 4 moves. In the secondary transfer region 32, the superimposed toner images are collectively sent to the sheet S fed from the sheet feeding cassette 44 to the conveyance path 38 by the action of the secondary transfer roller 30 and then supplied by the timing roller pair 40. Second transfer is performed. The toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 4 after the secondary transfer is collected by a cleaning member (not shown).

  The sheet S on which the toner image is secondarily transferred is sent to the fixing roller 42 through the conveyance path 38, where the toner image is fixed on the sheet S. Then, the paper S is discharged to the paper discharge tray 46 via the paper discharge roller 44.

  Next, a configuration for replacing the unit when any one of the units 26Y to 26K reaches the end of its life will be described with reference to FIG.

  On the left wall of the housing 3 of the printer 2, a door 52 is rotatable about a hinge 50 between a closed position located on the same plane as the left wall and an open position rotated approximately 90 degrees counterclockwise in the drawing. Is provided. A slide plate 54 is provided so as to be slidable in the left-right direction between a predetermined position substantially in the center in the housing 3 of the printer 2 and a position above the door 52 in the open position. A box-shaped cartridge 56 having a predetermined size is detachably mounted on the slide plate 54. A handle 57 is attached to the left wall of the cartridge 56. Therefore, the user pulls the cartridge 56 out of the housing 3 or inserts the cartridge 56 into the housing 3 to a predetermined position (hereinafter referred to as a set position). Can be set. If necessary, for example, when removing jammed paper, the user removes the cartridge 56 from the slide plate 54 with the slide plate 54 and the cartridge 56 completely pulled out of the housing 3, and thereby enters the printer 2 through the door 52. Can be accessed.

  The intermediate transfer belt 4 is attached to the cartridge 56 in the inner lower space. A hole is provided in the right wall of the cartridge 56 along the front and back direction of the paper surface, so that the portion of the intermediate transfer belt 4 facing the right roller 6 is exposed from the cartridge 56. The exposed intermediate transfer belt 4 portion forms a secondary transfer region 32 together with the secondary transfer roller 30 in a state where the cartridge 56 is at the set position.

  The cartridge 56 holds the units 26 </ b> Y to 26 </ b> K at predetermined positions so as to be detachable from the cartridge 56. The arrangement direction of the units 26Y to 26K coincides with the drawing direction of the slide plate 54 and the cartridge 56, and the black unit 26K having the highest use frequency and hence the earliest life is in a state where the cartridge 56 is in the set position. , Disposed closest to the door 52. Therefore, when the cartridge 56 is pulled out from the printer 2 main body, the unit 26K appears first. In the present embodiment, the units 26Y to 26K are arranged at regular intervals along the pull-out direction, but cases where the units are not equally spaced are also included in the scope of the present invention.

  The printer 2 includes a mechanism 58 for regulating the amount that the cartridge 56 can be pulled out. As will be described below, the withdrawable amount varies depending on which unit 26Y to 26K should be replaced. The mechanism 58 includes a vertical plate 60 that moves in the vertical direction in the region between the cartridge 56 in the set position and the door 52 in the closed position, and can be set at five locations. As will be described later, when the user pulls out the cartridge 56 from the printer main body, the vertical plate 60 is opposed to one side (front side) side wall with respect to the front and back direction of the paper surface of the cartridge 56 and is spaced from the side wall. A rack 62 is attached to the vertical plate 60, and a pinion 64 is engaged with the rack 62. The pinion 64 is connected to a motor 66 that can rotate forward and backward. A controller 68 is connected to the motor 66, and the motor 66 is driven to rotate in response to a control signal from the controller 68. The control unit 68 includes the above-described image signal processing unit and also controls the printing operation.

  Four protrusions 70a, 70b, 70c, and 70d are formed on the one side wall of the cartridge 56 from left to right with a space in the left-right direction and from top to bottom with a space in the vertical direction. It is provided. The protrusion 70a is set so that its vertical position can contact the vertical plate 60 with the vertical plate 60 in the uppermost position (first position) 60a [FIG. However, it is set so as to prevent the user from pulling out the cartridge 56 from the housing 3 when coming into contact with the vertical plate 60 (and the cartridge 56 does not move from the set position). The vertical plate 60 is set at the first position 60a in a state where the cartridge 56 is at the set position. The protrusion 70b is set so that the vertical position thereof can contact the vertical plate 60 in a state where the vertical plate 60 is in the second position 60b [FIG. 3B] below the first position. In addition, the left and right positions are set such that when the user pulls out the cartridge 56 from the housing 3, only the unit 26 </ b> K appears outside the housing 3 in contact with the vertical plate 60. The protrusion 70c is set so that its vertical position can contact the vertical plate 60 in a state where the vertical plate 60 is at a third position 60c [FIG. 4 (a)] below the second position. In addition, the left and right positions are set such that when the user pulls out the cartridge 56 from the housing 3, only the units 26 </ b> K and 26 </ b> C appear outside the housing 3 in contact with the vertical plate 60. The vertical position of the protrusion 70d is set so that the vertical plate 60 can come into contact with the vertical plate 60 in a state where the vertical plate 60 is at the fourth position 60d [FIG. 4B] below the third position. In addition, the left and right positions are set such that when the user pulls out the cartridge 56 from the housing 3, only the units 26 </ b> K, 26 </ b> C, and 26 </ b> M appear outside the housing 3 in contact with the vertical plate 60. When the vertical plate 60 is in the fifth position (lowermost position) 60e [FIG. 5] below the fourth position, the vertical plate 60 does not interfere with the projection groups 70a to 70d, and the user can The cartridge 56 can be pulled out of the housing 3 so that the units 26 </ b> Y to 26 </ b> K appear outside the housing 3. The unit to be replaced is regulated at substantially the same position with respect to the housing 3 with the user pulling out the cartridge 56.

  In the present embodiment, the pull-out amount restriction mechanism 58 includes the vertical plate 60, the rack 62, the pinion 64, the motor 66, and the protrusions 70a to 70d. However, the structure of the pull-out amount restriction mechanism does not limit the present invention.

  In addition, a protrusion group is provided on the other side wall symmetrically with the protrusion group on the one side wall with respect to the front and back direction of the paper surface of the cartridge 56, and a vertical plate that is movable in the vertical direction is provided so as to contact the protrusion group. May be.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the printer 2 and shows only the configuration related to unit replacement. In addition to the motor 66 of the withdrawal amount regulating mechanism 58, the control unit 68 includes a display unit 72 that presents various information such as information indicating a unit to be replaced, information indicating the occurrence of a jam, and information indicating the position thereof, from the user. Are connected to an operation unit 74 that receives various commands, a management unit 76 that manages the remaining lifetime of each unit 26Y to 26K, and a sensor 78 that detects a jam.

  The remaining life management unit 76 includes a storage unit 82 that stores the remaining life of each process member (for example, a photosensitive drum and a developing device) of each unit 26Y to 26K, and a developer of each developing device 20Y, 20M, 20C, 20K. Empty sensors 84Y, 84M, 84C, and 84K are provided for detecting when the remaining amount becomes a predetermined amount or less. The remaining life of each process member means a predetermined life that has not been used, minus the use time of the process member according to the number of prints. For example, the remaining life of the photosensitive drum 14 is obtained by subtracting the usage time of the photosensitive drum according to the total rotation amount / total rotation time of the photosensitive drum, the number of prints, etc. from the preset unused lifetime. It is. Further, the remaining life of the developing device 20 is obtained by subtracting the usage time of the developing device according to the total rotation amount / total rotation time of the developing roller of the developing device 20 and the number of printed sheets from the preset unused life. Is. The remaining life management unit 76 (in a broad sense, a state detection means for detecting that a unit is in a predetermined state) detects when one of the process members has reached the end of its life with respect to a certain unit or from an empty sensor. When a signal is received, a signal indicating that the unit has reached the end of its life is sent to the control unit 68.

  A plurality of jam detection sensors 78 are usually provided along the conveyance path 38. The jam detection sensor 78 is, for example, when it does not reach the sensor 78 within a predetermined time after being transported from the paper feed cassette 34 to the transport path 38 or when the paper leading edge passes through the jam detection sensor 78 for a predetermined time. If the trailing edge of the sheet does not pass through, a jam detection signal is sent to the control unit 68 because a jam has occurred. Note that the position of the jammed paper can be specified by the sensor that detects the jam. The control unit 68 receives the jam detection signal and immediately stops the printing operation of the printer 2.

  An interlock switch 86 is connected to a power source unit (including an AC power source, a DC power source, and a high voltage power source) 80 that supplies power to each unit of the printer 2. The interlock switch 86 is connected to an operating mechanism 88 that mechanically interlocks with the opening / closing of the door 52 to turn on / off the interlock switch 86. However, electric power is supplied to the control unit 68 regardless of whether the door 52 is opened or closed.

  Next, the unit replacement sequence will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 2 to 6 and FIG. 7 and FIGS.

  First, in step S701, when the control unit 68 receives a signal from the remaining life management unit 76 indicating that any unit has reached the end of its life, in step S702, the control unit 68 sends a signal to the display unit 72. The display unit 72 displays that the unit needs to be replaced. In step S703, when a command indicating that the unit should be replaced is issued via the operation unit 74 in step S703, the control unit 68 controls the pull-out amount regulating mechanism 58 in step S704 to move the vertical plate 60. It is moved from the uppermost position (first position) 60a in FIG. The vertical plate 60 moves to the second position 60b in FIG. 3B if the unit 26K needs to be replaced, and moves to the third position 60c in FIG. 4A if the unit 26C needs to be replaced. If it is necessary to replace the unit 26M and move to the fourth position 60d shown in FIG. 4B, the unit 26Y moves to the fifth position 60e shown in FIG. Note that the vertical plate 60 may be moved to a predetermined position without confirmation by the user via the operation unit 74.

  When the door 52 is opened by the user in step S705, the interlock switch 86 is turned off by the switch operating mechanism 88, and as a result, the supply of power to the respective units other than the control unit 68 of the printer 2 is shut off. In step S706, when the user pulls out the cartridge 56, if the unit 26K needs to be replaced, the projection 70b interferes with the vertical plate 60 and only the unit 26K appears outside the housing 3 [FIG. 8 (a)]. When it is necessary to replace the unit 26C, the projection 70c interferes with the vertical plate 60, and only the units 26K and 26C appear outside the housing [FIG. 8B]. When it is necessary to replace the unit 26M, the projection 70d interferes with the vertical plate 60, and only the units 26K, 26C, and 26M appear outside the housing [FIG. 9 (a)]. When it is necessary to replace the unit 26C, none of the protrusions 70a to 70d interferes with the vertical plate 60, and all the units 26Y to 26K appear outside the housing [FIG. 9B]. The positions of the unit 26K in FIG. 8A, the unit 26C in FIG. 8B, the unit 26M in FIG. 9A, and the unit 26Y in FIG. 9B are substantially the same.

  In step S <b> 707, the unit that has reached the end of its life is removed from the cartridge 56 by the user, and a new unit is mounted on the cartridge 56. Since it is possible to minimize the amount that the cartridge 56 is pulled out in order to replace the unit, the burden on the user can be reduced. In addition, when any of the units 26Y to 26M of any color is to be replaced, the unit to be replaced is always at a predetermined position closest to the door 52. Therefore, units other than the unit to be replaced are removed from the cartridge 56. Such an erroneous operation can be prevented.

  In step S708, the cartridge 56 is inserted into the housing 3 by the user. Since the amount of pushing the cartridge 56 after the unit replacement can be minimized, the burden on the user can be reduced. In step S709, when the door 52 is closed by the user, the interlock switch 86 is turned on by the switch operating mechanism 88, and each unit of the printer 2 is connected to the power supply unit 80. In step S710, the control unit 68 controls the pull-out amount regulating mechanism 58 to move the vertical plate 60 to the uppermost position (first position). As a result, it is impossible for the user to open the door 52 and pull out the cartridge 56 for purposes other than normal, such as a unit replacement instruction, because the vertical plate 60 interferes with the protrusion 70a.

  In step S711, the printer 2 enters a standby state, and the flow ends.

  Next, a sequence until the user accesses the jammed paper when a jam occurs will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. First, in step S1001, when the control unit 68 receives a signal indicating that a jam has occurred from the jam detection sensor 78, in step S1002, the control unit 68 urgently stops the printing operation. In step S1003, the control unit 68 sends a signal to the display unit 72, and the display unit 72 displays that a jam has occurred, the position of the jammed paper, and the like. In step S1004, when a command indicating that a jam has occurred is issued by the user via the operation unit 74, in step S1005, the control unit 68 controls the pull-out amount regulating mechanism 58 to move the vertical plate 60. Move to the fifth position (lowermost position) 60e (FIG. 5). Note that the vertical plate 60 may be moved to the fifth position 60e without confirmation by the user via the operation unit 74.

  In step S1006, the door 52 is opened by the user, and the supply of electric power to each unit other than the control unit 68 of the printer 2 is interrupted. In step S1007, when the user pulls out the cartridge 56, all the protrusions 70a to 70d Therefore, all the units 26Y to 26K appear outside the housing [see FIG. 9B]. In this state, the user can remove the cartridge 56 from the slide plate 54 (step S1008) and access the inside of the printer 2 to remove the jammed paper.

<Second Embodiment>
11 and 12 show a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, the same or similar components as those in the first embodiment are represented by the same reference numerals or the same reference numerals with appropriate suffixes, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Unlike the first embodiment, the printer 2 ′, which is an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, has a mechanism (vertical plate 60, projection groups 70a to 70d, etc.) that regulates the amount by which the cartridge 56 can be pulled out by the user. Not equipped. Instead, the slide plate 54 that supports the cartridge 56 is slid to the outside of the housing 3 by a drive mechanism 90 connected to the control unit 68 to be discharged (exposed) by a predetermined amount. The drive mechanism 90 includes, for example, a motor that rotates in response to a control signal from the control unit 68, and a mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the motor into a linear motion of the slide plate 54 (for example, a pinion connected to the motor and a pinion And a rack attached to the slide plate 54.

  In addition to the interlock switch 86 that is turned on / off by the switch mechanism 88, another interlock switch 92 (hereinafter referred to as a sub-interlock switch) is connected to the power supply unit 80. The sub-interlock switch 92 is connected to an operating mechanism 94 for turning on / off the switch 92. The drive interlock mechanism 90 and the like cooperate with each other to automatically slide the slide plate 54 out of the housing 3. In the state where the door 52 is completely opened (the slide plate 54 and the cartridge 56 to be ejected do not interfere with the door 52) until the slide plate 54 is ejected by a predetermined amount. Electric power can be supplied from the power supply unit 80 via the interlock switch 92. The sub-switch operating mechanism 94 mechanically interlocks with the door 52 being fully opened, turns on the sub-interlock switch 92, and receives a command from the control unit 68 after the slide plate 54 is ejected. 92 is turned off. Electric power is supplied to the control unit 68 regardless of the position of the door 52.

  Next, the unit replacement sequence will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, in step S1301, when the control unit 68 receives a signal indicating that any unit has reached the end of its life from the remaining life management unit 76, the control unit 68 sends a signal to the display unit 72 in step S1302. The display unit 72 displays that the unit needs to be replaced. In step S1303, the user issues a command indicating that the unit should be replaced via the operation unit 74. For example, it may be possible to prevent the door 52 from opening unless the user confirms. When the user opens the door 52 in step S1304, the interlock switch 86 is turned off by the switch operating mechanism 88, and as a result, the supply of power to each unit other than the control unit 68 of the printer 2 'is cut off.

  When the door 52 is completely opened in step S1305, the sub-switch operating mechanism 94 turns on the sub-interlock switch 92 mechanically in conjunction with this, and power is supplied to the drive mechanism 90.

  In step S1306, the control unit 68 sends a control signal to the drive mechanism 90 based on the information on the unit to be replaced. As a result, the drive mechanism 90 ejects the slide plate 54 supporting the cartridge 56 from the housing 3 by a predetermined amount. Let The discharge amount is set so that the unit to be replaced is always at a predetermined position closest to the door 52 (see FIGS. 8 and 9 of the first embodiment). For example, when a rack and pinion mechanism is used as the drive mechanism 90, the control unit 68 controls the rotational speed of the motor drivingly connected to the pinion to discharge the cartridge 56 by a predetermined amount. Alternatively, a sensor (not shown) for detecting the position of the slide plate 54 (or the cartridge 56) is provided, and when the sensor detects that the slide plate 54 (or the cartridge 56) is discharged by a predetermined amount, the controller 68. However, the drive mechanism 90 may be stopped.

  In step S1307, the control unit 68 sends a control signal to the sub-switch operating mechanism 94, and the mechanism 94 turns off the sub-interlock switch 92 and disconnects the drive mechanism 90 from the power supply unit 80.

  Subsequently, the unit whose lifetime has been reached by the user is removed from the cartridge 56, and a new unit is mounted on the cartridge 56 (step S1308). When any unit 26Y to 26M is replaced, the unit to be replaced is always at a predetermined position closest to the door 52, so that units other than the unit to be replaced are removed from the cartridge 56. Incorrect operation can be prevented.

  In step S1309, the cartridge 56 is inserted into the housing 3 by the user. Since the amount of pushing the cartridge 56 after the unit replacement can be minimized, the burden on the user can be reduced. When the user closes the door 52 in step S1310, the interlock switch 86 is turned on by the switch operating mechanism 88, and each unit of the printer 2 'is connected to the power supply unit 80. In step S1311, the printer 2 enters a standby state, and the flow ends.

  Although detailed description is omitted, in the case of jam processing, when the door 52 is completely opened and power is temporarily supplied to the drive mechanism 90, the control unit 68 controls the drive mechanism 90 to The discharge amount of the cartridge 56 is controlled so that the units 26Y to 26K appear outside the housing [see FIG. 9B].

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a printer which is the third embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The configuration of this printer is substantially the same as that of the printer 2 ′ according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. In the second embodiment, power is supplied to the drive mechanism 90 in conjunction with the door 52 fully opening. On the other hand, in the printer according to this embodiment, power is continuously supplied to the operation unit 74 even when the door 52 is opened. Further, the sub-interlock switch 92 is turned on / off by an operation on the operation unit 74.

  Next, the unit replacement sequence will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, in step S1501, when the control unit 68 receives a signal indicating that any unit has reached the end of its life from the remaining life management unit 76, the control unit 68 sends a signal to the display unit 72 in step S1502. The display unit 72 displays that the unit needs to be replaced. In step S1503, the user issues a command indicating that the unit should be replaced via the operation unit 74. When the door 52 is opened by the user in step S1504, the interlock switch 86 is turned off by the switch operating mechanism 88, and as a result, the supply of power to each part of the printer except the control unit 68 and the operation unit 74 is shut off.

  In step S <b> 1505, the user operates the operation unit 74 to turn on the sub interlock switch 92 and supply power to the drive mechanism 90.

  In step S1506, the control unit 68 sends a control signal to the drive mechanism 90 based on the information on the unit to be replaced. As a result, the drive mechanism 90 ejects the slide plate 54 supporting the cartridge 56 from the housing 3 by a predetermined amount. Let The discharge amount is set so that the unit to be replaced is always at a predetermined position closest to the door 52 (see FIGS. 8 and 9 of the first embodiment).

  In step S <b> 1507, the sub interlock switch 92 is turned off and the connection between the drive mechanism 90 and the power supply unit 80 is disconnected by a user operation via the operation unit 74. After the slide plate 54 is discharged by a predetermined amount, the sub interlock switch 92 may be automatically turned off without performing an operation through the operation unit 74.

  Subsequent steps S1508 to S1511 are substantially the same as steps S1308 to S1311 of FIG. In other words, the user replaces the unit whose life has expired, inserts the cartridge 56 into the printer body, and closes the door 52. By closing the door 52, the printer units other than the control unit 68 and the operation unit 74 are also connected to the power supply unit 80, and the printer enters a standby state.

  Although detailed description is omitted, in the case of jam processing, when power is temporarily supplied to the drive mechanism 90 by an operation via the operation unit 74, the control unit 68 controls the drive mechanism 90 to perform all operations. The discharge amount of the cartridge 56 is controlled so that the units 26Y to 26K appear outside the housing [see FIG. 9B].

  While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these and can be variously modified. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the present invention has been described by taking an example of an image forming apparatus that primarily transfers a toner image onto the intermediate transfer belt 4 and secondarily transfers the toner image onto a sheet. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention can also be applied to a tandem color image forming apparatus that directly transfers a toner image onto a sheet conveyed on an intermediate transfer belt.

  Further, the units that can be detachably attached to the cartridge for each color are not limited to the above-described units 26Y to 26K. It may be a single process member (for example, a developing unit or a photosensitive drum), may be a unit in which a plurality of process members are integrated, or a member other than the process member (for example, supplying developer to the developing unit). Or a replenisher).

  Furthermore, the replacement of the unit may be considered when there is some abnormality in the unit other than when the unit has reached the end of its life (for example, when streaks occur on the printed paper for a specific color). Therefore, a means for detecting that any of the units is in an abnormal state is provided, and the control unit 68 controls the pull-out amount regulating mechanism 58 or the drive mechanism 90 based on the detection signal from the means, thereby the cartridge 56. The amount that can be withdrawn from the housing 3 or the discharge amount may be controlled.

  In addition, the intermediate transfer belt may be incorporated not on the cartridge side but on the image forming apparatus main body side.

1 is an overall configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The figure which shows the structure for replacing | exchanging the unit in 1st Embodiment. 2A and 2B are simplified views of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, in which FIG. 1A shows a state where a vertical plate is in a first position, and FIG. 2B shows a state where the vertical plate is in a second position. . 2A and 2B are simplified views of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, in which FIG. 1A shows a state where a vertical plate is in a third position, and FIG. 2B shows a state where the vertical plate is in a fourth position. . FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment, showing a state where a vertical plate is at a fifth position. 1 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a unit replacement sequence in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, (a) a diagram for explaining a position of a cartridge pulled out to replace a unit for black. (B) The figure for demonstrating the position of the cartridge pulled out in order to replace | exchange the unit for cyan | cyanogen. In the first embodiment, (a) a diagram for explaining the position of a cartridge pulled out to replace a magenta unit. (B) The figure for demonstrating the position of the cartridge pulled out in order to replace | exchange the unit for yellow. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a jam processing sequence in the first embodiment. The figure which shows the structure for exchanging a unit in 2nd Embodiment of the image forming apparatus which concerns on this invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing a unit replacement sequence in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a third embodiment. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a unit replacement sequence in the third embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

2 Printer (image forming device)
26Y to 26K Unit 56 Cartridge 58 Pull-out amount regulating mechanism 60 Vertical plate 62 Rack 64 Pinion

Claims (5)

In the image forming apparatus in which a plurality of units that are detachably held in a plurality of units arranged in a predetermined direction can be pulled out from the apparatus main body by the user along the predetermined direction.
State detecting means for detecting that a replacement is required state of any of the units,
A pull-out amount regulating mechanism for regulating the amount by which the cartridge can be pulled out of the apparatus main body by the user;
Controls extraction amount regulating mechanism based on a detection signal from said state detecting means, This ensures that, as the unit to be replaced is made possible lead nearest exchange position in the apparatus main body, cartridges of the device body A control unit for controlling the amount that can be withdrawn from,
An image forming apparatus.   2. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said state detecting means detects that the unit has reached the end of its life. It further comprises a jam detection means for detecting a jam of the paper conveyed through the apparatus main body,
Control unit controls the drive mechanism based on a detection signal from said jam detecting means, This ensures that the cartridge pull-out from the apparatus main body of cartridges to allow extraction to possible positions taken out from the apparatus main body The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the possible amount is controlled. The control unit controls the pull-out amount regulating mechanism so that the pull-out amount from the apparatus main body of the unit detected to be in a state that needs to be replaced by the state detection unit is substantially equal in any unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. In the image forming apparatus in which the cartridge holding the plurality of units arranged in a predetermined direction in an detachable manner can be discharged from the apparatus main body along the predetermined direction.
State detecting means for detecting that a replacement is required state of any of the units,
A drive mechanism for discharging the cartridge from the apparatus main body along the predetermined direction;
Controls the drive mechanism based on a detection signal from said state detecting means, This ensures that, as the unit to be replaced is discharged to the nearest exchange position in the apparatus main body, the discharge from the apparatus main body of cartridges A control unit for controlling the amount;
An image forming apparatus.

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