JPH01118161A - Plural developing units housing device, image forming device using it and developing device used for it - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent the loading defect of a developing unit and to load the developing means without making an image forming device main body bigger by providing a means receiving the developing unit carried out of plural developing units housing device, and transferring the developing means in a horizontal direction. CONSTITUTION:A housing case 151 being the main body of the plural developing units housing device 150 is integrally provided with partitions 151a-151d dividing an inner part. Color developing units 13A-13D housing different color toner are detachably housed and placed in a main body 100 side direction. The housing case 151 can move in the vertical direction of the main body 100. The partition 151a-151d where desired color developing units 13A-13D are placed correspond to the carry-in port on the main body 100 side made up of a shutter 55 with the aid of a case moving means to enable carrying to the main body 100. Thus, loading of the developing units 13A-13D can be stably performed and the image forming device main body can be miniaturized.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates generally to image forming apparatuses such as copying machines, printers, and printing machines, and in particular to multiple developing units in which developing units are removable from the main body of the apparatus. The present invention relates to a storage device, an image forming device used therein, and a developing device used therein.

[Prior art]

Conventionally, the developing device of an image forming device such as a copying machine has not been removed by a general user after it has been installed by the person in charge of servicing the device. (in most cases, the position is near the photoconductor, but not in contact with the photoconductor), and then manually pressurizes the photoconductor drum or positioning member using a lever etc. to set it in a predetermined position. It was mainstream. Representatives of this technology include U.S. Patent No. 4,373,468.
and 4,583,832.

In addition, in recent years, there has been a strong demand for color images such as red and blue in addition to the normal black image, so copying devices that can obtain the desired image by replacing the developing units for each color are gaining market share. It's coming. As a result, general users often attach and detach the developing unit from the main body of the apparatus. No. 4,575,221, in which the developing unit itself containing the photoreceptor and developing means is replaced, and a proposal to store two developing devices, one of which is a replacement developing device, is also proposed by the applicant. The application has been filed for.

On the other hand, US Patent No. 4,615,612 and US Pat.
There is a specification of No. 916.

[Background technology]

However, at the conventional technical level, including these applications,
Since the developing device is replaced manually, not only is it time-consuming, but there are also inconveniences such as the developing device bumping into the device and unnecessary shocks and vibrations being applied during manual replacement.

On the other hand, when considering development itself, the demand for improved image quality, especially sharpness, has led to miniaturization of developer particles, and as a result, when air and developer are agitated, they become extremely fluid. It is coming. Therefore, when handling a developing device containing such a developer, more care is required, and if handled roughly, the inconvenience of causing the developer to be unevenly distributed or scattered has increased.

Generally, the unevenness of the developer is dealt with by stirring the developer, and it is conceivable to take a longer stirring time in consideration of variations in handling by users. However, in cases where the developing device needs to be removed from the main body of the apparatus in order to replace the developing device or to replenish the developer, the first copy is often delayed even after the developer is replenished. In particular, in the case where the movable range of the developing device is defined by a stopper when the developing device is attached or removed, the degree of shifting and scattering varies depending on the speed at which the user hits the developing device against the stopper.

In other words, conventional products that leave it up to the user to install the developing device are equivalent to closing a drawer, and the impact that hits the user when it goes deep varies depending on the user's habits and how much force is applied, and especially when it hits hard. Impact force is applied in the longitudinal direction of the developing device (
If the developing device is inserted from the front side of the copying device in the direction of the generatrix of the photoreceptor drum), this will cause the developer to be unevenly distributed, and the developer that is forced toward the back will be pushed into the lid of the developing device. There were also cases where it gushed out from gaps in the air and scattered.

In particular, when replenishing the developer, in order to completely remove the developer from the developer container, the developer container is shaken to mix the developer and air to increase the fluidity of the developer. Easy to scatter. Also, when replacing the developer, the developer in the developer is generally stabilized after being placed in place, and its fluidity is not very high, but if it becomes uneven, it is necessary to level it out using a stirring means such as a stirring rod. Therefore, it becomes necessary to perform a long pre-rotation to adjust the conditions of each process unit before image formation, which lengthens the so-called first copy from the start of the copying machine to the end of the first copying operation.

Furthermore, from the user's perspective, it is necessary to release various positioning means, pull out the developing device, and reversely mount it, which does not necessarily provide good operability.

In order to solve the above problem, an invention by five of the inventors of this case has been previously filed (S, N, 071
, 316; 1987, 7.9 U.S. Application). This invention is unique in that a transport path for attaching and detaching the developing unit is provided in the main body of the image forming apparatus.

As a further development, these inventors have developed an apparatus that accommodates multiple developing units without the user's involvement, and have filed an application together with other inventors.

This application can provide a rational device that takes advantage of the advantages of being able to simplify and downsize a multiple developer storage device and downsize the main body of an image forming apparatus.

In contrast to these background technologies, the subject invention is a new invention from the viewpoint of more stabilizing the horizontal movement and vertical displacement of the developing device, and from the viewpoint of manually loading the developing device. It is.

The present invention relates to inventions highly related to this technology, and includes one or all combinations of a number of special configurations in the following drawings and descriptions.

[Purpose of the invention]

An object of the present invention is to provide a combination of a device that accommodates a plurality of developing devices and an image forming apparatus main body that receives developing devices supplied from the device, and a separate configuration of each of the devices. To provide a storage device that allows loading without increasing the size of the main body.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a storage device capable of preventing loading failures of developing devices, which has been found to be a new problem when loading developing devices from the outside into a multiple developer storage device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an excellent developing device that prevents the problem that if there is a defect in the loading state of a multiple developing device storage device, the horizontal movement of the next developing device is disturbed and image formation is disturbed. An object of the present invention is to provide a storage device having a support mechanism.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can carry out stable conveyance of the developing device from loading to movement of the developing device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a developing device suitable for the storage device of the present invention. Further aspects of the present invention will be understood from the following description.

The outline of the present invention and the means for solving the problem are described in each claim, and can be understood from the following description and drawings.

〔Example〕

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of an image forming apparatus (copying machine) to which a multiple developing device storage device according to the present invention is applied. In addition,
The image forming apparatus shown here has a structure that enables double-sided image formation and multiple image formation using different colors.

First, before explaining the multiple developer housing device according to the present invention, an image forming apparatus to which the multiple developer housing device is applied will be described.

The original 2 placed on the original placing glass 1 is illuminated by the lamp 3, and its light image is reflected by the reflecting mirrors 4, 5, 6°7.8
．． 9 and a zoom lens 10, the image is guided onto a photosensitive drum (image carrier) 11.

The lamp 3, the mirror 4, and the mirrors 5 and 6 each move at a predetermined speed in the direction indicated by the arrow to scan the original 2.

On the other hand, since the photosensitive drum 11 is also rotated in the direction of arrow B after its outer surface is uniformly charged by the primary charger 12, the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 11 has electrostatic potential corresponding to the original image. An image is formed. A color developer (green developer 13C) containing color toner (for example, green) and a black developer 14 containing black toner are disposed around the photosensitive drum 11. These developing units 13C and 14c are movable in the directions of arrows c and c', respectively.
The electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 11 is visualized by approaching the photosensitive drum 11 according to a desired color image. In the case of this figure, the color developer (green developer 13C) is separated (in the standby position),
Since the black developing device 14 is close to the photosensitive drum 11, a black image is formed on the photosensitive drum 11. This image is transferred to paper 17 as a recording material by a transfer charger 15. Thereafter, the photosensitive drum 11 reaches a cleaner 16, where residual toner on the outer surface of the drum is removed, and the process proceeds to the next image forming step in the same manner.

The paper 17 is supplied as follows, and an original image is formed.

The following methods are available for supplying the paper 17 to the image forming means mainly composed of the photosensitive drum 11. In the first method, the paper 17 loaded in the upper cassette 18 is fed to the roller pair 20 by the paper feed roller 19. When a plurality of overlapping sheets of paper 17 are fed in, the roller pair 20 separates only the topmost sheet 17 and feeds it to the image forming means. After passing through the pair of rollers 20, the paper 17 reaches the registration rollers 23 via the guide plate, the pair of feeding rollers 50, and the guide plate. In the second method, the paper 17 loaded in the lower cassette 18 is fed by the paper feed roller 19 to the roller pair 26 and moves in the same manner as described above. The registration roller 23 starts rotating at a timing such that the developed image on the outer surface of the photosensitive drum coincides with the paper 17, and feeds the paper 17 to the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 11 via an upper transfer guide 31 and a lower transfer guide 32. As mentioned earlier, the paper 17 is transferred to the photosensitive drum 1 by the transfer charger 15.
The image on the outer surface of the drum 11 is transferred, separated from the outer surface of the drum 11 by a separation charger 33, and sent via a conveying section 34 to a fixing device 35 having a heating roller and a pressure roller. The image on the paper 17 heated and pressurized by the fixing device 35 is fixed as a permanent image. Next, the yam 17 is sent to the first ejection roller 36, and then reaches the second ejection roller 39 via flappers 37 and 38, and is ejected out of the machine. In this figure, the flapper 38 is blocking the transfer material path, but this flapper 38 is made of light material and is rotatable in the direction of the arrow. Pushed up by the tip of 17. Since the paper 17 is in a retracted state, there is no problem in passing the paper 17.

Next, paper 1 in double-sided image forming mode and multiple image forming mode.
I will explain the flow of step 7.

When the double-sided image forming mode is instructed to the image forming apparatus, the document image is transferred and fixed on one side (first side) of the paper 17 in the same way as in the single-sided image forming mode described above, and then the paper 17 is transferred to the second ejection roller. 39 and is discharged onto a tray outside the machine (not shown). Then, when the rear end of the paper 17 is detected by the transfer material detection mechanism consisting of the detection lever 40 and the optical sensor 41, and a certain period of time has passed (i.e., the time until the rear end of the paper 17 passes the flapper 38), The second discharge roller 39 begins to reverse rotation and feeds the paper 17 into the machine again (.

Then, the paper 17 is turned upside down through the flapper 38, the left slope of the flapper 37, the guide plate 42, and the guide plates 43 and 44, with the rear end first, so that the second side is the front side. It is sent to roller 45. Thereafter, the paper 17 passes through rollers 46 and reaches lateral registration rollers 47. At this point, the lateral registration roller 47 has stopped, and after the paper 17 completely abuts this roller 47, the roller pair 45, 46 also stops. The paper 17 is now on standby for the image forming operation on the second side. Then, when an image forming signal for the second side is issued, the horizontal registration roller 47 starts rotating and feeds the paper 17 to the registration roller 23 via the guide plate. Before the paper 17 reaches the registration rollers 23, the side edge of the paper 17 is detected by an optical sensor (not shown), and the lateral registration roller 47 is moved so that the side edge is at the same position as when forming the image on the first side.
moves in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the paper 17, that is, in a direction perpendicular to the drawing, to correct the lateral position of the paper 17.The operation after the paper 17 reaches the registration roller 23 is to adjust the single-sided image as described above. This is the same as in the case of formation, and the paper 17 with the image formed on the second side is finally discharged onto a tray outside the machine by the second discharge roller 39.

Further, when the image forming apparatus is instructed to perform the multiple image forming mode, the operation during the first image forming is performed in the same manner as in the case of single-sided image forming. However, after the first image formation, the flapper 37 is located in the state shown by the broken line, and therefore the paper 17 is transferred to the first ejection roller 3 with the front end first.
It is sent out along the right slope of the flapper 37 to the guides 42 and 43, and further sent to the roller 45 via the guides 43 and 44.

After that, the paper 17 passes through the roller 46 and the horizontal registration roller 4.
It reaches 7. The rear end of the paper 17 is the detection lever 40 and the optical sensor.
41, and after a predetermined period of time, the flapper 37
returns to the position indicated by the solid line. Then, when the second image forming signal is issued, the horizontal registration roller 47 starts to rotate, but the movement of the paper 17 at this time is similar to that of the second image formation in the previous double-sided image formation.
This is similar to the case of surface image formation. In this way the second
The paper 17 on which the image has been formed for the second time is finally discharged onto a tray outside the machine by the second discharge roller 39. Note that although the explanation has been given regarding multiple image formation twice, the movement of the paper 17 is basically the same even when multiple image formation is performed more frequently. However, in such cases, flapper 3
The return from the broken line position to the solid line position at 7 is performed before the final image formation.

Next, a description will be given of a multiple developing unit storage device 150 according to an example of the present invention, which is optionally installed outside the main body 100 of the image forming apparatus having the above-described configuration.

This multiple developing device storage device 150 is a main body 1 of an image forming apparatus.
When it is desired to form a color image using a color developer other than the black developer 14 fixedly installed in the image forming apparatus 00, it is installed outside the main body 100 of the image forming apparatus as an option,
A desired color developing device is supplied and transported to the vicinity of the photosensitive drum 11 inside the main body 100 of the image forming apparatus.

Storage case 15 which is the main body of multiple developer storage device 150
Part 1 includes partitions 151a and 151b that divide the interior.

151c and 151d are integrally provided, and the partition 1
51a.

On 151b, 151c, and 151d, there are color developing devices containing different color toners, for example, a red developing device 13A containing red toner, and a blue developing device 13B1 containing blue toner.
A green developing device 13C containing green toner and a brown developing device 13D containing brown toner are removably housed in the side direction of the main body 100. In the illustrated case, the green developing device 13C is not in the storage case 151 (it is supplied to the vicinity of the photosensitive drum 11 in the main body 100 and is in a state of preparation for developing an electrostatic image. The supply and transfer of the green developing device 13C is carried out using the developing device transporting means (arrow E,
(Means for rotationally moving between E')

In this case, the color developing device in the storage case 151 is the main body 100.
The developer is transported into the main body 100 through an openable/closeable shutter (an entrance serving as a developer supply device) 55 provided in the main body 100 .

The shutter 55 rotates around the shutter shaft 54 in the direction of arrow F.
, F', and is installed on the main body 100 side so as to rotate in directions F', and when the color developing device is carried into the main body 100, it is retracted to the open state shown by the broken line by a solenoid or the like (not shown) so as not to become an obstacle.

Such a multiple developer storage device 150 further includes a storage case 151 that can be moved vertically with respect to the main body 100 as shown in phantom lines by a case moving means and a belt up and down mechanism shown in FIG. 6, which will be described later. ing. Therefore, in the illustrated case, any one of the partitions 151a to 151d in which a desired color developing device is mounted by this case moving means coincides with the entrance on the main body 100 side, which is constituted by the shutter 55. (the partitions 151C coincide with each other), thereby making it possible to carry a desired color developing device into the main body 100. For example, if the image forming device is the red developer 13
In the case where option A is selected, first, the green developing device 13C in the main body is transferred and placed on the partition 151c of the storage case 151 by the developing device transferring means X shown in FIG. During this transfer, the shutter 55 is retracted to the open state shown by the broken line as described above. When the green developing device 13C is returned to the storage case 15, the presence of the green developing device 13C is confirmed by color identification means Z shown in FIG. 3, which will be described later. When the presence of the green developing device 13C is confirmed, the storage case 151 starts to move seven times in the vertical direction (downward in this case) with respect to the main body 100 by the case moving means, and places the desired red developing device 13A thereon. The main body 100 has a partition 151a
When it moves to a position that coincides with the loading entrance (shutter 55), it stops. Next, the red developing device 13A is transferred to the vicinity of the photosensitive drum 11 by the developing device transferring means X shown in FIG. 2, and becomes ready for developing an electrostatic image. Note that even when another color developer in the storage case 151 is selected, the same operation as when the red developer 13A is selected is performed.

Front and rear side plates 101, 102 of the main body 100 of the image forming apparatus
Slide guides 111 and 112 are fixedly installed on the slide guides 111 and 112, respectively, for receiving the load of the color developing device and guiding the color developing device from the storage case 151 to the vicinity of the photosensitive drum 11. Further, the shutter shaft 54 of the shutter 55 constituting the entrance of the main body 100 has both ends fixed to the side plates 101 and 102, and in the closed state shown by the solid line in FIG. It is attracted by a magnetic catch 551 (not shown), etc., and maintains its closed posture. Further, in the open state shown by the broken line, one end thereof hits the stay 104 on the main body 100 side to maintain the open state. At this time, as described above, a solenoid (not shown) or the like is used to create a suction state. A micro switch M is provided near the position where the shutter 55 of the stay 104 contacts.
S is provided so that it can be detected that the shutter 55 is in the open state.

The lower surface of each of the color developing devices 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D is provided with a groove 13a formed by a rib that engages with a pressure roller of a drive arm, which will be described later, and a developer replenishment port 13b is provided on the upper surface. It is closed with a cover 13c. Further, known abutting rollers for maintaining a gap between the developing sleeve 13d and the photosensitive drum 11 are rotatably attached to the flanges at both ends of the developing sleeve 13d.

A drive arm 130 having a movable area for transporting the color developing device from the storage case 151 to the vicinity of the photosensitive drum 11 in the main body 100 is provided below one of the slide guides 112 . The drive arm 130 is rotatable about a shaft 131 vertically attached to the slide guide 112;
A long arm portion 132 is disposed on the side of the color developer, and the tip thereof has a rotatable pressure roller 134 (the groove 1 of the color developer
3a) is attached by a pin. Further, on the opposite side of the arm portion 132, there is provided an axis 131 with the center of rotation thereof.
A worm wheel gear (partial gear) 135 is arranged to protrude from a hole in the side plate 102 to the outside of the side plate 102. The worm wheel gear 135 meshes with a worm gear 140 disposed on the main body 100 outside the side plate 102. The worm gear 140 is a torque limiter 1
Motor (D'C motor) 14 capable of forward and reverse rotation via 41
It is connected to 2. Further, a photo ink club is provided outside the side plate 102 to detect the rotation of the arm part 132, and this photo ink club detects a slot in a disk part formed as a part of the drive arm 130. Thus, the position of the arm portion 132 can be known.

Next, the operation of the drive arm 130 will be described.

Now, instruct the image forming apparatus to perform color conversion, for example, the green developer 13.
When an instruction to convert the red developing device 13A is given from C, the motor 142 is first unlocked. As a result, the torque limiter 141, which had been charged due to its spring properties,
The twist of the green developing device 13C is loosened and the photosensitive drum 11
The pressurizing force that was applied to the machine is eased. Next, the motor 142
starts rotating in the reverse direction, and as a result, the arm portion 132
The pressure roller 134 at the tip of the groove 1 on the bottom surface of the green developing device 13C
3a to move the green developing device 130 in the direction of arrow E'. At this time, the arm portion 132 rotates in a fan shape, but when the tip of the arm portion 132 reaches the vicinity of the opened shutter 55, the photo ink clubter detects the slot of the disk, and the motor 142 thereby stops rotating after a certain period of time.

Due to this operation, the green developing device 13C is placed in the storage case 15.
It is stored and placed on the first partition 151c. When the green developing device 13C is returned to the storage case 151, the color identifying means Z shown in FIG.
The existence of C is confirmed. After that, the storage case 151 is assembled with the rack 115 and the worm gear 1 shown in FIG. 6, which will be described later.
14 in the vertical direction (
In this case, the camera starts moving downward (in this case, downward) and moves to the desired red developing device 13.
When the partition 151a storing and mounting A moves to a position that coincides with the entrance of the main body 100, it stops. Then,
Motor 142 starts rotating in the forward direction. As a result, the arm portion 132 rotates, and the red developing device 13A is pushed by the pressure roller 134 and starts moving in the direction of arrow E, and is carried into the main body lOO through the opened shutter 55.

When the arm portion 132 further rotates and the pressure roller 134 reaches the end point of its movable range on the drum side, the throttle of the disk portion operates the photo ink acter to cause the control means of the image forming apparatus to transfer the red developing device 13A. is completed. From this point on, by further rotating the motor 142 for a certain period of time, a pressing force is charged to the spring of the torque limiter 141, and the pressing force is applied to the pressing roller 134 at the tip of the arm portion 132. As a result, the red developer 13
．． A contacts the photosensitive drum 11 via an abutment roller serving as a spacer for maintaining a gap, which is attached coaxially with the developing sleeve 13d.

Next, when the color developing device supplied in the main body 100 is returned to a predetermined partition of the storage case 151 by the developing device transport means X, the color of the returned color developing device is confirmed in FIG. The color identification means Z shown in FIG. 1 will be explained.

The color identification means Z includes a color detection switch (microswitch) provided on the storage case 151 side and a color detection protrusion provided on the color developer side. That is, three color detection switches 160a, 160b, and 160c are installed in parallel on the back wall 155 of each developing device housing section formed by partitions 151a to 151d of the storage case 151, and the color developing devices 13A, 13B, 13C.

The color detection switches 160a and 160 are located on the back of 13D.
b.

Three color detection protrusions 161a, 161b facing the color detection switch 160c push the switch levers of the color detection switches 160a, 160b, and 160c when stored in the developing device storage section.
, 160c are installed in parallel. Therefore, when the color developing devices 13A, 13B, 13c, and 13D are stored and inserted into the respective developing device storage portions to the predetermined positions, the color detection protrusions 161a, 16
Color detection switches 160a, 1 by 1'b, 161c
60b and 160c are activated, and the color of the stored color developing device is identified based on the signal, and at the same time, the presence or absence of the color developing device in the developing device storage section is detected.

In the illustrated case, color identification and detection of the presence or absence of a color developer are performed by the respective color detection switches 160a and 160b.

160c signal to 511S2. Set to S3 and switch off
When f, S=0. If S=1 when the switch is on,
Sl, S2. When all of S3 are O, the presence or absence can be determined by assuming that there is no color developer, and 51=1. S2=O
.

53=0, for example, red, S,=1. S2=l, 53
The color can be determined by setting =l to be blue, for example. In this case, color detection protrusions 161a, 161b,
161c is configured to correspond to that signal.

Note that here, color detection switches 160a, 160b, and 160c, which are three mask cross switches provided in each developing device storage section of the storage case 151, and the color developing device 13A.

The color identification and the presence/absence of the color developing device inserted into the developing device storage section were performed using the three color detection protrusions 161a, 161b, and 161c provided at 13B, 13C, and 13D. It is not limited to this and can be set arbitrarily, and a photo ink printer or the like may be used instead of a microswitch as the color detection switch (in short, when the color developer is stored in the developer housing) Any means may be used as long as it can identify the color and determine the presence or absence.

Furthermore, here, a method is adopted in which it is determined by color identification whether a predetermined color developer is stored in the developer storage section.
Other methods by which individual color developing units can be identified may also be used.

Further, in the multiple developing device storage device of the present invention, since the developing device detecting means is provided in the storage portion of each developing device, the following problems occur.
It has many advantages.

■ Providing a developer detection means to determine which type (for example, color) of developer is stored in which storage part of the multiple developer storage device eliminates the need for input during initialization and saves time. This prevents an undesired developing device from being selected due to memory corruption due to a power outage or the like.

(2) The control section on the image forming apparatus side can display the types (colors, etc.) of the developing devices included in the multiple developing device storage device on the display section on the image forming apparatus side. Furthermore, it is possible to easily provide a means for displaying the types of selectable developing devices on the multiple developing device storage device independently of the control section on the image forming apparatus side.

■ There is no need to worry about storing the developing device when it is taken out.

(2) The detection signal emitted by the developing device detecting means can be used as a return completion signal of the developing device to control the next movement, for example, the developing device transporting device and the case moving device.

The flowchart shown in FIG. 4 shows the procedure for supplying color developing devices executed by the control means 400 of the image forming apparatus.

When a selection signal is input to the control means (step 1), it is first determined whether the selected color developing device is in the main body 100 based on information from the color identification means Z (step 2). Here, the color developing device is inside the main body 100 (
If it is determined (Yes), the process proceeds to step 3, where the color developing device is moved to the developing operation position (by the operation of the developing device transporting means X). On the other hand, if the color developer is not in the main body 100 (No), the sensor S1. If it is determined in S2, the process proceeds to step 4, where it is determined whether or not the selected color developing device is in the multiple developing device storage device 150 based on the information from the color identifying means Z.

If the sensors S , , and S 2 determine that a color developer is present in the multiple developer storage device 150 (Yes), the process proceeds to step 5, in which it is determined whether there is a color developer in the transport path within the main body 100 or not. It is determined whether or not. If it is determined that this is the case (Yes), proceed to step 6 and move the empty storage section of the developer storage section in the multiple developer storage device 150 to the supply position (shutter 55 as an entrance provided in the main body 100). (by operating the case moving means Y), and then proceeding to step 7, storing the color developing device in the transfer path in the main body 100 in the empty storage section (by operating the developing device transferring means X); Next, the process proceeds to step 8, where the selected color developer in the multiple developer storage device 150 is moved to the supply position (by the operation of the case moving means Y).
After that, in step 9, the multiple developer storage device 150
The color developing device selected from 10 is supplied into the main body 100, and if it is detected by the switch S1 and is in the development standby position, the process proceeds to step 10 and the supplied color developing device is moved to the developing operation position (step 9. (Both step IO is due to the operation of the developing device transport means X). On the other hand, the color developer selected in step 4 above is not in the multiple developer storage device 150 (
If the determination is No), the process proceeds to step 11, where a display indicating that development is not possible and that the developer is replenished is displayed. Also, step 5
, there is no color developing device in the transport path within the main body 100 (NO
), the process proceeds to step 8 and moves the selected color developer in the multiple developer storage device 150 to the supply position.

When the operations in steps 3 and 10 are completed, development processing is performed in step 12, and then the process proceeds to step 13, where it is determined whether or not there is a continuation mode. Here, if it is determined that the continuation mode exists (Yes), feedback control is performed, and if it is determined that the continuation mode does not exist (No), this routine ends.

The control means 400 has an interface that transmits signals from the main body 100 to the multiple developer storage device 150 and also transmits signals from the multiple developer storage device 150 to the main body 100.

As described above, according to this embodiment, after one of the developing devices selected according to the selection signal is automatically carried out from the developing device storage section, the developing device carried out from the developing device storage section is is automatically carried into the inside of the apparatus body to satisfy the image forming means, and images are formed in this state, so that the image forming means equipped with the necessary developing device can be quickly and without bothering the operator. It has the advantage that it can be configured accurately and that the main body of the apparatus does not become larger due to the provision of a plurality of developing units.

5 to 7 show the main configuration of FIG. 13, the developing device moving mechanism applied to FIG. 17, and the vertical movement structure of the developing device storage device 150.

This will be explained below with reference to FIG.

The multiple developer storage device Y has a developer supply port (predetermined supply position) 22a, and includes a casing 150A fixed to the device main body 100, and a storage case that is vertically movable with respect to the casing 150A by a moving mechanism (not shown). 151.

The front end side of this storage case 151 is in an open state, and the casing 150A serves as a closing lid.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, the developer supply ports 6 are located on both sides near the developer supply port 22a of the multi-developer storage device configured as described above, and are arranged vertically with respect to the transport path of the main body of the device. Horizontal pins (engaging means) 211, 211 for positioning in the horizontal and horizontal directions are fixedly provided. The pin 211
, 211 have a tapered surface.

In order to attach such a multiple developing device storage device Y to the main body 100 of the image forming apparatus, each pin 211 is formed on both sides of the main body 100 near the developing device entrance 2 in correspondence with the pin 21. After the casing 150A is inserted into the horizontal hole 221 and engaged, the casing 150A is fixed to the main body 100 by detachable fixing means such as bolts (not shown).

Therefore, the developing device supply port 22a on the side of the multiple developing device storage device is positioned with high precision with respect to the developing device loading port on the main body 100 side. Therefore, the selected color developer (green developer 13B in the case shown) in the multiple developer storage device
is the transport means (gear 51 that engages with the rack 511 of the developing device)
) and is sent to the developing device supply port from the developing device inlet 22 to the developing operation position by the transporting means (by the gear 52 that engages with the rack 511 of the developing device) within the apparatus main body. It will be carried out smoothly,
Does not interfere with the developer supply function.

Figure 1, Figure 5 (651, 652, 66 of Figure 21 configuration)
1゜662), there is a problem between the main body of the apparatus and the multi-developing device storage device connected thereto, or when the developing devices are loaded into the storage device. The configuration of the guide auxiliary plate 24 and the end portion of the expanded guide member that solves the misalignment in the direction or the left and right directions and achieves smooth delivery of the developing device will be described.

If a guide member is provided to engage and guide the developing device itself in order to stabilize the reception and supply of the developing device, transportation failures may occur due to manufacturing or unstable transportation conditions. In this example, a slide guide 28 for guiding the protrusions 136a to 136d on the lower surface of the developing device (see FIG. 12) on the apparatus main body 100 side and a slide guide 27 for guiding the protrusions on the storage case 150 side
Connecting end of each and developing device loading side (right side)
272 is an expanded inclined surface. That is, although the slide guide 27 and the slide guide 28 are U-shaped grooves, the side walls 272, 282 and the bottom wall 2 at the connecting end thereof
81°271 is an expanded inclined wall. Therefore,
Slide guide 27 on the device main body 100 side and storage case 1
Even if a vertical or horizontal positional deviation occurs between the color developing device and the slide guide 28 on the 50 side, the color developing device is guided by these inclined surfaces and the receiver is reliably delivered to the other party.

FIG. 6 shows a driving means C that drives the entire developing device storage case 150 up and down (in the direction of arrow Y-Y' in the figure), and also moves a selected predetermined developing device 13B in the image forming position direction (
The figure shows the feed in the direction of the illustrated arrow

The driving means C includes a solenoid 491. The solenoid 491 has a rod 491A that moves forward and backward in the direction of arrows a-a', and a swing lever 106 having a planar shape is rotatably attached to the tip of the rod 491A by a pin 107. One end of the swing lever 106 is pivotally supported by a shaft 105a of a gear 105, and a gear lO8, which is always engaged with the gear 105, is supported at the other end so as to be horizontally rotatable. Incidentally, the gear 105 meshes with a gear 207 which receives the driving force from the drive motor M.

In the vicinity of the gear 108, gears 111 and 51A that selectively mesh with the gear 108 are arranged horizontally rotatably, and a worm 114 is attached to the rotating shaft supporting the gear 111 as shown in the figure. The worm 114 is engaged with racks 115 provided above and below the end surface of the developing device storage device 150 on the side of the main body A. or,
The gear 51A meshes with the x-x' direction drive gear 51 via horizontally rotatable gears 51H and 511,
The x-x' direction drive gear 51 meshes with a rack 511 provided protrudingly along the side surface of the developing device 13B.

By the way, the swing lever 106 is connected to the shaft 10 of the gear 105.
The swing lever 106 is pivotable about the return spring 120 in the direction of arrows b-b' in the figure, centering on the swing lever 106.
The solenoid 49 is always biased in the direction of
When the gear 1 is not in operation, the gear 108 provided therein meshes with the gear 111, as shown in FIG.

If the motor 208 is rotated in the normal direction by a control means (not shown) in a state where the gear 108 is meshed with the gear 111 as shown in FIG.
．． The rack 115 is transmitted to the worm 114 via 206, 105, 108, 111 and the rotating shaft 113 to rotate the worm 114, and is engaged with the worm 114.
If the developing device storage case 150 equipped with the developer storage case 150 moves upward in the Y direction, for example, and the motor 208 is reversed, the developing device storage device 150 similarly moves downward in the Y' direction. In this way, the developing device storage case 150 is moved up and down, a developing device having a desired color of developer is selected from the developing device storage device 150, and the developing device is located at the developing device loading port (not shown) of the main body X. If the drive of the motor 493 is stopped when the developer is located at , the desired developer stops at the developer loading position. After that, the solenoid 491 is driven by the control means 400 in FIG.
If this rod 491A is retreated in the direction a' in the figure,
The swinging lever 106 swings together with the gear 108 in the direction b' in the figure about 105a in response to the elastic force of the return spring 120, and the engagement of the gear 108 is switched from the gear 111 to the gear 51A. From this state, the motor 49
If gear 3 is rotated forward, this rotation will cause gears 207, 105, 1
08.51A.

51H, 511 to the X-direction drive gear 51, the X-direction drive gear 51 is rotationally driven, and the developing device, which includes a rack 511 that meshes with the X-direction drive gear 51, moves into the main body X in the X direction shown in the figure, for example. Can be supplied. Then, when the motor 493 is reversed, the developing device supplied to the storage device 150 is transferred in the direction of the arrow X' force and stored in the developing device storage device 150.

According to this example, since the vertical movement of the storage device and the horizontal movement of the developing device are not performed at the same time, the developing device can be stably transported during transport.

In FIG. 7, the gear 51 in FIG. 6 is completely different from the drive from the drive motor M, and the explanation will be given assuming that the vertical movement of the storage device is performed by the motor M as in the example in FIG. 6. .

FIG. 7 shows that by connecting the device main body X and the storage device Y,
The respective developing device transport mechanisms are gear-coupled.

This makes it possible to use only one drive motor. Further, in this example, the developing device can be moved out of synchronization.

A pair of left and right conveying means Ma are provided for conveying the image to an image forming position near the photosensitive drum 11 in the apparatus main body X.

It should be noted that the transfer within the apparatus main body in the example shown in FIG. 6 described above can be carried out by using some of the explanations below, so the explanation will be omitted.

The configuration of the conveying means will be explained. A DC motor M, which is a driving source, is provided on one motor-side conveying means side of the developing device storage device Y.
is fixed, and the rotation of its output shaft is controlled by gears 71 and 72.
is transmitted to the transmission shaft 75 via. In addition, the transmission shaft 75
The rotation is made by bevel gears 73, 73 and 7 provided on the left and right
The rotation of the shafts is further transmitted to the gear 51 attached to the lever 51F via the gear shown in the lower part of FIG. 38. The lever 51F is attached to the shaft 74A so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction, and an operating rod of the solenoid 76 is attached to one end of the lever 51F, and a spring SP is attached to the other end. In addition, the other lever 51F has
One end of the link 77A is pivotally connected to the storage device B, and the other end of the link 77A is pivotally connected to the one lever 51.
It is connected to F by a link 77.

A pair of left and right gears 78, 78 are attached to the middle of the transmission shaft 75, and the rotational force of the transmission shaft 75 is applied to the gears 78.78.
8 and gears 79 and 79 to gears 52 and 52 that mesh with a pair of racks 521 carved on both ends of the upper surface of each developing device 13A. Also, each developing device 2A.

The gears 51, 51 are also on both sides of 2B, 2C,...
The above-mentioned rack is engraved and can be engaged with the above-mentioned rack. When the gear 51 meshes with the rack 511 on the side by the operation of the solenoid 21 and the DC motor M is driven, the gears 51 on both the left and right sides,
Gear 52 is driven at the same time. As a result, the developing device is transported, and when the leading end of the developing device 13A reaches the position of the gear 52.52, the gear 52.52 and the rack 521.52
1 mesh with each other, thereby continuing the transport of the developing device 13A and transporting the developing device 13A to a predetermined image forming position.

As described above, according to the apparatus, a plurality of conveying means for conveying the developing devices can be synchronized and interlocked by the same drive source (DC motor M).

In the embodiment, a drive mechanism including a DC motor as a drive source is provided on the storage device Y side, but it may also be provided on the device main body X side, and the conveying means is connected between the storage device and the main body
It may be divided into two parts.

As the drive source, in addition to using a dedicated motor as in the embodiment, another motor such as the main body X may be used in common, and the driving force may be taken out as necessary by a transmission mechanism such as a clutch.

Next, manual loading of the developing device into the storage device 150, which is a feature of the present invention, will be explained using FIGS. 8 to 24. Incidentally, in these embodiments, it is assumed that the above-mentioned developing device transport mechanism and storage case vertical movement mechanism are applied as appropriate.

In conventional copying machines, the developing device is replaced in the area housing the image carrier 11 of the image forming apparatus. However, when a multiple developer storage device is provided as in the present invention,
If the developing device is replaced on the apparatus main body 100 side, it must be transferred from the apparatus main body to the space of the storage device, resulting in poor operability. However, in this case, the space of the storage device, that is,
It is necessary to search for a part where the developing device is not housed, which complicates the control sequence and also causes the problem of malfunction.

Therefore, there is a need for a developing device that has good operability and allows easy replacement and loading of the developing device. The present invention solves this problem and is characterized by loading the developing device into the storage device 150. A particularly preferred configuration and a preferred embodiment regarding this type of developing device transport will be described below.

FIGS. 8 to 10 allow the loading direction of the developing device into the developing device storage device to be substantially the same as the direction of transport of the developing device.

As shown in FIG. 8 (the developing device entrance 22a is open,
A feeding path 112 that continues to the photosensitive drum 11 is horizontally formed inside the apparatus main body 100 at the back from the developing device entrance 22a. Reference numerals 68 and 69 are locking means for restricting the movement of the developing device toward the photosensitive drum.

The locking means includes an L-shaped lever 68 rotatably mounted on a fixed shaft, and the lever 68 is held in the position shown by the solid line in FIG. For example, a resilient means (not shown) locks the stored developing device 13C at the chain line position shown in the figure, and upon receiving a predetermined signal, the same lever 68 is rotated about a fixed shaft in the direction indicated by the arrow in the figure to develop the image. Vessel 13C
and a solenoid 69 that releases the lock. still,
The number of locking means 68 and 69 may be the same as the number of developing devices, or only one locking means 68 and 69 may be provided opposite the feeding path 112 to control the movement thereof.

A cover 63 is provided on a part of the developing device storage device 15.0 so as to be rotatable around a support pin 631. For example, in order to load the developing device 13C into the developing device storage device 150, the cover 63 is supported. Rotate the developing device 13 about the pin 631 in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 8 to open it as shown by the chain line.
C to the photoreceptor drum 11 (indicated by the arrow d in the figure).
direction).

Note that the cover 63 may be provided for each storage space in the developing device storage device 150. Further, the cover 35 may be transparent so that the inside of the developing device storage device B can be seen, or the cover 35 may be transparent so that the inside of the developing device storage device B can be seen, or the cover 35 may be transparent so that the inside of the developing device storage device B can be seen, or the cover 35 may be transparent so that the inside of the developing device storage device B can be seen.

The storage location of each of the developing devices 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D may be made clear by making the color of the developer of the developing device 13D the same as that of the developing device 13D.

As shown in FIG. 8, the developing device 13C stops at the developing device entrance 22a. Thereafter, the lever 68 is released from the developing device 13C by the solenoid 69, and then
When the C motor M is driven to rotate the gears 51 in the directions of the arrows in FIG. The rack 521 is the device main body 10
It begins to mesh with the gear 52 provided on the 0 side. Then, the developing device 13C is ejected from the developing device storage device 150, and
The developing device 13C is moved to an image forming standby position near the photosensitive drum 11, and when this is detected by the sensor S1 in FIG.
drive is stopped. At this time, the pressurizing arm 21 is retracted to the position shown by the broken line in FIG.
When C is transferred to the position shown by the solid line in the figure, the arm 21 rotates as shown by the chain line, pushes the rear part of the developing device 13C, and pushes the developing sleeve of the developing device 13C onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 with a predetermined force. (This is the development position indicated by the chain line)
. The developing device 13C visualizes the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 rotating in the direction of the arrow in the figure.

In the above, each developing device 13A, 13B, 13C, 13
Each developing device 13A is loaded into the developing device storage device B in substantially the same direction as the transport direction (direction of arrow d in FIG. 1) to the image forming position thereof.

A race direction switching mechanism for guiding the developing device 13B, 13C, and 13D toward the image forming position becomes unnecessary, and the structure of the developing device storage device B can be simplified, the weight can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced. .

The loading operation itself of 13B, 13C, and 13D can be facilitated.

Modified embodiments of the present invention are shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 1O, which are schematic plan views of a developing device storage device 150 of an image forming apparatus. In the modified embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the developing device storage device 150 is configured to be opened and closed like a door around a hinge 632, and the developing device 13 is loaded into the developing device storage device B. To do this, rotate the developing device storage device B around the hinge 632 in the direction of the arrow f in the figure to open it, and then open it in the direction of the arrow g in the figure (this direction is the image forming position of the developer with respect to the developing device storage device B). The developing device 13 may be loaded in the direction corresponding to the direction of transport.

Further, in the modified embodiment shown in FIG.
is moved in parallel in the direction indicated by the arrow to retract it, and the developing device 13 is loaded into the developing device storage device 150 from the same direction (the direction indicated by the arrow).

Thus, in the above modified embodiment, the same effects as those obtained in the embodiment of FIG. 8 can be obtained.

FIG. 11 to FIG. 13 show a configuration that takes advantage of the advantage of front operability, and also show a specific guide. FIG. 13 is a view from the top similar to FIG. 5, FIG. 11 is a view of FIG. 13 seen from the front, and FIG. 12 is a view showing the bottom plate of the developing device used in this configuration. .

As shown in FIG. 13, guides 28A and 28 leading to the photosensitive drum 11 are formed parallel to each other at a predetermined distance in the developing device feeding path 112, and partitions 151a and 151b of the developing device storage device 150 are provided. , 151c, and 151d are provided with a guide 27A that is continuous with the guides 28A and 28 described above.

27 are formed respectively, and these guides 27
Developing unit attachment/detachment guides 279, 279 are formed perpendicularly to A, 27. Note that the groove widths d, d2. d3. d4 is dl〉d2, d
The size is set so that the relationship 3>d4 holds true.

By the way, on the bottom of each of the developing units 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D, as shown in FIG.
36a.

136b, guides 28, 27, and developing unit attachment/detachment guide 27
Guide members 136c and 136d to be engaged at 1°271
is installed protrudingly.

Also, the guide 28A of the feeding path 112 in the apparatus main body 100.

A rectangular notch is formed inside each notch, and a non-pressure arm 21 is provided in each notch so as to be able to move in and out.

Incidentally, the developing device rack 511 protrudes from both sides as shown in FIG. 6 described above. Further, the front side (lower side in FIG. 13) of the developing device storage device 150 is covered with a removable cover member 40 having a U-shaped side cross section as shown in FIG. The DC motor M and guide stoppers 279, 279 are fixed to. The guide stoppers 279, 279 are connected to the developing unit attachment/detachment guide 2.
73 and 274, each tip of which forms the same surface as the guide 27A, and protrudes from the lower surface of the developing unit 13C together with the guide 27A.
It functions as a guide for a - d.

For example, the developer 1 is removed from the developer storage device 150.
To take out 3C, first remove the cover member 40, which is held by a hook member (not shown).

Then, the DC motor M and the gear 51 fixed to the cover member 40 are removed together, and the guide stoppers (members for preventing the developer from being pulled out) 279, 279 are also removed from the developer attachment/removal guides 273, 274, and the developer is removed. By pulling out the container 13C toward the front, the developing device storage device 150 can be easily taken out without removing it from the device main body 100.

Furthermore, in order to load the developing device 13C into the developing device storage device 150, the developing device 13C is loaded with the cover member 40 removed.
3C can be easily loaded by pushing it toward the back side along the developing device attachment/detachment guides 273 and 274 from the front side, and the cover member 40 can be attached after loading.

As described above, by providing the storage device with a loading mechanism for loading the developing device, the above-mentioned inconvenience can be avoided.

14 to 15(a), (b), and (c) will mainly be described with reference to the transportation and vertical movement of the developing device within the storage device after the above-mentioned loading is completed.

In the previous application, the image forming apparatus was configured such that each developer stored in the developer storage device could move freely in the transport direction even when not being transported, so When the developing device is driven or subjected to external vibrations, it may shift from the specified position, and when it is transported to the image forming position, the developing device will tilt and cannot be transported smoothly, and in the worst case, the developing device will Problems were observed when the vessel stopped midway through the transfer path.

Furthermore, if the developing device reaches the image forming position while being tilted, there is a risk that the developing device may damage the image carrier. Furthermore, if the position of the developing device in the developing device housing device is significantly shifted, a situation may occur in which the developing device cannot be transported to the image forming position by the transport means.

In addition, in an image forming apparatus in which the developing device can be taken in and out of the developing device storage device, if the developing device is misaligned in the developing device storage device, the developing device cannot be taken in or out. There's a problem. Furthermore, in image forming apparatuses in which developer can be replenished to the developer in the developer storage device, it may become impossible to replenish the developer to the developer due to misalignment of the developer, or the developer may run out of the developer. There is a problem in that the liquid spills into the device and makes the inside of the device dirty.

This example was created in view of the above problem, and its purpose is to provide an image that can effectively solve the above problem by locking the movement of the developer in the developer storage device in the transport direction. To provide forming equipment.

In order to achieve the above object, this example is provided with a stopper mechanism that locks the movement of the developing units in the transport direction and releases the lock as necessary, in a developing unit storage device that stores a plurality of developing units. .

Since the developing device is accurately positioned and fixed at a predetermined position within the developing device storage device, it can be smoothly transferred to the image forming position, thereby preventing problems such as the developing device damaging the image carrier. is effectively eliminated.

The stopper mechanism in the example shown in FIG. 14 includes a leaf spring member 83 that biases the developing device upward from below, a stopper 81 having a substantially trapezoidal side surface fixed to the tip of the chain leaf spring member 83, and The stopper 80 receives and positions the end portion, and the stopper 81 is formed with a tapered surface 81a that slopes upward toward the inside of the storage device.

This stopper mechanism is provided on each of the partition plates 151a to 151d that partition the developing device in the vertical direction.

The stoppers 80 and 81 prevent the developing device from moving in the horizontal direction, and the developing device is fixedly supported within the storage device.

An arm 132 on the apparatus main body side shown in FIG. 2 is movably provided from the transfer path 132.

As the arm 132 moves to the right in FIG. 14, its front portion engages with the tapered surface 81a of the stopper 81 of the stopper mechanism and pushes up the stopper 81 as shown, so that the direction in which the stopper 81 moves the developing device 13C The lock on movement to is released, and the developing device 13C can be moved to an image forming position near the photosensitive drum 11 (see FIG. 1). still,
The developing device 13C that has been used for forming an image at the image forming position is returned to the developing device storage device 150 side by the transport means, but at this time, the rear end of the developing device 13C is connected to the taper 8 of the stopper 81.
1a to push down the stopper 81, the developing device 13C is returned to a predetermined position within the developing device storage device 150. Then, the engagement between the developing device 13C and the stopper 81 is released, the stopper 81 is raised by the restoring force of the leaf spring member 83, and the movement of the developing device 13C is locked again. At this time, the arm 132 may be driven to push down the stopper 81 before the developing device 13C is returned.

Therefore, even when the developing device storage device 150 is driven or subjected to external vibration, the developing device position does not shift, and the transportation to the image forming position is extremely smooth, and problems such as damage to the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 are eliminated. Ru. In addition, in particular, a device that allows the developer to be taken in and out of the developer storage device,
Alternatively, if it is possible to replenish the developer to the developing device in the developing device storage device, it may become impossible to take out or take out the developing device or to replenish the developer to the developing device due to the positional deviation of the developing device. This prevents the occurrence of situations where the inside of the device becomes dirty due to the developer spilling or falling.

The stopper mechanism shown in FIG. 2(a) includes a lever 122 biased in one direction by a spring 85, a link 84 connected to the lever 122, and a stopper 82 connected to the end of the link 84. It consists of

A projecting member 86 having a trapezoidal shape on the side is protruded from the lower part of the developing device entrance 3° that opens into the apparatus main body 100.

When the developing device storage device 150 moves down as shown in FIG. 15 and the developing device 13B reaches the transferable position and the driving means is in a state immediately before being driven, the protrusion member 86 protruding from the main body loo side engages with the end of the lever 122 of the stopper mechanism, moves the lever 122 inside the storage device, rotates the stopper 82 counterclockwise in the figure via the link 84, and moves the developing device 13B in the transport direction. Unlock movement to. In this way, the positional displacement of the stored and fixedly supported developing units 13A-13C is also prevented, and various problems associated with this positional displacement are solved.

Further, instead of the protruding member 86, a solenoid that protrudes from the device main body 100 and moves the lever 122 into the storage device when the lock is released may be used. In this case, the solenoid can be operated only when the developing device is being transferred, and the positioning accuracy of the developing device while waiting for transfer can be improved. In FIG. 15(b), the stopper 87 is released and stopped by controlling the operation of a solenoid 88. The rotor 89 is rotated by the solenoid 88, and the roller 8
In this configuration, a stopper 87 is fixedly supported at 9 via a lever.

In FIG. 15(c), the developing device fixedly supported by the front and rear stoppers 90.80 is shifted above the stoppers 90.80 to release the fixed support by the stoppers. The developer receiver holder of the lever 132 has a stopper 9.
It is a surface that is equal to or smaller than the lower surface of the developing device by 0.80 mm, and this receiver is a receiving surface that shifts the developing device upward.

Next, FIG. 16 and FIG. 18 show an example of the present invention that solves the problem in loading the developing device into the storage device 150.

In FIG. 16, the developing device storage device is provided with an opening/closing door 91 for manual loading of the developing device and a member 8b which is a guide member for aligning the tip of the developing device linked to the opening/closing operation of the opening/closing door and a tip stopper. This makes it possible to configure the member 8b to protrude when the door is opened and to retract when the door is closed. As a result, by accurately loading the developing device into a predetermined position within the developing device storage device, the developing device can be transported smoothly and a high-quality image can be obtained.

The transfer path 112 and entrance 22a in the apparatus main body in FIG.
An opening/closing door 97 for manual loading is provided at a position opposite to a.

The developing device storage device 150 is provided with an opening/closing door 91 which is operated to open and close when loading and unloading the developing device 13, with one end thereof rotatably attached to a shaft 912.
One end edge constitutes an engaging portion 911 having an arc shape.

Further, a guide member 92 is provided below the partition 151 in which the developing device 13 is placed in the developing device storage device 150, with one end of the guide member 92 being pivotally mounted on a shaft 922 so as to be movable up and down. One end of the guide member 92 constitutes an arcuate engaging portion 921 that curves downward, and the other end constitutes a stopper portion 8b that stands upward at right angles. The guide member 92 is formed with guide parts 170, 171 that are continuous with the stopper part 8b.
171, as shown in FIG. , always in one direction (clockwise) with spring 93
is energized by

When the door 91 is closed as shown by the chain line in FIG. 16, the engaging portion 911 of the door 91 and the engaging portion 921 of the guide member 92 are separated from each other so that they are not engaged. Therefore, the guide member 92 is partitioned by the spring 93 as shown by the chain line in FIG. 16, regardless of the opening/closing door 91, and is buried below 151 and retreated from the developing unit passage space. ing.

When loading the developing device 13 into the developing device storage device 150, the opening/closing door 91 is moved to the 16th position around the axis 912.
In the figure, when the door 91 is rotated in the direction of the arrow a and opened as shown by the solid line, the engaging portion 911 of the opening/closing door 91 is connected to the guide member 9.
2, and rotates the guide member 92 about the shaft 922 in the direction of arrow C as shown by the solid line in FIG. 16 against the elastic force of the spring 93. As a result, the guide member 92 has its stopper portion 8b connected to the partition 151.
projecting into space above.

Therefore, when the developing device 13 is sent in the direction of the arrow d in the figure from the open door 91 side, the developing device 13 is guided by the guide portion 171 of the guide member 92 and is loaded, especially at the parallel portion 170. The direction is determined by the conveyance direction toward the main body 100 side. Then, by pushing the developing device 13 until its tip recess comes into contact with the stopper portion 8b of the guide member 92, the developing device 13 is correctly loaded in a predetermined position.

Thereafter, when the door 92 is rotated about the shaft 912 in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 16 and closed as shown by the chain line, the engaging portion 911 of the door 91 and the guide member 92 are engaged. The engagement with the portion 921 is released, the guide member 92 is retracted to the position shown by the chain line by the spring 93, and the stopper portion 8b of the guide member 92 is disengaged from the partition 151.
The developing device 4 is buried below to allow movement of the developing device 4.

In the above embodiment, the developing device 13 is loaded from the front side (left side in FIG. 16) of the developing device storage device 1'50. The same configuration as above (example in FIG. 19) can be adopted even if loading is performed from the above direction.

In addition to the configurations shown in the above embodiments, any other mechanical configuration (Fig. 20) may be adopted by combining an opening/closing door and a guide member that appears and disappears in conjunction with the opening/closing operation of the opening/closing door. Can be done.

The example in FIG. 19 is a view of the storage device in the direction in which the developing device is moved from the storage device to the main body of the positive image forming device.
are gears (for drive transmission) that engage with racks 173 provided on both sides of the upper surface of the developing device 13, and are retracted upward when the developing device is loaded. Reference numeral 63B denotes an opening/closing plate which controls the stopper member 175 on the back side of the storage device in the developer loading direction to be moved in and out of the partition plate by engagement and a spring 176 similar to that shown in FIG.

In FIG. 20, even when the drive transmission gear 174 is in the upper position, it is possible to load the developing device from the same direction as in FIG. A stopper member 178 is formed integrally with the extension of the upper surface, and locks the upper and front portions of the developing device.

FIG. 17 shows a further developed configuration in the implementation of the present invention, which solves the problems related to the automatic conversion of the developing device after the previous loading operation and the loading of the developing device. Eliminating the risk of accidentally loading another developing device into the empty space created in the developing device storage device after the developing device is sent into the main body, and thereby making it possible to always and stably replace the developing device. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus.

A stopper member of the stopper mechanism protrudes into the empty space created in the developer storage device after the developer is delivered to the main body side. Moreover, since the stopper member is buried when the developing device is transferred from the main body to the developing device storage device, the transfer of the developing device is not obstructed by the stopper mechanism.

Incidentally, a photo ink tank 95 is provided on the side wall of each developing device storage section of the developing device storage device 150, and a photo ink tank 95 is provided on the side wall of each developing device (for example, the green developing device 13C) as shown in FIG. Protrusion 9 to pass through ink cleaner 95
4 is provided protrudingly. Further, each developing device housing section is provided with a stopper mechanism as shown in FIG. 17.

The stopper mechanism includes a lever 98 whose intermediate portion is pivotably pivoted about a central shaft 99, a solenoid 96 connected to one end of the lever 98, and the other end of the lever 98. It includes a spring 97 that biases the lever 98 in one rotation direction and maintains it at the solid line position in FIG. 17.

When the green developing device is selected, the entire developing device storage device 150 is driven up and down by a driving means (not shown), and when the edge developing device is aligned with the developing device loading port opened on the side of the device main body 100. The developing device storage device 150 is stopped. Next, a desired green developing device is transferred to the main body lOO side of the apparatus by a transferring means (not shown), but the protrusion 94 provided on the green developing device passes (cuts) the photo interrupter 95. Previously, the solenoid 96 of the stopper mechanism was demagnetized and the lever 98 was moved by the spring 97 as shown in solid line in FIG.
It's buried.

When the protrusion 94 of the green developing device 13C passes through the photo interrupter 95 and is transferred to the main body lOo side, an empty space is formed in the developing device storage device 150 as shown in FIG. 94 is photo ink cleaner 95
, the solenoid 96 is energized in response to a signal from the photo incluctor 95. This solenoid 9
6 is energized, the solenoid 96 is activated by the spring 97.
The lever 98 is rotated clockwise in the figure about the central axis 99 against the tensile force of the lever 97, and a part of the lever 97 is projected into the empty space as shown by the broken line in the figure. In this embodiment, the developing device is loaded by being inserted into the developing device storage device B from the front side to the back in FIG. Because of this protrusion, no developing device other than the green developing device 13C transferred to the main body of the apparatus can be loaded into the empty space, and a situation in which automatic replacement of the developing device becomes impossible can be avoided.

Further, when the green developing device 13C is returned from the apparatus main body 100 to the empty space in the developing device storage device 150, a protrusion 94 provided on the green developing device 13C becomes a photo interrupter 95.
When the solenoid 96 passes again, the solenoid 96 is demagnetized and the lever 98, which had been kept in the position shown by the broken line in FIG. 17, is buried again by the spring 34 as shown by the solid line. It is returned to the designated place without any trouble.

21 to 24 show the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which the horizontal movement mechanism is the configuration shown in FIG. 7, the vertical movement of the storage device is the worm gear 114 shown in FIG. 6, and the rack 115 of the storage case. It shall be carried out with.

As shown in FIG. 6, the developing device used in this embodiment uses protrusions protruding from both sides as one of the engaging parts for guiding horizontal movement, and applies the driving force from the gear 51 to the protrusions. A receiving rack 511 is provided.

The image forming apparatus main body 100 is provided with a guide rail 67 having an expanded receiving portion for receiving the protruding portion of the developing device sent from the storage device 150.

The guide rail 67 has an end 671 as a stopper that provides positioning to the developing device protrusion 511A corresponding to the developing position of the developing device, and the broken line in FIG. 21 indicates the developing device standby position. The guide rails 67 are provided on both sides of the developing device above the developing device transfer path space within the main body of the image forming apparatus.

The main components of the developing device storage device 150 (the connecting portion is numbered 211 in the drawing; located at the top and bottom of the developing device moving space) installed in the image forming apparatus main body 10.0 include an auxiliary plate for horizontally moving the developing device. 24 and a guide rail 65 for guiding the protrusion of the developing device.
66, stoppers 56.57 that engage in the front and rear directions in the horizontal movement direction of the developing device, and a release mechanism for releasing the stoppers 56.57 (55°60.61, 58, 59.
62), an opening/closing door 63 for loading the developing device, and an auxiliary member 64 for loading. The storage device 150 can store three developing devices 13A, 13B, and 13C in a storage case that moves up and down, and in the figure, the developing device 13B is in the loading/unloading position of the developing device, and is in the developing device automatic transfer state. It shows. Therefore, the casing that covers the storage case has a size that allows the developing device to be shifted by one step in each of the upper and lower spaces at the position shown in the figure. The protruding portion with the rack 511 of each developing device is positioned and supported between an upper guide 65 and a lower guide 66 provided in each developing device storage section. However, developing device 13A
.

13C, the upper and lower guides 65 and 66 are not shown but are easily understood (represented).

The upper and lower guides 65 and 66 have the same function as the expanded portion 272 in FIG. 5, and the rack 511 in the developing device housing section is reliably conveyed and guided, so that stable conveyance is achieved. The effect can be further enhanced. Its characteristics are that the upper guide end 652 on the loading side is tapered upward and the lower guide end 662 is tapered downward, and the upper guide end 651 on the device main body side is tapered upward and the lower guide end 661 is tapered downward. It is preferable that the guides 65, 66 are tapered on both sides in the moving direction as shown in FIG.

If the vertical guides 65 and 66 are long, the weight for vertical movement increases, the torque for movement increases, and the device becomes larger, so in this example, the length is approximately equal to the length that can accommodate the developing unit. . For this reason, the guide rail 67 inside the device body
The distance between the upper and lower guides 65 and 66 in the storage device becomes large, and the developing unit receiver becomes unstable. Therefore, in this example, a guide plate 24 that assists in guiding the protrusion with the rack 511 of the developing device is fixedly arranged in the automatic developing device conversion path area of the storage device. The guide plate 24 also has its front and rear ends tapered downward in the direction of movement of the developing device. This makes horizontal movement of the developing device safer and more reliable.

Stopper 5 as a stopper member of the above-mentioned developing device
Reference numeral 7.56 indicates a claw shape that protrudes to the lower end side of the rack 511 of the developing device and has an outer shape tapered toward the fixedly supported developing device. Two stoppers 57 are fixed to the same shaft so as to lock both sides of the end of the developing device on the apparatus main body 100 side.

Conversely, two stoppers 56 are fixed to the same shaft so as to lock both sides of the developing device end on the loading side of the storage device.

Further, the stoppers 56 and 57 are maintained in the state shown in the figure by their own weight, but when the force applied when the developing device moves is applied from the tapered side of the stoppers 56 and 57, they easily shift upward. Entry of developing equipment is permitted. Of course, the locking surfaces of the stoppers 56 and 57 prevent the developing unit from moving out of the housing beyond the stoppers.

Therefore, the developing device held by the stoppers 56 and 57 is
Partly because the protrusion is guided by the upper and lower rails 65 and 66, it is completely fixedly supported and no positional fluctuation occurs. This stopper release mechanism also operates during automatic transfer of the developing device.

The stopper release levers 55 and 56 corresponding to each of the stoppers 56 and 57 described above are fixed to a rotating shaft that is rotatably supported on the casing of the storage device, and are movable in a symmetrical manner around the solenoid 58. The rotation is controlled by the rotational force from the gear 60 and the gear 61 that moves while being engaged with the gear 60. Note that the gear 61 is fitted to each end of this rotating shaft. Reference numeral 59 denotes a moving plate that is moved up and down by a solenoid 58, and is urged upward in FIG. 23 by a tension spring 62. When the release signal is input, the solenoid operates as shown in FIG. 23 to lower the movable plate 59 downward, thereby displacing the gear 60 upward. Gear 6 meshing at the same time
1 is also displaced upward. Therefore, the release lever 55 engages the stoppers 56 and 57 to simultaneously displace the stoppers 56 and 57 upward, thereby retracting the stoppers 56 and 57 from the moving space of the developing device. Therefore, automatic transport of the developing device from the storage device becomes possible. Automatic conveyance is performed by the control configuration described above.

On the contrary, when the developing device is returned from the main body 100 into the storage device 150, the developing device conveyed by the driving force pushes up the release lever 55 in the state shown in FIG. 21, and the stopper 57 is also tapered. The developing device is moved upward along the surface until the rear end of the developing device engages with the claw portion of the stopper 56.

At this time, the stopper 57 is not subjected to any load due to the movement of the moving developing device, so it falls under its own weight (also aided by the spring 62) and fixes and supports the front end of the developing device.

Conversely, when loading the developing device into the storage space in the storage device 150, the tapered surface of the release lever 55 is pushed up along with the developer to be loaded, and the tapered surface of the stopper 56 is also pushed up. The front end of the developing device engages with the claw portion of the stopper 57 and stops, preventing the developing device from entering any further. If the loading is not restricted like this stopper 57, the developing device will be connected to the device main body 100 and the storage device 1.
The developing device may reach the boundary with the developing device 50 or become unable to be fixedly supported, resulting in poor conveyance or damage to the developing device. When loading of the developing device is restricted by this stopper 57, the stopper 56 and lever 55 fall to fixedly support the rear end of the developing device. The opening/closing plate 63 of the storage casing allows loading of the developing device only into the developing device storage portion of the storage device facing the transfer path of the main body 100 of the device. The opening/closing plate 63 has a U-shaped developing device pushing jig 64 attached to the rail 631 on its inner surface.
It is supported so that it can be slid on. When loading the developing device, open the opening/closing plate 63, pull the jig 64 toward you (64A), and
As shown in FIG. 1, a rack 511B indicated by a broken line is placed on the upper surface of the opening/closing plate 63 in the open state 63A, like the developing device shown.

At this time, the opening/closing plate is in a state parallel to the upper and lower rails 65 and 66, and assists in guiding the loading of the developing device. By pushing the placed developing device through the jig 64A, the developing device is moved until it is fixedly supported between the stoppers 56 and 57. Thereafter, by closing the opening/closing plate to form a lid of the casing 150, automatic control of the developing device housing type becomes possible.

It is preferable from the standpoint of improving operability that when the opening/closing plate is opened, the fixedly supported developing device is automatically discharged and transported back onto the opening/closing plate 63A. This control is performed under the AND condition that the opening/closing plate is in the open state and that the developing device is fixedly supported by the stoppers 56 and 57 in the storage device.
00, the gear reverse rotation and stopper mechanism (second
This can be done by operating the solenoid 58 shown in Figure 3).

At this time, the jig 64 acts as a stopper to limit the discharge of the developing device.

Further, FIG. 24 shows that the solenoid 58 (FIG. 23) and the developer transport solenoid 76 (FIG. 7) are operated at the same time.
By operating these solenoids, driving force is transmitted only to the developing device whose movement is permitted. Also,
The movement is stopped by simultaneously separating the gear 51 and canceling the release operation of the stopper after the transmission of the driving force is completed. In the figure, tw corresponds to the rise time of the solenoid 58.76, and t m ov
e indicates the operating time of the transport motor.

The present invention includes all combinations of the above explanations and configurations.

〔Effect of the invention〕

The present invention focuses on simplifying the structure and improving operability by loading the developing devices into the multiple developing device storage device, and by adding a new structure to this, a number of inconveniences can be solved individually or in combination. This will greatly contribute to industrial development.

be.

The stopper mechanism, which is one of the features of the present invention, can accurately fix and support the developing device even if there is vertical movement of the developing device, vibration, or other external factors, so its structure is independent of loading. It can also be viewed as a superior device, and has the advantage of ensuring stable operability during loading and unloading.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an internal explanatory diagram of the image forming apparatus of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a top view of essential parts of the developing device moving means in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a partial explanatory diagram of the storage device in FIG. 1, and FIG. 1 is a sequence explanatory diagram of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a top view of the horizontal direction conveyance of the developing unit of FIG. 1, regarding the main parts of another embodiment. FIG. An explanatory diagram of the relationship between the drive and the horizontal drive of the developing device in the apparatus 150 (another embodiment). FIG. 7 is a modification of FIG. 6 and explains the conveyance of the developing device in the main body of the image forming apparatus. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram of loading the developing device; Figures 9 to 13 are diagrams each illustrating a modification of the configuration in Figure 8; Figures 14 and 15 (a), (b) , (C) are explanatory diagrams for explaining the relationship between the fixed support of the developing device of the present invention and the horizontal movement of the developing device, respectively. FIG. 21 is a side view of the main parts of the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, and shows the fixed support means, the developing device, the release means, and the guide means according to the present invention. is a top view of the support mechanism in Figure 21, and Figure 23 is a top view of the support mechanism in Figure 21.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the operation, and FIG. 24 is a chart for explaining the operation timing of FIG. 23.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] (1) A multiple developing device storage device capable of storing a plurality of developing devices vertically and provided with a first means for horizontally transporting the stored developing devices; and the multiple developing device storage device. After receiving the developing device taken out from the equipment,
An image forming apparatus main body including a second means for horizontally transporting the developing device and an image carrier; and the multiple developing device storage device includes a loading mechanism for loading the developing device into the storage device. An image forming apparatus having: (2) The loading mechanism is an engagement means that rotates the storage device with respect to the apparatus main body, opens a side surface of the storage device facing the second transfer means, and permits loading of the developing device. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1. (3) The loading mechanism is a movable member that is provided on a side of the storage device that is different from the side surface of the storage device facing the second transfer means and forms a loading opening of the storage device. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1. (4) Image formation according to claim 3, wherein the movable member is an opening/closing plate provided at a position that allows the loading direction of the developing device in the same direction as the first and second transport means. Device. (5) The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the opening/closing plate forms a surface capable of assisting a loading operation in an open state. (6) A patent claim in which the opening/closing plate is interlocked with a stopper that engages with and controls the transfer of the developing device in the storage device, and acts on the stopper in an opening operation and releases the action of the stopper in a closed state. The image forming apparatus according to item 5. (7) The second transport means has a transport path for transporting the developing device, and the opening/closing plate opens or covers an opening for only the developing device storage portion on an extension of the transport path. The image forming apparatus according to item 3. (8) Image formation according to claim 7, wherein opening of the opening/closing plate is permitted only when the storage position level of the developing unit in the storage device matches the position level of the transfer path of the apparatus main body. Device. (9) The opening/closing plate is movably provided with respect to the opening/closing plate, and the opening/closing plate is located in the storage device in the closed state, and includes a member that comes into contact with the developing device in the open state to assist loading. The image forming apparatus according to scope 5 or 8. (10) The developing device has drive receiving portions protruding from both sides in the transfer direction to receive the driving force of the first transfer means, and the first transfer means of the storage device has drive receiving portions that receive the driving force of the first transfer means. A first U-shaped guide member that guides the drive receiving portion has an opening for applying a drive to each portion, and a second transfer means of the device main body includes a guide member that receives and guides the drive receiving portion. An image forming apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, comprising a member. (11) The developing unit is provided with drive receiving portions on both sides of the upper surface in the conveying direction for receiving the driving force of the second conveying means, and the second conveying means is connected to the developing unit in the main body of the apparatus. 11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the driving force is applied from above. (12) A case for storing multiple developing devices vertically via a partition plate, the storage case being movable in the vertical direction, a casing for covering the storage case from the outside, and the casing. has an opening for automatically supplying the developing device to the main body of the image forming apparatus, and a loading section provided on a surface different from the position of the opening for loading the developing device into the multiple developing device storage device. Multiple developer storage device. (13) The multiple developer storage device according to claim 12, wherein the loading section has a door that can be opened and closed, and when the door is open, the developer can be attached to and removed from the storage device. (14) The automatic supply opening faces an in-body developer transfer path of the image forming apparatus main body, and the loading section is located on an extension of the transfer path.
Multiple developer storage device as described in Section 1. (15) The openable/closable door forms a guide surface that assists in loading the developing device, and is a member that is movable relative to the guide surface and assists in loading by engaging and moving with the developing device. 15. The multiple developing device storage device according to claim 14, having: (16) A case for storing multiple developing units vertically via a partition plate, including a storage case that is movable in the vertical direction, and a storage case that can be moved in and out of the horizontal movement path space of the developing units. A developing device fixing and supporting means is provided with a plurality of support members for fixing the developer stored in the case, and the supporting members are arranged at the front and rear of the developer, respectively, in the direction in which the developer moves horizontally to the outside of the multiple developer storage device. A multiple developer storage device that engages with the device. (17) The supporting members are provided one each on the left and right sides of the front of the developing unit and one each on the left and right of the rear of the developing unit with respect to the moving direction of the developing unit.
The multiple developing device storage device according to item 6. (18) The multiple developing device storage device according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the storage device includes a control means for simultaneously moving the support members in and out. (19) The control means releases the fixed support of the developing device fixedly supported by the supporting member before the driving force for horizontally moving the developing device is transmitted.
The multiple developing device storage device according to item 8. (20) The developing device fixing support member is configured to prevent the developing devices from being stored in the storage device from the outside of the multiple developing device storage device.
17. The multiple developing device storage device according to claim 16, wherein the supporting member on the insertion side among the supporting members is retracted from the movement path space in conjunction with insertion of the developing device. (21) The transmission of the drive and the release of the control means are carried out when the developing device is housed facing an opening provided in the casing of the storage device for automatically moving the developing device. A multiple developing device storage device according to claim 20. (22) A guide path that protrudes from the side surface of the developing unit to both sides and horizontally guides the protrusion in which the drive receiving portion is formed, and a driving force for the drive receiving portion of the protrusion in the guide path. A means for transmitting multiple developer storage devices. (23) The multiple developer storage device according to claim 22, wherein the storage device has the transmission means for a position where the developer is supplied to the developer guide path of the main body of the image forming apparatus. Device. (24) The multiple developing device storage device according to claim 23, wherein the storage device includes a casing in which a supply portion for loading the developing device from the outside of the device is provided corresponding to the developing device guide portion. Device. (25) The multiple developing device storage device according to claim 22, wherein the storage device includes means for vertically moving the multiple developing devices, and control means for switching the operation of the transmitting device and the moving device. (26) A developing device applied to an apparatus equipped with a means for horizontally moving the developing device has the following; a drive receiver that protrudes from the side surface of the developing device to both sides and to which the driving force from the moving means is transmitted. a protrusion formed with a section; the protrusion is for being guided along a guiding guide within the device; (27) The developing device according to claim 26, wherein the developing device further includes separate drive receiving portions formed on both sides of the top surface of the developing device in the moving direction.