JPH01279266A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To smoothly engage a rack of a developing machine and gears of a container device by rotating the gears of the container device before the start of traveling of the developing device. CONSTITUTION:Driving gears 178 and 179 are provided in a container device for a multiple number of developing devices 150, and a rack is provided in the developing device to engage with these gears. Then the developing device is made to travel between a device main body and the container device 150, by the engaging drive of these racks and the gears. At that time, each gear is made to rotate in the traveling direction before the start of traveling of the developing device. Thus the engagement of the racks and the gears at the time of traveling is made smooth, and the traveling of the developing device is carried out smoothly.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Field of Application] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus equipped with a multiple developing device storage device that stores a plurality of developing devices.

[Conventional technology]

In an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, when obtaining a color copy image, a plurality of color developing devices each having toner of each color are required. The plurality of developing units are held in a dedicated storage device and are removable from the main body of the apparatus. The developing device and the storage device are each provided with a rack and a gear, and each developing device can be moved between the main body of the device and the storage device by the engagement and driving of these racks and gears.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

However, in an image forming apparatus equipped with a multiple developer storage device as described above, when the developer is moved, the rack of the developer device is simply pressed against the gear of the storage device.
This poses a problem in that the meshing of the rack and gear may be disturbed, making it impossible to move the developing device smoothly.

Further, when stopping the storage device at a predetermined position, there is a problem that if the gear and the rack are deeply engaged, the gear cannot be easily released.

The present invention was made in view of these problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which a rack and a gear are meshed well and a developing device can be smoothly moved. Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus in which the gear is quickly released when the developing device is stopped in the storage device.

(Means for Solving the Problems) In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a developing device is provided with a rack, and a storage device that stores the developing device is provided with a gear that meshes with the rack, and the meshing drive of these racks and gears enables The developing device is moved between the storage device and the main body of the device, and the gear is rotated before the developing device starts moving.Furthermore, in the image forming device of the present invention, the gear is rotated.
It is configured to rotate in the direction of movement or in the forward and reverse directions by a predetermined amplitude and rotational speed.

Further, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the developing unit is moved from the apparatus main body to the storage device and stopped, the gear is rotated in the forward and reverse directions by a predetermined rotation width and number of rotations near the stop position. It's the same thing.

[Effect]

In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the gear of the storage device is rotated before the development device starts moving, so that the rack of the development device and the gear of the storage device can be meshed well. At this time, by rotating the gear in the moving direction and by rotating it in the forward and reverse directions by a predetermined amplitude and rotational speed, the meshing between the rack and the gear can be improved.

Further, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the developing unit is moved from the main body of the apparatus to the storage device and stopped, the gear of the storage device is rotated by a predetermined rotation width and number of rotations in the forward and reverse directions near the stop position. , the developer rack and storage device gear can be easily released.

〔Example〕

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

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing an image forming apparatus equipped with a plurality of developing device storage devices according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus shown here has a copying machine structure that enables double-sided image formation and multiple image formation in different colors.

First, before explaining the multiple developing device storage device, the main body of the image forming apparatus will be explained.

The original 2 placed on the original placing glass 1 is illuminated by the lamp 3, and this light image is reflected by the reflecting mirrors 4° 5.6, 7, 8.
．． 9 and a zoom lens 10, the light is guided onto the photosensitive drum 11. The lamp 3, the mirror 4, and the mirrors 5 and 6 each move at a predetermined speed in the six directions of arrows 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 1 is charged with electrostatic charges corresponding to the yX draft image. A latent image is formed. Color toner (for example, II
A color developing device (green developing device 13c) containing toner and a black developing device 14 containing black toner are provided. These developing devices 13c and t4 are each movable in the direction of arrow C, and approach the photosensitive drum 11 according to a desired color image to visualize the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 11. In the case of this figure, since the color developing device (green developing device 13C) is close to M and the black developing device 14 is close to each other, a black image is formed on the photosensitive drum 11. This image is transferred to the transfer material (
Transfer paper) 17. 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 transfer material 17 is supplied as follows, and a document image is formed. That is, there are the following methods for supplying the transfer material 17 to the image forming means mainly composed of the photosensitive drum 11.

In the first method, the transfer material 17 loaded in the cassette 18 is fed to the roller pair 20 by the paper feed roller 19. This pair of rollers 20 is designed to separate only the transfer material 17 in the form of soil when a plurality of overlapping transfer materials 17 are fed and feed it to the image forming means. The transfer material 17 after passing through the roller pair 20 is transferred to the guide plates 21 and 22.
, 28, paper feed roller pair 50, guide plate 51, 52, 53
It reaches the registration roller 23 via. In the second method, the transfer material 17 loaded in the cassette 24 is fed to the roller pair 26 by the paper feed roller 25. This roller pair 26 has the same function as the previous roller pair 20, and after the transfer material 17 passes through the roller pair 26, the guide plate 27,
28, 21, paper feed roller pair 50, guide plates 51, 52.
53 to the registration roller 23. Then, the registration roller 23 moves the visible image on the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer material 1.
The rotation is started at a timing such that the transfer material 17 is aligned with the transfer material 17, and the transfer material 17 is sent to the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 11 via the upper transfer guide 31 and the lower transfer guide 32. At this time, as described above, the image on the outer surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is transferred to the transfer material 17 by the transfer charger 15, and the transfer material 17 is separated from the outer surface of the drum 11 by the separation charger 33. The image is then sent to a fixing device 35 having a heating roller and a pressure roller. The image on the transfer material 17 heated and pressurized by the fixing device 35 is fixed as a permanent image. Next, the transfer material 17 is sent to the first ejection roller 36, then reaches the second ejection roller 39 via flappers 37, 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 a light material and is rotatable in the direction of the arrow. Since it is pushed up by the leading edge of the transfer material 17 and retracted from the transfer material 17, there is no problem in passing the transfer material 17.

Next, the flow of the transfer material 17 in the double-screen image forming mode and the multiple image forming mode will be described.

When the double-sided image forming mode is instructed to the image forming apparatus, the original image is transferred and fixed on one side (first side) of the transfer material 17 in the same manner as in the single-sided image forming mode described above, and then the transfer material 17 is transferred to the second ejection. It is sent to rollers 39 and discharged onto a tray outside the machine (not shown). Then, when the rear end of the transfer material 17 is detected by the transfer material detection mechanism consisting of the detection lever 40 and the optical sensor 41, and after a certain period of time (i.e., the time until the rear end of the transfer material 17 passes the flapper 38), , the second discharge roller 39 starts to rotate in reverse, and the transfer material 17 is fed into the machine again. Then, the transfer material 17 is transferred with its rear end first through the flapper 38, the left slope of the flapper 37, the guide plate 42, and further through the guide plates 43 and 44, and is turned over so that the second side is the front side. It is sent to roller 45. Thereafter, the transfer material 17 passes through the roller 46 and reaches the lateral registration roller 47. At this point, the horizontal registration roller 47
has stopped, and after the transfer material 17 completely hits this roller 47, the roller pair 45 and 46 also stop. The transfer material 17 is now on standby for the image forming operation on the second surface. Then, when an image forming signal for the second side is issued, the lateral registration roller 47 starts rotating and sends the transfer material 17 to the registration roller 23 via the guide plates 49 and 52. At this time, the side edge of the transfer material 17 is detected by an unillustrated optical sensor on the surface where the transfer material 17 arrives at the registration roller 23.
The lateral registration roller 47 moves in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the transfer material 17, that is, in a direction perpendicular to the drawing, so that its side edge is at the same position as when forming the image on the first side, and the lateral position is corrected. be done. This transfer material 17 is the registration roller 23
The operation after reaching the point is the same as in the case of single-sided image formation, and the transfer material 17 with the image formed on the second side is finally discharged onto a tray outside the machine by the second discharge roller 39. Ru.

Further, when the multiple image forming mode is instructed to the image forming apparatus, the operation during the first image forming is performed in the same manner as in the case of the single-sided image forming. After the first image formation, the flapper 37 is located in the state shown by the broken line, and the transfer material 17 is sent out by the first discharge roller 36 with the front end first, and the flapper 37 is in the state shown by the broken line. It is sent along the right slope to guides 42, 43, and further to guides 43, 44.
It is then sent to rollers 45. Thereafter, the transfer material 17 passes through the rollers 46 and reaches the horizontal registration rollers 47. that time,
The rear end of the transfer material 17 is detected by 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 rollers 47 start rotating.
The movement of the transfer material 17 at this time is the same as in the case of image formation on the second side of the double-sided image formation described above. The transfer material 17 on which the second image has been formed in this way 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 transfer material 17 is basically the same even when multiple image formation is performed more frequently. However, in such cases,
The return of the flapper 37 from the broken line position to the solid line position is performed before the final image formation.

Next, the main body 100 of the image forming apparatus having the above configuration is explained.
A multi-developing device storage device 150 that is optionally installed outside the device will be described.

This multiple developer storage device 150 is provided as an option in the main body 100 of the image forming apparatus when it is desired to form a color image using a color developing device other than the black developing device 14 fixedly installed in the main body 100 of the image forming apparatus. It is installed outside the image forming apparatus 100 and supplies and transports a desired color developing device to the vicinity of the photosensitive drum 11 inside the main body 100 of the image forming apparatus.

The storage case 151, which is the main body of the multiple developer storage device 150, has partitions 151a and 151b that divide the inside.
, 151c are provided, and the partitions 151a, 151b
, 151c, the main body 100 includes color developing devices storing different color toners, for example, a red developing device 13a storing red toner, a blue developing device 13b storing blue toner, and a green developing device 13c storing green toner. It is stored and placed in a removable manner laterally. In the illustrated case, the edge developing device 13c is not inside the storage case 151, but is supplied and transferred to the vicinity of the photosensitive drum 11 inside the main body 100, and is in a state of preparation for developing an electrostatic image. Such supply and transportation of the color developing device (green developing device 13C) is performed by a developing device transporting means X shown in FIG. 2, which will be described later. At this time, each color developing device in the storage case chamber 51 is carried into the main body 100 through an entrance 55 provided in the main body 100.

Such a multiple developer storage device 151 is further provided with case moving means Y shown in FIG. 3, which will be described later.
The storage case 151 can be moved vertically with respect to the main body 100 as shown in the figure by the case moving means Y. Therefore, by using this case moving means Y, the partitions 151a to 151c on which the desired color developing device is placed are aligned with the loading port 55 on the main body 100 side (in the illustrated case, the partition 151C is aligned), thereby allowing the desired color developing device to be placed thereon. A color developing device can be carried into the main body 100.

For example, in the case where the image forming apparatus selects the red developing device 13a, first, the green developing device 13c is transferred and placed on the partition 151C of the storage case 151 by the developing device transferring means X shown in FIG. At this time, when the green developing device 13c is returned to the storage case 151C, the presence of the green developing device 13c is confirmed by a developing device lock sensor shown in FIG. 2, which will be described later. When the presence of the upper recording developer 13c is confirmed, the storage case 151 starts moving vertically (downward in this case) with respect to the main body 100 by the case moving means Y shown in FIG. The partition 151a on which the red developing device 13a is placed moves to a position that coincides with the entrance 55 of the main body 100, and stops there. 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 developing device in the storage case 151 is selected, the same operation as when this red developing device 13a is selected is performed.

Now, the operation of moving the developing units 13a, 13b, and 13c from the storage case 151 to the vicinity of the photosensitive drum 11, and the movement of guiding them from the storage case 151 to the main body 100 will be described.

First, the green developing device 13c shown in FIG. 1 is placed in the storage case 151.
The means for guiding the light from the photosensitive drum 11 to the vicinity of the photosensitive drum 11 and the means for guiding the light from the vicinity of the photosensitive drum 11 to the storage case 151C will be described with reference to FIG.

Developing device horizontal moving means RMA shown in FIG.

RMB is a driving gear 178c for the color developing device.

The rotation of the color developing device 179c moves the color developing device 13 in the illustrated FD direction (Forward) and B direction (Back). At this time, when the horizontal motor 172 rotates, the drive transmission gear 173a.

173b rotates, and the rotation of the gear 173a is transferred to the gear 17.
8a and 178b, the color developer 13 and the gear 178c that moves horizontally rotate, and similarly, the gear 173
b is rotated by gear 179a.

The gear 179c is configured to rotate by transmitting the signal to the gear 179b. In addition, here, horizontal (-- evening 172
(7) A gear mechanism that transmits rotation to gears 173a and 173b is not shown.

Further, although not shown, the developing device horizontal moving means HMA and RMB are moved by springs to move the color developing device 1 inside the storage case 151c.
3c is being pressurized. Then, the up force direction shown by the arrow in FIG.
When moving the developing device storage case 151 in the direction, the horizontal moving means RMA.

The RMB is configured to drive solenoids 169a and 169b and to be separated from the storage case 151. This configuration prevents the horizontal moving means HMA, RMB from interfering with the color developing device vertical moving means Y. Further, sensors 170a and 170b are arranged to detect that the horizontal moving means HMA and RMB are sufficiently separated from the storage case 151. This sensor 17
0a and 170b use known photointerrupters, which constantly detect the layer separation of the horizontal movement means RMA and RMB.

Next, a case will be described in which the green developing device 13c is moved from the storage case 151c to the vicinity of the photosensitive drum II. As shown in FIG. 2, the storage case 151C is stationary at a fixed position at the main body entrance 55, and the green developer 13c is locked by the developer lock 165a.

It is fixed to this storage case 151c by 165b. Also, a developer locking pawl 165a.

165b is a mechanism in which the color developer 13c is unlocked by a color developer lock release solenoid 180. And color developer lock release solenoid 180
After driving, the horizontal motor 172 is rotated to drive the horizontal moving means HMA and RMB. At this time, the horizontal movement means HM
A and RMB are pressurized to the green developing device 1jc in the storage case 151 (by releasing the drive of the solenoid 180, the horizontal moving means RMA and RMB are applied to the green developing device 13c in the storage case 151 by the spring. pressurized).

In this state, the drive gear 178c.

By rotating 179c in the f direction, the green developing device 1
3c is transferred to the main body loading port 55.

Then, after being transferred to the main body entrance 55, it is transferred to the vicinity of the photosensitive drum II by a gear 56 inside the main body. At this time, the gear 56 rotates through the drive transmission gear 181 due to the rotation of the horizontal motor 172. This gear 181 is driven by the horizontal motor 172 by controlling a clutch 183 shown in FIG.

At this time, the developer pressurizing lever 60a inside the main body.

60b pressurizes the black developing device inside the main body, and does not interfere with the transportation of the green developing device 13c. In this state, the developer connector 57 in the main body and the green developer 13c are connected, and input signals (color code signals 57a, 57b) from the developer connector 57 are connected.

57C) is transmitted to the main body control unit 203, which will be described later. Thereafter, when image formation is performed with the green developing device 13c by the main body operation section 204, the black developing device 14 is separated from the photoreceptor 17 by rotating the pressure levers 60a and 60b, and the green developing device 13c is pressurized. Ru. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the above-mentioned operation.

That is, FIG. 6 shows the horizontal loading sequence, in which after the lock release solenoid 180 is turned on (step 500), it is detected whether the lock pawl is released (step 501). If the pawl is released, the horizontal motor is started (step 502), the solenoid 169 is released (step 503), and the horizontal position is detected by the horizontal home sensor (step 504).
), the clutch 183 is turned on (step 505).

Next, it is detected whether the developing device 13 is connected to the main body connector (step 506), and if it is connected, this operation is ended.

Next, a case will be described in which the green developing device 13c located near the photoreceptor 11 inside the main body is transferred to the developing device storage case 151C.

At this time, if the green developing device 13c is pressurized against the photoreceptor 11 inside the main body, the pressing lever 60a and Bob are rotated to release the green developing device 13c. And horizontal motor 1
72, and the clutch 183 rotates the gear 56 for transporting the developing device.

When the gear 56 for transporting the developer W rotates, the horizontal moving means HMA and RMB also rotate to transport the green developing device 13c into the storage case 151. Developer lock lever 165
a, 165b indicates that the developing device lock sensor 1 detects that the upward green developing device 13c inside the main body has moved in the BK direction and the claw of the storage case 151 has been pressed against a predetermined position of the developing device by a spring.
75, and the brown developing device 13c is
is fixed to the storage case 151. Horizontal home sensor 16
0 is the horizontal movement means RMA.

The RMB serves as a reference point for moving the color developing device 13 in the BK and FD directions. This horizontal home sensor 160 is configured to detect passage to the developing device 13 using a photointerrupter. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the above-mentioned operation.

That is, FIG. 7 shows the horizontal direction unloading sequence, in which after starting the horizontal motor (step 507), the clutch 183 is turned on (step 508), and the horizontal position is detected by the horizontal home sensor. When the sensor detects the horizontal position (step 509), a counter is started (step 510). Then, when this counter times up (counts up) (step 511), it is next detected whether or not the developer lock sensor is turned on (step 512), which turns it on and ends this operation, so to speak.

Next, a case will be described in which the color developing device is manually carried in through the door 152. When manually putting the color developing device 13 into the storage case 151, the door switch 161 closes the door 1.
The opening/closing of 52 is detected, and the detection signal is input to a control section 200, which will be described later. Then, when the door 152 closes,
The developing device detection sensors 164a and 164b detect whether the color developing device 13 has been manually carried in, and if the color developing device 13 has been carried in manually, the storage case 15 is detected by the transport gears 163a and 163b.
Transfer to 1. This sequence operation is always executed as a protection sequence operation immediately before the vertical sequence operation. Furthermore, when the door is opened, the drive source for each motor is cut off and the motors become immobile. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the above-mentioned operation.

That is, FIG. 8 shows the sequence when the door is closed in the horizontal direction. When it is detected that the door is closed (step 513), it is determined whether or not the sensor 164 is detecting it (step 514). If so, the horizontal motor is started (step 515) and the solenoid 169 is released (step 516). Next, the clutch 182 is turned on to drive the conveyance gear 163 (step 517), the horizontal home sensor detects the horizontal position, and when the horizontal position is detected (step 518), the horizontal motor is reversed (step 519). Then, carry out unloading sequence control (
Step 520), the operation ends. Note that if the sensor 165 does not detect the sensor 165 in step 514, it is determined whether the sensor 165 detects the sensor 165 (step 521), and if the sensor 165 detects the sensor 165, the operation proceeds to step 515.

Next, a case will be described in which the color developing devices 13 are taken out of the multiple developing device storage device. In this case, the horizontal movement means RMA
, RMB, the BK force direction developing unit 13 is transported a predetermined distance. In this manner, by moving the developing device 13 to the vicinity of the door 152, the color developing device can be easily replaced.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the above-mentioned operation.

That is, FIG. 9 shows the sequence of horizontal extraction to the outside, in which after turning on the lock release solenoid 180 (step 522), it is detected whether the lock pawl is released or not (step 523), and then the release is performed. If so, start the horizontal motor (step 524), then release the solenoid 169 (step 525),
A counter is started (step 526). Then, if the counter times up (step 527),
This operation ends.

In addition, FIG. 2(b) shows the developing device detection sensor 164, 164.
177 is a photointerrupter, which detects the presence or absence of the color developing device 13 by the movement of the developing device detection lever 176. Further, FIG. 5 shows a schematic configuration of the operating section.

Here, as described above, the multiple developing device storage device 150 is provided with driving gears 178 and 179, and the developing device 13 is provided with a rack that meshes with the gears. and,
Due to the meshing drive of these racks and gears, the developing device 1
3 is adapted to move between the device main body 100 and the storage device 150. At this time, each gear is rotated in the moving direction before the developing device 13 starts moving, so that the rack and the gears mesh well during movement, and the developing device 13 moves smoothly. By rotating this gear in the forward and reverse directions by a predetermined amplitude and rotational speed, the developing device 13 can be moved more smoothly.

Further, the developing device 13 is moved from the apparatus main body 100 to the storage device 150.
When the gear is moved to and stopped, the gear is rotated in the forward and reverse directions by a predetermined rotation width and number of rotations near the stop position. As a result, the rack and gear are quickly released when the developing device 13 is stopped.

Next, the case where the developing device storage case 151 is transported by the case moving means Y will be described using FIG. The storage case 151 is driven by a vertical motor 171, and the rotation of the vertical motor 171 is controlled by a gear 184 that controls the rotation of the pinion 18.
5.

Then, the rack 186 and the pinion 185 on the side surface of the storage case 151 move the storage case 151 from the illustrated up force direction to the down direction. At this time, the vertical home position sensor 159 positions the storage case 151, and the position of each stage is determined by the output count of the encoder of the vertical motor 171 or the count of the timer from this sensor position.

Furthermore, color detection marks 166 are attached to the color developing units 13a, 13b, and 13c for color recognition. Then, the color developing devices 13a and 13b are moved by the case moving means Y.
, 13c passes through the color detection sensor 167, the developing devices 13 in the color storage cases 151a, 151b, 151c
recognizes the colors of

The sequence operation described below is composed of the horizontal and vertical sequence operations described above.

That is, first, an explanation will be given of the operation of the developing device replacement sequence when the copy color is designated on the main body side. Main unit operation section 2
When a color is specified using the developer color selection key on 04,
The operation is performed according to the developer exchange sequence shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10, and the designated color developer is inserted into the main body. Then, the color of the color developing device in the main body, which is determined by the color code signals 57a, 57b, and 57c manually input to the main body control unit 203, is compared with the color of each stage in the storage case 151 and the specified color. At this time, if the color is equal to the specified color, this developing device exchange sequence ends, and if there is no color developing device in the main body, the storage case is moved and adjusted to the carry-in position. If there is a developing device for a color different from the designated color in the main body, an empty stage is searched for in the storage case 151. At this time, there is a method of preferentially searching from the upper and lower tiers, but searching from the lower tier has the advantage that the distance traveled by the storage case 151 is shorter. Next, the color developing device is carried into the main body. Since the communication between the main body side and the multiple developer storage device 150 ends here, the main body side can start moving independently from now on.

Thereafter, the storage case 151 is returned to the vertical home position. In this way, by replacing the developing devices, all the developing devices stored in the multiple developing device storage device 150 can be sequentially installed in the main body.
Multicolor copies such as black and brown are also possible.

That is, FIG. 10 shows the vertical unloading and loading sequence, and when a color is designated on the main body side (step 52),
8) It is detected how many color developing devices are present in the main body (step 529). At this time, if there is a developing device of the designated color in the main body, the operation ends, and if there is a developing device of a color different from the designated color, an empty stage in the storage case 151 is searched (step 530). Next, the storage case is moved to align its empty space with the color developing unit carry-out position in the main body (step 531), and carry-out sequence control is performed (step 532). When the unloading is completed, the storage case 151 is returned to the vertical home position (step 533), and then the storage case 151 is moved again to align the specified color stage with the loading position (step 534), and the loading sequence is controlled. (Step 535). When the loading is completed, the storage case 151 is returned to the vertical home position (step 536), and this operation is completed.

Further, if there is no color developing device in the main body in step 529, the process directly proceeds to step 534.

Next, the sequence of operations for taking out the developing device from the main body and storage device will be explained based on the flowchart of FIG. Select (5) on the storage device operation section 225, which will be described later.
Select the color of the developing device you want to take out using the select key, and then confirm the color developing device you want to take out by pressing the eject key 221. Then, it is determined whether the developing device is in the main body or in the storage device.

If it is inside the main body, the vacant space in the storage case 151 is moved to the unloading position using the vertical moving means, and the developing unit is moved into the storage case 151 by the horizontal unloading sequence shown in FIG. do.

If the item is in the storage device, move the corresponding item in the same way. In both cases, it is moved to the front of the door 152 by the horizontal extraction sequence shown in FIG.

That is, FIG. 11 shows the sequence for taking out the developing device from the outside. When one color of the developing device to be taken out is specified (step 537), it is detected where the developing device of the designated color is located (step 537). 538). At this time, if the storage case 151 is inside the main body, the storage case 151 is moved to align its empty space with the unloading position (step 539), and the unloading sequence is controlled (step 540). Also, if the developer of the specified color is in the storage device, align the specified color stage with the unloading position (
step 541). Then, sequence control for external extraction is performed (step 542), and this operation is ended.

Next, when the power is turned on and the door 152 is opened or closed, an initialization sequence is started to check the color of each stage or the presence or absence of a developer when there is a possibility that the developer has been replaced or newly inserted. This will be explained using the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the developer is fixed at a predetermined position within the storage case by a door closing sequence. Then,
A vertical home sensor 159 determines whether the storage case is at the home position, and if it is not, the vertical motor 171 is driven vertically upward to return it to the home position. Next, the vertical motor 171 is turned on until the count up.
drive downward. At this time, the color detection sensor 167 detects the color of the developing device at each stage and inputs it to the control section 200 manually. Finally, the vertical motor 171 is driven upward to return the storage case to the home position.

That is, FIG. 12 shows the initialization sequence, and when the power is turned on or the door is opened and closed (step 543), sequence control for closing the door is performed (step 544).

Then, it is detected whether the home position is in the vertical direction (step 545), and if it is not in the home position, the vertical motor is started upward (step 546), and it is again detected whether the home position is in the vertical direction (step 547). . When the vertical home position is detected, the vertical motor is started downward (step 548) and a counter is started (step 54).
9). Next, after performing color recognition for each stage (step 550
), it is determined whether the counter has counted up (step 551), and if the counter has counted up, the vertical motor is started upward (step 552). Then, it is detected again whether it is at the home position (step 553), and if it is at the home position, this operation is ended.

The basic sequence of the developer storage device described above includes: If the home sensor cannot detect the occurrence of an abnormal situation within a predetermined time during vertical or horizontal movement, the main body is notified of the occurrence of an abnormal situation and the operation of the storage device is stopped. Contains sequences.

(Description of cooperative operation between main body and developing device storage device) Next, a case where the storage device is moved in cooperation with a copying operation will be described.

In this case, a color is selected using the color selection key 217 on the main body operation section 204, and a copy mode is set using other keys. At this point, if you replace the color developer, copy key 2
The color may be changed before pressing 07, so
When the copy key 207 is pressed, the color developing device to be used is determined, and the process proceeds to the developing device replacement sequence shown in FIG. At this time, when two or more colors are used, priority is given to the color developing device in the main body, thereby reducing the time required to replace the developing device. In addition, only when the main unit is in the wait-up period such as immediately after power-on, the color developing device selected with the color selection key can be replaced, and the color developing device in the main unit can be pressurized and pre-stirred. It is possible to shorten the time during use.

When a new developing device is brought in when replacing the developing device, the movement of the storage case 150 becomes unrelated to the copying sequence of the main body. Therefore, the copying sequence can be started before storage case 150 returns to the vertical home position. Furthermore, if it becomes necessary to replenish copy paper and toner during the copying sequence, it is necessary to prohibit the replacement of the developing devices in the main body and in the storage device 150. Input of the key 217 and the eject key 221 of the operation unit 225 of the storage device 150 is prohibited. This is to ensure a developer for the designated color when restarting the copying sequence.

(Manual explanation) The aforementioned multiple developer storage device 150 includes paper feed rollers 157, 158 and a guide plate 154 for manual paper feeding.
155 and 156 are provided, and the paper manually fed to the manual feed roller 54 of the main body is configured to be fed.

Also, due to maintenance of the manual paper feed section, door 153
A door opening/closing detection switch 162 is arranged. Then, when a manual paper detection sensor 168 shown in FIG. 3 detects that paper has been inserted into the manual paper feed 167, the horizontal motor 172 is driven, and a clutch (not shown) drives the paper feed rollers 157, 15B.

During this manual feeding drive, the drive of the horizontal motor 172 is not transmitted to the color developer transfer gear 56 and the horizontal movement means X by the clutch.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the above-mentioned operation.

In other words, Figure 13 shows the manual feed sequence.
When a request to drive the manual paper feed roller is issued (step 55)
4) Detect whether the horizontal motor is operating (step 555). At this time, if the horizontal motor is not in operation, horizontal motor drive is switched to paper feed roller drive (step 556).

Thereafter, the horizontal motor is started (step 557), and when the driving is completed (step 558), this operation is ended.

Note that the vertical motor 171. When driving the horizontal motor 172, the operation is performed according to the sequence shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14, and the driving is always performed after the determination. The kneading makes it impossible to drive the developing device in the horizontal and vertical directions simultaneously, but it becomes possible to drive the manual feed roller and the vertical direction simultaneously.

If the designated color developing device is not in the main body, after the manual feed paper is pulled in to the position of the paper feeding roller 158 by the paper feeding roller 157, the drive of the horizontal motor 172 is switched to the developing device conveying side, and the The developer is replaced by the developer replacement sequence shown in FIG. After pre-stirring the color developing device, manually fed paper is fed into the main body by paper feed rollers 157 and 158.

The above-mentioned FIG. 14 shows the horizontal and vertical drive prohibition control. When a vertical drive request is issued (step 559), it is detected whether horizontal drive is in progress (step 560), and only when horizontal drive is not in progress, vertical drive is prohibited. is started (step 561). Similarly, when a horizontal drive request is issued (step 562), it is detected whether vertical drive is in progress (step 563), and only when vertical drive is not in progress, the start of the horizontal direction is detected.

An action is taken (step 564).

Here, the operation of the control section of the image forming apparatus and the optional multiple developer storage device shown in FIG. 4 will be described.

The main body control section 203 and the control section 200 in FIG. 4 are configured to perform control by exchanging abnormal data, color information of the color developing device, etc. through known data communication (serial communication).

Then, the main body control section 203 performs color development that is manually operated by connecting a pressure drive clutch 216 and a developing device connector 57 for pressurizing the color developing device 13 transferred into the main body by the control section 200 to the photoreceptor drum 11. The color code signals 57a, 57b, 57c of the device 13 and the main body operation section 204 are controlled. The main body operation section 204 is a man-machine interface that manually outputs the start key (copy key) for image formation and various information, and its configuration is shown in FIG.

Further, the control section 200 of the multiple developing device storage device carries out the control section 1 near the main body photosensitive drum 11 to carry the color developing device 13 into the vicinity of the main body photosensitive drum 11 based on the communication data sent from the main body control section 203. control for carrying out the color developing device 13 to the storage case.
control for transferring the color developing device 13 to the vicinity of the door 152 and taking out the color developing device 13; Color detection mark 1 of color developer 13
66 from the output from the color detection sensor and transmits the data to the main body control unit, and LEDs 224a, 224b, 224c that display the colors in each storage case 151a, 151b, 15fc to a display operation unit 205, which will be described later.
Control is performed to output a lighting signal of 224d. At the same time, this control unit detects abnormalities in the motors 171 and 172,
Controls the transmission of error data to the main body control unit.

The color code sensor 167 is configured to read and output information on the color detection mark using a reflective photointerrupter. The control unit 200 includes a known input circuit and drive circuit for controlling the inputs and solenoids of the sensors and the clutch, and a controller 20 for the horizontal motor 172.
1 and the controller 202 of the vertical motor 171
(Interface) Circuit 1 Consists of a circuit for communicating with the main body control section, an LED drive circuit for the operation section 205, a key input circuit, and the like.

The horizontal motor controller 201 controls the horizontal motor 17
2 and a circuit that drives the horizontal motor 172. Then, the control unit 200 sends a control signal to the horizontal motor controller 201 as a signal (ON) to start rotating the motor.
, a signal (F/B) that determines the rotational direction of the motor, a signal that applies a brake to the rotation of the motor (BLK), and a clock signal (to CL) having a frequency that determines the rotation of the motor are input. The signal (F/B) that determines the rotational direction of the motor corresponds to the moving direction of the horizontal moving means (Forward Back).

Further, the vertical motor controller 202 includes the control unit 200
From mf vertical (-signal for driving 171 (ON),
A signal that determines the rotation direction of the motor (U/D No. 8 corresponds to the Uρ and down directions of the moving means Y) and signals (BLK, CLK) similar to the horizontal motor controller.
is entered.

Next, the main body operation section 204 of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.
The details of the operation section 205 of the multiple developer storage device will be explained.

The manual switch (key) in the main body operation section 204 is the power switch 213. Numeric keypad 205. Clear/stop key 209 for stopping input values and image formation
．． A key for entering special modes such as % weight copy mode, etc. A reset key 206 for canceling the manually operated mode, etc. in Canilia 214. Developer color selection key 217
A key for selecting the paper feed of the storage cassettes 18 and 24 for the image transfer material 17. It is composed of a cassette (selection) key 208 and the like.

In addition, the man-machine interface includes the cassette 1
8.Display and copy paper size stored in 24 (
a liquid crystal display section 2159 that displays the status of image formation, etc.; LEDs 210 and 211a that display the color of the selected developing device;
211b, 211c, and 211d.

The operating section 205 shown in FIG.
1a, 151b, and 151c, and an eject key 211 for instructing to transfer the developing device to the vicinity of the door 152 of the storage case 150. Selection display LEDs 223a, 223b, 223c that display the storage case specified by the select key 220, and a color display LED 224a that displays the color of the developing device in the storage case specified by the select key 220.

224b, 224c, 224d, and an LFD 222 that displays when the color developing device is being transferred.

FIG. 15(a) shows the configuration of the color developing device 13, and FIG.
b) shows the configuration of the connector 60 of the developing device 13.

The connector 60 of the developing unit 13 makes contact with the connector 60 inside the main body, thereby reading the color code.

Connect the toner amount and developing bias signals to the main unit. The color detection mark 166 is composed of a reflective part 166-a and a non-reflective part 166-b like a known barcode coat provided on the side surface of the color developing device 13, and as described later, the color detection mark 166 is made up of a reflective part 166-a and a non-reflective part 166-b. The color of the developing device 13 is identified by moving it up and down by a moving means Y and reading the code of the color detection mark. As is known in the known electrostatic image forming process, the developing sleeve 61 carries out the image forming process by uniformly placing color toner on its surface and applying a developing bias.

Further, the signal line 62 in FIG. 15(b) is for applying the image bias, and a bias voltage is outputted from a high voltage generation power source (not shown).

Signal lines 63 to 65 are signal lines for detecting the remaining amount of toner, and signals for a reflection sensor including a light emitting element 70 and a light receiving element 71 are sent. signal line 6
Reference numerals 6 to 69 are output signals for color code identification, and switches 72 to 74 allow eight types of discrimination.

Next, the operation of the above-mentioned color detection mark 166 detection means will be described using FIG. 16. The signal shown in FIG. 16(a) is the output signal P from the color detection means Z (color detection sensor 167), and the color detection sensor 167 is composed of a known reflective sensor, and if there is a reflective mark, the output signal signal"
If it is a non-reflective mark, outputs "0". Further, a pulse output (encoder output) E proportional to the rotation speed of the vertical motor 171 is shown.

FIG. 16(b) is a flowchart of the operation of detecting the color of the developing device by analyzing the code of the color detection sensor output signal P. First, the storage case 151 is vertically moved to a predetermined home position (HP) and stopped (step S1
), the storage case 151 is converted into a developing device storage case 151a.
3 until it moves to the developing unit loading port 55 of the main body.
The vertical motor is driven to move in the wn direction (step S2). When the down stop is detected (step S3), the storage case 151 is moved to the home position and the stopping operation is ended (step SS). At this time, when a predetermined encoder pulse count (predetermined position) is reached (step S4), the encoder pulses E of the color detection output signal "1" are counted and S, L shown in FIG. The mark M is detected (step SS). The color code and the number of color developing units 13 are memorized using the marks S, L, and M.

FIGS. 17 to 19 show the moving operation of the above-mentioned developing device.

The flowchart in FIG. 17 rotates the drive gear of the storage device 150 in one direction before engaging the rack of the developer 13. When a horizontal motor drive request is issued from the control section 200 (step 577), Above drive gear 1
78 and 179 rotate independently in one direction (movement direction) (
step 578). As a result, play in the rotational force transmission portion of each gear is eliminated, and the phases of a plurality of drive transmission gears having the same drive source are matched. This rotation starts the timer counter (step 579) and continues until it counts up (step 580). Next, in this state, the developer conveyance solenoid is turned ON (step 58).
1) The gear 178, 1 is mounted on the rack on the side of the developing device 13.
Press 79 and engage. At this time, the phases of the driving forces transmitted to the plurality of racks are equal, and skew due to a five-phase shift is less likely to occur. In this way, it is possible to prevent effects caused by crossing between the axes of each gear or play between the gears.

Note that this operation is performed in step 501 and step 5 in FIG.
02 and steps 509 and 51 in FIG.
It is most effective to do it at 0.

The flowchart in FIG. 18 is such that the drive gears 178 and 179 are rotated in the forward and reverse directions when the developing device 13 starts moving.

When a request to move the developing unit 13 in the horizontal direction is issued to the control unit 200 (step 582), the drive transmission solenoid 169 is turned on (step 583), and the drive gear 1
78 and 179 are pressed against the developing device 13. and,
The horizontal motor 172 is first started in the forward direction (step 5).
84), a counter for detecting the number of rotations in the forward direction is started (step 585), and the counter is rotated until it counts up (step 586). Next, the horizontal motor 17
2 is rotated in the opposite direction, a counter for detecting the number of rotations in the reverse direction is started (step 587), and the counter is rotated until it counts up (step 588). Then, the above forward and reverse rotations are repeated n times (step 589), and then normal rotation in the transport direction is started (step 59).
0).

Through the above operations, the rack for the developing device 13 and the storage device 15 are
The meshing of the 0 gears becomes deeper, preventing phase shift and skewing of each gear, and preventing tooth skipping during conveyance. Note that this operation is performed in steps 501 and 502 in FIG.
It is most effective to do it between

The flowchart in FIG. 19 also shows that when the developing device 13 is moved from the device main body 100 to the storage device 150 and stopped, the drive gears 178 and 179 are rotated in the forward and reverse directions by an appropriate rotation width and number of rotations near the stop position. It was designed so that it could be rotated.

When the developing device 13 is transported into the storage device 150 from the main body side (step 591), a counter or timer detects whether the developing device 13 has come close to the stop position (step 592), and further checks whether it is at the desired stopping position. is detected (step 593). At this time, the lock lever 165 of the developing device 13 is fixed when the developing device 13 is at a desired stop position, and the lock lever 165 is fixed when the developing device 13 is at a desired stop position.
5, the presence of the stop position of the developing device 13 can be detected. If the developer P313 is at the desired stop position, the forward and reverse counters are started and the drive gears 178, 179
(steps 594.595, 596.597),
The developing device 13 is shaken by 11π after n1.

Further, if the detection position cannot be detected by the lock sensor 375 in step 593, the driving gears 178, 1
79 back and forth, and use the lock lever 165 to close the developing device 1.
Fix 3. And the drive transmission solenoid 169
The stiffness is detected by the sensor 170 (step 599). At this time, if the release is detected, this sequence operation is completed, and if the solenoid 169 cannot be released, the drive gear 178 is again operated in the same manner as above.
, 179 are driven after @ (steps 600, 601,
602, 603), shaking the developing device 13.

Due to the above operation, the drive gear 17 is moved after the developing device 13 is conveyed.
8,179 can be released quickly, especially in gear 1.
This is useful when a large driving force is applied to the motors 78 and 179. Note that it is effective to perform this operation after step 512 in FIG.

(Effects of the Invention) As described above, according to the present invention, the developing device and the storage device are provided with a rack and a gear, respectively, and the developing device is moved by meshing and driving, and the gear is moved before the start of movement. Since it is rotated, the rack and gear mesh well when moving, and the developing device can be moved smoothly. At that time, the gear can be rotated in the moving direction or in the forward direction by a predetermined amplitude and number of rotations. And by rotating in the opposite direction, smooth movement is possible.

In addition, when the developer is moved from the main body of the apparatus to the storage device and stopped, the gears of the storage device are rotated in the forward and reverse directions by a predetermined rotation width and number of rotations near the stop position, so that the storage device can be stopped quickly. This has the effect of allowing you to release the gear.

[BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and FIGS. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control section, FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the outline of the operation section, and FIGS. 6 to 13 and 14 (a) and (b) are FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b) are a flowchart showing a sequence operation according to an embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 16(a) is a side view of a developing device and a circuit configuration diagram of its connector. (b) is a waveform diagram and an operation flowchart for explaining the detection means of FIG. 15, and FIGS. 17 to 19 are flowcharts showing the moving operation of the developing unit. 13...Developer 13a...Red developer 13b...Blue developer 13cm...Green developer 100...Device main body 150... ...Multiple developer storage device 151...
...Storage cases 151a, 151b, 151c=--Partition 159...
... Vertical home sensor 160 ... Horizontal home sensor 169'' ... Solenoid 170 ... Sensor 171 ... Vertical drive motor 172 ... ...Horizontal drive motor 173.174--Drive transmission gear 175...
...Sensor 178,179...Drive gear X-...Developer transport means Y...Case transport means

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) In an image forming apparatus that is removably equipped with a multiple developer storage device that stores a plurality of developer devices, the developer device is provided with a rack, and the storage device is provided with a gear that meshes with the rack, and these racks are provided with a rack. An image forming apparatus characterized in that the developing unit is moved between the storage device and the main body of the apparatus by meshing drive of a gear, and the gear is rotated before the start of movement. (2) The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gear is rotated in a moving direction. (3) The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gear is rotated in a forward direction and a reverse direction by a predetermined amplitude and a predetermined number of rotations. (4) In an image forming apparatus that is removably equipped with a multi-developing device storage device that stores a plurality of developing devices, the developing device is provided with a rack, and the storage device is provided with a gear that meshes with the rack, and these racks are provided with a rack. The developing device is moved between the storage device and the main body of the device by the meshing drive of the gears, and when it is moved from the main body of the device to the storage device and stopped, it is rotated in the forward direction by a predetermined rotation width and number of rotations near the stop position. An image forming apparatus characterized in that the gear is rotated in a reverse direction.