JPH08292708A - Color image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To eliminate unnecessary inspection and to make it possible to rapidly restart image forming operation by providing a color image forming device with a detecting means for detecting the attachment and detachment of a process unit and an image exposing means. CONSTITUTION: The un-attached state is detected by the detecting member when all or a part of a photoreceptor drum 201, a supporting member, electrostatic chargers 300 to 303, developer replenishing means 210 to 213 and a waste toner container 215 are removed from a process unit 200C and are not going to be mounted again. If, for example, the electrostatic charger 300 has not been mounted, the un-mounted state is detected by the detecting member after the switch of a color image forming device 200 is turned on. The operation is then stopped by a controller via an input/output device C1 and the un-mounted state of the electrostatic charger 300 is displayed on display device. The color image forming device 200 is thus so constituted that its operation is stopped and the start of the operation of the device is made possible after the completion of mounting of the necessary members when the mounting of necessary members has been forgotten.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a color image forming apparatus having an image carrier such as a copying machine and a printer, a charging unit, an image exposing unit, a developing unit and the like, and a replaceable process unit. The present invention relates to attachment / detachment detection for detecting attachment / detachment when attaching / detaching the process unit and the image exposure unit to / from the image forming apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, many methods for forming a color image using a plurality of developing devices are known. In the color image forming method as described above, JP-A-5-307307
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-242242, inside a single image bearing member (hereinafter referred to as a photosensitive drum), yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), which exposes the photosensitive drum,
A plurality of exposure means for black (BK) is attached, the same number of chargers as the plurality of exposure means are provided along the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum, and an electrostatic latent image formed by the chargers and the exposure means. Developing yellow (Y), magenta (M),
A method is known in which a plurality of developing devices for developing cyan (C) and black (BK) color toners are arranged, a color image is formed by rotating the photosensitive drum once, and the color image is transferred onto a recording sheet. .

The plurality of exposing means comprises an LED array and a converging light transmitting body array as one set, and a plurality of supporting body portions are formed on a supporting body fixed in the photosensitive drum. The LED array provided with the converging light transmission body array is fixedly attached to the support portion, and the tip of the converging light transmission body array is exposed from the inner surface of the photosensitive drum.

Further, as a color image forming method of exposing from the outside of the photosensitive drum, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-230074, a plurality of chargers and exposing means are provided around the photosensitive drum. The yellow (Y), magenta (M), which develops the electrostatic latent image formed by exposure,
There is known an image forming apparatus in which a plurality of developing devices for developing cyan (C) and black (BK) color toners are arranged.

[0005]

As described above, in the plurality of image exposing means, the tips of the plurality of converging optical transmission body arrays are arranged close to each other along the inner surface of the photoconductor, and the converging light is transmitted. The higher the degree of proximity between the tip light emitting portion of the transmitter array and the inner surface of the photoconductor, the better the light utilization efficiency can be obtained.
Since it is necessary to attach the plurality of image exposing means as described above to the correct positions, the converging light transmitting body array together with the LED array is integrally fixed to the supporting member and arranged at a predetermined position on the inner surface of the photoconductor. are doing. Further, when the image exposure means having the semiconductor laser, the polygon mirror and the optical system integrated is provided outside the photoconductor, it is necessary to attach the image exposure means at an accurate position. Further, since the plurality of chargers also need to be arranged at predetermined positions on the surface of the photoconductor, and the photoconductor is composed of a single process unit and needs cleaning, etc., it is detachably provided from the process unit. There is. Further, toner cartridges for supplying the yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (BK) color toners are provided to the developing devices arranged at predetermined positions on the surface of the photoconductor. When the toner is consumed in the cartridge, a method of replacing the toner with a new toner cartridge and supplying the toner is generally used.

[0006] Further, with the photosensitive member as the center, a plurality of chargers, a developing device, a plurality of toner cartridges, a cleaning device, and a waste toner container are integrated into one process unit. It can be configured to be exchangeable and can be exchanged at the same time. When you replace the process unit itself as described above or when you replace it with a new toner cartridge as described above, you may forget to remove the consumed toner cartridge and forget to replace and install a new toner cartridge. is there. Furthermore, after cleaning a plurality of chargers as described above, for example, one charger may be forgotten to be attached. Furthermore, when the image exposure unit is cleaned or replaced and it is not mounted in the correct position,
Also, sometimes I forget to put it on. In this way, if you forget to replace it, or if you operate the copying machine, printer, etc. without being correctly installed, accurate image formation cannot be performed, and it is often necessary to find the cause of problems in the copying machine and printer. It requires inspection and time, and cannot be used for a long time.

The present invention was particularly conceived to remedy the above-mentioned drawbacks. That is, when one process unit in which the photoconductor, the plurality of chargers, the plurality of toner cartridges, and the waste toner container are integrated is replaced or removed, and from the process unit, the photoconductor and the plurality of The purpose of the present invention is to prevent forgetting to attach the charger, the plurality of toner cartridges, or the detection means for detecting each when the waste toner container is replaced or removed.

[0008]

For the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention provides a plurality of charging means on an image carrier according to claim 1.
In a color image forming apparatus in which a plurality of image exposing means and a plurality of developing means are respectively arranged, at least the image carrier, a plurality of charging means, a plurality of image exposing means, and a plurality of developing means are provided. The image forming apparatus comprises a process unit, the process unit is detachable from the image forming apparatus, and the plurality of image exposure units are detachably provided from the process unit. At least the process unit and the image exposure unit are provided. 3. A detection unit for detecting attachment / detachment of the image carrier, the image exposure unit, the plurality of charging units, the plurality of toner containers, or the waste toner container according to claim 2. Having
In Claim 3, each of the plurality of toner containers or the waste toner container has an attachment / detachment detection unit for detecting attachment / detachment. In Claim 4, the image exposure unit is arranged inside the image carrier. According to another aspect of the present invention, the image exposing means is disposed outside the image carrier.

[0009]

1 is an embodiment showing a color image forming apparatus of the present invention. In a color image forming apparatus 200, a photosensitive drum 201 formed of a transparent member coated with an OPC photosensitive member is provided. In 201, for example, L of the light emitting element
An ED array, an EL array, or a liquid crystal shutter array,
A plurality of image exposure means (hereinafter referred to as an exposure optical system) in which a converging optical transmission medium array (trade name: SELFOC lens) is combined.
202, 203, 204, 205 are formed radially,
It is arranged along the inner surface of the photosensitive drum 201. In the exposure optical systems 202, 203, 204, 205, the image signals of the respective colors read by separate image reading devices are sequentially taken out by the memory, and the exposure optical system 20.
2, 203, 204, and 205 are input as electric signals, respectively. The emission wavelength of the light emitting device used in this example is in the range of 600 to 800 nm. 206Y,
207M, 208C and 209BK are yellow (Y),
A developing device that contains each of magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (BK) developers.
The developing device 206Y, 207M, 208C, 20 is provided with a predetermined distance from the peripheral surface of the developing device 206.
9BK is provided with developer replenishing means 210, 211, 212, 213 for replenishing each of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (BK) developers. Reference numeral 214 is a cleaning device formed in the shape of a blade.
The waste toner after cleaning the surface 01 is stored in the waste toner container 215 by the cleaning device 214 using the conveying means 216.

Further, the exposure optical systems 202, 203, 204, 20 are arranged with respect to the rotation direction of the photosensitive drum 201.
5, near the outside of the photoconductor drum 201 and at regular intervals, the chargers 300, 301, 302, 30.
3 are provided respectively.

Then, the photoconductor drum 201, the chargers 300, 301, 302 and 303, the exposure optical systems 202, 203, 204 and 205, and the developing device 20.
6Y, 207M, 208C, 209BK, the developer replenishing means 210, 211, 212, 213, the cleaning device 214, and the waste toner container 215 are integrally combined as shown to form a process unit 200C. The process unit 200C is mounted and fixed on the receiving members 200D and 200E provided in the image forming apparatus 200.

A cutout portion 200F for transferring an image from the photosensitive drum 201 to the recording paper P is formed below the process unit 200C.
Expose part of. Further, the process unit 20
The detection member S2 is fixedly provided in the lower part of 0C, and the detection member S3 for detecting the detection member S2 is provided in the image forming apparatus 200.
And the process unit 200C is installed in the receiving member 20.
Detecting member S2 when mounted and fixed on 0D and 200E
Is detected by the detection member S3, and the attachment / detachment of the process unit 200C is detected by the control device C1. In order to enable the process unit 200C to be taken out of the color image forming apparatus 200, an opening portion 200G supported by a support shaft 200H is provided in a part of the color image forming apparatus 200.
By opening the opening portion 200G, the process unit 200C is moved from the outlet 200J to the color image forming apparatus 200.
Can be taken out.

Next, the image forming process of the process unit 200C shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1 will be described. First, as the original image, an image read by an image pickup device in an image reading device separate from the image forming apparatus 200 or an image edited by a computer is
The image signals of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (BK) are temporarily stored and stored in the memory.

When the image recording is started, the photosensitive drum 2 is started.
01 is rotationally driven to rotate clockwise, and at the same time,
By the charging action of 00, application of electric charge to the photoconductor drum 201 is started.

After the charge is applied to the photosensitive drum 201, in the exposure optical system 202, the first color signal,
That is, image exposure is started with an electric signal corresponding to the yellow (Y) image signal, and the electrostatic latent image corresponding to the yellow (Y) image of the original image is formed on the photosensitive layer on the surface of the photosensitive drum 201 by rotational scanning. The image forms.

The electrostatic latent image is reversely developed by the developing device 206Y in a non-contact state, and the photosensitive drum 201
The yellow (Y) toner image is formed in accordance with the rotation of the.

Next, the photosensitive drum 201 is charged with electric charges by the charging action of the charger 301 on the yellow (Y) toner image, and the color signal of the exposure optical system 203 is given.
That is, image exposure is performed by an electric signal corresponding to the magenta (M) image signal, and non-contact reversal development by the developing device 207M causes a magenta (M) toner image to be formed on the yellow (Y) toner image. It is formed by sequentially stacking.

By the same image forming process as described above, the toner image of cyan (C) corresponding to the third color signal is further generated by the charger 302, the exposure optical system 204, and the developing device 208C, and the last charger 303, the exposure optical system. A black (BK) toner image corresponding to the fourth color signal is sequentially superimposed and formed by the system 205 and the developing device 209BK, and the photosensitive drum 201 is rotated within one rotation.
A color toner image is formed on the peripheral surface of the.

As described above, since the process unit 200C transfers the color toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 201 to the recording paper P, the paper feeding the recording paper P in the lower position of the image forming apparatus 200. A cassette 207 is provided, the recording paper P is fed by the paper feed roller 217, fed by the transport roller 218 to the registration roller 219, and temporarily stopped. Then, when the color toner image formed on the peripheral surface of the photoconductor drum 201 moves to the transfer position of the cutout portion 200F, the registration roller 219 is started so that the recording paper P is also fed to the transfer position. , The color toner image is transferred onto the recording paper P by the transfer device 220, and the separator 2
After the recording paper P is separated from the photosensitive drum 201 at 21, the recording paper P is conveyed to the fixing device 223 by the conveying device 222, and the color toner image is thermally fixed on the recording paper P.
The recording paper P on which the fixing is completed is conveyed by the transport rollers 224 and 225.
Then, the sheet is conveyed by the sheet discharge roller 226 to the sheet discharge tray 200A provided on the upper portion of the image forming apparatus 200.

Further, the discharge tray 200A can be opened with respect to the color image forming apparatus 200 by a support shaft 200B, the developer replenishing means 210, 211, 212 and 213 can be replaced, or the yellow (Y) and magenta can be replaced. (M), cyan (C), and black (BK) color toners can be replenished.

FIG. 2 shows the color image forming apparatus 2 of FIG.
It is the figure which took out process unit 200C from 00. First, by opening the opening portion 200G provided in the color image forming apparatus 200, the receiving member 2 is taken out from the outlet 200J.
The process unit 200C mounted and fixed on the devices 00D and 200E is taken out of the color image forming apparatus 200 in the direction of the arrow. At that time, the detection member S3 of the process unit 200C is separated from the detection member S2, and the control device C1 detects the removal of the process unit 200C. Further, from the process unit 200C taken out, the photosensitive drum 201 and the chargers 300, 301, 302,
303, the exposure optical systems 202, 203, 204, 205 provided on the support member 100, and the developing device 20.
6Y, 207M, 208C, 209BK, the developer replenishing means 210, 211, 212, 213, the cleaning device 241, the waste toner container 215, etc. can be removed and cleaned or replaced.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the process unit 200C is taken out from the color image forming apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 2, and is further provided on the support member 100 from inside the photosensitive drum 201 incorporated in the process unit 200C. The state where the exposure optical systems 202, 203, 204 and 205 are taken out is shown. The exposure optical system 202, 20
When taking out 3,204,205, first, the support member 10
0 and the flange 101 fixed to the process unit 200C is integrated with the process unit 200.
After removing from C, the exposure optical system 202, 203, 204, 205 is taken out together with the supporting member 100 as shown in the drawing. In this state, the charger 300, 301, 30
2, 303 can be removed from the process unit 200C and cleaned or replaced. Further, the empty developer supplying means 210, 211, 212, 213 can be replaced.

FIG. 4 shows the detection means of each member provided in the process unit 200C. First, as described above, the detection member S3 is provided in the process unit 200C, the detection member S2 for detecting the detection member S3 is provided in the color image forming apparatus 200, and the detection member S2 is connected to the input / output device C1. To the control device C2. C3 is a display device connected to the control device C2. When the process unit 200C is removed from the color image forming apparatus 200, and if the process unit 200C is not installed in the color image forming apparatus 200 again and the color image forming apparatus 200 is turned on and operated, the detection is performed. The member S2 is the detecting member S3 of the process unit 200C.
Is not detected, the control device C2 controls the inoperability via the input / output device C1, and the display of the display device C3 is used to inform the user that the process unit 200C is not installed. Further, a detection member 201S provided in the process unit 200C for detecting the photoconductor drum 201, and the exposure optical systems 202, 203, 20 in the photoconductor drum 201.
In order to detect the support member 100 provided with 4, 205, a detection member 100S that detects the support member 100 and a charger 3
00S, a detection member 301S that detects the charger 301, a detection member 302S that detects the charger 302, and a detection member 3 that detects the charger 303.
03S, and a detection member 210S that detects the developer replenishing means 210, a detection member 211S that detects the developer replenishing means 211, a detection member 212S that detects the developer replenishing means 212, and a developer replenishing means 213. And a detection member 213S for detecting Further, a detection member 215S for detecting the waste toner container 215 is provided. The above detection members 201S, 100S, 300S, 301
S, 302S, 303S, 210S, 211S, 212
S, 213S and 215S are respectively connected to the control device C2 via the input / output device C1. The photoconductor drum 20
1, support member 100, the charger 300, 301, 30
2, 303, developer replenishing means 210, 211, 212,
213 and all or a part of the waste toner container 215 are removed from the process unit 200C and not attached again, the detection member detects non-attachment. For example, when the charger 300 is not attached, the color After the switch of the image forming apparatus 200 is turned on, non-attachment is detected by the detection member 300S and the control device C2 is input via the input / output device C1.
The operation is stopped at, and the charger 30 is displayed at the display device C3.
It is displayed that 0 is not installed. The detection member 20
1S, 100S, 300S, 301S, 302S, 30
3S, 210S, 211S, 212S, 213S, 21
5S may be connected to the input / output device C1 via the detection member S2 of the process unit 200C and detected.

Further, the chargers 300, 301, 302, 3
When 03 is not attached, the detection members 300S, 301
In addition to the detection of S, 302S, 303S, for example, when the switch of the color image forming apparatus 200 is turned on, the control device C2 detects the energization status of the charging devices 300, 301, 302, 303, and the charging device not mounted is detected. It can also be detected.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of FIG. 4, which is a process unit 200 in which an exposure optical system is provided outside the photosensitive drum 201.
C is shown. In this embodiment, members common to those in FIG. 4 will be described using the same reference numerals. The detection means of each member provided in the process unit 200C in this embodiment is shown. First, as described above, the detection member S3 is provided in the process unit 200C, the detection member S2 for detecting the detection member S3 is provided in the color image forming apparatus 200, and the input / output device C1 is provided from the detection member S2. To the control device C2. C3 is a display device connected to the control device C2.
The process unit 200C is used as the color image forming apparatus 2
00, if the process unit 200
When C is not installed in the color image forming apparatus 200 again and the switch of the color image forming apparatus 200 is turned on and operated, the detecting member S2 causes the process unit 200C to operate.
Not detecting the detection member S3 of the display device C3, the control device C2 controls the inoperability via the input / output device C1, and further the display device C3.
Is used to inform the user that the process unit 200C has not been installed. Also, the process unit 200C
Member 201 for detecting the photosensitive drum 201 provided in
S and a detection member that detects the exposure optical systems 400 and 401 that exposes the laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser light emitting body from the polygon mirror in four directions outside the photosensitive drum 201 by S and the image exposure signal. 400S, 401
S, a detection member 300S that detects the charger 300, a detection member 301S that detects the charger 301, and a charger 30
2 is provided, and a detection member 303S that detects the charger 303 is provided.
Detecting member 210S for detecting 10 and developer replenishing means 2
Detection member 211S for detecting 11 and developer replenishing means 2
Detection member 212S for detecting 12 and developer replenishing means 2
And a detection member 213S for detecting 13 respectively. Further, a detection member 215 for detecting the waste toner container 215
S is provided. The above detection members 201S, 400S, 40
1S, 300S, 301S, 302S, 303S, 21
0S, 211S, 212S, 213S, 215S are respectively connected to the control device C2 via the input / output device C1. The photoconductor drum 201, the support member 100, the chargers 300, 301, 302, 303, the developer replenishing means 210, 211, 212, 213, and the waste toner container 2
All or a part of 15 of the process unit 200C
If it is not removed and is not reattached, the detection member detects non-attachment. For example, when the charger 300 is not attached, after the switch of the color image forming apparatus 200 is turned on, the detection member 300S indicates that it is not attached. It is detected and the operation is stopped by the control device C2 via the input / output device C1, and the fact that the charger 300 is not mounted is displayed on the display device C3. The detection members 201S, 400S, 401
S, 300S, 301S, 302S, 303S, 210
S, 211S, 212S, 213S, 215S may be connected to the input / output device C1 via the detection member S2 of the process unit 200C for detection.

Also in this embodiment, the charger 30 is used.
When 0, 301, 302, 303 are not attached, the chargers 300, 301, 302 are used, for example, when the switch of the color image forming apparatus 200 is turned on in addition to the detection of the detection members 300S, 301S, 302S, 303S. , 303
It is also possible to detect the current-carrying condition for the control device C2 and detect an uncharged charger.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C show a specific embodiment of the detection member.

FIG. 6A shows a process unit 200C.
A detecting member S3 made of a metal body is provided on the above, and a detecting member S21 having a magnetic force generating means for detecting the detecting member S3.
Are installed in the color image forming apparatus 200. When the detection member S3 made of a metal body provided in the process unit 200C and the detection member S21 are close to each other, the detection member S3 increases the strength of the magnetic force of the detection member S21, and the strength of the magnetic force is increased. It can be seen that the process unit 200C is input to the output device C1 and is arranged at a predetermined position. When the process unit 200C is taken out, the detection member S3 made of the metal body is used as the detection member S2.
Since they are separated by one, the magnetic force of the detection member S21 is weakened, and it can be understood that the process unit 200C is not attached by the signal of the changed magnetic force input to the input / output device C1.

FIG. 6B shows a process unit 200C.
A detection member S3 having a reflection surface is provided on the detection member, and a detection member S2 having a light source and a light receiving element for detecting the detection member S3 is provided.
2 are installed in the color image forming apparatus 200. The detection member S3 having a reflection surface provided in the process unit 200C and the detection member S21 are close to each other, the projection light of the light source is projected on the reflection surface of the detection member S3, and is projected onto the detection member S22 having a light receiving element. When receiving light, a signal is input to the input / output device C1 from the detection member S22, and it can be seen that the process unit 200C is arranged at a predetermined position. When the process unit 200C is taken out, the detection member S3 having the reflection surface is separated from the detection member S22, so that the reflected light is not input to the detection member S22 and the process unit 200C is operated by the input / output device C1. You can see that it is not installed.

FIG. 6C shows a process unit 200C.
Member S consisting of a microswitch that contacts a part of the
23 is installed in the color image forming apparatus 200. When a part of the process unit 200C is in contact with the detection member S23, the detection member S23 is turned on, the signal is input to the input / output device C1, and the process unit 200C is arranged at a predetermined position. I understand that. When the process unit 200C is taken out, the contact between the process unit 200C and the detection member S23 is released, the detection member S23 is turned off, and the off signal is input to the input / output device C1 to cause the process unit 200C to be removed. It turns out that is not installed.

Further, it goes without saying that a detecting member other than the detecting member of the above embodiment may be used as the detecting means.

[0032]

As described above, the present invention provides claim 1.
In the above, there are provided an image carrier, a process unit including each member for image formation including an image exposure unit, and a detection member for detecting each member for image formation, and at least the process unit and the image exposure unit. A detection means for detecting attachment / detachment of the means is provided to detect the attachment / detachment of the process unit or the image exposure means, and when the necessary members are forgotten to be attached after removal by cleaning, replacement, etc., the operation of the color image forming apparatus The operation of the color image forming apparatus can be started after the installation of the necessary members is completed. Therefore, unnecessary inspection can be prevented and the image forming operation can be restarted quickly.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the process unit is attached or detached, the attachment / detachment state of the process unit itself and the attachment / detachment state of a plurality of image forming members including the image carrier provided in the process unit are simultaneously determined. Since it can be detected, when the color image forming apparatus is started, it is possible to immediately determine whether the process unit and the image forming member in the process unit are not mounted or incompletely mounted.

In the third aspect, since the plurality of toner containers in the process unit and the detection member for detecting the waste toner container are provided, when the plurality of toner containers are replaced or the waste toner container is replaced. If you forget to install a new toner container or a waste toner container when you remove the container, display the display device such as a display on the member you forgot to install, and do not start the operation of the color image forming device.
Since it can be operated after mounting, the color image forming apparatus can always be held well.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing a color image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a state in which a process unit is removed from the color image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which a process unit and an exposure optical system are removed from the color image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a process unit and a detection member of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the process unit and the detection member of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a detection member of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 200 Color image forming apparatus 200C Process unit 201 Photosensitive drum 202, 203, 204, 205 Exposure optical system 210, 211, 212, 213 Toner container 300, 301, 302, 303 Charger 206Y, 207M, 208C, 209BK Developing device 201S , 100S, 400S, 401S Detection member 300S, 301S, 302S, 303S Detection member 210S, 211S, 212S, 213S Detection member 215S, 400S 401S Detection member S2 S21, S22, S23 Detection member C1 Input / output device C2 Control device C3 Display device

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A color image forming apparatus in which a plurality of charging means, a plurality of image exposing means, and a plurality of developing means are arranged on an image carrier, at least the image carrier and a plurality of charging means. A plurality of image exposing means and a plurality of developing means in a process unit, and the process unit is detachable from the image forming apparatus, and the plurality of image exposing means is detachable from the process unit. A color image forming apparatus, which is provided as much as possible and has at least the process unit and a detection unit for detecting attachment / detachment of the image exposure unit. 2. The color according to claim 1, further comprising a detection unit for detecting attachment / detachment of the image carrier, the image exposure unit, the plurality of charging units, the plurality of toner containers, or the waste toner container. Image forming apparatus. 3. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of toner containers or the waste toner container has an attachment / detachment detection unit for detecting attachment / detachment. 4. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image exposing unit is arranged inside the image carrier. 5. The color image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image exposing unit is arranged outside the image carrier.