JPH0950165A - Multi-color recorder and method for driving and controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To restrain abrasion caused by driving so as to obtain a stable multi- color image for a long time by simultaneously or dividedly driving and controlling plural recording means. SOLUTION: This recorder is provided with motors M1 and M2 being plural driving means driving one of the recording means and another recording means and a controlling means controlling plural driving means so as to simultaneously or dividedly drive the plural recording means in accordance with inputted image storing mode. The motors M1 and M2 are controlled so that the controller CONT simultaneously or dividedly drives plural photoreceptor drums 1 to 4 in accordance with the image recording mode inputted from an operating part OP, so that the driving of the recording means except the one used for recording the monochromatic image and used for recording another-color image is surely restricted when the monochromatic image is recorded. Consequently, the driving of the unnecessary recording means is restricted in the case of recording the image designated as the monochromatic image and the abrasion caused by the driving is restrained, so that the stable multi-color image can be obtained for a long time.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multicolor recording apparatus capable of recording a multicolor image using a plurality of photoconductors and a drive control method for the multicolor recording apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a multicolor recording apparatus of this type, for example, a photosensitive drum is arranged corresponding to each developing color (Y, M, C, BK), and a color image developed by each photosensitive drum is displayed. 2. Description of the Related Art A multicolor recording apparatus has been proposed in which a multicolor image is formed by transferring and fixing it on a recording medium that is conveyed.

By the way, in the above-mentioned multi-color recording apparatus or the like, the respective recording means (including the photosensitive drum, the developing sleeve, the cleaner, etc.) are simultaneously driven during black recording and during recording of other colors. Was configured.

[0004]

As described above, in this type of image recording apparatus, even when only the black recording means is used for recording, the respective parts including the rotary drive system of the recording means for the other colors are driven. However, there is a problem in that the performance of the toner is deteriorated due to the abrasion of constituent members of the recording means (photosensitive drum, developing device, charging roller, cleaner, etc.) and the rotation of the developing device.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the first to eleventh inventions of the present invention is to control a plurality of recording means simultaneously or in a divided manner. The multi-color recording device and the multi-color recording device capable of obtaining a stable multi-color image for a long period of time by restricting the drive of unnecessary recording means at the time of recording an image in which a single color is designated Is to provide a drive control method of the above.

[0006]

The first aspect of the present invention is to drive any one recording means and another recording means in a multicolor recording apparatus capable of recording a multicolor image by a plurality of recording means. And a control means for controlling the plurality of driving means so as to perform simultaneous driving or division driving of the plurality of recording means according to an input image recording mode.

In a second aspect of the present invention, any one of the recording means records a black image.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the drive means comprises a motor for transmitting power to the recording means via a predetermined power transmission means.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the control means stops the driving of the other recording means during recording of a black image.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in a multicolor recording apparatus capable of recording a multicolor image by a plurality of recording means, any one recording means and another recording means are provided with a predetermined power transmission switching means. Drive means for driving through the drive means, and control means for controlling the drive means and the power transmission switching means so as to perform simultaneous drive or divided drive of the recording means according to an input image recording mode. .

In a sixth aspect of the present invention, any one recording means records a black image.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the drive means comprises a motor for transmitting power to the recording means via a predetermined power transmission means.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the control means stops driving the other recording means during recording of a black image.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the recording means has a photosensitive drum capable of executing an electrophotographic process.

In a tenth aspect of the present invention, the control means divides and drives a plurality of recording means at a drive ratio of 1: 1 to 1: 3.

Any one of the eleventh invention of the present invention
In a drive control method of a multicolor recording apparatus having a plurality of driving means for driving one recording means and another recording means and capable of recording a multicolor image by the plurality of recording means, an input image recording mode is determined And a first driving step of driving the plurality of recording means all together according to the determination result, or a second driving step of driving the plurality of recording means separately according to the determination result. is there.

[0017]

According to the first aspect of the invention, the control means controls the plurality of driving means so as to perform simultaneous driving or division driving of the plurality of recording means in accordance with the input image recording mode, and the single color image recording is performed. At times, it is possible to reliably limit the drive of each recording unit used for recording other color images except the recording unit used for single-color image recording.

According to the second aspect of the invention, at the time of recording a black image, it is possible to surely limit the driving of each recording means used for recording a color image other than the recording means used for recording a black image. To do.

In a third aspect of the invention, the control means transmits the power through a predetermined power transmission means so that the control means performs simultaneous driving or divided driving of the plurality of recording means in accordance with an input image recording mode. By controlling a plurality of motors, it is possible to surely limit the driving of each recording unit used for recording other color images except the recording unit used for recording a single color image at the time of recording a single color image.

In the fourth invention, the control means stops the driving of the other recording means during the black image recording, and drives the respective recording means used for the other color image recording during the black image recording. It is possible to make sure to stand still.

In the fifth aspect of the invention, the control means controls the single drive means so as to perform the simultaneous drive or the divided drive of the plurality of recording means in accordance with the input image recording mode to record the single color image. At times, it is possible to reliably limit the drive of each recording unit used for recording other color images except the recording unit used for single-color image recording.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, at the time of recording a black image, it is possible to surely limit the driving of each recording means used for recording a color image other than the recording means used for recording a black image. To do.

In a seventh aspect of the invention, the control means transmits power through a predetermined power transmission means so that the control means performs simultaneous driving or divided driving of the plurality of recording means in accordance with an input image recording mode. By controlling a single motor, it is possible to surely limit the drive of each recording means used for color image recording other than the recording means used for single color image recording when recording a single color image. .

In the eighth invention, the control means stops the driving of the other recording means during the black image recording and drives the respective recording means used for the other color image recording during the black image recording. It is possible to make sure to stand still.

According to the ninth aspect of the invention, it is possible to perform an electrophotographic process on each of the photosensitive drums that are rotationally controlled to be divided or simultaneously to record a monochromatic or multicolor image on a recording medium.

In the tenth aspect of the invention, the control means divides and drives the plurality of recording means at a drive ratio of 1: 1 to 1: 3 to record a single color or a multicolor image of 2 to 4 colors. It is possible.

In the eleventh aspect, the input image recording mode is determined, and the plurality of recording means are driven in unison according to the determination result, or the plurality of recording means are dividedly driven according to the determination result. It is possible to automate the process for surely limiting the driving of each recording unit used for recording other color images except the recording unit used for recording a single color image at the time of recording a single color image.

[0028]

【Example】

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a rotary drive mechanism of a multicolor recording apparatus showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numerals 1, 2, 3, and 4 denote photosensitive drums, which are rotatably supported by a housing (not shown) by bearings or the like. Pulleys 11, 12, 13, and 14 are provided on part of the shafts of the photosensitive drums 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively.

Further, the photosensitive drum 1 functions as a black recording means, and the pulley M and the timing belt B1 which is a power transmission means drive the motor M which is a driving source of the black recording means.
1 is connected to the pulley P1.

On the other hand, the photosensitive drums 2, 3 and 4 are recording means other than black (M, C, Y), and the pulley 1 provided for each of them.
Motors M, which are driving sources of recording means other than black, are driven by timing belts B2 2, 13, 14 which are power transmission means.
2 is connected to a pulley P2.

P3 and P4 are tensioner pulleys, which are provided to favorably transmit the power of the pulleys 12, 13, and 14. With the above configuration, the photosensitive drum 1 and the photosensitive drums 2, 3 and 4 can rotate well. The photosensitive drums 1, 2, 3 and 4 are provided with charging, exposing, developing, transferring and cleaning means required for recording by an electrophotographic process (not shown).

CONT is a CPU, RAM, ROM
The controller including the above controls the multicolor image recording process as a whole, and outputs a drive signal for controlling division driving of the motor M1 and the motor M2 to the motor driver MD. OP is an operation unit, and is provided with a keyboard, a display and the like for performing various mode settings relating to the multicolor image recording process or the single color image recording process.

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each means of the first to fourth inventions and their functions will be described below with reference to FIG.

The first invention is a multicolor recording apparatus capable of recording a multicolor image by a plurality of recording means (including the photosensitive drums 1 to 4 and a developing device, a charging roller, a cleaner and the like necessary for an electrophotographic process (not shown)). A plurality of driving means (motors M1 and M2) for driving any one recording means and another recording means, and simultaneous driving or divided driving of the plurality of recording means according to an input image recording mode. Control means for controlling the plurality of drive means (the controller CONT controls the drive of the motor driver MD based on a control program stored in a ROM (not shown)) so as to perform the operation. The motors M1 and M2 are arranged so that the controller CONT performs simultaneous drive or divided drive of the plurality of photosensitive drums 1 to 4 according to the image recording mode. Control to, at the time of monochromatic image recording, making it possible to reliably restrict the driving of the recording means used in addition to the color image recording except the recording means used monochrome image recording.

In the second invention, at the time of black image recording, each recording means (photosensitive drum 2) used for recording color images other than the recording means (photosensitive drum 1) used for black image recording.
It is possible to surely limit the driving of (4) to (4).

In a third aspect of the invention, a predetermined power transmission means (for example, a timing belt B1) is used so that the control means (controller CONT) performs simultaneous drive or divided drive of the plurality of recording means in accordance with an input image recording mode. , B2)
By controlling the motors M1 and M2 that transmit power via
When recording a single-color image, it is possible to reliably limit the driving of each recording unit used for recording other color images except the recording unit used for single-color image recording.

A fourth aspect of the invention is a control means (controller C).
The ONT) stops the driving of the other recording means (photosensitive drums 2 to 4) during the black image recording and surely stops the driving of each recording means used for the other color image recording during the black image recording. It is possible to do.

The divisional driving operation of the recording means in the multicolor recording apparatus constructed as described above will be described below.

When only a black image is required in the multi-color recording apparatus, the motor M1 is started to drive the power of the photosensitive drum 1.
To the desired black image by the electrophotographic process by rotating the photosensitive drum 1.

On the other hand, when an image other than black is required,
The motor M2 is started and its power is applied to the photosensitive drums 2, 3,
4, the photosensitive drums 2, 3 and 4 are rotated, and a desired image other than black can be obtained by an electrophotographic process.

When a black image and a multicolor image other than black are required, the motors M1 and M2 are activated to transmit their respective powers to the photosensitive drum 1 and the photosensitive drums 2, 3 and 4, thereby exposing A desired multicolor image can be obtained by rotating the drum 1 and the photosensitive drums 2, 3 and 4 by an electrophotographic process.

The drive control method of the multicolor recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a first embodiment of a drive control method for a multicolor recording apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (5) indicate each step.

First, it is judged whether the color designation in the image recording mode inputted from the operation section OP is black or any one of the other colors, for example, black + cyan (1). If YES, the motors M1 and M2 are selected. Are turned on to drive them simultaneously (2), the electrophotographic process is executed (3), and the process is returned.

On the other hand, in step (1), if NO, that is, in the case of one color of black, only the motor M1 is dividedly driven (4), and the driving of the image forming units other than black is stopped, and the electronic image formation is stopped. The photo process is executed (5), and the process is returned.

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each step of the eleventh invention and its action will be described with reference to FIG. Since FIGS. 4 and 6 to be described later have substantially the same steps, detailed description will be given with reference to FIG.

An eleventh invention has a plurality of driving means for driving any one recording means and another recording means,
In a drive control method of a multicolor recording apparatus capable of recording a multicolor image by a plurality of recording means, a judgment step (step (1) in FIG. 2) for judging an input image recording mode, and the judgment step according to the judgment result. A first driving process (step (2) in FIG. 2) for driving the plurality of recording devices simultaneously, and a second driving process (step (2 in FIG. 2) for separately driving the plurality of recording devices according to the determination result. 3)) is executed to automate the process for surely limiting the driving of each recording unit used for recording other color images except the recording unit used for recording a single color image at the time of recording a single color image. Is possible.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a rotary drive mechanism of a multicolor recording apparatus showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numerals 1, 2, 3 and 4 denote photosensitive drums, which are rotatably supported by a housing (not shown) by bearings or the like. Pulleys 41, 42, 43 and 44 are provided on part of the shafts of the photosensitive drums 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively.

The photosensitive drum 1 is a black recording means, and is connected to a pulley P11 provided on a motor M11 which is a drive source by a pulley 41 and a timing belt B11 which is a power transmission means.

On the other hand, the photosensitive drums 2, 3 and 4 function as recording means other than black, and the pulleys 42 and 4 provided on each of them.
A pulley P15 provided on a motor M11 as a drive source and a pulley P16 provided on a clutch CL1 by a timing belt B12 (which is a power transmission means) wound around 3,44.
The controller CONT drives the clutch CL1 connected to the timing belt B13 wound around
Pulley P12 controlled by R to connect or disconnect
Power is transmitted or cut off satisfactorily via. The controller CONT has a CPU, a RAM and a ROM,
In addition to controlling the multicolor image recording process as a whole, the clutch CL1 is controlled to be turned on and off during the multicolor recording and the single color recording to control the integral driving and the division driving of the photosensitive drums 1 to 4. OP is an operation unit, and is provided with a keyboard, a display and the like for performing various mode settings relating to the multicolor image recording process or the single color image recording process.

With the above structure, the photosensitive drum 1 and the photosensitive drums 2, 3 and 4 can rotate and stand satisfactorily. The photosensitive drums 1, 2, 3, 4 are charged, exposed, developed, transferred, and recorded by an electrophotographic process (not shown) for recording.
Cleaning means are provided.

Correspondence between the present embodiment and each means of the fifth to eighth inventions and their functions will be described below with reference to FIG. Note that FIG. 5, which is cited, will be described in detail later.

A fifth invention is a multicolor recording apparatus capable of recording a multicolor image by a plurality of recording means (photosensitive drums 1 to 4), and any one recording means (photosensitive drum 1 in this embodiment) and other Drive unit (motor M11 (motor M11 (example of FIG. 5)) through a predetermined power transmission switching means (clutch CL1 (example of FIG. 3), clutches CL11, CL12 (example of FIG. 5)). 3), motor M
21 (example of FIG. 5)) and control means (controller CONT) for controlling the drive means and the power transmission switching means so as to perform simultaneous drive or divided drive of the recording means according to the input image recording mode. The driving of the driver DR is controlled based on a control program stored in a ROM (not shown), and the controller CONT controls the plurality of recording units (photosensitive drums 1 to 4) according to an input image recording mode. A single motor M11 (example in FIG. 3) is controlled so as to perform simultaneous driving or divided driving, and when a single color image is recorded, it is used for other color image recording except for the recording means used for the single color image recording. It is possible to reliably limit the drive of each recording unit.

In the sixth aspect of the invention, at the time of recording a black image, the recording means (photosensitive drum 1) other than the recording means (photosensitive drum 1) used for recording the black image are used.
It is possible to surely limit the driving of (4) to (4).

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the control means (controller CONT) has a predetermined power so that the plurality of recording means (photosensitive drums 1 to 4) are driven simultaneously or in a divided manner according to the image recording mode to be input. The single motor (motors M11 and M21) that transmits power through the transmission means is controlled to be used for recording other color image except for the recording means used for single color image recording during single color image recording. It is possible to reliably limit the drive of each recording unit.

An eighth aspect of the invention is a control means (controller C).
The ONT) stops the driving of the other recording means (photosensitive drums 2 to 4) during the black image recording and surely stops the driving of each recording means used for the other color image recording during the black image recording. It is possible to do.

The divisional driving operation of the recording means in the multicolor recording apparatus configured as described above will be described below.

First, when a black-only image is required,
By activating the motor M11 and transmitting its power to the photosensitive drum 1 by the above-described transmission method, the photosensitive drum 1 is rotated, and a desired black image can be obtained by an electrophotographic process.

Since the pulley P12 does not rotate when the clutch CL1 is not engaged, power is not transmitted to the pulleys 42, 43 and 44 provided in each recording means other than black. In addition, the tensioner pulley P13,
P14 is provided for favorably transmitting the power of the pulleys 42, 43, 44.

On the other hand, when a black image and a multicolor image other than black are required, the controller CONT activates the motor M11 by the driver DR to connect the clutch CL1.
The power of the motor M11 is applied to the photosensitive drum 1 and the photosensitive drum 2,
By transmitting to both 3 and 4, the photosensitive drum 1 and the photosensitive drums 2, 3 and 4 are rotated, and a desired multicolor image can be obtained by an electrophotographic process.

The drive control method of the multicolor recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a second embodiment of the drive control method for the multicolor recording apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step.

First, the color designation in the image recording mode input from the operation unit OP is black and one of the other colors, for example, black +
It is determined whether cyan (1), and if YES, the motor M
11 is turned on, and the clutch CL1 is turned on (3),
The respective drum systems are driven simultaneously to execute the electrophotographic process (4), and the process is returned.

On the other hand, in step (1), in the case of NO, that is, in the case of one color of black, only the motor M11 is dividedly driven (5), and the driving of the image forming portions other than black is stopped, and the electronic image is generated. The photo process is executed (6), and the process is returned.

[Third Embodiment] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a rotary drive mechanism of a multicolor recording apparatus showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numerals 1, 2, 3, and 4 denote photosensitive drums, which are rotatably supported by a housing (not shown) by bearings or the like. Pulleys 71, 72, 73 and 74 are provided on a part of the shafts of the photosensitive drums 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively.

The photosensitive drum 1 functions as a black recording means. The pulley 71 and the timing belt B21 (which are power transmission means) are the pulley P2 provided in the clutch CL11.
It is connected to 1.

The photosensitive drums 2, 3 and 4 function as recording means other than black, and the pulleys 72, 73 and 74 provided on each of them.
Is connected to a timing belt B22, and the timing belt B22 is a pulley P22 provided on the clutch CL12.
It is connected to.

Further, the clutch CL11 and the clutch CL1
2 has a pulley P2 on the side opposite to the pulleys P21 and P22.
4, P25 are provided and are rotationally driven by the timing belt B23. The timing belt B23 is rotatably driven by power being favorably transmitted by a pulley P23 connected to a motor M21 which is a drive source.

CONT is a controller and CP
U, RAM, ROM, and controls the driver DR to control the driving of the clutches CL11, CL12 and the motor M21, to separately drive the photosensitive drum 1 and the other photosensitive drums 2 to 4, and to drive the photosensitive drum 1 and the other. The simultaneous drive with the photosensitive drums 2 to 4 is controlled. Further, the controller CONT comprehensively controls the multicolor image recording process or the single color image recording process based on the recording mode set from the operation unit OP. Further, the operation unit OP is provided with keys and indicators necessary for setting various modes.

The divisional driving operation of the recording means in the multicolor recording apparatus configured as described above will be described below.

First, when black recording is required, the motor M21 is started and the clutch CL11 is connected via the pulley P23, the timing belt B23, and the pulley P24, so that the pulley P21 and the timing belt B are connected.
21, the power is transmitted via the pulley 71 and the photosensitive drum 1
To rotate.

On the other hand, even if the motor M21 is being started,
When black recording is not required, the rotation of the photosensitive drum 1 can be stopped by disconnecting the clutch CL11. If recording other than black is required, the motor M21
To activate the pulley P23, the timing belt B23,
By connecting the clutch CL12 via the pulley P25, power is transmitted via the pulley P22, the timing belt B22, and the pulleys 72, 73, 74, and the photosensitive drums 2, 3, 4 are rotated.

The tensioner pulleys P26 and P27 are provided for favorably transmitting the power of the pulleys 72, 73 and 74. When the clutch CL12 is not engaged, the pulley P22 does not rotate, so that power is not transmitted to the pulleys 72, 73, 74 provided on each recording means other than black.

As described above, the photosensitive drum 1 and the photosensitive drums 2, 3 and 4 can rotate and stand still well. The photosensitive drums 1, 2, 3 and 4 are provided with charging, exposing, developing, transferring and cleaning means necessary for recording by an electrophotographic process (not shown).

On the other hand, in the case of black only, when the image is required, the motor M21 is activated and the power thereof is transmitted to the photosensitive drum 1 to rotate the photosensitive drum 1 to obtain a desired black image by the electrophotographic process. be able to. When a black image and a multicolor image other than black are required, the motor M2
1 is activated and the C-clutch CL12 is connected to transmit power to the photosensitive drum 1 and the photosensitive drums 2, 3 and 4, thereby rotating the photosensitive drum 1 and the photosensitive drums 2, 3 and 4 to a desired level by an electrophotographic process. A multicolor image can be obtained.

The drive control method of the multicolor recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a third embodiment of the drive control method for a multicolor recording apparatus according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (7) indicate each step.

First, it is judged whether the color designation in the image recording mode inputted from the operation section OP is black or one of the other colors, for example, black + cyan (1), and if YES, the motor M21 is set. The clutch CLs 11 and 12 are turned on (3), the drum system is simultaneously driven to execute the electrophotographic process (4), and the process is returned.

On the other hand, in step (1), in the case of NO, that is, in the case of one color of black, only the motor M21 is dividedly driven (5) and the clutch CL11 is turned on (6) to form an image other than black. The electrophotographic process is executed with the drive of the unit suspended (7), and the process is returned.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an essential part showing an example of a multicolor image recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

In FIG. 7, the transfer paper P is conveyed in the direction of the arrow, and the transfer belt T is suspended on the rollers TR1 and TR2.
It is properly guided to F1 and moved to the black transfer position set so as to be sandwiched between the photosensitive drum 1 and the transfer blade T1 by the transfer belt TF1.

At this time, the photosensitive drum 1 has a desired black toner image by the electrophotographic process by the charging means C1, the exposing means E1, and the developing sleeve S1 of the developing means D1 arranged on the circumference of the drum. The black toner image is satisfactorily transferred onto the transfer paper P.

The divisional driving of the photosensitive drums 1 to 4 in the case of recording only a black image and the simultaneous driving of the photosensitive drums 1 to 4 in the case of recording a multicolor image are as described in the above embodiments. It is assumed that the controller CONT controls the driving of the motor, the clutch and the like, and the details are omitted.

Similarly, the photosensitive drum 2 which is the next recording means.
And to the cyan transfer position set so as to be held by the transfer blade T2. At this time, the photosensitive drum 2 has a desired cyan toner image by the electrophotographic process by the charging means C2, the exposing means E2, and the developing sleeve S2 of the developing means D2 arranged on the circumference of the drum, and the transfer paper P
Thus, the cyan toner image can be transferred well. Further, similarly, it moves to the magenta transfer position set so as to be sandwiched between the photosensitive drum 3 and the transfer blade T3 which are the next recording means.

At this time, the photosensitive drum 3 has a desired magenta toner image by the electrophotographic process by the charging means C3, the exposing means E3, and the developing sleeve S3 of the developing means D3 arranged on the circumference of the drum. The magenta toner image is satisfactorily transferred onto the transfer paper P.

Further, it moves to the yellow transfer position which is set so as to be sandwiched between the photosensitive drum 4 and the transfer blade T4 which are the next recording means. At this time, the photosensitive drum 4
Is a charging means C4 and an exposing means E arranged on the circumference of the drum.
4. The electrophotographic process by the developing sleeve S4 of the developing means D4 has a desired yellow toner image, and the yellow toner image is satisfactorily transferred to the transfer paper P. At this time, it is set so that image registration is favorably performed between the respective recording means.

The recording paper P on which multicolor recording has been performed by the above process is fed to the fixing device F1 and fixed, and a desired multicolor image can be obtained. When only a black image is required, the transfer blades T2, T3, T4 are retracted in the direction of the arrow so that the photosensitive drums 2, 3, 4 and the recording paper can be conveyed without contact.

Correspondence between the first to third embodiments and the respective means of the ninth and tenth inventions and their functions will be described below.

The ninth aspect of the invention makes it possible to carry out an electrophotographic process on each of the photosensitive drums 1 to 4 which are rotationally controlled to be divided or simultaneously, and to record a single-color or multicolor image on a recording medium. To do.

In a tenth aspect of the present invention, the control means (controller CONT shown in FIGS. 1 to 3) divides and drives a plurality of recording means (photosensitive drums 1 to 4) at a drive ratio of 1: 1 to 1: 3. Thus, it is possible to record a single color or a multicolor image of 2 to 4 colors.

In the above embodiment, the multicolor image recording apparatus in which the power is transmitted by the timing belt wound around the pulleys connected to the photosensitive drums 1 to 4 has been described, but the power is transmitted by the gear and the chain belt. The present invention can also be applied to a multi-color image recording device that does.

Further, the controller CONT is provided with a non-volatile memory to count up the number of times of divided driving, and to provide maintenance information necessary for diagnosis, replacement, repair, etc. of a black driving system in which wear progresses more than other driving systems. You may control so that it may display on the operation part OP etc. at an appropriate timing.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where a multicolor image is formed by four drums has been described, but the present invention can be applied when a multicolor image is formed by three drums. Regarding the above, the present invention can be applied to any image recording apparatus provided with one or more drums other than the black image forming unit.

[0097]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, the control means controls the plurality of drive means so as to perform simultaneous drive or divided drive of the plurality of recording means according to the input image recording mode. It is possible to reliably limit the drive of each recording unit used for recording a color image other than the recording unit used for recording.

According to the second invention, at the time of recording a black image,
The drive of each recording means used for color image recording other than the recording means used for black image recording is surely restricted,
It is possible to record a black image quietly and with low power by the necessary recording means.

According to the third invention, the control means transmits the power through the predetermined power transmission means so that the control means performs the simultaneous driving or the division driving of the plurality of recording means according to the input image recording mode. Since the motor is controlled, it is possible to reliably limit the driving of each recording unit used for recording the other color image except the recording unit used for recording the single color image at the time of recording the single color image.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, since the control means stops the driving of the other recording means during the recording of the black image,
It is possible to prevent abrasion and the like due to driving of each recording unit used for recording another color image during recording a black image.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the control means controls the single drive means so as to perform the simultaneous drive or the divided drive of the plurality of recording means in accordance with the input image recording mode. At the time of recording, it is possible to reduce the cost of the mechanism that surely limits the driving of each recording unit used for recording other color images except the recording unit used for recording a single color image.

According to the sixth invention, at the time of recording a black image,
The drive of each recording means used for color image recording other than the recording means used for black image recording is surely restricted,
It is possible to record a black image quietly and with low power by the necessary recording means.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the control means transmits the power through the predetermined power transmission means so that the control means performs the simultaneous driving or the division driving of the plurality of recording means according to the input image recording mode. Since it controls the single motor,
At the time of recording a single-color image, it is possible to reliably restrict the driving of each recording unit used for recording other color images except the recording unit used for recording a single-color image.

According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the control means stops the driving of the other recording means during the recording of the black image, so that the recording means of each recording means used for recording the other color image during the recording of the black image. Wear and the like due to driving can be prevented.

According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the electrophotographic process is executed for each photosensitive drum which is rotationally controlled to be divided or simultaneously, and a monochromatic or multicolor image is recorded on the recording medium with stable image quality for a long period of time. be able to.

According to the tenth aspect of the invention, the control means records the single color or multicolor image of 2 to 4 colors by driving the plurality of recording means in a divided manner at a drive ratio of 1: 1 to 1: 3. You can

According to the eleventh aspect, the input image recording mode is determined, and the plurality of recording means are driven in unison according to the determination result, or the plurality of recording means are dividedly driven according to the determination result. Therefore, at the time of recording a single-color image, it is possible to automate the processing for surely limiting the driving of each recording unit used for recording other color images except the recording unit used for recording the single-color image.

Therefore, at the time of recording an image designated by a single color, it is possible to obtain an effect such that the unnecessary driving of the recording means is restricted, the abrasion due to the driving is suppressed, and a stable multicolor image can be obtained for a long period of time.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a rotary drive mechanism of a multicolor recording apparatus showing a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of a drive control method for a multicolor recording apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a rotary drive mechanism of a multicolor recording apparatus showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of a drive control method for a multicolor recording apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a rotary drive mechanism of a multicolor recording apparatus showing a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a third embodiment of the drive control method of the multicolor recording apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a main part showing an example of a multicolor image recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Photosensitive Drum 2 Photosensitive Drum 3 Photosensitive Drum 4 Photosensitive Drum 11 Pulley 12 Pulley 13 Pulley 14 Pulley M1 Motor M2 Motor P1 Pulley P2 Pulley P3 Pulley P4 Pulley CONT Controller MD Motor Driver OP Operation Unit

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A multicolor recording apparatus capable of recording a multicolor image by a plurality of recording means, a plurality of driving means for driving any one recording means and another recording means, and an input image recording mode. A multicolor recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising control means for controlling the plurality of driving means so as to perform simultaneous driving or division driving of the plurality of recording means. 2. The multicolor recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein any one of the recording means records a black image. 3. The multicolor recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit is a motor that transmits power to the recording unit via a predetermined power transmission unit. 4. The multicolor recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means stops driving of the other recording means during recording of a black image. 5. A multicolor recording apparatus capable of recording a multicolor image with a plurality of recording means, a driving means for driving any one of the recording means and another recording means via a predetermined power transmission switching means, A multicolor recording apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls the drive unit and the power transmission switching unit to perform simultaneous drive or divided drive of the recording unit according to an input image recording mode. 6. The multicolor recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein any one of the recording means records a black image. 7. The multicolor recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the driving unit is a motor that transmits power to the recording unit via a predetermined power transmission unit. 8. The multicolor recording apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control means stops driving of the other recording means during black image recording. 9. The recording means has a photosensitive drum capable of executing an electrophotographic process.
9. The multicolor recording device according to any one of 8 to 8. 10. The controller according to claim 1, 4, 5 or 8, wherein the control means drives the plurality of recording means in a divided manner at a drive ratio of 1: 1 to 1: 3. Color recording device. 11. A rotation drive control method for a multi-color recording apparatus, comprising a plurality of driving means for driving any one recording means and another recording means, and capable of recording a multi-color image by the plurality of recording means. A determination step of determining an image recording mode to be input, a first driving step of driving the plurality of recording means simultaneously according to the determination result, or a division driving of the plurality of recording means according to the determination result 2. A driving control method for a multicolor recording apparatus, which comprises two driving steps.