JPH10133446A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prolong the life of terminals also to enable the supply of power to a unit with a simple structure, in an image forming device having a unit movable in relation to the main body of the device. SOLUTION: In a fixed part of a rotary type developing device 20 as a unit, a power source input terminal 101 is provided, and also in a fixed part of the rear side plate of the main body, a power source supply terminal 102, for supplying a power source, which is connected to a bias power source is provided with a small amount of space left between the power source input terminal 101 and itself. Control is exerted by a control part so that when the requested developing unit of the rotary type developing device 20 faces a photoreceptive drum and halts, the power source input terminal 101 and power source supply terminal 102 are electrically connected by inserting a connecting member 103 into the gap between them by means of a connector 104 having the rodlike connecting member 103 which electrically connects the power source input terminal 101 and power source supply terminal 102.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile, and a printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, three colors of cyan, magenta and yellow have been used.
2. Description of the Related Art A color image forming apparatus that forms a color image using toner of four colors including color or black is known.

In this type of image forming apparatus, a plurality of developing devices are required to develop a plurality of colors. As a developing device in which a plurality of developing devices are arranged as described above, for example, a developing device in which a plurality of developing devices are juxtaposed around a photosensitive drum as an image carrier for forming a latent image (hereinafter, known as a known developing device). Device 1), a rotator is disposed close to the latent image carrier, and a plurality of developing devices are supported at predetermined positions on the rotator, and each developing device faces the latent image carrier. There is a rotary developing device (hereinafter referred to as a known device 2) in which a latent image on a latent image carrier is developed with each color toner by sequentially rotating and transporting the latent image to a developing position. In the known device 1, since each developing unit is independently constituted and arranged in parallel around the latent image carrier, the size of the device is increased. For this reason, the known device 2 is more advantageous in terms of miniaturization of the device.

Here, when detecting the carrier / toner concentration ratio in each developing device for the purpose of generating an optimum image and preventing toner scattering, or by applying a developing bias to a developer carrying member of the developing device. For example, when the development is performed, it is necessary to supply the electric power to the developing device. In the case of an image forming apparatus using the known device 1 as a developing device, since the plurality of developing units are fixed, a connector is provided between the image forming apparatus main body and the developing unit, and only the connectors are connected. Thus, power can be easily supplied to the developing device. On the other hand, in the case of an image forming apparatus using the known device 2 as a developing device, the developing device rotates,
The method of simply connecting the image forming apparatus main body and the developing device cannot be adopted, and a different method is employed.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 64-40957 discloses an input terminal for inputting a desired bias voltage to various developing members provided in a developing unit as each developing unit of a rotary developing device. The input terminals are arranged so that the radial distances from the rotation center of the rotating body of the rotary developing device are different from each other, and a ring-shaped bias application terminal that is always in contact with each of the input terminals on the apparatus main body side, A rotary developing device provided concentrically over a plurality of stages is disclosed. According to this device, it is possible to stably energize the input terminal and the terminal for bias voltage application. Further, different bias voltages can be favorably applied to each developing member with a simple structure, and image quality can be improved and stabilized.

[0006]

However, according to this structure, the input terminal and the terminal for applying the bias voltage are always in contact with each other, and the input terminal is connected to the bias application terminal when the rotary type developing device rotates. Since the terminal is rotated and slid while being constantly pressed against the terminal, there is a problem that a load is applied to the terminal and wear is severe.

On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 62-11867 discloses that a developing device comprising a plurality of developing devices supported by a rotating frame is moved toward and away from an image carrier so as to revolve while maintaining a horizontal state. A mechanism, a power receiving side connector provided at a position of an end of each of the developing devices facing the image carrier,
When the selected developing device is disposed and fixed at the developing unit position where the developing device of the image forming apparatus main body approaches and moves, the connector terminal of the developing device comes into contact when the selected developing device is moved to the developing unit position, and the image forming device main body and the A power supply-side connector for electrically connecting the developing device to the developing device is disclosed. According to this apparatus, it is possible to extend the life of the connector terminals, but there is a problem that a space for moving the rotary developing device is required, and the size of the entire image forming apparatus is increased. .

[0008] The above problem is caused by the fact that when the carrier / toner concentration ratio in each developing unit is detected, or when a developing bias is applied to the developer carrying member to perform the developing, the rotation of the main body of the apparatus for supplying power is performed. Not only in the case of an image forming apparatus having a mold developing device, but also provided with a unit movable with respect to the apparatus main body, by moving the unit to a predetermined image forming position,
An image forming apparatus that performs image formation while supplying power to the unit, and a unit that is movable with respect to the apparatus main body, and that the unit and the main body apparatus are connected to each other by using a method similar to the case of performing the power supply. This can also occur in the case of an image forming apparatus that performs image formation while transmitting and receiving signals between them.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a first object of the present invention is to increase the life of a terminal and to move the unit with a simple structure relative to the apparatus body. To provide an image forming apparatus capable of supplying power to the image forming apparatus.

A second object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus which can extend the life of terminals and can transmit and receive signals between a unit movable with respect to the apparatus main body and the main body apparatus with a simple structure. Is to provide

[0011]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus including a unit movable with respect to an apparatus main body, and moving the unit to a predetermined image forming position. A power receiving terminal provided at a predetermined location of the unit, a power supply terminal provided at a predetermined location on the apparatus body, A connection member for electrically connecting the receiving terminal and the power supply terminal, a connection state for electrically connecting the power receiving terminal and the power supply terminal via the connecting member, and the power receiving terminal Power supply means for supplying power to the unit, comprising: a connection member moving means for moving the connection member so that the power supply terminal can be electrically disconnected from the power supply terminal. Control means for controlling the power supply means so as to take a connection state by the connection member moving means and supply power to the unit when the unit is moved and set to the image forming position. It is characterized by having been provided.

In this image forming apparatus, when the unit is moved and set to a predetermined image forming position, a power receiving terminal provided at a predetermined position of the unit by the connection member moving means and a predetermined position on the apparatus body side. Since a connection state is established in which a power supply terminal provided at a location is electrically connected to the power supply terminal via the connection member, and the power supply unit is controlled by the control unit so as to supply power to the unit side. The power receiving terminal and the power supply terminal can be electrically connected at the time of the moving set without sliding the power receiving terminal and the power supply terminal at the time of moving the unit.

Here, in the image forming apparatus in which the power is supplied from the image forming apparatus main body side to the unit side by contacting the terminals, the terminals are brought into contact with each other. At times, poor power supply due to poor contact may occur. For example, when a mechanism utilizing the elastic force of an elastic body such as a spring is used as a mechanism for bringing the terminals into contact with each other, the elastic force of the spring is weakened by performing the contact operation many times, and the contact is temporarily stopped. May occur.

In view of this, a second aspect of the present invention provides a unit movable with respect to the apparatus main body, moves the unit to a predetermined image forming position, and forms an image while supplying power to the unit. In the image forming apparatus, an internal power supply is provided in the unit to supply power to the unit.

In this image forming apparatus, power is supplied to the unit using an internal power supply provided in the unit.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the second aspect, a power reduction detecting means for detecting a reduction in the power supply capability of the internal power supply, and a signal based on a detection result by the power reduction detecting means. And a signal generating means for generating the signal.

In this image forming apparatus, a decrease in the power supply capability of the internal power supply is detected by the power drop detecting means, and a signal is generated by the signal generating means based on the detection result.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus which comprises a unit movable with respect to the apparatus main body, moves the unit to a predetermined image forming position, and supplies an electric power to the unit to form an image. In the forming apparatus, a power generator for converting the power of the unit movement into electric power is provided, and power supply means for supplying electric power to the unit using the electric power converted by the power generator is provided. Things.

In this image forming apparatus, the power of the unit movement is converted into electric power by the power generator in the electric power supply means, and the electric power is supplied to the unit.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus which comprises a unit movable with respect to the apparatus main body, moves the unit to a predetermined image forming position, and supplies an electric power to the unit to form an image. In the forming apparatus, a primary coil is provided on the device main body side, a secondary coil has a transformer provided on the unit side, and a predetermined voltage is applied to the primary coil from the device main body side; A power supply means for supplying power to the unit by generating a voltage corresponding to the voltage in the secondary coil is provided.

In this image forming apparatus, a predetermined voltage from the apparatus main body is applied to the primary coil of the transformer, and a voltage corresponding to the voltage is generated in the secondary coil. Power is supplied to the unit by the power supply means.

In order to achieve the second object, the invention of claim 6 includes a unit movable with respect to the apparatus main body, and the unit is moved to a predetermined image forming position, so that the unit and the unit can be moved. In an image forming apparatus which performs image formation while transmitting and receiving signals to and from an apparatus main body, a first signal terminal provided at a predetermined location of the unit and a second signal terminal provided at a predetermined location on the apparatus main body side And a connecting member for electrically connecting the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal, and electrically connecting the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal via the connecting member. A connecting member moving means for moving the connecting member so as to take a connection state in which the receiving terminal and the supply terminal are electrically disconnected from each other, and the unit and the device. Sending and receiving signals to and from the main unit And a signal transmitting / receiving means for performing, when the unit is moved and set to the image forming position, a connection state by the connecting member moving means to transmit and receive signals between the unit and the apparatus main body. And control means for controlling the signal transmission / reception means.

In this image forming apparatus, when the unit is moved and set to the image forming position, the first signal terminal provided at a predetermined position of the unit by the connecting member moving means is connected to the apparatus body side. The signal transmission / reception so as to perform transmission / reception of signals between the unit and the apparatus main body by taking a connection state for electrically connecting the second signal terminal provided at a predetermined position of the unit via the connection member. Since the means is controlled by the control means, the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal can be electrically connected at the time of the moving set without sliding the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal at the time of moving the unit.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a unit movable with respect to the apparatus main body, the unit is moved to a predetermined image forming position, and signals are transmitted and received between the unit and the apparatus main body. In the image forming apparatus for forming an image, a signal transmitting / receiving means for transmitting and receiving the signal by optical transmission between the unit and the apparatus main body is provided.

In this image forming apparatus, signals are transmitted and received between the unit and the apparatus main body by optical transmission by the signal transmitting / receiving means.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the seventh aspect, a cleaning unit for cleaning the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit in the signal transmitting / receiving unit is provided.

In this image forming apparatus, the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit are cleaned by the cleaning unit to remove, for example, floating toner and the like attached to the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit in the apparatus.

[0028]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[Embodiment 1] An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a color electrophotographic printer (hereinafter, referred to as a printer) as an image forming apparatus will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, around a photosensitive drum 11 as a latent image carrier, a charge removing lamp (hereinafter, QL) 18 for erasing residual charges on the photosensitive drum 11, and a charging charger (hereinafter, referred to as charging means). (Charged CH) 12, an electrometer (not shown) for measuring the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 11, a rotary developing device 20 as a developing device, and an optical sensor (hereinafter, P sensor) for reading the image density on the photosensitive drum 11. 14, a pre-transfer static elimination lamp (PTL) 15 for lowering the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 11 before transfer, an intermediate transfer belt 30,
A belt transfer charger 16 for applying electric charges and a drum cleaning device 17 for removing toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 11 are provided. Both the photosensitive drum 11 and the intermediate transfer belt 30 are driven to rotate by a drum motor (not shown).

The rotary developing device 20 in contact with the photosensitive drum 11 has developing units 21Y, M, C, and Bk of, for example, four colors of black, cyan, yellow, and magenta, respectively. The developing device unit has a substantially cylindrical outer periphery rotatably mounted around the axis, and corresponds to each developing device in a one-to-one correspondence with black, yellow,
It holds four toner containers (not shown) each containing magenta and cyan toners, and is mounted so as to be substantially coaxial with the developing device unit in front of the center axis direction thereof. And a toner container unit (not shown) that rotates together with the toner container. Each developing device 21Y, M, C, B in the developing device unit
k is a cylindrical developing sleeve 2 as a developer carrier
2Y, M, C, and Bk are rotatably supported. The developing sleeve 22 is driven to rotate by a developing motor (not shown). The developing position of the rotary developing device 20 is located between a potential sensor (not shown) on the photosensitive drum 11 and the P sensor 14, and in FIG.
Indicates a state at the developing position. Rotary developing device 2
Numeral 0 is rotationally driven in the direction of arrow C by a revolver motor (not shown). The revolver motor is a CP (not shown).
By U, the rotation is controlled by the four-phase output, and the development color of the designated color is stopped at the development position. Rotary developing device 20
Is detected by the revolver HP sensor 151 disposed below the rotary developing device 20. (Hereinafter, margin)

On the other hand, around the intermediate transfer belt 30, a paper transfer charger 31 for transferring the image transferred on the intermediate transfer belt 30 to a transfer paper (not shown), untransferred toner on the intermediate transfer belt 30 and A belt cleaning unit 32 for cleaning residual toner is provided. Further, the belt cleaning unit 32 is operated by an intermediate transfer belt cleaning solenoid (not shown).
The intermediate transfer belt 30 is configured to be detachable from the intermediate transfer belt 30.

Further, upstream of the paper transfer charger 31,
A registration roller 50 and a registration sensor 140 are provided, and a transport belt 51 and a fixing unit (not shown) are provided downstream. Among these, the registration roller 50, the conveyance belt 51, and the fixing roller (not shown) are driven to rotate by a main motor (not shown). Further, the registration roller 50 is turned on / off by a registration clutch (not shown).

In the configuration shown in FIG.
Is uniformly charged by the charging CH 12 while being driven to rotate in the direction of arrow A, and is scanned and exposed based on image information by a semiconductor laser 13 from a writing system unit (not shown) as a laser optical device, and the surface is electrostatically charged. A latent image is formed. Here, the image information to be exposed is black image information for a single color, and monochromatic image information obtained by decomposing a desired full-color image into yellow, magenta, cyan, and black color information for a full color. is there. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor drum 11 is developed by the rotary developing device 20 with yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toners as predetermined developers. Each color image is formed.

On the other hand, the respective color images formed on the photosensitive drum 11 are transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 30 rotating in the direction of arrow B in FIG. The belt transfer charger 16 sequentially superimposes and transfers the images for each single color. Yellow, magenta, cyan, superimposed on the intermediate transfer belt 30
The black image and the black image are collectively transferred by a paper transfer charger 31 from a paper feed tray (not shown) to transfer paper (not shown) conveyed through a paper feed roller (not shown) and a registration roller 50. After completion of the transfer, the transfer paper is sent to a fixing roller (not shown) by the transport belt 51, where the toner image is fixed and discharged outside the apparatus as a full-color print.

The toner on the photosensitive drum 11 that has not been transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 30 is removed from the photosensitive drum 11 by the drum cleaning device 17, and the intermediate toner that has not been transferred onto transfer paper (not shown). The toner on the transfer belt 30 is transferred to a belt cleaning unit 32.
Is removed from the intermediate transfer belt 30.

Next, the configuration of the power supply means for supplying power to the developing unit of the rotary developing device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 2A is a front perspective view showing a power supply unit to the developing unit, FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of the power supply unit from the right side, and FIG. It is a schematic circuit diagram of a power supply means. In this printer, FIG.
As shown in (a), a power supply input terminal 101 is provided at a fixed position of the rotary developing device 20, and a bias power supply is provided at a fixed position of, for example, a rear side plate of the main body device with a slight gap from the power supply input terminal 101. A power supply terminal 102 for power supply connected to 100 is provided. Although not shown, the power input terminal 101 is provided for each developing device. As shown in FIG. 2B, the power input terminal 101
The power supply terminal 102 protrudes toward the main body side 300 so as not to come into contact with the main body side 300, and the power supply terminal 102 protrudes toward the rotary type developing apparatus 20 so as not to contact the rotary type developing apparatus 20. Also, the power input terminal 1
01 and the power supply terminal 102 have different radial distances from the rotation axis of the rotary developing device 20. Therefore, the two terminals do not come into contact with each other when the rotary developing device 20 rotates. The power input terminal 101 further includes a rod-shaped connection member 103 for electrically connecting the power supply terminal 102 to the power supply terminal 102. The connection member 103 is interposed in the gap and connected to the power input terminal 101 and the power supply terminal. Supply terminal 102
And the power supply input terminal 101 and the power supply are positioned such that the connection member 103 is separated from the gap and does not contact the terminal when the rotary developing device rotates. A connection device 104 is provided as a connection member moving unit that can take a state in which the supply terminal 102 is electrically disconnected from the supply terminal 102. In the connecting device 104, one end of the connecting member on the side not facing the gap is connected to, for example, a solenoid controlled by a control unit (not shown). As shown in FIG. 3, the power input terminal 101 is used to detect a portion of the rotary developing device 20 requiring electric power in the developing unit, for example, a carrier / toner ratio in the case of the illustrated device. It is connected to a carrier / toner density ratio detection unit 105 and a development bias generation unit 106 that generates a development bias voltage to be applied to a development roller during development, and includes, for example, a bias circuit.

In the power supply means having the above configuration, when the rotary developing device 20 is rotated, the control section causes the connecting member 104 to connect the connecting member 103 with the solid line in FIG. 2A or FIG. The power supply terminal 101 is moved to the position shown, and the power supply input terminal 101 and the power supply terminal 102 are controlled to be electrically disconnected. On the other hand, when a desired developing device of the rotary developing device 20 faces the photosensitive drum 11 and is in a stopped state, the control unit causes the connecting device 104 to connect the connecting member 103 to the photosensitive drum 11 as shown in FIG. Or the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG.
Are electrically connected to each other. As a result, the electric power from the main body 300 is supplied to the carrier / toner concentration ratio detecting unit 105 and the developing bias generating unit 106. The carrier / toner concentration ratio detection unit 105 supplies power to a carrier / toner ratio detection, for example, a magnetic permeability sensor for detecting the magnetic permeability of the developer.
The developing bias generator 106 applies a developing bias to the developing sleeves 22Y, M, C, and Bk.

Next, the developing unit of the rotary developing device and the copying machine main body (hereinafter referred to as main body side) in the present embodiment.
The configuration of a signal transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving a control signal to / from the device will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG.
(A) is a perspective view from the front showing the signal transmitting / receiving means to the developing unit, FIG. 4 (b) is an enlarged view from the right side of the signal transmitting / receiving means, and FIG. 5 is an outline of the signal transmitting / receiving means. It is a circuit diagram. In this printer, FIG.
As shown in the figure, a signal terminal 201 for transmitting and receiving signals is provided at a fixed position of the rotary developing device 20 separately from the power input terminal 101.
The power supply terminal 1 is provided at a fixed position, for example, on a rear side plate of the main body device with a slight gap from the signal terminal 201.
02, a main body signal terminal 2 for signal transmission / reception connected to a main control section 301 as a main body control device on the main body side.
02 is provided. Although not shown, the signal terminal 201 is provided for each developing device. FIG. 4 (b)
As shown in FIG. 2, the signal terminal 201 projects toward the main body 300 to such an extent that the signal terminal 201 does not contact the main body 300, and the main signal terminal 202 is connected to the rotary developing device 20.
, So as not to come into contact with the rotary developing device 20. Further, the signal terminal 201, the main body signal terminal 202, the above-described power supply input terminal 101, and the above-described power supply terminal 102 have different radial distances from the rotation axis of the rotary developing device 20. Therefore, the terminals do not come into contact with each other when the rotary developing device 20 rotates.
Further, as in the case of the above-described power supply means, the power supply unit further includes a rod-shaped connecting member 203 for electrically connecting the signal terminal 201 and the main body signal terminal 202.
03 is interposed in the gap to electrically connect the signal terminal 201 and the main body signal terminal 202, and the connection member 203 is separated from the gap, and the rotation type developing device rotates. A connector 204 is provided as a connecting member moving means that is located so as not to contact the terminal and can take a state in which the signal terminal 201 and the main body signal terminal 202 are electrically disconnected. In this connector 204, one end of the connection member on the side not facing the gap is connected to, for example, a solenoid controlled by a control unit (not shown).

The signal terminal 101 is connected to a control unit in the rotary developing device 20 which can execute electrical control inside the rotary developing device 20. As an example of electrical control performed by the control device in the rotary developing device, control of the carrier / toner concentration ratio will be described. For example, the signal terminal 201 uses a detection coil 205 as shown in FIG. Transmitter 206 for detecting the magnetic permeability of the carrier / toner, and a signal obtained by the detector 206 and a reference transmitter 207.
The comparison unit 208 compares the reference signal of the
And a data generation unit 209 for converting the output signal from the analog signal 8 into analog data. The carrier / toner concentration ratio detection control unit outputs an analog signal (hereinafter, referred to as an analog electric signal) from the data generation unit 209. Output terminal.

In the signal transmitting / receiving means having the above configuration, during normal image formation, the connecting member 203 is moved to the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 4A or FIG. The terminal 201 and the main body signal terminal 202 are electrically disconnected.
When the control signal is transmitted and received between the rotary developing device 20 and the main body side, for example, when the carrier / toner concentration ratio is detected in the illustrated example, the controller 204 The connection member 203
Is moved to the position shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 4A or FIG. 5, and control is performed so that the signal terminal 201 and the power supply terminal 202 are electrically connected. Thus, transmission and reception of control signals between the main control unit 301 of the main body device and the control device in the rotary developing device can be performed.
5, the signal terminal 201 and the power supply terminal 202 are electrically connected, so that the carrier / toner concentration ratio detection control means
An analog electric signal from the data generation unit 209 can be input to the main control unit 301 via the signal terminal 201 and the main body signal terminal 202. As shown in the example in the figure, the signal transmission / reception means is configured to transmit and receive control signals between the developing unit of the rotary developing device and the copier body by analog signals. The control signal can be transmitted and received with a simple configuration as compared with the case where the control signal is transmitted.

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment, the power input terminal 101 and the power supply terminal 102 can be electrically connected without sliding, so that the life of the terminals can be extended. The two terminals can be electrically connected and disconnected with a simple structure as compared with a method in which the rotary developing device 20 is brought into and out of contact with the photosensitive drum. Power can be supplied.

According to the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, the signal terminal 201 and the main body signal terminal 202 can be electrically connected without sliding.
The service life of the terminals can be extended, and the electrical connection and disconnection of the terminals can be performed with a simple structure as compared with a method in which the rotary developing device 20 is moved toward and away from the photosensitive drum. Then, it becomes possible to transmit and receive control signals between the control device in the rotary developing device and the main control unit 301 of the main body.

Here, when the control signal is transmitted and received between the developing unit of the rotary type developing device and the copying machine by analog electric signals as in the illustrated example, the level of the electric signal, for example, the voltage value is changed. Related to the data. For this reason,
When the level of the electric signal fluctuates due to the fluctuation of the contact resistance between the signal terminal 201 and the main body signal terminal 202, the transmission and reception of the control signal may not be performed with high accuracy. Therefore, the signal transmission / reception unit may be configured to transmit / receive the control signal by a digital signal.
Specifically, an A / D converter for converting an analog electric signal output from the data generator 209 into an electric signal of digital data is provided, and the signal terminal 201 is connected to an output terminal of the A / D converter. Connecting. Then, the electric signal converted into digital data by the A / D converter may be transmitted and received through both terminals. As described above, when the transmission / reception of the control signal between the developing device unit of the rotary developing device and the copying machine main body by the signal transmission / reception means is performed by a digital signal, only High / Low of the electric signal is related to the data. Therefore, no data error occurs due to the change in the contact resistance. Therefore, control signals can be transmitted and received with high accuracy.

Further, the signal transmitting / receiving means may be configured to transmit / receive a control signal between the developing unit of the rotary type developing device and the copying machine body by a frequency signal. Specifically, instead of the A / D converter, the data generator 2
A V / f converter for converting the voltage value of the analog electric signal output from the converter 09 into a signal corresponding to a predetermined frequency (hereinafter referred to as a frequency signal) is provided, and the signal is output to an output terminal of the V / f converter. Terminal 201 is connected. And the V / f
The electric signal converted into a frequency signal by the converter may be transmitted and received through both terminals. in this way,
When control signals are transmitted and received between the developing unit of the rotary developing device and the copier body by frequency signals by the signal transmitting / receiving means, only the High / Low frequency of the electric signal is related to data. No data error occurs due to the contact resistance. Therefore, control signals can be transmitted and received with high accuracy. Also, unlike the case where the above-mentioned signal transmitting / receiving means transmits and receives control signals between the developing unit of the rotary type developing device and the copying machine main body by digital signals, a quantization error occurs during A / D conversion. Therefore, control signals can be transmitted and received more favorably.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a power supply means of a printer according to another embodiment will be described. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a schematic circuit diagram of a power supply unit according to the embodiment. In the power supply unit of the second embodiment, the rotary developing device 20
For example, a battery 107 as an internal power supply is provided inside. Then, the battery 107 is connected to each of the carrier / toner concentration ratio detecting unit 105 and the developing bias generating unit 106 to supply power to the developing unit. According to this configuration, unlike the case where the rotary developing device 20 side and the main body side 300 are electrically connected or disconnected using the terminal, power supply failure due to poor contact does not occur. . Therefore, power can be supplied favorably.

In the configuration using the internal power supply, the power supply capability of the internal power supply is reduced, so that power cannot be satisfactorily supplied to the developing unit.
The image forming operation may not be performed normally. For example, a normal IC generally guarantees operation at a power supply voltage of 5 V ± 10%, but if a battery is used for a long period of time, the voltage supplied to the IC may be lower than the guaranteed voltage.
Therefore, the control IC used in the control system in the rotary developing device 20 may malfunction.

Therefore, in the configuration using the internal power supply, power detection means for detecting a decrease in the power supply capability of the internal power supply and signal generation means for generating a signal based on the detection result by the power detection means are provided. It is preferable that the power supply capability of the internal power supply be transmitted to the main control unit of the main body 300 to reduce the power supply capability of the internal power supply. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a power supply unit of the printer configured as described above. In FIG. 7, a battery 107 serving as the internal power supply is connected to a carrier / toner density ratio detecting unit 105 and a developing bias generating unit 106 via a voltage monitoring unit 108 having functions as the power detecting unit and the signal generating unit. It is connected. The voltage supplied from the internal power supply 107 to each of the carrier / toner concentration ratio detection unit 105 and the developing bias generation unit 106 is monitored by the voltage monitoring unit 108, and the voltage monitoring unit 108 detects the voltage. When it is detected that the voltage has fallen below the lower limit of the voltage range, a signal notifying that the battery replacement time has come is output to the main control unit 301 of the main body 300. Accordingly, the main control unit 301 stops the image forming operation. Therefore, even if the power supply capability of the internal power supply 107 is reduced, the image forming operation is not normally performed. Further, for example, if the signal is input to the main control unit, the image forming operation is stopped, and a warning message indicating that the battery has run out is displayed on an operation panel provided on the upper surface of the printer. Since measures such as replacement or charging of the battery can be taken promptly, operability is improved.

Next, the configuration of a signal transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving control signals between the developing unit of the rotary developing device and the copying machine main body in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic circuit diagram of the signal transmitting / receiving means. In this printer, as shown in FIG.
0 is provided, and a light receiving unit 211 for receiving a signal is provided at a fixed position of the main body device so as to face the light emitting unit 210. The light emitting unit 210 is provided for each developing device,
The light emitting unit 210 of the developing device at the developing position is
1. The light emitting unit 210 serves as a control device in the rotary developing device that can execute electrical control inside the rotary developing device 20 in the rotary developing device 20, and the light receiving unit 211 serves as a main body control device of the main body 300. Each is connected to the main control unit 301.
As an example of the electrical control performed by the controller in the rotary developing device, an example of control of detection of a carrier / toner concentration ratio will be described. As shown in FIG. / Detection transmitter 206 for detecting magnetic permeability of toner, and detection transmitter 2
06, and a carrier / toner density ratio detection control comprising a comparison unit 208 for comparing the signal obtained by the reference unit 207 with the reference signal of the reference transmitter 207, and a data generation unit 209 for converting the output signal from the comparison unit 208 into analog data. The output means is connected to an output terminal for outputting data from the data generation unit 209.

In the signal transmitting / receiving means of this embodiment,
Transmission and reception of control signals between the developing unit of the rotary developing device and the copying machine main body are performed by optical transmission. When the control signal is transmitted and received between the rotary developing device 20 and the main body in the signal transmitting / receiving means of the present embodiment, for example, when the carrier / toner density ratio is detected in the illustrated example, the rotary developing device is used. The light emitting part 210 of the device 20 and the main body side 30
In a state where the rotary developing device 20 is stopped so that the light receiving unit 211 of 0 faces the carrier, the data of the carrier / toner concentration ratio detected by the carrier / toner concentration ratio detection control unit is received from the light emitting unit 210. The information is transmitted to the unit 211. Specifically, first, the magnetic permeability of the carrier / toner is detected by the detection transmitter 206 using the detection coil 205, and the comparison unit 208 compares the magnetic permeability with the reference signal to calculate the carrier / toner density ratio. I do. And
The data generator 209 converts the signal from the comparator 208 into analog data. Then, in the illustrated example, an electric signal converted into analog data (hereinafter, referred to as an analog electric signal) is output to the light emitting unit 210 and the light emitting unit 21 is output.
At 0, the analog electric signal is converted to an optical signal and transmitted to the light receiving section 211 by light emission. This optical signal is an analog signal in which the intensity of light corresponds to the level of the output from the data generation unit 209, that is, the level of the analog electric signal. The light receiving unit 211 receives the optical signal that is the analog signal, converts the optical signal into an electric signal, and outputs the electric signal to the main control unit 301. Thus, the main control unit 301 recognizes the carrier / toner density ratio. As described above, the optical transmission enables transmission and reception of control signals between the main control unit 301 of the main body device and the control device in the rotary developing device.

According to this configuration, unlike the case where the rotary type developing device 20 side and the main body side 300 are electrically connected or disconnected using the terminal, a failure in transmission and reception of the control signal due to a contact failure occurs. Does not occur. Therefore, transmission and reception of control signals can be performed well.

Also, as shown in the example shown in the figure, the signal transmission / reception means is configured to transmit / receive control signals between the developing unit of the rotary type developing device and the copying machine main body by analog signals. Control signals can be transmitted and received with a simpler configuration than when digital signals are used.

Here, when transmitting and receiving control signals between the developing unit of the rotary developing device and the copying machine body by analog signals, the amount of light emitted from the light emitting section 210 and the light received by the light receiving section 211 are received. The quantity will be related to the data. For this reason, for example, when the toner on the developing sleeve 22 floats in the apparatus due to an air current and adheres to the light emitting unit or the light receiving unit, the amount of light emitted from the light emitting unit or the amount of light received by the light receiving unit is reduced. It may fluctuate, making it difficult to transmit and receive a control signal with high accuracy.

Therefore, the light emitting unit 210 and the light receiving unit 21
It is desirable to provide a cleaning means 212 for cleaning the light-emitting unit 1 and remove the adhering matter such as the floating toner adhering to the light-emitting unit 210 and the light-receiving unit 211. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view from the right side of the vicinity of the signal transmitting / receiving means when the cleaning means 212 is provided. The cleaning unit 212 includes, for example, a brush roller 212a as a cleaning member having a rotating shaft in a vertical direction, and cleans the light emitting unit 210 or the light receiving unit 211 while rotating the brush roller 212a about the rotating shaft. Is configured. Also,
The cleaning unit 212 is in a state of contact with the light emitting unit 210,
It is configured to be movable in the direction of the arrow (the left-right direction in the figure) so that it can take either a state in which it is in contact with the light receiving unit 211 or a state in which it is separated from the light emitting unit 210 and the light receiving unit 211. It is in a state separated from the light emitting unit 210 and the light receiving unit 211. Then, at a predetermined timing,
For example, when the rotary developing device is rotated, the light emitting unit 2 is used.
The light emitting unit 210 is cleaned by bringing the brush roller 212a into contact with the light emitting unit 210. Further, the brush roller 212a is brought into contact with the light receiving section 211 at a predetermined timing, for example, every elapse of a predetermined time, and the light receiving section 211 is cleaned by rotating the brush roller. This prevents fluctuations in the amount of optical signals transmitted and received between the light emitting unit 210 and the light receiving unit 211, thereby improving the reliability of control signals transmitted and received between the developing unit of the rotary developing device and the copier body. I do.

Next, a modified example of the signal transmitting / receiving means will be described with reference to FIG. This signal transmitting and receiving means transmits and receives control signals between the developing unit of the rotary developing device and the copying machine body by optical transmission as in the case of the example of FIG. Is configured to do so. Specifically, the analog electric signal output from the data generator 209 of the carrier / toner concentration ratio detection control means is converted into an electric signal of digital data (hereinafter, referred to as an electric signal).
A / D conversion unit 21 for converting digital electric signals
The signal transmitting / receiving means is configured to output the digital electric signal from the A / D converter 213 to the light emitting unit 210. Then, the light emitting unit 210 converts the digital electric signal into an optical signal and transmits the light signal to the light receiving unit 211 by light emission. This optical signal is a high / low of the digital electric signal generated by the A / D converter 213.
This is a digital signal in which ON / OFF of light corresponds to Low. Then, the light emitting unit 210 repeatedly emits the digital signal by turning on and off. The light receiving unit 211 receives the optical signal as the digital signal, converts the optical signal into an electric signal, and outputs the electric signal to the main control unit 301. Thus, the main control unit 301 recognizes the carrier / toner density ratio.

As described above, when the control signal between the developing unit of the rotary type developing device and the copying machine is transmitted and received by the signal transmitting / receiving means by digital signals, only ON / OFF of light is converted to data. For example, even if the light emitting amount or the light receiving amount slightly fluctuates due to the contamination of the surface of the light emitting unit or the light receiving unit, no error occurs in the data. Therefore, control signals can be transmitted and received with high accuracy.

In this case, the light emitting section 210 is also used.
It is desirable to provide a cleaning member 212 for cleaning the light receiving unit 211. Thereby, the reliability of the control signal can be improved.

Next, another modified example of the signal transmitting / receiving means will be described with reference to FIG. This signal transmitting and receiving means transmits and receives control signals between the developing unit of the rotary developing device and the copier body by optical transmission as in the case of the example of FIG. It is constituted so that it may perform. Specifically, the data generation unit 20 of the carrier / toner concentration ratio detection control unit of FIG.
9, a V / f converter 214 for converting the level of the analog electric signal output from 9 into an electric signal (hereinafter, referred to as a frequency electric signal) corresponding to a predetermined frequency. The signal transmission / reception means is configured to output the frequency signal of 214 to the light emitting unit 210.
Then, the light emitting unit 210 converts the frequency electric signal into an optical signal, and transmits the signal to the light receiving unit 211 by light emission. This optical signal is a frequency signal in which the ON / OFF frequency of the light corresponds to the High / Low frequency of the frequency electrical signal generated by the A / D converter 213. Then, the light-emitting unit 210 repeatedly emits light and emits the frequency signal. In the light receiving section 211,
An optical signal as the frequency signal is received, the optical signal is converted into an electric signal, and output to the main control unit 301. Thus, the main control unit 301 recognizes the carrier / toner density ratio.

As described above, when the control signal between the developing unit of the rotary type developing device and the copying machine is transmitted and received by the signal transmitting and receiving means by the frequency signal, the light O
Since only the N / OFF frequency is related to the data, no error occurs in the data even if, for example, the surface of the light emitting unit or the light receiving unit is dirty and the light emission amount or the light reception amount is slightly changed. Therefore, control signals can be transmitted and received with high accuracy. Also, unlike the case where the above-mentioned signal transmitting / receiving means transmits and receives control signals between the developing unit of the rotary type developing device and the copying machine main body by digital signals, a quantization error occurs during A / D conversion. Therefore, control signals can be transmitted and received more favorably.

In this case, the light emitting unit 210 is also used.
It is desirable to provide a cleaning member 212 for cleaning the light receiving unit 211. Thereby, the reliability of the control signal can be improved.

[Embodiment 3] Next, a power supply means of a printer according to still another embodiment will be described. FIG.
FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram of a power supply unit according to the embodiment. In the third embodiment, a power generation unit 109 is provided as a power generation device that converts the rotational force of the rotary developing device into electric power.
The power converted by the generator is supplied to the developing unit. Further, the power supply means in the illustrated example includes:
A charging / discharging unit 110 is provided as a charging / discharging device for charging / discharging the power generated by the power generating unit 109. The charging / discharging unit 110 charges the power generated during the rotation and uses the charged power when the rotary developing device is at rest. It has become possible.
Specifically, the charging / discharging unit 110 is connected to each of the carrier / toner concentration ratio detecting unit 105 and the developing bias generating unit 106 so that the power charged in the charging / discharging unit 110 is supplied to the developing unit. It is configured.

The power generation unit 109 includes, for example, a magnet for generating a magnetic field in the main body 300 and a coil for generating a current in the rotary developing device 20. When the device rotates, an electromotive force is generated in the coil so as to prevent a change in a magnetic field generated in the coil due to the rotation, and an alternating current flows. And
The above-described AC current is rectified into a DC current and then charged and discharged by the charging / discharging unit 110.
And charge by the charge / discharge unit 110.

The charging / discharging unit uses, for example, a secondary battery, and is connected to the power generating unit 109 to be charged with electric power when the rotary developing device 20 rotates to generate power by the power generating unit 109. Then, when the rotation of the rotary developing device 20 stops, it is connected to the carrier / toner concentration ratio detecting unit 105 and the developing bias generating unit 106, and supplies the charged power. As described above, in the charging / discharging section, the generated power is charged and supplied to the developing unit, so that the charging and discharging of the rotary developing device 20 can be performed not only at the time of rotation of the rotary developing device that generates the power but also at the time of rotation. Power can be supplied to the developing unit even at rest.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, unlike the case where the rotary developing device 20 side and the main body side 300 are electrically connected or disconnected using the terminal, the power supply failure due to the contact failure is different. Power can be satisfactorily supplied without causing the generation of the electric current. Further, by converting the rotational force of the rotary developing device 20 into electric power and supplying the electric power to the developing unit, for example, a period during which electric power can be continuously supplied is increased as compared with a case where an internal power supply is used. be able to. Also,
Unlike the case of using the internal power supply, there is no need to replace the internal power supply when the power of the internal power supply is consumed or to charge from the outside, so that the operability is good.

In this embodiment, the charging / discharging unit for charging the electric power converted by the power generating unit and supplying the electric power to the rotary developing device is provided. The case where power is supplied to the carrier / toner concentration ratio detecting unit 105 and the developing bias generating unit 106 has been described. However, when the power is supplied while the rotary developing device 20 is rotating, For example, in a copying machine having the revolver HP sensor on the rotary type developing device 20 side and the detected member on the device main body side,
When power is supplied to the stop position detection unit in the rotary developing device 20 to detect the stop position of the rotary developing device 20, the charging / discharging unit is not necessarily required.
The power converted by the power generation unit 109 may be directly supplied to the rotary developing device 20.

Also, in this embodiment, the second embodiment
As in the case of (1), it is desirable to provide a signal transmitting / receiving means for transmitting and receiving control signals between the developing unit of the rotary developing device and the copying machine main body by optical transmission. Thereby, it is possible to transmit and receive the control signal satisfactorily.

[Embodiment 4] Next, still another embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a schematic circuit diagram of a power supply unit according to the present embodiment. The power supply unit of the present embodiment includes a transformer 111 in which a primary side coil is connected to an AC power supply 112 on the image forming apparatus main body side and a secondary side coil is provided on the rotary developing device side. As the transformer 111, for example, a rotary transformer capable of rotating a secondary coil with respect to a primary coil can be used. The secondary coil of the transformer 111 is connected to the carrier / toner concentration ratio detecting unit 1 via a rectifying unit 113.
05 and the developing bias generator 106. The rectifier 113 converts an AC voltage generated in the secondary coil into a DC voltage. In the power supply means having this configuration, when an AC voltage is supplied from the AC power supply 112 of the main body 300 to the primary coil of the transformer 111, an AC voltage corresponding to the AC voltage is supplied to the secondary side of the transformer 111. Occurs in the coil. The AC voltage is converted into a DC voltage by the rectifier 113 and supplied to the carrier / toner density ratio detector 105 and the developing bias generator 106. Here, for example, in an apparatus using a power supply unit that supplies power using a battery, the power supply capability is as low as about several W, but according to the apparatus of the present embodiment, the output to the primary coil is reduced. Depending on the capacity of the power supply unit, the power supply capacity can be increased to, for example, about several tens of watts.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, unlike the case where the rotary type developing device 20 side and the main body side 300 are electrically connected or disconnected using the terminal, the power supply failure due to the contact failure is different. Power can be satisfactorily supplied without causing the generation of the electric current. Further, desired power can be easily obtained as compared with a device that supplies power using a battery, so that cost can be reduced.

Note that, in this embodiment, too, Embodiment 2
As in the case of (1), it is desirable to provide a signal transmitting / receiving means for transmitting and receiving control signals between the developing unit of the rotary developing device and the copying machine main body by optical transmission. Thereby, it is possible to transmit and receive the control signal satisfactorily.

In the above-described embodiment, only an example in which the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus having a rotary developing device has been described. The present invention can be applied to any image forming apparatus that forms an image while supplying image data, or an image forming apparatus that forms an image while transmitting and receiving control signals between the unit and the apparatus main body.

[0069]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the power receiving terminal and the power supply terminal can be electrically connected to each other when the unit is moved and set without sliding the power receiving terminal and the power supply terminal when the unit is moved. It is possible to extend the life of the terminals, and to connect and disconnect the two terminals with a simple structure as compared with a method of connecting and disconnecting the unit to and from the apparatus main body. Power supply can be performed.

According to the second and third aspects of the present invention, since power is supplied to the unit from the internal power supply provided in the unit, the unit side and the main body side are electrically connected using terminals. Unlike the case of connection and disconnection, there is an excellent effect that power supply can be performed satisfactorily without occurrence of power supply failure due to contact failure.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the signal generating means generates a signal when the power supply capability of the internal power supply decreases, and for example, the stop control of the apparatus is performed using this signal. For example, there is an excellent effect that the unit side can be prevented from falling into an abnormal state due to the decrease in the power supply capability. Further, for example, if a warning is displayed on the display unit using the signal, a user or a serviceman can quickly take measures such as replacing or charging the internal power supply, and the operability is improved. There is an excellent effect.

According to the present invention, the power of the unit is converted into electric power by the power generator in the electric power supply means and the electric power is supplied to the unit. There is an excellent effect that a period in which power can be continuously supplied can be extended as compared with the power supply means used. Also, unlike power supply means using an internal power supply, there is no need to replace the internal power supply when the power of the internal power supply is consumed or to charge the power from the outside, so that the operability is good. Furthermore, for example, if a charging device for charging the power generated by the power generation device is provided, and the power supply means is configured to supply the power charged to the charging device to the unit, only when the unit for generating the power moves. In addition, power can be supplied to the unit even when the unit is stationary.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, a predetermined voltage is applied to the primary coil of the transformer from the main unit side, and a voltage is generated on the secondary coil side according to the voltage. Since power is supplied to the unit, unlike the case where the unit side and the main body side are electrically connected or disconnected using the terminal, a failure in power supply due to poor contact may occur. Therefore, there is an excellent effect that power can be satisfactorily supplied. In addition, compared to a device that supplies power using a battery as an internal power supply, desired power can be easily obtained, so that there is an excellent effect that cost can be reduced.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal are not electrically slid when the unit is moved, but are electrically connected when the unit is moved and set. Therefore, it is possible to extend the life of the terminals, and to electrically connect and disconnect the terminals with a simple structure as compared with a method in which the unit is brought into and out of contact with the apparatus body. There is an excellent effect that control signals can be transmitted and received between the in-unit control device and the main body control device.

According to the seventh and eighth aspects of the present invention, signals are transmitted and received by optical transmission between the in-unit control device and the main body control device. In contrast to the case of electrical connection or disconnection, a failure in transmission and reception of a control signal due to a contact failure does not occur. Therefore, there is an excellent effect that control signals can be transmitted and received well.

In particular, according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the light emitting section and the light receiving section are cleaned by the cleaning means to remove the deposits on the light emitting section and the light receiving section. There is an excellent effect that it is possible to prevent a change in the light amount of the optical signal transmitted and received between the units and to improve the reliability of the control signal transmitted and received between the unit and the copying machine body.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a schematic configuration of a color electrophotographic printer according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a front perspective view illustrating a power supply unit of the printer. (B) is an enlarged view from the right side of the power supply means.

FIG. 3 is a schematic circuit diagram of the power supply means.

FIG. 4A is a front perspective view showing a signal transmission / reception unit of the printer. (B) is an enlarged view from the right side of the signal transmitting / receiving means.

FIG. 5 is a schematic circuit diagram of the signal transmitting / receiving means.

FIG. 6 is a schematic circuit diagram of a power supply unit of a color electrophotographic printer according to another embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic circuit diagram of a power supply unit according to a modification.

FIG. 8 is a schematic circuit diagram of signal transmission / reception means of the printer.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view from the right side of the vicinity of a signal transmitting / receiving unit when a cleaning unit 212 for cleaning the light emitting unit 210 and the light receiving unit 211 is provided.

FIG. 10 is a schematic circuit diagram of a signal transmitting / receiving means according to a modification.

FIG. 11 is a schematic circuit diagram of a signal transmitting / receiving means according to another modification.

FIG. 12 is a schematic circuit diagram of a power supply unit according to still another embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a schematic circuit diagram of a power supply unit according to still another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 11 photoconductor drum 12 charging charger 13 semiconductor laser 14 optical sensor 15 pre-transfer charge removing lamp 16 belt transfer charger 17 drum cleaning device 18 charge removing lamp 20 rotary developing device 21Y, M, C, Bk developing device 22Y, M, C, Bk Developing sleeve 30 Intermediate transfer belt 31 Paper transfer charger 32 Belt cleaning unit 101 Power input terminal 102 Power supply terminal 103 Connecting member 104 Connector 105 Carrier / toner density ratio detecting unit 106 Developing bias generating unit 107 Battery 108 Voltage monitoring unit 109 Power generation unit 110 Charge / discharge unit 111 Transformer 112 AC power supply 113 Rectifier unit 201 Signal terminal 202 Body signal terminal 203 Connection member 204 Connector 205 Detection coil 206 Detection transmitter 207 Reference transmitter 208 Comparison 209 data generating unit 210 emitting unit 211 receiving unit 212 the cleaning unit 212a brush roller 213 A / D conversion unit 214 V / f conversion section 300 body 301 main control unit

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: a unit movable with respect to an apparatus main body, moving the unit to a predetermined image forming position, and performing image formation while supplying power to the unit. A power receiving terminal provided at a predetermined position of the unit,
A power supply terminal provided at a predetermined position on the apparatus main body side, and a connection member for electrically connecting the power supply terminal and the power supply terminal; and connecting the power supply terminal and the power supply terminal to the connection member. And a connection member moving means for moving the connection member so as to be able to take a connection state in which the power supply terminal is electrically connected to the power supply terminal and a disconnection state in which the power supply terminal is electrically disconnected. A power supply unit for supplying power to the unit, and, when the unit is moved and set to the image forming position, a connection state is established by the connection member moving unit to supply power to the unit. An image forming apparatus provided with control means for controlling the power supply means. 2. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a unit movable with respect to the apparatus main body, moving the unit to a predetermined image forming position, and performing image formation while supplying power to the unit. An image forming apparatus, wherein an internal power supply is provided in the unit to supply power to the unit. 3. An image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a power reduction detecting means for detecting a reduction in power supply capability of said internal power supply, and a signal generating means for generating a signal based on a detection result by said power reduction detecting means. And an image forming apparatus. 4. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a unit movable with respect to the apparatus main body, moving the unit to a predetermined image forming position, and forming an image while supplying power to the unit. An image forming apparatus comprising: a power generation device that converts power of unit movement into electric power; and a power supply unit that supplies electric power to the unit using the electric power converted by the power generation device. 5. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a unit movable with respect to the apparatus main body, moving the unit to a predetermined image forming position, and performing image formation while supplying power to the unit. A secondary coil has a transformer provided on the device main body side, a secondary coil has a transformer provided on the unit side, and a predetermined voltage is applied to the primary coil from the device main body side, and a voltage corresponding to the voltage is applied. An image forming apparatus comprising: a power supply unit that supplies power to the unit by generating a voltage in the secondary coil. 6. A unit which is movable with respect to the apparatus main body, moves the unit to a predetermined image forming position, and performs image formation while transmitting and receiving signals between the unit and the apparatus main body. In the image forming apparatus, a first signal terminal provided at a predetermined location of the unit, a second signal terminal provided at a predetermined location on the apparatus body side,
A connection member for electrically connecting the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal, and a connection for electrically connecting the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal via the connection member. State, and a connection member moving means for moving the connection member so as to be able to take a cutting state for electrically disconnecting the receiving terminal and the supply terminal, between the unit and the apparatus body. Signal transmitting and receiving means for transmitting and receiving signals,
When the unit is moved and set to the image forming position, the signal transmission / reception unit is controlled so as to take a connection state by the connection member moving unit and transmit / receive a signal between the unit and the apparatus body. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a control unit. 7. A unit which is movable with respect to the apparatus main body, moves the unit to a predetermined image forming position, and performs image formation while transmitting and receiving signals between the unit and the apparatus main body. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a signal transmitting / receiving unit for transmitting and receiving the signal by optical transmission between the unit and the apparatus main body. 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a cleaning unit for cleaning a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit in said signal transmitting / receiving unit.