JPS60230167A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To decrease installation space and to enable exact counting of large volume of data by providing a semiconductor storage device for storing count data, logical circuits for controlling said device and a backup power source device for the storage device and counting the number of image forming operations. CONSTITUTION:The storage device 175 consisting of CMOS-RAM is connected to a CPU171 and is backed up by the backup power source 176. Plural copy number counters which count the number of copies (number of copying operations) by each developing device and a piece of counter to total copy number are provided to the device 175 and count data are contained therein. The count data are contained by BCD codes. Since the device 175 is used, the installation space is small and large volume of data are exactly counted.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Technical Field of the Invention] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a color copying machine capable of making color copies of a plurality of colors.

[Technical Background of the Invention and Problems Therewith] In recent years, for example, copying machines have become more and more colored, and two-color color copying machines that can obtain images in colors other than black have been put into practical use.

However, in conventional color copying machines of this type, multiple cartridges that integrate a developing device and a photoreceptor are prepared and selectively replaced, which has the problem of being extremely troublesome to operate. .

Recently, a color copying machine has been developed which is equipped with a plurality of developing devices each capable of developing different colors, and which is capable of making color copies of various colors by switching between the developing devices. Since such copying machines are equipped with multiple developing units, it is necessary to accurately know the developer life for each developing unit. However, if a mechanical or electronic counter is simply provided for each developing device, there are problems such as an increase in the installation space.

[Object of the Invention] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its object is to provide an image forming apparatus that requires a small installation space for a counting means and that can accurately count a large amount of data. It's about doing.

[Summary of the Invention] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a semiconductor memory device that stores counting data, a logic circuit that controls this semiconductor memory device, and a backup power source that backs up the memory contents of the semiconductor memory device. A counting means consisting of
The number of image forming operations is counted by this counting means.

[Embodiment of the Invention] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a two-color copying machine as an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. That is, 1 is a main body of a copying machine, and a document table 2 is provided on the upper surface of the main body 1 and is movable back and forth in the left-right direction (in the direction of arrow a in the figure). Also,
A paper feed cassette 3 is attached to the right side of the main body 1, and a paper discharge tray 4 is attached to the left side. The cassette cover 5 of the paper feed cassette 3 serves as a manual feeding table 6 for manually feeding paper P2 as appropriate. Further, a photosensitive drum 7 is disposed approximately in the center of the main body 1. The photosensitive drum 7 is surrounded by a charging device 8, an optical system 9, and a two-color developing device 1, which will be described later.
0, transfer charger 11, peeling charger 12, cleaning device 1
3, a static elimination lamp 14, etc. are arranged in this order.

Further, in the lower part of the main body 1, a sheet Pl automatically taken out from the sheet cassette 3 via the sheet feed roller 15 or a sheet P2 manually fed from the manual feed table 6 is placed between the photoreceptor drum 7 and the charged sheet for transfer. A paper conveyance path 17 is formed that leads to the paper discharge tray 4 via the image forming section 16 between the paper feeder 11 and the paper discharge tray 4 . A registration roller 18 is disposed on the upstream side of the image transfer section 16 of the paper conveyance path 17, and a heat roller 19 and a paper discharge roller 20 as a fixing device are disposed on the downstream side.

Here, the optical system 9 has an exposure lamp 22 whose back portion is surrounded by a reflector 21, mirrors 23 to 26, and a lens 27.

The photosensitive drum 7 is driven by a drive mechanism (not shown) in the direction indicated by the arrow in the drawing in synchronization with the document table 2. First, the exposure lamp 2 is uniformly charged by the charging device 8.
The image of the document uniformly irradiated with light by the optical system 9 is formed on the photoreceptor drum 7 to form an electrostatic latent image. The formed electrostatic latent image is developed into a developer image by the developing device 10 and sent to the transfer charger 11 side. On the other hand, the automatically or manually fed paper P1 or P2 is fed by a registration roller 18, and a developer image previously formed on the photosensitive drum 7 is transferred by a transfer charger 11.

The paper PI (P2) to which this developer image has been transferred is separated from the photoreceptor drum 7 by a separation charger 12, passes through a paper conveyance path 17, and is guided to a heat roller 19, where the transferred image is melted. After being fixed, the paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 4 by the paper discharge roller 20.

On the other hand, after the developer image is transferred onto the paper PI (P2), the residual toner remaining on the photoreceptor drum 7 is cleaned by the cleaning device 13, and the residual image on the photoreceptor drum 7 is roughly erased by the static elimination lamp 14. and prepares for the next copy operation.

In the main body 1, an upper frame and a lower frame (not shown) are pivotally supported at one end via a support shaft (not shown), and the other ends of both frames are rotated at a desired angle, for example, about 30 degrees. It is configured so that it can be opened to On the upper frame, various devices such as a charging device 8, an optical system 9, an exposure lamp 22, a developing device 10, a cleaning device 13, and a static elimination lamp 14 are attached around the photosensitive drum 7 by appropriate means. Furthermore, the document table 2 and paper feed roller 15 are also attached to the upper frame, and the upper unit 1A
It consists of Further, in the lower frame, various mechanisms such as a paper feed cassette 3, a transfer charger 11, a peeling charger 12, a heat roller 19, a paper ejection roller 20, a paper ejection tray 4, a main motor 28, etc. are installed as appropriate means. is attached to constitute the lower unit 1B. After the front cover of the main body 1 is rotated and removed, it is configured so that it can be opened and closed substantially along the paper conveyance path 17 of the paper Pl (P2) via a housing opening/closing device (not shown).

Further, 29 is a cleaning blade 30 of the cleaning device 13.
This is a blade solenoid that moves the photoconductor drum 7 toward and away from the photoreceptor drum 7.

Next, details of the developing device 10 will be explained. Second
As detailed in the figure, the first developing roller 311 and the second developing roller 311
It has a developing roller 312, and these developing rollers 311.3
12 selectively drives black or one other color,
For example, color development such as red, yellow, blue, and green can be performed. That is, the developing device 10 is divided into a first developing device 32t including the first developing roller 315 and a second developing device 322 including the second developing roller 312.
These first and second developing devices 32s and 322 are both connected to the main body 1.
It can be attached and detached freely. In this case, the first
The developing device 321 is configured to be easily attached and detached so that the user can pull it out upward in the figure, and the second developing device 322 in the lower stage is used when a service person performs maintenance, inspection, etc.
It has a structure that can be attached to and detached from the main body 1. and,
The frequently used black developer is used in the second developing device 322 in the lower stage, and the color developer is used in the first developing device 321 in the upper stage.

The first developing device 321 includes a developing section 331 and a developer replenishing section 341. The developing mechanism section 33
1 is provided at the sliding contact portion between the developing roller 311 and the photosensitive drum 7 of the developer magnetic brush 35 formed on the surface of the developing roller 311, that is, upstream of the developing position 361, and A doctor 371 that regulates the thickness of the brush 351, and a developer magnetic brush 35 provided on the surface of the developing roller 311 downstream of the developing position 136t.
1 and guides it to the developer storage section 381.
91 and a developer agitating body 401 accommodated in the developer accommodating portion 381 are housed in a casing 411. A developer concentration detector 421 is attached to the casing 411 at a position above the developing roller 311, which detects the developer concentration by magnetically detecting changes in the magnetic permeability of the developer G1. ing.

The developing roller 311 is a magnetic roll whose center is located on a straight line L2 that passes through the center of rotation of the photoreceptor drum 7 and forms an angle α (approximately 51°) with respect to the horizontal line L1. 431, and a sleeve 441 that is fitted onto the magnetic roll 431 and rotates clockwise in the figure. The above-mentioned magnetic low/c43t has five magnetic pole parts 451 to 491, of which 45 magnetic pole parts.

471.49t is the N pole, and the magnetic pole parts 461.481 are the S poles, the angle θ1 between the magnetic pole parts 451 and 461 is approximately 50°, and the angle θ2 between the magnetic pole parts 465 and 471 is approximately 71°, and the angle θ3 between the magnetic pole parts 471 and 481 is approximately 6
0°, the angle θ4 between the magnetic pole parts 481 and 491 is approximately 60
° respectively.

Further, the developer replenishment section 34 includes a developer replenishment section 0501.
a hopper 511 directly facing the developer storage section 38 of the developing mechanism section 331; and a developer replenishment roller 5 provided within the hopper 511 and in a state that closes the developer replenishment port 501.
21, and the developer G on the developer supply roller 521 side.
The configuration includes a pair of stirring rollers 531 and 53t that stir the developer G1 in the hopper 511 so as to convey the developer G1.

Further, the second developing device 322 is similar to the first developing device 322 described above.
It has almost the same basic configuration as 1, and the developer supply section 34
2, the shape of the hopper 512, the arrangement structure of the magnetic poles of the magnetic roll 432 of the developing roller 312, the mounting position of the developer concentration detector 422, and the resulting narrow width (approximately 50 m), which has an inclination of approximately 20'. The difference is that a scraper 54 is added. Therefore, other identical components will be designated by reference numerals with the suffix character changed from "1" to "2", and detailed explanations will be omitted. Note that the developing roller 31
The No. 2 magnetic roll 432 has four magnetic pole parts 452 to 482, of which the magnetic pole parts 452 and 472 are N poles, and the magnetic pole parts 462 and 482 are S poles.
The angle θ5 between the magnetic pole parts 462 and 47 is approximately 78°.
2, the angle θ6 between the magnetic pole parts 472 and 482 is approximately 70°.
The angle θ7 between them is set to approximately 80'. Further, the magnetic roll 432 is provided such that its center is located on a straight line 3 that passes through the rotation center of the photosensitive drum 7 and forms an angle β (approximately 1°) with respect to the horizontal line L1.

On the other hand, each of the magnetic rolls 431 and 432 of the first developing device 321 and the second developing device 322 is configured to be able to rotate at a rotation angle of approximately 25 degrees. Along with the displacement operation, the developing roller 311.
Developer magnetic brushes 351 and 352 can be formed or removed on the surface of 312. Then, the magnetic rolls 431 and 432 of the first developing device 321 and the second developing device 322 are switched to predetermined positions by magnetic roll driving means, which will be described later.
Or the second developing device 322. ・Developer magnetic brush 35 is applied only to the surface of one of the developing rollers 311, 312.
1.352 is formed.

That is, when operating the first developing device 32i side,
As shown in FIG. 2, the magnetic roll 4 on the first developing device 321 side
31 with the magnetic pole part 471 facing the development position 361, and a doctor 37 placed approximately halfway between the magnetic pole parts 451 and 461.
1 is positioned, and the magnetic roll 432 on the second developing device 322 side is set so that the magnetic pole portion 452 faces the doctor 372. The developer magnetic brush 351 is formed only on the surface of the developing roller 311 on the side of the first developing unit 32 .

In addition, when operating the second developing device 322 side, the third developing device 322 side is operated.
As shown in the figure, a magnetic roll 431 on the side of the first developing device 321
is rotated approximately 25 degrees clockwise from the position shown in FIG. 2 so that the magnetic pole part 451 faces the doctor 371, and the magnetic roll 432 on the second developing unit 322 is moved counterclockwise from the position shown in FIG. The doctor 372 is rotated approximately 25 degrees so that the doctor 372 is located approximately midway between the magnetic pole portions 452 and 462. The developer magnetic brush 352 is formed only on the surface of the developing roller 312 on the second developing device 322 side.

In addition, the magnetic pole portions 451.4 of the magnetic rolls 43s and 432
The reason why the developer magnetic brushes 35r and 352 are not formed on the surface of the developing rollers 311 and 312 when the developer rollers 311 and 312 are opposed to the blades 371 and 372 made of non-magnetic material is because of the magnetic pole part 45.

452, the density of the magnetic brush is in a slender state, so the developer G1. The force to adsorb G2 is weak, so Doctor 3
71.372, and even if the sleeves 441.442 rotate, the developers Gr and G2 will not pass through the doctors 37s and 372.

By the way, each driving section of the first developing device 321, that is, the sleeve 441 of the developing roller 311, the developer stirring body 401,
A driving force is transmitted to the developer replenishing roller 521 via a first driving force transmission system 61, which will be described later. Further, driving force is transmitted to each drive unit of the second developing device 322, that is, the sleeve 442 of the developing roller 312, and the developer stirring body 402 via a second driving force transmission system 62, which will be described later. . The first and second driving force transmission systems 61.
Reference numeral 62 has a configuration as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, and when a reversible motor 63 serving as a common driving source rotates forward or reverse, the first and second developing devices 321
．． Only one of the drive systems 322 is selectively operated.

Hereinafter, the driving force transmission system will be explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. The first driving force transmission system 61 includes an intermediate gear 65 that meshes with a driving gear 64, a first driven gear 66 that meshes with this intermediate gear 65, an intermediate gear 67 that meshes with this driven gear 66, and this intermediate gear 67. The second meshing with
It has a driven gear 68. Further, the second driving force transmission system 62 includes a third driven gear 69 that meshes with the driving gear 64.
, an intermediate gear 70 that meshes with this driven gear 69 , and a fourth driven gear 71 that meshes with this intermediate gear 70 . Then, when the driving gear 64 rotates normally, that is, in the six directions shown by the solid line arrows in FIG.
9 to 71 respectively rotate in the direction of the solid line arrow, and the drive gear 64 rotates in reverse, that is, in the direction of the broken line arrow B in FIG. Each of the gears 69 to 71 of the transmission system 62 rotates in the direction of the dashed arrow.

Further, the first driven gear 66 is the sleeve 44 of the first developing roller 311! Drive shaft 72 integrated with! , the second driven gear 68
are attached to the drive shaft 731 of the developer stirring body 401 via one-way clutches 74 and 74, respectively, and the drive shafts 721 and 73r have gears 66 and 68 that rotate in the direction of the solid line arrow, that is, drive gears. The driving force is transmitted only when 64 rotates in the normal direction, and the rotation occurs in the direction of the dashed line arrow. Further, the third driven gear 69 is connected to a drive shaft 722° which is integral with the sleeve 442 of the second developing roller 312.
The fourth driven gear 71 is attached to the drive shaft 732 of the developer stirring body 402 via one-way clutches 75 and 75, respectively, and the drive shafts 722 and 732 have gears 69 and 71 connected to the dashed line, respectively. The driving force is transmitted only when the drive gear 64 rotates in the direction of the arrow, that is, when the drive gear 64 rotates in the reverse direction, and rotates in the direction of the dashed-dotted line arrow.

Further, the driving gear 64 has a bearing 7 as shown in FIG.
The drive shaft 78 of the reversible motor 63 is rotatably supported via the gear mechanism 177.
It is attached to a rotating shaft 79 that interlocks with the. That is,
A gear 80 is attached to the rotating shaft 79, and the gear 80 is rotatably mounted on a support shaft 83 installed between a motor mounting frame 81 and a stay 82 integrated therewith via bearings 84 and 84. It meshes with the attached gear 85. A gear 86 having a larger diameter than the gear 85 is integrally formed with the gear 85, and the gear 86 is attached to the oscillator motor 63.
The gear 87 is in mesh with the gear 87 attached to the drive shaft 78. Thus, the rotation of the drive shaft 78 of the reversible motor 63 in both forward and reverse directions is transmitted to the rotation shaft 79 via the teeth 187, 86, 85, 80, and thereby the first and second developing units 3
21.degree. 322 can be selectively operated simply by switching the reversible motor 63 between forward and reverse rotation.

Note that switching between forward and reverse rotation of the reversible motor 63 is performed by pressing a color selection key on the operation panel, which will be described later, and at this time, the non-operating magnetic roll 431. The magnetic pole portions 451 and 452 of 432 can be switched to face the doctor 371 and 372.

Further, an intermediate gear 65 that meshes with the driving gear 64 and the first driven gear 66 is rotatably attached to a support shaft 89 via a bearing 88.

The support shaft 89 is a bearing 76°76 that pivotally supports the rotating shaft 79.
It is attached to an arm 91 that can swing around a housing 90 holding the housing 90 as a center of rotation, and its position can be changed so that it can reliably mesh with the drive gear 64 and the first driven gear 66. ing.

Further, one stirring port 531 of the first developing device 321 is
It is intermittently driven via a first operating mechanism 921 shown in FIG. 4, and in conjunction with the movement of the stirring roller 531, the other stirring roller 531 and the developer replenishment roller 521 are simultaneously driven. It is now possible to do so.

That is, one stirring roller 531 of the first developing device 321
A ratchet gear 941 is attached to one end of the shaft 931, and this ratchet gear 941 is attached to a solenoid 95.
It is intermittently driven by a predetermined amount via a ratchet pawl 971 attached to a swinging arm 961 that rotates and displaces in conjunction with the on and off operations of 1. In addition, sprockets (not shown) are fitted to the shafts 931.98 of the stirring loaf 531° 531 and the shaft 991 of the developer replenishing roller 521, respectively, and an endless chain (not shown) is strung around them. The stirring rollers 533 and 531 are connected to each other via this driving force transmission system (not shown).
and the developer supply roller 52t are driven together.

Further, the stirring roller 532 and the developer replenishment row 5522 of the second developing device 322 are simultaneously driven intermittently through a second operating mechanism 922 having the same configuration as the first operating mechanism 921 and a driving force transmission system having approximately the same configuration. It is now possible to do so. Note that the same components as the first actuating mechanism 921 are designated by symbols with the suffix character changed from "1" to r2J, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the configuration of the magnetic roll driving means 1001 (1002) for rotationally displacing the magnetic roll 431 (432) in order to form or remove the developer magnetic alan 351 (352) on the surface of the developing roller 311 (312). The seventh
This will be explained with reference to FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b). The shaft 1011 (101) of the magnetic roll 431 (432)
2) One end is a bearing 10 attached to a frame 102.
3, and a lever 104 is attached to the tip of the shaft.
is installed. The tip of this lever 104 is engaged with an engagement groove 107 of an arm 106 rotatably attached via a support shaft 105. Further, the support portion 10 formed at the lower part of the pivot end side of the arm 106
8 is connected to the plunger 110 of the solenoid 109,
One end of a tension spring 112 is connected to a support portion 111 formed at the upper portion of the pivot end side.

Therefore, when the solenoid 109 is off, the arm 106 is moved to the eighth position by the biasing force of the tension spring 112.
The magnetic pole portion 451 (452) is moved by the doctor 37s (
372), the lever 104 is held in a position facing the lever 104.

Therefore, when the solenoid 109 is off, the developer magnetic brush 3 is on the surface of the developing roller 31t (31°2).
51 (352) is prevented from being formed. In addition, when the solenoid 109 is in the ON state, the arm 106 is moved under the biasing force of the tension spring 112 to the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 8, that is, as shown in FIG. 9(b). (452) is rotated to a position where it faces the doctor 37t (372). Therefore, when the solenoid 109 is turned on, the surface of the developing roller 311 (312) has a developer magnetic field. Brushes 351 (352) are formed.

By the way, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the doctor 372 described above includes a doctor body 1132 made of a non-magnetic material, and a magnetic body 114 made of a band-shaped iron plate provided along the longitudinal direction of this doctor body 1132. , doctor body 113
Magnetic body 11.52 consisting of iron plates provided at both ends of 2
, 1152 (only one is shown). And the magnetic material 114.1152.115
2, when the magnetic pole part 452 faces the doctor 372 and removes the developer G2 from the surface of the developing roller 312, lines of magnetic force are formed between the magnetic pole part 452 and the developer G2 to be taken out more reliably. The structure is such that it can be prevented. The doctor 371 also includes a doctor body 1131 made of a non-magnetic material, and magnetic bodies 115s and 1151 made of iron plates provided at both ends of the doctor body 1131 (only one is shown).
The blade 372 is configured to prevent the developer GK from being taken out in the same way as the doctor 372 described above. This doctor 37e includes the doctor 372 described above.
As shown in the figure, there is no magnetic material along the longitudinal direction of the doctor body 1131, and the magnetic pole part 451 of the developing roller 311 and the magnetic pole part 48 of the developing roller 312 facing the doctor 371 are not provided.
The developer G1 is prevented from being taken out by utilizing lines of magnetic force formed between the developer G1 and the developer G1.

Further, a magnetic plate 116 is provided between the developing roller 311 and the developing roller 312, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, to control the magnetic flux density and polar distribution of the other magnetic roller 431 (432). This weakens the influence and enables good developer transport operation.

Note that 1172 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is a developer remaining amount detection device that detects when the amount of developer G2 in the hopper 512 of the second developing device 322 has fallen below a predetermined value. A configuration in which a permanent magnet 120 attached to an actuator 119 integrated with a detection lever 118 that rotates according to the amount of rotation is activated when it approaches a reed switch 121 as a detector provided outside the hopper 512. It has become. Further, although not shown, a developer remaining amount detecting device 1171 having a configuration similar to the developer remaining amount detecting device 1172 is provided for the hopper 511 of the first developing device 321 as well.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 10, a hopper cover 131 that forms part of the upper surface of the main body 1 is provided on the upper surface side of the developing device 10 so as to be openable and closable. A lid 1331 that opens and closes a top opening 1321 for replenishing developer of the first developing device 321 when opened, and a top opening 1322 of the second developing device 322 for replenishing developer.
A lid body 1332 that opens and closes is exposed.

By opening the lids 133r and 1332, the developers G and G2 can be easily replenished from the top side. In addition, the above lid body 1331.13
32 is provided with color display sections 134s and 1342, so that the colors of the developers Gl and G2 contained therein can be easily distinguished, and developers of different colors are not mixed in by mistake. ing.

Further, 135 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is a cover opening/closing detection device for detecting opening/closing of the hopper cover 131, and a permanent magnet 13 attached to the tip of the hopper cover 131
6, and a reed switch 137 as a detector which is provided on the main body 1 side and turns on when the magnet 136 approaches when the hopper cover 131 is closed.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11(a) and (b), the hoppers 511 of the first and second developing devices 321 and 322,
512 upper surface 138, 1382, lid body 1331.1
On both sides of 332, cumulative time meters 1391 and 1392 are used as life indicators to display developer life.
, and a developer out indicator 1401 that indicates that the developer in Hola 1 < 511.512 is below a predetermined amount.
1402 is provided. The above cumulative time total 139s
, 1392 is, for example, the rotation amount/(time) of the sleeve 441°442 that constitutes the developing rollers 311 and 312.
By measuring each, the life of the developer is displayed.For example, an electrolytic type integrating time meter (trade name: FC timer) manufactured by Fuji Ceramics Co., Ltd.
are using.

On the other hand, - the first developing device 32 containing the color developer G1;
1 is a cartridge type that can be attached to and detached from the main body 1, and can be easily removed by pulling up the handle 141 (see FIG. 10) in an upright position. That is, the developer supply section 34 of the first developing device 321
Positioning members 142, 142 (
The handle 14 is attached to these positioning members 142, 142 via support shafts 143, 143.
Both end support parts 144, 144 of 1 are rotatably pivoted. The support portions 144 and 144 of the handle 141 are provided with hooks 1 that are rotatable around a support shaft 143, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13(a), (b), and (c), respectively.
45 is integrally attached, and is configured to engage with a locking pin 146 provided on the main body 1 side to restrict upward movement. Further, an engagement groove 147 as a first positioning portion formed on the lower end side of the positioning member 142
The end face 148 serving as a second positioning portion is configured to engage and abut positioning bins 149 and 150 provided on the main body 1 side, so that the first developing device 321 can be held in a predetermined position. ing. And the handle 141
When the hook 1 is raised, the hook 1 is released as shown in Fig. 13(a).
45 and the locking bottle 146 are released, and the handle 141
When the hook 145 is brought to a nearly horizontal position, the hook 145 engages with the locking pin 146 as shown in FIG.
As shown in , the hook 145 and the locking bottle 146 are securely engaged to press the first developing device 321 downward. Therefore, if the handle 141 is in an upright state, the first developer 321 can be attached and detached, and if the handle 141 is folded down after the first developer 32 is inserted, the first developer 321 can be fixed, and the operation can be performed. It becomes extremely easy.

Next, the developing operation of the developing device 10 will be explained. First, when the first developer 321 side is selected to operate using the color selection key, the magnetic rolls 431 and 432 enter the state shown in FIG. 2, and the reversible motor 63 rotates forward.
The sleeve 441 of the first developing roller 311 rotates clockwise in the state shown in FIG. 2, and a developer magnetic brush 355 is formed on the surface of the sleeve 441. Then, the electrostatic latent image previously formed on the photoreceptor drum 7 is developed with the color developer G1. In this way, when the development of the electrostatic latent image is completed, the magnetic roll 431
When the magnetic pole part 451 is rotated by a degree and faces the doctor 371, new formation of the developer magnetic brush 351 on the sleeve 441 is stopped, and in this state, the sleeve 441 is further rotated by a predetermined amount to perform development. The agent magnetic brush 351 is removed. Note that at this time, the developer magnetic brush 352 is not formed on the second developing roller 312 either, so that problems such as color mixing will not occur even if either of the developing devices 32i, 322 is selected next. There is.

Further, when the second developing device 322 is selected for black color development, the magnetic rolls 431 and 432 are brought into the state shown in FIG. rotates clockwise in the state shown in FIG. 3, forming a developer magnetic brush 352 on the surface of the sleeve 442. After the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 7 is developed to black in the same manner as described above, the developing operation is completed with the developer magnetic brush 352 removed from the surface of the sleeve 442.

Note that the developing device 321 (322,) is in the developing operation state.
developer stirring body 401 (402> and stirring roller 5
31 (532) is always operating, and the developer supply roller 521 (522) is the developer concentration detector 42.
1 (422>), replenishment of the developer Gl (G2) is performed as appropriate, and a good development operation is maintained.

FIG. 14 shows the operation panel, including a copy key 151 for executing a copy operation, an interrupt key 152 for specifying an interrupt mode for interrupt copying, and an interrupt key 152 for specifying an interrupt mode for interrupt copying. 153, a numeric keypad 154 for setting the number of copies, a number display section 155 for displaying the number of copies, a color selection key 156 for selecting the copy color (for example, black, red, blue, green), and the selected color. Color display units 157 to 160 for displaying information, a liquid crystal display unit 161 for displaying operating status, etc., a density setting unit 162 for setting copy density, and the like are provided. In the liquid crystal display section 161, 163 is a symbol for indicating that copying is possible, indicating that copying is possible, 164 is a symbol for indicating that copying is not possible, indicating that copying is not possible, and 165 is a developer @
This is a symbol for indicating that there is no developer left in the hopper No. 10. Note that the color selection by the color selection key 156 can be alternately selected each time the color selection key 156 is pressed. That is, for example, if the first developing device 32 is red and the second developing device 322 is black, when the power is turned on, the black copy mode is automatically selected and the second developing device 322 is selected, and the color display 157 lights up. When the color selection key 156 is pressed in this state, the red copy mode is set, the first developing device 321 is selected, and the color display 158 lights up.

If the color selection key 156 is pressed again in this state, the black copy mode is set again. In this way, each time the color selection key 156 is pressed, the black copy mode and the red copy mode can be selected alternately.

FIG. 15 shows the overall control circuit.

That is, 171 is a microcomputer (hereinafter simply referred to as microcomputer) as a main control section, which controls the entire copying machine. Inputs to the microcomputer 171 include, via an input interface circuit 172, input switches 173 such as various keys on the operation panel, other various switches 2 sensors 174 necessary for the copying operation, and the developing device 321 in the first developing unit 321. The developer concentration detector 421 and the developer remaining amount detector 117d detect the developer concentration of the second developing device 322.
The detector 422, the developer concentration detector @1172, the cover opening/closing detector N135, and the like are connected.

Further, a storage device 175 is connected to the microcomputer 171, and this storage device 175 is backed up by a backup power source 176 such as a battery. On the other hand, an output interface circuit 177 is connected to the output of the microcomputer 171.
Display devices 178 such as various indicators and display sections of the operation panel, pole position switching solenoids 109, 109 of the first developer 321 and second developer 322,
The reversible motor 63, the cumulative time meter 1391 of the first developing device 321, the cumulative time meter 1392 of the second developing device 322, the developing bias power source 179, the charging power source 180 of the charging device 8, and the transferring device. The transfer mold ff1181 of the charger 11 and the stripping power source 1 of the stripping charger 12
82, the static elimination lamp 14, the developer heating indicator 1
401° 1402, the main motor 28, other various solenoids 183, document table drive device 184 that drives the document table 2, exposure lamp ffIJ111 circuit 185
etc. are connected. The exposure lamp control circuit 185 includes:
Automatic exposure sensor 18 that detects light from exposure lamp 22
The exposure lamp 22 is controlled according to the output signal from the microcomputer 6 and the signal from the microcomputer 171.

Note that the first developing device 321 and the second developing device 322 each have a developing device presence/absence signal generating means 18 that indicates the presence or absence of the developing device.
71, 1872 and identification information generating means 1881 and 1882 for generating an identification code unique to the developer (which also represents the color of the stored developer), and signals and identification codes from these are also input to the input interface circuit 172. is inputted to the microcomputer 171 via. The developer presence/absence signal generation means 1871, 1872 and the identification information generation means 1881, 1882 each utilize a developer connector for electrically connecting the developer to the control circuit, as shown in FIG. It is designed to generate a signal and an identification code. That is, 191 is the above-mentioned connector, which is composed of a jack 192 and a plug 193. The jack 192 is provided on the developing device side, and the plug 193 is connected to the control circuit shown in FIG. 15 via a cable.

In the jack 192, the terminal 1941 is set as a common terminal, and a developing device presence/absence signal is generated by connecting the terminal 1941 and the terminal 194s, and the terminal 1941 and the terminals 1942 to 1944 are connected depending on the developing device. By doing this, a 3-bit identification code is generated. On the other hand, in the plug 193, the terminal 1951 is grounded on the control circuit side, and the terminals 1952 to 1955 are connected to the input interface circuit 172.
Connect to. However, jack 192 and plug 193
When connected, each terminal is connected correspondingly.
As a result, a 3-bit identification code corresponding to the connection state of the terminals in the jack 192 is obtained from the terminals 1952 to 1954 of the plug 193, and a developing device presence signal is obtained from the terminal 1955. Therefore, if the jack 192 and the plug 193 are not connected,
Since the developing device presence signal is not obtained from the terminal 1955 of the plug 193, it can be determined that there is no developing device (the developing device is not installed).

Further, the storage device 175 is, for example, 0MO8RAM.
(random access memory), which is used as a counter to count the number of copies (number of copy operations).
The details will be explained below.

That is, in this embodiment, for example, a plurality of sheet number counters for each developing type are provided to count the number of sheets for each developing device, and one total sheet number counter is provided for counting the total number of sheets. They are selected by addressing according to the device's identification code, and count data is stored in each one. The count data of each sheet number counter is composed of, for example, 4 bits x 5, and is stored in a BCD code. Further, the count data of the total number counter is composed of, for example, 4 bits x 6, and is stored in a BCD code.

Next, the operation in the above configuration will be explained. First, using the flow chart shown in FIG. The second developing device 322 is selected and the automatic exposure mode is selected, and the process proceeds to step A2.In step A2, the heater lamp of the heat roller 19 is turned on, and the process proceeds to step A3.In step 3, the second developing device 322 is turned on. The pole position switching solenoid 109 is turned off and the reversible motor 63 is reversed, and the process proceeds to step A4.In step A4, the reversible motor 63 is stopped, and the process proceeds to step A5.

In step A5, the pole position switching solenoid 109 of the first developing device 321 is turned off and the reversible motor 6 is turned off.
Turn 3 forward and proceed to step 86. In step eighty,
The reversible motor 63 is stopped and the process proceeds to step A7.

In step A7, the main motor 28 is turned on for a certain period of time, and the process proceeds to step 88. In step A8, it is checked whether or not warming up of the heat roller 19 has been completed, and if it has been completed, the symbol 163 for indicating that copying is possible on the operation panel is lit to enter the standby state, and step A9
accepts key operations on the operation panel.

Next, the process proceeds to step A10, and it is checked whether or not the interrupt key 152 is turned on. If it is not turned on, the process proceeds to step A11, and if it is turned on, the process proceeds to step AI2. In step A12, it is checked whether or not the current mode is interrupt mode, and if the mode is not interrupt mode, the process advances to step A13. In step A13, the copy conditions immediately before the interrupt key 152 is turned on, that is, copy density, copy color, and set number of copies, are saved, and the second developer 322 containing black developer and the automatic exposure mode are saved. Then, set the set number of copies to "1", set the interrupt mode, and proceed to step A14. In this manner, when the interrupt mode is set, the immediately preceding copying conditions are saved and the copying mode is switched to black as the reference color. Next, in step A14, the interrupt indicator 153 on the operation panel is turned on, and the process proceeds to step A11. on the other hand,
If the interrupt mode is selected in step A12, the process proceeds to step A15. In step A15, step A
The copying conditions saved in step A13 are restored, and the selection of the developing device and exposure mode is returned to the selection state immediately before the start of the interrupt mode, the interrupt mode is canceled, and the process proceeds to step A16. In step A16, the interrupt indicator 153 on the operation panel is turned off, and the process proceeds to steps A and 11.

In step A11, it is checked whether the second developing device 322 is installed based on the developing device presence/absence signal from the second developing device 322, and if it is not installed, the process advances to step A17. In step A17, it is checked whether or not the first developing device 321 is installed based on the developing device presence/absence signal from the first developing device 321. If the first developing device 321 is not installed, step A17 is performed.
Proceed to step 18. In step A18, the color indicators 157 to 160 and the copy permission display symbol 163 on the operation panel are displayed.
turn off and return to standby mode.

In this way, the first developing device 32! and second developing device 322
is not installed at all, the color indicators 157 to 160
This prohibits the display of colors by On the other hand, in step A11, if the second developing device 322 is installed, the process advances to step A19. In step A19,
It is checked whether the first developing device 321 is installed, and if it is installed, the process advances to step A20. Step A
In step A20, it is checked whether the color selection key 156 is turned on, and if it is turned on, the process advances to step A21. In step A21, it is checked whether the second developing device 322 is currently selected, and if it is not selected, the process advances to step A22. In step A22, the second developing device 322
is selected and the process proceeds to step A23. Step A19 above
In , if the first developing device 321 is not installed,
Step A20. Jump A21 and go to step A22
Proceed to. Further, if the color selection key 156 is not turned on in step A20, step A21. A
22 and proceed to step A23. On the other hand, if the first developing device 321 is installed in step A17, or if the second developing device 322 is selected in step A21, the process advances to step A24. In step A24, the first developing device 321 is selected,
Proceed to step A23. In this way, the first developing device 32!
If the second developing device 322 or one of them is not installed, selection of that developing device is prohibited.

In step A23, the color of the selected developer is displayed. That is, the color of the stored developer is determined based on the identification code output from the selected developer, and a color indicator on the operation panel corresponding to the determined color is turned on. For example, if the discrimination color is black, the color display 157 is turned on, and if the discrimination color is red, the color display 158 is turned on.

After color display is performed in this way, the process advances to step A25. In step A25, the developer remaining amount detection device 1171.117
2, the first and second developing units 321 and 322
It is checked which of the developing devices is out of developer or not, and if neither is out of developer, the process advances to step A26. In step A26, the first and second developing units 321, 32
The developer empty indicators 140r and 1402 of No. 2 are turned off, and the process proceeds to step A27. On the other hand, in step A25, if one of the developing devices is out of developer, the process proceeds to step A28. In step A28, it is checked whether the hopper cover 131 of the developing device 110 is closed based on the signal from the cover opening/closing detection device 135. If it is closed, the process proceeds to step A26, and if it is not closed, the process proceeds to step A29.

In step A29, the developer empty indicator 1401 or 1402 of the corresponding developing device (developing device without developer) is turned on, and the process advances to step A27. In this way, the first and second
When the developer Gt, G2 runs out in the hopper 511.512 of the developing device 321.322, the upper surface opening 13
2s, the developer-free indicators 1401 and 1402 provided near 1322 are turned on. At this time, if the hopper cover 131 is closed, the developer-free indicators 1401 and 1402 are not lit, but are lit only when the hopper cover 131 is opened. In step A27, it is checked whether the developing device selected at this time is out of developer, and if not, the process proceeds to step A30.

In step A30, the symbol 165 for displaying the absence of developer on the operation panel is turned off, and the process proceeds to step A31. On the other hand, in step A27, if the selected developing device is out of developer, the process proceeds to step A32. In step A32, the developer-free display symbol 165 on the operation panel is turned on, and the process proceeds to step A31. In this way, only when the selected developing device runs out of developer, this is displayed on the operation panel.

In step A31, it is checked whether or not there is an abnormality in the copying machine. If there is an abnormality, the abnormality is dealt with, and if there is no abnormality, the process advances to step A33.

In step A33, it is checked whether the mode is a manual paper feed mode using the manual feed table 6, and if it is not the manual paper feed mode, the process proceeds to step A34.

In step A34, it is checked whether or not there is paper PI in the paper feed cassette 3. If there is no paper PI, the process returns to the standby state, and if there is, the process proceeds to step A35.

On the other hand, in step A33 above, if the manual paper feeding mode is selected, step A34 is skipped and step A35 is entered.
Proceed to. In step A35, the first and second developing devices 32s
, 322 to check whether the developer is attached or removed.

If it has been attached or detached, the process advances to step A36. Step A3
In step 6, it is checked based on the signal from the cover opening/closing detection device 135 whether or not the developing device is securely attached. In this case, if the cover opening/closing detection device 135 detects that the hopper cover 131 is closed, it is determined that the hopper cover 131 is attached. When it is determined that the developing device is attached, the process advances to step A37. Step A3
At step 7, the developer on the sleeve of the detached developing device is removed by performing the above-described operations, and the developing device returns to the standby state. In this way, when a developing device is attached or detached while the power is on, the device operates to remove the developer on the sleeve of the detached developing device after the developing device is securely attached. It is. On the other hand, in step A35, if the developing device is not removed, the process proceeds to step A38. In step A38, it is checked whether the copy key 151 on the operation panel has been turned on,
If it is turned on, the process proceeds to a copying operation to be described later, and if it is not turned on, the process proceeds to step A39. In step A39, it is checked whether or not any key operation has been performed on the operation panel for a certain period of time. If any operation has been performed, the system returns to the standby state, and if no operation has been performed, step A39 is performed.
Proceed to 40. In step A40, it is checked whether or not the current mode is interrupt mode, and if the mode is not interrupt mode, the process advances to step A41. In step A41, the second developing device 322 containing black developer and the automatic exposure mode are selected, the set number of copies is set to "1", and the process returns to the standby state. In this way, if no operation is performed for a certain period of time after the normal copying operation is completed, the mode is switched to the black copying mode as the reference color and the automatic exposure mode. On the other hand, in step A40, if it is the interrupt mode, the process proceeds to step A42. In step A42,
The copying conditions saved when setting the interrupt mode are restored, the interrupt display 153 on the operation panel is turned off, and the standby state is returned. In this way, if no operation is performed for a certain period of time after interrupt copying is performed in interrupt mode, the state immediately before starting interrupt mode is restored.

Next, the copying operation will be explained using the flowchart shown in FIG. When the copy key 151 on the operation panel is turned on, the process advances to step B1.

In step B1, the pole position switching solenoid 109 of the selected developing device is turned on, and the process proceeds to step B2. In step B2, the reversible motor 63 is rotated in the direction of the selected developing device, and the process proceeds to step B3. In step B3, the platen renoids 29 of the cleaning device 13, the static elimination lamp 14, the main motor 28, the transfer power source 181 (transfer charger 11), and the stripping power source 182 (stripping charger 12)
and developing bias i[179 are turned on, respectively, and the process proceeds to step B4. In step B4, the paper feeding operation from the paper feeding cassette 3 is started, and the process proceeds to step B5. In step B5, it is checked whether or not the document table 2 is in the normal position. If it is not in the normal position, the process proceeds to step B6 and is returned to the normal position. When the document table 2 is returned to the normal position, the process proceeds to step B7. In step B7, the exposure lamp 22 is turned on, and in step B8
Proceed to. In step B8, the charging power source 18o (charging charger 8) is turned on to start charging the photoreceptor drum 7, and at the same time, the document table 2 is advanced to start scanning the document.
Proceed to step B9. In step B9, the registration roller 18 is rotated to send the paper P1 to the image transfer section 16, and the process proceeds to step B1o. In step B10, "1" is subtracted from the content displayed on the sheet number display section 155 on the operation panel, and "1" is added to each of the total sheet number counter in the storage device 175 and the sheet number counter of the selected developing device. Proceed to B11. In step 811, the charger for charging? 1180 is turned off to stop charging and electrifying the photosensitive drum 7, and the process proceeds to step 812. In step B12,
The exposure lamp 22 is turned off and the process proceeds to step B13. In step 813, the document table 2 is moved backward, and in step B14
Proceed to. In step B14, it is checked whether or not the document table 2 has returned to the normal position, and if it has returned to the normal position, step B15
[Go forward. In step B15, the rotation of the registration roller 18 is stopped, and the backward movement of the document table 2 is also stopped, and the process proceeds to step B16. In step 816, it is checked whether or not the set number of copies have been completed, and if so, the process advances to step B17. In step B17, it is checked whether the developer concentration in the selected developing device is higher than the lower limit concentration level or not based on the signal from the developer concentration detector of the selected developing device, and if it is higher than the lower limit concentration level. If so, the process proceeds to step 818, and if the lower limit concentration level is not exceeded, the process proceeds to step B19. In step B19, it is checked whether or not the developer has been continuously replenished for a predetermined period of time. If not, the process returns to step B17 and the above operation is repeated, and when the developer has been replenished for a predetermined period of time, the process proceeds to step B18. In other words, in automatic developer density control, the proper density level and
It has a lower @1 degree level to prevent the flow characteristics of the developer from changing, and when the copying operation is completed, the developer's! The developing unit is driven until the change reaches the lower limit of 1 degree and reaches 11 degrees, and the developer is continued to be replenished. In step 818, the pole position switching solenoid 109 is turned off, and the process proceeds to step B20. In step 820, the reversible motor 63 is stopped, and the process proceeds to step 821. In step B21, the blade solenoid 29, the main motor 28, the static elimination lamp 14, the transfer layer? l! 181, the stripping power source 182 and the developing bias N source 179 are turned off, and the system returns to the standby state.

On the other hand, if the set number of copies have not been completed in step 816, the process advances to step 822. Step 8
In step 22, the life of the developer is checked by checking whether the value of the sheet number counter for each development type in the storage device 175 is a predetermined value set in advance, and if the life has not expired, step 823 Proceed to. In step B23, the color change request flag to be described later is set to '1''.
It is checked whether there is a color change request by checking whether the flag is set to 0 or not.
) Returning to step B4, the above-described operation is repeated, and if there is a color change request (flag-1), the process proceeds to step 824. In step B24, the selection of the developing device is changed, and the process proceeds to step B25.

In step B25, the pole position switching solenoid of the previously selected developer is turned off, and the process proceeds to step 826. In step B26, the reversible motor 63 is stopped, and the process returns to step B1 to repeat the above-described operation. In this manner, when there is a request to change the selection of a developer during a copying operation, the developer to be used is switched at least after the development of the image being copied is completed. On the other hand, the step 82
In Step 2, if the life of the developer has expired, proceed to step B2.
Proceed to step 7. In step 827, it is checked whether there is another developer of the same color. If not, the process returns to step B4 and the above-described operation is repeated. If there is another developer of the same color, the process advances to step 828. In step 82B, the developer of the same color is selected, and the process proceeds to step B25. In this way, when the developer in the developing device you are using reaches the end of its life,
If there is another developing device, that is, a developing device containing developer of the same color, switching to that developing device is performed preferentially.

Next, interrupt processing will be explained using the flowchart shown in FIG. This interrupt processing is set to be repeated at regular intervals. Once the interrupt processing is started, the process advances to step C1.

In step C1, it is checked whether the reversible motor 63 is rotating (the developing device is in operation), and if it is rotating, the process advances to step C2. In step C2, the integrated time meter 1391 or 1392 of the selected developing device is energized, and the process proceeds to step C3. In step C3, the A flag is 1°'
It is checked whether it is "1" or not, and if it is not "1", the process advances to step C4. In step C4, timer A starts counting, and the process proceeds to step C5. In step C5, it is checked whether or not the timer A has counted 5 seconds, and if it has counted 5 seconds, the process advances to step C6. In step C6, the A flag is set to 1, and the process proceeds to step C7. In step C5 above, 5 seconds
If not counted, step C6 is skipped and the process proceeds to step C7. On the other hand, if the flag is set to 1'' in step C3, the process proceeds to step C8. In step C8, the developer concentration detector 4 of the selected developer
Based on the signal from 21 or 422, it is checked whether the developer concentration of the selected developing device is lower than a predetermined value, and if it is lower, the process proceeds to step C9. In step C9, a developer replenishment operation is performed by driving the developer replenishment roller 521 or 522 of the selected developing device, and the process proceeds to step C7. In step C8, if the value is higher than the predetermined value, step C9 is skipped and the process proceeds to step C7.In this way, after the start of the copying operation, the supply of developer onto the magnetic rolls 431 and 432 is started. After a predetermined period of time when the flow of developer to the developer concentration detectors 421 and 422 becomes stable (for example, approximately 5 seconds)
The density is checked based on the output of the developer density detectors 421 and 422. In step C7, it is checked whether the color selection key 156 on the operation panel is turned on, and if it is turned on, the process advances to step C10. In step C10, the color change request flag is set to 1'',
Proceed to step C11. In step C7, if the color selection key 156 is not turned on, step C10
Jump to step C11.

On the other hand, in step C1, the reversible motor 6
If 3 is not rotating, the process advances to step CI2. In step C12, the flag is set to 0'', timer A is reset, and power is turned off to the totalizing time meter 1391 or 1392, and the process proceeds to step C11.In step C11, a display request for the total number of copies (operation (entered in code using the numeric keypad 154 on the panel) is checked, and if there is a display request, step C
Proceed to step 13. In step C13, the contents of the total number counter in the storage device 175 are transferred to the number display section 1 on the operation panel.
55, and the process proceeds to step C14. Step C above
In step C11, if there is no request to display the total number of copies, the process advances to step C15. In step C15, the first developing device 3
21 to display the number of copies made (numeric keypad 15)
If there is a display request, the process advances to step C16.

In step C16, the first developing device 3 in the storage device 175
The contents of the sheet number counter corresponding to No. 21 are displayed in the sheet number display section 155.
is displayed, and the process proceeds to step C14.

In step C15, if there is no display request, the process advances to step C17. In step C17, the second developing device 3
22 to display the number of copies made (numeric keypad 15)
If there is a display request, the process advances to step C18. In step 018, the contents of the sheet number counter corresponding to the second developing device 322 in the storage device 175 are displayed on the sheet number display section 155, and the process proceeds to step C14. In step C17, if there is no display request, the process advances to step C19.

In step C19, the normal number of copies is displayed on the number display section 155, and the process proceeds to step C14.

With the configuration described above, a total number counter for counting the total number of copies and a number counter for counting the number of copies for each developing device are provided, and these counters can be set to 0 MO.
Since a semiconductor memory device such as 8RAM is used, the installation space is small, and a large amount of data can be counted accurately. Furthermore, since the count data is stored in BCD code, there is no need for data conversion when displaying the count data. Furthermore, when displaying the counting data, it is displayed on the number display section of the operation panel, so no extra parts are required.

In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the number of copies is counted for each developing device using a number counter, but the number of copies for each developer color may be counted. In this way, the developer life can be determined for each developer color.

Further, in the above embodiments, the case where the invention is applied to a monochromatic color copying machine has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention can be applied to any image forming apparatus that forms an image using a developing device.

[Effects of the Invention] As described in detail above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that requires only a small installation space for the counting means and can accurately count a large amount of data.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show one embodiment of the present invention, in which Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a color copying machine, Fig. 2 is a schematic vertical side view of a developing device, and Fig. 3 shows different operating states of the developing device. The schematic vertical side view shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 show the configuration of the driving force transmission system. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the meshing state of the gear group, and FIG. 5 is the unfolded state. 6 is a sectional view showing the state of driving force transmission to the drive gear; FIG. 7 is a partially sectional plan view of the magnetic roll drive means; FIG. 8 is a side view of the magnetic roll drive means; FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the operating state of the magnetic roll driving means, FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of the developing device section, FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the top surface of each developing device, and FIG.
Figure 2 is a front view showing the fixing structure of the developing device, Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the handle and the hook, Figure 14 is a plan view of the operation panel, and Figure 15 is the overall control circuit. A schematic block diagram, FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the developing unit presence/absence signal generation means and identification information generation means, and FIG.
18 is a flowchart for explaining the operation when the power is turned on, FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the copying operation, and FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the interrupt processing operation. Pl, P2... Paper, 1... Copying machine body, 2...
Document table, 7... Photosensitive drum, 10... Developing device,
321゜322...Developer, 155...Number of sheets display section, 156...Color selection key, 157-160...Color display, 171...Microcomputer, 175...Storage device (
0MO8RAM), 176...backup power supply,
188s. 1882...Identification information generation means. Applicant's agent Patent attorney Takehiko Suzue Figure 7 Figure 8 1tJ So! Figure 9 (a) (b) Figure 10 Figure 11 (a) (b) 1j42 14152 Figure 16 Figure 17 Figure 17 (C) Figure 17 (d) Figure 18 Figure 199 (a)

Claims (7)

[Claims] (1) In an image forming apparatus that can form an image on an image forming medium using a developing device selected from a plurality of developing devices each containing a developer of a different color, a semiconductor memory that stores counting data. The image forming apparatus comprises a device, a logic circuit for controlling the semiconductor memory device, and a backup power source for backing up the memory contents of the semiconductor memory device, and is characterized in that it is provided with a counting means for counting the number of times the image forming operation has been performed. Image forming device. (2) The number of image forming operations counted by the counting means is:
Claim 1, which is the number of times of image forming operations using each of the plurality of developing devices and the total number of times.
The image forming apparatus described in Section 1. (3) The weight of the image forming operation counted by the counting means is:
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number of times of image forming operations using a developing device containing the developer for each color of the developer and the total number of times are the number of image forming operations. (4) The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the counting result of the counting means is displayed on a display section of an operation panel as necessary. (5) Claim 1, wherein the count data is stored in the semiconductor storage device in a BCD code.
The image forming apparatus described in Section 1. (6) The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the semiconductor memory device is an 0MO8RAM. (7) The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the logic circuit is a microcomputer.