JP2018028684A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An image forming apparatus capable of confirming that a cartridge is stored in a normal state when the cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus and preventing damage to a drive gear or the like due to abnormal mounting of the cartridge. In the image forming apparatus (100) to which a plurality of process cartridges (2) are mounted, when the moving means closes the opening / closing member (150), the process cartridge (2) is interlocked with the opening / closing member (150). ) Is moved to the image forming position and the opening / closing member (150) is opened, the process cartridge (2) is not moved while being located at the image forming position without interlocking with the opening / closing member (150). Features. [Selection] Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus configured such that a plurality of process cartridges can be attached to and detached from an apparatus main body.

  In recent years, an image forming apparatus such as a laser printer is detachably mounted with a toner cartridge (process cartridge), and forms an image on a recording medium such as printing paper using toner (recording material) filled in the toner cartridge. Has been.

  As a conventional technique, for example, in an image forming apparatus, as shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of cartridges 7 (7 a, 7 b, 7 c, 7 d) are removably mounted, and a mounting unit is rotated to rotate. An opening / closing member 121 that opens and closes, a plurality of biased portions 71 (71a, 71b, 71c, 71d) respectively corresponding to the plurality of cartridges 7 and the opening / closing member 121 are provided. Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration including a plurality of urging portions 31 (31a, 31b, 31c, 31d) for urging the urging portions 71, respectively.

  Further, in Patent Document 1, as shown in FIG. 9, it occurs when the opening / closing member 121 is closed by changing the intervals between the plurality of urging portions 31 and the shutter members 105 (105 a, 105 b, 105 c, 105 d). A configuration is disclosed in which the timings of reaction force peaks from a plurality of shutter members 105 to a plurality of urging portions 31 are different from each other.

  Accordingly, it is possible to provide a user-friendly image forming apparatus that reduces the force required to close the opening / closing member 121 and improves the operability of the opening / closing member 121.

  Further, in Patent Document 1, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, when closing the opening / closing member 121, the fixing member (biasing member) 106 is pushed by the biasing portion 31, thereby fixing the fixing member. The cartridge 106 is operated so as to fix the cartridge 7.

  As another conventional technique, in the image forming apparatus, a reading unit capable of reading identification information (non-contact IC tag) is provided for each mounting unit in which the cartridge is mounted, and the identification information read by the reading unit is stored in the cartridge. Judging whether it is compatible with the mounting part and notifying by the determination result that it is not compatible, whether the notification method performed by the notification part is a dial tone, voice, display on the display device, or It is disclosed that it is a complex free combination (see Patent Document 2).

  Thereby, it is possible to prevent the cartridge from being erroneously mounted inadvertently without changing the physical shape for each color.

  Further, as another conventional technique, in the image forming apparatus, when the recording material cartridge mounted in the cartridge mounting portion is pulled out, the cover is opened by the cover opening / closing driving means and the recording material cartridge is moved in the pulling direction by the cartridge driving means. When the recording material cartridge is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion, the cartridge driving means moves the recording material cartridge in a direction opposite to the pulling direction until the recording material cartridge is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion, and the cover opening / closing driving means closes the cover. And an instruction receiving means for receiving an operation input of a recording material cartridge movement instruction is disclosed (see Patent Document 3).

  Thereby, the replacement work of the recording material cartridge can be simplified.

JP 2008-216331 A JP 2008-180814 A JP 2011-186194 A

  However, in the method as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, when a cartridge having foreign matters attached to the connecting portion is inserted into the apparatus, even if the image forming apparatus is driven, the drive gear on the cartridge side and the image forming apparatus main body side are There is a risk that the axis of the drive gear is displaced and the drive gear is chipped or damaged, or the photoconductor or the intermediate transfer belt is damaged.

  Further, in the system as in Patent Document 2, since identification information (non-contact IC tag) is used, the influence of electromagnetic noise cannot be ignored, and the image forming apparatus may malfunction.

  Further, in a method such as Patent Document 3, it is determined whether or not the rotation angle of a servo motor that drives a gear meshing with a cartridge is detected to move to a cartridge mounting position, or a position for detecting a cartridge mounting position. A sensor is installed in the toner box to detect the mounting position of the cartridge. However, the control of the rotation angle of the servo motor cannot accurately control the gear meshing play on the order of several mm or less. There is a possibility that the cartridge is pushed more than necessary and the drive gear of the cartridge is damaged.

  In Patent Document 3, a position sensor for detecting the mounting position of the cartridge is provided in the toner box. However, the specific configuration is not disclosed and is unclear, and the order is less than several mm of the cartridge. The position detection is not considered.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and can confirm that the cartridge is stored in a normal state without malfunctioning when the cartridge is mounted in the image forming apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that can prevent a drive gear or the like from being damaged due to abnormal mounting.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention for solving the above-described problems is as follows.

  The present invention includes a plurality of cartridges, a mounting portion that detachably mounts the plurality of cartridges, an opening / closing member that is rotatably provided to the apparatus main body, and a moving unit that moves the cartridge. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium using a recording material accommodated in the cartridge, wherein when the moving means closes the opening / closing member, the cartridge is moved in conjunction with the opening / closing member. When moving to the image forming position and opening the opening / closing member, the cartridge remains in the image forming position without moving in conjunction with the opening / closing member.

Further, according to the present invention, as the configuration of the opening / closing member, a biasing portion that abuts on the moving means and biases the cartridge to a predetermined position in the mounting portion when the mounting portion is in a closed state is provided. Is preferred.
According to the present invention, the control means for controlling the operation of each part, the first detection means for detecting the opening / closing member, the second detection means for detecting the presence / absence of the cartridge, and the state of the cartridge are notified to the user. Notification means, and the control means detects that the opening and closing member has been closed by the first detection means, and when the second detection means does not detect the cartridge, the control means It is preferable to provide a function of notifying cartridge information.
Further, according to the present invention, as the control means, when the first detection means detects that the opening / closing member is closed and the second detection means does not detect the cartridge, the image forming apparatus is driven. It is preferable to have a function that does not permit

  Further, according to the present invention, as the control unit, when the first detection unit detects that the opening / closing member is closed, and the second detection unit detects the cartridge, the drive of the image forming apparatus is permitted. It is preferable to have the function to perform.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that a safety switch of the image forming apparatus is used as the first detection unit, and a detection unit (stroke switch) that detects the position of the cartridge is used as the second detection unit.

  In the present invention, the cartridge preferably includes at least one of a toner container, a photoreceptor, a charging device, and a developing device.

  Furthermore, the present invention preferably includes at least one of a display unit, a voice transmission unit, or an alarm transmission unit as a configuration of the notification unit.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that a plurality of the cartridges are provided, and the plurality of cartridges are arranged in an oblique direction with respect to a horizontal direction of the image forming apparatus.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of cartridges, a mounting portion for detachably mounting the plurality of cartridges, an opening / closing member provided to be rotatable with respect to the apparatus main body, and the cartridge are moved. An image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a recording medium using a recording material accommodated in the cartridge, wherein the moving unit is interlocked with the opening / closing member when the opening / closing member is closed. When the cartridge is moved to the image forming position and the opening / closing member is opened, the cartridge is not moved while being arranged at the image forming position without interlocking with the opening / closing member. When installing a cartridge in the device, it can be confirmed that the cartridge has been stored in a normal state without malfunctioning. For example, a cartridge with foreign matter attached to it without the user's knowledge may be inserted into the image forming apparatus as it is, and the drive gear or the like may be damaged due to abnormal mounting of the cartridge, or the intermediate transfer belt or the photoconductor may be damaged by foreign matter. Can be prevented. A control unit that controls the operation of each unit; a first detection unit that detects the opening and closing member; a second detection unit that detects the presence or absence of the cartridge; and a notification unit that notifies a user of the state of the cartridge; And the control means detects that the opening / closing member is closed by the first detection means, and when the second detection means does not detect the cartridge, the control means sends information on the cartridge to the notification means. By providing the notification function, it is possible to notify the user that the cartridge has been forgotten to be mounted, so that the cartridge replacement operation can be performed reliably.

1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. (A) is an explanatory view showing a configuration of a main part of the image forming apparatus, and (b) is an explanatory view of a process cartridge used in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a cartridge mounting portion of the image forming apparatus. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the 2nd detection means which detects the cartridge accommodated in the said image forming apparatus, (b) is A arrow directional view of Fig.4 (a). FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus. (A)-(d) is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the cartridge information displayed on the display part of the image forming apparatus of this embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a cartridge confirmation procedure when a process cartridge is replaced in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a front cover and a cartridge mounting unit of a conventional image forming apparatus. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a modified example of a configuration of a front cover and a cartridge mounting portion of a conventional image forming apparatus. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the state which mounted the cartridge in the cartridge mounting part of the conventional image forming apparatus, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows an example which fixes a cartridge to the said cartridge mounting part.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out an image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an example of an embodiment of the invention, and is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A shows the configuration of the main part of the image forming apparatus. Explanatory drawing, (b) is explanatory drawing of the process cartridge used for the said image forming apparatus.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of process cartridges (cartridges) 2 and a mounting portion 111 (removably mounting a plurality of process cartridges 2). 3 (a) and 3 (b)), a front cover (opening / closing member) 150 that is rotatably provided with respect to the apparatus main body 110 and opens and closes the mounting portion 111, and an operation of closing the front cover 150. And an image forming unit configured to form an image on a recording medium using a recording material stored in the process cartridge 2 and a moving unit that moves the process cartridge 2 to an image forming position and a control unit that controls the operation of each unit. An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is adopted as a characteristic structure of the image forming apparatus.

First, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described.
In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 forms multicolor and single color images on a predetermined sheet (for example, recording sheet) in accordance with image data transmitted from the outside. 110 and an automatic document processing apparatus (ADF) 120.

An operation panel 130 is provided on the operation side upper portion of the apparatus main body 110.
The operation panel 130 is provided with a display unit (display unit) 131 and a speaker (notification unit) 132.

  The display unit 131 includes a backlit liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic ELD (Electro Luminescence Display), a display such as electronic paper using electrophoresis, a plasma display (PDP), a plasma tube array display (PTAD), an electronic It is a display device such as a display (FED, SED) using an emission element, and displays a screen including an instruction menu such as a setting screen for a user and information about acquired image data.

A paper discharge tray 140 is configured below the operation panel 130.
A front cover (opening / closing member) 150 that opens and closes a mounting portion in which the cartridge is mounted inside the apparatus is provided in the central portion on the operation side of the apparatus main body 110. A paper feed cassette (recording medium storage unit) 160 is provided below the apparatus main body 110.

That is, as shown in FIG. 2A, the apparatus main body 110 includes a photosensitive drum 3, a cleaner unit 4, a process cartridge 2 including a charging roller 5, an exposure unit 1, a transfer unit 6, a fixing unit 8, and a discharge unit. It has a paper tray 140, a paper feed cassette 160, and the like.
Reference numeral 1a in the figure indicates an exposure optical path.

  An automatic document processing apparatus 120 is attached to the upper part of the apparatus main body 110.

  The automatic document processor 120 automatically conveys a document on a platen glass (not shown) on the upper part of the apparatus main body 110.

Image data handled in the image forming apparatus 100 corresponds to a color image using each color of black (B), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y).
Accordingly, four process cartridges 2 are provided so as to form four types of latent images corresponding to the respective colors, and are set to black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively, thereby forming four image stations. Yes.

In addition to black (B), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y), for example, light cyan (LC) having the same hue as cyan (C) and magenta (M) and a lighter density. ) And light magenta (LM) may be used.
By using these six colors, a clearer high-quality full-color image can be obtained.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the four process cartridges 2 are arranged obliquely with respect to the horizontal direction of the image forming apparatus 100 so that one side of the four arranged in parallel is high and the other side is low (FIG. 2A ) Are arranged side by side so that the left process cartridge 2 is high and the right process cartridge 2 is low.

  The charging roller 5 is a charging unit for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 to a predetermined potential.

  The exposure unit 1 exposes the charged photosensitive drum 3 in accordance with image data input from the outside or image data obtained by reading from a document, thereby generating an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data on the photosensitive body. This is an image writing device formed on the surface of the drum 3. The exposure unit 1 is provided with a polygon mirror that scans the laser beam and optical elements such as a lens and a mirror for guiding the laser beam reflected by the polygon mirror to the photosensitive drum 3.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the process cartridge 2 includes a photosensitive drum 3, a cleaner unit 4, a charging roller 5, and a developing device 20, and electrostatic latent images formed on the respective photosensitive drums 3 are displayed. The image is visualized with toner of four colors (Y, M, C, B).

  The developing device 20 includes a developing roller 21, a first toner conveying roller 22, a second toner conveying roller 23, a developing tank 24, and a doctor blade 25.

  The photosensitive drum 3 has a cylindrical shape and is disposed above the exposure unit 1. The surface of the photosensitive drum 3 is cleaned by the cleaner unit 4, and the cleaned surface is uniformly charged by the charging roller 5.

  The cleaner unit 4 removes and collects toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 after development and image transfer.

  The transfer unit 6 disposed above the photosensitive drum 3 includes an endless intermediate transfer belt (endless belt) 61, an intermediate transfer belt driving roller 62, an intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63, an intermediate transfer roller 64, and an intermediate transfer roller. A belt support roller 65 is provided. Four intermediate transfer rollers 64 are provided corresponding to the respective colors Y, M, C, and B.

  The intermediate transfer belt driving roller 62, the intermediate transfer belt driven roller 63, the intermediate transfer roller 64, and the intermediate transfer belt support roller 65 are configured so as to rotate and drive the intermediate transfer belt 61.

  The intermediate transfer belt 61 is formed in an endless shape using a film having a thickness of about 100 μm to 150 μm, and is provided so as to contact each photosensitive drum 3. A function of forming a color toner image (multicolor toner image) on the intermediate transfer belt 61 by sequentially superimposing and transferring the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drum 3 onto the intermediate transfer belt 61. have.

  The intermediate transfer roller 64 is a roller whose surface is covered with a conductive elastic material (for example, EPDM, urethane foam, etc.). The intermediate transfer belt 61 transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 3 to the intermediate transfer belt 61. A transfer bias for transferring the image onto the image 61 is applied. Specifically, a high voltage transfer bias (a high voltage having a polarity (+) opposite to the toner charging polarity (−)) is applied to the intermediate transfer roller 64 in order to transfer the toner image.

  As described above, the toner images visualized according to the hues on the photosensitive drums 3 are stacked on the intermediate transfer belt 61. The stacked toner images as image information are transported together with the intermediate transfer belt 61, moved to a contact position (secondary transfer position, predetermined position) between the transported paper and the intermediate transfer belt 61, and moved to this contact position. The image is transferred onto the paper by the arranged transfer roller 10.

The paper feed cassette 160 is a tray for accumulating sheets used for image formation, and is provided below the exposure unit 1 of the apparatus main body 110.
Above the apparatus main body 110, a paper discharge tray 140 for stacking printed sheets face down is provided.

  In addition, the apparatus main body 110 is provided with a substantially vertical sheet conveyance path S for sending the sheets in the sheet feeding cassette 160 to the sheet discharge tray 140 via the transfer roller 10 and the fixing unit 8. In the vicinity of the paper conveyance path S from the paper feed cassette 160 to the paper discharge tray 140, a pickup roller 11a, a plurality of conveyance rollers 12, a registration roller 13, a transfer roller 10, a fixing unit 8, and the like are arranged.

  The transport roller 12 is a small roller for promoting and assisting the transport of paper, and is provided along the paper transport path S.

  The pickup roller 11 a is provided near the end of the paper feed cassette 160, picks up paper one by one from the paper feed cassette 160, and supplies it to the paper transport path S.

  The registration roller 13 temporarily holds the paper conveyed through the paper conveyance path S. The sheet has a function of conveying the sheet to the transfer roller 10 at the timing when the leading edge of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 3 is aligned with the leading edge of the sheet.

  The fixing unit 8 includes a pair of a heat roller 81 and a pressure roller 82 as a fixing roller 80, and the heat roller 81 and the pressure roller 82 are rotated and conveyed with a sheet interposed therebetween.

  The heat roller 81 and the pressure roller 82 are arranged to face each other, and a fixing nip portion is formed at a pressure contact portion between the heat roller 81 and the pressure roller 82.

  The temperature of the heat roller 81 is controlled by a control unit (not shown) so as to reach a predetermined fixing temperature. The controller controls the surface temperature of the heat roller 81 based on a detection signal from a temperature detector (non-contact type thermistor) (not shown) that detects the temperature of the heat roller 81 provided around the heat roller 81. It controls so that it may become the range of 200 degreeC.

  The heat roller 81 has a function of fusing, mixing, and pressing the multicolor toner image transferred to the paper and thermally fixing the paper with the pressure roller 82 by thermally pressing the toner onto the paper. ing.

  On the other hand, like the heat roller 81, the pressure roller 82 is also configured by providing an elastic layer on the peripheral surface of a cylindrical metal core. The heat roller 81 is brought into contact with a predetermined pressure.

  The image forming apparatus 100 is connected to a PC, FAX, and a data management server such as a manufacturer, a sales destination or a lease destination via a network line (LAN, telephone line, etc.) not shown.

Next, a characteristic configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a cartridge mounting portion of the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment. FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a second detection unit that detects a cartridge accommodated in the image forming apparatus. (B) is an A arrow view of Fig.4 (a).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment opens and closes the cartridge mounting unit 111 and a moving unit 170 that moves the process cartridge 2 to the cartridge mounting unit (mounting unit) 111 inside the apparatus main body 110. A front cover 150, a safety switch (first detection means) 180 for detecting that the front cover 150 is closed, and a stroke switch (second detection means) 190 for detecting the position of the process cartridge 2 are provided. .

  The front cover 150 is configured such that one side is a fixed end 150a, a rotation fulcrum 151 is provided on the fixed end 150a side, and the other side is a free end 150b, and the free end 150b side is rotatable. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the front cover 150 is configured such that the rotation fulcrum 151 is disposed on the lower side, the free end 150b is disposed on the upper side, and the front cover 150 is rotatable in the vertical direction. Yes.

  The moving means 170 is provided in the cartridge mounting portion 111, and is configured to introduce the process cartridge 2 placed thereon into the apparatus and move it to a predetermined position.

  The safety switch 180 is arranged near the free end 150b side of the front cover 150 when the front cover 150 closes the cartridge mounting portion 111.

  Near the free end 150b side of the front cover 150, a safety switch pressing portion 152 that presses the safety switch 180 when the front cover 150 closes the cartridge mounting portion 111 is provided.

  The stroke switch 190 is disposed at a position where it comes into contact with the process cartridge 2 when the process cartridge 2 is normally stored in the cartridge mounting portion 111.

  When the front cover 150 is rotated to the side of the rotation fulcrum 151 of the front cover 150 so as to close the cartridge mounting portion 111, the process cartridge 2 is brought into contact with the moving means 170 to place the process cartridge 2 in the cartridge mounting portion 111. An urging portion 153 that urges the position protrudes. The urging unit 153 may directly abut against the process cartridge 2 to urge the process cartridge 2 to a predetermined position.

In the process cartridge 2, a stroke switch receiving portion 191 in which a tip end portion 190 a of the stroke switch 190 is disposed at a position facing the stroke switch 190 is disposed at an end portion on the traveling direction side that is mounted toward the inside of the apparatus main body 110. Is provided.
The stroke switch receiving portion 191 has a concave portion where the tip end portion 190a of the stroke switch 190 is disposed.

  The stroke switch 190 detects that the process cartridge 2 is disposed at an appropriate position (image forming position) in the cartridge mounting portion 111 when the tip end portion 190a of the stroke switch 190 is disposed in the stroke switch receiving portion 191. A signal is output.

  In the present embodiment, the stroke switch 190 detects that the process cartridge 2 is disposed at an image forming position in the apparatus within an allowable range of several mm or less.

  The stroke switch 190 is not particularly limited as long as the above-described effects can be obtained. For example, OMRON (model B3SL-1022P) can be used. According to this, the position measurement accuracy of the process cartridge 2 can be measured at ± 0.2 mm. In particular, since the shape B3SL-1022P has a sealing structure, the position of the process cartridge 2 can be accurately detected over a longer period of time by using it in an image forming apparatus that is dusty.

  The safety switch 180 may be any switch that can detect the closed state of the front cover 150. For example, a push switch (SDP-106A-21) manufactured by Shinden Co. can be used. The stroke switch described above may be used without being limited thereto.

  In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 configures the display unit 131 as a notification unit that visually notifies the user of the state of the image forming apparatus 100, and the speaker 132 displays the state of the image forming apparatus 100. It is configured as a notification means for audibly notifying the user.

Next, a characteristic electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to a block diagram.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the image forming apparatus 100 has, as an electrical configuration, a control unit 201 that controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 100, a high voltage unit 202, an exposure unit 203, a transfer unit 204, a fixing unit 205, and a paper feeding unit. 206, a transport unit 207, a paper discharge unit 208, a power supply unit 210, a drive unit 211, a communication unit 212, a storage unit 213, a voice transmission unit (voice transmission unit) 214, an alarm transmission unit (alarm transmission unit) 215, and the like. Yes.

  In the present embodiment, the speaker 132 is configured to function as the voice transmission unit 214 and the alarm transmission unit 215.

  In addition to the configuration described above, the control unit 201 is connected to the automatic document processing device 120, the display unit 131, the safety switch 180, the stroke switch 190, the process cartridge 2, and the like, and controls the entire image forming apparatus 100.

  The control unit 201 includes a cartridge information notification function 2011 and a drive determination function 2012.

  The cartridge information notification function 2011 detects that the front cover 150 is closed by the safety switch 180, and when the process cartridge 2 is not detected by the stroke switch 190, the information on the process cartridge 2 is displayed by the display unit 131 and the speaker 132. Notify by display and sound.

  When the drive determination function 2012 detects that the front cover 150 is closed by the safety switch 180, the drive determination function 2012 determines whether or not to permit the drive of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the detection result of the process cartridge 2 by the stroke switch 190. judge.

  Specifically, the drive determination function 2012 permits the image forming apparatus 100 to be driven when the safety switch 180 detects that the front cover 150 is closed and the stroke switch 190 does not detect the process cartridge 2. First, when the process cartridge 2 is detected, the drive of the image forming apparatus 100 is permitted.

Here, an example in which cartridge information is displayed on the display unit 131 of the operation panel 130 in the notification process by the cartridge information notification function 2011 of the control unit 201 of the present embodiment will be described.
6A to 6D are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of cartridge information displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.

  In the image forming apparatus 100, for example, when the stroke switch 190 that detects the black process cartridge 2 does not detect the process cartridge 2, as shown in FIG. You may make it display the message m1 of "Please reconfirm a black cartridge."

  Further, for example, if the stroke switch 190 does not detect the process cartridge 2 when the yellow process cartridge 2 is mounted, the “yellow cartridge” is displayed on the display unit 131 of the operation panel 130 as shown in FIG. Please insert the message again. "Message m2 may be displayed.

  Further, for example, if the stroke switch 190 does not detect the process cartridge 2 when the cyan process cartridge 2 is mounted, “cyan cartridge” is displayed on the display unit 131 of the operation panel 130 as shown in FIG. The message m3 may be displayed as “Please remove and set again”.

  Further, for example, when the yellow and magenta process cartridges 2 are mounted, and the stroke switch 190 does not detect the respective process cartridges 2, as shown in FIG. 6D, the display unit of the operation panel 130 is displayed. A message m <b> 4 may be displayed in 131, “Please take out the yellow cartridge and the magenta cartridge and recheck each cartridge.”

  Here, as means for notifying the cartridge information to the user, the cartridge information is displayed visually by displaying a message on the display unit 131, but the cartridge information is audibly notified by voice guidance. You may do it.

The voice guidance is transmitted from the speaker 132 as shown in FIG.
The number of times of voice guidance may be one time or multiple times.
For example, the user may set the number of times of voice guidance by operating the operation panel 130. Further, it may be set so that the call is transmitted again until the front cover 150 is closed and the safety switch 180 is turned on.

  Further, as a means for notifying the user of cartridge information, an alarm may be set in the same manner as the voice guidance.

Next, in the image forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, a cartridge confirmation processing procedure when the process cartridge 2 is replaced will be described with reference to a flowchart.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a cartridge confirmation procedure when a process cartridge is replaced in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, when the process cartridge 2 is replaced in the image forming apparatus 100, a cartridge check process is executed to check whether or not the target process cartridge 2 is properly mounted.

  First, when the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on (step S1), if it is necessary to replace the process cartridge 2, information (cartridge information) to replace the process cartridge 2 is notified (step S2). ). This cartridge information is notified by a message display on the display unit 131, voice guidance by the speaker 132, or an alarm.

  Then, the front cover 150 of the image forming apparatus 100 is opened, and energization of the image forming apparatus 100 is stopped (step S3).

  Then, the target process cartridge 2 is replaced and a new process cartridge 2 is set at a predetermined position of the apparatus main body 110. Then, the front cover 150 is closed (step S4).

Then, it is determined whether or not the front cover 150 is closed (step S5).
Confirmation of the open / closed state of the front cover 150 is determined by the output result of the safety switch 180. Then, the drive determination function 2012 determines whether to permit driving of the image forming apparatus 100.

  If it is determined in step S5 that the front cover 150 is closed, the image forming apparatus 100 is powered on (step S6).

Then, the stroke switch 190 is reset (step S7), and it is determined whether or not the replaced process cartridge 2 is detected (step S8).
The detection of the process cartridge 2 is determined by the output result of the stroke switch 190.

Here, the detection of the replaced process cartridge 2 will be specifically described.
Which process cartridge 2 has been replaced among the plural types of process cartridges 2 is detected, for example, by detecting a detection signal of a photo sensor (not shown) that detects toner in the toner container of the process cartridge 2 empty. The stroke switch 190 at a position corresponding to the process cartridge 2 is stored in the storage unit 213 of the image forming apparatus 100.

  Thus, the stroke switch 190 detects that the emptied process cartridge 2 has been removed from the image forming apparatus 100 and reinserted, thereby confirming that the target process cartridge 2 has been replaced.

  If it is determined in step S8 that the replaced process cartridge 2 has been detected, the process cartridge 2 is started to be driven (step S9), the process cartridge 2 is stopped (step S10), and then the image forming apparatus 100 is started. Is set to a standby state (step S11). Then, the process cartridge 2 replacement process in the image forming apparatus 100 ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8 that the replaced process cartridge 2 has not been detected, cartridge information indicating that the process cartridge 2 is not properly mounted is notified by message display, voice guidance, or alarm ( Step S12). The cartridge information is notified by the cartridge information notification function 2011 by the display unit 131 and the speaker 132 by message display, voice guidance, or alarm.

Then, it is determined whether or not the front cover 150 has been opened (step S13).
If it is determined in step S13 that the front cover 150 is not opened, cartridge information notification (message display, voice guidance, or alarm) is continued until the front cover 150 is opened.

If it is determined in step S13 that the front cover 150 has been opened, the process returns to step S4 to confirm and execute the process cartridge 2 replacement process.
Hereinafter, as described above, the processing is executed according to the flowchart.

  In this way, the process cartridge 2 replacement process in the image forming apparatus 100 ends.

  Thereby, in the image forming apparatus 100, the target process cartridge 2 can be reliably replaced.

  With this configuration, according to the present embodiment, a plurality of process cartridges 2 are mounted, and the cartridge mounting unit 111 that mounts the plurality of process cartridges 2 detachably and the apparatus main body 110 are rotated. A front cover 150 that is movably provided to open and close the cartridge mounting unit 111, a moving unit 170 that moves the process cartridge 2 to an image forming position in conjunction with an operation of closing the front cover 150, and controls the operation of each unit. And a safety switch (first switch) for detecting that the front cover 150 is closed in the image forming apparatus 100 that forms an image on a recording medium using a recording material accommodated in the process cartridge 2. Detection means) 180 and a stroke switch (second detection means) for detecting the position of the process cartridge 2 90 and a display unit 131 and a speaker 132 as notification means for notifying the user of the state of the process cartridge 2. As a function of the control unit 201, it is detected that the front cover 150 is closed by the safety switch 180, and the stroke When the process cartridge 2 is not detected by the switch 190, the cartridge information notification function 2011 for notifying the display unit 131 and the speaker 132 of the information of the process cartridge 2 is provided, so that the process cartridge 2 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 100. In addition, it can be confirmed that the process cartridge 2 is stored in a normal state without malfunctioning. As a result, for example, the process cartridge 2 to which foreign matter has adhered without the user's knowledge is inserted into the image forming apparatus 100 as it is, and the drive gear due to abnormal mounting of the process cartridge 2 is damaged, or the intermediate transfer belt is caused by foreign matter. And the photoconductor can be prevented from being damaged.

  Further, by notifying the user that the process cartridge 2 has been forgotten to be attached to the image forming apparatus 100, the process cartridge 2 can be exchanged reliably.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the drive determination function 2012 is provided as a function of the control unit 201 of the image forming apparatus 100, so that the image forming apparatus 100 can be installed in a state where the process cartridge 2 is not properly attached to the image forming apparatus 100. You can prevent driving. As a result, it is possible to prevent the drive gear or the like from being damaged due to abnormal mounting of the process cartridge 2 or the intermediate transfer belt or the photoconductor from being damaged by foreign matter.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the stroke switch 190 is used as the second detection unit, so that it is not adversely affected by electromagnetic waves such as a non-contact IC tag, and dust in an image forming apparatus such as a photosensor. The cartridge position can be detected stably over a long period of time without being affected by dust or dust.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the process cartridge 2 has a unit configuration including the photosensitive drum 3, the cleaner unit 4, the charging roller 5, and the developing device 20, so that the image forming unit can be configured compactly. Thus, the space-saving image forming apparatus 100 can be realized.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the display unit (display unit) 131 and the speaker (speech transmission unit, alarm transmission unit) 132 are provided so as to function as notification units, so that, for example, the user is visually impaired. Can also communicate the notification content reliably.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 is configured such that a plurality of process cartridges 2 are provided, and the plurality of process cartridges 2 are arranged in an oblique direction with respect to the horizontal direction of the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, the size of the image forming apparatus 100 in the width direction can be suppressed, and the space-saving image forming apparatus 100 can be realized.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, A various change is possible in the range shown to the claim. That is, embodiments obtained by combining technical means appropriately changed within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

1 Exposure unit 2 Process cartridge (cartridge)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Photosensitive drum 4 Cleaner unit 5 Charging roller 20 Developing apparatus 100 Image forming apparatus 110 Main body 111 Cartridge mounting part (mounting part)
130 Operation panel 131 Display unit (notification means)
132 Speaker (notification means)
150 Front cover (opening / closing member)
170 Movement means 180 Safety switch (first detection means)
190 Stroke switch (second detection means)
191 Stroke switch receiving part 201 Control part (control means)
214 Voice transmitter (voice transmitter)
215 Alarm transmitter (alarm transmitter)
2011 Cartridge information notification function 2012 Drive determination function

Claims (7)

A plurality of cartridges; an attachment portion for detachably attaching the plurality of cartridges; an opening / closing member provided to be rotatable with respect to the apparatus main body; and a moving means for moving the cartridges. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium using a recording material accommodated in the recording medium,
The moving means is
When closing the opening and closing member, in conjunction with the opening and closing member, the cartridge is moved to the image forming position,
2. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the opening / closing member is opened, the cartridge is not moved while being arranged at an image forming position without interlocking with the opening / closing member.   2. The opening / closing member includes an urging portion that abuts on the moving unit and urges the cartridge to a predetermined position in the mounting portion when the mounting portion is in a closed state. The image forming apparatus described. Control means for controlling the operation of each part;
First detecting means for detecting the opening and closing member;
Second detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the cartridge;
Notification means for notifying the user of the state of the cartridge,
The control means detects that the opening / closing member is closed by the first detection means, and notifies the information of the cartridge to the notification means when the cartridge is not detected by the second detection means. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   The control unit has a function of detecting that the opening / closing member is closed by the first detection unit and not permitting the drive of the image forming apparatus when the cartridge is not detected by the second detection unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus.   The control unit has a function of detecting that the opening / closing member is closed by the first detection unit, and permitting driving of the image forming apparatus when the cartridge is detected by the second detection unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The first detecting means is a safety switch of the image forming apparatus;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second detection unit is a detection unit that detects a position of the cartridge.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge includes at least one of a toner container, a photoreceptor, a charging device, and a developing device.

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