JPH0690564B2 - Recording device - Google Patents

Description

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a recording apparatus that records three or more colors separately or continuously, and is not particularly limited to this.
Photoconductor, means for forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to image light on the photoreceptor, developing device for developing the electrostatic latent image into a visible image, means for transferring the visible image to a recording sheet, and photosensitive after transfer BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrophotographic copying machine having a cleaning means for cleaning a body surface, which selectively performs color recording with a plurality of colors.

2. Description of the Related Art Typical recording devices of this type include the above-mentioned copying machine and ink jet printer. Taking a copying machine as an example, one type of conventional color copying machine is one in which each color developer is supplied to one developing device (for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 54-43898).
Issue). Also, equipped with powder developing unit for each color,
There is a mono-color type of which one is mounted on the main body of the copying machine to perform mono-color copying.

In the former type, since different color liquid developers are supplied to the same developing device, when the recording color is changed, the previous color and the current color are mixed, resulting in a turbid recording. It takes several copies to stabilize in the desired color. Further, when the developer in the developing device is collected in the developer tank, the developer having different colors is collected, and the developer in the developer tank is also soiled.

The latter type has a troublesome work of replacing the developing unit with respect to the main body of the copying machine, and also has a troublesome handling in that the developing unit is different and the number of mechanical elements, especially elements separated from the main body increases.

Some conventional color ink jet printers are equipped with an ink jet head that is compatible with the number of colors. According to this, superimposing color recording (full color recording) and mono color recording are possible, but with a simple color printer, It is desirable to enable selective monocolor recording of a plurality of colors with one ink jet head.

A first object of the present invention is to provide a recording color in a recording apparatus which selectively supplies each color developing agent to one recording image developing section (for example, a developing device in a copying machine; an ink jet head in an ink jet printer). The second purpose is to prevent the dirty recording at the time of change, the second purpose is to prevent the developer collected from the image developer from becoming dirty, and the third purpose is to reduce the consumption of the developer. The fourth purpose is to shorten the time from the recording instruction to the start of recording when the recording of the set number of sheets with the same color as the previous recording color is started.

Configuration To achieve the above object, in the present invention, in a recording apparatus provided with a developing device for giving a developing agent to the opposing surface: an input means provided with a color instructing means for instructing a recording color and a recording start instructing means; A first tank containing a first color developer; a second tank containing a second color developer different from the first color
A tank; a third tank containing a developer of a third color different from the first color and the second color; a first supply means for supplying the developer of the first tank to the imaging device; a developer of the second tank Second supply of image agent to image development device
In addition to the supplying means; and the third supplying means for supplying the developing agent in the third tank to the developing device, a cleaning agent tank containing a cleaning agent for the developing agent; Cleaning liquid supply means for supplying to the apparatus; Switching means for selectively supplying the agent of the image developing apparatus to the first tank, the second tank, the third tank and the cleaning agent tank; State monitoring for monitoring the agent supply state of the image developing apparatus Means: referring to the instruction color of the color instruction means and the agent supply state obtained by the state monitoring means, and when the instruction color is a color different from the color of the agent supply state, instructing the cleaning liquid supply means to supply and switching. First developer supplying means for instructing the means to supply to the cleaning agent tank, then canceling these instructions and instructing the third supplying means to supply, and instructing the switching means to supply to the third tank; Instructed color of color instruction means and status monitoring means When the agent supply state is the second color or the third color developer and the instruction color is the first color, the switching means is instructed to supply the first tank. , A second developer supply control means for instructing supply to the first supply means;
Also, referring to the instruction color of the color instruction means and the agent supply state obtained by the state monitoring means, the color of the developer of the image developer is the same as the indicated color of j, j = 1, 2 or 3, In this case, the developer supply third control means for instructing the supply to the i-th supply means while keeping the setting of the switching means unchanged.

According to this, in the selective recording of three or more colors, when the recording color is switched from the first color (black) to another color, and when switching between different colors other than the first color (black) The developing device is cleaned with the cleaning liquid, the used cleaning liquid is collected in the cleaning agent tank, and then the developing agent of the color to be switched is supplied to the developing device. Therefore, there is substantially no remaining of the different color developer in the image developer, and there is substantially no stain of each color developer other than the first color (black) with the other color developer. Therefore, recording with a developer of a color other than the first color (black) becomes a pure monochromatic color, and even when the developer is collected from the image developer into each developer tank, Does not get dirty. The developer in each tank is therefore reused.

Furthermore, when the setting is changed from another color to the first color (black) recording, the first color (black) developer is supplied to the image developer without cleaning, so that the first color from the other colors is supplied. When switching to (black), the recording start timing is advanced, and the operating efficiency of the frequently used first color (black) recording is high. Further, after recording the set number of the j-th color (j = 1, 2 or 3) and when the recording of the same color is instructed, the j-th supply means is energized without cleaning or switching the switching means. The j-color developing agent is supplied to the developing device. Therefore, in the case of the same color, recording starts earlier.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first tank, the second tank,
The third tank and the cleaning agent tank are arranged below the developing device, and the switching means sets the channels of the developing agent or the cleaning agent flowing down from the developing device to the first tank, the second tank, and the third tank. The flow path switching means selectively guides to the tank or the cleaning agent tank. In the black (first color) recording setting state,
The developing agent in the first tank is continuously supplied to the developing device by the first pump which is the first supplying means, and the switching means guides the developing agent flowing down from the developing device to the first tank. In the recording setting state of another color, the developer in the developer tank of the color assignment is continuously supplied to the image developer by the pump which is the supply means of each color assignment, and the switching means flows down from the image developer. Guide the developing agent to each tank.

In the black recording setting state or another different color recording setting state, when the color instructing means indicates another color, the first pump is de-energized, and then the developing agent of the developing device almost flows down into the first tank. The switching means guides the developing agent flowing down from the developing device to the first tank during the time T ₁ (draining time of the previous liquid). When T ₁ elapses, the cleaning agent pump, which is the cleaning agent supply means, is energized to supply the cleaning agent in the cleaning agent tank to the image developer and the switching means causes the cleaning agent flowing down from the imager to be transferred to the cleaning agent tank. invite. If the supply of cleaning agent continues for time t ₂ (development device cleaning time), the cleaning agent supply pump is de-energized, and then the time T ₁ (cleaning) required for most of the cleaning agent in the imaging device to flow down to the cleaning agent tank During the liquid draining time), the switching means guides the cleaning agent flowing down from the image developing device to the cleaning agent tank. When this T ₁ elapses, the pump assigned to the color to be switched is energized to supply the developer in the developer tank containing the developer of the color to be switched to the switch. The means guides the developing agent flowing down from the developing device to the developing agent tank (recording setting state of another color).

In order to shorten the waiting time until the start of recording, when the color instructing means indicates black in the recording setting state of another color, the pump feeding the developing agent of the other color into the image developing device is deactivated. Then, the first pump is energized to supply the developing agent in the first tank to the developing device, and the switching means guides the developing agent flowing down from the developing device to the first tank (black recording setting state). . As mentioned above,
The drainage time T ₁ of the previous liquid, the cleaning time t _{2 of the} imaging device and the drainage time T _{1 of the} cleaning liquid are omitted. The black recording is started after time t ₅ (the time when the black developing solution is sufficiently diffused in the developing unit of the developing device) from the start of the urging of the first pump. This time t ₅ is shorter than T ₁ and t ₂ .
In the developing device and in the first tank, the black developing agent is mixed with the developing agent of the other color, but black is dominant over other colors, and the black developing agent is much larger. Therefore, the recording color becomes black, and there is practically no problem in the recording color.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 mainly shows a mechanical portion of an embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is a monocolor copying machine.

A document (not shown) placed on the contact glass plate 1 and pressed by the pressure plate 2 is illuminated by the lamp 10. The reflected light of the document is imaged on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 via the first mirror 11, the second mirror 12, the third mirror 13, the lens unit 14 and the fourth mirror 15. The photosensitive drum 3 is rotationally driven clockwise by a main motor (not shown) via a power transmission mechanism (not shown). Lamp 10 and first mirror 11
Is mounted on a first carriage (not shown), is driven at a constant speed in the direction of arrow A, and has a second mirror and a third mirror.
Mira is mounted on the second carriage (not shown),
It is driven in the direction of arrow A at a speed half that of the first carriage. The surface of the photoconductor drum 3 is the main charger 4
Are uniformly charged at. The charged surface is exposed by the image formation, thereby producing an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. This electrostatic latent image is visualized with a developing solution in the developing device 5 to become a visible image. The visible image is 7 parts of transfer charger,
Feed rollers 18 and 2 are fed from cassette 16 by paper feed roller 17.
Paper guides 19, 21 and 6 with 0 and registration roller 22
Is transferred to the recording paper sent along with. The recording paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 3 by the separation unit 8 and guided by the paper guide 23 to enter the fixing device 24, where it receives heat from a heater (not shown) and is then guided by the paper guide 25 and discharged. It is sent out to the paper discharge tray 27 by the paper roller 26. The surface of the photosensitive drum 3 is cleaned by the cleaning unit 9.

The urging control of the mechanical elements described above in various states such as before the start of copying, during the copying cycle, and during the end cycle is well known in a monochromatic (black) recording copying machine and a certain type of full-color copying machine. .

The inside of the developing device 5 is shown in FIG. 2a. The developing device 5 includes an inlet 28 to which a developing solution and a cleaning solution are supplied, and
It has a developer and cleaning solution outlet 29. Container 160
A first developing roller 161, a second developing roller 162, and a squeeze roller 163 are rotatably supported by. These rollers are conductors and are separated from the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 by a very small distance. It is connected to the main motor (not shown) via power transmission means (not shown), and
161 and 162 are driven counterclockwise, and the roller 163 is driven clockwise. These rollers 161, 162 and 163
Is rotating when the photosensitive drum 3 is rotating, and is stopped when the photosensitive drum 3 is stopped. The rollers 161, 162 and 163 have scrapers 164 and 16 respectively.
The free ends of 5 and 166 are in contact so that the scrapers scrape off the developer adhering to the roller surface, while the scrapers 164 and 165 retain the developer or cleaning liquid flowing down from above. The retained liquid wets the surfaces of the rollers 161, 162. Rollers 161 and 162
The liquid on the surface of is transferred to the photoconductor drum 3 by being attracted by the charges on the surface of the photoconductor drum 3. The roller 163 removes excess liquid on the surface of the drum 3.

FIG. 2b shows the inside of the cleaning unit 9. Container 77
Is mounted on a support arm 176 integrated with a frame (not shown) of the main body of the copying machine. The bracket 78 is pivotally attached to a shaft 83 fixed to the frame of the main body. A blade 80 is fixed to one end of the bracket 78, and a sponge roller 79 is pivotally attached to the other end. The squeezing roller 81 is pivotally attached to the frame of the main body. The scraper 84 is in contact with the roller 81, and the liquid scraped off by the roller 81 from the sponge roller 79 is removed by the roller 81. A receiving tray 82 is fixed to a shaft pivotally attached to the frame of the main body. The tray 82 descends on the roller 79 by its own weight. The container 77 has an inlet 40 at the upper end and an outlet 41 at the lower end. The developer in the black developer tank (first tank) 30 is supplied to the inlet 40 by a pump 38. The developing solution that has come to the inlet 40 flows down onto the receiving tray 82, passes along the receiving tray 82, and flows down onto the drum 3 from the free end 82b. Due to this flow, a plunger of a solenoid device (not shown) is coupled between the drum 3 and the roller 79 via a developer (not shown), and the solenoid mounting is energized while the drum 3 is rotating. As shown in FIG. 2b, the blade 80 and the roller 79 are forced to rotate in the direction of being pressed against the drum 3. However, when the drum 3 is stopped, the solenoid device is de-energized and the return spring (not shown) causes the bracket to move. 78 is driven to rotate clockwise about axis 83, blade 80 and roller 79
Separates from drum 3 and roller 79 is released from compression of roller 81.

Referring back to FIG. At each port of the inlet 28 of the developing device 5, the discharge port of the first pump 37, the discharge port of the second pump 37r, the discharge port of the third pump 37g, the discharge port of the fourth pump 37b, and the discharge of the cleaning liquid pump 37i. The outlet is connected via a plurality of pipes (not shown). The outlet 29 of the developing device 5 is connected to the inlet of the flow path switching valve 39. The outlet of the switching valve 39 is switched to the nozzle 44 or the first tank (black developer tank) 30. A two-position switching mechanism (not shown) is coupled to the switching valve 39, and the solenoid device 42 drives the two-position switching mechanism. As shown in FIG. 1, the switching valve 39
However, when the solenoid device 42 is energized once while the outlet 29 and the nozzle 44 are connected, the two-position switching mechanism causes the switching valve 39 to operate.
Is driven counterclockwise so that the switching valve 39 moves to the outlet 29-the first tank.
When the solenoid device 42 is energized once in the connected state of the outlet 39 and the first tank 30, the two-position switching mechanism drives the switching valve 39 in the clockwise direction to cause the switching valve 39 to move to the outlet 29. -The nozzle 44 is connected. Thus, the solenoid device 42
The switching valve 39 rotates from one position to the other position and vice versa with each energization. The switching valve 39 is equipped with a position detection switch 43, which is a switching valve.
When 39 is in the outlet 29-nozzle 44 connection, it is closed, and when the switching valve 39 is in the outlet 29-first tank 30 connection state, the switch 43 is open.

The nozzle 44 is rotatably supported by a pulse motor 45. A recovery pipe 47 (47r, 47g, 47b) is arranged below the outlet of the nozzle 44 via a liquid guide (not shown). When the outlet of the nozzle 44 is located on the pipe 47r,
The liquid coming out of the nozzle 44 flows into the second tank (red developer tank) 30r, and when the outlet of the nozzle 44 is located on the pipe 47g, the liquid coming out of the nozzle 44 flows into the third tank (green developer tank) 30g. , When the outlet of the nozzle 44 is located on the pipe 47b, the liquid exiting from the nozzle 44 flows into the fourth tank (blue developer tank) 30b, and when the outlet of the nozzle 44 is located on the pipe 47i, exits from the nozzle 44. The liquid flows into the cleaning liquid tank 30i.
The position of the nozzle 44 is the position detection switch 46 (46r, 46g, 46b, 46
i) detects. Switch 46r is closed when the outlet of nozzle 44 is on pipe 47r, switch 46g is closed when the outlet of nozzle 44 is on pipe 47g, and the outlet of nozzle 44 is pipe 4
Switch 46b is closed when on 7b and switch 46i is closed when the outlet of nozzle 44 is on pipe 47i. Both switches are open when the nozzle 44 is not in the switch position.

At the inlet of the cleaning unit 9, a pump 38 is provided in the first tank 30.
Supply the black developer. The black developer flowing down from the outlet of the unit 9 returns to the first tank 30 through a pipe (not shown).

First tank (black developer tank) 30, second tank (red developer tank) 30r, third tank (green developer tank) 30g and fourth tank (blue developer tank) 30b
A black developing solution container 31, a red developing solution container 31r, a green developing solution container 31g and a blue developing solution container 31b, and diluting solution containers 32, 32r, 32g and 32b, respectively, are attached to each of them. Solenoid devices 33r, 33g, 33b and 33i are connected to the developer containers 31, 31r, 31g and 31b via links. When the solenoid device is energized, the mouth of the developer container is opened and the developer contained therein flows down. The nozzle tip of the mouthpiece of the diluting liquid container 32, 32r, 32g and 32b hits the supporting plate in the tank 30, 30r, 30g and 30b and is raised with respect to the container, so that the mouth of the container is in the tank. is open. When the liquid level in the tank decreases, the diluent flows out of the container into the tank. Cleaning liquid tank
Only the cleaning liquid container 32i is attached to 30i.
The tip of the nozzle of the mouthpiece of the container 32i hits the support plate in the tank 30i and ascends with respect to the container, whereby the mouth of the container is opened in the tank. When the level of the cleaning liquid in the tank 30i decreases, the cleaning liquid flows out of the container into the tank 39i.

For the first tank 30, the second tank 30r, the third tank 30g, the fourth tank 30b, and the cleaning liquid tank 30i, the floats associated with the rise and fall of the liquid level in the tanks and the vertical position of the floats are detected. Upper limit position detection switches 34, 34r, 34g, 34b and 34 for
i, and lower limit position detection switches 35, 35r, 35g, 35b and 35i.

Part of the liquid discharged from the first pump 37 is part of the first concentration detection unit 36.
To the first tank 30 through it. The first detection unit 36 detects the concentration of the black developing solution. The pipe 47r for returning the developer to the second tank (red developer tank) 30r has the second concentration detecting unit 36r, and the pipe 47g for returning the developer to the third tank (green developer tank) 30g has the third concentration detecting unit 36r. Unit 36g is also the 4th
The pipe 47b for returning the developer to the tank (blue developer tank) 30b has a fourth
The concentration detection unit 36b is coupled. These detection units 36, 36r, 36g and 36b include a flow path means for flowing the developing solution in a thin film form, a lamp (36L in FIG. 3) and a photoelectric converter (first part) which face each other with the thin film developing solution in between. 36 of 3
S) is the main component, and the electric circuit configuration is shown in FIG. The electric circuit configurations of the detection units 36, 36r, 36g and 36b are exactly the same.

While the photosensitive drum 3 is rotating, the rollers 161, 162 and 163 of the developing device 5 are also rotating, and the bracket 8 of the cleaning unit 9 is placed at the position shown in FIG. 2b.
The blade 80 and the sponge roller 79 are in pressure contact with the photosensitive drum 3. Further, the pump 38 is energized to supply the black developing solution to the cleaning unit 9.

In the black recording setting state, the switching valve 39 is connected to the outlet 29 and the first tank 30, and the pump 37 is energized to supply the black developing solution to the developing position 5.

In the red recording setting state, the switching valve 39 is set to the outlet 29-nozzle 44 connection state, the nozzle 44 is positioned on the pipe 47r,
The pump 37r is energized to supply the red developing solution to the developing device 5.

In the green recording setting state, the switching valve 39 is set to the outlet 29-nozzle 44 connection state, the nozzle 44 is positioned on the pipe 47g,
The pump 37g is energized to supply the green developing solution to the developing device 5.

In the blue recording setting state, the switching valve 39 is set to the outlet 29-nozzle 44 connection state, the nozzle 44 is positioned on the pipe 47b,
The pump 37b is energized to supply the blue developing solution to the developing device 5.

When changing from the black recording setting state to the red recording setting state, the first pump 37 is de-energized, and after the developer drain time T ₁ , the switching valve 39 is switched to the nozzle 44 side, and the nozzle 44 is placed on the pipe 46i. And the pump 37i is energized during the cleaning time t ₂ . The pump 37i is deactivated after t ₂ ,
After this deenergization, the cleaning liquid is drained time T ₁
44 is positioned on pipe 47r and pump 37r is energized.

Switching from the black recording setting state to the green recording setting state or the blue recording setting state is similarly performed. Further, switching from one of the red recording setting state, the green recording setting state and the blue recording setting state to the other is performed in the same manner, but in this case, the switching valve 39 is not switched.

When switching from red recording setting state, green recording setting state or blue recording setting state to black recording setting state, the recording color appears black even if red, green or blue developing solution is mixed with the black developing solution. In order to shorten the switching time to the high black recording setting state of high, the pump 37r, 37g or 37b is de-energized and the switching valve
39 is switched to the first tank 30 side, and the first pump 37 is energized. No cleaning liquid is supplied to the developing device 5. As a result, the developer drain time T ₁ , the cleaning time t _2, and the cleaning liquid drain time T ₁ are omitted.
However, copying is not started during the time t ₅ from the start of the urging of the first pump 37 until the black developing solution is sufficiently distributed to all the rollers 161, 162 and 163 of the developing device 5.

FIG. 2c shows an operation board 48 provided in the copying machine shown in FIG.
Shows a part of. The elements shown in Figure 2c are as follows:

76: Standby instruction switch with a built-in light emitting element.

When the switch 76 is turned on while the light emitting element is not lit while the power switch (not shown) is turned on, the light emitting element is turned on, the copying machine is in a standby state, and the fixing heater is energized at a low temperature. When the switch 76 is turned on while the light emitting element is on, the light emitting element is turned off, the copying machine enters a copy instruction waiting state, and the fixing heater is energized with high temperature.

49: Copy start switch with built-in red light emitting element and green light emitting element.

In the state of waiting for a copy instruction, the green light emitting element is lit when the copying machine is in the copy ready state, and when the switch 49 is turned on at this time, the copy cycle is started. When the copy cycle is started, the red light emitting element is turned on. The red light emitting element lights up while the set number of copies is being made. When the set number of copies are completed, the red light emitting element goes out and the green light emitting element lights up.
During and after copying, when the copying machine is in a copy-disabled state, the green light emitting element is turned off and the red light emitting element is turned on.

SADF: A light-emitting element that lights up when the semi-auto feeder is installed in the copier.

ADF: A light emitting element that lights up when the auto feeder is installed in a copying machine.

Off: A light emitting element that lights up when the feeder is not installed.

Auto Feed: An auto feed indicator switch with a built-in light emitting element.

When this switch is turned on, the light emitting element is turned on, and the copying machine is set to the automatic feed mode in which the original is automatically supplied from the attached feeder onto the contact glass 1. When this switch is turned on while the light emitting element is on, the light emitting element is turned off, and the copying machine is set to the normal mode in which the original is manually placed on the contact glass 1.

Power On: Power indicator.

It lights up when the power switch (not shown) is on, and goes off when it is off.

Interrupt / Resume: An interrupt instruction switch with a built-in light emitting element.

When this switch is turned on while the light emitting element is off, the setting state data of the operation board 48 and the copy data of the copying machine (the number of copied sheets, etc.) are saved in the memory, and the copying instruction waiting state for the set number of sheets 1 is set. In this state, the operation board 48 can be changed to an arbitrary setting to instruct copying (interrupt copy setting state). When this switch is turned on with the light emitting element turned on, the data saved in the memory is read, the operation board 48 is set based on the read data, and the internal data of the copying machine such as the number of copied sheets is set. Is reset.

51: 3-digit character display.

The copy set number is displayed before the start of copying, and the number of copied sheets is displayed after the start of copying. It is used for anomaly display.

0-9: Numeric key switch.

Switch for entering the number of copies and other information.

Clear: Switch for entering the numeric keypad and canceling the number of copies set.

Recall: Switch to read the operation board setting data stored in the previous memory.

55: A light-emitting element for displaying insufficient developer. Lower limit detection switch 35,
Lights when 35r, 35g or 35b is closed.

56: Light-emitting element for displaying insufficient cleaning liquid. Lights when the lower limit switch 35i is closed.

57: A light emitting element for displaying a check instruction.

Lights up when either the upper or lower limit switch is closed, or when there is a paper trouble or mechanical trouble.

53, 53r, 53g, 53b: Color setting indicators.

When the power switch is turned on, 53 is lit and the black recording mode is set.

50: Color instruction switch.

When this switch is turned on while 53 is lit, 53 is turned off and 53b is lit, and the blue recording mode is set. When switch 50 is turned on while 53b is lit, 53b goes off and 53g
Lights up and the green recording mode is set. When the switch 50 is turned on while 53g is lit, 53g is turned off, 53r is lit, and the red recording mode is set. When the switch 50 is turned on while 53r is lit, 53r is turned off and 53 is lit to set the black recording mode.

54: First tank trouble indicator light.

Lights when the upper and lower limit position detection switches 34 or 35 are closed or when the container 31 is empty.

54r: Second tank trouble indicator light.

Lights when the upper / lower limit position detection switch 34r or 35r is closed or when the container 31r is empty.

54g: Third tank trouble indicator light.

Lights when the upper and lower limit position detection switches 34g or 35g are closed or when the container 31g is empty.

54b: Fourth tank trouble indicator light.

Lights when the upper / lower limit position detection switch 34b or 35b is closed or when the container 31b is empty.

54i: Cleaning liquid tank trouble indicator light.

Lights when the upper / lower limit position detection switch 34i or 35i is closed or when the container 31i is empty.

The shaded area around the indicator lamp 54 indicates the illumination area of the paper trouble indicator lamp. Other switches and display elements are mounted on the operation board 48.

FIG. 3 shows an electrical system for energizing the mechanical elements of the copier shown in FIG. Switches such as input switches, status detection switches, and status setting switches for each part of the copying machine 61
The microprocessor 5 via the buffer amplifier 59,60
8 is also connected to the driver 68. At the interrupt input port INT of the microprocessor 58,
A drum sync pulse generator 62 is connected. The pulse generator 62 has a photo sensor 62S that detects a light-transmitting slit of a rotary plate coupled to the photosensitive drum 3. Drum 3
The sensor 62S detects the light-transmitting slit every time when is rotated by a minute angle and gives one pulse to the interrupt input port INT. A temperature detection circuit 63 that detects the temperature of the fixing portion of the fixing unit 24 is connected to the A / D conversion input port AD1 of the microprocessor 58. The thermistor 63 generates a voltage corresponding to the temperature of the fixing portion and applies it to AD1. Microprocessor 58 A
Developer concentration detecting units 36, 36r, 36g and 36b are connected to the / D conversion input ports AD2, AD3, AD4 and AD5, respectively. The photoelectric conversion element 36S generates a voltage corresponding to the concentration of the black developer pumped up by the first pump 37 and applies it to AD2. The lamp 36L gives light to the photoelectric conversion element 36S through the developer thin film. The electric circuit configuration of the units 36r, 36g and 36b is also the same as the electric circuit configuration of the unit 36,
Voltages corresponding to red developer concentration, green developer concentration and blue developer concentration are applied to AD3, AD4 and AD5, respectively. ROM 67, RAM 66, input / output ports, and buffer elements 64 and 65 are connected to the microprocessor 58 via an address bus, a control bus, and a data bus. Drivers 68 to 71 and drivers 72 to 75 are connected to these input / output port / buffer devices 64 and 65, respectively.

The driver 68 sequentially applies a switch state read signal to each of the Y scan lines of the switch matrix 61, and sequentially applies a display element energizing signal to each of the Y scan lines of the display element matrix 76.

Each signal of the X line of the switch matrix 61,
That is, the signal indicating the opening and closing of each switch is buffer 5
Given to the microprocessor 58 via 9,60. Microprocessor 58 applies display element energization signals to each of the X lines of display element matrix 76 via buffers 69, 70, if desired. In the display element matrix 76, the display elements to which the display energizing signal of the Y line and the display energizing signal of the X line are applied simultaneously are turned on. driver
A mechanism driving element (main motor, clutch, etc.) (not shown) is connected to 71, and an electric element (lamp 10, charging device 4, 7, etc.) of the image forming system is connected to the driver 72. The driver 73 is connected to electric elements (clutch, motor, etc.) (not shown) of the paper transport system.
The driver 74 includes electric elements of the developer supply system, that is, pumps 38, 37, 37r, 37g, 37b, 37i, solenoid devices 42, 33, 33r,
33g, 33b and the pulse motor 45 are connected. The driver 75 is connected to a connector for connecting a device mounted on the copying machine, for example, an electric element such as a feeder or a sorter.

The microprocessor 58 gives various energizing signals to the drivers 68 to 75 according to the input operation of various switches and the state of each part of the copying machine. Various control operations of a microprocessor CPU in a copying machine are well known. Therefore, here, the control operation of the microprocessor 58 will be described focusing on the control operation that is closely related to the implementation of the present invention.

FIG. 4a, FIG. 4b, FIG. 4c, FIG. 4d, FIG. 4e, and FIG. 4f show the control operation of the quichroprocessor 58 mainly regarding the developer supply control.

First, referring to FIG. 1, when a power switch (not shown) of the copying machine is turned on to turn on the microprocessor 58 and each part of the copying machine, the microprocessor 58 executes initialization (step 1: "Step" in parentheses
Is omitted). In this initialization 1, first, each element of the copying machine is set to the inoperative state, and the internal counter, timer, register, etc. of the microprocessor 58 are initialized,
In addition, it initializes the registers etc. for status tracking allocated to RAM. Then, the display of the operation board 48 is set to the standard state, and the data indicating the set state is set in the memory. In the standard state, the copy setting number is 1 and the color is black (indicator 53 is lit), and indicator 53 is lit and the black flag is set. Then, counting of the elapsed time T is started (time T count start).

Upon completion of this initialization, the microprocessor 58 instructs the heater driver for energizing the heater of the fixing unit 24 to energize the high temperature heat (2). Then switch matrix
The open / closed state of the state detection switch 61 is checked to determine whether copying is possible (3). If it is abnormal, the abnormality process (5) is performed, and it waits until it becomes normal (3-4-5-3). If it is normal or normal, the abnormal flag and the abnormal display are cleared (6), the main motor is turned on (3 rotations of the drum), and the pump 38 is turned on (black developer is supplied to the cleaning unit 77). Yes (7a). In the developing device 5, the rollers 161 to 163 are rotationally driven in association with the urging of the main motor and the urging of the pump.
Is activated. This charging force is applied to the roller 161.
The toner in the developer on the surface of ~ 163 is sucked into the drum 3,
This is because it is collected by the unit 9. Bracket 78 as well
Is driven to move to the position shown in FIG. 2b, whereby the blade 80 and the sponge roller 79 are pressed against the drum 3 (7a). Next, the microprocessor 58 refers to whether the time T is equal to or longer than the liquid draining time T ₁ , and if it is less than T ₁ , refers to the fixing unit temperature (63S output) of the fixing unit 24 (7b). ). Here, when the time T is less than T ₁ and the fixing unit temperature is less than the set fixing temperature, the process waits and the time T
Wait until it becomes T ₁ or higher or the fixing part temperature becomes higher than the set fixing temperature (7b). When the time T becomes T ₁ or more, the developing device 5
Since the liquid is sufficiently drained, and copying is possible when the temperature of the fixing unit becomes equal to or higher than the set fixing temperature, the microprocessor 58 has a switch for cleaning the developing device 5.
Referring to the state of 43 (8), it is not closed (developing device 5
The outlet 29 is connected to the first tank 30) and t ₁ for energizing the solenoid device 42 (9). As a result, the switching valve 39 is switched to the connection of the outlet 29 and the nozzle 44, and the switch 43 is closed. When the switch 43 is closed or closed, the state of the switch 46i is then referred to (10). Since the nozzle 44 is not on the pipe 47i unless the switch 46i is closed, refer to the states of the other switches 46r, 46g and 46b, and refer to the pulse motor 45.
Is reversely urged to position the nozzle 44 on the pipe 47i (11). With such positioning, or the nozzle 44
There to be on the pipe 47i, and urges the pump 37i between t ₂ for cleaning between the developing device 5 t ₂ (2). During this t ₂ , the cleaning liquid in the tank 30i is supplied to the developing device 5,
And it is collected in tank 30i. After cleaning,
The counting of the time T is started and the cleaning completed flag is set (13). That is, the time counting for determining the elapse of the cleaning liquid dead time T ₁ is started.

The above is the developer supply control immediately after the power switch is turned on, that is, the developing device initialization control.

Microprocessor 58 after cleaning (12)
Reads the status of the operation board 48 (14). Operation board 48
If there is no input in, the operation board 48 is waited for, the end cycle end time te elapses, and the key-in waiting time t ₃ elapses in steps 16-17-14. Waiting to do The time te is the end cycle execution time in which the drum 3 is rotated for the post-processing after starting the copy and ending the final copy. When the final copy is completed, the end cycle is started, the timer te (program timer) for the time te is set at that time, and the process returns to step 14. Step 16 is a step for referring to the time-out of the timer te. When the time is over (end cycle end), the end cycle is stopped (18). t ₃ is a set time for automatically returning to the standby state at a certain time when there is no input on the operation board after the copy setting is enabled (step 12).
Copy setting is possible (step 12 and copying of the set number of copies is completed)
When the count value of time T reaches t ₃ after (17),
The fixing heater is switched to preheat activation (low temperature heat activation), the light-emitting element of the standby switch 76 is turned on (19), the main motor is stopped, the pump 38 is stopped, and the main charger 4 is deenergized ( 20). Then, the standby switch 76 waits for turning on (21: standby state). When the standby switch 76 is turned on even when the standby state is not set, this is detected in step 14 and the process proceeds from step 25 to step 19 to enter the standby state.

When the standby switch 76 is turned on in the standby state (2
1), as in step 7a, the main motor is energized,
The main charger is activated. Further, the pump 38 is energized (22), the fixing heater is energized with high heat generation (23) as in step 2, and the operation board reading (14) is proceeded to.

In the operation board reading (14), when an operation of a key switch other than the standby switch 76, the color instruction switch 26, and the start key switch 49 is read (27), the reading associated with the operated key is performed ( 28). A typical example of this reading is the setting of the number of copies according to the ten-key input.

When the color instruction switch 26 is operated, the microprocessor 58 executes the recording color instruction reading and the overflow processing of the developing device 30 in steps 26 to 4b in FIG. 4a. Explaining these, assuming that the switch 50 is turned on for the first time immediately after the power switch is turned on, the display element 53 is lit, and the initialization of step 1 causes the register of the microprocessor 58 or the register of the RAM 66 to be turned on. The black flag is set. Therefore, the microprocessor 58 proceeds to steps 29-31-33-35 and steps
At 35, the black flag is cleared, the light emitting element 53 is turned off, the blue flag is set, the light emitting element 53b is turned on, and the time t ₄ is elapsed so as not to read one switch operation more than once ( 36) After the overflow processing of the developing device 30 in steps 37 to 41, the process returns to the operation board reading (14) in FIG. 4a. When the color indicating switch 50 is operated while the blue flag is set, the microprocessor 58 causes the steps 58-31-33-34.
The blue flag is cleared in step 34 and the light emitting element 53b
Turn off the light, set the green flag, turn on the light emitting element 53g, and
Wait for ₄ hours (36) Steps 37 to 41 of developing unit 30
Figure 4a Operation board reading (1
Return to 4). When the color instruction switch 50 is operated while the green flag is set, the microprocessor 58 proceeds to steps 29-31-32, clears the green flag in step 32, turns off the light emitting element 53g, and turns off the red flag. And turn on the light emitting element 53r, and wait for the time t ₄ to elapse (36) Step 3
After the overflow processing of the developing units 30 of 7 to 41, the process returns to the operation board reading (14) in FIG. 4a. When the color instruction switch 50 is operated while the red flag is set, the microprocessor 58 proceeds to step 29-30, clears the red flag at step 30, turns off the light emitting element 53r, and sets the black flag. Then turn on the light-emitting element 53 and wait for t ₄ (36)
After the overflow processing of the developing device 30 in steps 37 to 41,
Return to operation board reading (14) in Figure 4a. If the color instruction switch 50 is turned on continuously, the display elements 53, 53b, 53g
And 53r are sequentially turned on in this order at time intervals of approximately t ₄ . Therefore, by continuously turning on and / or intermittently turning on the color indicating switch 50, any one of black, blue, green and red can be designated.

When the recording color instruction reading (29 to 36) is passed and the developing device 30 overflow processing (37 to 41) is proceeded to, the microcomputer 58 first refers to the state of the switch 34 (37). As described above, the pump 38 cleans the black developing solution while the drum 3 is rotating, including during copying.
24, and the liquid discharged from the unit 24 is collected in the first tank 30.
During black recording, developing device 5 and cleaning unit
The black developer is supplied to the first tank 30 from the first tank 30, and these are collected from the developing device 5 and the unit 24 into the first tank 30. Therefore, the developer in the first tank 30 does not substantially increase, but rather the developer decreases due to copying. However, in the case of blue, green or red recording, for example, in the case of red recording, red developing solution is supplied from the second tank 30r to the developing device 5 and its drain is collected in the second tank. Attached to the cleaning unit
The red developer collected in 24 is collected in the first tank 30. Therefore, the amount of liquid in the first tank 30 increases. Therefore, if blue, green, or red recording is performed when the switch 34 is closed (the amount of black developing solution is above the upper limit), the developing solution may overflow in the first tank 30. The overflow processing (37 to 41) of the developing device 30 is a control step for avoiding such overflow in advance. That is, when the switch 34 is closed (the amount of liquid in the first tank 30 is at least the upper limit) (37), the first
The tank trouble indicator lamp 54 and the operator check indicator lamp 57 are turned on (39), and the presence or absence of the black flag is checked (40). If there is a black flag (black recording instruction), there is no problem in starting copying, so proceed to operation board reading (14: waiting for the start key switch 49 to turn on). Since it is a recording instruction, clear all the red, green and blue flags, set the black flag and set the indicator lights 53b, 53g, 53
Turn off r, turn on indicator 53 (41), and read operation board (1
Go to 4). When the operator reduces the developer in the first tank 30 and opens the switch 34 to operate the switch 50 in response to the lighting of the indicator lights 55 and 57, the microprocessor 58
Steps 14-15-25-26-reading the recording color instruction in FIG. 4b-37-38 proceed to turn off the indicator lamps 54, 57. Switch 3
When 7 remains closed, the indicator lights 54 and 57 are turned on and the recording color is set to black (black flag is set).

When the operation board reading (14 in FIG. 4a) detects that the start switch 49 is closed, the microprocessor 58 executes step 15
After -25-26-27, proceed to step 42 in FIG. 4c. In step 42, the fixing unit temperature of the fixing unit 24 is referred to, and it is determined whether or not it is equal to or higher than the set fixing temperature K. If it is less than K, return to operation board reading (14). When it is less than K, the red light emitting element of the start switch 49 is turned on, and when it is more than K, the green light emitting element is turned on on condition that the copying machine is reading the operation board.

If the temperature of the fixing portion of the fixing unit 24 is equal to or higher than K, the process proceeds from step 42 to step 43 to check whether the black flag is present or not. If there is a black flag, the black development set in steps 44 to 47 is executed.
That is, the state of the switch 43 is referred to. If the switch 43 is not closed, the switching valve 39 is at the position for supplying the drainage of the developing device 5 to the first tank 30 side, and therefore the process proceeds to the developer adjustment shown in FIG. 4d. When the switch 43 is closed, the switching valve 39 causes the developing device 5 to
Since it is in a position to supply the drainage of the first tank 30
The solenoid valve 42 is energized during t ₁ to switch the switching valve 39 to the first tank 30 side (45) and the pump 37 is energized (46). Then, it takes time to wait for the black developer from the first tank 30 to reach the rollers 161-163 of the developing device 5.
Waiting for t ₅ to elapse (47), when t ₅ elapses, proceed to developer adjustment shown in FIG. 4d. In this black development set (black recording state setting), the time of waiting for T ₁ to wait for the flow (draining) of the developing solution previously present in the developing device 5 and the time of t ₂ for supplying the cleaning liquid to the developing device 5 Note that there is no waiting for T ₁ to wait for the cleaning liquid to flow (drain) after t ₂ .

When there is no black flag, the presence or absence of the blue flag is referred to (48). If there is a blue flag, the blue development set in steps 49 to 61 is executed. That is, the state of the switch 43 is referred to (49), and when the switch 43 is closed, the state of the switch 46b is referred to (52). When the switch 43 is closed and the switch 46b is closed, the switching valve 49 is located on the nozzle 44 side and the nozzle
44 is located on the pipe 47b and is in a state in which the drainage of the developing device 5 is supplied to the fourth tank (blue developer tank) 30b. This means that the copy operation immediately before this is the blue copy process. This means that the liquid draining and cleaning of the developing device 5 are unnecessary, and therefore the process proceeds directly to the developing liquid adjustment shown in FIG. 4d. When the switch 43 is not closed, it means that the copy operation immediately before was black copy processing.
After a lapse of T ₁ for judging the flow of the black developing solution from the developing device 5 (50: details are shown in FIG. 4f. Description will be given later), and then t
_{During 1,} the solenoid device 42 is energized to switch the switching valve 49 to the nozzle 44.
Position it to the side (51) and refer to the cleaned flag (54). The presence of the cleaned flag indicates that the copying machine is currently in a state where cleaning of the developing device 5 has been completed. Therefore, if there is a cleaned flag, the nozzle 44 is positioned on the pipe 47b (59), the pump 37b is energized (60), and the blue developer is waited for to spread to the rollers 161-163 of the developing device 5. Therefore, the time t ₅ elapses (61), and when t ₅ elapses, the process proceeds to the developer adjustment shown in FIG. 4d.
When there is no cleaned flag in step 54, the developer previously contained in the developing device 5 is black, green or red, and this time, the blue developer is being supplied,
Since the cleaning is necessary, the developing device 5 is cleaned (55). This cleaning (55) has the same contents as the cleaning (11 to 13) of the developing device shown in FIG. 4a. It should be noted that the developing device cleaning (55) starts counting the time T, as in step 13. Then set the cleaned flag (5
6) Start time T counting (57) and wait for T ₁ to elapse (58). The contents of "Wait for T ₁ " (50, 53, 58) are shown in Fig. 4f.

Here, referring to FIG. 4f, the content of “waiting for the passage of T ₁ ” is explained. First, since the counting of the time T has already started, it is judged whether or not this time T is T _1. Do (10
2) If not, it waits until it becomes T ₁ , but while waiting, the operation board is read (103), and if there is an input from the operation board, proceed to step 25 in Fig. 4a and enter the input. Perform appropriate processing. Therefore, while waiting for the elapse of T ₁ , the switch 50 may be operated to change the recording color designation. When the designated recording color is changed, the presence of the cleaning flag means that the developing device 5 is in a clean state after cleaning.
If there is no cleaned flag, it means that cleaning is required. Note that this “wait for T ₁ elapsed” (50, 53 and 58) is positioned before the positioning of the nozzle 44 (59) and the position of the nozzle 44 has not been changed to the position corresponding to the color flag. . "Waiting for T ₁ " (50, 53 and 58: 4f
Even when the operation of switch 50 is detected by reading the operation board in the figure) and the recording color (color flag) is changed, the developer is discharged to the position before the previous color setting (color flag) where copying was not executed. Since there is the nozzle 44, no error occurs in the positioning control of the nozzle 44. When the recording color (color flag) is changed and there is a cleaned flag, the cleaning process (55) and the cleaning liquid draining time T ₁ wait (58) in steps 55 to 58 are not executed as described above. The cleaning process is not wasted. The time required to start copying after changing the recording color (color flag) is shortened.

When there is no black flag and no blue flag, the presence or absence of the green flag is referred to (62). If there is a green flag, the green development set (63) is executed. This green developing set (63) is also similar to the blue developing set (49-61) described above. However, "46b" in step 52 is "46g" and "47b" in step 59 is "4g".
7g "and" 37b "in step 60 are read as" 37g ".

When there is no black flag, no blue flag, and no green flag, it means that there is a red flag, so the red development set (64) is executed. This red developing set (63) is also similar to the blue developing set (49-61) described above. However,
"46b" in step 52 is "46r" and "47b" in step 59.
“B” is read as “47r”, and “37b” in step 60 is read as “37r”.

When the development set is executed as described above, the pump 37 (step 46), 37b (step 60), 37g (step
63) or 37r (step 64) is activated, so the cleaning of the developing device 5 is necessary when the recording color is changed next time (however, it is not necessary to change from blue, green or red to black). , The cleared flag is cleared (65a), and the process proceeds to step 65b and subsequent steps for developing solution adjustment.

In developing solution adjustment, first refer to the presence or absence of the blue flag (65
b). With that, now pump 37b is energized and the fourth
The blue developer is supplied from the tank (blue developer tank) 30b to the developing device 5, and the drainage of the developing device 5 is returned to the fourth tank 30b through the concentration detecting unit 36b. Therefore, in this case, blue developer adjustment (66 to 81) is executed. That is, the voltage of the photoelectric conversion element of the concentration detection unit 36b (FIG. 3) is A / D converted,
Compare with the set value (66). When the density indicated by the conversion data is equal to or higher than the set value, the density of the developing solution is appropriate, so the number of times n of supplying the developing solution is set to 0 (clear) (73a), and the switch 3
Refer to state 5b (73b). If the switch 35b is not closed, the developer level in the fourth tank 30b is appropriate, so
The trouble indicators 54b, 55 and 57 are turned off (74), the copy number change flag is cleared (75), and the process proceeds to step 81.
When the switch 35b is closed, the developer is insufficient (at least the diluting liquid container 32b is empty).
Is turned on (76), and the remaining number of copies is compared with 99 (78).
If the number of remaining copies is less than 99, it is left as it is, and if the number of remaining copies exceeds 99, the number of remaining copies is set to 99 (79) and the copy setting number change flag is set. Set (80). That is, the number of sheets that can be copied thereafter is set to within 99. If the copy set number change flag is set when the indicator lamp is turned on in step 76, such a copy set number has already been changed, so the copy set number is not changed here.

As a result of the density detection (66), when the density is less than the set value, the state of the switch 34b is referred to (68), and when it is closed, the developer is supplied from the container 31b to the fourth tank 30b.
Since there is a risk that the developing solution will overflow in the fourth tank 30b, the above-described processing for changing the set number of copies is executed in steps 76-80. When the switch 34b is not closed, there is no risk of overflow, so the value of the developer supply number n is referred to (69). If it is less than 5, the solenoid device 33b is energized for a time t ₆ (70). ). As a result, during t ₆ , the container 31b is opened and the developer in the container 31b is supplied to the fourth tank 30b. Then, the supplied developing solution is mixed with the developing solution in the fourth tank and goes to the developing device 5.
After waiting a sufficient time t ₇ for reaching 36b (72), the value of the number of times n of supply of the developing solution is changed to a value one larger (72), and the density detection (66) is performed. If the concentration is still low in the concentration detection (66), the developer is again supplied from the container 31b to the fourth tank 30b (69 to 72). When the density becomes higher than the set value, the process proceeds from step 67 to step 73a and exits the developer supply flow. However, even if the developer is supplied five times, the density must be equal to or higher than the set value (there is no developer in the container 31b. Therefore, proceed to changing the number of copies set in steps 76 to 80.

When the above developer adjustment is executed and the process proceeds to step 81, the states of the switches 34g, 34r and 34i are referred to there (81).
If 34g, 34r, or 34i is closed here, the positioning of the nozzle 44 is abnormal, and the developer sent to the developing device 5 in the fourth tank (blue developer tank) 30b is discharged from the developing device 5 to another tank. 30r, 30
It may have been sent to g or 30i.
Proceed to. If switches 34g, 34r and 34i are all open, nozzle 44 positioning is considered correct and then switch
Refer to the status of 34 (83). When switch 34 is closed,
During the blue copy, a part of the blue developing solution transferred from the developing device 5 to the drum 3 is collected by the cleaning unit 9 and goes to the first tank (black developing solution tank) 30. There is a risk that the number of tanks will increase and the first tank 30 will overflow. Therefore, if switch 34 is closed, steps 39-41 shown in FIG.
, And proceed to the color setting change already described. When the switch 34 is not closed, the process proceeds to the copy control shown in Fig. 4e.

In the above, the blue developer adjustment when the blue flag is present has been described. Green developer adjustment when there is a green flag (8
4,85) is the same as the blue developer adjustment. However, the steps
"36b" in 66 is "36g", and "34b" in step 68 is "34g".
"g" and "74b" in steps 74 and 76 are "54g"
"33b" in 70 is "33g", and "35b" in step 73b is "35g".
“G” and “34g” in step 81 are read as “34b”. The red development gain adjustment (86, 87) when there is a red flag is the same as the blue developer adjustment. However, in step 66, `` 36
“B” is “36r”, “34b” in step 68 is “34r”, “54b” in steps 74 and 76 is “54r”, and “33” in step 70.
"b" is "33r", "35b" in step 73b is "35r",
Also, "34r" in step 81 is read as "34b". The black developer adjustment (88) when there is a black flag is the same as the blue developer adjustment. However, "36b" in step 66 is "36"
"34b" in step 68 is "34", "54b" in steps 74 and 76 is "54", and "33b" in step 70 is "33".
"35b" in step 73b is read as "35", and "34b" is added to step 81. Further, in black copying, the black developer is supplied from the first tank 30 to the developing device 5, the waste liquid of the developing device 5 is returned to the first tank 30, and the recovery liquid of the unit 41 is also returned to the first tank 30. Therefore, the amount of the developer in the first tank 30 does not increase, but rather decreases. Therefore, copying can be started or continued even when the switch 34 is closed. Therefore, in the black developer adjustment, when all the switches are not closed in the switch state determination corresponding to step 81, step 83 does not pass and the first step is performed as it is.
Proceed to copy control in Figure 4e.

The copy control will be described with reference to FIG. 4e. First, the key-in reading of the operation board 48 is set (89), and one copy cycle is started (90). In this one copy cycle, one well-known copying process is performed in a normal copying machine. If there is a key-in on the operation board 2c during this copying process, the data indicating the input key switch is stored in the memory. When the key-in is the color instruction switch 50, the color flag at that time is saved as the previous color flag in the save memory, and the process of FIG. 4b is executed. When this is executed, the color currently being copied (previous color flag) and the color flag that has just been set are different. When one copy cycle (90) is completed,
Refer to whether the color flag has been changed (92),
If it has not been changed, set the number of copied sheets register to 1
The value is updated to a larger number (93), and the content of the register is compared with the content of the copy setting number register (94). If the number of copied sheets is not more than the set number of sheets, copy processing (90) is required again. Therefore, the state of each part of the copying machine is read (95), and it is determined whether or not the copy processing can be continued (96). If it cannot be continued, the process proceeds to error processing (97). If it can be continued, the process goes to the head (89) of the copy control again. If the number of copied sheets exceeds the set number, or if the color flag is changed during one copy cycle (90), the end cycle for post-processing is set (98) and the end cycle end judgment is made. Therefore, a timer for the te time period is set (99), the pumps 37, 37r, 37g and 37b for supplying the developing solution are deactivated (100), and the counting of the time T is started (101). Then, the process returns to the operation board reading (14) shown in FIG. 4a. By deactivating the pumps 37, 37r, 37g and 37b, the developer supply to the developing device 5 is stopped, and the developer in the developing device 5 is stored in the developer tanks 30, 30r, 30g or
Run down to 30b by its own weight. That is, draining of the developing solution has started. Therefore, the count value of the time T indicates the liquid draining duration time. It also shows the elapsed time from the end of copying.

When the copying is completed and the operation board reading (14) is resumed as described above, Steps 14-15-16-17-14 will be executed.
It waits for an input on the operation board 48, waits for the end cycle to end (timer te has timed out), and for the time t ₃ to elapse. Note that t ₃ > te. If there is an input on the operation board 48 before the elapse of te, the above-mentioned control of step 25 and thereafter is started. There is no input on the operation board 48
When te elapses, the end cycle is stopped (18). When the end cycle is stopped, the rotation of the drum 3 is stopped, other mechanical parts are also stopped, the pump 38 is deenergized, and the mesh charger 4 is deenergized. After that, when t ₃ elapses, the standby state is set (19, 20) and then the standby switch 76 is waited for being turned on (21). When the standby switch 76 is turned on, the main motor is rotated to energize the pump 38, energize the main charger 4 (22), and energize the fixing heater with high heat (2
3) Go to operation board reading (14).

The main control operation of the microprocessor 58 described above is summarized as follows.

(1) Black recording color setting when power is turned on. The black flag is set by initialization immediately after power-on (2), and black recording is first set in the memory. It is estimated that this type of copying machine has the highest probability of black recording copy. Therefore, the recording color in the standard copy conditions is black. However, the setting of another color may be instructed by the subsequent operation board input, and if the supply of the black developing solution to the developing device 5 is started, the supply of the black developing solution is stopped and the black developing solution is not supplied. The liquid-draining standby T ₁ , the cleaning t _2, and the cleaning liquid draining standby T ₁ are required, and the operating efficiency of the copying machine is reduced. Therefore, even if the recording color black is set on the memory, the developing solution is not supplied to the developing device 5.

(2) Standby immediately after the power is turned on. When the power is turned on, the counting of the time T is started (2), and the time T becomes T ₁ or
Alternatively, it waits until the fixing unit temperature of the fixing unit 24 reaches the fixing temperature (7b).

By the time the power is turned on, the drain time T ₁ of the developer used for the previous copying may have passed or may not have passed. The operation manual and other explanations are given so that the copier power is turned off after the end cycle is completed. With normal power off (power off after the end cycle ends), T ₁ has elapsed before the power was turned off. Because
When the power is turned on again, it is not necessary to set the drain time T ₁ . However, although the probability is low, it is possible that the power is turned off during copying or immediately after the end of copying, and then the power is turned on again before the lapse of T ₁ . Therefore, in this embodiment, as a general rule, the T ₁ draining time is set uniformly after the power is turned on. When the power is turned on when the fixing unit 24 is at room temperature, the time required for the fixing unit temperature to rise to the set fixing temperature is longer than T ₁ . Therefore, even if the draining time of T ₁ is set immediately after the power is turned on, the operating efficiency of the copying machine is not particularly lowered. However, when the power is shut off after an end cycle after the end of the previous copy, and then the power is turned on again immediately (the probability that the power is turned on in this mode is high), the fixing unit temperature is high and usually the previous copy is performed. since has passed the liquid switching time T ₁ from the end, not waiting for the T ₁ from the power-on.

(3) Cleaning after the developer is drained. The developer in the developing device 5 has sufficiently flown out during the standby in (2) above. Immediately after the standby, the key-in of the operation board 48 does not always occur immediately, and it is unknown what the recording color is designated. If the power of the fixing unit 24 is turned on when the fixing unit 24 is at room temperature (such as the first power-on in the morning), the fixing unit temperature has not yet risen to the fixing temperature at this stage. Waiting for warm-up. Therefore, the developing device 5 is cleaned at this stage (12). At least during this cleaning, the main charger 4 is urged to attract the toner of the roller of the developing device 5 to the photosensitive drum 3 and remove it from the roller. The toner of the roller of the developing device 5 is attracted to the photosensitive drum 3 by the bias of the main charger 4, so that the cleaning liquid is less contaminated.

(4) Standby for drainage after cleaning. When the cleaning is completed, the time T ₁ required for the cleaning liquid to sufficiently flow out from the developing device 5 is awaited. During this time, the operation board is read (13, 14).

(5) Recording color setting. Reading the operation board (14,103)
Then, when you read the operation of the color instruction switch, the recording color is set correspondingly (29 to 41). In this recording color setting, if the developer level in the black developer tank 30 is at least the upper limit,
Do not set recording colors other than black, but set only black. This is to prevent the developer in the first tank 30 from overflowing.

(6) Start switch by reading the operation board (14,103)
When the operation of 49 is read, the developing set (42 to 64: supply of the developing solution to the developing device 5) is carried out on condition that each part of the copying machine except the developing system is in the copying ready state, and then the developing solution adjustment ( 65b
~ 83) and then proceed to copy processing (89-101).

(7) In the developing set of (6), the actual developer supply setting state is compared with the developer supply required this time. (7-1) If they match, the process proceeds to the developer adjustment. As a result, when the recording color designation is not changed, the copying operation is promptly started in response to the operation of the start key switch, as in a normal monochrome copying machine. When the two do not match, (7-2A) when the color of the developer supply setting required this time is red, green, or blue, (7-2A-1) wait for the draining time T ₁ of the previously used developer to elapse ( 50, 53), then cleaning is carried out (55), and then the depletion time T ₁ of the cleaning liquid is awaited (58).
Then, the process proceeds to developing solution adjustment.

(7-2A-2) When there is a cleaned flag,
Since the developing device 5 has just been cleaned, the waiting time for draining time T ₁ of the developer used last time (50, 53) and the execution of cleaning (55) are omitted, and the draining time T ₁ of the cleaning liquid elapses. Wait for (58).

(7-2A-3) While waiting for the elapse of the drainage time T ₁ , the operation board reading (103) is performed, and if there is an input,
Proceed to (5) above.

(7-2B) If the color of the developer supply setting required this time is black, the above (7-2A-1), (7-2A-2) and (7-
Do not execute 2A-3). Therefore, the time from the black instruction input operation to the start of black copying is significantly shorter than that for other colors. This is similar to the case of a normal monochrome copying machine.

(7-3) When the developer supply pump 37, 37r, 37g or 37b is energized, the cleaning completed flag is cleared (65
a).

(8) In the developer adjustment of (6) above, when the developer concentration is insufficient, the developer is supplied from the developer container to the developer tank. Then change the value so that the actual number of copies is 99 or less. Also, when the developing solution level in the developing solution tank is low, the copy setting number is similarly changed. This is done in order to limit the number of subsequent copies to 99 when the concentration of the developing solution is insufficient and the amount of the developing solution is insufficient, so that the number of copies is acceptable.

(9) In the developer adjustment of (6) above, if the liquid levels of the developer tank and the cleaning tank that store a developer of a color different from the set recording color exceed the upper limit,
If the supply direction of the recovered developer is abnormal (switching abnormality of the switching valve 39 or positioning abnormality of the nozzle 44), the process proceeds to the abnormality processing and the copying is not started.

(10) In the developer adjustment of (6) above, when the set color is red, green, or blue, and the developer level in the black developer tank 30 is not less than the upper limit (83), the set color is changed to black. Change and return to operation board reading (14). When the setting color is black,
Do not return to operation board reading without changing the setting color. This is done to prevent overflow of the first tank 30.

(11) The operation board is read during one copy cycle, and if there is an input, it is stored in memory. After the completion of one copy cycle, referring to the memory, if the recording color instruction is changed (92), the end cycle is set and the process returns to the operation board reading (14).

(12) When the copying is completed, a timer is set to judge the end cycle end (99), and the developing device 5 is also used for counting the remaining (unused) time after the copying is completed.
To monitor the outflow (drainage) of the developing solution at time T
Start counting (101). The developing solution supply system to the developing device 5 and the developing solution recovery system from the developing device 5 are not reset (initialized), and are left as they are. This is because there is a high probability that the next copy of the same color will be instructed, and if initialization is performed at this time, there is a high probability that you will have to wait for liquid to drain, clean, etc. This is to prevent it.

After that, when there is no operation board input (start switch 49 ON) and the timer te elapses, the end cycle is stopped (rotation of the drum 3 etc.) (18), and when there is no operation board input and the set waiting time t ₃ elapses, The copying machine is put into a standby state (such as the low heat generation of the fixing heater) (19 to 21). When in the standby state, the operation board reading (14) does not proceed unless the standby switch 76 is operated (21 to 23). When the switch 76 is operated to proceed to the operation board reading (14) before the standby state is entered or during the standby state, the recording color is changed (from black to red, green or blue, or red, red,
Change of recording color from green or blue to other colors (except black)]
, The time T count value started at the end of copying is referred to and the condition is that it becomes T ₁ or more (50,5
Cleaning starts at 3) (54, 55). Therefore, the counting start (101) of the time T after the end of copying has the effect of making the waiting time shorter than the case of newly setting the liquid drain waiting time when the recording color is changed thereafter.

(13) The operation board reading (14, 103) is not executed during the cleaning (12, 55), and the operation board reading (103) is executed before the liquid draining standby 50, 53, 58 before or after the cleaning.
This is because the cleaning time t ₂ is relatively short (eg t ₂
Since it takes about 5 seconds), it does not take a long time to wait for this to finish, and since it is possible to set any recording color after cleaning, it is reasonable to complete cleaning once cleaning is started. Because it is. Also, the liquid-off waiting time T ₁ is relatively long (for example, T ₁ is about 15 seconds), and the operator may want to change the record during that time. Even if the processing corresponding thereto is performed, it is sufficient to continue counting the time T during that time, and the continuity of the liquid drain standby can be maintained.

(14) When cleaning (12, 55) is executed, the cleaning completed flag is set to indicate that the developing device 5 is still cleaned. When the developer supply pump 37, 37r, 37g, or 37b is thereafter energized, the cleaning flag is cleared (65a). In the recording color switching (switching to a different color except for switching from red, green or blue to black), if there is a cleaning completed flag, the pre-developing solution draining standby and cleaning are omitted, and only the cleaning liquid standby is possible. Then, the supply of the new developing solution is started. This is effective in shortening the waiting time. In particular, when the recording color designation is changed by reading the operation board (103) in the cleaning liquid drain standby (58), the changed development set (48
~ 65a), there is an effect of shortening the waiting time until the start of copying.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the above example,
A black developer is contained in the first tank. That is, the first color is black. However, as in the above embodiment, in the mode in which the developer used last time is collected in the first tank when the setting other than black is changed to the black setting, the pure black developer is necessarily stored in the first tank. No need. This is because the developer that is substantially black is contained by mixing the recovered developer other than black. Therefore, it is not always necessary to supply the pure black developing solution to the first tank containing the first color.

In the above embodiment, when the instruction is changed from red, green or blue recording to black recording, the pump 37 which previously supplied the developing solution is used.
Immediately after stopping r, 37g or 37b, the switching valve is switched to the first tank 30 side (45) and the pump 37 is energized (46).
Since the storage amount of the developing solution in the developing device 5 is small, even if the previous developing solution is collected in the first tank 30, the amount of increase in the developing solution in the first tank 30 is small and the color change of the black developing solution does not occur. This is because it can be practically ignored. In an embodiment in which these cannot be ignored, a control step for waiting for T ₁ elapse similar to step 50 is inserted between steps 44 and 45. As a result, the supply of the black developing solution is started after waiting for the previously used developing solution to be drained, and the amount of the developing solution recovered in the first tank 30 is reduced. There is less mixing of other developers into the.

In the above embodiment, since the standby power supply for backing up the memory when the power switch is turned off is not provided, after the liquid-draining time T ₁ is taken once when the power is turned on, the post-cleaning is performed to initialize the developing device. . In the embodiment in which the counter for performing the time T count with the standby power supply, the microprocessor, or the microprocessor and the RAM are backed up, the above steps 7b to 13 are omitted, and the time from the power-on to the start of copying is short. To be Even in this case, when the power switch is turned off for a long period of time, automatic cleaning control for performing cleaning once after a predetermined time from turning off the power switch is included. According to this, the solidification of the developing solution on the roller or the like in the developing device 5 is prevented. Further, in the embodiment in which the standby power supply is provided as described above and the required data is held even when the power switch is off, three or all of the nozzle 44 position detection switches 46 may be omitted. In this case, when three are omitted, for example, only one 46i is left and used for home position detection. When omitting all four, nozzle 44
Is positioned on a specific one of the pipes 47 (for example, 47i), the nozzle position data is set in the memory backed up by the standby power supply, and thereafter, the nozzle position is set for each forward / reverse step of the pulse motor 45. Position tracking to update data. The switch 43 can be omitted by using the same control for tracking the position of the switching valve 39.

The copier described with reference to the drawings is a monochromatic color copier. In another embodiment of the present invention, a paper transport mechanism for selectively guiding the paper from the exit of the fixing device 24 to the entrance of the registration roller 22 is provided, and a plurality of paper feeding mechanisms are provided between the photosensitive drum 3 and the mirror 15. A filter unit consisting of a film board is arranged to be a full color copier. In this case, when full color is designated, one sheet of recording paper is returned from the fixing device 24 to the registration roller 22 in a predetermined order, for example, cyan C, magenta M, and yellow copies, in a predetermined order. Moreover, the filter units in the exposure path of the filter unit are sequentially switched while switching. As described above, the present invention can be directly applied to a full-color copying machine.

Further, although the above description relates to a wet developing type color copying machine, the present invention can be similarly applied to a dry developing type color copying machine. In the case of a dry development type color copying machine, the cleaning agent is a powder that adsorbs the toner, or a solvent that can dissolve or disperse the toner.

The present invention can be similarly applied to an ink jet printer and other recording devices of the type in which a recording medium is applied to the facing surface. For example, a conventional color ink jet printer is usually provided with three ink jet heads and individually supplies inks of magenta, cyan, yellow, etc., but according to the present invention, one ink jet head is provided. Supply each color ink. Ink or cleaning liquid is selectively supplied to the ink jet head from each color ink tank and cleaning liquid tank, and the ink or cleaning liquid captured by the gutter is returned to the ink tank or cleaning liquid tank via a switching valve or the like.

Effects As described above, according to the present invention, the usage state of the developer of a developing device such as a developing device that gives a developer such as a developing solution to the facing surface, and the instruction color of the color instructing device such as a color instructing switch are displayed. Compared to,
When the two colors are different colors and the indicator color is not the first color which is black, the image developer is cleaned, and then the indicator color developer is supplied. Since the agents are not mixed and there is no stain, the recording of the indicated color becomes vivid and the copy quality is improved.

There is no need for many spare devices and trouble such as providing the developing devices for the number of colors and setting the developing device containing the developer of the desired color in the copying machine by the operator. In addition, since the developer collected from the imager is clean and can be reused, consumption of the developer is reduced and there is no accumulation of dirt during use, so reuse of the developer is possible. It can continue for a long time.

Furthermore, the first color (black), which has a high probability of being used normally, from other colors
Since the cleaning process is omitted when the recording mode is switched to recording, the time from the first color recording instruction to the start of copying is short, and the use efficiency of the first color recording is high correspondingly.

Furthermore, when the previously used color and the color to be recorded this time are the same, the cleaning process is omitted and the developer of the color to be recorded this time is supplied, so recording with the same color setting can be started. The operating efficiency of the recording device is high, accordingly.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram mainly showing the structure of a mechanical portion of one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2a is a sectional view showing the inside of the developing device 5 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2b is shown in FIG. FIG. 2c is a plan view of the operation panel portion of the copying machine shown in FIG. 1, showing a sectional view showing the inside of the cleaning unit 9. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electric control system of the copying machine shown in FIG. 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e and 4f are flow charts showing the control operation of the microprocessor 58 shown in FIG. 1: Contact glass, 2: Pressure plate 3: Photoconductor drum, 4: Main charger 5: Developing device (visualizing device), 7: Transfer charger 8: Separation unit, 9: Cleaning unit 10: Lamp, 11, 12, 13, 15: Mirror 14: Lens unit, 16: Recording paper cassette 17: Paper feed roller, 22: Registration roller 24: Fixing unit, 27: Paper ejection tray 28: Liquid inlet of developing device, 29: Liquid outlet 30: Black Developer tank (1st tank), 30r: Red developer tank (2nd tank) 30g: Green developer tank (3rd tank), 30b: Blue developer tank (4th tank) 30i: Cleaning solution tank (cleaning) Agent tank) 31,31r, 31g, 31b: Developer container 32, 32r, 32g, 32b: Diluent container 32i: Cleaning container 33, 33r, 33g, 33b, 42: Solenoid device 34, 34r, 34g, 34b, 34i: Upper limit detection switch 35, 35r, 35g, 35b, 35i: Lower limit detection switch 36, 36r, 36g, 36b: Developer concentration detection unit 37, 37r, 37g, 37b: Developer supply pump (37: 1st supply means , 3
7r: second supply means, 37g: third supply means) 37i: cleaning liquid supply pump (cleaning agent supply means) 38: drum cleaning liquid supply pump 39: switching valve, 44: switching nozzle (39, 44, 45: Switching means) 40: Liquid inlet for drum cleaning 41: Liquid outlet for drum cleaning 43: Position detection switch, 45: Pulse motor 46: Nozzle position detection switch (43, 46, 58: Status monitoring means 47: Recovery liquid receiving pipe 48) : Operation board (input means) 49: Start switch 50: Color instruction switch (color instruction means) 51: 3-digit segment display 53,53b, 53g, 53r, 54,54r, 54g, 54b, 54i, 55 to 57: Display Light 58: Microprocessor (1st, 2nd, 3rd control means for developer supply) 62: Drum synchronization pulse generator 63: Fixing temperature detection circuit

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Yuichi Kobayashi 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Ricoh Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-52-82241 (JP, A) JP-A-49 -98244 (JP, A) Actually opened 55-91542 (JP, U) Japanese Patent Publication 5-54954 (JP, B2) Japanese Patent Publication 5-58192 (JP, B2)

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A recording apparatus provided with a developing device for giving a developing agent to a facing surface: a first tank containing a developing agent of a first color which is black; and a developing device of a second color different from the first color. Second tank containing an image developer; Third tank containing a developer of a first color and a third color different from the second color; Cleaning tank containing a developer cleaning agent; A first supply means for supplying the developer to the developing device; a second supply means for supplying the developer in the second tank to the developing device; and a third supplying means for supplying the developer in the third tank to the developing device. A cleaning agent supply means for supplying the cleaning agent in the cleaning agent tank to the image developer; a switching means for selectively supplying the agent in the image developer to the first tank, the second tank, the third tank and the cleaning agent tank; Inputting means including a color instructing means for instructing and a recording start instructing means; Status monitoring means: referring to the instruction color of the color instruction means and the agent supply state obtained by the state monitoring means, the agent supply state is the first color or the second color, and the instruction color is the third color. At some time, the cleaning liquid supply means is instructed to supply, the switching means is instructed to supply to the cleaning agent tank, and then these instructions are released to instruct the third supply means to supply and the switching means to the third tank. A developer supplying first control means for instructing the supply; referring to the instruction color of the color instructing means and the agent supplying state obtained by the state monitoring means, the agent supplying state is the developer of the second color or the third color. When the indicating color is the first color, the switching means displays the first color.
Referring to the developer supply second control means for instructing supply to the tank and for instructing supply to the first supply means; and the agent supply state obtained by the state monitoring means and the instruction color of the color instructing means, When the color of the developing agent of the image device is the same as the jth color, j = 1, 2 or 3, the developing agent supply for instructing the supply to the jth supplying means with the setting of the switching means unchanged. A recording device comprising: a third control means; 2. The developer supply first control means issues the supply instruction to the third supply means after a recording start instruction is given by the recording start instruction means. The recording device according to the item. 3. The developer supply second control means issues the supply instruction to the first supply means after the recording start instruction is given by the recording start instruction means. The recording device according to the item. 4. The developer supply third control means instructs the supply to the j-th supply means after the recording start instruction is given by the recording start instruction means. The recording device according to the item. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim (2), wherein the first developer supplying control means cancels an instruction to supply to the third supplying means after recording the set number of sheets. 6. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second developer supplying second control means cancels the supply instruction to the first supplying means after recording the set number of sheets. 7. The recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the third developer supplying control means cancels the supply instruction to the jth supplying means after the recording processing of the set number of sheets. 8. A developer supply first control means instructs the first supply means to supply when the first color recording is started, and releases the instruction to the first supply means after the recording of the set number of first colors is completed. Time counting is started by the color instructing means and another color is instructed, after the time counting value reaches a predetermined value, the cleaning liquid supplying means is instructed to supply and the time counting is started to set the count value to a predetermined value. Then,
Claims (2) or (3) above, wherein these instructions are canceled and the second supply means or the third supply means are instructed to supply and the switching means is instructed to supply to the second tank or the third tank. (5)
The recording device according to the item. 9. A recording apparatus comprising a photoconductor, means for forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to image light on the photoconductor, a developing device for developing the electrostatic latent image into a visible image, and a recording sheet for recording the visible image. The recording device according to claim (1), wherein the recording device is an electrophotographic recording device including a transfer unit for cleaning the surface of the photosensitive member and a cleaning unit for cleaning the surface of the photosensitive member after the transfer. . 10. The recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the cleaning means includes a recovery agent supply means for returning the recovery agent to the first tank. 11. The first tank is provided with an agent amount detecting means, and when the agent amount detecting means detects an excessive amount, the developer supplying control means controls when the color instructing means indicates another color. The recording apparatus according to claim (10), which is ignored.