JPS61292648A - Recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain dear recording of indicated color by comparing the state of using developer and indicated color of a color indicating device such as a color indicating switch etc., and cleaning the developing device when developer of the developing device is black and indicated color is a color other than black, then supply developer of indicated color. CONSTITUTION:When recording color is changed from black to other color, developer of a developing device 5 is retrieved in the first tank 30, and then the developing device is cleaned by a cleaning liquid, and used cleaning liquid is retrieved in a cleaning liquid tank 30i, and developer of other color is supplied to the developing device. Accordingly, remaining of previous black developer does not occur substantially in the developing device, and soiling of developer of other color by the black developer does not occur substantially. Accordingly, recording by developer of other color becomes pure single color. Further, developer in the second tank is not soiled when developer of other color is retrieved from the developing device in the second tank. Accordingly, the developer in the second tank can be used again.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention ■Technical Field The present invention relates to a recording device that selectively records black and other colors, and in particular, although the intention is not limited thereto, means for forming an electrostatic latent image;
An electrophotographic copying machine comprising a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image into a visible image, a means for transferring the visible image onto a recording sheet, and a cleaning means for cleaning the surface of a photoreceptor after the transfer, the copying machine having a plurality of colors. This relates to selective color recording.

■Prior Art Typical recording devices of this type include the above-mentioned copying machine and inkjet 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. 43898/1989).

There is also a monocolor type machine which is equipped with powder developer units for different colors and one of which is attached to the main body of the copying machine to perform monocolor copying.

In the former type, liquid developers of different colors are supplied to the same developing device, so when the recording color is changed, the previous color and the current color mix, resulting in a muddy recording. It takes several copies to reach the desired color. Further, when the developer in the developing device is collected into the developer tank, the developer with the previous color mixed is collected, so the developer in the developer tank also becomes dirty.

The latter type requires a cumbersome task to replace the developing unit in the copying machine main body, and the developing unit is separate from the main body, making it difficult to handle as there are many mechanical elements, especially those that are separate from the main body. There is.

Some conventional color inkjet printers are equipped with inkjet heads that support the number of colors, and are capable of superimposed color recording (full color recording) and monochrome recording, but simple color printers have one It is desirable that an inkjet head be able to perform selective monochrome recording of a plurality of colors.

■Object The first object of the present invention is to change the recording color in a recording device that selectively supplies developer for each color to one recording and developing section (for example, a developer in a copying machine; an inkjet head in an inkjet printer). The second purpose is to prevent the developer recovered from the developing device from being contaminated, and the third purpose is to reduce the consumption of the developer. It is.

■Structure In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, in a recording apparatus equipped with a developing device that applies a developing agent to an opposing surface: an input means equipped with a color indicating means for indicating a recording color and a recording start indicating means; black; A first tank containing a developer; a second tank containing a developer of another color; a first supply means for supplying the developer in the first tank to the developing device; and a developer in the second tank. In addition to the second supply means for supplying the developer to the developing device, the cleaning agent tank for storing the developer cleaning agent; the cleaning liquid supply means for supplying the cleaning agent in the cleaning agent tank to the developing device; A switching means for selectively supplying the agent of the imaging device to the first tank, the second tank, and the cleaning agent tank; a status monitoring device for monitoring the agent supply state of the imaging device; and an indicator color and status monitoring device of the color indicating device. With reference to the agent supply state obtained by , when the agent supply state is that black developer is present and the indicated color is another color, instructs the switching means to supply to the first tank;
After that, the instruction is canceled, the cleaning liquid supply means is instructed to supply the cleaning liquid, and the switching means is instructed to supply the cleaning agent to the cleaning agent tank;
A developer supply control means is provided which then cancels these instructions, instructs the second supply means to supply the developer, and instructs the switching means to supply the developer to the second tank.

According to this, when the recording color is switched from black to another color, the developer in the developing device is collected in the first tank (black developer tank), and then the developing device is cleaned with a cleaning liquid. The used cleaning liquid is collected in a cleaning agent tank, and then the developer of the other color is supplied to the developing device. Therefore, there is virtually no residual black developer from the previous one in the developing device, and there is virtually no chance that the other color developer will be contaminated with the previous black developer. The recording with the developer becomes a pure monochromatic color, and even when the developer of the other color is collected from the developing device into the second tank, the developer in the second tank is not contaminated. The developer in the second bath is therefore reused.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first tank.

The second tank and the cleaning agent tank are arranged below the microscope device, and the switching means is configured to switch the flow path of the developer or cleaning agent flowing down from the microscope device to the first tank, the second tank, or the cleaning agent tank. The flow path switching means selectively guides the flow. In the black recording setting state, the developer in the first tank is continuously supplied to the developing device by the first pump serving as the first supply means.

A switching means guides the developer flowing down from the developing device to the first tank. In the recording setting state of other colors, the developer in the second tank is continuously supplied to the developing device by the second pump serving as the second supplying means, and the switching means causes the developer to flow down from the developing device. is guided to the second tank.

In the black recording setting state, when the color indicating means indicates the other color, the first pump is deenergized, and then the time T1 (
The switching means guides the developing agent flowing down from the developing device to the first tank during the pre-liquid cut-off time. When T1 has elapsed, the cleaning liquid pump serving as the cleaning agent supply means is energized to supply the cleaning liquid in the cleaning agent tank to the developing device, and the switching device guides the cleaning liquid flowing down from the developing device to the cleaning agent tank. do. When the supply of cleaning liquid continues for a time t2 (imager cleaning time), the cleaning liquid supply pump is deenergized, and then the time T1 (cleaning liquid The switching means guides the cleaning liquid flowing down from the imaging device to the cleaning agent tank during the liquid cut-off time. When this TI has elapsed, the second pump is energized to supply the developing liquid in the second tank to the developing device, and the switching means guides the developing liquid flowing down from the developing device to the second tank. color recording settings state).

When the color indicating means indicates black in the recording setting state of another color, the second pump is deenergized, and in this case, the first pump is energized to shorten the waiting time until recording starts. The developer in the first tank is supplied to the developer, and the switching means guides the developer flowing down from the developer to the first tank (black record setting state). The foregoing liquid cut-off time T 1 y of the pre-liquid, the developing device cleaning time t2 and the liquid cut-off time TI of the cleaning liquid are omitted. Note that the start of the black record is the first
The process starts after a time ts (time for the black developing solution to sufficiently diffuse into the developing section of the developing device) from the start of energization of the pump. This time t5 is shorter than TI and t2. In the developing device and in the first tank, the black developing liquid is mixed with the developing liquid of the other color, but the recorded color is black, and there is virtually no problem with the recorded color.

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

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

A document (not shown) placed on the contact glass plate 1 and pressed down by the pressure plate 2 is illuminated by a lamp 10. The reflected light from the original is reflected by the first mirror 11. Second mirror 12. Third mirror 13. An image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 via the lens unit 14 and the fourth mirror 15 . The photosensitive drum 3 is connected to a main motor (
(not shown) in the clockwise direction. The lamp 10 and the first mirror 11 are mounted on a first carriage (not shown) and are driven at a constant speed in the direction of arrow A, and the second mirror and the third mirror are mounted on a second carriage (not shown).
The first carriage is mounted on the carriage and is driven in the direction of the arrow at half the speed of the first carriage.

The surface of the photosensitive drum 3 is uniformly charged by the main charger 4. The charged surface is exposed by the imaging, thereby creating an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor drum.

This electrostatic latent image is visualized with a developing solution in the developing device 5 and becomes a visible image 6. The visible image 1 is fed out from the cassette 16 by the paper feeding roller 17 in the transfer charger 7, and then conveyed by the conveying roller 18,
20 and registration roller 22 for paper guide 19.2.
The image is transferred onto recording paper fed along lines 1 and 6.

The recording paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 3 in the separation unit 8, guided by a paper guide 23, and enters the fixing device 24, where it receives heat from a heater (not shown), and is then guided by a paper guide 25 and discharged. The paper is delivered to a paper discharge tray 27 by a paper roller 26. The surface of the photosensitive drum 3 is cleaned by a cleaning unit 9.

The energization control of the mechanical elements described above in various states, such as before the start of copying, during the copy cycle, and during the end cycle, is well known in monochrome (black) recording copiers and certain full-color copiers. .

The inside of the developing device 5 is shown in FIG. 2a. The developing device 5 has an inlet 28 to which a developer and a cleaning solution are supplied, and an outlet 29 for the developer and cleaning solution. The container 160 includes a first developing roller 161. A second developing roller 162 and a squeeze roller 163 are rotatably supported. These rollers are electrically conductive and are located very slightly apart from the surface of the photosensitive drum 3. Main motor (
(not shown) via a power transmission means (not shown), and the rollers 161 and 162 rotate counterclockwise.
Further, the roller 163 is rotated clockwise. These rollers 1B1, 162 and 163 are rotating when the photoreceptor drum 3 is rotating, and the rollers 1B1, 162 and 163 are rotating when the photoreceptor drum 3 is rotating.
is stopped when it is stopped. Rollers 161, 162
and 163 include scrapers 164 and 165, respectively.
The free ends of the scrapers 164 and 166 are in contact with each other, and these scrapers scrape off the developer adhering to the roller surface, while the scrapers 164 and 165 retain the developer or cleaning fluid flowing down from above. The remaining liquid wets the surfaces of the rollers 161 and 162. The liquid on the surfaces of the rollers 161 and 162 is attracted to the charge on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 3 and is transferred to the photoreceptor drum 3. roller 16
Remove excess liquid from the surface of drum 3.

FIG. 2b shows the inside of the cleaning unit 9. The container 77 is attached to a support arm 176 that is integral with the frame (not shown) of the main body of the copying machine. The bracket 78 is pivotally connected to a shaft 83 fixed to the frame of the main body. A blade 80 is fixed to one end of the bracket 78,
A sponge roller 79 is pivotally attached to the other end. The print roller 81 is pivotally mounted to the frame of the main body. roller 8
A scraper 84 is in contact with the roller 1 and removes from the roller 81 the liquid scraped off from the sponge roller 79 by the roller 81. The shaft that is pivotally attached to the frame of the main body has a receiver plate 8.
2 is fixed. The tray 82 is lowered onto the roller 79 by its own weight. There is an inlet 40 at the upper end of the container 77,
There is an outlet 41 at the lower end. A developer from a black developer tank (first tank) 30 is supplied to the inlet 40 by a pump 38 . Entrance 4
The developing solution that has reached zero flows down onto the tray 82, passes through the 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 connected between the drum 3 and the roller 79 via a developer (not shown), and the solenoid is energized while the drum 3 is rotating. As shown in FIG. 2b, the blade 80 and roller 79 are forced to rotate in the direction of pressing against the drum 3, but when the drum 3 is stopped, the solenoid device is deenergized and a return spring (not shown) Bracket 78 is rotationally driven clockwise about axis 83, blade 80 and roller 79 are separated from drum 3, and roller 79 is released from the compression of roller 81.

Referring again to FIG. Each boat at the inlet 28 of the developing device 5 has a discharge port of the first pump 37, a discharge port of the second pump 37r, a discharge port of the third pump 37g, and a fourth pump 37b.
The discharge port of the cleaning liquid pump 37i and the discharge port of the cleaning liquid pump 37i are connected to each other via a plurality of pipes (not shown).

An outlet 29 of the developing device 5 is connected to an inlet of a 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) 3,0. A two-position switching mechanism (not shown) is coupled to the switching valve 39, and a solenoid device 42 drives this two-position switching mechanism. 1st
As shown in the figure, the switching valve 39 connects the outlet 29 to the nozzle 44.
When the solenoid device 42 is energized once while in the connected state, the two-position switching mechanism drives the switching valve 39 counterclockwise, and the switching valve 39 enters the outlet 29 - first tank 30 connection state, When the solenoid device 42 is energized once in this state where the outlet 29 and the first tank 30 are connected, the two-position switching mechanism drives the switching valve 39 clockwise to close the switching valve 39.

The outlet 29 and nozzle 44 are connected. Thus, each time the solenoid device 42 is energized, the switching valve 39 rotates from one position to the other position and vice versa. A position detection switch 43 is attached to the changeover valve 39, and this switch 43 indicates that the changeover valve 39 is located between the outlet 29 and the nozzle 44.
The switch 43 is closed when connected, and the switch 43 is open when the switching valve 39 is connected between the outlet 29 and the first tank 30.

The nozzle 44 is rotatably supported by a pulse motor 45. Below the outlet of the nozzle 44, recovery pipes 47 (47r, 47g, 47
b) is placed and teed.

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 second tank (red developer tank) 30r. is the third tank (green developer tank) 3
0 g, and when the outlet of the nozzle 44 is located on the pipe 47b, the liquid coming out of the nozzle 44 flows to the fourth tank (blue developer tank) 30b, and when the exit of the nozzle 44 is located on the pipe 47i, the liquid exits the nozzle 44. The liquid coming out of the cleaning liquid tank 30i flows into the cleaning liquid tank 30i. The position of the nozzle 44 is determined by the position detection switch 46 (46r, 46g).

46b, 46i) are detected. When the outlet of the nozzle 44 is on the pipe 47r, the switch 46r is closed and the nozzle 4
When the outlet of the nozzle 44 is on the pipe 47g, the switch 46g is closed, and when the outlet of the nozzle 44 is on the pipe 47b, the switch 46b is closed, and the outlet of the nozzle 44 is on the pipe 47i.
When the switch 46i is up, the switch 46i is closed. Both switches are open when nozzle 44 is not in the switch position.

A pump 38 supplies the black developer from the first tank 30 to the inlet of the cleaning unit 9. The black developer flowing down from the outlet of the unit 9 passes through a pipe (not shown) to the first tank 30.
Return to

1st tank (black developer tank) 30. 2nd tank (red developer tank) 30
r, the third tank (green developer tank) 30g and the fourth tank (blue developer tank) 30b each have a black developer container 31. Red developer container 31r, green developer container 31g, blue developer container 31b, and diluent containers 32, 32r, 32g
and 32b are attached. Developer container 31, 31
r, 31g and 31b have solenoid devices 33 r + 33 g + 33 b and 3 via links
3i are combined. When the solenoid device is energized, the developer container opens and the developer solution therein flows down.

The nozzle tips of the mouthpieces of the diluent containers 32.32r, 32g and 32b hit the support plates in the tanks 30+30g and 30b and are raised relative to the containers, so that the mouths of the containers are aligned with the tanks. open inward. When the liquid level in the tank decreases, diluted liquid comes out from the container into the tank. Only the cleaning liquid container 32i is attached to the cleaning liquid tank 30i. The nozzle tip of the mouthpiece of container 32i hits a support plate in tank 30i and is raised relative to the container, thereby opening the mouth of the container into the tank. When the cleaning liquid level in the tank 30i decreases, the cleaning liquid comes out from the container into the tank 39i.

1st tank 30. 2nd tank 30r, 3rd tank 30g, 4th tank 30
The cleaning liquid tank 30i and the cleaning liquid tank 30i each include a float that is linked to the rise and fall of the liquid level in the tank, and an upper limit position detection switch 34 for detecting the vertical position of the float.
34r, 34g+34b and 341. In addition, lower limit position detection switches 35, 35r, 35g, 35b and 35i are provided.

A portion of the liquid discharged from the first pump 37 flows to the first concentration detection unit 36 and is returned to the first tank 30 through there. 1st
A detection unit 36 detects the concentration of the black developer. A second concentration detection unit 36r is attached to the pipe 47r that returns the developer to the second tank (red developer tank) 30r, and a second concentration detection unit 36r is installed in the third tank (green developer tank).
A third concentration detection unit 36g is connected to the pipe 47g that returns the developer to 30g, and a fourth concentration detection unit 36b is connected to the pipe 47b that returns the developer to the fourth tank (blue developer tank) 30b. There is. These detection units 36.
Reference numerals 36r, 36g, and 36b refer to passage means for allowing the developer to flow down in a thin film, a lamp (36L in FIG. 3) and a photoelectric converter (36L in FIG.
68), and the electric circuit configuration is shown in FIG. The electric circuit configurations of the detection units 36, 36r, 36g and 36b are completely 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 in the position shown in FIG. A sponge roller 79 is in pressure contact with the photosensitive drum 3. Further, the pump 38 is energized to supply black developer to the cleaning unit 9.

In the black record setting state, the switching valve 39 is set between the outlet 29 and the first tank 3.
0 connection state, and the pump 37 is energized to supply black developer to the developing device 5.

In the red record setting state, the switching valve 39 is set between the outlet 29 and the nozzle 4.
The nozzle 44 is positioned on the pipe 47r, and the pump 37r is energized to supply red developer to the developing device 5.

In the line record setting state, the switching valve 39 is connected between the outlet 29 and the nozzle 4.
The nozzle 44 is positioned on the pipe 47g, and the pump 37g is energized to supply green developer to the developing device 5.

In the previous record setting state, the switching valve 39 is set between the outlet 29 and the nozzle 4.
The nozzle 44 is positioned on the pipe 47b, and the pump 37b is energized to supply blue developer to the developing device 5.

When changing from the black recording setting state to the red recording setting state, the first pump 37 is deenergized, and then the developer drain time T
After , the switching valve 39 is switched to the nozzle 44 side, the nozzle 44 is positioned on the pipe 46i, and the pump 37i is energized during the cleaning time t2. After t2, the pump 37i is deenergized, and after a cleaning liquid cut-off time T1 from this deenergization, the nozzle 44 is positioned on the pipe 47r, and the pump 37r is energized.

Switching from the black recording setting state to the line recording setting state or the pre-recording setting state is performed in the same manner. Furthermore, switching from one of the red record setting state, green record setting state, and previous record 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 the red recording setting state, green recording setting state, or previous recording setting state to the black recording setting state, even if red, green, or blue developer is mixed with the black developer, the recorded color will appear black, so the usage frequency may vary. In order to shorten the switching time to the high black recording setting state, the pump 37r.

37g or 37b is deenergized, the switching valve 39 is switched to the first tank 30 side, and the first pump 37 is energized. Cleaning liquid is not supplied to the developing device 5. As a result, the developer draining time T1 + cleaning time t
2 and the cleaning liquid drain time TI are omitted.

However, copying is not started during the time t5 from the start of energization of the first pump 37 until the black developer is sufficiently distributed over all the rollers 161, 162, and 163 of the developing device 5.

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

Standby instruction switch with built-in 76 dual light emitting elements.

When a power switch (not shown) is turned on and the switch 76 is turned on with the light emitting element not lit, the light emitting element is lit, the copying machine enters a standby state, and the fixing heater is energized to generate heat at a low temperature. When the switch 76 is turned on while the light emitting elements are on, one light emitting element goes out, the copying machine enters a copy instruction waiting state, and the fixing heater is energized to generate high temperature heat.

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

The green light-emitting element lights up when the copier is ready for copying and is waiting for a copy instruction.

At this time, when switch 49 is turned on, a copy cycle is started. When the copy cycle starts, the red light emitting element is lit. The red light-emitting element lights up while the set number of copies is being copied. When the set number of copies have been completed, the red light emitting element turns off and the green light emitting element turns on. During and after copying, when the copying machine becomes in a copy-disabled state, the green light-emitting element is turned off and the red light-emitting element is turned on.

5ADF: A light emitting element that lights up when the semi-automatic feeder is installed in the copying machine.

ADF:, t-) - A light emitting element that is turned on when the feeder is installed in the copying machine.

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

Auto Feed: Auto feed instruction switch with built-in light emitting element.

When this switch is turned on, the light emitting element lights up, and the copying machine is set to an autofeed mode in which originals are automatically fed onto the contact glass 1 from the attached feeder.

If this switch is turned on while the light emitting element is lit, the light emitting element will turn off and the copying machine will close contact glass 1.
This is the normal mode setting where you manually place the original on top.

Power On: Power indicator light.

The light is on when the power switch (not shown) is on, and off when the power switch is off.

Interrupted/Resume: Interrupt instruction switch with 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 copy data of the copying machine (number of copies, etc.) are saved in memory, and the set number of copies is 1.
Waiting for a copy instruction. In this state, operation board 4
8 can be changed to an arbitrary setting to instruct copying (interrupt copy setting state).

When this switch is turned on while the light emitting element is lit, the data saved in the memory is read out, the operation board 48 is set based on the read data, and the internal data of the copying machine such as the number of copies has been read out. is reset.

51: 3-digit character display.

Before copying starts, the set number of copies is displayed, and after copying starts, the number of copied copies is displayed. Also used to indicate abnormalities.

0-9: Numeric keypad switch.

Switch for entering number of copies and other information.

Clear: Switch for manually entering the numeric keypad and canceling the copy setting number of copies.

Recall: Switch to read out previously stored operation board setting data.

55: Light emitting element for indicating developer shortage. It lights up when the lower limit detection switch 35, 35r, 35g or 35b is closed.

56: Light emitting element for indicating lack of cleaning liquid. It lights up when the lower limit switch 35i is closed.

57: Light emitting element for displaying check instructions.

Lights up when either the upper or lower limit switch is closed, or when there is an abnormality such as paper trouble or mechanical trouble.

53.53r, 53g, 53b: Color setting indicator lights.

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

50: Color indication switch.

When 53 is lit, when this switch is turned on, 53 goes out and 53b lights up, setting the pre-recording mode. 5
When switch 50 is turned on while 3b is lit, 5
3b goes out, 53g lights up, and the line recording mode is set. When the switch 50 is turned on while 653g is lit, 53g goes out, 53r lights up, and the red recording mode is set. When the switch 50 is turned on while 53r is lit, 53r goes out and 53 lights up, setting the black recording mode.

54: Tank 1 trouble indicator light.

It lights up 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.

It lights up when the upper and lower limit position detection switches 34r or 35r are closed or when the container 31r is empty.

54g: Third tank trouble indicator light.

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

54b: 4th tank trouble indicator light.

It lights up when the upper and lower limit position detection switches 34b or 35b are closed, or when the container 31b is empty.

541: Cleaning liquid tank trouble indicator light.

It lights up when the upper and lower limit position detection switches 344 or 35i are closed, or when the container 31i is empty.

Note that the shaded area around the indicator light 54 indicates the illumination area of the vapor trouble indicator light. 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 copying machine shown in FIG. Switches 61 such as input switches, status detection switches, status setting switches, etc. for each part of the copying machine
is connected to the microprocessor 58 via buffer amplifiers 59 and 60, and is also connected to a driver 68.

The interrupt input port INT of the microprocessor 58 has
A drum synchronization pulse generator 62 is connected. The pulse generator 62 includes a photosensor 62S that detects a light-transmitting slit in a rotary plate coupled to the photoreceptor drum 3. Every time the drum 3 rotates by a minute angle, the sensor 62S detects the transparent slit and applies one pulse to the interrupt input port INT. A/D conversion input port AD of microprocessor 58
A temperature detection circuit 63 for detecting the temperature of the fixing section of the fixing unit 24 is connected to I. The thermistor 63 generates a voltage corresponding to the temperature of the fixing section, and applies this to ADI. A/D conversion input port A of microprocessor 58
D2. A, D3. AD4 and AD5 are equipped with developer concentration detection units 36°36r, 36g and 36g, respectively.
b is connected.

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 provides light to the photoelectric conversion element 36S through the developer thin film. The electrical circuit configurations of units 36r, 36g, and 36b are also the same as that of unit 36, and AD3. In AD4 and AD5,
Voltages corresponding to the red developer concentration, green developer concentration, and blue developer concentration are applied. In the microprocessor 58.

A ROM 67, a RAM 66, and input/output boat buffer elements 64 and 65 are connected via an address bus, a control bus, and a data bus. These input/output boat buffer elements 64 and 65 include
Drivers 68-71 and drivers 72-75, respectively
is connected.

Driver 68 sequentially applies a switch state read signal to each of the Y scan lines of switch matrix 61 and sequentially applies a display element activation signal to each of Y scan lines of display element matrix 76.

Each signal on the X line of the switch matrix 61, ie, a signal indicating whether each switch is open or closed, is provided to the microprocessor 58 via buffers 59 and 60. Microprocessor 58 applies display element activation 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 Y line display energizing signal and the X line display energizing signal are simultaneously applied are lit. The driver 71 is connected to a mechanism driving element (not shown) (main motor, clutch, etc.).
Driver 72 includes electrical elements of the imaging system (lamp 10 .
chargers 4, 72, etc.), and the driver 73 is connected to electrical elements (not shown) of the paper conveyance system (clutches, etc.).
motor, etc.) are connected. The driver 74 includes electrical elements of the developer supply system, namely pumps 38 + 37.
+37r 137g, 37b, 37i, solenoid device 42°33.33r, 33g, 33b and pulse motor 45 are connected. Driver 7.5 has
Connectors are connected to devices installed in the copying machine, such as electrical elements such as feeders and sorters.

The microprocessor 58 responds to the input operations of various switches and the status of each part of the copying machine.

Various energizing signals are given to the drivers 68-75.

The control operations of a microprocessor CPU in a copying machine are well known. Therefore, the control operations of the microprocessor 58 will be explained here, focusing on the control operations that are closely related to the implementation of the present invention.

4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, and 4f show control operations of the microprocessor 58, mainly regarding developer supply control.

First, referring to FIG. 1, when the power switch (not shown) of the copying machine is turned on and the power is turned on to the microprocessor 58 and each part of the copying machine, the microprocessor 58 executes initialization (step 1: (The word ``step'' is omitted in parentheses.) In initialization 1, each element of the copying machine is first set to an inactive state, and the internal counters, timers, registers, etc. of the microprocessor 58 are initialized, and status tracking registers etc. allocated to the RAM are initialized. become Then, the display on the operation board 48 is set to the standard state, and data indicating the set state is set in the memory. In the standard state, the number of copies set is 1.
The color is black (indicator lamp 53 lit), and the indicator lamp 53 is lit to set a black flag. Then, counting of elapsed time T is started (time T count start).

When this initialization is completed, the microprocessor 58 instructs the heater driver for energizing the heater of the fixing unit 24 to energize high temperature heat generation (2). Next, the open/closed states of the state detection switches of the switch matrix 61 are checked to determine whether copying is possible (3). If it is abnormal, abnormality processing (
5) and wait until it becomes normal (3-4-5・-
3). If it is normal or becomes normal, an abnormal flag is displayed.

Clear the abnormal display etc. 6), turn on the main motor (driver 43 rotations), and turn on pump 38 (supply black developer to cleaning unit 77) (7a). In conjunction with this main motor energization and pump energization, the rollers 161 to 163 are rotationally driven in the developing device 5, and the main charger 4 is energized. The purpose of this charger biasing is to attract the toner in the developer on the surfaces of the rollers 161 to 163 to the drum 3 and collect it in the unit 9. Similarly, the bracket 78 is driven and moved to the position shown in FIG. 2b, whereby the blade 80 and the sponge roller 79 are brought into pressure contact with the drum 3 (7a). Next, the microprocessor 58 refers to whether the 1 hour T is equal to or greater than the liquid cut-off time T1, and if it is less than T1, refers to the fixing section temperature (63S output) of the fixing unit 24 (7b
). Here, if the time T is less than T1 and the fixing unit temperature is less than the set fixing temperature, wait is made and waits until the time T becomes T or more or the fixing unit temperature becomes equal to or higher than the set fixing temperature (7b) . When the time T becomes T1 or more, the developing device 5
Since the liquid drain is sufficient, and since copying is possible when the temperature of the fixing section reaches or exceeds the set fixing temperature, the microprocessor 58 refers to the state of the switch 43 in order to clean the developing device 5 (8). If it is not closed (the outlet 29 of the developing device 5 is connected to the first tank 30)
During this period, the solenoid device 42 is energized (9). As a result, the switching valve 39 is switched to connect the outlet 29 to the nozzle 44, and the switch 43 is closed. If the switch 43 is closed or becomes 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, the pulse motor 45 is reversely energized and the nozzle 44 is positioned on the pipe 47i by referring to the states of the other switches 46r, 46g, and 46b (
11). With this positioning, or nozzle 4
4 is on the pipe 47i, the pump 37i is energized during T2 to clean the developing device 5 during T2 (2)
.

During this T2, the cleaning liquid in the tank 30i is supplied to the developing device 5 and is collected in the tank 30i.

When the cleaning is finished, a count of 1 hour T is started and a cleaning completion flag is set (13).

That is, a time count is started to determine the elapse of the cleaning liquid cut-off time T1.

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

After completing the cleaning (12), the microprocessor 58 reads the status of the operation board 48 (14). If there is no input on the operation board 48, step 16-17-14
Waits for an input to the operation board 48, waits for the end cycle end time te to elapse,
It is also waiting for the key-in standby time t3 to elapse. The time te is an end cycle execution time during which the drum 3 is rotated for post-processing after starting copying and finishing the final copy. An end cycle is started when the final copy is finished, and a timer te (
program timer) is set and the process returns to step 14. Step 16 is a step that refers to the expiration of the timer te. When the time limit is exceeded (end cycle ends), end cycle is stopped (18), T3
is a set time for automatically returning to the standby state within a certain time period when there continues to be no input on the operation board after copy setting is enabled (step 12).

When the count value of time T reaches T3 after the copy setting is enabled (step 12 and copying of the set number of sheets is completed), the count value of time T reaches T3 (1
7) Switch the fixing heater to preheat energization (low temperature heat generation energization), turn on the light emitting element of the standby switch 76 19), stop the main motor, stop the pump 38 and de-energize the main charger 4. (20). and standby switch 76
The device waits for the switch to turn on (21: standby state). Even when the standby switch 76 is not in the standby state, if the standby switch 76 is turned on, this is detected in step 14, and the process proceeds from step 25 to step 1.
Proceed to step 9 and 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 and the main charger is energized.

Furthermore, the pump 38 is energized (22), and the fixing heater is energized to generate a high amount of heat (23) in the same way as in step 2, and the process proceeds to operation board reading (14).

In the operation board reading (14), the standby switch 76,
Color indication switch 26. When the operation of a key switch other than 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 setting the number of copies according to the human power of the numeric keypad.

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 from step 26 in FIG. 4a to FIG. 4b. To explain these, if 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 step 1
In the initialization of the microprocessor 58 register or RA
A black flag is set in the M66 register. Therefore, microprocessor 58 performs step 29-3.
1-33-35, and in step 35, clear the black flag and turn off the light emitting element 53, set the blue flag and turn on the light emitting element 53b, so that one switch operation is not read more than once. After waiting for the elapse of time t4 (36), the process returns to the operation board reading step (14) in FIG. 4A through the overflow processing of the developing device 30 in steps 37 to 41. When the color instruction switch 50 is operated while the blue flag is set, the microprocessor 58 executes steps 29-31.
-33-34, clear the blue flag in step 34, turn off the light emitting element 53b, set the green flag and turn on the light emitting element 53g, wait for the elapse of time t4 (36) and develop in steps 37 to 41. After the overflow processing of the device 30, the process returns to operation board reading (14) in FIG. 4a. When the color instruction switch 50 is operated while the green flag is set, the microprocessor 58 executes steps 29-31.
-32, and in step 32, the green flag is cleared and the light emitting element 53g is turned off.

Set the red flag, turn on the light emitting element 53r, wait for the elapse of time t4 (36), and then turn on the developing device 3 in steps 37 to 41.
After 0 overflow processing, the process returns to operation board reading (14) in FIG. 4a. When the color instruction switch 50 is operated while the red flag is set, the microprocessor 5
Step 8 proceeds to steps 29-30, clears the red flag in step 30, turns off the light emitting element 53r, sets the black flag and turns on the light emitting element 53, waits for the elapse of time t4 (36), and steps 37 to 8. After the overflow processing of the developing device 30 in step 41, the process returns to the operation board reading step (14) in FIG. 4a. If the color indication switch 50 is turned on continuously, the display elements 53, 53b.

53g and 53r are turned on in this order at approximately time intervals of t4. Therefore, by continuously and/or intermittently turning on the color indicating switch 50, the color is black.

Blue, green, and red can be specified.

After reading the recorded color instructions (29-36), the developing device 3
0 overflow processing (37-41), the microcomputer 58 first refers to the state of the switch 34 (37). As already explained, during the rotation of the drum 3, including during copying, the pump 38 sends the black developer to the cleaning unit 24 and collects the liquid discharged from the unit 24 into the first tank 30. During black recording, black developer is supplied from the first tank 30 to the developing device 5 and the cleaning unit 24, and is collected from the developing device 5 and the unit 24 to the first tank 30. Therefore, the developer in the first tank 30 does not substantially increase, but rather decreases due to copying. However, when recording blue, green, or red, taking red recording as an example, the red developer is supplied from the second tank 3Or to the developing device 5, and the waste liquid is collected in the second tank. The red developer that has adhered to the cleaning unit 24 and is collected by the cleaning unit 24 is collected into the first tank 30. Therefore, the amount of liquid in the first tank 30 increases. Therefore, if blue, green, or red recording is performed while the switch 34 is closed (the amount of black developer is above the upper limit), there is a risk that the developer will overflow in the first tank 30. Overflow processing of the developing device 30 (
37 to 41) are control steps to prevent such overflow in advance. That is, switch 34
is closed (liquid level in the first tank 30 is above the upper limit), (37
), turn on the first tank trouble indicator light 54 and the operator check indicator light 57 (39) - refer to the presence or absence of the black flag (40). When there is a black flag (black recording instruction), there is no problem even if you start copying, so proceed to reading the operation board (waiting for the start key switch 49 to be turned on). Since this is a recording instruction, clear all red, green, and blue flags, set the black flag, turn off indicator lights 53b, 53g, and 53r, turn on indicator light 53 (41), and proceed to operation board reading (14). . In response to the lighting of indicator lights 55 and 57, the operator
0 developer is reduced, the switch 34 is opened, and the switch 50 is operated, the microprocessor 58 proceeds to steps 14-15-25-26-reading recording color instructions-37-38 in FIG. 4b. Turn off the indicator lights 54 and 57. If the switch 37 remains closed, the 9 indicator light 54
7 is lit, and the recording color is set to black (the black flag is set).

When the operation board reading (14 in FIG. 4a) detects that the start switch 49 is closed, the microprocessor 58 proceeds to step 42 in FIG. 4C via steps 15-25-26-27. In step 42, the temperature of the fixing section of the fixing unit 24 is referred to, and it is determined whether the temperature is equal to or higher than the set fixing temperature. If it is less than K, read the operation board (1
Return to 4). Note that when it is less than K, the red light emitting element of the start switch 49 is lit, and when it is K or more, the green light emitting element is lit on the condition that the copying machine is in the operation board reading mode.

Now, if the temperature of the fixing section of the fixing unit 24 is higher than or equal to 1, the process proceeds from step 42 to step 43, and the presence or absence of the black flag is checked. If there is a black flag, the black development set of 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 in the position to supply the drained liquid of the developing device 5 to the first tank 30 side, so the fourth d
Proceed to the developer adjustment shown in the figure. When the switch 43 is closed, the switching valve 39 is in a position to supply the waste liquid from the developing device 5 to the nozzle 44, so the solenoid device 42 is energized during the period tl so as to supply the drained liquid from the developing device 5 to the first tank 30. to switch the switching valve 39 to the first tank 30 side (45), and energize the pump 37 (46).
). Then, it takes a time t to wait for the black developer from the first tank 30 to spread to the rollers 161 to 163 of the developer @5.
5 (47), and when t5 has elapsed, the process proceeds to the developer adjustment shown in FIG. 4d. In this black development set (black recording state setting), the developer that was previously in the development device 5 flows down (
It should be noted that there is no waiting time T1 to wait for the cleaning liquid to drain (liquid draining), a time t2 for supplying the cleaning liquid to the developing device 5, and a waiting time T1 for waiting for the cleaning liquid to flow down (liquid draining) after t2.

If there is no black flag, the presence or absence of a blue flag is referred to (48). If there is a blue flag, the blue development set in steps 49 to 61 is executed. Namely.

With reference to the state of the switch 43 (49), the switch 43
is closed, refer to the state of the switch 46b (52)
. When the switch 43 is closed and the switch 46b is also closed, the switching valve 49 is located on the nozzle 44 side, and the nozzle 44 is located on the pipe 47b, and the drained liquid from the developer @5 is transferred to the fourth
This means that the previous copy operation was a blue copy process, and draining and cleaning of the developing device 5 is unnecessary. , proceed directly to the developer adjustment shown in FIG. 4d. When the switch 43 is not closed, it means that the previous copy operation was a black copy process.
After waiting for the passage of T1 (50: details are shown in FIG. 4F. The explanation will be given later) to determine whether the black developer has flowed down from the developing device 5, the solenoid device 42 is energized during t1, and the switching valve 4 is activated.
9 to the nozzle 44 side (51), and refers to the cleaning completed flag (54). The presence of the cleaning completed flag indicates that the copying machine has now finished cleaning the developing device 5. Therefore, if there is a cleaning flag, the nozzle 44 is positioned on the pipe 47b (59), the pump 37b is energized (60),
In order to wait for the blue developer to spread to the rollers 161 to 163 of the developing device 5, wait for time t5 to elapse (61), and then wait for time t5 to pass (61).
After the lapse of time, the process proceeds to the developer adjustment shown in FIG. 4d. Step 5
If there is no cleaning completed flag in step 4, the developer that previously entered the developing device 5 is black.

The developing device 5 is cleaned because it is green or red and this time a blue developer is to be supplied and cleaning is required (55). This cleaning (55) is similar to cleaning (11 to 13) of the developing device shown in FIG. 4a.
The content is the same.

Note that in cleaning the developing device (55), step 13
Please note that the count of time T is started in the same way as in . Next, set the cleaned flag 5.
6) Start counting the time T 57) and wait for the elapse of T1 (58). Waiting for the elapse of r'I"l (50
, 53, 58) are shown in Figure 4f.

Now, to explain the contents of "waiting for the elapse of Tl" with reference to FIG. ), if it is not, it waits for T1, but reads the waiting opening operation board (103),
When there is an input from the operation board, step 25 in Figure 4a is performed.
and performs processing according to the input. Therefore, T1
While waiting for the elapsed time, the switch 50 is operated,
The recording color designation may be changed. If the cleaning completed flag is present when the recording color designation is changed, it means that the developing device 5 has finished cleaning and is in a clean state. If there is no cleaned flag,
Indicates that cleaning is required. This “Waiting for T1 progress J(5
0, 53 and 58) for positioning the nozzle 44 (59
), and note that the position of the nozzle 44 has not been changed to a position corresponding to the color flag. "
Even if the operation of the switch 50 was detected by reading the operation board of T1 elapsed wait J (50, 53, and 58: Fig. 4f) and the recording color (color flag) was changed, the previous color setting did not execute copying. Since the nozzle 44 is located at the developer draining position in front of the (color flag), no error occurs in positioning control of the nozzle 44. When the recording color (color flag) is changed, if there is a cleaned flag, the cleaning process (55) and waiting for cleaning liquid drain time T1 (58) in steps 55 to 58 will not be executed as described above, so the previous 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 a green flag is referred to (62). If there is a green flag, a green development set (63) is executed. This green developing set (63) is also similar to the blue developing set (49 to 61) described above. However, rJ 6 bJ in step 52 is read as rJ 6 gJ, r47bJ in step 59 is read as r47gJ, and r37b in step 60 is read as r37 gJ. 6 There is no black flag, no blue flag] or no green flag. When this happens, there is a red flag, so the red development set (64) is executed. This red developing set F-(63
) are also similar to the blue development set (49 to 61) described above.

However, r46bJ in step 52 is read as "46r", rJ 7 bJ in step 59 is read as rJ 7 rJ, and "37b" in step 60 is read as r37rJ.

When the developer set is executed as described above, the pumps 37 (step 46), 37b (step 60)
, 37g (step 63) or 37r (step 64)
) is energized, cleaning of the developing device 5 is required the next time the recorded color is changed (however, it is not necessary when changing from blue, green, or red to black), so the cleaned flag is cleared. Step 65a) and proceed to developer adjustment in step 65b and subsequent steps.

When adjusting the developer, first refer to the presence or absence of the blue flag (65b
). If this is present, the pump 37b is energized, the blue developer is supplied from the fourth tank (blue developer tank) 30b to the developing device 5, and the liquid drained from the developing device 5 is sent to the concentration detection unit 36b.
It passes through and returns to the fourth tank 30b. 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 and compared with a set value (66). If the concentration indicated by the conversion data is equal to or higher than the set value, the developer concentration is appropriate, so set (clear) the number of times n of developer supply to 0.
73a) and refer to the state of the switch 35b (73a).
b). If the switch 35b is not closed, the fourth tank 30b
Since the developer level is appropriate, the trouble indicator lights 54b, 55, and 57 are turned off (74), the number of copies change flag is cleared (75), and the process proceeds to step 81.

When the switch 35b is closed, there is a shortage of developer (at least the diluent container 32b is empty), so the indicator lights 54b and 5 are turned off.
5 and 57, 76), and the remaining number of copies is 99.
Compare with (78). If the number of remaining copies is within 99, leave it as is; if the number of remaining copies exceeds 99,
The copy setting number is updated so that the remaining number of copies is 99 (79), and the copy setting number change flag is set (80). That is, the number of copies that can be made thereafter is set to 99 or less. When the indicator light is turned on in step 76, if the set number of copies change flag is set, the set number of copies has already been changed in this way, so the set number of copies is not changed here.

As a result of the concentration detection (66), if the concentration is less than the set value, refer to the state of the switch 34b (68), and if it is closed, the developer is supplied from the container 31b to the fourth tank 30b. Since there is a possibility that the developer may overflow in the fourth tank 30b, the above-mentioned process of 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;
Referring to the value of the developer supply number n (69), if it is less than 5, the solenoid device 33b is energized for one hour t6 (70). As a result, the container 31b opens during t6,
The developer in the container 31b is supplied to the fourth tank 30b. Then, after waiting for a sufficient time t7 for the supplied developer to mix with the developer in the fourth tank and go to the developing device 5 and from there to the concentration detection unit 36b (72), the developer is supplied for the number of times n. Change the value of 72) to a number larger by 1. Concentration detection (6
6). If the concentration is still low in this concentration detection (66), the developer is supplied from the container 31b to the fourth tank 30b again (69-72). When the concentration becomes higher than the set value, the process proceeds from step 67 to step 73a,
The developer supply flow is exited, but if the concentration does not reach the set value or higher even after five times of developer supply (because there is no developer in the container 31b), the process proceeds to steps 76 to 80 to change the set number of copies.

When the above developer adjustment is executed and the process proceeds to step 81, the states of the switches 34gy34r and 344 are referred to (81). Here 34 g y 34 r or 34
If i is closed, the positioning of the nozzle 44 is abnormal and the fourth
There is a possibility that the developer being sent to the developing device 5 in the tank (blue developer tank) 30b is being sent from the developing device 5 to another tank 30ry 30g or 30i.
Proceed to. If the switches 34gt, 34r and 34i are all open, the positioning of the nozzle 44 is considered accurate;
Next, the state of the switch 34 is referred to (83). When the switch 34 is closed, a part of the blue developer transferred from the developing device 5 to the drum 3 during blue copying is collected by the cleaning unit 9, goes to the first tank (black developer tank) 30, and is transferred to the first tank (black developer tank) 30. There is a risk that the amount of developer in the first tank 30 will increase and the first tank 30 will overflow. If switch 34 is then closed, the process proceeds to step 39-41 shown in FIG. 4b, changing the color settings as previously described. When switch 34 is not closed.

Proceed to copy control in FIG. 4e.

In the above, blue developer adjustment when there is a blue flag has been explained. Green developer adjustment when there is a green flag (8
4, 85) is also the same as the blue developer adjustment. However, "36b" in step 66 is r36gJ, r34 bJ in step 68 is r34gJ, and "36b" in step 74.76 is r36gJ.
54b" is r54gJ, "33b" in step 70 is r33gJ, r35 bJ in step 73b is r35
gJ and also r34 gJ in step 81 is r34 b
Read it as J. The red developer adjustment (86, 87) when there is a red flag is the same as the blue developer adjustment. however,
"r36b" in step 66 is r36rJ, and step 6
r34 bJ of 8 is r34rJ and step 74.7
6 r54 bJ is r54rJ and step 70 r3
3bJ is r33 rJ and r35 b in step 73b
J is read as r35 rJ, and r34rJ in step 81 is read as r34 bJ. 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", "r34 b" in step 68 is "34", and step 74.76
r54bJ is "54" and r33b in step 70
” is “33”, and “35b” in step 73b is “35”.
” and add “34b” to step 81. In addition, in the case of 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 liquid recovered from the unit 41 is also returned to the first tank 30. Therefore, the amount of developer in the first tank 30 does not increase.

In fact, it will decrease. Therefore, copying can begin or continue even if switch 34 is closed. Therefore, in the black developer adjustment, if all the switches are not closed in the switch state determination corresponding to step 81, step 83 is not passed and the process directly proceeds to the copy control shown in FIG. 4e.

Copy control will be explained with reference to FIG. 4e. First, key-in reading of the operation board 48 is set (89), and an L copy cycle is started (90).

In this one copy cycle, one copying process, which is well known in a normal copying machine, is performed. If there is a key-in on the operation board 2C during this copying process, data indicating the input key switch is stored in memory. And the key-in is the color instruction switch 50
If so, the color flag at that time is stored in the save memory as the previous color flag, and the process shown in FIG. 4b is executed. When you execute this, the color currently being copied (previous color flag) will be different from the color flag you just set.

After completing one copy cycle (90), check whether the color flag has been changed or not (92).

If not changed, the contents of the copied number register will be set to 1.
The register is updated to a larger number (93), and the contents of the register are compared with the contents of the copy setting number register (94). The number of copied pages must be greater than or equal to the set number.

Also, since copying processing (90) is necessary, the status of each part of the copying machine is read (95), and it is determined whether or not copying processing can be continued. 97
). If it can be continued, the beginning of copy control (89
). If the number of copies has exceeded the set number, or if the color flag has been changed during one copy cycle (90), an end cycle for post-processing is set (98), and the end cycle is determined to be completed. nite
Set the timer (99) and de-energize the developer supply pumps 37.37r, 37g and 37b.
), and starts counting the time T (101.). Then, the process returns to operation board reading (14) in FIG. 4a. By deenergizing the pumps 37, 37r, 37g, and 37b, the developer supply to the developing device 5 is stopped, and the developing device 5
The developer is in developer tank 30.30r, 30g or 30b.
It flows down under its own weight. In other words, draining of the developer has started. The count value of time T therefore indicates the duration of draining. It also shows the elapsed time from the end of copying.

Finish copying as above and read the operation board (14)
When it returns to step 14-15-16-17-14
Then, it waits for an input to the operation board 48, waits for the end cycle to end (timer te times out), and waits for time t3 to elapse. Furthermore, ta
>te. If there is an input on the operation board 48 before te has elapsed, the control from step 25 described above is started. When there is no input on the operation board 48 and te has elapsed, 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 main charger 4 is deenergized. After that, when t3 elapses, set the standby state.19.
20) After that, wait for the standby switch 7 days to be turned on (21).

When the standby switch 76 is turned on, the main motor is rotated, the pump 38 is energized, the main charger 4 is energized (22), the fixing heater is energized to generate high heat 23), and the operation board is read (14). Proceed to.

The main control operations of the microprocessor 58 explained above are summarized as follows.

(1) Setting the recording color to black when the power is turned on. The black flag should be set in the initialization immediately after the power is turned on.2) First, black recording is set in the memory. It is presumed that in this type of copying machine, the probability of black record copying is the highest. Therefore, the recording color in the standard copy conditions is black. However, there is a possibility that the setting of another color will be instructed by the subsequent operation board input, and if the supply of black developer to the developing device 5 is started,
It becomes necessary to stop the supply of the black developer, wait for the black developer to drain T1y for cleaning t2, and wait for the cleaning liquid to drain T1, reducing the operating efficiency of the copying machine. Therefore, even if the recording color black is set in the memory, the developer is not supplied to the developing device 5.

(2) Standby immediately after turning on the power. When the power is turned on, it starts counting the time T. 2) Check whether 1 hour T becomes TI or not.
Alternatively, wait until the temperature of the fixing section of the fixing unit 24 reaches the fixing temperature (7b).

By the time the power is turned on, the drain time T1 of the developer used for the previous copy may or may not have elapsed. Turn off the copier after completing the end cycle.

It is explained in the operating manual and elsewhere that when the power is turned off normally (power off after the end cycle), T1 has elapsed before the power is turned off, so when the power is turned on again, it is necessary to allow the liquid cut-off time T1. There isn't. However, although the probability is low, the power may be turned off during copying or immediately after copying is complete.
Then, the power may be turned on again before T1 elapses. Therefore, in this embodiment, as a general rule, a liquid draining time of T1 is uniformly set from the time the power is turned on. When the power is turned on when the fixing unit 24 is at room temperature.

The time it takes for the temperature of the fixing unit to rise to the set fixing temperature is longer than T1. Therefore, even if the liquid drain time of T1 is set immediately after the power is turned on, the operating efficiency of the copying machine will be significantly reduced. There isn't. However, when the power is cut off after the end cycle after the previous copy and then turned on again immediately (the probability of the power being turned on in this mode is high), the temperature of the fuser section is high and the Since the liquid cut-off time T1 has elapsed since the end of copying, it is not necessary to wait for T1 to elapse after the power is turned on.

(3) Cleaning after draining the developer. During the standby period (2) above, the developer in the developing device 5 has sufficiently flowed out. Further, immediately after the standby, the key-in of the operation board 48 does not necessarily occur immediately, and it is not known what recording color will be specified. If the power is turned on when the fixing unit 24 is at room temperature (for example, when the power is turned on first thing in the morning), the temperature of the fixing section 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 energized to attract the toner on the roller of the developing device 5 to the photosensitive drum 3 and remove it from the roller. As the main charger 4 is energized, the toner on the roller of the developing device 5 is attracted to the photosensitive drum 3, so that the amount of dirt on the cleaning liquid is reduced accordingly.

(4) Waiting for the liquid to drain after cleaning. When the cleaning is finished, a time period T1 required for the cleaning liquid to sufficiently flow out of the developing device 5 is waited for. During this time, the operation board is read (13, 14).

(5) Setting recording color. Reading the operation board (14°103
), when the operation of the color instruction switch is read, the recording color is set correspondingly (29 to 41).

In setting the recording color, if the developer level in the black developer tank 30 is equal to or higher than the upper limit, only black is set without setting a recording color other than black. this is.

This is to prevent overflow of the developer in the first tank 30.

(6) When the operation of the start switch 49 is read by the operation board reader (14, 103), the developer set (42 to 46
4: Supplying the developer to the developing device 5), then adjusting the developer (65b to 83), and then copying (8
Proceed to steps 9 to 101).

(7) In the developing set of (6) above, compare the actual developer supply setting and the currently required developer supply. (7-1) If the two match, proceed to liquid adjustment. As a result, when the recording color designation is not changed, the copying operation is immediately started in response to the operation of the start key switch, as in a normal monochrome copying machine. If the two do not match, (7-2A) If the color of the developer supply setting required this time is red, green, or blue, (7-2A-1) Wait until the drain time T1 of the previously used developer has elapsed (50 , 53), then performs cleaning 55), and then waits for the cleaning liquid drain time T1 to elapse (58). Then proceed to developer adjustment.

(7-2A-2) When there is a cleaning completed flag, this means that the developing device 5 has just been cleaned.

Waiting for the draining time T1 of the previously used developer to elapse (5o).

53) and cleaning execution (55),
The process waits for the cleaning liquid drain time T1 to elapse (58).

(7-2A-3) When waiting for the wave cut time T1 to elapse, the operation board is read (103), and if there is an input, the process proceeds 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 (7-2, i-3) are not executed. Therefore, the time from the black instruction input operation to the start of black copying is much shorter than for other colors. This is the same as in the case of a normal monochrome copying machine.

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

(8) In the developer adjustment described in (6) above, if the developer concentration is insufficient, the developer is supplied from the developer container to the T51 developer tank, but even if this is done, if the 1 degree is low, the copy setting The number of sheets is changed to a value such that the number of actual copies after that is 99 or less. Furthermore, when the developer level in the developer tank is low, the set number of copies is changed in the same way. This is done in order to limit the number of subsequent copies to 99 copies that can be made with acceptable quality when the concentration of the developer is insufficient or the amount of the developer is insufficient.

(9) In the developer adjustment described in (6) above, if the liquid level in the developer tank and cleaning liquid tank that store developer of a color different from the set recording color exceeds the upper limit, the recovered developer The supply direction is determined to be abnormal (an abnormal switching of the switching valve 39 or an abnormal positioning of the nozzle 44), and the process proceeds to abnormal processing.
Copying will not start.

(10) In the developer adjustment described in (6) above, the set color is red.

If the developer level in the black developing solution tank 3o is above the upper limit (83) when the color is green or blue, the set color is changed to black and the process returns to the operation board reading (14). When the set color is black, the set color is not changed and the process does not return to reading the operation board.

This is done to prevent the 11th tank 30 from overflowing.

(1),) The operation board is read during one copy cycle, and if there is an input, it is stored in memory. After one copy cycle is completed, the memory is referred to and if the recording color instruction has been changed (92), the end cycle is cleared and the process returns to the operation board reading (14).

(j2) When copying is finished, a timer is set to determine the end of the end cycle (99), and a timer is set to count the unused (non-use) time after copying is completed.
Time T counting is started in order to monitor the outflow (liquid drainage) of the developer at A station 5 (1OL).

The developer supply system to the developing device 5 and the current blood collection 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 the liquid to drain or perform cleaning, etc., so this kind of waste can be prevented. This is to do so.

After that, input the operation board (start switch 49 on)
When the timer te elapses without any error, the end cycle stops (
When the drum 3 stops rotating, etc.) (18), and the set standby time t3 elapses without any input from the operation board, the copying machine enters a standby state (low heat generation of the fixing heater, etc.) (19).
~21). When the standby state is reached, press the standby switch 7.
If switch 76 is not operated, the operation board reading (14) does not proceed (21 to 23), but when the switch 76 is operated before the standby state or while the switch 76 is in the standby state, the operation board reading (14) proceeds. If there is a change in the recording color [from black to red, green, or blue, or from red, green, or blue to any other color (except black)], the above Referring to the time T count value, cleaning is started on the condition (50, 53) that the time T count value becomes T1 or more (54.55). Therefore, the start of counting the time T after the end of copying (101) has the effect of shortening the waiting time when changing the recording color thereafter, compared to the case where the liquid draining waiting time is newly set.

(13) During cleaning (12, 55), operation board reading (14, 103) is not executed, and during liquid drain standby (50, 53, 58) before or after cleaning, operation board reading (
103) is executed. This is because the cleaning time t2 is relatively short (for example, T2 is about 5 seconds), so it does not take a long time to wait for the completion of cleaning, and since you can set any recording color after cleaning, you can clean it once. This is because it is reasonable that once it starts, it will end completely. In addition, the liquid draining standby time T1 is relatively long (
For example, T1 is approximately L5 sec), during which time the operator may want to change the recording color, so the operation board reading (
103), and even if there is an input from the operation board and processing is performed accordingly, it is sufficient to continue counting the time T during that time, and the continuity of the liquid draining standby can be maintained.

(14) When cleaning (12, 55) is executed, a cleaning completed flag is set, indicating that the developing device 5 remains cleaned. Moreover, when the developer supply pump 37, 37r, 37g or 37b is activated after that,
Clear the cleaned flag (65a). Then change the recording color (red.

If there is a cleaning flag when switching from green or blue to black (excluding the switching plug to a different color), the draining function and cleaning of the previous developer will be omitted, and only the cleaning liquid will be on standby, and then a new developer will be installed. Start supplying. This is effective in shortening waiting time. In particular, when the recording color designation is changed by reading the operation board (103) while waiting for the cleaning liquid to drain (58), the waiting time until the start of copying is It has a shortening effect.

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the above example,
Since it does not have a standby power source to back up the memory when the power is turned off, the liquid drain time T1 is set once when the power is turned on.
After removing the image, I clean it and initialize the developing device. In an embodiment that backs up a counter, a microprocessor, or a microprocessor and RAM that performs a time T count using standby@power, steps 7b to 13 described above are omitted, and the time from turning on the power to starting copying is Make it shorter. In addition, even in this case, if the power switch is left for a long time with the power switch turned off, an automatic cleaning control is included in which cleaning is performed once after a predetermined period of time after the power switch is turned off. According to this, solidification of the developer on the rollers and the like in the developing device 5 is prevented. Furthermore, in an embodiment that includes a standby power source as described above and retains necessary data even when the power switch is off, three or all of the nozzle 44 position detection switches 46 may be omitted. In that case, when three are omitted, for example, only one 46i is left and used for detecting the home position. If all four are omitted, remove the nozzle 44 when assembling the device.
is positioned on a specific one of the pipes 47 (for example, 471), and the nozzle position data is set in a memory backed up by a standby power supply.After that, the nozzle position is adjusted every forward and reverse step of the pulse motor 45. Performs location tracking to update data. By using similar control to track the position of the switching valve 39, the switch 43 can also be omitted.

The copying machine described with reference to the drawings is a monochromatic color copier. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a paper transport mechanism that selectively guides paper from the exit of the fixing device 24 to the entrance of the registration roller 22, and also includes a paper transport mechanism that selectively guides the paper from the exit of the fixing device 24 to the entrance of the registration roller 22. Filter units made of filter plates are arranged and stacked to form a full-color copying machine. In this case, when full color is specified, one copy of cyan C, magenta M, and yellow, for example, is made in the required order.
While returning a sheet of recording paper from the fixing device 24 to the registration roller 22 in a predetermined order,
Execution is performed sequentially while switching the filter plates in the exposure path. In this way, the present invention can be directly implemented in a full-color copying machine.

Furthermore, although the above description relates to a color copying machine using a wet development method, the present invention can be similarly applied to a color copying machine using a dry development method. In the case of a color copying machine using a dry development method, the cleaning agent is a powder that absorbs toner, or the cleaning agent is a powder that absorbs toner.

A solvent capable of dissolving or dispersing the toner.

The present invention can also be implemented in inkjet printers and other types of recording devices that apply a recording medium to a facing surface. For example, a conventional color inkjet printer typically has three ink jet heads, one for magenta and one for cyan.

Ink such as yellow is supplied individually, but according to the present invention, each color ink is supplied to one ink jet head. selectively supplying ink or cleaning liquid to the ink jet head from each color ink tank and cleaning liquid tank;
The ink or cleaning liquid captured in 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 use state of the developing side of a developing device such as a developing device that applies a developing agent such as a developer to the opposing surface, and the indicated color of a color indicating means such as a color indicating switch. Compare the
When the developing agent in the developing device is black and the indicated color is not black, the developing device is cleaned and then the developing agent of the indicated color is supplied. Since there is no mixing of black developer and there is no smudge, the recorded color of the indicated color is vivid and the copy quality is improved.

It does not require a lot of preliminary equipment and effort, such as having developing devices for each color and setting the developing device containing the developer of the desired color into the copying machine by the operator.

In addition, the developer recovered from the developing device is free of dirt and can be reused, reducing developer consumption.Since there is no accumulation of dirt during use, it is possible to reuse the developer. It can last for a long time.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram mainly showing the structure of the mechanical part of an 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 the same as shown in FIG. 1. 3 is a sectional view showing the inside of the cleaning unit 9. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electrical control system of this embodiment. 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, and 4f illustrate the microprocessor 58 shown in FIG.
3 is a flowchart showing the control operation of FIG. 1: Contact glass 2: Pressure plate 3: Photosensitive drum 4: Main charger 5: Developing device (developing device) 7: Transfer charger 8: Molecular i-L knit 9: Cleaning unit 10: Lamp
11, 12, 13, 15: Mirror 14: Lens unit 16: Recording paper cassette 17: Paper feed roller
22 Ni registration roller 24: Fixing unit 2
7: Paper discharge tray 28: Liquid population of the developing device 29: Liquid outlet 30: Black developer tank (first tank) 30r: Red developer tank (
2nd tank) 30g: Green developer tank (3rd tank) 30b: Blue developer tank (4th tank) 301: Cleaning liquid tank (cleaning agent tank) 31', 31r, 31g, 31b: Developer container 32. 32r, 32g, 32b: Diluent container 3
21: Cleaning liquid 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: first supply means, 37r: second
Supply means) 371: Cleaning liquid supply pump (cleaning agent supply means) 38 Ni drum cleaning liquid supply pump 39: Switching valve, 44: Switching nozzle (39, 44, 45: Switching means) 4
0 Ni drum cleaning liquid inlet 41 Ni drum cleaning liquid outlet 43: Position detection switch 45: Pulse motor 46:
Nozzle position detection switch (43, 46, 58: status monitoring means) 47: Pipe for collecting liquid receiver 48: Operation board (input means) 49 Nyster switch 50: Color indication switch (color indication means) 51: 3-digit segment display 53.53b, 53g, 53r, 54, 54r, 54g
, 54b, 54i, 55-57: Indicator light 58: Microprocessor (development side supply control means) 62
Nidram synchronous pulse generator 63: Fixing temperature detection circuit

Claims (7)

[Claims] (1) In a recording device equipped with a developing device that applies a developer to the opposing surface: a first tank containing a black developer; a second tank containing a developer of another color; a developer cleaning agent a cleaning agent tank containing; a first supply means for supplying the developing agent in the first tank to the developing device; a second supplying means for supplying the developing agent in the second tank to the developing device; cleaning the cleaning agent tank; cleaning agent supply means for supplying the agent to the developing device; switching means for selectively supplying the agent of the developing device to the first tank, the second tank, and the cleaning agent tank; a color indicating means for indicating the recording color and a recording start instruction Input means comprising means; Status monitoring means for monitoring the developer supply status of the developing device; Referring to the indicated color of the color indicating unit and the developer supply status obtained by the status monitoring unit, the developer supply status is determined to be black. When the indicated color is another color, 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 canceled and the second supply means is instructed to supply. A recording device comprising: developer supply control means for instructing the switching means to supply the developer to the second tank. (2) The recording according to claim 1, wherein the developer supply control means instructs the second supply means to start the recording after receiving a recording start instruction from the recording start instruction means. Device. (3) The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the developer supply control means releases the instruction to supply the developer to the second supply means after the recording process for the set number of sheets is completed. (4) The developer supply control means instructs the first supply means to supply at the start of black recording, releases the instruction to the first supply means after finishing black recording of the set number of sheets, starts time counting, and When the indicating means indicates another color, after the time count value reaches a predetermined value, it instructs the cleaning liquid supply means to supply the cleaning liquid, instructs the switching means to supply the cleaning agent to the cleaning agent tank, starts time counting, and changes the count value. When the value reaches a predetermined value, these instructions are canceled and the second
The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the recording device instructs the supplying means to supply and instructs the switching means to supply to the second tank. (5) The recording device includes a photoreceptor, a means for forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to image light on the photoreceptor, a developing device for developing the electrostatic latent image into a visible image, and a transfer of the visible image onto a recording sheet. This is an electrophotographic recording apparatus including a cleaning means for cleaning the surface of the photoreceptor after transfer, and the developing device is the developing device. A recording device according to claim (1). (6) The recording apparatus according to claim (5), wherein the cleaning means includes a collecting agent supplying means for returning the collecting agent to the first tank. (7) The first tank includes a developer amount detection means, and the developer supply control means ignores when the color indication means indicates another color when the developer amount detection means detects an excessive amount. A recording device according to claim (6).