Image forming system, developer exchange method, and cleaning developer container

Abstract

An image forming system, a developer exchange method, and a cleaning developer accommodating portion, the image forming system including: a photoreceptor having a surface on which an electrostatic latent image based on a difference in charge potential is formed; a developing device that is provided facing the photoreceptor, accommodates toners of different colors, and develops the electrostatic latent image; a developer accommodating portion accommodating a toner of a conventional color or a toner of a special color other than the conventional color and a developer of the carrier and a developer of a different color; a supply passage that supplies the developer from the developer accommodating portion to the developing device; and a processor that executes: a discharge mode of discharging the developer before exchange between the supply passage and the inside of the developing device, in a case where a cleaning developer accommodating portion that accommodates the cleaning developer including the exchanged toner of the new color and a larger amount of the carrier than the conventional amount of the carrier is attached to the supply passage, a discharge mode of discharging the developer before exchange between the supply passage and the inside of the developing device, and a discharge mode of discharging the developer after exchange between the supply passage and the inside of the developing device; and a replacement mode for replacing the inside of the supply channel and the developing device with the cleaning developer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming system, a developer exchanging method, and a developer containing portion for cleaning. Background Art

[0002] The following patent document 1 discloses an image forming device that can load and unload multiple types of boxes, the boxes including multiple processing components for image formation and a storage medium for storing information. The image forming device has: a storage unit that stores multiple setting information for setting image forming conditions based on multiple characteristics of the boxes; and a control unit that sets the image forming conditions based on information related to the usage of each of the multiple types of boxes and information stored in the storage medium for selecting the setting information of the boxes.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-106692 Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system and a developer exchanging method that do not require exchanging at least a supply path and a developing device as components other than the developer accommodating portion when the developer accommodating portion is replaced with another developer accommodating portion that accommodates a developer of a different color.

[0005] The image forming system involved in the first embodiment comprises: a plurality of photosensitive bodies, on the surfaces of which electrostatic latent images are formed based on a difference in charged potential; a plurality of developing devices, which are arranged opposite to the photosensitive bodies and respectively contain toners of different colors, and develop the electrostatic latent images with the toners; a plurality of developer accommodating sections, respectively containing developers including toners of any one of regular colors of yellow, magenta, cyan and black or toners of special colors other than the regular colors and carriers, and the developers are of different colors; a plurality of supply channels, which respectively supply the developers from the developer accommodating sections to the developing devices; and at least one processor, which executes the following modes: an ejection mode, in which, when a cleaning developer accommodating section containing a cleaning developer including a toner of a new color to be replaced and a larger amount of the carrier than the regular amount is installed in the supply channel, the developer before the replacement is ejected from the supply channel and the interior of the developing device by supplying the cleaning developer; and a replacement mode, in which the supply channel and the interior of the developing device are replaced with the cleaning developer.

[0006] In the image forming system according to a second aspect, in the image forming system according to the first aspect, the processor performs the ejection mode and the replacement mode simultaneously.

[0007] The image forming system according to the third aspect is configured such that, in the image forming system according to the first aspect or the second aspect, when the cleaning developer container is attached to the supply path, the supply path, the developing device, and the photoreceptor continue to be used.

[0008] The image forming system involved in the fourth embodiment is an image forming system described in any one of the first to third embodiments, wherein the upstream side of the developing device in the rotation direction of the photosensitive body includes a charging roller for charging the surface of the photosensitive body by applying a voltage obtained by superimposing an AC voltage on a DC voltage.

[0009] The image forming system involved in the 5th mode is configured as follows in the image forming system described in any one of the 1st to 4th modes: after the supply channel and the interior of the developing device are replaced with the cleaning developer, the cleaning developer accommodating portion is replaced with a developer accommodating portion that accommodates the new color toner and the regular amount of carrier as the exchange object.

[0010] The image forming system according to the sixth aspect is configured such that, in the image forming system according to the fifth aspect, when the cleaning developer accommodating portion is replaced with the developer accommodating portion to be replaced, the supply path, the developing device, and the photoreceptor continue to be used.

[0011] The image forming system involved in the 7th mode is an image forming system described in any one of the 1st to 6th modes, wherein the ejection mode and the replacement mode are performed in the following cases: the case where the developer accommodating portion including the conventional color toner is replaced with the developer accommodating portion of the exchange object including the special color toner, the case where the developer accommodating portion including the special color toner is replaced with the developer accommodating portion of the exchange object including the conventional color toner, or the case where the developer accommodating portion including the special color toner is replaced with the developer accommodating portion of the exchange object including the different special color toner.

[0012] The image forming system according to the eighth aspect is the image forming system according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the cleaning developer accommodating portion accommodates the carrier in a weight ratio twice or more of the normal amount of the carrier in the interior of the developer accommodating portion.

[0013] In the image forming system involved in the 9th mode, in the image forming system described in any one of the 1st to 8th modes, the ejection mode includes the following actions: the toner is attached from the developing device to the surface of the photosensitive body by the rotation of the photosensitive body to form a toner image, and the surface of the photosensitive body is cleaned by a cleaning component.

[0014] In the image forming system according to a tenth aspect, in the image forming system according to the ninth aspect, the toner image is formed outside a range where the recording medium passes relative to the photoreceptor.

[0015] In the image forming system according to the eleventh aspect, in the image forming system according to the ninth aspect or the tenth aspect, the toner image is a halftone toner image having a 30% to 60% halftone ratio.

[0016] The developer exchange method involved in the 12th embodiment is a developer exchange method in an image forming system, wherein the image forming system comprises: a plurality of photosensitive bodies, on the surfaces of which electrostatic latent images are formed based on a difference in charged potential; a plurality of developing devices, which are arranged opposite to the photosensitive bodies and respectively contain toners of different colors, and develop the electrostatic latent images with the toners; a plurality of developer accommodating sections, which respectively contain developers including toners of any one of regular colors of yellow, magenta, cyan and black or toners of special colors other than the regular colors and carriers, and the developers are of different colors; and a plurality of supply channels, which respectively supply the developers from the developer accommodating sections to the developing devices, the developer exchange method comprising the following steps: installing a cleaning developer accommodating section, which contains a cleaning developer including a toner of a new color to be exchanged and a larger amount of the carrier than the regular amount, on the supply channel, and ejecting the developer before the exchange from the supply channel and the interior of the developing device by supplying the cleaning developer; and replacing the interior of the supply channel and the developing device with the cleaning developer.

[0017] A developer replacement method according to a thirteenth aspect is the developer replacement method according to the twelfth aspect, further comprising the step of: continuing to use the photoreceptor, the developing device, and the supply passage while the cleaning developer container is attached to the supply passage.

[0018] The developer exchange method involved in the 14th embodiment includes the following steps in the developer exchange method described in the 12th embodiment or the 13th embodiment: after the supply channel and the interior of the developing device are replaced with the cleaning developer, the cleaning developer accommodating portion is replaced with the developer accommodating portion of the exchange object that accommodates the new color toner and the regular amount of carrier.

[0019] A developer replacement method according to a fifteenth aspect is the developer replacement method according to the fourteenth aspect, further comprising: when the cleaning developer accommodating portion is replaced with the developer accommodating portion to be replaced, continuing to use the supply passage, the developing device, and the photosensitive member.

[0020] The cleaning developer accommodating portion according to the sixteenth aspect accommodates a cleaning developer including a toner of a new color to be replaced and a larger amount of the carrier than a normal amount of the carrier accommodated in the developer accommodating portion.

[0021] Effects of the Invention

[0022] According to the image forming system of the first aspect, when the developer accommodating portion is replaced with another developer accommodating portion accommodating a developer including a toner of a different color, it is unnecessary to replace at least the supply passage and the developing device as components other than the developer accommodating portion.

[0023] According to the image forming system of the second aspect, compared with the case where the discharge mode and the replacement mode are performed sequentially, the developer before the supply passage and the inside of the developing device are replaced with the cleaning developer smoothly.

[0024] According to the image forming system of the third aspect, when the developer accommodating portion is replaced with another developer accommodating portion that accommodates developer of a different color, it is not necessary to replace the supply path, the developing device, and the photoreceptor.

[0025] According to the image forming system according to the fourth aspect, even in a configuration in which discharge products are likely to increase on the surface of the photoreceptor due to the charging roller, the photoreceptor can continue to be used.

[0026] According to the image forming system according to the fifth aspect, image quality is stabilized compared to a case where the cleaning developer accommodating portion is directly used when forming an image.

[0027] According to the image forming system according to the sixth aspect, it is unnecessary to replace the supply path, the developing device, and the photoreceptor.

[0028] According to the image forming system of the seventh aspect, when the developer accommodating portion is replaced with another developer accommodating portion accommodating a developer including a toner of a different color, it is not necessary to replace at least the supply passage and the developing device as components other than the developer accommodating portion.

[0029] According to the image forming system involved in the eighth aspect, compared with a case where the cleaning developer accommodating portion accommodates a carrier less than twice the weight ratio of the normal amount of carrier inside the developer accommodating portion, it is easier to replace the developer before exchange with the cleaning developer.

[0030] According to the image forming system of the ninth aspect, the toner image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor is removed by the cleaning member, thereby enabling rapid discharge of the developer before replacement.

[0031] According to the image forming system of the tenth aspect, compared with the case where a toner image is formed within the range in which the recording medium is passed, the discharge of the developer before the replacement can be completed earlier.

[0032] According to the image forming system involved in the 11th method, the time spent on ejecting the developer before exchange is suppressed compared to the case where a halftone toner image of less than 30% is formed, and the toner clogging when recovering the toner image removed by the cleaning component is suppressed compared to the case where a halftone toner image of more than 60% is formed.

[0033] According to the developer replacement method of the twelfth aspect, when the developer accommodating portion is replaced with another developer accommodating portion that accommodates developer including toner of a different color, it is unnecessary to replace at least the supply passage and the developing device as components other than the developer accommodating portion.

[0034] According to the developer replacement method of the thirteenth aspect, when the developer accommodating portion is replaced with another developer accommodating portion that accommodates developer of a different color, it is not necessary to replace the supply path, the developing device, and the photoreceptor.

[0035] According to the developer replacement method according to the fourteenth aspect, image quality is stabilized compared to the case where the cleaning developer accommodating portion is directly used when forming an image.

[0036] According to the developer replacement method of the fifteenth aspect, it is unnecessary to replace the supply path, the developing device, and the photoreceptor.

[0037] According to the cleaning developer accommodating portion of the sixteenth aspect, by using the cleaning developer accommodating portion, the developer in the supply passage and the inside of the developing device can be ejected and replaced with the cleaning developer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the image forming system according to the first embodiment as viewed from the front side;

[0040] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram showing a developing device used in the image forming system according to the first embodiment;

[0041] Figure 3is a schematic structural diagram showing a developer cartridge and a supply passage used in the image forming system according to the first embodiment;

[0042] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming system according to the first embodiment;

[0043] Figure 5 A structural diagram showing an example of replacing a developer cartridge containing a toner of a spot color with a replacement developer cartridge containing a toner of another spot color in the image forming system according to the first embodiment;

[0044] Figure 6 This is a process diagram showing an example of a developer replacement method in the image forming system according to the first embodiment;

[0045] Figure 7 This is a structural diagram showing an example of the sequence of attaching a developer cartridge to a supply path in the image forming system according to the first embodiment;

[0046] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a toner image formed on the surface of a photoreceptor in the ejection mode in the image forming system according to the first embodiment;

[0047] Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the image forming system according to the first embodiment.

[0048] Explanation of symbols

[0049] 10-image forming system, 22-photoreceptor, 24-charging roller, 28A-cleaning blade (an example of a cleaning component), 28B-cleaning brush (an example of a cleaning component), 70-control unit, 100-developing device, 152-developer box (an example of a developer accommodating unit), 152S1-developer box (an example of a developer accommodating unit), 152S2-developer box (an example of a developer accommodating unit to be replaced), 154-supply channel, 182S2-cleaning developer box (an example of a cleaning developer accommodating unit), 211-CPU (an example of a processor), 320-toner image, CA-carrier, G2-cleaning developer, G-developer, P-paper (an example of a recording medium), S1-spot color (an example of a special color), S2-spot color (an example of a different special color), T-toner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] An example embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the direction indicated by arrow X in the accompanying drawings is the device width direction, and the direction indicated by arrow Y is the device height direction. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the device width and height directions (arrow Z direction) is the device depth direction.

[0051] [First embodiment]

[0052] exist Figure 1 1 shows an image forming system 10 according to the first embodiment. First, the image forming system 10 according to the first embodiment (see FIG. Figure 1 Next, the developing device 100 and the developer supplying device 150 will be described.

[0053] <Overall Structure of Image Forming System>

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, the image forming system 10 is an electrophotographic apparatus including a recording medium storage unit 12 , a toner image forming unit 14 , a transfer device 16 , a recording medium transport device 18 , a fixing device 20 , and a control unit 70 .

[0055] The recording medium storage section 12 has a function of storing paper P, which is an example of a recording medium. Although not shown, the recording medium storage section 12 may have a plurality of storage sections for storing a plurality of types of paper P.

[0056] The toner image forming unit 14 has a function of performing the steps of charging, exposure, and development to form a toner image held by the intermediate transfer belt 30 (described later) constituting the transfer device 16. As an example, the toner image forming unit 14 includes monochrome units 21Y, 21M, 21C, 21K, and 21S that form toner images on the respective photoreceptors 22 using toners of different colors (Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), K (black), and a spot color (S)). Furthermore, the toner image forming unit 14 can form a toner image composed of a plurality of colors, for example, based on image data. Toners of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) are examples of toners of normal colors. Toners of a spot color (S) are examples of toners of special colors, and are toners of colors other than Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black). As the toner of the spot color (S), for example, white (W), clear color (CR, transparent color), gold, silver, or the like toner is used.

[0057] The monochrome units 21Y, 21M, 21C, 21K, and 21S have identical structures, except for the color of the toner images they form. Below, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the monochrome units 21Y, 21M, 21C, 21K, and 21S and their components, the letters (Y, M, C, K, and S) of the monochrome units 21Y, 21M, 21C, 21K, and 21S will be omitted for clarity. Each monochrome unit 21 includes a photoreceptor 22, a charging roller 24, an exposure device 26, a developing device 100, and a cleaning device 28.

[0058] The charging roller 24 charges the surface of the photoreceptor 22 by applying a voltage obtained by superimposing an AC voltage on a DC voltage. The charging roller 24 is located upstream of the developing device 100 in the direction of rotation of the photoreceptor 22 as indicated by the arrow. Furthermore, the cleaning device 28 includes a cleaning blade 28A that contacts the surface of the photoreceptor 22 and a cleaning brush 28B that contacts the surface of the photoreceptor 22 upstream of the cleaning blade 28A. The cleaning blade 28A and the cleaning brush 28B are examples of cleaning components. The cleaning device 28 is located downstream of the transfer position of the toner image in the direction of rotation of the photoreceptor 22. The cleaning blade 28A and the cleaning brush 28B remove the toner remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor 22.

[0059] The transfer device 16 has the function of retaining the toner images of each color formed by each monochrome unit 21 and transferring them to the conveyed paper P. The transfer device 16 includes an intermediate transfer belt 30, five transfer rollers 32, a drive roller 38, a secondary transfer unit 36, a tension roller 34, and a cleaning device 80. The intermediate transfer belt 30 is endless. The five transfer rollers 32 sandwich the intermediate transfer belt 30, forming a nip with each photoreceptor 22. The intermediate transfer belt 30 is circulated in the direction indicated by the arrow by the drive roller 38. For example, the monochrome units 21S, 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K are arranged from upstream to downstream in the circling direction of the intermediate transfer belt 30. As a result, the toner images formed on the photoreceptor 22 by the monochrome units 21S, 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 30 in an overlapping manner by the transfer rollers 32.

[0060] The secondary transfer section 36 includes a transfer roller 54 that contacts the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 30 that holds the toner image, and an opposing roller 56 that is disposed opposite the transfer roller 54 with the intermediate transfer belt 30 interposed therebetween. In the secondary transfer section 36, the toner images of each color held on the intermediate transfer belt 30 are transferred onto the conveyed paper P. A cleaning device 80 is disposed downstream of the secondary transfer section 36 in the direction of the intermediate transfer belt 30's movement. The cleaning device 80 includes a cleaning blade 80A and a cleaning brush 80B that contact the intermediate transfer belt 30. The cleaning blade 80A and the cleaning brush 80B remove residual toner from the intermediate transfer belt 30.

[0061] The recording medium transport device 18 has the function of transporting the paper P so that it passes through the nip N1 of the secondary transfer unit 36 ​​and the nip N2 of the fixing device 20. The recording medium transport device 18 includes a plurality of transport rollers 44 and a transport belt 46. The transport rollers 44 are composed of a pair of rollers. The transport rollers 44 transport the paper P stored in the recording medium storage unit 12 along the transport path 18A.

[0062] The conveyor belt 46 is an endless belt wound around a pair of spaced rollers. The conveyor belt 46 is located downstream of the secondary transfer unit 36 ​​and upstream of the fixing device 20 in the direction in which the paper P is conveyed. The conveyor belt 46 conveys the paper P, to which the toner image has been transferred by the secondary transfer unit 36, along the conveyance path 18A to the fixing device 50.

[0063] The fixing device 20 has the function of fixing the toner image transferred (secondarily transferred) onto the paper P by the transfer device 16 in the nip portion N2. The fixing device 20 includes a heating section 62, which is circulated by an endless conveyor belt, and a pressure roller 64, which is in pressure contact with the heating section 62. When the paper P is conveyed to the nip portion N2 between the heating section 62 and the pressure roller 64, the toner image on the paper P is fixed by the application of heat and pressure.

[0064] The control unit 70 has the function of controlling each unit of the image forming system 10. For example, the control unit 70 controls each unit of the image forming system 10 (causing each unit to perform its respective operations) based on image formation data received from an external device (not shown). The image formation data includes image data (image information) for forming a toner image in each monochrome unit 21 and other data required for image formation operations.

[0065] The image forming system 10 also includes a density sensor 72 for detecting the density of the toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 30, located downstream of the monochrome units 21S, 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K in the direction of the intermediate transfer belt 30. The density sensor 72 is, for example, a reflective optical sensor having a light emitting element and a light receiving element.

[0066] <Image Forming System Operation>

[0067] Next, the operation of the image forming system 10 will be described.

[0068] The control unit 70, receiving image formation data from an external device (not shown), operates the toner image forming unit 14, the transfer device 16, the recording medium transport device 18, and the fixing device 20. In the toner image forming unit 14, each photoreceptor 22 is charged by a charging roller 24 and exposed by an exposure device 26. This forms an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoreceptor 22 based on the difference in charged potential. The electrostatic latent image on each photoreceptor 22 is then developed into a toner image by a developing device 100. As a result, a toner image is formed on each photoreceptor 22.

[0069] Next, a voltage (primary transfer voltage) is applied to each transfer roller 32 from a power source (not shown). Furthermore, the drive roller 38, driven by a drive source (not shown), causes the intermediate transfer belt 30 to revolve in the direction indicated by the arrow. As a result, the toner images of each color are primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 30 in an overlapping manner.

[0070] Furthermore, when the toner images of the respective colors held on the circulating intermediate transfer belt 30 reach the nip N1, the recording medium transport device 18 feeds the paper P into the nip N1. In the secondary transfer section 36, a voltage (secondary transfer voltage) is applied from a power source (not shown) to a power supply roller (not shown) in contact with the outer periphery of the opposing roller 56, thereby performing a secondary transfer of the toner images of the respective colors onto the paper P passing through the nip N1.

[0071] Next, the recording medium transport device 18 feeds the paper P, onto which the toner images of the respective colors have been secondary transferred, into the nip portion N2. The fixing device 20 then fixes the toner images of the respective colors onto the paper P passing through the nip portion N2, thereby forming an image on the paper P. The paper P is then discharged to the discharge portion 66 by the transport rollers 44.

[0072] <Developing device>

[0073] Next, the developing device 100 will be described.

[0074] like Figure 2 As shown, the developing device 100 is disposed opposite the photoreceptor 22. The developing device 100 includes a housing 102 that contains developer G, a developing roller 106 that holds the developer G, a trimmer 108 that limits the thickness of the developer G layer on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roller 106, and a developer stirring and conveying section 125. For example, the developer stirring and conveying section 125 includes a first stirring and conveying chamber 123 and a second stirring and conveying chamber 124 adjacent to the first stirring and conveying chamber 123. Furthermore, a first auger 109 is provided in the first stirring and conveying chamber 123, and a second auger 111 is provided in the second stirring and conveying chamber 124.

[0075] like Figure 2As shown, as an example, the developer G is composed of a two-component developer including a toner T as an example of negatively charged particles and a carrier CA as an example of positively charged magnetic particles.

[0076] The housing 102 includes a container body 103 and a cover member 104 that seals the upper portion of the container body 103. The container body 103 includes a partition wall 103A that separates a first stirring and conveying chamber 123 from a second stirring and conveying chamber 124. The container body 103 includes inlet ports (not shown) at both ends of the partition wall 103A in the Z direction, connected to the first stirring and conveying chamber 123 and the second stirring and conveying chamber 124. In the first stirring and conveying chamber 123 and the second stirring and conveying chamber 124, a first auger 109 and a second auger 111 rotate in opposite directions, thereby stirring and conveying the developer G.

[0077] The cover member 104 is provided with a developer supply port 136. For example, the developer supply port 136 is provided at the upper portion of the second stirring and conveying chamber 124. The developer supply port 136 is connected to a supply passage 154 (see FIG. 1 ) for supplying new toner T. Figure 3 ) at the lower end portion.

[0078] The developing roller 106 includes a magnet roller 106A fixedly supported by the container body 103 via a shaft 106C and a cylindrical developing sleeve 106B movably supported around the magnet roller 106A. The magnet roller 106A has a plurality of magnetic poles provided along its outer peripheral surface (in the circumferential direction).

[0079] The developer G in the first stirring and conveying chamber 123 is conveyed while being held on the developing sleeve 106B by the rotation of the developing sleeve 106B in the +R direction. The developer G held on the developing sleeve 106B enters between the outer peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 106B and the front end portion 108A of the trimmer 108, whereby the thickness of the layer is limited, and the developer is conveyed to the developing area facing the photoreceptor 22.

[0080] <Developer supply device>

[0081] Next, the developer supply device 150 will be described.

[0082] like Figure 1As shown, the image forming system 10 includes developer supply devices 150Y, 150M, 150C, 150K, and 150S for supplying developer G containing toners T of different colors (Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), K (black), and a spot color (S)) to the developing devices 100 of the monochrome units 21Y, 21M, 21C, 21K, and 21S. The developer supply devices 150Y, 150M, 150C, 150K, and 150S include a plurality of developer cartridges 152Y, 152M, 152C, 152K, and 152S that contain developer G containing toners of different colors (Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), K (black), and a spot color (S)). The developer G includes toner T of each color and a carrier CA. The developer cartridges 152Y, 152M, 152C, 152K, and 152S are examples of developer storage portions.

[0083] The developer supply devices 150Y, 150M, 150C, 150K, and 150S have the same structure except for the color of the toner they contain or transport. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish the toner colors in the developer supply devices 150Y, 150M, 150C, 150K, and 150S, the letters (Y, M, C, K, and S) will be omitted for explanation.

[0084] like Figure 3 As shown, the developer supply device 150 includes a supply passage 154 connected to the lower portion of the developer cartridge 152. The supply passage 154 supplies the developer G from the developer cartridge 152 to the developing device 100. The supply passage 154 includes a cylindrical transverse conveying passage 154A connected to the developer cartridge 152 and a cylindrical longitudinal conveying passage 154B connected to the end of the transverse conveying passage 154A on the opposite side from the developer cartridge 152.

[0085] The developer cartridge 152 is cylindrical and internally includes an agitator 162 for conveying the developer G. For example, the agitator 162 is configured to rotate a spiral member.

[0086] The lateral conveying passage 154A is arranged in the lateral direction, that is, the horizontal direction, of the image forming system 10. An upstream end portion of the lateral conveying passage 154A in the conveying direction of the developer G is connected to an axial end portion 152A of the developer cartridge 152. A conveying member 164 is provided within the lateral conveying passage 154A for conveying the developer G in the axial direction of the lateral conveying passage 154A.

[0087] The conveying member 164 includes a rotating shaft 164A disposed along the longitudinal direction (Z direction) of the transverse conveying path 154A and a spiral conveying blade 164B supported on the outer circumference of the rotating shaft 164A. The conveying member 164 conveys the developer G introduced from the developer cartridge 152 into the transverse conveying path 154A toward the longitudinal conveying path 154B by the rotation of the rotating shaft 164A.

[0088] The longitudinal conveying passage 154B is arranged in the vertical direction, and the downstream end portion of the longitudinal conveying passage 154B in the conveying direction of the developer G is connected to the cover member 104 of the developing device 100 (refer to FIG. Figure 2 The longitudinal transport passage 154B supplies the developer G to the developing device 100 by dropping the toner transported from the lateral transport passage 154A.

[0089] In the developer supply device 150, the developer cartridge 152 is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the supply passage 154. For example, if the developer G in the developer cartridge 152 containing toner T of a regular color (Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), K (black)) or a special color (S) becomes low, it can be replaced with a new developer cartridge 152 containing toner T of the same color. In this case, the old developer cartridge 152 is removed from the transverse conveying passage 154A of the supply passage 154, and the new developer cartridge 152 containing toner T of the same color is attached to the transverse conveying passage 154A of the supply passage 154.

[0090] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the developer cartridge 152 containing a toner T of a specific color can be replaced with a developer cartridge 152 containing a toner T of a different color. The case of replacing the developer cartridge 152 containing a toner T of a specific color with a developer cartridge 152 containing a toner T of a different color will be described later.

[0091] <Control Structure of Image Forming System 10 >

[0092] Next, the configuration of the electrical system, ie, the control configuration, of the image forming system 10 will be described. Figure 4 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming system 10 .

[0093] like Figure 4As shown, the control unit 70 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 212 , a RAM (Random Access Memory) 213 , a storage 214 , and an input / output interface 215 . These components are connected to each other via a bus 219 so as to be communicable with each other.

[0094] The CPU 211 is a central processing unit (CPU) that executes various programs and controls various components. The CPU 211 is an example of a processor. The CPU 211 reads programs from the ROM 212 or memory 214 and executes them using the RAM 213 as a workspace. In this embodiment, the ROM 212 or memory 214 stores processing programs. The CPU 211 controls the various components described above and performs various computations according to the processing programs stored in the ROM 212 or memory 214.

[0095] The ROM 212 stores various programs and data. The RAM 213 temporarily stores programs and data as a work area. The memory 214 is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs including the operating system and various data.

[0096] The input / output interface 215 is an interface for transmitting and receiving information with peripheral devices of the control unit 70. The input / output interface 215 is connected to the image forming unit driver 221, the paper transport motor 222, the developer driver 223, the developer supply driver 224, the operation display 225, and the developer sensor 226, respectively, and can transmit and receive information with each component. Alternatively, the image forming system 10 of the present invention may be directly connected to at least one of the image forming unit driver 221, the paper transport motor 222, the developer driver 223, the developer supply driver 224, the operation display 225, and the developer sensor 226 via the bus 219.

[0097] The image forming unit driving section 221 is connected to each monochrome unit 21 of the toner image forming section 14 and each unit of the transfer device 16 . The image forming unit driving section 221 receives instructions from the CPU 211 of the control section 70 and drives each monochrome unit 21 and each unit of the transfer device 16 .

[0098] The paper transport motor 222 is connected to the transport roller 44 or the transport belt 46 via a drive mechanism such as gears. Drive of the paper transport motor 222 causes the transport roller 44 to rotate and the transport belt 46 to move in a circular motion. The paper transport motor 222 controls the transport of the paper P in accordance with the timing of image formation by each monochrome unit 21 and the transfer device 16.

[0099] The developing device driving section 223 is connected to each component of the developing device 100. The developing device driving section 223 receives instructions from the CPU 211 to drive each component of the developing device 100. For example, the developing device driving section 223 controls the rotation of the developing roller 106, the first auger 109, and the second auger 111.

[0100] The developer supply drive unit 224 is connected to various components of the developer supply device 150. The developer supply drive unit 224 receives instructions from the CPU 211 and drives various components of the developer supply device 150. For example, the developer supply drive unit 224 controls the rotation of the agitator 162 of the developer cartridge 152 and the rotation of the conveying member 164 of the developer supply device 150 to supply the developer G to the developing device 100.

[0101] The operation display unit 225 receives instructions from the user of the image forming system 10 and notifies the user of various information related to the operating status of the image forming system 10. The operation display unit 225 includes, for example, display buttons for accepting operation instructions through a program, a touch-panel display for displaying various information, and hardware keys such as a numeric keypad and a start button.

[0102] The developer sensor 226 detects information related to the developer G within the developing device 100, such as the color of the toner T or the toner concentration within the developer G. For example, the developer sensor 226 detects the type of toner T. In the first embodiment, the developer sensor 226 detects when the developer G within the developing device 100 is replaced with a cleaning developer G2, described later. The CPU 211 acquires information related to the developer G or the cleaning developer G2 detected by the developer sensor 226. For example, the memory 214 stores information related to the developer G or the cleaning developer G2.

[0103] <Replacing the Developer Cartridge>

[0104] Next, replacement of the developer cartridge 152 in the image forming system 10 will be described.

[0105] like Figure 5As shown, for example, a developer cartridge 152S1 containing a toner T of a first spot color (S1) and a developer G containing a carrier CA can be exchanged for a developer cartridge 152S2 containing a toner T of a second spot color (S2) different from the first spot color (S1) and a developer G containing a carrier CA. The toner T of the first spot color (S1) is an example of a toner of a special color. Furthermore, the toner T of the second spot color (S2) is an example of a toner of another special color and is an example of a toner of a new color to be exchanged.

[0106] In this case, only the developer cartridge 152S1 is exchanged, and the supply passage 154, the developing device 100, and the photoreceptor 22 are not exchanged. That is, even when the developer cartridge 152S1 containing the toner T of the first spot color (S1) is exchanged for the developer cartridge 152S2 containing the toner T of the second spot color (S2), the supply passage 154, the developing device 100, and the photoreceptor 22 continue to be used. In this case, the developer cartridge 152S1 is not directly exchanged for the developer cartridge 152S2, but a cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 (see FIG. 182S2 ) to be described later is used between the developer cartridges 152S1 and 152S2. Figure 7 ).

[0107] Figure 6 This is a process diagram showing an example of a developer replacement method in the image forming system 10 . Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of a developer cartridge attached to the supply passage 154 .

[0108] like Figure 6 As shown, the developer replacement method first includes a step of removing the developer cartridge 152S1 (step S301 ). Specifically, the user removes the developer cartridge 152S1 containing the developer G including the toner T of the first spot color ( S1 ) and the carrier CA from the supply passage 154 .

[0109] Next, as a developer replacement method, there is a process of installing the cleaning developer box 182S2 (step S302). Specifically, the user Figure 7The cleaning developer box 182S2 shown is installed in the supply channel 154. The cleaning developer box 182S2 is an example of a cleaning developer storage portion. The cleaning developer box 182S2 contains a cleaning developer G2 including a toner T of the second special color (S2) and a larger amount of carrier CA than the normal amount of carrier CA. The developer box 152 contains a developer G including toner T of each color and a normal amount of carrier CA in a new state. That is, the normal amount of carrier CA refers to the amount of carrier CA included in the developer G in the developer box 152 in a normal new state. The cleaning developer box 182S2 contains, for example, a carrier CA that is twice or more in weight ratio relative to the normal amount of carrier CA. The amount of toner T may be the same as the normal amount of toner T, or the amount of toner T may be reduced according to the amount of carrier CA increased.

[0110] By using the cleaning developer G2 including the toner T of the second spot color ( S2 ) and a larger amount of carrier CA than the normal amount of carrier CA, the toner T of the second spot color S2 is easily adsorbed to the carrier CA. Therefore, the cleaning developer G2 is easily supplied.

[0111] Next, as a developer replacement method, there is a process of ejecting the developer G before the replacement and replacing it with the cleaning developer G2 (step S303). Specifically, the developer G before the replacement and the cleaning developer G2 are ejected and replaced using the cleaning developer G2 in the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2.

[0112] The ROM 212 or memory 214 of the control unit 70 stores a discharge mode for discharging the developer G before the supply passage 154 and the interior of the developing device 100 are replaced by the cleaning developer G2. Furthermore, the ROM 212 or memory 214 stores a replacement mode for replacing the supply passage 154 and the interior of the developing device 100 with the cleaning developer G2. For example, if a sensor (not shown) detects that the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 is installed in the supply passage 154, the CPU 211 executes the discharge mode and the replacement mode. For example, the CPU 211 may simultaneously execute the discharge mode and the replacement mode.

[0113] like Figure 8 As shown, the ejection mode includes the following operations: as the photoreceptor 22 rotates in the direction of the arrow, toner T from the developing device 100 adheres to the surface of the photoreceptor 22 to form a toner image 320, and the surface of the photoreceptor 22 is cleaned by the cleaning blade 28A and the cleaning brush 28B. For example, the toner image 320 is a band-shaped toner image (e.g., a toner band) formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 22 in the axial direction (the direction of the arrow Z).

[0114] For example, the toner image 320 can be formed outside the range where the paper P passes relative to the photoreceptor 22. Furthermore, the toner image 320 can be a halftone image with a density of 30% or more and 60% or less. Halftone refers to an image with less toner than a 100% solid image. For example, the toner is ejected while rotating the photoreceptor 22 for approximately 10 minutes, with the halftone density of the toner image 320 being approximately 40%.

[0115] As a result, the cleaning developer G2 is supplied from the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2, and the developer G before replacement is ejected from the supply passage 154 and the interior of the developing device 100. Furthermore, the interior of the supply passage 154 and the developing device 100 is replaced with the cleaning developer G2. For example, the replacement of the interior of the developing device 100 with the cleaning developer G2 is detected by the developer sensor 226.

[0116] Next, as a developer replacement method, there is a step of removing the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 (step S304). Specifically, the user removes the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 from the supply passage 154. For example, when the developer sensor 226 detects that the interior of the developing device 100 has been replaced with the cleaning developer G2, a message indicating that the replacement of the cleaning developer G2 has been completed can be displayed on the operation display unit 225. This allows the user to know when the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 has been removed.

[0117] Next, as a developer replacement method, there is a process of installing the developer cartridge 152S2 to be replaced (step S305). Specifically, the user Figure 7 The developer cartridge 152S2 shown as the replacement target is installed in the supply passage 154. The developer cartridge 152S2 is an example of a developer container for the replacement target. The developer cartridge 152S2 contains a developer G containing a new second spot color (S2) toner T and a normal amount of carrier CA. At this point, the supply passage 154, the developing device 100, and the photoreceptor 22 continue to be used.

[0118] Then, although not shown, developer G including a new second spot color toner T ( S2 ) and a normal amount of carrier CA is supplied from the developer cartridge 152 S2 to the supply passage 154 , the developing device 100 , and the photoreceptor 22 .

[0119] The above-described ejection mode and replacement mode are executed when developer cartridge 152S1 containing toner T of the first spot color (S1) is replaced with developer cartridge 152S2 containing toner T of the second spot color (S2), but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the ejection mode and replacement mode may be executed when developer cartridge 152 containing toner T of a regular color is replaced with developer cartridge 152S containing toner T of the spot color (S), or when developer cartridge 152S containing toner T of the spot color (S) is replaced with developer cartridge 152 containing toner of a regular color.

[0120] <Problems with the image forming system of the comparative example>

[0121] Here, problems of the image forming system of the comparative example will be described.

[0122] When forming an image using a spot color toner, the spot color toner has different characteristics such as different particle sizes depending on the type. The image forming system of the comparative example is equipped with a charging roller for charging the surface of the photoreceptor. The charging roller charges the surface of the photoreceptor by applying a voltage obtained by superimposing an AC voltage on a DC voltage. In the image forming system equipped with the charging roller, the surface of the photoreceptor becomes rough due to discharge products, so the cleaning component is affected by the toner and vibrates more, which easily leads to poor cleaning. Therefore, when replacing the spot color toner with another spot color toner at the same position on the photoreceptor, all of the developer box, supply channel, developing device and photoreceptor are replaced. Therefore, there is a problem that the developer box, supply channel, developing device and photoreceptor cannot be replaced frequently, and the replacement takes time.

[0123] <Function of the First Embodiment>

[0124] Next, the operation of the image forming system 10 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0125] Figure 9 This is a flowchart showing the flow of information processing performed by the image forming system 10 according to the first embodiment. In the image forming system 10 , processing is performed by the CPU 211 reading a processing program from the ROM 212 or the memory 214 , expanding it in the RAM 213 , and executing it.

[0126] The CPU 211 determines whether the cleaning developer cartridge is installed in the supply passage 154 (step S401). For example, the CPU 211 determines whether the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 containing the cleaning developer G2 including the toner T of the spot color (S2) and the carrier CA in larger amount than the normal amount is installed in the supply passage 154 (refer to FIG. Figure 6 and Figure 7Whether the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 is mounted on the supply passage 154 can be detected by a sensor (not shown).

[0127] When the cleaning developer cartridge is not attached to the supply passage 154 (step S401 : NO), the CPU 211 stands by until the cleaning developer cartridge is attached to the supply passage 154 .

[0128] When the cleaning developer cartridge is installed in the supply passage 154 (step S401: Yes), the CPU 211 executes the ejection mode and the replacement mode (step S402). For example, the CPU 211 executes the ejection mode and the replacement mode by operating the image forming unit driving section 221, the developing device driving section 223, and the developer supply driving section 224. For example, in the ejection mode, the cleaning developer G2 is supplied from the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 to eject the developer G in the supply passage 154 and the interior of the developing device 100 before the replacement (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 6 ). Also, for example, in the replacement mode, the supply passage 154 and the interior of the developing device 100 are replaced with the cleaning developer G2 (refer to Figure 6 ). For example, the CPU 211 performs the ejection mode and the replacement mode simultaneously.

[0129] The CPU 211 determines whether the developer G before the exchange and the cleaning developer G2 have been replaced are completed (step S403). For example, the developer sensor 226 provided in the developing device 100 detects that the developer G before the exchange and the cleaning developer G2 have been replaced.

[0130] If the ejection of the developer G before the exchange and the replacement of the cleaning developer G2 are not completed (step S403 : NO), the CPU 211 waits until the ejection of the developer G before the exchange and the replacement of the cleaning developer G2 are completed.

[0131] When the discharge of the developer G before replacement and the replacement of the cleaning developer G2 are completed (step S403 : YES), the CPU 211 outputs completion information to the operation display unit 225 (step S404 ).

[0132] In the image forming system 10 described above, the CPU 211 executes the following modes: an ejection mode in which, with the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 installed in the supply passage 154, the cleaning developer G2 is supplied to eject the developer G from the supply passage 154 and the interior of the developing device 100 prior to replacement; and a replacement mode in which the interior of the supply passage 154 and the developing device 100 is replaced with the cleaning developer G2. The cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 contains the cleaning developer G2, which includes a toner T of the second spot color S2, which is the new color to be replaced, and a larger amount of carrier CA than the normal amount of carrier CA.

[0133] Therefore, in the image forming system 10, for example, when the developer cartridge 152S1 is replaced with another developer cartridge 152S2 containing developer G including toner T of a different color, at least the supply passage 154 and the developing device 100 do not need to be replaced as components other than the developer cartridge 152S1.

[0134] Furthermore, the CPU 211 performs the ejection mode and the replacement mode simultaneously. Therefore, in the image forming system 10, the developer G in the supply passage 154 and the interior of the developing device 100 before replacement can be smoothly replaced with the cleaning developer G2, compared to a case where the ejection mode and the replacement mode are performed sequentially. Furthermore, the developer G in the supply passage 154 and the interior of the developing device 100 before replacement can be replaced with the cleaning developer G2 in a shorter time than a case where the ejection mode and the replacement mode are performed sequentially.

[0135] Furthermore, the image forming system 10 is configured such that when the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 is attached to the supply duct 154, the supply duct 154, the developing device 100, and the photoreceptor 22 continue to be used. Therefore, in the image forming system 10, for example, when the developer cartridge 152S1 is replaced with another developer cartridge 152S2 containing a developer G including a toner T of a different color, it is not necessary to replace the supply duct 154, the developing device 100, and the photoreceptor 22.

[0136] Furthermore, in the image forming system 10, a charging roller 24 is provided upstream of the developing device 100 in the rotational direction of the photoreceptor 22. The charging roller 24 charges the surface of the photoreceptor 22 by applying a voltage obtained by superimposing an AC voltage on a DC voltage. Therefore, in the image forming system 10, even in a configuration where discharge products are likely to accumulate on the surface of the photoreceptor 22 due to the charging roller 24, the photoreceptor 22 can continue to be used.

[0137] Furthermore, the image forming system 10 is configured such that, after the supply passage 154 and the interior of the developing device 100 are replaced with the cleaning developer G2, the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 is replaced with the replacement developer cartridge 152S2 containing the toner T of the new second spot color S2 and a normal amount of carrier CA. Therefore, in the image forming system 10, image quality is more stable than when the cleaning developer cartridge is used directly during image formation.

[0138] Furthermore, the image forming system 10 is configured such that when the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 is replaced with the developer cartridge 152S2 to be replaced, the supply duct 154, the developing device 100, and the photoreceptor 22 continue to be used. Therefore, in the image forming system 10, there is no need to replace the supply duct 154, the developing device 100, and the photoreceptor 22.

[0139] Furthermore, in the image forming system 10, the ejection mode and the replacement mode are executed when the developer cartridge 152S1 containing the toner T of the first spot color S1 is replaced with the developer cartridge 152S2 containing the toner T of the different second spot color S2. Therefore, in the image forming system 10, when the developer cartridge 152S1 is replaced with another developer cartridge 152S2 containing the developer G containing the toner T of a different color, at least the supply duct 154 and the developing device 100, which are components other than the developer cartridge 152S1, do not need to be replaced.

[0140] Furthermore, the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 contains carrier CA at a weight ratio of more than twice the normal amount of carrier CA in the developer cartridge 152S1. This facilitates the attraction of the second spot color S2 toner T to the carrier CA, and the supply of the cleaning developer G2 facilitates the ejection of the developer G prior to replacement. Therefore, in the image forming system 10, the developer G prior to replacement can be easily replaced with the cleaning developer G2, compared to a case where the cleaning developer cartridge contains less than twice the normal amount of carrier in the developer cartridge.

[0141] Furthermore, the ejection mode includes the following operations: the rotation of the photoreceptor 22 causes the toner T from the developing device 100 to adhere to the surface of the photoreceptor 22 to form a toner image 320, and the cleaning blade 28A and the cleaning brush 28B clean the surface of the photoreceptor 22. Therefore, in the image forming system 10, the cleaning blade 28A and the cleaning brush 28B remove the toner image 320 formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 22, thereby enabling rapid ejection of the developer G before replacement.

[0142] The toner image 320 is formed outside the range where the paper P passes relative to the photoreceptor 22. Therefore, in the image forming system 10, the developer G is ejected earlier than when the toner image is formed within the range where the paper P passes.

[0143] Furthermore, the toner image 320 is a halftone toner image with a density of 30% or more and 60% or less. Therefore, in the image forming system 10, compared to the case where a halftone toner image with a density of less than 30% is formed, the time required to eject the developer G before replacement is reduced. Furthermore, compared to the case where a halftone toner image with a density of more than 60% is formed, toner clogging is reduced when recovering the toner image 320 removed by the cleaning blade 28A and the cleaning brush 28B.

[0144] Furthermore, in the developer exchange method in the image forming system 10, a cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 containing a cleaning developer G2 including a toner T of the second spot color S2 to be exchanged and a carrier CA having a larger amount than the normal amount of carrier CA is attached to the supply duct 154. The cleaning developer G2 is then supplied from the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2, causing the interior of the supply duct 154 and the developing device 100 to be ejected before the exchange, and the interior of the supply duct 154 and the developing device 100 to be replaced with the cleaning developer G2. Therefore, in the developer exchange method, when the developer cartridge 152S1 is exchanged for another developer cartridge 152S2 containing a developer G including a toner T of a different color, at least the supply duct 154 and the developing device 100, other than the developer cartridge 152S1, do not need to be exchanged.

[0145] Furthermore, in the developer exchange method, when the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 is mounted on the supply passage 154, the photoreceptor 22, the developing device 100, and the supply passage 154 continue to be used. Therefore, in the developer exchange method, when the developer cartridge 152S1 is exchanged for another developer cartridge 152S2 containing a developer G including a toner T of a different color, it is not necessary to exchange the supply passage 154, the developing device 100, and the photoreceptor 22.

[0146] Furthermore, in the developer exchange method, after the supply passage 154 and the interior of the developing device 100 are replaced with the cleaning developer G2, the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 is replaced with the replacement developer cartridge 152S2 containing a new color toner T and a normal amount of carrier CA. Therefore, in the developer exchange method, image quality is more stable than when the cleaning developer cartridge is used directly during image formation.

[0147] Furthermore, in the developer exchange method, when the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 is replaced with the developer cartridge 152S2 to be exchanged, the supply passage 154, the developing device 100, and the photoreceptor 22 continue to be used. Therefore, in the developer exchange method, the supply passage 154, the developing device 100, and the photoreceptor 22 do not need to be exchanged.

[0148] The cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 contains a cleaning developer G2 including a toner T of the second spot color S2 and a larger amount of carrier CA than the normal amount of carrier CA contained in the developer cartridge 152. Therefore, by using the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2, the developer G in the supply passage 154 and the interior of the developing device 100 can be ejected and replaced with the cleaning developer G2.

[0149] [Supplementary explanation]

[0150] The image forming system of the present invention is not limited to the image forming system 10 described in the first embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, the structure of the developing device 100 or the structure of the supply path 154 may be modified.

[0151] Furthermore, the processing of the image forming system 10 can also be implemented by a dedicated hardware circuit. In this case, it can be executed by a single hardware or by a plurality of hardwares.

[0152] Furthermore, the program that operates the image forming system 10 can be provided on a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory device, a floppy disk, or a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), or can be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is typically transferred to a memory or storage device and stored there. Furthermore, the program can be provided as a standalone application software or incorporated into the software of each device of the image forming system 10 as a function of the system.

[0153] Furthermore, although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0154] [Note]

[0155] Hereinafter, aspects of the present invention will be supplementally described.

[0156] (1) An image forming system comprising:

[0157] Multiple photoreceptors, forming electrostatic latent images on their surfaces based on differences in charged potentials;

[0158] a plurality of developing devices disposed opposite to the photoreceptor and containing toners of different colors, respectively, and developing the electrostatic latent image with the toners;

[0159] a plurality of developer accommodating portions for accommodating developers including a toner of any one of normal colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black or a toner of a special color other than the normal colors and a carrier, the developers of different colors respectively being accommodated;

[0160] a plurality of supply passages for supplying the developer from the developer containing portion to the developing device; and

[0161] at least one processor,

[0162] The processor executes the following modes:

[0163] a discharge mode for discharging the developer before the exchange from the supply passage and the interior of the developing device by supplying the cleaning developer, when a cleaning developer accommodating portion accommodating a cleaning developer including a toner of a new color to be exchanged and a carrier in an amount larger than a normal amount of the carrier is mounted on the supply passage; and

[0164] In the replacement mode, the supply passage and the interior of the developing device are replaced with the cleaning developer.

[0165] (2) The image forming system according to (1), wherein

[0166] The processor performs the ejection mode and the replacement mode simultaneously.

[0167] (3) The image forming system according to (1) or (2), which has the following configuration:

[0168] When the cleaning developer storage portion is attached to the supply passage, the supply passage, the developing device, and the photosensitive member continue to be used.

[0169] (4) The image forming system according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein

[0170] A charging roller is provided upstream of the developing device in the rotational direction of the photoreceptor, and charges the surface of the photoreceptor by applying a voltage obtained by superimposing an AC voltage on a DC voltage.

[0171] (5) The image forming system according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein:

[0172] After the supply passage and the interior of the developing device are replaced with the cleaning developer, the cleaning developer accommodating portion is replaced with a developer accommodating portion for replacement, which accommodates the toner of the new color and the normal amount of carrier.

[0173] (6) The image forming system according to (5) is configured as follows:

[0174] When the cleaning developer accommodating portion is replaced with the developer accommodating portion as an exchange target, the supply passage, the developing device, and the photosensitive member continue to be used.

[0175] (7) The image forming system according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein

[0176] The ejection mode and the replacement mode are performed in the following situations:

[0177] The case where the developer accommodating portion including the conventional color toner is replaced with the developer accommodating portion of the exchange object including the special color toner, the case where the developer accommodating portion including the special color toner is replaced with the developer accommodating portion of the exchange object including the conventional color toner, or the case where the developer accommodating portion including the special color toner is replaced with the developer accommodating portion of the exchange object including the different special color toner.

[0178] (8) The image forming system according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein

[0179] The cleaning developer accommodating portion accommodates the carrier in an amount twice or more by weight relative to the normal amount of the carrier in the interior of the developer accommodating portion.

[0180] (9) The image forming system according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein

[0181] The ejection mode includes an operation in which the toner from the developing device adheres to the surface of the photoreceptor by the rotation of the photoreceptor to form a toner image, and a cleaning member cleans the surface of the photoreceptor.

[0182] (10) The image forming system according to (9), wherein

[0183] The toner image is formed beyond a range where the recording medium passes relative to the photoreceptor.

[0184] (11) The image forming system according to (9) or (10), wherein

[0185] The toner image is a halftone toner image with a 30% to 60% ratio.

[0186] (12) A developer exchanging method in an image forming system, the image forming system comprising:

[0187] Multiple photoreceptors, forming electrostatic latent images on their surfaces based on differences in charged potentials;

[0188] a plurality of developing devices disposed opposite to the photoreceptor and containing toners of different colors, respectively, and developing the electrostatic latent image with the toners;

[0189] a plurality of developer accommodating portions for accommodating developers including a toner of any one of normal colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black or a toner of a special color other than the normal colors and a carrier, the developers of different colors respectively being accommodated; and

[0190] a plurality of supply passages for supplying the developer from the developer containing portion to the developing device,

[0191] The developer exchange method comprises the following steps:

[0192] a cleaning developer container for accommodating a cleaning developer including a toner of a new color to be exchanged and a carrier in an amount larger than a normal amount of the carrier, mounted in the supply passage, and supplying the cleaning developer to eject the developer before exchange from the supply passage and the inside of the developing device; and

[0193] The supply passage and the interior of the developing device are replaced with the cleaning developer.

[0194] (13) The developer exchanging method according to (12), comprising the steps of:

[0195] When the cleaning developer container is attached to the supply passage, the photoreceptor, the developing device, and the supply passage continue to be used.

[0196] (14) The developer exchanging method according to (12) or (13), comprising the steps of:

[0197] After the supply passage and the interior of the developing device are replaced with the cleaning developer, the cleaning developer accommodating portion is replaced with the developer accommodating portion to be exchanged, which accommodates the toner of the new color and the normal amount of carrier.

[0198] (15) The developer exchanging method according to (14), comprising the steps of:

[0199] When the cleaning developer accommodating portion is replaced with the developer accommodating portion as an exchange target, the supply passage, the developing device, and the photosensitive member continue to be used.

[0200] (16) A cleaning developer accommodating portion that accommodates a cleaning developer including a toner of a new color to be replaced and a larger amount of the carrier than a normal amount of the carrier accommodated in the developer accommodating portion.

[0201] According to the image forming system of (1), when the developer accommodating portion is replaced with another developer accommodating portion accommodating a developer including a toner of a different color, at least the supply passage and the developing device do not need to be replaced as components other than the developer accommodating portion.

[0202] According to the image forming system of (2), compared with the case where the ejection mode and the replacement mode are performed sequentially, the developer before the supply path and the inside of the developing device are replaced with the cleaning developer smoothly.

[0203] According to the image forming system of (3), when the developer accommodating portion is replaced with another developer accommodating portion accommodating a developer of a different color, it is not necessary to replace the supply path, the developing device, and the photoreceptor.

[0204] According to the image forming system of (4), even in a configuration in which discharge products are likely to increase on the surface of the photoreceptor due to the charging roller, the photoreceptor can continue to be used.

[0205] According to the image forming system according to (5), image quality is stabilized compared to the case where the developer container for cleaning is directly used when forming an image.

[0206] According to the image forming system of (6), it is unnecessary to replace the supply path, the developing device, and the photosensitive body.

[0207] According to the image forming system of (7), when the developer accommodating portion is replaced with another developer accommodating portion accommodating a developer including a toner of a different color, at least the supply passage and the developing device do not need to be replaced as components other than the developer accommodating portion.

[0208] According to the image forming system involved in (8), it is easier to replace the developer before exchange with the cleaning developer than in the case where the cleaning developer accommodating portion accommodates less than twice the weight ratio of the carrier relative to the normal amount of carrier in the interior of the developer accommodating portion.

[0209] According to the image forming system of (9), the toner image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor is removed by the cleaning member, thereby enabling rapid discharge of the developer before replacement.

[0210] According to the image forming system of (10), compared with the case where a toner image is formed within the range in which the recording medium is passed, the ejection of the developer before the exchange can be completed earlier.

[0211] According to the image forming system involved in (11), the time taken for developer to be ejected before exchange is suppressed compared to the case where a halftone toner image of less than 30% is formed, and the toner clogging when recovering the toner image removed by the cleaning component is suppressed compared to the case where a halftone toner image of more than 60% is formed.

[0212] According to the developer exchange method of (12), when the developer accommodating portion is exchanged for another developer accommodating portion that accommodates a developer including a toner of a different color, at least the supply passage and the developing device do not need to be exchanged as components other than the developer accommodating portion.

[0213] According to the developer exchange method of (13), when the developer accommodating portion is exchanged for another developer accommodating portion that accommodates a developer of a different color, it is not necessary to exchange the supply path, the developing device, and the photosensitive body.

[0214] According to the developer replacement method of (14), image quality is stabilized compared to the case where the developer container for cleaning is directly used when forming an image.

[0215] According to the developer replacement method of (15), it is unnecessary to replace the supply path, the developing device, and the photosensitive body.

[0216] According to the cleaning developer accommodating portion of (16), by using the cleaning developer accommodating portion, the developer in the supply passage and the inside of the developing device can be ejected and replaced with the cleaning developer.

[0217] The above-described embodiments of the present invention are provided for the purpose of illustration and explanation. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention do not fully and exhaustively include the present invention, and do not limit the present invention to the disclosed embodiments. It is obvious that various modifications and variations are self-evident to those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. The present embodiment is selected and described in order to most easily explain the principles of the present invention and its application. Thus, other technical personnel in this field can understand the present invention through various modifications optimized for specific uses of the assumed various embodiments. The scope of the present invention is defined by the above claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An image forming system comprising: Multiple photoreceptors, forming electrostatic latent images on their surfaces based on differences in charged potentials; a plurality of developing devices disposed opposite to the photoreceptor and containing toners of different colors, respectively, and developing the electrostatic latent image with the toners; a plurality of developer accommodating portions for accommodating developers including a toner of any one of normal colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black or a toner of a special color other than the normal colors and a carrier, the developers of different colors respectively being accommodated; a plurality of supply passages for respectively supplying the developer from the developer containing portion to the developing device; and at least one processor, The processor executes the following modes: In a discharge mode, when a cleaning developer container containing a cleaning developer including a toner of a new color to be exchanged and a carrier in an amount larger than a normal amount is mounted on the supply passage, the cleaning developer is supplied to discharge the developer before exchange from the supply passage and the interior of the developing device; and In the replacement mode, the supply passage and the interior of the developing device are replaced with the cleaning developer.

2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein The processor performs the ejection mode and the replacement mode simultaneously.

3. The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2, which is configured as follows: When the cleaning developer storage portion is attached to the supply passage, the supply passage, the developing device, and the photosensitive member continue to be used.

4. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: A charging roller is provided upstream of the developing device in the rotational direction of the photoreceptor, and charges the surface of the photoreceptor by applying a voltage obtained by superimposing an AC voltage on a DC voltage.

5. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: After the supply passage and the interior of the developing device are replaced with the cleaning developer, the cleaning developer accommodating portion is replaced with a developer accommodating portion for replacement, which accommodates the toner of the new color and the normal amount of carrier.

6. The image forming system according to claim 5 , wherein: When the cleaning developer accommodating portion is replaced with the developer accommodating portion as an exchange target, the supply passage, the developing device, and the photosensitive member continue to be used.

7. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The ejection mode and the replacement mode are performed in the following situations: The case where the developer accommodating portion including the conventional color toner is replaced with the developer accommodating portion of the exchange object including the special color toner, the case where the developer accommodating portion including the special color toner is replaced with the developer accommodating portion of the exchange object including the conventional color toner, or the case where the developer accommodating portion including the special color toner is replaced with the developer accommodating portion of the exchange object including the different special color toner.

8. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The cleaning developer accommodating portion accommodates the carrier in an amount twice or more by weight relative to the normal amount of the carrier in the interior of the developer accommodating portion.

9. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The ejection mode includes an operation in which the toner from the developing device adheres to the surface of the photoreceptor by the rotation of the photoreceptor to form a toner image, and a cleaning member cleans the surface of the photoreceptor.

10. The image forming system according to claim 9, wherein: The toner image is formed beyond a range where the recording medium passes relative to the photoreceptor.

11. The image forming system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The toner image is a halftone toner image with a 30% to 60% ratio.

12. A developer exchanging method in an image forming system, the image forming system comprising: Multiple photoreceptors, forming electrostatic latent images on their surfaces based on differences in charged potentials; a plurality of developing devices disposed opposite to the photoreceptor and containing toners of different colors, respectively, and developing the electrostatic latent image with the toners; a plurality of developer accommodating portions for accommodating developers including a toner of any one of normal colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black or a toner of a special color other than the normal colors and a carrier, the developers of different colors respectively being accommodated; and a plurality of supply passages for supplying the developer from the developer containing portion to the developing device, The developer exchange method comprises the following steps: a cleaning developer container for accommodating a cleaning developer including a toner of a new color to be exchanged and a carrier in an amount larger than a normal amount of the carrier, mounted in the supply passage, and supplying the cleaning developer to eject the developer before exchange from the supply passage and the inside of the developing device; and The supply passage and the interior of the developing device are replaced with the cleaning developer.

13. The developer exchanging method according to claim 12, comprising the steps of: When the cleaning developer container is attached to the supply passage, the photoreceptor, the developing device, and the supply passage continue to be used.

14. The developer exchanging method according to claim 12 or 13, comprising the steps of: After the supply passage and the interior of the developing device are replaced with the cleaning developer, the cleaning developer accommodating portion is replaced with the developer accommodating portion to be exchanged, which accommodates the toner of the new color and the normal amount of carrier.

15. The developer exchanging method according to claim 14, comprising the steps of: When the cleaning developer accommodating portion is replaced with the developer accommodating portion as an exchange target, the supply passage, the developing device, and the photosensitive member continue to be used.

16. A cleaning developer accommodating portion that accommodates a cleaning developer including a toner of a new color to be exchanged and a larger amount of the carrier than a normal amount of the carrier accommodated in the developer accommodating portion.

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