Image forming system, developer replacement method, and cleaning developer accommodation portion

Abstract

To provide an image forming system and a developer replacement method with which it is not necessary to replace, as a member other than a developer accommodation portion, at least a supply path and a developing device in a case where the developer accommodation portion is to be replaced with another developer accommodation portion accommodating a developer having a different color.SOLUTION: An image forming system includes photoreceptors 22, a plurality of developing devices 100, a plurality of developer cartridges 152, a plurality of supply paths 154, and at least one processor. The processor executes a discharge mode in which, in a case where a cleaning developer cartridge 183S2 accommodating a cleaning developer G2 that is a replacement and contains a toner T of a new color and a larger number of carriers CA than a usual number of carriers CA is attached to a supply path 154, the cleaning developer G2 is supplied so that a developer G before replacement that is in the supply path 154 and a developing device 100 is discharged, and a switch mode in which the developer in the supply path 154 and the developing device 100 is switched with the cleaning developer G2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an image forming system, a developer replacement method, and a developer container for cleaning. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming device to which multiple types of cartridges can be detachably attached, each having multiple process components used for image formation and a storage medium for storing information, and which has a memory unit that stores multiple setting information for setting image formation conditions according to multiple characteristics of the cartridges, and a control unit that sets the image formation conditions based on information related to the usage amount of each of the multiple types of cartridges and information for selecting the setting information stored in the storage medium of the cartridges. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-106692 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide an image forming system and a developer replacement method that, when replacing a developer storage unit with another developer storage unit that stores a developer of a different color, does not require replacement of at least the supply path and the developing device as components other than the developer storage unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The image forming system according to a first aspect includes a plurality of photosensitive drums on whose surfaces electrostatic latent images are formed due to differences in charge potential; a plurality of developing devices that are disposed opposite the photosensitive drums, each containing a toner of a different color and that develop the electrostatic latent images with the toner; a plurality of developer storage sections that each contain the different colors of developer, the developer being a toner of one of the normal colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, or a toner of a special color other than the normal colors and a carrier; a plurality of supply paths that supply the developer from the developer storage sections to the developing devices; and at least one processor, wherein when a cleaning developer storage section that contains cleaning developer containing toner of a new color to be replaced and an amount of carrier that is greater than the normal amount is attached to the supply path, the processor executes an ejection mode in which the cleaning developer is supplied to eject the developer before replacement from the supply path and the inside of the developing device; and a replacement mode in which the supply path and the inside of the developing device are replaced with the cleaning developer.

[0006] An image forming system according to a second aspect is the image forming system according to the first aspect, wherein the processor simultaneously executes the discharge mode and the replacement mode.

[0007] The image forming system according to the third aspect is the image forming system according to the first aspect, and is configured such that when the cleaning developer storage section is attached to the supply path, the supply path, the developing device, and the photosensitive member are continuously used.

[0008] An image forming system according to a fourth aspect is the image forming system according to the first aspect, further comprising a charging roll, upstream of the developing device in the rotation direction of the photosensitive member, that charges the surface of the photosensitive member by applying a voltage in which an AC voltage is superimposed on a DC voltage.

[0009] An image forming system according to a fifth aspect is the image forming system according to the first aspect, wherein after the supply path and the inside of the developing device are replaced with the cleaning developer, the cleaning developer storage section is replaced with the developer storage section to be replaced, which stores the toner of the new color and the normal amount of carrier.

[0010] The image forming system according to the sixth aspect is the image forming system according to the fifth aspect, wherein when the cleaning developer storage unit is replaced with the developer storage unit to be replaced, the supply path, the developing device, and the photosensitive member continue to be used.

[0011] In the image forming system of the seventh aspect, in the image forming system of the first aspect, the discharge mode and the replacement mode are executed when the developer storage unit containing the normal color toner is replaced with the developer storage unit to be replaced containing the special color toner, when the developer storage unit containing the special color toner is replaced with the developer storage unit to be replaced containing the normal color toner, or when the developer storage unit containing the special color toner is replaced with the developer storage unit to be replaced containing the toner of a different special color.

[0012] An image forming system according to an eighth aspect is the image forming system according to the first aspect, wherein the cleaning developer storage section stores more than twice the weight of the carrier as the normal amount of the carrier inside the developer storage section.

[0013] In the image forming system of the ninth aspect, in the image forming system described in the first aspect, the ejection mode includes an operation of forming a toner image by adhering the toner from the developing device to the surface of the photosensitive member by rotating the photosensitive member, and cleaning the surface of the photosensitive member with a cleaning member.

[0014] An image forming system according to a tenth aspect is the image forming system according to the ninth aspect, wherein the toner image is formed beyond the range where the recording medium passes relative to the photosensitive member.

[0015] An image forming system according to an eleventh aspect is the image forming system according to the ninth aspect, wherein the toner image is a halftone toner image of 30% to 60%.

[0016] A twelfth aspect of the developer replacement method is a developer replacement method for an image forming system having a plurality of photosensitive drums on whose surfaces electrostatic latent images are formed due to differences in charge potential, a plurality of developing devices that are arranged opposite the photosensitive drums and each contain toner of a different color and develop the electrostatic latent images with the toner, a plurality of developer storage sections that each contain the different color developers, the developer being toner of one of the normal colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, or toner of a special color other than the normal colors, and a carrier, and a plurality of supply paths that supply the developer from the developer storage sections to the developing devices, respectively, in which a cleaning developer storage section that contains toner of a new color to be replaced and a cleaning developer containing a larger amount of carrier than the normal amount is attached to the supply path, and the developer before replacement is expelled from the supply path and the inside of the developing device by supplying the cleaning developer, and the supply path and the inside of the developing device are replaced with the cleaning developer.

[0017] A developer replacement method according to a thirteenth aspect is the developer replacement method according to the twelfth aspect, wherein when the cleaning developer storage unit is attached to the supply path, the photosensitive member, the developing device, and the supply path are continuously used.

[0018] A developer replacement method according to a fourteenth aspect is the developer replacement method according to the twelfth aspect, in which after the supply path and the inside of the developing device have been replaced with the cleaning developer, the cleaning developer storage section is replaced with the developer storage section to be replaced, which stores the toner of the new color and the normal amount of carrier.

[0019] A developer replacement method according to a fifteenth aspect is the developer replacement method according to the fourteenth aspect, wherein when the cleaning developer storage unit is replaced with the developer storage unit to be replaced, the supply path, the developing device, and the photosensitive member continue to be used.

[0020] The cleaning developer container according to the sixteenth aspect contains a cleaning developer containing a toner of a specific color and a carrier in an amount greater than the normal amount of carrier contained in the developer container. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the image forming system of the first aspect, when the developer storage unit is replaced with another developer storage unit that stores developer containing toner of a different color, it is not necessary to replace at least the supply path and the developing device as components other than the developer storage unit.

[0022] According to the image forming system of the second aspect, the developer before replacement in the supply path and inside the developing device can be smoothly replaced with cleaning developer, compared to when the discharge mode and the replacement mode are performed sequentially.

[0023] According to the image forming system of the third aspect, when the developer container is replaced with another developer container that contains a developer of a different color, it is not necessary to replace the supply path, the developing device, and the photosensitive member.

[0024] According to the image forming system of the fourth aspect, even in a configuration in which discharge products tend to increase on the surface of the photoreceptor due to the charging roll, the photoreceptor can be used continuously.

[0025] According to the image forming system of the fifth aspect, image quality is more stable than when the cleaning developer container is used as is during image formation.

[0026] According to the image forming system of the sixth aspect, there is no need to replace the supply path, the developing device, and the photosensitive member.

[0027] According to the image forming system of the seventh aspect, when the developer storage unit is replaced with another developer storage unit that stores developer containing toner of a different color, it is not necessary to replace at least the supply path and the developing device as components other than the developer storage unit.

[0028] According to the image forming system of the eighth aspect, it is easier to replace the developer before replacement with the cleaning developer compared to when the cleaning developer storage section stores less than twice the weight of the carrier in the developer storage section as normal.

[0029] According to the image forming system of the ninth aspect, the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive member is removed by the cleaning member, so that the developer before replacement can be quickly expelled.

[0030] According to the image forming system of the tenth aspect, the discharging of the developer before replacement is completed earlier than when a toner image is formed in the range where the recording medium passes.

[0031] According to the image forming system of the eleventh aspect, the time required to expel the developer before replacement is reduced compared to when forming a toner image with a halftone of less than 30%, and toner clogging when recovering the toner image removed by the cleaning member is reduced compared to when forming a toner image with a halftone of more than 60%.

[0032] According to the developer replacement method of the twelfth aspect, when replacing a developer storage unit with another developer storage unit that stores developer containing toner of a different color, it is not necessary to replace at least the supply path and the developing device as components other than the developer storage unit.

[0033] According to the developer replacement method of the thirteenth aspect, when replacing the developer storage unit with another developer storage unit that stores a developer of a different color, there is no need to replace the supply path, the developing device, and the photosensitive member.

[0034] According to the developer replacing method of the fourteenth aspect, image quality is more stable than when the cleaning developer container is used as is during image formation.

[0035] According to the developer replacing method of the fifteenth aspect, there is no need to replace the supply path, the developing device, and the photosensitive member.

[0036] According to the sixteenth aspect, by using the cleaning developer container, the developer inside the supply path and the developing device can be expelled and replaced with the cleaning developer. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment, as viewed from the front side. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a developing device used in an image forming system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a developer cartridge and a supply path used in an image forming system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of replacing a developer cartridge containing toner of a special color with a developer cartridge containing toner of another special color in the image forming system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 5A to 5C are process diagrams illustrating an example of a developer replacement method in the image forming system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the order in which developer cartridges are attached to a supply path in the image forming system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing an example of a toner image formed on the surface of a photosensitive member in a discharge mode in the image forming system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the image forming system according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] An example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the direction indicated by arrow X in the drawings will be referred to as the device width direction, and the direction indicated by arrow Y will be referred to as the device height direction. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to each of the device width direction and device height direction (arrow Z direction) will be referred to as the device depth direction.

[0039] [First embodiment] 1 shows an image forming system 10 according to the first embodiment. First, the image forming system 10 (see FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment will be described. Next, the developing device 100 and the developer replenishing device 150 will be described.

[0040] <Overall configuration of image forming system> As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 10 is an electrophotographic device 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.

[0041] The recording medium storage unit 12 has a function of storing paper P as an example of a recording medium. Although not shown in the drawings, the recording medium storage unit 12 may be configured to have multiple storage units that store multiple types of paper P.

[0042] The toner image forming unit 14 performs the processes of charging, exposing, and developing to form a toner image held by an intermediate transfer belt 30 (described later) that constitutes the transfer device 16. The toner image forming unit 14 includes, for example, monochromatic units 21Y, 21M, 21C, 21K, and 21S that form toner images on the photoconductors 22 using toners of different colors (Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), K (black), and special color (S)). The toner image forming unit 14 is also capable of forming toner images composed of multiple colors according to image data, for example. The Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) toners are examples of normal color toners. The special color (S) toner is an example of a special color toner and is a toner of a color other than Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black). As the special color (S) toner, for example, white (W), clear color (CR, transparent color), gold, silver, etc., toner is used.

[0043] The monochrome units 21Y, 21M, 21C, 21K, and 21CT have the same configuration except for the color of the toner images they form. Hereinafter, unless there is a need to distinguish between the monochrome units 21Y, 21M, 21C, 21K, and 21CT and their components, the alphabets (Y, M, C, K, and CT) of the monochrome units 21Y, 21M, 21C, 21K, and 21CT will be omitted. Each monochrome unit 21 includes a photoconductor 22, a charging roll 24, an exposure device 26, a developing device 100, and a cleaning device 28.

[0044] The charging roll 24 charges the surface of the photoreceptor 22 by applying a voltage in which an AC voltage is superimposed on a DC voltage. The charging roll 24 is disposed upstream of the developing device 100 in the rotation direction of the photoreceptor 22 indicated by the arrow. 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 members. The cleaning device 28 is disposed downstream of the transfer position of the toner image in the rotation direction of the photoreceptor 22. The cleaning blade 28A and the cleaning brush 28B remove toner remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor 22.

[0045] The transfer device 16 holds the toner images of each color formed by each monochromatic unit 21 and transfers them to the transported paper P. The transfer device 16 includes an intermediate transfer belt 30, five transfer rolls 32, a drive roll 38, a secondary transfer section 36, a tension roll 34, and a cleaning device 80. The intermediate transfer belt 30 is endless. Each of the five transfer rolls 32 forms a nip with each of the photoconductors 22, sandwiching the intermediate transfer belt 30 between them. The intermediate transfer belt 30 is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow by the drive roll 38. As an example, the monochromatic units 21S, 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream in the direction of rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 30. As a result, the toner images formed on the photoconductors 22 by the monochromatic units 21S, 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 30 by the transfer roll 32 in a superimposed manner.

[0046] The secondary transfer unit 36 ​​includes a transfer roll 54 that contacts the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 30 on which the toner image is held, and an opposing roll 56 that is disposed opposite the transfer roll 54 with the intermediate transfer belt 30 sandwiched therebetween. In the secondary transfer unit 36, the toner images of each color held on the intermediate transfer belt 30 are transferred to the paper P being transported. The cleaning device 80 is disposed downstream of the secondary transfer unit 36 ​​in the direction of rotation of the intermediate transfer belt 30. 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 toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 30.

[0047] The recording medium transport device 18 has a function of transporting the paper P so that the paper P 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 rolls 44 and a transport belt 46. The transport rolls 44 are configured as a pair of rolls. The transport rolls 44 transport the paper P stored in the recording medium storage unit 12 along a transport path 18A.

[0048] The conveyor belt 46 is configured such that an endless belt is wound around a pair of rolls that are spaced apart from each other. The conveyor belt 46 is disposed downstream of the secondary transfer unit 36 ​​in the conveying direction of the paper P and upstream of the fixing device 20. The conveyor belt 46 conveys the paper P, onto which the toner image has been transferred in the secondary transfer unit 36, to the fixing device 50 along a conveying path 18A.

[0049] The fixing device 20 has a function of fixing the toner image transferred (secondary transfer) onto the paper P by the transfer device 16 at the nip N2. The fixing device 20 includes a heating section 62 having an endless belt that moves around, and a pressure roll 64 that is pressed against the heating section 62. When the paper P is transported to the nip N2 between the heating section 62 and the pressure roll 64, the toner image on the paper P is fixed by heat and pressure.

[0050] The control unit 70 has a 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 (causes each unit to perform its respective operation) in accordance with image formation data received from an external device (not shown). Here, the image formation data includes image data (image information) that causes each monochrome unit 21 to form a toner image, and other data necessary for the image forming operation.

[0051] The image forming system 10 also includes a density sensor 72 that detects the density of the toner image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 30, downstream of the single-color units 21S, 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K in the rotational movement direction of the intermediate transfer belt 30. As an example, the density sensor 72 is a reflective optical sensor having a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element.

[0052] <Operation of the image forming system> Next, the operation of the image forming system 10 will be described.

[0053] The control unit 70 receives image formation data from an external device (not shown) and 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 photoconductor 22 is charged by each charging roll 24, and each photoconductor 22 is exposed by each exposure device 26, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photoconductor 22 due to the difference in charge potential. Furthermore, each developing device 100 develops the electrostatic latent image on each photoconductor 22 into a toner image. As a result, each toner image is formed on each photoconductor 22.

[0054] Next, a voltage (primary transfer voltage) is applied from a power source (not shown) to each transfer roll 32. Furthermore, a drive roll 38 driven by a drive source (not shown) rotates the intermediate transfer belt 30 in the direction of the arrow. As a result, toner images of each color are primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 30 in a superimposed manner.

[0055] Furthermore, the recording medium transport device 18 feeds the paper P into the nip N1 in time with the arrival of the toner images of each color held on the rotating intermediate transfer belt 30 at 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 roll (not shown) that contacts the outer periphery of the opposing roll 56, thereby secondarily transferring the toner images of each color onto the paper P that passes through the nip N1.

[0056] Next, the recording medium conveying device 18 sends the paper P onto which the toner images of each color have been secondarily transferred into the nip N2, and the fixing device 20 fixes the toner images of each color onto the paper P passing through the nip N2, forming an image on the paper P. Thereafter, the paper P is discharged to the discharge section 66 by the conveying rolls 44.

[0057] <Developing device> Next, the developing device 100 will be described.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 2, the developing device 100 is disposed opposite the photoconductor 22. The developing device 100 includes a housing 102 that accommodates the developer G, a developing roll 106 that holds the developer G, a trimmer 108 that regulates the thickness of the layer of the developer G on the outer peripheral surface of the developing roll 106, and a developer stirring and transporting unit 125. As an example, the developer stirring and transporting unit 125 includes a first stirring and transporting chamber 123 and a second stirring and transporting chamber 124 adjacent to the first stirring and transporting chamber 123. The first stirring and transporting chamber 123 is provided with a first auger 109, and the second stirring and transporting chamber 124 is provided with a second auger 111.

[0059] As shown in Figure 2, the developer G is composed of, for example, a two-component developer containing toner T as an example of negatively charged particles and carrier CA as an example of positively charged magnetic particles.

[0060] The housing 102 is configured to include a container body 103 and a cover member 104 that closes the top of the container body 103. The container body 103 has a partition wall 103A that separates the first stirring and transfer chamber 123 and the second stirring and transfer chamber 124. The container body 103 is provided with inlets (not shown) that connect to the first stirring and transfer chamber 123 and the second stirring and transfer chamber 124 at both ends of the partition wall 103A in the Z direction. In the first stirring and transfer chamber 123 and the second stirring and transfer chamber 124, the first auger 109 and the second auger 111 rotate in opposite directions, thereby stirring and transferring the developer G.

[0061] The cover member 104 is provided with a developer supply port 136. As an example, the developer supply port 136 is provided in the upper part of the second mixing and transport chamber 124. The developer supply port 136 is connected to the lower end of a supply path 154 (see FIG. 3) described later for supplying new toner T.

[0062] The developing roll 106 has a magnet roll 106A fixedly supported on the container body 103 via a shaft 106C, and a cylindrical developing sleeve 106B supported so as to be rotatable outside the magnet roll 106A. The magnet roll 106A has a plurality of magnetic poles provided along its outer circumferential surface (circumferential direction).

[0063] The developer G in the first stirring and transporting chamber 123 is transported by the rotation of the developing sleeve 106B in the +R direction while being held on the developing sleeve 106B. The developer G held on the developing sleeve 106B enters between the outer peripheral surface of the developing sleeve 106B and the tip 108A of the trimmer 108, thereby restricting the thickness of the layer, and is transported to the development area facing the photosensitive member 22.

[0064] <Developer supply device> Next, the developer supply device 150 will be described.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 10 includes developer supply devices 150Y, 150M, 150C, 150K, and 150S that supply developers G containing toner T of different colors (Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), K (black), and special color (S)) to the developing devices 100 of the monochrome units 21Y, 21M, 21C, 21K, and 21CT. The developer supply devices 150Y, 150M, 150C, 150K, and 150S each include a plurality of developer cartridges 152Y, 152M, 152C, 152K, and 152S, each containing developers G containing toner of different colors (Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), K (black), and special color (S)). The developer G contains the toner T of each color and a carrier CA. The developer cartridges 152Y, 152M, 152C, 152K, and 152S are examples of developer containers.

[0066] The developer supply devices 150Y, 150M, 150C, 150K, and 150S have the same configuration except for the color of the toner they store or transport. Hereinafter, the developer supply devices 150Y, 150M, 150C, 150K, and 150S will be described without the letters (Y, M, C, K, S) when it is not necessary to distinguish between the toner colors.

[0067] 3, the developer replenishing device 150 includes a supply path 154 connected to the bottom of the developer cartridge 152. The supply path 154 supplies the developer G from the developer cartridge 152 to the developing device 100. The supply path 154 includes a cylindrical horizontal transport path 154A connected to the developer cartridge 152, and a cylindrical vertical transport path 154B connected to the end of the horizontal transport path 154A opposite to the developer cartridge 152.

[0068] The developer cartridge 152 is cylindrical and includes an agitator 162 therein for transporting the developer G. The agitator 162 is, for example, configured to rotate a spiral member.

[0069] The horizontal transport path 154A is disposed along the horizontal direction, i.e., the horizontal direction, of the image forming system 10. The upstream end of the horizontal transport path 154A in the transport direction of the developer G is connected to the axial end 152A of the developer cartridge 152. A transport member 164 that transports the developer G along the axial direction of the horizontal transport path 154A is provided inside the horizontal transport path 154A.

[0070] The transport member 164 has a rotary shaft 164A disposed along the longitudinal direction (Z direction) of the horizontal transport path 154A, and a spiral transport blade 164B supported on the outer periphery of the rotary shaft 164A. The transport member 164 transports the developer G introduced into the horizontal transport path 154A from the developer cartridge 152 toward the vertical transport path 154B by the rotation of the rotary shaft 164A.

[0071] The vertical transport path 154B is arranged along the vertical direction, and the downstream end of the vertical transport path 154B in the transport direction of the developer G is connected to the cover member 104 of the developing device 100 (see FIG. 2). The vertical transport path 154B supplies the developer G to the developing device 100 by dropping the toner transported from the horizontal transport path 154A.

[0072] In the developer replenishing device 150, the developer cartridge 152 is configured to be detachable from the supply path 154. For example, when the developer G in the developer cartridge 152 containing toner T of a normal color (Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), K (black)) or a special color (S) runs low, the old developer cartridge 152 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 horizontal conveying path 154A of the supply path 154, and a new developer cartridge 152 containing toner T of the same color is attached to the horizontal conveying path 154A of the supply path 154.

[0073] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the developer cartridge 152 containing the toner T of a specific color can be replaced with a developer cartridge 152 containing a toner T of a different color. The case where the developer cartridge 152 containing the toner T of a specific color is replaced with a developer cartridge 152 containing a toner T of a different color will be described later.

[0074] <Control Configuration of Image Forming System 10> Next, a description will be given of a control configuration, which is an electrical configuration of the image forming system 10. FIG.

[0075] 4, 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 that they can communicate with each other.

[0076] The CPU 211 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each component. The CPU 211 is an example of a processor. The CPU 211 reads a program from the ROM 212 or the storage 214, and executes the program using the RAM 213 as a work area. In this embodiment, the processing program is stored in the ROM 212 or the storage 214. The CPU 211 controls each of the above components and performs various arithmetic processing according to the processing program recorded in the ROM 212 or the storage 214.

[0077] The ROM 212 stores various programs and various data. The RAM 213 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. The storage 214 is configured with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs including an operating system and various data.

[0078] The input / output interface 215 is an interface for transmitting and receiving information to and from peripheral devices of the control unit 70. The input / output interface 215 is connected to each of the image forming unit drive unit 221, the paper transport motor 222, the developing device drive unit 223, the developer replenishment drive unit 224, the operation and display unit 225, and the developer sensor 226, and can transmit and receive information to and from each of these components. Note that, instead of this configuration, the image forming system 10 of the present disclosure may have at least one or more of the image forming unit drive unit 221, the paper transport motor 222, the developing device drive unit 223, the developer replenishment drive unit 224, the operation and display unit 225, and the developer sensor 226 directly connected via the bus 219.

[0079] The image forming unit drive section 221 is connected to each of the monochrome units 21 of the toner image forming section 14 and each of the parts of the transfer device 16. The image forming unit drive section 221 receives instructions from the CPU 211 of the control section 70 and drives each of the monochrome units 21 and each of the parts of the transfer device 16.

[0080] The paper transport motor 222 is connected to the transport rolls 44 and the transport belt 46 via a drive mechanism such as gears, and the transport rolls 44 rotate and the transport belt 46 moves in a circular motion as the paper transport motor 222 is driven. 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.

[0081] The developing device drive unit 223 is connected to each part of the developing device 100. The developing device drive unit 223 receives instructions from the CPU 211 and drives each part of the developing device 100. For example, the developing device drive unit 223 controls the rotation of the developing roll 106, the first auger 109, and the second auger 111.

[0082] The developer supply drive unit 224 is connected to each part of the developer supply device 150. The developer supply drive unit 224 receives instructions from the CPU 211 and drives each part 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, thereby supplying the developer G to the developing device 100.

[0083] The operation display unit 225 accepts instructions from a user of the image forming system 10 and notifies the user of various information relating to the operating status of the image forming system 10. The operation display unit 225 includes, for example, a display button that realizes the acceptance of operation instructions by a program, a touch panel display that displays various information, and hardware keys such as a numeric keypad and a start button.

[0084] The developer sensor 226 detects information about the developer G, such as the color of the toner T in the developer G inside the developing device 100 and the toner concentration in the developer G. As an example, the developer sensor 226 detects the type of toner T. In the first embodiment, the developer sensor 226 detects that the developer G inside the developing device 100 has been replaced with a cleaning developer G2, which will be described later. The CPU 211 acquires information about the developer G or the cleaning developer G2 detected by the developer sensor 226. As an example, the storage 214 stores information about the developer G or the cleaning developer G2.

[0085] <Replacing the developer cartridge> Next, replacement of the developer cartridge 152 in the image forming system 10 will be described.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 5, for example, a developer cartridge 152S1 containing developer G containing toner T of a first special color (S1) and carrier CA can be replaced with a developer cartridge 152S2 containing developer G containing toner T of a second special color (S2) different from the first special color (S1) and carrier CA. The toner T of the first special color (S1) is an example of a special color toner. The toner T of the second special color (S2) is an example of a toner of another special color, and is an example of a new color toner to be replaced.

[0087] At this time, only the developer cartridge 152S1 is replaced, and the supply path 154, developing device 100, and photoconductor 22 are not replaced. That is, even when the developer cartridge 152S1 containing toner T of the first special color (S1) is replaced with a developer cartridge 152S2 containing toner T of the second special color (S2), the supply path 154, developing device 100, and photoconductor 22 continue to be used as they are. In this case, the developer cartridge 152S1 is not directly replaced with the developer cartridge 152S2, but a cleaning developer cartridge 182S2, which will be described later, is used between the developer cartridge 152S1 and the developer cartridge 152S2 (see FIG. 7).

[0088] 6 is a process diagram showing an example of a developer replacement method in the image forming system 10. FIG.

[0089] 6, the developer replacement method first includes a step of removing the developer cartridge 152S1 (step S301). Specifically, the user removes the developer cartridge 152S1, which contains the developer G containing the toner T of the first special color (S1) and the carrier CA, from the supply path 154.

[0090] Next, the developer replacement method includes a step of installing the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 (step S302). Specifically, the user installs the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 shown in FIG. 7 into the supply path 154. The cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 is an example of a cleaning developer container. The cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 contains a cleaning developer G2 containing toner T of a second special color (S2) and a carrier CA in an amount greater than the normal amount of carrier CA. When new, the developer cartridge 152 contains developer G containing toner T of each color and a normal amount of carrier CA. In other words, the normal amount of carrier CA refers to the amount of carrier CA contained in the developer G in a typical new developer cartridge 152. The cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 contains, for example, more than twice the weight of 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 in accordance with the increase in the amount of carrier CA.

[0091] By using the cleaning developer G2 containing the toner T of the second special color (S2) and a larger amount of carrier CA than the normal amount of carrier CA, the toner T of the second special color S2 is more likely to be attracted to the carrier CA, making it easier to supply the cleaning developer G2.

[0092] Next, the developer replacement method includes a step of discharging the developer G before replacement and replacing it with the cleaning developer G2 (step S303). Specifically, the developer G before replacement is discharged and replaced with the cleaning developer G2 using the cleaning developer G2 of the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2.

[0093] The ROM 212 or storage 214 of the control unit 70 stores a discharge mode in which the cleaning developer G2 is supplied to discharge the pre-replacement developer G in the supply path 154 and the inside of the developing device 100. The ROM 212 or storage 214 also stores a replacement mode in which the cleaning developer G2 is replaced in the supply path 154 and the inside of the developing device 100. As an example, when a sensor (not shown) detects that the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 has been attached to the supply path 154, the CPU 211 executes the discharge mode and the replacement mode. For example, the CPU 211 may execute the discharge mode and the replacement mode simultaneously.

[0094] 8, the discharge mode includes an operation of depositing toner T from the developing device 100 onto the surface of the photoreceptor 22 by rotating the photoreceptor 22 in the direction of the arrow to form a toner image 320, and cleaning the surface of the photoreceptor 22 with 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 along the axial direction (direction of the arrow Z).

[0095] As an example, the toner image 320 may be formed beyond the range where the paper P passes over the photoreceptor 22. The toner image 320 may also be a halftone image of 30% to 60%. Halftone refers to an intermediate tone image with less toner than a 100% solid image. As an example, the toner image 320 is halftone at about 40%, and the toner is expelled by rotating the photoreceptor 22 for about 10 minutes.

[0096] As a result, cleaning developer G2 is supplied from the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2, and the developer G before replacement is expelled from the supply path 154 and the inside of the developing device 100. Furthermore, the contents of the supply path 154 and the inside of the developing device 100 are replaced with cleaning developer G2. For example, the developer sensor 226 detects that the inside of the developing device 100 has been replaced with cleaning developer G2.

[0097] Next, the developer replacement method includes a step of removing the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 (step S304). Specifically, the user removes the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 from the supply path 154. For example, when the developer sensor 226 detects that the inside of the developing device 100 has been replaced with the cleaning developer G2, information indicating the completion of replacement with the cleaning developer G2 may be displayed on the operation display unit 225. This allows the user to know the timing to remove the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2.

[0098] Next, the developer replacement method includes a step of installing the developer cartridge 152S2 to be replaced (step S305). Specifically, the user installs the developer cartridge 152S2 to be replaced, as shown in FIG. 7, into the supply path 154. The developer cartridge 152S2 is an example of a developer storage unit to be replaced. The developer cartridge 152S2 stores developer G containing new toner T of the second spot color (S2) and a normal amount of carrier CA. At this time, the supply path 154, the developing device 100, and the photoconductor 22 continue to be used.

[0099] Thereafter, although not shown, new developer G containing toner T of the second special color (S2) and a normal amount of carrier CA is supplied from the developer cartridge 152S2 to the supply path 154, the developing device 100, and the photoconductor 22.

[0100] The above-described discharge mode and replacement mode are executed when the developer cartridge 152S1 containing the toner T of the first special color (S1) is replaced with the developer cartridge 152S2 containing the toner T of the second special color (S1), but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the discharge mode and replacement mode may be executed when the developer cartridge 152 containing the toner T of a normal color is replaced with the developer cartridge 152S to be replaced containing the toner T of the special color (S), or when the developer cartridge 152S containing the toner T of the special color (S) is replaced with the developer cartridge 152 to be replaced containing the toner of a normal color.

[0101] <Issues with the image forming system in the comparative example> Here, the problems with the image forming system of the comparative example will be described.

[0102] When forming an image using special color toner, each type of special color toner has different characteristics, such as different particle size. The image forming system of the comparative example is equipped with a charging roll that charges the surface of a photoconductor. The charging roll charges the surface of the photoconductor by applying a voltage that is a DC voltage superimposed on an AC voltage. In an image forming system equipped with a charging roll, the surface of the photoconductor is roughened by discharge products, which causes the cleaning member to be affected by the toner, resulting in increased vibration and likely causing poor cleaning. Therefore, when replacing a special color toner with a different special color toner at the same position on the photoconductor, the developer cartridge, supply path, developing device, and photoconductor must all be replaced. This poses the problem that it is not possible to frequently replace all of the developer cartridge, supply path, developing device, and photoconductor, and the replacement process is time-consuming.

[0103] <Operation of the First Embodiment> Next, the operation of the image forming system 10 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0104] 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of information processing handled by the image forming system 10 of the first embodiment. In the image forming system 10, the CPU 211 reads a processing program from the ROM 212 or the storage 214, expands it in the RAM 213, and executes it to perform processing.

[0105] The CPU 211 determines whether or not a cleaning developer cartridge has been attached to the supply path 154 (step S401). For example, the CPU 211 determines whether or not a cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 containing cleaning developer G2 containing toner T of a special color (S2) and a larger-than-normal amount of carrier CA has been attached to the supply path 154 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). Whether or not the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 has been attached to the supply path 154 can be detected by a sensor (not shown).

[0106] If the cleaning developer cartridge is not attached to the supply path 154 (step S401: NO), the CPU 211 waits until the cleaning developer cartridge is attached to the supply path 154.

[0107] If the cleaning developer cartridge is attached to the supply path 154 (step S401: YES), the CPU 211 executes the discharge mode and the replacement mode (step S402). For example, the CPU 211 executes the discharge mode and the replacement mode by operating the image forming unit drive unit 221, the developing device drive unit 223, and the developer supply drive unit 224. For example, in the discharge mode, the cleaning developer G2 is supplied from the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 to discharge the developer G before replacement from the supply path 154 and the inside of the developing device 100 (see FIG. 6). Also, for example, in the replacement mode, the developer G in the supply path 154 and the inside of the developing device 100 is replaced with the cleaning developer G2 (see FIG. 6). For example, the CPU 211 executes the discharge mode and the replacement mode simultaneously.

[0108] The CPU 211 determines whether or not the discharging of the pre-replacement developer G and the replacement of the cleaning developer G2 have been completed (step S403). For example, the completion of the discharging of the pre-replacement developer G and the replacement of the cleaning developer G2 is detected by the developer sensor 226 provided inside the developing device 100.

[0109] If the discharging of the pre-replacement developer G and the replacement of the cleaning developer G2 are not completed (step S403: NO), the CPU 211 waits until the discharging of the pre-replacement developer G and the replacement of the cleaning developer G2 are completed.

[0110] When the discharging of the pre-replacement developer G and the replacement with the cleaning developer G2 are completed (step S403: YES), the CPU 211 outputs completion information to the operation display unit 225 (step S404). This ends the processing based on the processing program handled by the image forming system 10.

[0111] In the image forming system 10 described above, when the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 is attached to the supply path 154, the CPU 211 executes a discharge mode in which the cleaning developer G is discharged from the supply path 154 and the inside of the developing device 100 before replacement by supplying the cleaning developer G2, and a replacement mode in which the cleaning developer G2 is replaced from the supply path 154 and the inside of the developing device 100. The cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 contains the cleaning developer G2, which includes toner T of the second spot color S2, which is a new color to be replaced, and a carrier CA in an amount greater than the normal amount of carrier CA.

[0112] Therefore, in the image forming system 10, for example, when the developer cartridge 152S1 is replaced with another developer cartridge 152S2 that contains a developer G containing a toner T of a different color, it is not necessary to replace at least the supply path 154 and the developing device 100 as components other than the developer cartridge 152S1.

[0113] Furthermore, CPU 211 simultaneously executes the discharge mode and the replacement mode. Therefore, in image forming system 10, the developer G before replacement in supply path 154 and inside developing device 100 can be replaced with cleaning developer G2 more smoothly than when the discharge mode and replacement mode are executed in sequence. Furthermore, the developer G before replacement in supply path 154 and inside developing device 100 can be replaced with cleaning developer G2 in a shorter time than when the discharge mode and replacement mode are executed in sequence.

[0114] Furthermore, the image forming system 10 is configured so that when the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 is attached to the supply path 154, the supply path 154, the developing device 100, and the photoconductor 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 that contains developer G containing toner T of a different color, there is no need to replace the supply path 154, the developing device 100, and the photoconductor 22.

[0115] Furthermore, in the image forming system 10, a charging roll 24 that charges the surface of the photoconductor 22 by applying a voltage in which an AC voltage is superimposed on a DC voltage is provided upstream of the developing device 100 in the rotation direction of the photoconductor 22. Therefore, in the image forming system 10, the photoconductor 22 can be continuously used even in a configuration in which the charging roll 24 is likely to increase discharge products on the surface of the photoconductor 22.

[0116] Furthermore, in the image forming system 10, after the supply path 154 and the inside of the developing device 100 are replaced with the cleaning developer G2, the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 is replaced with a replacement developer cartridge 152S2 that contains toner T of a new color, the 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 as is during image formation.

[0117] Furthermore, the image forming system 10 is configured so that when the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 is replaced with the developer cartridge 152S2 to be replaced, the supply path 154, the developing device 100, and the photoconductor 22 continue to be used. Therefore, in the image forming system 10, it is not necessary to replace the supply path 154, the developing device 100, and the photoconductor 22.

[0118] Furthermore, in the image forming system 10, the discharge 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 a replacement developer cartridge 152S2 containing the toner T of a different second spot color S2. Therefore, in the image forming system 10, when the developer cartridge 152S1 is replaced with another developer cartridge 152S2 that contains the developer G containing the toner T of a different color, it is not necessary to replace at least the supply path 154 and the developing device 100 as components other than the developer cartridge 152S1.

[0119] Furthermore, the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 contains more than twice the weight of the carrier CA of the normal amount of carrier CA inside the developer cartridge 152S1. This makes it easier for the toner T of the second spot color S2 to be attracted to the carrier CA, and the supply of cleaning developer G2 makes it easier to expel the developer G before replacement. Therefore, in the image forming system 10, it is easier to replace the developer G before replacement with cleaning developer G2 compared to when the cleaning developer cartridge contains less than twice the weight of the carrier of the normal amount of carrier inside the developer cartridge.

[0120] The expulsion mode also includes an operation of depositing toner T from the developing device 100 onto the surface of the photoreceptor 22 as the photoreceptor 22 rotates, forming a toner image 320, and cleaning the surface of the photoreceptor 22 with the cleaning blade 28A and the cleaning brush 28B. Therefore, in the image forming system 10, the toner image 320 formed on the surface of the photoreceptor 22 is removed with the cleaning blade 28A and the cleaning brush 28B, thereby enabling the developer G before replacement to be quickly expelled.

[0121] Furthermore, the toner image 320 is formed outside the range through which the paper P passes relative to the photosensitive member 22. Therefore, in the image forming system 10, the discharge of the developer G before replacement is completed earlier than when a toner image is formed within the range through which the paper P passes.

[0122] Furthermore, the toner image 320 is a halftone toner image of 30% to 60%. Therefore, in the image forming system 10, it takes less time to expel the developer G before replacement than when forming a toner image of less than 30% halftone. Also, compared to when forming a toner image of more than 60% halftone, toner clogging when collecting the toner image 320 removed by the cleaning blade 28A and cleaning brush 28B is suppressed.

[0123] Furthermore, in the developer replacement method in the image forming system 10, a cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 containing cleaning developer G2 including toner T of the second spot color S2 to be replaced and a larger amount of carrier CA than the normal amount of carrier CA is attached to the supply path 154. Furthermore, by supplying cleaning developer G2 from the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2, the developer G before replacement inside the supply path 154 and the developing device 100 is expelled, and the contents of the supply path 154 and the developing device 100 are replaced with the cleaning developer G2. Therefore, in the developer replacement method, when replacing the developer cartridge 152S1 with another developer cartridge 152S2 containing developer G including toner T of a different color, it is not necessary to replace at least the supply path 154 and the developing device 100 as components other than the developer cartridge 152S1.

[0124] Furthermore, in the developer replacement method, when the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 is attached to the supply path 154, the photosensitive member 22, the developing device 100, and the supply path 154 are continuously used. Therefore, in the developer replacement method, when the developer cartridge 152S1 is replaced with another developer cartridge 152S2 that contains developer G containing toner T of a different color, it is not necessary to replace the supply path 154, the developing device 100, and the photosensitive member 22.

[0125] Furthermore, in the developer replacement method, after the supply path 154 and the inside of the developing device 100 have been replaced with the cleaning developer G2, the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 is replaced with the developer cartridge 152S2 to be replaced, which contains the toner T of a new color and the normal amount of carrier CA. Therefore, in the developer replacement method, image quality is more stable than when the cleaning developer cartridge is used as is during image formation.

[0126] Furthermore, in the developer replacement method, when the cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 is replaced with the developer cartridge 152S2 to be replaced, the supply path 154, the developing device 100, and the photosensitive member 22 continue to be used. Therefore, in the developer replacement method, it is not necessary to replace the supply path 154, the developing device 100, and the photosensitive member 22.

[0127] The cleaning developer cartridge 182S2 also contains cleaning developer G2 that includes 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 inside the supply path 154 and the developing device 100 can be expelled and replaced with the cleaning developer G2.

[0128] 〔supplementary explanation〕 The image forming system of the present disclosure is not limited to the image forming system 10 described in the first embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, the configuration of the developing device 100 and the configuration of the supply path 154 can be modified.

[0129] The processing of the image forming system 10 can also be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit. In this case, the processing may be performed by a single piece of hardware or by multiple pieces of hardware.

[0130] The program that operates the image forming system 10 may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a flexible disk, or a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), or may 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 and stored in a memory or storage device. The program may be provided as standalone application software, or may be incorporated into the software of each device of the image forming system 10 as a function thereof.

[0131] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and that various other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0132] [Note] Preferred aspects of the present disclosure will be described below.

[0133] (((1))) a plurality of photoreceptors on whose surfaces electrostatic latent images are formed due to differences in charging potential; a plurality of developing devices disposed opposite the photosensitive member, each containing a toner of a different color, and each developing the electrostatic latent image with the toner; a plurality of developer storage sections each containing a developer of a different color, the developer containing a toner of one of the normal colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, or a toner of a special color other than the normal color, and a carrier; a plurality of supply paths for respectively supplying the developer from the developer container to the developing device; at least one processor; and The processor: a discharge mode in which, when a cleaning developer container containing a cleaning developer containing a toner of a new color to be replaced and a carrier in an amount larger than a normal amount is attached to the supply path, the cleaning developer is supplied to discharge the developer before replacement from the supply path and the inside of the developing device; a replacement mode in which the supply path and the inside of the developing device are replaced with the cleaning developer.

[0134] (((2))) The processor: The image forming system according to (((1))), wherein the ejection mode and the replacement mode are carried out simultaneously.

[0135] (((3))) The image forming system described in (((1))) or (((2))) is configured so that when the cleaning developer storage unit is attached to the supply path, the supply path, the developing device, and the photosensitive member are continuously used.

[0136] (((4))) The image forming system described in any one of (((1))) to (((3))) includes a charging roll that charges the surface of the photosensitive member by applying a voltage in which an AC voltage is superimposed on a DC voltage, upstream of the developing device in the rotation direction of the photosensitive member.

[0137] (((5))) The image forming system described in any one of (((1))) to (((4))), wherein after the supply path and the inside of the developing device are replaced with the cleaning developer, the cleaning developer storage unit is replaced with a replacement developer storage unit that stores the new color toner and the normal amount of carrier.

[0138] (((6))) The image forming system described in (((5))) is configured so that when the cleaning developer storage unit is replaced with the developer storage unit to be replaced, the supply path, the developing device, and the photosensitive member continue to be used.

[0139] (((7))) The discharge mode and the replacement mode are The image forming system described in any one of (((1))) to (((6))), which is executed when the developer storage unit containing the normal color toner is replaced with the developer storage unit to be replaced containing the special color toner, when the developer storage unit containing the special color toner is replaced with the developer storage unit to be replaced containing the normal color toner, or when the developer storage unit containing the special color toner is replaced with the developer storage unit to be replaced containing toner of a different special color.

[0140] (((8))) The image forming system described in any one of (((1))) to (((7))), wherein the cleaning developer storage section stores more than twice the weight of the carrier compared to the normal amount of the carrier inside the developer storage section.

[0141] (((9))) The image forming system described in any one of (((1))) to (((8))), wherein the ejection mode includes an operation of forming a toner image by causing the toner to adhere from the developing device to the surface of the photosensitive member by rotating the photosensitive member, and cleaning the surface of the photosensitive member with a cleaning member.

[0142] (((10))) The image forming system according to (((9))), wherein the toner image is formed beyond the range where the recording medium passes on the photosensitive member.

[0143] (((11))) The image forming system according to (((9))) or (((10))), wherein the toner image is a halftone toner image with a density of 30% to 60%.

[0144] (((12))) a plurality of photoreceptors on whose surfaces electrostatic latent images are formed due to differences in charging potential; a plurality of developing devices disposed opposite the photosensitive member, each containing a toner of a different color, and each developing the electrostatic latent image with the toner; a plurality of developer storage sections each containing a developer of a different color, the developer containing a toner of one of the normal colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, or a toner of a special color other than the normal color, and a carrier; a plurality of supply paths for respectively supplying the developer from the developer container to the developing device; A developer replacement method in an image forming system having the following: a cleaning developer containing a cleaning developer containing a toner of a new color to be replaced and a carrier in an amount greater than a normal amount of carrier, is attached to the supply path, and the cleaning developer is supplied to expel the developer before replacement from the supply path and the inside of the developing device; a developer replacement method for replacing the supply passage and the inside of the developing device with the cleaning developer;

[0145] (((13))) The developer replacing method according to (((12))), wherein when the cleaning developer container is attached to the supply path, the photosensitive member, the developing device, and the supply path are continuously used.

[0146] (((14))) The developer replacement method described in (((12))) or (((13))), wherein after the supply path and the inside of the developing device have been replaced with the cleaning developer, the cleaning developer storage unit is replaced with the developer storage unit to be replaced that stores the toner of the new color and the normal amount of carrier.

[0147] (((15))) The developer replacement method according to (((14))), wherein when the cleaning developer storage unit is replaced with the developer storage unit to be replaced, the supply path, the developing device, and the photosensitive member are continuously used.

[0148] (((16))) A cleaning developer storage section stores a cleaning developer containing a new color toner to be replaced and a carrier in an amount greater than the normal amount of carrier stored in the developer storage section.

[0149] According to the image forming system of (((1))), when the developer storage unit is replaced with another developer storage unit that stores developer containing toner of a different color, it is not necessary to replace at least the supply path and the developing device as components other than the developer storage unit.

[0150] According to the image forming system of (((2))), the developer before replacement inside the supply path and the developing device can be smoothly replaced with cleaning developer, compared to when the discharge mode and the replacement mode are performed sequentially.

[0151] According to the image forming system of (((3))), when the developer storage unit is replaced with another developer storage unit that stores a developer of a different color, there is no need to replace the supply path, the developing device, and the photosensitive member.

[0152] According to the image forming system of (((4))), the photosensitive member can be used continuously even in a configuration in which discharge products tend to increase on the surface of the photosensitive member due to the charging roll.

[0153] According to the image forming system of (((5))), the image quality is more stable than when the cleaning developer container is used as is during image formation.

[0154] According to the image forming system of (((6))), it is not necessary to replace the supply path, the developing device, and the photosensitive member.

[0155] According to the image forming system of (((7))), when the developer storage unit is replaced with another developer storage unit that stores developer containing toner of a different color, it is not necessary to replace at least the supply path and the developing device as components other than the developer storage unit.

[0156] According to the image forming system of (((8))), it is easier to replace the developer before replacement with the cleaning developer, compared to when the cleaning developer storage section stores less than twice the weight of the carrier in the developer storage section as a normal amount.

[0157] According to the image forming system of (((9))), the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive member is removed by the cleaning member, so that the developer before replacement can be quickly expelled.

[0158] According to the image forming system of (((10))), the developer before replacement is discharged more quickly than when a toner image is formed in the area where the recording medium passes.

[0159] According to the image forming system of (((11))), the time required to expel the developer before replacement is reduced compared to when a toner image with a halftone of less than 30% is formed, and toner clogging when recovering the toner image removed by the cleaning member is reduced compared to when a toner image with a halftone of more than 60% is formed.

[0160] According to the developer replacement method of (((12))), when replacing the developer storage unit with another developer storage unit that stores developer containing toner of a different color, it is not necessary to replace at least the supply path and the developing device as components other than the developer storage unit.

[0161] According to the developer replacement method of (((13))), when replacing the developer storage unit with another developer storage unit that stores a developer of a different color, it is not necessary to replace the supply path, the developing device, and the photosensitive member.

[0162] According to the developer replacement method (((14))), image quality is more stable than when the cleaning developer container is used as is during image formation.

[0163] According to the developer replacement method (((15))), there is no need to replace the supply path, the developing device, and the photosensitive member.

[0164] According to the cleaning developer container according to (((16))), by using the cleaning developer container, the developer inside the supply path and the developing device can be expelled and replaced with cleaning developer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] 10. Image forming system 22 Photoreceptor 24 Charging roll 28A Cleaning blade (an example of a cleaning material) 28B Cleaning brush (an example of a cleaning material) 70 Control Unit 100 Developing device 152 Developer cartridge (an example of a developer storage unit) 152S1 Developer cartridge (an example of a developer storage unit) 152S2 Developer cartridge (an example of a developer storage unit to be replaced) 154 Supply route 182S2 Cleaning developer cartridge (an example of a cleaning developer storage unit) 211 CPU (an example of a processor) 320 Toner image CA career G2 Cleaning Developer G Developer P Paper (an example of a recording medium) S1 Special color (example of special color) S2 Special color (example of different special color) T Toner

Claims

1. a plurality of photoreceptors on whose surfaces electrostatic latent images are formed due to differences in charging potential; a plurality of developing devices disposed opposite the photosensitive member, each containing a toner of a different color, and each developing the electrostatic latent image with the toner; a plurality of developer storage sections each containing a developer of a different color, the developer containing a toner of one of the normal colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, or a toner of a special color other than the normal color, and a carrier; a plurality of supply paths for respectively supplying the developer from the developer container to the developing device; at least one processor; and The processor: a discharge mode in which, when a cleaning developer container containing a cleaning developer containing a toner of a new color to be replaced and a carrier in an amount larger than a normal amount is attached to the supply path, the cleaning developer is supplied to discharge the developer before replacement from the supply path and the inside of the developing device; a replacement mode in which the supply path and the inside of the developing device are replaced with the cleaning developer.

2. The processor: The image forming system according to claim 1 , wherein the discharging mode and the replacement mode are performed simultaneously.

3. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein when the cleaning developer container is attached to the supply path, the supply path, the developing device, and the photosensitive member are continuously used.

4. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising a charging roll, which is disposed upstream of the developing device in the rotation direction of the photosensitive member and charges the surface of the photosensitive member by applying a voltage in which an AC voltage is superimposed on a DC voltage.

5. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein after the supply path and the inside of the developing device are replaced with the cleaning developer, the cleaning developer storage section is replaced with a new developer storage section that stores the new color toner and the normal amount of carrier.

6. 6. The image forming system according to claim 5, wherein when the cleaning developer container is replaced with the developer container to be replaced, the supply path, the developing device, and the photosensitive member are continuously used.

7. The discharge mode and the replacement mode are 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the process is performed when the developer storage unit containing the normal color toner is replaced with the developer storage unit to be replaced containing the special color toner, when the developer storage unit containing the special color toner is replaced with the developer storage unit to be replaced containing the normal color toner, or when the developer storage unit containing the special color toner is replaced with the developer storage unit to be replaced containing the toner of a different special color.

8. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning developer container contains at least twice as much carrier by weight as the normal amount of carrier inside the developer container.

9. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the ejection mode includes an operation of forming a toner image by causing the toner to adhere from the developing device to the surface of the photosensitive member by rotating the photosensitive member, and cleaning the surface of the photosensitive member with a cleaning member.

10. 10. The image forming system according to claim 9, wherein the toner image is formed outside the range where the recording medium passes over the photosensitive member.

11. 10. The image forming system according to claim 9, wherein the toner image is a halftone toner image with a density of 30% to 60%.

12. a plurality of photoreceptors on whose surfaces electrostatic latent images are formed due to differences in charging potential; a plurality of developing devices disposed opposite the photosensitive member, each containing a toner of a different color, and each developing the electrostatic latent image with the toner; a plurality of developer storage sections each containing a developer of a different color, the developer containing a toner of one of the normal colors of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, or a toner of a special color other than the normal color, and a carrier; a plurality of supply paths for respectively supplying the developer from the developer container to the developing device; A developer replacement method in an image forming system having the following: a cleaning developer container for accommodating a cleaning developer containing a new color toner to be replaced and a carrier in an amount greater than a normal amount of carrier, and by supplying the cleaning developer, the developer before replacement is expelled from the supply path and the inside of the developing device; a developer replacement method for replacing the supply passage and the inside of the developing device with the cleaning developer;

13. 13. The developer replacing method according to claim 12, wherein when the cleaning developer container is attached to the supply path, the photosensitive member, the developing device, and the supply path are continuously used.

14. 13. The developer replacement method according to claim 12, wherein after the supply path and the inside of the developing device are replaced with the cleaning developer, the cleaning developer storage section is replaced with the developer storage section to be replaced, which stores the toner of the new color and the normal amount of carrier.

15. 15. The developer replacing method according to claim 14, wherein when the cleaning developer container is replaced with the developer container to be replaced, the supply path, the developing device, and the photosensitive member are continuously used.

16. The cleaning developer container contains a cleaning developer containing a toner of a specific color and a carrier in an amount greater than the normal amount of carrier contained in the developer container.

Images