JPH0876601A - Electrophotographic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To enable exchange without soiling a hand and the surroundings of a cartridge (holding container) by providing a shutter device opening/closing a flow passage in accordance with a transfer operation or the attaching/ detaching operations of the holding container. CONSTITUTION: The shutter device for opening/closing supplying holes h1, h2 and h3 is provided between a holding part 12 and a coating part 11 and contituted of a shield plate 7 having the supplying holes corresponding to the openings of the cartridges 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d, a permanent magnet 5 and an electromagnet 6 having magnetic force larger than that of the permanent magnet 5. The shield plate 7 is provided to slide between the permanent magnet 5 and the electromagnet 6 and constituted to make a current flow, when the cartridge is attached, so that the shield plate 7 is attracted to the side of the electromagnet 6 and the supplying holes are always opened. The current flows in the shutter device simultaneously with the cartridge is attached to a supporting member 2, to control the opening/closing states of the supplying hole of the cartridge.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electrophotographic apparatus using a liquid toner, and more particularly to a developing apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a printer, a printing machine or the like which adopts an electrophotographic system or an electrostatic recording system. It is a thing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, an electrophotographic apparatus forms an electrostatic latent image based on print information on a photosensitive drum, develops the electrostatic latent image with toner or toner dispersed in a liquid, and develops the developed image. Is printed on a recording medium such as paper by heating, pressurizing and fixing it by a transfer means such as a heating roll.

As an example, a case will be briefly described in which a color electrophotographic image is formed by using four kinds of toners of yellow toner, magenta toner, cyan toner and black toner.

First, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to a yellow hue is formed on a photosensitive drum, the electrostatic latent image is developed with yellow toner, and then the formed yellow image is transferred to an intermediate transfer drum. . Next, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the magenta hue is formed on the photosensitive drum, the electrostatic latent image is developed with magenta toner, and then the formed magenta image is transferred to the yellow image on the intermediate transfer drum. And transfer it to.

Similarly, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to a cyan hue is formed on the photosensitive drum, the electrostatic latent image is developed with cyan toner, and the formed cyan image is first transferred onto the intermediate transfer drum. Laminated on the laminated image of yellow and magenta transferred to. Then, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the hue of black is formed on the photosensitive drum, this electrostatic latent image is developed with black toner, and the formed black image is transferred onto the intermediate transfer drum in advance. , Magenta and cyan are laminated on the laminated image.

A color electrophotographic image is obtained by collectively transferring the four-color laminated image thus formed on the intermediate drum onto a recording medium such as paper using a heating roll and then fixing the image.

Generally, as the toner used for such electrophotographic development, there are a powdery one and a toner dispersed in a liquid. However, since the powdery one is easier to handle, it is generally powdery. Often used in a physical form.

The resolving power of electrophotography depends on the particle size of the toner, but the powdery toner requires a certain amount of mass due to handling problems (dust explosion, etc.), so the particle size is too small. Since the dye of No. 1 cannot be used and its size is inevitably limited, there is a limit to improving the resolution of the obtained electrophotography.

On the other hand, since the liquid toner is one in which the toner is dispersed in the liquid, it is possible to use a toner having a very small particle size of the order of sub-nanometer to several microns. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an image having a high resolution and a high quality when the development is performed using the liquid toner as compared with the development using the powdery toner.

An electrophotographic apparatus using such a liquid toner will be briefly described below. FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a conventional wet electrophotographic apparatus when viewed from the side. The electrophotographic apparatus of FIG. 8 has four removable cartridges 81.
a, 81b, 81c, 81d, and cartridges 81a, 81b, 81c,
The toner concentrated liquid and the diluted liquid of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are sealed in 81d.

Each of the cartridges 81a, 81b,
81c and 81d are movably mounted by one support member 82. The support member 82 is rotated in an arbitrary direction so that the four cartridges 81a, 81
One of b, 81c, and 81d is selected to bring it closer to the photosensitive drum M. When the cartridge is at the highest position, the coating part constituting the upper part of the cartridge contacts the photosensitive drum M. It is configured.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the electrophotographic apparatus shown in FIG. 8 as an example. In FIG. 9, exactly two trays A and B are visible, and one tray B
The outline of the state in which the cartridge 91 is mounted is shown in FIG.

In FIG. 9, the two trays A,
A drive device is provided as a means for selecting one of the trays B and bringing it closer to the photosensitive drum (not shown). This drive device is composed of a drive wheel 95 connected to a motor (not shown), a pin 96 provided on the drive wheel 95, and a groove (not shown) provided on the support member 92. .

That is, the drive wheel 9 is rotated along with the rotation of the motor.
5 rotates, the pin 96 meshes with the groove of the support member 92 one after another, and the support member 92 rotates. At this time, the support member 92 is mounted by controlling the rotation speed and ON / OFF of the motor. The position of the cartridge can be adjusted. In this case, the cartridge 91 is adjusted so as to be arranged at the uppermost position when the support member 92 makes a quarter turn by the rotation of the drive wheel 95.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic sectional view of a conventional cartridge. In FIG. 10, the cartridge includes a holding portion 82 that holds the liquid toner, and an application portion 81 that applies the liquid toner to the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum M.

In the holding portion 82, a flexible tank 82a filled with toner concentrate on the left side of the drawing,
Further, a tank 82b for holding the diluent is provided on the right side. At the outlet of the flexible tank 82a, a concentrated liquid supply pump 83 for sending the internal toner concentrated liquid into the tank 82b is provided. The concentrated liquid supply pump 83 has a toner concentration in the tank 82b (2
The toner concentrate is fed so that the amount becomes about (%).

The tank 8 is supplied by the concentrated liquid supply pump 83.
The toner concentrated liquid supplied into 2b is dispersed in the tank 82b and is drawn up by the drawing-up roll 84 provided in the tank 82b, and passes through the supply duct 86 to the coating section 81 provided on the upper portion of the cartridge. Supplied.
Here, the excess liquid toner is returned to the tank 82b through the return duct 85.

In the coating section 81, a developing roll 88 for coating the surface of the photosensitive drum M with the supplied liquid toner and a squeeze roll for removing excess liquid toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum M after development by the developing roll 88. 89 and are provided.

Further, the developing roll 88 is provided with a flexible wiper 90a, in which the developing roll 8 is provided.
The liquid toner remaining in 8 is removed and returned to the tank 82b through the main duct 87 to prevent the supplied liquid toner from flowing back.

The squeeze roll 89 is also provided with a flexible wiper 90b to remove excess liquid toner from the squeeze roll 89, and the main duct 87 is removed.
It returns to the inside of the tank 82b via.

The photosensitive drum M has a cylindrical drum structure, and a photosensitive layer made of an organic photosensitive member (OPC) is formed on the surface thereof.
Not limited to C), selenium-based material, amorphous silicon, or the like can be used. The photosensitive drum M is moving in the X direction with the above-mentioned interval from the coating portion of the cartridge, and the area corresponding to this movement is developed by the coating portion of the cartridge.

[0022]

However, in such an electrophotographic apparatus, a cartridge (holding container) is used.
In consideration of the effect that the evaporation condition of the diluting liquid varies depending on the usage environment, generally, the diluting liquid held in the cartridge (holding container) is adjusted so that a large amount remains even if the toner concentrate is used up. Has been done. Therefore, when the toner concentrate is used up and removed, the diluent remains inside the cartridge (holding container).

As is clear from FIG. 10, the cartridge (holding container) is provided with a plurality of delivery holes 85, 86, 87 which are liquid toner flow paths, so that the liquid toner (or diluent) is internally provided. ) Remains and the cartridge is removed, the liquid toner (or the diluent) inside flows out from the delivery holes 85, 86, 87, and the peripheral area of the cartridge (holding container) and the user's hand. There was a problem of getting dirty.

In order to solve this problem, Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-5
Japanese Patent No. 03594 proposes a cartridge in which the concentrated liquid supply pump is rotated in the reverse direction to store the liquid toner remaining in the tank in a flexible container.

However, with the configuration in which the concentrated liquid supply pump is rotated in the reverse direction, it is impossible to store all the remaining liquid toner (or diluted liquid) in the flexible container, and it cannot be stored in the flexible container. There is also a problem that the liquid toner (or the diluting liquid) still flows out from the delivery hole and stains the peripheral area of the cartridge and the hand of the user.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to propose an electrophotographic apparatus provided with a cartridge that can be replaced without soiling the hands and the periphery of the cartridge (holding container). In particular, an object of the present invention is to propose an electrophotographic apparatus equipped with a cartridge (holding container) that is easy to handle, in which liquid toner (or diluent) remaining inside the cartridge after use does not flow out of the cartridge. To do.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an electrophotographic apparatus provided with a cartridge (holding container) in which liquid toner inside does not flow out even when the cartridge is mounted and does not stain the hands and the periphery of the cartridge (holding container).

[0028]

[Means for Solving the Problems] To achieve the above object,
According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic apparatus which forms a latent image on a photosensitive drum based on print information and transfers liquid toner corresponding to the latent image onto a recording medium. Equipped with a detachable holding container,
The holding container is provided with a delivery hole that forms a flow path for sending the liquid toner toward the photosensitive drum, and an electrophotographic apparatus that includes a shutter device that opens and closes the flow path in accordance with a transfer operation or an attachment / detachment operation of the holding container. Proposing a device.

According to a second aspect of the invention, it is proposed that in the electrophotographic apparatus of the first aspect, the shutter device includes a flow path opening / closing member and an electromagnetic drive device for driving the flow path opening / closing member. are doing.

Further, in the invention of claim 3, in the electrophotographic apparatus of claim 1, the shutter device drives the channel opening / closing member and the channel opening / closing member in accordance with a transfer operation or a holding container attaching / detaching operation. And a driving device for driving the same.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic apparatus which forms a latent image on a photosensitive drum on the basis of print information and transfers liquid toner corresponding to the latent image onto a recording medium. Equipped with a removable holding container,
The holding container has a delivery hole that forms a flow path for delivering the liquid toner, a sealant holding portion that separately contains a sealant that seals the delivery hole, and is used for attaching and detaching the holding container. Along with this, an electrophotographic apparatus has been proposed, which is provided with a sealing unit that causes the sealing agent in the holding unit to flow out to seal the flow path.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrophotographic apparatus which forms a latent image on a photosensitive drum based on print information and transfers liquid toner corresponding to the latent image onto a recording medium. And a holding container that holds the liquid absorbent in an isolated manner, and the holding container is opened to open the absorbent holding portion in association with the holding container detaching operation. There is proposed an electrophotographic apparatus provided with an opening means for allowing the absorbent material to be absorbed.

Further, in the invention of claim 6, an electrophotographic apparatus for forming a latent image on a photosensitive drum on the basis of print information and transferring liquid toner corresponding to the latent image onto a recording medium. And a detachable holding container containing the solidifying agent, the holding container separating and holding a solidifying agent that causes a solidifying reaction when contacting the liquid toner, and a solidifying agent holding unit accompanying the detaching operation of the holding container. The present invention proposes an electrophotographic apparatus, which is provided with an opening means for opening the container to bring the solidifying agent into contact with the residual liquid in the container.

[0034]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects. According to a first aspect of the present invention, an electrophotographic apparatus that forms a latent image on a photosensitive drum based on print information and transfers liquid toner corresponding to the latent image onto a recording medium includes a removable holding container. ing.

This holding container is provided with a delivery hole that forms a flow path for sending the liquid toner, and a shutter device that opens and closes the flow path, and the shutter device opens and closes in accordance with the transfer operation or the attachment / detachment operation of the holding container. Since the flow path is opened and closed, the liquid toner inside the container does not flow out of the container during attachment and detachment.

Examples of the structure of such a shutter device include a lid-like one that movably covers the coating portion, a movable plate-like one that has an opening provided at a position corresponding to the flow path, and the like. There is no particular limitation as long as it has a configuration that allows the flow path to be opened and closed.

Further, the holding container has at least a holding portion for holding the liquid toner, an applying portion for applying the liquid toner,
A flow path connecting the holding unit and the coating unit is provided.
The shutter device changes the open / closed state of the flow path of such a holding container. Even when the flow path is covered by covering the entire application part, the shutter device is provided between the application part and the liquid toner holding part or the liquid toner holding part. It may be one that partially blocks the flow path in the section.

Further, the shutter device may be configured to change the open / closed state according to the situation such as the arrangement state of the holding container. For example, when the holding container is attached to the electrophotographic apparatus, the shutter device operates to open the flow path, and when the holding container is removed, the shutter device operates to open the flow path. When the holding container approaches the photosensitive drum, the shutter device operates and the flow path is in the "open" state. Conversely, when the holding container moves away from the photosensitive drum, the shutter device operates and the flow path is in the "closed" state. And the like.

Further, it is preferable that such a shutter device includes a shutter member for opening and closing the flow path, and a switch portion for switching the open / closed state of the shutter member. Examples of the shutter member include a lid-shaped member that movably covers the coating unit and a movable plate-shaped member that has an opening provided at a position corresponding to the flow path. There is no particular limitation as long as it changes the open / closed state.

As an example of the structure of such a shutter device, it is assumed that the switch portion and the shutter member are fitted together,
When the switch part is fitted to the shutter member, the shutter member moves to open the flow path, and when the switch part moves away from the shutter member, the shutter member returns to its original position to close the flow path.

Further, as another configuration example, a current is caused to flow by the switch portion when the holding container is arranged or mounted.
There is also a configuration in which this current acts on a shutter member such as an electromagnet that generates an attractive force, and the attractive force moves the shutter member to change the open / closed state. Of course,
The shutter member may be operated by controlling the switch portion manually or by a control means when the holding container is placed in a certain state.

Further, as another configuration example, the holding container is provided with a fixing member for fixing the position of the flow path opening / closing member, and a magnet (or electromagnet) is arranged in or around the holding container to perform a transfer operation or a holding operation. It is also conceivable that the fixing member is detached along with the attachment / detachment operation of the container and the flow path opening / closing member is attracted to the magnet (or electromagnet) side to open the flow path.

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the holding container is provided with the shutter device for opening and closing the flow path, and the shutter device is operated in response to the transfer operation or the attaching and detaching operation of the holding container to open and close the flow path. Since this structure is used, there is no need to worry about the internal toner leaking out and contaminating the area around the holding container when it is used up and replaced with a new one, not to mention during transportation before use. is there.

Of course, the shutter device operates in accordance with the transfer operation or the attachment / detachment operation of the holding container, and when the holding container is removed, the flow path is always closed. It is also possible to replace the liquid toner with a different color (i.e., with the toner present in the holding container), and it is also possible to print with more than the number of colors that the electrophotographic apparatus can hold the holding container.

Further, in the invention of claim 2, it is proposed that the above-mentioned shutter device is provided with the flow path opening / closing member and the electromagnetic drive device for driving the flow path opening / closing member. Examples of the flow path opening / closing member include a lid-like member that movably covers the coating portion, a movable plate-like member that has an opening provided at a position corresponding to the flow path, and the like. There is no particular limitation as long as it moves.

The electromagnetic drive device is provided with an electromagnet which generates a magnetic force when energized, and attracts the passage opening / closing member by the magnetic force of the electromagnet to change the opened / closed state of the passage. As an example of such a thing, for example, there is a structure in which a permanent magnet is provided in a holding container, and an electromagnet having a magnetic force larger than that of the permanent magnet is provided in or around the holding container.

In this case, when the electromagnetic driving device does not energize the electromagnet, the flow path opening / closing member is attracted to the permanent magnet side and the flow path is closed, but the transfer operation or the holding container When the electromagnetic drive device energizes the electromagnet in accordance with the attachment / detachment operation, the flow channel opening / closing member is attracted to the electromagnet to open the flow channel. Therefore, when the holding container is attached and detached, the flow path is in a closed state, so there is no possibility of flowing out of the holding container.

Further, the present invention of claim 3 proposes the shutter device of claim 1 comprising a flow path opening / closing member and a drive device for driving the flow path opening / closing member. Examples of the flow path opening / closing member include a lid-like member that movably covers the application unit and a movable plate-like member that has an opening provided at a position corresponding to the flow path. There is no particular limitation as long as it changes the open / closed state of the road.

The material for the flow path opening / closing member may be a rigid body such as iron or the like, or an elastic body such as rubber or the like, or may be a combination of both. Such a channel opening / closing member is arranged so that the channel is always closed, and the channel is opened when moved from this position.

For example, if the flow path opening / closing member has a lid shape, the driving device has a structure in which the lid-like flow path opening / closing means is lifted upward, or the flow path opening / closing member is opened at a position corresponding to the flow path. If equipped with, a structure of sliding the flow path opening and closing member so that all the openings overlap on the flow path, further,
If the flow path opening / closing member plugs all openings,
Examples thereof include a configuration in which this plug is put in and taken out from the opening, but it is not particularly limited as long as it drives the channel opening / closing member to change the opened / closed state of the channel.

That is, when the drive device is not operating, the flow path opening / closing member is in a state of closing the flow path, but when the drive device is operated and the position of the flow path opening / closing member is changed, the flow path is connected and held. The liquid toner inside the container is ready to flow out to the application section.

The driving timing of the driving device is preferably set when the holding container is attached to the electrophotographic apparatus or when the holding container approaches the photosensitive drum. In particular, when the driving device is driven to open the flow path only when the holding container approaches the photosensitive drum, the driving device is driven at the same time when the holding container is attached to the electrophotographic apparatus to open the flow path. It is possible to prevent evaporation of the liquid toner inside the holding container.

Further, in the invention of claim 4, the electrophotographic apparatus for forming a latent image on the photosensitive drum based on the print information and transferring the liquid toner corresponding to the latent image onto the recording medium is detachably held. A container, the holding container has a delivery hole that forms a flow path for delivering the liquid toner, a sealant holding portion that separately houses a sealant for sealing the delivery hole, and the holding container. And a sealing means for sealing the flow path by causing the sealing agent in the holding part to flow out in accordance with the attachment / detachment operation.

Generally, the holding container is used as a liquid toner.
It holds a toner concentrate and a diluent that dilutes the toner concentrate (usually a colorless insulating solution). A larger amount of diluent than the amount of liquid is prepared in the holding container.

Therefore, even if the toner concentrate is used up, the diluent remains inside the holding container. Therefore, in order to prevent the residual diluent from flowing out, the delivery hole for sending the liquid toner from inside the holding container is closed. A member may be provided.

As a member for closing such a delivery hole, a solid member such as a wedge-shaped member having a size for closing the delivery hole may be used, or a liquid member such as an adhesive which solidifies in a certain state may be used. However, since a liquid member such as an adhesive has a simpler structure than a solid member, the present invention according to claim 4 uses a liquid sealing agent and seals. It is proposed to allow the agent to flow into the delivery hole and seal the delivery hole.

The sealant is not particularly limited as long as it is a jelly-like one or a clay-like one that is fixed in a state of flowing into the delivery hole to close the delivery hole, but an adhesive is preferable. Good to use. Various materials have been proposed as such an adhesive, but in the present invention, as long as the adhesive solidifies in the delivery hole to seal the delivery hole and the liquid toner inside the holding container does not leak, The composition is not limited.

The sealant holding portion may be provided in the vicinity of the outlets of the respective delivery holes, but it is provided with a sealant having a capacity sufficient to block all the delivery holes when the internal sealant flows out. The sealant holding portion may be provided at one predetermined location. In this way, by pouring the sealant into the delivery hole and sealing the delivery hole, it is possible to prevent the liquid toner from flowing out from the inside of the holding container. It is easy to handle because the hands and the area around the holding container are not dirty.

In the above description, in order to prevent the liquid toner inside the holding container from flowing out, the structure in which the flow path is closed has been described. However, in the invention described below, the viewpoint is changed and the liquid toner inside the holding container is changed. It has been proposed that a member that acts on the liquid toner is provided and acts directly on the liquid toner inside the holding container to remove the fluidity of the liquid toner.

First, in the invention of claim 5, an electrophotographic apparatus for forming a latent image on a photosensitive drum based on print information and transferring liquid toner corresponding to the latent image onto a recording medium is detachably held. The holding container is provided with an absorbent material holding portion that separates and holds the absorbent material that absorbs the liquid toner, and the absorbent material holding portion is opened when the holding container is attached or detached to remove residual liquid in the container. It is proposed that the absorbing means absorbs the liquid toner inside the holding container and removes the fluidity of the liquid toner by bringing the liquid toner and the absorbing material into contact with each other.

The absorbing material may be one that physically absorbs the liquid toner, such as a sponge, or one that absorbs the liquid toner by a chemical reaction.
It is preferable to use a small amount of a highly hygroscopic substance in order to provide the inside of the holding container with an amount sufficient to absorb all the liquid toner inside.

The opening means is, for example, a rod-like member that breaks the absorbent material holding portion in the holding container, a piercing member that opens an opening in a part of the absorbent material holding portion, or a removing member that removes the entire absorbent material holding portion. As described above, it is not particularly limited as long as the absorbent material in the absorbent material holding portion and the liquid toner are brought into contact with each other.

That is, although the toner concentrated liquid and the diluting liquid for diluting the toner concentrated liquid are held inside the holding container as the liquid toner, after the toner concentrated liquid is used up, the toner concentrated liquid is used as the absorbing material by the opening means. Since the liquid toner that has not reached the appropriate concentration value is brought into contact with the liquid toner, all the liquid toner that has not reached the appropriate concentration value is absorbed by the absorbent and does not flow out from the holding container. Therefore, when the holding container is replaced with a new unused one, the hands and the surroundings of the holding container are not contaminated, and thus the handling is easy.

Further, in the invention of claim 6, the electrophotographic apparatus for forming a latent image on the photosensitive drum based on the print information and transferring the liquid toner corresponding to the latent image onto the recording medium is detachably held. The holding container is provided with a solidifying agent holding portion for isolating and holding a solidifying agent which causes a solidifying reaction when the holding container is in contact with the liquid toner, and the solidifying agent holding portion is opened in association with the attachment / detachment operation of the holding container. It is provided with an opening means for bringing the solidifying agent into contact with the residual liquid in the container, and proposes that the liquid toner deprives the fluidity of the liquid toner by bringing the liquid toner and the solidifying agent into contact with each other to cause a reaction in the holding container. .

The solidifying agent may be a reaction initiator which starts the solidifying reaction of the liquid toner, or a reactive agent which itself reacts with the liquid toner at a certain ratio to cause the solidifying reaction. Further, the opening means is, for example, a rod-like member that breaks the solidifying agent holding portion in the holding container, a piercing member that opens an opening in a part of the solidifying agent holding portion, or a removing member that removes the entire solidifying agent holding portion. In addition, there is no particular limitation as long as the solidifying agent in the solidifying agent holding portion is brought into contact with the liquid toner.

That is, although the toner concentrated liquid and the diluting liquid for diluting the toner concentrated liquid are held in the holding container as the liquid toner, after the toner concentrated liquid is used up, the toner concentrated liquid is used as the solidifying agent by using the opening means. Since the liquid toner that has not reached the appropriate concentration value is brought into contact with the liquid toner, all the liquid toner that has not reached the appropriate concentration value undergoes a solidification reaction to become a solid matter.
Does not flow out of holding container. Therefore, when the holding container is replaced with a new unused one, the hands and the surroundings of the holding container are not contaminated, and thus the handling is easy.

[0067]

1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of an electrophotographic apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a schematic view of the electrophotographic apparatus of this embodiment as viewed from the side, and FIG. 1B is a cross section of a cartridge mounted in the electrophotographic apparatus of FIG. 1A. It is a figure.

The electrophotographic apparatus of FIG. 1 (a) is equipped with four removable cartridges 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d. The four cartridges 1a, 1b,
1c and 1d are filled with yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner concentrates and diluents, respectively.

Each cartridge 1a, 1b, 1
c and 1d are movably mounted by one support member 2. The support member 2 is arranged so that the coating section constituting the upper part of the cartridge contacts the photosensitive drum 4 when the cartridge is at the highest position.

Further, the support member 2 is provided with a drive device (not shown), and the drive device is provided with a drive wheel connected to the motor, and the drive wheel is provided on the support member 2. A pin that meshes with the groove is provided, and the pin is successively meshed with the groove of the support member 2 by the rotation of the driving wheel, and the support member 2 is rotated by 1/4 rotation.

Therefore, by controlling the driving device to rotate the support member 2 in an arbitrary direction, the four cartridges 1
Any one of a, 1b, 1c, and 1d is selected and the coating portion is brought into contact with the photosensitive drum 4.

Further, a current-carrying portion 3 is connected to the supporting member 2, and the current-carrying portion 3 functions to pass a current through the supporting member 2 to the cartridge. It is configured so that current flows through the cartridge when mounted.

FIG. 1B is a schematic view showing a section of the cartridge mounted in the first embodiment. Figure 1 (b)
In FIG. 3, the cartridge includes a holding unit 12 that holds the liquid toner, and an application unit 11 that applies the liquid toner to the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 4.

The holding portion 12 has a flexible tank 12a filled with toner concentrate on the left side of the drawing.
Further, a tank 12b for holding the diluent is provided on the right side. The toner concentrate is stored in the flexible tank 12
An appropriate amount is sent into the tank 12b by the concentrated liquid supply pump 13 provided at the outlet of a.

With this concentrated liquid supply pump 13, the tank 1
The toner concentrated liquid supplied to the inside of the tank 2b is dispersed in the tank 12b to have an appropriate concentration value, is pumped up by the pumping roll 14 provided inside the tank 12b, passes through the supply duct 16 and is provided above the cartridge. It is supplied to the coating unit 11. Here, the excess liquid toner is returned to the inside of the tank 12b through the return duct 15.

The coating section 11 has a developing roll 8 for coating the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 with the supplied liquid toner, and a squeeze roll for removing excess liquid toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 after development by the developing roll 8. 9 is provided, and the developing roll 8 is adjusted so that the distance from the surface of the photosensitive drum 4 is 30 μm to 60 μm, and the squeeze roll 9 is adjusted to be 100 μm from the surface of the photosensitive drum 4.

Further, the developing roller 8 is provided with a flexible wiper 10a, in which the liquid toner remaining on the developing roller 8 is removed and returned to the tank 12b to prevent the supplied liquid toner from flowing back. I'm out.
The squeeze roll 9 is also provided with a flexible wiper 10b to remove excess liquid toner from the squeeze roll 9 and return it to the tank 12b.

The photosensitive drum 4 has a cylindrical drum structure, and a photosensitive layer made of an organic photosensitive member (OPC) is formed on the surface thereof.
Not limited to C), selenium-based material, amorphous silicon, or the like can be used. The photosensitive drum 4 is moved in the X direction while maintaining the above-mentioned distance from the coating portion of the cartridge, and the area corresponding to this movement is developed by the coating portion of the cartridge.

A shutter device for opening and closing the delivery holes h1, h2, h3 is provided between the holding section 12 and the coating section 11. This shutter device includes a shield plate 7 having a delivery hole corresponding to the opening of the cartridge, and a permanent magnet 5.
And an electromagnet 6 having a magnetic force larger than that of the permanent magnet 5.

The shield plate 7 is provided slidably between the permanent magnet 5 and the electromagnet 6, and in this embodiment,
Since the current flows when the cartridge is mounted, in FIG. 1B, the shield plate 7 is pulled toward the electromagnet side and the delivery hole is always open.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of the movement of the shutter device. 2A shows a state of the light shielding plate 7 before the cartridge is mounted on the supporting member, and FIG. 2B shows a state of the light shielding plate 7 after the cartridge is mounted on the supporting member.

The light shield plate 7 is provided with openings h1, h2, h3 at positions corresponding to the delivery holes provided in the cartridge, and is provided slidably between the holding portion and the coating portion. Further, a permanent magnet 5 and an electromagnet 6 are arranged on both sides of the light shielding plate 7, and the magnetic force of the electromagnet 6 is larger than that of the permanent magnet.

In FIG. 2A, since no current flows in the shutter device, no magnetic force is generated on the electromagnet 6 side, and the light shielding plate 7 is attracted to the permanent magnet 5 side. Therefore, the delivery hole formed in the cartridge and the light shielding plate 7
The openings h1, h2, and h3 are shifted from each other, and as a result, the flow path is blocked.

In FIG. 2B, since a current is flowing through the shutter device, a magnetic force is also generated on the electromagnet 6 side. In this shutter device, since the magnetic force of the electromagnet 6 is larger than that of the permanent magnet 5, the light shielding plate 7 is attracted to the electromagnet 6 side. Therefore, the delivery holes formed in the cartridge are aligned with the openings h1, h2, h3 of the light shielding plate 7, and as a result, the flow path is open.

As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, as the shutter device, the shield plate 7 having the delivery hole corresponding to the opening of the cartridge, the permanent magnet 5, and the electromagnet having a magnetic force larger than that of the permanent magnet 5. 6 is used to control the open / closed state of the delivery hole of the cartridge by mounting the cartridge on the support member and causing a current to flow to the shutter device at the same time. Of course, the timing of applying the current is not limited to when the cartridge is mounted, and may be before or after the cartridge contacts the photosensitive drum.

FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory view of the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A is a schematic view of the electrophotographic apparatus of this embodiment seen from the side, and FIG. 3B is a schematic view of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge mounted in the electrophotographic apparatus of FIG.

The electrophotographic apparatus of FIG. 3 (a) is equipped with four removable cartridges 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d.
Yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner concentrates and diluents are filled in a, 21b, 21c, and 21d, respectively.

The respective cartridges 21a, 21b,
21 c and 21 d are movably mounted by one support member 22. The support member 22 is arranged so that the coating portion constituting the upper part of the cartridge contacts the photosensitive drum 24 when the cartridge is at the highest position.

Further, the support member 22 is provided with a drive device (not shown), and the drive device is provided with a drive wheel connected to the motor, and the drive wheel is provided on the support member 22. A pin that meshes with the groove is provided, and the pin is successively meshed with the groove of the support member 22 by the rotation of the drive wheel, and the support member 22 is rotated by 1/4 rotation.

Therefore, the drive member is controlled to control the support member 22.
4 cartridges 2 by rotating in the Y direction
Any one of 1a, 21b, 21c, and 21d is selected to bring the coating portion into contact with the photosensitive drum 24.

Further, the electrophotographic apparatus of the second embodiment is provided with a locking rod 26 for temporarily fitting the lid member 25, which will be described later, to move the lid member 25 when the cartridge is arranged at the uppermost position. It is fixed. The locking rod 26 opens and closes the lid member 25 provided on the upper portion of the cartridge, and is temporarily fitted to the lid member 25 to slide the lid member 25 to open the delivery hole. ing.

FIG. 3 (b) is a schematic view showing a section of the cartridge mounted in the second embodiment. FIG. 3 (b)
In FIG. 3, the cartridge includes a holding unit 32 that holds the liquid toner, and an application unit 31 that applies the liquid toner to the latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 24.

In the holding portion 32, a flexible tank 32a filled with toner concentrate on the left side of the drawing,
Further, a tank 32b for holding the diluent is provided on the right side. The toner concentrate is stored in the flexible tank 32.
It is sent into the tank 32b by the concentrated liquid supply pump 33 provided at the outlet of a.

By the concentrated liquid supply pump 33, the tank 3
The toner concentrate supplied to the inside of the tank 2b is dispersed in the tank 32b to have an appropriate concentration value, is pumped up by the pumping roll 34 provided in the tank 32b, passes through the supply duct 36, and is provided above the cartridge. It is supplied to the coating unit 31. Here, the excess liquid toner is returned to the tank 32b through the return duct 35.

The coating section 31 has a developing roll 38 for coating the surface of the photosensitive drum 24 with the supplied liquid toner, and a squeeze roll for removing excess liquid toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 24 after development by the developing roll 38. Three
9 is provided, and the developing roller 38 is the photosensitive drum 2
4 is 30 μm to 60 μm away from the surface, and the squeeze roll 39 is 100 μm away from the surface of the photosensitive drum 24.
Has been adjusted to be

Further, the developing roll 38 is provided with a flexible wiper 40a, in which the developing roll 3 is provided.
The liquid toner remaining in No. 8 is removed and returned to the tank 32b to prevent the supplied liquid toner from flowing back. The squeeze roll 39 is also provided with a flexible wiper 40b to remove excess liquid toner from the squeeze roll 39 and return it to the tank 32b.

Further, the coating unit 31 is provided with a shutter mechanism 41 which covers the upper portion of the coating unit 31 and closes the flow path of the liquid toner. As shown in FIG. 3A, this shutter mechanism 41 is composed of a lid member 25 and a locking rod 26, and the lid member 25 and the locking rod 26 are separated by the rotational movement of the support member 22. Configured to mate.

In the second embodiment, the delivery hole H of the coating section 31 is used.
A lid member 25 having an opening O at a position corresponding to is used, and springs 25a and 25b, which are elastic members, are used as members for connecting the lid member 25 and the coating section 31.

The lid member 25 covers the coating portion 31 in a state where the opening O and the delivery hole H are deviated when the locking rod 26 is not fitted, and the locking rod 26 is fitted. In the state in which the springs 25a and 25b are contracted and slid, the springs 25a and 25b are arranged so as to cover the coating part 31 so that the opening O and the delivery hole H coincide with each other.

This state will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4A is an explanatory view showing a state when the cartridge approaches the photosensitive drum, and FIG. 4B is a top view showing the action of the shutter mechanism at this time.

In FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b), the cartridge gradually approaches the photosensitive drum while moving upward (in the direction of arrow U) in accordance with the rotation of the support member 22, but the locking rod Since the 26 and the lid member 25 are not fitted, the springs 25a and 25b are in a stretched state. That is, the delivery hole H and the opening O of the lid member 25 are displaced from each other, and the cartridge flow path is moved while being closed.

At the same time when the cartridge is arranged on the uppermost position of the support member 22, the locking rod 26 and the lid member 25 are fitted to each other, the lid member 25 is pushed by the locking rod 26, and the spring 2
5a and 25b are in a contracted state. That is, the lid member 25 slides on the application part 31, and the delivery hole H and the opening O of the lid member 25 are aligned with each other to open the flow path. Figure 4
It shows in (c) and FIG.4 (d).

Since the support member 22 is rotating, the cartridge mounted on the support member 22 also rotates. Therefore, when the supporting member 22 rotates and the cartridge deviates from the uppermost position after the development is completed,
As the support member 22 rotates, it gradually moves downward (in the direction of arrow D) and moves away from the photosensitive drum.

Therefore, the locking rod 26 is disengaged from the lid member 25, and the springs 25a and 25b are in the extended state again, so that the delivery hole H and the opening O of the lid member 25 are returned to the displaced state. This state is shown in FIGS. 4 (e) and 4 (f).

In the second embodiment, the lid member 25 and the coating section 3 are used.
Although the springs 25a and 25b are used as the members for connecting with 1, it is not limited to this as long as it has elasticity to some extent, such as an elastic member such as rubber, and other materials or structures may be used. Good.

Further, in the second embodiment, the lid member 25
The member connecting the application part 31 and the application part 31 is in an extended state when the locking rod 26 is not in operation, and is contracted by fitting the locking rod 26 to the lid member 25. On the contrary, the locking rod 26 may be in a contracted state when it is not in operation, and the locking rod 26 may be extended by being fitted into the lid member 25.

Further, in the second embodiment, the lid member 25 is provided with an opening O corresponding to the delivery hole H and is slid on the coating portion 31, and the delivery hole H and the opening O are aligned to open the flow path. Although it is configured, the locking rod 2 is not provided with an opening in the lid member 25.
The lid member 25 may be slid by the action of 6 and completely moved from above the coating section 31.

The timing of sliding the lid member 25 may be the same as when the cartridge is placed on the uppermost position of the support member 22 as in the second embodiment, or the cartridge is attached to the support member 22. Then, it may be simultaneous.

As in the first and second embodiments described above, the liquid toner flow passage provided in the cartridge is configured to be openable and closable so that the cartridge is not only transported but also when it is attached or detached. The liquid toner inside does not flow out and stain the hands and the area around the cartridge, which simplifies handling.

Furthermore, since the flow path is openable and closable, it is possible to remove the cartridge in use and install a cartridge containing another dye (replace the cartridge with one of a different color). Color printing using more colors than the number of cartridges that the electrophotographic apparatus can mount at one time is also possible.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view briefly showing a sectional view of a removable cartridge of an electrophotographic apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, the cartridge includes a holding portion 52 that holds liquid toner and a photosensitive drum (not shown).
An application unit 51 that applies liquid toner to the latent image formed above is provided.

In the holding portion 52, a flexible tank 52a filled with toner concentrate on the left side of the drawing,
Further, a tank 52b holding a diluent is provided on the right side. The toner concentrate is stored in the flexible tank 52.
An appropriate amount is sent into the tank 52b by the concentrated liquid supply pump 53 provided at the outlet of a.

By the concentrated liquid supply pump 53, the tank 5
The toner concentrated liquid supplied to the inside of the tank 2b is dispersed in the tank 52b to have an appropriate concentration value, is pumped up by the pumping roll 54 provided in the tank 52b, passes through the supply duct 56, and is provided above the cartridge. It is supplied to the coating unit 51. Here, the excess liquid toner is returned to the tank 52b through the return duct 55.

A developing roll 5 for applying the supplied liquid toner to the surface of a photosensitive drum (not shown) is provided in the applying section 51.
8 and a squeeze roll 59 for removing excess liquid toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum (not shown) after development by the developing roll 58.
8 is 30 μm from the surface of the photosensitive drum (not shown)
˜60 μm, and the squeeze roll 59 is adjusted so that the distance from the surface of the photosensitive drum (not shown) is 100 μm.

Further, the developing roll 58 is provided with a flexible wiper 60a.
The liquid toner remaining in 8 is removed and returned to the tank 52b via the main duct 57 to prevent the supplied liquid toner from flowing back. Also, squeeze roll 59
Also, a flexible wiper 60b is provided to remove excess liquid toner from the squeeze roll 59,
It is returned to the inside of the tank 52b via the main duct 57.

These three ducts, that is, the return duct 5
5, each of the supply duct 56 and the main duct 57 has a container 55a, 56a, 57 in which an epoxy adhesive is sealed.
a is provided, and when the toner concentrate is used up and a new cartridge is replaced, the containers 55a, 56a, 5a,
The holding portion 52 is sealed by opening the opening 7a and allowing the adhesive to flow into the respective ducts 55, 56, 57 and solidify there.

As a means for releasing the adhesive in the containers 55a, 56a, 57a, a rod-shaped member is provided on the cartridge or a supporting member (not shown), and the rod 5 is used by the rod-shaped member.
For example, the adhesive in the inside can be discharged to the duct by breaking 5a, 56a, and 57a.

[0118] To give a concrete example, the adhesive enclosure container 5
5a, 56a, and 57a are made of a heat-softening resin, and an electric current is passed through a resistor such as a nichrome wire to heat and melt the adhesive enclosure containers 55a, 56a, and 57a so that the adhesive inside the container flows out. There is a method.

The timing of heating and melting the adhesive container at this time is when the toner concentration of the liquid toner in the tank 52b becomes equal to or lower than the specified concentration.
The tank 5 is measured by a method such as measuring the conductivity of the liquid toner.
The toner concentration of the liquid toner in 2b can be known.

In the third embodiment, the container 55a, 56a, 57a in which the adhesive is sealed is provided in each of the ducts 55, 56, 57 formed in the cartridge, but of course the present invention is not limited to these. All ducts 55, 56,
A configuration may be used in which a single container having an amount of adhesive that blocks 57 is provided inside the coating unit.

The adhesive used is not limited to the epoxy adhesive, and any composition may be used as long as it can block the duct and seal the holding portion. As described above, in the third embodiment, when the toner concentrate is used up and replaced with a new cartridge, all the ducts 55, 56 and 57 of the cartridge are closed, so that the liquid toner inside flows out. It is easy to handle without polluting the area around the cartridge.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view briefly showing a sectional view of a removable cartridge of an electrophotographic apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, the cartridge includes a holding portion 62 that holds liquid toner and a photosensitive drum (not shown).
An application unit 61 that applies liquid toner to the latent image formed above is provided.

In the holding portion 62, a flexible tank 62a filled with a toner concentrate on the left side of the drawing,
Further, a tank 62b holding a diluent is provided on the right side. The toner concentrate is stored in the flexible tank 62.
It is sent into the tank 62b by the concentrated liquid supply pump 63 provided at the outlet of a.

The tank 6 is supplied by the concentrated liquid supply pump 63.
The toner concentrated liquid supplied into 2b is dispersed in the tank 62b to have an appropriate concentration value, is pumped up by the scooping roll 64 provided in the tank 62b, passes through the supply duct 66, and is provided at the upper part of the cartridge. It is supplied to the coating section 61. Here, the excess liquid toner is returned to the tank 62b through the return duct 65.

A developing roll 6 for applying the supplied liquid toner to the surface of a photosensitive drum (not shown) is provided in the applying section 61.
8 and a squeeze roll 69 for removing excess liquid toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum (not shown) after development by the developing roll 68.
8 is 30 μm from the surface of the photosensitive drum (not shown)
˜60 μm, and the squeeze roll 69 is adjusted so that the distance between the squeeze roll 69 and the surface of the photosensitive drum (not shown) is 100 μm.

Further, the developing roll 68 is provided with a flexible wiper 70a.
The liquid toner remaining in 8 is removed and returned to the tank 62b to prevent the supplied liquid toner from flowing back. The squeeze roll 69 is also provided with a flexible wiper 70b to remove excess liquid toner from the squeeze roll 69 and return it to the tank 62b.

Further, in the fourth embodiment, a container 65 in which an absorbing member for absorbing the developing solution is sealed is provided in the tank 62b. The container 65 is made of a material that breaks when pressure is applied from the outside. Examples of the absorbent member inside the container 65 include absorbent cotton, peat moss, polynorbornene resin, polystyrene mat, polyurethane foam, and the like, but are not particularly limited.

Further, the cartridge is provided with a crushing rod 66 for crushing the container 65 by applying a pressure to the container 65 from the outside of the cartridge when the toner concentrate is used up.

That is, when the toner concentrate is used up and replaced with a new cartridge, the container 65 is crushed by a crushing rod 66 and held therein, absorbent cotton, peat moss, polynorbornene resin, polystyrene mat, polyurethane foam, etc. The residual liquid toner is fixed to the inside of the cartridge by bringing the absorbing member and the residual liquid toner inside the cartridge into contact with each other, so that the residual liquid toner flows out of the cartridge. It is easy to handle because it does not stain your hands or the area around the cartridge.

In the fourth embodiment, as the means for bringing the absorbing member and the liquid toner into contact with each other, the container 65 inside the cartridge is crushed by using the crushing rod 66.
An opening may be formed in a part of the container 65, an opening may be provided in the container in advance and a lid may be attached to the opening to open the lid, or the container 65 itself may be removed.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view briefly showing a sectional view of a removable cartridge of an electrophotographic apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, the cartridge includes a holding portion 72 that holds liquid toner and a photosensitive drum (not shown).
An application unit 71 that applies the liquid toner to the latent image formed above is provided.

The holding portion 72 is provided with a flexible tank 72a filled with a toner concentrate on the left side of the drawing.
Further, a tank 72b for holding the diluent is provided on the right side. In the fifth embodiment, natural oil and fat (fat oil) is used as the diluting liquid held in the tank 72b.

The toner concentrate is stored in the flexible tank 72.
It is sent into the tank 72b by the concentrated liquid supply pump 73 provided at the outlet of a. This concentrated liquid supply pump 73
The toner concentrate supplied to the tank 72b is dispersed in the tank 72b to have an appropriate concentration value.
It is drawn up by a drawing-up roll 74 provided in 2b and is supplied to a coating section 71 provided on the upper part of the cartridge through a supply duct 76. Here, the excess liquid toner is returned to the tank 72b through the return duct 75.

A developing roll 7 for applying the supplied liquid toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum (not shown) is provided in the applying section 71.
8 and a squeeze roll 79 for removing excess liquid toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum (not shown) after development by the developing roll 78.
8 is 30 μm from the surface of the photosensitive drum (not shown)
˜60 μm, and the squeeze roll 79 is adjusted so that the distance from the surface of the photosensitive drum (not shown) is 100 μm.

Further, the developing roll 78 is provided with a flexible wiper 80a.
The liquid toner remaining in 8 is removed and returned into the tank 72b to prevent the supplied liquid toner from flowing back. The squeeze roll 79 is also provided with a flexible wiper 80b to remove excess liquid toner from the squeeze roll 79 and return it to the tank 72b.

Further, in the fifth embodiment, a container 75 in which a liquid toner solidifying agent for solidifying the liquid toner by a chemical reaction is enclosed is provided in the tank 72b. This container 75
Is a material that breaks when pressure is applied from the outside.

In the fifth embodiment, since natural oil and fat (fatty oil) is used as the diluting liquid, the container 75 is filled with an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution as a liquid toner solidifying agent. Of course, the liquid toner solidifying agent may be any one that solidifies the liquid toner, and in addition to the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution, an alkaline aqueous solution such as a potassium hydroxide aqueous solution can be used.

The cartridge is provided with a crushing rod 76 for crushing the container 75 by applying pressure to the container 75 from the outside of the cartridge when the toner concentrate is used up. That is, when the toner concentrate is used up and replaced with a new cartridge, the container 75 is crushed by the crushing rod 76 and the sodium hydroxide aqueous solution held therein is reacted with the residual liquid toner to solidify the residual toner. Since the liquid toner is fixed inside the cartridge, the residual liquid toner does not flow out of the cartridge and stain the hands and the surroundings of the cartridge, which facilitates handling.

In the fifth embodiment, as a means for bringing the sodium hydroxide and the liquid toner into contact with each other, the container 75 inside the cartridge is crushed by using the crushing rod 76. However, a part of the container 75 is opened. The structure may be provided by punching, the container may be provided with an opening in advance, the lid may be attached to the opening, and the lid may be opened, or the container 75 itself may be removed.

[0140]

As described above, according to the present invention, by providing the shutter device which can open and close the delivery hole of the cartridge (holding container), not only during the transportation before the start of use but also the internal toner. There is no need to worry that the liquid toner inside will leak out and stain the hands and the surroundings of the holding container even when it is completely used up and replaced with a new one, and the handling is easy.

Furthermore, since this shutter device always closes the flow path when the holding container is removed, different colors are used during printing (that is, while toner is present in the holding container). It is also possible to replace it with a cartridge (holding container) holding the toner, and it is possible to print using a color that is more than the number that the electrophotographic apparatus can hold the holding container.

In another configuration of the present invention, when the toner inside is used up and replaced with a new one, the delivery hole of the cartridge (holding container) can be sealed, so that the inside of the cartridge (holding container) can be sealed. There is no risk that the remaining developer will flow out, and there will be no stain on the hands or around the cartridge (holding container).

Further, according to another structure of the present invention, when the toner inside is used up and replaced with a new one, the liquidity of the residual liquid toner inside the cartridge (holding container) is lost and remains inside. Therefore, there is no possibility that the residual liquid toner will flow out to the outside, and the surroundings of the hand and the cartridge (holding container) will not be contaminated. Therefore, when the holding container is replaced with a new unused one, the hands and the surroundings of the holding container are not contaminated, and thus the handling is easy.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of an electrophotographic apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of movement of the shutter device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the movement of the shutter device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic explanatory view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a conventional electrophotographic apparatus when viewed from the side.

FIG. 9 is a schematic top view of a conventional electrophotographic apparatus as viewed from above.

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cartridge mounted in a conventional electrophotographic apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

1a, 1b, 1c, 1d Cartridge 2 Supporting member 3 Energizing part 4 Photosensitive drum 5 Permanent magnet 6 Electromagnet 7 Shielding plate 8 Developing roll 9 Squeeze roll 10a, 10b Flexible wiper 11 Applying part 12 Holding part 12a Flexible tank 12b Tank 13 Concentrated liquid Supply pump 14 Pumping roll 25 Lid member 25a, 25b Spring 26 Locking rod 55a, 56a, 57a Adhesive enclosure container 65 Absorbing member enclosure container 66, 76 Crushing rod 75 Solidification agent enclosure container h1, h2, h3, H Delivery hole O Opening

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An electrophotographic apparatus, which forms a latent image on a photosensitive drum based on print information and transfers liquid toner corresponding to the latent image onto a recording medium, wherein the liquid toner is detachably held. The holding container includes a delivery hole that forms a flow path for sending the liquid toner toward the photosensitive drum, and a shutter device that opens and closes the flow path in accordance with a transfer operation or an attachment / detachment operation of the holding container. An electrophotographic device characterized by being provided. 2. The electrophotographic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shutter device includes a flow path opening / closing member and an electromagnetic drive device that drives the flow path opening / closing member. 3. The shutter device includes a flow path opening / closing member,
The electrophotographic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a driving device that drives the flow path opening / closing member in accordance with a transfer operation or a holding container attaching / detaching operation. 4. An electrophotographic device for forming a latent image on a photosensitive drum based on print information and transferring liquid toner corresponding to the latent image onto a recording medium, the detachable holding device containing the liquid toner. The holding container includes a container, and the holding container includes a delivery hole that forms a flow path for delivering the liquid toner, a sealant holding portion that separately houses a sealant for sealing the delivery hole, and the holding container. And a sealing means for sealing the flow path by causing the sealing agent in the holding portion to flow out in accordance with the attachment / detachment operation. 5. An electrophotographic apparatus for forming a latent image on a photosensitive drum based on print information and transferring liquid toner corresponding to the latent image onto a recording medium, the detachable holding device containing the liquid toner. The holding container is provided with a container, and the holding container opens the absorbent holding part that holds the liquid absorbing material in an isolated manner, and the absorbent holding part is opened and closed by the attachment / detachment operation of the holding container to allow the residual liquid in the container to be absorbed by the absorbent. An electrophotographic apparatus comprising: an opening means. 6. An electrophotographic apparatus for forming a latent image on a photosensitive drum based on print information and transferring liquid toner corresponding to the latent image onto a recording medium, wherein the liquid toner is detachably held. And a container for holding the solidifying agent that separates and holds the solidifying agent that causes a solidifying reaction when contacting with the liquid toner, and opens the solidifying agent holding unit in association with the attaching and detaching operation of the holding container. An electrophotographic apparatus comprising: an opening means for bringing the solidifying agent into contact with the residual liquid.